Here’s a thought…
“America is and always has been an argument — it’s an experiment.”
DAVID W. BLIGHT
Health District town hall: Proposing organizations named, community questions answered
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter -- More than 70 people attended, via Zoom, the first of three Town Halls held by the Orcas Island Health Care District on its plans to support a single medical clinic on the island. The June 30 session provided a surprise, but not
Tuning out the pandemic | Mozart Piano Sonata in F major
— from your community — Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. Mozart- Piano Sonata in F major, by Marianne Lewis If you have local music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com. Keep ’em
County phases, climbing cases should mean altered summer travel plans for most Washingtonians
-- Washington State Health Department -- The Washington State Department of Health is encouraging people in our state to limit summer travel plans to help slow the spread of COVID-19. First, be familiar with the Safe Start plan and how it applies to your county. Governor Jay Inslee’s initiative for a
Orcas Economic Recovery and Resiliency Project begins community outreach phase
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter -- From July 1 to July 10, a series of community meetings are being organized as the community involvement phase of the Orcas Economic Recovery and Resiliency Project gets underway. The aim of the project is to develop an action plan for economic
There are now some new faces around the airport
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter -- What with technological glitches that caused the postponement of two meetings and various other complications it hasn’t been an easy process, but over the course of the last month the Port Commission has chosen the new airport manager, appointed a new commissioner,
Register for tonight’s WSF virtual community meeting
-- from Washington State Ferries -- Reminder: Tonight at 6 p.m. Washington State Ferries (WSF) is holding a virtual community meeting. Join us for a brief presentation and Q&A with ferry staff. Register by going to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8357823696989175565
Poetry for this time
I, Too Langston Hughes I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother.They send me to eat in the kitchenWhen company comes,But I laugh,And eat well,And grow strong. Tomorrow,I'll be at the tableWhen company comes.Nobody’ll dareSay to me,“Eat in the kitchen,”Then. Besides,They’ll see how beautiful I amAnd be ashamed— I,
Recapping today’s COVID-19 news and updates
Statewide Response Updates -- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's dashboard and the state’s COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard. As of June 28, the state’s total confirmed cases are 32,253 and total deaths are 1,320. Three counties
Health Care District shares what it’s like in the weeds
Second in OIHCD weekly series -- from Anne Presson for Orcas Island Health Care District -- As reported in the first article in our newly launched series that began last week, in early January 2020 the Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) communicated the decision that it was in the
Scam Alert! Don’t be fooled by calls claiming to be OPALCO
-- from Orcas Power & Light Company -- Members have reported getting calls from people claiming to be OPALCO. Don't be fooled! At OPALCO, we treat our members with fairness and respect: We always send members a written notice when an account is in arrears.We never disconnect members without notice.You
Letter to Editor | The pandemic may reshuffle US healthcare deck
-- from Tom Eversole -- The difference in charges for COVID-19 testing for self-pay versus insured patients can be huge. In our current business model, health systems need to inflate prices so that insured patient revenue compensates for not collecting from uninsured (self-pay) folks who often don’t/can’t pay. Some jurisdictions
Rick Hughes: Some thoughts on moving to Phase 3
-- from Rick Hughes, San Juan County Council -- I’ve had a few questions on why SJC has asked the state to allow the county to move forward on a modified phase 3, here are some of my thoughts. San Juan County has had the most strict rules in the
Letter to Editor | Love, not hate
What does it mean to be a human being on Orcas Island, Part 2 -- from Jari Brenner -- When I wrote, What Does It Mean To Be A Human Being on Orcas Island? A contemporary cultural perspective, last winter, I knew that the work that a small group of
State Parks urges Fourth of July revelers to recreate responsibly
Parks staff offer fireworks reminders and tips and rules for safe gatherings -- from Washington State Parks -- The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission encourages safe and responsible gatherings in state parks during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year,
Guest Opinion | Should the county move to Phase 3?
-- from Michael Riordan -- In view of the recent upsurge in coronavirus cases throughout the Western United States, it would be foolhardy for the County to proceed further with plans to reopen the San Juan Islands to visitors from the mainland. According to the official New York Times database
Keep your child safe by staying up to date on vaccinations during COVID-19
-- from San Juan County Communications -- While there isn’t a vaccine against COVID-19 yet, the good news is that vaccines can protect children from 14 other serious diseases. Delaying or missing vaccines could put your child, your family and your community at risk for these diseases. Vaccinating children on
