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August 17 - 23, 2026

Mid Vancouver Island Edition

Coffee News Mid Vancouver Island including Parksville, Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay

Thank you for reading our Mid Island ONLINE edition. 

Look for our seven print editions which can be found across Vancouver Island: Parksville/Qualicum, North Nanaimo, Central/South Nanaimo/Ladysmith, Cowichan Valley/Mill Bay, South Saanich/Oak Bay, Victoria/Esquimalt and West Shore. At the bottom of this page you can find PDF versions of those editions. For advertising info... click here

Steel giant: A massive mechanical elephant in Nantes, France, has become the unlikely heart of a once-quiet industrial area. The creature carries groups of visitors as it moves slowly between old shipyard buildings that were turned into workshops for imaginative machines. Its designers chose to rebuild the district by filling it with unusual moving creations instead of traditional development. Inside the gallery, workers shape everything from small insects to towering animals, letting guests watch each project take form. The elephant remains the main draw, spraying water as it travels along its route. Its steady loop through the district keeps drawing people back to see what’s new.
Steel giant: A massive mechanical elephant in Nantes, France, has become the unlikely heart of a once-quiet industrial area. The creature carries groups of visitors as it moves slowly between old shipyard buildings that were turned into workshops for imaginative machines. Its designers chose to rebuild the district by filling it with unusual moving creations instead of traditional development. Inside the gallery, workers shape everything from small insects to towering animals, letting guests watch each project take form. The elephant remains the main draw, spraying water as it travels along its route. Its steady loop through the district keeps drawing people back to see what’s new.
Tactile view: Visitors to St. Elmo Castle in Naples, Italy, can find a steel railing engraved with braille that describes the scenery for people who can’t see it. The feature was added by a local artist who wanted everyone to share in the experience, even if they couldn’t view the coastline or city below. As more travellers ask for accessible options, small changes like this show how design can open doors without altering historic sites in significant ways. The railing invites readers to follow its path and imagine the landscape through touch instead of sight. Similar ideas are appearing in other cultural spots, reminding destinations that inclusivity doesn’t need to be complex to make a real impact.
Tactile view: Visitors to St. Elmo Castle in Naples, Italy, can find a steel railing engraved with braille that describes the scenery for people who can’t see it. The feature was added by a local artist who wanted everyone to share in the experience, even if they couldn’t view the coastline or city below. As more travellers ask for accessible options, small changes like this show how design can open doors without altering historic sites in significant ways. The railing invites readers to follow its path and imagine the landscape through touch instead of sight. Similar ideas are appearing in other cultural spots, reminding destinations that inclusivity doesn’t need to be complex to make a real impact.
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Meal mission: Los Angeles actor and musician Jaden Smith runs the I Love You Restaurant, built on his earlier food-truck project, offering free plant-based meals to people who don’t have steady housing. The idea began with vegan trucks that handed out simple dishes in areas where support services are limited and often stretched thin. At the restaurant, customers who can pay cover their own meal and help fund one for someone else, keeping the service accessible to anyone who needs it. Volunteers help prepare the food each day, keeping the focus on healthy, sustainable options. Smith has described the project in online videos as part of a broader effort to make good meals easier to reach.  
Meal mission: Los Angeles actor and musician Jaden Smith runs the I Love You Restaurant, built on his earlier food-truck project, offering free plant-based meals to people who don’t have steady housing. The idea began with vegan trucks that handed out simple dishes in areas where support services are limited and often stretched thin. At the restaurant, customers who can pay cover their own meal and help fund one for someone else, keeping the service accessible to anyone who needs it. Volunteers help prepare the food each day, keeping the focus on healthy, sustainable options. Smith has described the project in online videos as part of a broader effort to make good meals easier to reach.
Timber craft: In Yorkshire, England, a local woodcarving group is turning fallen city trees into simple handmade items that bring people together. When a large alder tree came down near the town of Shipley, members gathered the wood and brought it to their monthly meet-up. There, beginners and experienced carvers shaped the logs into spoons, bowls, and sturdy mugs, giving the old tree a new purpose. Many members value the donated wood, especially those who do not live close to forested areas. Tree surgeons often share cut branches that would otherwise be thrown away. The club says the work offers steady hands, shared company, and a welcome pause from daily life.
Timber craft: In Yorkshire, England, a local woodcarving group is turning fallen city trees into simple handmade items that bring people together. When a large alder tree came down near the town of Shipley, members gathered the wood and brought it to their monthly meet-up. There, beginners and experienced carvers shaped the logs into spoons, bowls, and sturdy mugs, giving the old tree a new purpose. Many members value the donated wood, especially those who do not live close to forested areas. Tree surgeons often share cut branches that would otherwise be thrown away. The club says the work offers steady hands, shared company, and a welcome pause from daily life.
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Denman Island Art Studio Tour August 15th and 16th 2026 on Denman Island BC Ad in Coffee News
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“All serious daring starts from within.” - Eudora Welty

