Deafweekly February 21, 2007

deafweekly

February 21, 2007
Vol. 3 No. 12

Editor: Tom Willard

Deafweekly is an independent news report for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community that is mailed to subscribers every Wednesday and available to read at www.deafweekly.com. Please visit our website to read current and back issues, sign up for a subscription and advertise. Deafweekly is copyrighted 2007 and any unauthorized use, including reprinting of news, is prohibited. Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly at no charge.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

¡Pruebe IP-Relay.com en Español!

IP-Relay.com es la primera compañía del sector de la retransmisión telefónica en ofrecer a los hispanohablantes su propio sitio Web, IP-Relay en Español. IP-Relay en Español ofrece las mismas prestaciones y funciones que IP-Relay.com excepto que todo está en español. Hable con un operador de retransmisión de habla hispana y haga la llamada en español. Infórmese sobre nuestros productos y servicios en español. Comparta todo esto con su familia y amigos para que puedan ver las opciones de retransmisión que se ofrecen en IP-Relay.com y IP-Relay en Español.

http://www.ip-relay.com/sp/ para llamar ahora mismo.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
EDITOR'S NOTE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please excuse the recent lapse in publication. With this issue, Deafweekly resumes regular publication. Thank you for your patience and expressions of concern.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NATIONAL
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

AFTER 105 YEARS, FRATERNAL SOCIETY CLOSES

The National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, founded in 1901 to provide insurance to deaf people, has gone out of business. “The NFSD’s Board of Directors decided to cease operations (stop doing business) as of January 1, 2007,” wrote Board Chairman Christopher J. McQuaid in a letter on NFSD’s website. NFSD turned over its insurance business to the Catholic Order of Foresters two years ago and tried to make it as a fraternal society, but two-thirds of the members chose not to renew the $25 annual membership fee. With no other income, NFSD can no longer support an officer or provide membership benefits, said McQuaid. The group had agreed to let the Kansas Educational Foundation handle memberships, newsletters and other functions, but soon “it became apparent that KEF was not capable of performing the functions.” NFSD’s Springfield, Ill. office will be sold, said McQuaid, and “the process will begin to legally close the Society forever.”

SCHOOL COUNSELOR DIES IN ICE-CLIMBING ACCIDENT

A deaf counselor at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind fell 170 feet to his death Sunday, January 28 on an ice wall in southwest Colorado Springs. Reid Hunt, 32, was supervisor of student life and oversaw athletics, dormitories and the transition program, school spokeswoman Diane Covington told the Colorado Springs Gazette. Hunt, an experienced ice climber, had all the right equipment but slipped and fell before he was secured with a rope or wearing crampons - metal spikes on boots or shoes that provide traction. “It’s really sad because this was completely preventable,” said climber Greg Long.

LAURENT TOWN PLANNERS TO MOVE TO INDIANA

The group that planned to build a town in South Dakota for sign-language users is moving to Indiana. Marvin Miller, who co-founded The Laurent Institute with mother-in-law M.E. Barwacz, said the decision was prompted by financial problems and “the immediate educational needs of my four deaf children.” Miller also cited declining enrollment at the South Dakota School for the Deaf and downsizing at Sioux Falls-based Communication Services for the Deaf. The group will not have an office in Indiana and the town won’t necessarily be built there, organizers said. “We will need to rework our plans and strategy for building the town within the next five years,” said Barwacz.

JUDGE SAYS WRIGHT CAN FACE DEATH PENALTY

A judge in Sioux Falls, S.D. ruled last week that accused killer Daphne Wright could be put to death if she is found guilty of murdering Darlene VanderGiesen. According to the Argus Leader, public defender Jeff Larson argued it would be cruel and unusual to kill Wright, 43, because her inability to hear and speak would make it hard to persuade a jury to spare her life. Deputy state’s attorney Keith Allenstein countered that Wright’s case is not unique and compared her challenges to those faced by people who speak other languages. “She probably does” have some limitations, said Allenstein, “but all defendants come into the courtroom with limitations.”

FAMILY SUES SCHOOL OVER HEARING DOG BAN

The parents of a 14-year-old deaf boy in Long Island, N.Y. are suing the East Meadow School District for barring their son from bringing his hearing dog to class. John and Nancy Cave are asking for $150 million in damages, reported CBS, after John Jr. was prevented from bringing the dog, Simba, to the W. Tresper Clarke High School. The family says the school violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, while the school says animals are barred for safety and health reasons. The state Division of Human Rights says the policy may be unlawful and discriminatory and plans to schedule a hearing on the issue.

