Summer 2010

Bike MS: Ride Virginia 2010 $367,000 raised

523 cyclists

150 miles

2 days

1 destination...a world FREE of MS!

Top Individual Fundraisers

Ron Powell - $12,175

Mark Householder - $10,550

Darma Bennett - $7,426

Eric Lee - $5,579

Frank Bradley - $5,000

VIP

CLUB

raised

$2000

or more

Top Teams - Total Raised

Capital Ale House - $45,778

Team HCA - $18,100

Hometown Team - $16,475

B&R Road Warriors - $13,496

Team WilliamsMullen - $12,870

Team Bruce - $11,305

Team Chesterfield 911 - $10,960

Team Unknown Yellow - $8,832

Cycle Times - $8,771

Team Coop - $8,659

Top Teams - $$/team member

Hometown Team - $4119/rider

Team Coop - $1732/rider

B&R Road Warriors - $1687/rider

No Hills Gang - $1472/rider

Team Unknown Yellow - $1262/rider

Inside this issue:

Letter from President 2

Walk MS—Update 3

Self Help Groups 5

Golden Circle 7

Scholarship Awards 8

Advocacy 10

MS Family Day 12

When I think about these words by poet, writer and philosopher, Henry David Thoreau, I think of our Mission to Create a World Free of MS. Without the tireless dedication of our volunteers, we would not be able to accomplish all that we do. Our Walk and Bike events were successful because of those who offered their time to truly make a difference. Volunteers help with our Mission in a variety of ways and on a variety of levels. Beyond our events, our Board of Trustees are a group of dedicated volunteers that guide our chapter in its vision of a world free of MS. I would like to invite you to see where you might be able to spend a few minutes or hours each week and become a volunteer with us. The possibilities are endless, as will be your reward. Decide today what your “something” will be. With Warm Regards,

Sherri Ellis

“One is not born in the world to do everything but to do something”. ~Henry David Thoreau

Letter From

Chapter President

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Board of Directors

Mark B. Hubbard - Chairman James Sok - Treasurer Gregory Bishop - Chairman Elect Suzanne Gardner - Secretary David H. Carminucci - Chairman Emeritus Matthew Austin John O’Connor Jennifer L.D. Bittmann Ronald Powell, Jr. Susan Bodin Ira Rosenfeld Frank N. Cowan Jeffrey Ruskin Sharon D. Hayes David Saunders Mark Householder Alex H. Slaughter Tracey G. Jeter Kyle Yocom Ashley T. Johnson Dr. Islam Zaydan Glenn Nunziata Gerald T. Zerkin Dr. John M. O’Bannon

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

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

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

April Bass Relationship Manager - (804) 591-3038

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

Tiffany Epley Walk Coordinator - (804) 591-3036

Matt Gregory Systems Administrator - (804) 591-3041

Melanie Hofe Finance Assistance - (804) 591-3031

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

Grace Phillips Database Coordinator - (804) 591-3040

Linda Pretlow Executive Assistant - (804) 591-3037

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Spring Walk MS Fredericksburg April 10th

Richmond May 1st

Total of 2044 participants Raised $256,165 for research,

programs and services

Our success is attributed to everyone who walked and raised money...along with the committees who helped plan the walks and the fantastic volunteers who provided time and hard work. Special highlights at the walks included warm ups by the Fredericksburg Jazzercise Center and the Richmond City Roller Girls along with raffle items, vendors, great food and fun music.

Richmond Walk MS - VIP 500 Club Members

Our next Walk MS is Saturday September

18th in Tappahannock Please join us!

A Group of Fredericksburg Walk MS Volunteers

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Thanks to our VIP - 500 Club Members Each of them raised $500 or more for Walk MS

