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In Memory of
Bonnie Thomas
Memorial Fund
About NWJAD
NORTHWEST JERSEY ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF (NWJAD)
— It’s History, Programs and Goals —
Although NWJAD, a social and civic organization serving the Northwest Jersey Deaf Community, was founded in 1987, its roots go back to 1977. Our esteemed non-deaf member, Joan M. Munson, planted the seed when she placed announcements in the Daily Record and other local newspapers, calling for deaf people to gather at the First Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dover, New Jersey. The first gathering took place in January, 1977 when about 10 deaf people showed up to form the Dover Area Association of Deaf, with Joan Munson serving as their advisor.
The Dover group became known as the “Dover Deaf Club” in the deaf community, and eventually moved its meetings to a VFW building in Mount Freedom, New Jersey, changing its name to the Lakeland Silent Club. The club was purely a social organization and folded in 1986.
In 1987, several members of the old club decided to form a new association that would, although still remaining a social organization, also be a civic organization to support programs that would enhance the status of the deaf community, especially in the Northwestern part of New Jersey. From that group the Northwest Jersey Association of the Deaf (NWJAD) was formed.
NWJAD currently holds short meetings one Friday, starting at 9 p.m., in St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, Succasunna, New Jersey, which is also home of the Deaf Contact Center. The Reverend Robert Mason is wonderful and dedicated person for giving a home to both organizations.
In the spirit of cooperation, non-deaf people are very welcome to practice Sign Language and learn more about Deaf Culture by mingling with our deaf members.
At the monthly meetings, NWJAD discusses club business as well as events affecting the welfare of the deaf community in the area, state, and nation. After our monthly meetings, the attendees stay as late as they wish, with various social/business/political groups forming, expanding, merging, splitting and dissolving seemingly at random. It is not unusual to find the mingling continuing well after midnight at nearby restaurants.
In addition to the monthly meetings, NWJAD usually sponsors one other special event a month, such as Workshops & Lectures, Family Picnics & Camping Trips, Racquetball/Walleyball Parties, Atlantic City Bus Trips, Family Halloween Parties, Children’s Christmas & Easter Parties, and our Annual Banquet.
All members receive, by E-mail, transcripts of our meeting minutes as well as announcements of special events. Another reason to join is that many of our events offer a reduced rate to members.
Individual membership costs $10/year and is open to both hearing and deaf persons who are at least 16 years of age. For more information write or call:
NWJAD; P.O. Box 533; Gladstone, NJ 07834
www.nwjad.org
Membership (PDF)