May 20, 2022
- GoFundMe campaign to help free Eileen Wicks
- Aerial spraying May 26-28
- Local restaurateur remembered
- Local Government Awareness Week
- Rotary shredding event
- Bob Dylan birthday concert
Go Fund Me campaign to help Free Eileen Wicks
As regular readers will know, Eileen Wicks and her husband Trevor have had to engage a lawyer to free Eileen from Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. “Eileen’s Supporters” have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover their legal costs. People who prefer to donate by Interac e-Transfer can send a donation to: eileenwicksfundraiser@gmail.com. — GS
Aerial spraying May 26-28 in Nanoose – Lantzville – Nanaimo

If you plan to travel south on the Inland Highway next week, the B.C. government will be doing aerial spraying of 1,068 hectares in the Nanoose – Lantzville – Nanaimo area from May 26 – 28, 2022 to control an invasive species, lymantria moths, formerly known as gypsy moths.
To control the moths, the Ministry of Forests is planning as many as four applications of Foray 48B. Organic farms in the spray area will not lose their organic certification. The active ingredient, Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Btk), is naturally present in urban, agricultural and forest soils throughout the province.
The larvae can be distinguished from other species of caterpillar by its spots. Close to the head, five pairs of blue spots and six pairs of red spots towards its tail. This distinction will prevent confusion with the spiny elm caterpillar and other caterpillars like tent caterpillars, distinguished by their silky tents in trees, and the presence of a back stripe.
If left untreated, the lymantria moth larvae can affect trees such as Garry oak, arbutus, red alder, aspen, cottonwood, maple, orchard fruit trees, nut trees and many species of urban ornamental trees, as well as food crops such as apples, blueberries and other fruits. The Ministry says Btk does not harm humans, mammals, birds, fish, plants, reptiles, amphibians, bees, or other insects. — LS

Nearest Rotary shredding opportunity
Help yourself, help the planet, and help the Rotary help others.
Back by popular demand, but unfortunately not right here in QB.
The nearest Rotary shredding event this year is being held at Nanaimo North Town Centre on Saturday, May 28 from 10 AM to 2 PM. — GS
Local restaurateur remembered fondly
Patrons and neighbours of the popular restaurant Sushi Hama in Qualicum Beach’s Chilham Court were saddened to learn of the untimely death on May 1, 2022 of Sunny, wife and business partner of Peter and mother of their two sons now studying at the University of Victoria. Friends and colleagues recall Sunny’s wonderful sense of humour, and say she was genuinely thoughtful and kind to her staff and to customers. Surrounding businesses and patrons gathered to offer support during Sunny’s brief illness, and condolences to the family. — LS
Local Government Awareness Week
May 15-21, 2022 is Local Government Awareness Week in BC. The RDN kicked off the week announcing a community survey. Tell them what you think by June 17, 2022.
This week in Qualicum Beach, we welcome aboard new CAO Lou Varela, who gave her first report to QB Council’s regular meeting on Wednesday, May 18.
May 18 is also Asset Management Awareness Day. Our advice to readers: Be aware of what your local governments are doing all year round, and keep an eye on how they are managing YOUR assets. — GS
Tribute to Bob Dylan – LIVE performances from the U.S. Embassy in Dublin

“Sublime and unexpected performances,” says Clive Braham. Mavic Cabrera Balleza says, “Outstanding! The very best celebration of the genius of Bob Dylan!”
It’s Dylan’s birthday on May 24. This tribute to the phenomenal artist is a one-of-a-kind live online concert experience, worth putting on as an evening’s entertainment with a glass of wine in hand, or viewing the concert over several nights. The Dublin embassy setting is ethereal. — LS