 Listen Up!
August, 2010
Inside this Issue
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Director's Corner
Today as we complete the August edition of Listen Up! before I deliver the final draft to the printers, I am not just reflecting on July 27th, 2009, my first day of employment at the Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. I am remembering my first introduction to the agency; Sandie Clark and all of the others who took an idea and worked tirelessly to make it the viable agency that it soon became. Nearly twenty years ago, I took an ASL class with Corky and regularly borrowed assistive equipment for my Dad to try out when I visited my family on Boston’s South Shore. The Association was successful then and many years after because it was able to engage its membership.
Hellen Keller once said that “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” It will be at the top of the AFTHI’s “To Do” list, this year, to mobilize human resources; invite our members, hearing health professionals and interested members of the Tri-County Region and beyond to share their time and talents. Kassey Granger is the AFTHI’s new Administrative and Program Assistant and until Labor Day, will be working Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. After that, I hope to have her in the office for additional hours. Kassey will provide her personal and professional experiences of utilizing assistive technology with the public and will join me in visiting communities in Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties to discuss programs and services.
Included in this newsletter is information about upcoming American Sign Language classes. Kassey Granger will be the Instructor for the Level I class and Marcie Johnson, who taught both levels last season, will be the Instructor again for the Level II class. The Fabulous Friends with Flying Fingers is recruiting new members and if there is interest from the public, we will have daytime Sign Language class for Home Schooled children and youth as well as a Lip Reading class for adults. Additionally, we ask you for your help in developing Social Support Groups that will focus on the topics and issues important to you and your families, friends and co-workers.
Together with a corps of knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers (2 hours per week or even 4 hours per month goes a long way to fulfilling our mission), the AFTHI will increase its visibility throughout Saratoga County, into the rural communities of Washington County and Warren County’s North Country/Adirondack Park townships. The AFTHI recognizes that the agency is asking a lot of you. Meeting this challenge will certainly be easier said than done. However, what I have learned during the past year is that our members still believe in the goals and objectives of this organization and will help us find ways to provide programs and services for persons with hearing loss, of all ages, for many, many years to come.
Sincerely,
Bennet F. Driscoll, Jr.
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Your Dollars Make a Difference
The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation under the Internal Revenue Code. Your contributions are fully deductible and appreciated.
If you would like to make a gift “in memory of” or “in honor of” a friend or loved one, we will notify the appropriate person of your thoughtful gift. You can also remember the Association in your will or life insurance policy.
Your generosity will make an important difference in the lives of deaf and hard of hearing children and adults. For more information about leaving the Association in your will, contact the office at 761-0554.
Become a Member
(or Renew Your Membership)
Association for the Hearing Impaired Memberships are available at many levels:
- Individual, $15
- Family, $20
- Sponsor, $50
- Patron, $150
Of course, contributions in any amount are welcome! Make your check payable to "AHI" and mail to 71 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804. For more information on the benefits of membership, please contact us: (518) 761-0554.
We thank everyone who supports our work. Particularly the Tri-County United Way and Area Lions Clubs.
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Be A Hear-O Coin Drop and Reunion News
At the 1st Annual Be A Hear-O Coin Drop held at two locations in Glens Falls on Saturday, July 17th from 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM, the AFTHI raised $960.75. Volunteering at one site were six members of the South Glens Falls F.A.V.A. (Friends and Alumni Volunteer Association) - Mike & Megh Howard, Meg Lemery, Nick Quinn, Gus Carayiannis & Jeff Stewart. Volunteering at the second location were AFTHI Board Member Nancy Crosby, Chris Kilmartin and the Driscoll family. The AFTHI was very pleased with motorist’s response to the coin drop and look forward to expanding our efforts next year into both Saratoga and Washington Counties.
