A6 The BulleTin • Friday, FeBruary 12, 2021
Summit High
DEAR ABBY
Write to Dear Abby online at dearabby.com
or by mail at P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Dear Abby: My now-ex
and I had a complicated,
four-year on-again, off-again
relationship. I finally ended it
five months ago, but I’m still
not sure whether I made the
right choice.
Every guy I date I compare
to him. It’s hard to imagine
myself with anyone else. We
were so similar, and we made
so many plans together. Our
families weren’t crazy about
us being together. I backed
away many times because I
wasn’t sure of us in the long
term.
Maybe it was because I’m
only 22 and scared of com-
mitting forever, or because I
want to be a doctor and have
years of schooling ahead of
me. Our relationship was al-
ways very hot and passion-
ate, but it turned very cold
and distant sometimes.
I’m confused. Did I leave
for the hope of something
better or a fear of commit-
ment? Or was it because I’m
young and still trying to fig-
ure out my life and felt he
was holding me back?
— Second Thoughts in Arizona
Dear Second Thoughts:
Your life is just beginning. If
you are sincere about your
desire to be a doctor, you
may have to postpone other
aspects of your life until you
are closer to your goal. The
last thing you need in the
near term is the distraction
of a hot and passionate/cold
and distant romance.
You mentioned that you
backed away “many times”
because you were unsure
about the two of you in the
long term. Please stop tor-
menting yourself. When you
meet Mr. Right, you won’t
have those second thoughts
because you will know the
relationship is right.
Dear Abby: I’m in a pro-
fession that I don’t enjoy any-
more, and I would love to
venture into another field of
interest. I have been in this
industry for 10 years, and
it carries a lot of stress that
I’d like to rid myself of. My
concern, however, is that my
husband is not working, so I
bear all the financial weight.
We have two kids, and he’s
a stay-at-home father, which
is what we want for our chil-
dren. We have been fortu-
nate to be able to do this on
my income alone, but I’m
afraid this has obligated me
to maintain a job in which
I’m not happy in order to
ensure my family’s financial
security.
How can I try to discover
my passion so I can be happy
in my day-to-day while keep-
ing bills paid and food on the
table? Is this even possible,
or must I suck it up and do
what’s best for my family?
— Seeking Something New
Dear Seeking: If you hav-
en’t already begun, start a di-
alogue about this with your
husband. If he’s willing to
change the dynamic of your
arrangement, the answer
could be as simple as his tak-
ing a part-time job to ease
some of the financial burden
on you while you explore
your options. I’m sorry you
didn’t mention how old your
children are, because after
COVID restrictions are lifted
and they are back in the
classroom, he might be able
to find something during
their school hours.
Happy New Year to My
Asian Readers Who Cele-
brate the Lunar New Year:
The Year of the Ox begins
today. I wish a happy, healthy
new year to all who celebrate
this holiday. People born in
the Year of the Ox are stead-
fast and determined, and
that’s no bull.
— Love, Abby
YOUR HOROSCOPE
By Madalyn Aslan
Stars show the kind of day you’ll have
DYNAMIC | POSITIVE | AVERAGE | SO-SO | DIFFICULT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR FRIDAY, FEB. 12, 2021: Multitalented,
determined and conceptual, you’re often devoted to a cause. This year, your
endurance and persistence carry you toward success against formidable
odds. Bravo. If single, you meet someone this year who rocks your world
and opens you up to the higher planes. It will be up to you if a commitment
ensues. If attached, a creative connection is important, as well as recognition
and appreciation. TAURUS keeps you grounded.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
You will feel the need to keep secrets today. Gossip and chatter will
be constant, and discretion is an issue. This provides a perfect opportunity
for self-analysis and soul-searching. Many surprising insights come. Tonight:
You get — or receive — a brilliant idea.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Today brings a deeper sense of self. Diversify rather than get bogged
down by one large, overwhelming project. Finances brighten, and your heart
is warmed by the love and regard of others. Tonight: Reach out to others. You
will be warmly received.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Continued from A1
An email sent to families
Wednesday night by Summit
Principal Michael McDonald
said a weekend party might
be the reason behind the
COVID-19 outbreak.
“It remains quite plausible
that the party may have created
a super-spreader environment
— jeopardizing our ability to
return to school and to school
related events,” McDonald
wrote. “To say that I am dis-
appointed that dozens of local
youths were in attendance at
a confirmed party, unmasked
and crowded together, would
be a gross understatement.”
Bend-La Pine Schools and
Deschutes County Health
Services will also offer free
COVID-19 testing Friday for
those that feel they may have
been exposed at Summit, Mc-
Donald wrote. Students who
get tested who may have at-
tended the party will not re-
ceive sanctions, he clarified.
Jace Bracelin — a junior at
Summit who founded a stu-
dent group, the Bend-La Pine
Schools Student Union, in Jan-
uary to demand more stringent
reopening safety measures —
said he wasn’t surprised by the
closure.
