Tag Archive

Sports and Recreation

Enchanted Hills Receives $30,000 Through Cycle for Sight

08/31/2016 LightHouse Staff

PHOTO: Cycle for Sight cyclists ride in line down a country road in Napa.

Enchanted Hills Camp will again reap the benefits of funding made possible through Rotary Club of Napa’s Cycle for Sight 2016 Bike Ride. We’re deeply grateful to the Rotary Club of Napa for their award of $30,000, our share of the proceeds raised by the thousands of cyclists who participated in this year’s event.

PHOTO: Lindy Birkholz (left) and Jada Thomas, who rode tandem for Team LightHouse this year.

PHOTO: Team LightHouse’s Mark Smethers raises his arm in triumph as he crosses the finish line.

We also want to thank our wonderful individual fundraisers for bringing in an additional $3,800 in donations. Very special thanks go to Margie Donovan, Olivia Merz, Jacob Obeso, Mandy and Maycie Vorreiter.

Enchanted Hills Camp Director Tony Fletcher said, “Organizing Cycle for Sight is a year-round endeavor for Napa Rotary. I cannot thank them enough. Their commitment and continuous support of Enchanted Hills Camp is truly humbling.”

Save the Date! Cycle for Sight 2017 is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2017. We’d love to see you there.

LightHouse News

Now Available at Adaptations: New LightHouse T-Shirts, Boldwriter 20 Pens

08/31/2016 LightHouse Staff

Photo: Smiling LightHouse Staffer Justine Harris-Richburgh holds a small, yellow megaphone while wearing our beautiful new t-shirt at the LightHouse Grand Opening parade in June.

You Asked for It – Now You Can Buy our New LightHouse T-Shirt

Many of you saw the debut of our gorgeous new charcoal-grey t-shirts emblazoned with our updated, persimmon and white LightHouse logo at our Grand Opening celebration. The calls came in fast and furiously from all over the Bay Area asking us to sell these beautiful, comfortable t-shirts.

Now you can buy these high quality, extra-soft shirts at the Adaptations Store for $15.00 apiece. Quantities are limited so be sure to grab yours!

Introducing the Boldwriter 20 Pen
With the demise of the PaperMate 20/20 Pen, the Adaptations Store folks have searched long and hard for an adequate replacement.

We’re happy to present the Boldwriter 20: a thick-ink pen comparable to the 20/20 pen you know and love. Boldwriter 20 pens sell for $2.00 a piece and 6-packs are now available for $9.00. Call us or stop by the store for a demonstration.

Please note: Adaptations will be closed Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30 while we conduct inventory. We will reopen on Monday, October 3.

Adaptations, the LightHouse Store is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are located at the new LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th floor, San Francisco, 94103. Call us at 415-694-7320 or email us at volunteer@old.lighthouse-sf.org with any questions.

LightHouse News

Woodworking with George Wurtzel Returns in November

08/31/2016 LightHouse Staff 1 Comment

Image: Surrounded by woodworking tools and machinery, George Wurtzel works on a wooden bowl in the DeLong -Sweet Tactile Arts Barn at Enchanted Hills.

Join expert carpenter George Wurtzel at our popular workshop for both beginning and experienced woodworkers.

This class will cover wood turning, hand tool work and an introduction to power tools. We’ll learn how to measure accurately without sight, using click rules, gauge blocks, Vernier calipers and talking tape measures. We’ll talk about wood types and construction techniques and learn when to glue, when to nail and when to use screws. We’ll also touch on finishing techniques.

Who: Adults (ages 21 and older ) who are blind or have low vision and are eager to learn woodworking

Where: Enchanted Hills Camp

When: Thursday, November 10 through Sunday, November 13

Cost: $300.00 plus $40.00 for transportation

Class is limited to six participants, so sign up now.

To sign up for this special workshop, contact Camp Director Tony Fletcher at tfletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319 for an application or with any questions.

