New Meeting Location A Hit!

The Low Vision Club’s new meeting location at the Children’s Cancer Research Center, 8403 Floyd Curl Drive in San Antonio, is proving to be a hit.  The parking lot is located next to the north side door, and there are no steps to cause us problems coming that way.  Entrance doors also can be operated electrically by handicapped individuals just by pushing a large button on the side of the entrance.

Once inside, the lobby is spacious and an excellent place to visit and enjoy refreshments prior to the meetings held in the adjacent 160-seat
auditorium.  And when it’s party time, there is an excellent dining area
which worked well for both our Spring Fiesta and our Talent Show.

Future Programs

Saturday, October 16, 2004
Our Annual Medical Update featuring two ophthalmologists who also will answer your questions about eye problems following their presentations. Dr. Calvin E. Mein, retina specialist, returns to update us on advances in treating macular degeneration, while Dr. Stuart J. McKinnon from the UTHSC staff will speak about glaucoma.

Saturday, November 20, 2004
Leslie Hoy, author of the book “TLC for Caregivers”, published by the Low Vision Club, will present helpful advice for making the most of your relationship with your care partners.

Saturday, December 18, 2004
The club’s annual Christmas luncheon with special entertainment and traditional Christmas goodies. Reservations and advance payment before deadline will once again be required, so watch for the announcement flier in your mail in November.

Be Sure To Vote

The Tuesday, November 2nd General Election is coming soon, and we urge you to cast your ballot.  Information about voting was provided at our September LVC meeting by Larry and Valerie Meads who read for our Owl Radio Reading Service when they are not assisting voters.  Early voting will take place from Oct. 18 to Oct. 29.  If you have questions, in Bexar County call 210-335-8683.  Other counties call 1-800-252-8683.

Volunteer Helpers Needed

Bonnie’s Wish List grows longer every day, but at the top of the list now is a need for a volunteer to handle publicity for the Low Vision Club.  This includes news releases and public service announcements as needed, plus keeping an eye on the media to make sure all of our calendar information is published correctly.  If you can help, call Bonnie Truax at 344-1479.

Also needed are volunteers to work on the Fund Raising Committee.  Our club has a constant need for funds to operate our various projects and programs.  We need volunteers to undertake letter writing campaigns, apply for charitable grants, and conduct special fund raising events.  If you would like to help in this area, call Bonnie Truax at 344-1479.  If you wish to help the club with a contribution, please mail your check to the Low Vision Club at 11510 Sandman Drive, San Antonio, TX 78216.

Have Fun At Game Day

Some of our club members have great fun on the last Saturday of every month participating in a Game Day.  They meet from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hungry Horse Restaurant on West Avenue.  They play scrabble, dominos, and cards.  If interested, call Ed Brown at 735-1802 or Adela Aguilar at 922-4368.

Please Noify Us If You Move or Change Telephones

Every month the post office returns a number of LVC meeting fliers from people who have moved.  Also our callers can’t find people who have changed telephone numbers.  We need to keep our records up to date, so please call Bonnie Truax at 344-1479 when changes occur either in your address or telephone number.  Thanks.

E.A.R.S. for Eyes

Having trouble dialing the telephone, setting stove controls or identifying medications?  E.A.R.S. (Enrichment Audio Resources Services) offers FREE instructional audio tapes for seniors with low vision.  Their tapes teach adaptive living skills in a number of areas.  For further information or to order tapes, call 1-800-843-6816 or visit their web site at www.earsforeyes.org.

Blind Beatitudes

BLESSED ARE THEY that refrain from shouting while speaking to me.
BLESSED ARE THEY that talk directly to me and not to someone else.
BLESSED ARE THEY that say who they are when entering a room and say hello to me.
BLESSED ARE THEY that say goodbye to me when they leave so I am not left speaking to the air.
BLESSED ARE THEY that do not hesitate to say “SEE” when talking to me.
BLESSED ARE THEY who tap my shoulder gently when they approach from behind or from the side when speaking to me.
BLESSED ARE THEY who wait for me to extend my hand before shaking it.
BLESSED ARE THEY who place my hand on an object such as the back of a chair when telling me where it is, so I can seat myself.
BLESSED ARE THEY who do not leave me in a strange environment without orienting me.
BLESSED ARE THEY who offer me their arm so they can serve as my guide, instead of grabbing, pulling or shoving me.
BLESSED ARE THEY who come up to me in a large crowd and offer to help me when I appear disoriented.
BLESSED ARE THEY who do not embarrass me in a group of people by openly referring to my blindness in word or action.
BLESSED ARE THEY who laugh with me when I tell a joke related to blindness.
BLESSED ARE THEY who read me the menu and its prices and allow me to order my own meal.
BLESSED ARE THEY who take me to the cashier so I may pay for my own meal.
BLESSED ARE THEY who do not distract my guide dog from being my active eyes.
BLESSED ARE THEY who treat me like a human being for like it or not, I AM a human being. (Author Unknown)

Need To Hire A Cab?

Dr. Dave at the UTHSC has had good luck with Towne Car driven by Gabriel Elizondo.  He will come to your door and pick you up, plus make sure you get to the right place where you are going.  His home phone is 348-7196.  His work number is 875-9021.

Portable Magnifiers For Sale

Mary Cole (945-2562) is selling a Quick Look portable magnifier with carrying case and charger for the battery.  Price $750 or best offer.

Thought for the Day

Learn from the mistakes of others.  You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.