Here’s a thought…
“America is and always has been an argument — it’s an experiment.”
DAVID W. BLIGHT
Letter to Editor | An open letter to Madrona Voices (and our community)
-- from Sadie Bailey -- Dear Madrona Voices: I appreciate your taking the time to survey us on how Covid-19 is affecting us. That said, as with your airport survey, I take issue with some of the "either/or," and questions that rate things on a scale, because the questions and
Inslee issues updated guidance for outdoor recreation in Phases 1 and 2
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee today issued guidance further clarifying outdoor recreation requirements in Phase 1 and Phase 2. Through the Washington "Safe Start" plan, more businesses and activities will re-open in phases, with adequate safety and health standards in place. Each phase will
Report: COVID-19 transmission increasing in eastern Washington, decreasing in western Washington
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Camp Murray, WA — The latest statewide modeling report shows COVID-19 transmission trending downwards in western Washington and upwards in eastern Washington. The report estimates differences between counties by combining modeling estimates of how the disease is spreading with data on reported cases. The report estimates
Islanders participate in CBS “Taps Across America”
-- by Lin McNulty, Orcas Issues Editor -- When CBS News "On the Road" correspondent Steve Hartman, along with retired Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva, asked Americans across the country -- veterans, musicians, teachers, and students of all abilities and age -- to sound "Taps" at 3 p.m., local time on
Inslee extends garnishment proclamation relating to COVID-19
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of one proclamation today in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The proclamation is effective as of 11:59 PM on May 27, 2020, subject to agreement by the leadership of the Washington State Senate and
State Parks offers three free days in June
Social distancing rules still in effect -- from Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission -- OLYMPIA – May 27, 2020 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to enjoy three free days at state parks in June. On free days, visitors don’t need a Discover Pass
Madrona Voices launches a new survey on COVID-19
-- from Steve Smith for Madrona Voices -- Madrona Voices is asking you to participate in a survey about the virus and how our community is responding to it. Invitations to take the survey have been emailed to those who have taken past surveys. We are surveying the residents and
Recap of 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 website. Long-term Care Facility Reporting: As of May 25, a total of 3,728 COVID-19 cases (19% of total cases) and 667 deaths (62% of
Guest Opinion| Orcas Island’s coronavirus future?
-- from Michael Riordan -- Image: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Thanks to a vigorous response to the coronavirus outbreak by the county health department led by Public Health Officer Frank James, M.D., San Juan County has thus far been spared the worst effects of the pandemic sweeping
Pandemic poetry | The River Cannot Go Back by Kahlil Gibran
The River Cannot Go Backby Kahlil Gibran [Listen to Audio!] It is said that before entering the seaa river trembles with fear.She looks back at the path she has traveled,from the peaks of the mountains,the long winding road crossing forests and villages.And in front of her,she sees an ocean so
Volunteers create ‘wear your mask’ signs to share with everyone, everywhere
Community volunteers are helping to get the word out to encourage all citizens and tourists to wear face masks, which is mandatory in San Juan County on June 1. To support our beloved merchants, volunteers at St. Ode Press and the Orcas Island Community Foundation have designed signs that can
Physical Therapy staff issues guidelines for June re-opening
-- from Andrew Stephens and Scott Heisinger for Orcas Island Physical Therapy -- We hope that you, your family and friends have remained safe andhealthy during this coronavirus outbreak. It is hard to think that it hasbeen over two months since we temporarily closed the clinic. At thattime, we interrupted
Superintendent, staff consider options for safely reopening school in the fall
-- from Eric Webb, Orcas Schools Superintendent -- As we approach the first of June, a lot of attention has turned to what school might look like in September. I continue to meet with OSPI, Washington superintendents, and our district ESD on a weekly basis as we contemplate this and
Library Board will discuss lobby remodel, curbside pickup in Wednesday meet
-- from Janet Marlow for Orcas Island Library -- Notice of Special Library Board Meeting TeleconferenceWednesday, May 272:00 p.m. Call-in information: 1-888-740-4219; participant code 474083# Agenda Welcome & IntroductionsReview Proposals for Lobby RemodelingCurbside Pickup at the LibraryOtherAdjournment
Health District considers how to evaluate proposals for single Orcas clinic
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter -- The commissioners of the Orcas Island Health Care District discussed two major topics at their May 19 meeting: Responses to their request for proposals (RFP) for a medical provider to reshape the delivery of the island’s health care. The RFP, released May
Kindergarteners, time to register for school in the Fall
-- from Orcas Island School District -- Spring is in full swing and Orcas Island Elementary welcomes Kindergarteners for the 2020-2021 school year! For parents planning to enroll their child, please note they must be 5 years old before September 1, 2020. Up to date immunizations are also required before
