In November, we offered our Fall Volunteer Orientation to 21 interested candidates. We welcome the volunteers listed here that have completed the audition and onboarding process. Please join us at the Virtual Coffee Bar on Wednesday, January 24 at 2pm to welcome them.

Steve Cole of Overland Park, recently retired from his work as an attorney. His interests include law, politics, sports and music. He shared, “Reading, writing, education, speaking and analysis have been a big part of my life. I want to give back to provide information to others to help them process the world as completely as possible.” He has been learning remote recording. He has just been assigned Friday Southeast Kansas papers and will take a little break for a trip to Jamaica with his wife this February!

Michael Colvin is a High School Teacher. He also volunteers as Head Coach of Science Olympiad Team, Sponsor of Tolkien Club, Asst. Coach of Scholars Bowl. His interests include reading, writing, woodworking, movies, and drawing. He has always been interested in Audio-Reader and accessibility. 

Jenna Hamilton is a Speech-language pathologist located in Topeka. She previously played her French Horn with the Mid-America Freedom Band and enjoys other hobbies including reading, spending time with family, movies, and yoga. She is currently reading for broadcast and subbing as assignments become available.

Karl Hess enjoys reading and even more sharing reading materials with others. His interests include chess, yoga, tai chi, nature and animals. He is currently a bus driver and a tree service worker. He also volunteers at the Lawrence Humane Society. He is reading Springfield New Leader on Fridays.  

Joann Huber is a recent transplant to Lawrence and recently retired from high school counseling. She has volunteered with the Board for School Counselors and also enjoys yoga, hiking, biking, traveling, and reading. She is reading both Broadcast and Telephone Reader and enjoyed reading the HyVee ads and Kansas City Star. 

Steve Lee is a retired KU professor that enjoys volunteering at Audio-Reader and also Meals on Wheels as well as pickleball, sailing, postcrossing and kayaking.  He recognizes the need for Audio-Reader services and the challenges reading presents for those with limited vision. He has jumped in with both Telephone Reader and Broadcast—including ads and multiple-paper reads. 

Sally Lundblad is a retired high school principal and spends time in Colorado and in Lawrence. She is also an avid hiker, walker, gardener, and reader. She has been part of theatrical productions and also conference presentations. The flexibility of in-person and remote volunteering and the positive impact drew her to volunteering for Audio-Reader.  She is currently reading both Telephone Reader and Broadcast assignments as they are available.

Megan Maksimowicz is a Physical Scientist. Over the years she has volunteered for a variety of organizations- helping with CPR week at the American Red Cross, mentoring a little at Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and translating (Swahili) and other aid services for refugees with IRC. She enjoys camping, hiking, baking, cooking, reading, Netflixing, and Tik Toking. She is eager to put her interest and love of reading to good use by volunteering at Audio-Reader. 

Brandy Seidl of Overland Park, KS has recently transitioned from being a mortgage loan officer to real estate agent. She has volunteered with her church choir, her children’s school and lectoring at church. She enjoys reading, singing, walking (especially with her dog) and exercising. She enjoyed describing for her brother-in-law and is eager to share her time with an organization with such a meaningful mission. 

Marlys Shulda is the Development Director for the School of Journalism, KU Endowment. She has volunteered with several organizations including Heart to Heart International, Community Blood Center, C10, and the Johnson County Democratic Party. She travels for work often and when she has free time, she enjoys reading (non-fiction, historical fiction, true crime), hiking/camping (National Parks), bicycling, boating, history (WWII specifically), piano, politics, college basketball, her pets and her kids. She came to Audio-Reader at the suggestion of a friend and looks forward to enriching the lives of others. 

Gigi Snipes of Lawrence, dedicates time volunteering with Audio-Reader and the library while she continues her studies at KU. She is an avid reader and with familial experience with how beneficial the service is, she is eager to contribute her time and skill to the mission of Audio-Reader. She has been subbing for both Telephone Reader and Broadcast assignments and has loved the Ads! 

Alleigh Weems of Topeka, is working as a Management Analyst while completing her Masters Degree; she also volunteers with United Way and learned of services similar to Audio-Reader. She enjoys volleyball, houseplants, cooking, photography, crafts, hiking and being outdoors. She said, “I believe this is a unique and impactful way to assist those needing access to critical information, as well as materials that bring joy to their daily lives.” Alleigh reads the Saturday Kansas City Star via Telephone Reader.