Calendar

LightHouse will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

The week's events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Mar 24
Mar 25(5 events)

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Mar 25

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

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Mar 25

Discussion of types of meditation practices and guided meditation. Facilitators are Patricia Jefferson and Mini Sage, who is a certified meditation instructor. For more information, contact Patricia Jefferson at jefferson@earlebaum.org or 707-523-3222.

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Mar 25

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

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Mar 25

Music and Poetry Group is offered on the second and fourth Monday of the month.

If you wish to have your favorite music, song, poem or an original work, presented at the group, celebrating all styles and eras, please submit your selection to Patricia 4 days prior to the group.   We will ask for a brief introduction to your choice, we will all listen together with time for discussion.

There is a $20.00 fee each month with payment due prior to the 2nd Monday of each month. Please register online or call our office at to register.

Music and Poetry class at EBC is presented by Patricia Jefferson, Vision Rehabilitation Instructor, who has a lifelong passion for music and poetry. To RSVP, please contact Patricia at jefferson@earlebaum.org or 707-523-3222.

 
Mar 26
Mar 27(1 event)

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Mar 27

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
Mar 28(2 events)

–
Mar 28

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

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Mar 28

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.
Mar 29(3 events)

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Mar 29

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.

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Mar 29

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

In preparation for the beeping egg hunt for the littles, magic will happen as our community transforms your average hinged egg into miniature haptic works of art bursting full of fun things.  Watch out, Fabergé, if it’s anything like last year, you’ve got some hot competition.  We created over 100 last year.  Can we break the record?  All the eggs will be carefully transported to Guide Dogs for the Blind’s beautiful campus where the joyous hunt and the real magic takes place.

RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

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Mar 29

This month we invite LightHouse students of all ages to celebrate Women's History Month by watching the award-winning film Hidden Figures, a film about three brilliant African American women at NASA - Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. They played pivotal roles in launching America's first astronaut into orbit. Their journey vividly illustrates the determination and resilience required to overcome the racial and gender prejudices of the early 1960s.

Join us in person at LightHouse Headquarters in San Francisco at 1155 Market or by anywhere you can access a Zoom meeting. Guests that wish to join in person will gather on the 11th floor for popcorn. After the film we will have space to talk about the film, the themes it addressed, or just connect with your LightHouse friends.

Watch the official Hidden Figures trailer

RSVP: Contact Jamey Gump by email at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372
Mar 30(2 events)

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Mar 30

Where: Lighthouse HQ, 1155 Market, San Francisco, 11th Floor
Cost: $100

Saturday, March 30 & Sunday, March 31

During this intensive weekend workshop, writer and performer Leona Godin will guide students through writing and performance exercises to craft personal narratives. We’ll consider creative non-fiction for the page and for the stage, for example the personal essay, Moth-style storytelling, and memoir. Students will also be encouraged to prepare a short piece for performance during the public story slam Saturday afternoon.

About the Instructor: Dr. M. Leona Godin is the author of There Plant Eyes: A Personal and Cultural History of Blindness (Pantheon, 2021), and the founder of Aromatica Poetica, an arts and culture laboratory for the advancement of smell and taste. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, O Magazine, Literary Hub, and others. Her storytelling appearances include: RISK!; Story Collider; The MOTH Mainstage; TALE; and Turn Me Into Gold (Back Pocket Media). Her first storytelling solo show, “SIGHTED PEOPLE SUCK!,” Debuted at Under St. Marks Theater in November 2023 and she’s currently performing “Becoming Blind (as a Bat)” at Olfactory Art Keller. As a New York Public Library 2023-24 Diamonstein-Spielvogel Fellow, she’s working on a series of essays about image description and photography.

Saturday Schedule:
• 10:00 AM: check-in, introductions, and notes on short, personal narrative. Beginning, middle, and end, sure, but what else makes a compelling story? How do you make the personal universal? We’ll talk about elements that can guide your choices when crafting a story. What’s the difference between an anecdote and a story? A premise and a story? How do I show, not tell?
• 12:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Writing is a solitary business, except when it’s not! Oftentimes authors are called upon to read their work. This may present some challenges to some newly low-vision writers. However, whether you are a seasoned public reader or brand-new, whether you’ll be reading your own work or asking someone else to read for you, we’ll talk about how to select and prepare an excerpt. For those who would like to try their hand at Moth-style storytelling, we’ll talk about how to remain loose while still being mindful of the time. Storytelling in front of a live audience is also a great way to gain reader fans. We’ll listen to and discuss some examples.
• 4:00 - 6:00 PM: Storytelling Slam (see below)
• 6:30 PM: Dinner

Sunday Schedule:
• 8:30 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM: Spinning out the story. We’ll consider strategies for connecting stories to create longer narratives. We’ll discuss nonfiction forms such as the lyric essay and memoir and consider how different genres allow different facets of a story to emerge. We’ll also talk about publishing: how to submit your work; where to submit your work; how not to be crushed by disappointment. And finally, we’ll talk about how to develop a sustainable and sustaining daily writing practice.
• 11:30 AM: Pack up and check out of rooms
• 12:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM: Workshop ends

RSVP online for Two-Day Storytelling Workshop with Author M. Leona Godin or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

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Mar 30

Where: Lighthouse HQ, 1155 Market, San Francisco 10th floor multipurpose room

Experience the thrill of live storytelling at our upcoming Story Slam hosted by Leona Godin and featuring … you! Just put your name in the hat for a chance to tell (or read) a five-minute story. Each storyteller will have five minutes to share their narrative, crafted around a theme specially chosen for the event. With ten coveted performance slots available, five will be drawn from our exclusive weekend storytelling workshop with Leona (see above or LightHouse Calendar), while the remaining five will be selected from the audience. We will announce the theme in our March 2024 Guide to Adult Programs at the LightHouse.

Theme: “Food”: Everybody has to eat, right? Come share a five-minute story about breaking bread, cooking grandma’s recipes, or growing vegetables in your garden. Bring your tales about food from around the dinner table, the grocery store, or the world. Hilarious kitchen escapades and emotional family feasts are welcome, as are food issues, food phobias, and food revelations. The theme is provided to spark your imagination, but if you prefer to tell a story about something else, that’s ok, too!

RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

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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