By Mike De Felice
Special to Kitsap Daily News
PORT ORCHARD – One thing everyone can agree on in polarized America is this: 2020 was an unprecedented year.
It was a year in which a pandemic swept the world impacting hundreds of millions of lives and ravaging global economies. Kitchen tables became student desks for many kids. In the U.S. and parts of the world, racial unrest over police brutality and cultural repression broke out. Major forest fires blazed along vast swaths of the western U.S. There was a presidential impeachment and bitterly divisive presidential election.
Locally, murder hornets were unwelcome visitors to the Pacific Northwest and a critical Seattle arterial bridge was closed for fear of its failure. And, horror of horrors, there wasn’t even an Apple Cup game to determine college football bragging rights in this state.
On the other hand, if one were to look for a silver lining to the just-transpired year:
We were able to spend more time with the family. Our pets enjoyed having us work from home. Monthly fitness club fees disappeared as living rooms became micro workout spaces. Maddening commutes to work gave way to office sessions done remotely from home (although you had to remember not to stand during a Zoom meeting while in your pajamas).
Many, including this writer, fell victim to the dreaded “COVID-15” (as measured in pounds) by eating more and engaging in less physical activity. So, what will 2021 be like? Will it be more of the same or a time of refreshingly new, positive developments?
The Independent asked selected individuals to get out their crystal ball and make predictions for 2021. Here are what folks think will happen next year:
“My prediction is that toilet paper
sales will yet again be at an all-time high!”
— Fathoms O’ Fun Junior Princess Rose Nitz
“Carol Baskins will be eaten by a tiger. And Karen will be the least popular baby name.”
State Rep. Michelle Caldier
— State Rep. Michelle Caldier, 26th Legislative District
“Disney theme parks will promote a massive ‘back to normal’ reopening celebration in June (after school is out and vaccines are available). Donald Trump will be convicted of a least one felony.”
— Retired Microsoft executive Gary Smith
“Courtesy will make a big comeback. All children will be back in classrooms in September. Vaccines will help tremendously, but many of us will still be wearing masks this summer. The Seattle Storm will repeat as WNBA champs!”
— KING5 Morning News anchor Steve Bunin
KING5 Morning News anchor Steve Bunin with daughter Gabriela. (Courtesy photo)
“COVID will be behind us and our lives will return to a new normal. The Seahawks will return to the Super Bowl and gain redemption over the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2006 Super Bowl loss.”
— Port Orchard Mayor Rob Putaansuu
Port Orchard Mayor Rob Putaansuu
“The TV show “Lost” will be brought back, only this time, most of the show will be bad but the ending will be good.”
“The Seahawks will hire Earl Thomas as their new defensive coordinator. When Diggs gets hurt, Earl will come in and play and become the first coach to simultaneously coach and play in the NFL.”
“Brad Pitt will marry Jennifer Aniston, again, only to leave her for Courteney Cox later in the year, ruining any chances for a ‘Friends’ reunion.”
“In 2021, Netflix will decide that streaming is dying and choose to open up a chain of Blu-ray rental stores.”
– John Richardson, president of the South Kitsap Education Association
“When I’m finally allowed to hug the family and friends I haven’t been able to in 9 months, they’re going to get a really good hug.”
“When we return to doing things in-person, we’re going to wish some people were still accidentally muted during our meetings.”
“Russell will get back to cooking and the Seahawks will defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. While Season 2 is fantastic, Season 3 of ‘The Mandalorian’ in 2021 will be even better.”
– U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, 6th Congressional District congressman
“America is getting bigger around the waistline every day. People are working out more at home and dumbells are in short supply on Amazon, but certainly not in government.”
This is something I sure wish would happen: “FDA approves chocolate-flavored diet pills.”
Watching the news every day can be pretty depressing. Next year, there will be a “Good News Station,” presenting nothing but good news 24/7. That will surely help while you are stuck at home.”
– John Balph, North Seattle
“2021 will be more of the same COVID business. Amazon will launch drone delivery nationwide.”
– Brian Ackerman, Normandy Park
“Airline and hotel stocks will soar. By the end of the year, it will be hard to book airline and hotel reservations for trips to Vegas and Hawaii. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner gatherings will make a big comeback.”
“We’ll be able to enjoy movies at theaters while munching popcorn.”
– Mike De Felice, Independent correspondent
“We will return to civil discourse. Enough of us will get vaccinated so that we get back to a normal life.”
– Port Orchard Police Chief Matt Brown
“The House and Senate, on both sides of the aisle – along with community leaders, neighbors, doctors and parents, will again rally around my bill to expand Medicaid coverage for new birth parents, from 60 days to a full year post-birth.”
“This virtual legislative session will mean more community members – who normally could not afford to take time off of work or find child care – will be able to participate in the legislative process remotely by phone or by Zoom to share their story with us.”
“My new puppy Ricky Martína will quickly dwarf her “big” sister Frida – but will keep trying to chew on all our cables and cords even after her baby shark teeth are replaced by big girl teeth.”
– State Sen. Emily Randall, 26th Legislative District
State Sen. Emily Randall
“I have one wish for 2021 (besides wishing everyone good health and prosperity). On Jan. 21, I don’t want to see or hear about ‘Baby Brat Trump.’ He doesn’t deserve any more publicity to feed his ego.”
– Marilyn Boe, Port Orchard
“My prediction for next year is that South Kitsap High School will be a happening place with our sports teams and clubs rocking it on the regional, state and national levels!”
– SKHS teacher Jenn Bressert
“COVID will continue to be a hot topic. Seahawks will make it to the Super Bowl and play against the Kansas City Chiefs. McDonald’s will FINALLY come out with a veggie burger (just for me).”
– Fathoms O’ Fun Senior Princess Kate Thompson
“Honestly, I am not quite sure what I think will happen in 2021. I think it may be similar to what’s currently happening with COVID and everything, but I’m hoping it gets better next year!”
– Fathoms O’ Fun Senior Princess Veronica Mihai
