1. Please Support the LightHouse
As the New Year begins, the LightHouse is working harder than ever to make sure blind and visually impaired people live their lives as fully as sighted friends, family and colleagues. From employment programs to adaptive cooking classes, the work we do is intense and doesn't come without a cost.
We need your help to continue.
Please take a moment to send us your tax-deductible contribution by clicking on "donate" in this email. Your generosity will make a difference. Thank you for your support! Click Here to Return to the Table of Contents |
2. Chris Downey Takes on LightHouse-to-Lighthouse Cycle Challenge
On a clear morning this fall, LightHouse Board member Chris Downey rode tandem from LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters to the lighthouse at Point Reyes to raise funds for our programs and services. Donations are still coming in, but so far he has single-handedly raised over $6,500 towards his $10,000 goal. Below is what Chris experienced on his ride, in his own words. If you'd like to donate towards Chris' goal, just click here to see his dedicated page: http://lighthouse-sf.org/supportchris/. Thank you!
 | | Caption: Chris Downey and Hans Bogdanos on the Golden Gate Bridge |
The LightHouse Blind Cycle Challenge on Sunday, October 23 lived up to its name as my captains and I rode 64 miles (100 km) from the door of the LightHouse in San Francisco to the lighthouse at the southern tip of Point Reyes. Not only did the name celebrate the lighthouse at either end of the ride, but it also captured the challenge that played out between the two points - especially the final 15 miles!
My captains, Mike Brown and Hans Bogdanos, did a great job piloting the tandem from start to finish with a tag team trade-off between a solo bike and my tandem. These two treasured friends have been riding with me since only four months after I unexpectedly lost all sight, just over three-and-a-half years ago. In particular Mike, an old riding partner of mine, confidently declared (while I was still in the hospital, having lost all sight just days before) that we would start riding tandem together as soon as I was out. Riding with these guys and for the LightHouse made for a most spectacular and memorable ride. There was so much karma in the air that the sun had to glow from start to finish.
To our delight, the day was sunny and warm from start to finish. Heading out of the LightHouse on Van Ness at 8:00 a.m., we went for a majestic start-loop around City Hall before cutting over to Folsom Street to head east to the Embarcadero. We made it around the waterfront before the locals hit the Ferry Building and before the tourists had a chance to descend upon Fisherman's Wharf. Even the ride across the Golden Gate Bridge was sunny, clear and warm without the powerful gusts of wind that so commonly encircle the towers.
From there we continued north through Sausalito, along a string of bike trails, then rode through the towns of Larkspur, Ross, San Anselmo and Fairfax before clearing the hustle and bustle of Sunday morning Marin coffee traffic. We made quick work of White's Hill before dropping into the San Geronimo Valley and then riding north to Nicasio. After a brief stretch and an energy bar, we continued around the Nicasio Reservoir and out to Point Reyes Station where we met my wife and son, Rosa and Renzo. Thinking we had sufficiently "tamed the beast," we feasted on hearty lunches. We slipped into a premature sense of success, thinking that the end was just around Tomales Bay and beyond Inverness, on the Point Reyes Seashore. Little did we know, the real challenge was about to begin.
Cresting over the hills west of Inverness, we heard the sounds of the roaring coastline and felt a false sense of achievement. We began our proud descent down the narrow road that we thought would take us right to the lighthouse. A quick glance at the odometers at the base of the descent was our wake-up call that something else was in store for us: There were 15 miles to go! We spent those next 15 miles traversing the ups and downs of undulating country roads between wind-swept pastures. Cyclists affectionately call these "rollers." At this point in our ride, we could think of a few other things to call them.
Our final half-mile was a rather steep ascent up to the cliffs above the lighthouse. We slowed to a pitiful 3.5 mile-per-hour pace. At times like this, it's beneficial not to see the climb ahead. There's no chance to be defeated or demoralized by the sight, so you just hunker down and get into an easy, sustainable spin. At the end, despite fears of the usual cold and windy fog that typifies the Point Reyes peninsula, the sun graced us warmly as we crossed the finish line.
Thanks to all who supported the ride, and it's not too late for those who would still like to take the opportunity to contribute through the first-ever LightHouse Blind Cycle Challenge. Together we can reach the goal of $10,000 in support of this wonderful organization that has been and continues to be so critical to Bay Area children, adults and seniors - and even an architect like me - to build or re-build a meaningful, successful and exciting life without sight.
Donate towards Chris' goal by clicking here: http://lighthouse-sf.org/supportchris/. Thank you! Click Here to Return to the Table of Contents |
3. Sign Up Now for April 21 LightHouse Fundraising Ride
Motivated by Chris Downey's efforts? Want to ride with the wind in your hair while supporting Enchanted Hills Camp? Join us for Cycle for Sight and ride a 15-, 25- or 50-mile route with 2,000 other cyclists, coordinated for our benefit by Napa Rotary. Ride solo or contact us if you would like to be a captain on a tandem with a blind cyclist. Raise funds for Enchanted Hills Camp by securing pledges in support of your ride.
