Deaf Snowbirds!
About 90 people attended the Deaf Snowbirds event in Las Vegas, NV from April 12 to 19, 2026.
Wendy Bachman and Larry Berke were there and they played a lot of games. Dave Fontana was also there for three days but he left early due to his commitments.
Wendy played golf putty, golf ladder and cornhole. She won first place on golf ladder and corn hole and second place on golf putty! Larry won second place on the baseball throw and third place on the golf ladder!
Photo: Larry Berke and Wendy Bachman with a sign “Welcome Deaf Snowbirds.”
NOTE: Much appreciation goes to Wendy Bachman for sharing the news and photo with us.
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ASL Coffee Podcast - "The Cozy ASL Reading Rose Lounge”, April 15, 2026
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/
You might think my reason for selecting this book is strange, but let me explain. We already discussed Nevil Shute about two years ago. That book was “On the Beach” published in 1957 and it made us cry when it came to “the end of the world.”
I have read other novels by Nevil Shute over the years when I lived in England and even here in the U.S.A. I love his style of writing. It’s never dramatic or explosive, just in seemingly simple sentences. However, if we read it at a fast pace, we miss a lot. These simple sentences need to be read carefully for the story’s impact.
“A Town like Alice is a love story”. I swear it, but “Who loves whom?” The story begins in an “old man” lawyer’s office in London. He’s not really old, it is just how he labels himself. His name is Noel Strachan but at the beginning, we do not know his first name; he is Mr. Strachan.
Shute uses the polite form of address “Mr”. Strachan – but eventually changes it to Noel as the story evolves
Let me give you (the reader) an example of how to “catch” this evolution. In the English language, there is only one word for “you” but French has two different words for this word “you” such as “vous” and “tu” – vous is used for anyone you do not know. It’s formal and also represents the plural “you”. But “tu” is used with close friends, family, in intimate settings and so on. In this book, there is seemingly no drama in what you read. It’s a respectful story with simple language but the images it provokes are far from simple.
Nevil Shute majored in engineering and his original job was building planes. At some time, he became a published author and loved writing. Was his writing influenced by his engineering background?
Where does “love” enter the story? At the beginning, it is with the (old, staid, British) lawyer! He meets Jean Paget for the first time when he executes Douglas Macfadden’s last Will and Testament. Jean (the remaining member of Macfadden’s family) is now very wealthy. She is probably 24 years old and back in England from Malaya after WWII. The lawyer thinks (based on what Macfadden had said) that Jean is too young to handle all her money. A trust fund has been set up so Jean can get all of it when she turns 35 years old. Jean is working as a secretary at that time. It is her life after the War. Her brother had died in Malaya.
Jean tells Strachan (the narrator) she was in Malaya during the Japanese occupation. Her father had managed a rubber plantation for years in Malaya where she grew up, learned to speak Malay fluently and understand the culture.
We learn what happened to Jean through her lawyer. Jean says her life had been divided into 3 parts. (The reader can argue there are far more than three). Jean had been stranded when Japan invaded Malaya.
Despite the author’s disclaimer that this is not a true story, what happened to Jean and the women forced to walk across Malaya did happen in Sumatra (an island in western Indonesia). The British colonials had brought their way of life and traditions to the region. Most Malayan natives were Muslims so the men had more control over life in villages and the countryside than women.
The Japanese herded the English women across Malaya under the pretext of looking for a P.O.W. camp but the invaders did not have a separate camp for women and children. Thus, the women and children were forced to walk (or plod and stumble) from one place to another. One individual after another died on this trek.
Jean’s boss on the rubber plantation (Kuala Perak) had three children – two boys and one girl. The baby, named Robin, was carried in a sling by Jean most of the time and thrived. The son, named Freddie, died (from snake bite in the movie) and his sister, Jane, died from tropical disease when they crossed through the swamp land in the north. They were initially not prepared when they had to walk for miles but Jean and other women adapted. They wore sarongs like the native women and went bare foot despite initial disapproval from some of the English women with them.
Like Strachan, the reader gets to know the women and children. It touches my heart when one dies and so on. On Day 35, Esme Harrison, age 8 dies, then Mrs. Collard, then Ben Collard, age 7 treads on a scorpion and dies, then Mrs. Horsefall and Judy Thompson die as does Mrs. Holland.
How do we know all this? The lawyer tells us what Jean Paget tells him!
When the women and children (17 remaining out of 32) finally reach the eastern coast of Malaya, they meet up with two Australian POWs who were fixing and driving trucks for the Japanese up and down the coast. One, Joe Harman, has a funny encounter with Jean whom he calls Mrs. Boong. His partner is Ben Leggatt and together the Aussies use their wiles to get medicine, skin ointment, and soap for the women. Jean tells of other incidents with the men and also her meetings after dark just to chat with Joe and share a cigarette. Ben runs over a pig with his truck, and they also share what meat is left after the Japanese eat first.
The men and women don’t meet often, only when the trucks are in the area. Then one day Joe steals 5 chickens belonging to the Japanese commander, Captain Sugamo. He knows the risks, Jean tells him not to do this, but he does it and he is seized by the Japanese military police. Back in London, Jean simply and quietly tells Strachan “They crucified him.”
After the war, Jean returns to England, learns about her trust fund and tells Noel Strachan she wants to return to Malaya to dig a well. Strachan suggests sending the villagers of Kuala Telang, where the women had stayed and worked for 3 years after their long difficult trek, funds to build this well but Jean insists on going there in person to pay her respects and thank them for their kindness during the war.
Jean (Djin) stays in Kuala Telang where she is recognized and made welcome by the natives. One tells Jean that Joe Harman did not die!
He had been nailed to a tree and lashed repeatedly while the English women had been forced to watch. That night, Sugamo approaches the crucified and dying Joe, to grant him one last wish before he dies. Joe asks for beer and a chicken to eat. Sugamo sends orderlies to find beer but there is none. So Sugamo orders Joe (barely alive) to be taken down and transported to the hospital in Kuantan.
Why? Sugamo lived by the Code of Bushido, a Japanese belief emphasizing honor, absolute loyalty to one's lord, discipline, and bravery. In that Code somewhere is honoring a dying man’s last wish, which Sugamo couldn’t do.
While Jean Paget is back in Malaya, Noel Strachan has a visitor in London. Joe Harman is looking for Jean.
Strachan receives word from Jean that she has gone to Australia to look for Joe, but he does not share this information with Joe directly. He reasons to himself that this news of Jean is Attorney-client privilege and must be respected. (It is about here where the reader may easily determine the love-interest of Noel Strachan. It makes fun reading.)
Strachan is very nice to Joe, no drama, no jealousy. He bails Joe out of gaol, feeds him and gives him lodging. The reader may enjoy the clash of class and cultures and this is a learning experience for both Strachan and Harman.
(At this point, the Book Talk ends, sorry. There is much more to “A Town Like Alice” which introduces the reader to a different continent (Australia) and whole way of life in the Outback (where we can find Alice Springs – the town like Alice) and on a “Station”. I’m not telling you what becomes of Jean and Joe (Paget and Harman) and even Noel Strachan. Forget the movie, read the book for much, much more.)
A few notes/comments:
The author’s professional last name was Shute, but his legal surname was Norway.
After the war, many young Britons did not have work, so sailed to Australia to look for it. My mother’s adopted family (the Hunters) did this. I have a photo of them on a railway platform surrounded by tons of luggage (circa 1950). Nevil Shute Norway emigrated also.
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Much appreciation goes to Rachel Bavister for the transcript along with additional information!
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My husband, Ed and I went on Royal Caribbean Sea’s Adventure of the Seas cruise to four islands in the Caribbean for eight nights from March 6 to 14, 2026. It sailed from Port Canaveral (FL) and we visited Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
I had four hearing sign language interpreters. Guess who one of them was??? He is John Peebler, Jr. His father is our classmate, John Peebler!!! Sue, John, Jr.’s wife, is also a sign language interpreter! Both of them are from Utah. John, Jr. also works for a management counseling agency.
I enjoyed talking with them. I told them that our class will have a 55th anniversary class reunion at Gallaudet this October. They will encourage their faither to go to our reunion!
The photo (below) was taken during the trivia on the cruise.
Steven Frank and (Interpreter) John Peebler, Jr.
Note: Big thanks goes to Steven Frank for sharing this interesting story with us.
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The Frederick Deaf Seniors (MD) got together for lunch at Tapia’s Restaurant in Middletown, MD. Several '71ers were there. See the photo below...
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Book Discussion: "One Flew Over Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey
Transcript
I can’t truly answer why I chose this book. It might be because I cannot forget it! I have read it several times over the years, and it always hits me!
I was in school in1962 when I first read it, probably in the 5th Form (11th Grade). I never went to a “high school” but to the equivalent in England. It was a struggle reading this book the first time but I later understood it much better after reading it a few times.
Anyway, I want everyone to recall what a metaphor is. You probably studied metaphors in English class. They are a means of comparison, where we say one thing is (or was) another thing. For example, “MaryRose is a rock” suggests she is dependable, strong, and supportive but in reality MaryRose is not a stone – she’s not hard (like rocks are).
This book includes many metaphors. Some are not obvious. Look at the title “flew,” can people fly? “The Cuckoo’s Nest” is actually 2 metaphors. A cuckoo is slang for a “crazy” person, and the mental institution where most of the story takes place is compared to a nest. It is not a nest. It’s an institution, a hospital. Cuckoos (the birds) don’t build nests, they take over the nests of other birds.
Enough lecture!
Who is telling the story? Who is the narrator? Not the writer. It is the Half breed Indian Chief Bromden. The metaphor here is he is known on the hospital ward as Chief Broom. He is not a broom; he is just compared to one and is expected to perform as one. He sweeps and mops.
I love reading books that contain allusions to Deafness, or can have some connection to Deaf history and Deaf life. However, this is not the reason I chose this book for discussion, but “the Deaf Way” is there!
The narrator has pretended to be deaf and mute all of his time in the institution. This is how he hides from the world! In the book, he figuratively changes and grows by being made strong again. (It’s all a metaphor) The narrator tells what happens when Randle P. McMurphy shows up on the ward. The reader can also notice the changes, not only to Chief Bromden but to McMurphy and other people. The book is not only about McMurphy, it is about the “patients” and the people who take care of them - nurses, orderlies, the doctor (Dr. Spivy).