UNLICENSED CAREGIVER CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE

A deaf community leader in Anchorage, Alaska was charged with sexually abusing a boy in an unlicensed daycare center in his home. Bail for Randall Danes, 39, was set at $100,000 February 1 in Anchorage Jail Court. Danes, president of the Williwaw Recreational Club for the Deaf, cared for as many as 15 children from the deaf community to supplement his disability payments, said the Anchorage Daily News. He was arrested after a woman got Danes to admit in a police-monitored TTY call that he had sexual contact with her 10-year-old developmentally delayed son.

MINNESOTA RESIDENTS SUE COUNTY

Four deaf Minnesota residents filed a federal lawsuit January 19 against Dakota County, saying their requests for interpreters during a mercury spill went unheeded. Vikki Marshall, 34; Kevin Loye, 48; Gina Gist, 37; and David Stiles, 49, are seeking damages of over $50,000 each for emotional injuries and punitive damages, said The Associated Press. The September 6, 2004 incident began when two teenage boys took two quarts of mercury from a closed factory and began playing with it. Emergency workers went door to door, but the plaintiffs didn’t understand and gave workers cards asking for interpreters. “Some of those responders laughed at them,” said a Minnesota Disability Law Center worker, “and threw the cards back at them.”

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Make relay the BEST it can be!

This is your chance to make the best relay services even better.
Sprint Relay wants to make your relay experience the BEST it can be.

But we need your help!
Tell us what is good, what is bad, and what things you want to see.

You just might find your suggestion used in the near future.

Don't be shy!
Please, take a moment to click on one of the links below to complete a short, online survey about one (or all) of these Sprint Relay Services:

· Sprint IP Relay
· Sprint IP Wireless Relay
· Sprint Video Relay Service
· Sprint CapTel Relay Service
· Sprint State Relay Services

Sprint Relay values your feedback and appreciates hearing from you!

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV+++

MAN STRUCK BY TRAIN ‘MIGHT NOT HAVE HEARD WHISTLE’

A 76-year-old California man who died January 22 when his truck was hit by an Amtrak train was hard of hearing and “might not have heard the whistle,” Willa Withington told the Ventura County Star. Lowell Withington, her husband of nearly 54 years, “was always very cautious,” she said. Withington, the sole caretaker of a 200-acre ranch in Moorpark that he leased from a friend, was driving over the same train tracks he had crossed almost every day for 30 years when he was struck by a train bound for San Diego. None of the 74 passengers were injured, but Withington was pronounced dead at the scene of multiple blunt force injuries.

DEAF FLORIDA WOMAN LOSES HOME IN TORNADO

A deaf woman in Lady Lake, Fla. was among several hundred people whose homes were damaged or destroyed when a tornado hit central Florida in the early morning of February 2. Karen Madigan told Local 6 News that she was sleeping without her hearing aids but still managed to hear the tornado coming. “I just rolled out of bed and held on to the carpet,” she said. “The next thing you know, it was exploding everywhere.” Lady Lake suffered some of the worst damage and accounted for three of the storm’s 14 confirmed fatalities.

MAN CHARGED WITH SHOOTING FELLOW TENANT

A deaf Michigan man was arrested February 11 after allegedly shooting a fellow tenant outside an apartment building in Warren. Steven Edward Marshall, 50, was charged with assault with intent to commit murder and possession of a firearm while committing a felony, said The Macomb Daily. The victim, Jeffrey Vine, 30, remained in critical condition on a ventilator. No one witnessed the shooting, said police, but two people heard a gunshot and Marshall was arrested a short time later in his apartment. Bail was set at $1 million cash or surety, to which Marshall replied, “Wow.” He and Vine “have a history of animosity,” said a police officer.

NEW JERSEY MAN INDICTED ON MURDER CHARGES

Dontay Milbourne, a deaf New Jersey man, has been indicted for murder in the April 1, 2006 stabbing death of Jackie Forman. Milbourne, 26, was charged January 17 with two counts of first-degree murder, possession of a weapon and tampering with evidence, said the Bridgeton News. Forman, 41, was stabbed multiple times inside Milbourne’s apartment at an independent living facility for disabled young adults. According to Milbourne’s lawyer, the two argued “over payment and receiving drugs” prior to the stabbing.

DEAF DRIVER IN FATAL CRASH IN CALIFORNIA

A deaf driver apparently set off a two-car crash near Martinez, Calif. February 5 that killed the driver of the other car. The unidentified deaf motorist, a 32-year-old Stockton resident, appears to have slammed on the brakes of his Chrysler Sebring convertible and caused the car to “sort of pirouette together” with a pickup truck across the roadway, CHP Officer Scott Yox told CBS-5 in San Francisco. “There’s definitive skid marks,” said Yox, but police were uncertain about why the man hit the brakes. “Communication is sort of at standstill until we have somebody to assist us with sign language,” he said.

