Big Island Deaf Club Since 2015

In October 2015, deaf pastor, Rodney Renusch established a local deaf association; Big Island Association Deaf (BIAD). The two goals of the BIAD are breaking the barriers and showing our voice to the Big Island community. BIAD is not only strong in Waimea, but for the whole island. Unfortunately, Rodney Renusch left  the Big Island in October 2016 and moved back to the Mainland. Linda S accepted the presidency from him.

Since December 2016, the local Newspaper mentioned the deaf club, BIAD, for the first time because of its support for the deaf children at the annual Deaf Santa event in December.

The members of BIAD voted in Linda S as a official president in the beginning of 2017. Since April 8th 2017, the name of the community has changed. The new name is Big Island Deaf Club ! Hannah and Ron stepped down as officers in June 2017. At the same time, Pam took her volunteer job as secretary and David also took the work of treasurer from Ron. Unfortunately, Pam and David will move back to the Mainland in March of 2018. Also, Ronald will leave as vice president in February. The plan, an affiliation with NAD, is still in the refrigerator.

Motivation is important so we need to plant a new seed and watch toward the future. Hearing ASL users are also welcome to join this new association. The Big Island Deaf Club needs a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Thijs will stay as a publisher and there is a big choice whether Linda S. will stay as president for 2018-2019. So we will have a discussion at the next meeting about these Big Island Deaf Club vacancies. The next meeting is on Saturday, February 3rd 2018 in Puna.

Big Island Deaf Club is looking for new officers. It is very important that everyone should come on February 3rd and vote for new officers. The positions available are:

• Secretary
• Treasure
• Vice President
• President

If you are interested in serving in any of those positions please let us know so you can be considered at the meeting.