Friends,
Polar Plunge – What a fun event!
The people at the Panga Bar & Grill put on a great event on New Year’s Day. It was so good to see people and families from all phases and walks of life come together and get the New Year started with a splash.
Dr Kate and her husband Jim jumped right in and went under water. Brrr… well done Kate and Jim!
Linda went in and lost a shoe as soon as she got in. Whether she wanted to go under or not, she went under right away.
Steve is always there to help.
Becky Thomas also went in to support us. She made it look like it was cold 😊
Dave had his family go in with him…so good to see. They had fun!
Quite a few people asked me if I went in. Not really. Mark, Steve, Keith and I put our fingers in. That was plenty for me. It was only 12 degrees. That was cold enough. We had fun!
A huge THANK YOU goes out to the people at the Panga Bar & Grill for choosing our MS-Just Keep Moving mission as the recipient of their fundraising efforts for this event. This generous act of kindness is much appreciated and will certainly be put to good use. If you get a chance to patronize them, please do so and personally thank them from all of us. I’m sure they would like to hear what the gym means to you and how much they are helping us.
The people at the Panga Bar & Grill also allowed us to borrow some kayaks this past summer when our kayaking group went kayaking on their lake. They are good people.
THANK YOU, Brent, Sarah and team!
Early morning rebounding
It warmed my heart Monday morning when we had 9-10 people bouncing together from 6:30 – 8:00am.
Rebounding is proving to be so beneficial for me and others. I’m happy to share that I was able to enjoy our Christmas party with our large family for the second consecutive year in a row without MS issues. Prior to starting rebounding consistently two years ago, I could not enjoy these parties for 23+ years due to my challenges with MS. I’m so thankful. I hope you can benefit from rebounding as well.
Whether you’re a person with MS, a loved one, a volunteer, etc. Please know you are welcome and encouraged to join us for our rebounding programs. Our Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 am rebounding workouts have plenty of room for more people to join us. If you’d like to do rebounding at a different time, please let me know and we’ll see what we can do to make it happen.
Phil’s new book “Influenced!” is released
I’ve started reading Phil’s new book and I must say, it’s really good! I wrote a 5-star Amazon review for him and it went like this. “If you appreciate the power of humility and gratitude, this book is for you. If you are egotistic and proud of your successes and accomplishments, this book is for you.”
Here’s a message from Phil about his book and a link you can order one:
It’s a little less than 150 pages. Readers first remember & recognize those who have helped them become who they are today. Then, out of gratitude, begin to open doors, advocate for and invest time and energy in others. I call it Legacy-Level Living. Each chapter provides space for readers to stop and think, remember, and discover ways to make our legacies more than corporate success, achievements, and bank & retirement accounts to divvy up among the kids and grandkids when we’re gone.
The book was initially an anthology (collection) of thank yous to people who have had a profound influence on me. When I decided this Fall to finish writing and publish it, I realized that a how-to book would be more valuable than just telling all those stories. It’s a book that takes readers from “I’ve never thought about that” to “I’m going to live this way.” Weaving those stories in keeps it honest and makes it practical.
Probably the best way for people to learn more about me would be to use the link https://philipransom.com/online I keep that page updated, but it’s not advertis-y.
The Amazon link for the book is: https://a.co/d/3UhIvcE
Let me know if you have questions. I’m open to having a discussion, maybe in February or March, to talk about the work and discuss it with people who are reading it. MS doesn’t limit a person’s ability to intentionally influence others. Not at all. It may in fact do just the opposite. But that’s another discussion.
Phil Ransom
phil@philipransom.com
+1 262-888-0108
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MS-Just Keep Moving Bowling Tournament Fundraiser
MS JKM Members, Volunteers and Supporters….The third annual winter fundraiser for our gym is fast approaching, February 21st and 22nd. The planning committee is hard at work to hold another very fun and successful event. We want to let you know how you can participate.
Bowling spots are filling quickly, in fact, Sunday is already full! If you would like to bowl, get your team together quickly and let Bob know.
We are looking for donation items for our raffle baskets. We will once again have the hundred dollar scratch off basket as well the booze wagon. If you have items you would like to donate. Please bring them into the break room at the gym. Please do not forget to fill out the donation form so we know who to thank.
Please contact Bob at the gym or at bandebeagles@wi.rr.com if interested in bowling.
Shoe Donations
We already filled one box and almost have our second full. 😊 Thanks to everyone who is donating their shoes!
Do you have any shoes you can donate? Becky Thomas is collecting old or new shoes supporting Soles for Jesus. These shoes will be distributed to people in need of shoes in Africa. She dropped off a box for us to drop them in. Please bring in shoes if you have any extras.
Nutrition Program
This week, Janine and the people at the Nutrition program had a discussion about what we covered in 2025 and what we want to cover in 2026. I love that Janine is listening to the people and accommodating what we want to learn more about.
If you have any suggestions for our nutrition program, please let me, Kate or Janine know. Nutrition is such a critical aspect of staying ahead of our MS, having energy, staying healthy, getting our bodies to heal from the inside, etc. Let’s continue to build this program so it works for you.
