August 9, 2006
Donna Tiger scheduled the August 6 program. The club found it to be a fascinating subject and was introduced to a delightful person who truly loves the work she does. She was a classmate of Donna and graduated from Attica High School. Donna stated that it was not until last year at the alumni celebration that she, her classmates and her friends learned the extent of Beverly's talents and career. Donna stated that "She is a great gal". The club certainly agrees with that.
Beverly Kress presented the program about sign language and her many experiences as a professional signer. When she was asked thirty years ago to learn sign language she thought it was an impossible task. Persistence paid off and after several attempts to get past the basics she developed into a skilled professional who has been asked to sign for politicians, celebrities and entertainers as well as in medical and court situations.
She explained Legal, Educational, Medical, Platform and Freelance as the different types of Interpreters. She found that signing for politicians was the least satisfying and also noted that in some cases she was signing on the open platform next to the politician who was behind the protective shields. She has worked at national political party conventions and also at speaking engagements where national figures promoted their views and many times their books.
Some of the people she interpreted for were Oliver North, Mike Singletary, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Damarus Carbough and Sue Dodge and had the opportunity to meet and become friends with Brian Duffy the Astronaut.
Her real satisfaction, and sometimes sadness, comes from working with either the court systems or the medical environment. Especially difficult are cases where children are involved. She could find herself signing either for the young people or for the parents. She also stated that to be a thorough signer you sometimes have to assert yourself and stop a judge or a doctor and ask them to explain in terms that she can sign properly and make the hearing impaired person understand.
The captivating end of the program was when she signed two songs for the club.
The songs were " Its a Wonderful World", by Rod Stewart and "HE'S Been Faithful" by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, featuring Damarus Carbough.
As the music played and words were being sung on the tape by the performers, she interpreted the songs with sign language. The body language and facial expressions combined with the sign language was an inspiration to all of us. We thank Donna for introducing us to Beverly Kress.
__________________
Judy Hollander will explain the Rotary Literacy project on August 16.
___________________
The club received Macy's gift cards
to sell as a fund raising project. The $5 card will be worth at least a
$10 discount on September 16. Other discounts also apply making the $5 a
very worthwhile purchase.....>>>>>>More
details
__________________
The club has been assigned a section of State Road 28 for volunteer cleanup at least two times a year. Supplies will be provided. Details coming later.
_________________
The King Tut Exhibit visit on August 2 was a great experience. Check out the website if you missed it>>>> >MORE
There was a rumor that a member who could not make the trip was given a souvenir by others. A photo was submitted confirming the truth to that rumor.