“I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”                - Vincent Van Gogh
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FREE listings for non-profit community events. 
Please email, 25 words or less, to: events@myCoffeeNews.ca  
(Deadline Fridays - one week in advance)

Free Tim Horton’s Summer Concert Series: The last two shows will be held Friday, Aug. 14 with ‘Apollos’ & Saturday, Aug.15 with Whiskey Business at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre in the Community Park.

Denman Art Studio Tour: Visit artists working studios on Denman Island Aug 15 & 16, 10am-5pm. 27 artists & 20 studios. Free, self-guided tour. Download maps at: visitdenmanisland.ca/events

Summer Abstract Art Exhibit: ‘Arthur’ is about the soul’s reckoning with meaning in the material world, using the legend of the sword in the stone as metaphor. August 15 & 16th, 1-7pm at Gallery Skye, 9735 Elm St, Chemainus (enter right side of building). 

Parksville Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition runs until Aug 16th at the Parksville Community Park. Open daily from 9:30am to 8:30pm.

Annual Children’s Museum Day: A fun-filled event is Saturday, August 22, 12-4pm at Qualicum Beach Museum, 587 Beach Rd. Crafts, fossils, farm animals, artefacts, artisan demonstrations, live music, sweet treats & so much more. Free & all ages welcome. 

117th Annual Cobble Hill Fair: Sat., August 22. Local talent, farm & garden displays, artisans, makers, food, family fun & the traditions that make the Cobble Hill Fair so special. 550 Watson Avenue. For more info, visit: cobblehillfair.ca

Celebrate Nanaimo Lion’s Club 80th Anniversary: Free event held at Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo on August 22, 10am-2pm. Welcoming new members with new ideas & new energy to continue to serve the community.  Contact us at nanaimolions@gmail.com 

Nanaimo Horticultural Society 80th Anniversary: Come celebrate at Maffeo Sutton Park, Sun., August 23 11am- 3pm at the Lions Pavillion. Free workshops & master gardeners onsite. For more info visit: nanaimohort.org

Teen Outdoor Movie Night: Held Wednesday, August 26, 7:30-10:30pm at Bob Dailey Stadium, Port Alberni. Bring your own lawn chair, blanket or floatie to sit on. Pre-show activities start at 7:30pm, movie ‘Happy Gilmore’ starts at 8:30pm. Concession, photobooth, popcorn bar, vendor booths & youth art wall. 

Nanaimo Commercial Street Night Market: Every Thursday until Aug 27 from 5-9pm. Come support local vendors & downtown merchants. 

Free Scottish Legend Puppet Show: For ages 2 - 92 on August, 27, 2-2:45pm at Mill Bay Library, 2720 Mill Bay Rd #310.  A gentle & magical 45 minute show offered by local Flying Silk Marionette Puppet Theatre.

Chemainus Saturday Market: A Chemainus United Church Fundraiser held August 29, 10am–2pm at 9814 Willow St. Chemainus. To rent a tables for $25 each, contact Joyce by texting: 250-533-9392 or emailing: joyce.cloakey@gmail.com

Alberni Valley Lions Club Children’s Bullhead Derby: Held Saturday, August 29, 9-11:30am at the Alberni Lighthouse Marina (formerly Harbour Quay). Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own gear. Lots of fun & prizes!  

2026 Port Alberni Salmon Festival: Starting Sept. 4 and running throughout the weekend. Affordable, family-friendly event that celebrates the salmon, food, beverages, music, & art of the Alberni Valley. Bring the family & share in the festivities! 

