Reading Radio Service toasts 30th anniversary

Thirty-two volunteers have donated more than 20 years.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown Reading Radio Service celebrated its 30th anniversary recently to honor its volunteers who bring news and information to those who are vision impaired.
According to service officials, the celebration was held at the Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries. Peter Hyland of Austintown, now retired, and Dean Farris, an attorney from Canfield, were recognized for 30-years of service. Thirty-two individuals were honored for volunteering more than 20 years.
Youngstown Reading Radio Service volunteers read print material at specific times throughout the day on a sub-channel of WYSU-FM. This material, which is otherwise not accessible to its listeners, includes coverage of local newspapers, readings from magazines and best-selling books. There are also talk shows and special interest programs to encourage listeners to share experiences, exchange views and gain knowledge.
Youngstown Reading Radio Service covers Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, as well as western Pennsylvania and southern Ashtabula County. It cannot be tuned in from a normal radio. Listeners must have a special receiver, which is provided free of charge by the service.
On every day
More than 100 volunteers help to keep the Youngstown Reading Radio Service on the air for 12 hours a day, 365 days a year. Specially tuned radios are provided free-of-charge to qualified listeners. There are more than 1,000 listeners and most are visually impaired.
"The volunteer readers are the backbone of the Youngstown Reading Radio Service," Service Coordinator Mike Bosela said. "Without them, we could not have provided our listeners with their independent access to information of the last 30 years."
Youngstown Reading Radio Service is a private, nonprofit organization that serves the print-impaired. It began in 1976 with about 10 volunteers and was part of the Youngstown Society for the Blind. The Service moved to the Goodwill facility in 1992 after the Society for the Blind closed.
If you are interested in volunteering or know of someone in the area who may qualify for a radio, please contact the Youngstown Reading Radio Service at (330) 759-0100. Donations are accepted and checks may be sent to Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, 2747 Belmont Ave. Youngstown, OH 44483. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.