“This is exactly what we
were saying was going to hap-
pen,” he told The Bulletin.
Bracelin, 17, confirmed that
multiple Summit students at-
tended a party last weekend.
But he also noted that students
from other local high schools
were there as well, based on
photos he saw.
“We understand that stu-
dents want to go back to social
settings, and that they have a
desire to hang out with friends
Bond
Continued from A1
“We’re just trying to make
sure we’re looking ahead to
make sure we’re doing these
upgrades now, so down the
road we don’t have to do more,”
Laurie Danzuka, chair of the
school board, told The Bulletin.
However, the specific schools
that will receive upgrades —
and what specific upgrades
those schools would get —
won’t be determined until lo-
cals are surveyed in the spring,
according to Martha Bewley,
chief financial officer of the
school district.
“We really need to go out to
our community and seek their
input as we move forward,” she
told The Bulletin.
A long-range facility plan,
provided by the school district,
recommended repairs to many
school roofs across the district.
Many schools also need their
heating and cooling systems re-
placed, and other fixes like new
ceiling tiles, more accessible
doors, better outdoor lighting
and more.
Ryan Brennecke/Bulletin file
Students exit the main entrance of Summit High School after school in 2018.
and feel some normalcy again,”
Bracelin said of the party. “But
we suggest that students defi-
nitely don’t do that.”
The school district did not
confirm whether they were
monitoring for cases, or if
there were other COVID-19
outbreaks at Mountain View or
Bend high schools.
Brittany DeBels — the
mother of a sophomore at
Summit and a pediatric nurse
at St. Charles Bend — said
she was disappointed and sur-
prised that the students had
to return to distance learning
almost immediately after Sum-
mit reopened its doors.
“To have it be the first week,
and already take this big step
back, is unfortunate,” she said.
“But I hope it’s a big wake
up call for high schoolers all
across the region, that this can
happen.”
Johanna Bents, whose son is
also a sophomore at Summit,
said pausing in-person school
was a smart decision. She be-
lieves the return to distance
learning should give health
officials plenty of time for con-
tact tracing and investigation,
so students can eventually go
back to the classroom safely.
Her son felt similarly, she
said.
“It was fine for him,” Bents
said. “He wishes he were at
school, but he understands that
(contact tracing) needs to be
taken care of.”
As a result of the outbreak,
the high school’s athletic pro-
grams are canceling practices
until students are able to return
to the classroom. This comes
less than 24 hours after high
school sports in Oregon won
approval to return to play after
11 months.
“Since the school closed, we
(the athletic department) are
closing down,” said Summit
Athletic Director Mike Car-
penter.Outdoor contact sports
were granted permission by
the governor Wednesday to
move forward with competi-
All but two major schools in
the district — Warm Springs
K-8 Academy and Jefferson
County Middle School, built in
2014 and 1995, respectively —
were built more than 55 years
ago, although most received a
remodel in the 2000s. The two
oldest buildings are the alter-
native school, Bridges High
School, and Madras Elemen-
tary — both built in 1938. The
latter hasn’t received a remodel
since 1951, according to the
district.
Even the Warm Springs K-8
Academy, built just seven years
ago, needs new classrooms due
to rising enrollment, according
to the long-range plan.
However, state enrollment
data shows that the K-8 has ac-
tually shrunk in student popu-
lation for three straight school
years, peaking in the 2017-18
school year with 664 students.
This year, 585 students attend
the school, but it should be
noted enrollment has fallen in
public schools statewide due to
the COVID-19 pandemic.
If passed, the bond will not
raise property taxes for resi-
dents in the school district’s
attendance area. This is partly
because the school district refi-
nanced its 2012 bond — which
paid for Madras High School’s
performing arts building
and partly funded the Warm
Springs K-8 Academy — saving
taxpayers millions, Bewley said.
Furthermore, debt from an
older school bond will be re-
tiring right as the possible new
bond would take effect, she
said.
This is the exact same strat-
egy that Redmond School Dis-
trict used last November, and
its no-new-taxes bond com-
fortably passed.
However, Bewley shied away
from making any predictions
about whether Jefferson Coun-
ty’s school bond would find
equal success.
“Every community is differ-
ent,” she said.
The school district is in the
midst of forming a committee
— comprised of school board
members, an architect, school
staff and community members
— to determine which remodel
projects at which schools will
tion. Schools in high and ex-
treme risk counties — as is the
case for all the schools in De-
schutes, Crook and Jefferson
counties — must have limited
in-person learning in place,
with the goal of achieving hy-
brid or full in-person instruc-
tion this school year, according
to the governor’s office.
It has not been announced
whether Summit students will
remain in distance learning
next week. However, Repman
said she believed students will
return to in-person learning by
Tuesday, after the Presidents
Day holiday.
