3 RAPS SHEET n DECEMBER 2022 RAPS Group Reports Book Group THE BOOK GROUP met on November 22 and discussed This Is Happiness by Niall Williams. Almost never have we discussed a book that everyone liked so much. The book is set in a small town in Wales, just as electricity comes to the town, bringing the promise of change to a town that is long settled in its ways. The writing, we noted, is elegant, almost poetic. And interspersed in this dreamy mood of the Welsh countryside are wonderful scenarios that tempt one to laugh out loud. Underneath the writing and the humor are multiple layers for discussion, for change exposes many issues. We had a spirited discussion, and many of us left wanting to read other books by this author. Our next meeting is on December 20, when we will discuss Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders Are Made by David Gergen. An Amazon review describes the book as “a powerful guide to the art of leadership.” The first part of the book focuses on the process a potential leader follows in developing self awareness and self confidence. Then comes the outer journey, of persuading others and overcoming obstacles. In developing these ideas Gergen examines the work of notable leaders, both modern and from earlier times. Perhaps a new group of leaders in RAPS will arise from our reading. The Book Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Traditionally we have met in the homes of various members; currently we are using Zoom for our discussions and plan to continue in this way for a time. All RAPS members are welcome to join the group. —Joan Shireman Bridge Group THE BRIDGE GROUP has begun playing in person after a long pandemic hiatus. We need additional players; do you want to join us? We need to establish a suitable time to meet. Which days and weeks work best for your schedule? I would like to hear from any interested RAPS members or others you know who might want to play in our group. The RAPS Bridge Group does not require RAPS membership. Your friends and relatives would be welcome to join us. Please rattle your social and family networks to see if you might be able to shake loose a bridge player or two. Please contact Steve Brennan, 503-889-0146. My email address is: the.steve.brennan@gmail.com. —Steve Brennan Hiking Group FIVE HIKERS did a 4-plus mile trail at Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park in the heart of Oregon City. The trail wound through big-leaf maples, fir, and giant western red cedars with views of creeks and waterfalls.The park has nicely maintained trails, ample parking, and clean restrooms. After the hike we lunched at the Singer Hill Cafe on 7th Street in Oregon City; the restaurant sports a wonderful living plant wall and a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and espresso drinks. Our next meeting will be in December to plan our hikes for the 2023 season; please watch for the schedule on the RAPS website and plan to join us. —Tom Dieterich RAPS MEMBERS have an enormous opportunity to add to the RAPS Robert Vogelsang Scholarship endowment, but you must act by December 31. The same anonymous donor who was so instrumental last year in challenging RAPS members to grow the scholarship issued another challenge last month. The new challenge offers three opportunities: n Every donation made between November 1 and December 31, 2022, will be matched at 50 percent. So the donor will add $50 to your $100 donation, for a total of $150. n In addition, if you haven’t given to the scholarship in the past three years, and choose to donate $100 this year, the donor will match your $100, making a total donation of $200. n Finally, if you increase your previous donation by 50 percent or more, the donor will match the donation by 100 percent. So if you gave $100 to the scholarship last year, and make a $150 donation this year, the donor will match the $150, making the total donation $300. To make a donation, write a check payable to the PSU Foundation, and indicate on the note line that the check is for the RAPS Scholarship. Then mail your check by December 31 to RAPS, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland OR 972070751. (It is important to mail your donation directly to the RAPS Office so it can be counted toward the challenge.) Thank you! December 31 is deadline to meet the RAPS Scholarship ‘challenge’
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