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Enchanted Hills Camp

Attitude is Everything

04/17/2014 Lisamaria Martinez

Kate Williams of San Francisco is taking on a personal challenge this year at Cycle for Sight, the signature ride benefiting Enchanted Hills Camp. She will be riding 15 miles on a tandem bike, and this ride will be her first significant spin since 1997 when she began losing her vision. Kate, who is a grandmother, said, “I want to prove to myself I can do it. I did the Avon Breast Cancer walk before and I thought I couldn’t do that either. The first year I almost didn’t.” But why wouldn’t you do what you like and what you want to do.

Kate is the program manager for the LightHouse Employment Immersion Program, which helps dozens of blind people find competitive work every year. When asked why she wanted to finally get back on the horse, she said, “it just seemed like the right thing to do. LightHouse always fundraises for various programs, and I want to participate and give back. Plus, there’s a social aspect to it.” Kate advises that, “Attitude is everything, so today, be sure you pick a good one.”

It is with this intrepid attitude that Kate and her Pilot will hit the roads of Napa on Saturday, April 26 to help raise money for Enchanted Hills Camp, a program of the LightHouse for the Blind. For 64 summers, Enchanted Hills Camp has been a place where blind children and adults learn, grow and discover a new sense of self-confidence and poise.

If you’ve decided today to have an attitude of giving, donate to Cycle for Sight and support Kate William’s fundraising campaign. Simply go to our donation page and
select Cycle for Sight as your giving designation. Be sure to put Kate’s name in the “in honor of” field.

Join Team LightHouse today! Register at www.cycle4sight.com and ride with Team LightHouse. For more information, or to sign up as a tandem pilot or stoker, contact Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7319.

Ride on!

LightHouse News

Who Knew That Giving Could Be So Energizing

04/17/2014 Lisamaria Martinez

This will be LightHouse Board member Chris Downey’s third year in a row to participate in Cycle for Sight. Chris tells us why supporting Enchanted Hills Camp in this way is so important to him.

Q: How old are you?
A: I’m a 6 year old blind kid trapped in a 51 year old body.

Q: What city are you from?
A: Piedmont.

Q: Which route will you be taking?
A: All the way – 50 or bust!

Q. What motivated you to ride this year and in the past?
A: The LightHouse was central to my rehabilitation from sight loss and it has remained central ever since. Now I’m in the “give back” phase as I fully appreciate the significance of the programs at the LightHouse and its Enchanted Hills Camp. As a Board Member, I’m absolutely thrilled by the direction and energy of the organization and want to do all that I can to maximize its potential in service of its current and future clients. Beyond that, I want to support its growth as “the place to be” for the Bay Area’s community of blind and visually impaired.

Q: What is your connection to Enchanted Hills Camp?
A: I’ve never been lucky enough to be an EHC Camper but have had numerous opportunities to stay overnight at camp for events as a member of the Board. Consequently, my relationship is primarily as a supporter and cheerleader.

Q: What is your connection to the LightHouse?
A: I started as a client in 2008, became a Board Member in late 2009 and have served as a Vice President since 2012. Closer to the heart, however, I’m truly grateful to the LightHouse for all it has done for me and my family since becoming a part of this incredible family.

Q: Any words of wisdom?
A: 1) If on the road heading down Mt. Veeder on the morning of April 26, watch out for the screaming tandem.
2) If blind and pointing downhill on Mt. Veeder and the sweat gets in your eyes, just close them and refer others to the initial “words of wisdom”.

Q: What is your fundraising goal?
A: My big audacious goal is $3,000. This is a significant reach due to other commitments over the next month but I’ll do my best to push for it.

Can you help Chris “give back”? $3,000 can send 3 blind youth to Enchanted Hills Camp this summer where children learn, grow and discover a new sense of self-confidence and poise.

Be a cheerleader like Chris. Be part of the community of supporters who believe in the significance and impact that camp has had on hundreds of blind youth for 64 summers. It’s simple. Go to our donation page and select Cycle for Sight as your giving designation. Be sure to put Chris’s name in the “in honor of” field.

You too can ride! Join Team LightHouse by registering at www.cycle4sight.com and ride with Team LightHouse on Saturday April 26. For more information, or to sign up as a tandem pilot or stoker, contact Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Ride on!

LightHouse News

Dream Big and Ride in This Year’s Cycle for Sight

04/03/2014 Lisamaria Martinez

24-year-old Sergio Lopez, from Fremont, California, is riding in this year’s Cycle for Sight – a fundraising bicycle ride benefiting Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. This is the second time he has ridden, and with each mile he pedals (25 miles this year), he will be raising money for a worthy cause.