The 1st Annual Be A Hear-O Class Reunion was held at a Glens Falls Golden Eagles (New York State Collegiate Baseball League) game at East Field In Glens Falls on Monday evening, July 19th. Thank you to Glens Falls Golden Eagles Baseball Team, Inc. President/General Manager Darin Williams and his wife Sheri who presented the AFTHI with a check in the amount of $423.00 (a percentage of tickets sold to the ballgame). Four members of the Fabulous Friends with Flying Fingers (Isla McGlauflin who also sang, Lexie Meyer, Sarah Leiden and McKenna Clark) did a wonderful job signing “God Bless the U.S.A. and the National Anthem in front of the pitcher’s mound and then turned to watch Rose Ora Stewart throw out the ceremonial first ball. During the traditional seventh inning stretch, the FFFF led the crowd as they signed “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
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Fabulous Friends and Class Sign-ups Are Open
Fabulous Friends
Are you interested in signing your child up for the Fabulous Friends with Flying Fingers? The FFFF sign language troupe is open to all children ages 7-13 that are willing to learn a variety of songs in sign language to perform at various events throughout the Tri-County Region and beyond. The goal of the troupe is to learn basic sign language and promote deaf culture awareness within the community. Performances during the past year include: Prospect Child & Family Center Telethon & Festival of Trees, South Glens Falls Parade, Glens Falls/Queensbury Memorial Day Parade, Ronald McDonald House’s Volunteer Recognition Celebration in Albany, Golden Eagles Baseball Game and various civic organization events.
Have you ever considered the benefits of taking a Lip Reading class? Let us know!
Are you a Home School Parent who believes that an introduction to Sign Language would be time well spent in your child(rens) education? Let us know!
Is there a Hearing Health issue that your family is or has recently experienced that you would like to share
and discuss with others with similar experiences? Let us know!
We will be scheduling classes for the Fabulous Friends with Flying Fingers, for Home Schoolers and persons interested in learn how to read lips as well coordinating Social Support groups for our members and “soon-to-be” members soon!
ASL Classes Start Sept 20th, 6:30-8:30
Level 2 (Intermediate Class) will be Mondays, Level 1 (Beginners) will be on Wednesdays (starting Sept. 22). Classes will run for 10 weeks. Fees are $40 for non-members, $25 for members (you did remember to become a member, didn't you!) The cost of the book, A Basic Course in American Sign Language, is $35.95. We are happy to sign you up by email (please provide your name, address and phone number where we can reach you, and tell us whether you are a beginner or intermediate) or by phone (518) 761-0554.
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ASL (American Sign Language) - The official Language of many Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans
In February of this year, a Town Councilman from Jackson (Washington County) pushed for a local law making English the official written and spoken language for town business. The Town Board held a public hearing on the proposed law in March and then passed the law by a vote of 3-1. Contacted by a reporter by the Hill Country Observer, a monthly newspaper distributed and read by residents throughout the Tri -County Region and beyond, AFTHI Executive Director Ben Driscoll shared observations that were included in an article that appeared in the June edition. “About 500,000 Americans and Canadians use American Sign Language as their primary language. Jackson’s law “could certainly be a concern if an individual came to a public meeting, or to vote, and needed an interpreter,” said Driscoll.
Matters, such as this, are “quality of life issues” that need to be discussed and debated and individuals and families that they impact are always encouraged to share their opinions and have their voices heard, even when that involves the use of their fingers.
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Oticon, Inc.
29 Schoolhouse Rd.
Somerset, NJ 08873
www.oticonusa.com
Oticon - Life without boundaries.
Hearing without limits.
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Join AFTHI at Uno's
We will be having Uno's Days on the 2nd Thursday of each month. This month, AFTHI day at Uno's is August 12.
Just print out a coupon from our web site and take it with you. Uno's will do the rest. When you present the coupon to your server, Unos will give up to 20% of your check to the Association for the Hearing Impaired.
Our goal is to raise $200 or more each month! See you at Uno's!
