Unleash the Power of The Press

Marshfield

Talking Information Center’s Boston Studio at MCB Now Open

Talking Information Center (TIC), the award-winning, nonprofit reading service based in Marshfield, MA, which broadcasts 24 hours a day to visually impaired and otherwise print impaired listeners throughout Massachusetts, recently announced the opening of a second studio in Boston.

TIC is proud to announce that their Boston studio, located at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), 600 Washington Street, Boston, is now in operation. The new location serves as a direct link to their Marshfield studio and provides a more convenient location for state officials and other guests who would otherwise have to commute to Marshfield.

“We are thrilled to be able to record interviews in our Boston studio as it better facilitates scheduling of our guests who are located in town,” noted James Bunnell, Executive Director of TIC. “Our Boston studio may be used to advocate for different agencies, as it enables MCB and others to reach the community.”

In addition to their Boston and Marshfield studios, TIC has affiliates in Mashpee, Pittsfield, Lowell, Springfield, and Worcester broadcasting their diverse programs 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. TIC operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also offers cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind oversee TIC, which is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Talking Information Center’s Boston Studio at MCB Now OpenRead More

Talking Information Center Unveils New Website

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service based in Marshfield, MA, which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, recently unveiled their new website, www.TICNetwork.com.

TIC’s new mobile responsive website is clean and well organized, featuring simple, intuitive navigation, concise information, and active communication tools. The new website was developed by Bond Printing & Marketing of Hanover, MA, a family-owned and operated commercial printing and marketing company that has been serving clients in Eastern Massachusetts for more than four decades.

One of the most important new components of TICNetwork.com is the Giving page, which outlines all the ways to support TIC and enables visitors to easily make an online donation to the non-profit. A comprehensive Programs page is another key component, as it lists TIC’s hourly schedule for every day of the week and provides access to archived shows. A Volunteer page enables visitors to register to become a volunteer reader, help at an event or join a committee. Site visitors will also be able to stay up-to-date on TIC activities and news through the new online Newsroom.

Three prominent buttons on the Home page provide visitors quick, one-click options: “Listen Now” enables listeners to tune in live; a Zoom feature enables visitors to increase/decrease the font size of the website’s text; and the Give button takes visitors directly to the online donation page.

With the new design, TIC also has all the necessary tools on the back-end to make frequent content updates, ensuring that visitors to the site have access to the most current news, programs and events.

“TIC’s new website is extremely user-friendly, very easy to navigate and better serves our diverse audience of listeners. Bond Printing & Marketing did a tremendous job of developing a robust site that will serve us well for years to come,” said Jim Bunnell, Executive Director at TIC.

Reaching New Audiences

According to the National Federation of the Blind, 136,500 people of all ages in Massachusetts reported to have a visual disability in 2013. Two out of three aging Americans confront vision loss. Others who experience vision problems are living with AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, paralysis and other physical ailments that make it difficult to hold a publication or turn its pages. Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older. Military veterans are seeking programs that have a ‘veteran’s voice’.

Bunnell continued, “TIC has thousands of blind/visually impaired listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. There are a growing number of seniors and veterans seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, and that’s where TIC comes in.”

TIC operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide and approximately 200 volunteers in their Marshfield studio alone, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. They also offer cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Talking Information Center Unveils New WebsiteRead More

Talking Information Center Provides Libraries with a “Listening” Option

TIC imageThe Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, exhibited at the 2016 Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) Annual Conference in Hyannis in an effort to create greater awareness about TIC’s accessible technology for libraries.

TIC offers their special radio receivers to libraries, which in turn enables library patrons to “tune-in” to TIC’s informational and entertaining broadcasts. The receivers, which resemble traditional radio receivers, may be installed in a dedicated room at a library, to be utilized by listeners who do not have access to the Internet and who rely on their public library for a variety of services.

During the  MLA conference, TIC’s Executive Director Jim Bunnell spoke to library decision-makers about how TIC “turns print into sound” and demonstrated how to use the special receivers and review TIC’s daily broadcast schedule.

TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. They also offer cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area.

Bunnell explained, “TIC has thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout the state, yet there is a broader audience seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, who can benefit from our programming.”

Libraries may arrange for TIC’s specially tuned radio receiver to be installed on-site by calling TIC at (781) 834-4400. For more information about TIC’s programming, visit www.ticnetwork.org.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and otherwise disabled listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

TIC’s mission is to provide human voice(d) broadcasts to visually and mobility impaired listeners throughout Massachusetts to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. Cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry is also provided. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Talking Information Center Provides Libraries with a “Listening” OptionRead More

Damon, Topham & Company Announces New Website

DamTopLogoDamon, Topham & Company, a leading accounting, tax and consulting firm based in Marshfield and serving the South Shore community, has recently launched a new generation of their website, damtopcpa.com.

