On Sunday, April 29, Tami Berk and I attended the Grand Ribbon Cutting Event for two new lodges at the Seabeck Conference Center, where the Lighthouse has held its annual Deaf-Blind Retreat for over twenty five years. The ground-breaking for these two new buildings took place during last year’s Deaf-Blind Retreat. Mark Landreneau, Lighthouse Government Relations Specialist, joined members of Seabeck’s Board of Directors and other dignitaries in turning over a shovel of dirt using a Lighthouse-made custom painted entrenching tool (e-tool). This golden shovel is now displayed in a glass case in a place of honor in the Seabeck Conference Center lobby. Sunday’s event included their annual meeting, a Scottish bagpiper, a slide show of the building project, tours through both new buildings, and a lovely salmon dinner with huckleberry ice cream. The buildings were designed to fit with the historical feel of the Seabeck Center, while incorporating energy-savings and contemporary design features. Seabeck has been home to the the Lighthouse’s Deaf-Blind Retreat since 1986 and we were honored to be included in this historic event.
