[nfbwatlk] Fwd: What I will miss most about the radio reading service

[Mike Mello]

I forward this message, because this says so much about the service.
Thank you, and I hope to see you at WTBBL this Saturday if you would like to have your voice heard.
-Mike Mello

>From Frank Cuta PAC Member:

All,

Reading has always been a passion for me.  It's a pastime ,  it's a
support system, it's a refuge and a way to learn and grow.   Although I
read  1 or 2 books a month,   the bulk of my reading for the past 20
years has been accomplished by just listening to the  radio.  But The
impending demise  of the Evergreen Radio Reading Service    is more than
just the removal of a convenient way  of reading it's the death of a
community and  special culture. So I want to eulogize briefly some of
the programs I love as I prepare to see them leave my life forever.  Not
to be too melodramatic but once the technical expertise, studio space,
production technology and volunteer support structure is lost rebuilding
it anytime in the near future is inconceivable.

Its hard to imagine that the morning reading of the Seattle times and
PI will soon fall silent.   Most of these readers are like old friends
although I have never met them.   Some of them have been reading me the
paper for the last  10 or 15 years.  Its not anything like listening to
the paper read  over the telephone or read on line with a personal
computer --  I turn on the radio when I get up and each morning   as I
prepare  for work I get to listen to these old friends describe the
photos on the front page and read me the morning news.

The show I will miss the most is the science fiction show that Jeff does
and which I never miss.  Jeff is our most talented reader and could
probably go to work for NLS.    I have been a devoted listener to this
show as long as he has been doing it.  There is a lot of science fiction
available in the form of recorded books and periodicals but they can
never replace this very special weekly program.

I will miss so many many programs because they concentrate on reading
materials that  have a northwest flavor.  Examples are Leanne's show
Publications  Northwest where you can always count on hearing some
Robert foldgum;  Richard's show state wide news  which features articles
from all papers east of the mountains; and john's history show the "Way
it was, which has recently covered the settling of Seattle  from the
native american viewpoint, the history of the Tri-Cities and  David
Thompson's exploration of the Columbia River.

I will miss another category of shows unique to our  radio service that
deal with living healthier, cheaper, greener   safer, stress free more
fulfilled lives.  Examples are Trish's show contemporary living, which
features articles on relationships  and personal growth;   Kathy's show
Smart Shopper, which features articles on recycling, living cheap and
green; and Joy's green  survival, show on gardening in the northwest.

When  the evergreen radio service dies  there will be no more
entertainment east, a show that pulls together announcements of  all the
plays, concerts, fairs  and festivals from all of the  major towns east
of the mountains.  There is literally no other resource available that
is anything like this for  persons who are blind.

I will really miss listening to Chris read the sports news  over my
coffee  Every Saturday morning.  I am sure that there is nothing else
like this on any other reading service because its Chris that makes the
show.   This show features articles on a broad range of sports but its
Chris's charm,  sharp wit, relaxed demeanor and  enthusiasm that makes
this show so enjoyable.  

I do not expect to ever find a  replacement for Edgar's science digest
and xx medical abstracts show.   These are hands down the most factual
and professional programs  featuring current science and health
technology on the air.  They beat  hands down the similar shows offered
by other reading services.  
medical abstracts  has been a great way to stay current on the latest
In  cutting edge drugs,  treatments and hospital procedures.    

Lastly, I  am sure that when the radio reading service closes  social
commentary  in your face  publications such as "the stranger"  and "real
change"
 will no longer be a part of my life or that of any other blind person
who liked to just turn on the radio and listen to them.



===================END FORWARDED MESSAGE===================


Michael J. Mello

mike at mello.com

(208) 301-0565