Saturday Morning: Good Morning Reeeeeno!!

June 14, 2008 — Saturday

I like the comment of the last blogger — I think I know who she is, the great gal who used to be from the great state of Colorado — the Rocky Mountain State. Yes, I get sleep! Ah hem…and glad you liked Baby Mama with open captions last night. (Sponsored by Insight Cinema and Sorrenson IP Relay.)

Have I thanked everyone enough? Deanna Baker and all our real-time captioners? All our wonderful sponsors (check the link on www.hearingloss.org for a list of sponsors!). And, Rep. Dean Heller from the Second District of Nevada (not 20th as I said before — hey, this state isn’t that big!). And, all the members who have attended! I am bound to leave someone out so a blanket thanks to all! (See earlier blogs for more thanks.)

Last night was fun, meeting members, having dinner with a group downtown Reno (it’s like a small town). Andy Bopp, Hearing Industries Association, joined us and chatted about the hearing aid tax credit bill and their work across the country meeting with consumers and legislators. And, we found out he is also a Germanphile (not to be confused with a germaphobe like I am). Not sure that is the right word, but he loves to travel to Germany where his ancesteors are from, hike the Alps. We had a great chat about Bavaria.

Coming back, HLAA staffer Christopher Sutton, took me (along with Executive Director Brenda Battat and husband Joe, and Andy Bopp) on a tour of the casino area to catch the scene. I haven’t had time to see what this is all about. And, what a scene it was.  It’s really not my thing, but I was fascinated to people watch and I will now tune into the Poker Channel with a new eye. On the way out, we ran into Beth Wilson (RI), Theresa Burke (DC) and Lise Hamlin (HLAA staff) who were laughing and carrying on.

Next year this convention is in Nashville at the Gaylord Hotel. I think I will welcome the southern, antelbellum ambiance rather than the casino scene. But, as long as our members are having fun, and I haven’t heard one complaint or seen anyone moping around with nothing to do.

Hey…there is something about the South no doubt. Bring your kids next year and we will do some good ole line dancing and check out Music City USA…oh and some good southern fare. I am there!

Mary Stodden from St. Louis just stopped by while I am blogging and said, “These are some of the best workshops you have ever had! That Ollie Cantos…and the DTV TV workshop…you have some head honchos here!”

Great feedback. Let’s hear both, both positive and, uh, the other. How else will we know what you want?

Today there are more workshops including a hearing aid panel moderated by Mark Ross, Ph.D. Tonight is the banquet –sure to be entertaining. The Rocky Stone Humanitarian Award will be given to Dan Simmons of Lowell, MA.  And some great entertainment from the Dean-o-Holics — all real-time captioned of course.  I’ll have more to say on that tomorrow.

I’ll sign off for now. Off for more, more, more.

Barbara Kelley, HLAA Staff Member