6A
FEATURES
Salute veterans in February
Dear Annie: America cares interested will also have the
deeply for its veterans. Each chance to explore some of our
and every day, volunteers and exceptional volunteer programs.
The VA is more than just
Department of Veterans Affairs
employees alike provide com- buildings in a community. Over
passionate and devoted care 350,000 people serve veterans at
for those who “have borne the the 1,200-plus health care facil-
ities across the country
battle.”
DEAR
every day. The valuable
As we have done
partnerships with vol-
for many years, this
ANNIE
unteers strengthen the
February,
Americans
bond with the veterans
will participate in the
we care and provide ser-
National Salute to Vet-
vices for.
eran Patients by visiting
We also work hand
and volunteering at VA
in hand with our valu-
medical centers and by
able veteran service
sending letters of thanks
Lane
organizations, civic and
or valentines to veter- Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
community
partners,
ans. This year’s National
and caring individuals
Salute week is Feb.
13-17, and we again encourage from across the country.
Last year, 272,834 valentines
communities across the country
to take part in this effort to honor were received at VA medical
centers, arriving from schools,
our hospitalized veterans.
The National Salute is a great community groups and youth
time for citizens to get to know organizations nationwide. Addi-
their local VA facilities and the tionally, more than 9,000 volun-
veterans who receive care from teers contributed to events and
the VA. Activities and events activities recognizing our hos-
throughout the week open the pitalized veterans. I thank you
door for those in the commu- and your readers for your work
nity to show their appreciation in bringing attention to this wor-
through special ward visits, val- thy cause.
Of special note, VA Voluntary
entine distribution and veteran
recognition programs. Those Service estimates that approx-
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
imately 160 new community
organizations participated in the
2016 National Salute campaign.
The Department of Veterans
Affairs continues to do a con-
siderable amount of outreach to
invite nonprofits and commu-
nity, civic and corporate entities
to share in our noble mission of
caring for veterans. Last year’s
effort will serve as a notable
benchmark to begin expanding
our efforts to sustain and grow
viable strategic partnerships, as
well as meaningful volunteer
engagement.
I encourage your thought-
ful readers to take time this Feb-
ruary to honor our veterans. As
always, Annie, thank you for
your support for this outstanding
program.
For more information regard-
ing the National Salute and vol-
unteer opportunities at a local
VA medical center, please visit
http://www.volunteer.va.gov. —
Sabrina C. Clark, director of VA
Voluntary Service
Dear Sabrina: Thank you for
this excellent reminder to honor
the veterans in our own commu-
nities. I encourage all my read-
ers to participate in the National
Salute this February.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). You feel stalled
in some respects, but it’s not your fault; it’s the
destination. The goal is off. Change what you
want from the situation, and you’ll find that the
road is totally clear.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The people who
you’d categorize as “fun” are the same ones
who tend to find something new in a familiar
situation. It’s one of the reasons that you’ll be
looking for the novelty in something you do
nearly every day.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). If no one can give
you self-confidence, then no one can take it
away, either. There are, however, those who
foster an atmosphere where such a thing
can grow. They should be your first choice for
company.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Everything
doesn’t have to be big and spectacular to be
pleasing to you. Simple pleasures will be even
more satisfying now, as you effortlessly settle
into them.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Making small talk is a
ubiquitous feature of your professional standing
and your busy social life, though not one that
you always feel prepared for. Pick your topics
before you leave the house, and you’ll win at
conversation.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re interesting
in so many ways. Don’t be in a rush to reveal
them all up front. There’s an art to impressing
people and getting them intrigued — rather
than impressing with the effect of making peo-
ple jealous and resentful.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Absurdity is a tone
that intellectuals, artists and humorists like you
can pull off beautifully. By the way, if you don’t
think of yourself in these terms, it’s about time
FRANK AND ERNEST
BLONDIE
THATABABY
SALLY FORTH
PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN
B.C.
LOLA
DILBERT
SIX CHIX
BIZARRO
MUTTS
NON SEQUITUR
BABY BLUES
WIZARD OF ID
ZITS
ROSE IS ROSE
you started to, because it’s definitely part of
who you are.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You can go
through the day’s challenges hoping not to
crash, but you’ll only be shortchanging yourself.
Instead, go into them anticipating the oppor-
tunity to take a running leap into the sky and
soar.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Ask an OK
question; have an OK time. Ask a better ques-
tion; have a better time. Ask the question; hold
on for a conversational loop-the-loop that no
one was expecting and none will soon forget.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). So many
instances prove that in life, it doesn’t matter
how intelligent you are: What matters most is
how prepared you are. That big brain of yours
notwithstanding, get ready today and you’ll
succeed tomorrow.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). When you
love and are loved, it makes everything a little
easier. You feel like you can choose what to get
emotionally invested in. The perspective you
come from is one of involved detachment.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You don’t always
turn up your power to high voltage, because it’s
not the level that’s needed much of the time,
and you don’t want to exhibit bad taste. Howev-
er, you can afford to amp it up somewhat today.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 12). Ob-
structions in the road to happiness will lift. This
year everything will seem to come to you with
much less effort than before. In February, start-
ing a new project or relationship will put you
in a positively effervescent state. March is for
investing. June gives you a different take on the
current situation. Gemini and Virgo adore you.
Your lucky numbers are: 4, 9, 20, 18 and 45.