The group gathers in a second floor area in the South Lawrence WE plant, to work on a special project of the Merrimack Valley Works Chapter of Telephone Pioneers of America: audio balls for the use of the blind.

Pioneers is a non-profit, charitable group of telephone system workers with 18 years or more of service. The valley chapter decided to make the electronic balls a major project in 1971., along with its many other good works, including volunteers services in nursing homes, the Hale Males and Lawrence Generals.

To date, they have shipped out more than 4,000 of the leather-covered, conventional-size softballs equipped with the special sounding module. Recipients include other Pioneer chapters, which buy and distribute them, institutions and agencies concerned with the blind.

Western Electric engineers designed the unique softball. The nodule inserted in the ball includes a 30 component printed wiring board and three ni-cad rechargeable batteries. The Pioneers also make a charger for recharging the balls after one hour of use.

Prime supplier

Arthur McGrath, Salem, N.H., a methods associate at the WE North Andover plant, is project leader. He said the valley chapter is the prime supplier of the balls for recreation for blind persons throughout the country.

A special "beep ball" game, similar to baseball has been devised and has proven to give blind persons mobility and a chance to participate in an active sport.

When the plug in the ball is pulled out, an electronic beep sounds. This enables the blind person to follow the flight of the ball. McGrath said this is the "Dopler effect," or the sensing of motion of a passing object.

On the Pioneers weekly assembly line are former production workers, engineers, machinists, supervisors, and others who have spent many years in WE and Bell Labs employ.

McGrath said the project has captivated the dedication of the retirees, many of whom are involved with other Pioneers charitable programs as well.

"Its benefits are two-fold," he said, "They are giving their time to something they feel is worthwhile, and of course, it keeps our 'family' together. Their only pay is the coffee and doughnuts we serve."

The Haverhill, Mass., Gazette, Tuesday, July 19, 1977.