Louis Braille School

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the Woodland Park Zoo on July 26, 2010, 10 am to 2 pm.

On July 26th, a celebration of the landmark passage of one of the nation’s premier civil rights laws will take place at the Woodland Park Zoo (5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103).

There will be booths with disability resource information, speakers, prizes/awards, entertainment, including comedian Al Foxx, and an ADA birthday cake!

A $500 youth scholarship will also be awarded on that day to a high school senior or college freshman with a disability.

Ticketing
A limited number of free tickets will be available. After that, the cost will be $4.50 for people with a FLASH card and $12 for others. Please contact Alliance to reserve your ticket. City of Seattle residents may apply for FLASH Cards through Alliance.

RSVP to
Alliance of People with disAbilities
Phone: 206.545.7055; Fax: 206.545.7059
TTY: 206.632.3456; events@disabilitypride.org

Location
Event will be held in the North Meadow of the Woodland Park Zoo. Parking at the zoo costs $5, so please consider carpooling or using public transportation, if needed. For directions, go to www.zoo.org.

Sponsors
Alliance of People with disAbilities
State of Washington Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
Northwest ADA Center Regional 10 National Network
Woodland Park Zoo

Animals, the Environment, and YOU!

An Extended School Year Program for Children with Special Needs

Presented by the Louis Braille School

July 12-July 23, Monday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm

• For students entering kindergarten through grade 12

• For those who have special needs arising from vision impairment or other challenges

• Taught by a TVI (Teacher of the Visually Impaired) with an M.S. in Special Education

• Qualifies as an Extended School Year program

Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic
Students will receive small group and individualized instruction in specific core curriculum areas in which the child needs special help. Focus is on reading, writing and arithmetic, with a touch of social studies and science, all within an environmental theme, and drawing from the Washington State K-12 Environmental and Sustainability Learning Standards.

Skills of Everyday Living
Integrated throughout the day is instruction in everyday living skills that promote self-esteem and independence. Instruction is individualized and may include basic skills such as tying shoes and zipping a jacket, social skills, technology pointers, and other skills as needed.

Dogs and Cats as Pets

Wild Birds and Animals in Their Habitats

Through a collaboration with PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society), the 2010 program is built around an environmental theme. PAWS will present two, one-hour hands-on workshops each week.

Week 1. Furry Friends
Appreciating dogs and cats as companions and friends. Learn how animals talk and other fun facts. Learn how to care for a pet. Learn about service dogs and meet a guide dog. Make toys for cats that are in the PAWS shelter.

Week 2. Wonderful Wildlife
Understanding wild animals and birds through sound, taste, and scent. Learn where wild animals live and how they get their food. Learn how PAWS cares for injured and orphaned wild animals. Make items that will help wild animals at the PAWS shelter re-learn how to find their own food.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppies-in-Training
A tradition on the first day of the summer program is a visit from puppies learning to be guide dogs. Their trainers guide the children in patting and playing with the pups, walking them on a double lead, and giving them simple commands.

Location of Summer School
Louis Braille School
10130 Edmonds Way
Edmonds, WA 98020

Tuition: $250. Assistance is available.
Children bring a sack lunch.

For questions or to register your child call 425-776-4042
Email: carolyn@louisbrailleschool.org
Website: www.louisbrailleschool.org

What People Say About Our Summer Program
“This is a safe place with caring people.” —Summer Program student
“You guys do it right. Here everything is for everyone.” —Summer Program student
“I want to stay all night at Braille Camp.” —Summer Program student
“My son counts the days between one summer program and next.” —Parent

Several years ago, before the Louis Braille Center became the Louis Braille School, volunteer Zora Rockney made for us a tactile United States flag. Each color was represented by a fabric of a different texture, and the embroidered stars could be counted with the fingers.

Sylvie Kashdan (right) and Robby Barnes, long-time friends of the Center and the School, learned about our special flag and determined we should have flags of other countries as well.

They contacted Ann Gardiner, a well-known specialist in creating tactile flags. Unknown to us, Ann, who lives in England, has been hard at work creating more flags for our school.

