Upcoming Programs

Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006
(One Week Earlier Than Usual)  Our annual medical update.  This year’s program will feature Dr. Carlos Rosende, Interim Chairman of the Ophthalmology Department for the UTSA Health Science Center.  Also, Dr. Nancy Amir from the Santa Rosa Low Vision Clinic will discuss how to use low vision aids.

As an added bonus, election representatives will be present to provide information on early voting by mail for the upcoming November election.

We have limited help with transportation for this meeting.  Please take this opportunity to ask family and friends for a ride.  It is a good time for them to understand more about low vision and the challenges we face.

Saturday, November 18, 2006
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.  Before and after the presentation, we will have simulation goggles for various eye diseases available for your care partners to try on so they can better understand your vision problems.

Saturday, December 9, 2006
The club’s annual Christmas luncheon with special entertainment and traditional Christmas goodies.  A catered dinner will be served between noon and 1:30 p.m.  Reservations and payments may be made at our November meeting or by mail to Special Events Chairperson Dana Schilling.  Watch for more details in the November flier.

Friday, January 26, 2007
Special Anniversary Luncheon.  The Low Vision Club will reach its 10th anniversary, while Owl Radio will reach its 5th anniversary, next year.  A special luncheon with the general public will be held in celebration on Friday, January 26th at the Pearl Stable Reception Center downtown.  More details coming.

Transportation Options

Club members attending the September Low Vision Club meeting received a copy of an eight page report listing local Transportation Options compiled by the club’s resource specialist, Cindy Garcia.  We have a limited number of copies still available.  If you missed the club meeting and would like a copy, send a note to the Low Vision Club at 11510 Sandman, San Antonio, TX 78216.  We will then send you a copy by mail while the supply lasts.

Are You Creative?

The Resource Area of Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center, 5100 Medical Drive, is now hosting classes for some of our most creative members.  Our Arts & Crafts Class meets the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  To enroll, call Craft Teacher Elia Pardo at 287-0341.  Our Painting Class meets the second Saturday each month hosted by club member Patricia Holden.  If you are interested in painting or learning to paint, call her at 679-6607.

Callers Needed

The club’s rapid growth has brought about the need for additional telephone callers to remind members about our monthly meetings.  If you can devote a few minutes each month to this task, please call Bonnie Truax at 344-1479.

Memorial Contributions for Dallas Fees

The Low Vision Club lost a “giant” in August with the passing of Dallas Fees.  One of our original members and a long-time member of the club’s Board of Directors, Dallas also conducted satellite groups, chaired numerous committees, and served us in so many different ways.  In his obituary, Dallas requested memorial donations for Owl Radio.  Many have already been received by the club.  If you would like to contribute, send a check to the Low Vision Club, 11510 Sandman, San Antonio, TX 78216.  Mark it as a memorial to Dallas Fees.  We will advise his family of your thoughtfulness.

New Executive Director

The steady growth of the Low Vision Club for almost ten years, and Owl Radio for almost five years, has brought about a need for a change in the way we operate.  Specifically, Bonnie needs help!

During the past year a new Board of Directors was formed and professionally trained by the Executive Service Corps of San Antonio.  This board has under grown a slow but steady increase in membership, talents, and activities.  (Names of present members are listed below.)

The biggest advance occurred in August when the board complied with Bonnie’s wishes and hired an executive director to assist her.  Bonnie will continue as President and Chairman of the Board, but will no longer worry about day to day operations.

The new executive director is Bill L. Phelps, a retired executive of USAA for 16 years.  A veteran of the United States Air Force, Bill also holds a Master in Business Administration degree and has provided management consulting and training to non-profit and publicly funded organizations.  He will office in the Owl Radio Studios at 1250 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 905, San Antonio, TX 78209.  Telephone 829-4223.

Among his other duties, Bill will assist the Board of Directors as we reorganize under the banner of the Low Vision Resource Center, overseeing the Low Vision Club, Owl Radio and other activities.  This is now in process with hopes the changeover will be completed by the end of this year.

Meet Your New Board of Directors

Bonnie Truax, President & Founder
Robert J. Dean, Certified Public Accountant & Treasurer
David Butterbaugh, Attorney at Law
Rand Goldstein , President Wright Flyers
Meg Grant, Marketing Director, Edvance Research
Joe Gwathmey, President, Texas Public Radio
Clyde Hudgins, Retired Educator
Yvonne Lozano, Educator SAC, Gerontology
James Matson, Founder Matson Multi-Media
Marie Pauerstein, Past President, Local Arrangements, Inc.

Used CCTV For Sale

Club member Vivian McCannon has a 4-year-old Aladdin CCTV, recently reconditioned by Christal Comunications, for sale.  Although it cost $2,000 when new, she is asking only $500.  If interested call her at 826-2982.

Computerized Talking Books At High Speed

If you have a computer with high speed internet access, you might be interested in receiving downloads of digital audio books.  All Talking Books patrons are automatically qualified to join the project, but your computer must have a Windows operating system and high speed access.  You will be issued a library card and a PIN access code.  For more information or to sign up, call a Talking Books reader consultant at 1-800-252-9605.