Here’s a thought…
“Peace is not something we ask for — it’s something we practice, together.”
WALK FOR PEACE
Inslee announces contact tracing initiative
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced the launch of a statewide contact tracing plan today that will allow more businesses to open and more people to be active in public while helping to slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Contact tracing is another tool
Letter to Editor | There’s still air in Airbnb
-- from Gregory Oaksen -- Residents are reporting that the tourist onslaught has begun on Orcas. Tourists coming here now are thoughtlessly exposing locals to the virus. Where are these people staying? They can’t all be “essential” workers. In spite of the downturn in vacation rentals, many are still active.
Let’s keep singing
-- from Monica Steele -- Spread the word! Keep singing! Happy Mother’s Day to Mothers and those who mother others and those who have mothers!! Time to appreciate nurturance of each other and Mother Earth as a universal ideal for all people regardless of gender. Some of you have contacted
Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers: As of May 11, there are 17,330 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 208 cases in the last 24 hours.Visit the Department of Health's website for cases by county, demographics, and more. Statewide Response Updates Contact tracing initiative: Gov. Jay Inslee announced the launch of a statewide
Tuning out the pandemic | Red River Valley by JP and the OK Rhythm Boys
— from your community — Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. RED RIVER VALLEY | JP and the OK Rhythm Boys If you have music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com.
Inslee extends nine proclamations relating to COVID-19
-- from Governor Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of nine proclamations today in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. A May 9, 2020, letter from the Legislature extends proclamations 20-37.1, 20-38.1, 20-39.1, 20-41.1, 20-42.1, 20-43, 20-44, 20-52 until May 31, 2020. The statutory waivers and suspensions cited in 20-36.1 are extended until July 8, 2020. 20-36.2: Health Care Facilities
Tuning out the pandemic | Corona Song by Dominick Failla
— from your community — Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. CORONA SONG | Dominick Failla (grandson of Orcas Islander Nancy Schafer) If you have local music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com.
Guest Opinion | A math problem
-- from Meg Massey -- Ms. Smith comes back to Orcas after a day spent with three friends in Bellingham. One of the them, Mr. Jones didn’t wear a mask to the get-together. He never wears a mask. The friends discussed the matter, and every one of the four de-masked.
Recap of Today’s COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on May 10, there are 17,122 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 231 cases in the last 24 hours. Visit the the Department of Health's website for cases by county, demographics, and more. Statewide Response
Inslee issues guidance for partially resuming the dine-in restaurant and tavern industry in Phase 2
-- from the Office of Governor Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee issued guidance today for partially resuming the dine-in restaurant and tavern industry for counties granted variance under the Safe Start Phase 2 recovery plan laid out last week. Through the Washington "Safe Start" plan, more businesses and activities will re-open
Historical Museums thank Orcas Food Co-op
-- from Carol Kulminski for Orcas Island Historical Museums -- The Orcas Island Historical Museums had big plans for our garden this year. Seeds had been ordered, weeding had begun, and we’d started to implement ambitious plans for our Heritage Garden, hatched after in-depth consultation with our plant history expert,
County moves toward requesting Phase 1 re-opening variance
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter -- At the Monday, May 11, meeting of the San Juan County Board of Health, Public Health Officer Dr. Frank James stated his clear support for San Juan County to request a variance that would allow the County to move from Phase 1
Face-covering signage now available for businesses, other organizations
-- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- In order to help San Juan County businesses and other organizations protect their employees and customers, the County COVID response team has produced printable posters to support their effort. Multiple versions and sizes of posters are available, including the Orcas specific
Guest Opinion | When normal isn’t normal any more
-- from Michael Johnson -- Virtually everyone I talk to exclaims something along the lines of, "I like how quiet it is now," or, "I like working from home better," or "I don't miss the traffic and the rush," or, "it's nice not getting woke up early or late to
Inslee and Western leaders send letter to Congress requesting $1 trillion in state and local aid
-- from Governor Inslee's Office -- In case you missed it: Gov. Jay Inslee, House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig joined the governors and state legislative leaders of California, Colorado, Oregon and Nevada today in urging congressional leadership to dedicate $1 trillion in direct and flexible
Rep. Rick Larsen virtually launches re-election campaign
-- from the Office of Representative Rick Larsen -- Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced he is running for re-election to represent Washington’s 2nd Congressional District in a video message marking the beginning of candidate filing week. Below are excerpts from Larsen’s announcement: “This is an important week in Washington