Sylvie and Robby recently visited the Louis Braille School and presented an array of flags to our students. All of the flags use combinations of red, white, or blue. White is represented by a bumpy fabric, red by a smooth fabric, and blue by a soft felt.

The first flags we examined were those of the United Kingdom: Ireland (St. Patrick’s Cross), Scotland (St. Andrew’s Saltire), English National Flag (St. George’s Cross).

Then came the National Flag of the United Kingdom, the Union Jack. We were surprised to learn that the Union Jack contains all of the flags of the United Kingdom:

the Scottish St. Andrew’s Saltire, a blue background with a white cross going diagonally from corner to corner

the Irish St. Patrick’s cross, a white background with a red cross going diagonally from corner to corner

the English St. George’s Cross, a white background with a broad red cross going from left to right and top to bottom.

Ann also made flags of some other countries that use red, white, and blue: France, Netherlands, Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic.

A tag is attached to each flag identifying the flag in print and braille. A key to the colors consists of strips of fabric tagged in braille as to the color.

Sylvie and Robby also gave the school several tactile/braille United States and World atlases. These atlases join with our talking/tactile globes and our tactile topographic maps to make a good library of resources for geography and history.

Louis Braille students were excited to welcome a special guest to their classroom. Dana Zimmerman, uncle of one of the students, was a silver medal winner at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Australia.

The morning social studies class focused on Australia. Students located the country on a tactile globe. Dana talked about his experiences there and showed the children the Australian flags and various-sized boomerangs he brought home with him.

Conversation then turned to the Paralympics. Dana shared many souvenirs of the event, including a letter from President Clinton, pictures, pins that the athletes exchanged with one another, and, of course, the Silver Medal.

In the afternoon, Dana, a teacher and a specialist in adapting PE activities for children with challenges, led the students in some fun games involving a parachute, balloons, and much laughter.

We eagerly look forward to another day with Dana the next time he visits Washington.

(In the picture above: front, Australian flag; l to r: 3rd person is wearing the silver medal, 4th person is holding a small boomerang, 5th is Dana, 6th is holding a larger boomerang.)

Louis Braille School Benefit Auction
Saturday, March 20, 1 to 4 pm
South County Senior Center
220 Railroad Avenue
Edmonds, WA 98020
Tickets: $15 a person.

Very Special Auction Item:
Flowers for Your Special Event. Includes 1 large bouquet for altar/lobby/main table; 5 table centerpieces; 6 each corsages/bouttonieres. Other types of arrangements may be substituted to make it just right for your special occasion. Includes floral consultation and choice of flowers within price parameters. Service area: north to Bellingham, south to Tacoma, west to the Peninsula. The winning bidder will take home a lovely floral arrangement designed for the live auction display table. Expires March 19, 2011. Donated by Board Member Sally Hyde, floral consultant and designer. Value: $500

Featured Item:
Large Contemporary Granite Vase
Created by Edmonds Artist, Jim Ballard. Jim’s hand-crafted stone vases are eagerly anticipated each year by our auction guests. Jim sandblasted the outside of this vase using a flower pattern that he designed. He cored the stone and sealed it with a 2-part epoxy so that it becomes waterproof. He also been treated with a stone enhancer and sealer. It would make a nice entryway feature. It probably is best not left outside in freezing weather because water in the vase might crack the surrounding stone through expansion and contraction. Donated by Jim Ballard. Value: $250

Featured Item:
Portrait of Your Pet
Edmonds artist Bonnie Hodges will paint one animal in oil on canvas, size 9 x 12 inches, unframed. Winner must give a suitable picture of the pet to the artist within 90 days of the Louis Braille School Auction date, or the pet may be brought to artist for photographing. Bonnie excels at animal paintings. The picture above is an example of her work. Donated by Bonnie Hodges. Value: $250

Below is a sampling of items available for bidding at the auction, arranged by category.

