Friends,
Cold weather? It’s not stopping us
What’s more challenging; living with MS or dealing with the cold? I can attest that living with MS is much more challenging than dealing with the cold weather. Let’s bundle up and get to the gym so we can stay ahead of our MS…together.
Many people thought our friends with MS wouldn’t come last week when it was so cold out. I had confidence they would come so we made sure the gym was open. I was very pleased with how many of you showed up. Well done! Like I said last week, MS doesn’t give us a break when it’s cold out so we don’t need to give our MS a break. Let’s keep exercising daily together and stay ahead of it.
As far as me personally and my MS; if I don’t exercise daily, my mental state changes very quickly, fatigue sets in very quickly and my MS symptoms flare up. I’m thankful I have such a great group of friends to exercise with. Thank you for joining us, even when it’s cold out. Again, let’s keep exercising together and do our best to stay ahead of our MS. We are fortunate to have each other.
CPR Training / AED Training
We are passionate about keeping everyone safe at the gym and if we have an issue, we have people trained and qualified to handle it promptly and properly. Despite the below zero temperatures last Friday, Ricky Heldt did an amazing job of leading 16 of us through CPR / AED Training. Well done Ricky!
A huge THANK YOU goes out to Ricky and everyone that engaged in training. This makes me feel very comfortable that anyone that enters our building will be well taken care of if we have an incident. Thank you to Ricky and all who engaged!
Live Music – Dance – Bounce – Roll – Wiggle – Party
Chuck and his band, The Gray Boys will be at the gym live and in person to entertain us.
When: This Friday, January 30th from 11:00am – 1:00pm.
Yes, we will clear off the dance floor, have some snacks and enjoy their music. Save some energy to dance or move anyway you want. Let’s have some fun!
If you come via ride service, please consider having them pick you up at 1:00pm this day so you can enjoy the band longer.
Thank you, Chuck, and The Gray Boys, for offering to do this for us! I’m looking forward to it 😊
Day of Endurance training journey kickoff last week – postponed to Friday, February 13th
I know many of you have heard my story of living with MS and how I’m continuing to stay ahead of it. I feel I’m still making progress with my MS as a disease year after year. I will be sharing my story in detail on February 13th. I will also answer any questions I feel qualified to answer. If you want to hear my story, please show up.
Our Day of Endurance event is Saturday, August 29th this year at Naga-Waukee Park in Delafield, WI.
Training starts now. This journey is created to give all of us something BIG to train for. A good way to stay ahead of our MS year after year is to have something BIG on our calendar to work toward…together. This is a powerful journey that we encourage people with MS, family members, friends, our volunteers, etc. to train together towards. The goal is we each do a little better than we did last year. If this is your first year, we encourage you to start training now and do all you can on that day. Whatever you do this year will be your goal for next year.
It doesn’t matter what our mobility level is. We start where we are and gradually build up to do what we can do together on August 29th, which includes a picnic.
Since we’re all at different mobility levels, a good training program consists of doing our daily exercises and then incorporate one long day each week. It’s only the one long day we gradually increase each week. If we start now and gradually increase one day each week, we tend to be pleasantly surprised by August. Our bodies gradually adapt to what we put it through, within our capabilities and limits.
Please come to the presentation we have on Friday, February 13th for more details, share some stories of past accomplishments, receive our training log sheets, and get our training off to a great start…together.
We highly encourage people to buddy up with friends and family members they can train with consistently. It does not need to be the same person or people each day. Mix it up…have some fun. This is an opportunity to do something active with different people each day.
Arts for MS Program – Let’s engage!
If anyone wants to carpool for these events from the gym, please let me know. Let’s do our best to make it easy for as many people as possible to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities for us, our family members, and friends.
No Regrets – Saturday, February 7th
An opportunity for the men of MS-Just Keep Moving. Please join us on Saturday, February 7, 2026 to watch “Livestream” (on the BIG TV) the No Regrets Men’s Conference. The event starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 1:30 PM. This year’s theme is “Surrender”.
The event will feature group worship, compelling messages from leading pastors and teachers, testimonies of how other men have done it and seminars on the topics of most interest to you. Take advantage of this day to avoid the distractions of life and renew your dependence on Christ, the solid rock on which we stand.
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, the cost would be $10.00. Please let Cal, Larry, or Dan know if you plan to attend.
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 two boxes and a couple bags. 😊 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 discussed inflammation. Inflammation is one of our biggest enemies for MS symptoms. This conversation was very beneficial and engaging for those who were there. This subject needs to be continued, inflammation affects all of us living with MS.
Here’s a link to the handout:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SjD0a0zMalUQrAj12NpGSDnKYBXBoYEX/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 – Gregg Dorff
I’m so happy for Gregg. Many of us put off getting our orthopedic challenges fixed because we are afraid of our recovery time living with MS. I’m one of those people, however once I get something fixed and get through the recovery period, I’m thankful I had it done and wished I would have done it sooner. It’s good to see Gregg is recovering well. Gregg is already excited about doing more at the Day of Endurance this year than he has in the past. I’m excited for him.
Ed and Adam’s Podcast
Adam and Ed didn’t make a podcast last week so you can listen to the week before again if you need your Adam and Ed fix. Last week, they had a nice conversation with Cal Newby. Conversations with Cal are always fun and somewhat intriguing.
Here’s the link:
A Conversation with Cal 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.
Here’s Badr’s presentation on this study in case you’d like more information.
You get paid $180.00 to do this one and it’s all done online.
Educational Sessions
This 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 2/13/2026 – 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, 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, February 6th, 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 670 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. Our total is $1,926.63 for the first nine months. That’s really good!
Parking
If you are able-bodied and 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 with Linda C, 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. We had another cold week this week and I didn’t get out in nature as much as I would have liked to. Last Thursday, I went back to Lake Vista Park in Oak Creek to see if the snowy owl was still hanging around there. I found it again. When I first got there, it was sitting by a rock.
After about 20 minutes of watching it, it flew.
It landed on a hill with Lake Michigan in the background
It must not have liked it there because it flew again after only a few minutes.
It sure is a beautiful bird
I noticed it has a little sore on its wing
Here’s another nice picture of it in flight
It went in the weeds where it was hard to get a clear view of it. I took this last picture and had to head back to my vehicle…I was cold.
We had a nice-looking deer visit us in our backyard.
The deer are comfortable there.
I went to Delafield this morning to see if the ducks were still there. They were and some were very active.
For those who cannot get out and enjoy nature due your challenges with MS…my heart is with you. You are with me every time I am 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.
