WINTER AND SPRING, 2012 CLASSES

Fitness for PD at the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA
1:30 to 3:00 PM
Monday and Friday
Classes start January 6
Call to register: 718 522 1572 or 718 270 7371
1121 Bedford Avenue (at Monroe Street)
Bus: 44 to Monroe & Bedford; 52 to Gates & Bedford

Fitness for PD at Long Island University
Prep: 10:00 AM – Class: 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Tuesday and Thursday
Call to register and for class start date: 718 780 4149 or 718 488 1542
LIU Wellness, Recreation and Athletic Center (WRAC)
1 University Plaza at Flatbush and De Kalb
Subway: B,D,N,Q,R,A,C,G,2,3,4,5 Bus 25,26,37,38,41,52,54,67

Sing for PD at Mark Morris Dance Center*
1:00 to 1:45 Wednesday
(Please note: Sing for PD does not meet on the second Wednesday of the month,
when BPG has support group meetings.)

Dance for PD at Mark Morris Dance Center*
2:00 to 3:15 Wednesday

DFPD Choreography Class at Mark Morris Dance Center*
3:20 to 3:40 Wednesday

Dance for PD at The Juilliard School, Manhattan
2:30 to 3:45 PM Monday
January 16,30
February 13, 27
March 26
April 9, 23
May 14, 21
June 11, 18
Register on line at www.danceforpd.org
or call 718 522 0553
155 W. 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam

PD Movement Lab at Mark Morris Dance Center*
2:00 to 3:15, Friday

Art classes at the Museum of Modern Art ( MoMA)
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM; (Bring your own lunch to 1:30) Tuesday
January 17
February 14
March 27
April 10
Registration for one or more classes at http://BrooklynParkinsonGroupatMoMA.eventbrite.com
or call 718 522 0553
11 West 53rd between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

MEETINGS

General Support Group Meeting at Mark Morris Dance Center*
12:00 to 2:00 PM, Second Wednesday of the month

Caregivers Support Group Meeting at Mark Morris Dance Center*
12:00 to 2:00 PM Second and fourth Wednesday of the month

First time visitors please call Rachel Chacon 718-596-8789

*Mark Morris Dance Center
3 Lafayette Avenue
Between Flatbush Avenue and Ashland Place,
Near Atlantic Center
Subway: 2,3,4,5, B,D,C,G,M,Q,N,R Bus: 41,45,B7

A “dim sum” is a Cantonese term that refers to a Chinese meal that involves small portions of food, similar to a tea party. BPG’s Manny Torrijos recently hosted a dim sum, but it was more than just your ordinary tea party with pastries and tea tasting. On June 19, 2011, Torrijos organized a dim sum benefitting Brooklyn Parkinson Group at Jing Fong Restaurant on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan, specifically to support the Fitness for PD program at the Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA.

In his invitation, Torrijos explains how the programs and activities that BPG provides have been his “refuge” since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. According to him, the Brooklyn classes that he participates in have hindered the progression of his Parkinson’s and he is so grateful. Eileen Evans and Carol Enseki, along with Torrijos, are part of a Participant-Driven Project committee that helps to organize house parties and various BPG soirees. The dim sum was Manny’s opportunity to campaign for the group and all of its members with the help of his committee.

The event was very successful and we were able to raise $2,000. This money will support the Fitness for PD program in Bed Stuy for 10 weeks. This is an outstanding achievement, but it gets better. Mr. Torrijos graciously agreed to match the funds raised dollar-for-dollar. This means that BPG will receive a $4000 profit from this high tea. BPG thanks Mr. Torrijos for his generous contribution to the group, as well as the Jing Fong Restaurant for hosting the event with style.

BPG Summer 2011 Intern, Joshua Stansbury

Joshua Stansbury arrived to New York City in May 2011 to participate in a unique internship experience with BPG. Stansbury recently completed a double major in Dance and Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with a specialization in Fitness and Wellness at the University of Florida. He is a certified Pilates Mat Instructor and has worked at the University of Florida as a Pilates Instructor and Fitness Supervisor.

Throughout July Josh taught a Pilates and Somatic Techniques class to BPGers on Tuesdays at the Mark Morris Dance Center. His class adapts Joseph Pilates floor work into a chair and standing, and includes other body work that he has worked with during college.

Besides teaching for BPG, Josh’s internship duties included attending all BPG classes, updating contact information, shadowing neurologists at SUNY Downstate, and assisting with grant writing. During his internship with BPG Josh worked professionally as a dancer for the choreographer Neta Pulvermacher in her 17 member company. Pulvermacher premiered 2280 Pints! at Dance Theatre Workshop this May, a piece that was well received. To see the review of 2,280 Pints! by The New York Times go to: (NYT)

You can also check out Josh’s dance thesis work at: (Video)

The eyes have it!

