Adaptations will be closed Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30 while we conduct physical inventory of the products in our store. We will reopen on Monday, October 3.
LightHouse News
Watershed Conservation Project Makes Enchanted Hills Camp Better for Fish and Other Creatures
Photo: Tractor and excavator machinery restoring Wing Canyon stream at Enchanted Hills Camp.
For over ten years, Enchanted Hills Camp has partnered with Napa Resource Conservation District to look at ways to provide better stewardship of our waterways and mitigate erosion problems at camp. After years of discussion, design and implementation, we are happy to report the completion of our project.
This summer Enchanted Hills and Napa Resource Conservation District worked to prevent sediment from our hillsides from running into creeks. Keeping sediment out of our creeks and streams is a critical measure that protects the habitat of fish such as the steelhead trout.
The project has also transformed two miles of dirt road – keeping 4,759 cubic yards of sediment – enough to fill more than 400 commercial dump trucks – out of local waterways over the next 20 years. “Road systems are perhaps the most significant and easily controlled sources of sediment production and delivery to stream channels,” said a 2004 Napa Resource Conservation District report on Wing Canyon Creek.
Photo: Bill Birmingham, Conservation Project Manager, Napa County Resource Conservation District standing on the Wing Canyon Trail demonstrating the straw hay and grass seeding work to channel water into the stream from eroding hillside.
Some of the improvements were made at creek crossings. Workers replaced undersized culverts with bigger culverts. At the site where that bulldozer was recently at work, we are simply removing three culverts altogether to create a creek-level crossing.
Away from creek crossings, dirt roads can funnel water to certain runoff points. That high-intensity runoff erodes creek banks, according to the Napa County Resource Conservation District. To combat this, workers have created “rolling dips” along the dirt roads, like the gentlest of a children’s roller coaster. “Rolling dips” spread out the drainage points and will protect our roads and trails from slipping away and eliminating our ability to access our own property.
Images of an Enchanted Summer
Photo: Camper Gregory Collier receives instruction from Recreation Area Leader Anthony Dali on how to place an arrow on the bow.
In August Enchanted Hills Camp wrapped up a glorious summer of sessions for blind children, adults and their families. We’re proud to say that this summer we hosted 460 campers and that those we surveyed had this good news to report:
- Ninety-six-percent of teens, and 86-percent of youth agreed that their network of blind friends increased because of camp.
- Eighty-five to 87-percent of campers said that they had an increase or a significant increase in connections to the blindness community.
- Ninety-seven-percent of campers showed improvement in their blindness proficiency in daily living skills.
- One hundred percent of campers reported showing positive change in their levels of self-confidence and independence.
Our heartfelt thanks to the nearly 50 volunteers who donated a combined 3800 hours of their time. You are gold!
Here are some photo highlights from our Kids and Teens sessions:
Enchanted Hills Kids Session
Photo: New pals, campers Bella Nordrum and Heaven Vallejos share smiles and laughter as they celebrate finishing their chemistry project.
Photo: Camper Anthony Sanchez sits and explores with his hands the cloud of liquid nitrogen he helped create in the science project during STEM Camp.
Photo: Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., instructs a room full of eager STEM participants in the Hogan on how to create liquid nitrogen.
Photo: Counselor Nasir Aqbal walking and laughing with Luke Pillar as they walk up our world-famous “Cardiac Hill”.
Enchanted Hills Teen Session
Photo: A group of campers led by first year camper Ezra White (who travelled all the way from Hawaii to join us this summer) return from their woodworking class under the canopy of olive trees.
Photo: Volunteer Instructor Chris Thompson works with campers Billy Lei and Jenna Baylis on how to defend themselves during a karate lesson.
Photo: Woodshop instructor George Wurtzel demonstrates a cutting technique to camper Ezra White.
Adaptations Products of the Month for October: Canes, Calendars and New Store Hours
Photo: Adaptations sales associate Starrly Winchester holds up an EZ2See Weekly Planner.
