THERE'S AN OCTOPUS AT THE LIGHTHOUSE!
Local artist, Kumpa Tawornprom of Safety Harbor, worked diligently over the summer to create a unique art experience for the children served by Lighthouse of Pinellas. The Lighthouse of Pinellas's Early Intervention program serves children ages birth to six years old that are blind or visually impaired. Kumpa has been working for the past couple of months to create an 8-foot octopus to add to the wall of the children's lobby area. The octopus allows the children to enjoy a tactile experience that helps them gain awareness of the size and structure of this large sea creature.
"We're thrilled!", said Dan Mann, President and CEO of Lighthouse of Pinellas, "Kumpa's detail on the octopus will allow the children we serve to understand just how big an octopus is, and experience the textures of the skin, and suction cups on its tentacles. The wall has always been a great tactile experience tool, but this adds such a wonderful new component."
The "under the sea" theme of the wall was originally created by Creative Arts Unlimited, Inc., a local company experienced in creating specialty environments for companies such as Mayo Clinic, Disney, Nestle, and Toys'R'Us. The tactile experience of the wall continued to evolve with the help of Monogram Builders, and now the expansive addition by Kumpa of the octopus!
Lighthouse celebrates silver-medalist Jazmin Coll-Serrano
Lighthouse of Pinellas can now celebrate its own star athlete. Jazmin Coll-Serrano captured a silver medal, second place for her skiing expertise at the 25th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Nowmass Village, Colo. The vivacious Jazmin was a registered nurse who came to Lighthouse in 2009 for help in coping after a virus-caused vision loss left her legally blind and depressed.
"I didn't feel like it was worth it to go on with my life. There was no reason to go on."
After taking classes at Lighthouse and working with Karen Christian, Wanda Austin and Beverly Bennett, her attitude changed.
"They made me feel I was worth it. I could be productive again."
Perhaps because she had such a good attitude, she was asked to participate in the Winter Sports Clinic in late March and early April. Instructors worked with her to teach her how to ski cross country, downhill, do wall climbing and more. She only had a week, but her natural athletic ability came shining through.
Vice President Joe Biden and other dignitaries attended the competition where Jazmin won her medal. Today, she's on the VA team and training to compete next year.
Way to go, Jazmin!!!
Tributes to Landon
It's not too late to order plastic wristbands honoring Landon Timothy Harrington, an adorable 1-year-old in our Early Intervention program. Landon’s parents donated the wristbands to encourage others to donate funds to the Lighthouse. Donate $10 and receive two wristbands; six for a donation of $25 and 12 for a donation of $50.
In-Sight – A Memorable View from the Lighthouse
Lighthouse of Pinellas Creative Writing Instructor John Humpal and members of his class looked back on their lives recently to record cherished memories, lessons learned and historic events. Together they created a unique book of grace and wisdom. Read More - or - Click here to buy In-Sight
A State of Vision
Lighthouse of Pinellas is proud to welcome D-Mar General Contracting as our first “State of Vision” Partner. D-mar has put “A State of Vision” license plates on 16 fleet vehicles. For more information, click here.
Did you know that Lighthouse of Pinellas is one of the 15 agencies in the state of Florida that receive support through the sales from the new license plate, "A State of Vision"? Sales from the new license plate generate monies for direct support services to Floridians statewide through a network of 15 local non-profit agencies which comprise the Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB). Lighthouse of Pinellas is a member of the FAASB network. That means that the sales generated by "A State Of Vision" license plates in Pinellas County will help to support the programs and services right here at Lighthouse of Pinellas! This year when you renew your vehicle registration, please consider purchasing this new license plate... make a statement that YOU support A State of Vision!
To purchase a specialty plate or for more information, call (727) 464-7777.
