ANNUAL EVENT
Arc in the Park
Our fifth annual Arc in the Park at the Huckleberry Park Pavilion had to be rescheduled from July to September 19, 2026 due to weather. We had a good turnout, and everyone seemed to enjoy coming together. A comment on our Facebook page says it all: “This is literally my favorite day of the year. The smiles, the laughter, the many ways people clearly are cherishing each other. Kinda restores faith in humanity. Thank you, Arc, for your continuous work, good cheer, and your impressive, life changing, and relentless advocacy.”
RECOGNIZING OUR HEROES
Renee S. Brown Award
Awarded each year at our Annual Event, the Renee S. Brown award shines a light on remarkable individuals in our community who embody The Arc’s vision: “People with disabilities leading full, rich lives as active contributing members of the communities.” In 2026, we recognized Jack Wall and Kamala Bauers who created Wall Residences in the early 1990’s and have since expanded it statewide. Wall Residences provides family-based living as an alternative to group homes, allowing thousands of people with disabilities to live safely as active contributing members of their communities.
2026
Sensory-Friendly Pool Party
We teamed up with the Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Department to throw a Sensory-Friendly Pool Party at the Frog Pond on July 30, 2026.
2026
Sensory-Friendly Valentine’s Party
Together with Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, we sponsored a sensory-friendly Valentine’s party on February 13, 2026 at the Mid County Park Activity Center in Christiansburg. We provided low lighting, soft music, designated quiet safe space, allergy-friendly snacks and low-demand crafts and activities.
AN ANNUAL TRADITION
The Christmas Cookie Party
In 2025, we held our Annual Christmas Cookie & Caroling Party on Sunday, December 14. The Down’s Syndrome Association of the New River Valley joined us this year in sponsoring the event at the Blacksburg Community Center. We ate tasty homemade cookies, played games, were serenaded by Robert Metz and by the VCOM acapella student group. Check out photos from the event.
HIGHLIGHT
Calling Cards
At the 2023 Christmas Cookie Party, Board member Nancy Camajani presented an idea she hatched for our ALLY Self-Advocates: calling cards for their advocacy visits with delegates. Anita Earhardt, George Rogers, and Matt Hudgins each received a silver case engraved with their initials and a box of calling cards with their names on them. Matt was so moved, he nearly teared up looking at his cards. Nancy’s idea empowers our self-advocates and gives them a new tool! See more photos and video at Google Photos.
2025
Blacksburg Holiday Parade
On Friday, December 5, 2025, The Arc of New River Valley marched in the Blacksburg Holiday Parade, carrying our banner, giving out candy, and riding on the haybales in the trailer with the kids. This has become a new tradition. Organizer Bayley Alphin said, “What a blast. Thank you to everyone who made it happen, especially Matt Hutchens who donated his time, energy, trailer, and hay. And to Brad and Maureen Powers. We so appreciate you guys and everyone who was there marching with us tonight in person and in spirit. “