The ward is divided into two sections – Chronics and Acutes. Sometimes it’s difficult to identify which patient belongs where. The Acutes are the patients who are mostly self-admitted and technically are free to leave. Here McMurphy acknowledges his mistake. He had been sentenced to working on a prison farm and got tired of it, so he did something (true or false) to get transferred to the Institution. He had assumed that when his original prison sentence was over, he would be free. However, he did not realize that the Institution and his ward under the “control” of Mildred Ratched, the Big Nurse could extend his stay.
Pause a minute while I mention another deaf connection. In the 1975 movie the actress who plays the Big Nurse is Louise Fletcher, a CODA! Her parents were Deaf. At the Oscars where, Louise won the Best Actress award she signed her acceptance and thanks on the stage (and National TV). I remember watching this.
In the beginning of the story, to Chief Bromden everything is in a fog, where he does not see the world. As a deaf-mute he is in the “Chronic” section of the ward. In the past, he played football and he was in the Army. So, what happened to him? He tells about growing up in the Dalles (Oregon) and his Indian upbringing and way of life.
Randle P. McMurphy is a free spirit, a normal human full of life. He takes advantage of the patients in the ward, but they let him! He wins money and cigarettes from them but they learn from him, too. McMurphy challenges the Big Nurse. The other patients are seemingly scared of her but McMurphy will not let her control him. She assigns him to latrine duty where he is supposed to clean the toilets to her standards. She inspects under a toilet rim with a mirror and informs McMurphy it is “a disgrace.” His comeback is, “No, it’s a toilet.” The Acutes (and this reader) find that funny. The Big Nurse does not.
I learned that this book is part of some college requirements! I never read it in college. Psychology majors and Sociology classes may be required to read it probably because of the battles between the id, the ego, the super ego, feelings, and everything. It illustrates a war between the individual and society. Chief Bromden calls society, where we live, “The Combine.” Today, we might call it “The Establishment” – what we must follow, listen to and obey. The Establishment is life with rules, maybe.
McMurphy takes the patients out on a fishing boat. Chief Bromden starts talking and cannot “hide” anymore. I feel for the patients and how the Big Nurse manipulates their emotions. But the boat trip is the joyful episode or fun part in the book. The boat is captained by George, a patient in the chronic group. George has a mortal phobia about dirt and so will fight and struggle when anyone touches him. He has served in the military and been awarded medals for bravery. He teaches the patients (now the passengers) how to fish, and how to clean their catch, but he will not touch anything except the controls of the boat at which he is an expert! When they finally return to the ward, the Big Nurse, determined to take back control mandates they all take a supervised shower.
One of the orderlies, whom the narrator calls “Black Boys,” obeying Nurse Ratched’s orders, squirts soap on George, and provokes him into yelling “DIRTY” and there’s a physical confrontation with the Black Boys all jumping on George. McMurphy can’t take it. He defends George and pulls Washington (one of the Black Boys) off him. Washington has his arm broken. Who instigates this? It is Miss Ratched, the Big Nurse!
McMurphy is encouraged to escape. The other patients try to get him to understand he cannot win against Nurse Ratched. When two girls come in the night for a party, Chief Bromden calls it a “Going Away Party”, McMurphy says to wait until one patient, Billy Bibbett, has enjoyed time with one of the girls like McMurphy has promised. Then McMurphy would leave. Billy’s mother works in the hospital – downstairs as a receptionist - and is a friend of the Big Nurse. When
Ratched catches Billy with the girl, she tells him that she must and will inform his mother. Billy’s stutter returns as Ratched destroys him. Then he kills himself by slitting his own throat. Once again, who instigates this? The Big Nurse! McMurphy explodes with anger and violently attacks the Big Nurse. He is constrained and removed from the ward.
The McMurphy who returns to the ward weeks later is not the same Randle P. McMurphy who first arrives. The ward is not the same either as most of the Acutes have signed themselves out. McMurphy has been lobotomized and is a vegetable. Chief Bromden suffocates him with a pillow and his whole body by lying on top of him. Then smashes the screened window with the heavy control panel from the shower room, like McMurphy had once jokingly suggested, and runs free.
It is a challenge to read “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” which was on Time Magazine’s list of 100 Best English Language Novels (1923 - 2005) but is well worth it.
The film of the same title is in the Library of Congress meaning it was a very good movie and it must be preserved. This film won five Oscars in 1976 – Best Director (Milos Forman), Best Actor (Jack Nicholson), Best Actress (Louise Fletcher), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture. Two other movies to enjoy a rare five Oscar sweep (so far) are “It Happened One Night” in 1934 and “The Silence of the Lambs” in 1991.
The next book discussion is planned for April 15th.
SOURCE: YouTube is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
NOTE: Thanks to Rachel for the transcript.
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LOOKING BACK... Sixty Years Ago
This month, on March 17 and 18, 1966, eight fellow senior students and I at the Ontario School for the Deaf (now the Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf) in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, wrote what was then known as the Gallaudet College Entrance Examinations.
Eight of the nine of us successfully passed the admission examinations and, by June, were swept into a whirlwind of preparations for college life. This included a special summer orientation session, held from June 27 to August 5 that year. Those admitted were Joan Breivik, Clifton Carbin, David Carson, Richard Colosimone, Lilione Lortie, Gerald Richardson, Peter Sicoli, and Bruce Ullett.
The accompanying photographs capture two memorable moments from that journey— first, as we sat for the entrance examinations in March, and then, just a few months later, as newly admitted college entrants in June.
We all went on to earn our degrees as proud members of the Gallaudet Class of 1971.
Submitted by Clifton F. Carbin
Photo 1: Students with Gallaudet Entrance Exams in the classroom
Front Row (top to bottom): David Carson, [name withheld], Peter Sicoli, Lilione Lortie
Back Row (top to bottom): Clifton Carbin, Gerald Richardson, Richard Colosimone, Bruce Ullett, Joan Breivik Standing: Miss Cecilia Maloney, Supervising Teacher, Senior School Department.
Front Row (left to right): Bruce Ullett, Joan Breivik, Miss Cecilia Maloney (Supervising Teacher, Senior School Department), Lilione Lortie, David Carson
Back Row (left to right): Gerald Richardson, Peter Sicoli, OSD Superintendent J. G. Demeza, Richard Colosimone, Clifton Carbin.
Note: Thanks goes to Clifton Carbin for sharing this story with us! We hope to see them this fall at Gallaudet for our 55th anniversary class reunion.
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The Cozy ASL Reading Rose Lounge - ASL Coffee Podcast, January 21, 2026
Book Discussion: El Deafo by Cece Bell
Guests: Rachel Bavister (GU Class of 1971, retired from Virginia School for the Deaf & the Blind) and Brenda Boaz-Pond (library associate with Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Nashville, TN)
Video: https://www.youtube.
RACHEL
This is my second copy of El Deafo, I just skimmed through my first one then lost it. (Someone stole it? Good luck to them; hope they enjoyed it) This time I read it much more carefully. I admit I am a bookworm! But I found El Deafo difficult to read, probably because I am not used to the graphic novel format.
There was an article about Cece (Cecelia) in the Washington Post years ago probably when El Deafowas published in 2014. Cece was born in 1970 and became deaf from meningitis at the age of 5 (1975?). She herself admits it took her a long time to create this book about her childhood. It is like a memoir, her autobiography, perhaps.
BRENDA
I am fascinated with comic books. El Deafo is very visual and friendly. It is like having a conversation back and forth. Many people do not understand how to illustrate conversation, like in balloons of what the character is thinking. It is nice to “see” emotions in a book. I use this book for the library with individuals who need help with reading. It is also nice to have self-esteem made visible where the heroine uses her superpower, and where this power comes from. I remember how heavy my hearing device (like Ceci’s Phonic Ear) was when I was young.
RACHEL
I don’t hate the book; I just had a hard time reading it. I admire Cece for being able to recall her past. If I was thinking of writing a book about growing up as a deaf kid, I couldn’t do it! I do not think El Deafo is “funny” or “charming” though. Books like “For Hearing People Only” (by Matthew Moore and Linda Levitan) are funny. So is “Deafology 101”. (and I didn’t mention That Deaf Guy by Matt and Kay Daigle which I love).
BRENDA
We have different views. Cece and I have similar experiences in attending mainstream schools with no communication access – no Sign Language.
RACHEL
Cece is deaf and was born in Richmond, VA. She grew up in Roanoke. Where Cece says that a Ms. Blankenship was one of her first teachers, I wondered if the teacher was related to the Virginia deaf Blankenships. The University of Virginia once sponsored a book festival and Cece was asked to join. I don’t know if she did. I am hoping to meet Cece at a future book festival or UVA event so that we can ask questions!
BRENDA
You can watch some videos on YouTube by Cece. No, she does not use sign language – only speech.
El Deafo has a teacher’s guide which is very useful. I like the concept of using a rabbit in the comic strips. It represents neutrality. I like the idea of comic books with deaf characters. Is El Deafo the only comic book about deaf folk? (See work by the Daigles – Rachel.)
RACHEL
Cece is an artist. Her husband is also an artist and collaborates with Cece on books for children. I believe Cece created El Deafo – designed for children to read. I love the word - anthropomorphic – where we give animals human characteristics/traits. Cece refused to learn sign language. Her mother wanted her to take sign language classes but she refused! (This is a little puzzling, but Cece insists she can communicate without it. Readers can devise their own reasons for this.)
BRENDA
“Sisters” is a comic book. I loved to read comic books when I was about 12 years old. I grew up in a hearing family. I did not understand conversations, so I started reading comic books like “Richie” and “Archie” and they helped me understand conversations better.
RACHEL
I like comic books (still do) such as Superman (Marvel Comics). Have you read Maus which is not a comic book, per. se., but another graphic novel?
BRENDA
I have heard of the book – relating to the Jewish Holocaust - but I have not read it. I should read it. One small town in southern Tennessee has banned some books like Maus from their library but my library allows it.
(At this point, discussion diverged from El Deafo to national attitudes toward libraries, banning books, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion - DEI )
RACHEL
There is a good interview with Cece Bell by NPR (https://www.npr.org/2014/12/
BRENDA and RACHEL both hope more deaf people will write books. They entertained thoughtful questions from the audience. Then time ran out.
A Future book for discussion (watch for it)
MARYROSE
The Silence is Over: A deaf Latina’s Journey from Silence to Strength by Jennifer Matos (2026) is about a deaf experience living in a foster care system.
Note:
Thanks to Rachel for the transcript.
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Have you seen the video on Gallaudet Campus Renovations in Process?
Transcript:
Building on our Campus Renovation Update from last May, we would like to share a brief follow-up before we depart for the winter holidays.