When: Saturday, April 21, 2012
Where: Napa, CA (for registration and routes, go to www.cycle4sight.com)
Please note: Screen reader users may have difficulty with some aspects of this new registration site. We're working with Napa Rotary to streamline the registration process, but in the interim LightHouse will be happy to assist in registration. Please contact Andrea Ogarrio at 415-694-7365 or aogarrio@lighthouse-sf.org for more information. If you are interested in participating on a tandem bike, either as a captain or as a stoker, contact Tony Fletcher for more details at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@lighthouse-sf.org.
Can't Ride But Still Care?
If you can't participate in Cycle for Sight, you can still support our camp. Contribute by going to http://lighthouse-sf.org/donate/ (be sure to click on the Special Instructions link and reference Cycle for Sight) or use the enclosed envelope and tell us you'd like your donation to go toward Cycle for Sight.
Turn Cycle for Sight into a Mini-Vacation - Special Camp Lodging Rate for Cycle for Sight Riders
Want to bring your family and equipment up to Napa the day before the big ride? Want to relax afterward with friends and admirers in the most beautiful retreat near Napa? If you would like to spend the weekend of April 21 (Friday through Sunday) at Enchanted Hills, we have a special rate available for Cycle for Sight participants. The cost is $100 for two nights and four meals (two dinners, Friday and Saturday night, plus breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings). For more information, contact Camp Director Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@lighthouse-sf.org.
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4. Video and Audio Available from Employment Summit
We have created a new online resource that provides over 20 hours of content for those new to job seeking or for those who want a motivational boost to their search. Our September 2011 Employment Summit presentations are now available both in video and in audio to stream or download.
For video, go to:
http://lighthouse-sf.org/employment-summit
For audio, go to:
http://lighthouse-sf.org/listen-employment-summit-2011
Our presenters, many of them blind, talk about issues that blind and visually impaired jobseekers face as they look for employment, including how blind people get jobs (even in this economy); what employers are looking for when hiring; and best ways to boost self-confidence and manage their work-life balance.
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5. Next Employment Immersion Session Begins January 3rd
If you are blind or visually impaired with a clear career path and are ready to start looking for work in a systematic way, the LightHouse would love to partner with you. Our next course of Employment Immersion classes will run for eight weeks, beginning on January 3. The LightHouse will offer a number of such eight-week sessions throughout the year. For more information, or if you and your counselor are unable to sign you up for the January 3rd session, please contact Kate Williams at kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7324.
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6. Let the LightHouse Blind Leaders Program Get You Started
If you've never worked and want some very practical assistance as the LightHouse places you into your first entry-level work experience, contact Debbie Bacon about our Blind Leaders Program at dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7357.
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7. Jobsite Conversation Series Visits Yahoo!
 | | Caption: LightHouse Jobsite Conversation participants stand and wave in front of Yahoo Headquarters |
 | | Caption: Jim Barbour, Principal Systems Architect at Yahoo, speaks to Jobsite Conversation participants |
 | | Caption: Brian Buhrow, Network Engineer with ViaNet, shares his work story with our participants in Burlingame |
For almost six months, the LightHouse's Jobsite Conversation Series has given blind and visually impaired individuals dozens of opportunities to meet with their employed counterparts who work for the Bay Area's leading businesses and institutions. One of our most well-attended visits was our recent excursion to the Yahoo campus in Burlingame. Our shuttle bus, Galileo, took 17 of us to visit with two blind tech industry veterans: Jim Barbour, Principal Systems Architect at Yahoo, and Brian Buhrow, who is a Network Engineer with nearby tech company ViaNet.
The visit to Yahoo was highly anticipated, not only because Yahoo is one of the most well-known technology companies to come out of the Bay Area, but because this was the first chance we've had to speak with blind employees at a tech company. Technology is one of the key industries where blind individuals can really thrive and develop a solid career.
Want to listen in? Watch the video at:
http://bit.ly/jobsiteyahoo
For more than two years Jim Barbour has worked at Yahoo, where he leads small teams of engineers through projects involving computer programming, cloud computing management, capacity planning and systems management. His previous job experience included stints at Google and Qualcomm. Outspoken and confident, Jim talked about his moments of self-doubt and emphasized how self-advocacy is crucial to ensuring one's career development for everyone, but even more so for the blind.
Brian Buhrow, who agreed to meet us at the Yahoo campus, is a Network Engineer for Palo Alto-based ViaNet, a regional ISP serving customers in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Brian provides customer tech support, designs servers and infrastructure, writes code and facilitates database management. Brian's positive and encouraging manner made us all feel at ease.
Both Jim and Brian became fascinated with writing computer code at an early age and followed their passions to forge successful careers. They talked with us about the hard and soft skills necessary to strive professionally and agreed that confidence in travel, strong presentation skills and behaving professionally can be just as important to gaining employment as work experience and technical know-how. We're grateful that these two agreed to spend some time with us.
The Conversation Continues in 2012
We are in the planning stages for Jobsite Conversation Series 2012. For more information about the Jobsite Conversation Series, please contact Rich Russo at rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7352.
Don't miss out - Be sure to sign up for our e-News to learn about upcoming visits! Just go to www.lighthouse-sf.org and look for Join Our Mailing List, or call us at 415-694-7365.
