Here’s a thought…
“The future is already here. It’s just not evenly distributed yet.”
WILLIAM GIBSON
WSF will refund tickets, travel passes
Submit requests online; will take weeks to process requests -- from Washington State Ferries -- While WSF is unable to extend the 90-day period for tickets and travel passes at this time, customers who are unable to use tickets or travel passes because of COVID-19 concerns may be eligible for
County Council meets to discuss ‘stay at home’ orders from Governor
-- from Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter -- Following yesterday’s decision by the County Council to request a closure through May 31 of transient facilities in San Juan County for public health reasons, this morning’s County Council meeting began with several updates on the status of the Council’s request. This
Pandemic Poetry | Pandemic by Lynn Ungar
PANDEMIC by Lynn Ungar What if you thought of itas the Jews consider the Sabbath—the most sacred of times? Cease from travel.Cease from buying and selling.Give up, just for now,on trying to make the worlddifferent than it is. Sing. Pray. Touch only thoseto whom you commit your life.Center down. And
Library looks to make book check-out available to patrons
-- from Phil Heikkinen for Orcas Library -- While we all struggle with the challenges involved with the virus outbreak, at the Orcas Island Library we’re working on every possible means of providing as many resources and services as we can, while still supporting the health of all community members.Please
Upcoming School Board meeting will be held electronically
Thursday, March 26, 5 p.m. -- from Orcas Island School District -- Please be advised that in keeping with efforts to remain socially distant, OISD School Board meetings will be held electronically until the public health emergency is over. At this time there will be no Public Comments on the
Reminder: WSF remains on winter schedule
-- from Washington State Ferries -- Reminder: Washington State Ferries will extend its current winter sailing schedule through the end of next month due to declines in ridership from COVID-19. The spring sailing schedule will now tentatively begin on April 26 rather than March 29. Customers should continue following the winter
How PeaceHealth prepares for pandemic onslaught
-- from Merry-Ann Keane, Chief Administrative Officer, PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center -- The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly changed the world around us. It’s disrupted our way of life and created new realities for each of us. It’s understandable to find it all unsettling and concerning. On behalf of PeaceHealth,
From the other coast: ‘Stay on the mainland’
-- from New York Times -- Coastal New England usually belongs to contractors, caretakers and fishermen this time of year. Towns that will be packed by the Fourth of July are silent except for the sound of distant hammering from construction projects that have to be finished before the first
Center for Whale Research makes WoW! photos available for community perusal
-- from Center for Whale Research -- Everyone needs a little WOW in their life these days. So we sorted through our Encounter photos and have selected some of our favorite images to showcase. We think this gallery is aptly named, "WOW - Memorable On-The-Water Moments." We will be adding photos to this gallery
Rock Island increases support team
-- from Rock Island Communications -- We islanders have a unique way of banding together to overcome challenges as they arise, and we at Rock Island plan on doing our part. Together, we can make it through these challenging times.Increased Support StaffOur inbound support team has been very busy over
Inslee: Stay home, stay healthy
Two week order could be extended -- from Governor Jay Inslee's office -- Tonight, Gov. Jay Inslee spoke directly to Washingtonians to announce he will sign a statewide order that requires everyone in the state to stay home. The order will last for two weeks and could be extended. This Stay
HOT TOPIC #5 | Coping with anxiety and stress
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders. -- from Brendan Cowan for SJC Department of Emergency Services -- Our community has a strong history of neighbors helping neighbors – a quick scroll through our online news and local Facebook pages exemplifies that spirit with
Courts amend emergency orders for almost all in-person proceedings
-- from San Juan County Courts -- On Friday, March 20, the Washington Supreme Court issued a new emergency order outlining required procedures in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. As our state’s highest court, the Washington Supreme Court’s order is binding on San Juan County courts. In response
Inslee, other governors send letter urging expansion of unemployment benefits
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- In case you missed it: Gov. Jay Inslee joined the governors of Alaska, Illinois and Ohio today in urging the Trump administration to expand access to unemployment benefits as the impact of COVID-19 continues to disrupt the economy. The letter reads,
Maybe you’ve never needed the Food Bank before
-- from Orcas Island Food Bank -- Maybe you’ve never needed the Orcas Food Bank before, but times have changed. Jobs have changed. Needs have changed. Maybe now you could use the help. If you need us, we’re here. Next door to the Community Church. Tuesday, 12:30-2:00 Thursday, 5:30-6:30Saturday, 11:00-noon
WSF will remain on winter schedule through April 25
Increased service in spring was originally set to begin March 29 -- from Washington State Ferries -- As part of the state’s response to COVID-19, all state ferries will remain operating on their winter sailing schedules through at least April 25. Washington State Ferries’ spring season, which includes increased service on some
