Welcome to the premiere issue of our monthly newsletter. Our mission: to keep you informed on the latest studio news and production issues, in a timely and occasionally accurate manner.
Staff News
As of Thursday, 9/9, Jessie Falcone is our new Production Director. Congratulations, Jessie! Previously, Jessie was Acting Interim Production Coordinator Pro Tem Emeritus. Jen Weber is now full time Assistant Production Director. Yay, Jen!
We also have two new temporary part-time staff members. They are: Becky Barclay and Frances Ertel - both former volunteers. In her past life Becky was a trainer on computer systems in a large law firm, while Frances used to work on Wall St. in investment research. We're extremely lucky to have both of them for the coming months. Multi-talented Steve Montefusco (he opens the place in the morning and he brings donuts) could be called back to work by GM at any time.
On Saturday, September 11 Helen Fortunato held an open house for staff and volunteers to honor former Studio Director Olivian Boon. Laughter, some tears and much appreciation marked the occasion. Unofficial master of ceremonies Chris Ranaghan ("I'm from north Jersey, so I can talk the loudest!") presented Olivian with her first home computer, which was a gift from staff. Many thanks to everyone who brought goodies, to Jen Weber for supplying the homemade teas and to Helen for hosting the event.
Gail Clauer reported recently that she is enjoying her new job at her church, but that she still misses us very much. Gail has also been happily overwhelmed by all the cards and letters she has received from the RFB&D community.
We are already missing our two great summer interns: Adina Langer and Mike Tchorni. Adina is in her third year at Oberlin, while Mike has started law school at George Washington University. This was the second summer Adina and Mike have interned with us, after many years of volunteering. We are deeply in their debt.
Thanks, Volunteers!
The Unit continues its vital mission thanks mainly to the hundreds of great volunteers who give so freely of their time and talents. To all of you, and especially those of you who have responded to our requests for additional time during this unusual period, we offer a REALLY big "THANK YOU!!!"
But..
The need for additional help continues. This year we're aiming for a 21% increase in recorded hours (from 6,600 to 8,000 hours). This will mean not only more reading and directing, but also more checking - an area in which we already have a backlog of 350 to 400 files. Will you consider extra sessions to help us relieve the backlog? If so, please see staff.
Over the summer it was not uncommon for 30 or more volunteers to be absent every day. Some days production was decreased by more than half. If you need to take some time off from RFB&D, please consider rescheduling your sessions. The borrowers waiting for their textbooks will appreciate this.
By the way, our Vacation Book has been replaced by the Volunteer Schedule Changes Log. Volunteers are now responsible for recording any changes to their normal schedule in this log, which lives by the printer on Mike's desk. Please ask staff if you have any questions.
After a brief hiatus, we are again scheduling orientations for prospective volunteers. We're particularly interested in specialty readers, and volunteers willing to work afternoon, evening or Saturday sessions. So if you know anyone who might be interested in volunteering, please have him/her call the studio to set up an orientation. Word-of-mouth is our #1 recruitment resource.
Production Issues
7 Things You Can Do to Help Us Deliver Books More Quickly
1) Never go on vacation
2) If you must go don't stay too long (homesickness, sunburn, etc.,)
3) Show up on time for your session! Arriving 5 minutes late costs a lot more than 5 minutes in production.
If you know you're going to be late call usto let us know.
4) If you're going to miss a session make sure you write it down in the Log or call us!
And don't even get me started on paperwork, sister! - Too late!
5) Directors: Fill out all your paperwork accurately! By doing so you ensure that the next group won't waste time figuring out where to resume reading! (More on this important issue in next month's exciting edition!)
6) Self-Directors: please remember to use the Director's copy of the book so the Checkers can find where edits were made during the recording.
7) Everyone should now routinely check the new Volunteer Feedback Box, by the Schedule Board.
Eats and Stuff
Have you noticed lately how well stocked the cookie and cracker jars have been? (With high quality, brand name junk, no less!) Do you ever wonder (in your quiet moments) who buys all those soft paper towels, fragrant soaps and nice teas in the kitchen? Rose Marie Proietti - that's who! Rose Marie brightens many a Thursday afternoon not just with her shopping, her medical reading and her TOC tooling, but also quite often with her homemade confections as well! Mmm... date-nut balls!
Keep this Date
The National Achievement Awards (NAA) Gala will be October 14 at the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village. Black tie is optional. See the bulletin board for more details. One of the award winners will require a guide for the evening. Please contact Sandi Wilson at (609) 750-9579 for more information.
Finally, Hank van Oss, a reader at RFB&D for 28 years, has been forced to retire due to "bowed vocal chords," which deteriorate with use. Hank is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors, and remains on the Board as an Emeritus member. Thank you, Hank, for all your service! We wish you the best!
--- Have a great month! ---
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
New Jersey Unit
69 Mapleton Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
609-750-1830
Newsletter Archives