Fall 2011

Annual Meeting

Thursday, November 17, 2011 6:00 to 7:30pm

Central Virginia Chapter Office 4200 Innslake Dr.

Glen Allen, VA 23060

• Come be a part of board elections.* • Listen to the exciting advancements in MS research happening at VCU. • Hear the accomplishments our chapter has made to help overcome the challenges of everyone living with MS.

Light Refreshments will be served - RSVP by November 14th to 804-591-3039

*Nominations for the MS Board of Trustees are being accepted from our MS membership. If you are interested contact Sherri Ellis at 591-3030.

For information about the 2012 Scholarship Program, please contact Kathryn Zapach at 804-591-3039 or

kathryn.zapach@nmss.org. Online applications open on October 1st and close in mid-January 2012, at

www.nationalmssociety.org.

Scholarships awarded to high school seniors from Central Virginia either living with MS or who have a parent with MS are made possible by donations to our Chapter for this

program. To make a donation, please contact Kathryn Zapach.

From the Chapter President...

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Board of Trustees

Gregory R. Bishop- Chairman James E. Sok - Treasurer Frank N. Cowan - Chairman Elect Suzanne L. Gardner - Secretary Matthew Austin John O’Connor Tammy Berwanger Unsong Oh, MD Jennifer L.D. Bittmann Ronald Powell, Jr. Susan Bodin Jeffrey Ruskan David Carminucci David Saunders Sharon D. Hayes Richard Schoepke Mark Householder Alan Shulman, MD Tracey Jeter Alexander H. Slaughter Ashley Johnson James VanNess Glenn Nunziata Philip J. Wallin John O’Bannon, MD Kyle Yocom Gerald Zerkin

Staff Sherri Ellis Chapter President - (804) 591-3030

Robert McKoy VP of Operations - (443) 641-1206

Judy Griffin Director of Development - (804) 591-3034

Kathryn Zapach Director of Programs & Services - (804) 591-3039

Tiffany Epley Development Manager - (804) 591-3036

Linda Pretlow Volunteer & Administrative Manager - (804) 591-3037

Matt Gregory Systems Administrator - (804) 591-3041

Diana Oakley Manager of Finance - (804) 591-3042

Melanie Hofe Finance Assistance - (804) 591-3031

Ashley Chapman VA Statewide Advocacy Manager - (804) 591-3048

Dear Friends,

Happy 55th Birthday to the Central Virginia Chapter The National MS Society has been bringing people and resources together in Central Virginia since 1956. We have provided leadership as well as funding for research and individual/family programs. We have also actively worked to empower those living with MS. The National MS Society is the larg-est MS organization in the world and has been in existence since 1946.

Our board and staff worked this summer to align our chapter with the National MS Society Strategic Response for 2011-2015. Our work determined the following strategies: We will continue to assist the People We Serve through the money we raise. These dollars will go towards research, delivering high quality services, and connecting clients and families to community, information, resources and to one another.

We will increase MS Awareness and the work of the Society.

We will develop our Volunteer Leadership to make an impact throughout our service area.

We will increase our financial resources to drive research to stop disease progression, restore function and ultimately, end MS forever.

You are reading my column because you care and are someone who wants to do something about MS NOW. No opportunity is wasted when we work together to achieve a world free of MS.

The Best is yet to Come,

Sherri

Central Virginia Chapter 4200 Innslake Dr.

Suite 301 Glen Allen, VA 23060

(804) 353-5008 www.moveVA.org

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Be sure to register at www.iwalkforMS.org. If you have questions, please contact Tiffany Epley at (804) 591-3036 or tiffany.epley@nmss.org.

On August 17th we held our first summer walk; the 2011 Summer Stroll hosted by BlackFinn. Over 30 people attended the stroll that curved along the canal in downtown

Richmond. BlackFinn provided delicious appetizers and fun drink specials for everyone who came out to walk. We raised $3,200! It was a great success for a first

time walk!

2011 Walk MS: Tappahannock Saturday, September 17th 68 walkers raised $9,338

Although we had overcast skies, the rain held out as we enjoyed a

fun group of walkers, lunch served by the Tappahannock Rotary and a great award

ceremony. It was a great day and we look forward to returning

next year.

We have one more walk this calendar year

Walk MS: Petersburg presented by HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Petersburg

Saturday October 1st

Registration opens at 9:00 am & the walk kicks-off at 10:00 am

Start Line is at the corner of Market and Pike Streets and this year the streets on the route in Old Towne Petersburg will be closed to traffic.

