Archive for January, 2010
Winter 2010
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
Greetings and best wishes for the New Year! It’s hard to believe that our 2009 calendars are in the recycling bins and we have entered a new year and a new decade. To look at the Oral Hull Foundation today, one can unquestionably see that things that we planned to do are the things that we are doing.
The View – Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind
Volume 6, No 1. Winter 2010
From the Desk of Jeff Lann, Executive Director of the Oral Hull Foundation
Greetings and best wishes for the New Year! It’s hard to believe that our 2009 calendars are in the recycling bins and we have entered a new year and a new decade. To look at the Oral Hull Foundation today, one can unquestionably see that things that we planned to do are the things that we are doing.
The Oral Hull Foundation has grown in its diversity of services and its impact on a larger community of people looking for high quality programs and first-rate customer service.
Highlights of 2009 include record breaking enrollment in our summer camp program; a more active role and commitment from Lions Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs; upgrading our facility with the support of 200+ volunteers from Mountainview Christian Church; hosting the statewide convention of the American Council of the Blind; increasing the use of Oral Hull Park by community groups and undertaking a strategic planning process by our board of directors that will help establish what Oral Hull Park will look like in the immediate future.
Despite our successes, the current economic climate and an anticipated slow recovery period make for uncertain times. All of us as Oral Hull members, friends, family and sister agencies share a collective role in determining how we respond to these challenges. These are some of the questions we need to consider together:
How can we assure our financial well being so that we will continue to thrive and provide service and maintain our facility through times of both economic boom and economic bust?
How can we continue to provide to all who might need our help but do not have the financial means to pay for our services?
How can we partner with our sister agencies to provide programs and services that are friendly to the needs of the blind and low vision community?
How can we collaborate further with the broader community to advance our common goals and objectives?
As we explore these questions, we welcome your input and assistance. We are always grateful to our supporters and constituents and will continue to move forward in fulfilling our mission of service to the blind and low vision communities.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Meet Your Oral Hull Board and Executive Committee Members
The Oral Hull Foundation is pleased to welcome our newly elected board and executive board members: Tammy Alverson, Erica Daniels, Sean Rae, Don Roach and Kae Seth. Our class of 2012 has extensive experience in working with non profit agencies and bring new enthusiasm and expertise to our agency.
Elected to our Executive Board are: Tom Ciesielski, president, Dr. Gilbert Rivero, 1st vice president, Bob Sell, 2nd vice president, James McCree 3rd vice president and immediate past president, Norm Trost, treasurer, George Morgan, asst. treasurer and Sean Rae, secretary.
Continuing board members include: DJ Anderson, Alton Daschofsky, Terry Lenchitsky, Evelyn Mell and Frank Synoground.
On behalf of everyone at the Oral Hull Foundation, our heartfelt thanks to outgoing board members Ellen Elford and Colleen Utter.
2010 Summer Camp Dates Set
Believe it or not, we are working hard preparing for our 2010 camp season. We are building on our successes from last season and adding an additional session of camp 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 2010 – A Summer of Excellence.
Registration begins January 15th for Oral Hull members and March 1st for non members. (2010 membership fee is $20.) Call for an application or find one on our website Oralhull.org
Session 1: Adult Adventure I (recommended for outdoor novices and above. Includes a challenging white water raft trip with continuous class 3+ rapids, extended hiking options, rock climbing, etc) Includes options for skydiving and wind sailing at additional fee. Camp dates are July 24-30. $400 per person. A limited amount of financial assistance is available for Oregon residents on a needs basis.
Session 2: Adult Adventure II (recommended for newcomers to Oral Hull Park and to outdoor experiences. Includes white water rafting, hiking, beach trip, etc). Includes options for skydiving and glider flights at additional fee. Camp dates are August 1 – 7. $400 per person. A limited amount of financial assistance is available for Oregon residents on a needs basis.
Session 3: Friends and Alumni Camp (Traditional camping at its best offering a variety of activities from archery to crafts and music. Camp dates are August 9 – 15. $375 per person. A limited amount of financial assistance is available for Oregon residents on a needs basis.
Session 4: MAC Camp (Our modified adventure camp offers relaxed exploration of Oregon’s historic sites and pristine natural wonders including a trip to Palmer snowfield, elevation 8,540’ on Mt Hood. Camp dates are Tuesday, August 17 – Monday, August 23. $375 per person. A limited amount of financial assistance is available for Oregon residents on a needs basis.
Introducing our 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 26-29.
In every quarterly newsletter of the View we feature an article written by an Oral Hull member. The following was submitted by Kae L. Seth.
Member perspective: What does Oral Hull Mean to Me?
Recently, the American Council of the Blind of Oregon held its statewide convention at Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind. After the convention was over, and everyone had gone, I pondered, exactly what does Oral Hull Park really mean to me?
Oral Hull Park has always been a place where blind folks have come for recreation and fun and to learn. The American Council of the Blind, of which I am a member, has been active in Oral Hull’s beginnings, and in its present efforts to bring about help to blind Oregonians. Many of our members have been active in its history, and in its programs and have often spent many hours building, making friends, fishing, and sharing their lives with friends of all kinds.
When I joined the Council in 1978, I heard of Oral Hull Park and soon came out to visit. I came to know folks like Louie and Nellie Waymire, who were active members; Louie would always remind us about Oral Hull; what was happening, and how beautiful the grounds were. Many of us came on weekends to get away from the rat race of Portland; we took our guide dogs on long hikes, and often went down to the lower level where we could turn our dogs’ loose to romp and play with one another.
