Sponsored by the United Way, the organization has put on this show for the last five years and offers other services to their community as well.

"We’re a local organization and we try to keep our funds local," said Vicki Fisher, advertising director. "We help finance hearing aids and we sponsor free sign language classes."

Their choir service is free to the community and is performed by volunteers.

"They put in a lot of time," said Fisher. "It takes weeks to practice."

The group is made up of many people at various stages of learning sign language. Some are instructors like Brianna Butler, who is also the only deaf member of the group. She teaches American Sign Language at Washington State Community College.

The group was excited to put on the show for the youth members of the club and encouraged them to sign their applause.

"Everybody hears the songs but when you see the songs," Fisher said, getting choked up.

The group performed at five different locations Saturday, including the Boys and Girls Club. They made stops at Muskingum Valley Nursing and Rehab and Appletree Homes in Beverly, and Jaycee Estates and Winberi Apartments in Marietta.

Members of the group who performed Saturday included Linda Fleming, acting director, Amy Thieman, Brianna Butler, Aneda Baker, Danny LeMasters, Mark Kendall, and Lisa and Kaylee Thompson. Dawn Mason, who was absent, was the one who had put the performance together. Chuck Thompson provided the music.

Amanda Harbison, 17, a student at Marietta High School said she really enjoyed the show.

"I want to learn how to do sign language someday," she said.

Jennifer Harbison, 13, a student at Marietta Middle School, enjoyed the faster songs because they had more movement.

"It was pretty cool," she said.

Kevin Corp, 13, a student at Marietta Middle thought it was good that the group came.

"It gives people an experience so they can learn and we can all be equal," he said.

Many agreed that the hand movements created a dramatic flow to the music that you miss when people just stand and sing.

The members of the Parents and Friends of the Hearing Impaired hope to encourage people to come and take the free sign language classes.

"Anyone can come," said Fisher. "We have classes in the spring and fall. Watch the papers and look for fliers at the libraries."

By Diana DeCola
http://www.mariettatimes.com/news/story/new65_1219200583849.asp