IDAHO SUPERINTENDENT REPLACED BY SCHOOL VETERAN

Harv Lyter, interim superintendent of the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind, has been replaced by Mary Dunne, a 35-year veteran of the school. According to the Twin Falls Times-News, the state Board of Education said Lyter submitted a letter of resignation but Lyter said “the board had decided that it was time for a change in leadership.” The board cannot comment on details, said school official Mark Browning, but did consider Dunne’s “three decades of knowledge and experience as a part of their decision.” Lyter worked for ISDB for more than six years and replaced Angel Ramos in 2004 when Ramos quit amid a local controversy. Asked if he had future plans, Lyter said, “Not really.”

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DEAF SCHOOL FACES MONEY WOES

The Rocky Mountain Deaf School in Denver, Colo. is in danger of shutting down, reported KUSA last week. The area’s only deaf school is facing financial problems because state rules on charter schools prevent it from using tuition or state funds to pay the rent. “It will be a challenge to keep our doors open,” said Alison Talbert, whose 9-year-old daughter attends the school. School director Janet Cerney said the best options are to find a donor to pay for building expenses or lobby the state to change its policy.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Sidekick 3 from GoAmerica is here - NO credit check!

Also great prices on Blackberry family! Such Blackberry 8700 for just 99 dollars or Free Blackberry 7290!

You can compare over 25 devices that we offer at http://www.deafpagers.com/devices/index.html

PRICE CRASH!!!
Accessories up to 75% off!! This deal ends Jan 28, 2007!
http://www.deafpagers.com/acceessories/index.html
Free Shipping if you purchase $30 or more in Accessories!

Visit www.deafpagers.com
Deafpagers.com Team

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Earthbound Expeditions, a leader in small group adventures, is offering an interpreted 11 day tour of Spain after WFD. The tour runs July 23 - August 2nd and will explore Salamanca, Granada, Toledo, Seville and more! Discover the Art and History of this magnificent country, and enjoy a Sherry tasting and a night of Flamenco Dancing! Prices start from $2,370.00 and includes: accomodations in three star hotels, two thirds of all meals, all sightseeing and entrances listed on the Itinerary, and tips for Driver & Guides. Limited Space available! For more information go to www.earthboundexpeditions.com and contact Staff Interpreter/Tour Manager: Shannon Murello-Plyler at shannon@earthboundexpeditions.com.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
INTERNATIONAL
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ENGLAND MAN PLANS JOURNEY TO NORTH POLE

A Portsmouth, England man hopes to become the first deaf person to reach the North Pole on foot. “I’m nervous and excited,” said Oliver Westbury, 26, told The Portsmouth News, “but I know I need to raise the money first.” He hopes to raise £27,000 ($52,570 US) for the trip, with half going to the National Deaf Children’s Society and the other half used for clothes, equipment, food, training and transportation. The April 2008 journey will cover 70 miles of freezing Arctic terrain with temperatures as low as minus 35 degrees centigrade. Westbury’s team of 10 will travel on skis and tow 88-pound sleds behind them. “There’s frostbite, thin ice to fall through and all those things to think about,” said Westbury. “I have to think that I might not come back.”

TORONTO MAN GETS 3 YEARS FOR DRUNK-DRIVING DEATH

Daniel Rouleau, 55, was sentenced to three years in prison January 23 for the drunk-driving death of deaf great-grandfather Laurie Landry, reported the Toronto Star. Landry, 72, died December 30, 2003 after being struck by a pickup truck driven by Rouleau, who had consumed at least nine bottles of beer. The victim’s family applauded as Rouleau, a longtime Campbell’s Soup employee, was led to jail. “But how much time is he really going to spend in prison?” said Landry’s daughter, Marie Wallis. “My father got a death sentence. Our family got a life sentence. So really, no amount of time was going to ever change that.”

GROUP RAISES MONEY THROUGH ‘DREAM HOME DRAW’

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association raised about $330,000 ($284,000 US) for programming through its annual Ultimate Dream Home Draw, said Northern Life, selling about 50,000 tickets at $20 ($17 US) each. Valerie Carlson of Sudbury won the furnished $330,000 house - a 1,570-square-foot bungalow with four bedrooms - along with a 2007 Kia Rio car when Sudbury MP Diane Marleau drew the winning ticket. Carlson has 30 days to decide if she and husband James and their two teens will move in or take $220,000 ($189,000 US) in cash plus the furniture and car. This is the program’s sixth year, said executive director Kim Scott, and more tickets are sold each time.

