Redmond, Oregon, sits only 17 miles north of Bend and the quick and easy access to outdoor recreational opportunities help support the city as one of the fastest-growing residential and industrial communities in Oregon. Where mostly sunny days proceed clear, cool nights and precipitation is minimal, keeping true to the designation of the high desert. In the early 20th Century the area was inhabited by settlers determined to carve out a piece of their American dream amongst the sagebrush and juniper trees. Redmond gained its name from Frank and Josephine Redmond, who settled in what would become the downtown area. Lured with the possibility of free homesteading and promise of the railroad s arrival, land and business speculators, along with farmers, came to town. There were even promotional pamphlets stating, Everything points to Redmond as a commercial center. Merchants, professional men, manufacturers, home seekers should investigate Redmond now, before the railroad
I m a single woman in my mid-
30s with an older half brother I haven t seen in 20 years. He started calling me several years ago, and we speak sporadically (always instigated by him). He s married and refers to me as the aunt to his four children (whom I ve never met). Recently, he asked whether they could all stay with me for a while. On the next call, he asked to borrow money. I have yet to give him answers. I can t help but suspect he just intended to use me all along. Is there a way to figure out whether that was the case? If so, I really don t want anything to do with him.
There aren t many businesses that are immune to COVID-19 s impact. For some businesses, changes aren t easily made. One of those places is Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy, the 23-year-old gym that, due to COVID-19, is now facing the reality that a permanent closure might be on the horizon. While COGA has received some federal and state aid, it hasn t been enough to make up for closures or running at limited capacity, according to its website, and the gym isn t even breaking even. Those who are part of COGA s community are trying to change that. Courtesy of Sharman Watt Sharman Watt misses the gym just as much as her kids do.