Here’s a thought…
“Peace is not something we ask for — it’s something we practice, together.”
WALK FOR PEACE
Tuning out the pandemic | Fields of Gold by Melinda Milligan and Z
— from your community — Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. FIELDS OF GOLD | Melinda Milligan and Z If you have local music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com. Keep ’em coming!
‘Tis the season: Watch out for fawns
-- from Shona Aitken for Wolf Hollow -- This is the time of year when you might come across a tiny fawn curled up in the grass in your yard or in the woods near your house. It will probably be all on its own with no Mom in sight,
Inslee announces infusion of federal testing supplies to support COVID-19 response
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement today in response to the news that the federal government will be invoking the Defense Production Act in order to increase available testing supplies for states. "I am pleased to announce that following our state’s advocacy for a strong national testing system for COVID-19,
Inslee rolls out COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard with data
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee today announced a new COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard to aid the state in gauging when and how to best lift restrictions around ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy” in Washington. Wednesday marked 100 days since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed
Recap of COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on April 28, there are 14,070 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 228 cases in the last 24 hours. Visit the Department of Health's website for cases by county, demographics, and more. Gov. Inslee digs
Good News! New forage fish spawning beaches discovered
-- from Katie Fleming for Friends of the San Juans -- Lopez Island volunteer team This winter, Friends of the San Juans staff and a team of trained citizen scientists, documented six new Pacific sand lance spawning beaches. They also discovered two previously unknown surf smelt spawning sites. Coupled with results
National Tourism Week | Honoring the spirit of travel in the San Juan Islands
-- from Barbara Marrett, San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau -- National Travel and Tourism Week, May 3 -- 9, is the annual salute to the positive effects of travel in the U.S. Now, more than ever, is a time to reflect on what visitors bring to the vitality and resilience of
Guest Opinion | The pandemic economy
-- from Joe Cohen -- A current debate is the question: What are we seeking to accomplish (if and when we reopen our community) and Why? The County Council has indicated (in advance of any direction from the Governor) that transient rental occupancies (hotels, Air BnB, VRBO) will be prohibited through the end
Christian School May Day flower delivery is self-serve this year
-- from Kathy Roosma for Orcas Christian School -- Happy May Day! from Orcas Christian School. It has been our tradition each year to deliver a May Day flower to residents on the island. Because of CoVid this year, we will not be going door to door. The flowers will be set
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?