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8. LightHouse Seeks Community Feedback for Transit-Mapping Project
The LightHouse is developing accessible transit maps to enhance the ability of blind and visually impaired individuals to effectively use public transit in the Bay Area.
We need your help to select additional transit routes for which we may produce maps in the future. Currently, our highest priority will be to make maps for additional Muni and Samtrans routes, particularly routes serving the Market Street corridor or routes linking to BART or Caltrain, but we would like your recommendations about routes throughout the Bay Area.
Go to http://svy.mk/mapsurvey to take the survey.
Maps are an integral aspect of daily life in our society, conveying essential information about the world we live in. If you are newly blind or learning a neighborhood from scratch, having access to maps is a real asset.
But for blind people, obtaining maps has been difficult and expensive. The LightHouse is making significant changes in this area by developing accessible transit maps to enhance the ability of blind and visually impaired individuals to effectively use public transit in the Bay Area. We are developing and will distribute "strip maps," which will present concise information about selected transit routes in Braille and large print. The strip maps will be developed for BART, Muni, SamTrans and Caltrain routes.
For more information about this project please call Frank Welte at 415-694-7363 or send email to fwelte@lighthouse-sf.org.
We are also seeking volunteers for the project. To read more go to http://bit.ly/mapvolunteer Click Here to Return to the Table of Contents |
9. Calling All Domestic Airline Travelers
Have you asked for assistance at an airport? What was your experience with the assistance you received? The LightHouse wants to know. Come discuss your domestic travel experiences.
When: Tuesday, January 24, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
The LightHouse advocacy team is examining the process in which travelers who are blind or visually impaired are assisted at various U.S. airports. The team is trying to determine if there are systematic failures with the current procedures. Have you been placed in holding areas for the disabled? Are you told to use wheelchairs even if you do not need one? Have you missed flights because of delays in "assistance"? Are you treated with respect?
Please join the discussion. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP and for more information contact Beth Berenson at 415-694-7322 or bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org.
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10. Volunteers Get Their Hands Dirty at Enchanted Hills Camp
 | | Caption: Greater Napa Kiwanis Club Past-President Ralph Giannini brushes stain onto the camp's pool fence |
 | | Caption: Greater Napa Kiwanis Club member Toni McIntosh uses a roller to stain the pool fence |
On a warm, sunny fall day in October, 43 eager volunteers tackled much-needed maintenance projects at Enchanted Hills Camp. The group met at the LightHouse at the early hour of 8:00 a.m. and was shuttled up to camp in style in our trusty bus, Galileo. They were met at the campsite by others who had traveled individually to join us.
We are grateful to the following hardworking groups that made this clean-up day a great success:
--Members of the Greater Napa Kiwanis Club, who stained the interior of the pool fence they built for us earlier in the year.
--Members of buildOn, an organization made up of San Francisco high school students from Mission and Leadership high schools, who were responsible for clean-up and fire abatement work in our overnight camp-out area in lower camp. (This area allows young campers to sleep under the stars on raised platforms.) They removed branches and undergrowth, clearing the campground while creating a fire-safety zone.
--Employees from Google, who partnered with buildOn to do clean-up/fire abatement work and then moved over to the "lower chapel" area to continue this work.
--LightHouse volunteers, campers and their families, who assisted with lower camp clean-up and also helped to remove unruly blackberry bushes from the upper camp area and prepared our future garden for spring planting projects.
"We took a lot of different folks who want to assist camp from different organizations or groups and we united them in this one effort. The gathering gave all of us there an opportunity to develop new friendships and understand each other's organizational missions." - Camp Director Tony Fletcher
Our next Enchanted Hills Camp Volunteer Day will be Saturday, March 17, when we will continue to work on fire abatement and trail maintenance. We hope you or your group will join us. For more information or to sign up, contact LightHouse Volunteer Coordinator Don Franklin at dmfranklin@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7371.
"I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to support the LightHouse for the Blind last weekend. Our students enjoyed their experience, and we greatly appreciate the transportation and lunch you provided." - Chad Zibelman, buildOn
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11. Camp Cabins Get New Roofs
 | | Caption: Volunteer Steve Atkins from Bud Davis Construction works to replace the roof on one of the Lakeside cabins at our Enchanted Hills Camp |
No, that's not Santa on top of our Lakeside cabins at Enchanted Hills Camp. It's actually the most recent gift from San Jose-based Bud Davis Construction, which has taken on some heavy lifting to improve our infrastructure at the camp. Bud and his family visited camp last September, and the company has set about to do charitable work, one nail at a time. The roofs of our Lakeside cabins really needed attention - some water was even leaking inside during heavy rains. Thanks to their efforts, the cabin roofs are now attractive, tight and strong enough to last until today's young campers are getting ready to retire.
Editor's note: If you know of a company team with skills in contracting, electrical, heating, plumbing or other construction expertise, we'll always find important work for them to do to help our blind community. At camp they can stay overnight, enjoy nature and bond with each other and our staff. Please contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@lighthouse-sf.org to see how the skills your company might take for granted could be of enormous help for our camp and facilities.
