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Sports and Recreation

LightHouse News

Legally Blind Canadian Skier McKeever Wins Paralympic Cross Country Gold

VANCOUVER, March 15 (Reuters) – Brian McKeever won a gold medal at the Vancouver Paralympics on Monday, less than a month after the legally blind Canadian cross-country skier lost his bid to compete in the Olympics.

McKeever pulled into the lead midway through the 20km cross-country competition for visually-impaired athletes and held on to win Canada’s first gold of this year’s Winter Paralympics.

McKeever was set last month to become the first athlete to compete in both the Winter Olympics and Paralympics but a last-minute decision by Canadian coaches left him out of the 50km competition at the Vancouver Games.

The popular 30-year-old athlete from Canmore, Alberta suffers from Stargardt’s disease, which has left him with only 10 percent normal vision.

McKeever won a place on the Olympic team by winning a 50km race for able-bodied skiers in January. His brother Robin serves as his full-vision guide on the course during the Paralympic races.

(Reporting Allan Dowd, Editing Ed Osmond)

Click here to read  a related article in the New York Times.

Resources in the Community

Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing March 12

If you do not receive this listing in your inbox every Friday, join the distribution list by emailing bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org.

This listing is compiled by the Vision Loss Resource Center at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is compiled weekly as a service to the blind and visually impaired community of Northern California. If you have a meeting or event information that would be appropriate for inclusion in this list, please email info@lighthouse-sf.org. This list will be updated every Friday. Information for each Friday’s listing must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to publication.

Download it here:

northern-ca-entertainment-recreation-listing.3.12.10

This week’s highlights are

-LightHouse yoga, dance and self-defense classes

-Art Education for the Blind focus group at SFMOMA

Resources in the Community

Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing. February 26

If you do not receive this listing in your inbox every Friday, join the distribution list by emailing bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org This listing is compiled by the Vision Loss Resource Center at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is compiled weekly as a service to the blind and visually impaired community of Northern California. If you have a meeting or event information that would be appropriate for inclusion in this list, please email info@lighthouse-sf.org. This list will be updated every Friday. Information for each Friday’s listing must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to publication.

This week’s highlights:

-Introduction to the Guide Dog Lifestyle
-Sierra Regional Ski for Light
-Bowling at Moonlight Lanes

northern-ca-entertainment-recreation-listing.2.26.102.26

Resources in the Community

Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing. February 19, 2010

If you do not receive this listing in your inbox every Friday, join the distribution list by emailing bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org.

This listing is compiled by the Vision Loss Resource Center at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is compiled weekly as a service to the blind and visually impaired community of Northern California. If you have a meeting or event information that would be appropriate for inclusion in this list, please email info@lighthouse-sf.org. This list will be updated every Friday. Information for each Friday’s listing must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to publication.

This week’s highlights include:

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Access Days

Sierra Regional Ski for Light

Frances Neer Visually Impaired Persons Forum

northern-california-entertainment-and-recreation-listing.2.22

Resources in the Community

VLRC Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing February 12

All events and activities listed are accessible to the visually impaired community!

Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing 2.12

If you do not receive this listing in your inbox every Friday, join the distribution list by emailing bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org.

This listing is compiled by the Vision Loss Resource Center at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is compiled weekly as a service to the blind and visually impaired community of Northern California. If you have a meeting or event information that would be appropriate for inclusion in this list, please email info@lighthouse-sf.org. This list will be updated every Friday. Information for each Friday’s listing must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to publication.

Resources in the Community

SF Giants Braille schedules from the LightHouse. Plus, more access to MLB.com!

The LightHouse is pleased to produce Braille schedules for the San Francisco Giants KNBR 680 2010 broadcast season. The schedules will be ready by early March. Request your copy directly from KNBR.

And, check out this exciting news from MLB.com.

FANS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS GAIN ENHANCED ACCESS TO MLB.COM

NEW YORK, February 11, 2010 – Baseball fans with visual impairments will benefit from the implementation of functional improvements to MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball, and all 30 individual Club sites as a result of a joint collaboration between MLB Advanced Media, LP (MLBAM), the American Council of the Blind, Bay State Council of the Blind and California Council of the Blind. All three organizations applaud this fan initiative taken by MLBAM.

“MLBAM has undertaken groundbreaking work to make its web sites accessible and has assumed a strong leadership position among sports, media and entertainment properties in doing so,” said Mitch Pomerantz, President of the American Council of the Blind. “We certainly urge similar sites to make this level of commitment in following MLBAM’s lead.”

Read more here.

Resources in the Community

Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing January 29

1 Commenton Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing January 29

If you do not receive this listing in your inbox every Friday, join the distribution list by emailing bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org.

This listing is compiled by the Vision Loss Resource Center at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is compiled weekly as a service to the blind and visually impaired community of Northern California. If you have a meeting or event information that would be appropriate for inclusion in this list, please email info@lighthouse-sf.org. This list will be updated every Friday. Information for each Friday’s listing must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to publication.
***

ENTERTAINMENT:

Audio described movie listings by geographic area:

ALAMEDA COUNTY:
Regal Jack London Square:
100 Washington St.
Oakland
510-433-1325
Now playing:
Legion & The Tooth Fairy
Separate admission for each show.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY:
Regal Hacienda Crossings Stadium 21:
5000 Dublin Blvd.
Dublin
925-560-0900
Now Playing:
“Legion”
***
Rialto Theatre:
10070 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito
510-528-8759
Now playing:
“It’s Complicated”
***

FRESNO COUNTY:

Regal Manchester Stadium 16
2055 E. Shields Ave.
Fresno, CA 93650
559-243-7451
Now playing:
“The Tooth Fairy”
***
SACRAMENTO COUNTY:

Regal El Dorado Hills 14:
2101 Vine Street
El Dorado Hills
916-939-8726
Now playing in auditorium 3:
“The Tooth Fairy”
***
Regal Natomas Marketplace 16
3561 Truxel Road
Sacramento
916-419-0205
Now playing:
“The Tooth Fairy”
***
UA Laguna Village 12:
8755 Center Parkway
Sacramento
916-689-0483
Now playing:
“The Tooth Fairy”
***
UA Olympus Pointe 12:
520 N. Sunrise Ave.
Roseville
916-772-1245
Now playing:
“The Tooth Fairy”
***
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY:

Regal City Centre Stadium 16:
222 N. El Dorado St.
Stockton
209-461-0356
Now Playing:
“The Tooth Fairy”
***
SANTA CLARA COUNTY:

Eastridge AMC Mall 15:
1 Eastridge Mall
San Jose
408-223-0262
Now playing in auditorium 9:
“Sherlock Holmes”
***
AMC Mercado 20:
311 Mission College Blvd.
Mercado Santa Clara Center
Santa Clara
408-919-0285
Now playing in auditorium 8:
“Sherlock Holmes:
***
AMC Saratoga 14:
700 El Paseo De Saratoga
San Jose
408-871-2277
Now playing in auditorium 10:
“The Tooth Fairy”
***
SOLANO COUNTY:

Edwards Fairfield Stadium 16:
1549 Gateway Blvd.
Fairfield
707-432-2140
Now playing:
“The Tooth Fairy”
***

STANISLUS COUNTY:

Regal Turlock Stadium 14:
2323 W. Main St.
Turlock
209-664-3623
Now Playing:
“The Tooth Fairy”
***

Live Performances described by Visual Voice:
“Daddy Long Legs”
Presented by Theater Works
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
500 Castro St., Mountain View
February 12     8:00pm
February 13    8:00pm
February 14    2:00pm
The times above are the show times. For descriptions of costumes and set arrive 25 minutes earlier.  Be sure to mention Visual Voice at the box office.
***

Live Performance Described by Audiovision:
Presented by SHN
”Fiddler on the Roof”
Golden Gate Theatre
1 Taylor St.
San Francisco
February 13:    2PM
To charge tickets and reserve one of the 20 receivers for the show call 415-551-2027 and request Audiovision tickets.  Tickets can be purchased without a convenience fee at The Orpheum Theatre Box Office 1192 Market St San Francisco.  The box office is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.
***

Live Described Performance:
Presented by SHN
”Wicked”
Orpheum Theatre
1192 Market St.
San Francisco
This show is open ended and has a recorded descriptive sound track.  This means that every performance is accessible.  To charge tickets call 415-551-2027 and request a descriptive headset with your tickets.  Tickets can also be purchased at the box office without the convenience fee.  The box office is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.
***

RECREATION:

Axis Dance Company Master Class”
February11     10:00am-12:00pm
Studio E at the Malonga Casquelour Center for the Arts
1428 Alice St.
Oakland
Disciplines for the Hidden Body – Imagery, Form, and Improvisation taught by Shinichi Iova-Koga.  Shinichi examines, dissects and intentionally blurs the line between various media to uproot and communicate stories contained within the body.
Space is limited. To RSVP or for more information contact: annika@axisdance.org or 510.625.0110
***

Sierra Regional Ski for Light:
March 13-March 15
Tahoe-Donner
Want to have a weekend getaway in early spring, yet enjoy one last blast of winter fun?  Why not join Sierra Regional Ski for Light (SRSFL) at Tahoe-Donner in the High Sierras for cross country skiing and or snowshoeing.  Enjoy good food, pleasant surroundings and friends.
Experienced skiers and snowshoers and novices are welcome.  Trained guides will be available to assist.  For details on this three day event as well as information on one day events contact Cindy Quintana at 510-483-2948 or visit the www.srsfl.org
***

Thursday Evening Dance Class:
Every Thursday  5:30pm to 7:00pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco
Every month will feature a different dance style. Gene Russo, the instructor, has a versatile range of expertise from the traditional ballroom styles like the Tango to Latin styles like Salsa. You are encouraged to come in a group, but no partner is required. Everyone will be rotating around to build a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.  Contact Philip Kum at 415-694-7372 or via email: pkum@lighthouse-sf.org
***

Thursday Evening Hatha Yoga Class:
Every Thursday  6:00pm to 7:30pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco
The weekly class works on a large variety of poses that strengthen and refresh the entire body, mind, and spirit.  Drop in students are welcome. Contact Philip Kum at 415-694-7372 or via email: pkum@lighthouse-sf.org.
***

Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP):
Adventure fitness and recreation are touch phrases for BORP.  BORP believes that everyone should have access to the unique challenges that outdoor recreation provides.  BORP makes every effort to accommodate each person’s needs, including providing transportation and volunteer support. Trips are planned with a wide spectrum of abilities in mind, including wheelchair users, slow walkers, and people with visual impairments. For event listings call Lori Gray at 510-843-4398 or check out the BORP website at www.borp.org
***

Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors:
Departs every Sunday at noon from Pier 40 in San Francisco. Call 415- 281-0212 for announcements or visit: WWW.BAADS.org
***
OF COMMUNITY INTEREST:

Mega Self-Defense for the Visually Impaired:
Febuary 3   3:00pm-6:00pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco
This program was developed specifically for the visually impaired. It began in London, England, and has been featured on the BBC radio program “InTouch”. Every workshop will cover physical techniques along with discussion of laws and self-defense theory that specifically affect the blind/visually impaired community.
Contact Philip Kum at 415-694-7372 or via email: pkum@lighthouse-sf.org.
***

Peer To Peer Support Group:
Feburary 11  1:00pm-3:00pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco
These meetings are casually structured to discuss different aspects of life with a visual impairment. Every individual is visually impaired so discussions will be set in a comfortable, confidential setting with no judgments. Refreshments provided.
***

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Access Days:
February  27, 2010    6:00pm to  8:00 pm
De Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco
The exhibit offers 50 objects from the tomb of King Tut and 80 more from the tombs of his ancestors.  This exhibit illuminates the 18th Dynasty, Egypt’s Golden Age.  These Access days offer smaller crowds and reduced ticket prices.  There will be additional seating as well.  Objects for visitors to touch will be available at both Access Days.  Ticket prices are $18.50 and a limited number of $10.00 tickets for those with financial need.  Contact Tish Brown 415-750-7650 or tbrown@famsf.org for applications and more information.
***

Follow the LightHouse on Facebook and Twitter:

Get daily updates about LightHouse activities, community events, new products and even job postings. If you are not a member of these sites, it is easy to join!  Click on the following links, sign up and you will automatically be connected to LightHouse buzz!
Twitter
http://twitter.com/lighthouse_sf
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/LightHouse-for-the-Blind-and-Visually-Impaired/104069923114?ref=mf
###

LightHouse News

Mega Self-Defense Workshops at the LightHouse, January 23.

The LightHouse is proud to host The Mega Program: Self-Defense for the Visually Impaired. This program was developed specifically for the visually impaired. It began in London, England, and has been featured on the BBC radio program InTouch. Every workshop will cover physical techniques along with discussion of laws and self-defense theory that specifically affect the blind/visually impaired community.

The series of workshops will cover:

Threat Recognition – Mental State – Body Posturing – Tonal Indication

Substance Abuse – Threat Analysis – How serious is the threat?

Threat Response – The Law – Common Sense in self-defense

Involvements with the police – Witness Statement

Recording an Incident – How do people perceive you?

How do you want people to perceive you?

Principles of aggressive behavior – Physical self-defense techniques

Next Workshop:

When: Saturday, January 23rd, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: The LightHouse, 214 Van Ness Avenue

Cost: There is a suggested donation of $5

For more info contact Philip from the LightHouse.

Call 415-694-7372 or email pkum@lighthouse-sf.org.

Resources in the Community

Saturday Yoga at the LightHouse: Awaken Your Body, Mind and Soul Through Your Breath!

This month, learn to awaken all of your senses by harnessing the power of your breath. These techniques will help you do the following:

Create more openness in your heart and life through your Breath. Become more awake by discovering your Breath. Make better use of your Breath – “be willing to let go”. Learn how to enhance your power with your Breath
Feel better all the time. Harness the power of your mind and body with your Breath Find the space to be “peaceful, quiet”  Everyone is welcome!

When: Saturday, January 16th, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where: The LightHouse, 214 Van Ness Avenue                        Between Hayes and Grove streets, near Civic Center BART and MUNI.

There is a suggested donation of $20.

Sign up with Philip from the LightHouse.

Call 415-694-7372 or email pkum@lighthouse-sf.org.

Resources in the Community

Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing January 8

This listing is compiled by the Vision Loss Resource Center at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is compiled weekly as a service to the blind and visually impaired community of Northern California. If you have meeting or event information that would be appropriate for inclusion in this list please email info@lighthouse-sf.org. This list will be updated every Friday. Information for each Friday’s listing must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to publication.  The entertainment and recreation listing are also available on the LightHouse website at: www.lbvi.staging.wpengine.com.com.
***
Audio described movie listings by geographic area:

EAS T BAY:
AMC Bay Street 16:
5614 Shellmond Drive
Emeryville
510-457-9006
Now playing in auditorium 5:
“Avatar”

Rialto Theatre:
10070 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito
510-528-8759
Now playing
“It’s Complicated”  and “Sherlock Holmes”
Separate admissions for each show

SAN FRANCISCO:
AMC Metreon 15:
101 Fourth Street
415-369-6201
Now playing in auditorium 8:
“Avatar”

AMC Van Ness 14:
1000 Van Ness Avenue
415-674-4630
Now showing in auditorium 5:
“Avatar”

SOUTH BAY:
AMC Cupertino Square 16:
North Wolfe Road & Stevens Creek
Cupertino
408-252-5960
Now playing in auditorium 3:
“Sherlock Holmes”

AMC Mercado 20:
311 Mission College Blvd.
Mercado Santa Clara Center
Santa Clara
408-919-0285
Now playing in auditorium 8:
“Sherlock Holmes”

AMC Saratoga 14:
700 El Paseo De Saratoga
San Jose
408-871-2277
Now playing in auditorium 10:
“Sherlock Holmes”
***

Live Performance Described by Audiovision:
Presented by Broadway San Jose
“Avenue Q”
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
211 W. Almaden Blvd.
San Jose
January 16    2:00pm
Tickets can be purchased at the San Jose Tix Box Office, 150 W. San Carlos Street, San Jose, via phone 408-792-4111 or on the website www.broadwaysanjose.com .  Be sure to ask for Audiovision tickets and reserve a headset.
***
Live Performances described by Visual Voice:
“Daddy Long Legs”
Presented by Theater Works
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
500 Castro St., Mountain View
February  12     8:00pm
February 13    8:00pm
February 14    2:00pm
The times above are the show times. For descriptions of costumes and set arrive 25 minutes earlier.  Be sure to mention Visual Voice at the box office.
***

Live Described Performance:
Presented by SHN
”Wicked”
Orpheum Theatre
1192 Market St.
San Francisco
This show is open ended and has a recorded descriptive sound track.  This means that every performance is accessible.  To charge tickets call 415-551-2027 and request a descriptive headset with your tickets.  Tickets can also be purchased at the box office without the convenience fee.  The box office is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.

RECREATION:

Sierra Regional Ski for Light:
March 13-March 15
Tahoe-Donner
Want to have a weekend getaway in early spring, yet enjoy one last blast of winter fun?  Why not join Sierra Regional Ski for Light (SRSFL) at Tahoe-Donner in the High Sierras for cross country skiing and or snowshoeing.  Enjoy good food, pleasant surroundings and friends.

Experienced skiers and snowshoers and novices are welcome.  Trained Guides will be available to assist.  For details on this three day event as well as information on one day events contact Cindy Quintana at 510-483-2948 or visit the www.srsfl.org
***
Thursday Evening Dance Class:
Every Thursday  5:30pm to 7:00pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco
Every month will feature a different dance style. Gene Russo, the instructor, has a versatile range of expertise from the traditional ballroom styles like the Tango to Latin styles like Salsa. You are encouraged to come in a group, but no partner is required. Everyone will be rotating around to build a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.  Contact Philip Kum at 415-694-7342 or via email: pkum@lighthouse-sf.org
***
Thursday Evening Hatha Yoga Class:
Every Thursday  6:00pm to 7:30pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco
The weekly class works on a large variety of poses that strengthen and refresh the entire body, mind, and spirit.  Drop in students are welcome. Contact Philip Kum at 415-694-7342 or via email: pkum@lighthouse-sf.org.
***

Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP):
Adventure fitness and recreation are touch phrases for BORP.  BORP believes that everyone should have access to the unique challenges that outdoor recreation provides.  BORP makes every effort to accommodate each person’s needs, including providing transportation and volunteer support. Trips are planned with a wide spectrum of abilities in mind, including wheelchair users, slow walkers, and people with visual impairments. For event listings call Lori Gray at 510-843-4398 or check out the BORP website at www.borp.org
***
Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors:
Departs every Sunday at noon from Pier 40 in San Francisco. Call 415- 281-0212 for announcements or visit: WWW.BAADS.org

OF COMMUNITY INTEREST:

Peer To Peer Support Group:
January 9  1:00pm-3:00pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco
These meetings are casually structured to discuss different aspects of life with a visual impairment. Every individual is visually impaired so discussions will be set in a comfortable, confidential setting with no judgments. Refreshments provided.
***
Support Audio Descriptive Movies at the 9th District Court of Appeals: January 13, 9:30 AM
Federal Courthouse
95 Seventh Street
Courtroom 2 3rd Floor
San Francisco
Come and represent the blind community at the presentation of oral arguments in this case.
The appeal challenges a 2008 District Court decision out of Arizona holding that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require theaters to install descriptive video equipment. The federal district court in Arizona also ruled that captioning is not required for deaf or hard of hearing movie patrons. Harkins Theaters is the movie chain being sued for refusing to provide captioned and audio described films. For more information please contact Lisamaria Martinez, Public Affairs Coordinator at: 415-431-1481 or via email: info@lighthouse-sf.org
***
Guide Dogs For The Blind Graduation:
Guide Dogs for the Blind Campus
January 23:        1:30pm
350 Los Ranchitos Road
San Rafael
Phone: 415 499-4000
Attending a graduation ceremony at Guide Dogs for the Blind is one of the best ways to really get acquainted with the guide dogs program.  Tours of the campus will follow the graduation ceremony.
***
Mega Self-Defense for the Visually Impaired:
January 23   3:00pm-6:00pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco
This program was developed specifically for the visually impaired. It began in London, England, and has been featured on the BBC radio program “InTouch”. Every workshop will cover physical techniques along with discussion of laws and self-defense theory that specifically affect the blind/visually impaired community. Contact Philip Kum at 415-694-7342 or via email: pkum@lighthouse-sf.org.
***
Insights Art Exhibit:
Presented by The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and The San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery’s Art at City Hall Program.
Through January 15
Monday – Friday 8am-6pm
San Francisco City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton  B. Goodlett Place
Lower Level- Enter on Grove Street
An exhibition of works by artists who are blind or visually impaired.
***
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Access Days:
February  27, 2010    6:00pm to  8:00 pm
De Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco
The exhibit offers 50 objects from the tomb of King Tut and 80 more from the tombs of his ancestors.  This exhibit illuminates the 18th Dynasty, Egypt’s Golden Age.  These Access days offer smaller crowds and reduced ticket prices.  There will be additional seating as well.  Objects for visitors to touch will be available at both Access Days.  Ticket prices are $18.50 and a limited number of $10.00 tickets for those with financial need.  Contact Tish Brown 415-750-7650 or tbrown@famsf.org for applications and more information.
***
Follow the LightHouse on Facebook and Twitter:
Get daily updates about LightHouse activities, community events, new products and even job postings. If you are not a member of these sites, it is easy to join!  Click on the following links, sign up and you will automatically be connected to LightHouse buzz! Twitter http://twitter.com/lighthouse_sf Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/LightHouse-for-the-Blind-and-Visually-Impaired/104069923114?ref=mf