The Radio Information Service has been absorbed by Duquesne University's WDUQ. My personal finance show has been eliminated from programming. Fond memories of the station on Wharton Street, the people, and the production of programming.
I'll be looking for volunteer work closer to home soon.
-Grace
Labels: Duquesne U, farewell, personal finance, read, RIS
posted by Grace @ 8/08/2009 08:29:00 AM
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Today after teaching a lab section I stopped by the old RIS offices on the South Side...they had already moved to WDUQ. Then, it was off to my penultimate physical therapy session. I received my book using the inflatable ball back, with possible exercises bookmarked by my therapist.
Labels: Blind, exercise, pain, pool, RIS, water exercise
posted by Grace @ 9/30/2008 11:13:00 PM
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I had my preoperative testing--swab my nose ("boogers! I got one!"), approximately 9 tubes of blood drawn ("don't worry, I won't faint, I had a good breakfast and my juicy-juice"), urine sample (pee in a cup, "eww!"), EKG ("stickers!!"), chest X ray, (that "bracelet-I-Have-to-wear-until-surgery---it's better than a diamond bracelet!"), sundry questions asked by Sofya, RN (aka MEDICAL HISTORY), an overview of PT by the physical therapist Anne, and a video in the Hopwood Library of what to expect before and after surgery. I took a nap before my other medical appt. across town (my orthopedist wrote on my chart, "she really wants to have this [procedure/operation] done,") and am wiped out. Will take another nap before choir practice...whew! I got tired just reading this.
I hope I can wake up in time for the bus to RIS tomorrow.
Labels: BAD, health, RIS, sleep, surgery
posted by Grace @ 5/08/2008 05:03:00 PM
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Upon leaving Wawa, Marissa, Beatrice and Jujube's home about twenty minutes ago, I spied a Cheshire cat smile in the sky--just a thin sliver of fingernail in the night sky. I had stopped by to pick up the video cam for this week.
My birthday started off great---I lectored for an early Mass, with Fr. Brian W. celebrating, Ed S. serving, and J.R. providing music ministry on the Wickes organ. The reading was from Acts 6:8-15, with the psalm 119:Iab. I then had breakfast, dropped off graded papers for my students (who are having lab away from their lab classroom this week); headed to the computer lab for recording grades electronically; ran into my supervisor, Carole, who made a request of me for the end of this week; attempted to take two online quizzes for my work at UPMC (they didn't work); and stopped at the Main branch of the library to pick up a video on hip replacement, and spoke with Mary Ellen. I had lunch (mostly leftovers at M&D's), headed to RIS to read a show (which inadvertently was taped over another episode--darn!), stopped by the UPMC office to retrieve some paperwork. I then met Marissa, Beatrice, Chere, Les, and later William for ice cream at Ben and Jerry's in Squirrel Hill. I had a cupcake of New York Super Fudge Chunk topped by a layer of brownie, ONE Cheesecake Brownie, icing, and Oreo MMMMM! William, Marissa, Beatrice, and I stopped by the Squirrel Hill branch of the library. I saw some great luminous paintings by Yuriy Mudrenko there. Then we were off to meet Les and Chere for dinner at Aladdin's. I had the Baba garden wrap with a side salad. All were delicious. Chere particularly enjoyed her meal. We then met up at William and Marissa's, where Beatrice shared some of her flashcards with me. We then shared a banana, and it was time for Beatrice to retire. Charles called to sing me a happy birthday, and then I departed shortly thereafter for home.
What a wonderful way to start another year. I hope to live a long life--as long as some of the sentences in this particular posting.
Labels: art, BAD, biology, Birthday, cinema, dining, family, family-Marissa, ice cream, lector, library, Mass, painting, read, RIS, science, St. Paul Cathedral, work
posted by Grace @ 4/07/2008 08:59:00 PM
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This Monday, a week after the Birmingham Bridge reopened to traffic, I boarded the bus to the radio station to record two shows and a spot for the Q & A show that will air the week of April 4th through 10th, which includes Joe Wasserman, RIS board member and listener, with Carol Sikov Gross, certified elder law attorney. It is the latest interview episode that will air on my program, and the second one that includes Joe and Carol. The first one was a show on Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Wills.
I hope that my interview shows are helpful to my listening audience. I try to provide insights on topics that would be of interest to the listener through the Q & A format.
