Spring will be a little late this year…

so we’re combining it with the summer issue due out next month. Believe me, we’ve been busy!

January saw a special “gala” celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Low Vision Club, designed as both a fundraiser and a publicity opportunity.  The big surprise that day was the reading of a letter from Senator Jeff Wentworth enclosing a proclamation from the Texas Senate officially recognizing Bonnie’s work with the visually impaired and her leadership in the community.  See the Texas Senate Proclamation.

These same milestones were celebrated at an LVC luncheon in February.  All
who attended received a complimentary shopping bag imprinted with the symbol for the club’s 10th Anniversary.

March ushered in a celebration at the studios for Owl Radio’s 5th Anniversary, plus our annual EXPO held for the first time at Colonial Hills United Methodist Church Gymnasium attended by over 600 people.  Many new members signed up, so we are in desperate need for more telephone callers to remind members of meetings.  Volunteers please contact Bonnie at 344-1479.

April brought us a program on the new one-stop Bob Ross Senior Center,
and in May we joined the Central Library in celebrating Low Vision Awareness Month, and seeing the many items they have to help the visually impaired.

And Speaking of Keeping Busy…

Cindy Garcia, our new Health Fair Coordinator for the Low Vision Resource Center (parent organization for the Low Vision Club and Owl Radio) has been setting a torrid pace in March, April and May.  With the assistance of Elia Pardo and other members of her crew, she has attended 10 health fairs, answered questions about both organizations, and distributed hundreds of brochures to attendees.

Upcoming Programs

Saturday, June 16, 2007
Our annual Spring Picnic at the Children’s Cancer Research Institute (our usual meeting place at 8403 Floyd Curl Drive).  Those who make reservations with Special Events Chairperson Dana Schilling by June 8 will be served a box lunch from Jason’s Deli in the refreshment area.  Watch your mail for a flier at the end of the month with details as to times, price and where to mail your check.

Saturday, July 21, 2007
Leslie Hoy returns with a special program entitled, “When the Owl Hoots, Do You Listen?”  Leslie is a foundation of knowledge on coping successfully for the visually impaired.

Saturday, August 18,2007
Your chance to perform as we stage our annual Talent Show. Get your act ready.  Dana Schilling and her Special Events Committee will want to hear from you.

Saturday, September 15, 2007
A program devoted to money, wills, trusts, etc.  Details to follow.

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Our Annual Medical Panel Presentation.  (One week Earlier Than Usual.)

An Article On Dry AMD

(Reprinted from Eyes Only Newsletter, Association For Macular Diseases, Inc. Winter, 2007 Edition.  Edited herewith for brevity.)

“Nine out of ten people who have age-related macular degeneration have the dry form of the disease. The vision loss with dry AMD is largely less than what is experienced by people afflicted by the wet form.

“The two forms have different causes. The dry form stems from a malfunction of waste material processing in the photoreceptor cells; the wet from leakage of blood cells resulting in the formation of scar tissue in the macula. Some patients with dry AMD move on to the wet form, but this does not happen in the majority of cases.

“There are, however, things a patient with dry AMD can do to help control the disease: (1) Get regular eye exams; (2) Stop smoking’; (3) Switch to a lower-fat diet, and eat lots of spinach, broccoli, corn and kale, all rich in lutein; (4) Get good sun protection for your eyes; (5) Ask your eye doctor about the vitamin and mineral supplement recommended for AMD patients;(6) Ask your doctor for an Amsler grid card and consult it daily; (7) Notify your doctor of any change in your vision.”

The Senate of The State of Texas
Senate Proclamation No. 1281

Whereas, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Bonnie Truax, founder of the Low Vision Resource Center, for her many contributions in assisting the visually impaired in the San Antonio area; and

Wheras, When Bonnie was diagnosed with macular degeneration she discovered there was a lack of practical assistance and helpful information
about the disease for the average patient; and

Whereas, She began contacting vision resources throughout the country and collecting information about low vision support groups; with the help of Bob
Hobson of the University of Texas Health Science Center Ophthalmology Department, she formed the San Antonio Low Vision Club in 1997; the club
helps those experiencing vision loss discover ways to continue daily activities and maintain their independence; and

Whereas, Bonnie has continued to work to further the needs of the visually impaired through her efforts with the Low Vision Resource Center; she is truly deserving of recognition for her many contributions to her community; now,

Therefore, be it

Proclaimed, That the Senate of the State of Texas hereby commend Bonnie Truax for founding the San Antonio Low Vision Resource Center and wish her the best in the years to come; and be it further

Proclaimed, That a copy of this Proclamation be prepared for her as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Signed by Senator Jeff Wentworth and certified by the Secretary of the Senate.

New Transportation Service

Dr. Nancy Amir writes us that there is a new transportation service which will take people anywhere in San Antonio if they call 210-822-8444.  The contact person is Cathi Olsen.  (Note: I presume there is a fee.  Check out the cost in advance).

Almost New CCTV For Sale

Merlin 14” color monitor.  Origianl cost $1,950.  Almost never used.  Wife passed away.  Will sell for $1,000.  Call Robert Fawcett, 822-1061 or cell phone 215-0180.

Audible Pedestrian Signals

The City of San Antonio has made significant progress on the installation of audible pedestrian signals at key traffic intersections for the benefit of blind and visually impaired persons.  According to Ms. Judy Babbitt and Ms. Maria Valero of the City of San Antonio, 22 locations now have functioning audible pedestrian signals.  In addition, the city is planning to install similar systems at 11 more locations.  For complete lists, email jbabbitt@sanantonio.gov.

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