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12. Don't Miss These Special Rates at Enchanted Hills Retreat
Beautiful Enchanted Hills Retreat is located just 25 minutes from downtown Napa on Mt. Veeder Road. Take your meeting or event there with these special winter rates that will help you ring in the New Year. Want to have a family reunion but your house is too small and hotels are way too expensive? Does your workgroup need to get out of the office for a training or retreat? Is your church, club or organization in need of a place where you can get three bountiful meals and a place to gather for a day or a week?
Be sure to take advantage of these special rates for winter day use and overnight use at Enchanted Hills Retreat.
Day Use $40.00/person
Includes: Meeting Room, Lunch, Beverage and Snack Service, Wi-Fi, AV equipment (flip chart, DVD/monitor, overhead, screen).
Overnight (limited weekends available at $100.00/person)
Includes: Meeting room, 1-night lodging, 3 fantastic meals, Beverage and Snack Service, Wi-Fi, AV equipment (flip chart, DVD/monitor, overhead, screen).
Take advantage of this Winter Special now by calling 415-694-7310 or emailing Camp Director Tony Fletcher at afletcher@lighthouse-sf.org for information and availability.
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13. Date Set for 16th Annual Provider's Weekend
We're excited to announce that the LightHouse tradition of holding Provider's Weekend at our Enchanted Hills Retreat will continue on May 18-20, 2012. Provider's Weekend brings together a diverse group of professional service providers working in the field of blindness to exchange ideas and build a network. Stay tuned to the e-News for more details.
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14. LightHouse of the North Coast Holds Victor Reader Stream Intensive
LightHouse of the North Coast recently held a four-part Victor Reader Stream Intensive for people age 55 and over who were computer users with need for downloading digital information to a portable device.
A Victor Reader Stream (or Stream) is a portable, talking mp3 player used by people in the blindness community to not only download digital books and information but also to file and manipulate the information.
Held at both LightHouse of the North Coast as well as the Area 1 Agency on Aging's downtown Eureka office, the workshop included time for individualized instruction for each participant. In addition, LightHouse volunteer and Stream user Teresa Christian provided orientation to the Stream while LightHouse Assistive Technology Specialist Leah Gardner taught the group about file management, note-taking and how to access files online.
We will announce upcoming Stream intensives and other LightHouse Technology Seminars in future issues of the e-News. For more Technology Seminar information call LightHouse at 415-694-7322 or e-mail info@lighthouse-sf.org. To find out more about our services in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, call 707-268-5646.
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15. Scientists Bring Hands-on Learning to the LightHouse
 | | Caption: Student Max Wolf examines a cell model |
 | | Caption: Student Luke Meerkamp, with his dad Frank, plays a horn made from a cardboard tube and plastic cup |
Last month, LightHouse friends Dr. Cristina Reynaga Peña, from Center for Research and Advanced Studies in Mexico, and Dr. Sherry Hsi from Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science led an exciting science class at LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters for kids age 10 to 15 years old.
Reynaga and Hsi were the teachers responsible for "Science Camp" sessions last summer (read more about those sessions at http://conta.cc/ehcscience.)
Like Science Camp, this session offered a special opportunity for blind kids to experience a multi-sensory science class designed especially for K-12 students. Taking place in our Herbst Kitchen, the class was small and teachers were easily able to work one-on-one with students. The children made models of cells out of candy, created creatures out of clay and learned about the structure and workings of yeast, working with "yeast balloons" that inflated with gas as the yeast "breathed."
In addition they built musical instruments using everyday objects such as drinking straws (which became flutes after cutting holes in the straws allowed one to change pitch), and shakers and rainsticks made from beans and rice enclosed in cans or paper towel tubes. While having fun playing the instruments, the class went over physics principles such as how sound travels and the concepts of vibration and waves, as well as how the ear works.
Parents couldn't resist joining in on the fun, fully participating in the various aspects of the session. They enjoyed getting their hands into the clay, as well as crafting their own musical instruments, and made as much noise as the young people.
"[My son] Brendan had fun. He liked both the food/tactile nature of the cell model, as well as the crazy musical instruments we made. And I had a great time [too] -- both meeting other kids and parents, as well as just playing with the clay and instruments. We'd like to come to more of these camps. The enthusiasm of the instructors and staff was great!" - David Creemer, parent
The LightHouse looks forward to hosting science sessions for blind kids both at our San Francisco Headquarters and at Enchanted Hills Camp.
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16. Wellness and Enrichment Program Takes a Trip to Reno
In early November, a group of more than 50 adult participants of the LightHouse Wellness and Enrichment Program, plus members of the community at large, boarded a chartered bus and took a four-hour ride to Reno.
For over 13 years the LightHouse has made this trip available to program participants. The group, led by LightHouse staff members Molly Irish and Brandon Young, set out from the LightHouse at 9:00 a.m. and entertained themselves on the long bus ride by playing trivia games and Bingo.
The purpose of the trip was, simply, to enjoy the thrill of gambling. As happens each year, the group visited a total of three casinos, each with its own unique atmosphere and opportunities for sudden wealth or crushing loss. They played a variety of games including roulette, 21, blackjack, poker and, of course, the slot machines. Participants stayed overnight at the Sands Hotel, where many gathered for various celebratory dinners.