Fredericksburg Richmond Candice Allshouse Karen Bailey Lori Jackson Cara Olivo Michelle Antonuccio Anita Bradley Angela Johns Angela Parrish William Arnst Marilyn Brown Rachel Jones Nancy Pennington Cherire Bennett Amy Claytor Janice Kean Alexa Perkinson Victoria Bonk-Meyers Brooke Click Wendy Knight Amy Pike Cynthia Del Buono Robyn Cochran Steve Knopka Laurie Polizzi Tennie Gratz Collins Denny Eric Kraus Cheryl Rosser Detra Hagerman Kyla Elliott Suzi Lafever Chas Sforza Dana Houck Malinda Foster Anne Leedy Chrissa Sforza Sandy Hricik Suzanne Gardner Ashley Lewis Martha Singdahlsen Joyce Pratt Randy Gellis Lyndsey Lewis Deana Sutton Dawnthea Price Angela Goode Elissa Mast Tara Taflambas-Chipps Carolynne Reynolds Tyler Greenan Maureen McElroy Lori Terrell Heather Shifflet Sarah Harris Meagan Monfort Valerie Walters Allison Targett Pamela Hazelgrove Melissa Morris Carole Wennik Kimberly VonHarders Alex Hendrickson Barbara Nehls Doug Yocom Bridget Hengle Lee Nelson Kyle Yocom Lisa Hollier Diane Nymberg Catherine Young

ADA CELEBRATES 20

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law in July 1990, promised to change the landscape for citizens with disabilities. “But the ADA’s promise will be reached only if we remain committed to full implementation,” said David Chatel, the Society’s Executive Vice President of Advocacy. “We can best celebrate our progress by reaffirming our principles of equality and inclusion,” said Joyce Nelson, the Society’s President and CEO.

Learn more! Visit nationalMSsociety.org/ADA.

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Chesterfield Richmond The Positive Thinkers 2nd Monday from 10:15-11:30am 3rd Thursday at 11:30am Tuckahoe YMCA River City Diner 9211 Patterson Ave., Richmond (Shoppes at Bellgrade—Huguenot & Robious) Leader: Sherry (804) 562-9181 Leaders: Claudia (804) 677-6445 Gail (804) 379-5493 Richmond Evening Group 2nd Thursday from 7-8:30pm Hanover County HealthSouth Rehab Hospital—Classroom 4th Thursday from 7-8:30pm 5700 Fitzhugh Ave., Richmond Commonwealth Wholesale, Inc. - 10085 Leadbetter Pl. Open to Anyone with MS Leader: Dana (804) 550-2280 (work) Leader: Lorenzo (804) 318-0360 (Care Partners Group meets 2-4 times/year in conjunction with this group.) Richmond (Virginia Home) For people with advanced stages of MS Petersburg Day Group Every Monday at 11am 2nd Wednesday from 10-11:30am 1101 Hampton St. River View - 201 Epps St., Hopewell Leader: Judy (804) 359-4093 Leader: Melanie (804) 526-9129 South Hill Empowerment Group Petersburg Evening Group 3rd Wednesday from 5:30-7:30pm Call for meeting times—do not meet in the summer Please call before attending as dates may change Southside Regional Hospital - 4th Floor Community Memorial Health Center Leader: Quennette (434) 246-6007 125 Buena Vista Circle Leader: Starr (434) 378-3021 Fredericksburg Fred-Spotsy MS Support Group Surry County 3rd Tuesday from 7-8:30pm 2nd Thursday at 7pm Mary Washington Hospital - Classroom Hope Christian Alternative Leader: Candice (540) 623-4095 325 Banks St., Surry (Program locations and times vary, please call leader Leader: Stephanie (757) 267-2329 if planning to attend!) Tappahannock Neuromuscular Support 2nd Monday from 10am-noon Essex Library, 117 Church Lane Leader: Pat (804) 443-9657

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

The eleven 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 two groups are smaller groups looking to increase membership. If you are looking to be a part of a group as it is establishing itself, then one of these groups could be right for you! In future issues of the MSConnection, look for more information about the other groups in our service area. The Richmond Night Group, led by Lorenzo, is a small group that is welcoming to anyone in the Richmond area. Lorenzo is a charismatic leader who has a passion for showing others that there is life after being diagnosed with MS. Though his group is small, it is ideal for sharing stories of success and hardship with a group of empathetic listeners. Lorenzo emphasizes that no one has to deal with MS on his own and encourages everyone who needs support to find a group to attend. The Petersburg Day Group, led by Melanie, provides support and awareness in the Tri-City area. Melanie believes those with MS should never stop moving, stay ener-gized, and help others through the exchange of resources and knowledge. The Petersburg Day Group is newly reformed and is looking for new members to help raise MS awareness in the Tri-Cities. Although the meetings are held at River View, the private facility is open to those who want to attend the meeting, not just residents. Melanie is excited to meet others who have been affected by MS and live in the Tri-Cities. For meeting times, locations, and leader contact information, please see the Self-Help Group listing on page 5. If you need help locating the right self-help group for you,

please contact Kathryn Zapach at (804) 591-3039.

