I’d like to thank . . .
As Parkinson’s Awareness Month comes to a close, I’d like to thank everyone who:
– invited us to speak, and share what we’ve learned about life with Parkinson’s
– hosted our outreach events
– volunteered and helped us at our outreach events
– attended our cafes this month, and shared their stories and thoughts on Parkinson’s awareness
– attended our new Side by Side support groups
– contacted us for information about connecting with other people in our Parkinson community
– organized, (Alec at Rock Steady Boxing!) and joined us for our Pints for Parkinson’s fundraiser
– generously donated to our Parkinson Social Network
And a BIG thank you to our amazing Parkinson Social Network board members for everything they do to continue our mission to educate, advocate, support and enrich the lives of those touched by Parkinson’s disease.

Last week was super busy and we were definitely Out & About
It was the last full week of April, and Parkinson’s Awareness month.
Monday, April 22 – We were at Fair Oaks Hospital with our table in the front lobby and in front of the cafe. We provided information about Parkinson’s and local resources to people walking by, including patients, visitors and staff.
Tuesday, April 23 – Karl and Angela Robb spoke to the staff at Homewatch Care Givers of Loudoun, and shared what they’ve learned about living with Parkinson’s. No matter how many times I hear them speak, I always learn something new!
Wednesday, April 24 – We met at our new location for Cafe Ashburn! And chatted about when we first learned about Parkinson’s and the need for Parkinson’s awareness.
We had a visitor from the Loudoun Area Agency on Aging, and another from a brain and body fitness program called Braining.
Katy Eurich, who is organizing our new Movement to Music class in Reston visited us as well and caught up with friends who know her from another class she’s taught. If you’re interested in her new Parkinson’s class, please contact me because we’re working on finalizing the timing for this class.
Friday, April 25 – Back again at Fair Oaks Hospital for our outreach program. At both of our outreach events this week we were joined by Speech Language Pathologists Caitlyn Lee (on Monday) and Jill Fitzgerald (on Friday), from the Inova Rehabilitation Services. We really appreciate their help, and enjoyed chatting with their patients.
Saturday, April 26 – Fair Oaks Parkinson’s support group enjoyed their annual brunch thanks to our hosts at the Sunrise at Fair Oaks!
In the afternoon, we headed on over to Tyson’s Biergarten for a wonderful fundraising event, Pints for Parkinson’s, organized by Alec Langstein, our special friend at Rock Steady Boxing Nova! Our thanks to everyone who joined us as well as everyone who supported us with their donations.
If you’d like to donate, it’s never too late!
Click here to support your Parkinson Social Network.

Nutrition for Parkinson’s
Last week on Karl Robb’s blog, A Soft Voice in a Noisy World, Karl posted his interview with Kathrynne Holden. Kathrynne is a well-known expert on nutrition and Parkinson’s and I’m delighted to share this interview with you. Thank you, Karl! Click here to read more.

Celebrate Lifelong Learning through the Arts!
All through the month of May
Adults 50 and over from all across Fairfax County are joining in a month-long celebration of the visual, literary and performing arts. Come and enjoy a variety of activities – including performances, demonstrations and interactive classes involving writing, drawing, painting, crafting, music and dance.
Click here for a complete events calendar and more information.

Insight Memory Care Center’s 35th Celebration!
Wednesday, June 5 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
At: Insight Memory Care Center
3953 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030
Do you remember where you were in 1984? Did it involve a lot of big hair and shoulder pads? Or maybe we’d find you at the roller rink or the arcade?
Insight was just starting in 1984. You could find them in a church basement, offering respite services for families living with memory impairment. Caregivers came for support group, and they quickly added five days a week of respite care. Lin Simon, Insight’s founder, was motivated by her passion, knowledge, and supportive friends and community. She didn’t turn anyone away that came for assistance.
Now in 2019 Insight is celebrating 35 years of care and support! No longer in the basement, they’ve been through several moves as they expanded their space and services to serve more in need. Insight now opens their doors to thousands of caregivers and families each year!
Our friends at Insight hope you’ll join them to celebrate! They’ll take a look back at where they’ve been, as they look forward to an exciting future providing care, education, and support for families living with dementia in our community.
I’d like to add that our friends at Insight have supported our Parkinson Social Network from the very beginning when it was just an idea. They host our Café Fairfax – 3 years in June! – and other events. Their educational events are top notch and we are always welcome to attend. I hope you can join in on this celebration to learn more about what they have to offer us, and support them. ~ Sonia
Click here to RSVP.

Dance for PD®’s latest streamed class
Anyone can join these classes from the comfort of their home! This particular class is taught by Janelle Barry. Click here to view and participate in Janelle’s class. There’s a new class available every month, usually with a different teacher, too. To check out their archive and keep on movin’ to the music click here.

Hope to see you Out & About soon!
Cheers,
Sonia
email: Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org