Podcasts

County Public Health Report ~ 12/19/22

The following is a recording of the presentation during the Public Health briefings at this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting made by Jefferson and Clallam County Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry. The summary below was provided by Jim Burke, producer of KPTZ’s Tuesday’s Local News.

In Jefferson County, the two-week COVID-19 case rate last week was 451 but is now 398 per 100,000 people. Two people are currently hospitalized. 73 new cases were added this week for a total of 6,536 cases. Dr. Berry said three viruses are still challenging our community, that nationally COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise, and 400 people are dying from COVID-19 every day across the U.S. Statewide, there is also a rise in cases, but she said in Jefferson County case rates are relatively flat. In Clallam County there IS a rise with 6 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19.

Influenza is being reported at a 33% rate in testing, which is high, and there is a high presentation of cases in hospitals and clinics, but she says they might be seeing a plateau in flu cases. 40 people have died due to influenza in Washington State this season.

In terms of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), Dr. Berry said we are seeing a plateau and even a drop in RSV cases in the central Puget Sound. This is freeing up some pediatric bed space in the major hospitals there, which is making it possible to transfer more severely ill young patients to children’s hospitals in the I-5 corridor. She feels we could see a downtrend on all three viruses soon, but she said, “It all depends on US!”

“The biggest thing for all three of these is to wear a mask indoors. It does reduce transmission of Covid, RSV, and flu. For flu and Covid, there are highly effective vaccines available that can reduce your likelihood of getting infected with the virus and spreading it to others, and dramatically reduce your risk of getting severely ill. The COVID-19 bivalent boosters are available to anyone 6 months and up, so if it’s been more than 2 months since your kiddoes got their vaccines, we recommend moving forward with the bivalent booster. Flu vaccines are also available for anyone 6 months and older. And last, but not least, staying home when you are sick is really critical.”

Aphorisms for Modern Living

(December 19, 2022 – Aphorisms for Modern Living) In a world of daily challenges, Ray offers pithy observations that contain a general truth.

Cycling for World Rejuvenation

(Airdate: December 29, 2022) Rachel Dunn and Kellen Lynch share some of the highlights of their travels through Western Europe, a tour they undertook by bicycle and train in search of sustainable practices in agriculture, housing and community. Hosted by Phil Andrus.

Community Tides ~ 12/16/22

Community Tides comes to you twice each month, with hosts Chris Bricker and Siobhan Canty, President & CEO of Jefferson Community Foundation. We join special guests to discuss fresh ideas, new developments and new paradigms as we travel into the months ahead. Today, Chris and Siobhan visit with Dick Schneider, who lovingly tends to orphan orchids at Raincoast Farms, a magical place tucked away among fir, hemlock and old growth cedars, just minutes from Port Townsend. In two greenhouses, Dick has a collection of unique species of tropical plants and selected hybrid orchids. Once he rehabilitates donated orchids to flower and health, he re-homes them to Jefferson Health Care.

Brewocracy Now with John Mauro ~ 12/15/22

Today on Brewocracy Now co-hosts Taylor Clark and City Manager John Mauro were joined by Port Townsend City Councilmember Libby Wennstrom. Libby answered questions about her first year on Council. They also talked about tonight’s Planning Commission Open Microphone (6pm in Council chambers) collecting public input on zoning changes to increase housing availability.

Nature Now #597
Waterbird Migration Field Trip – Part 2

(Reprise Airdate: December 14, 2022) Host Debaran Kelso searches for migrating waterbirds with ecologist Geoff Hammerson as our guide (Part 2 of a 2 part program).

#213 Nancy Erley, Sailor and Global Adventurer

(Airdate: December 13, 2022) Maryanne interviews Nancy Erley, a remarkable sailor who has circumnavigated the globe twice. She grew up in the Midwest, but Girl Scout membership ignited the dream of becoming a sailor. Her main passion at the University of Washington was the sailing team, although she did study enough to graduate. One adventure led to another until sailing around the world became an achievable dream. Each round-the-world sail took five years. The all-female team had amazing and occasionally terrifying adventures. There was the night near the top of Australia when the sea was alive with poisonous snakes. No one slept that night! Nancy remains quite active in the boating community here and regularly speaks at industry events. She also teaches many classes, specializing in teaching female students.

JeffCo Parks and Rec Center

(Airdate: December 13, 2022) Missy Nielsen interviews Chris Macklin, head of of the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Department to acquaint us with the multiple opportunities to get involved with the recreational offerings of this department. With a county-wide reach, these programs have impacted hundreds – from toddlers to seniors. Listen in to hear how rewarding it is to work with our youth through this invaluable resource: Jefferson County Parks and Recreations and its recreation center.

The Mystery of the Vinyl Duck

(December 12, 2022 – The Mystery of the Vinyl Duck) In the seething underworld of Paris, Monsieur Baguette uncovers the harrowing fate of a squishy toy.

County Public Health Report ~ 12/12/22

Below is a recording of the presentation during the Public Health briefings at this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting made by Jefferson and Clallam County Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry. The summary below was provided by Jim Burke, producer of KPTZ’s Tuesday’s Local News:
– Pediatric hospitals and pediatric beds are far beyond capacity.
– Wear a mask in any indoor public setting.
– If you are sick, stay home.
– If your children are sick, keep them home.
– Get the flu shot and the Bivalent booster COVID-19 shot, if you can.
– Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are all surging and we will not turn the corner until probably the end of January.
– Keep the grandparents safe, and skip Christmas dinner if you need to.