Bell Area Parkinsons Support

Bell Area Parkinsons Support BAPS exists to support people living with Parkinson's and their caregivers who live in or near Bell

BAPS Members, I look forward to meeting more new members at this week's meeting and hearing updates from all who c...
06/16/2026

BAPS Members,

I look forward to meeting more new members at this week's meeting and hearing updates from all who can attend. We meet Friday afternoon (June 19), yes, Juneteenth, at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church fellowship hall at 206 W. Fowler Ave in Killeen at 2:30. If you have Juneteenth plans that overlap, those plans are your priority. I've welcomed several new members recently by phone or text. I hope several can attend Friday.

We have several members who read these updates, but can't - or choose not to - attend the meetings. We also have readers who have moved out of the area, but stay in touch.

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BAPS Can Move Pilot is Off to a Great Start! 🌟

On June 10, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS) launched the BAPS Can Move 6-week pilot program at the National Fitness Court in the northeast corner of Lions Club Park in Killeen.

Since kickoff, participants have been gathering at 8:00 AM every Wednesday and Saturday to explore safe, effective ways to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and confidence through movement.

A special thank you goes to Luis Rivera, who designed and leads the program, and to Dr. Makenna Ozenne, whose expertise in Physical Therapy and LSVT BIG helps adapt the exercises to meet each participant's individual needs and abilities. The full details are attached.

The National Fitness Court provides a unique outdoor setting with stations that can be modified for a wide range of fitness levels. Whether participants are newly diagnosed, living with Parkinson's for many years, or simply looking to stay active, the program focuses on moving safely, moving BIG, and moving together.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us so far. Your commitment, encouragement, and willingness to try something new are what make BAPS such a special community. It's not too late to welcome additional participants. Just show up at the fitness court at 8 am on Wednesday or Saturday, ready to move.

💚 Keep moving. Keep growing. Keep supporting one another.

- - - - - - - - - - Quick Updates
- BeechBand Free Assessments - I learned from a company rep that they plan an 8-hr battery life as their next upgrade. The price has been lowered from about $100 to about $75. www.beechband.com for more info.

- MiraColt equine motion simulator- The remaining MiraColt moved from Beat Down Boxing gym in Temple to the Belton Senior Activity Center on Mitchell Street in Belton. Free use is available daily from 9 to 1. Rides are about 15 minutes. www.chariotinnovations.com for more info.

- Contact Team?? - One of the things BAPS has never had is a contact team. The team would reach out to members we haven't seen in a while, share status information members want shared, and followup with members about support requests. If this is something you would like to do, let me know.

Speaking of contact - I have an important update to share about a BAPS-North member. Kathleen Troutman has been missing from our meetings recently because she's dealing with a Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis. This puts her Parkinson's on the back burner. Kathleen told me I could share this news with the group when she and Richard called me to offer her U-Step walker to someone who might benefit from using it - no cost. From Google: Unlike standard rollators, it prevents falls and "runaway" accidents by using a patented reverse braking system and a highly stable, multi-wheeled base. The U-Step walker can be transported in most vehicles, but it's not a lightweight transport walker. The reverse braking system means the user lightly squeezes the brake to GO. When there's no pressure, the walker stops.
Here's contact information:
Kathleen:- [email protected] 405.414.2937
Richard - [email protected] 405.620.3908

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- Virtual Support Group via Zoom. Some members travel to Georgetown to participate in Power for Parkinson's exercise classes. Some members traveled to the home office in Austin for events. I just participated in my first Power for Parkinson's virtual support group Zoom meeting. The monthly meeting may be just what's needed for members who have moved to an area without a support group or those who aren't currently mobile. www.powerforparkinsons.org to learn more.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 27 (Sat) - Temple's Health & Wellness Expo - flyer attached. We have a BAPS table.

July 3 - NO MEETING - HOLIDAY

July 10 - Joint meeting in Belton (& Killeen?? by Zoom) - Steven Darroh - Speech and Swallowing

July 17 - Killeen - Support group meeting

July 18 (Sat) - Celebration breakfast for completion of the BAPS Can Move program

July 31 - FIFTH FRIDAY - ?????

