Friends,
Sharing of Gifts
Last Friday, Chuck Scherwinski and his band, The Gray Boys shared their gifts of making beautiful music together with us. We all had a good time and really appreciate them doing this for us.
This is another great example of how God is working through each of us in different ways. When I experienced the talent of these four men making great music together for us right here in our gym, I couldn’t help but to notice how God is working through each of them bringing joy to many people with the gifts of their music. It was like we were able disconnect from the rest of the world and issues we have while they were performing.
These guys were amazing. They not only knew the lyrics to every song they sang; they also knew the music they were playing on their instruments in harmony and sounded great singing together…without any notes or music sheets. They put their heart into it. Truly gifted and amazing.
A huge Thank You goes out to Chuck, and The Gray Boys, for sharing your gifts with us! You all were amazing..Thank You!
Volunteer Meetings – Wednesday and Friday this week
Wednesday, February 4th 10:30am – 11:00am
Friday, February 6th 11:00 – 12:00pm
As Dr Kate is coming on full time in March, we want to listen to our volunteers to have a good understanding of what is important to them. Our volunteers are critical to our mission. Once we do a good job of listening to our volunteers, what is important to them and what they are willing to do, we will develop programs for the future with Dr Late being here full time.
If you are a volunteer with MS or without MS, please attend one of these meetings and share your thoughts. Thanks so much!
Rejuvenation Therapy / Shake and Bake
We are very fortunate to get two new lymphatic pump units donated to us. Many more people are now experiencing positive benefits from them. I haven’t mentioned how Rick is doing lately. He’s continuing to make progress and has started drinking chia seeds. If you get a chance, ask Rick about the differences he is experiencing since started drinking chis seeds. Besides that, he’s pretty excited that Marlene can now join him since we have two units set up together.
Marlene usually feels so good after this therapy she wants to dance. Dr Kate danced with her when Chuck and the Gray Boys were playing…FUN! Thanks for making Marlene’s day, Dr Kate 😊
Christina Drausch’s Capstone Project for her doctorate degree
We are fortunate to have Christina here with us for her capstone project. Let’s engage in her program and help it be a great and beneficial experience for her, for you, and for us. Here’s some information:
Matt Panelli’s documentary
Yes, Matt set out to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa despite all the challenges he’s had in life. I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of this documentary experience and view it already. I don’t want to be a spoiler alert person for the documentary but I do want to say that this documentary is very well done. It’s about so much more than Matt’s experiences on his journey. It ties in so much education about mental health, MS as a disease, perseverance and so much more.
Here’s a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW8cmzrbixE
We are fortunate enough to have a private viewing of this at the gym before it is released to the rest of the world. We are scheduling it so people who use a ride service can be here along with the rest of us. Please schedule your ride to get here before 9:00am this day and be picked up after 11:00am so you can see the whole movie.
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 – This 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 full! If you missed signing up and you can handle all the fun that is happening in lane one with our wheelchair bowlers lane two is available to share. Let us know quickly!
You guys are amazing!!! We have received or promised donations for our raffle basket items. We are still looking for additional bottles of liquor or cases of beer for our booze wagon. Please bring them into the break room at the gym. If it’s difficult for you to get out to make a purchase & want to donate, you can give cash to one of our committee members (Bob, Linda, Big Mike, Jo Ann, Steve, Debbie & Shelley).
We will be pre-selling tickets on all gym days starting Monday, February 16! You do not need to be present to win a raffle item or the booze wagon. We will have all the raffle items available to view. We will share the times and prices as we get closer
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 friends at the Nutrition program discussed supplements. What to look for and why. It sounds like they had great discussions about this topic. If you haven’t joined our nutrition program yet, I would highly encourage you to do so.
Here’s a link to the handout:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HSOoWWKf2rPwOhgaoctdyKTnoFy0qaF7/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 – Tom Beaton
Tom is a quiet and friendly guy that consistently goes above and beyond without being asked. I’m always amazed how Tom is helping our friends with MS while he is here and outside of here. We are fortunate to have Tom in our MS-Just Keep Moving family. Thank you Tom!
Ed and Adam’s Podcast
Adam and Ed made a new podcast this week. They had Christina Drasch join them. Christina is doing her doctorate capstone project with us. She will be organizing some recreational programs. You can learn more about it by listening to this podcast, the flyers around the gym, talking with Christina, etc. I hope you will engage and make her experience here a great experience for you as well as for her.
Here’s the link:
A Conversation with Christina 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
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.
Wednesday February 18th 9am – 11am Matt Panelli “Guy Who Can” documentary private showing
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 this 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 Foam 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. I had an opportunity to get out in nature this past weekend with Cal. We found a nice snow drift.
We went to the Mississippi River by Dubuque, IA. This time of the year, the river is frozen except for some fast moving water right below the dam. It’s a great place to watch eagles.
We saw this one in the morning when it was still lit up nice with the sun.
These two were flying nicely together towards evening.
This one was flying towards the moon at sunset
These two set into the trees at sunset
We found some nice ice formations by a spillway
The water coming out of the spillway was fun to watch
This eagle found a meal and seemed to surprise itself
It flew to a tree for a nice breakfast
This Cardinal sure was beautiful
So were these two 😊
As we were packing up to come home, we had my Mom with us. I looked down at the snow and couldn’t hardly believe it. It was a beautiful sign of being blessed with such a nice weekend and feeling that He is with us. I know who to thank for the beautiful experience this weekend and photos to share. Thanks be to God.
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.
