Don's Column - Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021
SeniorS’ Chat
Don’s Column
Hello, Happy Hands Members and Friends,
Our next Happy Hands Zoom Meeting on October 6 will be another fun event (see page 2).
Do join us and enjoy it.
A recap of the September 1st Zoom Meeting is provided on pages 3-4. The Pet Parade Photo
Gallery is on pages 7-9. Information about phone chargers is on pages 10-12.
Jason Dean, a licensed independent insurance agent specializing in Medicare plans, will be in town during
November 16-20 (page 6). Appointments can be made with him to discuss better Medicare plans for you.
Because of COVID, Celebrate Communication 2021 “Postponed, Virtual and Reimagined!” will be on
December 4, 2021. It will follow the Annual Meeting. See page 14 for other NVRC events. Let us show our
support for NVRC at those events.
As usual, Stay Safe and Happy with Our Awesome Hands!
~ Don
P.S. Here are links for updated obituaries on Kenny Hynes and Martha Jean Thomas Toms:
Kenny Hynes: https://obits.theadvocate.com/us/obituaries/theadvocate/name/kenny-hynes-
obituary?pid=200096306 and https://www.facebook.com/DeafVillagers/posts/4085097098284450
Martha Jean Thomas Toms: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/22361220/martha-jean-toms
HAPPY BIRTHDAY...to the folks
with birthdays in October
Ross Gilson [3rd]
Donna Graff-Viall [5th]
Chuck Kelley [13th]
Letia Derderian [16th]
Claudia Brawley [23rd]
Kea Manfredonio [25th]
PAGE 2
Happy Hands Zoom Meeting
October 6, 2021 at 10:00 AM
We will have our 17th Zoom Meeting on October 6, 2021 at 10:00AM-12:00PM.
Here is Zoom info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84261146495
Meeting ID: 842 6114 6495
We will do:
States Trivia by Lois Herberger
“Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience”
by Tom Dowling
Northern Virginia Aging Network by Trivia about
Tom Dowling (on future of Senior Our 50 States
Citizens; Medicare; and Medicaid)
Selecting Medicare Plans by Jason
Dean
Halloween Stories
If time permits, “Guess The Picture” by
Pat Beech
Thanks to: HH Committee for 2021-2022
Pat Beech for facilitating the Chair — Don Ames
Zoom meeting on September 1 Vice Chair — Jill Moebus
Everyone at the Zoom Meeting on Secretary — Denise Proulx
September 1 regarding emergencies, Treasurer — Steve Williams
grandparents, and Paralympics Member At Large — Paul Daniels
Jonathan Kiell for photos taken at Member At Large — Tom Dowling
Springfield and Tysons Food Courts Member At Large — Barbara Eger-Klatt
Pat Beech for doing the monthly HH Member At Large — Lois Herberger
Newsletter issue Member At Large — Melanie Williams
Sharon Svenningsen and Melanie Williams Ex Officio — Nancy Rarus
for proofreading the monthly HH Sunshine Club — Pat Beech
Newsletter issue Membership — Pat Beech
Debbie Jones for stuffing the monthly HH Newsletter Editor — Pat Beech
Newsletter hardcopies and getting them Memorial — Pat Beech and Peggy Daniels
ready for mail Historian — Pat Beech
PAGE 3
Recap of the Zoom Meeting
on September 1, 2021
We had our 16th Zoom Meeting on September 1, 2021. The highlights were:
September Trivia
National Preparedness Month
Fairfax County Emergency
FEMA
National Grandparents Day
Paralympics
Blind Sprinter: https://youtu.be/xACYoPAicHE
Blind Cycler: https://youtu.be/7bi2xt66c3w
Anastasia Pagonis, Blind Paralympian:
https://sports.yahoo.com/anastasia-pagonis-17-wins-first-us-paralympic-gold-in-tokyo-with-world-
record-performance-191535955.html
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fitness/how-blind-paralympic-swimmers-know-when-to-turn-in-pool-
48481906
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/blind-paralympian-anastasia-pagonis-explains-034237127.html
Thailand’s Blind Soccer Team: https://youtu.be/XfRkuIkE2EI
Goalball: https://youtu.be/0bZ51jzmbAQ
Blind Long Jumper: https://www.usatoday.com/videos/opinion/columnist/2021/08/24/paralympics-
blind-long-jumper-seeks-gold/5578027001/
Medals: https://metro.co.uk/2021/08/25/tokyo-2020-how-do-blind-paralympians-tell-which-medal-
theyve-received-15113870/
Book Recommendations:
“Deaf Eyes on Interpreting” by Editors Thomas K.