Damon Topham’s new website, now in its third generation, has been completely redesigned by MediaRight Technologies of Hanover, expert developers of lead generation websites for service companies.

The new mobile-responsive site was developed with the latest web design technique, parallax scrolling, where the background moves at a slower rate to the foreground. This concept enables visitors to simply scroll the first page to learn Damon Topham’s whole story and the top reasons to utilize the firm’s services. The clean, well thought out design, which includes landscape imagery from Massachusetts, gives the tax and accounting firm’s website depth and warmth, while creating a memorable experience for visitors.

New and improved components include an informative blog, newsroom, video and newsletter opt-in, as well as menu links that are clear and available.

“We are very pleased with the sleek new design, which is bold, clean and extremely user-friendly. Navigation is much easier and gets users to our content faster. Our new site does a tremendous job communicating who we are and what sets our firm apart,” explained John Topham, founding partner.

About Damon, Topham & Company

Damon, Topham & Company is a full service multi-disciplined firm that has been serving the South Shore for three decades. The firm provides accounting, audit and tax services as well as litigation support services, bookkeeping and payroll tax services, management advisory services, personal financial planning, and estate/trust tax preparation.

Damon, Topham’s philosophy is to blend the technical, practical and business approach in each and every engagement. This means that in addition to providing clients superior services, the team often recommends improvements for more efficient operation, stronger financial structure and improved accounting and administrative controls.

Damon, Topham’s founding partner John Topham CPA discusses a wide range of tax related topics as a co-host on Attorney Mark Greene’s “So What About That Law!” radio show on WATD 95.9 FM on the fourth Sunday of every month. Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, is located at 475 School St., Suite 8, Marshfield, MA. For more information, visit www.damtopcpa.com.

Damon, Topham & Company Announces New WebsiteRead More

Turning Print into Sound at Senior Living Communities – Talking Information Center Radio Installed at Village at Proprietors Green, Marshfield

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC) is “turning print into sound” for senior residents at the Village at Proprietors Green in Marshfield, MA with the installation of a specially tuned radio receiver. TIC is a non-profit reading service, which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners.

TIC’s radio receiver was installed at Proprietors Green. Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director completed the installation and spoke to staff and residents about the TIC reading program. He also demonstrated how to use the radio and how to review the daily schedule.

TIC’s mission is to provide human voice(d) broadcasts to visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout Massachusetts to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. They also offer cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

“We’re delighted to work with Proprietor’s Green and other senior living communities that wish to provide TIC’s innovative programs to their residents,” noted Bunnell.

Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older.

Bunnell continued, “TIC has thousands of blind/visually impaired listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. There are a growing number of seniors seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, and that’s where TIC comes in.”

Senior living communities may arrange for TIC’s specially tuned radio receiver to be installed on-site by calling TIC at (781) 834-4400. For more information about TIC’s programming, visit www.ticnetwork.org.

About the Village at Proprietors Green

Located at 10 Village Green Way in Marshfield, the Village at Proprietors Green is owned and managed by Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group. For more information, visit http://www.proprietorsgreen.com.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Now reaching 25,000 listeners, TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, and special consumer information on subjects including medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also broadcasts cultural programming including old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Turning Print into Sound at Senior Living Communities – Talking Information Center Radio Installed at Village at Proprietors Green, MarshfieldRead More

Talking Information Center Focuses on Team With A Vision at 2016 Boston Marathon

John Shea, producer at Talking Information Center reading service for the visually impaired (right) with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and runners Sarah Dever and her sighted guide Sammie Nunziata of Team With A Vision during Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Volunteer Appreciation Brunch.
John Shea, producer at Talking Information Center reading service for the visually impaired (right) with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and runners Sarah Dever and her sighted guide Sammie Nunziata of Team With A Vision during Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Volunteer Appreciation Brunch.

Thousands of visually impaired listeners were able to tune in and get up-close and personal with Team With A Vision runners and their sighted guides at the 2016 Boston Marathon via the Talking Information Center (TIC) non-profit reading service’s live radio broadcast of the event.

TIC producer John Shea took listeners from the Hopkinton starting line to the finish line of the 120th running of the Boston Marathon in a narrative of the race that included interviews with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and a number of Team With A Vision runners.

Team With A Vision is comprised of runners with visual impairment and their sighted guides who take part in events all around the country to raise funds and awareness for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI). This year marked Team With A Vision’s 24th year running the Boston Marathon. According to Team With A Vision’s Boston Marathon page, the group has raised more than $137K, and all funds raised support MABVI’s statewide network of vision rehabilitation services.

