Here’s a thought…
“Live a balanced life. Learn some and think some, and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.”
ROBERT FULGHUM
Uh, oh. Scotch Broom is now in bloom
And that's not a good thing -- from Margot Shaw -- It’s time to bring your attention to those pretty yellow blossoms, blooming profusely in plain sight… And while they are in plain sight is the time to pull them, cut them, burn them before they go to seed and
Tuning out the pandemic | Soldier of the Mountain by Melody Funk
— from your community — Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. SOLDIER OF THE MOUNTAIN | Melody Funk https://www.reverbnation.com/melodyfunk4/song/22733257-soldier-of-the-mountain?wordpress=1 If you have local music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com. Keep ’em
Inslee statement on closing of Intalco smelter in Ferndale
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement [yesterday] in response to the news that Ferndale Intalco Works smelter will close by the end of July. “We have a long-standing commitment to protecting manufacturing jobs, and I was sorry to hear about Intalco’s curtailment plans.
County Council recommends extending limits on transient accommodations to May 30
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter – At today’s County Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to recommend continuing limits on non-essential use of transient accommodations throughout the County until at least May 30. This recommendation will be further discussed at the SJC Board of Health meeting that is
Food System Team works to grow local food resilience
-- from Caitlin Leck, Food System Team Coordinator -- Like other communities across the country, San Juan County is grappling with disruptions to the food supply chain, a growing level of food insecurity and challenges in our local production capacity to meet the increased demand. It is an opportune time
Recap of COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on April 26, there are 13,686 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 165 cases in the last 24 hours. Visit the Department of Health's website for cases by county, demographics, and more. Statewide response updates Epidemiology summary: DOH continues to receive about
WSF: New fares beginning Friday, May 1
To review: Summer fares, winter schedule in effect for spring -- from Washington State Ferries -- 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 changes.
Inslee reopens some outdoor activities: Fishing, hunting, golfing
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced today a partial re-opening of some outdoor recreation activities. As of Tuesday, May 5, some outdoor recreation will be allowed with appropriate safety precautions, including: fishing; hunting; playing golf; and day use at state parks, state public
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.
