—2— President’s Message Guided tour of two OHS exhibits . . . continued from page 1 In May readers of theRAPS Sheet received a survey on outreach services that RAPS might offer to retirees who are experiencing a life crisis such as illness or grieving a loss. By including pre-paid postage, we received 57 replies. Of those, 36 thought such a service is a good idea, with 6 saying no and 15 undecided. Fewer thought they would use this service themselves: 24 yes, 12 no, 14 undecided. Ten people indicated willingness to serve on such an outreach committee, and 20 said they might be willing. A few of those people included their names, but not all—because we did not include a place for names. When asked what services the committee should offer, a majority of respondents checked cards, particularly sympathy and illness (provided it is an extended or severe illness). Several added comments in favor of sending cards. One wrote, “It really helps to know people are thinking of you when you are sick or lose someone.” Another wrote, “This would certainly be a nice way to keep in touch with members, especially those too old or infirm to attend our great events.” Fewer people thought phone calls and visitations would be appropriate. Several commented that visitations should be with permission only. One wrote, “Since illness or death is such a personal time, I suggest only cards be sent possibly with a note that the person could request a visit if they felt up to it. Unsolicited calls and visits seem obtrusive to me.” Another wrote, “Having undergone open heart surgery, I can tell you from my experience and at my request, visitation was limited to family. But the many, many get-well cards were welcome— especially those that made me laugh.” Two included comments about practical aspects of such a committee. “Having served as Friendship Chairman, the greatest problem was finding out about illnesses and deaths in a timely manner.” “This would be a nice service if we would have the information available so we can do a complete job and if we have people willing to serve.” And that brings me to a request—if you are one of those who indicated willingness to serve on this committee, but did not include your name (or if you are now willing to help out), please call me at 503-244-5714 or email at terdalm@pdx.eduso that I can invite you to be part of our Social/Friendship Committee, currently co-chaired by Vic and Beryl Dahl. The responsibilities would include developing guidelines for an outreach service, obtaining information about illnesses and deaths of PSU retirees, and sending cards (or making phone calls and visits if appropriate). This can be an important way to show fellow retirees that you care about them. —Marge Terdal from the Oregon Historical Society collection. OHS has a research library, a store, and six other exhibits on display. After the tour, you are free to visit the other exhibits. One exhibit, “Puppetry: An Out of Body Experience,” ends only three days after the RAPS tour. The puppets were designed by an internationally known company, Michael Curry Design, Inc., headquartered in Scappoose. Curry designed the puppets used in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production, The Lion King. Many of these puppets are either walked with sticks or worn. Curry says he hires dancers rather than puppeteers to operate them. Other exhibits include early photos of Benson High School, a battleshipOregon exhibit, and a recently opened exhibit of stereoviews of the Columbia Gorge by renowned turn-of-the-20th century photographer Carleton Watkins. The Art Museum is complementing the Watkins exhibit with artwork of the Columbia Gorge. If you plan to attend, please fill in and mail the enclosed postcard by Tuesday, Oct. 7; the Historical Society has asked RAPS to provide an advance count of how many will attend. For more information, contact Larry Sawyer, 503771-1616 or larry_sawyer@comcast.net. —Larry Sawyer, President-elect
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