Question of the Week: What are you doing for Memorial Day Weekend?

May 23

By Tom Peterson

Welcome to Question of the Week, a weekly news column that poses timely questions about life, politics, culture, economics, health, and more to people out and about in our communities.

Travis Elton, 55, The Dalles

We caught up with Travis while he was on duty with The Dalles Police Department. This morning he was watching for people driving without safety belts - part of the National Traffic Safety Click it or Ticket campaign.

Those receiving a ticket for not wearing their seat belt can also choose to take a diversion class with Oregon State Police Trooper Michael Holoran.

Editors Note - Mike gave me a ticket for the offense probably 15 years ago. and I ended up taking his class - I learned a ton from him about getting kids properly buckled up. For example - children, regardless of age, need a booster seat until their back is firmly against the car seat and their feet can sit flatly and firmly on the floor of the vehicle. Pretty good, huh Mike?

Travis said he pulled over several people this morning, May 23, for distracted driving, but he had goodies for safe behavior.

“When we pull people over and their kids have their seat belts on, we give them a coupon for a free ice cream…,” he said.

And are you working on Memorial Day?

“No, just today. We’re going to BBQ with the in-laws. I love to make pulled pork, brisket and chicken. I’ve got a Traeger. I use it a lot.”

Chase DeBoard, 32, Parkdale

We caught up with Chase at The Dalles Auto Parts where he was sitting on a stool and waiting to get new jets for his carburetor. Chase works at the Mt. Hood Railroad in Hood River where he runs the Railbike program.

“We are getting together with family in Cascade Locks and going boating. Nieces, and step siblings. My family is coming from Prineville. I will try to drag someone to the fish hatchery at Bonneville. It's a beautiful place with amazing steelhead.”

Connie Thomasian, 63, Rowena

“After I get done showing houses, I’m either going windsurfing in Rowena or mountain biking in Post Canyon. Afterwards, I’m going to drink beer.”

What kind?

“IPA.”

What kind of IPA?

“Bodhizafa from Fort George Brewing.”

Valentino Romero, 27, The Dalles

We caught up with Romero on 2nd Street, and he immediately asked us where we got our hair cut. Good Hustle, Valentino! He is a barber at The Gorge Hair Co., 110 E. 2nd St.

“I like to hike on the weekends,” he said. “I’m going to Multnomah Falls and do the full loop. I usually go to the top but I have never done the loop. I’ll probably ride my wave runner, go hiking and hang out with family.”

Tanner Woods, 31, Sandy

We found Tanner at the Rayland Hotel. He was working there with Bremik Construction and will be part of the team that will transform the swimming pool area into a coffee shop in months to come.

“I was doing nothing,” he said, noting he planned to hit the couch. “But my wife called and my parents are at the beach in Lincoln City. So now I am going to the beach. Hopefully it will not be too chaotic,” he said, laughing.

Nathan Jensen, 21, Parkdale

“It’s been a crazy day,” he said noting he was getting his ‘85 Pontiac 6000 worked on at CARS up the street. New CV joints and brakes.

“I work for Columbia Gorge Ice. Yesterday, I had to deliver bagged ice to Port Angeles, Squim and Olympia,” he said, noting he spent many hours on the road. “It was a pain in the butt.”

“I might be working tomorrow,” he said. “Right now I am waiting for them to finish my car. I might buy a new computer. Mine is 9-years-old. It was my mom’s before she passed away.”

Mine did too, I said. She was 64. How old was yours?

“36,” he said.

Oh man, I’m sorry.

“It’s ok,” he said. “We have to keep moving on.”