Here’s a thought…
“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
NATIVE AMERICAN PROVERB
Health District prepares to seek potential partners for medical services
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues Reporter -- On Tuesday, April 22, the Orcas Island Health Care District met via Zoom, bringing the commissioners together for the first time in nearly a month. There was plenty of information to report but, frustratingly, no action on the most pressing need. Because
Washington-based company Limeade extends well-being solution to help care for Apple Health (Medicaid) clients free of charge
-- from Amy Blondin, Washington Health Care Authority -- Camp Murray, WA — In an effort to support the emotional and physical well-being of Washingtonians during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s Health Care Authority has worked with Limeade, an employee experience software company, to expand free access to its online wellness tools
Larsen votes to deliver critical relief to Washington’s small businesses and hospitals, boost COVID-19 testing
-- from the Office of Rep. Rick Larsen -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – [On Thursday], Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted for critical emergency COVID-19 relief funding for Washington state’s small businesses, hospitals and testing. The bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 388-5.
Letter to Editor | Orcas Senior Center thanks you
-- from Lena Kassa for Orcas Senior Center -- All of us at the Orcas Senior Center would like to say a big THANK YOU to the Orcas community for your generous donations to the Center’s recent GiveOrcas campaign. Because of you, we were able to reach our ambitious goal
Sewing bee stitches beautiful protection for San Juan islanders
-- from Deana Ellefson for PeaceIsland Hospital -- It started with a simple request for support. In late March, Beth Williams-Gieger, director of administration at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, emailed Peggy Cregor, chair of the Peace Island Volunteers (PIVs) asking if they would be interested in sewing masks for
Aging Like a Guru | Ah, Malaise
-- from Rosie Kuhn -- I woke up this morning sad, frustrated and disappointed. “Why?” I ask myself. “It’s a beautiful day on Orcas, you are healthy, you have money in the bank and a lot of good friends.” The me who is sad says, “Yes, I know, but….” This
EDC urges businesses, residents to ‘hire local,’ presents virtual job fair
-- from Victoria Compton for Economic Development Council -- The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) urges businesses and residents to hire local workers and contractors as the economy starts to reopen. In an effort to connect island workers with local businesses, the EDC has created a Virtual Job Fair
Pandemic Poetry | Remember by Joy Harjo
Remember Joy Harjo Remember the sky that you were born under,know each of the star's stories.Remember the moon, know who she is.Remember the sun's birth at dawn, that is thestrongest point of time. Remember sundownand the giving away to night.Remember your birth, how your mother struggledto give you form and
2020 FARM Fund: Scaling up production for 2020 growing season, and beyond
-- from Learner Limbach for SJC Food System Team, OICF, Ag Guild, Orcas Food Co-op, WSU Extension, ARC, SJC Health Dept -- SJC FARM Fund and Community Emergency Response Fund through Orcas Island Community Foundation are partnering to address the COVID-19 crisis by directing resources to producers to support immediate
Governor allows some low-risk construction to resume
-- from San Juan County Communications -- As of Friday April 24, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has allowed some construction activities to resume across the state, including in San Juan County. The Governor’s announcement of the decision is available HERE. Specific requirements established to ensure the safety of both workers
“COVID-19 Community Conversations” Round Three
-- from Brendan Cowan for 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."
New mayor Luna says don’t pet other dogs
-- from Luna, Honorary Mayor of Eastsound -- Former Mayor, Noni April 24—I received sad news today from Orcas Island Children’s House. Noni, the miniature dachshund who became honorary mayor of Eastsound last July, has died. She was 16 years old. Noni and her family and supporters did a prodigious
WSF: New fares begin next week on May 1
-- from Washington State Ferries -- Several fare changes will go into effect beginning Friday, May 1. The annual peak season surcharge for single vehicle fares is scheduled to begin. Peak season runs from May 1 through September 30. Passenger fares and multi-ride products are not affected by the peak season
Tuning out the pandemic | Slapdash March by Orcas Island Community Band
— from your community — Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. SLAPDASH MARCH | Orcas Island Community Band If you have local music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com. Keep ’em coming! Your
Sheriff’s Report | April 15-21, 2020
-- from San Juan County Sheriff’s Office -- Wednesday, April 15, 2020 20-002651 Traffic Hazard 10:27:17 04/15/20 An Orcas Deputy was dispatched to a traffic hazard near Eastsound. There was a person found directing traffic for the company when the Deputy arrived. 20-002658 Unwanted Person 13:26:34 04/15/20 An Orcas Deputy
Working Washington Small Business Grant program gets additional $5 million infusion
$10 million now available to address some of estimated 25,000 applications from businesses up to 10 employees -- from Washington State Department of Commerce -- OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced a doubling of funds available to very small businesses impacted by COVID-19 through the Working
