By Rosalyn Queen
In keeping with its mission, The Progressive Women’s Association is sponsoring a sign language class for Harrison County adults. This is a six week class which is held on Wednesday at noon and is offered a free lunch for participants. The class
is free due to the generosity of a sponsor.
Teaching the class is Janelle St Martin who has over 50 years experience in signing. Having a deaf individual in her family she signs daily as a means of conversation. There have been times when she has taught 17 classes a week. She really enjoys teaching children as their minds are so absorbent. Sometimes it appears that they have lost their sign language skills but they will always retain their knowledge of signing and in their adult life they will come back. She has especially enjoyed teaching infants and toddlers.
At the end of the class it is the goal that students will be able to converse in sign language. There may even be the opportunity when the student may be able to serve as an interpreter in a public setting. Each of the students will receive a certificate of completion and a sign language book, compliments of James and Law, at the end of the class.
Betty Waddy, PWA President, compliments those individuals who have taken advantage of this service and announces that it is the hope of the PWA to sponsor another class later this year.
Those who might be interested should contact the office at 304 624 6881.
The PWA continues to put emphasis on their programming to serve the public.