Labels: neighbors, personal finance, Pittsburgh, read, RIS, transportation, will
posted by Grace @ 3/12/2008 10:05:00 AM
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I indicated to the RIS that I would be unable to tape my personal finance radio show until bus service to the station resumes---the Birmingham Bridge ramp had dropped 8 inches, calling for an emergency inspection. PennDOT officials found that there was a problem with a rocker (this information found through the Philly Examiner, no less). The closure should last at least two weeks. Both the 54C and 84A bus routes will no longer stop near the station during the bridge closure.
I'm not too worried, as my show has been taped about two weeks advance for a while now.
Labels: personal finance, read, RIS, transportation, travel
posted by Grace @ 2/11/2008 05:24:00 PM
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I've been lazing in bed in the mornings, posting and electronically posting student recommendations, paying bills, donating clothing, recording my radio show, reading books I received for Christmas, and playing Upwords with Mom.
Today I stopped by work to send out the last of a big batch of student recommendations. I took care of some administrative business with Carole, and wished a fond goodbye to Laura on her very last day. I emailed my cousins who live in her relocation city in Texas of her arrival. I hope that her new position can meet all her expectations.
Labels: biology, farewell, games, read, RIS, school, science, sleep, teaching, thankfulness, work
posted by Grace @ 1/03/2008 09:14:00 PM
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There are a number of wildfires in the greater Southern California area, indicated on the map. I must contact my SoCal contacts to make certain all is well down their way. There is even a SoCal Wildfire 2007 blog.
~~~
I just returned from a meeting with Wellesley and other Seven Sisters alumnae, with the event led by Folly Patterson of the Wellesley Center for Work and Service (aka, the Career Center). The workshop was on "After Passages," about life transitions. We had a lively exchange over hors d'oeuvres and handouts. One interesting discussion ensued about computer communication and its difference from human contact. Great planning by Kelly U. and nice turnout! I handed off to Natalie M. a couple of CDs of RIS shows with Tim as guest speaker. I also shared with Natalie M. and Kelly U. the article from Jet Magazine which Marva had shared with me.
Back at Mom and Dad's home, Beatrice plays, despite a slight fever.
Back to grading!
~~~
Thursday, 25 October 2007; 9 AM
One of my friends and a University of California colleague emailed me yesterday about the fires in SoCal:
No fires in Riverside, just a lot of smoke.
Labels: alarm, Beatrice, blogs, geology, global warming, light, love, RIS, science, soils, thankfulness, water, weather, Wellesley, work
posted by Grace @ 10/23/2007 09:30:00 PM
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This morning I attended two events at St. Paul Cathedral. The first was the continuation in the workshop series of Studying the Koran led by Farooq, a friend and former coworker. It was quite interesting, filling the meeting room at Synod Hall. The nature of God, as viewed by the Islamic faith was introduced, and after a break a lively discussion ensued.
I then went to the VIBES meeting for RIS listeners and volunteers. Several suggestions and questions were discussed. I asked if there were a listserve for the listeners, as this exchange was useful; but not possible to have us meet as a group every month.
Tonight, Jo-Anne and I will go to two events tonight: The FAAP induction ball for Warren and the Board of Directors (including Dad), and Ken and Lisa's house party. I am dressing up for both.
Labels: Choir, cinema, international culture, Philippines, Pilipino culture, PNR, prayer, read, RIS, St. Paul Cathedral
posted by Grace @ 10/20/2007 03:44:00 PM
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to come in to work on my day off. At this hour. (Or dedicated). I arose about an hour and a half ago, hearing that there is a lunar eclipse from the radio. (Didn't catch sight of it, maybe it was those urban lights.)
Anyway, I feel driven to pre-prep for two weeks from now, as my first two classes went well yesterday. Also, I received the sheet music version of my "Lab Safety Song" from Don yesterday afternoon. I feel compelled to email it to my students, but probably will wait until all the sections this semester hear me sing the song...I've thought about emailing it to my former students, too. The oldest students are probably in med school by now, the former frosh are probably current juniors.
19:10
I saw some of them on the bus today, on my way home from the radio station. I went there after Nancy and I spent lunch together at Schenley Plaza and visited the music department (saw Carlos) and window-shopped at Craig Street. Also stopped in to the library and Miss Mae and I spoke about what love looks like. Saw Janey, Jude, and Debbie while on the bus/ on the street. What a full and fulfilling day!
Labels: library, love, music, read, RIS, singing, work
posted by Grace @ 8/28/2007 06:24:00 AM
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I arose ~5am this morning, and called about results of a study in which I'm participating. (Last night I participated in an additional study at CMU, the same one William did Monday night.)
