Friends,
Balance Classes continue to be fun
It’s awesome to see how much fun everyone is having in the balance classes.  With the introduction of the bean bag tosses, it seems like everyone is really enjoying it.  It’s so beneficial for us with neurological connection issues to be able to respond quickly and catch bean bags.  There’s a lot that has to happen to get all the limbs to function the way they should.  It’s a good thing we don’t have neighbors real close, they would be wondering what we’re doing to have so much fun.

Thanks to all for engaging in this and making it fun and beneficial for each other.  Please take it easy on Marlene this week.

Head Yoga Class
Anne Prestwor has studied both yoga and meditation for over 40 years and in September began a 9 month training program to become a certified yoga instructor.  Beginning Wednesday, January 17th.  Anne will be leading a class called “Head Yoga”.  The 30 minute class will focus on face yoga and mindfulness exercises that are designed to increase mental clarity and instill confidence and calm focus.

Please join Anne on Wednesdays from 9am – 9:30 for Head Yoga!  This will be done in chairs, all abilities are welcome and encouraged to engage in this.

Wisconsin President of the National MS Society
Rob Multerer will be here along with some board members on Friday@ 11:00.  It’s critical that we work together with the National MS Society to get this MS thing figured out.  Rob will be letting us know what the National MS Society is doing for all of us.

If you have any questions for Rob or suggestions, please be prepared to ask or share them.  Rob loves to listen to our perspective and learn how the Society can serve us living with MS better.

Day of Endurance 2024
Who’s ready to engage in our journey to get to the Day of Endurance 2024?  Now that we have experienced the first one and had so much fun, I hope you’ll engage in it again this year.  Yes, it will consist of a picnic again this year too.

We will be kicking off our journey next Friday.  Please show up to learn what it is, how it will work and how you will benefit.  We’ll be working hard toward this day from now until August 24th.  It’ll be an active and fun journey with our friends with MS, volunteers, family and friends.

Bowling Tournament – We need bowlers!
We are having our first annual MS-Just Keep Moving bowling tournament on February 24 / 25th.  It’s going to be fun!  We have good number of bowlers signed up already and room for lots more.  Please consider bowling with us and inviting your family and friends.

For more information, please contact Bob Brandemuehl @ bandebeagles@wi.rr.com

No Regrets Mens Conference
An opportunity for the men of MS-Just Keep Moving.  Please join us on Saturday, February 3, 2024 to watch “Livestream” (on the BIG TV) the No Regrets Men’s Conference.  The event starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM.
The event will feature group worship, compelling messages from leading pastors and teachers, testimonies of how other men have done it and seminars on topics that will encourage and inspire you. Take advantage of this day and fellowship with other men who will be renewed, challenged, and propelled to become the men of courage God intends you to be.
Here is a link to the event – No Regrets Men’s Conference – No Regrets Men’s Conference (noregretsconference.org)
There is no cost to attend the event, but if you would like lunch, we’ll be chipping in $10.00.  Please let Cal or Larry know if you plan to attend.

Golf Outing 2024 – Save the Date!
Our friends @ ePlatinum Health will be putting on a golf outing to benefit our MS-Just Keep Moving mission again this year.  Thanks so much Jeff and Frank!

The date is Friday, June 7th.  Please save the date…more info to come as we get closer.

Cardio and Balance Programs
These classes are aimed to get everyone exercising together.  I like that word “together” 😊.  We’ll need help from volunteers before and after the cardio class on Wednesday to get members on and off equipment. All are welcome and encouraged to join.

Wednesdays  10-10:30am: Cardio exercise
Location: in the big room using aerobic equipment in front of big TV
Pick your favorite piece of equipment to use, bring a water bottle, and arrive a few minutes early to get the equipment set up to your height.
10:30 – 11:45am Tai Chi led by Ricky

Fridays: Balance training and Core strengthening and Spin Classes
9:30am – 10:00am: Spin Class in front room led by Mike Beiermeister starting this Friday January 5, 2024.  Bikes are limited so this will be first come first served.
10-10:30 am: seated balance class
10:30 – 11am: standing balance class
Pick the class / classes you feel most able and comfortable participating in. We will have chairs set up to sit on and/or use for balance support. 

Email Kate at kborn1234@gmail.com with any questions.

Friday Morning Bike Ride
It’s going to be too cold this Friday…no ride.  Let’s work hard indoors all winter so we’re ready to ride again in the spring.

Educational Sessions

Friday, January 12, 2024  11:00am – Noon.  Rob Multerer, President of the National MS Society – Wisconsin Chapter will be here with a couple of board members to discuss the National MS Society.