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The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. wishes to acknowledge the Glenn & Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation for their generous grant award to our agency. Monies will be used to produce and disseminate the Listen Up! newsletter, for the ongoing upgrading of our website and increased awareness of and participation in AFTHI programs and services by residents of Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties and beyond. |
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Community Foundations and Corporate Giving
The AFTHI is proud and pleased to announce verbal confirmations from two area foundations of awards espected this August. They are:
- Evelyn & Paul Robinson Family Foundation ($2,000)
- Covidien ($6,000)
The support of AFTHI programs and services is an ongoing process. Currently, the agency is awaiting word on twelve grant proposals and, this month, is involved in the preparation of several more applications to private and public funding sources throughout the Try-County Region and beyond.
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Memberships, Contributions & Grant Funds
The Association for the Hearing Impaired truly appreciates the financial support of all of its members as well as from those who provide private contributions, grant monies or wish to honor the life of a loved one with a Memorial contribution.
The AFTHI wishes to thank those individuals by recognizing you in the monthly edition of Listen Up! The following list includes those that have either paid dues or sent a contribution since mid-May, 2010. Contributions, Great & Small are all equally appreciated. Members Helping Members!
- Tri-County United Way (TCUW)
- Saratoga County Office for the Aging
- Warren County Office for the Aging
- Washington County Office for the Aging
- Motorists who contributed to the Be A Hear-O coin drop
- Darin & Sheri Williams from the Glens Falls Golden Eagles baseball team and the many fans who supported the Be A Hear-O Class Reunion on July 19
- Friends of AFTHI who purchased Kiwanis Duck Race tickets
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 Little & O'Connor Attorneys, PC
19 W. Notre Dame St
Glens Falls, NY 12801
792-2113
jdlittle@littleoconnor.com
Experience, Commitment, Success |
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Deafness Research Foundation
Visit DRF’s website at www.drf.org to:
- Subscribe to Hearing Health Magazine (it’s free)
- Sign up to receive DRF’s e-newsletter, Hearing
Health E-News
- Read about DRF grantees and currently funded
research
- Learn about various hearing disorders & treatments
- View annual report and 990 filing
- Find a hearing healthcare professional
You can also find DRF on Facebook or follow DRF on Twitter @drfnyc [Back to Contents]
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The Show Must Go On!
The AFTHI is seeking individuals interested in assisting Rose Ora Stewart volunteer to distribute assistive listening devices to persons with hearing loss at the Wood Theater in
Glens Falls as well as at other summer performances in the Tri-County Region this summer.
Interpreted Performances at Proctor’s Theatre
- MISS SAIGON—SUNDAY, Aug. 15th at 2pm
- YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN—Sunday, October 24th at 2pm
- WHITE CHRISTMAS—Sunday, November 28th at 2 pm
- FIDDLER ON THE ROOF—Sunday, January 9th at 2 pm
- THE LION KING—Sunday, February 27th at 1 pm & Saturday, March 12th at 2 pm
- HAIR—Sunday, May 8th at 2 pm
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Briefly Noted!
New Life Line Order Forms Available
The AFTHI has received updated applications from the Verizon Lifeline Assistive Equipment Distribution Program and the copies of the New York State Assistive Telephone Equipment Order form from the Verizon Center for Customers with Disabilities. To learn more about Eligibility Requirements and Application Instructions please contact the AFTHI office.
On the Radio
Bonniesue Neal, Host and Janet DiManno, Assistant Host of the All-American Properties Radio Show taped an interview with AFTHI Executive Director Ben Driscoll that aired on Regional Radio Group (Glens Falls) stations on
Sunday morning, July 25th (WCKM-FM at 6:30 & WWSC-AM at 8:00. AFTHI programs and services as well as upcoming classes and events were discussed.
Interpreters & Sign Language Pros List
AFTHI Board members Nancy Crosby & Sara McKay are Co-Chairing a Committee to update an AFTHI list of Capital Region Interpreters and Sign Language Professionals. This list will additionally highlight those individuals and agencies that serve persons and organizations residing or doing business in Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties and beyond. Both Certified and Non-Certified Independents & Referral Service encouraged to please contact the AFTHI if you would like your name to appear on the list. That list will be shared by the AFTHI with health & human service providers, business & school officials and members of the general public.