Thank you to our Sponsors for the Summer Stroll & Tappahannock Walk

Care Advantage Black Finn

Home Solutions Infusion Therapy 105.5 WRAR

River Country 107.5 The Tappahannock Rotary Club

Our FY 2010-2011 Walks brought out 2,291 people and raised $297,000.

Thanks to

everyone who came out to walk, raise money and create awareness

of MS.

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Everyone enjoyed our event on September 22nd at the Richmond Marriott. Thanks to keynote speaker, Cami Walker, Dr. Babette Fuss for her research

update and to Kat Simons for emceeing the program. Thanks to our sponsors Michelle Johnston accepts the Woman on

the Move Award from Sherri Ellis on behalf of Debbie Johnston, President of

Care Advantage

Presenting Sponsor Program Sponsor

Lots of fun shoes were on display!

We hosted our first event in Fredericksburg on September 23rd at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown.

Keynote speaker, Cami Walker shared

her story of 29 Gifts and Dr. Babette Fuss reported on the MS research being done

at VCU.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor

L to R: Sherri Ellis - Chapter President, Doris Buffett - Honoree,

Dana Houck & Joe Wilson - Committee Co-Chairs. We were pleased to honor Doris Buffett as our

Fredericksburg Woman on the Move.

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Fun in the Sun at MS Kids Camp 2011 This July, the Central Virginia Chapter went to MS Kids Camp for the first time. The staff and volunteers took 11 children from our chapter service area to Refreshing Mountain Camp in Stevens, Pennsylvania to join over 120 other children from the Western Pennsylvania, Central Pennsylvania, and Metro Jersey Chapters for a weekend of swimming, high ropes, crafts, and games.

Although most campers were attending MS Kids Camp for the first time, they all came to camp with a common bond – they all have a parent or guardian living with multiple sclerosis. While at camp, the children were able to talk about how MS affects their lives in a safe and understanding environment while dispelling myths and fears about the disease. Camp also provided

a fun environment where the campers could be themselves and not worry about responsibilities they may normally have at home due to their parent’s disease. Because MS Kids Camp was a huge success, the chapter plans to return in 2012 – we hope you can join us! The Chapter would like to give a big THANK YOU to Ronald McDonald House Charities for providing funding for this program. Without RMHC’s generous

support, Kids Camp would not have been possible. To ensure you receive info for Kids Camp 2012,

call Kathryn Zapach at (804) 591-3039.

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Proud Presenting Sponsor of Walk MS: Fredericksburg & Petersburg 2011

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All Self-Help Groups are different… how do you find the right one for you?

All Self-Help Groups are different – how do you find the right one for you? The thirteen self-help groups in Central Virginia are all unique. Each group offers members support through activities, guest speakers, informational sessions, and general conversation, while delivering the same message: You are not alone! The following are two of our longest standing groups and are always welcoming to new members: The Tappahannock Neuromuscular Group has been meeting for 20 years to provide support for anyone living with any sort of neurological disease. This group offers positive energy and understanding of anyone attending. If you are looking for emotional support and a good laugh, this is the group for you! The Richmond Group at the Virginia Home is for people with advanced stages of MS. You do not need to be a resident of the Virginia Home to attend this group and meet others who are also living with MS in its advanced stages.

The group oftentimes reads and discusses inspirational stories of people living with MS or other disabilities. This group meets weekly, so feel free to join anytime. For meeting times, locations, and leader contact information, please see the Self-Help Group listing on the next page. If you need help locating the right self-help group for you, please contact

Kathryn Zapach at (804) 591-3039.

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The Positive Thinkers 1st Wednesday - 11:30am Prairie Grain Bread Co. Village Market Place Midlothian Leaders: Gail (804)379-5493 Claudia (804)667-6445 Hanover Group 4th Thursday - 7-8:30pm Church of the Redeemer 8275 Meadowbridge Rd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Leader: Dana (804)550-2280 Petersburg Day Group 2nd Thursday - 10-11:30am River View - 201 Epps St. Hopewell Leader: Melanie (804)526-9129 Petersburg Evening Group 3rd Thursday - 6-8:00pm Southside Regional Hospital 3rd Floor Classroom Leader: Quennette (434) 246-6007 (484) 731-9069

Tri-Cities Care Giver Group Call for meeting times HealthSouth Petersburg (95 Pinehill Dr.) Open to all chronic illnesses Leaders: Amy (804)454-0087 Kathy (804)504-4984 Surry County Group 2nd Thursday at 11am Hope Christian Alternative (325 Banks St., Surry) Leader: Stephanie (757)267-2329 South Hill Empowerment Group 3rd Wednesday - 5:30-7:30pm for months of July-Dec 2011 Community Memorial Health Ctr (125 Buena Vista Circle) Leader: Starr (434) 378-2031 Richmond Day Group 2nd Monday - 10:15-11:30am Tuckahoe YMCA (9211 Patterson Ave.) Leader: Sherry (804)562-9181 Barbara (804)747-0298

Richmond Evening Group 2nd Thursday - 7:15-8:30pm HealthSouth - Classroom 5700 Fitzhugh Ave. Leader: Lorenzo (804)921-9712 Richmond (VA Home) For people with advanced stages of MS Every Monday - 11am 1101 Hampton St. Leader: Judy (804)359-4093 Tappahannock Neuromuscular Support 2nd Monday - 10:30am Call for location Leaders: Margaret (804)472-4781 Pat (804)443-9657 The Invincibles 3rd Tuesday - 7-8:30pm HealthSouth-Fredericksburg (300 Park Hill Drive) Leader: Belinda (540)373-4377

Group times and locations may vary, so be sure to check with

group leaders prior to attending!

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Yoga for Those with MS and the People Who Love Them Starting in October

Staying active is a great way to keep your MS under control, and now you can with weekly classes at 4025Yoga! Every Sunday at 4:00pm the studio will hold a class geared specifically to those living with MS and their loved ones. The class will be lead by Sarah, who is not only a certified yoga instructor but also has been living with MS for 20 years. This class is a gentle beginner class. Mats and props are provided, so all you need to bring is

yourself! Comfortable clothing and bare feet are suggested. Cost of attendance is $10 per class. Please direct questions to Sarah at MSYogaandMe@verizon.net. 4025Yoga is located at 4025 MacArthur Avenue Richmond, VA 23227 or

check out their website at www.4025yoga.com.

Do you know of any other great ways to stay moving while living with MS?

Tell us! Contact Kathryn to share how you keep moving:

804-591-3039.

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For more information about our VA state advocacy efforts in general, please

contact Ashley Chapman, our Statewide Advocacy Manager at ashley.chapman@nmss.org or (804) 591-3048

You can also follow Ashley on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/vaMScan) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/advocacyVA)!

Make it count – vote on November 8th! Although many of us are already taking an interest in the 2012 Congressional and Presidential election – there’s an election happening right here in Virginia that will be monumental as well. Take time to learn the issues, meet the candidates and make sure your voice is heard on November 8, 2011. The results of this election have the potential to determine the direction of Virginia’s public policy for the next two years. Currently in Virginia, the House of Delegates is controlled by the Republican Party. In the Senate, the Democratic Party has the majority with 22 seats to the Republican Party’s 18 seats. Different outcomes for just a few seats could shift the whole legislature to Republican control. This would be only the second time since Reconstruction that Republicans have held the House, Senate and Governorship at the same time. In order to vote you must be at least 18 years old; a U.S. Citizen; not vote in any other state and your application must be postmarked by October 17th. You can obtain an application from the DMV, public libraries, Centers for Independent Living and several other places, including online on the State Board of Elections website. Under the law, people with disabilities must have the same opportunities to vote as other citizens. It is recommended that you visit your polling station in advance to make sure it is accessible and to determine if you will need any special accommodations. If you do need accommodations, contact your local Registrar prior to the election. The Help America Vote Act requires that all polling stations are accessible and that they have at least one voting system that is accessible. In Virginia, if you are 65 or older or if you have a disability, you may be permitted to vote curbside. To vote curbside, someone must ask an election official to come to your car with a portable electronic voting device. People with disabilities and their caregiver are also permitted to submit an absentee ballot up to 45 days before the election. If you are voting absentee, you can apply by mail before November 1st or in-person by November 5th. For more information about voting rights and the upcoming election, contact the State Board of Elections at 1-800-552-9745. Happy Voting!

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4200 Innslake Dr., Suite 301 Glen Allen, VA 23060

www.moveVA.org