On March 1st, 1973, WMRY’s Talking Book went on air for the first time. On March 1st, 2023, MindsEye celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the Studio with clients, volunteers, supporters, funders, current and former staff, and community partners! The occasion was commemorated with a Belleville Mayoral Proclamation that reads:
WHEREAS, MindsEye, then named WMRY’s Talking Book, was founded 50 years ago on March 1, 1973, by Father Boniface Wittenbrink, OMI, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, MindsEye builds a more inclusive community by translating vision into audio for individuals who are blind or have low vision; and
WHEREAS, MindsEye is committed to innovating accessible services to meet the evolving needs of our community; and
WHEREAS, MindsEye values Accessibility, Inclusion, and Community; and
WHEREAS, through the Broadcast Information program, MindsEye provides listeners access to local news and essential information through a 24/7 broadcast of volunteer-read programs; and
WHEREAS, through the Audio Description program, MindsEye’s trained describers provide visual information and an equitable experience for attendees of live cultural events at theatres, museums stadiums, and more; and
WHEREAS, through the Adaptive Athletics program, MindsEye raises awareness and support for adaptive athletes while providing competitive team opportunities in Beep Baseball, Blind Soccer, and Goal Ball; and
WHEREAS, through the Arts and Culture Accessibility Cooperative, MindsEye provides a space for museums, theaters, circuses, and more to learn how to make sure everyone can access their offerings; and
WHEREAS, over the last 50 years, MindsEye has thrived and expanded to serve more individuals who are blind or partially sighted in more ways than ever before. This has been achieved through the untiring support of MindsEye volunteers, donors, friends, staff, and community partners, including the City of Belleville. With that same support, MindsEye will continue to serve its community for the next 50 years and beyond.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Patty Gregory, Mayor of the City of Belleville, Illinois, do hereby recognize and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of MindsEye and its service to our community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Belleville to be affixed, this 21st day of February, 2023.
Patty Gregory, Mayor
Dated this 21st day of February, 2023