Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
Letter to Editor | Lots and lots of thank yous
-- from Kat Fennell -- Thank you to the members of our community that have continued to provide the necessary services to the rest of us. Also, “thank you” to those who have been concerned about, and vigilant toward protecting those of us who are autoimmune compromised. It is really
Do not forget to fulfill your Census requirement — your community depends on it
-- from Duncan Wilson Town Administrator, Friday Harbor -- Reminder below was recently sent out by Duncan Wilson, Administrator of the Town of Friday Harbor, but is very much important and applicable for the entire County: Dear Community Member: During these trying times when most of us are following stay-at-home orders
This negative from PeaceHealth is a positive for island and community health
-- from Deanna Ellefson for PeaceHealth -- With shared purpose, PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center and San Juan County Health and Community Services continue to work together to control the spread of novel coronavirus and ensure the health of island communities. On Tuesday, April 14, both organizations were informed of
“COVID-19 Community Conversations” Round Two
-- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- This week “COVID-19 Community Conversations” continues with three short videos that highlight efforts from organizations and people providing key services and crucial leadership in our community. You can find these videos on our YouTube channel “San Juan County COVID-19 Response” at
Inslee statement on Trump encouraging illegal and dangerous acts
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today on President Trump's comments around "liberating" parts of the country. “The president’s statements this morning encourage illegal and dangerous acts. He is putting millions of people in danger of contracting COVID-19. His unhinged rantings
Tuning out the pandemic | Keep Your Hand On Your Heart by Mia Vermillion
-- from your community -- Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. KEEP YOUR HAND ON YOUR HEART | Mia Vermillion If you have local music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com. Keep ’em
Children’s House keeps playfulness at the fore
-- from Ady Walker for Orcas Island Children's House -- With schools closed to slow the spread of COVID 19, Children’s House continues to support children and families with what we do best -- play. We felt we could help and provide novelty, levity, and hands-on learning materials for children
Guest Opinion | A plea to step up, today
-- from Eleanor Hoague -- We have all been enduring the very real hardships placed on us by the Coronavirus pandemic. Our interactions with other people have been severely limited; we have lost the opportunity to go to sporting or artistic events, or to enjoy a good restaurant meal; in
Food Bank OICF GiveOrcas grant has been fully funded
-- from Orcas Island Food Bank -- Our OICF GiveOrcas Grant Has Been Fully Funded!Thank you, thank you, thank you!As of yesterday, our $25,000 grant request was fully funded by many generous donors like you. We are truly grateful. This grant will help us continue to provide the foods and
New report indicates distancing efforts working and must continue
-- from State Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- A new report suggests physical distancing efforts are working to slow COVID-19 transmission in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties more successfully than earlier anticipated, and individual and household efforts are having a positive impact. The measure of how many new infections a single
Remaining rooted: A sense of place
-- from Brandon Cadwell and Erin Wygant -- When we’re faced with uncertainty, we seek a sense of rootedness. How do we ground ourselves? We might ask, “What is it that gives me a sense of place?” For some, it’s the sweeping views of the OlympicMountains beyond a driftwood-strewn South
San Juan County outlines COVID-19 property tax relief options
-- from San Juan County Communications -- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, San Juan County Treasurer, Rhonda Pederson, has encouraged those who are able, to pay the full year in April to offset those who will have difficulty making the first half payment. If you have been financially impacted
Mortgage and rental assistance available to Orcas Islanders through OPAL
-- from OPAL Community Land Trust -- Using donations made to the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund, OPAL Community Land Trust is helping islanders who are unable to pay their mortgage or rent. This emergency assistance program is for any islander who has lost income due to COVID-19.
Why are our conifers dying? Master Gardeners schedule online workshop
-- from San Juan Master Gardeners -- Dead and dying conifers have proliferated throughout the Salish Sea area, especially with cedars and hemlocks, causing concern for many property owners. This webinar will talk about why so many trees are dying right now and how to recognize when there’s a problem
Novel Coronavirus | One month in
-- from Hilary Canty for Orcas Island Community Foundation -- The Orcas community response to the Covid pandemic continues to be remarkable. In the first month, thanks to the generous donors who contributed to the Community Emergency Response Fund, families are being housed, fed, and comforted during this time of
Tuning out the pandemic | Tennessee Blues by Bruce Harvie
— from your community — Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. TENNESSEE BLUES | Bruce Harvie If you have music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com. Keep ’em coming! Your community loves your