Holcomb and David H. Smith [recommended by Barbara
Eger-Klatt] - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deaf-eyes-
on-interpreting-thomas-k-holcomb/1127660635
“The Invention of Miracles” by Katie Booth [recommended
by Janet Weinstock] - https://www.katiebooth.net/invention-
of-miracles
Phone Chargers (see pages 10-12)
PAGE 4
Recap of the Zoom Meeting
on September 1, 2021
We had 24 people. Here is the link for viewing the meeting: https://youtu.be/3MoVBxLabaQ.
Photo taken at Springfield Town Center
on September 8, 2021
Sitting: Serry Fahmy, Paul & Peggy Daniels, and Shelley Simms
Standing: Tom Dowling, Barbara Eger-Klatt, Daniel Murray, Don Ames,
Lynn Keefe, Phuong Duong, and Jonathan Kiell
PAGE 5
Medicare
Explained in ASL
By Jason Dean
November 17-19, 2021 at NVRC
By appointments only
Email: jsoncdean@gmail.com
Cell/Text 770-880-6357
VP 706-407-4557
As a licensed independent insurance agent specializing in Medicare
plans, Jason Dean helps clients select the best plans (Medicare
Supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare-Medicaid, Part D Drug
plans) for their health needs and financial situation. He does this by
comparing the different insurance carriers (UHC, Cigna, Aetna, Humana,
Blue Cross, etc.), options, benefits, medical providers and costs. Every
year during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7),
changes to a better plan are allowed. His job is to find that better plan for
you! His Medicare advice services are free.
Photos taken at Dulles Town Center
on September 22, 2021
Sitting: Nancy Rarus and Melanie & Steve Williams
Standing: Denise Proulx, Jonathan Kiell,
Tom Dowling, Jill Moebus, and Pat Beech
Photographer was Phoebe from Village Cupcake Co. [THANKS!] https://www.villagecupcake.co/
PAGE 6
Happy Hands Seniors - Profile Series
ALFRED MANFREDONIO
Full name: Alfr ed J oseph Manfr edonio, J r .
Nickname: Al
Where were you born? Br ooklyn, NY
Where have you lived the longest? Fair fax, VA since 1987
Were you born Deaf? My par ents think that I was bor n deaf, because my mom had
German measles while she was pregnant with me.
Did you come from a Deaf family or a family with all Hearing members?
My parents and younger brother are all hearing. However, my sister is hard-of-hearing.
Did you attend the State School for the Deaf or regular public school? I attended P.S. 47 School for the
Deaf in Manhattan (NYC) which is not a residential school. The school is administered by New York City
Department of Education, which overlooks public schools for all five (5) boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx,
Staten Island, and Manhattan. P.S. 47 is the only school for deaf students in NYC.
What was your favorite subject in high school and why? Algebr a, Geometr y, and Chemistr y because I
was very good with numbers.
What activities did you participate in after school?
None, due to the long commute between school and home.
Did you attend college after graduating from high school? If so, where? What was your degree?
Received Associate of Applied Science in Mathematics from Rochester Institute of Technology. Obtained BA
in Mathematics from Gallaudet University.
If married, how did you meet your spouse? Met my better half at Gallaudet. We just celebr ated our
44th anniversary in July. We have three children and an adorable granddaughter (our first grandchild).
Are you still working or are you retired? What was your occupation? Retir ed. My last day of
employment was January 2, 2015 with Defense Logistics Agency in Cameron Station/Fort Belvoir as an
Information Technology Specialist.
What is your favorite hobby? Home impr ovement pr ojects and r iding my Har ley.
What do you do for fun? Pr ojects ar ound the house and cr uise back r oads on my Har ley.
What kind of car do you drive? 2018 Chevr olet Tr aver se Redline Edition.
Do you like to travel? Where would you like to go if you had a choice? Yes, we love to tr avel acr oss the
country by vehicle. We love Italy. Hope one day we can rent an Airbnb in Italy for a year.
