San Antonio Low Vision Club
Help.
Hope. Independence.
Support and Assistance When Vision Fails
|
San Antonio Low Vision Club |
|
WOW! Have we ever been moving at a fast pace this year! Following our January meeting when we discussed new projects for 2001, we had that emotional and inspiring meeting in February featuring three club members telling their success stories. Then came our Third Annual EXPO in March, with over 500 persons viewing the latest low vision aids and exploring community resources. And we welcomed April with a fun-filled picnic hosted by our Special Events Committee, headed by Josefina Miller, and the Blinded Veterans Association.
What's Next? On Saturday, May 12th (one week earlier than our normal meeting date), we will launch our effort to "Be An Ambassador For The Blind". On June 16, representatives from the Chris Cole Rehabilitation Center in Austin will demonstrate low vision aids, and on July 21, we will make our annual visit to the San Antonio Lighthouse & William Judson Center.
Low Vision Network of Texas Also in March, the Low Vision Club joined with the San Antonio Regional Office of the Texas Commission for the Blind, to conduct a 7-hour conference on starting and maintaining low vision support groups. Representatives from all across Texas attended, and concluded the conference by forming a network to assist each other. This effort is independent of TCB and our club, but several of our members have agreed to serve on the organizing committee for the network.
Resource Guide Update Shirley Lehman has compiled a list of changes to our Resource Guide published last year. Her list has been printed in a special newsletter type format, and will be mailed to those who previously received our guide.
Memorials and Donations The club's treasury received a much-needed boost this quarter by major donations from Guy and Pauline Alexander (who paid for our new stationery), and the Select Employees Credit Union (who invited Low Vision Club members to join). This is their second major contribution to our club. Donations/Memorials also were received from Emilie Stanley, P.A. Miller Construction Co., John Powell, Steven Webb, Dallas Fees and Foot Works.
Audio Cassette We are continuing to provide these newsletters on audio cassettes to those who request it. If you want an audio cassette instead of a printed copy of the newsletter, call Ed Brown at 735-1802. If you have used audio cassettes you would like to donate to the club for re-taping, please bring them to our May 12th meeting. However, only bring cassettes which DO NOT have holes punched on the bottom edge. Cassettes like those from Newsweek, New York Times Book Review, etc. have holes punched on the bottom edge and can not be re-taped.
Publicity We hope you saw the wonderful write-up in the Express-News on Sunday, April 8, about the San Antonio Low Vision Club. The column was written by Maury Maverick after he visited the Expo, and was a tribute to our efforts. We have had many people who read the column ask to join our club, including the author himself. We welcome and thank Maury Maverick.
Health Fairs Another source for publicity and new members is our participation in a booth at various Health Fairs. Teresita Casarez heads up our committee on this project. During the next three months they will be appearing at the Seniors Fiesta at South Park Mall (April 25), the King Williams Fair (April 28), the Rosedale Park Picnic (May 25), University Health Systems (June 23), and the San Jose Mission (June 24).
Quick Notes About A Lot of Things If you ride Via Trans, check the expiration date on your Via Trans card. It needs to be renewed three months before expiration date. Call 362-2140, Extension 2140 for details and a renewal application form. The Cracker Barrel Restaurants need to be congratulated for offering a large print menu to its visually impaired customers. Debbie Lewis from the Alamo Council of the Blind informs us that fellowship meetings for the visually impaired and those with other handicaps are being held at the University Baptist Church, 2308 Cincinnati, on the third Saturday of the month from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. They also provide supper at no charge, but do take up a free will offering. "Women Talk" is an e-mail listserv that is designed for women who are blind or visually impaired to discuss aspects of their lives as visually impaired women. Topics range from employment or independent living to dating or social relationships. To subscribe to this list, send a blank e-mail message to womentalk-subscribe@onelist.com. Have you heard about the book entitled, "What Blind People Wish Sighted People Knew About Blindness" by Harry Martin? It may be purchased from Harry Martin, 2314 River Park Cr., Apt. 2111, Orlando, FL 32817. A single copy costs $15.71 Including shipping and handling.
For Sale Member Arthur Moser has a customized computer for sale with 128 mg ram, 13 gig hard drive, Windows 98, fax capability, plus a scanner, printer and L-shaped table to hold the equipment.. Only 1 year old. All for $1,000. Call 653-0163.
Joke A grandfather had taken his grandson to church and was having difficulty keeping the five-year-old quiet during the service. Finally, when he realized that he wasn't succeeding, granddad picked up the lad and hurried for the door. As they neared the exit, the boy yelled, "Pray for me!" Past newsletters are available online in our newsletter archive. |
|
|
Starting Off With A "Bang"