We are pleased to confirm that we remain on schedule to advance several important renovation and construction projects focused on modernizing and enhancing our campus facilities. Below is a summary of the major initiatives currently underway or beginning soon.
Research and Innovation Hub (RIH)
The RIH (formerly known as Merrill Learning Center) project has recently completed its enabling phase – relocating departments and removing furniture and equipment – and is now mobilizing for the demolition and abatement phases.
This next stage includes installing construction fencing around the perimeter of the RIH site, which will occupy approximately two-thirds of the Mall area. The first phase of fencing (along the south side of the existing MLC building) will be completed before the winter break, with the second phase (north side) scheduled for late January. The fencing will showcase artwork created by one of our Deaf artists. Please refer to the phasing diagrams below for reference.
Demolition will begin once the DC Department of Buildings issues the necessary permit, anticipated around the end of January 2026. The overall project is expected to be completed before summer 2027.
Louise B. Miller Memorial
Construction for this important memorial project will begin in April 2026, with completion anticipated in January 2027. Because the LBM and RIH project sites are close to one another, we will conduct extensive planning with stakeholders and departments to ensure minimal impact on daily campus operations.
Elstad Auditorium
The first phase of the Elstad Renovation Project, a general facelift, was completed in time for the Deaf Way festival. The second phase is now underway and includes upgrades to essential building systems such as HVAC and electrical, abatement activities, and new accessible restrooms and rigging systems. Completion is expected by fall 2026.
Fowler Hall and Circle of Signers
As part of our Historic District Revitalization initiative, abatement work at Fowler Hall is now complete, and renovations to the third and fourth floors are in progress. Once this phase is finished, we will begin restoration work on the Circle of Signers building (formerly known as Building 103). We are pleased to share that we have received a preservation grant from the National Park Service to support this effort.
Carlin Hall and Benson Hall
Renovations at Carlin Hall are progressing on schedule, with most infrastructure upgrades already completed and final work expected to conclude by summer 2026. After Carlin is finished, Benson Hall will close for approximately 12 months to undergo infrastructure upgrades and modernization of the bathrooms.
6th Street Appleby Building
As part of the larger 6th Street development project, the former transportation building on the corner of 6th Street and Florida Ave NE is scheduled for demolition in early spring 2026, subject to permit clearance.
Internship Opportunities
As we will have many external consultants and contractors working with Gallaudet over the next few years (including landscaping design, project management, HVAC engineering, budget monitoring, health and safety compliance, artist coordination, etc.), there is a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain valuable working experience with them. If you are interested, please contact our office at campus.design.planning@
Lastly, we would like to wish you a wonderful winter break and look forward to seeing you in 2026!
Sincerely,
Richard Dougherty
Executive Director, Architecture and Facilities Management
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Who is Richard Dougherty? Here is the excerpt from the article from VIEWdigital, July 20, 2021 below:
“I was born profoundly deaf. My father, mother, brothers and sister can all hear. My wife and her family members are all deaf. They are two completely different worlds.
I went to a small school for deaf children – that was my saving grace because I had a fantastic teacher with only around five pupils in the room. Bronagh Byrne (the guest editor of this issue) was one of my classmates.”
Later on, Richard went to a boarding school for deaf young people in England, from the age of 11 to 18. “This all helped to make me the person I am today.
“I then returned to Belfast to study architecture at Queen’s University.
Richard is very proud that the firm, Hall McKnight, was declared the winner in 2016 of an international design competition for a new building at Gallaudet University. He is Executive Director of Architecture and Facilities for Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.
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Gallaudet Bison TV – Chat with Phil Bravin, ‘66
The Gallaudet Bison TV is a student-run activity and two staff had a chat with Phil Bravin, ’66 recently.
Phil graduated in the spring of 1966 as most of us entered the campus in the fall of 1966.
We will celebrate our 55th anniversary class reunion in the fall of 2026, Phil and his classmates will celebrate its 60th anniversary class reunion! So, we may see them during the homecoming weekend!
Enjoy watching Phil telling his experiences in different areas – fascinating!
There is no transcript for this video. The link is below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
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Deaf Coffee Book Talk (Podcast)
By Rachel Bavister
I'm doing another Deaf Coffee Book Talk (Podcast) on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 9:00 p.m. EST on Facebook (except I'll be on Stream Yard Line (SYL) with the Crew - Daisy Bravo and MaryRose Gonzalez).
The focus won't actually be "a book" but a famous short story, "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. This appears on many High School English curricula and it's filmed (b and w and captioned) on YouTube (I think).
At the end of my talk, I'll be mentioning three (3) graphic novels (just touching on them: "The Lottery" is one, "El Deafo", which I love, and "Maus" which is a true classic and totally evil).
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from The Cozy ASL Reading Rose Lounge, December 17, 2025
With Anchor MaryRose and Guest Rachel Bavister
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson (first published in New Yorker, June 27, 1948)
Introduction by Rachel
Good evening, everybody. It’s good to be back. First of all, what is a LOTTERY? Have you ever played it? When we talk about “playing” something, we can assume we are talking about a kind of game with entertainment, fun, excitement, anticipation. That kind of thing. A lottery is a form of gambling, because if we’re playing the lottery, we don’t know if we are going to win. It usually involves drawing numbers (or names) at random for a prize.
A lottery is nothing new. Some are public and some are private. The Great Wall of China (205 – 187 BC) for example was financed by a public lottery and the Settlement of Jamestown (1607 in Virginia) by a private lottery organized by The Virginia Company of London.
One can read up on the history of lotteries (and rewards/prizes) and enjoy this study in and of itself.
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jakson.
This is a short story and included in many High School English curricula in Virginia. It has also been filmed by various companies and I showed one film from Captioned Films for the Deaf to my H.S. English classes when I taught at VSDB. It’s available on YouTube.
In “The Lottery,” all the people of a certain village participate in a lottery drawing every year on June 27th. They don’t buy tickets or anything but each inhabitant of the village knows to show up in the village square at 10:00 a.m. for the drawing.
This story begins on a beautiful day. About 300 people gather where the lottery takes place. They know what the prize is, but the reader does not know what it will be.
Two men – Mr. Graves, the postmaster, and Mr. Summers, a merchant, are the officials of the lottery. There is one lottery ticket, in the form of a folded slip of paper all the same size, for each family in the village and Mr. Summers takes some kind of roll call to make sure each family is represented and present. The reader might not notice but the families have everyday names Martin, Delacroix, Dunbar, Hutchinson, Warner, and Watson are just examples. Everybody seems to know everybody else. Mr. Dunbar is home with a broken leg; there is no Watson father in that family; Warner is known as Old Man Warner and is 77 years old. He sort of brags about this being his 77th lottery. Doesn’t that make the reader stop to think? After 77 years of participation, has he ever won?
A single ticket which has a black dot in the center of the fold is placed in the box, replacing one plain ticket. The contents of the box (the “tickets”) are shuffled and stirred Joe Summers calls each family head to take a ticket and hold it until told to unfold it. The wife draws for the Watson family, and the oldest son for the Dunbars. Where were the two men? The reader knows Mr. Dunbar broke his leg so he is not there, but what about Mr. Watson? That should give the reader pause for thought. After each family draws one ticket, Joe Summers gives the order to open them.
The Bill Hutchinson family draws the ticket with the black dot. The immediate family is Bill’s wife, Tessie, their children Bill Jr. Nancy and their youngest son Davy. Their oldest daughter is married and participates in the Lottery with her husband’s family. Tessie starts screaming and claiming the drawing was “not fair.” Bill rebukes her, tells her to calm down and be quiet. His ticket with the black dot is folded and placed in the box with four more blank tickets. Each Hutchinson family member draws a ticket from the five in the box with Mr. Graves helping Davy.
Tessie draws the ticket with the black dot and continues to scream, “It’s not fair, it’s not fair!” as the townspeople grab rocks and stones and stone her. That’s how “The Lottery” ends.
The saying “Lottery in June; corn heavy soon” can lead the reader to believe the lottery is a blood ritual to ensure a bountiful harvest. There are other stories with this theme. “Harvest Home” by Thomas Tryon for example which “blends folk horror with psychological suspense.”
That is what makes the story so powerful and dark!
Notes:
The video link with Rachel Bavister is: https://www.youtube.com/
PDF on “The Lottery” either at https://garskyshortstories.
TheLottery-S.Jackson.pdf (file attachment)
= = = =
A Few more notes: “The Lottery” is also a graphic novel by Miles Hyman (2016), Shirley Jackson’s grandson.
Other graphic novels the reader might enjoy are “El Deafo” by Cece Bell (2014) – maybe we will talk about it in the next book discussion.
“Maus” by Art Spiegelman (1986) – the word means mouse in German and it’s about the Holocaust. This novel has won a Pulitzer Prize.
The reader might also enjoy researching the short story in American Literature. Famous writers of this style are Edgar Allan Poe (of course), and Ernest Hemingway. Does this remind you of your High School English classes?
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Steven Frank’s News
We visited the
Biblical Museum in Israel with six deaf blind and their sighted interpreters last November.
The big snake is tan with brown spots, and is snaked around the necks of me and Yosef Gavert. You can see the hands of the snake caretaker in the foreground (above).
=========================================================================
Bill Pugin’s Memoir: “Fly on the Wall”
By Mary Anne Pugin
Back in December 1974, during Gallaudet's holiday break, I visited my family who, at that time, were living in Eastman, Georgia. At the dinner table one evening, during a conversation with Bill, my younger brother, I detected in him a quick and innate skill with American Sign Language. Bill was graduating from high school in the spring [of 1975] and, being that Eastman was a small, rural town, I asked him what his summer plans were. He had no plans and since there was really not much a teenager could do (all summer, no less!) in Eastman, I suggested that he come stay with me in Maryland and take an ASL class at Gallaudet. The rest is history -- it's his story -- and he wrote a book, "Fly on the Wall," about his experience and career as an ASL interpreter. Bill's book is available for purchase from Amazon (www.amazon.com). The blurb below describes his book --
For over five decades, Bill Pugin has stood at the crossroads of two languages and cultures—bridging communication between the Deaf and hearing worlds. In this heartfelt and often humorous memoir, Pugin takes readers on a journey from his small-town Southern childhood to the global stages and studios where he built a lifetime of stories as a sign language interpreter, performer, and advocate.
From his first exposure to American Sign Language through his Deaf sister, Mary Anne, to interpreting alongside Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin, Fly on the Wall celebrates the beauty of connection, the art of interpretation, and the human spirit’s unshakable drive to be understood. Pugin’s reflections reveal not just the life of one man, but the evolution of a profession—and a culture—rooted in empathy, expression, and resilience.