What is your favorite food? Donuts and pizza. Also, all of my mom’s cooking.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you? Been living on the planet too long. I’m
sure there were quite a few incidents, but I can’t think of one at the moment.
If you were President of the United States, what would be your most important goal (s)? Fix Social
Security Administration. Reduce the federal debt (currently exceeds $24 trillion). Protect our borders.
If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?
Pay off my children’s mortgages and buy a beach/lake house. Maybe a new Harley Davidson.
PAGE 7
Pet Parade
Photo Gallery #1
Dale, 11-12 Ivory, 12
Domestic Shorthaired Domestic Shorthaired (Deaf)
Jeanne & Tim Lavelle Jeanne & Tim Lavelle
Dude, 8 Louie, 8
Chiweenie Dachshund
Fairfax, VA Fairfax, VA
Becky Sadler
Morgantown, WV
Photo taken at
Tysons Corner Center
on September 15, 2021
Josephine, 16
1/2 Dachshund & /2 Beagle
Becky Sadler
Morgantown, WV
Sitting: Barbara Eger-Klatt, Linda Naiditch, and Daniel Murray Henri, 12
Dachshund
Standing: Felix Chevere, Letia Derderian, Jonathan Kiell,
Becky Sadler
Steve Noe, Photobomber, and Tom Dowling Morgantown, WV
PAGE 8
Pet Parade
Photo Gallery #2
Cinnamon
Mixed Terrier
Jean Buffardi
Burke, VA
[taken in 1978]
Cooper, 3
Golden Retriever
Don Ames
Springfield, VA
Chance, 12
English Bulldog
Irene & Thomas Hunter
Arlington, VA
Pearl, 10
Papillon
Beauty, 4 Bill Center
1/2 Papillon and 1/2 Chihuahua Orlando, FL
Bill Center
Orlando, FL
Pearl, 10
Domestic Shorthaired
Lynn Keefe
Burke, VA
Suds, 11 Winston, 3
Rescue Cat German Shepherd
Jonathan Kiell Jonathan Kiell
Mason Neck, VA Mason Neck, VA
PAGE 9
Pet Parade
Photo Gallery #3
Scrappy, 5 Blackberry, 12 & Pugsley, 17
(named after Scooby-Doo’s nephew) Pugs Puma, 12
Corgi Nancy Rarus Domestic Shorthaired
Laurie Lett Herndon, VA Melanie & Steve Williams
Chantilly, VA Centreville, VA
Blackjack “BJ”, 17
Domestic Shorthaired
Peggy & Paul Daniels
Springfield, VA
Dixie, 12
Dream, 1 & True, 7 Domestic Shorthaired
Belgian Sheepdogs
Melanie & Steve Williams
Nan Sanders
Centreville, VA
White Oak, TX
Dream’s full registered name
Tempest I Have A Dream
Lagniappe CGC TKN
True’s full registered name JJ, 15
GCH CH Tempest Forever True Domestic Shorthaired
BN RN FDC TT CGCA CGCU TKP Peggy & Paul Daniels
[True is Nan’s hearing dog] Springfield, VA
PAGE 10
Phone Charger
Recommendations
By Jonathan Kiell
Jonathan Kiell’s recommendation is for those who are not tech-savvy is to go check with their phone
manufacturer or with Best Buy, etc., to make sure they are getting something that will work for them.
For many people, their cell phone is a life line and critical communication device. It may be hard to imagine
living without your phone for even one day, let alone a week. The phone is where you keep a lot of
information that you cannot remember. It is how you communicate with friends and family. It provides
endless entertainment. It connects you to numerous information sources (traffic, weather, news).
So, consider your phone “dying” just when you need it most – during a storm or other disaster – and the
power is out; now what? Do you have a backup plan?
Do you know how long your phone charge will last? This will vary a lot, depending on several factors –
most cell phones will support several hours to a day of continuous use, depending on the type of phone; the
age of the phone; and particularly the type of use (games, movies, and video will drain the battery more
quickly than simple phone calls or texting). Note that older batteries (older phones) will not hold a charge as
long as a newer phone. This is something to be aware of on a good day, so you know what your phone is
likely to do on a bad day.
During a disaster, it is a good idea to limit unnecessary use of the phone to preserve the battery charge.