MOM, DEAF SON CHARGED WITH HOME-SELLING SCAM

A Zimbabwe woman and her deaf son were charged last month with conning a home buyer out of $1.2 million ($5,000 US). Jasmine Kufakunesu, 70, allegedly sold her house last July after it had already been sold to someone else, said The Herald. According to prosecutor Nyambo Viera, her son Peter, 29, had full knowledge of the fraud despite being in prison at the time. The unsuspecting buyer was asked to help get him released so he could sign the documents and later paid the money, which was not recovered.. Jasmine and Peter were given $20,000 ($83 US) bail and told to reside at their given address until the case is finalized.

CON MAN USES DEAF SOCIETY’S NAME TO RAISE FUNDS

A solicitor going door to door in New South Wales, Australia to raise money for the Lismore-based Deaf Society of NSW is “definitely not” from the society, staffer Craig Bishop told The Northern Star. “I understand the man, who is deaf, either tries to sell them a bookmark or asks for a donation,” he said. But the society doesn’t solicit funds door-to-door, said Bishop, and anyone who comes across the con man should notify police immediately.

VISITORS TO NEW ZEALAND ARE VICTIMS OF THEFT

Two deaf visitors to New Zealand had their credit cards and airline tickets stolen from a locked van while visiting the town of Rotorua. The brazen daytime robbery left Irish visitor Stephen Gilligan and Korean friend Jong-Moon Kim distressed but “not put off New Zealand or its people,” said the Rotorua Review. “We’ve had a great time meeting so many people and doing different things,” said Gilligan. The pair, who met through the Auckland Deaf Association, also lost shoes and clothing and were thinking of cutting their visit short and going home.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Sorenson IP Relay™ expands communication possibilities for deaf and hard-of hearing individuals by enabling free text-to-speech relay calls with any standard telephone user in the U.S. Sorenson IP Relay calls can be initiated by visiting the Web site at www.siprelay.com from a personal computer, or can be made with a Sidekick, Blackberry, Trço or other mobile device. A trusted Sorenson Communications Assistant (CA) instantaneously facilitates the conversation between the Sorenson IP Relay user and a friend, doctor or business associate. Sorenson IP Relay calls are free for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

EDGARYWIRELESS.COM ANNOUNCED THE SPECIAL SALE!!

BLACKBERRY 8700 AND BLACKBERRY 7290!
BLACKBERRY 8700 IS ON SPECIAL PRICE!!
BLACKBERRY 7290 IS STILL FREE !!!!!
PLEASE HURRY BEFORE IT SOLD OUT!!

SEE OUR WEBSITE: WWW.EDGARYWIRELESS.COM

CONTACT TO: ED VP:610-626-0807
: GARY VP:301-855-6264

WOW !!!! WOW !!!!ANOTHER EXTENTED PRICES AGAIN

THE SALE WILL EXPIRES ON MARCH 1ST 2007 !!!
EMAIL: SALES@EDGARYWIRELESS.COM
ED8459@TMO.BLACKBERRY.NET
GARY4368@TMO.BLACKBERRY.NET

We have Sidekick 2 & 3 Accessories so contact vp to either Ed or Gary
Contact us for Sidekick 3 for price!

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

WANT TO WRITE THAT SPECIAL NOTE FOR YOUR VALENTINE?

Let us take care of your words.

* Have urgent deadlines?
* Want someone to review your report?
* Need ASL translated into English?
* Unsure about a brochure or newsletter design?

You've come to the right place! We have bilingual professionals ready to work with you today.
E-mail us today to set up a free videophone appointment.

~VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL - 14% off during the month of February!~
Promo Code: VAL14

T.S. Writing Services, LLC
Writing - Editing - Design - Translation
www.tswriting.com

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LIFE & LEISURE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CALIFORNIA EAR CLINIC UNDERGOES $350,000 RENOVATION

A California construction company recently completed a $350,000 renovation of a John Tracy Ear Clinic in Long Beach, said the Orange County Register. The project was done in memory of Andrew Sanders, a Placentia boy with hearing loss who was killed in 2004 at age 13 when he slid under a truck while in-line skating. Andrew’s father, Greg Sanders, works for Snyder Langston Construction in Irvine and was asked by company chairman Steve Jones how he would like his son to be remembered. Subcontractors, clients and employees eagerly signed on to help, donating over $100,000 of services. The project added 700 square feet of space for infant testing, parent counseling and educational activities.