The Arts

Roy Hughes Digital Block Print: “Cruise Ship: Kona Port of Call”
A travel poster style image from the big island of Hawaii. Framed with glass, 20′ x 16′. Donated by Roy E. Hughes. Value: $100

Note Cards with Original Art
Pack of 8 note cards. Original art by Grace Lackey. Two each of four designs: horses, mountain stream, and two flower designs. Donated by Julie LeMay. Value: $6 (3 packs available)

Two Tickets to “Ten Grands Concert“
The concert, performed at Benaroya Hall, features 10 amazing pianists and 10 grand pianos playing jazz, blues, classical, pop, boogie woogie, tango and more. The performance benefits music education in the State of Washington. Donated by Kathy Fahlman DeWalt. Value: $124

Small Basalt Stone
Small basalt stone with sandblasted geometric designs created by Jim Ballard. Attractive as a decorative piece for your home or perhaps a paperweight for your desk. Donated by Jim Ballard. Value: $45

Engraved Glass Vase
Glass vase with exquisitely engraved bear and flock of birds by Jim Ballard. Donated by Jim Ballard. Value: $50

Books

“100 Beautiful Views of Glacier National Park”
A collection of 100 digital block prints by Roy Hughes depicting the history, lore, nature and wildlife of Glacier National Park. Includes maps, driving or hiking directions. In 2005, Roy Hughes was selected to serve as artist-in-residence at Glacier National Park. 132 pages. Copyright 2009. Donated by Roy E. Hughes.
Value: $19.95

“Hooray for Braille” Tote
This bright red canvas “Hooray for Braille” tote contains “Feel and Touch,” a print/braille board book; Playskool magnetic numbers with braille; Touch and Feel flash cards with braille; and the book “Braille for the Sighted.” Donated by Seedlings Braille Books for Children. Value: $34

A Trio of Mysteries
The first three books in the popular Stephanie Plum detective series by Janet Evanovich: “One for the Money,” “Two for the Dough,” “Three to Get Deadly.” Donated by Ellen Hawkins. Value: $45

“Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones”
Children’s book by Judy Schachner with a CD of the book read by the author and small a Skippyjon doll. Donated by Edmonds Bookshop. Value: $29

Friends of the Edmonds Library canvas tote filled with books
“The Doomsday Key” by James Rollins, “The Ottoman Cage: A Novel of Istanbul” by Barbara Nadel, “The Girls from Ames” by JeffreyZaslow, “Pretty Woman” by Fern Michaels, “When Will There Be Good News:” by Kate Atkinson. Package includes Friends of the Edmonds Library membership for one year. Tote and membership donated by Friends of the Edmonds Library; books donated by Ellen Hawkins. Value: $118

Children

“Hedgie”
Hand-knit hedgehog. Very cute and cuddly. His fuscia-colored brother brought $50 at another organization’s auction. Will Hedgie do as well at ours? Donated by Sue Vermuelen

Culinary

Cheesecake Cockaigne with Strawberries
Old fashioned homemade sour cream-topped cheesecake baked in a graham cracker crust with a basket of fresh strawberries. Made and Donated by Maribel Mennano. Value: $30

A Loaf of Bread a Month for 13 Months
Certificate for one loaf of bread a month for 13 months. May be redeemed at The Essential Bakery Cafes:
Wallingford, 1604 N 34th ST, Seattle, WA
Madison, 2719 E Madison ST, Seattle, WA
Expires June 30, 2011. Donated by The Essential Baking Company. Value: $72

21-ounce tin of cookies
A variety of cookies by “Julie’s … bakes better biscuits.” Donated by board member Barbara Chase. Value: $20

Chocolate Basket
A basket of treats for the chocolate lover. Donated by Julie LeMay. Value: $25

Coffee Basket
12 ounces “Danger Drip” coffee and a 24-ounce bottle of Almond Roca Buttercrunch Toffee syrup by Brown & Haley to enjoy in latte’s, steamed milk, mochas, and desserts. Donated by Main Street Coffee in Lake Stevens. Value: $17.50

McDonald’s Gift Card
Good at all participating McDonald’s. No expiration date. Value: $50

Starbuck’s Gift Card
$50 card good at any Starbuck’s. No expiration date. Donated by Guide Dog Users of Wsshington State. Value: $50

Coffee for Two
One pound “Mexico Chiapas” coffee beans. The flavor of the brewed coffee is described as “milk chocolate, hazelnut.” Serve the coffee in two large mugs, hand-painted especially for Starbucks. Donated by Downtown Edmonds Starbucks. Value: $28

Walnut Street Coffee Gift Certificate
Enjoy a light lunch, delicious beverages, and healthy snacks at Walnut Street Coffee. Located in Edmonds at 410 Walnut Street. Donated by Walnut Street Coffee. Value: $25

Red Twig Cafe Gift Certificate
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Red Twig Bakery Cafe in downtown Edmonds. Donated by Red Twig Cafe. Value: $20

Home and Garden

28-Piece Dessert/Salad Set
“Wild Rose” pattern by Villeroy & Boch, contains 8 each over-sized cups, saucers, dessert/salad plates, 1 sauce boat with attached underplate, a creamer, and a sugar bowl with lid. Very nice and glowing with German “gemütlich” kind of charm.

Limoges China
10 cups and saucers in a lovely rose pattern with gold trim. This antique set belonged to the mother of Julie LeMay, Louis Braille School volunteer. Donated by Julie LeMay. Value: Priceless.

Glass Canister
6-inch-high rose-colored glass canister with lid. Value: $10

Glass Vase
6-inch-high heavy glass vase with embossed pink roses. Value: $15

Vase
Hand fused “Vinci” vase in vibrant tones of blue, green and rose by Dynasty Gallery. 10″ high. Value: $28

Fabric Wall Hanging
“A Garden of Love Grows in a Grandmother’s Heart.” Wall hanging with place to display two special photos of your choice. Donated by Julie LeMay. Value: $10

Picture Frame
“Bicycle Built for Two” picture frame in a pewter finish. There is a place for a picture in each wheel. Value: $15

Candles
Two, 8-inch handmade scented candles in subtle tones to match any decor. Donated by Ellen Hawkins. Value: $10 each

House Cleaning Services
Four hours of cleaning services. Must be redeemed within one year of certificate date. Service area: north to Marysville, south to Renton, east to Monroe, west to Mukilteo. Please contact the office for further information on details and a time to set up a scheduled cleaning date. Donated by Attention to Detail. Our thanks to Kathy DeCandia, owner. Value: $160

Gardener’s Delight
Two tickets to Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour; tickets available after June 1, 2010. One-hour consultation with a Master Gardener for your garden, deck, or balcony; expires October 31, 2010. Book “A Potpourri of Pansies” by Emelie Tolley and Chris Mead.Master Gardener will travel to these locations in southern Snohomish County: Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Edmonds/Woodway. Also Shoreline in north King County. Tickets donated by Edmonds in Bloom; Consultation and “Pansies” book donated by board member Barbara Chase Value: $95

Italian Herb Garden
Kit containing terra cotta planter, peat pellets, basil, chives and oregano seeds, and a recipe for Fines Herbes Italiennes. Donated by board member Barbara Chase. Value: $25

Cosmic Spinner for Your Yard
A quadruple helix handcrafted of painted steel. Includes a swivel for easy hanging and smooth spinning with the gentlest breeze. Donated by Lake Stevens True Value. Value: $20 (2 spinners available)

3-Part Picture Frame
Frame for three small pictures. Overall size is 13 x 5 1/2. Will hold three, 2 1/2 x 3 pictures. Donated by Jennifer Wheeler. Value: $15

“Memories” Plaque
Decorative plaque to hang on the wall or place on a table. Measures 9 x 5 inches. Donated by Garden Gear. Value: $20

“Laugh” Plaque
Decorative plaque to hang on the wall or place on a table. Measures 9 x 5 inches. Donated by Garden Gear. Value: $20

“Be a Star” Plaque
Decorative hand-glazed clay plaque with etched design to hang on the wall. Measures 3 x 6 1/2. Donated by Garden Gear. Value: $18

Three-Piece Chips and Salsa Set
One large bowl to hold chips, two smaller bowls for dips. Donated by a Friend of the Louis Braille School. Value: $15

Decorative Glass Bowl
Heavy glass compote filled with clear marbles and a candle in the center. 10 1/2″ high. Donated by A Friend of the Louis Braille School. Value: $20

Lookin’ Good

Oakley Sunglasses
Model: “Half Jacket.” Frame: Jet Black. Lens: Fire. Donated by Brett Hagen, O.D. Value: $200

$50 Country Village Shops Gift Certificate
Valid at all Country Village Shops and Restaurants 23718 7th Ave SE, Bothell, WA. No expiration date. Donated by Country Village Shops. Value: $50

Swedish Massage
One Hour Swedish Massage with Hot Stones. Mention “Louis Braille School” when scheduling appointment. Expires April 30, 2010. Donated by Sno-King Massage Clinic. Our thanks to Christine Koch, owner. Value: $65

Gift Certificate
Edmonds Vitamins and herbs, 420 5th Avenue in Edmonds, carries a wide selection of natural health products. Certificate expires February 1, 2011. Donated by Edmonds Vitamins and Herbs. Value: $20

Handbag
Brown leather-like vinyl handbag with silver buckles. Donated by Jennifer Wheeler. Value: $15

Potpourri

Flowers for Your Special Event
Flowers for a small wedding or other event. One large arrangement for altar/lobby/main table; five table centerpieces; six each corsages/boutennieres. Donated by board member Sally Hyde.

Piano Rental and Tuning Package
Six-month rental of an older upright piano, valued at $30/month, with option to continue renting after the 6 months. Package includes one tuning, unlimited free repairs., and moving in and out. Geographic restrictions: North from Marysville, south to Federal Way. Expires March 19, 2011. Donated by Dean Petrich. Value: $455

The Fifty States Commemorative Quarters
Mounted in a mahogany-finish wood collector’s case with hinged glass cover; may be hung on the wall. A unique gift for your grandchildren. Value: $55.00

Country Village Shops Gift Certificate
Valid at all Country Village Shops and Restaurants, 23718 7th Ave SE, Bothell, WA. No expiration date. Donated by Country Village Shops. Value: $50

Soothing Full Cushion Massager
Choose between high, medium, or low intensity. Five motors in three independent zones, soothing heat massage, side pouch stores hand-held controller. Donated by Lake Stevens True Value. Value: $30

Corry’s Cleaning Certificate
$20 in cleaning services good at Corry’s Fine Dry Cleaning, Corry’s Cleaning Services, or Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning. There are 5 Corry’s Fine Dry Cleaning locations in the Seattle area and one in Edmonds. Corry’s Cleaning Services and Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning are available in the greater Puget Sound Area. Donated by Corry’s Fine Cleaning. Value: $20

Snuggie Blanket
The blanket that has sleeves. Zebra pattern fleece, 71″ x 54″. Includes a compact “press and open” booklight. Donated by Lake Stevens True Value. Value: $17

Fleece Dog Bed
A cozy bed for your best friend. Red with black paw prints, black on reverse side. Measures 18 x 34 inches. Donated by Guide Dog Users of Washington State. Value: $20

Four Wheel Alignment and Tire Rotation
Four wheel alignment and Tire Rotation good only at Keelers Corner Les Schwab #374 located at 17117 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, WA 98037. Telephone: 425-742-2702. Donated by Les Schwab #374. Value: $114.98

Sports and Recreation

Husky Football Basket
2 tickets to the Husky – UCLA football game played in Husky Stadium on November 13, 2010, and an assortment of Husky memorabilia. Donated by University of Washington Alumni Association. Value: $150

Fire Chief for a Day
Recipient and four friends will tour the fire station, engine and medic unit, and spray water from a fire hose, then have root beer floats at the fire station with the firefighters. Participants must be age 7 or older. Call Leslie at 425-551-1243 at least three weeks in advance to set a mutually agreed upon date. Expires 9/20/2010. Donated by Snohomish County Fire District 1. Value: Priceless

Fish Fillet Knife 6-inch hand ground stainless steel blade with birch handle and tooled leather sheath. Donated by Greg’s Custom Rod and Reel. Value: $20

Emerald Downs: A Day at the Races
Includes admission for 4, official programs, and reserved seating on a mutually agreeable date. Valid during the 20010 live racing season, beginning April 9, 2010 to September 26, 2010. Please call for reservations. Not valid on Kentucky Derby, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fireworks Spectacular, Mile Day. Donated by Emerald Downs. Value: $58

Louis Braille School students have been learning about money, starting with the coins.