Longtime program participant Linda Fonseca said, "I really enjoyed playing the penny slot machines - I didn't end up with much money, but it's a lot of fun to play and to win!"
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17. Blind Brewers Keep the LightHouse in Good Spirits
 | | Caption: Bill George, Derek Whitcraft, Noli Emmanuel (left to right) add liquid malt extract to the wert (unfermented beer) |
The LightHouse recently offered its third accessible homebrew workshop. Once again, an eager group of blind beer enthusiasts learned the process of crafting a batch of beer from start to finish (and everything in-between).
As with previous workshops, Rogue Ales Public House was kind enough to allow our group to brew a batch of beer on the back patio of their fine North Beach establishment. There we were joined by friend of the LightHouse Darren Cummings, who is Brewery Assistant at Moylan's Brewery and an avid home brewer. Rogue also donated one of its proprietary homebrew kits, allowing us to replicate some of their most beloved ales, including a Shakespeare Stout that has won approval from all.
Want to brew some beer with us? Contact Rich Russo at rrusso@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7352.
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18. Hops are Hopping
 | | Caption: Gk Callahan holds basket of bright green hops picked fresh from the Please Touch Community Garden |
In other brew news, LightHouse art instructor Gk Callahan, project leader for the Please Touch Community Garden, has harvested our first hops crop. Months ago we planted eight hops varieties, both American and European in the Garden, which is just around the corner from LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters. We were surprised by the remarkable growth of our Chinook hop vine - it has produced a good half-pound of fresh hops. We are expecting an every greater yield next year, and Ben Spencer, head brewer at Magnolia brewpub, has asked that we haul fresh hops from our garden to their brewery to be used in a special release.
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19. Dogs Love Good Dog Bakery Biscuits!
 | | Caption: Bone-shaped dog biscuits being cut out of dough |
 | | Caption: Bag of dog biscuits |
Adaptations, the LightHouse Store, is proud to carry delicious (or so our dogs tell us) bone-shaped biscuits made by students at California School for the Blind (CSB). The biscuits are handmade from all-natural ingredients, including peanut butter, eggs and whole wheat flour, by students of CSB's J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities for Blind Students) Program.
A 4 oz. bag (approximately 8 to 12 biscuits, depending on size) sells for $3.00.
Sales benefit both the LightHouse and the CSB Vocational Skills Development Program. Purchase the biscuits at Adaptations and support the LightHouse and CSB! Order in person, online at http://www.adaptationsonline.com or over the phone at (toll-free) 1-888-400-8933.
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20. Adaptations Featured Item of the Month - Penguin Talking Clock - a Perfect Gift for the Holidays!
 | | Caption: Penguin Talking Clock |
 | | Caption: Store employee Isabel Arreola holds Penguin Talking Clock |
This item is flying off the Adaptations Store shelves and makes a wonderful gift. With its adorable penguin design, this talking clock can be used and loved by children and adults alike as a winter holiday design accent or as a daily alarm clock all year long. Features include a large LCD display, time announcement in a female voice and more.
You can purchase the Penguin Talking Clock for $12.00 in person at our store in LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters, by phone at (toll-free) 1-888-400-8933 or on our store website at http://www.adaptationsonline.com.
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21. Adaptations in Berkeley Now Even More Accessible!
We're making it even easier for you to shop at our Ed Roberts Campus store by opening it just for you. Starting January 2, 2012, this branch of the LightHouse Store will be open Monday through Friday by appointment only.
Call us at our toll-free store number, 1-888-400-8933, to make your appointment today. We're also open 24/7 at http://www.adaptationsonline.com.
Hours at the San Francisco branch of Adaptations, the LightHouse Store, are:
Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Third Saturday of every month, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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22. LightHouse Supporters Enjoy Chocolate Tasting Event
 | | Caption: LightHouse staffer Chuck Godwin holds up one of the silent auction items, a 10-pound bar of Guittard Chocolate. |
 | | Caption: A crowd of guests speak with LightHouse CEO Bryan Bashin |
 | | Caption: Guest speaker and chocolatier Steve Burchik tells us all about chocolate |
Fifty special donors and volunteers, both old and new, gathered together at the LightHouse on a recent cold and crisp evening to kick off our "blind tasting" series. We launched the tasting series with chocolate - a substance that cannot easily be passed up by most, especially if paired with good food and good friends.
The night began with the actual "blind tasting." Friends of the LightHouse were greeted at the door with five small samples of chocolate, both dark and milk. They were also handed print/Braille rating sheets with instructions on how to rate the samples. Tasters were asked to rate the chocolate based on its aroma, the snap of the chocolate when being broken in two, the texture of the chocolate within the mouth and the taste. Finally, tasters gave an overall rating of each sample.
Raffiné dark chocolate was picked as the favorite, followed by Scharffen Berger 72% dark chocolate, Guittard 38% milk chocolate, Ghirardelli 60% dark chocolate and Raffiné milk chocolate. Thank you to these companies for their donation of samples for the tasting. In addition, we thank Raffiné, Scharffen Berger, Guittard, Leonidas Fresh Belgian Chocolates, Z Cioccolato and Bridge Brand Chocolate, which all donated baskets of their delicious chocolates for our silent auction. This evening was a huge success due to their generosity.
