Escapees January-February 2024

camping chair chat

assisting me, to accommodate my unique situation. After deliberating a variety of methods, I decided on a system that was extremely successful. First, I forwarded the GTNP Lost and Found direct telephone number to my CM telephone number on my cell phone. This way all incoming calls would automatically be captioned allowing me to read the conversation while listening using the Bluetooth feature on my hearing aid. After a call was completed, I would retrieve the call history found inside my CM app on my cell phone to review for data accuracy so I could document to the lost and found report. Secondly, calls that were forwarded to the lost and found voice mail were also captioned and archived (history) for future review. With the caller’s phone number captured by CM, I was then able to text them a link to the lost and found web page for them to complete and submit the lost and found report online. Furthermore, I left the call forwarding turned on during the entire time I volunteered. This way, while I was away from the of fi ce, incoming calls were automatically routed to the lost and found voice mail where they would leave a captioned message. An e-mail noti fi cation would alert me when someone had left a message. I would then review the call history inside the CM app and text them the lost and found webpage link for fi lling out the online report. This process worked so well that I was able to match found items with the owners at a much quicker pace which allowed me to reunite them with the items while they were still in the vicinity of the park. Matched items were mailed to owners who had already returned home. Interested in Volunteering? I share this so you as an RVer, and other people you may know with hearing loss, can be aware that CM provided me with a real-time solution that helped me acquire this opportunity to volunteer with the National Park Services. The staff at the Grand Teton National Park have been outstanding and continue to provide accessi bility as well as foster inclusion daily. Additionally, NPS provided me a full-hookup campsite in the Gros Ventre Campground while volunteering. I am genuinely grateful for GTNP staff’s support. I’m now serving my second term with the NPS. This truly is an experience that I’ll cherish for years to come. If you're interested in volun teering for the National Park Services or other agencies, check out the many opportunities at Volunteer.gov.

North Ranch Creative Getaway 2024 A Week of Creativity, March 10–15, 2024 North Ranch Rainbow Park, Congress, Arizona You’re invited to the third annual North Ranch Creative Getaway (new name after 14 years of “Bead Week”). J ust when you thought you couldn’t learn one more craft, along come talented artisans to show you the way. Along with beading and Kumihimo (a traditional Japanese art-form of making braids and cords) and polymer clay creations, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and enjoy new mediums! Last year’s event was a great success and we’re excited about the upcoming projects. Share your creativity, and you’ll be thrilled with your imagina tive results. Beginners are welcome, and you don’t need an art background to join us! The North Ranch Creative Getaway has the answers. For only $20 plus any kit fees, you’ll learn something new and have a great week! For informa tion, e-mail Lois Boose, at loisboose@gmail.com. Cathy Benton #64041

James Forstall #178220, Grand Teton National Park, Lost and Found Department, grandtetonlf@nps.gov

Opinions contained in “Camping Chair Chat” are not necessarily those of the Escapees RV Club, its o ffi cers or the membership in general. This column is for Escapees magazine readers to share thoughts, ideas and helpful hints. Escapees RV Club accepts no responsibility for what is expressed here by any person, group or company. If accepted, submissions will be edited for magazine style and formatting. Submissions that are sent by e-mail can be directed to departmentseditor@escapees.com.

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January/February 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine