Here’s a thought…
“It wasn’t a Blue Wave; it was an American Tsunami!”
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
Island Market posts new shopping precautions
Hours changing, enforcing six-foot rule, hand washing setup -- from Island Market -- Effective immediately: Store hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. until further notice.Mandatory 6 feet distance rule in effect for all people inside the store.We encourage you to only come to the store for essentials and ask you to team up
Letter to Editor | Sounding the tourist/visitor alarm
-- from Evan Wagoner -- The following is an open letter to my home, Orcas Island, in San Juan County, in Washington State. I’m writing this as our first confirmed COVID-19 case was just announced on Orcas. Written with love. Please share if you are moved to. Dear Neighbors, Over the past
Orcas Food Co-op closes doors, moves to curbside pickup, home delivery
-- from Learner Limbach for Orcas Food Co-op -- We are officially closing Orcas Food Co-op’s doors to the public, effective tomorrow, Monday, March 23rd, and moving to 100% curbside pickup and delivery. A form for placing orders is live on the homepage of our website. You may also e-mail homedelivery@orcasfood.coop or call
Easter eggs to stay hidden for this year
-- from Steve Schaefer, Orcas Island Lions Club -- As most people would expect, the Orcas Island Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt, previously scheduled for April 11, has been cancelled. This event normally serves about 125 kids and their families and is held at Moran State Park the Saturday morning
Webb outlines steps being taken by public school to keep moving forward
-- from Eric Webb for Orcas Island School District -- Dear Students, Parents, Staff, & Community, Over the past week, Orcas Island School District has been working diligently to move all operations to remote status. Going forward, we will have a limited presence on campus as we continue to (1)
Chamber of Commerce urges visitors to postpone Orcas Island travel
-- from Lance Evans, Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce -- The safety of our Orcas island community is our highest priority. In light of growing concerns about COVID-19, the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce is encouraging visitors to postpone their travel plans to the island to limit the potential spread