Special thanks go to chocolatier Steve Burchik, who helped us plan the event and donated one of our silent auction baskets. If this wasn't enough, he then donned his white chef's coat and offered our audience a fascinating presentation on the history of chocolate, illustrated by chocolate molds and other chocolate-making items that he displayed.
Many thanks to attendees for their enthusiasm and support. We are grateful for your generosity.
     
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23. Own a Truck or Cargo Van?
If you'd like to support the LightHouse but don't find it in your budget to contribute monetarily, here's another way you can help us. We need volunteers who own trucks or cargo vans to, from time to time, help us transport large items such as magnifying equipment (CCTVs), recreation equipment or gardening supplies. You might be transporting these items from one of our offices to another, or to a blind person in the community. Typically, these trips would be short distances.
If you can help us, please contact Don Franklin at dmfranklin@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7371.
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24. LightHouse Closed for the Holidays
Please note: All offices of the LightHouse will be closed for the winter holidays from December 26, 2011, through January 1, 2012.
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25. Mike Roth Passes at 103
 | | Caption: Mike Roth at last year's field trip to Hog Island Oyster Farm |
Last month the LightHouse community lost a very dear friend. Born in 1908, client Mike Roth lived to be 103 years old and was a regular participant in LightHouse programs. Mike, a former electrician who owned his own business, had the distinction of being the oldest current client of the LightHouse, but his youthful and vibrant personality belied his age. "He was a very happy man who lived a full and beautiful life," said friend and personal attendant Maria Sandoval.
Since 2008, Mike participated in a number of activities provided by our Wellness and Enrichment Program. An outgoing fellow with a sunny disposition, he loved to talk and laugh with his many friends while joining us on excursions such as shucking oysters at Hog Island Oyster Farm. He was a regular fixture at our Monday/Wednesday senior nutritional program and would twist and breathe his way into a variety of yoga poses during our weekly yoga class.
"He was always smiling," said LightHouse Community Program Assistant Rich Russo. Mike, whose wife of 70 years passed three years ago, leaves a daughter and a son. He will be truly missed.
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26. Disability Rights Advocates Seeks Comments About Pedestrian Pathway Barriers
The LightHouse has partnered with Disability Rights Advocates on a number of issues that affect our blind and visually impaired community. The following request illustrates the scope of the problem that affects our community.
Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), a non-profit legal center, is investigating complaints regarding barriers that people with mobility impairments and people who are blind or low vision have encountered at areas of construction or other work zones along pedestrian routes.
When pedestrian paths are closed or partially blocked due to construction, maintenance or other conditions, any pedestrian detours or the remaining unblocked pathway that is provided must be accessible.
If you have a mobility impairment, are blind or have low vision, and have experienced any of the following barriers when pedestrian pathways are affected by construction or other activities, we would like to hear from you:
- Pedestrian detours without ramps over sharp vertical steps, drop-offs or curbs
- Use of yellow tape to alert pedestrians to the detour or of the hazardous condition
- Use of unsecured cones or A-frames to alert pedestrians of the temporary route or condition
- Pedestrian detours that have steep slopes or cross-slopes
- Lack of detectable warnings at pedestrian detours that cross roads or vehicle traffic
- Objects protruding into the path of travel along the pedestrian detour
- Pedestrian detours that are less than 36 inches wide
- Narrowing of the existing pathway to less than 36 inches wide
- Open trenches or other hazardous conditions posing dangers to pedestrians
- Use of signage that is only accessible to sighted pedestrians
- Loose gravel, unsecured plywood or other terrain that is not firm, stable and slip-resistant
- Other hazardous or inaccessible conditions along pedestrian detours
If you have encountered barriers like these, please let us know. Send a description of the barrier, along with any cell phone or other photos you can take of the problem, to PedDetours@dralegal.org. Please include your name and contact information as well.
We would appreciate any details about the barrier that you can provide, including:
- The location of the barrier
- When you encountered it
- Whether the barrier seems very short-term
- Whether the barrier seems longer-term
- Who appears to have created the barrier
- Who has jurisdiction over the blocked pathway
You can also reach us by phone. Call Zack Duffly at 510-665-8644 to share your story.
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27. Art Slam 2012 Accepting Submissions
For many years the LightHouse has supported art exhibitions by artists in our community. The following opportunity will give visually impaired artists the chance to show their work to a larger audience, so we encourage all interested artists to consider submitting their work.
The slide exhibition of art by artists with disabilities has been developed in partnership with the Access Advisors of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Art and Disabilities Network.
The theme for Art Slam 2012 is Disability: Experience, Feelings, Politics and Realities. Artists are asked to address that theme in their work and statement, if possible. The show will include one work and a brief artist's statement that will be screened alongside each artwork.
Art Slam 2012 will be shown in the Koret Auditorium at the de Young Museum on March 31, 2012, during the Access Advisors Open House and Disability Arts Festival. There will be a preliminary screening on March 29, 2012. Thereafter, Art Slam will be available on the de Young Museum website.
