By Debbie Adams
Vinton Moose Lodge 1121 welcomed the Down Syndrome Association of Roanoke (DSAR) to
celebrate the holiday season at a Christmas Party on December 2. This was the second year the
event has been held at the lodge.
hosted the annual Down Syndrome Association of Roanoke Christmas Party on December 2.
Moose Lodge treasurer Angie Chewning (right) presented a check for $5,000 to Amanda Adams,
program director of the DSAR. (photos by Debbie Adams)
The DSAR is made up of families, friends, professionals, and individuals with Down Syndrome
in Southwestern Virginia. Their mission is to provide advocacy for individuals with Down
Syndrome as well as educational opportunities and support for their families, caregivers, and the
professionals who provide medical, therapeutic, and instructional services. About 130 children
and adults attended the 2023 event, with the special needs guests ranging in age from infant to
age 40.
Children came dressed in their holiday pajamas to fit the “All Board the Polar Express” theme
and were greeted at the door by a train conductor.
The afternoon included a visit from Santa (and a photo), a Christmas craft, lunch catered by Sal’s
Italian Restaurant of Bonsack, and a showing of the “Polar Express” movie with hot chocolate,
popcorn, and cookies.
Amanda Adams, who is on the DSAR Board of Directors and serves as program director, was
looking for a location for the Christmas Party last year. She posted a notice that the organization
was looking for a venue that would accommodate up to 150 children and adults. A member of
the Moose Lodge noticed the post and spoke with Clark Crawley, Vinton Moose Lodge
administrator, who offered the venue, free of charge, for the DSAR Christmas event.
Adams was unfamiliar with the Moose Lodge but delighted to discover what she describes as “a
hidden gem. You wouldn’t know passing by that it exists.” You also wouldn’t know of the
generosity of the membership at the Lodge.
The Moose Lodge Banquet Hall occupies the bottom level of the facility, featuring an enormous
ballroom, a kitchen and bar area, a fireplace, and–during the Christmas season–many decorations
and props that make it a perfect location for large parties. There is always a regal chair where
Santa sits to greet visitors and pose for photos.
Association of Roanoke is made up of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families,
friends, and related professionals. Joey, Whitney, Kyler, and Logan Hatcher are pictured with
son Colson enjoying the festivities.
Both Adams and Moose Lodge 1121 members hope this will be continue as an annual event.
Not only did the Moose Lodge provide the venue, members made a donation of $5,000 to the
DSAR, presented by Angie Chewning, Moose Lodge treasurer, at the party.
This is one of many contributions the Moose have made to the community across the valley. On
December 2, the Ladies of the Moose hosted Special Education students from Roanoke County
for the annual Breakfast with Santa and provided the food as well as the venue.
More information on the DSAR is available on the website at http://dsar.org/ or on the Facebook
page at https://www.facebook.com/dsar.org.
The Vinton Moose Lodge 1121 Family Center is located at 2127 East Washington Avenue in
Vinton.
