October 27, 2009

   67th Biennial Conference in Albany Is A Success! By Steve Lovi,

Over 50 people from across NYS gathered at the Holiday Inn Express-Downtown Albany from October 1-4, 2009 to participate in ESAD’s biennial conference titled "Advocacy Today, Success Tomorrow". Thursday evening, October 1st featured a wonderful array of appetizers in the Great Room area for our Welcome Social where ESAD members and friends were able to meet and greet with each other. Early friday morning, conference registration was smooth and efficient under the watchful eyes of Conference chair, Dave Staehle and assistant, Tom Kelly while members were able to take advantage of breakfast provided by the Holiday Inn Express in the great room area.

Friday morning and early afternoon workshops were well attended with presenters, Susan Miller and Deborah Pardi who highlighted Sprint and NY Relay; Sean Gerlis, NAD Region I Representative who presented NAD updates and legislative advocacy efforts; and Rosemary Lamb from NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Persons with Disabilities (CQCAPD) who discussed the NYS Interagency Coordinating Council for Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing persons. Conference attendees remarked that the workshops were informative and helpful. Friday late afternoon was the first of two ESAD general meetings where members attended to get updates and highlights of the 2007-2009 term. Friday evening after dinner brought members of ESAD and Capital District Deaf Center (CDDC) friends together for a nice night of socializing and games hosted by CDDC. Everyone enjoyed themselves with cake and punch provided by ESAD.

Saturday morning was an opportunity for ESAD members and supporters to come together for a Town Hall style meeting which was moderated by Sean Gerlis, ESAD member and NAD Region 1 representative. Many issues were brought up concerning the quality of education, mainstreaming, legislative advocacy, seniors, youth and technology.

Advocates for Housing for Deaf Seniors also presented on what they hope will become future services for their program. Saturday afternoon was the second general meeting which reviewed ESAD’s budget report via video phone technology from Anthony DiGiovanni, a first for ESAD. Roman Kazragis assisted in person with the budget report through the Ways & Means committee. Motions were made for several items including the most significant structural change for ESAD in many years with the creation of 7 regional area community groups that will help strengthen ESAD’s future. (Check out elsewhere in newsletter for more information about the "7 Region Plan". Elections were held with the new installation of Dave Staehle as President, Steve Lovi returning to Vice President and Dean DeRusso continuing as Secretary/Treasurer.

Saturday evening came with a delicious buffet dinner in the lower level Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Express where members and friends gathered together to celebrate a successful conference. A wonderful Miss Deaf New York (MDNY) pageant was brought together by ESAD’s new pageant chair, Julie Martin. ESAD was fortunate to have three excellent MDNY candidates from Rochester, Cortland and Queens. Shiran Zhavian, Miss Queens, who was born in Israel was crowned Miss Deaf New York 2009-2011 after presenting a winning personality, a stunning evening gown presentation along with an amazing talent performance. Colleen and Roman Kazragis were recognized for their years of dedicated service to ESAD with Honorary Life Membership. The evening concluded with hugs, handshakes and Blackberry addresses being furiously exchanged before members departed Albany.

Congratulations to Buffalo and BCAD who will host ESAD’s 68