Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
San Juan County Fair seeking agricultural tent presenters
-- from Adrienne Bourne for San Juan County Fair -- Planning for the San Juan County Fair occurs year round. As planning continues for the 2020 San Juan County Fair, each day presents new situations, issues to explore, and opportunities for creative problem solving. In case you haven’t heard, the San Juan
Skagit Valley College announces new online programming
-- from Arden Ainley for Skagit Valley College -- Skagit Valley College’s Continuing and Community Education department (CCE) is pleased to announce new online workshop programming that is starting at the end of April. The new format is called eCCE and is designed for people who would like to enjoy
Virtual volunteer opportunity: Orcas Senior Center
-- from Lena Kassa for Orcas Senior Center -- In these uncertain times of isolation and social distancing, we must be proactive if we are to remain connected to one another, our families, friends and community. The Heart and Hands program at Orcas Senior Center is dedicated to this action,
This week’s films are all about laughter, warm hearts
-- from Orcas Island Film Festival -- You will have four new films to choose from this week. From this week forward we will add a film a week to our library. The proceeds from our virtual cinema will continue to support the Sea View Theatre, our beloved local cinema during this challenging
Proclamations for utility ratepayers and truck driver hours extended
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee signed three new proclamations today in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Two of the proclamations extend existing ones related to truck driver hours and utility ratepayer assistance. The third waives and suspends laws that impact community associations meetings and late
Recap of COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on April 16, there are 11,445 cases of COVID-19 in Washington state. Visit the Department of Health's website for cases by county, demographics, and more. Inslee statement on Trump encouraging illegal and dangerous acts: Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today
No July 4th fireworks this year; parade possibility pending
-- from Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce -- A quick update on the cancellation of our annual July 4th Fireworks show in Eastsound. Earlier this year our fireworks provider (Western Display) informed the Chamber and Marc Broman (Deer Harbor July 3 show) that they didn't have enough crew for two
Farmers Markets, essential food providers, may operate following safety guidelines
-- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- Farmers markets in San Juan County are essential providers of locally grown, healthy foods. Our farmers markets have an important role in sustaining the local food chain, and have been working with San Juan County Health & Community Services to ensure
In Memoriam | Stan Moldoff, 1925 – 2020
-- from JoEllen Moldoff -- Stan Moldoff, beloved husband of JoEllen, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 31. He was 95 years old. Stan was born in 1925 in New York City, and grew up in the Bronx. He began to draw and paint when he was in grade
Letter to Editor | Making COVID policy decisions
-- from Tom Eversole -- Elected officials at all levels wrestle with the conundrum of prolonging physical distancing versus when and how to reopen commerce. A steady diet of win/lose dualism has produced the body politic we have today and is reflected in recent “liberate” demonstrations around the country. The
Pandemic poetry | The Birds Outside My Window Sing During a Pandemic by Lee Herrick
The Birds Outside My Window Sing During A Pandemic Lee Herrick What we need has always been inside of us. For some – a few poets or farmers, perhaps - it's always near the surface. Others, it's buried. It was in our original design, though – pre-machine, pre-border, pre-pandemic. I
Sheriff’s Report | April 8 – 14, 2020
-- from San Juan County Sheriff's Office -- Wednesday, April 8, 202020-002443 Citizen Dispute 14:07:48 04/08/20An Orcas Deputy was dispatched to a Citizen Dispute near Eastsound. After an investigation was completed it was deemed a civil matter. 20-002444 Vicious Animal 14:42:35 04/08/20An Orcas Island Deputy responded to an animal problem.
Letter to Editor | Ongoing contributions provide a place to turn for critical support
-- from Hilary Canty for Orcas Island Community Foundation -- Thank you for your ongoing remarkable support of the Orcas Community Emergency Response Fund (CER). Because you have contributed, as neighbors face job loss and health scares, they have a place to turn for critical support. Our nonprofits have completely stepped up
WIC continues to be available to pregnant women, new moms, and young children
-- from Washington Department of Health -- During this challenging time, Washington WIC is here for vulnerable families. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC gives families access to nutritious foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support, health assessments and referrals. WIC is for pregnant
COVID-19 survivors may help save lives by donating blood
Antibody-rich plasma may be effective treatment for those infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 -- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Washington State Department of Health, and Bloodworks
Inslee expands eviction moratorium, adds protections for residential, commercial tenants
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee expanded protections for renters today as COVID-19 continues to impact the finances of Washingtonians statewide. “It is clear that as we deal with the challenges around COVID-19, the financial impacts on Washingtonians are significant,” Inslee said. “People have lost their
