SWC June 2007 Newsletter

We have all heard of famous Las Vegas city, and some have even aspired to visit there. Whether on our personal agenda intentionally or not, we have now had the adventure of actually living there a few days while we soaked up the delights and involvements of 2007 Con.

On Wednesday, May 9th, we started to show up at the Atrium Suites Hotel one by one and even by twos, excited by the location and the delight of finding familiar SayWhatClub members. After settling in we were off to the Welcome Party. There we found more old friends and met new ones, and chatted into the night. For entertainment, Don Dippner (Vistas) delighted us with his magic, as he had done in 2006.

Thursday morning began the workshops. First was "Basic ASL" by Brenda (Forum) and Walter Dawe. Brenda is a certified interpreter and a real asset as she also interpreted for the other workshops and the banquet program. So there was Brenda (who is hearing) doing her ASL stuff and explaining it all to us, while her Walt inserted his valued contributions and added to the enjoyment with his humour.

The second workshop on Thursday was a discussion panel on Deaf/Hearing Couples Issues. There is nothing like first-hand accounts of personal experiences, and we could all relate to the various issues touched upon in one way or another. Brenda and Walter ran the show in their delightfully tandem manner, while each of the other couples contributed their own special experiences and opinions. The couples involved were Lois (CI) and Charlie Itchkawitz, Marti (BOD) and Tom Castor, Lorne (World) and Joanne Smith, and Shari (Connect) and Mike (DHC) Steele.

Thursday noon, the volunteers were hosted by the Board at an appreciation luncheon. That was a pleasant time at which they could get to know each other better.

Friday's first workshop was Hearing Loss Advocacy, by Pearl Feder and Linda Binns. The two of them got us into stitches more than once! Pearl is a Social Worker presently working with the Hard of Hearing/visually Impaired Unit of NYC Department of Education. Linda, a certified paralegal, is a child support officer for the district attorney in San Diego. As well as the stitches, they gave us valuable information and food for thought as they produced revealing skits about challenges of hearing loss.

The second workshop on Friday was about Cochlear Implants, presented by company representatives Tina Childress from Advanced Bionics and Curtis Humphries of Cochlear Americas. They presented both solo and shared details about their specialties, inviting questions and impressing us by their expertise. Many in the audience have implants or plan to get them, and this presentation was very helpful. Since Tina and Curtis are CI wearers themselves, they capably gave us "the inside story"as well.

Saturday arrived, with the special Group Breakfast and Town Meeting. During the afternoon the Silent Auction was set up and was opened to perusal at 5:00. Then came the Banquet and evening program. Larry Sivertson of HOH-HH News fame was our special speaker. Unfortunately, I had to leave to catch my flight part way through Larry's speech. I was there long enough, however, to listen to much of his personal story and become impressed by his many capabilities.

I would like to mention here our invaluable Gayl Hardeman, who steadfastly provided the essential CART, which we cannot do without. Not only is Gayl one fast typist, but she added much to our stay with her good cheer and involvement in whatever was going on!

Too soon, we began to disperse from the Atrium Suites. Some, like me, needed to leave from the Banquet. Others left the following day. Some were doing more sightseeing or visiting after the Con. But each day, after the workshops, we were able to follow interests such as the casinos, visiting local relatives, riding the roller coaster, or daring a helicopter ride. Some took side trips such as to the Grand Canyon and the fascinating hills of the area. The Belagio was a favourite experience, and Terrible's (casino and dining room) as well. And some of us took in the Light Show in old Las Vegas. That was a disappointment, but it was made up for by the fun of returning the 20 miles back to the Atrium Suites in a white stretch limousine, all eight of us laughing all the way!

In closing, I would like to express appreciation to those who took on the job of organizing and running the Con, particularly Convention Chairs Cathy Hilden and Linda Binns. We cannot get an adequate concept of how much time, energy and their own special contributions went into that. Faithful Jazzy touched upon it lightly as she was only with us for a day or so, but that was enough to supply hugs all around. Don Dippner gave us good fun, and some took it upon themselves to shepherd small groups to various entertainments. And always, there were those friendly gatherings or just chat times that we feed on so. As we finally said our scattered goodbyes, there were many reminders to be sure to come to Con 2008 in Philadelphia in July. We hope to see you there, too!

Larry Sivertson quickly had a great account of the Con in the HOH-LD News. You can read this for yourself at http://www.hearinglossweb.com/res/hlorg/swc/cn/2007/2007.htm