Blog & Vlog

Summertime is Here!

By Alexandra Porr on May 15, 2012

Growing up in the north, I marked springtime with my birthday the first week of May. Every year around that time, the dogwood tree in my front yard would bloom brilliant pink flowers. Since this happened right around my birthday, I convinced myself it was a present from above just for me.

After growing up and moving south, the trees and flowers no longer wait for my birthday (especially this year when the trees and flowers bloomed as early as February!). And unlike the north, where children are still in school well into June, schools down here come to a close in May and summer break officially begins.

So for me at least, May now marks the beginning of summer. And at Bridges, summertime certainly feels within reach. We had the Better Hearing and Speech Month Picnic and the kick-off of Bridges’s summer camps with Camp Rise & Sign. This week, the After School Program is coming to an end, and the Youth Program is gearing up for more summer camps. With Camp Rise & Sign, the upcoming Camp Sign Me Up in June, and Camp Jump Start in July, we will be buzzing with youth activities.

The Wellness Program isn’t taking a break for the summer either. June will bring a Men’s Health Class, and July will offer a class on exercising in the summer heat…which we’re sure to have a lot of! The Education & Outreach Department is continuing to work through hard through the summer. On Tuesday nights will offer an ASL 2 course here at Bridges- make sure to sign-up soon!

Summertime is here, so whether you are coming to a camp, a wellness class, or learning more ASL, we’re happy to have you! 

- Alexandra

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Signs of the Times of Yesteryear

By Nikki Ringenberg on May 4, 2012

As I take a breath from putting the final touches on Signs of the Times: 85 Years and All That Jazz, I can’t help but remember the last several and how amazing they were. 

Last year, for Jukebox Jive, we had our first auction with a real auctioneer (and our amazing interpreter was ready to kill me for not telling her about the “real” part in the auctioneer until right before the event started), we had our first Friday set up day (which was wonderful), and we had more people dress for the decade than ever!  I think my favorite memory from last year was watching Charlie Montgomery and Glen Craig of Comas Montgomery Realty and Auction work the room and make giving a gift to Bridges an exciting competition (if you haven’t noticed – we’re big on competition around here!).

Two years ago, for Big Band Boogie, we had our first live band (complete with Bridges volunteer Mike Wyatt on drums and some vocals), our first live auction (where the auctioneer received a “call” from Sallie with an offer to make up the bed of the purchaser of the quilt), and our first year at W.O. Smith Music School.  My favorite memory of that year was Sallie’s surprise birthday party right before the event started!  She never saw it coming!

Three years ago, we had Disco Inferno.  It was my first Signs of the Times and there were lots of wigs, platforms, and more bellbottom pants than an episode of “That 70s Show!”  Peggy wore an outfit she had in high school and the rest of us scrambled for our disco finest.  If I had to limit myself to just one favorite memory that year, I’d say hair.  Sallie’s fro – with her actual hair, Tricia’s giant wig, and the hair Tommy added for his costume.

The more I think back to years past, the more I wonder what will be the highlights of this year’s Signs of the Times.  Will it be the auction, the band, the hair (in a good way hopefully), or the costumes?  Will someone bust a move on the dance floor and impress us all?  What do you think will be the best thing about this year’s Signs of the Times?  Give me a call or shoot me an email next week, and we’ll compare notes!

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Is it Fried?

By Sallie Hussey on April 27, 2012

Growing up in Mississippi I ate my share of fried food.  I had my favorites like fried okra, fried squash, and fried catfish.  Back then though, my mother was a bit ahead of her time.  Wheat germ and sprouts topped the sandwiches in my lunch box, and we recycled before it was cool.  So, fried foods were not an every-day occurrence. 

It wasn’t until I arrived at college (and was on the pre-paid meal plan) that I discovered I could have everything fried at every meal every week.  And I did.  Unfortunately, I did not have a wellness program, like the one here at Bridges, to tell me I was not making the healthiest choices.  Now I know better.

