Audio-Reader honors longtime volunteers


LAWRENCE — Kansas Audio-Reader volunteers, staff and listeners gathered last month to celebrate 42 years of service. ​The Halloween-themed event took place at Maceli’s and drew nearly 200 people, some of whom came in costume.

The event serves to honor and inspires volunteers in their mission to record newspapers, magazines and books for approximately 8,000 blind and print-disabled people in Kansas and Missouri. The highlight of the evening included recorded comments from listeners who took the time to call in and share their gratitude for the service. Many expressed thanks for volunteers’ weekly commitment to recording grocery ads and area newspapers.  “You are on the front lines of service to the disabled,” said one listener.

The evening also included an awards ceremony for volunteers celebrating milestone anniversaries. Those honored for their years of service:

Five years

From Lawrence: Mary Ackerly, Nancy Bell, Jane Blocher, Craig Chappell, Laura Denneler, Ruthie Hatfield, Mary Howe, Jamie Lowe, Susan Stahl, Lisa Suddith, Craig Sweets, Lori Tesdahl and Colinda Thompson.

From Baldwin City: Sharon Borgeson.

From Leavenworth: Judy Rounda.

From Leawood: Barbara Rodts.

From Lenexa: Garry Huber.

From Olathe: John Burns and Marianne Lafex.

From Overland Park: Lori Allen, Fred Ostby and Judy Taylor.

From Kansas City, Mo.: Bill Kalahurka, Judit Kirby and Merton Shatzkin.

From Pittsburg: Bob Casino and Barbara Cooper.

From Lone Jack, Mo.: Patrick Baker.

Ten years

From Lawrence: Nancy Biles, Ruby Ducate, Bruce Frey, Steve Jack, John Naughtin and Jim O’Malley.

From Baldwin City: Edith Bond.

From Pittsburg: Barbara Schountz.

15 Years

From Lawrence: Harlan Roedel.

From Prairie Village: Rex Swartz.

20 Years

From Lawrence: Maggie Carttar.

30 Years

From Lawrence: Stuart Mills, Mary Ann Strong and Jean Van Lew.

Audio-Reader provides recordings of newspapers, books and magazines to people in Kansas and parts of Missouri who are blind or have other visual or physical impairments that prevent them from reading normal printed materials. For more information about the service call (785) 864-4600 or (800) 772-8898. You can also visit the Audio-Reader website.

Fri, 11/08/2013

author

Jennifer Nigro

Media Contacts

Jennifer Nigro

Kansas Audio-Reader

785-864-4604