EIGHTH-GRADER COMPETES IN STATE SPELLING BEE

A Colorado eighth-grader made history when she advanced to the district round of the state spelling bee. Anna Brnak is the first student in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at University Schools in Greeley to accomplish this feat in 30 years, said the Greeley Tribune. Anna, 14, who is legally blind and has a progressive hearing loss, made it through her school’s written and oral rounds to become one of 10 reps to compete at the district round with nine other schools. Only the top 30 scorers moved on to the next round, and Anna wasn’t one of them. “I kind of felt sad,” she said, “but it’s all right.”

GRANTS TO FUND HOME HEALTH CARE FOR SENIORS

A Rochester, N.Y. agency has been awarded state and local grants of over $160,000 to hire 16 deaf community members to become certified home health aides. Unity at Home, a program of Unity Health Services (585-368-6404), will also hire a program coordinator fluent in American Sign Language to meet with potential deaf clients and help them arrange services, said the Democrat and Chronicle. Steve Lovi, president of Deaf & Disability Outreach Services, wrote the successful grant application. The program is expected to serve 90 to 100 deaf seniors in its first two years.

PHILIPPINES NATIVE TO BE HONORED AT LUNCHEON

The Women’s Center of Rhode Island will honor Miss Deaf Rhode Island 2004-05 Gemma A. Guinguing and five other women at an awards luncheon April 5. Nearly 300 people are expected to attend the Fifth Annual Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon at the Marriott Hotel in Providence, said a news release. Guinguing, who was born deaf and poor in the Philippines in 1977, will be honored in the Advocacy & Volunteerism category. She came to America in the 1990s and became a U.S. citizen on December 2, 2002. She is in her fourth year as a caregiver with Corliss Institute in Warren, R.I. and spends hundreds of hours volunteering to teach sign language to police and fire departments and various Girl and Boy Scout Troops.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Help us Celebrate 25 Years with Fantastic 25% Discounts!

Harris Communications is celebrating 25 years of doing business in the deaf community. To show appreciation to all our customers, every week we will have selected products 25% off! These are great offers but they are for a limited-time only-so check back often to see what is on sale.

Don't miss out on some great sales throughout the year. Products will include equipment products from well-known manufacturers as well as popular books, videos, and DVDs.

For more information, go to http://www.harriscomm.com/link/?www.harriscomm.com?sr=dw or contact us at mailto:info@harriscomm.com.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

A perfect gift for everyone, the gift of laughter!

A keith wann asl comedy dvd 'watching two worlds collide' will make any asl student happy! Deaf parents with hearing children will want this dvd to know the things codas try to get away with and often do. 'Watching two worlds' is a 70-minute comedy dvd performed in asl with voice over. $25.00. Pg-13. About a coda growing up in both the deaf and hearing world. Order forms on www.keithwann.com. Or email keith@keithwann.com for bookings and performing requests.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WORKING WORLD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NEW SOFTWARE OFFERS AUTOMATED CAPTIONING

A technology manager at Oklahoma State University has developed what The Daily O’Collegian calls “the first automated closed-captioning software to help the hearing impaired.” Wade Price of OSU’s Institute of Teaching and Learning Excellence wrote the software to help professors post captioned videos to the Internet and stay compliant with disability laws. The automated process takes twice as long as the video itself and has an 80 percent accuracy rate. Professors edit the transcribed text before it is posted. Price developed the software in his free time and plans to let OSU use it at no cost while investigating larger markets.

NEW JERSEY BARBER HANGS UP CLIPPERS

Deaf barber Frank Tomolonis closed his shop in Tunkhannock, Pa. January 27 after nearly 40 years in business. The 63-year-old Springville resident learned his vocation at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Philadelphia, said The New Age Examiner, and purchased land and a building in 1969 to open his own business. Tomolonis communicated by reading lips and built strong bonds with customers and families. “He was an excellent barber,” said Tunkhannock Mayor Norm Ball, a customer for nearly four decades. “He will be missed.”

OHIO HOSPITAL SEES THE LIGHT

The large washing machines at Community Hospital in Springfield, Ohio emit ear-piercing alarms when a cycle ends or a problem develops, said the Springfield News Sun, but the sounds mean nothing to employee Arnold Freeze, who is deaf. Freeze used his sense of touch to tell if a washer was finished or out of balance, but it slowed him down in a laundry that goes through nearly 4,000 pounds of wash each day. Finally, after three years on the job, Freeze was delighted when the hospital’s engineering department bought a $49 emergency light kit and wired it to the washers’ alarm systems. “They finally got it,” he said.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Want to know who called?

Just check your e-mail for Video Mail and Missed Calls from Hamilton Relay VRS!

Sign up for your personal toll free number to begin receiving calls and messages! Visit www.hamiltonrelay.com/videorelay/videomail.htm for all the details.