Here’s a link to the handout:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JZslxlcarWyYlgIRVG7mTJdbqCvo7D2t/view?usp=drive_link
Janine puts a lot into these presentations. It’s wonderful for her to share these presentations with those who can’t be here. It’s even more impactful for people who can be here in person to get the information first hand and be able to get questions answered and learn from others living with MS.
I would highly encourage you to engage in our nutrition program Monday mornings @ 9:00am so you can benefit at a high level. All are encouraged to come; people with MS, loved ones, care takers, volunteers, etc.
Thank you, Janine!
Coughs, colds, flus, etc. – Let’s not share
There are a lot of bugs going around. If you are experiencing any symptoms, please stay home and recover from them instead of sharing with the rest of us at the gym. We look forward to you getting over it and having you back quickly.
Member Spotlight – Vanessa Mueller
Venessa brings a great spirit, attitude, and mood with her every time she comes to the gym. We are blessed and thankful to have Vanessa as part of our MS-Just Keep Moving family.
Ed and Adam’s Podcast
Adam and Ed asked Phil about his new book and gave Phil an opportunity to share his passion and excitement about it.
Here’s the link:
All About Phil’s New Book by Positive Vibes Living with MS
Thanks Adam, Ed and Ava for doing these podcasts together!
Let’s get together!
We’ll be getting together from 8:00am – noon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at the gym. Plus, Monday evenings from 4:00pm – 7:00pm and Tuesday afternoons for the aquatics program. I hope you’ll join us!
Where:
Wisconsin Metal Parts – Westmound Building
MS-Just Keep Moving, Inc.
W228N791 Westmound Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186
Exercise 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 Wednesdays and Fridays to get members on and off equipment. All are welcome and encouraged to join…friends with MS, volunteers, and caregivers.
Monday Mornings
6:30am – 8:00am – Rebounding – Total Body Functional Fitness and Stretching
8:00am – 9:00am – Rebounding – Gentle Functional Fitness and Balance
9:00am – Nutrition Program – Friends with MS, caretakers and volunteers are encouraged to engage.
9:00am – Noon – Open gym and Neubie use for independent members, or those who come with a care partner.
9-10:00am: Neubie and personal training
10-11am – Group stretching class
10-10:15am Chair stretch
10:15-10:30am Standing balance and stretch
10:30-10:45am Core work on the mat
10:45 – 11:00am: Stretching on the mat
11:00-12:00pm: Neubie and workout recovery (stretch and massage)
Monday evenings (open gym from 4:00pm – 7:00pm)
5:00 pm: High intensity interval training (HIIT)
5:30 pm: Standing balance
6:00 pm: Seated balance
Tuesday Mornings
6:30am – 8:00am – Rebounding – Total Body Functional Fitness and Stretching
TBD – 10:00 – 11:00? – Rebounding – Gentle Functional Fitness and Balance
Tuesday afternoons
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm: Aquatic exercise program held at Wildwood Lodge – Pewaukee
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm: Aquatic exercise program held at Wildwood Lodge – Pewaukee
Wildwood Lodge has a lift available to get people in wheelchairs in and out of the pool safely
Wednesdays
6:30am – 8:00am – Rebounding – Total Body Functional Fitness and Stretching
8:00am – 8:30am – Rebounding – Gentle Functional Fitness and Balance
8:30am – 9:00am: 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.
9:30am – 10:00am: Seated Balance
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.
10:30am – 11:00am: Seated and/or standing stretching, strength, and balance with Ricky
11:00am – noon: Prayer Group
Thursdays
6:30am – 8:00am: Rebounding – Total Body Functional Fitness and Stretching
TBD – 10:00 – 11:00? – Rebounding – Gentle Functional Fitness and Balance
8:30am – 11:00am Outdoor walking – contact Joan, Pam or Dan to find out where we’re walking.
Fridays:
6:30am – 8:00am – Rebounding – Total Body Functional Fitness and Stretching
8:00am – 8:45am – Rebounding – Gentle Functional Fitness and Balance
8:45am – 9:30am – Spin Class – Starting December 12th, Mike Beiermeister will host a winter spin class starting at 8:45am. The class is 45 minutes in duration and meets in the front room with the spin bikes.
9:30 – 10:00am: High intensity interval training (HIIT) body weight circuit class. Great for those who aren’t attending Friday morning bike rides and want to get their heart pumping! Geared to intermediate to advanced ability level. Class may be indoors or outdoors depending on weather. Find Dr Kate at the start of the class time.
10:00 – 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 Dr Kate Kern at kborn1234@gmail.com with any questions.
Friday Morning Bike Rides
We had a great season of bike riding from spring until fall. We are done for the season.
Let’s think spring so we can get back out there again! Until Spring…Let’s Bounce 😊 Check out our rebounding opportunities.
Research Needs us!
Marquette University, UW Milwaukee, University of Illinois, and Carroll University have research opportunities they would like us to engage in. We have flyers and more information about these opportunities at the gym and inserted below. Please engage in these opportunities if you qualify. You could make improvements yourself and you could be helping so many other people with MS as they face their challenges. We really need to get this MS thing figured out and you can help by engaging in these research opportunities.