- - - - - - - - - Only special meeting information is included below

Aug 21 - Joint meeting in Killeen - Dr. Kamuth, neurosurgeon who does deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery. He has office hours in Killeen every Thursday.

Sep 4 - NO MEETING - HOLIDAY

Oct 9 - Joint meeting in Belton - Focused Ultrasound - Insightec - Kara Doctor

Jan 1, 2027 - Killeen - NO MEETING - HOLIDAY

April 3 TBD - Central Texas Parkinson’s Symposium - College Station with Belton option

I hope to see you Friday afternoon - perhaps also Wed and Saturday morning!

Gayle
254.718.4197
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

🌟 BAPS Can Move Pilot Off to a Great Start! 🌟On June 10, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS) launched the BAPS Can Move...
06/15/2026

🌟 BAPS Can Move Pilot Off to a Great Start! 🌟

On June 10, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS) launched the BAPS Can Move 6-week pilot program at the National Fitness Court in the northeast corner of Lions Club Park in Killeen.

Since kickoff, participants have been gathering at 8:00 AM every Wednesday and Saturday to explore safe, effective ways to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and confidence through movement.

A special thank you goes to Luis Rivera, who designed and leads the program, and to Dr. Makenna Ozenne, whose expertise in Physical Therapy and LSVT BIG helps adapt the exercises to meet each participant's individual needs and abilities.

The National Fitness Court provides a unique outdoor setting with stations that can be modified for a wide range of fitness levels. Whether participants are newly diagnosed, living with Parkinson's for many years, or simply looking to stay active, the program focuses on moving safely, moving BIG, and moving together.

We are excited to celebrate the completion of this first pilot session with a breakfast gathering on July 18.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us so far. Your commitment, encouragement, and willingness to try something new are what make BAPS such a special community.

💚 Keep moving. Keep growing. Keep supporting one another.



📸 Scenes from our June 10 BAPS Can Move kickoff at the National Fitness Court in Lions Club Park. Participants practiced balance, stepping, stretching, and BIG movements while enjoying fellowship and fresh air.

06/14/2026

Join us on Thursday June, 18, from 3 PM to 4:30 PM for the 2026 GAPS Vendor Fair. Come and connect with our various community partners as they share about the work the do to support the Parkinson's and movement disorder community.
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Hi BAPS-North members, We meet together this Friday afternoon, June 12, from 2:30 - 4:00 in Room D9 (round tables) ...
06/10/2026

Hi BAPS-North members,

We meet together this Friday afternoon, June 12, from 2:30 - 4:00 in Room D9 (round tables) at CTCOG in Belton. The address is 2180 North Main Street. The visit from Dr. Coughlin of Clear Sky Rehab Hospital is postponed so we have the full meeting time to meet new members, hear updates, and discuss.
- - - - -
I have an important update to share about a member. Kathleen Troutman has been missing from our meetings recently because she's dealing with a Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis. This puts her Parkinson's on the back burner. Kathleen told me I could share this news with the group when she and Richard called me to offer her U-Step walker to someone who might benefit from using it - no cost. From Google: Unlike standard rollators, it prevents falls and "runaway" accidents by using a patented reverse braking system and a highly stable, multi-wheeled base. The U-Step walker can be transported in most vehicles, but it's not a lightweight transport walker. The reverse braking system means the user lightly squeezes the brake to GO. When there's no pressure, the walker stops.
Here's contact information:
Kathleen:- [email protected] 405.414.2937
Richard - [email protected] 405.620.3908

