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Sports and Recreation

LightHouse News

Cross Country Skiing in the Sierra with Sierra Regional Ski for Light

Do you enjoy cross country skiing or snowshoeing? Have you always wanted to learn? Sierra Regional Ski For Light (SRSFL) is now accepting applications for its 2014 ski season.

2014 ski schedule includes:

One-day trips (open to children and adults)

  • January 25, sign up date deadline is January 18, 2014
  • February 8, sign up deadline is February 1, 2014
  • March 22, sign up deadline is March 15, 2014

22nd annual three-day event (adults only): March 8 to 10, 2014:

  • Signup deadline is January 31 with final payment due by February 20

Skiing will be at the Tahoe/Donner Cross Country Ski Resort in Truckee, CA. Each skier and snowshoer is matched with a trained guide. SRSFL welcomes beginners to advanced skiers and snowshoers.

For more information, including the complete ski schedule, go to http://www.srsfl.org.
You may also contact Margie Donovan at 916-293-9505 or margie.donovan1@yahoo.com.

SRSFL looks forward to seeing you on the snow.

LightHouse News

Fun Times with the LightHouse Youth Program

Halloween Costume Party and Social
In preparation for Halloween the LightHouse Youth gathered for a night of frightful fun and games, ingenious costumes, mummified hotdogs, a Halloween-themed piñata, and enough candy to satisfy even the most die-hard trick-or-treaters. Attendees monster-mashed and boo-gied the night away to some of their favorite Halloween tunes.

Old Ships of San Francisco
On a beautiful autumn afternoon a group of Blind Youth gathered at the Hyde Street Pier to explore the Old Ships at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. The LightHouse kids spent the day engaged in hands-on exploration of 100 year-old ships. While some “piloted” the ship’s wheel on deck, others explored every nooYoung Gabe ringing the deck bell aboard the Balclutha, letting others know he is ready to set sailk, cranny, and secret hiding place below deck.

Fredrick, in best Mafia dress suit and hat, makes the winning prediction in our candy guessing game

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Retreat – a Romantic Spot for Nuptials in Napa

For several years, the Mosaic Project’s Brian Lowe and Lara Mendel have been running week-long sessions for fourth and fifth-graders at Enchanted Hills Retreat. The Mosaic Project’s Outdoor School builds self-esteem and com­mu­nity in the beau­ti­ful, nat­ural set­ting of Enchanted Hills, and through these sessions the children “begin to rec­og­nize their com­mon­al­i­ties and gain respect and appre­ci­a­tion for the unique­ness of all indi­vid­u­als, includ­ing them­selves.” Read more about the Outdoor School program at:  http://www.mosaicproject.org/aboutus/ourprograms/outdoor/.

We celebrate the Mosaic Project’s worthy work and were delighted when Brian and Lara decided to hold their own wedding at Enchanted Hills. Brian said, “When it came time to choose a place for our wedding, we thought the Enchanted Hills site would be a perfect place to hold a weekend long celebration. The photo below captures some of that atmosphere.” Newlyweds Brian Lowe and Lara Mendel kiss at Enchanted Hills Retreat as two jugglers make juggling pins dance in the air around them

You too can hold your wedding at Enchanted Hills! Our retreat can also be used for family reunions, yoga workshops, spiritual retreats, horse campers, company off-site meetings or seminars. With a playing field and playground, it’s a great location for groups with children, but the romance and grandeur of the setting also lends itself to a beautiful wedding.

Book now for an event between December 2013 and February 2014 and receive a 20 percent discount on your daily rate. All rental proceeds support the unparalleled programs of Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. During the summer months, Enchanted Hills Camp is a place for blind campers to explore and create, gain courage, try new things, and make lifelong friends. By celebrating your special event with us you not only have an exceptional place to work or play, but you help give an exceptional camp experience to blind and low vision youth and adults.

Experience the charm of Enchanted Hills! To reserve Enchanted Hills for your get-together of 30 to 120, please call (415) 694-7310 or go to www.enchantedhillsretreat.com.

LightHouse News

Go Take a Hike! LightHouse Consults on Accessible Topographic Map of Redwood Creek Watershed

The LightHouse’s Access to Information Services has produced several braille brochures and tactile trail maps for Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). We’ve also provided training to GGNRA personnel on providing access and accommodation to people with disabilities and consulted on such things as audio tours and topographic maps.

Recently we visited a sculptor’s space for molding in Berkeley where we were asked to review the clay stage of the Redwood Creek Watershed topographic map she has been working on for the GGNRA. Measuring approximately 10 feet by 5 feet, the scale is much larger than the recently unveiled Lands End topographic map. Working from other topographic maps and satellite photos, she and her team have sculpted a model of the environs of Muir Woods from the peak of Mt. Tamalpais to the shore of Stinson Beach.

A bronze casting will be made for the visitor center at Muir Woods, and one done in concrete will be installed at Muir Beach. This model is so detailed that it even includes Mountain Play’s Greek-style Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, and water poured on this model of Mt. Tam courses down the Redwood Creek Watershed to the Pacific, just as it would in reality. “I’m impressed by the model,” says LightHouse staffer Frank Welte, “It gives a clear tactile representation of how Mt. Tam, Muir Woods and Stinson Beach relate and how they are connected and traversed by trails and roads”. Both maps will be installed by the end of 2013.

For more information on how the LightHouse can help provide accessibility to a monument, museum or natural wonder, call Greg Kehret at 415-694-7349 or gkehret@old.lighthouse-sf.org. For more information about Muir Woods and accessibility call 415-561-4700 or email goga_accessibility@nps.gov.

Sculptor Bridget Keimel affixes braille labels to topographic map

LightHouse News

Registration is Open Now for Cycle for Sight 2014 Benefit for Enchanted Hills Camp

Sign up time!

Registration is now open for the Napa Rotary’s Cycle for Sight 2014 ride which will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Sign up at www.cycle4sight.com to ride as a cyclist for Team LightHouse and enjoy the beauty of scenic Napa and the challenge of a 15, 25 or 50 mile route with 2,000 other cyclists. Proceeds support Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. Raise pledges for every mile you ride through the Cycle for Sight website. The Napa Rotary’s goal this year is to raise a total of $100,000.

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!

Jack Veliquette rides on a tandem with his pilot, James Cleary, at Cycle for Sight 2013

LightHouse News

Highlights of October’s Youth Excursions

Ethan Fung, Sean McGee and Anthony Dalli holding the perfect pumpkin

The Great Pumpkin Search at Clancy Pumpkin Patch
The Lighthouse Youth program scoured the Clancy Pumpkin Patch in their quest for the Great Pumpkin. Although the Great Pumpkin was nowhere to be found, 17 blind and low vision youth had a blast searching high and low, through hay tunnels, in and around trackers, in hopes of finding the perfect pumpkin.  After a day of Hayrides and pumpkin pursuits, the group traveled back to the LightHouse for a fun afternoon of pumpkin carving and Halloween treats.

Rafting in the Rain
LightHouse Youth Program participants headed out to Lotus, California for a day of rafting on the south fork of the American River. Despite inclement weather, experienced rafters and intrepid first-timers alike still enjoyed an exciting and adventurous day on the river.

Giant Steps Horseback Riding Trip
Lighthouse Youth Program recently took a trip to the Giants Step Therapeutic Riding Center in Petaluma for an enjoyable and educational afternoon of horseback riding. Before mounting their saddles, each blind and low vision youth was taught how to groom and tack their horse.

Karaoke Night
LightHouse Youth Program’s first Karaoke Night was a huge success as future blind and low vision pop stars came out on a Friday night to show off their musical talent. The group enjoyed a festive evening of food, friends, music, and laughter as they crooned, cried, and cringed through a hilarious playlist.Youth Program Participant Katie Austin learning how to get on a horse properlySergio Lopez and Eduardo Mendez duet during Karaoke Night at the LightHouse

Raft full of Youth Program Participants celebrating a successful rapid run

LightHouse News

Cable Car Ride and Museum Tour on November 23

1 Commenton Cable Car Ride and Museum Tour on November 23

Join the LightHouse for the Blind Youth Program on our next adventure. We will be traversing some of San Francisco’s most epic hills and unique neighborhoods via Cable Car as we make our way to the historic Cable Car Museum. At the museum, participants will learn about the history of cable cars and how they work. The Cable Car Museum houses an extensive collection of historic cable cars, photographs, mechanical displays and other cable car memorabilia.Powell and Market Cable Car

The Lighthouse Youth Program will meet at the Cable Car turntable located at the Powell and Market Street intersection near the Powell Street Transit Station at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23rd. Once gathered, we will board a Cable Car and travel to the Cable Car Museum located in the historic Cable Car Barn & Powerhouse. After visiting the museum, we’ll return to the Powell Street Transit Station by 4:00 p.m.

For more information or to RSVP for this event, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372 or by email at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Who: Blind and Low Vision Youth Ages 8-18
What: Cable Car Ride and Tour of the Cable Car Museum
When:  November 23rd from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Cable Car Ticket Stand above the Powell Street Transit Station
Transportation: We will be using the San Francisco Cable Car system to get from the Powell Street Transit Station to the Cable Car Museum and back.
Cost:  The Cable Car Museum is free. The Cable Car ride is free to participants with a monthly Muni pass.  Participants without a monthly Muni pass will need to bring $12.00 in cash for the Cable Car ride to and from the museum.
Waiver: A LightHouse Liability Waiver Form must be filled out and submitted for each participant, if not done so already.

Space is limited to 10 participants. Please register by November 20th! Snacks provided.

Things to Bring:
Bottle of water
Hat or visor
Cane or other necessary adaptive device
Jacket or hoodie
Signed waiver

LightHouse News

What do Pumpkins, Old Ships and Ghosts Have in Common?

Answer: The LightHouse for the Blind Youth Program

Over the next few autumn-laced weeks, the LightHouse Youth Program will venture out into the city for some autumn-type fun including:

Don’t miss out on the fun! Please check our more detailed blog postings for deadlines to sign-up.

pumpkins

LightHouse News

Six Enchanting Reasons to Hold Your Get-Together at Enchanted Hills Retreat

You already know that Enchanted Hills is a beautiful, relaxing and reasonably priced place to get people together, whether it be for a family reunion, business off-site, religious group outing, wellness retreat or other celebration.

Here are six more reasons why Enchanted Hills is the perfect place for your retreat:

1. Enchanted Hills is the most affordable retreat facility in the wine country.

2. Stay at Enchanted Hills Retreat in the winter and save even more- take advantage of reduced winter rates.

3. The meals are healthy and hearty and home-style, and we can accommodate special requests to meet your needs.

4. The stars are so bright; you’ll try to touch them.

5. It’s so quiet and away from it all (and yet only 8 miles from town) – in this hustle-bustle world we all could use a little rest and relaxation in a place where we can hear the leaves rustle and breathe in the fragrant, clean air.

6. Your gathering at Enchanted Hills Retreat supports the life-changing programs of Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind, providing opportunities for blind people of all ages to make friends and gain confidence for over 63 years.

To reserve Enchanted Hills for your get-together of 30 to 120, please call (415) 694-7310 or go to www.enchantedhillsretreat.com.

The rustic and comfortable cabins at Enchanted Hills Retreat

LightHouse News

New – Body Flow Yoga and Meditation with Sally Mitchell

When: Every Tuesday, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Sally Mitchell is a professional, caring and thoughtful yoga teacher, massage therapist and chi running instructor, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She creates a safe, supportive and nurturing environment in all her classes and sessions, allowing her clients to feel at ease. Her intention is to help people to balance their energy in their bodies and minds, through natural movement, deep relaxation and meditation. She will teach you how to move your body with greater ease, while also experiencing a deeper sense of self-awareness, openness and confidence.

Having worked with a variety of clients, including office workers, athletes, dancers, and people with disabilities, she is sensitive to her clients’ different needs. Sally is the founder, owner and sole practitioner at Body Flows Movement and Wellness Center in San Francisco, providing yoga and massage services to individuals, corporations and non-profit organizations. Please RSVP to Molly Irish 415-694-7320 or mpearson@old.lighthouse-sf.org.