Question of the Week: What are you hoping for in 2022?

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. Each column features a new question that expresses curiosity about other people's experiences and deepens our understanding of our communities and of people from all walks of life.

Question of the Week: What are you hoping for in 2022?

Salvador Cruz and family were hitting the sledding hill at Dry Hollow Elementary on Wednesday afternoon.

Salvador Cruz, 27, The Dalles

“Hopefully, purchasing a new house, starting a job and getting better pay,” he said as he pulled a stroller to his car at Dry Hollow Elementary. “The house is closing in April.” He has two kids. “Oh, and I hope to get these braces off. I’ve had them three and a half years. To get these braces off, it’s a blessing.”

Frank and Pati Vittoria were having a ball with their family at Sorosis Park as their daughter and her family were visiting from San Diego. It was just 27 degrees in The Dalles on the day, where it was a temperate 57 degrees Fahrenheit in San Diego. Ah, but the chill was worth it as they bombed down the hill.

The Vittoria family took to the hills of Sorosis Park on Wednesday afternoon. This teen could not stop laughing after the snow spray on her face quickly melted on her red cheeks after a fast descent.

Pati Vittoria, 63, & Frank Vittoria, 65, The Dalles

They were sledding with family at Sorosis Park. 

“My deepest hope is our country finding peace,” Pati said. Her family added in “empathy” and “more morals.” 

“I hope that everyone can be kind, totally,” she said. 

“More compromise,” Frank added. 

“It’s nice to have a new year,” Pati said. “A new start.”

Suddenly an innertube filled with a teenager came crashing down the hill and came to a stop. Its rider’s face was covered in snow and she was laughing uncontrollably as the ice melted on her face. Good omen.

Don Jarrett clamped on the snowshoes Wednesday afternoon to get his workout in fluffy snow at Sorosis Park.

Don Jarrett, 68, The Dalles

“Mr. Covid needs to get back in the normal area,” he said. “We need to try to get back to some normal life. Hopefully, with the drugs that they are creating and the technology, they will get control of it, and then it’s just an annual booster shot.

Kevin Oliver, 28, Goldendale

“Positivity in the homeless development,” he said. “More help for homeless people. It’s cold out here.” 

Eddie Cruz, The Dalles 

“We are hoping that this virus is gone,” she said. “And all these businesses in our community can succeed and for all the struggle for them to be gone.”

Modern Day Musher - Richard Hoidal and his dog Asher were doing a bit of skateboarding on Wednesday in the snow. I think Asher had enough energy to pull two Richards.

Richard Hoidal and Asher, 62, The Dalles  

“How about the old norm,” he said. “Not liking the new norm that well. But if it is new and better I am willing to accept and adjust. Oh, and goodwill and happiness toward humans.”

Velvet Bartsna was growing weary of the white stuff after hoofing several blocks on slick sidewalks.

Velvet Bartsna, 38, The Dalles.

“Less snow!