President Message:

Since the new year of 2008 appearing, it has been those first 3 months already gone. Now, I have settled EAD's good progress - assignments, especially for EAD By-laws with some key - minor changes to keep up with current and future updates to meet our clear steps and goals/objectives of EAD promoting and serving our members and friends of Deaf community in the Greater Edmonton area.

Relating to the ADCA's host of 30th CDCC week at the Ellerslie Curling Club, EAD has been very pleased with its special "Gold" corporate sponsorship with $2,000 fee and its very positive and beneficial outcome. EAD had very successful special host of Friday night for those CDCC officials & curlers to come and enjoy our special hospitality - nice building tour of EADCC and social chats & delicious refreshments.

Indoubtedly, EAD sincerely wants to THANK YOU, THOSE 4 WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS/VAN DRIVERS VERY MUCH for willing to help with shuttle trips to/from EADCC and hotel headquarter and Lynnette Charest, Host Chairperson & her executive committee very much for the successful host and good community support and teamwork/spirits. CONGRATS!!! Wave our hands for them.

For EAD's upcoming regular meeting - April 7th and Annual General meeting/Board election on May 5th, it would be very important for any of you as EAD members to be serious and considerate for EAD's future board plan and leadership for next 2-year term starting on July 1st, 2008 till August 31st, 2010. If you are keenly interested to run for a board post, please contact me since I am now in search for a new EAD President to take over my departing post as well as some new candidates to fill in some vacant board posts to be formally announced on April 7th and to be readily voted on May 5th. I will update you all with the revised board positions subject to an approval on April 7th for a formal board election on May 5th so smooth. In fact, I would automatically become EAD Past President and will always be helping or offering some advices with EAD's new President for board governance - leadership/guidelines during her/his 2-year term.

As of today, EAD has over 200 members and has been very busy with its huge crowd so often on Friday nites - HandTalk Bar & social nites. There are 12 new nice and cozy chairs and 3 classy tables replacing those old sofa and armchairs since March 21st. Calvin Novak, VP of Programs - HandTalk Bar has been very busy with his successful recruitment of new volunteers as bartenders this spring and has hoped it would be able to meet to the high demand of bar service for its efficiency - members/visitors satisfaction. Wave our hands for Calvin and his bar team!

So far, Dale Hergott has upheld EAD’s renovation project/plan after completing the floor/ music system due to the long delay from CFEP funding not yet being finalized or approved. That is why our EAD Treasurer, Grant Underschultz has to "freeze" the plan until the CFEP funding to be firstly received. Hopefully, this spring it will be formally and finally acknowledged with exact information and amount before re-starting the plan.

Relating to Deaf-Blind Services, there are finally some huge changes made on key points/ services of new staff for CNIB – Deaf-Blind Services in both cities of Calgary and Edmonton through regular e-mail correspondences. What is more, there was the nice Open House held at the CNIB - Edmonton for the public awareness - update of DB equipment/technology - services. There will be hopefully some more training sessions for new Deaf persons interested to become Deaf Intervenors for DB Level 1 and 2 in near future. For more info, please feel free to contact me via e-amil or in person.

Lastly, EAD will have its upcoming 2-day casino at ABS Yellowhead on July 13 - 14 and
please contact Bill Kerslake, Chairperson of EAD Casino in person for filling out a casino volunteer application form right away.

For more info - update, pls check our website via www.deafalberta.org on daily – regular basis.
Wave my busy hands for you all!!!

Many Thanks! Enjoy your spring - summer season/term – trips to EADCC for various reasons/support!

For more info, please feel free to use email message to EAD office through its

email address: eadeaf@interbaun.com   Fax: (780) 436-4639