BREAKERS – timely tidbits and follow-ups to previously published stories:
- VIU and Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Institute survey RDN residents
- Six feet no longer a safe distance from virus?
- Summer’s End concert at Innisfree Farm botanical garden Sep 5
- Tide table for Qualicum Beach
VIU and Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Institute survey residents
Residents of the five communities within the Regional District of Nanaimo are invited to take part in a survey being conducted jointly by Vancouver Island University and the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Institute. Entitled, Your Sense of Place in the British Columbia Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, the voluntary, anonymized survey will help a team of VIU environmental psychologists and geographers study the community’s attachment to, identification with, and use of the natural features in our local area. The purpose of the study is to gather information for use by environmental researchers, community planners and government decision makers. This 15-minute survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XHNMXQT
Six feet no longer a safe distance from virus?
A new report from researchers at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and the University of Oxford reveals that current social distancing guidelines may no longer be effective. As reported by NBC News, researchers are warning that, in some cases, the airborne virus can travel as far as 26 feet. Other recent revelations are that COVID-19 can also be transmitted by aerosolized vapour not just larger droplets, and that people can transmit the virus without having any symptoms themselves, i.e. asymptomatic. All the more reason to wear a mask, regardless of physical distancing or not.
Summer’s End concert at Innisfree Farm botanical garden Sep 5
Innisfree Farm will be hosting a Summer’s End Music and Picnic Party Saturday, Sept. 5. Award-winning musician Brodie Lee Dawson will be performing. Co-founder Chanchal Cabrera says, “She’s shared the stage with some very big names, including George Canyon, Jake Owen and Serena Ryder and is well-respected in the Vancouver Island music scene.” Joining Dawson will be Elise LeBlanc, “a soulful singer/songwriter whose music showcases her deep connection to nature – something all of us here at Innisfree share.”
“As much as our own industry (local farms and botanic gardens) have been impacted, we know it’s been a real struggle for our local musicians,” said Cabrera. “Without venues like festivals and clubs to play in, there’s not too many options. When we were rethinking our own plans, we knew the gardens would be a perfect setting for small concerts. With a limit of 50 people as per the COVID protocols, it’s turned out really well and we are happy we’ve been able to provide a space for local musicians.”
Innisfree will be open from 10am to 4pm, with two performances between Noon and 3pm. Guests are welcome to come early (or stay later) and explore the gardens at their leisure. Pre-order picnic baskets by 11:59pm, Wednesday, Sept. 2, by calling 250-336-8767. Admission is by donation in support of both the musicians and the botanic gardens.
