Ursula Gallagher - Founder of the Everett Area Chapter
Photograph by Myrna Kain and article by Kathy Pearson.

 Ursula began the Everett Group of SHHH in the fall of ’92.

The meeting was held in her large comfortable home where she provided refreshments, as well as being in charge of the programs.  The first meeting had about 8 people.

The very first speaker was Gordon Nystedt, then State Coordinator

To further communication for those who could not understand, a flip chart was used.  Ursula covered everything that anyone expressed an interest in, as well as introducing new topics and encouraging feedback from the group members.

Ursula’s interest in SHHH began when she attended the regional convention in Portland in 1992.  Since then her warm heart, enthusiasm, and quest for learning have benefited us all as she has tirelessly led us for the past 3 years then.

Ursula has taken the Everett Group of SHHH from a few members in her house to meetings at the Everett Public Library, and now the Snohomish PUD Building. With over 70 paying members, and about 175 newsletter mailed out each month.  That is quite an accomplishment since the first meeting in 1992.  She’s taken us from flip charts to Real-Time Captioning and an FM system for people to better understand and hear better.

It is Ursula’s desire to step back and do other things involved with SHHH, such as working with HOH children and getting more people into SHHH, among other things.  She has, however assured us that she will be there for us, should we have questions or need help. (We know we will).

Thank You Ursula for starting our Chapter, and for all of your time and effort over the years.  You’ve been a wonderful President, and we will try to live up to your standards (although it won’t be easy)