THE ORAL HULL FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND STORY 1962— 2012    – Chapter 2

by Tammy Alverson

A Fine Monster You Are is a wild, laugh-a-minute farce for all ages. Is there a bizarre creature of elemental horror sealed in the basement? The lunacy extends to a mind boggling climax that delights all ages. If you meet some of these characters on the street, RUN!

The performance will be held at 3:00pm at the Sandy Actors Theater behind Ace Hardware in Heritage Square, Sandy. Tickets are $15.00; Children 12 and under $10.00.

Complimentary wine will be served and doors open 45 minutes prior to showtime.

For reservations, call 503.668.6834.

Please view the PDF.

From the desk of Executive Director, Jeff Lann

I began writing this newsletter last week while sitting in my office listening to the ever present rainfall, over four inches in the past few days, splatter the front windows of my office. I was feeling pretty content. The last of our 2010 holiday events ended and things at Oral Hull Park usually take on a slower pace over the upcoming weeks. Or do they?

In reviewing 2010, we served more people in our summer programs than any other time in our 48 year history. Many of these participants have initiated their own campaign to spread the word about Oral Hull’s programs in their own communities. Our summer staff worked countless hours and consistently gave the extra mile to deliver unique and meaningful experiences. We had many donors who gave generously of their time and financial resources to our various campaigns. Our newly elected board of directors (see article below) is ready to devote their time and energy to help secure Oral Hull’s future. Thanks to our many volunteers, we made significant facility upgrades and the park more appealing to all of our users.

Despite our successes, the reality is that “there’s a lot more work to do” and now is not the time to sit on one’s laurels. We are closing in on the budget gap, yet we still operated at a budget deficit in 2010. The campaign to fix the roof in Philbin Dormitory and upgrade the showers is ongoing. There are still people from within our own community and across the county that would like an Oral Hull experience but cannot come up with the fees.

Now is the not the time to relax but to refocus. Our mission continues – more quality programs, more participation, more facility improvements, more community involvement, more pride in what we do. I wish you the best in 2011 and look forward to a busy, but fruitful year!
Jeff

Meet Your Oral Hull Board Members and Executive Committee

The Oral Hull Foundation is pleased to welcome our newly elected board and executive board members. Elected to the board for three year terms of office are: Marjorie Booker, Terry Lenchitsky, Katherine Rogers and Mary Lee Turner. Our new board members have extensive experience in working with non profit agencies and bring new enthusiasm and expertise to our agency.

Elected to our executive board for two year terms of office are: Tom Ciesielski, president, Dr. Gilbert Rivero, 1st vice president, James McCree, 2nd vice president, Bob Sell 3rd vice president, Norm Trost, treasurer, George Morgan, assistant treasurer and Sean Rae, secretary.

Continuing board members include: Tammy Alverson, Carolyn Briggs, Erica Daniels, Evelyn Mell, Don Roach, Kae Seth, Frank Synoground and Gregg Welch.

On behalf of everyone at the Oral Hull Foundation, our heartfelt thanks to outgoing board members D.J. Anderson, Alton Daschofsky and Erin Rumer.

February Weekender To Feature Fun in the Snow

February 4-6 Weekender and Winter Mini-Camp – Enjoy three days and two nights of winter fun and warm fellowship at our first weekender of 2011. Optional activities include snow shoeing on Friday ($10) with the staff of Otto’s Ski Shop and snow-tubing on Saturday ($6). Relax in our spa and enjoy an evening of special entertainment on Saturday night. Advanced registration for outdoor activities, January 25, 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.

2011 Summer Vacation Sessions Set

We are pleased to announce the dates for our 2011 summer season. Oral Hull Park offers a blend of relaxing activities and exciting outdoor adventures. You will enjoy our beautiful setting in the foothills of Mt Hood, ideal temperatures (average high in the low 80’s), professional staff and remarkable participants from across the United States and beyond. Registration begins January 17th for Oral Hull members and February 1st for non members. (2011 membership fee is $30.) Call for an application or find one on our website.

Session 1: Adult Adventure I

(recommended for active participants with a spirit of adventure) includes a challenging white water raft trip with continuous class 3+ rapids and other activities such as kayaking, swimming, hiking, rock climbing, etc Includes options for skydiving ($195) and wind surfing ($40) at additional fee. Session dates are July 16-22. $450 per person. A limited amount of financial assistance is available for Oregon residents on a needs basis. Payment plan available to everyone.

Session 2: Adult Adventure II

(recommended for active participants with a spirit of adventure) includes white water rafting and other activities such as, hiking, bungee jumping/zip lines, archery, etc). Includes options for skydiving ($195) and wind surfing ($40). Session dates are July 25-31. $450 per person. A limited amount of financial assistance is available for Oregon residents on a needs basis. Payment plan available.

Session 3: Friends and Alumni

(Traditional camping at its best offering a variety of activities from archery to crafts and music). Session dates are August 5- 11. $395 per person. A limited amount of financial assistance is available for Oregon residents on a needs basis. Payment plan available.

Session 4: MAC

(Our moderate 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). Session dates are August 15 – August 22. $395 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 one visually impaired member. 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 25-28. Financial assistance is available.