image.png
- - - - -
MiraColt is at the Belton Senior Activity Center for the month of June. You can ride for free whenever the center is open, but it's best to arrive between 9 and 1 when the main door is unlocked and someone is at the front desk. If you aren't familiar with the MiraColt, we can discuss it Friday.
Details for your visits:
- Address: 842 S. Mitchell Street, Belton.
- Hours: It is best to arrive between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM while the main door is unlocked.
- Access: Sign in as a member or guest and proceed to the corner with the TV.
- Guidelines: A poster is available on-site showing the recommended speed and duration.
- Scheduling: Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointments are necessary.
- Membership is free. This is a good opportunity to sign up. While you are there, I encourage you to check out the Center’s recent renovations. The north side features a new kitchen, restrooms, and two new rooms. One of the rooms is a library with a pool table.
- - - - -
Kristy Delong, a senior researcher at Baylor University, asked me to share this information with you: Texas needs to hear from people with disabilities and their families. We are launching a statewide research study unlike traditional surveys, centered on your real experiences and priorities, led by the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. Your voice is needed to help strengthen the programs, resources, and supports that shape the lives of the disability community across Texas. Learn more and sign up for the survey at www.raisingtexasvoices.org. (Her flyer is attached.)

Gayle
254.718.4197
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support

Announcement: BAPS Can Move Pilot ProgramWe had a full circle at Friday's meeting with 17 members attending. We have n...
06/10/2026

Announcement: BAPS Can Move Pilot Program

We had a full circle at Friday's meeting with 17 members attending. We have no meeting this week, but I'm sending this extra email so all members know you're invited to participate in BAPS Can Move. I initially announced Tuesday, June 9, as the first meeting. For good reason, THE DATE SLIPPED A DAY from Tuesday to Wednesday (June 10) to support Dr. Ozenne's available mornings. We have 7 or 8 exercise participants. That's enough for the pilot program, but Dr. Ozenne told us she can handle 12.
- If you want to join the pilot,
1) notify Luis (254.449.0143) or me, so we know to expect you
2) show up at 8 am Wednesday in the lobby of the 2-story Family Fitness Center in Lions Club Park on Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen
3) wear appropriate shoes and clothes to walk to the Fitness Court between the Senior Center and Stan Schlueter Loop, exercise, and return to the Fitness Center
4) bring water - your bottle can be filled at fountains next to the Rec Center lobby. You do not need to bring a chair Wednesday. Restrooms are next to the lobby.
5) you do NOT need to be a member of the Senior Center or the Family Fitness Center
6) put a note on your calendar for Wednesday and Saturday morning from now until July 18. Some absences are OK, but we hope most can attend most sessions.
7) your smartphone if you want support in loading apps for the National Fitness Court and team coordination - optional
8) get ready for movement and fun

BAPS Can Move Background:
- Luis and Carmen Rivera, new members of BAPS this year, attended Dr. Eric Roden's Fitness That Fits presentation at the March 28 Symposium. Soon, Luis sent me Version 1 of the attached proposal. He included a recommendation that the proposal be reviewed by Dr. Rhoden or someone with similar credentials. I sent the proposal to Dr. Rhoden, who responded very quickly with praise for the proposal and some points to consider. Luis updated the proposal to create the attached Version 2. Click here to watch Dr. Rhoden's Fitness that Fits presentation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drGrNOJXEAU&t=2018s
- The City of Killeen Parks and Recreation Office is glad to have us as one of the groups that uses the National Fitness Court. They just want us to know we must welcome anyone who wants to use the court when we're there. We're OK to have music.
- That left the need to check with the Parkinson's Foundation to see if they would help us find a physical therapist trained to support those with Parkinson's Disease. The Parkinson's Foundation provided information about three therapists in the area. One is a professor I know at UMHB, one works in Temple, and the third is Makenna Ozenne, a therapist with Integrity Rehab in Copperas Cove. Makenna will volunteer her time to support our exercise sessions on Wednesday and Saturday from 8-9 am. Makenna is trained at LSVT BIG and supports those with Parkinson's. Makenna recently completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy from UMHB, so she's officially Dr. Ozenne.
- I recommend you read through Luis' excellent proposal. He has set us up for success by finding a free place to exercise that's nationally recognized, arranging appropriate review and support, and setting a realistic pilot period of 6 weeks/12 workouts.

Also from the meeting:
- Dr. Patrick Figueiredo, "Dr. Patrick", owner of FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center, broke away from work to visit Friday's meeting. He provided a good summary of his business and responded to several excellent questions from members about insurance and more. FYZICAL is located at 200 Millers Crossing, Suite 102, just SW of Walgreens on FM 2410 in Harker Heights. One of the PT stations at FYZICAL is a track that runs along a section of the ceiling. This permits patients to walk or run with support from a harness. Wanda and Felix told us about how working out in the harness has helped Wanda build strength and balance. She was walking on the beach during their recent trip with no walker needed.

