What a Treat!

Thanks to the sponsorship of Care Improvement Plus, 150 LVC members enjoyed a free Christmas Luncheon on Dec. 6th in the gymnasium of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.  The entire event was arranged and supervised by LVC Special Events Chairperson Dana Schilling, assisted by Marlene Richter, Cindy Garcia, Ella Pardo, Robin Keenum, Pegi Gonzalez and many other volunteers including our drivers who served the food and cleared the plates.  The facility was furnished by the church at no cost to the club, and it proved to be perfect in every way.

We were entertained by a group of great singers from Dana’s church, and one of her many friends who was a combination singer and keyboard player.  But the star of the show was Santa Claus who not only greeted everyone, danced with the chorus director, and posed for photos with any who so desired.  A copy of each photo will be available free at the check-in table at our January meeting.

To top it off, as we were leaving, Care Improvement Plus presented each guest with a giant size coffee mug containing a packet of coffee, a chocolate covered biscotti, and a bag clip encased in cellophane with a silver bell.  What a thoughtful way to end our day!  Thanks.

January Start for Craft & Art Classes

We have secured volunteer teachers for two of our hobby classes.  LVC member Lupe Carns will attempt to revive the Craft Class which will meet in the Warm Springs Resource Center the first Saturday morning of each month except for February (a month when no space is available).  If interested in participating, call Lupe at 210-923-2879 and sign up.

Sharon Hanson will teach the Art Class which will meet in the Warm Springs Resource Center on the 4th Saturday of each month. To sign up, call Sharon at 210-688-2610 (home) or 210-324-7150 (cell phone).

And Don’t Forget About Bowling

Join LVC members and the Blinded Veterans Association bowling from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at AMF Wonder Lanes, 1948 Austin Highway.  Cost is $1.25 per game and a total of three games are bowled.  Shoes are free.  Call Pat Sutton at 655-4708.

Upcoming Programs

A special committee is now working with Bonnie Truax to develop program ideas for the next year.  Here is the start of their plan:

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 — Back to our usual meeting place at Warm Springs Resource Center for a program with Leslie Hoy, noted psychologist and lecturer, who returns to tell us how to improve our memory skills.  She also will solicit your suggestions.  This is the only date Leslie can be with us this year, so don’t miss it.

What happened to the beautiful quilt made by LVC member Rita Witzel and donated to the club for a raffle drawing at our Christmas Luncheon?  The winner was George Dawson of Cibolo, but he has donated it back to the club so other people who purchased raffle tickets could have another chance to win it.  We’ll hold a Second Chance Drawing at the end of today’s program using the remaining 184 tickets in the jar.

And that’s not all!  LVC member Crystal Wu, who sold most of the raffle tickets at previous LVC meetings, has purchased and will donate five Brookstone Super Size Calculators to be awarded in the Second Chance Drawing.  These calculators feature big digits and big buttons to help persons with limited vision do their figuring.  So we will have six prizes in all for raffle ticket purchasers.  You do not need to be present to win, but if not, you will need to pick up your prize at the next LVC meeting.

Saturday, February 7, 2009 (Change from normal 3rd Saturday Date) — “Looking Fine In ‘09” — A special program on Nutrition by LVC Member Bon-E Holliday and an interactive presentation on portion sizes by Marlene Richter of Care Improvement Plus.

Saturday, March 14, 2009 (Another change from the normal 3rd Sat.) — EXPO 2009 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 18, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009 (Change from normal 3rd Sat. Date)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009 — Bingo
Saturday, September 26, 2009 (Change from 3rd Sat. Date)
Saturday, October 17, 2009 White Cane Day Run/Walk Commanche Park
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009 Christmas Luncheon

Major Restructure of LVRC Board

The Low Vision Resource Center, which consists of the Low Vision Club and Owl Radio Reading Service, has recently undergone a change in its Board of Directors.  After 12 years of service as president, Bonnie Truax will remain on the board indefinitely, but has now been designated as Founding Chief Executive Officer.  The title of board President has passed to Kate Crosby (vice president, Frost National Bank).  Vice President is Kim Van Hooser, Secretary Sally Wiskemann and Treasurer Ron Hall.  Although not on the board, Bill Phelps will continue as our full time Executive Director.

Other members of the LVRC Board of Directors are Kari Bowman, David Butterbaugh, Joe Gwathmey, Mary Henrich, Dr. Jerry Lindner, James Matson, Marie Pauerstein, and Sam Smith.  The Board meets monthly to develop policy and supervise our activities to make sure everything qualifies for our non-profit 501(c)3 designation from the Internal Revenue Service.

A Special Thank You

The Low Vision Resource Center would like to thank all our many friends who have contributed to our financial support in 2008.  As you know, 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 volunteers who help us to serve the visually impaired.  Working together, we can do great things.

Publicity in the Express-News

What a wonderful story with photos about Owl Radio and the Low Vision Club in the Wednesday, Dec. 3rd San Antonio Express-News.  Hope you saw it!  It ran as part of their “Grace of Giving” feature on the Metro Section front page.

Request for Digital Talking Book Machine (DTBM)

Will be accepted by Talking Books beginning Jan. 2nd.  Requests filled in order received.  Call 1-800-252-9605 or e-mail tbp.services@tsl.state.tx.us.