A moving tribute to the Deaf community and a master class in compassion, this memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in language, accessibility, and the extraordinary power of understanding.
= = = = =
FYI:
NBC Palm Springs News: Interview with Bill Pugin on his memoir, “Fly on the Wall” on December 12, 2025. See the short video clip below:
https://www.nbcpalmsprings.
Bill Pugin’s book is available now, with a local book signing set for January 14 (2026) in Palm Springs, CA.
From Amazon website, the front and back covers are shown below:
Thanks to Mary (Gibbs) Yeh and Mary Anne Pugin.
Gallaudet’s Class Banners
The earliest class banner in the Upper Level of the Peikoff Alumni House is Class of 1922. But the window display on the first floor shows the Class of 1914’s banner according to Greta Wolcott, Associate Alumni Engagement Coordinator. From the Archives, the Buff and Blue mentioned that the 1909 class banner was unveiled in its sophomore year. So, the tradition continues!
Our Golden Anniversary Memory Book (2021, p. 185) stated that the unveiling of our class banner was held on April 28, 1969. The opening remarks were given by President-Elect Jeannie Wonder (Leighton). Fanny Yeh (Corderoy du Tiers) signed a poem. Chairs Pat Moran (Yates) and Larry Berke prepared a few short skits given by Hans-Dieter Baumert, John Daigle, Shirley Frelich (Egbert), Mary Gibbs (Yeh), Peter Hershon, Mike Kemp, Roy Lopaty, Julie Munz (Theel), Kathy Russell (Setzer), and Linda Tom. Francine Aona (Kenyon) gave a speech. The lovely banner was designed by Mike Cardinale.
We were informed by the Alumni Office in 2023 that our class banner (below) fell apart! And a replacement was needed. It took us a while to find a replacement.
In 2024, Linda Tom received the late Leslie (Milam) Zinza’s class banner from Leslie’s partner, Karen Olson. The Alumni Office staff was thrilled to receive the replacement from Helena Schmitt with thanks to Karen. What a happy ending that our bright and beautiful banner is hanging on a rod along with other banners in the upper level – the photo below was taken on October 23, 2025.
Wendy reported that several of our classmates were fans and they were Wayne Berke, Laura (Wade) Sweeney, Flo (Hershkowitz) Vold, and Ann (Karcher) Cole.
The photo of the medals is also attached.
Thanks goes to Wendy for additional information.
by Wendy Bachman
Shirley (Frelich) Egbert, Barbara (Hong) Richardson and Flo (Hershkowitz) Vold and I met in New Mexico for our sixth reunion and 77th birthday celebration in the first week of October! We visited several places like the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, Meow Wolf (Santa Fe's House of Eternal Return) and Acequia Trail. It was wonderful getting together and having a great time. We hope to meet again next year!
L. to R.: Wendy, Flo, Barbara and Shirley at the hike.
Note:
Much appreciation goes to Wendy for sharing her news and photos with us.
When? It is October 15 – 17, 2026.
Abby Drake and Greta Wolcott of Alumni Office will contact Helena in February 2026.
Helena Schmitt is the point of contact and Lance Fischer agreed to work with her.
Last month 50 came to the Class of 1970 reunion and 30 of them were ‘70ers and it was enjoyable. The photo below is from the Happy Hands (Northern Virginia Resource Center for the deaf and hard of hearing) Newsletter, November 2025.
Notes:
This news is sent to those who are interested in getting updates on 55th anniversary class reunion.
If your friends, who are ‘71ers, did not get this message and wish to receive the updates, ask your friend to email Helena and she will update the email list for reunion updates only.
If any questions or suggestions, email Helena at gu1971@gmail.com or Lance Fischer at lance.fischer71@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE: October 15 – 17, 2026!
The ASL Coffee Podcast is available on YouTube and FaceBook.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.
Facebook: facebook.com/
If you missed the podcast, it will be recorded and you can watch it at any time in either of the two links above.
Note: Thanks to Rachel for letting us know.
------------------
Highlights from Rachel’s Book Talk
I have enjoyed reading for pleasure since I was three years old. I grew up in England so most of my early books were English-based and themed. Then, at the age of 10, I borrowed a book from my local library and it was from the Hardy Boys series which introduced me to America. After that I read many more books by American writers!
At age 15, I was reading books by Ed McBain. I believe his first novel based on the 87th Precinct was “Cop Hater.” When my mum asked me what I was reading, I never told her that the language in the book was rough with a lot of blood, swearing, and adult themes. So, my mother never censured my reading material.
Ed McBain was one pen name of Evan Hunter. McBain is known for crime and detective stories. The 87th Precinct books are some of his most popular works. The series follows a team of detectives solving cases in a city called Isola, which is based on New York City. In this book, “Let’s Hear It for the Deaf Man,” the detectives deal with a mysterious criminal known as the Deaf Man — one of the smartest and trickiest villains in the whole series. The Deaf Man loves puzzles, clues, and mind games, and he always tries to stay one step ahead of the police.
The Deaf Man also appears in other titles in the 87th Precinct series. He has plans to destroy the 87th Precinct and causes a lot of trouble! The reader does not know his real name; he just calls himself “L-Sordo” meaning Deaf Man (El Sordo) in Spanish; “Mr. Taubmann” meaning Deaf Man in German, “Mort Orrechio” meaning “Dead Ear” in German.
Back to the book, the deaf man, tall and blond with “a thing in his ear”, planned to rob a bank and sent clues to the 87thPrecinct, namely to Detective Steve Carella who had shot him in another book. In short, the Deaf Man never succeeded in robbing the bank but multiple characters met violent deaths, while he escaped. When the 87th Precinct series ended with McBain’s death in 2005, he was yet to be caught!
Detective Steve Carella is married to a deaf woman named Teddy and the Carella’s use sign language. Their twins use sign language to communicate with their mom who also is a pro at lipreading. Teddy appears in the series before the Deaf Man does and plays an important role in it but as a respectful (believable) figure. Some other characters in the series are Detective Meyer - Jewish; Steve Carella - Italian; Lt. Byrnes – Irish, “Fat Ollie” Weeks from the 88th Precinct, and so on. Ed McBain does not treat people differently! The novels are great with imaginary people and places but the police work is based on real technique. There’s always a disclaimer at the front of every novel.
Ed McBain’s birth name was Salvatore Lombano – Italian name!
Unfortunately, Ed McBain died in 2005 and he never finished writing. He wrote 129 books under different pen names and 55 titles under the name of Ed McBain. Alas, we will never know what became of the characters in the 87th Precinct.
Video link on Rachel’s book talk: https://www.youtube.com/
‘71ers at the Gala
By Jane Kuzoian
The Gala was held at the Ceresville Mansion in Frederick, MD on November 8, 2025 from 6 pm to 10 pm.
It was a fundraising event for the Maryland Deaf Community Center (MDCC)'s new building! A very enjoyable evening included music, dancing, live auction, and celebration with DJ Kazeem Babatunde, open bar and plated dinner. The emcees were Rosa Lee Tim and JAC Cook.
Here’s the picture of ‘71ers below. Thanks to Katie for the photo.
L. to R.: Linda Tom, Randy Fisher, Laura (Wade) Sweeney, Katie (Russell) Setzer and Jane Kuzoian.
The flyer on the Gala with the entertainers.
Notes:
The flyer and details were from the website at www.deafmdcc.org
The building is being built and hopefully will be ready in 2026.
Maryland School for the Deaf – Girls’ Volleyball Games
By Mary (Gibbs) Yeh
Mike Cooke, Jane Kuzoian, Rose (Surber) Bradley, John Yeh and I watched Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) Girls’ Varsity Volleyball’s games at Frederick last Thursday evening, October 23, 2025 against Middletown High School (MHS).
It was an exciting match. Both teams won two games each thus they must play in the fifth game! Who won the battle? MHS! The score was: 25-13, 25-22, 23-25, 24-26, 11-15.
A few of us were there – see the photos below:
L. to R.: Mike Cooke, Jane Kuzoian, Rose (Surber) Bradley, John Yeh & Mary (Gibbs) Yeh with hand signs “7” and “1”.
Smiles with Hands waving!
Notes:
Thanks to Mary for sharing the story and photos with us.
The scores are found at www.msdathletics.com
The National Deaf Pickleball Tournament was held in Pikesville, MD
from October 9 to October 12, 2025.
What is a pickleball? The aspects of this sport resemble tennis and
table tennis on a doubles badminton court but the rules, paddles,
balls and court lines are different.
There are several teams in different categories such as singles,
doubles, mixed with different skill levels and age groups.
Pickleball age divisions are grouped to create fairer competition,
with categories typically including Juniors (Under 18), Adults (19+),
and Seniors (50+) and so on.
Wendy Bachman was one of 424 players to compete in the tournament!
She was kind enough to email me the photo. However, I gathered as much
information as I could from the internet.
In the women’s doubles with the skill level of 3.0 and age bracket at
65 and over, Wendy and her doubles partner, Nancy Walla, ’79 won the
gold! The second place went to Judie (Stein) Cronlund, ’67 and Hetty
Rothenberg, ’81 and the third place went to Fern (Sklar) Reisenger,
’74 and Gina Oliva, M-’77. The photo is attached.
Sources:
Photo: Wendy Bachman
National Deaf Pickleball Tournament 2025: view public at
https://www.facebook.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
google search on age brackets (AI generated)
Book Title: “Tim” by Colleen McCullough
Presented by Rachel Bavister in ASL Reading Rose Lounge via
ASL Coffee Podcast with the moderator MaryRose Gonzalez
Thank you, MaryRose, for inviting me to discuss “Tim” with you. I’m sure ardent readers like myself have a book, or two we read repeatedly, and each time we read it, we discover something new. I was first introduced to “Tim” by Gary Flavin who was a fellow teacher at Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB) in 1973! “Tim” was published in 1974 and I have been reading it approximately three times a year (on and off) ever since.
“Tim” is Colleen McCullough’s first book. Her second is “The Thorn Birds” which aired as a series on T.V. “Tim” is not as well known. When Gary recommended “Tim,” he warned me that the theme of the book may be what turns the reader off. Meaning it may be repulsive, depending on our sensitivities. He meant only the theme. However, the language of the book is something else. The author is Australian. “Tim” is set in Sydney and written in the vernacular of Australia. It’s not difficult to read, nor is it complicated.