In every newsletter we feature information about an Oral Hull member. We are pleased to introduce you to Lori Hansen in this issue.

Lori is a new member of the Oral Hull Foundation and recently chaired our successful December fundraising efforts of selling holiday wreaths. Lori was raised in a large family of 7 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She and two of her siblings were born with the recessive gene for Ushers Syndrome, with dual challenges of sensory-neural hearing loss and progressive deterioration of peripheral vision.

A move to Medicine Hat, Alberta prompted Lori to train as a rehabilitation teaching assistant for the blind, while she raised her young son Ryan. She served several terms as board member for the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind, as coordinator for the Alberta Ride for Sight, and Director for both the National RP Foundation and Canadian Council for the Blind. She was honored to receive the National White Cane Week Award for her dedication in advocating and assisting the blind in her community.

Since 2000, Lori has resided in Portland with her husband Larry and Border collie, Todd. She enjoys spending time with her son Ryan, three stepsons and two newborn grandchildren. Most recently, Lori has become involved at Oral Hull with fundraising efforts and administrative projects. She firmly believes each individual has an inherent gift to share, and she encourages everyone to participate in the many new and exciting endeavors at Oral Hull in 2011!

Lori has already demonstrated her passion and dedication to Oral Hull with the very successful Holiday Wreath and Greenery fundraiser she chaired. What an inspiration! She and her band of “Very Merry Oral Hull Greenery Sellers” braved the cold, wind and rain to sell to the public on December 11th! They made over $700 profit which will go towards camperships! This is one fast acting lady with some terrific ideas for Oral Hull! Thank you Lori!

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.

2011 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 who 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 $300 or you can purchase an annual membership at $30. Membership benefits include:
• Early registration to special programs including summer programs
• Discounts for Oral Hull programs and merchandise
• Free subscription to our newsletters
• 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 2011 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
Reliable minivan or car (used)
6 fishing poles
First aid supplies

Contact Information:
Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind
PO Box 157
Sandy, OR 97055
oralhull@teleport.com
website: Oralhull.org

DID YOU KNOW….

WebAnywhere is a web-based screen reader for the web. It requires no special software to be installed on the client machine and, therefore, enables blind people to access the web from any computer they happen to have access to that has a sound card. Visit wa.cs.washington.edu to access WebAnywhere directly. And, it’s completely FREE to use! WebAnywhere will run on any machine, even heavily locked down public terminals, regardless of what operating system it is running and regardless of what browsers are installed. WebAnywhere does not seek to replace existing screen readers – it has some big limitations, namely that it will not provide access to desktop applications like word processors or spreadsheets.
Please go to WebAnywhere Paper for more information about the system.

New Year’s Resolutions Worth Keeping

• Just for today, I will not sit in my living room all day in my pj’s. Instead, I will move my computer into the bedroom.

• I will do less laundry and use more deodorant.

• I will give up chocolates totally. 100%. Completely. Honest….

• I will balance my checkbook. (on my nose).

• I will start buying lottery tickets at a luckier store.

• I promise to stick to these resolutions for more than a week (even though I never do).

Lions Club Members Host Fundraising Event

“Give From Your Heart” – Dessert Bar and Silent Auction

What’s better than a huge selection of cakes, pies, cookies, fudge, brownies, fruit and candy? Nothing much!! Lions Club Members from the Portland Oaks Bottom and Portland Cascade will be hosting a Dessert Tasting and Silent Auction, February 12, 2011– 1:30 pm — 4 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, corner of SE 39th & Steele. Don’t miss this great fundraising event. Place your bid for some great items from merchants, Lions Clubs and individual donors! All proceeds will be used for the new shower addition, carpeting in the hallway and new, American Disabilities Act compliant, door handles for the Philbin Dormitory. Our campers will thank you!
Ticket cost: $15.00 per person, or 2 tickets for $25.00 . Includes dessert bar, beverages, silent auction, music and short presentation on the upcoming season for Oral Hull campers and friends!

An event flyer will be sent with further information
Call Lion Club member, Sharon Elder at 503-252-1281 for advance ticket

Sandy Actors Theatre FUNDRAISERS for Oral Hull Park

Mark your Calendars!

March 5, 2011 “A Fine Monster You Are”

A wild, laugh-a-minute farce for all ages. Is there a bizarre creature of elemental horror sealed in the basement? The lunacy extends to a mindboggling climax that delights all ages. If you meet some of these characters on the street, RUN!

April 30, 2011 “The Curious Savage”

This play is a true American classic, a comedy-drama for all ages. Mrs. Savage is placed in a mental institution by her three selfish children to get control of her $100,000,000 estate. The residents of the institution will capture your heart. Be prepared for an ending that will bring smiles and tears to your eyes.

June 25, 2011 “Assisted Living”

Rich Rubin has created a lovely touching drama/comedy about the beginning stages of Alzheimer disease. Rose is a robust, active woman who resists any help to deal with her continued loss of memory. The conflicts with her family are at times hilarious and at other times sad and tender.
For reservations call: 503-668-6834.

Mission Statement

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 who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise disabled.

Email:
oralhull@teleport.com
Phone: 503.668.6195
43233 SE Oral Hull Road
PO Box 157
Sandy, Oregon 97055

January-February 2011 Newsletter