“Orange juice at your ten o’clock position”, announced the young Coast Guard cadet, serving breakfast to a sightless member of the Center of the Blind.

The doors of VFW Post 189 in New London were open wide welcoming the community to the 2^nd Annual White Cane Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, October 15. Roughly 130 people, including local dignitaries, brought family and friends from around Connecticut to enjoy pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs along with cinnamon rolls, coffee, and juice. 

“It’s people coming together to share conversation and good food as a community while supporting a phenomenal organization”, said John Baldwin of Norwich.

The white cane serves to symbolize the integration of visually impaired people everywhere as independent, productive members of society. White Cane Safety Day, (also known as “White Cane Awareness Day”), takes place every October 15.

“We owe a big thanks to Felix and his crew at the New London VFW, along with local Lions clubs and the businesses and volunteers throughout our area that make it possible for us to put on this fun event”, said Wendy Lusk, the Center’s Executive Director.

“It was an honor to have volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy helping out”, said Center vice president Kevin Harkins. “They are always front-and-center to assist with our bigger events”, Harkins said. It is one of the many ways these courageous men and women serve the people they protect.”

Member Christopher Million won the door prize of a BioMed Watch that can track his vital stats. Several other members won gift certificates from local restaurants. A big shoutout to member Tim Tryon for donating 18 dozen eggs for this event. Thank you to members Marni and Al Ouellette for assisting with the raffle ticket sales. They have an awesome method of tracking “hundreds” of ticket sales without writing your name on them