San Antonio Low Vision Club

We finally made it! The San Antonio Low Vision Club is now officially a non-profit corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. The ruling is retroactive to August 24, 1999.

This means donations made to our club since that date are deductible for federal income tax purposes.

We have had many such gifts. A. F. Taute donated money toward our non-profit application fees. A memorial was made in the name of Madie O’Connor by Peggy Hovermale, Louise Sayger and Renee Ivy. A memorial in memory of Drew Cloud was made by Vivian Brown, Louise Sayger, and Renee Ivy. A memorial in memory of Fran Benson, Guy Shaw, Gene Ulbrich, and Barbara Olfers was made by Dallas and Margaret Fees. A memorial in memory of Morrie Cotton was made by Bonnie and Earl Truax. Other donations have been received from Alice Reppe, Joe Locos and Mary Wittler.

Our heartfelt thanks is due Richard M. Taylor III of the law firm of Benton Clark & Taylor who donated his legal services in pursuing our applications for state and federal recognition. Also we owe a big round of applause to the Brenner Printing Company for a continuing series of special considerations, making it possible for us to provide you this quarterly newsletter.

Despite all this, and the donations you put in the basket at the sign-in table at our monthly meetings, our club treasury has a difficult time keeping up with the expenses incurred serving our growing membership. If you know of a source who would be willing to make a tax deductible gift to our organization, please call club President Bonnie Truax at 344-1479.

We had approximately 90 people attend our club’s Christmas party on Dec. 18 at the Laurel Heights United Methodist Church. Special thanks go to party chairman Fred Irizarry and his crew for handling all the details. We all enjoyed it immensely.

How do I get to where I want to go? In my home and neighborhood, around town, and wherever else I want to go.

Betsy Harris from the Santa Rosa Low Vision Clinic will discuss long cane and sighted guide training. Mark Hartridge of the Southwest Guide Dog Foundation will be present with his dog. Mike Dominguez of Via Trans will discuss mobility support. And we’ll also find out about the best ways to travel beyond San Antonio. What a way to start off the new year!

Have you ever bought a magnifier and found it was not strong enough? Or did you purchase something that did not work when you received it in the mail? Or did you ever wonder why two magnifiers of the same strength did not give the same image?

This presentation will focus on various considerations in the purchase and use of aids and devices for the visually impaired. Our presenters will be Larry Belote and Bob Kozel from the Audie Murphy VAMC. February’s program will be just the thing to get you prepared for our big event in March.

Your annual opportunity to see the latest low vision aids and explore community resources.

This year’s EXPO will be so large it will be held in two buildings next to each other…the Allied Health Building and the McDermott Building, both at our former address of 8403 Floyd Curl Drive.

Manufacturers and distributors will display all types of low vision aids including magnifiers, closed circuit TV’s, and computers that speak to you. The equipment will be available for “hands on” experience. Free eye screening also will be available at the mobile van.

Agencies dealing with visually impaired people will have representatives there to answer questions concerning assistance. And drug company representatives will be available to provide information on the latest eye medications.

In the McDermott Building we’ll offer people a chance to put on special goggles and experience various forms of vision loss. They can also try walking with the white cane and acting as a sighted guide.

Whatever you do, don’t miss this special event!

This class is based on the art of Aikido but modified for the visually impaired. Instructor Tim Gutierrez reminds me that his first instructor was a senior citizen, so he has been trained to help all of us!

Computer Monitor (Color)—Multiple Scan 1705 Display 17 inches. Works with either Mac or IBM-type personal computer. Price $100. Call 344-1479.

DOOR-IN-THE-WALL Radio & Television Shows Featuring Disability News—New Times and Stations:

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY—It’s hard to be nostalgic when you can’t remember anything!