A Smashing Success

An almost overflow crowd of more than 150 LVC members and their guests filled the students’ lounge at the Allied Health Building for our annual Christmas luncheon on December 8th.  Special Events Chairperson Dana Schilling had everything organized beautifully, assisted by Cindy Garcia, Elia Pardo, Pegi Gonzalez and others.

We were entertained by a group of wonderful singers from Dana’s church, and one of her many friends who was a combination singer and keyboard player.  We also distributed many door prizes lined up by Dana via a drawing.  But the star of the show was Santa Claus who not only greeted everyone but also posed for photos with one and all.

Now for the untold story and the heroes behind it.  The students’ lounge is the only area in the Allied Health Building where food and beverages are permitted.  However, it normally contains few tables and chairs.  This required a “crew of volunteers” to come early and transport the necessary tables and chairs the length of the building from our usual meeting rooms to the party area.  The crew also had to return them to their normal locations after the luncheon.

Who were these heroes?  “Dr. D” from the university supplied the dollies, lifted the chairs & tables, and supervised the operation.  He was assisted by Bill Phelps (LVRC Executive Director), Alan Smith (LVC volunteer), Glen Burns (Founder Lions Club) and three wonderful female LVC volunteers (Lori Binney, Kim Salazar, & Frances Guajardo) obtained by Cindy Garcia.  Once the tables and chairs were transported, Dana Schilling supervised their placement.

As usual, Bill Miller BBQ supplied the food at a discount, although the price charged members was less than cost.  But we knew that in advance, and the goal was to make Christmas a merry time for all.  Thanks to Dana and her helpers, we succeeded.

Upcoming Programs

Saturday, January 19 — “Independence on the Move,” a special program moderated by Leslie Hoy, followed by a presentation on “Healthways Silver Sneakers Fitness Program” by Gary Carlson.

Saturday, February 16th — “ Via Bus System/Via Trans and Your Independence” by Mike Dominquez from Via.

Saturday, March 8th — “EXPO 2008” in the gymnasium at Colonial Hills United Methodist Church on Vance Jackson.  (Same EXPO location as last year).  This is a MUST meeting for everyone as vendors and agencies present the latest in helpful products and information to assist you in maintaining your independence.

Other Tentative Program Dates  (Dates Subject To Change)

Saturday, April 19
Saturday, May 17
Saturday, June 21
Saturday, July 19
Saturday, August 2 (Bingo Party at Warm Springs)
Saturday, September 20
Saturday, October 18 (Medical Panel)
Saturday, November 15
Saturday, December 6 (Christmas Luncheon)

White Cane Day 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, October 11, 2008 — Save the date.  To be staged and conducted by LVC Member Kim Van Hooser who headed up our very successful first event last fall.  After EXPO, this will be our major activity of the year.

LVC Classes (Art) (Crafts)

Two separate classes, both of which meet on the 4th Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at Warm Springs Resource Center, 5101 Medical Drive.  The Art Class is taught by Pat Holden and the Crafts Class by Bonnie Potter.  Sign on for either class by calling LVC coordinator Cindy Garcia at (210) 287-9039.

Special Nutrition Classes

The San Antonio Food Bank will conduct nutrition classes specifically tailored for Low Vision Club members beginning February 19,2008 and every 3rd Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m.  Classes will be held at the Bob Ross Senior Center, 2219 Babcock Road, San Antonio, Texas.  Each class will include a nutrition lesson, cooking demonstration, and physical activity instruction.  If you are interested in participating, call Cindy Garcia at 287-9039 to sign up.

AFB Senior Site

The American Foundation for the Blind has a new web site devoted to “seniors.”  It’s located at http://www.afb.org/seniorsite.  It is the first web resource of its kind – a virtual community that seniors, their concerned loved ones, and the dedicated professionals that serve them can use to find critical resources and connections to local services they need to live independently.  Visitors can see examples of others living with vision loss who have continued to thrive.  The site will contain suggestions and support to help cope with age-related eye problems.

More Low Vision Tips

The newsletter ”Gleams” published by the Glaucoma Research Foundation recently carried several tips to help people with low vision continue an active daily life.  They were: Improve Lighting… Increase Contrast… Control Glare… Get Organized… Enlarge Text… Mark and Label… and Listen to audio tapes and books on CD borrowed from your local library or the free Talking Book program.  For more information, they invite you to their website at www.glaucoma.org/living/ and click on “Low Vision Resources.”

eBay Registration

The LVRC has registered with eBay, so items can be put up for sale with profits designated to a registered non-profit organization.  Just tell eBay to send the check to the Low Vision Resource Center.

A Special Thank You

The Low Vision Resource Center, which consists of the Low Vision Club and Owl Radio Reading Service, would like to thank all our many friends who contributed to our financial support in 2007.  As you know, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  We do not charge dues or sell anything.  We exist because of your generous tax-deductible contributions and the annual donations of others.  We also want to thank the many, many volunteers who give their time and skills to help us serve the visually impaired.  We are in your debt, and love you all!

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