Around BVA...

Barbecue Reaches Out
to Greater Houston

BVA’s Greater Houston Regional Group commemorated Veterans Day with an all-day barbecue and picnic at Tom Bass Regional Park in Houston. The event was actually held on November 12, the first weekend day available following Veterans Day. Approximately 100 were in attendance, including VIST Coordinator Bill Johnson and recently appointed BROS Randall May.

Honoring all veterans and recognizing, in particular, blinded veterans living in the area, the regional group provided free food to BVA members and any legally blinded veteran in attendance. The picnic was sponsored by Kathy Coler Century 21 Realty and the Houston Medical Transfer, with proceeds used to support upcoming group activities. The Precinct One Constables provided security.

“It was a great opportunity for socialization and camaraderie,” said Regional Group President Roy Young. “It also gave us the opportunity and occasion to begin organizing a Greater Houston Auxiliary Group.”
Roy said that the event was publicized for several weeks. In response to the some 70 press releases emailed by Roy the week before, both the ABC and FOX affiliates in Houston came to check it out. Reporters from the Houston Chronicle followed up with an interview with Bill Johnson and a few blinded veterans regarding VA blind rehabilitation programs.

Following the picnic, 50 members of the regional group proceeded to Houston Raceway Park, where the BVA flag and American flag were attached to the back of a pick-up truck and run across the track before 5,000 spectators. The opportunity was made possible through friends of Roy, who is a former racecar driver in the area.

Kudos to Florida Walk-a-thon

Walk-a-Thon ribbon-cutting participants were, left to right, Karen Medrano, Michael Gudis, Mayor Ronald E. Kitchen, Jr., Gloria Menendez, Willie Menendez, Ruth Anderson, Pastor Randy D. Moody, David Menendez, and Sweedelzy Fontanez.

Some 104 walkers, including five BVA members, and more than 25 volunteers showed up to support Florida Central Western District Director (Florida Regional Group) Willie Menendez in his effort to raise awareness about BVA and issues related to blindness.

The event, which was also a small-scale fund raising venture for the regional group, was held November 5 at Crystal River High School near Willie’s hometown of Homossasa, Florida. Willie heard about the idea of a walk-a-thon at the regional group’s state convention in Daytona Beach last spring and believed one could be done in his own community.

“We were blessed in so many ways as the results of this event surpassed all of our expectations,” said Willie. “Things came together at the end, and we had beautiful weather, people sponsoring and supporting us, and help from the schools and the news media.”

The day began at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony featuring Master of Ceremonies Michael Gudis, an invocation by Pastor Randy D. Moody of the First Presbyterian Church of Crystal River, a rendition of the National Anthem by Karen Mendrano, and opening remarks by Crystal River Mayor Ronald E. Kitchen, Jr. and VIST Coordinator Bruce Davis.

Bruce shared information about VA services to blinded veterans, the work of BVA, and the need for outreach efforts such as the walk-a-thon. “Bruce gave an absolutely beautiful speech,” said Willie.

The walking commenced after a ribbon cutting and “rhythms” from disc jockey Eddie Morales. Area blinded veterans who did some walking included Willie himself, William Wells, Benjamin Barnhart, Clarence Schultz, and Bill Geden.

“We would never have reached our goal without the support and commitment given to us by JF Marketing, Crystal River High School, and our many sponsors and local community organizations,” said Willie, who indicated that the school willingly posted publicity both inside and outside the school and did not charge the group for insurance. Two other area high schools also participated in publicizing the event.

Support for the walk-a-thon also came from the Citrus County Veterans Coalition, Friends of the Blind, the Spanish-American Club of Citrus County, Blind Americans, Inc., Marine Corps Detachment League 708, and the Lions Club. Willie also reported that a lady from the community, unknown to him before the event, went door-to-door asking for donations after learning of the walk-a-thon.

“Amazingly, she gave us $500,” he said. “It was just one of the many small miracles that made everything happen.”