Calendar

The week's events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Mar 17
Mar 18(4 events)

9:00 am: AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)

–
Mar 18

LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 5 – April 11, 2024 and Wednesdays February 21 and 28 & March 13 and 27. 

Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing the AARP Tax-Aide at LightHouse RSVP form.

This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we will only be completing 2023 tax returns in February). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.

Please bring with you:

  • Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
  • A copy of your social security card
  • A copy of your photo ID
  • If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you via USPS.

Out of Scope:

If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.

  • If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
  • If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
  • If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
  • If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return.  You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
  • If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.

There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.

If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org

9:00 am: Introduction to Mind/Body Meditation at Earle Baum Center (online)

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Mar 18

Meditation truly is a way to nurture oneself. It provides a sacred time to pause, destress and realign oneself with one’s true inner dialogue. There is no wrong or right way to meditate and it is very simple! Meditation stimulates the brains parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and reset” system in our body. In pausing together we can find abundance in our stillness, and relaxation in the permission to let go.

Meditation class at EBC is presented by Patricia Jefferson, Vision Rehabilitation Instructor, who has a lifelong passion for meditation along with emerging meditation coach, Mini Sage.

Meditation class at EBC is presented by Patricia Jefferson, Vision Rehabilitation Instructor, who has a lifelong passion for meditation along with emerging meditation coach, Mini Sage. For more information, contact Patricia Jefferson at jefferson@earlebaum.org or 707-479-832,

9:30 am: The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike (online)

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Mar 18

What does it mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, leads this call-in forum to discuss the day-to-day ins and outs of blindness—from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies.

RSVP online for Coffee with Mike or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607

6:00 pm: Vision, Peer-led Support Group (online)

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Mar 18

Vision is a peer-led drop-in support group that runs on a 12-week cycle of topics based on Hannah Fairbairn’s 2019 book, “When You Can't Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery”. Every first and third Monday of the month, we meet to discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. We are people with similar experiences who genuinely want to support one another in all aspects of living independently with our changing vision. Each week the topics are independent, so you can join the group at any week. Reading is not required. However, if you would like topic details beyond our discussions, please refer to the book which is available on BARD (DBC11619).

March 4: Book Introduction: “How do you recognize a friend if you can’t see her face? How will you get to the store if you can’t drive? How do you know which medication to take if you can’t read the label? When You Can’t Believe Your Eyes is a self-help book for people losing good sight.” This week, we will delve into the book's introduction, outline our approach to studying the book, and get to know each other by sharing brief insights into our visionary journeys.

March 18: Begin “part one: Believing the Unbelievable: Facing Trauma at the hospital and Back at Home. Most people who lose vision or have a diagnosis of future significant vision loss have a problem believing it. (You may feel the same, but then you wouldn’t be reading this book!) They know perfectly well that their vision is blurred, becoming contracted, or obscured, but just can’t make it fit with their experience of life.”

RSVP online to Vision, Peer-led Support Group or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
Mar 19(2 events)

1:00 pm: The Blind Telephone Network (dial-in)

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Mar 19

Announcing the Blind Telephone Network 2024 program

The Blind Telephone network, originally founded by blind veterans, now is pleased to welcome all blind and low vision folks to join in phone calls will be held on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.

Tuesdays programs are what we call chit chat and chew the fat. During these sessions, most topics are acceptable; however, we refrain from discussing politics and religion. Prayer requests are acceptable, but will not be done during the call. This is a time for socializing, and sharing our experiences with blindness, in order to help others develop independence and self-confidence.

On Thursdays, we emphasize education, travel, technology, history, entertainment, and innovative role-models, etc.. These sessions will feature presenters on such topics as: Lewis and Clark expedition, Mt. Rushmore, railroad history and the mob museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.We encourage suggestions for topics or locations from our participants.

All sessions last for one (1) hour and start on time.

The call in number is: 605-475-5620, and the access code is: 3789127#. If you plan to save these numbers in your contacts, I recommend inserting two (2) commas between the main number and the access code.

Those wishing to receive an e-mail reminder for upcoming sessions or links provided by the presenter, should:

Send an e-mail to Doc Eudaly at deteacha@sbcglobal.net. Please put your full name, phone number, and email address in the body of your e-mail.

Calls for 2024 will begin on Tuesday, January 9.

For Thursday, January 11, our initial program will be on the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC.  We hope to hear you on these free telephone calls, where you can both learn and contribute

On behalf of the founding members,

Douglas “Doc” Eudaly, PH,D

1-559-999-2625

 

2:00 pm: Tech Together: March 2024 (online)

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Mar 19

Join the Access Technology team for a series of informal conversations on technology topics relevant to these current times.

March 5: Make the Most of Screen Magnification
Join the Access Technology team and we'll take a look at the magnification features of Windows and Mac computers. Whether you use magnification every day or every once in a while, you won’t want to miss this helpful overview.

RSVP online to Make the Most of Screen Magnification, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

March 12: Magnification on Mobile Devices
Join the Access Technology team and we'll take a look at the magnification features of our smartphones and tablets. Whether you use magnification every day or every once in a while, you won’t want to miss this helpful overview.