The titular “Tim” is Tim Melville who lives with his elderly working class parents and sister, Dawnie. Tim is on the crew of builder, contractor, Harry Marcham, and it is while on a job he meets Mary Horton. Readers will and can develop our own depictions of Tim and Mary – I am not saying too much. Tim is 25 years old while Mary is 45. The book explores their relationship which blossoms from employer – employee to much more. It also alerts readers to scrutiny from society which I believe affects Mary Horton more than Tim, and why. Societal taboos in the 1970s weren’t that much different from todays, but let me ask you something. Suppose Mary were male and Tim female? How would society react?
The author has incorporated unexpected joy, but one must read to find it. Is this a love story?
Another question I asked myself long ago was “Is this relationship realistic”? I still ask it every time I read “Tim.” My answer has rarely been the same. There’s much more to this book than just these questions. Enjoy!
(There are two movies based on the book. “Tim” with Mel Gibson and Piper Laurie (1979) and “Mary and Tim” with Candice Bergen and Thomas McCarthy (1996). Neither movie captures the story of “Tim” by Colleen McCullough).
Notes:
- Our classmate, Rachel, gives a book talk from time to time. She has led about four book reviews in two years.
- Thanks goes to Rachel for her permission to share her presentation and notes with us.
- The screenshot was from this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/
L. to R.: Sitting (front): Linda Tom, Steven Frank and Jane Kuzoian.
Standing (rear): Laura (Wade) Sweeney and Wayne Berke.
Much appreciation goes to Steven Frank for sharing the photo with us.
L. to R.: Laura (Wade) Sweeney, Jane Kuzoian, Mike Lockhart & Linda Tom.
Thanks goes to Linda Tom for sharing this photo/news with us.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin), May 11, 2025 (Section: Opinions by residents)
“Marjorie Taylor Greene has nerve calling out bad behavior”
Yes, I am a Democrat voter; however, I do switch to a different party when a candidate seems to fit the best. What I mean by the best, the politicians should focus on what is best for ordinary people, not centering attention on very rich people or striving for money and power.
Republican Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia was at a town hall on April 15. She was heckled by protesting constituents. (Officers use stun guns at Green’s town hall,” April 17).
In a moment, the police immediately escorted them out. She said, “There’s no reason for screaming, yelling, ridiculous protesting. That disrupts the entire event for every single person that is there.”
What about her terrible behavior when former President Joe Biden gave his State of the Union? Don’t forget the day of Jan. 6, 2021, when thousands of thugs stormed and invaded our beloved US Capitol building. Greene praised these rioters.
Oh well, this is another story similar to President Donald Trump and his oligarchy staff, and don’t forget Elon Musk, too.
Remember, I am not against Republicans at all, but their thinking is not the best for Americans. I love America, the land of the free and home of the brave!
Roger Claussen, Fontana
Notes:
Tom Benziger has Roger’s permission to share his comments with us.
Much appreciation goes to Tom for sharing it with us.
Original newspaper clipping below
The memorial service for Frank Turk was held in the Gallaudet University’s Elstad Auditorium in Washington, DC on Friday, May 9, 2025. In its program, ten close friends including Roger Claussen gave their touching stories about Frank.
Some of our classmates met Roger at the Texas Roadhouse last Saturday night in Frederick, MD. Roger was humorous and made us laugh from time to time for two delightful hours.
L. to R.: Mary Anne Pugin, Steven Frank, Laura (Wade) Sweeney,
and Linda Tom.
Note:
Many thanks goes to Steven Frank and Linda Tom for sharing the photo with us.
Clifton Carbin’s Award (Medal)
Tom Benziger
As you may know, I enjoyed doing any type of research mostly on my family history. I just learned from a mutual friend who suggested that I should try ChatGPT from the APPs store and it’s free. So, I tried and to my surprise, how powerful the engine of getting an answer, especially family research.
Recently I tried checking Deaf Canadians receiving special recognition awards and came across sources from Canadian Association of the Deaf-Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC). Upon checking the list of the Awardees, our classmate, Clifton Carbin, was one of the 25 recipients!
I immediately contacted Clifton Carbin to congratulate him and asked him to please share with us 71ers. From what I gather he prefers to stay modest and humble. I asked him for his permission for me to share this with you, 71ers.
Here is the Canadian Association of the Deaf website - https://cad-asc.ca/ In the link, click on ABOUT US, then click on AWARDS you will see the list. Attached is the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025).
L. to R.: Jane Kuzoian, Mike Hummel, Karyl (Meadows) Hummel, and Linda Tom.
They are enjoying the Amawaterways’ Christmas Markets Cruise on the Danube River, sailing through Czech Republic-Germany-Austria-
Note: Much appreciation goes to Mike Hummel for sharing the photo with us during his trip!.
Frederick (MD) Deaf Seniors’ Monthly Lunch
On November 14, 2024, four ‘71ers and some other 25 deaf seniors met for lunch at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill restaurant in Frederick, MD.
Notes:
The Frederick Deaf Seniors meet on every second Thursday of each monthly for lunch at various restaurants.
Much appreciation goes to Steven Frank and his husband, Ed Knight for sharing information with us.
Bottom, Left to Right: Walter Camenisch, John Egbert, Larry Berke and Flo (Hershkowitz) Vold.
Far right: Wendy Bachman in 3rd Place - Mixed Double - Age 60+ - 3.0 Skill.
Congratulations!
Notes:
Thanks goes to John Egbert for sharing the photos and photo captions with us.
More information can be found at:
https://pickleballbrackets.
Wendy Bachman's Messages:
Hiked 1.3 miles to see Kobe Bryant crash site (nine people, including Kobe and his daughter Gianna, were on a helicopter when it crashed into a hillside four years ago Jan. 26 in the Calabasas area northwest of Los Angeles). The photo is shown below:
L. to R.: Mary (Gibbs) Yeh, Susan (Slagle) Kaika and John Yeh.
Notes:
Thanks goes to Mary for sharing the photo and news with us.
FYI, Susie was formerly ‘71er since she has been a preferred member of Class of 1972.
L. to R.: Margie (Boccio) Bella, Lynette (Waldner) Cardinale, Mike Cardinale, Dave Fontana, and Larry Berke.
Thanks goes to: Lynette (Waldner) Cardinale for the story and Larry Berke for the photo.
“Forever at Age of 39!”
On Sept 4, 2024, Linda Tom, Jane Kuzoian, John & Mary (Gibbs) Yeh got together for dinner at Miyako Japanese Steak & Seafood in Frederick, MD to celebrate Linda and Mary’s birthdays (a few days apart).
See the photo below:
L. to R.: John Yeh, Mary (Gibbs) Yeh, Linda Tom, and Jane Kuzoian.
Don’t you agree that they look forever at the age of 39?
We all remembered the ole comedian Jack Benny who always celebrated his birthday annually and forever at the age of 39 since 1933! (He rested in peace in 1974 at the age of 80).
Sources:
Photo Credit: Linda C. Tom
Jack Benny: https://www.otrcat.com/p/jack-
R. to L.: Tom Dowling, Walt Camenisch, Gerald Ahrens, Mike Brimmer, Mike Boyd, Danny Folsom, Mike Hummel, Bruce Ostrout, John Stockman, Howard Sultan, David Conti, Steven Frank, Lance Fischer, John Pitts, Bob Whitt, ——, Bill Baxter?, Alvin Leff?, Mont Richardson, ——, ——, ——, ——.
Photo 3
R. to L.: John Hayes, Philip Grein, Jeff Baucom, Arnold Jones, Harrison Lewis, Tom Dowling, Walt Camenisch, Mike Boyd, Danny Folsom, Mike Hummel, Bruce Ostrout, John Stockman, Howard Sultan, David Conti, Steve Frank, Lance Fisher, John Pitts, Bob Whitt, ——, Bill Baxter?, Alvin Leff?, Mont Richardson, ——, ——, ——, —— at the cafeteria.
Notes:
—— means either hidden or unidentified
Thanks goes to Steven Frank for sharing the photos.
Much appreciation goes to Tom Benziger for identifying the male classmates.
The purpose is quoted from the Golden Anniversary Memory Book, 2021, p. 176.
If you see any errors in the photos, please let us know.
My Photo of ‘71ers
Roger Bass
As I was working on my photos to be stored in my computer, this photo should be shown to you since they are all '71ers.
I remembered that this photo was taken on July 17, 1999 because the big news of the day was when JFK, Jr.'s plane went down late evening on July 16. He, his wife and his wife's sister all were presumed dead.
Anyway, several friends of Mike & Susie Kaika came to visit them including some ‘71ers - the late Julie (Munz) Theel of Kansas, the late Pat Ford of Georiga, Nancy (Lehr) Ellis of western Canada and Roger Bass of Minnesota. So the Kaikas hosted a picnic in their backyard in Kettering, MD. See the photo below:
Top (L. to R.) Julie Munz Theel), Pat Ford, and Nancy (Lehr) Ellis
Bottom (L. to R.) Helena Schmitt, Roger Bass, and Mary Anne Pugin
Note: Thanks goes to Roger Bass for sharing this nice picture with us.
The Photo of our Ten Brothers
Tom Benziger
I wanted to share this photo, taken in 1966 during the preparatory year, with our classmates. These 10 young male members received an invitation to a party called Vigilantes Committee (VC) a week before homecoming weekend and we all went through all night of the hazy during the school day (not on weekend).
The reason I pulled out this photo is to stand up and say our salute to the six deceased members of this group. Over the years we supported ourselves and briefly talked about the night we went through as bravely as possible.
Top, L. to R.: Tom Benziger, Tom Coulston, Randy Fisher, John Pitts (d), and Fred Hicks (d).
Bottom, L. to R: Ron Zuchengo (d), Bruce Young (d), Tony Hackett (d), Richard Brooks, and Gregory Proctor (d).
Hang on four of us in the spirit of 1971, my brothers, Tom Coulston, Randy Fisher and Richard Brooks and myself.
Notes:
(d) = deceased
The detailed paragraph of this story is mentioned in our Silver Anniversary Memory Book, 1996, p. 161.
Dave Fontana’s News
The Washington School for the Deaf (WSD) Award Committee was truly excited to announce that I am inducted to the WSDAA (Washington School for the Deaf Alumni Association) Hall of Fame for the Sports award.
I was at the Hall of Fame Awards ceremony in recognition of his outstanding achievements in sports at the WSD auditorium on May 4, 2024.
During the ceremony, the list was shown on the large screen that I played all High School sports while at WSD (football, basketball and track). I was an All-American football player; second team All-American basketball; taught at California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) and retired; coached girls’ Varsity basketball and volleyball at CSDR. I am very much involved in sports training camps.
