Leap into Wine, Food, and a Unique Sensory Experience at Enchanted Hills Camp and Retreat!
Saturday, February 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Image Description: Scenic view of the lake at Enchanted Hills Camp
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We are beyond excited to invite you to join two talented food and wine curators at a unique event: Leap Days are unique so come enjoy a unique experience! Dr. Hoby Wedler, is a blind chemist and entrepreneur, best known for hosting “Tasting in the Dark” wine tours at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, and Chef Matthew Beard, who has low vision, is Chef at Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. Dr. Wedler will walk us through sampling three wines, paying close attention to flavor, aroma and texture. Then we will enjoy three spectacular bites, each artfully designed to pair with the three wines prepared by Chef Matthew. Enchanted Hills Camp is located at 3410 Mt. Veeder Rd. in Napa. A $50 donation is requested. RSVP to Matthew Beard MBeard@lighthouse-sf.org or 800-678-5102. This delight for the taste buds follows a Town Hall with Supervisor Ryan Gregory at 10:00 a.m. at Enchanted Hills. At 11:30 a.m. we will have a "Topping Off" ceremony to celebrate the placing of the last beam on the pool bathhouse, now in its final stages of being rebuilt after the 2017 fires. Join us for the whole morning or just come for food and wine at noon. Stay tuned for future “Topping Off” ceremonies to come as each building is finished.
While we are thinking about camp, applications are now open for Summer Sessions. So visit the Enchanted Hills Camp 2020 Summer Sessions website to apply. There are sessions for all ages and interests.
Please visit the link for more information on this Leaping into Food and Wine event: http://bit.ly/LeapintoFoodandWine_February
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Cycle for Sight
Saturday, April 18, all day-early bird registration pricing ends March 1
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Image Description: Two people riding on a Tandem bicycle in Napa, CA.
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It is time again for the annual Cycle for Sight bicycle fundraiser, a key event on our Enchanted Hills Camp fundraising calendar. There are three ride courses: 15, 25 and 50 miles; something for every kind of cyclist.
The post-ride festival features cuisine from local restaurants, a bounty of Napa Valley wineries and micro-breweries, and live music from the band Pride & Joy.
Festival-only passes are available for those not riding. Early-bird pricing is available through March 1. We hope you will join us. To donate, register, or find out more information, visit the Cycle for Sight website at cycle4sight.com. If you are a Lighthouse student or supporter and would like to ride in Cycle for Sight, please contact Amber Sherrard at asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7353. As a rider, you can also join Team LightHouse where 100% of the money you raise will go to support LightHouse for the Blind’s Enchanted Hills Camp. To sign up for Team LightHouse, follow the instructions on the event website.
If you would like to come to camp the night before, Friday, April 17 for dinner and stay overnight, contact camp director Tony Fletcher on afletcher@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319 who can give you information on pricing and availability. No tandem bike or pilot is required, just a willingness to ride and have fun!
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Holman Prize for Blind Ambition 2020 Applications Open
Applications Accepted now through March 15
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Image Description: Holman Prizewinner Mona Minkara locates a set of escalators with her white cane at the O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa
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Submissions are open for LightHouse’s 2020 Holman Prize for Blind Ambition. We’re awarding up to $25,000 each to three blind people with a dream. Ever wonder how a Holman Prize idea goes from a 90-second YouTube pitch to being put into action? 2019 winner Mona Minkara traveled to six cities around the world and navigated the public transit independently. She’s documented it all in a video series called Planes, Trains and Canes. In the first episode, which includes audio description, watch her navigate three airports on her way from Boston to Johannesburg, South Africa. Watch part one of Mona’s adventure.
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Lend your Voice to the LightHouse Choir
Mondays, February 3, 10 & 24 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
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Image Description: A person photographed from the head down, playing the piano with one hand.
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Did you know that singing in a group is good for your health? Not convinced? Check out this video of the new LightHouse Choir singing their hearts out. The LightHouse cordially invites both blind and sighted community members to come together and fill the LightHouse with song. The only requirement is to love music. Maria Flamich will guide us through the rest. If you love singing or want to learn how to sing, join us for free weekly practice on the 10th floor over the next few months and make your voice heard! RSVP to Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Please visit this link for more information: http://bit.ly/LightHouseChoir_February
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A list of all January LightHouse events.
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Health and Wellness Programs
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Stress Reduction and Meditation
Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Each Wednesday morning, we offer a series of short, meditation-based practices for relaxation and stress reduction. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience and has partnered with the LightHouse for over 7 years to offer this class. It is a drop-in class where everyone is welcome to attend as little or as often as they like. Join this free class in the 11th floor Fitness Room. RSVP to Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Stronger Seniors
Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 11:00 a.m. to Noon.
Get stronger, improve your balance, and increase your energy and fitness through our Stronger Seniors exercise class. Join us for this free class on the 10th floor. RSVP by calling or emailing Amber Sherrard at asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7353.
An RSVP is required to Amber Sherrard at asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7353.
Healthier Living Series
Wednesdays, February 5, 12 & 19 from Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Healthier Living is a free health education workshop on the 10th floor, for those with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, cancer, lung disease, asthma, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, Parkinson's, depression, Hepatitis B or C, HIV, etc. You will cover the following topics, setting goals that are achievable, making daily tasks easier, relaxing and managing stress, managing fatigue, finding support and solutions to problems, improving nutrition and eating healthier, dealing with anger, frustration and depression, developing and maintaining a realistic and effective exercise program, and communicating more effectively with family, friends and health care providers. An RSVP is required to Amber Sherrard at asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7353.
Please visit the link for more information: http://bit.ly/HealthierLivingSeries_Feb
Yoga for Every Body
Thursdays, Thursday, February 6, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
THEN
Yoga moves to Mondays, February 10 & 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Yoga helps promote physical, mental and spiritual balance which provides you with a foundation of flexibility and and the ability to center one's self. If you experience challenges with balance and mobility, yoga can assist with increasing your strength and tone, providing you with the confidence in your daily life. No experience with yoga is necessary. Pick your pace: the 4:30 class is restorative and calming and the 6:00 class is a more engaged Hatha flow. Meet in the 11th floor Fitness Room, bring $10, wear comfortable clothes that move and don’t hang too much and bring your favorite mat and/or props if you prefer, though they can be provided. RSVP to Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Farmer’s Market Fridays
Friday, February 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Civic Center Farmer's Market is full of good finds but can often be a challenge to navigate. Meet us at the LightHouse San Francisco on Farmer's Market Friday's to partner with a volunteer to enjoy a stroll through the Farmer's Market. RSVP is required to Amber Sherrard at asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org 415-694-7353.
Cardio Kickboxing Class
Friday, January 31 through Sunday, February 2
This series of cardio Kickboxing is a full-body, strength and endurance building workout that will get you stronger, leaner, and moving faster. Attend one or all classes. An RSVP is required for this free class to Amber Sherrard at asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7353.
RSVP is required to Amber Sherrard at asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org 415-694-7353.
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Youth Employment Series (YES)
Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 1
A new decade, new possibilities! In February, join the LightHouse Youth Employment Series for our first workshop of the year, empowering blind/low vision youth with the confidence and today's skills to thrive in a world where change is constant and learning never stops. Transition-age youth (ages 16 to 24) will have the opportunity to experience an interactive weekend to discover the 4 C's (creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication). Participants will have the chance to develop and create their individualized leadership style and execute it with confidence.
If you or anyone you know is interested in participating in this fun weekend adventure, please visit our web calendar event here and do the following:
1. Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
2. Confirm attendance with Ann Wai-Yee Kwong, Transition Program Specialist, by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7328. If you have any questions or would like to pay for your participation in the workshop, please contact youth@lighthouse-sf.org.
If you do not have Department of Rehabilitation sponsorship, each workshop will cost $950 to attend for the entire weekend. Please note, space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.
Northern California Regional Braille Challenge 2020
Saturday, February 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
It is time again for the annual 2020 Northern California Regional Braille Challenge: Leaping into Literacy, which is a spelling bee-type competition. Each year blind and low vision students, families, teachers and community members from all over Northern California gather for a day-long event dedicated to braille literacy. This gathering will have blind and low vision youth demonstrate their braille skills in a series of contests ranging from: braille reading and comprehension, speed and accuracy, spelling, proofreading, and tactile graphics. The Challenge this year will have students leaping into literacy on the Leap Day, Saturday, February 29, at LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Headquarters in San Francisco.
Who: Youth from Northern California in grades 1 through 12
Where: LightHouse for the Blind Headquarters, 10th floor, 1155 Market St. San Francisco
RSVP: Students, families, teachers, transcribers and community members who would like more information or would like to get involved with this year's challenge please contact, Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694-7372. Contestants are required to RSVP.
The Braille Challenge is free for all who attend any part of the day. Click here to visit the Braille Challenge web calendar event.
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Free Access Technology Training
Tuesdays, February 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Bring your own device to our access technology training. We provide training and support on mobile devices, screen reader programs including NVDA and JAWS, magnification software, braille displays, DAISY readers like the Victor Reader Stream, and assistance with downloading and using apps like KNFB Reader, Be My Eyes and more. To reserve a spot, contact Shen Kuan at skuan@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7312.
Talking Shopping Workshop
Thursday, February 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Are you looking for an accessible way to buy groceries? Do you want to know what options are out there for purchasing clothing, electronics and gifts? Do you just love to shop? If so, check out our upcoming workshop on the 10th floor with more information on our web calendar. We will be discussing the apps and services you can use to buy all your favorite things. Whether you are checking off items on a grocery list, shopping for a special occasion, or just indulging in a little retail therapy, this workshop will pique your interest, guaranteed. You must be a registered LightHouse student to participate. To sign up or check if you are registered, contact Shen Kuan at skuan@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7312. This class is free to participants through support from the City of San Francisco’s SF Connected program.
Tech Together
Tuesday, February 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tech Together is a monthly technology learning group of blind and low vision users. Each session will be facilitated by LightHouse Access Technology specialists at LightHouse San Francisco on the 10th floor, but the content of the event is for the participants to decide on for themselves. Come to the 10th floor with ideas on topics and bits of news and software you want to share with your friends. This group is free and open to all, but a current LightHouse waiver is required. To make sure you are registered as a LightHouse student, contact Erin Lauridsen at elauridsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7368.
Knitting LightHouse San Francisco
Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Every week, our knitters gather at LightHouse Headquarters on the 10th floor to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project.
To reserve a spot, contact Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Knitting at LightHouse East Bay
Friday, February 7 & 14 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Come sit and knit in the East Bay. LightHouse knitters are taking up residence in the warm and friendly ADA Cafe in the Ed Roberts Campus, conveniently located above Ashby BART station. To reserve a spot, contact Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
Thursday, February 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Join our community of Deaf and blind/low vision adults and enjoy specialized sensory activities, gardening, cooking, exercise, music, cultural arts and more, all led by instructors fluent in ASL and trained to ensure you have a safe, fun and rewarding experience. This exciting program is brought to you in proud partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. To RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316. Please visit the link for more info: http://bit.ly/TactileExpressiveArts_January
Cookin’ for a Crowd
Friday, February 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Interested in scaling up your kitchen skills? Nothing pushes your culinary capacity like prepping a meal for dozens of folks. Every month we need to feed our hungry bingo masses and there’s nothing like learning by doing.
Join Serena Olsen in the 10th floor kitchen at LightHouse Headquarters. RSVP to solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Time to Vote!
Tuesday, February 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at LightHouse San Francisco
Monday, February 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at LightHouse San Francisco
Tuesday, February 25 from noon to 3:00 p.m. at LightHouse East Bay
The 2020 Presidential Primaries will be held in California on Tuesday, March 3. LightHouse wants to make sure that everyone has the ability to vote and that your voice is heard. This year we are excited to offer volunteers so that you may vote prior to Election Day. If you would like to complete a ballot in advance of the election, you may schedule a time to come in on select days at either LightHouse San Francisco or LightHouse East Bay in Berkeley. All volunteers receive LightHouse training and will have passed a background check prior to working with you on your ballot. Please note that volunteers cannot provide advice on voting and can only help you complete your ballot. You will then be responsible for dropping off your ballot, either at a designated ballot drop off, your polling place, or by mail. To reserve your free, 15-minute appointment, contact volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org 415-694-7320. If you would like assistance voting, you must be registered to vote in the state of California and have a vote by mail ballot. You must register to vote by February 18, 2020 and request your ballot to arrive by mail by February 25, 2020. You may find out more about deadlines and the official voter registration guides on the California Secretary of State's Website at www.sos.ca.gov/elections.
Hands-On Series: Forget Me Not
Monday, February 10, from 11:00 a.m. to noon at LightHouse East Bay (3075 Adeline St., Berkeley)
AND
Tuesday, February 11, from 11 a.m. to noon at LightHouse San Francisco (1155 Market St.)
The LightHouse Blind and Low Vision Skills Training Department is excited to announce the launch of a great new series of Hands On workshops to help you get your life organized.
Who: Find yourself forgetting appointments and reminders? Learn simple solutions to help you take notes, get organized and never miss another get-together.
What Will You Do?:
• Explore low-tech methods for keeping track of appointments, reminders, to-do lists, phone numbers and other quick notes
• Use a Microspeak, Pen Friend, or Wilson to create and retrieve a voice memo
• Go home with a FREE Microspeak Voice Recorder once you are a master of using it
• Share and discuss other ideas for note taking
No prior knowledge is necessary to attend this free workshop. To learn more about this and future Hands On workshops, visit our web calendar and RSVP to Briana Kusuma at bkusuma@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7335.
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Arts, Entertainment and Social
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The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole
Mondays, February 3, 10 & 24 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
What does it really mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole leads a weekly forum on a variety of topics. There's always a lively crowd gathering on the 10th floor, sharing their experiences, so grab a cup of coffee and a seat at the table. For more information on this free gathering or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316. Not able to join us in person? You can now call in to participate live: dial 929-436-2866 and enter meeting ID 692 100 581 when prompted.
Raycast
Mondays, February 3, 10 & 24 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Student Volunteer Ray Marcus entertains the Monday masses with various selections of podcast curiosities at this free gathering on the 10th floor. For questions or to RSVP, contact Adult Program coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Speed Friending
Friday, February 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Did you know that on average a person makes 396 friends throughout their entire lifespan but only 1 in 12 friendships last? Join LightHouse for Speed Friending, our first Milestone Meet-Up of 2020! Speed Friending is similar to Speed Dating with one major difference, the goal is not to make romantic connections. Instead Speed Friending is a place to meet new people and develop friendships. The connections that you make at this event could take a variety of shapes. You may find a gym buddy, a book lover, a fellow foodie to explore eateries with, your next BFF, or you may choose not to stay in contact with anyone you meet. The goal of this event is to begin to think consciously about building meaningful relationships through participating in activities that will allow you to have deeper conversations and a stronger sense of self-confidence when interacting with others.
Where: LightHouse Headquarters, 1155 Market Street, San Francisco Since this event has a specific program and flow, we request you arrive at LightHouse San Francisco on time and commit to stay for the entire event.
Who: Members of the LightHouse community and their guest. The LightHouse community includes: students, staff, volunteers, board members, etc. Each attendee can bring one guest.
What Will You Do?: Begin the evening with light refreshments and a networking mixer. Engage in a unique activity or discussion with each person you meet at the event. Make mutual connections with those you would like to stay in contact with after the event.
Cost: This event is free for San Francisco residents and $5 for everyone else including guests.
RSVP: Bobbi Pompey at bpompey@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7613
Find out more about this and similar events on our web calendar.
Talking Titles
Friday, February 14 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Calling all book worms and word nerds! Let's talk titles, Talking Titles, that is. We're grabbing great titles from the National Library Service, devouring great reads in our preferred format, and gathering to share all the feels, the highlights, the low lights, and dissect with reckless abandon. For questions or to RSVP, contact Adult Program coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
A Bachata Valentine's Soiree
Friday, February 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Come and join us for an evening of food, fun, dancing, mixing and mingling. Bring your family, friends, loved ones and potential loved ones for a phenomenal night at LightHouse HQ on the 10th floor, that you won't forget! We will even have a Bachata Dance Teacher to give us the basic rundown of Bachata to keep the night groovy! We'll have flowers for you to give your guests, door prizes and lots of other surprises. It's going to be an incredible evening. An RSVP is required to Amber Sherrard at asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org 415-694-7353.
Lotería (This is a Spanish speaking program)
Tuesday, January 21 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Lotería is a traditional game from Mexico, similar to bingo, but using images. We have made cards accessible in braille and large print. Come join us for an evening of fun and good company at LightHouse San Francisco on the 10th floor. Lotería will take place every third Tuesday of the month from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. RSVP to Esmeralda Soto at esoto@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7323.
Spanish Group for Blind/Low Vision Spanish Speakers
Tuesday, February 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Come and join the Spanish Group for Spanish speakers who are blind or have low vision on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. This free group meets on the 10th floor of LightHouse Headquarters. The group leader is Anabella Denisoff and the group is primarily for persons 55 years and older. To register, contact Jeff Carlson at jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7314.
30% & Growing
Thursday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m
Location: Rosamunde Sausage Grill (2832 Mission St., San Francisco)
Your LightHouse crew will be lurking in the Mission this month. These are no carnival sausages, my friend, Rosamunde throws down only the most moral of meats; grass fed, free-range, no hormones, antibiotics, or preservatives. The curated beer menu is updated weekly with a selection of quality craft beers. Now all you need is some awesome company to share the experience with, and your 30% crew has you covered. RSVP to Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Dinner & Bingo
Friday, February 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a community dinner and lots of rollicking bingo fun on the third Friday of each month at LightHouse Headquarters on the 10th floor. RSVP by noon on the Tuesday prior and $7 covers your dinner (RSVP later or not at all and your dinner is $10). Braille and large print bingo cards make bingo accessible for everyone. RSVP to Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
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LightHouse policy always makes meeting space available to any blindness-related group free of charge. Though these meetings aren’t official LightHouse programs, we offer notice of them as a service to those wishing to know more about options available in our extended community.
Bay Area Blind Arduino Meet Up
Saturday, February 8 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Bring your creativity to this meet up. To find out more, visit the event website.
National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting
Tuesday, February 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The National Federation of the Blind is a nationwide community of members that believe blind people can live the lives they want. Join the San Francisco Chapter for our monthly meeting, the second Tuesday of the month, where we’ll enjoy a light dinner and chat blindness issues and advocacy. For more information, visit nfbcal.org or email ms.christina.daniels@gmail.com.
California Council of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting
Saturday, February 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
California Council of the Blind San Francisco Chapter meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on the 10th floor of LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, San Francisco. Visit the event website for more information.
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To take classes in the skills of blindness or learn how to work with low vision, email info@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-431-1481.
Events Hot-line:
Want an easier way to access a list of our weekly events? Each Friday we update our events list which can be heard by calling our telephone info line at 415-694-7325.
All LightHouse events can be accessed by clicking this link: http://bit.ly/LightHouse_Events_Calendar
All LightHouse for the Blind offices will be closed on Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents Day.
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