Winter 2023-24
When my kids were young, they walked and biked to school a lot. Apart from a couple of worrisome intersections, their commute was easy because we lived near both the elementary and middle schools they attended in Hood River. I loved walking and riding along with them when they were little, but over time, they wanted to go it alone — or with friends. I was a bus kid when I was growing up, forever envying my schoolmates who could walk or ride a bike from home, so I loved it that my kids got to be those kids.
Megan Ramey is on a mission to make sure more kids get to be those kids. The first ever Safe Routes to School manager for the Hood River County School District, Ramey has spearheaded a coalition of local entities — including the school district, the City of Hood River, Anson’s Bike Buddies, the Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation District and Columbia Area Transit — that has raised $11 million over the past two years to benefit infrastructure and programs that make it safer and easier for kids to walk and bike to school. Her efforts range from teaching bike safety programs in P.E. and giving free bikes to kids who need them to hosting walk- and bike-to-school events throughout the year. A Safe Routes demonstration project implemented during the fall near Hood River Middle School is likely to result in some permanent changes that incorporate safety lanes for biking and walking. You can read about Ramey’s efforts, and how she became a biking advocate, beginning on page 50. And when you’re out and about on our streets, keep an eye out for kiddos on bikes and give ‘em a wave and some extra space. Encouraging car-free transportation is a win for everyone.
Another win we celebrate in this issue is The Gorge Speakeasy, a regular storytelling event at The Ruins in Hood River that has grown into a beloved monthly gathering. Started two years ago by White Salmon resident Angie Marie, the Speakeasy offers the stage to anybody with a story to tell. And as anyone who has attended will attest, the evening never fails to touch storytellers and audience alike, providing laughter, tears and connection to one another — something we can all use.
There are lots of other inspiring stories in this issue, including our feature on career flight nurse Eric Peterson (page 34); a piece on the new Wilderton distillery and tasting room on the Hood River Waterfront (page 24); and a story about White Salmon comedian and author Taylor Wolfe and her new memoir (page 10). Happy reading and have a wonderful winter in the Gorge!
— Janet Cook, Editor
