Archive for January, 2009
January 2009
Monday, January 19th, 2009
The View – Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind
Volume 3, No 1 January 2009
The Oral Hull Foundation is Here for You During these Tough Times
Greetings and best wishes for the New Year! Like you, we’ve spent the past few months immersed in tough times. Every day brings new challenges, with few “positives” on the horizon when it comes to money
matters.
We’re writing to you, our members and supporters, not to let you know that times are tough; you already know that! We’re writing because we’ve observed, in tough times, just how important it is that we all look after ourselves and our friends and loved ones.
What do these observations have to do with the Oral Hull Foundation?
Oral Hull Park is the place where many of us meet important social, recreational, emotional and spiritual needs. We remain a place where you can relax and rejuvenate your mind and spirit, a place where you can escape from the stresses of everyday life. And, a community place where we all connect with others, building and maintaining the social networks that are so necessary in our lives.
Barack Obama’s campaign successfully used the slogan “Yes We Can” to launch his bid for the presidency. The belief that each individual can have an immediate impact and facilitate change for the benefit of our nation engaged and captivated the spirit of the majority of American voters. Despite all of our woes, President Obama conveyed a message of an underlying sense of determination and optimism for more promising times.
Oral Hull is a great institution in difficult times.
We are doing what’s necessary to maintain and strengthen the Oral Hull Foundation, and to make it the right place for you. We call on each and every Oral Hull participant and friend to reconnect with us and to get involved with our organization. Our history of providing outstanding opportunities to the blind and low vision communities at affordable prices is needed now more than ever. 2008 was a breakthrough year for us with a significant increase in program participation and community recognition for our services. 2009 will be more than the marking of the passage of time; it is a promise for a better future. We promise that we will be here for you…………even in tough times!
Again, best wishes for a happy, healthy, and, dare we suggest, prosperous New Year!
Jeff Lann
Oral Hull President Executive Director
Winter storm 2008: The Aftermath
The worst series of snowstorms to hit the Sandy area in 40 years created a nightmare for local residents over a ten day period in mid-December. The mixture of deep snow, ice and slush closed the Oral Hull Park office and most businesses for a week. Participants at the Oral Hull December Weekender were treated to an extended holiday stay in Rainbow Lodge and Philbin Dormitory as TriMet canceled all regular lift service. When the roads were re-opened, volunteers provided our members door-todoor service safely to their homes.
Thanks to the effort of staff members Greg Stadstad and Becky Stewart our storm damage was limited. The heavy snow load collapsed and twisted the patio roof on trailer #7 and extended sub-freezing temperatures and power outages resulted in broken water lines in various locations in the park. We expect to be operating at 100% soon.
2009 Board Members Selected
Congratulations to our newly elected board members!
Members elected were: Bill Buck, Carolyn Briggs, Erin Rumer and Gregg Welch.
Executive Committee elected: Tom Ciesielski, president, Dr. Gilbert Rivero, 1st vice president, Bob Sell, 2nd vice president, Norm Trost, treasurer, George Morgan, asst. treasurer and Colleen Utter, secretary.
James McCree is the Foundation’s immediate past president.
Continuing board members include: Ellen Elford, DJ Anderson, Alton Dashofsky, Terry Lenchitsky, Evelyn Mell, Patty Sell and Frank
Synoground.
On behalf of everyone at the Oral Hull Foundation, our heartfelt thanks to outgoing board members Wes Brown and Sean Ray.
Calendar Briefs
February 7 Weekender – Enjoy an evening of musical entertainment at the fireplace in the Rainbow Lodge. Play bingo, meet friends, enjoy home cooked meals prepared by Chef Becky. Please call Jeff Lann to reserve your spot on the bus. Members $25, NonMembers $35
March 7 Weekender – It’s a winter weekend at Oral Hull Park. Enjoy home baked cookies, hot apple cider and a day of innertubing in thesnow on Mt. Hood on Saturday, March 7. Afterwards, relax in our spa and enjoy an evening of special entertainment. Advanced registration is required. Members $25, NonMembers $35
2009 Summer Camp Dates Set for Blind & Low Vision Participants
We are pleased to announce our Summer Camp schedule for 2009.
We are offering three great weeks of programming this summer for adults and a 4 day camp for families. If you enjoy friendship, fun, field trips, new experiences, great food and wonderful weather you will want to join us for 2009 – A Summer of Excellence. Registration begin February 15 for Oral Hull members and March 1st for non members.
Session 1: Our Adventure Camp aimed at participants wanting a wide variety of physical adventures including white water rafting, hiking, and an optional sky diving or glider flight trip (additional cost). This camp is open to adults 18+ years only. Camp dates are August 1-August 7. $375 per person. A limited amount of financial assistance is available for Oregon residents on a needs basis. Open to 18+ years only.
Session 2: We had a waiting list last year so plan on registering early for Alumni & Friends Adult Camp. Special entertainment, field trips, swimming in our heated pool and more is scheduled for this encampment. Camp dates are August 9-15. $350 per person. A limited amount of financial assistance available for Oregon residents.
Session 3: Our new Explore Oregon Camp is ideal for Oral Hull newcomers and former campers. You will enjoy a blend of traditional and adventure activities including a trip up to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, white water rafting, the Oregon coast and more. Camp dates are August 17 – 23. $350 per person. Limited financial available for Oregon residents. Open to 18+ years only.
Session 4: Introducing our new Family Camp. Family Camp is offered to families who have visually impaired children aged 17 and under and visually impaired parents with children age 17 and under. The entire family is welcome to join in the fun. Camp activities include competitions, swimming, games, camp fires and much more. The cost is $125 per adult age 18 + over and $75 per child. Camp dates are August 27-30. Financial assistance available for Oregon residents.
Memories – Treasure Them! New Bricks Engraved in March 2009
Oral Hull Park’s Major and Mrs. John O’Keefe Memorial Garden features walls with engraved bricks. Individual bricks can be purchased for $50and imprinted per your instructions. Braille inscriptions on a plaque are also available. Please call the Oral Hull office for additional information.
Membership News – Welcome New Life Members Membership Referrals
Welcome New Life Time Members: Bill Buck, Bill Budnick, Gloria “Kay” Holdaway, Dottie Petree and Albert Rouse.
The Oral Hull Board would like to thank Jack Thorpe for referring people to our weekenders. Oral Hull Members who bring new prospects to Oral Hull will receive a ½ discount on their next weekender.
2009 Transportation Schedule
Saturday Morning Run Reservations are required
8:20 Leave Park
9:30 Commission for the Blind (12th and Washington)
10:00 Jack in the Box (82nd & Holgate)
10:30 Gresham Transit (8th & Kelly)
10:35 Carl’s Jr (8th & Burnside)
11:00 Arrive in Park
Sunday return trip
2:45 Leave Park
3:15 Carl’s Jr. (8th and Burnside)
3:20 Gresham Transit (8th and Kelly)
4:00 Jack in the Box (82nd and Holgate)
4:30 Commission for the Blind (12th and Washington)
Contact information
Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind
PO Box 157, Sandy, Oregon 97055
503-668-6195
Website: Oralhull.org
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