NDSS Class of ‘81 Reunion: Join us Sept. 5 for a casual social for grads, classmates & guests. $50/person. Reconnect & reminisce. Info/rsvp:  grad81ndss@gmail.com

Nanaimo Family History Society Meeting: Mon., Sept. 7, via Zoom. An introductory lecture on ‘Our Unique Canadian System of Heraldry’.  Visit: nanaimofamilyhistory.ca for details.

Mid Island Tai Chi Open House: Watch demos & participate on Thur., Sept. 10, 9:30-11:30am, Nanoose Place 2925 North West Bay Rd. Visit: midislandtaichi.org

Fall in Love with Fall Market: Held Sat., Sept. 19, 10am-4pm at Coombs Rodeo Grounds, 2601 Alberni Hwy. Aristans, crafters, health & wellness & more. To rent a table, call Julia, 250-240-0516. 

Metaphysical Physic & Wellness Fair: Presented by ‘Shift in Action’ on Sept. 26, Nov. 28, 10am-4pm at Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville. Psychics, readers, intuitive healers, crystals & metaphysical gifts. Free admission & door prizes. Info: Eva: 250-228-1009. 

Recently Retired or New to Nanaimo? CFUW welcomes women for fun, activities, interest groups, book clubs, lifelong learning & giving back to the community. Visit: cfuwnanaimo.org

The D.A.D. Project: A memorial scholarship fund for a Forestry student. Proceeds to NRGH’s mental health & addiction services. Email fastpaws@shaw.ca or call 250-585-0884.

Cowichan Neighbourhood House Youth Nights: Held every Friday, 4-7pm. 10-18 yrs. Drop-in, no fees. Food & entertainment provided. 9806 Willow St., Chemainus. More info:  info@cnha.ca

Community Garden Plots Available: Rent a raised bed 4’x8’  for $50/year. 3036 Sherman Rd., Duncan. Call Nancy 250-746-7120 or email: kevgaustin@gmail.com 

Qualicum Beach Farmers Market: Every Saturday from 8:30am-12pm, year round. Our vendors make, bake or grow the products they offer for sale. Qualicum Beach Community Hall, 644 Veterans Way. 

UK Pension Transfers: Personal/company pension left behind in the UK? Contact us to discuss options. Sterling Advisory, 1-250-863-7766 or email: mark@sterlingadvisory.com
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1. Who wrote the song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”?
2. How many toes does a camel have on each foot?
3. Matt Damon played this Robert Ludlum character in four movies.
4. Kite flying is a professional sport in Thailand - T/F?
5. This is made from the chemical reaction of fat and ashes.
(see bottom for answers)
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Getting what you want requires that you do the necessary hard work. You may receive an energy boost this week to do so. But be sure your goal matches your values. Lucky numbers: 3, 14, 16, 21, 37, 40.
The energy for the next month may give you an opportunity to begin to heal an old emotional wound. This might be the beginning of a long-term process. Lucky numbers: 10, 19, 20, 22, 23, 44.
You may experience a temporary set back for the next few weeks in manifesting your goals. Patience and flexibility could help you get through this period. Lucky numbers: 12, 18, 23, 28, 35, 39.
Your emotions should be well grounded, anchoring you over the next month. Before this energy dissipates, consider how to take advantage of this to accomplish a goal. Lucky numbers: 1, 2, 9, 14, 17, 45.
A beneficial energy is available early this week. You could use it to have fun, but you also might be able to accomplish something significant, if you do the work. Lucky numbers: 15, 24, 33, 36, 39, 44.
Your birthday month is a good time to evaluate your prior year accomplishments and set goals for the new year. Consider breaking out of your comfort zone. Lucky numbers: 6, 8, 11, 13, 22, 40.
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For the next month, it is important that you not overlook the details to get to what appears to be a win-win result. Otherwise, the agreement may fall apart. Lucky numbers: 5, 17, 28, 36, 37, 46.
Your intuition may be in high gear for a few days early in the week. If it’s overwhelming, withdraw from the world as much as possible. Self care is important. Lucky numbers: 7, 10, 17, 19, 26, 28.
While your energy may be at a low point now, a temporary, midweek reprieve may happen for a few days. If you can accomplish something quickly, take advantage of it. Lucky numbers: 13, 15, 28, 31, 34, 39..
Your ambition may be heightened for a few days at the end of the week. Apply this energy, before it passes, to whatever might need a boost to be successful. Lucky numbers: 8, 9, 26, 34, 38, 43.
Are you having difficulty getting acceptance for your goals? It may be helpful to make an adjustment to flesh out the details, in order to gain the confidence of others. Lucky numbers: 2, 10, 12, 20, 37, 43.
It has been about six months since your birthday. Did you set new goals then? Now is a good time to evaluate your successes and make changes to what isn’t. Lucky numbers: 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 43.
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Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Leo winners with the luckiest number being 33.
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Water divide: Salty ocean water makes up about 97% of Earth’s water, leaving only a small fraction of fresh water in ice, groundwater, and surface sources. That tiny share supports drinking supplies worldwide and most everyday uses.

