VOLUNTEER PORTRAIT: JANE TEDDER

Dr. Kim Morrow, Advisory Board Member 

           Jane Tedder had a fun and productive week planned when she traveled to New York City in September, 2001. As a member of the National Association of Business Economists, she looked forward to attending their annual convention, to be held at the Marriott World Trade Center Hotel. Jane and her sister from Seattle, who had joined her for some weekend sight-seeing prior to the convention, had a fabulous view of the city from the hotel’s sixteenth floor. The hotel sat at the base of the twin towers. Then came the morning of September 11. “The building shook and the hotel alarms sounded immediately when the first tower was hit (we could see out our window the debris that was falling), and hotel personnel were pounding on doors telling people to evacuate.  We were told to stay in a park area south of the tower sites and saw each tower fall.”  For Jane, witnessing the horrific events of 9/11 put life into perspective in a hurry. “By the time I finally got back to Kansas four days later, I had decided that we never really know how much time we have left--if I planned to do something, I'd better get started!  So I retired at the end of 2001 and my first volunteer choice then was Audio-Reader.” Jane has now been volunteering faithfully for over 25 years. 

          When deciding on a volunteer path, Audio-Reader was Jane’s first choice, thanks to the encouragement and experiences of two very dear friends—walking group member Bob Lewis and  fellow Plymouth Congregational Church choir member Marilyn Bradt. Both encouraged her to give Audio-Reader a try. “I did; I love it; I’m still here.”  

          Jane has very specific content she enjoys reading for her print-disabled audience. “I am very news oriented.” She records the Lawrence Journal-World on Tuesday; on Wednesday she reads from Time magazine for the “National and International News” program.  On Thursday and Friday, Jane reads her assignments from home from sections of the Kansas City Star. Of course, every volunteer has that assignment that brings a chuckle. For Jane, that item came from a small-town newspaper whose editor may have missed a little something. “One Kansas small town newspaper talked about a women’s group that had a Christmas luncheon type of meeting. Entertainment was by Mrs. So-and-So, who played a selection of carols on her harmonica.” 

          Prior to the pandemic, Jane teamed with another volunteer on Mondays to read newspapers live. Now, she reads alone, and enjoys reading solo. Although she reads alone, the aspect of Audio-Reader she enjoys most is the other members of the  staff and volunteers. “The people are wonderful to work with. They try to match what you’re reading with what your interests are.”  

         Jane brings an interesting array of life experiences to her time at Audio-Reader.  She is an Enid, Oklahoma native and Oklahoma State University graduate.  She moved to Lawrence in 1972 and worked at Douglas County Bank (now Central Bank) for almost ten years.  She then commuted to Topeka to work at Security Benefit Company for 18 years before retiring. Jane plans to share her time and talents with Audio-Reader for as long as she possibly can. “Audio-Reader is a super place to volunteer.”