Friends,
Cold, Snow, Below Zero, Etc.
Last week amazed me as we had some quite brutal weather. I was wondering…would anyone with MS even come out in this? What about volunteers? It might have been a little later crowd but I was amazed at how many people showed up. Without saying words, this spoke highly of how serious so many of us are taking it to stay ahead of our MS. Whether you’re in a wheelchair, walker, able bodied, volunteer, etc. You warmed my heart by showing up in such adverse conditions…Thank you! I needed to see that.
A special thanks also goes out to our volunteers for showing up in such adverse weather. Hopefully, we’ll have a little better weather this week.
Volunteer Appreciation / Christmas Party – This Wednesday, December 17th
Each year, we like to show appreciation for our amazing, loving, selfless volunteers who do so much for us and give so much to us. Without our volunteers, we would not be able to do a fraction of what we do. This goes for volunteers with MS as well as volunteers without MS as well as loved ones and caregivers.
Let’s thank our volunteers with much love and gratitude.
If you’re able to bring a dish to pass, please do so.
Holiday Schedule – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Christmas Eve, December 24th – We will not be open. Let’s enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with our loved ones.
Friday after Christmas, December 26th – We will be open. Let’s get together and wear off our Holiday Cheer
New Years Eve, December 31st – We will be open.
Friday after New Years, January 2nd – We will be open. Let’s get the new year started right…together being active.
Polar Plunge – January 1, 2026 – Benefitting our MS-Just Keep Moving Mission
The Panga Bar was kind enough to allow us to borrow some kayaks for kayaking this past summer. Ricky and some others built a relationship with the people there and as a result, they have chosen MS-Just Keep Moving, Inc. as the beneficiary of their Polar Plunge event this year. Let’s help them make this a great event.
Polar Plunge countdown is on!
When you jump this year you’ll be jumping to support MS Just Keep Moving! Come on down to watch these crazy people jump and support an amazing cause!
*BAR OPEN @ 10AM
*REGISTRATION @ 12pm-1:30pm
*FAMILY FRIENDLY PLUNGE @ 12PM
*REGULAR PLUNGE @ 2PM
*Heated tent and changing room
*Prizes for oldest, youngest, and best dressed!
*Amazing food and drink specials!
*Raffles from various businesses around the area!
*Parking is limited so we suggest carpooling accordingly!
*If jumping, we recommend wearing a pair of tennis shoes or water shoes!
*REGISTRATION LINK: https://book.peek.com/s/63e5905c-be76-47f0-9da9-1e8671e5ce0e/p_gydng–9206a735-607d-43df-84f0-5c897774057d?mode=standalone
Panga Bar & Grill Annual Polar Plunge (30th year)
Details:
January 1st, 2026
34422 Delafield Rd, Oconomowoc, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53066
Bar open 10am
Family & kids plunge @ 12:00pm ($10 minimum donation)
Adults jump @ 2:00pm in waves of 20 people at a time ($15 minimum donation)
Pre-registration is encouraged online before the event: link to register will become live soon
Same day in-person registration kids & family 10:30am – 11:30am, general registration 12 – 1:30pm
All proceeds from registration costs, t shirt sales, cash donations, and raffles will benefit MS-Just Keep Moving, Inc.
T Shirts available for sale $25 each
Heated tent with outdoor bar, plunge into 2 feet of water in the channel between upper and lower Nemahbin Lake (water shoes encouraged)
Last year they had 130 attendees and raised $8,000 for ABCD, a non-profit organization for breast cancer survivors. Let’s get an even bigger turn out this year!
They will need 4-5 volunteers for the event to help direct the waves of people plunging at noon (10am – 3pm)
Promotional flyer will be available soon
Fun Video from 2019: https://www.thenorthwestern.com/embed/video/38842971/
Are you ready to do this? 😊
Shoe Donations
It’s good to see the box is starting to fill up. 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.
How did Rick do last week?
Rick had another good week last week. He came in and once again, walked 300 feet before doing anything else. If you’ve been following Rick’s journey, just recently, there were quite a few days he came in and couldn’t even lift his legs.
