News Brief - March 2020

From our Executive Director, Barbara Loh:

One part of being in this position that is constantly gnawing at me and that I spend a lot of time thinking about is: "Who aren't we reaching? Who could be benefiting right now from hearing our broadcasts? Whose quality of life could be much improved if one of our radios was near their favorite chair in their home?"

These quandaries revisit me especially before local speaking engagements. I always want to make sure attendees get the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about what Valley Eye Radio is and what we do. But, despite our constant awareness efforts, often times we hear that many have never heard of us. Some attendees at our talks compassionately express how they wished that their mother, father or close friend or neighbor had known about our local news and information broadcast service. They truly believe it would have made a difference in their lives.

As I was preparing for two recent speaking engagements at the Chicopee Falls Woman's Club and Northampton Lions Club, it struck me that two things had to happen for us to get to as many as possible who need us: One would be to continue our outreach and awareness efforts with the help of many in our Pioneer Valley network. But, we all have to also realize that a caring person--you and me--are often the most critical to making a difference in someone's life who is facing vision and other physical and medical challenges that makes it difficult to read on their own. We don't want anyone to possibly feel increasingly isolated and to lose connection to their local world and community. We want to help those who need us stay hopeful, vibrant, and informed.

So, I am asking that you join us in passing on the word about Valley Eye Radio. If you know any groups, clubs or organizations that would like us to speak at their function, please let us know. But, also please keep your eyes and ears open for those who might need our broadcasts so they may keep their quality of life. We have more local programming than ever, more volunteers to read than ever, but without awareness of our services and caring persons to make sure they are able to listen, their quality of life and health will be at risk as their world gets smaller and lonelier.

We really do change lives one person at a time, one radio and broadcast at a time. Please join us to make sure everyone who needs and wants our service gets it and knows we all care. Thanks.

• On Tuesday, March 3rd, the World Affairs Council of Western MA presented the talk by Dr. Vincent Ferraro, Professor of Politics, Emeritus at Mount Holyoke College entitled “America and the Middle East: Will the Wars Ever End?” Valley Eye Radio listeners will benefit from this recording soon afterwards!
• On Friday, March 6th, Valley Eye Radio is on the road again to gather important economic information for our listeners. We will be recording the presentations at the Outlook 2020 event sponsored by the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Noted speakers such as Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Asst. Majority Leader Joseph F. Wagner and Mass Mutual Chairman, President and CEO, roger W. Crandall will present their views on the economic outlook for our region and the state in 2020. We’re proud to be able to bring this important information to our listeners.

• Valley Eye Radio will be offering our listeners the insights from the MA Commission for the Blind as they present to the low vision group that meets at the Agawam Senior Center this month on Monday, March 9th. Our listeners who can’t be there in person will hear this presentation soon on Valley Eye Radio.
• On St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll record the presentation by local author Peggy Weber. Her topic is Good Enough as You Are, which is also the title of her new book.

This inspirational presentation is sure to encourage and uplift the spirits of our listeners

• We’ll also be making a return visit to Rockridge Retirement in Northampton on Wednesday, March 25th to make a presentation about Valley Eye Radio to their residents.

Happy Birthday to all of our dedicated volunteers who were born in the month of March: Tom is soaking up the sun and celebrating on the 12th, one of our new volunteers, Maeve, has her day on the 21st, Maria is enjoying her cake and ice cream on the 22nd, Anna begins another trip around the sun on the 25th and John enjoys all the attention he gets on the 30th.

Happy Birthday wishes to all!