Meet Kathryn Zapach our new Director of Programs & Services for the Central VA Chapter. Kathryn is a native of Richmond. She received her under graduate degree from the College of William and Mary. She went on to complete her Masters of Social Work at VCU. Prior to joining the National MS Society, Kathryn worked in child welfare.

The Golden Circle is the donor program of the National MS Society's Central Virginia Chapter, recognizing annual gifts of $1,000+. Golden Circle members lead by example, making a powerful statement and demonstrating their commitment to the:

• CAUSE Restricting your gift to the Chapter's Greatest Need enables us to dedicate money where your local community needs it most. • CARE Restricting your gift to Local Programs and Services helps to fund client programs that provide critical knowledge and improve the lives of those with MS to ensure independence and to optimize quality of life. • CURE Restricting your gift to Research supports dedicated researchers who are seeking the cause, treatment and cure for MS.

The Golden Circle provides invaluable assistance for more than 2,500 people with MS and their 7,500 family members and friends in Richmond, Chesterfield, the Tri-City Area, the Fredericksburg Region, Hanover and the Northern Neck. When you give to The Golden Circle, your gift directly supports the MS community. Please put your compassion to work by ensuring that your name appears among the distinguished Golden Circle individuals, organizations, businesses and civic leaders. Golden Circle Sponsor Golden Circle Member The Page Auto Group Anne Baird Jennifer Bittmann Golden Circle Friend CJW Medical Center Alexander Slaughter Suzanne Gardner Paul Carr Sharon D. Hayes Wachovia Foundation Glenn Nunziata John R. O’Connor Golden Circle Leader Ray Paul, Jr. Frank N. Cowan Ronald Powell, Jr. Washington and Lee University Ira Rosenfeld Melissa Silver Beth & Ryan Smith Marion & J.K. Timmons Joan Wilton Harvey D. Wright

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2010 Scholarship Awards (These go to students who have MS or have a parent with MS.)

DAWNTHEA PRICE The Arnie Snukals Scholarship Award: $2,300 Dawnthea is a resident of Fredericksburg, VA and a graduate of Stafford Senior High School. She will be attending Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, with plans of majoring in journalism. Dawnthea spent 3 years on the staff of the high school newspaper, The Smoke Signal, and was also a member of the Quill & Scroll Society and the National Honor Society. Her volunteer activities included Amnesty International and the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank.

KORINN CARTER Chapter Scholarship Award: $1,700 Korinn is a resident of Richmond, VA and a graduate of the Richmond Community High School. She will be attending James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA with plans of majoring in psychology. Her school activities included the Key Club and the Future Business Leaders of America. Korinn also was an active community volunteer with the Special Olympics, the Coalition on Homelessness, the Boys & Girls Club and an area soup kitchen.

EMILY WEILER Chapter Scholarship Award: $1,250 Emily is a resident of Ashland, VA and a graduate of Patrick Henry High School. She will be attending Longwood University in Farmville, VA with plans of majoring in graphic design. Emily was a member of the National Honor Society, the Quill & Scroll Society and the school TV team (Patriot Watch News). She spent a summer as a camp counselor for the Hanover County Parks & Recreation Department.

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COLLYN CLARK Chapter Scholarship Award: $1,250 Collyn is a resident of Henrico, VA and a graduate of Highland Springs High School. She will be attending Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and is trying to decide between majoring in political science and engineering. Collyn sees herself as a civil rights attorney or a mechanical engineer. She was the president of the Math Honor Society, as well as a member of the National Honor Society. Collyn served 3 years in the Henrico County Student Congress. SHERITA ARNOLD Chapter Scholarship Award: $1,000 Sherita is a resident of Petersburg, VA and a graduate of Petersburg High School. She will be attending Virginia State University in Petersburg with plans of studying nursing and obtaining her R.N. license. While in high school Sherita received her Nursing Aid Certification. Her desire is to work with MS patients.