Please note: Researchers at UW-Milwaukee changed the age limit on this study from 60 year old max to 70 years old so more of our friends with MS could participate. If you’re under 70 years old, please consider engaging in this research so we can help figure out how to keep our hands working longer…and get $30.00.
You get paid $180.00 to do this one and it’s all done online.
Educational Sessions
This Friday 1/9/26 11:00 – 12:00pm: Dave DiTorrice, certified orthotist, will speak to us about orthotics devices, evaluations from orthotists, and any questions related to orthotic disease or conditions.
Friday, January 16th 11:00am – 12:00pm: Badr Al Mutairi, PhD student at UWM, will discuss an active study that he’s recruiting for. The study is investigating how Multiple Sclerosis affects motor learning. Let’s help inform his research by learning about the study and participating in it!
Friday 1/23/2026 – 11:00am – 12:00pm: Day of endurance kick off. Mark your calendars, our Day of Endurance is August 29ththis year. We will listen, answer any questions and explain what the journey of the Day of Endurance is all about and get the journey kicked off. Please be present because we want you to benefit from this journey as much as possible.
Friday 1/30/26 11:00 – 1:00pm: Live Music
Chuck Scherwinski and his band, The Gray Boys, are playing a private show just for the MS-Just Keep Moving community. Significant others, friends, and family are welcome to rock out, dance, wiggle, bounce, roll and have some fun with us!
If you come by a ride service, please consider having them pick you up at 1:00pm this day so you can enjoy the band longer.
Wednesday, February 4th 10:30am – 11:00am: Wednesday bi-annual volunteer meeting
Friday, February 6th 11:00 – 12:00pm: Friday bi-annual volunteer meeting
Friday, April 10th 11:00 – 12:00pm: Sarah Stauder, MD in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Aurora Health Care will talk to us about the wheelchair clinic that she runs out of the Aurora and Froedtert health care systems. At the wheelchair clinic, patients are seen by a provider, a physical therapist, and the wheelchair vendor. They determine what type of wheelchair would be best for the patient and order it through the vendor, going through the patient’s insurance. Patients can receive a wheelchair or mobility device through insurance once every 5 years, sometimes sooner if disease progresses. Then the wheelchair vendor (usually National Seating & Mobility or Numotion) coordinates the delivery of the wheelchair and any further repairs/needs.
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 Dr Kate, Joan, Traci, Ricky or Dan know.
Prayer Group We’ll be having our prayer group Wednesday from 11:00am – noon.
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 16th, 2026. 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 at 668 members. That’s awesome! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2639832389489709
Our Facebook page is 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!
Metals for MS
Thank you to all who brought in aluminum cans, gutters, copper, brass, etc. Please keep bringing them in…you are helping us. We are up to $1,461.36 so far this year.
Parking
If there are able-bodied people willing to park across the street in the Acuity lot so people with mobility challenges can park in our lot, please do so. We want to make it easy for people with mobility challenges to park and get into our building safely. Thank you for doing that!
Gym Open and Close Procedure
If you’re the first to come or the last to leave the gym, please use this procedure for opening and shutting down.
Open and closedown procedures.docx
Thai Massage with Ricky and Nyani
Ricky will be here on Wednesdays doing Thai Massage.
Nyani will be here on Fridays doing Thai Massage
Our goal is to serve as many people who come to the gym consistently as we can with these Thai Massage services. Going forward we will be doing a rotational schedule to accommodate as many people as we can who need and want a massage.
There are some guidelines written up at the gym. Please respect the guidelines so we can serve as many people as we can. Please sign up according to the guidelines.
Here’s a link to the guidelines: Thai Massage at MS-Just Keep Moving
Reiki on Fridays
Reiki is available at the gym, for FREE on Fridays (Linda C and Mary R), 9:30am until noon. Sessions typically last 20-30 minutes. Sign up for a session on the white board.
Reiki (ray-kee) relaxes the body so that healing can occur! The “magic” of Reiki has helped some of our members with pain, insomnia, constipation, and so much more! Try it the next time you are at the gym!
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 and take action.
Let’s keep moving, smiling, and loving 😊 It helps in many ways!
In God We Trust…we are in good hands.
Dan
Our Website: http://msjustkeepmoving.org/
P.S. I got out in nature a few times this past week. It was refreshing. I saw this swan by Oconomowoc Lake. Pretty cool to see.
The moon was looking pretty good this week
I saw these deer at Lapham Peak at sunset
I got out ice fishing with my brother for a little while
It was good to see these Common Goldeneye ducks on the Mississippi River
And away they went…
This young bald eagle was keeping an eye on me as I was trying to get a clear shot of it
This cardinal was checking me out too
Most finches turn tan colored in the winter; this one still had some yellow. They are hungry this time of the year.
How would you like to have to go and catch each meal? This bald eagle didn’t seem to mind.
They are fun to watch when they’re active
Good fresh breakfast 😊
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.
