Carl Arredondo, on the air for more than 27 years as a meteorologist (the majority of the years as Chief Meteorologist) for WWL-TV and a beloved figure in the City of New Orleans, ran the downtown streets of the city on August 10 with several BVA members from both the Louisiana/Mississippi Regional Group and the Carolina Regional Group.
Every year on the second Saturday in August, the New Orleans Hash House Harriers (NOH3) host the Red Dress Run, a charity “run” in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The Harriers claim to be organized as a “local drinking club with a running problem!” The event raises funds for grants to local charities, which recently include the Braille American Flag Project of the Louisiana/Mississippi Regional Group and the placement of the flags in local New Orleans libraries.
Former BVA National President Joe Burns of the local regional group is also a member of NOH3.
The unique circumstances of this year’s event were two-fold: 1) Each of the participants set off in a red dress in heat near 100 degrees (it was 98 degrees at 10:30am, an hour prior to the run), and 2) Carl Arredondo, an honorary member of the Louisiana/Mississippi Regional Group, participated this year with members of the group at their invitation.
Carl retired from broadcasting in March 2019 due to genetically caused Retinitis Pigmentosa, which has caused him to lose much of his vision. After this life change, he studied at Stephen F. Austin University in Texas to become a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Carl is on the Board of Directors for WRBH Reading Radio for the Blind, where he hosts a public affairs show for the station that has on occasion broadcast interviews with BVA members. He is also a Certified Adaptive and Inclusive Trainer for athletes with disabilities.
“Unfortunately, even with his meteorology expertise, Carl could not provide a cooler day for us, but we were a determined group and completed the entire distance along with most of the other 4,000 or so,” said Joe. “What helped us finish was the enjoyment of the live music, gourmet food, and of course a variety of cold adult beverages.”
Joe said that the regional group will once again apply for a grant to fund placement of the Braille American Flags. He invites and encourages BVA members everywhere to note Saturday, August 9, 2025, on their calendars for a summer visit to the city considered the birthplace of jazz.
“In 2025, we hope to have many more BVA participants join the Louisiana/Mississippi Regional Group in an unforgettable running experience in red dresses to help raise awareness of blindness and low vision in the community,” he said.