Silent suits: During a spacewalk, an astronaut’s suit uses low-pressure air, which is much thinner than what we breathe on Earth. With so little air moving past the lips, a whistle can’t form at all, no matter how hard astronauts may try.
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Ancient ache: Egypt’s early dentists faced constant tooth wear from gritty foods, so they turned to remedies like crushed minerals and natural rinses. Their simple mixtures aimed to ease discomfort and keep mouths healthier despite a harsh diet.

Coral heart: Heart Reef is a naturally formed, heart-shaped coral patch in the Whitsundays, sitting within Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. A pilot first noticed its outline during a flight, and today it is protected, so people view it only from the air.

Tropical twist: Despite its name, Hawaiian pizza was invented in Ontario (Canada) by a Greek-born restaurateur who decided to top a cheese pizza with pineapple and ham. The sweet-and-salty experiment sparked a debate that still divides pizza lovers today.
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Can You Spot All 10 Differences?

For answers visit www.Just4FunPuzzles.ca

Just 4 Fun Puzzles
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 Our Books are NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon!

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Sudoku for Beginners...

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How many ants do you need to fill a rented apartment? 
Ten-ants.

Note to self: Thanks for always being there!

Mike: “Uh-oh, I just made an illegal left turn.”
Ike: “That’s okay, so did the policeman behind you.”

Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Weed. Weed who? Weed better go home - it’s time for lunch!

The invisible man tried to lie to me, but I saw right through him.
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Trivia Answers: 1. Gordon Lightfoot  2. Two  3. Jason Bourne  4. True  
5. Soap

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Coffee News displayed at McDonald's in Parksville, BC, Canada

Print versions are currently available in:

Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, Errington, Nanoose, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay, Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay & Victoria.
More areas coming soon!

August 10 - 16, 2026

Mid Vancouver Island Edition

Coffee News Mid Vancouver Island including Parksville, Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay

Thank you for reading our Mid Island ONLINE edition. 

Look for our seven print editions which can be found across Vancouver Island: Parksville/Qualicum, North Nanaimo, Central/South Nanaimo/Ladysmith, Cowichan Valley/Mill Bay, South Saanich/Oak Bay, Victoria/Esquimalt and West Shore. At the bottom of this page you can find PDF versions of those editions. For advertising info... click here