Texas needs to hear from people with disabilities and their families. We are launching a statewide research study unlike...
06/04/2026

Texas needs to hear from people with disabilities and their families. We are launching a statewide research study unlike traditional surveys, centered on your real experiences and priorities, led by the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. Your voice is needed to help strengthen the programs, resources, and supports that shape the lives of the disability community across Texas. Learn more and sign up for the survey at www.raisingtexasvoices.org. https://disability.research.baylor.edu/focus-areas/families/raising-texas-voices

Hi BAPS-West Members and Guests, We meet Friday afternoon (June 5) at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church fellows...
06/02/2026

Hi BAPS-West Members and Guests,

We meet Friday afternoon (June 5) at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church fellowship hall at 206 W. Fowler Ave in Killeen at 2:30. Felix and Wanda Velazquez have coordinated with the owner of Fyzical Therapy in Harker Heights, where Wanda enjoys the freedom of being fitted with a harness that runs along a track in the ceiling to support her movement. We'll also share an update on the BAPS Can Move exercise program proposal created by Luis Rivera to support his wife, Canmen, and the full BAPS-West membership.

I know some will miss the meeting, so I'll provide some of the background information here. It's always best if you're able to attend and add to the discussion whenever possible. Three resources speak to the importance of movement.

1. Inyanga Health (www.inyangahealth.com) provided a handout of "Parkinson's: 12 Daily Essentials for our Parkinson's Symposium folders. I'll have copies on Friday, or you can find the information on Dr. Alex's website. Here are items 2 and 3:
- Move your body every day
- Use big movements to stay mobile

2. The recently published book The Parkinson's Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment by Ray Dorsey, MD, MBA, and Michael S. Okun, MD, is full of information. One section near the end of the book is titled "THE PARKINSON'S 25".Here's their introduction to the list and one of the items

"Here are 25 actions to lower your risk of Parkinson's. For those with the disease, some may even slow progression. Most apply to all of us regardless of age, s*x, disability, or geography. These recommendations may be especially important for those with a family history of Parkinson's, those at genetic risk, or those who have been exposed to toxic chemicals. Let's all live longer, healthier lives and say good-bye to Parkinson's disease." and "21 - Exercise. In his best-selling book Outlive, Dr. Peter Attia wrote, "I now tell patients that exercise is, full stop and hands down, the best tool we have in the neurodegeneration prevention tool kit." Vigorous exercise can lower the risk of developing Parkinson's, and moving every day is also beneficial for those who already have the disease. In a recent study, aerobic exercise (stationary bike at least three times per week) reduced brain atrophy and stabilized disease progression."

3. World Parkinson's Congress in Phoenix, AZ last week. The attendees I've heard from mention how empowering and encouraging it is to be in the midst of such a large community united on a common focus.

One of Cindy Conte's report items to her fighters from the World Parkinson's Congress is relevant to our meeting's topic:
Four researchers shared their findings on the benefits of exercise for the human body -- not just those living with PD. The research shows the power of exercise -- and yet too many people spend their days sitting and being inactive. The following quote resonated with me:
"Perhaps most puzzling, why do so many of us fail to take advantage of the many apparent benefits of exercise, and what can be done to change this?"

4. Central Texas Parkinson's Symposium. You know I can't leave this list of resources without reminding you of the discussions of exercise at the March 28 Symposium. You can go to the Inyanga Health Channel on YouTube to find Eric Rhoden's presentation on Fitness that Fits. The new QR Code is attached by our logo!

More to discuss, and more new members to meet, when we get together Friday afternoon.

Gayle
254.718.4197
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

The Central Texas Parkinson's Symposium videos are available on YouTube.com. Please see the attached link and QR Code f...
05/29/2026

The Central Texas Parkinson's Symposium videos are available on YouTube.com. Please see the attached link and QR Code for easy access. We hope the videos are a valuable resource for all; members, non-members, caregivers, and our group supporters.

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