fall 2014 central valley: Programs & services in your community
get outdoors!
For years, Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) has been providing those living with MS (and other disabilities) the opportunity to experience the beauty and challenges of outdoor adventures. ETC’s mission is to make the joy and challenge of outdoor adventures accessible to people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth, inspiring self-confidence, connection to nature, and stewardship of the environment. ETC has been fulfilling their mission with their sea kayaking, white water rafting, and crosscountry skiing excursions. Recently, the Northern California Chapter partnered with ETC on a kayaking adventure in Sausalito. A kayaker on one of our trips in 2013 said, “Trips like this allow people to forget about their medical stuff for the day and given the opportunity to feel just like everyone else for the day.”’ On a different excursion in 2012, another participant said, “I didn’t even know places like ETC existed - it has reinvigorated my love of outdoor and nature activities which MS had previously taken away from me. It means a lot for my physical and emotional sanity.” We hope you can join the adventure by participating in one of ETC’s upcoming trips!
Upcoming Trips Sausalito Scenic Paddle Saturday, October 11 Explore the Sausalito waterfront as you paddle past harbor seals, and pelicans with amazing views of the San Francisco skyline. Perfect for beginners and paddlers of all levels. Program fee includes kayak, paddling gear and guides Angel Island Overnight Kayak Saturday-Sunday, November 1-2 Kayak from Sausalito to Angel Island where we will spend the night in refurbished Civil War era buildings. Program fee includes meals, housing, kayak gear, instruction and guides. For more information, pricing and registration visit ETC’s website at www.etctrips.org or call (415) 474-7662. ◊
08 UPCOMING PROGRAMS Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise stated. Register by calling 1-800-344-4867 or visit our Calendar at www.nationalMSsociety.org/calendar/ norcal.
Newly Diagnosed Orientation Tuesday, November 4th 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. National MS Society Office 422 McHenry Ave., Modesto Are you newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. This informative program will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed as well as family and friends who want to learn more. The registration deadline is Tuesday, November 4th.
central valley: Programs & Services fall 2014
Holiday Open House Wednesday, December 3rd 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Office 422 McHenry Avenue, Modesto Please join us for refreshments, holiday music and good company, to kick-off the holiday season! The holidays can get stressful with all the hustle and bustle rushing around, so take some time to relax and hang out. Friends and family are welcome as well!
Opus Handbell Ensemble Friday, December 12th 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Gallo Center for the Arts 1000 “I� Street, Modesto Warm up to the holidays as the Opus Handbell Ensemble returns to the Gallo Center with their exquisitely beautiful music to celebrate the season. This 15 member choir is now a tradition at the Center! As is our tradition, we are asking everyone to stay for a few minutes following the show for photos in the beautifully decorated lobby of the Gallo Center. Tickets for this event are $5 and space is limited. Please register by Wednesday, December 10th. Tickets can be paid for the day of the event.
register at nationalmssociety.org/can | 1-800-344-4867
what’s happening in northern california Bay Area • Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, October
21st in Walnut Creek • Everyday Matters: Living Your Best Life with Multiple Sclerosis, Wednesdays, October 15th - November 12th in Livermore • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, November 5th in San Francisco • Holiday Dinner and Networking Event, December 10th in Berkeley
North State • AXS Mapathon, October 25th in Chico • Clay Day, November 1st in Redding • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, November
5th in Rohnert Park • Holiday Mix & Mingle, November 14th in Petaluma • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, December 3rd in Redding • Holiday Mix & Mingle, December 11th in Chico
South Bay • Gentle Yoga for People with MS, •
Greater Sacramento • Everyday Matters: Living Your Best Life
with Multiple Sclerosis, October 14 in Citrus Heights UC Davis Medical Center MS Support Group, October 30th in Sacramento Newly Diagnosed Orientation, November 5th in Carmichael Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, November 5th in Sacramento When I Walk Movie Screening with the Moving on with MS Self-Help Group, November 8th in Carmichael Research in MS, November 19th in Sacramento Holiday Open House – Managing Stress Around the Holidays, December 10th in Citrus Heights
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Thursdays in Saratoga Horse Power: Living Strong with MS, Thursdays for 6 weeks in Gilroy Q&A with Dr. Tasch, October 15th in Santa Clara Newly Diagnosed Orientation, November 4th in Santa Clara 3rd Annual It’s Time to Trim the Tree!, November 11th in Santa Clara Wine Down Wednesday, November 12th in Los Gatos Partners of MS Support & Social, November 15th in Santa Clara Holiday Open House, December 12th in Santa Clara
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ms connection: fall 2014
self-help groups STANISLAUS COUNTY
MERCED COUNTY • Merced: MS Challengers - Susan: 209-
631-7279
• Modesto - Marti or Jane: 209-521-8956 • Turlock - Bill: 209-664-1427, Frances:
209-883-3526
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY • Manteca - Sue: 209-482-7034 • Stockton AM - Laurie: 209-915-1730,
Velma: 209-951-2264 • Stockton PM - Brenda: 209-951-0536, Mary: 209-334-5670 • Tracy - Linda: 209-833-6882
TUOLUMNE COUNTY • Sonora - Stephen or Gloria: 209-532-5646
ONLINE • “Second Life” - John: 916-708-9708
CONNECT WITH fINaNCIal rEsOurCEs EvEry CONNECTION COuNTs
The cost of multiple sclerosis can put a burden on your finances. Find the assistance you need to keep going. Speak with an MS Navigator to: • Connect with a financial planner to maximize your resources and plan for your future. • Speak with an employment specialist to discuss workplace challenges and job-related concerns. • Find community resources and information about financial assistance. • Get answers to insurance and benefits questions, including health and medical care, long-term care, life insurance and more.
Carlos, diagnosed in 2001 Find resources. Get connected!
1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867)
nationalMSsociety.org/CAN