Here’s a thought…
“America is and always has been an argument — it’s an experiment.”
DAVID W. BLIGHT
Inslee issues additional guidance for pet grooming operations in Phase 2
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee today issued guidance for resuming pet grooming operations in 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 be at least three
In Memoriam | Carolyn ‘Kay’ Sherwood, 1929 – 2020
-- from Evans Funeral Chapel -- Carolyn “Kay” F Sherwood, 90, passed away Friday, May 15, 2020 at her residence on Lopez Island, WA. She is survived by her husband, Clark M Sherwood, 93. They have three children Clark (Barbara LeDoux), Tera Palmblad (Doug), and Drew Sherwood (deceased). She also has four
Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers: As of May 17, there are 18,611 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 660 cases in the past 72 hours. Visit the Department of Health's website for cases by county, demographics, and more. Statewide Response Updates Briefing schedule: Reminder that
Inslee announces restart of all medical services in Washington
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the state's plan for all elective procedures to resume. Each medical or dental practice will assess their own readiness and their communities’ COVID-19 activity to determine whether, and to what degree, they will reopen. “Our health
County health officer issues order on face coverings in public
Mandatory as we enter Phase 2 -- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- Supported by the San Juan County Council, the Board of Health, and the Department of Health and Community Services, San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James issued a Health Officer order over the weekend regarding the public
No salmon BBQ on July 4 this year; maybe Labor Day?
-- from Jim Biddick for Orcas Lions Club -- The Annual Lions Salmon BBQ for the July 4 weekend has been cancelled for this year. We are hoping to do some sort scaled down Salmon BBQ in September for Labor Day. The Orcas Island Lions wants to thank the community
Funhouse makes face shields for essential workers
-- from Nicole Spinogatti for Funhouse Commons -- About a month ago community volunteer Scott Miller approached The Funhouse having heard about its 3D printer. At the same time, Program Director Liz Doane was working on finding unique ways to support critical community needs and searching for CDC approved printable face
Letter to Editor | With meat production dwindling, consider switching to a plant-based diet
-- from Steve Bernheim and Ingrid Kjalstrup -- According to a May 12, 2020 Tyson Foods, Inc. announcement, only limited production has resumed following a temporary halt at Tyson’s Madison, Nebraska pork plant, where 212 workers tested positive for COVID-19 out of 1,467. If meat processing plants continue to facilitate
Goodbye Max, ‘the most social dog,’ and please stay the course
-- from Luna, Honorary Mayor of Eastsound -- When we lost Noni and I was asked to finish out her term as honorary mayor of Eastsound, it brought back fond memories of her and my other fellow candidates, Ava, Charlie, and Max They and their teams ran vigorous campaigns, promoted
Escaping the ash | Recalling a volcanic journey
-- by Lin McNulty, Orcas Issues Editor -- We awakened that Sunday morning, May 18, 1980 in Portland. We were there celebrating our wedding anniversary and just the day before, my husband and I had been on the slopes of Mount St. Helens, camera in hand. We entered into the
Let’s talk: EDC invites all residents of San Juan County to a weekly Community Forum
-- from Victoria Compton for Economic Development Council -- The EDC invites interested residents of San Juan County to join in a weekly San Juan Islands Community Forum starting Wednesday, May 20, from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom video conference. The event will be presented in partnership with San Juan County government and
Pandemic poetry | When by John O’Donnell
When John O’Donnell And when this ends we will emerge, shylyand then all at once, dazed, longhaired as we embraceloved ones the shadow spared, and weep for thoseit gathered in its shroud. A kind of rapture, this longed-forlaying on of hands, high cries as we nuzzle, leaning into kiss, and
Ferry ridership up slightly, but remains way down compared to last year
-- from Amy Scanlon for Washington State Ferries -- Sunny, warm weather and Mother’s Day contributed to a big boost in ridership last weekend. Still, the number we are carrying remains way down. We’re currently at half our usual traffic volume for this time of year. The governor’s “Stay Home, Stay
Report: Distancing measures remain critical as COVID-19 transmission persists
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Camp Murray, WA — A new statewide report shows COVID-19 transmission is persisting in western Washington and slowly increasing in eastern Washington. The measure of how many new infections a single COVID-19 case will produce – known as the effective reproductive number – has not changed
Checking in with Community Foundation update
-- from the Orcas Island Community Foundation -- Here is some information you may want to know about. You may receive this from different sources. GIVING HELPS EVERYONE To date, generous donors have given $ $764,765 to the Emergency Community Response Fund at OICF. This fund has granted $ 596,050 to island programs
Plans underway for celebrating OHS graduation night in COVID-19 era
-- from Kate Long -- Photo credit: Islands' Sounder In collaboration with the Orcas Island High School, we wanted to update the community on plans for the beloved annual graduation celebration for the OIHS class of 2020. We are heartbroken to not be helping our seniors through the traditional events
