While I'd like you all to get acquainted with us newbies at the convention, I'd also like you to congratulate two members who have been here since the beginning. Say hello to Bob Branigin and Sue Miller. They have been attending HLAA's national conventions since 1984.
Sue Miller of Rochester, NY, is a former Board of Trustees member and a past president of HLAA. She provides an overview of the convention program, what you can learn, see and do at the Newcomer’s Orientation. Sue has been to every single convention since 1984, making Milwaukee her 25th consecutive attendance!
Excerpt from Collection of Memories of Rocky Stone
My life is so rich because of my experiences with SHHH/HLAA. I’ve traveled to cities all across the country to attend the conventions...places I never would have seen. I’ve met wonderful people from all over the USA, again, because of SHHH/HLAA.
I can now hear when I go to places of worship, the theater, a court room, because of Rocky and his vision. My life has such meaning and purpose...all because of Rocky.
Bob Branigin of Seattle, WA is another long time HLAA member who also has been to every single convention from the first one in Chicago, Illinois in 1984!
Excerpt from Collection of Memories of Rocky Stone
My most cherished memory of Rocky is that he would make the time to have breakfast or lunch with me at every convention from his retirement up until his passing. He would tell me serious things and share his concern for SHHH/HLAA. He had a great sense of humor and would tell me jokes. He would joke with me about who will be the last person to break the record of attending every convention since the first one in Chicago. At the present time [February 2009] Sue Miller of Rochester, NY, and I are the only two people who have been to all of the conventions.
