Here’s a thought…
“The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there.”
ROBERT M. PIRSIG
Today is National Census Day
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter – Today, April 1, is National Census Day. Census information plays a significant role in allocating federal funding for the next ten years. Completing the Census helps to assure that San Juan County receives its fair share of that funding. The results of
Choral Society cancels spring concert
-- from Lynn Baker for Orcas Choral Society -- Due to corona virus restrictions, Orcas Choral Society regretfully announces cancellation of its 2020 spring concert planned for May at the Orcas Center. “We will sing this beautiful music together, just not this May,” said Orcas Choral Society Artistic Director Marianne
County council allocates funds for emergency rental assistance
-- from San Juan County Communications -- At their March 31, 2020 meeting the San Juan County Council directed staff to make available as soon as possible funds for rental assistance to assist those in our community struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you or someone
HOT TOPIC #11 | An interview with SJC patient #4
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders -- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- We had the opportunity to talk with the fourth San Juan County resident who tested positive and is currently recovering at home from COVID-19. The patient has worked
Canadian review panel finds shipping terminal would endanger SRKW
-- from CTV News -- VANCOUVER -- A federally appointed panel has found the development of a new shipping container terminal south of Vancouver would result in “significant adverse” effects on endangered southern resident killer whales. In its 627-page report, released Monday, the environmental assessment panel points to the negative
A reminder: Our planet will be fine
Anybody need a giggle? -- from Associated Press -- LONDON (AP) — Un-baaaaa-lievable: This wild bunch is completely ignoring rules on social distancing. With humans sheltering indoors to escape the new coronavirus, mountain goats are taking advantage of the peace and space to roam in frisky clumps through the streets of
Have a gardening question? WSU Master Gardeners available to help
-- from Caitlin Blethen, Master Gardener Program Coordinator -- Dear San Juan County community, San Juan County has over 70 WSU Master Gardener volunteers who are trained as horticulture educators. Due to COVID-19 and related Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, we will not be in the community this spring as usual, but are available
Alchemy Art Center creates opportunities for creativity at home
Just because we can’t gather in person, doesn’t mean we can’t connect through art! -- from Glenn Hendrick for Alchemy Art Center -- In lieu of the in-person classes and workshops that had been planned for the spring, Alchemy Art Center is now introducing a series of free/donation art opportunities
Orcas Center | Closed but busy serving the community
-- from Bev Polis,Orcas Center Board President -- One of the hardest decisions we had to make was closing down activities at Orcas Center. That included classes, art showings, productions, meetings and gatherings of all kinds. After all, it was just a few weeks ago we were in full swing
HOT TOPIC #10 | Medical surge planning: Hoping for the best, planning for the worst
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders -- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- Many in the islands are wondering how San Juan County is preparing in case access to mainland medical care becomes limited. This is known as medical surge, which
Cemetery District meeting moves to Zoom
-- from Pierrette Guimond -- The April General Meeting for the San Juan County Cemetery District #3 (Orcas Island), scheduled for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 will be held as a virtual Zoom meeting. The agenda is available online at the Orcas Cemetery website.
County government remains ready to serve
-- from San Juan County Communications -- A list of San Juan County Government Departments, their status during the COVID-19 crisis, and info on how to access services has been posted online. This resource will be updated going forward, and is intended to help citizens utilize vital San Juan County
EDC offering free business counseling, other resources
-- from Victoria Compton for Economic Development Council -- These are challenging times. We know that you are facing extraordinary difficulties right now and we want to help.Local non-profits such as ourselves, and government agencies at all levels, are working to create programs to help businesses, employees, and the community as
Food Bank encourages anyone who needs food to come to Food Bank
The Food Bank thanks a generous community -- from the Orcas Island Food Bank Board and Volunteers -- At a time when there are so many needs, the Orcas Island Food Bank has been there to do its part. But it could not happen without the community. And ours has
Inslee issues additional waivers of state laws and agency requirements
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee today announced new measures that waive certain statutory and regulatory requirements as part of the state's ongoing response to the COVID-19 outbreak: Department of Corrections Community Supervision Violators Waiver: This proclamation waives a statutory provision on violators of community supervision
Pandemic Poetry | Rufus Hummingbird Reflections by Jens Kruse
Rufus Hummingbird Reflections -- by Jens Kruse -- A few days ago a rufus hummingbird arrived at my feeder. He – I have seen no females yet – was an inspiring sight: Selasphorus rufus had come here all the way from Mexico. They come here every year, but this year