Rain roof: Fresh water is gathered in a way that’s become part of everyday life in Bermuda, and central to how homes are built. Because there are no lakes or rivers, each house uses a stepped white roof to catch rainfall and guide it into an underground tank for drinking and washing. The method dates back centuries and is still used on new buildings. Builders carve the roof slabs from the same limestone used for the foundation, letting the stone help cool the house in hot weather. During storms, the sturdy design holds up well, which is one reason the tradition hasn’t changed. Many families still watch their tank levels closely, knowing their roof is the main reason the island can support so many people.
Rain roof: Fresh water is gathered in a way that’s become part of everyday life in Bermuda, and central to how homes are built. Because there are no lakes or rivers, each house uses a stepped white roof to catch rainfall and guide it into an underground tank for drinking and washing. The method dates back centuries and is still used on new buildings. Builders carve the roof slabs from the same limestone used for the foundation, letting the stone help cool the house in hot weather. During storms, the sturdy design holds up well, which is one reason the tradition hasn’t changed. Many families still watch their tank levels closely, knowing their roof is the main reason the island can support so many people.
Cow groove: On a farm near Bolton, England, a local jazz group recently played a live set for a herd of dairy cows to test whether gentle music might support better milk production. Staff invited the sextet after hearing that slower tunes could influence how comfortably the animals settle while feeding. The musicians mixed lively pieces with quieter ones as the cows wandered closer, watching from behind the fence. Several of the cows lingered nearby throughout the performance, seeming to take an interest in the shifting rhythms. The idea came after a short online video showed the animals responding well to recorded music. Farmers say the trial added a light moment to the day and may guide future routines.
Cow groove: On a farm near Bolton, England, a local jazz group recently played a live set for a herd of dairy cows to test whether gentle music might support better milk production. Staff invited the sextet after hearing that slower tunes could influence how comfortably the animals settle while feeding. The musicians mixed lively pieces with quieter ones as the cows wandered closer, watching from behind the fence. Several of the cows lingered nearby throughout the performance, seeming to take an interest in the shifting rhythms. The idea came after a short online video showed the animals responding well to recorded music. Farmers say the trial added a light moment to the day and may guide future routines.
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Wright Electrolysis Hair Removal DuncanBC Ad in Coffee News
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Auction spotlight: Three landscape paintings by artist Bob Ross brought in about $600,000 (USD) at a U.S. fundraiser for public television, renewing interest in the gentle painter behind the long-running art show. The pieces came from a carefully held collection that preserved many of the scenes he became known for throughout his career. His calm style still attracts viewers, even though his work rarely appears in major auctions. The paintings were released to support stations facing budget pressure, and the bids rose quickly. Some discovered Ross through online videos, while others watched him on TV, but they’re still drawn to his approach. The success has encouraged organizers to offer more pieces later on.  
Auction spotlight: Three landscape paintings by artist Bob Ross brought in about $600,000 (USD) at a U.S. fundraiser for public television, renewing interest in the gentle painter behind the long-running art show. The pieces came from a carefully held collection that preserved many of the scenes he became known for throughout his career. His calm style still attracts viewers, even though his work rarely appears in major auctions. The paintings were released to support stations facing budget pressure, and the bids rose quickly. Some discovered Ross through online videos, while others watched him on TV, but they’re still drawn to his approach. The success has encouraged organizers to offer more pieces later on.
Beaver builders: A beaver colony in the Brdy region of the Czech Republic surprised officials by finishing a series of natural dams long before any planned construction could begin. Their work formed a wetland in the exact spot where a major restoration project was meant to take place, saving authorities a significant amount of funding in the process. The animals used an old gully that once carried water away from the area, turning it into a calm set of pools that help many species thrive. While agencies were still sorting out permits, the beavers simply moved ahead on their own. The result shows how animals sometimes solve problems long before people finish talking about them.
Beaver builders: A beaver colony in the Brdy region of the Czech Republic surprised officials by finishing a series of natural dams long before any planned construction could begin. Their work formed a wetland in the exact spot where a major restoration project was meant to take place, saving authorities a significant amount of funding in the process. The animals used an old gully that once carried water away from the area, turning it into a calm set of pools that help many species thrive. While agencies were still sorting out permits, the beavers simply moved ahead on their own. The result shows how animals sometimes solve problems long before people finish talking about them.
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Tamara Kronis Member of Parliament Nanaimo - Ladysmith BC 2026 ad in Coffee News
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Pacific Pearl Dental Hygiene Clinic ad in Coffee News
Alcoholics Anonymous Cowichan Valley Ad in Coffee News
Denman Island Art Studio Tour August 15th and 16th 2026 on Denman Island BC Ad in Coffee News
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“You have to be where you are to get where you need to go.” 
- Amy Poehler

“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” - Malala Yousafzai
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FREE listings for non-profit community events. 
Please email, 25 words or less, to: events@myCoffeeNews.ca  
(Deadline Fridays - one week in advance)

Free Tim Horton’s Summer Concert Series: The last two shows will be held Friday, Aug. 14 with ‘Apollos’ & Saturday, Aug.15 with Whiskey Business at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre in the Community Park.

Denman Art Studio Tour: Visit artists working studios on Denman Island Aug 15 & 16, 10am-5pm. 27 artists & 20 studios. Free, self-guided tour. Download maps at: visitdenmanisland.ca/events

Summer Abstract Art Exhibit: ‘Arthur’ is about the soul’s reckoning with meaning in the material world, using the legend of the sword in the stone as metaphor. August 15 & 16th, 1-7pm at Gallery Skye, 9735 Elm St, Chemainus (enter right side of building). 