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Keep our advocacy efforts moving this summer Your public officials want to hear from you! By visiting your legislators in their district offices, you can help to create change and advance the mission of the National MS Society. The Virginia General Assembly convenes for 30 to 60 days in the winter to debate policy and pass laws. During this busy time, legislators work out of their Richmond offices. The rest of the year, state legislators work out of their district offices – close to the constituents they serve. Visiting legislators while they are working in their districts can be a positive and rewarding experience. District meetings can be casual and legislators will typically have more time to sit and discuss issues with their visitors. Legislators particularly enjoy and appreciate hearing their constituent’s stories – simply talk about your connection to multiple sclerosis and how it has impacted your life then transition into a discussion about one or two issues that are important to you such as increasing access to affordable housing or lowering the costs of prescription drugs. Personal stories are often what compel legislators to create laws and change policy! Follow your visit with a thank-you note and continue sharing and communicating with your legislator throughout the year. If you would like to represent the National MS Society and educate your legislators on the issues that affect people with MS in Virginia, please email Ashley Chapman at ashley.chapman@nmss.org. Ashley can guide you through the process of setting up a district visit and give you a list of talking points to steer your conversation.

Also, you are invited to join our advocacy webinar on July 21, 2010 at 6pm. Society staff and special guests will provide tips and tools for conducting a successful legislative visit. Register for the webinar by visiting our chapter website: www.moveVA.org - click on calendar to see our list of events.

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ADVOCACY

Ashley Chapman and advocacy volunteers Leslie Shelton and Grayson Traylor visit with legislators in Richmond.

Join the Movement—without leaving your office

Designate the National MS Society Central Virginia Chapter in your employee giving campaign Every year millions of employees support important non-profit organizations nationwide through employee giving campaigns. If you are a federal government employee or your private employer offers a charitable giving campaign, you can help move us closer to a world free of MS by designating a contribution to the National MS Society.

Most charitable giving programs offer employees the opportunity to make an annual pledge, which means a portion of their donation is automatically deducted from each paycheck. Donations can also be made as a one-time contribution by writing a personal check.

The National MS Society is a member of Community Health Charities. If you are a public employee (federal, state or local), you already have Community Health Charities as a choice in your campaign. Your donation comes directly to our chapter.

If you are a private sector employee, your company may or may not offer Community Health Charities as a choice. If they do, when you choose the National MS Society, your donation comes directly to our Chapter. If they offer United Way only, you may write in your donation to the National MS Society. Your company doesn’t offer an employee giving program? Talk to your benefits administrator about starting one. And call us. We can give you the resources you need.

Participating in a charitable giving program is an easy way to help pro-vide vital services, spark public policy advocacy, and fund cutting-edge research.

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MS Family Day April 18, 2010

MS Family Day at the Diamond with the Richmond Flying Squirrels was a stellar start-off to the baseball season and the perfect opportunity to spread the word about the Central VA Chapter of the National MS Society’s mission to a whole new audience. The day started two hours before game time with a warm welcome to the Chapter at the front gate. Once Chapter guests and their families were fitted with special event bracelets, they were escorted to the private picnic area where everyone enjoyed a tasty grilled buffet of hot dogs, hamburgers, and barbecued ribs, along with macaroni and cheese, potato salad, garden salad, cookies, and soft drinks. The camaraderie of baseball fans and our own National MS Society fans made for a fun-filled pre-game party.

Not to be outdone by the food, the Richmond Flying Squirrels sent down several of their players and their loveable mascot, Nutzy the Squirrel, to visit with the MS families. Along with photo opportunities and autographs, the players and mascot offered an entertaining visit as they shared their genuine appreciation for their fans in the Richmond area. As game time approached, guests made their way to the newly refurbished Diamond Club seats along the third baseline for an excellent view of the game against the Reading-Phillies. Moved by the cheering crowd in the MS Family section, a visiting Phillies pitcher who was warming up just outside the Diamond Club seats tossed one very lucky young fan a foul ball. At the seventh inning stretch, the crowd roared its approval and appreciation as the announcer welcomed the National MS Society to the Diamond for Family Day with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Though the Squirrels lost the game, they have certainly won over new fans from the Central Virginia Chapter of the National MS Society.

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You are invited to our 2010 Women on the Move Luncheon

When: Thursday, September 16th

11:30am-1:30pm

Where: The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, VA Dance MS Good-bye

♦ Silent Auction ♦ Fashion Show - New Holiday Looks

♦ Guest Speaker - Leslie Shelton

Tickets $75 Table Sponsorships $1500

Need Information? Contact Judy Griffin 804-591-3034 or judy.griffin@nmss.org