WGBH says cuts, layoffs needed

From the Boston Globe

Officials at WGBH said yesterday that budget shortfalls will require major budget cuts and layoffs.

WGBH spokeswoman Lucy Sholley said it is unknown how many employees would be let go because the station is in negotiations with one of its major unions.

However, department heads were asked to cut their budgets as much as 8 percent to help make up an expected revenue shortfall of 12 percent in fiscal 2010, she said.

“We expect there will be layoffs,’’ Sholley said last night.

WGBH has been in talks with the Association of Employees of the Educational Foundation, Local 1300 of the Communications Workers of America, and has asked the union to approve a wage freeze and an end to pension contributions. The concessions would save the station an expected $1.3 million. Sholley said WGBH management agreed to the same concessions in September of 2008.

Union officials said they would meet with station management next week and added they had not seen any proposals. Last year after restructurings and layoffs, more than 22 employees lost their jobs. “One of the things it does affect is local programming, local production,’’ said union president Jordan Weinstein, “to what extent we don’t know.’’

In: Press |

Jeanie Angier, director of national promotion

Deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of former ’GBHer Jeanie Angier, who passed away May 8. Jeanie worked at WGBH from 1978 to 1993, eventually holding the position of Director of National Promotion. She started out at WGBH as a publicist for NOVA, and it was during that time that she met her husband, then fellow ’GBHer John Angier.

No memorial services will be held, but those wishing to honor Jeanie’s memory may write to John Angier at 94 Harvard Ave., Brookline, MA 02446.

The following notice was published in The Boston Globe on May 17:

ANGIER, Jeanie Of Brookline, died May 8th, beloved wife of John, stepmother of Jeremy and Penelope, sister of Rob and Katie, aunt of Tom, David, Laurie, Wendy and Katie; and good friend of Lenny, Andrea and Sandy. She leaves a large number of friends and family across the United States and the United Kingdom, dismayed at her death at such a young age but grateful for having known such vivacity. Donations in her memory may be made to the place to which she devoted so much of her wonderful energy: Longyear Museum, 1125 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.

In: QuickNooz, Staff | , ,

Bob Tappan, 91, 30-year WGBH volunteer

Deepest condolences to the family and friends of longtime Auction volunteer Bob Tappan, who passed away on Fri, 3/27, at the age of 92.

His daughter, Olivia, is a former ’GBHer, and both Bob and his wife were original Auction volunteers in the 1960s.

Bob continued his work with the Auction past his 90th birthday. “Bob would show up at the right time, get the job done quickly and quietly, and never expected any recognition,” says former Auction manager Edye Baker. “He was a unique fellow, and never failed to help out where he was needed. Truly, he was the grand old man of the Auction.”

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the Tappan family at 76 Laurel Road, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.

In: Obituaries, QuickNooz, Staff |

Frances Shrand, 82, Spider’s Web actor

From Cynthis Broner

Former ’GBHer Frances Shrand, of Brighton, died Sun, 3/15.

Her career included time as an actress, an elocution teacher, and a children’s etiquette instructor, but Frances may be best remembered at WGBH for her work on The Spider’s Web, the WGBH radio production for which she won two Armstrong Awards. The Spider’s Web, which debuted on 89.7 in 1970, was one of WGBH’s earliest productions aimed at promoting literacy.

In: Obituaries, QuickNooz, Staff | , ,

Memorial Service for Bunny Olenick

From Fred Barzyk

A memorial service honoring the life of Bernice Olenick will be held on Sunday January 11th, at 2 pm at Stanetsky Memorial Chapels, 1668 Beacon Street, Brookline (1 block outbound/west of Washington St.).

Following the service, there will be a reception at her apartment house, 1550 Beacon St. (1 block east of Washington St.) in the 3rd floor community room.

In: QuickNooz, Staff | , , ,
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