HISTORY OF BCAD
From 1944 to 1971, Miami was the focal point for activities for the
deaf in Southeastern Florida. Because of the growing population
in the late sixties, it was time for each county to have its own center
for the deaf.
Beginning in March 1972, organizational meetings chaired by Elmer
Rosemund were held in the conference room at the DVR office in Ft.
Lauderdale. As the result of those meetings, BCAD was founded on
April 13, 1972 with Donald Spalton elected as the first
president. Founding members include Glenna Ashton, Sal &
Nancy May, Robert McClintock, Celia NcNeilly, Elvira & Elmer
Rosemund, Dominick & Sally Sosna, Donald & Patrick Spalton, and
William Wheeler.
The objectives for BCAD were established as recreational activities,
charitable services, assistance in educational and employment matters,
public relations, communication and cooperative action for other
organizations for the deaf. These objectives were formally stated
in the Constitution which was approved by the membership in 1973.
Membership dues was $5.00 per year. Admission to social was $1.00
for members, $1.50 for non-members.
BCAD established an affiliation with Florida Association of the Deaf
(FAD) in March 1973 and hosted the annual FAD Labor Day picnic the same
year. The State of Florida granted BCAD a charter as a non-profit
corporation on November 19, 1973.
An emblem was designed in 1973 for BCAD's letterhead.. The green
and white emblem was also used by BCAAD the same year on the back of
bowling shirts for BCAD bowlers.
The IRS ruled that activities at BCAD were exempt from Federal Income
Tax in June 1976 conferring BCAD the status of a 501.c.7 organization.
An interesting subsection of the By-Laws prepared by Joseph Mortillaro
provided for the anniversary banquet to be held every five years.
Teh first banquet to celebrate the 5th Anniversary was held on March
12, 1977 at the Sunrise Inn in Ft. Lauderdale. William Wheeler
was the Chairperson.
The 10th Anniversary banquet occurred on May 8th, 1982 at the Holiday
Inn in Plantation. Daniel Corella was the Chairperson.
William Wheeler was the Master of Ceremonies. The guest speaker
was Mayor John Lomelo.
The 15th Anniversary banquet was held on March 7, 1987 at the Rolling
Hills Country Club in Hollywood. Frances Manson and Millie
Wheeler were co-chairpersons.
In August 1985, the members purchased a building on Sample Road in
Pompano Beach which became a permanent home for BCAD. A 7-year
balloon loan for $93,000 was arranged for the
purchase. The members had amassed a total of $53,000
by July 1989 through fundraising efforts. The remaining balance
was donated by Carl Fragin. BCAD celebrated with a "Burn the
Balloon" luncheon on November 12, 1989 at the Holiday Inn in Ft.
Lauderdale.. The social room in BCAD clubhouse was then dedicated
as the "Carl Fragin Room" in appreciation.
The 20th Anniversary banquet occurred on March 29, 1992 at Pier
Sixty-Six in Ft. Lauderdale. Alex Fleischman was the Chairperson
and Master of Ceremonies. Dr. Thomas Mayes provided the
entertainment.
The 25th Anniversary program took place on September 2-4, 1997 at the
Registry Resort Hotel in Naples. Norman Finkelstein was the
Chairperson for the 3-day event which included card tournaments,
shopping, swimming and banquet.
The 30th Anniversary banquet occured on March 17, 2002 at the Hilton
Hotel in Deerfield Beach. Margie Gompers was the
Chairperson. Taras Denis was the Master of Ceremonies.
Rosemary Nikolaus provided the entertainment.
In 2006, the IRS conferred BCADHH the status of a 501.c.3
organization. BCADHH was created by the members as the
fundraising arm of BCAD.
On Sunday, March 18, 2007, the 35th Anniversary banquet was held at
Benvenuto Restaurant in Boynton Beach. Margie Gompers was the
Chairperson. Betty Oshman was the Mistress of Ceremonies.
Keith Muller was the guest speaker. Bebe Kramer and Elaine Aiello
provided the entertainment.
PAST PRESIDENTS
1972
Donald Spalton*
1973
William Wheeler
1974
Harley Walters
1975
Pearl Wheeler*
1976
Dan Corella*
1977-79 Mildred Wheeler
1980
Robert Halligan
1981
Frances Manson
1982
Earle West*
1983
Wolfe Bragg*
1984-86 Frances Manson
1986
Irene Hazel*
1987
William Wheeler
1988
Julius Fershleiser*
1989-91 Mildred Wheeler
1992-93 Norman Finkelstein
1994
James Thomas
1995
Norman Finkelstein
1996-2003 Mildred Wheeler
2004-present Leslie Solomon
* = deceased