Auburn resident wins

Volunteer Coordinator Valerie Clapham presents the Program of the Year Award to Sari Bitticks.

AUBURN — For the second time in her 20-year “career” at Audio Journal, Auburn resident Sari Bitticks has been recognized by the International Association of Audio Information Services for her narrative reading on

Backyard Bookshelf. Audio Journal is the radio-reading service for individuals in Central Massachusetts who are blind, or otherwise “print disabled.” Located in Worcester, it provides access to visual information such as newspapers, books, magazines and online sources.

Backyard Bookshelf is a continuing series that focuses on local authors of note or content that reflects events in the New England area. Many
selections have a historical interest, although content ranges from comedy to suspense, each chosen to be appropriate for all ages. It provides an escape from the everyday news offerings, as well as an
interesting perspective on things of the past that happened in our very backyards.

The winning book was Erin Morgenstern’s “The Night Circus.” Sari,who selects her own materials said, “I chose this book because it was a remarkablestory from a brilliant young writer from Salem, MA. It
is quite an achievement for a first-time novelist to reach the New York Times best seller list.”

Sari is one of 170 volunteers who help provide daily broadcasts to nearly 5,000 people who are legally blind, and many others with any challenge that prevents access to visual materials. The service is free and can be heard on unique radio-receivers provided by the agency, on cable access TV in 35 Worcester County communities, and online at www.audiojournal.net. Contact Audio Journal by phone at 508-797-1117 or email info [at] audiojournal [dot] net.