After forgetting that I was to lector the morning Mass this morning, John reminded me of that fact, flagging me down in the congregation and I immediately went to the sacristy to prepare. Fr. Tom concelebrated the Mass with Fr. Rayana; Don provided the music ministry. I guess I had a "senior moment," being jetlagged from the CHOIReland trip.
I worked at UPMC this morning, updating and reviewing the curriculum and scheduling the classes we teach.
William viewed the CHOIReland videos and pictures, and copied the video onto my USB key. He also copied the second interview show I taped for RIS.
I took care of some medical stuff this afternoon, including getting a blood test.
I went home, got cleaned up and met up at the Rectory with Pat P., Renee, Don, and Fr. Rayana who viewed my funny video and photographs of CHOIReland on DVD. Actually, this was the first digital videograph I have made, and I think it turned out okay---of the Merry Plough Boy participatory entertainment by Don (a.k.a. Donough).
Labels: Church, dance, dining, lector, Mass, photography, read, RIS
posted by Grace @ 7/19/2007 05:15:00 PM
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This Monday, I taped two hours of my personal finance show, as well as the feature spots for the special episodes on "Internet Security for the Blind and Print-impaired" and "Identity Theft: Case Studies" for the Radio Information Service the weeks of June 8th and June 15th.
The station won an award for "Celebrate the Season," by Marilyn Egan, an RIS volunteer. "RIS is lucky to have a volunteer of Marilyn’s caliber,” said Deborah Weppelman, Program Director/Executive Director. “She brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm to her volunteer work, and I was thrilled to accept this award on her behalf.”
Founded in 1976, Radio Information Service is a nonprofit radio station that provides current information 24 hours a day for thousands of listeners who are blind, visually impaired, or who cannot access print materials. More than 260 volunteers read daily newspapers, magazines, and books, as well as provide specialized programming for this audience. Broadcasting on sub carriers of WDUQ-FM and WQED-FM, the RIS private signal is available by subscription through special receivers, a telephone dial-in system, the RIS website, and the Comcast Cable system. RIS is a service of WDUQ-FM. For more information, contact RIS at 412-488-3944 or www.readingservice.org For over 30 years, RIS has promoted Independence through Information.
My friends Joe and Tina were instrumental in getting the concept of RIS off the ground in Pittsburgh. I am honored to count them among my circle of friends.
Labels: honor, personal finance, read, RIS
posted by Grace @ 5/23/2007 03:36:00 PM
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Yesterday I met with Tim, who is an information security professional who had some ideas for my listening audience at Radio Information Service. I will be interviewing him for my show at RIS, and he will be a guest for two shows: One on Internet Security for the Blind, and another show which will feature case studies of breaches of secure information. He is obviously passionately interested in empowering individuals to keep their personal information secure. I look forward to interviewing him for two mid-summer shows and to sharing his expertise with my listening audience.
~~
This week I joined Joe and Tina for breakfast at Camille's. We discussed a wide variety of topics, including whom to interview regarding Internet Security for the Blind. They recommended Bill N., who subsequently agreed to be interviewed. I am happy that I've got some great people for those two shows in mid-June.
Labels: friends, personal finance, RIS
posted by Grace @ 5/15/2007 11:38:00 AM
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I attended a talk by Ron Plesco, Jr. yesterday regarding identity theft. It was organized by the local branch of a financial planning house and the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP). Quite a good talk: An excellent speaker and presentation. Mr. Plesco recommended that one scratch out the numbers on the credit card receipts, if not already masked partially on the receipt.
A victim of identity theft himself, Mr. Plesco had good advice, some of it similar to that provided by the Federal Trade Commission.
Labels: personal finance, RIS
posted by Grace @ 4/25/2007 03:01:00 PM
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The annual volunteer appreciation dinner for the Radio Information Service was held in the Bob and Delores Hope room of the Omni William Penn Hotel. I arrived after the production of Pippin at CMU, and enjoyed a mixed greens salad, ravioli, and tiramisu. I met various other volunteers from RIS at my table, and Gregory, who usually reads in the booth next to mine as I am finishing my shift at RIS. We all enjoyed Tracy's version of "Simon Says." I had a chance to chat with Joanne, Joe and Tina, and Anna afterwards.
posted by Grace @ 4/25/2007 02:43:00 PM
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So, what did I do for Spring Break? I relaxed at home and watched mom & dad's home while they went to Florida. They brought home two large sacks of oranges and immediately left to register for a CME conference.
