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Find Your Musical Self – LightHouse Youth Music 101

“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.”
― Albert Einstein

Join LightHouse youth as we explore the world of music. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to, learn about and create their own musical expressions amongst a range of musical genres and instruments.

An experienced musician will provide a monthly intensive and fun study focusing on a theme or instrument. Youth will have the opportunity to demo their own skills, and try the new genera or instrument. At the end of each lesson there’ll be a jam session using simple household items re-envisioned to demonstrate musical themes and instrumentations.

2015 Winter and Spring Music 101 Schedule:
January 10: Dammed Drumming (Drums)
February 14: Getty for Guitars (String Instruments)
March 14: Wind Winders (Wind Instruments)
April 11: Keyboard Craziness (Piano and Keyboards)
May 9: Dangerous DJ (Electronic sound)

Who: Blind and Low Vision Youth, ages 8 to 18
What: Music Appreciation 101
When: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., second Saturday of the month
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver 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 8 participants, and all participants must RSVP.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372, or jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

We’re Off to See the Wizard – Get Tickets for January 10 and 11 Annual Great American Songbook Benefit

Enjoy the Songs of the Great Composer Harold Arlen and Support Enchanted Hills Camp

“Harold Arlen is the most original composer of all of us.” – George GershwinPortrait of Anne and Steve Gill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year the Gill Family and friends continue their tradition of special concerts in honor of their daughter Anne, a longtime Enchanted Hills camper. New for 2015 is a rousing series of two concerts exploring the work of composer Harold Arlen of Wizard of Oz, Old Black Magic and It’s Only a Paper Moon fame.

What: Harold Who? A Tribute to Harold Arlen
When: Two Performances – Saturday, January 10 and Sunday January 11, 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Spieker Ballroom at the Menlo School, Menlo Park
$15 donation requested. Seating is on a first come, first seated basis
All proceeds benefit our Enchanted Hills Camp Special Needs Session

For more information contact Steve or Nancy Gill at (650) 948-4648 or nancyggill@yahoo.com.

LightHouse News

New 2015 LightHouse Connect Series – January: Read How You Want

Beginning in 2015, LightHouse for the Blind will host the first in a series of workshops covering hot topics that will “connect” you to a variety of resources, skills and the latest trends in the blindness field.

Our first LightHouse Connect workshop, “Read How You Want,” will cover both low and high-tech ways of reading, from how to read your local newspaper to navigating your iPad so you can spend those iTunes dollars you received for the holidays. But it’s not just about information. Each Lighthouse Connect workshop will include, free of charge, a light dinner and the chance to meet with fellow inquisitive blind community members and their supporters.

When: Thursday, January 29, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Enjoy this networking mixer with light dinner to follow with opportunities to get your hands on the different products presented.

For more information or to RSVP for this free series, please contact Information and Resource Specialist Beth Berenson at info@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-431-1481.

LightHouse News

Become a Personal Services Volunteer

Are you an individual who believes the simplest pleasures in life sometimes have the most profound impact? Do you prefer to work with people in a one-to-one capacity, rather than in large groups, or on large projects? More importantly, would you like to make a significant contribution to the life of a blind or low vision person in as little as two hours per week? The LightHouse’s Personal Services Volunteer (PSV) program may be just the right fit for you.

Some examples of the daily living tasks our clients may need assistance with are: reading mail; reading books, newspapers and periodicals; writing checks, helping with letters and correspondence; organization/marking/labeling; grocery shopping with or without the client; running errands; attending cultural, social and sporting events; walking; and accessing transportation.

For more information about LightHouse’s Personal Services Volunteer program, or any other questions related to volunteerism at LightHouse, please contact Justine Harris-Richburgh, Coordinator of Volunteer Services and Employment Immersion, at 415-694-7320 or volunteer@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

Partners Come Together at Enchanted Hills Retreat

Couples gather together for group photo

When a family member, spouse, partner or close friend becomes blind, predictably, questions and emotions come up for both the person and their family. While blindness training is available to the person who is new to low vision or blindness, the role of their sighted partner/counterpart and the nature of their partnership can be challenged. At the same time it’s an opportunity for learning, dialogue and connection with other couples that can turn out to be a pathway to understanding for both partners.

The LightHouse has had years of experience providing training to persons new to blindness or low vision and we have always understood that family and friends are key to successful learning. On a beautiful weekend last month, six couples from as far north as Elk (Mendocino Coast) and as far south as Watsonville joined LightHouse staff at Enchanted Hills Retreat for a concentrated dose of learning and sharing experiences. Throughout the weekend these supportive, fun and dedicated couples participated in conversation regarding the “adjustment” they were experiencing, both independently and together. They jumped with gusto into the interactive curriculum provided on Orientation and Mobility, Independent Living Skills and Access Technology.

