Dear Friends,
I hope you’re having a wonderful summer despite the steamy weather!
Speaking of the heat, our youth cooled off considerably while splashing around in a fun water playground at our Back-to-School Splash at Quiet Waters Park. We had approximately 50 of our blind and visually impaired youth and their families enjoying the water – streaming from a gigantic bucket, raining in umbrellas and curtains, racing through tunnels, and more! After all the excitement, our kids took home loaded backpacks, complete with adaptive school supplies like bold line paper, magnifiers, Braille paper and 20/20 pens. Many thanks to our generous event sponsors who made this great day possible: Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Century and Metals & Supplies, Inc., and Leone Star Services.
We also had a fabulous birthday celebration for one of our favorite contributors, Jean Colker, namesake of the David and Jean Colker KIDS program. Jean, who has a huge heart particularly for the youth we serve, celebrated her 101st birthday at the Lighthouse with about 75 Lighthouse supporters, clients and youth. While everyone enjoyed popcorn, ice cream and birthday cake, an upbeat mariachi band was the highlight of the event. Jean got out of her wheelchair and danced! She had a great time as did everyone in attendance.
We continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary year and are just thrilled to have served 125,000 people this half century. In fact, the Broward County Commission will recognize us with a proclamation in honor of our anniversary and commitment to those in our community who are blind or visually impaired. We’re very excited to receive this honor.
Our 50th Anniversary Dining in the Dark Celebration is coming along beautifully. All the details are falling into place, from our special Sensory Walk to compelling programming. We’ve also snagged some amazing live auction items including a ride on the Goodyear Blimp and cruises on both the Holland America Line as well as Virgin Voyages! All proceeds from this exciting event, featuring LITE FM’s morning show hosts Julie Guy and Tamara G. as emcees, benefit the work we do here at the Lighthouse. We couldn’t be more thrilled.
And finally, we’re still on track to move to our new, expanded facility located on Sunrise Boulevard. We look forward to serving even more individuals who are blind or visually impaired in our larger space with additional programming and enhanced learning opportunities. It’s all about YOU!
Wishing you all my best!
Sincerely,
Ellyn Drotzer, MSW, LCSW
President and CEO
Important Building Closure Dates & Updates
- LHOB Building Closure: Friday, October 27th.
- LHOB Veterans Day Closure: Friday, November 10th.
- Thanksgiving Closure: Thursday/Friday, November 23rd/24th.
- LHOB Holiday Closure: Friday, December 22 – Friday, January 5, 2024.
- LHOB reopens: Monday, January 8, 2024.
- Lighthouse Book Club is cancelled until further notice.
LHOB Social Groups and Activities:
Baking with Joel (Tuesday) October 3rd & 17th, November 7th & 21st and December 5th & 19th. During each session, clients learn techniques to improve their baking skills. This program has limited space. RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 0.
In person Trivia Group: : Friday, October 6th and November 3rd, and December 1st from 10am-12pm. 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. 0.
Descriptive movies: Join us for a movie, popcorn, and treats. The movies will be shown in the Boardroom and will start at 10:00a.m. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 0.
October 13th “POMS”
After moving to a retirement community, loner Martha befriends a fun-loving neighbor and forms a cheerleading club for young-at-heart seniors.
Networking Group: A group for individuals to discuss employment related topics, share job leads and experiences, refresh their skills, and connect with others. Meets quarterly, in person from 1:00PM to 2:00 PM. As refreshments will be offered, RSVPs are recommended. Contact 954-463-4217 Ext. 156 (Saely Quezada) or ext. 120 (Becky Sprick) for questions and RSVPs. The next Networking Group is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14th.
Support for Past and Present LHOB Clients:
Every Wednesday from 1:00-2:00. 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
For more information, contact Elaine Schiffman at 954-463-4217 EXT. 131 or eschiffman@LHOB.org.
October 13th NFB White Cane Day Event Annual White Cane (plus dogs) Safety Day. It is on Friday the 13th, October 2023 10:30-1:30 at Talking Book Library. The group will complete a walk-in unity. This is not a Chapter Meeting for Greater Broward Chapter, NFB and all are welcome. This event is not hosted by LHOB. For more information please phone: Jake at 954 946 4148 or Debbie at 954 443 8745.
October 20th-White Cane Day Celebration-Hosted by LHOB at the Dania Beach Lions Club (501 SW. 4th Ave Dania Beach FL 33004) 11:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. Join us for lunch, games, and raffles. The event is open to current and past clients. Clients are welcome to bring one adult guest.
RSVP by October 4th: Front Desk at 954-463-4217 ext. 0. Space is limited.
Thursday, December 14th from 11:00-2:00 Client Holiday Party. For current and past clients, please join us for lunch at Galuppi’s. 1103 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Lunch will be served consisting of Chicken Breast with Salad, Balsamic Drizzle, Grilled Salmon with Beurre Blanc Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, and Chocolate Turtle Brownies. The cost per person is $15.00 RSVP with the front desk at 954-463-4217 ext. 0. There are a limited number of spaces. All RSVPs must be received by 11/30/23. We cannot issue refunds if participants are unable to attend after 11/30/23.