MS Center October News

RSVP for the MS Center Open House

Thursday Oct 27, 2016

Doors Open 11:00 am Presentation at 12:00 pm
Join us for a panel discussion on the benefits of Physical Therapy and Exercise Therapy
Panelists include: 
  • Dr. Mollie Venglar DSc, MSPT, NCS, Florida Gulf Coast University, Dept. of Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Justin Klein, Wellness Supervisor, Lee Memorial Wellness Center – Fort Myers
  • Niki Varveris, Niki Varveris, PT, DPT, MSPT, MBA Owner of PhysioNetics in Naples
A light lunch and refreshments will be served. New address: 3372 Woods Edge Circle #103 Bonita Springs, FL 34134.
  • The location is just west of US 41 at Woods Edge Parkway.
  • If you are coming from the south, Woods Edge Pkwy is one light north of Wiggins Pass off US 41.
  • If you are coming from the north, Woods Edge Pkwy it is one light south of Bonita Beach Rd.
  • Our building is in the Fountains Professional Park (at the rear of the property).

Phone (239) 435-1901 Fax (239) 435-1993.

Good News on Transportation!
Board member and Program Committee Chair, Dr. Jim Wilkerson, has researched the transportation options to our location at 3372 Woods Edge Circle #103, Bonita Springs, FL. The results are below. Collier County: Dr. Wilkerson secured an agreement with Collier County Transit (CAT) to transport riders using its paratransit vehicles, from Collier County to the MS Center in Bonita Springs. However, you must be registered with the CAT Paratransit Center. Please visit their website for more information: http://www.colliergov.net/your-government/divisions-a-e/alternative-transportation-modes/our-services/collier-area-paratransit-system. Lee County: Lee County Transit Authority has assured Dr. Wilkerson that our location here in Bonita Springs isalready listed on the route for thePassport paratransit vehicles. However, you must register to use the service. One of our clients who lives in Fort Myers, has come to the Center twice using the Passport service without any trouble. Please visit their website for more information: http://www.leegov.com/leetran/passport-(ada-service)
Saturday, October 22, 2 pm
Revival Yoga Fitness Studio 760 N. Collier Blvd., Suite 107

Come out and support this fundraising event for the MS Center at Revival Fitness in Naples! This is an easy way to support the MS Center while doing something healthy and fun. Our thanks to superstar Yoga instructor Elaine Malone for organizing this event! Our wonderful Elaine will lead a fun and lively chair yoga class to discover just how much can be accomplished while seated! This chair yoga class is for anyone who would like to explore the many possibilities of yoga. *No experience necessary* Following class, Oscar, from Wake Up Marco, will treat us to delicious coffee and tea tasting! All donations go directly to MS Center of SW Florida which helps people in our area with Multiple Sclerosis. $20 minimum donation suggested. Join us for a fun afternoon while helping the warriors who fight MS! Sign up early because this will fill up quickly!

Thank you to those who participated in our survey.

In consideration of the survey results, the following support groups will be offered this fall at the MS Center office in Bonita Springs.

New Support Groups

Transitions Support Group (Grief and Loss)

Primary Facilitator: Loren Whipple, BSW, Avow Hospice Bereavement Services and Certified Educational Trainer 8 week program Tuesdays, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm Oct 18, 25 Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec 6, 13 Living with the serious transitions MS can bring to our lives requires us to face losses and to grieve about our changing lives. This support group is for discussion & learning about the changes and losses involved in living with MS and coping with grief.

Caregiver and Care Partner Support Group

Primary Facilitator: Nina Gray, LMHC 6 week program Wednesdays, 2:00pm to 3:30pm Nov 2, 9, 16, 30 and Dec 7, 14 Caring for a loved one presents various opportunities and challenges. The MS Center offers Caregiver/Care Partner Support Groups which provide:

  • A place to share experiences where you will be understood and supported
  • The benefit of talking with others in a similar situation
  • The opportunity to learn new coping strategies
  • A safe and confidential environment
  • A way to decrease isolation
Stay tuned for other support groups starting in December or January.

Other Activities at the MS Center
New session for Art Therapy

  •  Begins Oct. 12 at 10:00 am

Contact Les‑Lee to sign up at:Les‑Lee@centers4ms.org
Yoga Classes with Elaine

  • Tuesdays at 3 pm, and
  • Thursdays at 11 am
  • Saturdays at 11 am.

Contact Elaine at 239-465-7058 or email lanyfit@gmail.com.
Please, see the website calendar for a full listing of available classes.

MS Center’s New Classes

“Creative Connections”

The Creative Connections professionals will be conducting Creative Arts Therapyhere at the Center. The first of the series is called “Your Story: A Memoir Workshop”. It will launch on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 10 am. This six-part workshop series leads participants through the process of creating a framework for understanding various aspects of their life. This therapeutic experience is led by a writer and a mental health professional. For questions about the workshop or to sign up please contact Les‑Lee at:Les‑Lee@centers4ms.org.

Balance, Strength, and Mobility Class

In this class we will work on your balance, strength, and mobility to help you move better through life. Class will consist of barre work, chair work, and strengthening using Thera-bands and/or small weights. These are small size classes, appropriate for any level. We will modify all exercises to make sure you are working within your comfort zone. Classes are held on Tuesday and Fridays at 10:30 am and 11:30 am. Contact Courtney Williams (239) 560-6893 or Courtney@formfitnaples.com.