Dave is on the podium, thanking the committee for recognizing his involvement.
Notes:
According to the website, the Washington School for the Deaf Alumni Association (WSDAA) Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals who have shown outstanding accomplishments in one of the ACESS areas: Arts, Community Service, Education, and Sports, during high school, college, or adult life. For sports, the eligibility begins 20 years after graduating from or leaving WSD. (https://www.wsd.wa.gov/wp-
content/uploads/WSDAA-Hall-of-
Thanks goes to Dave for sharing his accomplishments with us. Congratulations!
Janice (Knopf) Woodall’s News...
I was with my mom, Betty Knopf and her caregiver, Foluck. We attended the “90 Plus Birthday Celebration,” held by Maine Township at Chateau Ritz in Niles, Illinois on May 16, 2024. There were about 75 seniors between the ages of 90 to 99 years old. There are two women who are 103 years old! My mom is one of three who are 99 years old. We all enjoyed the party. The photo is shown below:
L. to R.: Janice and Betty
My mom lives by herself in her home. My sister buys her groceries once a week. My brother visits her once a week and drives her to her appointments. I visit her once a week and bring lunch and desserts. Her caregiver, Foluck, stays with her from 7 am to 3 pm on weekdays.
John and Shirley (Frelich) Egbert's News
John and Shirley Egbert took a journey trip for pleasure to Arizona, April 10 to 16, 2024. We boondocked overnight in Deming, New Mexico and the next day we stopped by and browsed a pretty place of The City of Rocks State Park, hoping to camp out there someday and then drove along snowy mountains, scenery and windy Highway 180 road. Our plan was to stop at the Mogollon Rim to make plans about dispersed camping in the National Forest but they were not opened yet till after winter season so we boondocked in Payson, Arizona.
The drive was very pretty, seeing Elks, and Burros on Highway 260. Then we went to see Sedona. and also visited the beautiful 23,000 acres of large recreation in NW Phoenix, in Mesa, Arizona - Lake Pleasant’s blue and green water.
We stayed at Diane (Kelpinski) Holte,'73’s residence for a few days. She provided us with wonderful hospitality. She got John’s colleagues who used to work at the Washington Post for dinner.
It was truly a wonderful gathering along with Dianne (Cooley) Hause and her husband, Jerry and Suzanne Ayers and her partner, Libby Hathaway and David Herbold and his wife, Penny.
L. to R.: Pam Setzer, John Norris, Kathleen (Russell) Setzer, Tude Buck, Marie (Davis) Williams, and John "Derry" Keeshan.
Notes:
Thanks goes to Kathleen for sharing her news and photo with us.
Congratulations and best wishes to Kathleen and John on their marriage.
Steven (L.) and Mary Anne (R.) are chatting.
The Maryland Deaf Community Center held a fundraiser event - “Wild West” Party with a lot of competitive games, delish delights, etc. Nico DiMarco was DJ (disc jockey) at Café 611, in Frederick, MD on April 13, 2024 from 7 pm to 1 am.
Steven Frank was happy to chat with Randy Fisher at the party! See the photo below:
Good day my brothers and sisters, please welcome Winfred Godsey (from FL) who has been missing all of our class events for a long time due to the fact that he was "72" instead of a member of our class 1971.
TC Yearbook, 1968
I have been wondering about him for a long time and his name was not on the list of missing alumni assuming that he was still on our list. I mentioned this to Helena (Schmitt) and she agreed that his name does not ring a bell from our active list. After we ended our conversation, Helena went ahead and investigated and found bits of information including his birthdate from Knob Hill News (1967) matches his name and birthday residing in NC providing a phone number, Helena shared this with me and I decided to call that number and to my surprise it was not answered by VRS which enlightened me and finally spoke with his wife and I explained to her that I was a classmate of her husband.
Both Winfred and I had a lot to catch up on. I promised him that I would make sure that he would from now on get an email from Class of 1971.
Yes, it breaks my heart how he missed all the events that our class had in the past, trips, reunions, 25th and 50th anniversary, etc. He appreciated that we got connected after all those years and I am in the process of sending him the gallaudet71.blogspot.com
Brothers and sisters, please welcome Winfred Godsey with open arms and make him feel at home with all of us.
I owe my thanks to Helena for setting one step ahead of me and also thank Winfred for his
determination to be with us ‘71ers.
Madan Vasishta (photo above), a renowned educator and author, will be the keynote presenter for the undergraduate ceremony.
He and another deaf guest speaker will receive honorary degrees.
According to our Golden Anniversary Memory Book (2021), Madan earned his degrees from Gallaudet – BA in history and psychology, 1971; Masters in deaf education, 1973 and PhD in special education administration, 1983. He taught at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, 1973-1979; Principal, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent at different schools; retired in 2000 from the New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa Fe; taught part-time at Gallaudet, 2003-2014. He wrote several books.
Congratulations to Madan!
Source:
https://gallaudet.edu/
Class of 1971 Golden Anniversary Memory Book, 2021, p. 144.
Madan Vasishta’s Commencement Speech at Gallaudet University on May 10, 2024
Board of Trustees, President Cordano, faculty, parents, students, and friends. It is my great pleasure to have this opportunity to talk with you. You all came to Gallaudet to learn. I am sure you learned various subjects of your choice and learned about life also. Learning has been the key for you while at Gallaudet, so I will talk about learning—my own learning.
I became deaf at age 11 and was forced to leave school. In the small Indian village where we lived, deaf people did not go to school. I thought that was the end of my schooling and learning. I was wrong. It was the start of my real learning.
I worked on our farm for nine years. I herded cattle, cut grass, milked cows and water buffaloes, plowed fields, collected cow dung, and carried it to fields, among other chores. It was extremely hard work, and I did it 365 days a year, 14 hours a day. What did I learn? Patience and humility.
More than that, I learned English while herding cattle. I knew that the key to success at that time was the English language. All government jobs require English. With the help of an English-Hindi dictionary, I started to read a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice my brother had given me. I read it word by word using a dog-eared English-Hindi dictionary. It took me three months to finish the book. I read it again without the dictionary and finished it in two weeks. By that time, my English was as good, if not better, than high school graduates in India.
My father took me everywhere in India to see doctors to cure my deafness. I got all kinds of drugs, which, of course, did not help. In Bombay, we saw a famous American surgeon, who told my father that I would never regain hearing. We came out and walked around the streets of Mumbai. He was more saddened than I was. As a parent, he was worried about my future. I just looked around the city like a village boy in awe of the fancy stores in a major city.
I saw a camera in a window and used this occasion to buy that camera. I pointed at it wistfully. He sighed. We went inside and walked out a few minutes later with me holding the camera in both my hands as if it was the most precious thing in the world. I felt bad as I knew my father could not afford it, but the joy of owning that camera overcame the guilt of taking advantage of my father’s sadness.
This camera helped me learn some basics of photography and was the start of my career. I ended up as a photography student in Delhi and became a professional photographer. It also led to meeting Hester ("Polly" Parsons) Bennett, a Deaf American woman, who was visiting Delhi. I did not know ASL, and she did not know ISL, so we communicated in writing. After seeing my fluency in English, she asked me why I did not attend G-A-L-L-A-U-D-E-T. I asked her what Gallaudet was. She explained. I could not believe there was a college for the deaf anywhere in the world. Three years later, at the age of 26, I was here on campus. You could say that my learning English and that very camera led me to my path to Gallaudet.
I came to Gallaudet to learn. I learned a lot in classrooms, but I also learned from other students. I learned from joining various organizations. These young kids discussed issues and argued in support or against a point. My fellow students helped me and educated me.
I had to learn American English. They call bathrooms “restrooms.” I learned they do not sell garages when they advertise a “garage sale”. The spelling of many words was also different from British English. The British “plough” is American “plow,” and so forth.
Then there was the American culture to learn! Strangely, one could go outside wearing shorts and no shirt, or a swimming suit, but not pajamas and a gown that covered one’s whole body.
I selected football for a PE class, only to learn they called it “soccer.” American Football proved to be a real learning experience. One nice guy from Florida decided to show me around. We ended up at the football field and sat on the bleachers. He slowly signed—AMERICAN FOOTBALL. I watched as big guys wearing helmets and uniforms like Greek warriors lined up and fell over each other, stopping and starting all over again. After watching the third or fourth falling down event, I asked my guide, “When will they start playing?” He looked upset and retorted: “They are playing.”
I had to ask students who were coming here for the “homecoming” event everyone was talking about. Later, who was thanking whom on Thanksgiving Day? I must have been a pain, incessantly questioning everyone until I was satisfied.
Slowly, I became a regular student at Gallaudet and learned about America by traveling around the country and even living with hippies for a week in New Mexico. My friend Kirk took me all the way to California stopping at campgrounds at night and eating at truck stops. I can say I learned a lot by living.
I got my B.A. and M.A. and after teaching at Kendall School, I got my Ph.D. from Gallaudet, too. After teaching and working as a school administrator, I retired and taught in the same department where I got my Ph.D. During all this time, I also managed to work in India and with Dr. James Woodward and others. We published four dictionaries of Indian Sign Language.
Working as a program supervisor, an associate principal, an assistant superintendent, and superintendent in schools in Texas, Illinois, and New Mexico, I learned how to deal with people who were puzzled seeing a deaf Indian man as their boss. The fact that I had a doctoral degree and had moved up the ranks working hard for many years did not appear to make a difference. After all, I was a deaf person and did not match the profile of school administrators at that time–White hearing men! To deal with this all was not easy—but learning rarely is. I learned that a sense of humor and friendly disposition can take you far.
I divided my time working here in the United States and in India after retirement. Working closely with the Indian NAD and the government, we were able to establish the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center. This organization, which I directed for two years, is doing a great job of establishing and maintaining ISL learning and interpreter training. While working with them, I learned that working within an Indian bureaucratic system was very hard. I had become used to the American way of doing things. I had to re-learn patience and accept that “tomorrow” was the mantra that the Indian bureaucracy lives by.
All situations require support from others. I learned important lessons in my life from family, friends, and mentors. I need to mention one very important person here. To get full financial support from Gallaudet, I had to live on campus. Therefore, I could not bring my wife, Nirmala, to the United States for six years while I was a student. She lived with my old parents and worked hard taking care of them. After I got a job teaching at Kendall School, she was able to join me in America. She took care of our family while I worked all day and studied for my Ph.D. in the evening and on weekends. Her sacrifices and hard work are the cornerstone of my success. She is here sitting in the bleachers and smiling.