Remember, now you have the option of using Hamilton Relay VRS with any videophone. Try HamiltonVRS.tv today!

It’s the freedom of VRS and the convenience of Video Mail and Missed Calls - complete with the service and commitment of Hamilton Relay.

So get connected and stay connected with Hamilton Relay VRS Video Mail and Missed Calls.

Hamilton Relay. That’s what I’m talking about.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Sweet Prices on Special Items!

All ILY items are 10% off at Potomac Technology in February! Many gifts to choose from like ILY jewelry, note pads travel mugs and more that would be perfect for someone special. Help your sweetie be on time for an important appointment, work or school with the hot pink heart shaped Sonic Boom Sweetheart Alarm. At 15% off $42.95 that’s a sweet deal too! Visit us online at http://www.potomactech.com or call 1-800-433-2838 (V/TTY). Use code “PTEC207D” when ordering ILY products.

Potomac Technology. Everything You Need Under One Roof!

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MATLIN PLANS RETURN TO BIG SCREEN

Marlee Matlin is returning to the big screen as a university psychologist in the upcoming film Silent Knights. The move gives Matlin a chance to break the “Oscar-winner curse,” said Cinematical. “Matlin hasn’t really had any high-profile, meaty film roles” since winning a Best Actress Academy Award for Children of a Lesser God 20 years ago, though “her curse was to do a million guest stints on television that garnered her four guest-actress Emmy nods.” She also signed the National Anthem at the recent Super Bowl. Silent Knights, said producer Robert Slane, concerns a college football team that “overcomes adversity and beats the odds.”

PETE SEEGER WINS AWARD FOR ‘THE DEAF MUSICIANS’

Folk singer Pete Seeger won a prestigious book award January 22 for The Deaf Musicians, a children’s book he co-authored with Paul DuBois Jacobs. The book tells of a young boy who forms a jazz group with other deaf performers. “I first thought of the story about 30 or 40 years ago,” Seeger, 87, told The Associated Press. “I hadn’t known until then what signing was, and when I found out I imagined what you could do with that.” Seeger and Jacobs were honored by the American Library Association with the Schneider Family Book Award, created in 2004 for books featuring disabled children.

‘DEAF MOSAIC’ TV PROGRAMS NOW ONLINE

Deaf Mosaic, the Emmy Award-winning TV program produced by Gallaudet University in the 1980s and 1990s, can now be seen online. The Gallaudet University Video Library is the “official online home” to 120 episodes of the monthly video magazine, which featured Mary Lou Novitsky and Gil Eastman as co-hosts. It’s part of the video library’s mission to “preserve deaf culture and history for future generations,” said Inside Gallaudet. Visitors will need to register for a free account.

NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR MEDIA ACCESS AWARDS

A call for nominations went out recently for the 2007 Media Access Awards, which recognize the entertainment and media industry for hiring and accurately portraying people with disabilities. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the awards, which are presented by the California Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and the California Employment Development Department. The nomination deadline is March 9. To learn more, click here.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Looking to refinance your adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate?

There will be more and more articles in the newspapers over the next 6 months telling you to refinance your ARM loans to a fixed rate. By that time fixed rates could be over 7%. Today’s rates are still excellent so contact us to discuss your options. We offer a wide variety of programs including fixed, adjustable, interest only, and HELOCs.

Kramer Financial is pleased to be a partner with Access National Mortgage Company (ANM) to provide mortgage services to customers. One of two key factors to our client’s satisfaction is that ANM represents 80 different lenders and they are in an excellent position to choose a lender with the lowest rate and closing costs. Second is our joint commitment to our customer’s needs. If you are looking for personalized service from companies that can do business anywhere in the United States, contact us at:

USA@KramerFinancial.com
800-344-5331 (TTY)
888-265-6341 (Voice)
240-379-6908 (VP)

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Special Prices in February!

It’s Valentine’s Day all month with 14% off special items. Waking up and getting out of bed will be easier with the Sonic Bomb Sweetheart alarm clock. This powerful 12-volt bed shaker and extra loud audio alarm is only $36.95.

Stay connected to that special someone with Compact C! It easily fits into a backpack, or pocket for students on the go! Works with today’s digital cell phones or any traditional phone. Now just $257.15.

Call 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or online http://www.weitbrecht.com

WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SPORTS
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WINTER DEAFLYMPICS WRAP UP IN SALT LAKE CITY

The 2007 Winter Deaflympics came to an end Saturday, February 10 after 10 days of snowboarding, skiing and ice hockey. A closing ceremony and farewell party honored more than 650 athletes and officials from 24 countries who came to Salt Lake City, Utah for the event. Russia came out on top with 20 medals while the U.S. team took 11, including a gold medal in ice hockey. Salt Lake City became the first city to host all three International Olympic Committee-sanctioned games after hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics and Paralympic games. Memorabilia is still available; go to www.2007Deaflympics.com and click on “Merchandise.”

