Dear Friends,
Though the summer heat has been intense, we’ve had an incredibly successful season here at Lighthouse of Broward! On August 9th, we held our very first Candidate Forum, and it was a huge success. We welcomed over 75 clients and 9 candidates, with coverage from Channel 6 and 10 news. Most importantly, we achieved our goal of informing clients about how to use accessible voting machines while also having meaningful conversations about community involvement.
Another highlight of our summer has been the growth of our group fitness classes. What started as a small gathering has blossomed into a large, dedicated group of clients passionate about building connections while staying active. It has been truly inspiring to see the enthusiasm and camaraderie in these classes.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled about the exciting fall and winter activities we have planned. Our 10th Annual Dining in the Dark Gala is shaping up to be even more spectacular than we anticipated, promising a unique and unforgettable dining experience with plenty of surprises for our supporters and guests.
We also have some of our cherished client events on the horizon, including the Kids’ Fall Festival, White Cane Day—once again hosted by our friends at Dania Beach Lions Club—and of course, our Client Holiday Party. Don’t forget to RSVP to our client events as well as our jam-packed schedule of activities throughout the week, including bingo, Zumba, trivia, and more. You won’t want to miss them!
Lastly, we’re incredibly proud to share a major achievement. We have surpassed (again) our client service goals by such a considerable amount that we’ve been recognized as one of the top organizations for the blind and visually impaired in the state of Florida for the number of clients served. This is a true testament to our mission to expand our reach and impact in the blind and visually impaired community, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us and we look forward to spending this wonderful season with you!
With Gratitude,
Ellyn Drotzer, MSW, LCSW
President and CEO
Important Building Closure Dates & Updates
• LHOB Closed for Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11, 2024.
• LHOB Closed for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024.
• LHOB Closed for Day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29, 2024.
• LHOB Closed for Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024.
• LHOB Winter Closure: Monday, December 23rd through Friday, January 3rd, 2025.
LHOB Social Groups and Activities: For all events you must RSVP in advance as space is limited.
Monthly Activities
Fitness Class: Every Friday 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm
This class will include stretching, strengthening, balance exercises, cardio and relaxation. Most exercises will be done seated but there will be some standing exercises included.
Arts & Crafts Every Thursday 1:00-3:00p.m except December 12th. Join us for adapted arts and crafts projects including painting with tactile lines, clay work, sewing, and floral arrangements. Activities vary each week. Space is limited, you must RSVP.
Book Club will meet 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the front desk at ext. 110.
• October 25th – Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt, 11.19, Fiction, DB107924
• December 6th – The Women, by Kristin Hannah, 15.0, Historical Fiction, DB118896
Trivia Group: October 4th and November 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.
BINGO: October 11th, November 8th, November 15th, and December 13th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join us for Bingo with Brailed cards and large print cards. There are prizes for the winners.
In-Person Problem Solvers Support Group for past clients with Dr. Alan Katell: Thursday, October 10th, November 14th, December 12th from 11:00am – 12:00pm.
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.
Descriptive movies: Join us on select Thursdays for a movie, popcorn, and treats. The movies will be shown in Classroom Two from 10:00am – 12:00pm.
October 17th: King of the Zodiac (Spanish): A street fighter discovers a world of mystical powers and ancient warriors as he trains to become the chosen guardian of a reincarnated goddess.
October 24th: Victoria & Abdul (English): A cheerfully naive clerk from India visits England to bestow a gift on Queen Victoria, then strikes up an unlikely friendship with the lonely monarch.
November 7th: Madame Web (Spanish): Discovering that she can see into the future, a paramedic must use her new powers to save a trio of young women from a mysterious, spidery villain.
November 21st: Aloha (English): Returning to Hawaii for a satellite launch, a defense contractor quickly develops feelings for both his former flame and his peppy military escort.
December 5th: How to be a Latin Lover (Spanish): When an aging Lothario gets the boot from his rich older wife, he must pull out all the stops to find a new benefactor.
December 19th: Murder Mystery (English): On a long-awaited trip to Europe, a New York City cop and his hairdresser wife scramble to solve a baffling murder aboard a billionaire's yacht.
Support for Past and Present LHOB Clients:
Every Wednesday from 1:00-2:00pm
This support group is to help participants who want to connect with other individuals who are visually impaired. Instructors will discuss current topics and issues that people with visual impairments may face. Members of this group can connect, share their experiences, and their strength and hope.
LinK: 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 Carrie McKenna 954-463-4217 ext. 138 or cmckenna@LHOB.org.
Special Events for past and current clients:
October 11th – White Cane Day Celebration from 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. @ Dania Beach Lions Club
(501 SW. 4th Ave Dania Beach FL 33004)
October 15th - NFB White Cane Day Event Annual White Cane (plus dogs) Safety Day. It is on Tuesday the 15th, October 2024 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
December 12th - Adult Client Holiday Party @ Galuppi’s from 12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. (1103 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062)
We are thrilled to invite you to our annual Client Holiday Party! Join us for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, delightful cuisine, and great company.
Each guest is served with a served duet plated lunch, Grilled Salmon with Beurre Blanc Sauce and Roasted & Seasoned Quarter Chicken along with a side of Garlic & Herb Roasted Potatoes, Wild Vegetable Medley, Garden Salad, and fresh rolls & butter, along with Cheesecake Parfaits for dessert. Secondary option: Vegetarian Plate. Cost is $15.00 per person. Registration forms can be mailed or emailed (by request) or found at the front desk.
Please RSVP and provide payment (cash, check, or credit card (with small fee)) by December 2nd to ensure we have everything prepared for your enjoyment.
*Dates, time, and location 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. *