Now in my mid-eighties, I realize that after spending all my life learning, I know very little. If you think you have your degree now and do not need to learn much, you are in for a surprise! Your learning career is beginning now. After all, we call this event “Commencement.” Learning never stops; I am sure you will be ready to learn more as you leave Gallaudet.
= = = =
Most of you may remember Madan being one of our classmates during our freshman year and graduated with us in 1971. You may want to read his bio below:
Madan Vasishta, Ph.D. is from India. He earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at Gallaudet, and had an illustrious career as a linguistics researcher, teacher, and educational administrator. He is a hero in India, where he changed the course of deaf education and established organizations to advocate and safeguard the rights of deaf people.
His four sign language dictionaries, the K-12 and teacher training curriculums he created, and the relationships he forged with the government and the education community have benefitted generations of Deaf citizens of India. In the United States, Madan led the Eastern North Carolina and New Mexico Schools for the Deaf, and taught master’s and doctoral students in administration and supervision.
Madan shared his life story and valuable life lessons with the undergraduate Class of 2024 on May 10, 2024. He was also awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
Notes:
Source: https://gallaudet.edu/
Much appreciation goes to Madan for sharing his speech with us.
The Chinese New Year 2024 falls on Saturday, February 10, 2024, starting a year of the Wood Dragon.
Before attending the party, Linda Tom, John & Mary (Gibbs) Yeh took the opportunity to sit on the beautiful chairs (donated by our class for our 50th anniversary class reunion in 2021)! See the photos below:
Thanks goes to Linda Tom for the photos.
Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/
Steven Frank and Ed Knights visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, India on February 7, 2024.
Maryland Deaf Community Center’s First Holiday Fun Event
About 130 children came to the Maryland Deaf Community Center (MDCC)'s first "Holiday Fun" event in the Kent-McCanner building at the Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick on December 10, 2023. Mike Cooke performed as a Deaf Santa Claus! See below
Source: MDCC Newsletter, December 2023.
-Graduate of Gallaudet University in 1971
-M.Ed. in Deaf Education from Western Maryland College, now known as McDaniel College in 1974
-Taught deaf students for 39 years: 25 years at Texas School for the Deaf and 14 years at Illinois School for the Deaf
-Coached basketball for 30 years: as the varsity boys basketball head coach for 16 years at TSD and 14 years at Illinois School for the Deaf
-TSD Winningest basketball coach: Won Ranger Classic championships nine times in 1989-90, 1993, and 1995-2000
-His TSD basketball team won the National Deaf Champion in 1988-89; Two National Runner-Up titles in 1993-94 and 1995-96
-Led the team to qualify for TAPPS State Regional four times
-TSD ranked Top 10 Nationally 11 years out of his 16 years coaching
-Produced 17 TSD basketball players as All-Americans on the first team and second team. One of his players was elected as Player of the Year in -National Deaf Prep
-Was chosen TAPPS 3A All-Star Coach in 1990-91
-Was selected Silent News National Coach of the Year in 1990-91
-Founded first TSD Basketball camp in 2000
-Head coach of Varsity Tennis from 1999-2004
The three photos from Mike's collection are attached.
The last photo is Mike's family: From left to right: Donna Valverde-Hummel (daughter in law), Estrella Hummel (granddaughter), Michelle Jordan (daughter), Phoenix Hummel (grandson), Karlin Hummel (son), Karyl Hummel (wife), Michael Hummel
Congratulations to Mike!
Actual credit goes to Margaret Rose who recognized Bonita in the video and shared it with Tom Benziger who then wanted to share it with our classmates.
Good to everyone who is healthy enough to travel one last time or to those to explore further.
As for me and my wife of 38 years we’ve been lucky RVing in our travel trailer almost all over North America and Canada for over 28 years in addition to several southern Caribbean Cruises with Deaf Groups.
Now with the loss of so many classmates and soulmates due to diseases, cancers or death etc., my eye is playing tricks either age related or diabetes, we’re settling down slowly sitting among the fire pit watching the sunset with cool drinks with an old male-poo beside us together!!
Shalom everyone and my blessings to you all!
Margie Boccio Bella and her daughter, Carol, of California watched the football game at Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) in Frederick last Friday night, September 15, 2023 at 7 pm.
Margie’s one of two grandsons is Kaden Adams who is a Junior at California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR). He is the quarterback for the CSDR team.
MSD won the game against CSDR and the score was 14-12.
Margie’s other grandson, Trevin Adams is a Freshman at Gallaudet. Trevin is also a quarterback on the Gallaudet team. Today, Margie and Carol are at Gallaudet to show their support to Trevin and Gallaudet team (September 16 at 12 noon) against the University of New England. (Gallaudet lost, 31-10.)
L. to R.: Linda Tom, Mike Cooke, Kathleen Russell Setzer. Sitting: Margie Boccio Bella at MSD in Frederick, MD.
Note:
Thanks goes to Linda Tom for sharing the photo and news with us.
L. to R.: Linda Tom and Helena Schmitt
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Cape Cod Deaf Sailing 2023
Flo (Hershkowitz) Vold, Wendy Bachman, Barbara (Hong) Richardson and Shirley (Frelich) Egbert enjoyed sailing to 4 islands in seven days, July 14 -21 with Captain Dave Staehle (left) and First Mate Eliza Polk (right) along Major and Deborah from Kentucky.
Thanks goes to Shirley Frelich Egbert for sharing this with us.
‘71ers went on Deaf Sailing Cape Cod
By Tom Benziger
Just out of curiosity, I noticed that 4 members of ‘71ers classmates went sailing this summer, Babrara Hong Richardson, Shirley Frelich Egbert, Flo Hershkowitz Vold and Wendy Bachman and I am sure that they had a wonderful experience and have so much fun as I did in the past. This prompted me to ask you how many of us ‘71ers actually went on sailing by Deaf Sailing Cape Cod {https://www.
Please let us know if you had joined Deaf Sailing Cape Cod in the past and what your experience or comments are.
It was approaching the end of the fall semester in 1966. We wanted to have fun during one of the boring evenings. Ann (Perkins) Niemeier or someone bought a bottle of Southern Comfort and Coke and invited some girls for drinks in Ann’s room on the fourth floor of the Peet Hall. We had so many drinks but none of us were drunk!
Front: Christine (Ramirez) Cissna, Louise (Guinn) Osborne,
Second: Janice (Tullis) Dermon, Linda Tom, Sylvia (Skinner) Page
Third: Marlene (Murrell) Garcia, Susanne (Bittner) Zatko, Sue (Jacobs) Green, Leslie (Milam) Zinza
Rear: Margie (Boccio) Bella
Note: Thanks goes to Walt Camenisch for sharing this photo with us.
L. to R.: Rose Surber Bradley, Jane Kuzoian, Leslie Anderson, Laura Wade Sweeney and Linda Tom
Note: Thanks goes to Jane Kuzoian for sharing the photo with us.
Roger's article is shown below if you wish to re-read...
Donald “Don” Maynard III
By Roger Claussen
November 2022
For some reason, Don and I never had a chance to contact each other for the past 46 years. For many years, I searched and finally found his videophone number and called his wife.
I would like to mention him as one of our beloved Class of 1971 brothers.
He was from the Arizona School for the Deaf (ASDB) and was a star basketball player. Several well-known university scouts watched him in several games because he was a top shooter in all schools in the State of Arizona. His average score was between 28 and 35. Remember that time there was no such thing as a 3-point score!
Upon graduation from ASDB, Don enrolled at Gallaudet. He was on the basketball team for 2 years. After Don left Gallaudet after his freshman year, he continued to play basketball for 4 deaf clubs. His team from North Carolina won the AAAD (American Athletic Association of the Deaf) championship. Many people claimed that he was an excellent shooter. What’s more - Don was on the basketball team twice for the World Games for the Deaf (used to be called Deaf Olympics). He got two gold medals!
Don married to a beautiful wife, Thelma, who comes from Virginia. As of now, they remain together for 47 years and have no children.
He worked as a printer at the Fort Belvoir Army base in Virginia for 34 years and had received several awards for his excellence.
In the year of 2000, his doctor informed him that he had strokes on both sides of brain in which Don did not realize. From time to time his health started to deteriorate slowly. Today he is 76 years old.
Thelma warned me that it would be very difficult for me to understand Don’s communication. Indeed, Don’s expression showed me that he was very happy with tears to see me on videophone. We chatted for about 20 minutes. Thelma was very helpful in translating Don’s communication.
Dear brothers and sisters, you now know Don’s condition. I am sure many of you wish him very well and his wife, Thelma.
Notes:
Don and I were classmates at ASDB.
Don was quoted as a deadly jump shooter! (Tower Clock yearbook, 1968, page 202).
The live-streaming the service for Alan Ander on today, Tuesday, February 21st at 9:15 am from Parkside Memorial Chapels in Queens, NY via Zoom
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Webinar ID: 829 6304 3202
Sources:
https://www.legacycelebrated.
Thanks goes to John Yeh for letting us know.
Alan Ander, age 73, of New York, NY passed away on Wed., February 15, 2023.
A funeral service for Alan will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 9:15AM to 10:15AM at Parkside Memorial Chapels, 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at New Montefiore Cemetery, 1180 Wellwood Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parksidememorialchapel.
Alan Ander died on Feb 15, 2023 at age 73. Alan is survived by his brother, Sidney Ander, Sister-in-Law, Barbara Ander, and his nieces, Alexis Kashar and Debbie Kenvin, and their families including their husbands, Gary Kashar, Mitchell Kenvin and their children, Leah Kashar, Ava Kashar, Benjamin Kashar, Savannah Kenvin, and Allie Kenvin. He is predeceased by his parents, Meyer and Nettie Ander.
Alan was born in New York and spent his life in New York. He was known for his love for family and friends, his wicked sense of humor, and his gregarious personality. He loved all that life had to offer and truly enjoyed his time in the City. He was a frequent customer at some of the City's most famous institutions where he was well-known by the management and staff including at PJ Clarke's. He began college at the young age of 16 at Gallaudet University where he received his Bachelors of Business Administration degree. He also earned a Masters of Business Administration from New York University and spent his career as a tax specialist from which he recently retired.
Alan was a dedicated advocate for the Deaf Community with a focus on improving the quality of life for Deaf people in several areas including improvement of housing and programs for Deaf senior citizens. He also spent the last few years heavily involved in the enacting of legislation to license sign language interpreters in New York to ensure quality was a priority. Alan was a proud member of the Gallaudet University Alumni Association and was honored by the association a few years ago.
