Excitement is in the air at the Roanoke Valley MS Alliance of Virginia office in the Roanoke Area MS Center in Salem! The 2023 program schedule is coming together and we’re busy as bees packing things for the Camp Store, Cinderella’s Closet Vacation Boutique, cooking workshops, Game Room, and the fun Junk Swap.
Much of this might seem different and new to you, especially if this is your 1st MSAV event. Our 100% volunteer organization is run by people living with MS and the entire event is MS friendly! We’ve worked very hard to plan, raise money and prepare for our Annual ‘MS Family Reunion’ – spending time with people who get it.
For the first time we have Vendors, and you can be one too. Do you sell a product? Have collectibles, crafts, ‘good clutter/? Then contact Toni at msav4hope@gmail.com to get a free table (for attendees). Don’t want to set up a table? Then as you are packing, toss those little things you don’t use or want that someone else might need or want in a box and bring it to the junk Junk Swap. Other things you will want to remember to bring are a door prize (everyone brings one per person in your party), and your Medical Form (watch your email) which is required to stay on campus adn will be turned in at the drive-thru checkin at Joco Building – signs will guide you.
Here is a schedule update so you can plan better, it is subject to change:
Thursday, August 17 is Add-a-Day with check-in for volunteers 12 noon to 5:30; for Add-a-Day (those adding a vacation day but not volunteering) checkin is 3-6pm. Remember there are no planned activities or meals provided until Friday evening so plan accordingly. We are having a volunteer potluck on Thursday at 6:00 pm, anyone is welcome to join us please bring a dish and beverages. There is a volunteer breakfast on Friday morning at 9’am, non volunteers can prepare their own meal in the staff kitchen or purchase a meal ticket for $12 per person.
Assisted check-in is drive-thru from 12 to 3 Friday, after 3 pm you are on your own to unload and carry your luggage. Starting at 1- 2pm there will be campus tours, pontoon rides, swimming, games, and more.
The Welcome Reception in the Wake Zone Hospitality Room will have finger foods and fabulous desserts from 2:30-3:30. You will get to see your old friends and meet some new ones. Don’t get too comfortable yet because Saint Francis Service Dogs presentation starts at 4pm in the Smith Activity Building (that’s the big building in the center of campus with cafeteria, auditorium, vendors, pharmaceutical exhibits and lots of activity all weekend long).
Opening ceremony is at 5:15; dinner 5:30 with educational speaker and at 7pm we’re gonna get this party started with Karaoke, Game Room, night swimming with adult swim only 9-10 pm, s’mores at the campfire, silent disco and ……….well I bet you’re already worrying about how you are going to get around campus and have enough energy to do all the fun things you want to do….NO WORRIES! Back to who is planning this! We have lots of onsite transportation including a “limo golf cart” and a brand new Gator on loan compliments of James River Equipment and David Smith.
We will be contacting you soon with your room location (building only) so you know what size sheets to bring – rule of thumb is couples (others upon request) stay in RJJ – rooms have 1 full bed, a twin and a trundle. Others are in rooms with twin beds, unless we have discussed otherwise. Remember we are a small nonprofit, it’s not complicated…….you’re coming to a laid back, relaxed weekend and you can participate in as many things as you want or just chill.
*By the way- through the years on our reviews, our top 2 complaints are #1 too much to do and #2 not enough to do. Yes, there’s lots of choices, how you fill your time is up to you with educational, recreational and sociable opportunities all weekend long. Saturday’s schedule will be sent soon, so you can better plan your weekend. Sunday has only a few classes and workshops, it’s more to relax, enjoy the lake, friends, pool, putt putt, golf, tennis, campus tours, lake tours and a big cookout by the lake in the afternoon. Those departing on Sunday, checkout of your room by 11am but you can stay til 6pm, while still having places to rest, clean restrooms, air conditioned areas – most of us are heat intolerant – so a cookout might sound challenging…….if you can’t handle the heat outside you can play in the game room, jump in the pool or enjoy the breeze under the the shade in our private covered pontoon.
*Friday is 60’s Night, don’t forget to pack those tye dye shirts, bell bottoms pants, miniskirts…….surprise us! Saturday is Disco Night without a disco ball because many of us have vision challenges with lights or a turning disco ball – so wear your bling! Some cool selections will be available in Cinderella’ Closet along with beach wear and some bargains – Cinderella cleaned out her closet again. Every attendee will receive Cinderella’s Dollars in your welcome bag, a ticket to a grand prize and a raffle ticket – we never leave anyone out because of affordability, but you will be able to purchase (or win) more tickets or additional Cinderella money.
We need people to sign up for the Saturday talent show, what’s YOUR talent? Sign up now!
There’s so much more and if you don’t read it all, the key points are check in 12-3 Friday, bring a door prize, your junk box, food and snacks for those enjoying add-on days and 60’s and disco attire.
Suzanne O’Connell
Founder and President of the MS Alliance of Virginia