I came to know special people who loved Oral Hull and made it a part of their lives. Jeff Cohen, Martha Hawthorn and others were often there and we spent a lot of time just having fun.
Oral Hull always represented a place where blind folks could come and have fun; it seemed to be a place where we shared ideas; laughed a lot, and ate a lot too—kind of like now.
I believe that just as the American Council of the Blind was involved when I first joined, we can be participating in the realization of dreams and help create a new vision for the future of this great foundation. I hope, that even though many of my old friends who were here are gone, we can rekindle friendships, and create new memories that will bring about a transformation from the past; I look forward to the time when we can make this a place of learning; healing and hope. Each of us has an opportunity to be a part of history.
Bailey my guide dog and I look forward to getting to know all of you; we hope that we can make new friends and rekindle old friendships. Let’s make Oral Hull Park ring with laughter, blaze with beauty and be a place of peace and restoration for everyone.
I hope that you’ll share your ideas with us, so that we can all learn from one another. Just as I came to know about Oral Hull from its pioneers, I hope that I can help folks blaze new trails and bring about the making of dreams for blind and sighted folks for years to come.
Please come and say hi to Bailey and I, when we’re here so we can get to know you. Isn’t that what Oral Hull is all about?
Oral Hull Members in the News
Larry Johnson’s book, You Can if you Think You Can, can now be ordered online by visiting www.booksurge.com. This book is a very inspiring step-by-step approach to achieving one’s goals and rebounding from adversity. Larry attended our Explore Oregon Camp this past summer and is from San Antonio, Texas. He is a nationally known motivational speaker and also the author of Mexico by Touch: True Life Experiences of a Blind American Deejay.
Rexanne Millard, competing as a team member of Portland Blind Bowlers League won four awards for scoring accomplishments. “Rexie” also competes in the Special Olympics bocce ball tournament and won a silver medal in her last outing. Rexi is from Portland
Calendar Briefs Winter Weekenders
February 5-7 Weekender and Winter Mini-Camp
Enjoy three days and two nights of winter fun and warm fellowship at our first weekender of 2010. Optional activities include snow shoeing on Friday ($10), inner tubing on Saturday ($5) and down hill skiing on Sunday ($55). Relax in our spa and enjoy and evening of special entertainment on Saturday night.
Advanced registration for outdoor activities, January 22, is required. Basic prices for our February weekender: Member rate housing: $10 Dorm or $15 trailer per night. Non-member rate housing: $20 Dorm or $25 trailer per night. The price for each meal: dinner $8, Lunch $6, Brunch $7. Minimum numbers required for the winter activities and Friday night and Saturday brunch meals.
Contact Jeff Lann for additional information 503-668-6195.
March 5-7 Weekender
Member Weekender: $10 Dorm or $15 Trailer per night plus $21 for 3 meals. Non-Member Weekender $20 Dorm or $25 per night Trailer plus $21 3 meals.
Transportation to Oral Hull Weekend Events
To prepare for the visit of our Weekender members and guests we require advanced registration for everyone. The Oral Hull Foundation provides free round trip transportation to our monthly Weekenders from the Portland area. Our bus, however, has limited space and wheelchair availability. Seventy two hour advanced notice is required for us to accommodate requests for a wheelchair spot. Everyone should make reservations as we will not pick up at all designated pickup spots unless we have a confirmed passenger.
Each member is permitted to bring one medium sized suitcase (not exceeding 20 pounds) and two small pieces of hand/carry on luggage on the Oral Hull bus (to be carried on your seat). Necessary medical devices are excluded.
2010 Transportation Schedule & Membership information
Saturday Morning Run Reservations are required
8:20 Leave Park
9:00 Commission for the Blind (12th and Washington)
9:30 Jack in the Box (82nd & Holgate)
10:00 Gresham Transit (8th & Kelly)
10:10 Carl’s Jr (8th & Burnside)
10:30 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)
The Value of Membership in the Oral Hull Foundation
The mission of the Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind is to provide facilities, programs and services including social, educational and recreational activities for people that are blind, visually impaired or otherwise disabled.
Programs and services are designed to enhance participants physical and emotional well being through weekenders and summer camps that inspire independence and self-actualization. We do not receive governmental or United Way funding but depend for support on contributions from our members and friends.
Now is the time to show your support by renewing your membership. The Oral Hull Foundation offers two types of memberships. You have the option of becoming a life member for a one time only donation of $200 or you can purchase an annual membership at $20. Membership benefits include:
- Early registration to special programs including summer camps
- Discounts for Oral Hull programs and merchandise
- Free subscription to our quarterly newsletter
- Knowledge that you are supporting and helping others. Oral Hull Park is a unique community organization and only one of a few blind-specific retreat and conference centers in the United States.
- Determination in Oral Hull’s future. Members vote at the annual meeting for new board positions.
Your 2010 membership card can be yours by calling 503-668-6195.
Wish List
Oral Hull Park often needs items you may have access to. Below is our large item wish list. If you or someone you know has any of these items to pass along, we would be most grateful.
Copy machine (used)
Commercial patio furniture
Golf Cart (used)
Lounge Furniture
Reliable minivan or car (used)
Contact Information:
Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind
PO Box 157
Sandy, OR 97055
oralhull@teleport.com
website: OralHull.org
The mission of the Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind is to provide facilities, programs and services including social, educational and recreational activities for people that are blind, visually impaired or otherwise disabled.
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Tags: newsletter, The View, winter
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2010 Board
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
Oral Hull has just announced our board of directors for the year 2010. Tom Ciesielski returns as our president, and we are excited about what our 2010 executive committee and board members will accomplish this year.
To learn more about our 2010 board, please visit our Board of Directors page.
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