Shea discussed some of the challenges of the race with Team With A Vision member John Chan, a visually impaired runner from Staten Island, NY who has run in more than 40 marathons and was running for the second time with Team With A Vision.

“The biggest thing would be just the obstacles along the course, which are potholes, curves and turns, and there’s train track in some parts of it too… If it wasn’t for the guide, I wouldn’t be able to run it efficiently,” explained Chan.

To hear the personal stories of Team With A Vision runners and learn more about the challenges, their goals and how they communicate with their sighted guides during the race, tune in to TIC’s Mission Possible archived segment from April 18th: http://ticnetwork.com/audio/wire/mission.htm.

About MABVI

The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) is the oldest social service agency in the country providing services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Their mission is to work with individuals with vision loss to eliminate barriers and create opportunities. For more information about MABVI and Team With A Vision, visit www.mabcommunity.org/mabvi/home.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

TIC’s mission is to provide human voice(d) broadcasts to visually and mobility impaired listeners throughout Massachusetts to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. Cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry is also provided. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

 

Talking Information Center Focuses on Team With A Vision at 2016 Boston MarathonRead More

Talking Information Center Announces Alliance with ESC of New England

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service located in Marshfield, MA which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of print and visually impaired listeners, has engaged the services of Executive Service Corps (ESC) of New England to assist in the development of a strategic plan.

In their alliance with ESC, TIC has embarked on the development of a long-term strategic plan that will serve as a road map to ensure that the organization continues to provide their valued reading services to the visually impaired throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

ESC offers consulting services to the nonprofit community to enable organizations to operate more effectively to meet the needs of their constituencies. ESC consultants Marietta Joseph, Jack Wallace and Ed Haddad make up TIC’s core consulting team. Ms. Joseph recently served as Vice President of MassDevelopment, where she assisted nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt debt financing for capital projects. Mr. Wallace is a seasoned leader, marketer, mentor and business development professional with over 30 years of varied, consulting-based experience working for such national brands as Fidelity Investments, Talbots and General Motors. Mr. Haddad, now retired, is the former Vice President of Intellectual Property at New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc.

“We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with ESC’s distinguished executives Marietta, Jack and Ed,” explained Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director. “Several areas that we will focus on in the creation of a strategic plan include marketing, finance, funding, organization and governance. Our vision is to evolve TIC to a more professionally organized and financially sound operation.”

With limited government funding, TIC relies on the generosity of donors and operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide and approximately 200 volunteers in their Marshfield studio alone. TIC staff and volunteer readers broadcast local news, articles, and items of interest to listeners to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC coordinates a network of affiliates throughout the state to provide broadcasts to blind/visually impaired listeners as well as other individuals with disabilities who do not have access to the written word and who rely on this service. TIC brings not only news and information, but companionship to those who have limited access to the communities in which they live.

About ESC

ESC of New England is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit that provides management consulting and capacity building services to other nonprofits in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. ESC’s mission is to enhance the overall impact of the nonprofit community by enabling organizations to operate more effectively to meet the needs of their constituencies. ESC accomplishes this through the provision of affordable, high-impact management consulting and related services by senior level executives and professionals from the private, nonprofit, and public sectors who donate their time and expertise. For more information visit www.escne.org.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually and print-impaired listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible. TIC programming may be accessed by specially tuned radio receivers; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025; or via live audio stream on the TIC website, www.ticnetwork.org. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Now reaching 25,000 listeners, TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, and special consumer information on subjects including medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also broadcasts cultural programming including old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, (P.O. Box 519), in Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Talking Information Center Announces Alliance with ESC of New EnglandRead More

Talking Information Center to Broadcast the 8th Annual “B.L.I.N.D.” State House Event

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service located in Marshfield, MA which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of visually impaired listeners, will be on-site to record the Eighth Annual Blind Legislative Informational Networking Day (B.L.I.N.D.) on Thursday, March 24, 2016 in The Great Hall at the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

As a supporter and sponsor of this important event, TIC will air the taped broadcast on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 9:00 p.m.

Listeners will have a chance to hear Bruce Howell, Chair of the Rehabilitation Council at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind serve as Master of Ceremonies. Advocates will visit representative and senators’ offices, and there will be product demonstrations, consumer presentations and an awards presentation.

“The purpose of Blind Legislative Informational Networking Day is to provide information as well as network with legislators on the need for appropriate funding for the blindness community’s unique service needs,” explained Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director.

