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LightHouse News

Join our Team – the LightHouse is Hiring Camp Counselors

Are you attracted to helping blind youth and adults grow in their abilities, skill and self-confidence? Perhaps you attended camp, and have experienced the life-changing power of Enchanted Hills firsthand? Then perhaps this summer you might want to join our spirited camp in the rolling Napa foothills and have some fun while doing a whole lot of good.

For 64 years Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind has hosted hundreds of blind California youth and adults in summertime camp sessions. Sprawling across 311 idyllic acres on Mt. Veeder in Napa, Enchanted Hills Camp is a place for blind children to explore and create, gain courage, try new things, learn about the environment and make lifelong friends. The wooded camp offers all the usual summertime activities from swimming to horseback riding, from sports to art. But beyond the summertime fun is a powerful agenda – to increase the self-confidence and self-respect of campers who may often have no other time in the year to meet blind friends and role models who are successful and living an actualized life. Your job will be to make sure campers grow in their own potential while at the same time have a summer experience which is powerfully fun and engaging.

We’re looking for people who know how to build camp spirit and contagiously involve all campers in trying new activities, sports and blindness techniques. You are not required to know much about blindness when you start, but we expect that you will quickly learn much about the can-do spirit and techniques which all successful blind people use. Or you may be blind or visually impaired yourself. So whether your background or interest is in education, psychology, rehabilitation, crafts or sports, if you think you can bring your spirit and knowledge to bear on inventing the best camp ever, we want to hear from you.

Camp counselors are part of a 20-person counseling team. Camp runs from June 23 through August 3. If you are interested in having a fun filled summer at a storied camp, applications are now available. Let us hear from you soon. Our application period closes on March 30, 2013. For further information contact Tony Fletcher, Enchanted Hills Camp Director at (415) 694-7319 or afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Enchanted Hills Camp Staff

LightHouse News

Compete in the Northern California Regional Braille Challenge on March 1

1 Commenton Compete in the Northern California Regional Braille Challenge on March 1

When: Saturday, March 1, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Deadline to register is Friday, February 7.

Northern California’s blind and low vision youth in grades 1-12 are invited to compete in a series of braille skills challenges demonstrating braille reading and comprehension; speed and accuracy; spelling; proofreading and tactile graphics. Awards will be presented to the top three participants within each of the five grade level groups. Everyone who competes is recognized. Winners may qualify to compete in the 2014 National Braille Challenge to be held at Braille Institute in Los Angeles, CA.

Register with John Liang, LightHouse Director of Community Services, at jliang@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7334.

The Braille Challenge is a National Program of Braille Institute and is hosted by LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (San Francisco), in collaboration with Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, California School for the Blind, and Braille Institute of America.

Volunteers Needed:
Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, Transcribers and Braillists are needed to serve as Proctors and Scorers for this exciting event. Please contact Alice McGrath at amcgrath@vistacenter.org or 650-858-0202, ext. 130.

Young boy types diligently on a Perkins Brailler during the Braille Challenge

LightHouse News

Walk Away With a Phone That Will Work For You – California Telephone Access Program Distribution Day at the LightHouse

On Friday March 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) will host a telephone equipment distribution day at the LightHouse. CTAP provides accessible telephones to persons who have completed an application and have been approved to receive one for their use. This event will provide those who have completed and approved applications the opportunity to meet with a trained CTAP staff person to work with you in selecting a specialized phone that meets your needs.

When: Friday, March 14, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
You must be approved by CTAP to qualify for a free phone

To qualify for a free phone, fill out a CTAP application and have the form signed by a doctor or certified professional (see form for who can sign). Then submit the signed form to CTAP for approval. It can take up to a week for your application to be processed. To fill out an application, please go to www.CaliforniaPhones.org or contact CTAP at 1-800-806-1191 or info@CaliforniaPhones.org.

Once your application has been approved, you can make an appointment to meet with a CTAP Representative, choose and be trained on a new accessible phone and take it home and start using it. When you come to your appointment you must bring your completed and approved (signed) application and a photo ID. To make an appointment please contact LightHouse Social Worker Jeff Carlson at 415-258-8496.

