Nanaimo News Notes April 8, 2011

RCMP: report a sharp rise in the number of break and enter crimes occurring in Nanaimo recently. The past three weeks have seen 34 break-ins reported, 20 of which were at businesses. Many entries are made through unlocked doors and windows. Stealing to support drug habits is one reason given for the crimes as well as improved weather and opportunity.
Walking Club: the Bastion City Wanderers Volkssport Club are holding a walk this Saturday, meet at the gravel parking lot at Westwood Lake at 9:00 am. Information: 250-756-9796.
School District: needs to cut $1.4 million from their budget to eliminate a deficit for next year. The board is considering 18 proposals from staff which would balance the books.
Wet Grad: it's that time of year again, when some parents of high school grads, think it is a good idea to buy their kids alcohol and host illegal parties to mark their passage from high school to ????. You have to question the wisdom in telling people that they are coming to a stage in their life when it doesn't matter if they obey the laws of the land.
Modern Cafe: is demonstrating good use of social networking to help grow their business. The owner of the establishment recently received a message via Twitter that a customer was not entirely happy with their meal. They received what they were wanting and left a happy customer, thanks to using Twitter to contact the owner.
Volunteers Recognized: ICBC is tipping the hat to the nearly 300 volunteers in Nanaimo and the central island area who contribute more than 3500 hours helping to make roads safer. Some programs relying on these volunteers include Speed Watch, Lock out Crime and the Stolen Auto Recovery Program. The volunteers work out of 7 community policing stations in the area.
Nanaimo Law Day: reminder that Saturday, April 9 from 10:00 am - 3:15pm you will have the opportunity to meet judges and see the inner workings of the legal system within the court house. The event is at the Nanaimo Courthouse at 35 Front Street.
Dover Bay School: recently won $1,000 in the BC Green Games, a Science World contest which rewards the eco-actions of students in the province. The 'Fire in the Stream' project  which works on habitat restoration won them the prize. Well done!
Gabriola Island Commuters: are temporarily out of a waiting lounge at the Nanaimo terminal. The old building was demolished, making way for the construction of a new one. In the meantime there is some seating under a tented area, and a couple of portable toilets on the site to make the wait comfortable.
Franklyn Street: neighbours efforts to improve their street vandalized. Five flowering trees planted at the residents expense were broken off for the second time by mindless vandals in the area. The residents have attempted to beautify their street for the second time by planting trees along the boulevard only to see their efforts destroyed again.