I'm still technically on Spring Break, as I get back to teaching mid-week. Today I went to the radio station to record my show, went grocery shopping, and just now submitted my page for my college reunion record book. It's been a relaxing week +, after all.
posted by Grace @ 3/12/2007 04:09:00 PM
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Christmas Day 2006 started with an early (9am) day at William, Marissa, and Beatrice's home. I helped make monkey bread, and a breakfast veggie sausage casserole was there with squeezed orange juice. Kelly, Mom, and Dad arrived a little later. Since I was rushing to choir, after dining, I was first to open my gifts from my family. As I departed, the family noted that we were so polite and genteel in opening the gifts so carefully and in turn. I sang in choir the noon prelude and Mass. I spent the afternoon at Mom and Dad's.
On Tuesday, the 26th of December 2006, Marissa and I alternated with William babysitting and going out. We went to the Waterworks Mall, returned to their home so William could go to the Apple Store, and then went out again to the Waterfront. The girls and Mom and Dad enjoyed Christmas high tea at my house. In addition to tea, juices, fruits, fruitcake, savory crispies, and homemade cookies; we enjoyed a theme of mint chocolate in the remaining cookies and candies. mMMMmm Delicious. That evening I had a chance to talk for a while about the Ireland trip with my friend Donough.
On Wednesday, the 27th of December 2006, I recorded my show at the radio station, gave a ride home to Joe and Tina, Louise and Dylan. Soon after I met up with Jen to practice our sung carols for Maggie and Ken's wedding prelude. We met her husband Brian at the Carnegie Library, where I picked out CDs and travel books on Ireland, visited with the people in the children's department, and where Brian selected a cookie the size of a face. That evening Charles and I talked about the end of this year...
On Thursday, the 28th of December 2006, I walked to get some bloodwork done as ordered by my primary care physician, then walked to Mom and Dad's for some breakfast, and took a well-deserved nap. As there was no choir rehearsal that evening, Babs invited me for a holiday/Christmas evening on the town. We started by viewing the presepio and trees in Architecture Hall at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History; dined at Phipps and visited the Winter Flower show and the new Thai Rainforest Addition at Phipps Conservatory; listened to a bit of a Christmas program by the East End Kids; then headed to Hartwood Acres for the Eckerd Festival of Lights. What a show! I remember the light displays at Oglebay as a child (back in the day), and how the lights seemed to move then...these lights at Hartwood had finer detail and the themes of scenery were broader than what I recall from the Oglebay lights many moons ago. "There's something for everyone here!" I exclaimed to Babs. "There's Christmas scenes, and Santa scenes, and Hanukkah scenes, and the 12 days of Christmas, and Santa's elves, and Christmas bears, and tunnels of LIGHTS!" We thought it was well worth the 12 miles/one hour wait.
On Friday, the 29th of December 2006, I had an appointment with my specialist physician south of Pittsburgh. I returned, took care of some things at home, then met up with Jen downtown, visited the creche--the only replica of the Vatican creche--then met up with Brian to help set up the reception hall for Maggie and Ken's dinner. The rehearsal at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church started at 6pm. Jen and I had a chance to marvel at the interior of the domed church and the ornate decorations and Christmas decorations, as well as to visit each altar in the building. As usual, the church was festooned in garlands and trees and lights and poinsettias. It was well-appreciated by us. Jen and Brian and I headed to Del's Restaurant for the rehearsal dinner, during which we met coworkers Bob and his wife Sis, and Patty. The food was outstanding, as usual: Pizza, salad, pasta, meatballs, chicken, etc.
Today, Saturday, the 30th of December 2006, I arrived ~an hour and a half before Ken and Maggie's nuptial Mass to practice with the organist, Doris. I explained my situation to Toni, who guided me through the Church building (while the soloist Jody sang) and led me to the choir steps. I entered the loft where Doris and Jodi, who is 28 weeks pregnant, greeted me as soon as the song was over. After introductions, I waited for Jen to arrive, after which we practiced the two carols, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming and Coventry Carol. We looked around for programs and encountered the bride right before her wedding....The ceremony went smoothly and we marvelled at the view from the choir loft. After greeting them with sparklers, I followed Jen and her parents to the reception site, which held all their family and friends as well as cookie, drink, dip, and snack tables. I saw and chatted with Maggie's friends Donna and Kianna, and Patty, Bob and Sis, and Esther. We took pictures of Jen's family and me, and CAC alumni pictures before enjoying some wedding cake.
