“All good things start with a good idea…How simple. Help people who aren’t able to read keep up with what’s happening in the world. But how do you make a simple, even great idea become reality? With hard work, determination and special people.”
Ron Bersani, TIC Executive Director
Nearly 10 years after the start of radio reading for the blind in Massachusetts at a small radio station in a small town south of Boston, it was decided that the need for such a valuable service required expansion. The fearless leaders of the Talking Information Center in Marshfield tested their faith and ventured west, all the way to (gasp) Worcester, and planted the seeds for an affiliate which came to be known as Audio Journal. The year was 1987.
Of humble origins, those being an unused closet of the Worcester Public Library, the original director, Susan Wagner, recruited a handful of volunteers to broadcast readings of the local newspapers to a small number of visually impaired residents. The concept resonated with the community, the volunteers and the listeners. Collaborations were established, programming was expanded, outreach blossomed and listenership grew.
Through the diligent leadership of Susan, a volunteer coordinator and volunteer trainer were placed, and an advisory board developed. The station moved from the library closet to a small space at WICN public radio, then on Chatham St., and then to digs at 172 Lincoln St. Some notable leaders from those days were Jean Grieshiemer, Pat Cusimano, Barbara Higgins, Don Tritshler, Lois Feldman, Ron Dufault, Todd Wetzel, Kevin Byrne, Ben Sanders, Lee Norton Kelly, Cheryl Cusson, Terry Clarke, Joan Kendall, Roy Allen, Bruce Andrews, and Ara Eresian.
After 12 years of service, Susan handed the reins to Vince Lombardi, and the last 8 years have seen continued growth in technologies, facilities, and inclusions. Audio Journal was incorporated in 2000, the Advisory Board converted to a governing Board of Directors. In 2003 AJ relocated to its present location at 799 West Boylston St. Some of the people that helped make it happen were David Dean, Fran O’Connor, Fred Pandiani, Mary Collins, Rev. George McDermott, and Al Gammal.
Upgraded equipment and a fully accessible suite led to a surge of volunteers with a variety of disabilities. Now Audio Journal was directly affected by those it served. Blind staff and trainees are now part of the landscape; one which serves the community effectively, providing a voice from as well as to the people it serves.
Today Audio Journal is poised to make a difference in the lives of many individuals by instituting a program offering job training and evaluations for people who are blind. This will be our attempt to affect the 70% unemployment rate among able blind individuals.
The people named are the face of this type of growth and dedication. But the real heart and soul of what Audio Journal has been and continues to be, are the volunteers, all 150 of them. They come in each day and put compassion into action. Because of them, Audio Journal celebrates this milestone and looks forward to many more.
In celebration of our 20th Anniversary the board of directors, led by new board president Sue Ondovic, has organized a very special event on November 5, 2007, at Viva Bene Ristorante in Worcester. It will be a wine-tasting dinner with a silent auction. If you have not received a “save the date” card, and would like to be included on our invitation list, please contact Audio Journal at 508- 797-1117, or info@audiojournal.net.