I love that we have a program here that works to promote a healthy lifestyle. Actually, the Living Well program through the Wellness and Education department does more than just promote good health.  “Weekly Walk and Weight Loss” gatherings have a real following and support not only great exercise, but also great friendships.  Our partnership with Colman Park Community Center and the Community Kitchen every month teaches how to cook a healthy meal on a budget.  And, our monthly dining series has a huge following!  Next month it’s “Healthy Summer Dining” using in-season food!  You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to eat well, and we can teach you how.

We didn’t have all those choices at State.  Although at that age I probably would have still picked the fried okra.  Come take part in some of our healthy opportunities here. Donice Kaufman has done a fantastic job making these a part of our calendar and keeping us healthy.  We promise to continue the tradition she started.  Join us - you’re always invited.

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Vlog: Teamwork

By Eric Workman on April 20, 2012

Hello, my name is Eric. Most of you who live in the Nashville area know who I am.

Anyway, I had a very cool experience today. I got to work with a Deaf interpreter. The situation was that we had a man who is Deaf from outside of the U.S. When he arrived in this country, he was very disoriented and unfamiliar with the procedures of the U.S.

It was very important for him to find employment, earn an income, and simply support himself. The meeting was very interesting. Upon meeting the gentleman, I immediately noticed that his sign system was not anything I was familiar with. I was able to catch a sign here and there, but overall it was very scarce to say the least.

For this meeting, we decided to include a Deaf interpreter- a sign language native. We asked for his assistance in servicing this gentleman. Fortunately the Deaf interpreter agreed. I, the Deaf gentleman from outside the U.S., the Deaf interpreter, and the other parties (who could hear) were situated and attempted to solve the communication barrier as well as assist the gentleman in planning his future.

The whole experience was very cool. The parties who could hear would speak, I would then put the information out in ASL for the Deaf interpreter to then produce in a signed system the gentleman could comprehend. Everything worked out beautifully and communication was effective. I had looked forward to this meeting and was glad that everything worked out so smoothly.

Then it hit me: TEAMWORK. That is why this agency is in existence. Teamwork is a pillar of Bridges’s philosophy and goals. There are times when calling upon other parties and experts is a must. And to be open to a wide variety of options is something was Bridges supports to serve those who call upon our services to ensure effective communication. It was a great reminder as to why I am here, and why Bridges is here. That is to serve this wonderful Deaf and hard of hearing communities.

I simply wanted to share that with you today. Thanks for taking the time to watch my story.

 

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The Only Constant is Change

By Donicé Kaufman on April 12, 2012

Yesterday, while I was straightening up my office and reorganizing my computer files, I sat back and seriously scrutinized the Wellness and Education Department. Sitting in my wicker chair my mind drifted over the past five years from volunteer to Assistant Youth Director to Interim Youth Director to Director of Wellness and Education, and I smiled at all the difficult but positive changes I had made here at Bridges.

My family moved often due to my father’s work forcing my sisters and me to change schools, leave friends and learn new languages and cultures. I’d cry and throw temper tantrums screaming that it wasn’t fair or normal to be moving all the time! And my mother, in all her wisdom, would say, “Donicé, the only constant IS change. Seize this opportunity to grow intellectually and emotionally. Make the lessons learned work for you and others.”

And so with both joy and sadness, I announce to you, my friends, colleagues and clients, my resignation from Bridges to work with TSM Corporation. This is not a “divorce” from Bridges nor the Deaf and hard of hearing community, as I will be programming when time allows and in areas that seem to match my expertise.

This is one of those “seize the opportunity” moments. The knowledge I’ve gained working for Bridges and serving you has prepared me to help others on a national scale. Every moment I’ve spent with you has been imprinted in my memory allowing me to carry you with me wherever I go. 

The Wellness and Education Department is in good shape and ready for new leadership with room for lots more growth. Bridges will keep you apprised of changes being made, and I’m confident my replacement will serve you with the same commitment and professionalism you have become accustomed to. 

Wandering through my memories clarifies my path. The office pulses with love and excitement, and I am filled with warmth and satisfaction. From my wicker chair I say to you, my friends, colleagues and clients, embrace the moments you have each day and understand well that the only constant is change.

- Donicé

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