Labels: Carnegie, Christmas, Church, friends, Mass, Phipps, read, RIS, singing
posted by Grace @ 12/30/2006 06:45:00 PM
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Today is St. Lucy's day. I arose early today, not to prepare sticky buns and to wear a lit garland crown of holly (as I am the ate in the family) but to get some work done in the wee hours of the morning before the rest of my day begins. I'll attend the Mass for my patron saint, St. Lucy, as I did last year. St. Lucy is important to me not just because of her being patroness of my Confirmation, but because she is the patron saint of eyesight preservation.
I remember travelling with Dad to Charleston, West Virginia as a tenth grader to Dr. Pedro Casingal's ophthalmologic office to have my eyesight checked (just for a second opinion from our hometown opthalmologist). I returned home with correction, marvelling at the individual leaves on the trees as we drove on the interstate highway. I didn't know the previous year when I was confirmed in the Church that St. Lucy was patron saint of the light of our eyes.
My reading at the radio station and lectoring at Church and teaching allow me to give back to the greater community by using my gift of eyesight, with which I have been blessed.
~~~
posted ~5:30pm
Went to noon Mass, said by Fr. Drew from the Oratory with Carole as altar server.
Delivered my last wreath from the choir wreath sale after Mass.
I went to the radio station to read my weekly show this afternoon and stayed for the holiday/farewell-to-Laurie party. There was quite a spread of munchies, accompanied by lively conversation. At about 4:15 various individuals made remarks and speeches honoring Laurie, and then she was presented with her farewell gifts. Laurie was moved emotionally during the remarks, as she has made a difference not only as RIS's executive director but also as a mentor, a friend, and a listener. I told her that I have a fairly tight schedule and have decided to stay volunteering with RIS because of the collegial atmosphere she encourages here. She is a special person who knows how much she will be missed.
It was nice to see Tina, Joanne, Louise, and Joe there; and to meet Sylvia, and Margie.
~~~
posted ~9:30pm
Headed to help on Gloria L's team that set up for my building's holiday party. We had a spread including cheeses and crackers, fruits, mixed nuts, cookies and chocolate pastries, diabetic pastries, and homemade fudge, chocolate cake, and lemon pound cakes. I met some people I rarely see during the year (including Karen, with whom I used to work with), and touched base with old and new friends alike. Gloria and I agreed that the party was a great success.
Labels: Christmas, Church, lector, Mass, neighbors, read, RIS, St. Lucy, thankfulness
posted by Grace @ 12/13/2006 05:50:00 AM
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This past week hasn't been as busy...I went to a talk by Natalie Baker-Shirer for the readers of the Radio Information Service, lectored at the Cathedral a couple of times this week. Saturday, after lectoring I went to a tea tasting at the Te Cafe, and attended Annie's (Anna to the rest of the world) eighth birthday party.
~~~
Serving as a lector on Saturday noon is different than for televised Masses during the week--fewer announcements and no music! This Saturday at noon, I served with Carole and Fr. Daniele Vallecorsa on the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.
I arrived fashionably late for the tea tasting. They had discussed what is and is not tea, different forms of tea, and different names of tea. We tasted a Dragon Pearl Jasmine tea (quite fragrant!); gyokuro, a green tea reminiscent of alfalfa when steeped; Margaret's Hope Darjeeling (from a garden bought overseas by a Brit, in memory of his daughter, who loved the tea garden); and a Russian Caravan tea (which transported me to a small smoky hut where food is being prepared). I ended the afternoon tea with biscotti and a herbal rooibos caramel tea from South Africa. Absolutely delicious! We passed our teapots around the table, and I tried Thuy's selection of cardamom tea (which picked out the spice from the chai octet of flavors); and Eve's selection of pear rooibos (lovely fruity notes!)
At Anna's garden birthday party dad said the blessing of the food, we partook of the two large tables of food (too plentiful to name!), and, as usual, I was one of the gamemeisters--joined this year by Dean and Myla, as the group of children participating has grown from previous years. We played limbo, parachute, "give me," and pinata, among other games.
~~~~
This Sunday was Joyce and Greg's anniversary, with an added gift: Jason is out of the hospital! All our thoughts and prayers have been with him and his family. It must be great for Michael to have his whole family back at home together again. Joyce, Greg, Miranda, and Benny went to visit with Jason and his family Sunday. Miranda's dream/prayer is coming true!
Labels: anniversary, Birthday, lector, read, RIS, tea, thankfulness, Wellesley
posted by Grace @ 6/27/2006 10:14:00 AM
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Days in the life of me.
