A6 THE BULLETIN • SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021
Jobs
DEAR ABBY
Continued from A5
Write to Dear Abby online at dearabby.com
or by mail at P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Dear Abby: I am a 72-year-
old divorcee. I live alone in
a 55-and-older community
where I have many friends
and an active life.
My three adult children
are ages 37 to 43. The eldest
lives out of the country with
my 12-year-old grandson. My
other son and his wife live
2,000 miles away and have
two young children, one of
whom I saw once three years
ago. My daughter lives with
her husband an hour and a
half away. I see them about
twice a year.
My daughter will some-
times answer an email or
text, sometimes not. My sons
almost never contact me,
not even on my birthday or
Mother’s Day. From what I
understand, they have little
communication with their fa-
ther or each other, either.
Is this normal? It breaks
my heart. This isn’t how I
raised them. I always encour-
aged them to maintain a rela-
tionship with their father and
their grandmother. Is there
anything I can do?
— So Sad in the East
Dear So Sad: I’m sorry for
your heartache, and there IS
something you can do. Con-
centrate on your friends, peo-
ple who are willing to return
your emotional investment.
You should also ignore Moth-
er’s Day, which is an emo-
tionally loaded holiday that
causes pain not only to moth-
ers like you, but also to those
who have recently lost their
mothers. I think you have
suffered enough, don’t you?
Dear Abby: My mother-in-
law, “Gladys,” has never liked
to shop from a gift list. She
prefers to look on her own
for a gift she thinks the per-
son would like. My problem
is, most of the things she buys
are atrocious.
My husband and I are ex-
pecting our first child — her
first grandchild — and al-
though we sent her the link,
she has purchased items not
on our registry. I am gra-
cious, Abby. I thank her ver-
bally and follow up with a
note in the mail. However, we
don’t have enough room for
all the items to use just when
she visits, so I plan to quietly
return or donate them.
When she’s here and asks
why we’re not using her gifts,
what do I say? I’d prefer not
to lie and say something like
“the dog chewed it up,” nor
do I want to be brutally hon-
est and tell her I found the
things she bought too ugly.
— Mom-In-Waiting
Dear Mom-In-Waiting:
Find a wide, shallow box
that will fit under a bed. Se-
lect some of the “atrocious”
gifts and use them when
Grandma Gladys comes to
visit.
If she asks why you’re not
using all of them, explain
that because you already had
some of the gifts she sent, you
donated hers to a needy fam-
ily who could enjoy them.
(It’s a diplomatic version of
the truth.)
Dear Abby: I’m a single
woman in my 30s, not a Mrs.
and too young for Ma’am.
Am I a Ms.? What do they all
stand for?
The incoming Biden ad-
ministration, along with a now
fully Democratic-led House
and Senate, is also expected
to push more rescue aid and
spending measures that could
accelerate growth.
“Hopefully it is indeed dark-
est before the dawn,” said Leslie
Preston, senior economist at
TD Bank. “We’ve got the vac-
cine and the stimulus, which
are imminent, and which
we do expect to turn things
around.”
For now, the renewed surge
in virus cases, as well as cold
weather, has caused millions
of consumers to avoid eat-
ing out, shopping and trav-
eling. Re-imposed business
restrictions have shut down
numerous restaurants, bars,
and other venues. Economists
at TD Securities estimate that
more than half the states have
restricted gatherings to 10 or
fewer people, up from about a
quarter in September.
New York and California,
among others, placed strict
new limits on restaurants last
month.
Last month, restaurants,
bars, hotels, casinos, movie
theaters and other enter-
tainment venues shed nearly
500,000 jobs, the most since
April, when nationwide shut-
downs triggered 7.6 million
layoffs. While those employers
will regain some jobs as the
economy recovers, changing
consumer habits will likely
Mary Altaffer/AP
Andrew Walcott, left, owner of Fusion East Caribbean & Soul Food restaurant, monitors the takeout orders
as his chef Andrew Jackson places an order on the counter at the restaurant in East New York neighborhood
of the Brooklyn borough of New York. Walcott had to furlough four employees at his restaurant, just before
Christmas, after New York state stopped allowing indoor dining.
mean that a portion will be
gone for good. Business travel,
for example, may not return to
pre-pandemic levels.
