Franklin Support Group: Get Involved

The Peterson for Parkinson’s Franklin Support Group provides many opportunities to get involved. Below are events outside of the monthly support group meeting to connect with our community.

 

 

 

Peterson Voices

Peterson Voices is welcome to all members diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their care partners. The mission of the group is to provide an enjoyable music therapy to help strengthen and preserve the voice as Parkinson’s progresses. No previous music/singing experience required. New members are accepted year round.  The choir meets weekly on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 AM at Franklin First United Methodist Church choir room.  A Zoom option is also available at this time to join in on practices.  For more information and to sign up please contact Carrie Friddell at carrie@inharmonymusicmidtn.com

Peterson Painters

The Peterson Painters is a creative art support group for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners (no artistic experience/talent required). Lead by program coordinator, Gail Torrence, the Peterson Painters provides a nurturing space where participants learn about various artists, techniques and partake in monthly activities. The painters meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month at Franklin First United Methodist Church. For more information read our blog post or contact Gail at storrence@comcast.net.

Peterson Crafters

Did you know that activities like knitting and crocheting can help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety as well as improve motor and cognitive functions? We are starting a new informal group for People with Parkinson’s and Care Partners of all knitting and crocheting abilities from beginners to experts. Our purpose is to build relationships in order to care for and support each other while having fun being creative! For more information contact Jamie who will be coordinating this activity at ledfordtwo@gmail.com

Rock Steady Boxing

This exercise program is the first-of-its-kind for those suffering from PD. Our program incorporates non-contact boxing using equipment such as the heavy bag, speed bag, hand pads (worn by an instructor), ropes, gait ladder and much more. Clients will discover that their activities of daily living become easier due to the intense exercise of the boxing class. Each class will focus on gross motor movement, rhythm, core strength, balance, flexibility, and hand-eye coordination. This, in turn, improves flexibility, range of motion, gait, posture- all serious issues for patients with Parkinson’s disease.  *No boxing experience is required and people of all ages are invited to participate! Caretakers are welcome as well! Contact RSB Franklin/Music City at franklin@rsbaffiliate.com or nashbridges@comcast.net

Small Groups

In addition to our large Support Group meetings, the PFPSG, Franklin, has two small group meetings for PwPs and Care Partners. The PwPs meet together and work with Coach Michelle Bouve from RSB with cognitive exercises and games. At the same time, in a separate room, Care Partners meet to share and learn from one another. The beauty of these meetings is they occur simultaneously so that couples can come together to enjoy the benefits these groups offer. These meetings occur on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the FFUMC from 10:30-noon. For more information, contact Kay Cooper at gfkcc81@gmail.com