Recently the teachers introduced the 1, 5 and 10 dollar bills and talked about the illustrations on them. The students’ task was to gather coins that would equal a one dollar bill.

One of the students was struggling with idea of combining coins and bills. The teacher asked him how much he had in his right hand ($1 bill).

He replied: “One dead president.”

On January 12, 2010, Louis Braille student Brett and I skipped school for an hour to talk to the Kiwanis Club of Edmonds. We asked Jennifer, his mother, to help us out.

In preparing for our visit, I asked Brett what he liked best about the school that he would like to share. He said, “Everything.”

As we talked a little more, Brett spoke of four things he especially wanted his audience to know about: the Talking Typer software that is teaching him to use the keyboard, the abacus he uses for math, a braille book he learned to read, and a covered wagon model he helped make during our Oregon Trail unit. He took the abacus, book, and covered wagon with him to show.

It was fun to talk through a microphone. It was even more exciting to hear Kiwanians applaud when they learned Brett has read ten braille books so far this school year.

Jennifer shared a special story about her son. Several years ago, Brett, who has never seen, was asked about the special things his mother does to let him know she loves him

Brett said, “I can hear it in her smile.”

We thank the Kiwanis Club of Edmonds for its continued interest in and support of the school. We are proud to have you as partners as we provide a unique education for our very special students.

Louis Braille School student Brett gets a big hug from Kiwanis Club of Edmonds president Mary Lou Kantor. Brett, with help from his mother Jennifer (far right) and school director Carolyn (center back) made a presentation to the Kiwanis Club in January of 2010.

Who: Louis Braille School

What: 4th Annual Benefit Auction

When: March 20, 2010, from 1 to 4 in the afternoon

Where: South County Senior Center, 220 Railroad
Avenue, Edmonds WA

Why: To raise funds for our specialized program for children with special needs arising from vision impairment and other challenges.

We do not deny a child enrollment if the family cannot pay tuition, thus we have a critical need for tuition assistance for such students.

Can’t attend the auction? You may make an online donation to the school through PayPal. Just click the “Donate” button on the lower right side of this page. A donation of any amount will go far in providing tuition for students who cannot afford it.

Featuring: Accordion music by one of our students, live and silent auctions, three-in-one raffle, light refreshments, student/parent stories, pictures of our school in action

Tickets: $15 donation. Reserve a table for eight for $100

Auction Preview

The Fifty States Commemorative Quarters
Mounted in a mahogany-finish wood collector’s case with hinged glass cover; may be hung on the wall.
Value: $55.00

We first met Alan Bridgeford when he was a little boy in primary school. He was a member of the Louis Braille Center’s Second Saturday Club, where children with vision impairments and their families enjoyed social, recreational, and academic pursuits.

Alan loved to sing. He seemed to know every word of every verse of every song we sang, and his voice rang strong and true.

Alan, now a fine, young man of seventeen, still loves to sing. What a treat it was when he came into our classroom last week for an hour of music. Not only did he sing, but he accompanied himself on his big, red accordion, to the delight of everyone present.

A versatile musician, Alan’s repertoire ranged from the Alphabet Song to Christmas Carols, to Yankee Doodle, with lots of songs in between. We couldn’t resist dancing when he surprised us with a polka.

As a final treat, those interested were invited to feel his accordion. Thank you, Alan. We hope you come back soon.

Continuing a tradition started last year, Louis Braille School students braved cold weather and went to a nearby QFC grocery store to collect food for the Edmonds Food Bank.

Students and staff divided into two teams and, armed with flyers, big smiles, and polite voices, greeted customers at the two main doors of the store. They returned to school an hour later with many bags and boxes of non-perishable items. Some people chose to donate cash to be given to the Food Bank along with the food.

Later in the day, a lady who was shopping at QFC when our students were there stopped by the school with further donations. Recently diagnosed with diabetes, she removed from her shelves all of the non-perishable items she can no longer eat and brought them to us.

The children will again be at the Edmonds QFC store November 25, December 2, and December 9, from 12:30 to 1:30 each day, to collect more food.

And what do our students think about braving the cold to collect food for others? Here are a couple of quotes:

“That was really fun. I want to do it another time.”

“I like doing community service. I just really like helping people wherever I am.”