Most other industries added
jobs in December, with man-
ufacturers, construction com-
panies, and higher-paying
professional services such
as architecture, engineering
and accounting hiring more
workers. The huge disparities
among industries are sure to
exacerbate economic inequal-
ity, given that most of the job
losses are in lower-paid indus-
tries, while middle- and high-
er-paid workers have largely
remained employed.
Friday’s data suggests that
the pandemic economy is con-
tinuing to benefit some sectors,
with transportation and ware-
housing adding nearly 47,000
jobs. E-commerce firms also
ramped up hiring. Delivery
jobs rose 37,000.
“We’re seeing huge rota-
tion here,” said Brian Bethune,
an economist at Tufts Uni-
versity. “The higher-paying
goods-producing industries are
doing well. Unfortunately, the
leisure and hospitality indus-
tries are still getting whacked.”
The $900 billion financial
aid package that Congress en-
acted last month should also
help propel a recovery, econ-
omists say. It will provide a
$300-a-week federal jobless
benefit on top of an average
weekly state benefit of about
$320.
In addition, millions of
Americans stand to receive
$600 payments, and the Trea-
sury Department said Thurs-
day that 8 million of those
payments were going out this
week.
lenders. All applications must
be submitted and approved by
March 31. Loan amounts are
calculated using a company’s
payroll expenses; businesses
can use either their 2019 or
2020 payroll to compute how
much they can ask for.
Companies will have 24
weeks from the date they re-
ceive a loan to use the money.
While 60% of the proceeds
must be used for payroll in or-
der for loans to be forgiven,
companies can use the rest
for employee health benefits,
mortgage interest, rent, utilities
and expenses that are essential
to business operations.
The Paycheck Protection
Program is being restarted
under the coronavirus relief
bill Congress approved in late
December, providing for $284
billion in new loans. The first
two rounds, which began April
3 and ended Aug. 8, gave out
more than 5.2 million loans
worth $525 billion.
But for many businesses, in-
cluding restaurants, gyms and
retailers that depend on people
gathering in large numbers or
in close quarters, the money
was nowhere near enough as
the pandemic continued lon-
ger than anyone expected.
It’s estimated that well over
100,000 small U.S. businesses
have failed since the outbreak
began.
Moreover, many compa-
nies weren’t able to get loans,
including newly formed busi-
nesses and those whose finan-
cial records didn’t meet bank
requirements. Many businesses
applied to multiple banks, of-
ten because they couldn’t get a
response to their applications
and subsequent inquiries —
and many of these business
owners gave up in frustration
or ran out of time.
landowner or a permit to go
on state land. He or she takes a
photo o f a plant, records sur-
roundings, then waits. As bees
land on the plant, the volunteer
catches them and puts them
into tubes that humanely kill
them. Back at home, the vol-
unteer pins sample bees, then
tries to identify and label them.
“It’s like a treasure hunt,”
said Michael O’Loughlin, 58,
a Yamhill County volunteer
who drove 15,000 miles with
his brother around Oregon in
2020 looking for bees.
This winter, O’Loughlin’s ta-
bles at home are covered with
microscopes, notebooks and
bees.
After identifying bees on his
own property and then creat-
ing a better pollinator habitat,
O’Loughlin said his fruit set in
his orchards and berry crops
has increased.
“My yields have gone up sig-
nificantly,” he said.
Although the Master Melit-
tologist program is still young
— it started in 2020 — the Or-
egon Bee Atlas was created in
2018. Over the past three years,
volunteers have contributed
70,000 bee samples.
Killing bees might sound
counterintuitive to saving them
– but researchers say collecting
targeted samples like this is the
first step toward tracking pop-
ulations.
Best said researchers in Cali-
fornia, Washington, Idaho and
even Canada plan to duplicate
Oregon’s model in 2021.
— In Between M’s
Dear In Between: You
qualify for “Ms.,” if you wish
to use it. As you know, “Miss”
is the term used to denote
an unmarried woman. Af-
ter consciousness was raised
regarding equal rights for
women, some began using
“Ms.” in the workplace when
they preferred not to reveal
their marital status.