This is not the first time
Summit students upset educa-
tors and county health officials
by throwing a party during the
COVID-19 pandemic. More
than 20 seniors held an unof-
ficial, unmasked homecoming
party last October.
e
e
Bulletin prep sports reporter Brian
Rathbone contributed to this report.
Reporter: 541-617-7854,
jhogan@bendbulletin.com
be prioritized, said Bewley.
This committee will likely start
surveying locals in the spring,
she said.
In a December 2020 survey
sent to families, community
members and school staff, with
69 responses, 77% said they’d
support a bond that would
fund roof repairs districtwide,
according to district data. Six-
ty-five percent said they’d sup-
port a bond that would fund
HVAC, plumbing and lighting
upgrades.
However, only 46% said
they’d support improvements
at Bridges High School, and
47% said they’d vote for a bond
that would build new class-
rooms at the Warm Springs
K-8 Academy. More than
20% of respondents answered
“maybe” to both of those ques-
tions.
Bewley said it will be import-
ant to do a more comprehen-
sive survey later this year.
“Our community is a lot
larger than 69 (respondents),”
she said.
e
Reporter: 541-617-7854,
jhogan@bendbulletin.com
A job or project could be ending. Don’t try to struggle against the
inevitable. If one door closes, another will open — even if it feels like it is
nailed shut. Update your job knowledge and skills. Reach out to colleagues.
Tonight: Relax with loved ones.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
Today reveals new opportunities on the horizon. Your luck is
changing for the better. Select goals for the future. Write a wish list. Much
information and many new ideas are directed your way. Tonight: Opportuni-
ties for study or your career are likely to come about.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
You’ll be doing some sleuthing today. There is a mystery you are
determined to solve. An intriguing new course of study presents new per-
spectives. It is a wonderful time to pursue projects that have interested you
before. Tonight: Early beddie-byes.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You’ll find that it is a time to review your many types of relationships.
Today releases a relationship you’ve outgrown. In regard to business as well
as romance, seek progressive associates who bring fresh outlooks. Tonight:
Dinner with a loved one.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Get enough rest and avoid companions or situations that you know ar-
en’t good for you. Your long-term wellness depends on you being your own
best friend today. Be good and gentle with yourself. Tonight: A long herbal
soak in the tub.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Today enables you to understand children well. Listen carefully to
loved ones, and a new rapport will develop. Friendships move to a deeper
level. Others will offer you the emotional support you need. Tonight: A new
strength and confidence develops.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
A household gathering is peppered with lively discussions. Ideas
and stories that family members exchange will inspire you. The day promises
ease and satisfaction. If you feel like being a homebody today, and that is
perfectly OK. Tonight: A good night’s sleep.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You will speak and move more quickly today. Short journeys, meet-
ings and many conversations set a busy pace. Stay well-informed. It is an ex-
cellent time to catch up on correspondence, make plans or try some serious
writing. Tonight: Watch the news.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Today emphasizes your finances. An extra job or project opportunity
might very well boost your income. Careful study of your budget assists in
stretching your hard-earned money. Avoid being too generous with others.
Tonight: Offer a needy person encouragement and advice.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
Your motivation is exceptionally high today. If you can maintain
perspective and avoid overkill, much will be accomplished. Select peace,
forgiveness and release as
Richter
Continued from A1
“Through all the Black
Lives Matter events that have
happened throughout the past
year, it’s just felt very like the
leadership of Bend is sitting
on the fence watching every-
thing happening, not really
engaging with the commu-
nity,” he said. “I feel the com-
munity deserves leadership
(who) is going to stand with
them, no matter what stance
that needs to be.”
In a statement, Richter also
mentioned he felt it is import-
ant to have people who are
not financially well-off repre-
sented on the council.
“For far too long it has felt
like the wealthiest individuals
of Bend have been the ones
elected to these positions and
this needs to change. The ma-
jority of Bend is not extremely
wealthy,” he wrote.
Richter also cited a Black
Lives Matter proclamation be-
ing “watered down” by a city
councilor as a reason for run-
ning in a statement on his per-
sonal Facebook page.
An 11-year Bend resident,
Richter works as a delivery
driver for the company Door-
Dash and will soon work an-
other job at a local distillery.
He founded the Central Or-
egon Peacekeepers, a social
justice activist group, in the
summer amid nationwide
protests for racial equity.
If elected, Richter said he
would prioritize addressing
homelessness by utilizing va-
cant land in Bend to house
people and to establish a CA-
HOOTS-type policing model.
CAHOOTS is a program
in Eugene that sends men-
tal health specialists to men-
tal-health related calls instead
of armed police officers.
In addition to the may-
or’s seat, two other seats cur-
rently held by Councilor Gena
Goodman-Campbell and
Councilor Barb Campbell will
also be up for election the fall
of 2022.
e
Reporter: 541-633-2160,
bvisser@bendbulletin.com
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