Upcoming Programs (All at the UTHSC Auditorium)

Sat. Oct. 12, 2002 (One week earlier than usual)

A special program featuring Dr. Michele Trankina, PHD, clinical nutritionist and St. Mary's University professor, speaking on "Nutrition for the Eyes". Also Major Carol Rymer, OD, Brook Army Medical Center Optometry Service, and Dr. Timothy P. Cleland, retina specialist at UT Health Science Center San Antonio. Because of its special nature, this program will be open to the general public.

Sat. Nov. 16, 2002

Moderator Leslie Hoy will present a unique program for caregivers. Be sure to bring your "partner" to this one.

Sat. Dec. 7, 2002

Our annual Christmas luncheon, but this time it will be held in the lobby of the UT Health Science Center Auditorium where we held our get acquainted party and talent show in August.

A New Club Service Through OASIS

For some time, OASIS has offered a "Person to Person" program for persons needing peer support. Volunteers listen to and encourage persons who call this free service. In order to make sure OASIS volunteers can be most helpful to persons with low vision, our club commissioned Leslie Hoy, clinical psychologist, to conduct training classes for OASIS volunteers on the ins and outs of vision loss. These volunteers are now a resource our members can call to talk with about their low vision experiences. The number to call to set up an appointment is (210) 270-3456. A coordinator will return your call and arrange for a peer counselor to contact you later. Take advantage of this service when you need help.

Answer Via Trans Survey

For several months Via Trans has been holding hearings and surveying the public about changes they plan to make in their service next year. Two alternative plans have been presented, both of which severely penalize a large number of handicapped persons. Larry Johnson from our club is spearheading an effort to overturn these plans. He asks that you telephone Via at (210) 362-2007 and tell them you want to record a "NO" vote against either plan on their survey. The telephone line is open from 7 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday. You may also email them at mailto:csp@viainfo.net.  Club member Adela Aguilar emailed a powerful message, as have others. In addition, Larry Johnson has appeared before Bexar County Commissioners Court seeking support, and plans to appear before the San Antonio City Council. If you would like to help in this effort, call Larry Johnson at 590-6777.

Memorials and Donations

Memorial donations to the club this quarter came from Bonnie Truax, Eileen Truax and Louise Sayger. HEB also made a substantial donation towards the refreshments at our August Get Acquainted Party.

New Library of Taped Books

Our club recently received a donation of 78 books on cassette tape. There are biographies, autobiographies, mystery novels, comedies, and educational books. They all play on regular cassette players. Club member Ed Brown has taken charge of the collection and cataloged it. He will be a special table in the lobby of the auditorium near the registration table at our October club meeting, and will be happy to show you the list. of what is available. If you miss him, call Ed Brown at 735-1802 for more information. Ed also is the one to call if you wish to receive this newsletter on cassette tape rather than in large print.

Radio Reading Service

The San Antonio Low Vision Club was bolstered by a major donation of radios for our Radio Reading Service from the employees at City Public Service. These were purchased from the proceeds of their Fun Day last May, and will enable us to extend our service to more print impaired individuals. You can help us find those individuals by spreading the word about the Radio Reading Service. In addition to those who are visually impaired, we are looking for persons who may be unable to read print for other reasons, such as a learning impairment, or a physical impairment due to an accident, stroke or other disability. A condition of print impairment must be certified by a health care provider on each individual's application form. To sign up, tell them to call Bonnie Truax at 344-1479, or the Radio Reading Service Office at 829-4223.

Craft Group Reorganizing

The Low Vision Club's Craft Group will reorganize on the second Saturday in November. New participants are needed and will be welcomed with open arms by Craft Group Leader Marian Harrell. Call her at 655-9659 for more information. You will find out you can make things after all, and have great fun doing it. You'll also enjoy the fellowship.

The Bag Lady

Need help getting your groceries? For a fee, The Bag Lady (Diane Fuqua, 734-8281) offers personal shopping for groceries. She will pick up your grocery list, shop for the items you want, and deliver them to you at a convenient time. The cost is $15 for 20 items, $25 for 20 to 40 items, and $35 for 40 items and over.

Braille Calendar 2003

Milton Washington will supply free Braille Calendars for 2003 to those who need them. Contact him at 822-7716.

For Sale By Members

MAX Digital Magnifier which connects to TV. Two years old. Good condition. $150. Call George Livermore, 680-8352.

Two CCTV's for sale. Both like new and full color.

Optelec Spectrum junior $1,000; Optelec Clearview 500. $1,300. Call 433-3098 for more information.

Bonnie Honored by Blinded Veterans Association

On August 16 while meeting in convention in San Antonio, the National President of the Blinded Veterans Association presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Bonnie Truax "in grateful recognition of an outstanding contribution to the welfare of Blinded Veterans". A similar Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Dr. El-Hitamy Amir of the Santa Rosa Low Vision Clinic. Dr. Amir also serves on the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Low Vision Club.