There is no entry fee. Art Slam 2012 is open to all artists with disabilities who are at least 18 years old.
All entries must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2012. Only 200 entries can be accommodated, and the art will be accepted in the order received. By February 15, 2012, artists will be informed if their work is to be included in Art Slam.
For more information and an application contact Tish Brown via phone at 415-750-7645 or email tbrown@famsf.org.
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28. North Coast Blind Get More Transit Options
As the LightHouse launches the "Ride and a Guide" service in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Area 1 Agency on Aging (A1AA) continues its Volunteer Driver Program providing free transportation for health care needs in the Humboldt Bay Area.
In recognition of the challenge presented by transportation to medical and rehabilitation appointments, in a rural area with distinct transportation gaps and high economic need, volunteer drivers are paired with people age 50 and over and people with disabilities to and from health care appointments "pending volunteer availability."
Passengers who call A1AA's Volunteer Center of the Redwoods - a minimum of 48 hours in advance of a scheduled appointment - must live within the following areas (going north to south): Manila, Bayside, Freshwater, Eureka and the greater Eel River Valley (Loleta, Scotia, Ferndale and Carlotta Circle).
For more information, please visit A1AA's website, www.a1aa.org, where the Volunteer Driver Program is "In the Spotlight." To volunteer or book a ride call Volunteer Center of the Redwoods at 707-442-9591 or toll-free at 800-408-4636 to determine if a volunteer is available in your area at the time you need a ride to a health care appointment.
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29. Deadline January 1 - Sierra Regional Ski for Light Upcoming Events
Sierra Regional Ski for Light (SRSFL) promotes participation in outdoor activities by blind and visually impaired persons in partnership with sighted persons. SRSFL invites participants to three on-the-snow events in 2012. No previous experience with cross country skiing or snowshoeing is required.
There will be two single-day ski and/or snowshoe events. The first is on January 21 and the second is on February 11. Both events take place at Tahoe Cross Country, Tahoe City, California. For further information on the single-day events, contact Betsy Rowell at 916-362-5557 or email montbets@pacbell.net.
The three-day event will take place at Tahoe Donner Cross Country in Truckee, California. For more information contact Cindy Quintana at 510-483-2948 or CindyQ12345@sbcglobal.net.
The deadline to sign up for all events is January 1, 2012. SRSFL has great guides and instructors. For further information or to get the application, visit www.SRSFL.org.
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30. LightHouse Programs and Events
Winter 2012 (Calendar January-March)
ONGOING
Wellness and Enrichment Program hotline: 415-694-7325
Open Tech Lab
Tuesdays: 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Computer Kiosk
Computers with internet access are available to LightHouse clients.
Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Space and time may be limited, so please call 415-431-1481 for availability.
10 Reasons to Learn Basic Braille (Adults 55 and older)
By appointment. To register for this free class, contact Divina Fontanilla at 415-694-7367, dfontanilla@lighthouse-sf.org.
January-March 2012 LightHouse Calendar
Please note: LightHouse offices are closed January 16 (Martin Luther King Day) and February 20 (Presidents' Day)
Wellness-Exercise Class
Active blind adults stretch, breathe and do light body movement in a group setting.
January 2, 9, 23 & 30: 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.
February 6, 13 & 27: 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.
March 5, 12, 19 & 26: 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.
To register for this free class, contact Molly Irish at 415-694-7320 or mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org.
Cultural Enrichment Class
Weekly class features a variety of activities, including guest speakers, musical performances, theatrical reenactments, occasional peer cooking offerings and off-site cultural field trips.
January 2, 9, 23 & 30: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
February 6, 13 & 27: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19 & 26: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
To register for this free class, contact Molly Irish at 415-694-7320 or mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org.
Practical Tips for Men Adjusting to Low Vision and Blindness
This is a group that covers topics including magnification, strategies for completing daily and household tasks, transportation, and available training and resources. Limited to 10 participants. No charge for persons 55 years and older.
January 3, February 7 & March 6: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
LightHouse of Marin, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael
Contact Jeff Carlson at 415-258-8496, ext. 1.
Community Gardening Class
Learn about organic gardening techniques through lectures and hands-on work. Held in Golden Gate Park and offered in conjunction with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
January 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
February 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23 & 28: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
March 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
To register for this free class, contact Ben Oude Kamphuis, Project Insight, at 415-519-1659.
Midday Yoga
Basic breathing exercises, stretching motions and relaxation techniques are combined to give participants a systematic means of reducing stress and tension.
January 4, 11, 18 & 25: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
February 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21 & 28: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
To register for this free class, contact Molly Irish at 415-694-7320 or mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org.
Art Fusion
Art class for active blind adults features hands-on instruction in a variety of crafts. January 4, 11, 18 & 25: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
February 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21 & 28: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
To register for this free class, contact Gk Callahan at 415-694-7335 or gkcallahan@lighthouse-sf.org.
Communication Through Enrichment - City College of San Francisco Class
General discussion on current affairs and trends.