Rick did the rejuvenation therapy (shake and bake) for 20 minutes and then did an entire standing balance class. Rick also wanted to get back on his trike so we set his trike up on rollers upstairs. That way, he needed to walk up the stairs before he could ride his trike.
He was more than happy to do that and did it well! Once he got upstairs, he got on his trike and made it go. This was better than he did at the Day of Endurance so he had sort of a redemption ride. We are hoping this is just the beginning for Rick to be able get back outside on his trike this spring. He also had to walk back down the stairs safely…which he also did.
Great job Rick! Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Since Rick has been making so much progress with this, Marlene has been wanting to try it as well. For the past three or four weeks, Marlene has been doing the rejuvenation therapy (shake and bake) for 20 minutes. Prior to doing it, Marlene has been walking with a cane to prevent more falls…good job using the cane, Marlene! After she gets done with 20 minutes of the rejuvenation therapy, she walks quite comfortably without the cane. Marlene also claims she can feel her feet much better and her legs are not as heavy. I’m excited to see how Marlene does going forward. I hope she continues to make progress as well.
Since Rick and Marlene are both making such great progress with this therapy, Adam some progress too, we want to give more people opportunities to do it. We will start a sign-up sheet to get more people on it. There have been more spots open early in the day than later. If you want to try this, I would encourage you to come early and sign up as soon as you get to the gym.
I’s been fun sharing Rick’s journey. I’m hoping we can share even more success stories as we go forward. I hope you personally make progress as you try this. We are all learning as we go.
I’m really thankful JoAnn Schmitz came in and taught us about the lymphatic system and what she teaches patients when they come to her. This is what got Rick started back on this journey of improved mobility. It’s been fun putting her knowledge to use and seeing the results. Thanks JoAnn!
Rebounding on the trampoline pumps our lymphatic system in our entire body as well. Our goal is to get the body to heal itself from the inside.
Nutrition Program
This week, Janine and our nutrition program covered the topic of Food for the Party.
Here’s a link to the handout:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16R-Pzf3VCkJVkjRheaJf6HW7Ba22yOlB/view?usp=drive_link
Let’s TALK:
WHAT are your favorite party foods?
o First, let’s list as many favorite party foods, recipes, or beverages as we can recall or imagine.
o Next, for our party, let’s decide to keep as is or modify each item or set of basic ingredients.
o Finally, let’s review to see if there are additional changes that might support gut health even
more effectively: fiber (fruits, veggies, grains), protein, healthy fats, spices, herbs, minimal sugar
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!
Member Spotlight – Marlene DeBuhr
I’m so happy to have Marlene and Don back at the gym. It’s great to see both of them working so hard to keep moving…together. They sure are great role models for me.
Ed and Adam’s Podcast
Adam and Ed had a nice chat with Bill B and many others this past week.
Here’s the link:
Talking with Bill 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.
10:00am – Seated and/or standing stretching, strength, and balance with Ricky
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
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.
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, December 19th, 2025. 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 669 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. Even though it was cold last week, it was a good time to get out in nature and just out in the countryside. I went for a ride with Cal and Larry just looking for something interesting. It was much warmer driving around in the car. We found Santa being busy near Lapham Peak.
We found an inviting swing with quite the view.
This barn was kind of cool looking. I don’t think they build them like that anymore.
These horses looked very comfortable even though it was only 4 degrees out
We saw some ducks by Oconomowoc Lake
This one was in Delafield. It was loving the cold water.
Did you know Sandhill Cranes show affection to each other with their beaks? I didn’t know that until after I saw it. Then I had to Google it. I just love seeing God’s love shared with the critters when I’m out there 😊
This Sandhill Crane looked pretty cold. It was probably wishing it would have flown south for the winter.
When we got back to Larry’s house, we saw a deer in his yard.
When I dropped Cal off at the park and ride, I saw some snow that caught my eye. It’s hard to get pictures like this in July.
Sunday evening, I went for a walk on the Glacier Drumlin Trail by the Fox River in Waukesha. Yes, it was cold out…like 4 degrees above zero. The river looked interesting as the sun was setting.
And the sunset was pretty but I left a little too early. It got even more brilliant after I left. I should have been more patient but was happy with this picture.
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.