MASSACHUSETTS HOOPSTER SCORES 1,000TH POINT

Shaquana McDonough, a sophomore at The Learning Center for Deaf Children in Framingham, Mass., reached a milestone usually reserved for seniors when she scored her 1,000th point February 2, reported The Boston Globe. McDonough, a 16-year-old Pembroke, Mass. resident, scored the 1,000th point with five seconds left in a 54-36 TLC victory over Boston Trinity Academy. “Our fans and players felt good,” said athletic director John Monahan. “We really wanted to witness her accomplish it on our home court.” One week earlier, TLC (20-2) lost to the same school 44-43 for its first loss of the season.

SOUTH CAROLINA BOYS, MISSISSIPPI GIRLS TAKE MASON-DIXON

It was a “Cinderella run” for the South Carolina School for the Deaf as its boys basketball team won the Mason-Dixon tournament for the first time since 2000. The fifth-seeded Green Hornets overpowered host team Alabama 59-52 to finish first at what the Spartanburg Herald-Journal called “the most prestigious tournament among deaf schools in the United States.” South Carolina had three players foul out in the fourth quarter “but we just outhustled them and our young players stepped up to the challenge,” said coach Bob Milligan. In the girls tournament, held in Morganton, N.C., 8th-seeded Mississippi beat 3rd-seeded Alabama 45-41 to capture the championship.

SOCCER STANDOUT SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT WITH KANSAS

A deaf Ventura, Calif. woman has signed a letter of intent to play soccer at the University of Kansas starting this year, said College Sports TV. Emily Cressy, a 5-foot-5 midfielder/forward, is among eight freshmen who hope to help KU improve on last year’s 11-7-1 record. Cressy has played four years on the U.S. Women’s Deaf National team and won a gold medal in 2005 with the U.S. National team at the Deaflympics. “Emily is a very technical and crafty player who also has a nose for the goal,” said coach Mark Francis. “She will help us out in the midfield or up front.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MILESTONES
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ALBERT VAN NEVEL, GRAND PRESIDENT OF NFSD

Albert Van Nevel, known for his devotion to the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, died at his Pleasant Plains, Ill, home on January 10. He was 65. “Van,” as friends knew him, graduated from Gallaudet University in 1963 with a business degree and immediately began working at NFSD’s home office in Oak Park, Ill., rising to serve as Grand Treasurer from 1967 to 1978. He spent the next 18 years in the insurance business before returning to NFSD in 1996 as Grand President. Mr. Van Nevel, of Pleasant Plains, Ill., was a member of Gallaudet’s Athletic Hall of Fame and served a number of organizations as an officer or director. A biography of Mr. Van Nevel may be found here. He is survived by his wife Carol, two sons, two grandchildren and two sisters. Donations to the Al Van Nevel Memorial Fund, honoring Gallaudet scholar-athletes, may be mailed c/o Christopher McQuaid, 3978 Addison Woods Road, Frederick, MD 21704.

PAT NELSON, 59, MINNESOTA TEACHER OF THE DEAF

Pat Nelson, a teacher of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Minnesota, was killed in a car accident January 4 in Wisconsin. She was 59. Mrs. Nelson, who had a partial hearing loss herself, was an itinerant teacher for 17 years for more than a dozen school districts around Minneapolis and St. Paul, “teaching students with hearing disabilities, and teaching teachers how to better serve those students,” said the Star Tribune. Mrs. Nelson is survived by her husband of 36 years, Dan, three sons, her mother, three sisters, a brother and two grandchildren.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
EMPLOYMENT
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You can advertise your job openings here for just $20 a week (up to 100 words, 10 cents each add'l word) and reach more than 6,350 Deafweekly subscribers. Our website gets an additional 5,000+ page views each week. Start spreading the news! To place your ad, send the announcement to mail@deafweekly.com.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE CENTER FOR RESIDENCE LIFE AT RIT is seeking passionate, caring and engaging educators to create living and learning communities in the position of Community Enrichment Coordinator.

The Residence Life staff contributes to the development of our student populations both in and out of the classroom through a variety of experiences including: developing social, educational and leadership initiatives; advising numerous clubs and organizations; teaching a first-year enrichment course; and mentoring students and staff. We are committed to the application of student development theory to a diverse residential population including deaf and hard of hearing students. The successful candidates will be able to promote and emulate a healthy balance of academic, personal and career development skills. A demonstrated ability to contribute in a meaningful way to the university’s continuing commitment to pluralism is highly desired.

