Posts Tagged ‘winter’
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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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
Download the latest edition of The View, a newsletter about the Oral Hull Foundation.
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