Program Summary Earle Baum Center

CEO Dan Needham of the Earle Baum Center, EBC, emphasized the "your" in describing the Center's focus.  Since 1999 EBC has served thousands of people with vision loss.  Clients come from as far as Lake, Mendocino, Napa and northern Marin Counties.  The Center provides personal, social and economic enrichment to people with vision loss.  From tap dancing to smart phone assistive devices, EBC promotes independent living skills training, offers yoga, tandem biking and birding by ear classes to name a few.

Dan introduced client Bob Sonnenberg and his Guide Dog Langley.  Bob lost his sight suddenly, in 2004 while driving.  He currently serves as the Development Director for EBC.  As a client, Bob credits his peers with inspiring him, helping him develop a positive attitude with his loss.  "When one sense is diminished, or lost, another increases'.  Bob says his vision loss increased his sense of humor!  He still plays golf, and gives directions to drivers.  He cautioned everyone to be careful about making assumptions about people with vision loss.  Surround yourself with positive people, and develop your own support group.

Bob Sonnenberg and Langley.

Earl Baum was a Santa Rosa native, born at home and a star student at Santa Rosa High School.  at 17, he became blind from Retinitis Pigmentosa, a leading cause of congenital blindness.  Unable to pursue his aspirations in writing, Earle continued to farm the family land and animals, using his remarkable vivaciousness creativity for life.  He tended the property until his death at 90 in 1986.  His inspiration remains alive today for the many persons seeking guidance for a fulfilling and productive lifestyle.

Sunrise Rotarians have shown gratitude for the work of EBC by contributing time and materials to enhance the site:  Roofing by Steve Amend, Civil Engineering by Leroy Carlenzoli and interior design and furnishings by Steve Worthen. 

The Center features it's annual EarleFest, music and eats fete September 28.  In addition, Third Fridays offer a BBQ May through August.

An impressive, positive place to learn, grow and discover new senses of connection!!http://www.earlebaum.org\