The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund
On July 3rd, the AFTHI attended the Annual Summer Jam at East Field in Glens Falls to sell Kiwanis Duck Race tickets. Our table was next to the family & friends of Ben Osborn and I had the opportunity to discuss with them why they established The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund “Giving Kids a Little Lift.” The Fund was founded as a 501 C (3) organization aimed to support youth with “NEED.” The fund was created in loving memory of SPC. Osborn who was killed in Afghanistan, June 15, 2010, while serving in the United States Army during Operation Enduring Freedom. It is our mission and hope that the values being learned such as discipline and pride will be encouraged and passed on through Ben’s legacy. As he taught us through example and selfless sacrifice, we simply wish to do our part by “Giving Kids a Little Lift” in honor of Ben’s memory, as the man who planted the seeds within our hearts that inspired us to do so; we wish to carry on his legacy and Make Him Proud. Contributions can be made in care of The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund at the Glens Falls National Bank’s 250 Glen Street, Glens Falls offices. [Back to Contents] |
Outreach at Saratoga County Aging & Disability Services Network Meeting in Saratoga Springs
Hearing Loss was the theme of the July meeting of the Saratoga County Aging and Disabilities Network meeting held on Tuesday, July 13th in Saratoga Springs. Five panel members (Carrie Snyder from the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley; Donna Wayner, Professional Advisor to the Hearing Loss Association of Albany; Sandra Clark from Sprint Relay; Grady Aronstamm from the Saratoga Springs Lions Club & the Lions Hearing Conservation Society and Ben Driscoll from the AFTHI each spent 15-20 minutes discussing specific programs, services and/or opportunities available to persons of all ages with hearing loss. Network meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 2:00 PM at sites throughout the County.
Representatives from the AFTHI and the Hearing Loss Association of Albany discussed strategies for better communicating with each other as well as the possibility of collaborating on future programs, services and special events.
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FAVA Vounteers
FAVA was founded in the fall of 2009 by a group of friends wanting to do good for others. This group found themselves constantly brought together by their love of the South High Marathon Dance and each member had a mutual passion for helping others in need.
FAVA is always looking for new volunteers. If you would like to help, please visit www.thefava.org of call (518) 824-1229.
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Russell S. Wolff, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Counseling Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
c/o Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley
49 Fourth Street, Troy, NY 12180
V/VP: (518) 768-0667
Fax: (518) 274-7944
E-mail: rwolff@drrussellwolff.com
Website: www.drrussellwolff.com
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AFTHI On-The-Go
The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. is not scheduled to attend/participate in any Community Outreaches or Presentations in August. As of July 26, no performances by the Fabulous Friends with Flying Fingers during the month of August. BUT, we are now scheduling our outreach events for September and beyond!
If your group or agency, business or congregation, school, camp or civic organization would like a visit by Ben and/or Kassey, please contact the AFTHI at your earliest convenience at 761-0554.
Please pick up a copy of The Post Star’s monthly Adirondack Health newspaper supplement at locations throughout the Tri-County Region on or about August 1st to read an article about hearing health. Area professionals and the AFTHI as well as families and individuals whose lives have been impacted by hearing loss and their stories will be included in the article.
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Check This! Deaf Rapper Signs Deal with Eminem
On July 18, Parade Magazine ran a story about Sean Forbes on its back page. Sean is a Detroit native who "didn't let being deaf stop him from a career in music." Sean recently signed a recording deal with Eminem's team. Check out his inspiring story, written by best-selling author Mitch Albom, at Parade Magazine.
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Listen Up! is the newsletter of the Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc., Bennet F. Driscoll, Jr., Executive Director. Listen Up! is published monthly and made available in print and on-line editions. If you wish to change your subscription, please visit the links provided below, or call the Association's office at 518-761-0554.
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