An important item for your emergency kit is a portable phone charger. There are numerous portable phone
chargers on the market ranging in price from $15 on up. Most chargers can be fully charged by plugging
them into a regular electric outlet or connecting them (via a USB cable) to a computer – and the charger will
hold a charge for quite some time (months).
Many fully charged portable chargers will then be able to charge a phone several times (or to charge several
phones) – if you have the right cable connector(s) to mate with your phone. Some chargers come with
multiple phone plugs already attached, some may require a separate connecting cable – so you need to be
sure to buy a charger that will be able to charge your specific phone. Once connected, even while charging,
you will be able to use your phone. Most portable chargers will fully charge a cell phone in one to two
hours.
Also remember that most cell phones can be charged from a laptop or from your
car battery.
Amazon has a wide selection of portable phone chargers and includes
recommendations regarding the best chargers.
This is the one I have – that I bought several years ago. Price has gone up. No
extra cables needed
https://mycharge.com/products/hub-universal-portable-chargerPAGE 11
Phone Charger
Recommendations
By Barbara Eger-Klatt
Eddie Bauer Power Bank Charger
This is the Eddie Bauer power bank that I showed to the group. I used this when we were
on the road trips or during power outages, as needed. The 6,600mAh power rating is
enough to charge a phone three times and a tablet once..
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/82203726/power-bank-6600mah
Belkin Boost Up Charge Power Bank 5K + Stand Play Series
$34.99 at Amazon
Belkin's latest Boost Up Power Bank was built with smartphone gamers in mind.
This handy 5,000mAh battery pack features a built-in smartphone stand that holds
your phone in portrait or landscape position while it charges. Belkin claims you
should get about 17 extra hours of gameplay with this portable charging stand, which
is powerful enough to fully charge just about any smartphone battery at least once.
And if you’re just looking to top off your device, there are USB-A and USB-C charging ports on the side of
the power bank for multiple fast charging options.
Works With: Phones, Tablets
Pro: affordable price, any smartphone battery
More info: https://www.belkin.com/us/chargers/power-banks/boost-charge-power-bank-5k-stand-play-
series/p/p-bpz001/
Moshi IonSlim 5K USB-C Portable Battery
$54.95 at Moshi website
https://www.moshi.com/en/product/ionslim-5k-usb-c-portable-battery/titanium-
gray/
Moshi's IonSlim 5K is the go-to travel battery for the PCMag mobile team. This
slim battery pack features a 5,150 mAh battery along with USB-A and USB-C
charging ports. It’s not the fastest or cheapest battery pack on our list, but it’s incredibly compact and
durable. The aircraft-grade aluminum body can easily take a beating, and every Moshi product is backed by
a two-year warranty. If you buy directly from the Moshi website, you're automatically covered for 10 years.
Works With: Phones
Pro: slimmer size and if you purchase from Moshi website you’re automatically covered for 10 yearsPAGE 12
Phone Charger
Recommendations
By Barbara Eger-Klatt
(continued from page 11)
Native Union Jump+ Wireless Powerbank
$99.95 Amazon
https://www.nativeunion.com/collections/power-banks/products/jump-wireless-
powerbank
In addition to sporting a 12,000mAh battery, the Native Union Jump+ ($99.99)
supports wireless charging up to 5W with Qi-compatible devices. It also has a
Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A port, and a USB-C port that supports PD 3.0.
Works With: Phones, Tablets
Pro: 12,000 man battery life
Con: it is pricey.
Nimble Premium Fast Charge Upgrade Kit 3-Day
$99.95 Amazon
https://www.gonimble.com/collections/portable-battery-chargers/products/10k-portable-
charger
The Nimble Premium Fast Charge Upgrade Kit 3-Day ($99.95) is one of the more
expensive power banks on this list, but it’s one of the most versatile. The 10,000mAh
battery has a USB-C port with PD 3.0, as well as two 5W USB-A ports. The kit also
includes a USB-C–to-Lightning cable for fast iPhone and iPad charging, a USB-C–to–USB-
C cable, and a USB-C 18W PD wall charger.
Works With: Laptops, Phones, Tablets
Pro: works for iPhone devices
Con: pricey and didn’t see warranty
More chargers: https://www.gonimble.com/collections/portable-battery-chargers
Solvolt [https://trysolvolt.com/] is the most durable solar power bank in the world. It
is lightweight and carries over 10 full phone charges with the power of the sun.