The President of the United States annually recognizes White Cane Day by the Blind Americans Equality Day Proclamation on October 15 to acknowledge the abilities and to promote equal opportunity for those who are blind .
In honor of White Cane Safety Day we invite you to save 10% on all cane and cane accessory purchases at the Adaptations Store during the entire month of October. This includes canes, tips, and cane holsters.
Refresh your Cane at Adaptations
Did you know? Adaptations can apply new white and/or red reflective tape to your cane for less than five dollars. Be sure to refresh your cane with us.
Now available at Adaptations: 2017 Calendars
Photo: Double page from the EZ2See Weekly Planner
We are excited to announce that in addition to the usual calendars we carry we have a new calendar to offer for 2017 – the EZ2See Weekly Planner. The EZ2See Planner features 8 and 1/2 by 11 inch large-print pages (one set of pages for every week in the year), large daily cells that are 3 and 1/4 by 11 inches, a cover that is laminated to protect it from moisture, black page edges, and more. We are selling the EZ2See Calendar for $20.00.
We also have large print wall calendars, large print desk calendars and a free braille calendar produced by the American Action Fund (AAF).
Stop by the Adaptations Store to check out our calendar selection and start your year off right.
Please Note: New Store Hours for Adaptations!
We’ve increased our store hours to better serve you.
Monday: Store hours may vary. Please call 415-694-7301 to confirm.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We are also open every 2nd Saturday of the month, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In 2016, these Saturdays are October 8, November 12 and December 10.
Adaptations is located at the new LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th floor, San Francisco, 94103. Call us at 415-694-7301 or email us at adaptations@old.lighthouse-sf.org with any questions.
This December – Learn How to Use Your iPhone
Do you own an iPhone? Would you like to do more than make phone calls or ask Siri for today’s weather report?
Join us for a 2-day workshop in December for beginning iPhone users using VoiceOver (speech feedback). Our highly skilled instructors will provide hands-on instruction to make your iPhone use more complete. Learn to tap, flick and rotate your way through your phone for maximum efficiency.
When: December 15 and 16, 2016, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Bring your lunch)
Where: the LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th floor, San Francisco, 94103
Cost: $150.00. Scholarships may be available to persons 55 and over living in the counties of San Francisco, Alameda and Marin.
To participate you must own an iPhone.
Space is limited, so sign up now.
Over the two-day workshop you will learn to take advantage of the following features of your iPhone:
- Effective Use of Siri
- Using your Calendar and reminder features
- Setting alarms using your clock and your timer when cooking
- Creating Phone Contacts
- Text Messaging
- Overview of native (built-in) Apps
For questions, eligibility or to signup, contact Shen Kuan at 415-694-7312 or skuan@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
An Invitation to a November Workshop on Advanced Estate Planning Techniques
You are invited to a LightHouse Legacy Society Event at the new LightHouse building, with special guest presenter Michael Bland. Michael is the principal attorney at Guardian Counsel, PC. and is dedicated to assisting his clients design their family’s estate plans to preserve their personal and financial well-being while planning for the future. Michael is an Eagle Scout and was born and raised in Napa, California.
When: Wednesday, November 2nd, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: the LightHouse Building at 1155 Market Street, Floor 10, San Francisco, 94103.
Dinner will be served.
Please RSVP by October 25th to Dagny Brown at 451.694.7311 or dbrown@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
We want to thank our LightHouse Legacy Society Members for including the LightHouse in their estate plans:
Hank Borenko, Margie Donovan, Joan M. Dove, Robert Ray Foster, Gena Harper and Mike May, Dolores Ippolito, Roger Kallen, Justin Kim, Kuhnle Family Endowment, Jerry Kuns and Theresa Postello, Inez E. Martini, Ann Noble and Goran Muhlert, Robert E. O’Donnell, Alicia Jean Rose, Frederic and Kristine Silva, Richard Stevens and Virginia Behm, David and Regula Weill, Martin and Rosan Weissman, Jennifer Westbrook, Greg Wong.