For example, with the encouragement of their blind or low vision partner, each sighted partner had the opportunity to learn wearing a training eyeshade. The intent and outcome of this experience was to understand training methods, focusing on the task at hand, not what one can, or can’t see.  All partners participated without hesitation and walked away with newfound understanding.  Because the weekend was designed so that participants would learn by example, the blind or visually impaired spouse took the role of co-teacher of the hands-on skills. The weekend also included morning hikes, Saturday Happy Hour and the opportunity to listen to and talk with a panel of couples, including LightHouse Board members Josh Miele and Chris Downey and their sighted spouses, who are peers with similar life experiences.

Keh-Ming Lin, sighted husband of Wen-Ling Lin, developed an understanding of human-guide techniques, the value of the long cane, developing safe and effective knife skills for cooking without vision. Student Wen-Ling said, “Changing vision affects not only the person who is blind or low vision, but also that of their loved ones. I am so glad LightHouse has provided the rare opportunity for us to have the chance to tap into each other’s world, and helped to facilitate our continued dialogue of “changing vision, changing life.” Her husband, Keh-Ming said, “It was a truly enchanting weekend.”

If you or someone you know might be interested in Changing Vision Changing Life or future Couples training, please contact Debbie Bacon at dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7357.

Keh-Ming Lin chops zucchini wearing a training shade as Wen-Ling Lin watches

LightHouse News

Diageo Volunteers Make Huge Improvements at Enchanted Hills

Last month a very special group of volunteers gathered at Enchanted Hills for a very special Day of Service. Through the impetus of Jim Tomlinson, manager of Volunteer Napa, a program of Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL), we hosted the largest group of volunteers ever, when approximately 200 employees of Diageo Chateau and Estate Wine, along with team leaders from the CVNL, seasoned camp volunteers and LightHouse staff, participated in a Day of Service at Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind.

The day-long event demonstrated Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines’ commitment to building stronger communities and its desire to support socially responsible organizations.

Enchanted Hills and the LightHouse reaped the benefit of the strong Diageo work ethic as its staff tackled a number of tasks which made a huge physical impact on the camp. Assignments included cleaning out the upper barn; constructing and staining picnic tables; clearing Lokoya Lake’s water and island of vegetation and painting the bridge; painting the fence around the lake; clearing brush around the wishing well; painting the archery shed; painting the Lakeside cabins; staining and building picnic benches and painting the fence around the pool; and sanding, treating and staining the wood of the playground structure.

We are proud to announce that last year Enchanted Hills was designated an Emergency Shelter for the residents of Mt. Veeder. Volunteers repurposed a 40-feet long storage container to house emergency supplies, constructed shelving units and assembled a supply of emergency blankets and first-aid kits for the shelter.

Jim Tomlinson said, “Vensherrie Campbell from Diageo called me up to coordinate a day of volunteering. They wanted to bring upwards of 200 Diageo employees together in one location. The only place I know that could provide the right number of projects and could handle this sized group all in one day was Enchanted Hills. It worked beautifully. On the day, while I was walking around, I noticed laughter in every group – everyone was so cheerful and willing to help each other, the painting job was done by Madani house painting company. The spirit of the group was so wonderful.”

Camp Director Tony Fletcher said, “It was a fantastic experience working with the employees from Diageo and the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership. Both organizations are class acts and I truly hope we have the opportunity to continue these relationships in the future.”

We want to thank Diageo, Jim Tomlinson of Volunteer Napa , Anton Timms and Emma Mills from Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, photographer Peter Rodgers, and our camp volunteers and staff for the amazing amount of hard work, muscle and ingenuity each and every one gave to make Enchanted Hills more beautiful and functional for our Retreat guests, our campers and our visitors. We also thank them for purchasing supplies as well as providing a hearty lunch.

Want to see Enchanted Hills all spruced up? Reserve Enchanted Hills for your yoga retreat, family reunion, church group, conference, wedding or other gathering of thirty or more. All proceeds from Enchanted Hills Retreat support our camp for the blind and visually impaired. For more information please call (415) 694-7310 or visit www.enchantedhillsretreat.com.

The entire group assembles in the Enchanted Hills Dining Hall

A Diageo volunteer works on a picnic table with a sander

A volunteer gathers brush for disposal

 

LightHouse News

White Elephant Gift Exchange on Saturday, December 20

Have you ever received a gift you didn’t want or had no use for? Here’s your opportunity to unload that cringe-worthy dust collector in a fun and humorous way. Join the LightHouse Youth Program as we celebrate the holidays at our Annual White Elephant party.

