Louis Braille School

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

Large Contemporary Granite Vase
Created by Edmonds artist, Jim Ballard. The outside has been sandblasted using a flower pattern designed by the artist. The stone has been cored and sealed with a 2-part epoxy so that it becomes waterproof, and treated with a stone enhancer and sealer. Would make a nice entryway feature. Probably 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

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.”

When Louis Braille School students and staff received an invitation from Rosewood Courte marketing director, Sylvana Rinehart, to visit for an afternoon of crafts, the unanimous response was, “Yes, let’s do it!”

Rosewood Courte, a short walk from the Louis Braille School, is a residential facility for people with Alzheimer’s and related disorders. Our first visit to this warm, friendly community was last year when students and residents enjoyed a songfest accompanied by Ginny Burger on her harp.

This time the activity was painting wooden alligators — eight-inch-long articulated wooden alligators whose bodies move back and forth.

Working in teams, and guided by program director Karen Davis, each student was paired with a resident who assisted with the painting project. Paint of yellow, green, blue and red found its way from pot, to brush, to alligator, producing creatures that would surely take first place in any alligator fashion show.

Although the alligators were great fun and a unique treat, the highlights for all ages were the warm conversations and gentle sharing.

The visit ended with an invitation to return each month for another activity. Again, we said, “Let’s do it!”

We are pleased to share with you an invitation from the Everett Central Lions Club to a special concert by the Everett Symphony Orchestra. This performance is especially for people who are visually impaired and their families and friends.

The concert is free. Seating is first come, first choice. “Friends” means all of you who are reading this.

The first Everett Symphony V.I.P. (Visually Impaired Persons) concert, which is for people of all ages, made its debut last year. We know of two elementary school children who were invited on stage during a break to talk with the musicians and examine their instruments, much to the delight of everyone present.

Following is the Everett Central Lions Club invitation:

You are invited to a FREE V.I.P. ‘Pops’ Concert performed by the Everett Symphony Orchestra.

Join Visually Impaired Persons and Lions Clubs along with family and friends for an entertaining evening of popular music from hit ‘Broadway’ musicals.

Thursday, November 5th, at 7 pm
New Life Center – 6830 Highland Drive, Everett
( On the corner of Madison and Highland Dr. )

Driving Instructions
From the south. On northbound I-5, take exit 189 toward Mukilteo Ferry, take Evergreen Way exit and turn right onto Evergreen Way, turn right onto Madison Ave, go to Highland Drive. New Life Center is on your right.

From the north. On southbound I-5, take exit 192, turn right onto 41st Ave Eastbound, turn left on Rucker Ave, turn left on Madison Ave, go to Highland Drive. New life Center is on your right.

Sponsored by Everett Central Lions Club
For information contact Art Ruben
Phone: 425-514-5464
Email: since1965@aol.com

“I’m very excited,” ten-year-old Brett Wheeler exclaimed as he arrived at the Edmonds Lions Club August 17 board meeting.

Brett, blind from birth, was excited because he was about to receive a brand new Perkins brailler, a gift from the Edmonds Lions Club.

Edmonds Lion Red Bingham, who handled the considerable paper work and phone calls it took to fund and obtain the brailler, made the presentation. With Red’s skillful coaching, Brett had to open a big box and remove the packing material before his brailler was finally revealed.

Along with his mother, Jennifer, and his sister, Lyndsey, Brett moved to Edmonds in December of 2008 so he could attend the Louis Braille School. Now in the fifth grade at the Louis Braille School, Brett is happy to have his own brailler so he can practice at home and sharpen his skills. The brailler will serve him well for many years.

The Perkins brailler, sometimes called a “braille typewriter,” is a simple manual machine used to write braille. The brailler has a key corresponding to each of the six dots of the braille code. By simultaneously pressing different combinations of the six keys, users can create any of the characters in the braille code.

Eager to try out his new brailler, Brett brailled the alphabet while the Lions cheered him on.

When asked if he would like to say anything to the Club, Brett replied with heartfelt appreciation, “Thank you for my brailler. I love you, Lions Club.”

Lions Club president Bobby Mills replied “The Lions’ motto is ‘We Serve.’ This is what it is all about.”

Last week, a long-time friend of the Louis Braille School stopped by with a unique gift, a Louis Braille bicentennial silver dollar. The coin commemorates the 200th birthday of Louis Braille, inventor of the raised dot method of reading and writing used by those who are blind.

The “heads” side of the coin features a portrait of Louis Braille and the inscriptions “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” “Louis Braille,” “1809,” and “2009.”

The “tails” side features a child sitting at a table reading a braille book. The word “Independence” is depicted on a bookshelf behind the child. “BRL,” the braille contraction for the word “braille,” is shown in the upper part of the coin. This side of the coin also has the inscriptions “United States of America,” “One Dollar,” and “E Pluribus Unum.”

The Louis Braille silver dollar is the first US coin to bear readable braille. The Alabama state quarter, issued in 2003, features a portrait of Helen Keller and her name in print and braille, but the braille is too small to discern by touch.

Mintage of the Louis Braille coin, which is 90% silver, is limited to 400,000, and is available in proof and uncirculated versions.

We will be happy to show visitors to the Louis Braille School our bright, shining Louis Braille silver dollar. We think it is quite special.