RSVP online to Magnification on Mobile Devices, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

March 19: Outstanding Standalone Magnification Devices
Join the Access Technology team for a discussion on standalone magnification solutions. We'll dive into desktop and portable devices, and zoom in on the options that will optimize your visual experience.

RSVP online to Outstanding Standalone Magnification Devices, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

March 26: Zooming In on the CloverBook Pro Products
The LightHouse Access Technology team is honored and delighted to welcome Justin Wesson of Irie AT, producers of the CloverBook digital video magnifiers, to discuss the functions and features of these outstanding and versatile devices.

RSVP online to Zooming In on the CloverBook Pro Products, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.
Mar 20(3 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction & Meditation

–
Mar 20

We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for beginners and advanced practitioners, and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Ellen Simpson will be leading. Everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfortable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

RSVP online for Stress Reduction & Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

1:00 pm: Gratitude VIBES: March 2024 (online)

–
Mar 20

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Please join us for an inspiring series of student presentations, individual check-ins, and gratitude-closers.

March 6: Author Thomas Dana, Looking Through the Prism: Navigating Life with a Visual Disability, in conversation with Tony Fletcher
March 13: The History of the United Nations (call Dirk) TBD
March 20: Sounds of Appreciation - Let the melodies of gratitude play!
March 27: The Tao of Pooh, the book offers a refreshing and lighthearted perspective on life's journey. The Tao of Pooh is about “how to stay happy and calm in all circumstances.” Benjamin Hoff uses the characters and stories from Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner to explain this concept. We will discuss a different character from the book on the last Wednesdays of the month

RSVP online for Gratitude-VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

6:30 pm: Goalball with BORP (in-person)

–
Mar 20

Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.
Mar 21(8 events)

9:00 am: AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)

–
Mar 21

LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 5 – April 11, 2024 and Wednesdays February 21 and 28 & March 13 and 27. 

Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing the AARP Tax-Aide at LightHouse RSVP form.

This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we will only be completing 2023 tax returns in February). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.

Please bring with you:

  • Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
  • A copy of your social security card
  • A copy of your photo ID
  • If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you via USPS.

Out of Scope:

If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.

  • If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
  • If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
  • If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
  • If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return.  You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
  • If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.

There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.

If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org

9:30 am: Little Learners Playgroup (online)

–
Mar 21

Bring your giggles and wiggles to Little Learners weekly Zoom Playgroup, Thursdays from 9:30am - 10:15am. Enjoy fun activities with your little one, ages 0-6, while learning strategies to support your child's visual, sensory, motor and concept development. Connect with other families who understand and share your experience raising a child who is blind, has low vision, or Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). Weekly activities are designed to be accessible for all, and to build upon monthly themes that you can integrate into your family routines. All are welcome!

For more information or to register, please email Jacqueline Barden at littlelearners@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7657. Meet you in the Zoom Room!

11:00 am: Create In Community Arts Classes (in-person)

–
Mar 21

Where: Lighthouse HQ, 1155 Market, San Francisco 11th floor craft room

Let's gather together in the 11th floor art space at LightHouse San Francisco at 1155 Market to explore a different art process, style or media each month while connecting with fellow creatives. These are exploratory, process-oriented classes that invite you to work at whatever level you are, be it first timer to expert.

This March, we will create small but mighty as we make postcard sized and smaller art works to gift and trade through Free Little Art Galleries (FLAGs) in the Bay Area.  This thriving art movement makes art accessible to many people but may be challenging for our community to access since the little galleries (much like the little libraries) are located randomly and spread out. A FLAG in Oakland will trade with us so we can experience the joy of gifting culture with like-minded strangers.

RSVP not required. If it’s your first time or if you have questions, contact Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

11:00 am: EBC Vision Group at Earle Baum Center (hybrid)

–
Mar 21

EBC Vision Group meets on EBC campus in Room 3 and via your phone on the first and third Thursday of the month.

In the instructor-led class we introduce ourselves to each other and share information or ask questions about our experiences with sight loss. Examples of topics of interest for our group discussion include accessible equipment such as the BTBL player or BARD, CTAP free phone services; NFB news line phone number services; shopping from catalogs such as Maxi aids and LSS for vision and hearing loss; food shopping online at local stores and arranging for deliveries.

The group may also discuss topics including how to remain independent in our homes; use of the latest adaptable technology and magnification devices such as hand-held optical lenses, and electronic portable and electronic desktop models. We may want to understand the local Paratransit system or ride share programs such as Uber or Lyft driver programs. In addition, we regularly review the schedule of other classes, activities and events available at EBC that may be of interest to our group members.

We welcome anyone with sight loss to attend our support groups, you do not need to be a current client of EBC. We value our connections with each other and the lively discussions. Each group is led by an EBC instructor.

Please contact our main office at 707-523-3222 for more information.

1:00 pm: The Blind Telephone Network (dial-in)

–
Mar 21

Announcing the Blind Telephone Network 2024 program

The Blind Telephone network, originally founded by blind veterans, now is pleased to welcome all blind and low vision folks to join in phone calls will be held on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.

