Many Northern and Central California Parkinson’s support groups have interesting speakers or programs lined up for August 2013.  Here’s what happening at a support group near you.

For support group meeting location, day/time, contact info, and RSVP details (if an RSVP is required or requested) for all Northern and Central CA support groups, see the Stanford Parkinson’s webpage.

What does it mean if a support group you sometimes attend isn’t listed below?  It might mean that the group doesn’t have its regular meeting this month, or the group is having a social event.  Or it might mean that this month’s meeting doesn’t have a guest speaker.  Or it might mean that the guest speaker info didn’t arrive from the group in time to be added here.  Last but not least, it could mean that I messed up.  If you are not a regular attendee of a group, it’s always a good idea to call the group leader to confirm the meeting!

Regards,
Robin
parkinsons.stanford.edu

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Orangevale
Thursday, 8/1, 10-11:15am
Guest Speaker:  Nicklesh Thakur, DO, movement disorder specialist, Sutter Neuroscience, Sacramento
RSVP?:  Requested for this meeting.

San Jose – Willow Glen
Friday, 8/2, 10am-noon  (speaker starts at 10:20am)
Guest Speaker:  Diron Cassidy, MPT, Vortex Physical Therapy & Balance, San Jose
Topics:  How exercise can help Parkinson’s patients prevent falls, and how physical therapy can improve balance and gait
RSVP?:  No.

Visalia
Friday, 8/2, 10:30am-noon
Program:  Watch and discuss the video “PD: A Guide for Patients and Families”
RSVP?:  No.

Ft. Bragg
Friday, 8/2, 2-3pm
Program:  Question and answer session with local paramedic
RSVP?:  No.

Placerville
Tuesday, 8/6, 1:30-3pm
Program:  Sharing recent materials on PD research and treatment, and sharing recent newsletters from various PD and healthcare organizations.
RSVP?:  No.

Roseville
Tuesday, 8/6, 1:30-3pm
Guest Speaker:  Genny Claxton, Empire Driving School
Topic:  Seniors and Safety
RSVP?:  No.

Hollister
Tuesday, 8/6, 1:30-3:30pm
Guest Speaker:  Linda Nowbar, registered dietitian, ANSR Pharmacy, Hollister
RSVP?:  No.

Santa Cruz
Wednesday, 8/7, 12:30-2pm
Guest Speakers:  Daniel Silvernail, architect; Casey Lewis, aging in place specialist, Talmadge Construction; and Larry Favor, general contractor
Topic:  Designing new construction and retrofitting existing construction to address safety concerns of the disabled and elderly
RSVP?:  No.

Millbrae
Thursday, 8/8, 1:30-3pm
Guest Speaker:  Greg Hartwell, co-founder and CEO, Homecare California
Topic:  Technology for Aging in Place
RSVP?:  No.

Stockton
Thursday, 8/8, 1:30-3pm
Program:  Discussion of tips for living with PD, and view the trailer for the new Michael J. Fox TV show
RSVP?:  No.

Pleasanton
Saturday, 8/10, 10am-noon
Guest Speaker:  Linda Weihofen, Liberty Home Equity Solutions, Walnut Creek
Topic:  Reverse mortgages
RSVP?:  No.

Santa Rosa (Sonoma County)
Saturday, 8/10, 1-3:15pm (guest speaker is from 1-2pm)
Guest Speaker:  Dr. Deborah Ross-Swain, speech therapist and clinical director, and speech therapy staff, The Swain Center, Santa Rosa
Topic:  LSVT LOUD, which is designed for those with PD to help with soft voice, clearer speech, and swallowing
RSVP?:  No.

Yuba City (Tri-County)
Monday, 8/12, 1-2pm
Program:  Planning and scheduling dance classes for those with Parkinson’s
RSVP?:  No.

Palo Alto Young Onset (diagnosed at age 50 or younger)
Tuesday, 8/13, 6:30-8pm
Guest Speaker #1:  Katie Parafinczuk, DPT, physical therapist, Kaiser Redwood City
Topic:  Latest research on PD and exercise
Guest Speaker #2:  John Berdoulay, PT, physical therapist, Kaiser Redwood City, and creator of PD exercise class
Topic:  Exercise highlights from LSVT BIG and PWR!
RSVP?:  Yes, an RSVP is required if you are attending this meeting for the first time.

Palo Alto
Wednesday, 8/14, 2-3:30pm
Guest Instructor:  Larry Hovland, certified fitness trainer, and instructor of PD exercise course at Page Mill Y
Program:  Parkinson’s Exercise:  one hour plus of stretching, balance, and strengthening.  Standing or seated.  Bring two one-pound weights, if possible!
RSVP?:  No.

Walnut Creek
Saturday, 8/17, 10am-noon
Guest Speaker:  Gary Turchin, poet, artist, storyteller and PD activist
Topics:  Creativity, depression, and managing PD creatively
RSVP?:  No.