February 2021
From our Executive Director, Barbara Loh:
Winter has certainly arrived but hasn't slowed us down a bit at Valley Eye Radio. Our studios at our new space at Springfield Technology Park are more professional than ever. The last boxes are finally getting emptied. When it is safe, we look forward to holding an open house so everyone can visit and see our progress. I would like to thank Ward Caswell from Beveridge Family Foundation for his generosity which has allowed us to continue to upgrade and provide higher quality broadcasting for our listeners who deserve nothing less.
Growing collaborations with Focus Springfield and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts have enabled us to provide even more expanded local COVID-19 programming. In addition to our regular programming, our highest priority over the last year has been to bring our listeners all the latest news and developments during this pandemic.
In addition to our evening COVID updates, we are now able to rebroadcast (thanks to Focus Springfield) the Springfield Mayor's weekly press conference that includes city health and local hospital officials providing the latest statistics and other critical information. Rebroadcasts of webinars from the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts have included the expertise of local medical professionals on COVID, testing, and now vaccinations.
February is also National Heart Month and we continue to broadcast Baystate Health's annual lecture series on heart health. We also pass on to our listeners their community information outreach efforts about COVID-19.
Last month, we had a great visit from Westfield Cable Channel 15's (WCPC) Host Harry Rock and Producer Pete Cowles who came to interview our Program Director Harold Anderson for their show "Westfield Council on Aging Presents" as part of their collaboration with Westfield Senior Center.
On the funding front, we received another Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loan that has helped fund our daily operations as we still await our FY'21 state funding that will be coming in the next few months.
Our advocacy for the FY'22 budget process has begun in collaboration with other members of the Massachusetts Audio Information Network (MAIN).
Take heart. Less than a month to go until daylight savings time begins!!
And thanks as always to all the voices, kindness, generosity, and big hearts that keep us on the air!
- February is Black History Month and Valley Eye Radio is broadcasting a number of programs and events related to the theme, from short histories of Black heroes from National Geographic Kids Magazine, longer articles related to slavery, racism and the black experience as well as audio events from the Springfield Museums “Voices of Resilience” exhibit as well as a talk by Dr. Vicki Vernon Lott on “The Legacy of Dr Martin Luther King” through the Greater Springfield Campaign for Nonviolence and the Center for Social Justice at WNE Law School.
- February is also National Health Month and Baystate Health is back again with its Heart Health Series with their top physicians and experts presenting updated information on the subject. From “The Effects of Covid-19” with Dr. Aaron Kugelmass, Chief of Cardiology to talks on “Cardiac Risk Factors”, “Am I Having a Heart Attack” and “The Heart’s Electrical System and Latest Treatments”. Valley Eye Radio strives to bring such authoritative information directly to our listeners every month!
- Valley Eye Radio is proud to continue our collaboration with the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts to bring their webinars of experts and legislative leaders with the latest updates on the major concerns to public health. We try our best to provide our listeners with what they need to know!
- Happy Birthday to all of those in our volunteer reader family who were born in the month of February: Pam and Jeanne enjoyed their days on the 3rd, Beth and Nancy got their cake and presents on the 7th, Beverly began her next trip around the sun on the 12th, Sandy got her best wishes on the 16th, Bob heard from his family and friends on the 17th, Matt got spoiled (even virtually) on the 18th and Barb has her big day on the 24th.
Happy Birthday wishes to all! - Programming improvements are set to begin in March. Stay tuned for details!!!