Hello my Lighthouse Friends!
First, I’d like to introduce myself, as I may not have met everyone who receives this letter. I’m Alejandro Sastre and serve as the Information Technology Director here at the Lighthouse of Broward. I joined the Lighthouse about a year and a half ago. I have discovered that I have a heart for those who are blind and visually impaired.
My role is to manage all the tech here, from computers to telephones, to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently! I trouble shoot problems and find solutions to tech glitches. I enjoy figuring out the issues and finding solutions that make our computers and tech run seamlessly.
It’s especially encouraging to help people who are blind or visually impaired overcome computer challenges. I do my best to see what’s missing for them, and in the process, learn something new every day. While I work to address issues, I do my best to show people how to solve the problem for themselves next time.
I gained all my information technology knowledge while working for the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile. I emigrated to the United States in 2013 and held a couple of tech positions here before I came to the Lighthouse, which truly is the perfect fit for me. I have to say, I do my best to go above and beyond for everyone here at the Lighthouse. I don’t look at my job description – if I can help and have the time and know how, I will do it, especially if someone needs help. I also look at the good side of people and try to have a positive outlook. I think this is a good way to live.
Well, enough about me! What about those amazing kids at the Lighthouse? They sure had a fun adventure at our Back-to-School Splash!
About 50 of our blind and visually impaired children and their families celebrated the end of summer by splashing around at Quiet Waters Park Splash Adventure. Each young person also took home loaded backpacks, which included adaptive school supplies like magnifiers, Braille paper and 20/20 pens.
We are very grateful to our generous sponsors and contributors who made this soaking-wet day possible! A big thank you goes to St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church and Century Metals & Supplies, Inc. as well as all our individual donors. Check out these photos!
Wishing you all a fabulous day! If we haven’t met, I look forward to meeting you soon!
Sincerely,
Alejandro Sastre
Information Technology Director
Upcoming Important Information & Dates
- November 11, 2022 (Friday): Veteran’s Day. The Lighthouse will be closed.
- November 24-25 (Thursday-Friday): The Lighthouse is closed for Thanksgiving Holiday.
- December 26, 2022 - January 6, 2023: The Lighthouse is closed to clients.
We're ecstatic to be able to offer in-person social groups and activities at the Lighthouse of Broward once more. If you have any suggestions for new groups, please contact the front desk at 954-463-4217, ext. 0.
LHOB Social Groups and Activities
Special Events:
White Cane Day BBQ: Friday October 14, 2022 11:00-2:00, Lunch, Games, Raffles Dania Lions Clun 501 SW 4th Ave. Dania Beach, Fl 33004 Event is open to current and past clients. Clients are welcome to bring one adult guest. RSVP by October 4th to Front Desk at 954-463-4217 ext. 0. Space is limited.
Flamingo Gardens tour: Thursday November 10th 10:00-2:00, There will be a special sensory tour, time to explore, socialize, and enjoy the gardens. Lunch is included for clients. There will be no special orders. Event is open to current and past clients. RSVP by November 1st to Front Desk at 954-463-4217 ext. 0. Space is limited.
Client Holiday Party: December 16th 11:00-2:00
Lunch, dancing, music, and games. Event will be held at Flamingo Hall. The cost per client is $10.00 and guests are $15.00. RSVP at the front desk at 954-463-4217 ext. 0. This year we will serve this entrée or a veggie plate. There will be no substitutions available. Poi trine de Poulet Waterzooi- Steamed Chicken Breast with cream sauce, garnish with julienne of carrots & leek, White rice Pilaf, Casserole de Legumes-Broccoli, zucchini, yellow squash & baby carrots Garden Salad- Baby Spinach, romaine, cucumber, cherry tomato, Italian dressing. Delice au Chocolate-Dark chocolate ganache cake.
Baking with Joel: will meet Tuesday October 4th & 18th, November 1st & 15th, Dec 6th & 20th from 10:00-2:00. RSVP with Mitzie at 954-463-4217 ext. 0. Each session clients will learn techniques to improve their baking skills. There is no cost at this time for this program. There is a limited number of spaces.
In person Trivia Group: Friday November 4th, and December 2nd from 10 am -12 pm. 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 to Mitzie at 954-463-4217 ext. 0.
Lighthouse Book Club will meet 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in Dining Room. Friday, October 28th. For more information, please contact Ellen Meyers at 954-922-7360.
Support for Past and Present LHOB Clients:
Every Wednesday from 1:00-2:00. This support group is to help participants manage anxiety related to isolation that has occurred during this difficult time of social distancing. Counselors 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
For more information, contact Elaine Schiffman at 954-463-4217 EXT. 131 or eschiffman@LHOB.org.