LightHouse News

A Huge LightHouse Thank You to Robert Foster!

Longtime donor Robert Ray Foster called LightHouse headquarters the other day. With over 30 donations since 1988, Mr. Foster had always been a generous supporter, with many of his contributions made specifically to support youth camperships at Enchanted Hills Camp. Mr. Foster told us during the call that he was, “considering giving a larger gift.” Shortly afterwards we were floored when a simple envelope with a 47-cent stamp arrived in our mailroom. The amazing unanticipated gift was for $100,000, to be used for general operating support.

When asked what motivated his generosity, Mr. Foster replied, “I receive the LightHouse eNews and I’m impressed with all that you accomplish.” For all of us at the LightHouse this is a huge compliment. LightHouse CEO Bryan Bashin said, “Mr. Foster understands that much of the mission of the LightHouse is not funded by any branch of government. His big-heartedness really will help blind community members learn the skills and self-confidence to live the kind of life they desire.”

“Thank you, Mr. Foster!” from the staff, Board of Directors, clients and campers at the LightHouse.

LightHouse News

Grassroots Goalball

LightHouse Youth Program and United States Association of Blind Athletes presents Grassroots Goalball!

We’re pleased to announce the formation of an organized LightHouse Youth Goalball program and team. The team(s) will meet weekly to practice and play the incredibly fun game of Goalball. In addition to organized practices, participants will have the opportunity to put their new skills to the test in regional Goalball demonstrations and competitions.

For those unfamiliar with Goalball, it is a Paralympic sport played by athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Developed after WWII as a way to keep blinded veterans physically active, it has become the premiere team game for blind athletes. Goalball is a fast paced, physically challenging, strategic and exciting game played competitively by men and women from around the world.

In Goalball, two teams of three players face each other across a court that is nine meters wide and 18 meters long. The object of the game is to roll a basketball-sized ball with bells inside over the opponents’ goal line. Your opponents listen for the oncoming ball and attempt to block it with their bodies. Once they are able to stop the ball and take control of it, they become the offensive team. More information about the game of Goalball can be found on the USABA website at www.usaba.org.

If you would like more information, or to RSVP for this exciting new program, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator for the LightHouse at (415) 694-7372, or by email at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org. Enrollment is open to both male and female athletes. No experience necessary.

Who: Blind and Low Vision Youth 18 years-old and under
What: Goalball
When: Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (We will meet for a pizza dinner after each practice)
Season: Monday, January 27th – Thursday, May 15th
Where: LightHouse Industries located at 14690 Washington Ave, San Leandro, CA 94578
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program application and waiver form.
RSVP: Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694-7372.

LightHouse News

Giving Blood, Giving Life: Bay Area Blind Community’s 2nd Annual Day of Giving Blood Drive on January 17

1 Commenton Giving Blood, Giving Life: Bay Area Blind Community’s 2nd Annual Day of Giving Blood Drive on January 17

In honor of the Martin Luther King Day of Service 2014, The American Red Cross (ARC) Bay Area chapter and LightHouse will host our 2nd Give Blood Give Life imageAnnual Day of Giving Blind Blood Drive on January 17th, 2014, in partnership with other Bay Area blind services and disabilities agencies, including California School for the Blind, Vista Center for the Blind, Santa Clara Valley Blind Center and the Ed Roberts Campus.

Locations and Times:

Friday, January 17, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for these locations:
LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters: 214 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
Ed Roberts Campus: 3075 Adeline St., Berkeley
Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired: 2470 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
Santa Clara Valley Blind Center: 101 N. Bascom Ave., San Jose

Friday, January 17, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.:
California School for the blind: 500 Walnut Ave., Fremont

Friday, January 17, 2013, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.:
San Jose Blood Donation Center: 2731 North First St., San Jose
Oakland Blood Donation Center: 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland
Contra Costa Blood Donation Center: 140 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill
Pleasanton Blood Donation Center: 5556-B Springdale Ave., Pleasanton
Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center: 39227 Cedar Blvd, Newark

To schedule your appointment at any of the above locations, please log on to www.redcrossblood.org, enter the Sponsor Code: DayOfGiving or call: 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). For more general information about the Day of Giving Blind Blood Drive, please contact John Liang, Director of Community Services, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired at jliang@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Stay updated on Twitter with #blindblooddrive14.