YOUR HOROSCOPE
By Madalyn Aslan
Stars show the kind of day you’ll have
Aid
Continued from A5
Starting Monday, applica-
tions for first-time borrowers
submitted by these lenders will
be accepted, followed by ap-
plications for second loans on
Wednesday. SBA said it would
begin accepting applications
from all its lenders within a
few days of that initial period
reserved for the other institu-
tions.
As with the first two rounds
of the program, applications
must be submitted online at
banks and other SBA-approved
õ õ õ õ õ DYNAMIC | õ õ õ õ POSITIVE | õ õ õ AVERAGE | õ õ SO-SO | õ DIFFICULT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR SATURDAY, JAN. 9, 2021: Hard-driv-
ing, ambitious and resourceful, you succeed brilliantly this year. Resilient
to the extreme, you snap back after the obstacles of COVID-19. Taking time
out to laugh helps you even further. If single, you’re such a workaholic that
it’s difficult to find the time to date, and you remain uncoupled this year. If
attached, you often work with your partner and are happy together this year.
LIBRA is the perfect helpmate.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
õõõõõ It’s a wonderful day to enroll in a study program or to explore spiri-
tual art and music. A broader and more expansive outlook develops. You are
inspired by new concept and possibilities. An adventurous mood prevails.
Tonight: Online meetings can be exceptionally productive.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
õõõõ Psychic links with loved ones are becoming more vivid. A lyrical qual-
ity comes to your words. Write a poem or do some public speaking. Use color
and music to express your feelings. A new spirituality touches a love affair.
Tonight: You will communicate especially well.
Bee
Continued from A5
When students pass the pro-
gram, he knights them with a
net. The volunteers come from
many walks of life — from
Portlanders to Eastern Oregon
ranchers. More than half are
retired.
“Some of these people are
birders. Studying bees is like
next-level birding,” said Best.
To catch bees, a volunteer
either gets permission from a
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
õõõõ Your heart will be warmed by the loyal support for your ideas from
those closest to you. Establish partnerships and make commitments of all
kinds. Contracts and negotiations will conclude favorably. Tonight: Your own
hunches offer the best guidance.
Willamette
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
Continued from A5
õõõ Team spirit is a must at work. You will reach your goals by fitting in with
With the assistance of Travel
Oregon, organizations in the
valley are hoping to change
that. The Willamette Valley
Visitors Association, Willa-
mette Riverkeeper, Mt. Hood
Territory and other groups
want to attract more visitors
to the Willamette Water Trail,
which runs mostly along the
Willamette and is recognized
by the National Park Service, to
foster economic development.
“I’d really love to be able to
see the future vision where
there are a variety of experi-
ences for water enthusiasts, for
people getting out and having
their first paddle, to folks who
want a multiday experience on
this nationally recognized river
system on the Willamette —
and that experience is tied to
communities along the river.
That’s where the measure of
success comes,” said Samara
Phelps, the executive director
of Mount Hood Territory.
Tori Middelstadt, the visi-
tors association development
and industry relations man-
ager, said perceptions that the
Willamette is dirty might lead
to reluctance to recreate on it.
The river was much more pol-
luted in the 20th century than
it is now. The river received a
B- report card from EcoHealth
in terms of its healthiness, with
the portion of the river near
Wilsonville receiving a B.
“At least from Oregonians’
perspective, there’s a misnomer
the crowd. Natural healing techniques and alternative therapies rejuvenate
you. Get organized. A life in good order brings peace of mind and relieves
stress. Tonight: Relax and rest.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
õõõõõ Today generates a very sociable mood. Others will be attracted to
you. Cultivate new friendships and follow through with artistic and musical
ventures. Avoid repeating what has not worked before. Pursue future travel
opportunities. Tonight: Favoring tender interludes.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
õõõõ Today brings a surprise regarding your heritage and restores peace
and harmony at home. Situations regarding your housing will be positive.