Parksville Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition runs until Aug 16th at the Parksville Community Park. Open daily from 9:30am to 8:30pm.

Annual Children’s Museum Day: A fun-filled event is Saturday, August 22, 12-4pm at Qualicum Beach Museum, 587 Beach Rd. Crafts, fossils, farm animals, artefacts, artisan demonstrations, live music, sweet treats & so much more. Free & all ages welcome. 

Celebrate Nanaimo Lion’s Club 80th Anniversary: Free event held at Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo on August 22, 10am-2pm. Welcoming new members with new ideas & new energy to continue to serve the community.  Contact us at nanaimolions@gmail.com 

Nanaimo Horticultural Society 80th Anniversary: Come celebrate at Maffeo Sutton Park, Sun., August 23 11am- 3pm at the Lions Pavillion. Free workshops & master gardeners onsite. For more info visit: nanaimohort.org

Nanaimo Commercial Street Night Market: Every Thursday until Aug 27 from 5-9pm. Come support local vendors & downtown merchants. 

Free Scottish Legend Puppet Show: For ages 2 - 92 on August, 27, 2-2:45pm at Mill Bay Library, 2720 Mill Bay Rd #310.  A gentle & magical 45 minute show offered by local Flying Silk Marionette Puppet Theatre.

Chemainus Saturday Market: A Chemainus United Church Fundraiser held August 29, 10am–2pm at 9814 Willow St. Chemainus. To rent a tables for $25 each, contact Joyce by texting: 250-533-9392 or emailing: joyce.cloakey@gmail.com

Alberni Valley Lions Club Children’s Bullhead Derby: Held Saturday, August 29, 9-11:30am at the Alberni Lighthouse Marina (formerly Harbour Quay). Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own gear. Lots of fun & prizes!  

2026 Port Alberni Salmon Festival: Starting Sept. 4 and running throughout the weekend. Affordable, family-friendly event that celebrates the salmon, food, beverages, music, & art of the Alberni Valley. Bring the family & share in the festivities! 

NDSS Class of ‘81 Reunion: Join us Sept. 5 for a casual social for grads, classmates & guests. $50/person. Reconnect & reminisce. Info/rsvp:  grad81ndss@gmail.com

Nanaimo Family History Society Meeting: Mon., Sept. 7, via Zoom. An introductory lecture on ‘Our Unique Canadian System of Heraldry’.  Visit: nanaimofamilyhistory.ca for details.

Mid Island Tai Chi Open House: Watch demos & participate on Thur., Sept. 10, 9:30-11:30am, Nanoose Place 2925 North West Bay Rd. Visit: midislandtaichi.org

Fall in Love with Fall Market: Held Sat., Sept. 19, 10am-4pm at Coombs Rodeo Grounds, 2601 Alberni Hwy. Aristans, crafters, health & wellness & more. To rent a table, call Julia, 250-240-0516. 

Metaphysical Physic & Wellness Fair: Presented by ‘Shift in Action’ on Sept. 26, Nov. 28, 10am-4pm at Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville. Psychics, readers, intuitive healers, crystals & metaphysical gifts. Free admission & door prizes. Info: Eva: 250-228-1009. 

Recently Retired or New to Nanaimo? CFUW welcomes women for fun, activities, interest groups, book clubs, lifelong learning & giving back to the community. Visit: cfuwnanaimo.org

The D.A.D. Project: A memorial scholarship fund for a Forestry student. Proceeds to NRGH’s mental health & addiction services. Email fastpaws@shaw.ca or call 250-585-0884.

Cowichan Neighbourhood House Youth Nights: Held every Friday, 4-7pm. 10-18 yrs. Drop-in, no fees. Food & entertainment provided. 9806 Willow St., Chemainus. More info:  info@cnha.ca

Community Garden Plots Available: Rent a raised bed 4’x8’  for $50/year. 3036 Sherman Rd., Duncan. Call Nancy 250-746-7120 or email: kevgaustin@gmail.com 

Qualicum Beach Farmers Market: Every Saturday from 8:30am-12pm, year round. Our vendors make, bake or grow the products they offer for sale. Qualicum Beach Community Hall, 644 Veterans Way. 