LightHouse News

Spotlight on Napa: Nature and Culture at Enchanted Hills Retreat

Over the next six months we will publish a series of columns about Enchanted Hills that will give you even more reasons to choose our retreat for your group of 30 to 150. Features will focus on:

  • The History of Enchanted Hills from the Mayacamas Indians through the stage coach days until the current day.
  • Flora and Fauna of Mt. Veeder that make the retreat a nature-lovers haven.
  • A Mycologists Dream – a look at the Mushrooms of Mt. Veeder. When the rain falls, shaggy manes, king trumpets, boletus and candy caps are some of the fungi that sprout along the mountain trails.
  • Wine Exploration – an exploration of the wineries and wine makers that make Mt. Veeder a world renowned appellation. Mayacamas, Hess and Godspeed are some of renowned vintner neighbors.
  • Family Exploration – Napa is a great destination for all ages with activities to thrill all of the members of the family. Race your way to Sonoma Speedway, kayak on the Napa River or take a bike tour of Napa Valley back roads.
  • What’s Happening in Napa Valley? – a focus on special events in Napa County throughout the year. Perhaps you’d like to catch a film at the Napa Valley Film Festival, ride 50 miles in Cycle for Sight, or find your bliss at the Napa Valley Truffle Festival?
  • How you can help: Reserve Enchanted Hills for your yoga retreat, family reunion, church group, conference, wedding or other gathering. All proceeds from Enchanted Hills Retreat support our life-changing programs for the blind.

For more information about Enchanted Hills Retreat, please call (415) 694-7310 or go to www.enchantedhillsretreat.com.

View of beautiful Lokoya Lake through the trees

LightHouse News

Neighbors Gather at Enchanted Hills

We want to thank the Dry Creek Lokoya Volunteer Fire Department for hosting this year’s Community Holiday Party at Enchanted Hills. The lodge was full of joyful neighbors, family and friends enjoying Celtic music and delicious food for this holiday celebration.

Thanks to these additional partners and contributors:
The Friends of Enchanted Hills
The Mount Veeder Stewardship Council
The Mount Veeder Fire Safe Council
Zaro’s Christmas Trees on Redwood Road

Dry Creek Lokoya Volunteer Fire Department logo

LightHouse News

Redwood Stage at Enchanted Hills – We’re Nearly There

For half a year Napa Kiwanis members have surveyed, planned and now built the performance stage in our emerging Redwood Grove Theater. Their generosity in building the space in the cold of winter will be seen as summer campers enjoy the area as a cool shaded retreat from the summer heat.

If you and your special group would like to volunteer to work at Enchanted Hills Camp, contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

The redwood stage

Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa members Theresa Comstock and Ralph Giannini putting together the final touches of our new Redwood Grove stage at Enchanted Hills.

LightHouse News

Adaptations Product of the Month – Simple Tactile Measuring Spoons and Cups

Happy New Year! To celebrate the New Year, the Adaptations Store is taking 10% off your purchase of measuring cups or spoons!

These great kitchen tools can be bent at the handle (creating a 90 degree angle) to make measuring liquids like vanilla, honey and olive oil easier. They have bright colored plastic handles with bendable yet sturdy metal measurement spoons. Jeff Buckwalter, a student in the recent Cooking Basics Class states, “Being able to bend the handles of these measuring spoons is helpful and a creative way to make a standard tool accessible.”

Come to the Adaptations Store and we can show you other useful tricks that could help while using these measuring cups or spoons. Or call us for more information on this or any of our accessible products at 415-694-7301.

Jeff Buckwalter holding bendable measuring spoons