Make a special effort to communicate with family members. Tonight: Sup-
port comes to you from behind the scenes.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
õõõõ It’s the ideal day to take the initiative with new friends and groups.
Express your thoughts and experiences through writing or composing. A
new goal becomes important. Stay grounded. Tonight: Others might not be
all they seem to be. Trust your intuition.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
õõõ Today offers insight into making changes for the better regarding
finances. This underscores how emotional impulses and early family condi-
tioning can affect your financial choices. Consider carefully. Surprise oppor-
tunities arise related to professional advancement. Tonight: Avoid risks.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
õõõõ Resist the temptation to overspend or overextend. Accomplishment
comes to those who stay balanced and avoid extremes. Diffuse irritation
with humor and tolerance if situations grow stressful. An adventurous mood
prevails. Tonight: Motivation and enthusiasm are at a peak.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
õõõõ You will be less interested in material security today, and more
intrigued with other values. Past life recall and a fascination with ecology can
be a part of this change in consciousness. It’s a time of subtle growth within.
Tonight: You will know what you want.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
õõõõõ Today introduces novel ideas as well as some intriguing and bright
acquaintances. Nervous energy and stress are often at the root of health
issues in your life. These lift now with the introduction of the new. Tonight:
Memories are vivid and a lost keepsake mysteriously reappears.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
õõõõ Today favors enthusiasm and motivation as well as some anger
issues related to money. There is a strong focus on enhancing your public im-
age and good name. Keep the importance of credibility in mind and all will
be well. Tonight: Much deep Pisces reflection.
“You can put a canoe and kayak in Eugene
and paddle the river until the Columbia.
(That’s) 187 miles. You can camp along it. It’s
very user- friendly.”
— Heather King,
Willamette Riverkeeper deputy director
that the Willamette is dirty.
The Willamette Riverkeeper
has done a lot of environmen-
tal work. It’s clean, safe and rec-
reational.” she said.
King also said many perceive
the Willamette as a day-trip
option but not a place for mul-
tiday travel.
“You can put a canoe and
kayak in Eugene and paddle
the river until the Columbia.
(That’s) 187 miles. You can
camp along it. It’s very user-
friendly,” she said.
Some concepts these groups
are working on include im-
proving signs along the river,
creating updated maps and
providing information on
rules, how to obtain a river ac-
cess permit and historical con-
text. They also plan to include
destinations such as restau-
rants and hotels that can help
river users plan their trips. This
information will be available
on the Willamette Water Trail
website, willamettewatertrail.
org/, and other community
sites.
Eventually, they also hope to
establish more nonmotorized
facilities and restrooms along
the river, which Phelps said
are needed. The visitors asso-
ciation noted that the Legisla-
ture and Oregon State Marine
Board’s establishment of a wa-
ter access permit program has
created a funding stream for
the development of more boat
launches along the river.
“Water access sites have been
designed with motorized rec-
reation as the focus and that’s
great. We have a need for in-
frastructure that’s focused on
nonmotorized as well,” Phelps
said.
King mentioned Indepen-
dence, as an example of an Or-
egon city that melds the river
into its local economy. The city
has a hotel along the river as
well as campgrounds nearby.
It also has separate areas for
paddlers and motorized boats
to enter the river, which Mid-
delstadt said improves accessi-
bility. She added that a uniform
locker system for recreators to
store their equipment along the
river is a long-term goal.
Doris June George
of Redmond, OR
June 26, 1929 -
January 4, 2021
Arrangements:
Arrangements Entrusted
To: Redmond Memorial
Chapel
www.redmondmemorial.
com ; 541.548.3219
Services:
A visitation is scheduled for
Friday, Jan. 08, 2021 from
10am-4pm at Redmond
Memorial Chapel
Contributions may be
made to:
Charity of Your Choice.
Ruby Louise Wilbur
of Powell Butte, OR
July 15, 1928 -
January 1, 2021
Arrangements:
Arrangements are
entrusted to Redmond
Memorial Chapel. Please
visit redmondmemorial.
com to sign the virtual
guestbook and/or leave a
thought or memory for the
family.
Services:
Private Family Services
Contributions may be
made to:
Charity of Your Choice
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