Here’s a thought…
“The future is already here. It’s just not evenly distributed yet.”
WILLIAM GIBSON
Pandemic Poetry | Blessing the Boats by Lucille Clifton
blessing the boats Lucille Clifton - 1936-2010 (at St. Mary’s) may the tidethat is entering even nowthe lip of our understandingcarry you outbeyond the face of fearmay you kissthe wind then turn from itcertain that it willlove your back may youopen your eyes to waterwater waving foreverand may you in your
Salish Sea Early Music Festival shares journey through Europe with Dr. Burney
-- from Jeffrey Cohan for Salish Sea Early Music Festival -- We so miss sharing the remainder of our season with you! ... but are delighted to witness the many creative ways people are reaching out to protect and invigorate their neighbors near and far. We are pleased to have
Inslee announces Colorado, Nevada will join in western states pact
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak are joining Washington, Oregon and California in the Western States Pact -- a working group of Western state governors with a shared vision for modifying stay
WSF: Full winter schedule restored with return of Samish
-- from Washington State Ferries -- The Anacortes/San Juan Islands route has been restored to its regular winter season sailing schedule. There are currently four vessels operating on the route after the Yakima replaced the Samish on Sunday, April 26. The route had been on a reduced sailing schedule since April
OPALCO Board approves additional COVID-19 relief measures
Commercial members in need can apply for base fee waiver -- from Suzanne Olson for Orcas Power and Light -- We are all in this together. OPALCO is very concerned about how its members are getting along during this pandemic and is digging deep to put any and all available
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."
