It doesn’t seem possible, but the Low Vision Club will be 10 years old in January, with Owl Radio approaching 5 years.  Such milestones demand special recognition, and that’s exactly what will happen on Friday, January 26, 2007 with a special “mini-gala” luncheon at the Pearl Stable Reception Center downtown.  Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Designed to be both a fundraiser and publicity opportunity, the celebration will feature County Judge Nelson Wolff as principal speaker and Joe Gwathmey as master of ceremonies.  An audio-visual presentation of the work performed by our organizations will also be a program highlight, along with special music.  Tickets are available at $50 per person from Owl Radio, 1250 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 905, San Antonio, TX 78209.  Further information may be obtained by calling 829-4223 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

These same milestones will be celebrated at our regular monthly Low Vision Club meeting in February which is proclaimed as “Low Vision Awareness Month.”  See details below.

We begin the new year with presentations from representatives of service agencies and low vision clinics about the work they provide.  Here’s your chance to find out where to go for many of the things you may need.  New members will find this especially informative, and long time members will have their memories refreshed.  We’ll be meeting in our regular auditorium in the Children’s Cancer Research Institute, 8403 Floyd Curl Drive on the North Campus of the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Come prepared to celebrate the two anniversary milestones listed above.  Full details are not yet set, but will be in the flier mailed in advance to your home.  This will be a special occasion in recognition of Low Vision Awareness Month and our achievements over the years.  The celebration will be held at our regular meeting place.

Here is what you have been waiting for… EXPO 2007... one of the most important events of the year.  HOWEVER, THERE IS A CHANGE IN LOCATION THIS YEAR.

The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio now prohibits the sale of merchandise in any of their campus locations.  Rather than penalize our exhibitors and deny our attendees the opportunity to purchase small items at the event, we have moved the EXPO to an easily-accessible off-campus area.

The location this year is in the well-lighted and spacious gym at Colonial Hills United Methodist Church, 5247 Vance Jackson (just north of Callaghan).  Free parking is also available.  Time will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This will be our 9th annual EXPO providing you with the opportunity to see the latest in low vision aids and explore community resources.  The general public also is welcome to attend.

What a wonderful Christmas party we had in December thanks to Dana Schilling and her Special Events Committee!  Volunteers served a delicious Turkey luncheon with all the trimmings to approximately 150 attendees, (and most of us got to eat our pie first).  Some lucky people won fabulous door prizes, and all of us enjoyed the special music by a talented choral group.  A great way to begin the Holiday season.  Thanks again to all who made it possible.

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 and volunteer.  You’ll be appreciated.

The Low Vision Club has a new Social Activities Committee headed by our club’s resource specialist, Cindy Garcia.  The committee has the following events planned for January through March, 2007.

Saturday, January 13 — Visit to the San Antonio Zoo

Saturday, February 10 — Visit the Stock Show & Rodeo

Sunday, March 18 — San Antonio Chamber Music Society Concert

Please call Judy Adams at Owl Radio (210) 829-4223 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and let her know the social event you wish to attend and give her your address and phone number.  The committee asks that you bring a family member as your sighted guide.  If you do not have a sighted guide, we will do our best to provide one for you.  Admission varies for each event, and you will be advised of all the particulars.  You must provide your own transportation.

Bowling League—1st & 3rd Mondays—Call Dr. Sid Ordway 653-2827.

Game Day—4th Sat.—Hungry Horse—Call Pegi Gonzalez 493-9272

Painting Class-2nd Sat.Warm Springs-Call Pat Holden 679-6607

Contact club member Kim Van Hooser at 262-3079 about joining her V.I.B.E. (Visually Impaired Being Encouraged) group which will meet during the club’s regular monthly program in the refreshment area of the Children’s Cancer Research Institute.  They will discuss coping with problems specifically affecting young visually impaired adults.

Persons with wet age-related macular degeneration received the great news recently that both Lucentis and Avastin have been approved by the Food & Drug Administration, and are now covered by Medicare.  Both drugs need to be injected into the eye multiple times to be effective.  Consult your ophthalmologist for further information.

This is the time of year when we conduct our annual fundraising drive for both the Low Vision Club and Owl Radio.  All of you should have received a special letter requesting a donation along with a return envelope addressed back to the club.  Thanks to the many who have already replied.  If you have forgotten, this is your reminder.  Working together we can accomplish many wonderful things.

I wish I knew where I first heard this, but enjoy…

“Share Your Yesterdays…Dream of Tomorrow…But Live For Today”

Please notify us if you move or change telephone numbers by calling 344-1479.