RAPS Group Reports The RAPS Book Group. The November 21 meeting of the book group was at the home of Felicia Wirtz. We discussed The Black Count by Tom Reiss, a biography of Alex Dumas, a general of the Napoleonic era. We know his life through The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, written by his son, Alexandre Dumas, and based on the father’s adventures. He has been one of the few men of color to command vast armies. The book was also a fascinating account of the role of slavery, as revolution and the rise of the common man were celebrated in France. In December we will meet on the 19th and plan to discuss Love, Africa: A Memoir of Romance, War, and Survival by Jeffrey Gettleman. It is the autobiography of a seasoned correspondent and East Africa bureau chief for the New York Times and recounts his adventures in and love for Africa, and his love for his wife and family in the United States. We will meet at the home of Joan Shireman, 13584 SE Snowfire Drive, Happy Valley. Contact her at joanshireman@gmail.com or 503-698-9951 to let her know whether you can be there. At our January 16 meeting, to be held at the home of Nancy Chapman, we will discuss A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. The book group meets the third Tuesday of every month at 1:30 pm. New members are always welcome. We welcome suggestions of books that are interesting to read and full of issues for discussion. --Joan Shireman The RAPS Bridge Group. The RAPS Bridge Group meets in the afternoon on the first Tuesday of each month. We begin play at 12:15 pm. We try to finish up by 4:00 pm. We meet in Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU), usually on the second floor, but sometimes on the third floor. Please mark your calendars for the following fall and winter term bridge group meetings: Tuesday, December 5, 2017; in SMSU 294 Tuesday, January 2, 2018; in SMSU 294 Monday, February 5, 2018; in SMSU 294 (Note: not on Tuesday) Tuesday, March 6, 2018; in SMSU 294 I will send out the reminder email notice about one week prior to each date we play. The RAPS Bridge Group is very friendly and we are always looking for new players. If you wish to join us, please contact Steve Brennan, 503-646-6297. My email address is the.steve.brennan@gmail.com. --Steve Brennan The RAPS Hiking Group. The November 28 hike was a “4T” experience, involving a trail, a tram ride (Portland Aerial Tram), a trolley (Portland Street Car), and the MAX train. The hike began at the Portland Zoo MAX station and followed the trail to Marquam Hill and OHSU. Hikers rode the tram down to the trolley line, followed by a return to the zoo on MAX, stopping for lunch along the way. Our December meeting is a potluck lunch and 2018 hiking planning session at the home of Larry and Diane Sawyer. Please contact Larry Sawyer at 503-771-1616 or larry_sawyer@comcast.net for further information. For more details about the planning event or upcoming hikes please consult the RAPS hikers website : https://www.pdx.edu/raps/RAPS-Hikers 3 --Larry Sawyer
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