Friday, January 19th 11:00am – Noon.  2024 Day of Endurance journey kickoff.  I will tell my story about living with MS and share how we will be enjoying the journey to the Day of Endurance on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

Saturday, February 3rd  8:00am – 1:00 pm.  No Regrets Men’s Conference live streamed from the gym

Friday, February 23, 2024  11:0am – Noon.  Meg Walker who is a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor exercises which help our core strength, bladder issues, etc.  Meg will be here to teach us some of these exercises

Future topics could include: emotional health, nutrition, yoga, tai chi, wellness topics, safe use of gym equipment for your body, best exercise for you and more.  What topics would you like to see?  Please let Joan, Traci, Ricky or Dan know

 Let’s get together!
We’ll be getting together from 9:00am – noon on Wednesday and Friday mornings at the gym.  I hope you’ll join us!

Wisconsin Metal Parts – Westmound Building
MS-Just Keep Moving, Inc.
W228N791 Westmound Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186

Prayer Group  We’ll be having our prayer group Wednesday @ 11:00am.
I just love the way we share, pray and laugh together while we witness prayers being answered weekly.  It’s truly amazing!

Thanks goes to God and to everyone that joins us.  Let’s get together to share, listen, talk, give thanks, and pray however God leads us.

MS-Just Keep Caring – Our Caregivers support group will be the first and third Friday of each month from 10:00 – 10:30am.  The next one will be Friday, January 19, 2024.  If you’re a caregiver of someone you love with MS, please join us and share your experience of caring for your loved one.  This has been very helpful for many.  Thanks to all who participate!

Our Facebook page is private.  That means you’ll need to join if you want access to all our fun and progress.  We’re now up to 461 members.  That’s awesome!   https://www.facebook.com/groups/2639832389489709

Our Facebook page is very active and fun.  Lots of people are doing more and sharing their journey on Facebook.  Feel free to join, post and share your experiences and comments.

There were some awesome pictures, videos and comments shared again this past week.  Thank you to all who are sharing!

Thai Massage with Ricky Heldt
Ricky will be here Wednesday and Friday doing Thai Massage.

Many continue making great progress with chronic pain relief, range of motion, walking better and a new sense of hope when Ricky works with them.  Please keep in mind that consistency is key.  Not only with Ricky…with exercise too.  We need consistency to realize the benefits long term.  We want you to have long term benefits and relief.

Ricky has a sign up board based on first come first serve.  You can pick the time slot that works for you.  I highly encourage you to take advantage of Ricky’s Thai Massages each day and sign up for your time slot as soon as you get there.

Reiki with Linda  Linda will be here on Fridays doing Reiki.  Many people say Linda’s Reiki work is “magical”.  We’re thankful for Linda sharing her gifts and talents with us.  Feel free to let Linda know you’d like to do Reiki with her.  She also has a sign up sheet.

Inspirational Humor with Adam Wollert
We’ll be having our inspirational humor zoom call with Adam again next Tuesday.  Adam is a gift to all of us.  Thanks to all who joined us today!

Please join us if you can.
Tuesdays @ 1:30PM
Here’s the link to join us…I hope you do!
Join Zoom Meeting with this link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9431389152?pwd=bWlYbFNaazVnM1M1cWxWMitlODdXUT09

Meeting ID: 943 138 9152
Passcode: 3qP2hu
Phone:   1-312-626-6799

Let’s reach out
I encourage you to share a smile and encouragement with someone.  Perhaps you could call someone that you have not talked with for a while just to say hi and see how they are doing.  We all could use a little extra love and encouragement.

MS is tough.  Let’s have faith, remain calm, be flexible, help each other and learn as much as we can about the challenges of each day as we make good choices.

Let’s keep moving, loving and smiling 😊

In God We Trust…we are in good hands.
Dan

http://msjustkeepmoving.org/

P.S. I went for a walk at Nashotah Park on Sunday afternoon.  I like taking nature pictures but I happened to come across a guy just hanging out in a tree.  He was enjoying some quiet time reading a book.  I sent him the picture…he liked that.

The lake is just starting to freeze.  Certainly not safe to walk on yet.

I found an interesting looking stump.

I learned something when I was out there.  I didn’t know squirrels like to eat pine cones.  This little American Red Squirrel was eating a pine cone like it was a cob of corn.

We finally got a little snow.

I tried capturing the snow coming down.  I think I need a little more practice.  It’s hard to capture the true beauty of the snow falling.

This dove was wishing I had more food in the bird feeder.  Shame on me for not having more food in there.  I’ll fill it and they’ll have plenty tomorrow.

For those who can’t get out and enjoy nature due your challenges with MS…my heart is with you.  You are with me every time I’m out there.  I enjoy being out there and I also enjoy sharing with you.  I know how hard it is not to be able to get out and enjoy nature.  Let’s enjoy nature and God’s beauty together this way.