This story was taken from the DARS-Division for Blind Services (DBS) web page.
On Saturday, October 13, 2007, the Harlingen Field Headquarters hosted our Second Annual White Cane Day. The event kicked off with a White Cane Day Walk that traveled over a half-mile course from the Cameron County Health Clinic parking lot to our Regional Headquarters parking lot. Everyone who confirmed their participation in the walk received a bright lime green T-shirt commemorating the event -- the shirts were so bright that everyone wore their shades!
There were over 60 participants in this year's walk including consumers and their families as well as other members of the community. Escorted by two of Harlingen’s finest police officers, the consumers and their families took turns carrying the White Cane Day banner along the designated route.
Once the group reached the DBS office, representatives from the local Schwan’s Company provided ice cream novelties for everyone -- there were lots of chocolate-covered faces and sticky fingers as everyone enjoyed the sweet treats provided by our good neighbor, and many of the younger children could not comment about the treats because they were too busy eating and enjoying the tasty delights!
Program Coordinator Sofia Leal read a White Cane Safety Day proclamation presented by the City of Harlingen to honor the day's spectacular event (the mayor's proclamation is now hanging in our lobby for all to see and read), and Field Director Ralph Rangel addressed the group on the origin and significance of White Cane Day and how important it is for the community to recognize and respect people who use a white cane.
Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell attended the ceremony, and he took advantage of the opportunity to meet all the local staff and to learn more about the day's special events. He also expressed his thanks for being invited to our White Cane Day celebration.
Blind Children's Specialist Norma Castillo coordinated a number of booths from a variety of different organizations that focus on education, living independently, and volunteerism. Participating agencies including the Social Security Administration, the Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL), the Amiga’s Lions Club, the Region I Education Service Center, and Easter Seals.
Two local medical providers -- the University Eye Center and Valley Retina Ophthalmic Consultants -- provided more than 75 free vision screenings during the event. The technicians who performed the screenings reminded the participants about the importance of having annual exams and maintaining good eye health. Both providers were excited about being part of this year's White Cane Day celebration, and the eye screening services they provided resulted in the identification of several potential referrals for DBS services.
Did we mention the food? It is not an event until you eat something, and we want to express our thanks to the DBS staff who worked the serving line and made sure everyone had their choice of stuffed sandwiches, chips, veggies, and an assortment of different snacks along with lots of soft drinks and ice cold water.
Overall, Harlingen's second annual White Cane Day event was a big success, and we're looking forward to making our third annual event even bigger and better!
Until next year, happy trails to you and your long cane!