Calendar

LightHouse will be closed on Monday, May 27 for the Memorial Day holiday.

Events in December 2023

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28(1 event)

(All day): Giving Tuesday: Supporting LightHouse Little Learners

(All day)
Nov 28

Every year, nonprofits and other charitable organizations across the globe participate in Giving Tuesday–a day to give to the people and places that do impactful and inspiring work which gives back to our communities and environment and contribute to making our world better. This year, Giving Tuesday is on November 28.

LightHouse has participated in Giving Tuesday for several years now and are always grateful and humbled by the donations given to us by our community. Last year, for the first time ever, we chose our Little Learners program to be the recipient of all Giving Tuesday donations. The outpour of love and support we received for our brand-new program was tremendous, receiving just over $77,000 in donations! The impact of last year’s Giving Tuesday has been reflected in the expansion of resources we have been able to provide to families of blind, low vision and Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) babies and toddlers all across the state.

“My son, Maximiliano, has been seeing LightHouse Little Learner Specialist Kristi since he was 12 months old, and it has been such a blessing,” says Little Learners mom, Natali.

“He was diagnosed with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (a rare neurological disorder) at 22 months, which consists of global developmental delays along with various medical complexities. Kristi would work with Max once a week at our home. She even attended an appointment with his pediatric ophthalmologist and advocated for his CVI diagnosis as he was getting ready to transition to the school district. Kristi also educated me and provided various resources to adequately choose the perfect glasses for Max, which has helped tremendously with him keeping them on. Max’s absolute favorite day of the month was playgroup that was put together by LightHouse Little Learners at a local library, which consisted of sensory, color pop, music and inclusiveness at its finest. I will forever be grateful for Kristi—her knowledge, her sweetness, her empowerment to advocate and her presence.”

This year, we are asking our community to help us exceed last year’s success and reach our goal of $80,000 for LightHouse Little Learners. Every gift received goes towards the education and empowerment of our Littles and their families, and our ability to expand our reach and serve more families in Northern and Central California. Stay tuned for more information about Giving Tuesday and how you can support our Little Learners on November 28!

Learn more about the LightHouse Little Learners Program.

Nov 29(2 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)


Nov 29

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 Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfo rtable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

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

1:00 pm: Gratitude VIBES (online)


Nov 29

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Elevate your senses and uplift your spirits in our awe-inspiring sessions! Dive into a heartwarming series of student showcases, individual check-ins, and heartwarming gratitude-closers. Here's what we have lined up for you:

November 1: Dive into the World of Audio Description with guest speaker, John Gray, Founder and CEO of Wadjet
November 8: Sounds of Appreciation - Share your happy tunes with us and let the melody of gratitude play!
November 15: Savory & Sweet Holiday Food Recipes - Relish and share your recipes of the festive season!
November 22: No Class Today - Take a moment to self-reflect and cherish personal gratitude!
November 29: The Four Agreements: Don't take anything personally. Empower your life with wisdom!

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

Nov 30
Dec 1
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 4
Dec 5
Dec 6(2 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)


Dec 6

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 Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfo rtable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

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

7:00 pm: EHC Virtual Campfire (online)


Dec 6

These fun-filled evenings will consist of Enchanted Hills Camp updates, songs, alumni check-ins and LightHouse information and resources. All are welcome to join.

RSVP to Andrew Martinez at AMartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642.

 

Dec 7(2 events)

11:00 am: OrCam Demo Day (in-person)


Dec 7

Location
San Francisco Lighthouse For the Blind

1155 Market St 10th floor, San Francisco

OrCam MyEye and OrCam Read are discreet AT devices that help people with vision and reading challenges access the printed word, and more.

Experience for yourself how OrCam can help you or someone you know to be more independent!

The event will begin with a live demo, and following the demo, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the technology firsthand by trying out the devices. Our experts will be available to answer all your questions and help determine if OrCam can help you or your loved one gain greater independence.

To learn more about OrCam, visit www.orcam.com

Additionally, light refreshments will be served and you will have an opportunity to visit LightHouse’s Adaptations Store to pick up any blindness products you might need.

What: OrCam Demonstration
Where: LightHouse for the Blind, 1155 Market St. 10th floor, San Francisco
When: Thursday, December 7 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
RSVP: To vicki@sterlingadaptives.com

6:00 pm: Enchanted Hills Camp Virtual Winter Concert


Dec 7

For the fourth year in a row, alumni staff of Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC) wish to show their appreciation for the LightHouse community by hosting a free virtual EHC Alumni holiday concert. These are performers who have served as program staff over the years and will join current LightHouse and EHC staffers to celebrate the spirit of EHC past, present, and future.

This year’s performers are Hanna Clemenson, Christina Daniels, Derek Dittmar, Rachael Grider, Mariana Sandoval and Masceo Williams.

Camp Director, Tony Fletcher says, “When we enter the cold and dark days of late fall and prepare for winter, many of the alumni of EHC truly look forward to any opportunities for us to gather and celebrate one of our favorite locations on earth. One of the special gatherings is the Virtual Holiday Concert. All the performers have deep connections to EHC as staff members, and for many, as former campers. This is a show built around gratitude. This year we focus on saying thank you to the many generous donors that supported Giving Tuesday for the LightHouse’s Little Learners Program that uses Enchanted Hills for a family camp weekend.

“We hope listeners will enjoy not only the music, but also the chance to hear and see the performers that have been their counselors and area leaders at EHC over the years.”

What: EHC Virtual Alumni Holiday Concert

When: Thursday, December 7, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where: Enchanted Hills Camp Facebook page, no Facebook account is necessary to view the live-streamed concert.

Dec 8(1 event)

4:00 pm: Hanukkah Memorial Party for Judith Lesner (hybrid)


Dec 8

You are invited to a Hanukkah party to celebrate the life of
Judith Lesner: December 23, 1942 to August 30, 2023

The celebration is hybrid. The in-person portion takes place Friday, December 8, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at LightHouse San Francisco headquarters.1155 Market Street, San Francisco, 10th Floor

The event will have a Zoom option as well.

The event will be wheelchair accessible.

RSVP by December 1 for the Judith Lesner Hanukkah Memorial Party. You will receive a Zoom link if you indicate that as your preference in the RSVP Form

Accessibility questions? Contact Jacob at jakeoaktown@gmail.com.

Judith's Obituary includes suggestions for honoring her memory.

Read Judith Lesner obituary. 

Dec 9
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12(1 event)

9:00 am: Living Skills: Learn New Ways to ‘Breeze Through’ your Daily Tasks (in-person)


Dec 12

The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, headquartered in San Francisco will facilitate an All-Day Independent Living Skills Workshop at Trinity Lutheran Church in Redding, December 12, 2023.  This is an in-person, active, hands-on workshop taught by our staff who are not only trained in teaching blind and low-vision people, but many of them also use the same skills and strategies you will learn.  This All-Day Workshop is for adults aged 55 and older who are new to low vision or blindness, and are motivated to learn basic tips, strategies, and tools (including some basic SMART phone Applications) that can make day to day tasks more efficient and ‘do-able’ as vision changes.  See details below.

Who Should Attend? – Registration is Limited to 20 Students

  • Adults new to low vision/blindness, aged 55 and older and living in Shasta, Trinity, Lassen, Plumas, Tehama, or Modoc Counties. Additionally, one family member or supportive friend/partner can register and accompany each student to learn as a silent and supportive partner.

When is the All-Day Workshop?

  • Tuesday, December 12th, 9:00am – 4:00pm, box lunch included!

Workshop Location:

  • Trinity Lutheran Church, 2440 Hilltop Drive, Redding, CA

Funding and Cost: 

This program is supported by the Older Individuals who are Blind/Low Vision Grant from the State of California and there is no charge for blind and low vision adults living in the counties noted above.  Lunch will be provided for all attending, please let us know if you require a vegetarian lunch.

To Register:

This is a grant funded program, all persons must complete a brief Registration/Intake with LightHouse staff prior to the Workshop.  To register, please contact Esmeralda Soto at 415-694-7323 or email her at esoto@lighthouse-sf.org.  Let Esmeralda know you are signing up for Region-1 Independent Living Skills Workshop in Redding.

What will you learn throughout the day? 

This will be an active day of learning side by side with your peers in small and large groups, so come ready to move, learn and connect. A resource table of tools and information will be available to explore during breaks.

Our morning will start off with introductions and we will quickly jump into learning how four of your senses become your human ‘Swiss Army Knife’ for completing daily tasks, including strategies you can transfer from one task to another. Below are the skills you will learn, including ways basic technology can help complete independent living skills.

You will learn:

  • Strategies for searching for items when you can’t see where you put them down.
  • Protective techniques to decrease head bumps from open cabinets or thigh bumps into tables.
  • Organizational ideas and strategies for storing and finding items, like glasses and magnifiers.
  • Labeling ideas for marking clothing for color, pantry and refrigerator items, microwaves, and other household equipment.
  • Four kitchen/meal strategies: Pouring hot liquids, knife safety, the power of the cafeteria tray and skills for confident dining.
  • Four ways to enhance your low vision … magnification, lighting, contrast, and glare mitigation.
  • Two essential Smart Phone “Apps”
  • Who is Siri and Google, and how can they help me?

 

 

Dec 13(1 event)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)


Dec 13

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 Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfo rtable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

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

Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20(1 event)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)


Dec 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 Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfo rtable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

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

Dec 21(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 21

Dec 22(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 22

Dec 23(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 23

Dec 24(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 24

Dec 25(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 25

Dec 26(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 26

Dec 27(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 27

Dec 28(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 28

Dec 29(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 29

Dec 30(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 30

Dec 31(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Dec 31

Jan 1(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Jan 1

Jan 2(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Jan 2

Jan 3(5 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)


Jan 3

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.

10:30 am: Limited Series: Seated Tai Chi for the Blind and Visually Impaired (online)


Jan 3

This is a Bay Area Outreach Recreation Program (BORP) Adaptive Sports program, in partnership with Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Join Shifu Ralf Somack for this free, 16-week online class specifically designed for the blind and low vision community. This is a pilot program and participant feedback is important. This 45-minute class will be taught seated. Tai Chi is a set of slow, gentle exercises and a form of moving meditation practiced for relaxation, health, exercise, and self-defense. In this program, you will learn the first 24 movements of the Sun style system. Sun Style is particularly well suited for people new to Tai Chi as it is easy to perform and it contains powerful Qigong influences that calm the mind and promote deep breathing. Click the RSVP link below for more information and to register or email cynthia@borp.org.

Ralf Somack has taught Tai Chi and other Internal Chinese Martial Arts for many years at BORP and other locations throughout the Bay Area. He specializes in designing programs for seniors and the disabled community.

RSVP online for Seated Tai Chi or email cynthia@borp.org.

1:00 pm: Gratitude VIBES (online)


Jan 3

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

January 3: Author, Kevin Brinckman, Courtney and Her Families
January 10: Inspired Voices: Echoing the Powerful Words of Legends
January 17: Sounds of Appreciation - Share your happy tunes with us and let the melody of gratitude play!
January 24: Friends
January 31: The Four Agreements: # 3, Don't Make Assumptions

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)


Jan 3

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.

7:00 pm: EHC Virtual Campfire (online)


Jan 3

These fun-filled evenings will consist of Enchanted Hills Camp updates, songs, alumni check-ins and LightHouse information and resources. All are welcome to join.

RSVP to Andrew Martinez at AMartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642.

Jan 4
Jan 5
Jan 6

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.

X