By Kris Koivisto

The second leg of the Make It Better Statewide Summer Tour is underway.

We gathered early Tuesday for a four-day Eastern Oregon adventure to The Dalles, Pendleton, Burns and John Day.

With the exception of Vice President of Broadcasting and Production, Dick Vardanega, who attended the first leg of the tour, we were rookies on the Statewide Summer Tour scene. I joined Community Relations Coordinator Brittany Davidson, Group Ticket Sales Manager Lisa Swan and the undisputed stars of our show, Trail Blazers Ambassadors Jerome Kersey and Kevin Duckworth.

From the second we entered the quiet city of The Dalles at 8:15 a.m., I felt like I was traveling with rock stars. Everywhere our Kia Sedona took us, Duck and Jerome were approached for autographs, pictures, and a chance to share nostalgic memories with two starters from the last Portland team to play in the NBA Finals.

Brittany checked in 79 kids – twice what we expected – at our free basketball clinic. I led the ballhandling station, while Jerome preached defense, Dick led shooting games, Lisa taught passing and Duck instructed rebounding and free throw shooting.

Following the clinic, we met with the local Lion’s Club. After a raucous introduction, Dick spoke to the group and answered questions about everything from Greg Oden to the Blazers efforts to help Comcast sign carriage deals.

Our next stop was at KODL 1440 AM where we met Al and Marcia Wynn, and their associates. After a few snacks, an outrageous amount of autographs and some radio interviews with Jerome, Duck and Dick, we were off to make an appearance at Taco Bell.

With some downtime, we digested our complimentary Fruitista Freezes while we lounged at a Shilo Inn. After an episode of People’s Court, and a Jerome Kersey exhibition on the video poker machine, we headed to American Legion Baseball game, where Jerome was scheduled to throw out the first pitch.

JK25 had to swim through the sea of autograph seekers just to get to the mound, and unleashed an arching strike. After his best C.C. Sabathia impression, Jerome headed to the booth to help Al Wynn call the game. After the third inning we hit a local diner and headed two hours east to Pendleton.

Staying at the Wildhorse Casino and Resort, we felt obligated to try our hands at the blackjack tables and slot machines. One starstruck dealer broke his concentration enough to ask, “Is that Jerome Kersey with you guys!?”