Alan would also be often quoted saying "Find people who make you happy. Happy is the best medicine always". Donations can be made to the Gallaudet University Alumni Association in Alan's memory.
Source: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/forest-hills-ny/alan-ander-11160634
Alan Ander, age 73, of New York, New York passed
away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
A funeral service for Alan will be held Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at New Montefiore Cemetery, 1180 Wellwood Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704, followed by a committal service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parksidememorialchapel.
Left: Alan’s Senior Picture in Tower Clock Yearbook, 1971
Right: Alan with Golden Anniversary Alumni Emeriti medallion, 2021
Sources:
https://www.dignitymemorial.
www.parksidememorialchapel.com
Gallaudet's Class of 1971 Golden Anniversary Alumni Emeriti Club Medallion, 2021
Note:
Thanks goes to Lance Fischer and Leslie Milam Zinza for sharing this news with us.
12/21/1947 ~ 1/17/2023
I think it is important that I share this with you that in 1974, “Gallaudet Almanac” was edited by Jack Gannon, compiled by Wallace Edington, David Peikoff, and Hans Dieter Baumert.
I need to say that the credit goes to Lance Fischer, Shirley Frelich Egbert, Walt Camenisch and Leslie Milam Zinza for letting us know of the passing of our beloved brother, Hans.
Leslie Milam Zinza and her partner, Karen Olson, spent their holidays with some of the Zinza family members in Fremont, California on Christmas Day. Bryan Zinza joined them, too.
Leslie Milam Zinza (left) and Bryan Zinza (right)
Thanks goes to Leslie Milam Zinza for sharing it with us.
The Maryland Deaf Senior Citizens hosted a Holiday Luncheon on December 15, 2022 at Martin’s Crosswind in Greenbelt, MD and here is the photo of the ‘71ers at the luncheon!
Sitting (L. to R.): Steven Frank, Linda Tom, Gerald Ahrens, Rita Sullivan Ahrens, and Ron Farris
Standing (L. to R.): John Daigle, Wayne Berke, Laura Wade Sweeney, Barbara Stirling Willigan, Plumie Gainey, and Leslie Milam Zinza
Thanks goes to Leslie Milam Zinza for sharing it with us.
L. to R.: Lisa Gilbert Bosson, Kitty Hoffpauir Fischer, Lance Fischer, Jane Kuzoian, and Helena Schmitt
Steven Frank (left) and Tom Dowling (right)
Donald “Don” Maynard III
By Roger Claussen
For some reason, Don and I never had a chance to contact each other for the past 46 years. For many years, I searched and finally found his videophone number and called his wife.
I would like to mention him as one of our beloved Class of 1971 brothers.
He was from the Arizona School for the Deaf (ASDB) and was a star basketball player. Several well-known university scouts watched him in several games because he was a top shooter in all schools in the State of Arizona. His average score was between 28 and 35. Remember that time there was no such thing as a 3-point score!
Upon graduation from ASDB, Don enrolled at Gallaudet. He was on the basketball team for 2 years. After Don left Gallaudet after his freshman year, he continued to play basketball for 4 deaf clubs. His team from North Carolina won the AAAD (American Athletic Association of the Deaf) championship. Many people claimed that he was an excellent shooter. What’s more - Don was on the basketball team twice for the World Games for the Deaf (used to be called Deaf Olympics). He got two gold medals!
Don married to a beautiful wife, Thelma, who comes from Virginia. As of now, they remain together for 47 years and have no children.
He worked as a printer at the Fort Belvoir Army base in Virginia for 34 years and had received several awards for his excellence.
In the year of 2000, his doctor informed him that he had strokes on both sides of brain in which Don did not realize. From time to time his health started to deteriorate slowly. Today he is 76 years old.
Thelma warned me that it would be very difficult for me to understand Don’s communication. Indeed, Don’s expression showed me that he was very happy with tears to see me on videophone. We chatted for about 20 minutes. Thelma was very helpful in translating Don’s communication.
Dear brothers and sisters, you now know Don’s condition. I am sure many of you wish him very well and his wife, Thelma, too.
Notes:
Don and I were classmates at ASDB.
Don was quoted as a deadly jump shooter! (Tower Clock yearbook, 1968, page 202).
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“Gallaudet's Virtual Exhibition on Deaf Printers at The Washington Post”
L. to R.: Dick Moore, '73, Brian Brizendine, '74 and Tom Coulston, '71
A new website, deafprinters.com, launched on October 17, 2022 with a reception in the National Deaf Life Museum. This virtual exhibition chronicles the history of deaf printers–many of them Gallaudet University alumni–at The Washington Post.
The Deaf Printers Pages website is the culmination of four years of work by the Drs. John S. & Betty J. Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center at Gallaudet University and a group of Deaf retirees from The Washington Post. This online exhibit preserves the last of many generations of Deaf people who learned printing in school and worked at local and national newspapers around the country. From the 1970s to 2000, more than 125 Deaf people found employment at The Washington Post.
Sources:
- Hi5/Gallaudet University, October 28, 2022 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?
- "Deaf printers once helped create every day's Washington Post newspaper" by John Kelly, The Washington Post, June 24, 2019.
- FYI: Sue Ayers, Tom Coulston, Dianne Cooley Hause and David Herbold from our class worked at The Washington Post. You will see them in the fascinating exhibition (deafprinters.com).
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Members of Class of ‘71 during Gallaudet Homecoming game
Front row: Mary Gibbs Yeh, Barbara Mitchell Morrison, Linda Tom, Charles Bearman, Ronald Farris
Second row: John Yeh, Leslie Anderson, Larry Berke, John Daigle
Steven Frank reported that David Conti and his wife, Debra, tapped him at the Union Station garage as he and his husband, Ed, were waiting for a shuttle bus toward the campus last Friday. Steven felt bad that he forgot to ask Ed to take a picture of them!
Sources:
Mary Gibbs Yeh
Linda C. Tom
Steven A. Frank
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Florida School for the Deaf Alumni Association (FSDAA) held a luncheon and First Hall of Fame (HOF) Induction Ceremony in Knowles Hall of Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind in St. Augustine, FL on September 10, 2022.
Congratulations to our fellow ‘71ers, Stanley Mals and Bruce Ostrout who were inducted to FSDAA’s HOF in sports!
Richard Malco (left) presented the award to Bruce Ostrout (right).
Richard Malco (left) presented the award to Stanley Mals (right).Sources:
Thanks goes to Tom Benziger.
https://www.fsdaa.org – executive board members (report)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
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Ellicott City, Md.
Classmates; (L. to R.): David Conti, Katie Russell Setzer, Louise Guinn Osborne, and Ann Perkins Niemeier
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Look at Sue Jacobs Green's photo below:
A Generous Gift to the Class of 1971 Scholarship Fund
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Ron Farris and Iris Gomes (tactile interpreter):
Last Sunday at the Ole Jim (where the memorial service for Jack Gannon was held), Laura Sweeney reminded us to see the Class of 1971's beautiful wood rockers and table on the porch and here is the picture of Ron sitting on the rocker!
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Steven Frank would like to share his photo with you... The photo (below) was taken yesterday at the Peikoff Alumni House (Ole Jim). He was impressed with the Class of 1971’s beautiful wooden rocking chair and he enjoyed sitting on it for a moment!
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The Gallaudet Class of 1971 Golden Anniversary Reunion Co-Chair Laura Sweeney invited the Golden Anniversary Class Reunion committee members from the DC area to her home for the "Thank You" dinner last night... lt was lovely. Two photos are shown below:
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Gallaudet University President Cordano came to Austin, TX on Thursday, March 10, 2022 for the SXSW EDU Conference and Festival. Her presentation was “Why Teach Everyone Sign Language from Birth.”
Then President Cordano visited the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) on Friday, the 11th. The following day at TSD, she spoke about Gallaudet updates and thanked us for our strong foundation at the lunch gathering, hosted by the Austin Chapter of the GUAA.
Our classmates, Lisa Gilbert Bosson, Walt Camenisch, Karyl Meadows Hummel & Mike Hummel were at the lunch gathering.
Thanks goes to Mike Hummel for sharing this story with us.
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The Gallaudet Alumni Relations asked alumni to share their stories on how they met the life of love at Gallaudet... The feature of "
Love at Gallaudet! " was released on February 14th... Barbara Mitchell Morrison's story was among the alumni who shared their stories with the Alumni Relations office... In case you missed it, the story from Barbara and Bob is shown below...
For weeks, I had planned to ask a guy for a date at the annual Sadie Hawkins Day. I wrote a letter to my brother for $20. He sent me the money to spend on my date at the Gusti pizza place. On that Saturday, we all met at Faculty Row. All the boys hurriedly ran ahead in front of the girls. I learned that my guy was out of town on that day. I decided to go to the field watching my girlfriends chasing and capturing their dates. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and there was a guy. I have never seen him before. He was dashing with a mustache. I assumed that he was a Freshman and I was a Sophomore. The guy was Bob Morrison.
It was a good thing that no girl claimed him on that day! Bob asked me if I caught a guy. I nodded my head no. He asked me if we could pretend that we were a couple. Just because Bob wanted a piece of the wedding cake. Of course, I wanted some cake, too. So we stood in the line introducing ourselves and made small talk. We signed names on our pretend marriage certificate then we ate our cakes. We parted ways A few days later at a basketball game, Bob saw me sitting with my girlfriends. He sat a row behind me and started chatting with me. After the game, he walked me to the dorm. We have been together ever since. Next July, we will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.
Source:
GU Alumni Relations: #LoveAtGallaudet, February14, 2022
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Warren and Julie Kramer (photo below)
Catching up with the 71ers' photos!
Robert Nanny
At Clyde's Tower Oak in Rockville, MD 2015
Left to Right: Jane Kuzoian, Mary Gibbs Yeh, Linda C. Tom, and Helena P. Schmitt
CSD (California School for the Deaf, Berkeley) Reunion in 2008
Seating: Linda C. Tom, Leslie Milam Zinza, and Barbara Riggs
Standing: Marlene Murrell Garcia, Jance Tullis Dermon, Margherita Boccio Bella, Christina Rameriz Cissna.
Back: Tom Ahern, Dave Herbold and Phillip Garcia.
Philip Garcia, Linda C. Tom, Dave Herbold, Marlene Murrell Garcia, Christina Ramirez Cissna, Barbara Riggs, Margherita Boccio Bella, and Leslie Milam Zina
A mini reunion in 2009
Front row: Roger Claussen, Julie Christopher Johnston, Joan Brevik Snyder, Roy Duket.
Back row: Thomas Benziger, Gerald Richardson, William Lindquist.