Hang Out with Friends and Potential Mentors at 30% and Growing
Photo: Members of the 30% and Growing Club hang out at the Albatross Pub in Berkeley: (Left to right) Aly Slaughter, Laura Millar, Josh Miele, Christina Daniels and Event Coordinator Serena Olsen.
Depending on where you get your statistics, 57-70% of working-age blind people are unemployed. But what if we turned that statistic on its head? What if, instead of agonizing over the dauntingly high unemployment rate among blind people, we reframe and consider that at least 30% of blind people are fully employed? Well we’ve done just that. On the third Thursday of each month, the LightHouse celebrates working blind people at our 30% & Growing blind professionals networking meet-ups in San Francisco and the East Bay.
In a thriving metropolis like the Bay Area, every conceivable profession has a meet up group, but where do aspiring-to-be-fully-employed blind people have the same opportunity?
30% & Growing creates that space where being a fully employed blind person is perfectly normal. It’s a space where busy working blind people can take a quick time out to connect with their peers, enjoy some libations, and argue with their friends about current events—just like any other worker bees at the end of a work day.
With 30% & Growing, we intend to grow the ranks of our fully employed working-age blind people by leveraging this tremendous resource for those coming up in the ranks or even thinking about it. Blind job seekers now have this monthly resource available to them allowing them to learn from those that came before them and cull advice about their professions of interest and the unique experience of navigating a career as a blind person.
But we don’t just network – we laugh a lot. We’re serious and social, taking in the buzz of a variety of local watering holes and restaurants across San Francisco and the East Bay, sampling craft beers, wines or cocktails and sating our palate with light snacks and appetizers. More importantly, 30% and Growing offers connection, dialogue, relationships, and community, and a time and place to go out with friends and colleagues for happy hour, just like any other hard-working tax payer.
For information on upcoming gatherings please contact Serena Olsen, Adult Program Coordinator, at solsen@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
BEST Classes for Youth on Saturday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Photo: Jamey Gump teaches during last year’s Youth Cooking Class.
Who: Youth who are blind or have low vision, ages 8 to 18
When: From 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month (upcoming class dates are October 15, November 19 and December 17)
Where: The LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, 94103
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver form if they have not done so for a previous outing or event.
Cost: FREE for low vision and blind youth
Classes will be limited to 12 participants and all participants must RSVP.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372, or by email at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
Blind Youth to Battle it Out During Iron Chef of the LightHouse Cooking Class, 10:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Learn how to cook while having fun with a series of Iron Chef-type competitions.
More about Iron Chef at the LightHouse.
LightHouse BEST Challenge, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
In the BEST Challenge, students participate in a two-hour course of challenges meant to encourage team-building, introduce them to new techniques and reinforce those they use daily. The course will incorporate a variety of independent living skills, from adaptive technology to Orientation & Mobility.
Tactile Painting, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
This session will have our BEST students expressing themselves through art. Students will have a spooky good time creating Halloween themed tactile paintings, under the guidance of Enchanted Hills Art Area Leader Julie Cabrera.
Since our class is two weeks before Halloween students will not be carving pumpkins, however they are welcome to bring one from home to decorate with the tactile materials provided.
World of Sex Series: Talking About Sex
Whether you are discussing sexual health with a health care provider; negotiating safer sex practices with a potential new partner; or disclosing a fantasy you’ve kept secret from your long-term partner, sometimes talking about sex and sexual health can be difficult. We understand, and we are here to help show you that it doesn’t have to be this way. Not only can talking about sex be fun, it can even be sexy!
You are invited to participate in this month’s “Talking About Sex” workshop led by LightHouse Sexual Health Services Program Coordinator Laura Millar, MPH, M.A. Laura will be co-presenting this workshop with a health educator from Planned Parenthood, Hana Afra, M.A.
Who: Adults (ages 18 and older) who are blind or have low vision. You may bring an adult guest with you.