Waterproof, shockproof and rustproof technology is fully integrated.
With 10,000mAH, Up to 2 devices can charge at one time. Compatible devices
like your iPhone or Android can charge up to 3 times each before the unit needs
to repower. That means your mobile can keep its charge even through a cloudy day.
Pro: lightweight, pricey but offers discount, highest reviews
Con: No color options just one color blackPAGE 13
Events for October 2021
NVRC ASL
Zoom Social
at 12:00pm
(page 14)
DSSCP NVRC ASL NVRC ASL
Zoom Social Happy Hands
ASL Chat Zoom Social
at 7:00pm Zoom Meeting at 12:00pm
at 4:30pm
(page 14) (page 2) (page 14)
(see below)
HH Lunch at
Social Night at Springfield
Wegmans Town Center
(see below) (see page 14)
DSSCP Fine Tuners
ASL Chat Zoom Meeting Homecoming Homecoming
at 4:30pm HH Lunch at Rock The Block DogFest
(see below) Tysons (p 14) (page 14) (page 14)
DSSCP
ASL Chat HH Lunch at
Homecoming
at 4:30pm Dulles Town
Social Night at (see page 14)
(see below)
Wegmans
Gallaudet University
Homecoming
Virtual Alumni Gallaudet Homecoming is October 22-24, 2021. Information can be found at:
https://www.gallaudet.edu/alumni/alumni-relations/homecoming/
DSSCP Zoom Chats
DSSCP Deaf Senior Citizens and ASL College Students Zoom
Chats are at 4:30-5:30PM on Mondays until December 20, 2021
(No chat on October 11). For more information please contact
Barbara Eger-Klatt, DSSCP Coordinator at seniors@nvrc.org.
Information:
https://deafseniors.us/dsa2023holly Silent Social at Wegmans
wood/
This occurs every other Sunday at Fairfax Wegmans (second
Registration:
floor, above the self-serve food area). Registration is suggested.
https://deafseniors.us/dsa2023holly
wood/register/ The dates are October 10 and October 24. For more info, see:
https://www.meetup.com/ASLBridge/events/cffqmryccmbjc/.PAGE 14
NVRC’s SAVE
THE DATES
Who: Happy Hands members and friends
ASL Zoom Socials (every Tues & Sat) What: Let’s all get together!
https://nvrc.org/asl-social21/ Where: Springfield Town Ctr, Food Court
These are for those who wish to converse When: October 13
in ASL with others. Time: 11:00AM till 2:00PM
There will be breakout rooms for small
group practice. For more information, contact:
Register in advance for one or both of Paul Daniels [p7daniels@gmail.com]
these Zoom events. After registering, you Tom Dowling [dowlingt12@gmail.com]
will receive a confirmation via email.
This will have information re: Zoom
Link and Meeting ID Number.
Rock the Block
https://nvrc.org/rock-the-block-event/ Who: Happy Hands members and friends
Friday October 22 at 6:30PM to 9:30PM
What: Let’s all get together!
Featuring The Darby Brothers from the
Where: Tysons Corner Center, Food Court
70s and 80s
When: October 20
Old Town Square, Fairfax City, VA
Time: 11:00AM till 2:00PM
Interpreted concert
NVRC volunteers will serve beer and
wine. A percentage of the profits will be For more information, contact:
shared with NVRC! Barbara Eger-Klatt [seniors@nvrc.org]
DogFest Washington DC
https://p2p.onecause.com/dogfestdc21
https://www.facebook.com/events/42201
3892419348
Saturday October 23 at 11:00AM to
3:00PM
Who: Happy Hands members and friends
Fundraiser for Canine Companions
What: Let’s all get together!
NVRC is supplying interpreters for this
Where: Dulles Town Center, Food Court
event
When: October 27
Reston Town Center, 1818 Discovery
Street, Reston, VA 20910-5610 Time: 11:00AM till 2:00PM
Celebrate Communication 2021 For more information, contact:
Postponed, Virtual and Reimagined! Nancy Rarus [nbrarus@gmail.com]
Save the new date: Dec 4! Pat Beech [pgbeech@aol.com]
Jill Moebus [jmoebus7@gmail.com]You can also read