January 4, 11, 18 & 25: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
February 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21 & 28: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
To register for this free class, contact Molly Irish at 415-694-7320 or mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org.
Active Blind Adult Town Hall Meeting
Monthly forum for active blind adults to plan and discuss future activities and excursions.
January 4, February 1 & March 7: 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
No charge to attend. Contact Molly Irish at 415-694-7320 or mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org.
Weekly Evening Yoga Class
This invigorating class is for people of all ages and levels of experience. Stretch your stress away every Thursday evening with our fabulous instructor Nancy Yates.
January 5, 12, 19 & 26: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
February 2, 9, 16 & 23: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
To register for this free class, contact Brandon Young at 415-694-7372 or byoung@lighthouse-sf.org .
Mindfulness, Movement and Meditation
Instructor Greg Lewis leads an hour focused on mindful sensations of taste, breath and body. A great opportunity to slow down and recalibrate mind, body and soul. Suggested donation of $5.
January 10 & 24: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
February 14 & 28: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
March 13 & 27: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Contact Brandon Young at 415-694-7372 or byoung@lighthouse-sf.org.
Eye Share Support Group at the Ed Roberts Campus
Blind and visually impaired adults support each other in moving toward goals, realizing dreams and being themselves. Maximum 10 participants, no charge.
January 14, February 11 & March 10: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Contact Brandon Young at 415-694-7372 or byoung@lighthouse-sf.org .
Peer Discussion Group
The LightHouse Peer Discussion Group is general in focus and addresses day-to-day living strategies, the sharing of resources and support. No charge to participate.
January 14 & 28: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
February 11 & 25: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
March 10 & 24: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Contact Brandon Young at 415-694-7372 or byoung@lighthouse-sf.org.
Changing Vision, Changing Your Life - Skills and Strategies
If you are new to low vision or blindness, this class will set you on a path toward relearning day-to-day skills in a new way. Our highly trained staff will introduce you to the best ways to tackle the mass of print materials that come your way. They will teach you organizational and home management skills; best ways to shop and prepare food; and how to travel safely with grace and confidence. This class will also provide an opportunity for you to meet and discuss current issues with past students and LightHouse staff who are blind or have low vision. Take the first steps forward on your personal journey with the LightHouse and make the commitment to join us.
Fees: $600 for eight 3-hour classes, plus $30 materials fee. No charge for persons 55 years and older, except for materials fee.
*First Offering San Francisco: January 18-February 13
(Mondays & Wednesdays) 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
*Second Offering San Francisco: March 2-27
(Tuesdays & Fridays) 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Contact Linda Porelle at 415-694-7315 or lporelle@lighthouse-sf.org.
Changing Vision, Changing Your Life - Cooking Basics
In this six-week class, learn techniques and practices for preparing simple and nutritious meals with a focus on effectiveness in the kitchen and utilizing adaptive equipment.
Fees: $450 for six 3-hour classes, plus $30 materials fee. No charge for persons 55 years and older, except for materials fee.
*First Offering San Francisco: January 19-February 23 (Thursdays): 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
*Second Offering San Francisco: March 8-April 12 (Thursdays): 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Contact Linda Porelle at 415-694-7315 or lporelle@lighthouse-sf.org.
Friday Night Live!
Come to the LightHouse for an evening of games, bingo, socializing, music, dance and more. Dinner: $7.
January 20, February 17 & March 16: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Contact Molly Irish at 415-694-7320 or mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org.
Saturday Yoga Workshop
An extension of our weekly class, this regenerative workshop includes prolonged stretching, breathing and relaxing. All ages and experience levels welcome.
January 21, February 18 & March 17: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
To register for this free class, contact Brandon Young at 415-694-7372 or byoung@lighthouse-sf.org.
Diabetic Peer Group
Discussions will center on health management, nutrition and peer-to-peer conversations about best practices when managing diabetes. No cost to participate.
January 23, February 27 & March 26: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Contact Molly Irish at 415-694-7320 or mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org.
Calling All Domestic Airline Travelers
Have you asked for assistance at an airport? What was your experience with the assistance you received? The LightHouse wants to know. Come discuss your domestic travel experiences.
When: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Refreshments provided
The LightHouse advocacy team is examining the process in which travelers who are blind or visually impaired are assisted at various U.S. airports. The team is trying to determine if there are systematic failures with the current procedures. Have you been placed in holding areas for the disabled? Are you told to use wheelchairs even if you do not need one? Have you missed flights because of delays in "assistance"? Are you treated with respect?
Please join the discussion. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP and for more information contact Beth Berenson at 415-694-7322 or bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org.
Francis Neer Forum
Community seminar, lecture-based discussions on topics like eye health, healthy living and advancements in adaptive technologies. No reservations required.
January 28, February 25 & March 24: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
No charge to participate. Contact Brandon Young at 415-694-7372 or byoung@lighthouse-sf.org.
Cultural Connections
Enjoyable Friday outings aimed at active blind adults. Meet at LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters.
February 3: Lunch at Delancy Street Restaurant
March 2: Fisherman's Wharf
March 30: Chinatown
No charge to participate. Contact Molly Irish at 415-694-7320 or mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org.
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