UK Pension Transfers: Personal/company pension left behind in the UK? Contact us to discuss options. Sterling Advisory, 1-250-863-7766 or email: mark@sterlingadvisory.com
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1. George Lucas directed not only Star Wars: A New Hope but also American _____.
2. Your body contains enough iron to make a nail - T/F?
3. Benjamin Franklin flew this in a thunderstorm to understand electric charge.
4. The Spring Equinox is the longest day of the year - T/F?
5. Michael Jordan played basketball for the Bulls, Celtics, or Lakers?
(see bottom for answers)
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This week may be a good time to communicate with others about your life goals. However, be considerate of those close to you who may not be fully on board. Lucky numbers: 9, 10, 12, 18, 29, 42.
This week you may have conflict with others. Resist temptation to aggressively respond. Is the dynamic triggering an emotional wound buried in your consciousness? Lucky numbers: 1, 9, 13, 18, 24, 37.
Is there a project close to your heart that you haven’t yet been able to manifest? Speaking with others about it this week may present an opportunity to jumpstart it. Lucky numbers: 8, 14, 27, 30, 34, 43.
The next month may give you an opportunity to play a new, nurturing role with others. Just be aware that not everyone will accept and act upon your advice. Lucky numbers: 4, 5, 29, 44, 47, 48.
This week may include beginnings or endings, the full effect of which you may not immediately see. Flowing with this change might not be easy but is necessary. Lucky numbers: 9, 14, 36, 40, 44, 48.
Your attention to detail may be  heightened midweek. Use the dynamic to help your endeavours. But be careful about being a perfectionist, with yourself or others. Lucky numbers: 16, 17, 25, 26, 30, 39.
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Your Libra charm may be enhanced as the week unfolds, heightening your ability to successfully ask for what you want. First, consider what you truly desire. Lucky numbers: 3, 18, 28, 29, 30, 42.
Your ambition may be boosted this week. Consider how to take advantage of it, but avoid temptation to manipulate the situation to disadvantage others involved. Lucky numbers: 5, 6, 12, 30, 39, 41.
Your natural enthusiasm may be dampened for a few weeks. This might be a chance to adjust your view point about what you realistically will be able to accomplish. Lucky numbers: 7, 24, 32, 36, 43, 47.
A relationship may be your focus for the next several months. It might be time to review what is and is not working for you. Then discuss it with your partner. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 17, 30, 35, 48.

You may be eager now to manifest a goal close to your heart. A new beginning might be on the horizon but consider waiting a few weeks before proceeding. Lucky numbers: 6, 18, 22, 37, 39, 44.
Your intuition and empathy may be short circuited at midweek. This could be disturbing, but consider how to ground these skills more effectively in the future. Lucky numbers: 11, 20, 22, 32, 42, 46.
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Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Libra winners with the luckiest number being 3.
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Dusty drizzle: So-called “blood rain” isn’t actually as mysterious as it sounds. The phenomenon occurs when desert dust mixes with passing rain clouds, tinting the drops and leaving behind a thin, reddish film. The rare effect can travel far on the wind.

Penny pick: Portland, Oregon (U.S.), got its name from a coin flip after two founders disagreed on what to call their new settlement. One wanted to honour his hometown of Boston, while the other hoped to use the name Portland, and the winning toss decided it.
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Border pull: About 90% of Canadians live within roughly 160 kilometres (100 mi.) of the U.S. border. This broad stretch offers gentler weather and easier connections, which is why most of the country’s largest cities grew there rather than farther north.

Giant bloom: A rare plant in Indonesia’s rainforests produces the world’s largest single flower, stretching several feet across. The Rafflesia arnoldii draws nutrients from a host plant and releases a powerful scent that makes its presence hard to miss.

Bread beginnings: The sandwich may be named after an English earl, but people have been eating bread filled with food for centuries. From ancient flatbreads to modern subs and PB&Js, the idea of stacking flavours between bread has never gone out of style.
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Can You Spot All 10 Differences?

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What do you call a girl with a frog on her head? Lily.

I changed my cell phone name to Titanic. It’s syncing now.

I had a pun about misplacement, but I lost it.

Customer: “Do you have any camouflage jackets?”
Clerk: “We have dozens but I can’t find them.”

Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Apple. Apple who? Apple on the door and it still won’t open!
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Trivia Answers: 1. Graffiti  2. True  3. Kite  4. False, Summer Solstice  5. Bulls

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