Editor's Notebook: Patch Goes to Town

In celebration of the launch of MorristownPatch, the 100th site, Patchers all over the country volunteered their time and efforts on Tuesday. Your editor and Rebecca Hughes, Advertising Representative, went to EIES for an inside look at the organization and to test out the new air conditioner.

EIES, located in the Connett Building next to the library, helps those unable to read because of a visual disability by converting newspapers, magazines and other text into audio files that are then distributed via audiotapes, radio, cable TV, telephone and the Internet.

My assignment was to read a magazine into a microphone, which sounds simple enough. And, once I engaged with the news I read aloud, it was. Before I began reading, though, as staffers adjusted sound levels and helped me settle into a sound booth, I felt nervous. I coughed, paused at odd times, and spelled names that I mispronounced. By the end of my session, I was so comfortable that it was all I could do not to add commentary to the text.

The EIES folks are patient and eager to help. Rebecca discovered a high school classmate there, and I took photos of the venerable and very historic building.

EIES welcomes volunteers who have an hour or two, here or there, to read aloud. As I learned this morning, all the job asks is a willingness to try.