Loyal CCSD Staff Member with "Sunshine"!

It is my privilege to write this article on behalf of the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf (CCSD) about Caroline Anne Fritz. Caroline Anne has worked loyally for CCSD as administrative secretary for the past 17 years. Due to illness she has recently stepped down from her post but we always picture her greeting us at her desk, or quickly responding to emails, faxing with great speed or VPing to be sure that all is well and things go out as they should in a timely fashion! With the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE campaign going on through the CCSD, we have designated a category "Caroline Anne Fritz Circle" in place of the "CCSD, Old and New Board members" donor category. We feel it is most fitting. Caroline Anne has been a model of loyalty and pride in CCSD, efficient, organized and warm. She brings sunshine to work daily and is truly dedicated to our expanding organization.

It all began in 1970 when Forrest C. Nickerson, a Deaf person saw the need for a cultural organization. The CCSD was established in 1973. Drawn together by common experiences, needs and aspirations, Deaf people have developed a strong sense of identity and belonging to what we proudly refer to as Deaf Culture. CCSD represents over 450,000 Canadians and serves many more with its programs, cultural activities and Deaf heritage resources. The role of CCSD is to preserve, encourage and advance the cultural interests of Canada's Deaf population. Our key areas of concentration are performing arts, language, literature, history, visual arts and heritage resources. It also promotes better understanding between Deaf and hearing adults and children as well as promoting literacy for Deaf children.

Thanks to the generosity of private donors, the CCSD is thriving and making a difference in the lives of all Canadians. Now it has expanded to include a coast to coast commitment and is truly a Canada-wide organization, with provincial and territory affiliates working on the local level to promote our goals. Caroline Anne has worked with us in the Edmonton office through this expansion and grown with our organizational changes over the past 17 years.

Canada’s first EVER DEAF CULTURE CENTRE will open in the new culture, arts and entertainment Distillery Historic District in the heart of Old Town Toronto, in May 2006! The largest project of the CCSD to date and the first such centre internationally, it will feature a museum, art gallery, gift shop, research and archives, state-of-the art virtually rich technology highlighting Deaf historical artifacts, literature, ASL/LSQ (langue des signes quebecoise) interactive website/television and multimedia production studio. A fun gathering place open to the public and rooted in the Deaf community, it is a celebration of Deaf life for all to enjoy. The Centre provides programs on culture, history, visual and performing arts with ongoing workshops, permanent and traveling exhibits virtual displays and tours.

Caroline Anne has also been with us to be sure all is ready, organized and on time as we have developed so many projects over the years. These have included establishing a standardized tool known as ASLICE (American Sign Language Instructors of Canada Evaluation), the Ladder Awards literature program that resulted in an award winning Children's Deaf heritage book in 2000, videotape and CD, publishing the award winning Canadian Dictionary of ASL in 2002, producing the deafplanet.com TV series and interactive sign language website that has achieved grand Finalist, NHK Japan Prize (prestigious international web prize) in 2004, Gemini Award nominations in 2004 and 2005 and the UN World Summit Award in 2005. Caroline Anne has also been with us in the office to help manage grants that promote youth exchange programs, special projects, Deaf Children's festivals, Youth Canada tournaments, literature and arts productions for children, youth and adults and Deaf children and youth summer camps.

Through all these projects, Caroline Anne has been with us, making sure everything is organized and on target!

How can you take part in honouring Caroline Anne and supporting the incredible projects she is a part of in CCSD? Contribute to the “Caroline Anne Fritz Circle” and become part of making the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE become a reality!

Helen Pizzacalla
President

Contact us:   CCSD,
                    The Distillery Historic District
                    55 Mill Street, Building 5, Suite 101
                    Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4
                    F 416-861-9946