February 2009 
Sound OFF
This month at the Marion Downs Hearing Center...
Audiology In The News... 
 
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MDHC thanks CSDB for their generous sponsorship of this year's Teen Program! 
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Greetings!
The highlight of this month was clearly Marion's 95th Birthday Celebration. It was a busy evening and everyone had a terrific time honoring her! And thanks to her many fans and supporters voting for her, she won the Silver Planet "Silver Star" award! With this event behind us, our attention turns to planning activities that will kickoff in the spring, such as our annual Teen Program, Exploration '09. We're also preparing for the start of our 12-week novice sign language class. Read on below for more details on all these stories!
 
Sincerely,
MDHC Staff
 
Wrap-Up of Marion's 95th CelebrationHoliday1 
On Friday, February 6, almost 100 of Marion's closest friends, family members, and peers gathered to celebrate her 95th birthday. We honored Marion's German heritage with a Schnizelbank performed by her family members, delicious soft preztals with dipping sauces, and a variety of German drinks. The event was a successful fundraiser as well, generating significant funds to support a variety of our outreach programs for 2009, such as the Teen Program. From left to right, Marion is standing with Gail Gudmundsen, Dick Gray, and Mead Killion in the above picture. A sincere thank you to our sponsors, our many volunteers, and all who came and celebrated with us!
REI to Sponsor "Reach Your Peak"
 
Holiday1REI, a premier outdoor retail store, has agreed to sponsor our Teen hiking program by adding us to their Gear Loan bank. Their generosity means we will be able to borrow camping equipment and backpacking gear for our teens who may not own equipment or have the funds to purchase them. Thank you to Mark Guebert-Steward, the Denver Flagship store Outreach Coordinator for making this happen! Be sure to help us show our appreciation by visiting them the next time you need new outdoor equipment!
Sign Language Class 
We are excited to add sign language classes to our list of consumer outreach programs! Beginning March 4, we will host a 12-week novice sign language class with a focus on communicating with children. As of February 23, registration for this series is closed! 
 
Our second series will begin on Monday, June 1 and continue for 12 weeks until August 12.
 
If you're interested in future classes or have questions, contact Rebecca for information at [email protected].
 
 
Transitional Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teenagers
Exploration '09 students will learn how to assume responsibility for their future, where to access needed resources, and how to navigate challenges unique to the individual with hearing loss. In the process, they will build the independence, interpersonal skills, and attitudes that empower them to become leaders in their communities. Four components make up the Exploration program:
Day Conference - May 5 (No charge)
School districts send their DHH students to our campus to spend a day learning about access to resources, advancements in technology, and practical skills needed to successfully transition beyond high school.
Connect and Grow - June 12, 19, & 26 ($200)
This 3-day program will expose students to community leaders, interactive workshops, and small group sessions, all centered around the concepts of leadership, communication skills, and self-advocacy.
Reach Your Peak! - June 13, 20; July 11, 18, & 25 ($150)
Over the course of 5 hikes, a Rocky Mountain National Park raner will lead the teens on increasingly challenging hikes, gradually preparing for an ascent of the 14,000 foot Long's Peak mountain. Program participants will be challenged to push their limits, both on the mountains and in their lives.
Volunteer Services Program - June '09 through May '10 (No charge)
As a part of the Presidential Service Award program, participants will be challenged to commit one year to volunteer for the MDHC. Upon program completion, participants will receive a certificate of achievement, a notable addition to job resumes and college/scholarship applications. 
 
How to Register 
Contact Rebecca Novinger at 720-862-3681 or [email protected] for a registration form. All registration forms must be received by June 1. Scholarships are available. Contact Rebecca for more information.
Around The Community... 
 
CUED SPEECH WORKSHOP
The National Cued Speech Association is sponsoring a 2-day workshop in Lone Tree, CO on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1. Space is limited to 12 students. Contact Emily Dudas at 847-409-8090 or [email protected] for questions or to sign up!
 
WESTERN REGIONAL EARLY INTERVENTION CONFERENCE
Sponsored by CSDB, this conference on April 23-25 at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs is sure to be a great learning opportunity! Contact Diane Covington with questions or concerns at [email protected]. Visit their website for more details!
 

 

Free Hearing Aid Consultation
 
Because you are a Friend to the Marion Downs Hearing Center, we would like to extend a no-charge Hearing Aid Consultation to you and your family. Our experienced licensed Audiologists will offer technology options that meet your needs, or if you currently have a hearing aid, we can offer a complete assessment in order to make sure you are getting the most out of your technology.
 
Call the Marion Downs Hearing Center at 720-848-2800 to schedule your consultation today!