Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
Register now for virtual Medicare class
-- from Julie McKee for Island Hospital -- Do you find Medicare a mystery? Are you unsure which Medicare plan is best for you? Join SHIBA online for a virtual Medicare 101 class where we will cover the "A, B, C, Ds" of Medicare. Our certified SHIBA volunteers will be
Inslee issues guidance to clarify limits on elective surgeries
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee today announced additional guidance for the existing order on limiting non-urgent medical procedures. Last month, the governor issued Proclamation 20-24 to ensure appropriate surge capacity and personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals and other health care facilities to manage an influx of COVID-19 patients.
Small business help available through Orcas Library during pandemic
-- from Phil Heikkinen for Orcas Island Public Library -- Are you lost in the maze? A group of island experts has teamed up with Orcas Island Library to help you navigate the various business financial assistance programs. For small business owners, independent contractors, and sole proprietorships facing a web
Recap of COVID-19 News and Updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on April 27, there are 13,842 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 156 cases in the last 24 hours. Visit the Department of Health's website for cases by county, demographics, and more. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The state continues its aggressive procurement of
HOT TOPIC #20 | Touching bases with San Juan County EMS and healthcare providers
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders -- from Brendan Cowan for County Department of Emergency Management -- For being one of the smallest counties in Washington, San Juan County has a remarkably robust community healthcare network. Whether it be Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
In local orca population, who’s whose father?
Genetic testing provides some interesting SRKW paternity results -- from Center for Whale Research -- In 2011, scientists and collaborators from Northwest Marine Fisheries Service, Center for Whale Research, University of Washington, and Cascadia Research Collective reported the paternity of more than fifteen Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) calves. The
Guest Opinion | How the 2020 Census benefits San Juan County, islanders
-- from Rep. Rick Larsen and SJC Council; Signed by Rick Hughes, Chair; Bill Watson, Vice Chair; Jamie Stephens, Member -- As islanders continue social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19, you are probably wondering how to help your community from home. One easy, impactful way to help?
Inslee issues additional guidance on construction activities
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- On Friday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a plan to allow current construction projects to be completed. Today, the governor clarified the initial guidance memo and issued a guide to frequently asked questions about construction activities. The guidance is an addendum to his
PeaceHealth: Do not delay necessary health care
-- from Deanna Ellefson for PeaceHealth Peace Island -- As the island communities continue to focus on social distancing, handwashing and masking to flatten the curve, PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center is beginning to plan for the future with a focus on safely returning to care and reopening services. While
Inslee announces distribution of funding to local governments from federal stimulus package
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee today announced nearly $300 million will be awarded from the state’s federal stimulus funding to local governments that did not receive direct distributions under the CARES Act. “Cities and counties are on the front line of fighting this pandemic, especially
State recreation lands will reopen May 5 for local day-use only
-- from Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) announced they will reopen state-managed lands on Tuesday, May 5, for local day-use only recreation. The reopening will apply to
OICF wraps up a successful 2020 GiveOrcas campaign
-- from Kate Long for Orcas Island Community Foundation -- The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) GiveOrcas campaign distributed $229,100 to 13 programs plus $92,720 to the Community Emergency Response Fund (CERF). This year was indeed unusual as we face unknown challenges in the months ahead. For that reason we
How to drop off documents at San Juan County courthouse
If you have business at the San Juan County Courthouse, please STOP before you go inside the building! Many county departments now have drop boxes just outside the courthouse doors. -- from San Juan County Communications -- Because of the COVID-19 public health crisis, the county courthouse is only open
Uh, oh. Scotch Broom is now in bloom
And that's not a good thing -- from Margot Shaw -- It’s time to bring your attention to those pretty yellow blossoms, blooming profusely in plain sight… And while they are in plain sight is the time to pull them, cut them, burn them before they go to seed and
Tuning out the pandemic | Soldier of the Mountain by Melody Funk
— from your community — Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. SOLDIER OF THE MOUNTAIN | Melody Funk https://www.reverbnation.com/melodyfunk4/song/22733257-soldier-of-the-mountain?wordpress=1 If you have local music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com. Keep ’em
Inslee statement on closing of Intalco smelter in Ferndale
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement [yesterday] in response to the news that Ferndale Intalco Works smelter will close by the end of July. “We have a long-standing commitment to protecting manufacturing jobs, and I was sorry to hear about Intalco’s curtailment plans.
