THIS EVENT HAS BEEN (AND CONTINUES TO BE) ON HOLD (SINCE MARCH 2020) DUE TO COVID-19. WHEN WE FEEL IT IS SAFE FOR US TO RETURN FOR IN-PERSON GATHERINGS, WE WILL POST ACCORDINGLY. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING!
UPDATED 04/03/21 – THE REMAINDER OF THE SILENT SUPPER DATES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED THROUGH AUGUST 2021 – DUE TO COVID-19.
MENTOR SILENT SUPPER HAS BEEN HELD MONTHLY SINCE 2003, AND HAS BEEN HELD AT FIREHOUSE SUBS SINCE OCTOBER 2016
“Bring your appetite … but not your voices” 😊
FOR INFO ON OTHER EVENTS … click “Mentor ASL Group” at the top of this page
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 07/08/21
SEE BELOW FOR THE MOST CURRENT DATES!
Event Details & Information:
HAPPENS: 1ST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH (EXCEPT SEPTEMBER & JANUARY)
TIME: 5:00pm – 6:30PM
LOCATION: FIREHOUSE SUBS
ADDRESS: 9209 MENTOR AVENUE – MENTOR OH 44060 (LAKE COUNTY)
NOTE: THIS IS LOCATED IN THE STAPLES PLAZA – ACROSS FROM MEIJER
2021 Upcoming Dates:
January 2 – THIS EVENT IS NOT HELD IN JANUARY OR SEPTEMBERFebruary 6 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19March 6 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19April 3 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19May 1 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19June 5 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19July 3 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19- August 7 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
Sept 4 – THIS EVENT IS NOT HELD IN JANUARY OR SEPTEMBER- Oct 2 STATUS PENDING DUE TO COVID-19
- Nov 6 STATUS PENDING DUE TO COVID-19
- Dec 4 STATUS PENDING DUE TO COVID-19
For questions regarding this event, please email: sndprater@yahoo.com OR mentoraslgroup@gmail.com.
Things to keep in mind:
**Please be prepared to make a food purchase when attending Firehouse Subs.
** SILENT SUPPER is open to ALL our friends in the SIGNING COMMUNITY!
Directions to Silent Supper:
** DIRECTIONS FROM I-90 – Take Exit 195 onto OH 615 (Center Street). Go north on OH 615 (Center Street) for about 1-1/2 miles. Turn right on OH 20 (Mentor Avenue) for almost 2 miles. Firehouse Subs is on the left – in the same strip plaza as Staples. If you get to Wal-Mart, you’ve gone too far.
** DIRECTIONS FROM ROUTE 2 – Take Exit 217 onto OH 615 (Center Street). Go south on OH 615 (Center Street) for about 1-1/2 miles. Turn left on OH 20 (Mentor Avenue) for almost 2 miles. Firehouse Subs is on the left – in the same strip plaza as Staples. If you get to Wal-Mart, you’ve gone too far.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: There is not a separate entrance fee for the group, but this IS a restaurant. Please make a purchase. It is a business. They are not in business to provide a free place for people to congregate.
Q: How many people attend normally?
A: This varies greatly … we could have just a few people, and we’ve had as many as 30 people. Feel free to spread the word by sharing the website or any of the social media pages listed at the bottom of this page.
Q: What is the ratio of Deaf to hearing?
A: We’ve only made an effort to keep track of this because some people have asked – especially ASL teachers that want to send their students to an event with a strong Deaf presence. This answer also varies greatly. Sometimes we have more Deaf than hearing. Sometimes we have more hearing than Deaf. The event is designed for people to get together and SIGN – for whatever reason – whether you are Deaf or hearing – it does not make a difference. We just ask that everyone respect each other. However we do understand that this question comes up often – because some ASL teachers require students to provide specific information when they go to social events.
Q: What types of things can I find on the menu at Firehouse Subs?
A: As their name implies, Firehouse specializes in sub sandwiches – both hot and cold. They also offer several salads, soups, chili, a kids menu, as well as a selection of subs that are under 500 calories.
Q: Would this event be of interest to ASL students?
A: Yes. For many students, this is the first type of social event you may be exposed to. For students, the purpose of this event is to practice your sign skill and use it a conversational setting. We realize that some teachers specifically require you to learn “10 new words” or “meet 2 new Deaf people”. Well, if you ask the right people, learning the new words should never be a problem. Meeting new Deaf people will depend on the turnout.
Q: Are students welcome?
A: Absolutely. It is FOR both students AND Deaf. Please remember we do ask you to respect others’ focus, and don’t use your voice. It will help all students continue to learn more if they need to RELY on the sign skill and senses other than their hearing.
Q: Do I need to arrive at the starting time?
A: No. This event starts at 5pm. People begin to arrive at or after 5pm … some will arrive at 5:30 or 6, too. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish – until they close, which as of this update, is 9:00.
Q: Can I use this event for my volunteer hours?
A: Some schools require students to “volunteer” at a Deaf club or organization. This event is held at a restaurant with paid employees to cook, serve and clean. This will not qualify for volunteer hours to serve with a Deaf club.
Q: I need to interview a person for my class – but my time is limited. Can I just come in, ask someone to point out a Deaf person, do my interview, then leave?
A: Please don’t! It has happened before. And if you want people to talk about you after you leave, this is the way to do it. It’s kinda like going back to mom and dad’s house to get your birthday present, but telling them you don’t have time to stay for the dinner they made you. It’s a social event – not a retail store for you to come in, get what you need, and run out. 🙂
Reminders & Cancellations will be posted on social media:
FACEBOOK: @mentoraslgroup
TWITTER: @mentoraslgroup
INSTAGRAM: @mentoraslgroup
Mentor ASL Group 