Wednesday, November 18, 2009

"Not Your Average Mail" from Nicole and Lance Wallace


Hawaii ALS is supported by folks like Nicole and Lance. We are showing them our appreciation of their support by making sure their fledgling step into the business world is steady with our encouragement.

Nicole was one of the original "cast of characters" who made up what was also the fledgling MDA ALS Support Group almost ten years ago. Her mom, Judy Birt, was diagnosed with ALS. Nicole and sister Maile took turns taking feisty Judy to our meeting place in Pali Momi. The Birt family, particularly Nicole who still lived with her parents at that time, was hands-on involved in the care of their mom. Judy was blessed with such a great brood! When Judy died, soon to be followed by dad Joe, Nicole was ready to move on and fall in love. In May this year, she and Lance, of the tartan and Braveheart lineage, wed in true Scottish fashion! (Tami and I attended the beautiful ceremony!)





Shortly after starting work here on Oahu as a mechanic, Lance was laid off, thanks to downsizing. He and Nicole then planned their own copy center. Last week, Nicole joined him fulltime in this exciting venture for this lovely young couple. This is Nicole's announcement of their new undertaking.



Aloha!

This is Nicole (Birt) Wallace. My mother, Judith Birt, had ALS. Over the years I have gotten to know many of the support group members and O’hana. I also have continued to support group activities such as attending Christmas parties and helping out at fundraisers.

After 20 years in the copy business, my husband, Lance, and I have opened up our own company in Ewa Beach. It is called Not Your Average Mail. We are a complete copy and shipping center: from basic self-serve copying to designing, printing and finishing in black and white or color. Our store also offers mailbox rentals, key duplication, passport photos, binding, laminating, rubber stamps, invitations, labels, office supplies, greeting cards, legal forms, packing supplies, folding, cutting, etc. Basically if there is something you need, we will find a way to get it done for you.







As a special offer to all my friends associated with the Hawaii ALS support group, Muscular Dystrophy Association and the UP Alumni Association, I will give you a 10% discount on our services. I will give you the best deal possible! If you get a written quote from another company, I will meet it or beat it! We will even find a way to get your order delivered to you if the need arises.

Not Your Average Mail is more than a small business center. It is locally owned: I was born and raised on Oahu and have 20 years of experience in this industry. Not Your Average Mail is committed to our customers’ needs – providing high quality copying and shipping services, along with a memorable customer experience. We even offer curbside service for our special customers – YOU! Not Your Average Mail is dedicated to serving the State of Hawaii. Remember, we are locally owned and operated – from Hawaii and for Hawaii.

Mahalo for your business! And please spread the word around…Not Your Average Mail is here to serve! For detailed information about our store and services, please visit our website: http://www.notyouraveragemail.com






Accessible Van Referral Info from Tracy Sherman

Here's some additional information on accessible van resources from Tracy Sherman. She and Mom Nancy have recently bought an accessible van directly from a mainland distributor - another option that some people may want to choose.



Hi Miss Divina!!

It was great to see you and everyone Tuesday night. I know mom enjoyed it as well but it really tired her out. I'm proud how well she hung in there. That is the longest time she has been out of bed since she got her trache put in in July.



I wanted to pass along some information now that we have our van and are very happy with it. If anyone in the group is looking, or might be looking in the near future for a van, they should try:

The Ability Center
4797 Ruffner Street
San Diego, CA 92111




Our contact there is Terry Aycock. He worked very hard to get us what we wanted and gave us a very fair price for it. Here is his contact information: taycock@abilitycenter.com (760)533-7783<--his cell number.

The shipping cost was $1074 and the van arrived earlier than anticipated. All the paper work needed was in the van when we got it. Here are a couple pictures of the van.







We went this route because we were tired of waiting for an optimal van to show up on craig'slist. This is not to discount what might be found on one of the other islands. I just shy away from buying from an individual because all the safety inspections are then up to me. The Ability Center takes care of all that for you. They provide a Car Fax report and fix anything that needs to be fixed before you get it.

He also hooked us up with Albert at Alii Adaptive Equipment (and I forgot to hand out his cards - dang it!). At no charge, he showed us how to use the tie downs correctly and safety tips for the ramp. He is also a good source to talk to before deciding on a van based on your specific needs. (808)676-3816 Cell (808)323-7956. He is a night bird so reaching him in the afternoon is probably best.

Anyway....Terry said any referrals he receives from us, he'll send us a $50 check which we will donate to our ALS fund.

We hope this information is helpful to at least one person, if you wouldn't mind passing it along to the group. I am also willing to talk to anyone about our experience if they want more detailed info.

Mahalos and love U!

Tracy and Nancy Sherman
Home: (808)672-0507; Cell (949)436-0040; Fax (808)356-0602; Email: TRLESH@YAHOO.COM