Berkshire Talking Chronicle (BTC) Merges With United Cerebral Palsy Of Berkshire County (UCP)
BERKSHIRE COUNTY - Mr. Ron Bersani, Executive Director of Talking Information Center (TIC) Marshfield, MA, and Brenda Curry, Board President of United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County (UCP), announce that the Berkshire Talking Chronicle (BTC), an affiliate of TIC will merge with UCP effective July 1, 2009.Ron Bersani of TIC states, “We are so delighted to be a part of this ground-breaking, innovative project involving the Berkshire Talking Chronicle, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) and United Cerebral Palsy Association of Berkshire County. This collaborative effort will provide long-term stability for the radio reading service, a truly unique opportunity for MCB to enhance opportunities for individuals who are legally blind to learn communications skills and strengthen UCP’s strong commitment to helping people with disabilities to develop their talents.”
Berkshire Talking Chronicle will retain its name and operate as a program of UCP. BTC is a radio reading service for the blind and reading impaired. BTC broadcasting studios have been moved from Dalton to the UCP headquarters at 208 West Street, Pittsfield. TIC will continue to provide programming and technical support. Funding for this program is made possible by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. Current Berkshire Talking Chronicle Advisory Board President Ann Hurley states, “We are very grateful to the volunteers and supporters who have made the Berkshire Talking Chronicle a reality in Dalton over the past 23 years and look forward to partnering with UCP to serve our listeners in the years ahead.”
The merger will result in cost efficiencies and also maximize benefits to listeners who are visually impaired. The combined organization will be able to provide not only radio reading services but also training in the operation of radio broadcasting equipment to individuals from a variety of organizations in the Berkshires.
The Berkshire Talking Chronicle program of United Cerebral Palsy will continue to provide 24/7 no cost programming to over 600 Berkshire County residents via in-home receivers, LPFM 104.3, and Channel 17 Northern Berkshire Community Television and Channel 17 Southern Berkshire Community Television. This includes daily reading of The Berkshire Eagle by local volunteers which will continue at 9 AM . At the present time, UCP is seeking volunteers for both day and evening shifts to read approved material on-the-air. Training and on-going support will be provided. Interested volunteers should contact Deborah Sadowy, UCP Director of Program Operations at 413-442-1562.
“On behalf of the Board, Advisory Board, staff and individuals supported by UCP, we are truly excited about welcoming the volunteers and talented Berkshire Talking Chronicle Advisory Board members to our organization. Our community benefits from our ability to merge programs and services insuring their long-term existence and continued support to our members.” United Cerebral Palsy Association of Berkshire County serves children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities and their families through its services of life skill training, advocacy, Western Massachusetts Assistive Technology Regional Device Demonstration and Loan Center, assistive technology, computer training, Adult Foster Care program, children’s recreational and educational programming and individual and family support.
For further information please call Deborah Sadowy at UCP’s Pittsfield Office 413-442-1562 or Leigh Harrington at UCP’s Northern Berkshire office 413-664-9345.