The Governor’s proposed budget for FY2017 has recommended level funding for most of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) state appropriations, along with the Perkins and Worcester Library programs. Funding support is also needed for special education for students with disabilities.

Critical programs to be funded include: The Perkins Library and the Worcester Talking Book Library; MCB’s Community Service account which includes funding for support for the Community Mobility and Orientation Program and the Deaf-Blind Community Access Network (DBCAN); and MCB’s Turning 22 account (4110-2000) covers supports and services for more severely disabled youth who are blind or visually impaired transitioning out of the special education system as well as for their continued care as adults.

The event is sponsored by Bay State Council of the Blind, Carroll Center for the Blind, Lowell Association for the Blind, Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, National Braille Press, National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts, and Perkins, on behalf of the Friends of the Perkins Library and the Worcester Talking Book Library, and TIC.

“The proposed FY2017 budget takes into consideration the needs of specialized blindness services and its consumers who benefit from them. TIC fully supports these funding recommendations,” said Bunnell.

Tune in to TIC’s audio stream at www.ticnetwork.org to hear the Eighth Annual “B.L.I.N.D.” State House event delayed broadcast on March 27th. Listeners may also access the broadcast via specially tuned radio receiver; or through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Now reaching 25,000 listeners, TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, and special consumer information on subjects including medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also broadcasts cultural programming including old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

###

 

Talking Information Center to Broadcast the 8th Annual “B.L.I.N.D.” State House EventRead More

Marshfield CPA Talks Taxes on WATD

John Topham CPA
John Topham CPA

John Topham, CPA, a founding partner of Damon, Topham & Company, tax specialists based in Marshfield, MA, recently co-hosted on Attorney Mark Greene’s “So What About That Law!” show on WATD 95.9 FM and shared timely tax tips with the audience.

On the fourth Sunday of every month, Topham discusses a wide range of tax related topics with Greene, who is Principal Attorney at Mark Greene & Associates Attorneys & Family Counselors of Hanover, MA.
Below, Topham shares timely tax filing tips:
Beware of tax scam telephone calls and emails from those claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. These scammers may be very convincing and may even have your personal information such as the last four of your social security number and birthdate. Do not give out or confirm any personal information. Hang up immediately.
Be aware that tax laws are always changing from year to year (and the IRS’ 2015 Tax Guide – Publication 17 is 288 pages long). If a taxpayer is preparing his own tax return, then he should make sure he is aware of any changes.
Taxpayers filing electronically should make sure it is done over a secure portal.
This year’s filing deadline is April 19, 2016. Make every effort to file on time. One advantage to filing on time is that the statue of limitations on the IRS auditing you begins once you file. After three years, the return is closed (unless it’s fraud or beyond the normal audit procedure).
Taxpayers have until April 19, 2016 to contribute to an IRA for 2015. However, make sure that the contribution is coded (by the institution) for 2015; otherwise it is applied as a 2016 contribution.
Be sure to retrieve pertinent documents online from issuers, including 1098T for college students; 1099s for independent contractors; as well as any interest statements from financial institutions.
Those who owe tax and need an Extension of time to file their return, may file for an extension, but MUST also make a tax payment (which should be estimated by the taxpayer’s accountant) in order to avoid an underpayment penalty.
Those who are unable to make a payment should still file their return ON TIME in order to avoid a late filing penalty. If you fail to file on time and fail to make a payment, you will incur penalties for both late filing and underpayment.
The IRS ONLY contacts taxpayers by MAIL. To learn more about tax scams and how to spot them, visit www.irs.gov.
In the Broadcast Booth
Topham’s upcoming broadcasts are March 27th, April 24th, May 22nd and June 26th. Missed a show? Visit Mark Greene’s broadcast booth on his website at http://www.markgreenelaw.com/broadcast-booth.
About John Topham
Topham is a CPA registered in Massachusetts, and head of the Business Development team. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has been the financial editor for the “New England Movers Magazine” and has authored numerous other articles. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Bentley College.
About Damon, Topham & Company
Damon, Topham & Company is a full service multi-disciplined firm that has been serving the South Shore for three decades. The firm provides auditing, accounting and taxation services as well as business valuation, estate, individual and corporate tax planning, advisory services and financing solutions. Damon, Topham’s founding partner John Topham CPA discusses a wide range of tax related topics as a co-host on Attorney Mark Greene’s “So What About That Law!” radio show on WATD 95.9 FM on the fourth Sunday of every month.  Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, is located at 475 School St., Suite 8, Marshfield, MA. For more information, visit www.damtopcpa.com.

Marshfield CPA Talks Taxes on WATDRead More