When people join my exercise classes I always ask them about their goals. Years ago, my first client living with Parkinson’s told me her goal was to dance the foxtrot again. Ruth was living in a retirement community where Saturday night was dance night for the residents, and she was not happy about being a wallflower. Six Saturdays after we began Ruth’s personal training program, improving her strength and endurance, she was up on her feet and dancing! The smile on her face as she told me about it just lit up the room. Oh, and Ruth was in her late 80’s!

Ruth’s determined spirit showed itself time and again, and inspires me still. This week I connected with Katy Eurich, a professional dancer who is keen to start a dance class for Parkinson’s in our area. As a full-time caregiver to her father, who lived with Parkinson’s for 18 years, she understands what it is like to live with Parkinson’s.

Now I’m sure you can imagine how excited I am to announce . . .
We are organizing a new Parkinson’s dance class in Reston!
I’m looking forward to seeing smiles on many more faces. Here’s a message from Katy, describing her class . . .

This will be a movement class catered to those with Parkinson’s (and related conditions). It is designed to encourage spatial awareness, move large, stretch, and strengthen. With the use of multi-genre music, participants engage in music appreciation, recognizing rhythms and even singing. This is a class for all levels, and is adaptable based on an individual’s needs. All are welcome!  Bringing a partner is encouraged but not necessary. Our class will meet at a beautiful professional dance studio with easy access from parking to studio entrance. Join us as we spend an hour together discovering the joy that music, movement and relationships offer!
Class location: 267 Sunset Hills Business Park, Herndon, Va.
A reasonable fee will be charged for this class (one fee per couple) and will be determined at a later date.
*** If you are at all interested in joining this class, please contact Sonia at: Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org or (571) 286-5000.
As soon as we have an idea of who is interested, we’ll get in touch and work out the details!

We have a new addition to the Keep Moving page on our website!
Interactive Metronome Training
When: Availability Monday-Saturday
Where: Fairfax City
Website: Timing4Life.com
Contact: Mary Schlesinger
Email: timing4life1@gmail.com / Phone: 703-934-4785
Cost: Assessment $50 / One-on-One Sessions $150/Hr
Interactive Metronome (IM) can help improve balance, coordination, and gait. And, in turn, reduce fall risk. And that’s only part of what IM training can do. The 1.5 hour assessment is a great introduction to this powerful technology. Learn what IM is all about, ask questions, set goals, work through the assessment exercises, and see how you score (at the millisecond level). Accommodations can be made for wheel chairs and walkers.

This next announcement about the Scam Jam comes from the latest issue of the Golden Gazette, a free monthly publication from Fairfax County.
There was also an interesting article about imposter scams, and April events like the Aging and Wellness Fair, 50+ Employment Expo, and the Scam Jam below. More events such as smart driver courses, Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout (April 27), and document shredding events were featured. There was also information about the latest podcasts, including Start a Conversation about Parkinson’s, and programs on channel 16. Even a Caregiver Corner!
Don’t miss out having the Golden Gazette pop into your inbox every month!
Click here to subscribe.

We’ve been talking about scams and document shredding with Maria from Conquer the Clutter at our cafes this month.
Scam Jam: A Free Fraud Fighting Event
Saturday, April 27, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
At: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax
Presentations by Susan Hogan, consumer investigative report with NBC4 and Elisabeth Leamy, consumer columnist with the Washington Post.
Light refreshments and a lunch will be served. In addition, there will be a shredding truck onsite from 8:00 am until noon unless the truck fills up before then.
Register and find out more at https://states.aarp.org/fairfaxscamjam or call 1-877-926-8300

And more from AARP . . .
AARP CAREversations
Join us for this lightly facilitated conversation about family caregiving.
Thursday, March 28 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Osteria da Nino, 2900 S Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22206

• Discover five key steps to aid you in your caregiving journey.
• Connect and exchange tips and ideas with fellow caregivers.
• Explore local caregiving resources available in your community.
Enjoy light refreshments!
Registration is kindly requested, click here to register.
For questions about this workshop call 1-866-740-6947.

Slip on your dancing shoes in anticipation of our new class!
Dance for Dementia
Thursday, April 4 from 5:00 – 8:30 pm
Where? NOVA Adult Day Care Center
45940 Horseshoe Dr Suite 100, Sterling, VA 20166
Join us for appetizers, live music, dancing, and a silent auction!
Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door.
Get your tickets today at https://dancingfordementia.eventbrite.com
Proceeds from Dancing for Dementia will benefit Dementia Friendly America Herndon, a program of Insight Memory Care Center!

This is an excellent educational event put on by Insight a couple of times each year. For this particular one, Insight is offering a workshop on Veterans Benefits at our request following our discussions at our cafes a few months ago. I hope to see you there!
Caregiver Bootcamp – reminder
Saturday, April 6, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Where? Insight Memory Care Center
Insight offers the Caregiver Bootcamp to help you learn more about essential caregiving topics, all in one place! Come and learn from experts in their fields and gain knowledge on the basics you need to know as a caregiver. Topics for the day include Dementia 101 & Clinical Trials, Understanding Veterans Benefits, Practical Tools for Caregivers, and A Person-Centered Approach. Read more online about our topics and speakers!

Fair Oaks Parkinson’s Support Group
Saturday, March 23rd from 10 am – noon
Where? Sunrise Senior Living at Fair Oaks
3750 Joseph Siewick Dr., Fairfax
In the 3rd floor Library (room to the left as you step out of the elevator)
Open to anyone living with Parkinson’s, their families and friends. All are welcome!

Hope to see you out and about again soon! Next week we’ll be at Cafe Ashburn with Maria from Conquer the Clutter joining us. Will we see you there?

Cheers,
Sonia
email: Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org