RESPONIBILITIES: Overall leadership and development of a residential learning community, housing between 300-500 students in the residence hall system, with a special focus on facilitating the adjustment of first year students to the campus community. Specific duties include the selection, training, evaluation, and supervision of 9-16 Resident Advisors; provide instruction and facilitation of a two quarter First Year Enrichment course; serve as a Performance Coach to first year students; assist students in the development of academic and personal goals, transition and adjustment issues and understanding and navigating the collegiate environment; facilitate the ongoing design and development of an intentional learning community; support students through advocacy and crisis intervention; advise student organizations and special interest houses; serve as a student conduct hearing officer; participate in a duty rotation.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree required in Student Personnel, Counseling or a closely related field. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, creativity, facilitation and leadership skills, organizational and planning skills; sufficient related training and experience in teaching/facilitation and working with first year college students. A strong knowledge and commitment to student development theory is essential. One-two years of teaching and/or administrative experience in higher education preferred. Bachelor’s degree with significant full-time experience in residence life and teaching considered. Must be willing to learn sign language.

SALARY: Minimum starting salary $2,458 monthly based on education and experience with comprehensive benefits package. Newly renovated 2 bedroom apartment and partial meal plan ($2400 annually); Full-time, live-on position; Contract period July 15, 2007 - June 15, 2008.

START DATE: July 15, 2007

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should include a current resume; a letter addressing the candidate’s qualifications in terms of the criteria stated above and contact information of at least three references. Please send to: Jeffrey M. Sulik, Associate Director, Center for Residence Life, 63 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623-5603, or electronically to: reslife@rit.edu.

RIT is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Non-Profit mental health agency in Edgewater, MD has positions available in Deaf Program. Applicants must be fluent in American Sign Language. Minimum qualifications are a high school diploma or equivalent, AA or BA/BS degree with coursework and/or experience in psychology or human services preferred. Must have valid drivers license.

Rehabilitation Specialist - Part Time and Full Time; Responsibilities include providing daily living skills support, medication monitoring, transporting clients to appointments, and applying crisis intervention when needed in a residential setting.

Interpreter/Mental Health Specialist - Full Time, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Mon-Thurs as Interpreter, other hours as needed for Mental Health Specialist (will include weekends). Interpreter must be able to interpret a variety of situations. Specialist duties include; coordination of doctor appts., transport clients to appts., medication monitoring, provide daily living skills & job support, and apply crisis intervention. Applicants must be fluent in spoken English.

Send resume and cover letter to: Arundel Lodge, 2600 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037, fax (410) 841-6045, email: Lmurphy@arundellodge.org.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT GLAD

GLAD is an Affirmative Action Employer with equal opportunity for men, women and people with disabilities. For more information on the following positions, please go to: www.gladinc.org. The status of all positions is: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Full Fringe Benefits unless otherwise noted. All positions are open until filled.

- Building Manager - Los Angeles
- Regional Director - Riverside
- Community Interpreter - Los Angeles
- Mexican Sign Language Interpreter - Riverside
- Job Developer/Interpreter - Norwalk
- Community Advocate - Los Angeles
- Placement Coordinator - Crenshaw
- Placement Coordinator (Temporary) - Norwalk

If interested for any of these positions then please submit resume and application to:

Jeff Fetterman
Human Resources Specialist
Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
V/TDD: (323) 550-4207
Fax #: (323)550-4204
E-mail: jfetterman@gladinc.org

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Director of Client Support Services Position Announcement
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency - San Leandro, CA

This position directs and supervises all aspects of outreach and specialized services in San Leandro, San Jose, Fremont, Eureka, and Santa Cruz. Represents agency in educational, advocacy, and social service contexts; coordinates program development and evaluation; monitors department budget; and performs direct services to clients and workshops. DCARA offers extremely competitive benefits such as 4-day work week schedule (40 hours), 13 days of holiday leave plus one week paid winter holiday, and full medical, dental, vision and life insurances. Available employment at www.dcara.org.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Executive Assistant Position Announcement
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency

Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA) has a full-time (40 hours/week) exempt Executive Assistant position available. The Executive Assistant will work out of the headquarters office in San Leandro, CA and provides clerical and administrative support and reports to the Chief Executive Officer. DCARA offers extremely competitive benefits such as a 4 day work-week schedule, 12 days of holiday leave, a personal day, a paid winter holiday in addition to vacation benefits, and medical, vision, dental, and life insurance benefits. For more details, see www.dcara.org.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Click here to subscribe or here to advertise.