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Single women focus on problem*
By Marlene Clark
Staff Writer
The problems and possible solutions fac­
ing single women alone were discussed at
a recent seminar as part of the Focus on
Women series.
Over 45 women, the majority of them
middle-aged, attended the gathering on April
28 at Clackamas Community College.
“Raising children, feeling alone, flounder­
ing feelings, feeling sorry for ourselves are
the things we want to talk about tonight,"
said Pat Krumm, instructor of nursing and
head of the panel of women.
Other panel members included Bernice
Evans, counselor, CCC; Margie Dormbusch,
U.S. National Bank, Marketing department;
Pat LehmKuhl, R.N., Willamette Falls Hos­
pital, Inservice; and Bernie Nolan, counselor,
CCC.
Evans was the first to speak. She spoke
about women who are single by choice.
Evans has never been married, although she
did have the chance.
"In our society if you are single some­
thing must be wrong with you," said Evans.
"I've found it a neat experience to be
single. There have been problems, but I find
my life fulfilling. There was always one more
thing I had to do before I 'settled' down."
You have to learn to deal with being
alone and get rid of the idea that a man has
to do everything, said Evans.
Krumm said that the hardest adjustment
for her during her separation and divorce
was being alone.
"I felt devastated. I had a career, but I
didn't wish to see anyone or meet anybody.
When I started feeling O.K. about myself
I did things with friends," she said.
"How do you go about meeting people
especially if you're new in the area?" asked
one woman.
"Try the Clackamas County Mental Health
Center. They have a group for women. The
Solo Center has discussion groups, trips,
counseling, and planned activities," said
Mary Oldford CCC counselor. "Take classes
here or at Portland State University or
Marylhurst - even places like this seminar."
Krumm suggested hiking, backpacking,
or joining single's clubs, for example -
Parents Without Partners.
The main thing is not to be afraid to
make the first move. At first it is hard to
admit you're alone but the more you say it
the easier it becomes, said Krumm.
"With as many people that are here to­
night we could form our own club," said a
member of the audience. Evans added that
she had lots of ideas for things to do.
Many women are between men and gras­
ping for security and the hope that another
man will find them attractive. Although
many are not ready for a long-term relation­
ship, they often run into another marriage.
"You have to have your own happiness
before you can find happiness with some­
one else." said Krumm.
Another major problem with being alone
is children. Kids often times blame them­
selves for a separation or divorce. They need
reassurance that they are not to blame and
that they are loved and cared for at all
times, according to some of the women.
Children must feel it is all right to love
both mommy and daddy - not that they
must choose sides. However, there is often a
resentful partner and the children pick up
on these feelings.
Money and finances are also problems
concerning the woman alone. "Women have
the same rights as a man. We have
to use them," said Dornbusch.
Borrowing money is a hassle li
women, but the same laws that a
men apply to women. First a persoi
be credit-worthy. Their income min
debtedness must be a certain ratio,!
must have worked at a job for «
length of time -- usually a year.
Being in a union is an advantage
you may change jobs but you aresti
same occupation and same union,H
most women's jobs are non-union,
Another suggestion manyofthei
made was to plan for the futun
suggested that women finish schooli
a career since they will almost In
have to work at sometime in the
Cafeteria art originator pion
departure from CCC
By Harry Bielskis
News Editor
To many Clackamas Community College
students and employes, the cafeteria will
seem empty without the presence of kit­
chen helper Alyce Martin. She is leaving
CCC this week.
Known to her friends and co-workers as
Sid, she has provided the Community Cen­
ter cafeteria with an "at home touch" for as
many years as the cafeteria has been in
existence.
"Having Sid around in the morning is
like having all the comforts of home," said
one student.
Many students associate Sid with her
high-pitched voice echoing throughout the
cafeteria. If you have been startled into an
awakened
state by someone screeching
"nummberr fourrr, come and get it or eat it
cold!" chances are good that voice was
Sid's. The effect is said to be similar to
two large cups of coffee.
Sid lives in the Willamette area and be­
cause a bridge near her home is being re­
constructed, she has to drive four times as
far to get to the college. The 29 mile round­
trip inconvenience is forcing her to leave
the college.
"My main reason for quitting is that I'm
tired of being treated as the cafeteria sex
symbol," she said.
Prior to her arrival at CCC, Sid worked
17 years as a secretary to a Clackamas
county commissioner in the Oregon City
Courthouse. During that time she also at­
tended night school in the hopes
coming a dental assistant.
When one of the regular kitchen
was called for jury duty, Sid applied
job and her culinary career at CCC
"All the wit and charm in thee
is mine," Sid said. Her specialties an
burgers (she claims to have madei
1,615,000 of them) breakfasts and sig
Sid considers herself the "brains
cafeteria art department" and takes
for the numerous signs of proverbs,
and humorous "warnings" posted«
cafeteria walls.
The signs came into being whe
cafeteria was originally located inth
dall building and was nicknamed*!
Beanery". At that time studentshad
up at the concession stand in order tori
their breakfast and lunch orders.
"The cramped quarters were terrib
resulted in a lot of arguing," she si
believes the signs and "joking atmosf
served as a defense mechanism again
working conditions.
Sid's favorite sign, one of herns
states; "Have a friend in the hospital!
send flowers - send sandwiches!"
"Sid has helped greatly in keeping
stable around here because she sho
interest well beyond the welfare i
operation. I consider her to be a frit
sides an employe," said Norm Graml
food services superviser.
Mornings in the cafeteria just won'!
the same without Sid's voice in the
ground.
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Page 14
personal
R.S. (ALIAS B.P.) Timfe's ripe fora!
Tammy's, don't you agree? Signed A.E.Ialh
BAMBI: The torch I hold for you is still burning
strong. I hope it proves to be an eternal flame.
See you in June. . .Big Buck.
A NEW DAWN will be comingsoon.il'
great entertainment. Watch for itl
SUE: You can pick your nose and you can pick
your friends but you sure don't know how to
pick your lovers! You'd better move the trees if
you want to see the forest.
HER NAME IS DENNY and she'll sell you a
benny for a dollar and a penny. Lover Boy.
STUDENTS TRANSFERRING TO OSUI
you use $2,500 in financial assistance
next two years? If so, the Army ROIC
year program may be for you. Your acfe
obligation upon graduation may be only#
Call Capt. Ron Clement at 7 54-3051 9
Army ROTC, Oregon State University. I