The TAPING RECORDER June, 2004
News from & about Taping For The Blind, Inc. www.tapingfortheblind.org

ON THE ’NET--When you start to consider the meaning of our radio reading
service on the Internet, you really need to consider all of the work that
made this possible. It includes the work by our Development group raising
money for our digital conversion, everything associated with getting new
digital equipment purchased and installed, training our volunteers on using
the new technology, implementing all the new equipment, and finally,
completing the steps to actually get our signal on the Internet. The
process has been time-consuming, but look at the amazing results. Our
radio reading service can now be heard around the world, and we can show
off what a tremendous service we have! One of our volunteers expressed
excitement because now her Mom in Florida would be able to hear her
work. One new listener in west Texas related that he had XM radio (the
subscription satellite service) and he likes us better! And we are just
starting to scratch the surface of this addition to our service
offerings. We should have a press release about ready to go, and the
Department of Blindness Services (formerly known as the Texas Commission
for the Blind) has been notified. We will soon ask them to notify their
caseload throughout Texas. We will continue to do our best to get the word
out so our service will be available to blind and visually impaired
Texans. We also expect this will lead to more Custom Recording requests
from Texans needing that service. This is a really exciting time for all
of us at Taping. Our thanks to volunteer Robert Schuller and Radio Manager
Jim Martinez for getting the pieces put together; to Lynn Johnson, Chair of
the Website Committee for her work; and to David Gillmore, VP of Planning &
Technology for his leadership!

If you have not listened to our service on the Internet yet, go to
our website (address given above) and go to the link that says “New! Listen
to HTBR over the Web.” You will need to have Real Player or Winamp to
process our signal on your computer. But if you don’t have either, we have
a link for the Winamp player on our home page. This is a freeware program
and all you need to do is download it and go through the installation
process. Your editor managed to get this done without help so it is
obviously pretty simple! Try us, you’ll like us!

IAAIS CONFERENCE--Executive Director Cynthia Franzetti and Radio Manager
Jim Martinez recently attended the International Association of Audio
Information Services (IAAIS) convention in Toronto, and here is Cynthia’s
report on this trip:

Toronto was the site for the annual International Association of Audio
Information Services meeting this year. Both Jim Martinez and I felt lucky
for the chance to attend the meeting in late May. Jim’s time was spent at
the technical or program oriented workshops, while I attended the
fundraising, marketing, and/or volunteer oriented classes. It is wonderful
to interface with other groups who do what we do to learn from them and to
share with them.

Radio program file sharing is the big news from IAAIS this year. Members
(like Taping) can send their radio programs through the Internet to a
central location. Then any other member organization can download the
programs they want and air them in their local areas. Taping is part of
IAAIS program file sharing, which means other radio reading services in the
U.S. can and are airing some of our radio programs. This is a huge benefit
for newer services (like San Antonio) or those services that haven’t been
able to consistently mobilize the manpower necessary to fill a 24/ 7
broadcast. The benefit to us is that your voices have an even greater
range and reach more people. An indirect benefit is that we will be able
to approach funding sources in other areas for contributions.

Some other ideas we heard about include:
· Prize drawings and gifts to increase giving in listener campaigns.
· Celebrity or guest reader promotions to help gain exposure for the
organization.
· Remote broadcasts to benefit clients, forge links with other
groups, and increase exposure for the organization.
· Volunteer emeritus programs as a way to keep in touch with
committed volunteers who wish to retire from reading or active duty.
· Collaboration with area councils on aging for outreach to new
clients and for funding opportunities.

Overall, it is gratifying to learn, once again, that Taping is one of the
premier radio reading services in the country. That we aren’t alone with
the issues we face. That, despite our threadbare carpet and building that
needs painting, we produce and deliver excellent programming and services
for our clients. I am proud to represent Taping at this conference. I’m
thrilled that our work and experiences can help people in other areas. I’m
honored to be a part of our dynamic organization, to work alongside the
many dedicated people who make Taping what it is today. Thank you all for
choosing to volunteer at Taping, and for doing such great work! CSF

Your editor back with you. Let me point out that Cynthia was
elected to fill out a term on the IAAIS Board of
Directors congratulations, Cynthia!

HELP WANTED--Our Development Committee is trying to plan a special event to
raise money for our organization. We are looking for a detail-oriented
person who can help us coordinate the event. We estimate it will take 6 to
9 months to stage a successful event. Duties include chairing weekly
meetings; overseeing various committees such as
underwriting, food & beverage, decorations, invitations, program, and
media; and keeping lines of communication open. Contact Cynthia Franzetti
if you are interested or if you know of someone who might be. Thank you!

LIGHT THE CANDLES--Here are our volunteers celebrating June birthdays:
06/01 Scott Berman, Paul Lester; 06/05 Greg Bolton, Elizabeth Nguyen, Lyn
Schmaltz; 06/06 Ulyesse LeGrange; 06/15 Dr.Ed Bradley; and 06/29 Barbara
Crawford. A Happy Birthday to all! And if you celebrate your birthday in
June and do not see your name here, please let Ginger know so we can update
our records.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE--Taping For The Blind is hosting the AARP Driver
Safety Program on Saturday & Sunday, June 26 & 27, 2004, from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. both days. The cost is $10 (make your check payable to AARP). This
may entitle you to a discount on your car insurance. RSVP to William
Weaver at 281-565-5340, or sign up at Taping's Front Desk. See the
Volunteer Bulletin Board for more details.

CONGRATULATIONS--Paul and Kathy LeGros celebrated their 55th wedding
anniversary on June 4th. Way to go!

GET WELL WISHES--Jo Marks has been out due to knee replacement surgery in
May. She is recovering well and we hope to see her soon.

NEW VOLUNTEERS--Please join us as we welcome the following new volunteers
who have joined recently: (HTBR) Tina Atkins, John Jacob, Susan Watson,
Linda Brown, HK Kang, Elizabeth Stuart, and Mike Mullaly; (Custom
Recording) Clement Blum and Dr. Julian Silverblatt. We are delighted to
have each of you as part of the Taping family!

A NEED MET--You have no doubt noticed the new refrigerator that is standing
proudly and cooling stuff. This was a need that Larry Foust, Wall Street
Journal reader and member of the Board of Directors, stood up and met for
us. We all offer our thanks, Larry!

REMEMBER--As a volunteer for Taping, you are eligible for membership in the
Greater Houston Federal Credit Union, a small but mighty full-service
credit union. You can check it out at www.ghfcu.org and learn much more
about the free checking, home banking, credit cards, and debit card
available. If you are not a credit union member, please check Greater
Houston Federal!

SUBSCRIBE--Subscribing to this newsletter is easy! Simply send a blank
e-mail note to:
Tbi-houston-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. And respond to the verification
message. It is just that easy!

RLB