LightHouse News

Dance Like a Star on Saturday, September 17

08/23/2016 LightHouse Staff

Part of the LightHouse BEST (Building Excellence with Skills Training) Series for middle school and high school youth

Work off the lunch you made in our Iron Chef cooking class (or just attend this class on its own) with some new dance moves. Or just attend this class on its own. You’ll have fun while our blind mentors teach you a variety of dance steps. The class is intended for dancers of all experience levels, whether you are just learning to tango or ready to master the two-step. Who knows, we might even have time to learn the Nae Nae!

Who: Youth who are blind or have low vision, ages 8 to 18
What: Learn dance from low vision and blind mentors
When: From 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17. This is a one-time-only class.
Where: The new 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 youth who are blind or have low vision

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.

LightHouse News

Now Available at Adaptations: the Newest Aftershokz Headphones model, the Trekz Titanium

08/03/2016 LightHouse Staff

The Adaptations Store is an official vendor for Aftershokz products, and to celebrate, we are showcasing several models of their Bluetooth headphones, including the just released Trekz Titanium headphones.

The Trekz Titanium Headphone is perfect for use while exercising – they’re lightweight, sweat-proof, bone conduction headphones that communicate with your device via Bluetooth.

All our Aftershokz headphones rest on your jawbone and send sound directly to your eardrum, without blocking your ears. These headphones are very popular among many different communities, including runners and commuters, but they can be particularly handy for the blind and those with low vision. Folks who navigate the streets using VoiceOver or other audio navigation tools can maintain an awareness of their surrounding environment without compromising their own personal safety.

Adaptations is carrying three styles of Aftershokz headphones: the new Trekz Titanium model ($129), the standard Bluetooth model Bluez 2 ($99.95), and the wired Sportz M3 with Microphone ($50).

To purchase these headphones by phone, call us at 415-694-7301 or take a look at them in person at our new store on the 10th floor at 1155 Market Street in San Francisco. Adaptations is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Call us at 415-694-7301 or email us at adaptations@old.lighthouse-sf.org with any questions.

LightHouse News

June Sea Kayaking Adventure Packed with Laughter & Learning

08/03/2016 LightHouse Staff

PHOTO: LightHouse kayaker and ETC guide take to the sea during June’s adventure.

In June the LightHouse Youth Program partnered with LightHouse Adult programs to make this year’s sea kayaking trip a memorable and meaningful one for all ages.

Participants, experienced and novices alike, paddled out into Tomales Bay on a beautiful morning, careful to avoid disturbing the eel grass, vital to the ecology, that sways in the water just off shore. After learning kayaking basics under the tutelage of experienced guides from Environmental Traveling Companions riding the best kayaks for ocean, we landed at a nearby beach, enjoyed lunch and set up camp.

The afternoon was reserved for swimming and getting to know one another, followed by a dinner by the shore and an evening hike where we learned more about the local environment. Laughter filled the night time air and talents emerged out of evening games and storytelling. After a hearty breakfast the next morning, an arduous paddle into the wind brought us back to the launch site for reflections and goodbyes.

If you like to get out on the water in the midst of beautiful surroundings, please join us for a late summer water adventure on the American River on September 24-25. For questions or to reserve your spot, contact Serena Olsen, Evening & Weekend Program Coordinator, at solsen@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

LightHouse News

Teens and Adults – Whitewater Raft the American River with the LightHouse – September 24 and 25

07/28/2016 LightHouse Staff

The LightHouse and Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) collaborate in September as we offer a whitewater rafting experience on the South Fork of the American River. Youth and adults ages 14 and up are invited to attend this exciting rafting trip and overnight campout.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Evening & Weekend Program Coordinator Serena Olsen by Tuesday, September 6 at 415-694-7316 or solsen@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

We will leave early Saturday, September 24th to arrive at the South Fork of the American River by midday for an exciting afternoon of whitewater rafting. Once we finish our river float, we will go to ETC’s overnight camp where we will cook dinner together. After dinner, we’ll enjoy socializing around the campfire with old and new friends. The next morning we will pack-up camp and return to San Francisco by noon, traffic permitting.

