RFB&D-NJ Unit Volunteer Newsletter 10-04 (text)

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Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
New Jersey Unit
69 Mapleton Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Phone 609-750-1830
Fax 609-750-9653

NJ Unit News - October, '04
Special Halloween Issue

Editor: "Mad" Mike Casserly

Many thanks to everyone who gave favorable reviews of last month's first issue of this newsletter. Some readers praised our hard hitting, behind-the-scenes investigative reporting, while others liked our "fair and balanced" editorials, and still others the Advice Column. In any case, we welcome your comments, questions and bribes.

All Hallow's Eve approaches, and sure enough Outreach Director Chris Ranaghan has gotten into the spirit. Actually, no ghosts, but a whole lotta' pumpkins and the requisite candy corn greet visitors to her end of the hall. (Hey! – some goblin's already picked all the candy pumpkins out of the mix!)

News

The Unit has begun the search for an Executive Director. A committee of Board members, which includes studio volunteers Sandy Shapiro and Debbie Faigen, has been assembled to recruit qualified candidates. We encourage all volunteers to distribute the job description (located in the sign-out area, or see staff) to any of their contacts who fit the credentials. The Unit hopes to have the position filled by January 1st.

The studio staff would like to form a committee of volunteers who are interested in working to expand our Adopt-A-Text program. The Adopt-A-Text program allows RFB&D Units to locate donors interested in sponsoring the recording of books. In recognition, the donor's name will be recorded as part of the opening announcement of the book. There is much potential to increase donations through this program but we need assistance from our volunteers to make it happen. Please see Jessie if you are interested in joining the committee.

Another Booth Dedicated!

On Saturday, October 9th Booth 11 was dedicated in memory of John P. Murray, Jr., who served as RFB&D National Chairman from 1986 – 1989 and served on the National Board from 1984 – 1989. Through his efforts a difference was made. The Murray family has already sponsored Booths 8 and 10.

Trick or?

Where is that book of yesteryear? The tome you were slogging through only last week? It's not on the shelf, not in the lounge, not even hidden in a booth. It's gone – vanished! ("Quoth the Raven") The fact is that books have been flying off our shelves in record time, thanks to all of you brave souls who've recently begun self-directing, and to all our dedicated volunteers. We completed 30 books in September. Thank you!

Mysterious Marks

Our first and second copy Bookmarkers generally do an excellent job, but occasionally a few errors slip by. This brings reading to a crashing halt.

To avoid such mishaps first and second copy markers should:

1) read the Bookmarking Guide first
2) use the TOC Preview to confirm on what pages files begin/end
3) review their work before putting the book back on the shelf.
(Second copy markers: try reviewing your work without the
first copy, to ensure that nothing was missed.)

Readers and Directors – at the end of your session please mark where reading stopped in your copy of the book. A line across the column or (where possible) the entire page with a finishing time helps the next Reader get started quickly. Self-Directors should mark where reading ended in both copies of the book.

Phantom Directors

Director: you're listening to your Reader describe the triple covalent bonds on some molecule thingey, and, without realizing it, your mind has begun to wander... Well, the Reader really knows the subject (having passed the test, after all), so, no biggie, right?

Wrong!

Now that we have streamlined our checking process it is more important than ever that Directors catch errors as they happen. Checkers listen to a very small percentage of the reading, and to only one figure per reader. Directors of science, math and computer books in particular really need to pay attention, especially during the figures. In the words of master trainer Ed Barry: "Directors – you are it!"

From our Seminary Relations Dept

We are happy to report that the studio has gone over 30 days without a parking mishap! No cars parked on the road, on the grass, up a tree or in a reserved spot. God bless you, everyone!

We Want to Pumpkin You Up!

According to a recent poll, more people believe in the Great Pumpkin than (taste worthy) pumpkin pie. For these doubters master chef Cliff Giddings has the following recipe, which he adapted from the Times of Trenton. Cliff will be bringing this cake in on the Thursday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 18), and he also has a low-fat version for the calorie conscious.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

1 package white cake mix, divided use
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
5 eggs, divided use
4 teaspoon cinnamon, divided use
2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg, divided use
1 1-pound 14-oz. can solid pack pumpkin
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups sugar, divided use
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon allspice, divided use
1 cup heavy cream

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (325 degrees if using dark or coated pan). Measure out 1 cup of the cake mix and set aside. Combine remaining mix with the melted butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well and pat into bottom of a 10-inch spring form pan that has been sprayed with non-stick vegetable coating.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin with remaining eggs, 1 1/2 cups of the sugar, 2 teaspoon cinnamon, remaining teaspoon nutmeg, the salt, ginger, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of allspice and the cream. Mix well with a whisk and pour over the unbaked crust.

3. Combine reserved cup of cake mix with remaining teaspoon cinnamon, remaining 1/2 teaspoon allspice, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the cold butter. Mix until crumbly (or process in a food processor) and sprinkle over the pumpkin filling. Bake 1-1/2 hours or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. 16 servings.

Cookie Monsters

Readers – it's OK to munch in the booths, but please clean up after yourselves. We don't want any hungry critters joining you in there!

In Memoriam

We regret the passing of Grace Guille, 86, in late September, several days after suffering a stroke. For 23 years Grace was a warm and dedicated volunteer at RFB&D, spending 3 hours each week directing and bookmarking. Grace had retired from teaching after more than 20 years of teaching at Haddon Heights High School. In recent years Grace walked with a cane, but she continued to drive herself to the studio from Marlton, right up through mid-September. "She enjoyed it, it got her out," noted Grace's son-in-law Anthony Chiesa. Memorial donations may be made in Grace's name to RFB&D NJ Unit or to the American Red Cross in Camden.

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
New Jersey Unit
69 Mapleton Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
609-750-1830

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