Dear Friend of the NJ Metro Chapter,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Please read this message to learn about program updates and news in NJ. Read about:
- Chapter programs and services including but not limited to the Educational Teleconference calls, Employment Related Conference calls, Boys Night Out, Scholarship and MS Awareness Week
- Activities for Hispanic Families Living with MS
- Recognizing Caregivers
- Talking Book Library
- And more!
-----------------------------------------------
Emergency Preparedness
The recent storms in NJ is a good reminder of the need for emergency service agencies! We all need to be aware of disaster preparedness and emergency response; people with disabilities often require more individual preparation. You can learn more about disaster preparedness and emergency response from www.ready.gov. This is a good place to start; you may also want to call your local community to learn of any special registries they have for emergency preparedness activities for people with disabilities.
-----------------------------------------------
Scholarship
National Scholarship Program – MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education. This is why the National MS Society’s scholarship program exists – to help qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of going to college. Scholarship applications for 2012 awards will be accepted between October 1, 2011 and January 13, 2012. Scholars receive notice in May 2012. For detailed guidelines and application information for the 2012 program, click on this link: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/society-programs-and-services/scholarship/index.aspx
Chapter Scholarship Program – The Chapter also has a scholarship program. Applications are currently available and will be accepted until March 1, 2012; you can find more information from this link: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/njm/scholarships/index.aspx. Students may apply to both the National and Chapter Scholarship Programs. To obtain an application contact Jennifer at the Chapter at 201-967-5599, ext. 43203 or jennifer.fallon@nmss.org.
-----------------------------------------------
Educational Teleconference Series
Join us from the comfort of your own phone for a year of informative conference calls on diverse topics of interest to people living with MS. This educational series is free and made available through the collaboration of the following chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Connecticut, Greater New England, Long Island, New Jersey Metro, New York City-Southern New York and Rhode Island.
Here is a list of remaining teleconferences :
Tuesday, 1/24/12, 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Where is my memory? Cognitive Changes in MS
Thursday, 3/15/12,6:30 - 7:30 pm - Emerging Therapies for MS Treatment
Thursday, 5/3/12, 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Using Assistive Technology for People Living with MS
Wednesday, 7/18/12, 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Management and Rehabilitation of Advanced MS
Thursday, 9/13/12, 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Staying Healthy With Vitamins and Oral Supplements
You can register from the links above or call the Chapter at 1-800-344-4867. Please view the Chapter website often to learn of program updates www.nationalMSsociety.org/NJM.
If you have missed any of the calls, you can hear audio of the teleconferences by visiting the Educational Teleconferences webpage of the Chapter website: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/njm/programs--services/educational-teleconferences/index.aspx
-----------------------------------------------
Teleconferences focused on Employment Issues
The National MS Society will host a series of educational teleconferences that focus on specific employment issues. Save the dates for the following topics:
A 21stCentury Approach to Job Searching: Webinar
Thursday, January 12, 7 – 8:00 pm
Get Informed: Legal Protections in the Workplace
Thursday, January 26, 7 – 8 pm
Managing Challenging Resumes
Thursday, February 9, 7 – 8 pm
Reinvent Yourself
Thursday, February 23, 7 – 8 pm
Home-Based Employment: What Employers Want
Thursday, March 8, 7 – 8 pm
Don’t Do It Alone: Employment Resources
Thursday, March 22, 7 – 8 pm
You can register right from this link: REGISTER NOWor call 1-800-344-4867 and say you want to register for a teleconference.
-----------------------------------------------
Boys Night out - A Super Night Out for Guys Only!
This is a night for guys living with MS – either you have it or you care about someone living with MS. Chapter member Tim Barnes will host this at his office in Morristown. The evening will be a Super Bowl theme with door prizes and videos, etc. Anyone bringing two new guests will win a free football - men should wear hats or shirts of favorite NFL team!
When: Date February 2,2012, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where: 100 Southgate Parkway, Morristown, NJ 07962-1997
Guest Speaker: Michael Moschella, licensed Orthotist/Prosthetist of Next Step Orthopedics in West Orange will demonstrate the latest braces and other orthotic devices available for MS patients.
RSVP: Lisa.torre-janssen@nmss.org
-----------------------------------------------
Activities for Hispanic Families Living with MS
- Café Con Leche- The National MS Society offers a monthly telephone group, totally in Spanish. We invite Hispanics/Latinos with MS to participate with us from the comfort of their home or office phone. The monthly calls will be free. The monthly calls will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 2-3:30pm EST; the next call is 1/10/12. For more information or to register call 1-800-344-4867, option 3. The group is open to new members at any time.
For more information about thisprogram, visit the website for the NYC/SNY Chapter at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/nyn/programsandservices/informacion-en-espanol/index.aspx.