For those unfamiliar, a White Elephant party is a fun holiday gift giving party where participants bring humorous and inexpensive gifts to exchange. White elephant gifts are usually tacky, gaudy, inexpensive and of course, silly. The funnier and more absurd, the better. The best part of the game is “stealing” gifts from other participants. For more information about the rules of the game, see below.

Who: Blind and Low Vision Youth, ages 8 to 24
What: White Elephant Gift Exchange
When: Saturday December 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver form, if they have not done so for a previous outing
Please RSVP by December 17.

Festive treats will be made by our cooking class scheduled before the White Elephant party. Potluck contributions will be greatly appreciated.

Each youth who wishes to participate in the gift exchange must bring one gift valued at no more than $10. Gifts should be tasteful and non-offensive, however, the more outrageous and/or funny the gift, the more fun we will have.

If you would like more information or to RSVP for this event, please contact Jamey Gump, LightHouse Youth Services Coordinator at (415) 694-7372 or jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

White Elephant Rules

1. Each participant must bring one wrapped gift that does not exceed $10 and place it with other gifts on a designated table.

2. Pass around a hat with numbered pieces of paper (one number for participant), and have each guest draw a number to determine order.

3. The person who draws “1” gets first pick from the pile, making sure to describe the gift to other participants.

4. Once opened, the person who draws number “2” starts the second round. They can either choose to “steal” the first person’s gift or open an unwrapped gift from the pile.

5. Once number “2” has gone the person who drew “3” repeats the same process of choosing to “steel” an opened or unwrap an unopened gift.

6. Gifts can be exchanged 3 times per round, and gifts cannot be stolen back from the person who stole from you.

7. Game continues in this fashion until all gifts have been opened.

LightHouse News

Feel the Ice Beneath Your Feet on Saturday, December 13

Join your friends in the LightHouse Youth Program as we enjoy our next social gathering at the Iceland, in Belmont. You are sure to have a great time whether you want to learn how to skate, practice a Triple Axel jump or just have hot chocolate with friends.

Who: Blind and Low Vision Youth, ages 14 to 24
What: Ice Skating at Iceland, located at 815 Old County Road, Belmont
When: Saturday December 13, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (skate time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Meeting Location: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Waiver: Each participant must fill out all waiver and application forms before participation is confirmed
Cost: $15 per participant (includes public transportation costs and skate equipment and admission fees)

If you would like more information or to RSVP for this event, please contact Jamey Gump, LightHouse Youth Services Coordinator at (415) 694-7372 or jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Things to Bring

  • Signed and completed waiver
  • Any necessary mobility devices
  • Bag lunch
  • Water bottle
  • Dress in layers and bring a jacket for when on the ice
LightHouse News

New Classes Added for Winter and Spring – LightHouse Youth Program’s Cooking 101

Due to popular demand, the Cooking 101 series with the LightHouse Youth Program is back with new classes for Winter and Spring 2015.

Whether you are interested in cooking tasty treats, simple side dishes and snacks, or festive full course meals, this class is intended for blind and low vision youth aspiring to be more competent and confident in the kitchen. In addition to skills training, participants will also learn the ABCs of kitchen safety and sanitation.

Upon completion of the course, students will have the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to independently prepare and cook just about any meal their taste buds desire.

Who: Blind and Low Vision Youth
What: Learn to cook tasty treats for yourself, your friends and your family
When:  From 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month
Where:  LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters @ 214 Van Ness Avenue

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

If you would like more information about Cooking 101 or to RSVP, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372, or by email at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Classes will be limited to 8 participants and all participants must RSVP.

Note: It is essential to notify Youth Services Coordinator Jamey Gump of any food allergies prior to any class.

Winter and Spring Cooking 101 Schedule
January 10: Soups and Salads
February 14: Omelets
March 14: Fried Rice and Teriyaki Chicken
April 11: Pesto Pasta
May 9: Cheese Burgers in Paradise

LightHouse News

Find Your Musical Self – LightHouse Youth Music 101

Join LightHouse youth as we explore the world of music. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to, learn about and create their own musical expression amongst a range of musical genres and instruments.

An experienced musician will provide a monthly intensive and fun study focusing on a theme or instrument. Youth will have the opportunity to demo their own skills, and try the new genera or instrument. At the end of each lesson there will be a jam session using simple household items re-envisioned to demonstrate musical themes and instrumentations.

 2015 Winter and Spring Music 101 Schedule:

January 10: Damned Drumming (Drums)
February 14: Getty for Guitars (String Instruments)
March 14: Wind Winders (Wind Instruments)
April 11: Keyboard Craziness (Piano and Keyboards)
May 9: Dangerous DJ (Electronic sound)

Who: Blind and Low Vision Youth
What: Music Appreciation 101
When: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., second Saturday of the month
Where: LightHouse Headquarters located at 214 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver 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 8 participants, and all participants must RSVP.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372 or jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.