A study is being conducted through the State University of New York (SUNY) Eye Institute to identify a biomarker for Parkinson Disease at the back of the eye. The aim is to be able to identify PD earlier than is currently possible, and to help physicians follow patients’ response to therapy. This study is funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, in collaboration with two SUNY campuses: Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and the State College of Optometry in Manhattan.

Using new technological advances, it is now possible to scan the back of the eye and see the retina in cross-section! Researchers are looking for evidence of Parkinson Disease in the retina, as there are some specialized cells in the retina which utilize Dopamine as a neurotransmitter.

Twenty participants in Brooklyn Parkinson Group classes and activities have already volunteered to participate in this study. Overall, they report it has been a positive, often educational experience. The scans are taken with light, so there is minimal risk involved (no radiation of any kind).

Study participants are reimbursed $50 for travel expenses to the college. If their data qualify to be included in the study, the Michael J. Fox Foundation rewards participants with an additional $150.

If you would like to speak with someone who has participated in the study, please call BPG, at 718 522 0553.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this study, please call
Dr. Samantha Slotnick, Clinical Research Optometrist for more information about the study and how to enroll.(347) 878 9519.

Cyndy Gilbertson and Leonore Gordon, veterans of the annual PAN  Forum,  combined their PAN participation this year, with a full day of being clinically screened for future eligibility in clinical trials at the nearby National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD.  “We recommend  this experience to anyone with PD,” Cyndy and Leonore agreed. “The goal is to assess each individual’s PD, enter them into the NIH PD registry, and to thus be considered for future clinical trials.” Cyndy and Leonore were both impressed by the professional, respectful and warm demeanor shown by all who interviewed them.

Copies of NIH findings and recommendations for treatment of each patient who is screened are sent to their physicians. NIH pays all travel and hotel expenses for patients and a helper for each patient. To arrange for an NIH screening, contact Mae Brooks at 301 496 4604.

BPG member Russ Schoumaker received a scholarship to participate this year in the Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) Forum this March, in Washington, DC. PAN is an organization dedicated to political advocacy on behalf of people with Parkinson’s.

Russ attended with fellow BPGers Cyndy Gilbertson and Leonore Gordon. “The most interesting thing for me,” Russ reported, “was meeting with staff members of New York’s two senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and House representatives including Jerrold Nadler, to solicit their support for PD research related legislation.”

To view the PAN Forum, visit www.ParksonAction.org or look up PAN on Facebook.

BPGers, under the direction of Pam Quinn,  leader of BPG’s PD Movement Lab class, will stage “PUNCH,”  a two minute performance piece  at the  United Nations in Manhattan and at Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn,  among other venues.   Besides performing, Sharon Resen, Manny Torrijos, Mata Stevenson, Charley Tobey, Mary Good, Carol Enseki , Russ Schoumaker, Karen Scheyer and Joy Esterberg will talk with persons about PD, and distribute literature about Parkinson’s , the PD Center at Kings County Hospital and BPG classes and support groups. To see a performance of “Punch” click here (video)

BPGer Michael Brookes, spoke  about the significance of his involvement in BPG and weekly participation in our  Dance for PD classes held at the Mark Morris Dance Center,  on the Brian Leher Talk Show. The show is carried by WNYC, the local New York affiliate of National Public Radio. Michael  is a member of the  BPG Welcoming Committee and BPG Support Group Committee. He travels from Queens each week to  be with fellow BPGers  and to dance. To hear his comments, click hereBiggest Insight Of the Year 2010 Michael Brookes (December 27, 2010)

BPGers Carol Enseki and Eilene Evans co hosted BPG’s first House Party,  held  to spread the word about  Brooklyn Parkinson Group activities  and raise money for its programs. Friends and family got together for a winter holiday buffet, conversation and a short program about how BPG helps persons with PD  stay active in their lives. After a group photo, everyone attended the Mark Morris Dance Group production of “The Hard Nut” at Brooklyn Academy of Music. The event raised $3000 for BPG. (December 19, 2010)

To quote participant Donna Davis when asked her about her recent awards, she replied they were for “doing something she loves.”

That “something” is working on her community garden in Garrison Beach, Brooklyn.  In 2009 she was honored as  leader of the parade that signaled the  christening of the community garden.  In 2010 State Senator, Marty Golden, presented Donna with a “Woman of Valor” award for her dedication to the upkeep of the garden, and AHRC (Association for the Help of Retarded Children) awarded her a certificate of recognition for her work with the disabled.  Every Monday Donna directs six to eight young adults with mental challenges in the tasks necessary to maintain the garden.