Who: Youth and Adults who are blind or have low vision (ages 14 and up)
What: Whitewater Rafting and Overnight Campout
When: Depart 7:30 a.m. Saturday, September 24th and return 12:00 p.m. (noon) Sunday, September 25th
Where: South Fork of the American River and ETC’s Overnight Camp
Transportation: Transportation from and to the LightHouse will be provided
Waiver: Each participant must submit 2 waiver forms, one from the LightHouse and the other from Environmental Travel Companions. Please contact Serena Olsen to receive the waivers. Spots will only be reserved when payment and signed waivers are received.
Cost: The cost of the event is $100.00 per participant. LightHouse will cover overnight costs, transportation, dinner, and breakfast the following morning. Spots will only be reserved once payment and the two signed waivers are received.

Please bring the following items on this trip:

Water bottle
Hat or visor
Sunscreen
Sleeping bag
Change of clothes
Swimsuit
Water shoes
Jacket /hoodie
Cane or mobility device
Any necessary medication
Personal toiletries (for the overnight campout at ETC’s campsite)
Two signed waivers for LightHouse and Environmental Traveling Companions

LightHouse News

Youth Program Ocean Beach Outing with the Exploratorium on August 13

07/28/2016 LightHouse Staff

On Saturday, August 13, the LightHouse Youth Program will join our friends from the Exploratorium for a fun-filled activity and lesson about magnetic black sand. Under the guidance of Exploratorium staff, students will spend two hours collecting sand from Ocean Beach which they will then help sort at a later date.

Who: Students that are blind or have low vision.
What: Collect black sand for an exhibit in Exploratorium.
When: Saturday, August 13, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
Where: (Please note that the location where we will meet has changed.) We will gather near the public restrooms on Ocean Beach near the intersection of the Great Highway and Taraval Street.
Waiver: Each youth participant must fill out and submit a LightHouse Youth Program Application if they have not done so already.

If you would like 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 by Wednesday August 24.

LightHouse News

LightHouse Announces a FREE Self-Defense Workshop – Sign up by August 5

07/27/2016 LightHouse Staff

Have you ever wanted to learn self-defense or been curious about how blind people can feel more confident while out in the world? This is the workshop for you, and it’s free.

In August the 1Touch™ Project will host a free self-defense workshop for folks who are blind or have low vision, at the new LightHouse Building.

When: Tuesday, August 9, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse Building, 1155 Market Street, 10^th Floor, San Francisco, 94103
Please bring your own lunch and snacks.

This workshop is free of charge and will give you more confidence in your ability to handle yourself in any potentially unsafe situations. You need not have a martial arts background to attend but you must be 14 or older.

For more information, or to register, please call Lisamaria Martinez, Director of Community Services, at 415-694-7350 or email info@old.lighthouse-sf.org. Space is limited and will go fast so sign up now. RSVPs will not be accepted past Friday, August 5.

About 1Touch™ Project
1Touch™ explores participant’s hidden assumptions regarding their own disability — their personal perception of their blindness and the otherwise unchallenged insecurities built upon that perception. Learning these techniques has proven highly effective in the development of independence, self-confidence, spatial orientation, mobility and dexterity and tactile sensitivity. Read more about 1Touch at www.1touchproject.com.

LightHouse News

Scholarships Still Available for EHC Family Camp Sessions

06/30/2016 LightHouse Staff

Jessica Marenoff

Photo: EHC Lifeguard Jessica Marenoff wearing the 2016 Enchanted Hills Camp t-shirt.

The wonder of Enchanted Hills is available for the whole family. These camp sessions are offered to families with children ages 17 and under who are blind or who have low vision, as well as to parents who are blind or have low vision with children ages 17 and under. Camp activities include swimming, horseback riding, crafts, games, nature studies, parent discussion groups, and evening activities such as the family talent show.

Family Camp II: July 7 – 10, 2016
(Cabins are now full for Family Camp II. Lodge housing is still available for families of 2-3.)
Family Camp III: August 11 – 14, 2016

You may qualify for a special scholarship for Family Camp. The sessions are for immediate family members only. To sign up for these sessions, contact Taccarra Burrell at ehc@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 451-694-7310 for an application or with any questions.