4 The RAPS Sheet December 2020 RAPS Group Reports Book Group THE RAPS BOOK GROUP met on November 17 to discuss The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich, a book we all liked very much. The characters in the book are beautifully developed and draw the reader into their lives—lives of material poverty and spiritual richness. The boundary between the living and the dead seemed permeable; animals spoke. We noted that the book, set in the 1950s, reflected a much more simple time, with which we were comfortable. In December we are meeting on the 15th and will discuss Leadership In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Examining the lives of four presidents, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson, the author examines the development of their leadership abilities as they confronted the issues of their day. We are looking forward to a good discussion. Book Group meets at 1:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month, traditionally in the homes of various members. Currently we are using Zoom for our meetings and becoming more comfortable with that format. Any RAPS member is welcome to join the group. —Joan Shireman Bridge and Hiking Groups BRIDGE GROUP AND HIKING GROUP activities have been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. RAPS Scholarship recipient plans career in medical field INGRID HANNAN, a student in the School of Social Work who will graduate next spring, is the recipient of the RAPS Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year. Her first year fieldwork was working with isolated older adults; this year she is has a placement at OHSU working with stroke patients. She plans to work in the medical field after graduation. In a lovely thank-you letter to RAPS, Ingrid expressed her appreciation for the help provided by the scholarship. Writing of her work with isolated elders, she observed, “It was such a powerful opportunity to connect with members of our community who are often rendered invisible, and a reminder of the deep need for the work to take care of our elders. I learned a lot from them.” She concluded her letter: “Again, I am deeply appreciative to be the recipient of this scholarship. It is an honor, and this support is profoundly encouraging as I work toward my goal of a master’s degree, with the ultimate aim of serving our community. My heartfelt thanks!” —Joan Shireman HOLIDAY GATHERING 2017—Nordia House in southwest Portland was the site of the RAPS Holiday Gathering in 2017, back when you could stand within six feet of somebody, sans mask, and have a pleasant conversation. This year’s edition will be December 10 via Zoom, and you won’t have to leave your home to attend. Story on page 1. Leona Campbell Photography Larry Sawyer photo
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