“I am always looking for ways to challenge myself and had never been on a tandem bike before participating with Cycle for Sight.” says Sergio. “Not only does this ride present an opportunity for me to try new things and challenge myself but it’s a great feeling to work for such a good cause. The money I raise contributes towards one of the places which have made an impact on my life.”

A second year student at Ohlone College who is getting ready to transfer to SFSU, Sergio has been volunteering and working at Enchanted Hills Camp since 2010. Last summer, he worked as the assistant camp director. When asked to share a few words of wisdom, he said, “When you dream, dream as big as you can. Regardless of any circumstances, any dream can be achieved with enough motivation and determination. Try new things and make the best out of life.”

If you are ready to dream big, try new things and make the best out of life, consider riding in this year’s Cycle for Sight on Saturday April 26, 2014. Riders have the chance to ride 15, 25 or 50 miles down the majestic roads of Napa, alongside 2,000 other cyclists raising money for a worthy cause.

Join Team LightHouse today! Register at www.cycle4sight.com For more information, or to sign up as a tandem pilot or stoker, contact Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

If you can’t ride but wish to support a rider, donate to Sergio Lopez’s fundraising campaign. Simply go to our donation page and select Cycle for Sight as your giving designation. Be sure to put Sergio’s name in the “in honor of” field.

Ride on!

LightHouse News

Meet a Blind Rider in This Year’s Cycle for Sight

04/03/2014 Lisamaria Martinez

Jack Veliquette, 17, from Windsor, California, is taking on the challenge of Cycle for Sight for the second year in a row. He’s upping his game and instead of riding 25 miles like he did last year, he’ll be riding 50 – tackling the slopes of Mt. Veeder.

This high school sophomore has been a camper at Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind since he was seven years old. Last summer, he gave back to the camp that he loves by becoming a counselor in training (CIT). He intends to be a CIT again this year.

When asked what motivated him to ride and raise money for Enchanted Hills Camp, Jack said, “Tony asked my mom if I’d be interested. I said ‘I’ll give it a shot.'”

Support Jack Veliquette in this year’s Cycle for Sight by donating to his campaign. Simply go to our donation page and select Cycle for Sight as your giving designation. Be sure to put Jack’s name in the “in honor of” field.

Join Team LightHouse this year on Saturday April 26! Register at www.cycle4sight.com. For more information contact Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319.

Ride on!

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Retreat- A Mycologist’s Dream

03/31/2014 Lisamaria Martinez

While some people like bird watching, and others might have a botanists’ love for wildflowers, there is another way to explore the natural environment at Enchanted Hills – mushroom hunting.

It’s been a dry season on Mt. Veeder just as it has been all over Northern California. Mushrooms like rain, so the drought conditions have not been favorable for the fungophile. But with the few drenching Spring storms, there is enough moisture for some mushrooms to have begun sprouting. Here are five common mushrooms that you might find under the Redwood duff or oak leaf fall in the woods of Enchanted Hills.

Puff Balls – are white and look like a round or elongated marshmallow. When they are young they’ve got spikes, but as they mature the spikes break off, leaving fawn spots. They are found under Douglass Fir and hardwoods on Mt. Veeder.

Golden Chanterelles – Rather than thin gills, these culinary prizes have rib like folds under the cap that stretch down the stem. Found under living oak trees, it takes a sharp eye to locate their pumpkin hue amongst the litter of leaves.

Witches Hats – as you would expect, witches hats are conical and a bright yellow-orange color. They live under the Redwoods in pairs or small groups.

Oyster Mushrooms – These white to tan fan shaped mushroom grow out of fallen dead oak logs (or sometimes dead oaks that are still standing). They usually sprout in groups on a log. They can be quite large, up to a foot wide, and they have a mild almondy scent.

King Bolete – Boletes are large mushrooms with spongy undersides full of pores instead of gills. They are large, terrestrial mushrooms that grow under conifers and hardwoods. Look for them in the deep woods of Enchanted Hills.

Need a dose of fresh air and the challenge of a mushroom hunt? 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.

LightHouse News

Return to the Sun, Warmth and Friendship of Enchanted Hills Camp

03/31/2014 Lisamaria Martinez

Our Family Camp sessions are almost full, but we still have room in our Youth sessions, Adult sessions and our Music Academy. Many campers set their calendars for the beginning of February, when the LightHouse starts taking reservations and deposits for our summer sessions. Last year our sessions were so popular they sold out well in advance. With our new online reservation system, signup is quicker and easier than ever.

Click here to learn more about our sessions and how to apply.

LightHouse News

Intensive Blind Music Academy at Enchanted Hills in August 2014

03/31/2014 Andrea Ogarrio

Deadline to Sign Up is April 30!

Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa, California is offering a brand new Music Academy for blind and visually impaired musicians. The Academy is open to blind musicians ages 14 to 25. The session is led by Dancing Dots founder Bill McCann. If you are a serious blind musician or are thinking of entering the profession, this academy will introduce you to new ways you can write down your own music, read the works of others, and gain the capacity necessary to compete for and win employment in the music field. Session runs from August 3 through August 9, 2014.

Find out more about our Music Academy.

(l to r) Counselor Matt Beard playing guitar to young campers Lochlan and Nick

LightHouse News

Last Chance to Sign Up for Cycle for Sight 2014

03/31/2014 Lisamaria Martinez

Our spring ride is a signature event with more than 2,000 riders providing the single biggest support for Enchanted Hills Camp. Come join the largest and most fun group of tandem riders in Northern California to have some fun while doing good…Sign up at www.cycle4sight.com as a cyclist for Team LightHouse and enjoy the beauty of Napa and the challenge of a 15, 25 or 50 mile route with 2,000 other cyclists. After the ride partake in wine tasting from Napa Valley wineries, beer tasting from local microbreweries and local cuisine from Napa Valley restaurants, all while grooving to the sounds of “Pride and Joy”.

When: Saturday, April 26, 2014. The first ride starts at 8:00 a.m.
Where: Starts at Justin Siena High School, 4026 Maher Street, Napa

Pilots and Blind Stokers Wanted for our April 26 Rally
Are you interested in piloting a tandem bike for a blind stoker? Or are you a blind stoker in need of a pilot? Contact Tony Fletcher via email at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319 to join Team LightHouse today.

Proceeds support Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. Raise pledges for every mile you ride through the Cycle for Sight website. To meet Sergio Lopez, Jack Veliquette and other members of Team LightHouse go to www.lbvi.staging.wpengine.com.com/donate/cycleforsight.

Thank you to our wonderful Cycle for Sight 2014 sponsors!

Cotati Food Service
R.V. Kuhns & Associates, Inc.
Earthclean Building Maintenance

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind is Hiring!

03/31/2014 Andrea Ogarrio

Enchanted Hills is hiring camp counselors for the summer sessions for blind campers. 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 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.

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. For further information contact Tony Fletcher, Enchanted Hills Camp Director at (415) 694-7319 or afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Camp Counselors and Staff

LightHouse News

Newly Appointed DOR Director Joe Xavier to Appear at Providers Weekend 2014

03/25/2014 Andrea Ogarrio 1 Comment

Always Free to First-Timers!

The Bay Area’s warmest and most-connected gathering of teachers, tech trainers, O&Mers, TVIs, employment professionals, program managers and others in the blindness field will soon gather in the LightHouse’s signature event, Provider’s Weekend. The enlarged and far-ranging get-together is set for May 16 to 18 at Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa. For nearly 20 years the LightHouse has hosted this special event as the one place in the Bay Area where blindness professionals can meet and network throughout a long weekend.

Joe Xavier to Appear
Among the guest participants will be Joe Xavier, newly-appointed Director of the California Department of Rehabilitation. Joe will lead a discussion entitled “What the Blindness Field Isn’t Talking About”.

When: May 16 to 18, 2014
Where: Enchanted Hills Retreat, 3410 Mt. Veeder Road, Napa
Cost: $100.00 (free for first-time participants)

May is the perfect month to swim in our heated pool, meet others in the warm evening around the campfire, and wrestle with bigger questions that take a bit more time than available around the office water cooler. You’ll meet brand-new and experienced service providers working in the field of blindness from all over northern California. We’ll offer both structured workshops and presentations as well as open-ended time for connection and community building. You may build a network you might not otherwise have. You might even find your next job.

Attendees will have the opportunity to stay in a lakeside cabin, the lodge or one of our fully accessible cabins next to the dining hall. The cost for the weekend, including all meals, is $100.00. And new for this year is a special incentive for first-time participants – have the weekend on us. The free retreat is the least we can do to honor those who are helping shape the blindness field across northern California.

In addition to discussing philosophies, trends and issues we face in providing services for people with visual impairments, you can enjoy the heated swimming pool, a lake for boating, trails for hiking and savory meals provided by a wonderful kitchen staff. You’ll learn from your peers, relax in a natural setting, see our new Redwood Grove theater, maybe even play some music together. And it’s not unheard of to find a drop or two of Napa wine from the neighborhood, too.

So mark your calendars now and reserve space before it’s gone. We already have several dozen reservations in unprecedentedly-early and we expect with the flood of new faces that we’ll fill all available cabins well before May.

For information and reservations contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Joe Xavier speaks to attendee at the 2011 LightHouse Employment Summit