Tuesdays programs are what we call chit chat and chew the fat. During these sessions, most topics are acceptable; however, we refrain from discussing politics and religion. Prayer requests are acceptable, but will not be done during the call. This is a time for socializing, and sharing our experiences with blindness, in order to help others develop independence and self-confidence.

On Thursdays, we emphasize education, travel, technology, history, entertainment, and innovative role-models, etc.. These sessions will feature presenters on such topics as: Lewis and Clark expedition, Mt. Rushmore, railroad history and the mob museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.We encourage suggestions for topics or locations from our participants.

All sessions last for one (1) hour and start on time.

The call in number is: 605-475-5620, and the access code is: 3789127#. If you plan to save these numbers in your contacts, I recommend inserting two (2) commas between the main number and the access code.

Those wishing to receive an e-mail reminder for upcoming sessions or links provided by the presenter, should:

Send an e-mail to Doc Eudaly at deteacha@sbcglobal.net. Please put your full name, phone number, and email address in the body of your e-mail.

Calls for 2024 will begin on Tuesday, January 9.

For Thursday, January 11, our initial program will be on the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC.  We hope to hear you on these free telephone calls, where you can both learn and contribute

On behalf of the founding members,

Douglas “Doc” Eudaly, PH,D

1-559-999-2625

 

1:30 pm: Art Experience Class – Sari Silk Cordage at Earle Baum Center (in-person)

–
Mar 21

The class is designed to show us how to make cordage from sari silk strips; we will take home a necklace, bracelet, or ankle bracelet, or more.

We will decorate our cordage with beads, silk tassels, or an ornament of our choice.

Twist the silk strips and overlap. Easy!  Fun!  Beautiful!

Materials cost: $20.00 per person. You may also pay it forward for another participant.

Location: Classroom 3 on EBC campus

Contact: Patricia 707-479-8321 to RSVP

 

2:00 pm: Tecnologia para Todos (online)

–
Mar 21

Join the LightHouse’s monthly access Technology Spanish meeting. Tecnología para todos is a space where users share their knowledge and experience. Each month, we talk about services, applications and devices available for blind and low vision users.

This event will be conducted using the Zoom platform. You can connect to Zoom using a computer, an app, or by dialing in from any phone. Zoom meeting details will be provided when you rsvp by email to Fernando Macias at FMacias@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7670

3:00 pm: Adaptive Yoga With Nancy Yates at the San Francisco Public Library (in-person)

–
Mar 21

The Talking Books and Braille Center (TBBC), located at 100 Larkin Street on the second floor of Main Branch of the San Francisco Public Library. TBBC is offering a series of five classes on March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, and July 18 from 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm.

Adaptive yoga is a type of yoga that is inclusive of all body types and abilities. It is accessible to anyone, and various modifications are taught, allowing the poses to be adjusted to specific needs and abilities. Nancy Yates is offering a gentle yoga class, specifically designed for people with low vision or blindness of all age groups and experience levels. Nancy has been practicing yoga for 46 years and teaching since 1996. She has introduced Adaptive Yoga to the SF LightHouse, TBBC, SFVAMC, and other organizations.  The class will move slowly and mindfully to calm the nervous system, stretch the body and build strength and stability. Please bring a blanket if you have one, as it can get chilly.

Yoga mats will be provided for each class, but space is limited, so please call 415-557-4253 to register.
Mar 22(1 event)

10:00 am: Seeing AI Training for Seniors 65+ at Earle Baum Center (in-person)

–
Mar 22

Attention to Sonoma County Residents who have low vision and are 65 or older.

Interested in learning more about using Al apps on your iPhone or Android?

The Earle Baum Center is offering a free phone stand and two hours of training on how to use the Seeing Al App on iPhone and Android.

Cathy Mulhern will be teaching you how to use the Seeing Al App to:

    • Read mail
    • Read a bill
    • Read a letter on your own without someone else knowing your business
    • Identify what you have in the pantry (is the can beans or dog food?
    • Identify what currency you are handing a cashierCathy Mulhern will be teaching you how to use the Seeing Al App to:

What you need: Bring your phone and materials you want to be able to read and that you currently rely on others to read for you such as mail, a can of food etc.

Where: Earle Baum Center  at 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

When: Fridays from 10:00 am to noon or 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Room 3.

Prerequisites:

  • Have Seeing Al app downloaded on iPhone or Android.
  • Know how to use Siri and have it set up for iPhone users.
  • Have not received a phone stand from Earle Baum Center.

RSVP: To Cathy Mulhern at 707-206-8486 by calling Monday – Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Mar 23

The events for the upcoming week are read aloud on our event hotline every Friday, which can be accessed by calling 415-694-7325. For more information about visiting the Adaptations Store, head to our shop page.

The LightHouse is scent-free. Please abstain from wearing colognes, perfumes, or other scented products. Additionally, coffee must be securely lidded at all times and citrus should not be peeled on the premises. Thanks for supporting our efforts to respect chemical sensitivities!

SDS safety dataClick here for our cleaning product safety data sheets (SDS) and ingredient information.

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