Perkins' library patrons show their appreciation
In celebration of National Postal Worker Appreciation Day on July 1, Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library patrons gave a special thank you to some very dedicated mail carriers.
Each day, Massachusetts mail carriers bring roughly 2000 audio books to Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library patrons. Each delivery is appreciated and valued. There are, however, a few individuals who go far beyond their “appointed rounds” to make certain those deliveries make it securely into the hands of the addressees – all of whom are blind, visually impaired or unable to read conventional books.
Boston Postmaster James Holland, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Director Rob Maier, BTBL Director Kim Charlson and Perkins President Steven Rothstein all were on hand to celebrate this year's BTBL mail carrier award recipients:
Martin Tildsley – Tewskbury P.O. *Nominated by Timmy Stevens, 15, and his mom Ellen Widdall
"Marty brings Timmy cards, letters, packages and his favorite books on tape from the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library. He even came over one day and personally gave Tim a framed photo of one of his favorite Red Sox players – Big Poppy! ... Marty has always treated Timmy just like any other kid on his route and that is so important to our family. He takes the time to stop and see how thing are going and talks to him about school or sports." - Ellen Widdall
Joseph Mitza – Medford P.O. *Nominated by Barbara J. Dawson
Every day, Joseph rings Barbara Dawson's doorbell and when she answers he identifies each piece of mail telling her to whom it's addressed and from whom. He takes a lot of time reading this information to her. On his days off, he tells his substitutes to do the same thing--ring the bell and identify the mail for her. She appreciates this service very much. On the days she does not have any mail, he rings the doorbell and tells her she doesn't have any mail. He is very friendly and considerate.
Alan Bolger – New Bedford P.O. *Nominated by Dan Germano and his guide dog Turbo
"Alan Bolger comes every day come sun or come rain or snow or sleet. Every day he makes a special effort by opening the door and neatly putting my mail on the mail on the table with my cassettes, so that I can easily find them ... If my mail is there for more than one day, he rings the bell to make sure that every thing is all right. He always has a little bone for my guide dog, Turbo." - Dan Germano
Susan Abbott, Perkins neighborhood mail carrier – Watertown P.O. – Special Certificate of Appreciation (Award to be presented by Jim Denham)
Perkins Assistive Technology Coordinator Jim Denham presented a framed Special Certificate of Appreciation to Perkins’ own mail carrier, Susan Abbott, who also received a bouquet of flowers from a Perkins student, Kara.