I am very pleased to share the final tally for Team ALDABest’s participation in the HLA-NJ Walk4Hearing on October 17, 2009. Our small team was able to exceed the fundraising goal and raise $2560! Imagine if we had more members involved with this effort; the result could be ten times that amount. Remember we are raising funds for ALDA-GS and HLA-NJ. Both organizations are worthy of our support in promoting the work they do for hearing loss support, advocacy, and awareness!

On October 31, 2009 the Fall Workshop traveled to a new location. We were fortunate to be able to use the Monmouth County Library for the day. The NJ Sprint Outreach Team really outdid themselves in presenting information about the new CapTel 800i phone, as well as their existing products — Captel 200 and WebCapTel. Those in attendance enjoyed a wonderful pizza lunch also thanks to NJ Sprint Outreach. We also want to thank NJDDHH for providing sign language interpreters and CART. Another one of my goals as president can now be checked off my list—ALDA-GS has now met in three regions of NJ since last year. There were new faces at this workshop, both young and young-at-heart. All agreed the day was a success. Thanks to our board for getting the word out!

As a result of Past-President   Sheila Shuford’s efforts, we are one step closer to working with the Morris County Veterans Administration. Our veterans are returning home with hearing loss and they need support and resources. This is where our chapter can step in and offer guidance. Please keep an eye out for more information. Updates will be distributed as details become available.

I wish to take this opportunity to again extend our condolences to Vice President Tony Yuppa on the loss of his dear brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tony and his family.

As my presidency comes to a close, I’d like to note what a wonderful journey it has been and I thank you all for the confidence and support you have given me. It has been my honor to serve ALDA-GS and promote the issues that concern each of its members. I hope that a few more people have come to know about our wonderful group of volunteers. We all work diligently to help the hearing loss community find the resources needed to be successful in life. We are only as good as each one of you. It is important to get involved and stay involved so that our chapter can continue to grow.

Wishing you ALDA best in 2010,