When: Thursday, October 13, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: the new LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, San Francisco, 94103
Cost: Free to attend
Hana will provide an overview of the different services Planned Parenthood offers, and how to access those services. We will also discuss how you can feel more confident talking to your healthcare providers regarding your sexual health; and how to request information that is both accessible and meaningful for you.
Adults ages 18 and older are invited to join us in creating a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space to explore talking about sex. This workshop is open to all participants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, sexual experience or relationship status. Regardless of your current comfort level, come and join us for this fun educational workshop and leave feeling more confident and empowered to have the conversations you want to have.
These workshops are community inspired and led and we want to hear from you. If you have other topics you would like to propose for the World of Sex series, or ideas about how to be more involved with this series please contact Laura Millar via e-mail at lmillar@old.lighthouse-sf.org or telephone 415-694-7345.
About the Workshop Leader
Laura Millar joins the LightHouse team as the Program Coordinator for Sexual Health Services. Legally blind herself with a Master of Public Health as well as a Masters in Sexuality Studies, she will be conducting research that examines how individuals with vision loss learn about and navigate the world of dating, sex and intimate relationships. In this role she will be offering workshops, trainings and in-services for individuals who are blind or have low vision, their family members and the organizations that serve them, ensuring that sexual health information and services are comprehensive, inclusive and accessible for everyone.
The LightHouse is pleased to be in a unique position to expand its services in this area. We know that for many, just talking about sex and sexual health can make many people feel uncomfortable. For people experiencing vision loss and the professionals that serve them, navigating these sensitive conversations poses its own unique set of challenges. Laura is here to help make those conversations a little easier for everyone. If you have questions about Laura’s role, the work she will be doing, or would like to talk to her please feel free to e-mail her at lmillar@old.lighthouse-sf.org or call her at 415-694-7345. She would love to hear from you.
If you have other topics you would like to propose for the World of Sex series, or ideas about how to be more involved with this series please contact Laura Millar via e-mail at info@old.lighthouse-sf.org or telephone 415-431-1481.
Autumn Kitchen Basics Class
Left to right: Janeen Rockwell-Owens, Gail McGaster, Victoria Hahn, Instructor Sydney Ferrario, Holli Clark work on two acorn squash soups.
Sweater-season is approaching, and an appetite for heartier meals beckons us inside and to the kitchen. Using a variety of tasty and interesting recipes for soups, one-pot meals, sauces, entrees and desserts, in this class, beginning October 11, you’ll learn cooking strategies with an emphasis on non-visual (tactile, auditory, olfactory and gustatory) techniques and create healthy, cost-effective and delicious meals.
Who: This course is designed for the beginner and intermediate level home cook.
When: October 11 through November 3. These eight class sessions occur every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: The LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, 94103
Cost: The class fee is $600.00. Those persons who are 55 and older, not a consumer of the Department of Rehabilitation and living in the counties of San Francisco, Marin or Alameda counties may be eligible for scholarship.
There is a materials fee of $50 for all students.
Space is limited to 5 students per class.
In this class we’ll use a variety of tasty and interesting recipes for fall soups, one-pot meals, sauces, entrees and desserts. Students will have the chance to learn, develop and practice kitchen skills such as:
- Knife skills, safety strategies and professional level techniques
- Measuring wet/dry ingredients confidently and accurately
- Organization and labeling ideas for your kitchen, including setting up your workspace and cleaning strategies/techniques
- Navigating oven and stovetops and testing for done-ness
- Easy ingredient swaps for dairy/wheat-free diets, and how to boost nutrition
There will also be a technology overlap where students will practice accessing recipes via smartphone, Victor Reader Stream, or CCTV.
If you are a current student at the LightHouse, contact Sydney Ferrario to register for this class, at sferrario@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
If you are new to the LightHouse, please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org. Please let us know at the time of registration if you have special dietary needs or food allergies so that we may accommodate recipes as much as possible.