Global Deaf Women Bike Tour: Long Over Due!

Thursday, July 16th:
Debra Cole, my former teacher, asked me to come to Lexington School for the Deaf in Queens, New York (where I graduated) to give a presentation for foreign language transition students in her classroom. Her students, who came here from other countries, with or with no knowledge of the English language, are learning American Sign Language and English. Debra wanted them to learn about the things I'd learned about American laws and how the rights I have as deaf resident here in America are much different from the rights I had in my home country.

I gave a presentation about my background. I was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and moved to Israel then migrated to New York City and stayed here for 14 years (and keep counting eh)... Debra Cole then asked me to tell them about my recent July 4th holiday and my bike tour. I was very pleased to explain her students about my bike tour as i noticed all of her students were very amazed by me for biking across America. I felt so inspired by the students, because they were very motivated to learn and to listen to my story. I enjoyed meeting with the students so much. I walked out of the door with a great feeling!! I, of course want them to become whatever they want to be without any doubts and feelings of not be able to do anything due to the lack of communication with hearing people.

Friday, July 17th,

First of all, I really want to thank Zavier Sabio of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Interpreting Services, Inc.(DHIS) for hosting a farewell party for us in such a short notice. I would not be able to raise that much money without DHIS and his help.

He wrote a lovely statement on DeafNYC.com: "Come and wish the three courageous riders who are about to embark on an unforgettable journey lots of luck as they will ride on their bikes from New York to California. The trip will last a month and they will get to experience a lot of new things that most of us might never have a chance to experience. The purpose of this party is to support them and donate some money to cover their expenses. A donation of money can be made at the party and will be greatly appreciated by them! For more information about Global Deaf Women Bike Tour, please go to www.gdwbiketour.blogspot.com
Spread this word to your friends. The more, the merrier. At Copper Door Tavern 272 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10010 at 5:00 PM to ??? Happy Hour Drinks (Happy Hour ends at 8:00 p.m.) $3 Drafts, $5 Wells. $5 Margaritas and $5 Svedka Martinis."

Zavier and his friend, Phil, who works at the bar, came up with selling a happy hour bracelet for 10 dollars, so that customers can continually buy drinks at a discounted price till 10:00 PM instead of 7:00 PM. So the money from the 10-dollar-bracelet would go to the fund for our tour.

With Zavier and DHIS’ help, the party was such success! I was surprised because I was not really expecting to see many of my friends, even strangers from the bar, who came in and showed support for our bike tour. It was really good to see my friends who came and supported our bike tour at the farewell party.

The two Shlomis and I arrived and we noticed a poster that said "Aneta's Bike Tour Farewell Party" in front of the Copper Door Tavern bar. I was smiling from cheek to cheek. I was so inspired just seeing the poster and the moment that I got into the door and I saw many faces that I knew, who came to wish me the best luck. They handed me envelopes and I couldn't thank them enough.

I introduced my Israeli bike partners to all my friends and the two Shlomis enjoyed socializing with my friends. We stayed there till 2 in the morning. People had come up to me and asked me so many good questions about our bike tour... they were extremely curious and excited... we had a blast tonight!

We successfully earned $480 from Zavier who collected donations at the door, $250 from SNAP VRS, $150 from DHIS, $450 from envelopes.

Again. Thank you guys!

Come and Join us: