Dear Lighthouse Family,
I can hardly believe we are already at the end of the year! The months seem to have flown by, and it is because at the Lighthouse of Broward we have had such an active, energetic, and rewarding year. This has been a year full of accomplishments, exciting new projects, and, most importantly, a year in which we served more clients than ever before while expanding the range of services we provide.
I would like to share just a few highlights from the past months:
- White Cane Celebration: In partnership with the Dania Beach Lions Club, our White Cane Celebration was once again a huge success, reaching maximum capacity in just 48 hours! The enthusiasm and positive feedback we received have us considering a new location next year to accommodate even more friends.
- Family Support Event: In November, we hosted our first annual Family Support Event with nearly 100 participants engaging in sessions on supporting families and individuals through vision loss. This event was a milestone for us—not only in attendance but also as our first event offered simultaneously in English and Spanish in separate rooms to ensure the best experience for everyone. We are grateful to Sunshine Health for sponsoring this event—they were so impressed that they have already committed to being our presenting sponsor again next year.
- Dining in the Dark – Island Edition: What a fabulous night! This year, our 11th Dining in the Dark welcomed 250 guests to Margaritaville and raised $266,000 in support of our programs. The evening included a special performance by Shannon, known for her hit Let the Music Play, with ReaXtion Band energizing the crowd before and after her performance. Entertainment began with the American Heritage Rock Band, which was a big hit during the cocktail hour. We also recognized our Outstanding Supporter of the Year, Mr. Robert B. Judd, chair trustee of the Josephine S. Leiser Foundation, the event’s Presenting Sponsor and a long-time supporter of our mission. Heartfelt thanks go to everyone who attended, donated, and supported the event, as well as our incredible board and staff, whose dedication made the evening a tremendous success.
- Building Renovation: I know I’ve been talking about our building renovation for a while, and I am thrilled to share that we are close to having a confirmed start date! Rest assured, we will keep you informed about every change, and most importantly, the Lighthouse will continue to provide all services during this time. You may notice some internal adjustments, such as attending classes in different rooms, but nothing will affect the high-quality services we proudly provide.
- Assistive Technology Milestones: Our Assistive Technology team is celebrating two exciting professional achievements! Leonardo Banes earned his ACVREP CATIS (Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist) certification, showcasing his advanced expertise in teaching assistive technology skills to individuals with vision loss. Austin Philipson obtained his Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Tester certification, strengthening our ability to evaluate and improve digital accessibility. Please congratulate Leonardo and Austin on these well-deserved accomplishments, which directly enhance the quality of services we provide.
As we close this remarkable year, I want to thank each and every one of you, your families, supporters, and staff, for your continued trust, dedication, and partnership. Your involvement allows the Lighthouse of Broward to shine brighter every day, and together, we are making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and love—and a new year full of health, happiness, and hope.
Ellyn Drotzer, MSW, LCSW
President and CEO
Important Notice: Facility Renovations in the Coming Months
Our facility will be undergoing renovations in the coming months. To stay informed about any temporary changes to service locations, social activities, and potential building closures, please contact us directly or visit our website for real-time updates.
Call the front desk at 954-463-4217 (Dial 0) or visit www.lhob.org for the latest information.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
Important Building Closure Dates & Updates
- LHOB Closed for New Year’s Day, Thursday January 1st, 2026.
- LHOB Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday January 19th, 2026.
- LHOB Closed for Presidents’ Day, Monday February 16th, 2026.
Social Activities will resume the week of January 5th, 2026.
LHOB Social Groups and Activities: For all events you must RSVP in advance as space is limited.
Zumba Class: Every Friday from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Join us for a fun and energetic Zumba class that combines dance and fitness! This class features high-energy music and dynamic dance moves that provide an excellent cardio workout while improving coordination and rhythm. While most of the movements can be adapted for a seated position, there will also be some standing routines to elevate your heart rate and boost your mood. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, this class is designed for everyone to enjoy! Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Arts & Crafts: The first one of the year will be Thursday January 15th. Every other Thursday from then on, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Join us for adapted arts and crafts projects including painting with tactile lines, clay work, sewing, and floral arrangements. Activities vary each week. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Cooking Class: Every other Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. beginning January 22nd. Join us for some fun, hands-on culinary creativity! Discover delicious, oven-free recipes, including anything from healthy snacks to no-bake desserts. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110 and provide the front desk with any food allergies. Space is limited.
Fitness Class: Join us for fitness every Monday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. This dynamic class includes strength, balance, and endurance training. Come grab a mat (or a chair for adaptations) and start feeling your best! Beginners are welcome! Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Book Club will meet on the last Friday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the front desk at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited; you must RSVP.
January: Counting Miracles, by Nicholas Sparks db 124452
February: The Waiting, by Michael Connelly db 124746
March: Connecting Dots, by Josh Miele and Wendell Jamieson db 127356
Trivia Group: Join us January 9th, February 6th, and March 6th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. When raucous laughter is heard in the halls of the Lighthouse, you can be sure it’s coming from the trivia group. Questions on a variety of subjects are read by a volunteer, and anyone who thinks they have the answer is free to call it out. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
BINGO: January 16th and 24th, February 13th and 20th, and March 20th, join us from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for Bingo with braille cards and large print cards. There are prizes for the winners. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Guitar Class: Come to learn guitar with instructor Mike Ader, every second Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please bring your own guitar, nylon or steel string accepted (no electric). Space is limited! Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110.
In-Person Problem Solvers Support Group for past clients with Dr. Alan Katell: Thursday January 8th, February 12th, and March 12th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This support group offers a space for past clients to connect with others who have similar experiences. Instructors lead discussions on relevant topics and challenges that members with visual impairments may be encountering. This group provides an opportunity for individuals to share their experiences, insights, and strategies, fostering a supportive environment where members can exchange ideas, offer mutual encouragement, and work together to find effective solutions. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Descriptive movies: Join us on select Thursdays for a movie, popcorn, and treats. The movies will be shown in Classroom Two from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
January 8th – Nonna’s (English) – Joe, grieving the loss of his mother and grandmother, decides to honor their memory by opening a restaurant in Staten Island called Enoteca Maria. But instead of hiring typical chefs, he brings together four “nonnas” (grandmothers) from different Italian regions to run the kitchen, using their family recipes.
January 22nd – Kicking and Screaming (Spanish) – Phil is a mild-mannered guy who’s always been overshadowed by his super-competitive father, Buck. When Phil’s son Sam is traded off his dad’s little-league soccer team, Phil reluctantly becomes coach of Sam’s new, terrible team.
February 5th – Falling Inn Love (English) – Gabriela, a San Francisco design exec, loses her job and breaks up with her boyfriend. On a whim, she enters an online contest to “win an inn” — and actually wins an old, run-down inn in New Zealand.
February 19th – RV (Spanish) – Bob Munro, a busy and stressed-out executive, lies to his family about their upcoming vacation — instead of going to Hawaii, he secretly rents a huge RV so he can drive to Colorado for a business meeting.
March 5th – Irish Wish (English) – Maddie, a book editor, is secretly in love with an author she helps write for. When he gets engaged to her best friend and they all go to Ireland for the wedding, she makes a wish on an ancient stone to be the bride.
March 19th – Karate Kid (Spanish) – 12-year-old Dre Parker and his mother move from Detroit to Beijing, China, after she gets a job transfer. In his new school, Dre struggles — he’s bullied by a local kid, Cheng, who’s skilled in kung fu. A quiet maintenance man in Dre’s apartment building, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), intervenes to train Dre.
English Conversation Club: Meets the first Tuesday of the month from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Please join Dee Nelson for English Conversation Club where participants will make new friends and gain hands-on speaking experience with practical, real-world topics. This social group is for clients past and current who want to improve their English communication skills. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
*Dates, times, and locations of social activities are subject to change. Please visit our website at www.lhob.org/publications or call our activities line at 954-463-4217 ext. 8 for up-to-date information on social activities and meetings.*
Support for Past and Present LHOB Clients:
Last Wednesday of the month from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. This support group is to help participants who want to connect with other individuals who are visually impaired. Instructors will discuss strategies for dealing with stress and anxiety. Members of this group can connect, share their experiences, coping strategies, and their strength and hope.
Join the call: https://www.uberconference.com/room/lhobsupport
Optional dial-in number: 954-451-0380
No PIN needed.
International Access Numbers:
https://www.uberconference.com/international
Special Events for Past and Current LHOB Clients:
Debt Strategy Workshop – Friday January 30th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by the Van Horn Law Group at Flamingo Hall. Lunch served (chicken tenders, chips, and water – no substitutions will be provided – feel free to bring lunch). Don’t miss the opportunity to learn strategies for managing debt! Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110.
Resource Fair – Friday February 13th at Flamingo Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us as community partners who are involved in the field of visual impairment present resources and products. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110.
Flamingo Gardens – Friday March 13th from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Join us for a tour around Flamingo Gardens! A pizza lunch will be served and clients may bring one guest for assistance. Due to the physical demands of the tour including navigating uneven surfaces: Clients must be able to walk for 15 minutes or self-propel a wheelchair or bring someone to assist them. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.