-----------------------------------------------
Caregivers – Important Recognition and Support!
Caring for Our Caregivers
The Chapter would like to give our members the opportunity to recognize and congratulate their CARE PARTNERS who provide love, companionship, and physical and emotional support each and every day. If you would like to send your care partner a special recognition, you can provide us with their names and addresses. You can also send us a personal note written to your care partner; write a note and tell them that they are special and important to you. We will honor your praise by sending out a “With Heartfelt Thanks” gift sent directly to them, beginning in November for National Caregivers Month through February. Mail the name and address of your care partner and a note if you like, to the National MS Society, Attn: Jen Fallon, NMSS, 1 Kalisa Way, Suite 205, Paramus, NJ 07652 or jennifer.fallon@nmss,org.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Caregiver Support and Education Monthly Conference Call
What: Caregivers will have the opportunity to connect with other caregivers and share their unique stories.
Educational topics/speakers and resources will also be presented!
When: 4th Monday of each month, the next call is on 1/23/12
Time: 2-3 PM Eastern Time
Sponsored by: Veterans Affairs
To Access the call: 1-800-767-1750, enter Access Code 43157 & press the #.
For more information contact: Margaret.Kazmierski@va.gov
-----------------------------------------------
Have You Been Diagnosed With MS in the Last 5 Years? If so, this program may be right for you!
What: Living Well With MS - a wellness class designed specifically for people diagnosed with MS within the last few years. This newly diagnosed class will help you better understand MS and develop lifestyle strategies that can help diminish the effects of the disease. Gain the necessary tools and knowledge to increase your ability to cope with the diagnosis and build a personal plan for living well with MS.
When: 12-week in-person sessions and a 12-week online class which will begin in March 2012
Where: 2 locations: Manhattan & Westchester--Locations To Be Announced.
More information can be found at the National MS Society, NYC-SNY Chapter website:http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/nyn/programsandservices/recreation-and-fitness/living-well-with-ms/index.aspx
You can also contact the Chapter at 212-453-3210.
Sponsored by: the National MS Society, NYC-SNY Chapter
-----------------------------------------------
Mark your Calendars - MS Awareness Week is March 12-18, 2012
Save the date!
What: “Happy Hour” to “Kick-Off” to MS Awareness Week
When: Monday, March 12th from 5pm to 8pm
Where: The Draft House, 100 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
More details to follow!
Educational Teleconference
Thursday, 3/15/12,6:30 - 7:30 pm - Emerging Therapies for MS Treatment
You can register from the link above or call the Chapter at 1-800-344-4867
Save the Date - The New Jersey Metro Chapter in collaboration with Boscov’s and Makeover Your MS, Inc. will launch their Kiss MS Goodbye campaign!
What: Boscov’s will host a Women’s Fashion Show/Health Event in their store where Kiss MS Goodbye lipsticks and lip glosses will be sold. All proceeds from the event and sales will go towards the NJ Metro Chapter for programs and services
When: Thursday, March 15, 2012, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Boscov’s at Monmouth Mall, Rt. 35 Eatontown Circle & Wyckoff Road, Eatontown, NJ 07724
More Details to follow.
View our website often for MS Awareness Week event updates – www.nationalMSsociety.org/NJM
-----------------------------------------------
Chapter Self Help Groups Offer Exciting Programs
The Chapter has more than 30 self-help groups in its service area. The groups offer individuals an opportunity to meet others who have similar life experiences; to share ideas; to learn from each other; to learn from invited speakers. Everyone is welcome. To see a monthly calendar of events, click on this link: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/njm/programs--services/self-help-groups-peer-support/index.aspx
If you are interested in learning more about self-help groups, contact Lisa T at the Chapter at 1-800-344-4867 or lisa.torre-janssen@nmss.org.
-----------------------------------------------
Educational Programs from Pharmaceutical Companies
The National MS Society, New Jersey Metro Chapter is making this information available to you about these educational opportunities. The National MS Society, New Jersey Metro Chapter is not sponsoring these programs. The Society has had no role in developing the content of these programs:
What: MS Relapses: Evaluating your MS exacerbation treatment options
When: Wednesday, 1/11/12, 12:30pm
Where: CentraState Health Building A, Auditorium A, 901 West Main St, Freehold
Speaker: Michele Emmons, RN, BSN, MSCN
Sponsored by: Questcor
RSVP: 877-219-0410 or visit www.msrelapseprogram.comand refer to Program #1204
-----------------------------------------------
Peer Support from MS Friends
MS knows no timetable – this is why we offer support when you want and need it. The MSFriends program connects you with volunteers living with MS. The common bond of living with MS creates a unique connection. MSFriends volunteers complete a rigorous screening and training program and are focused on the needs of those who call for support. For more information, click on this link: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/society-programs-and-services/msfriends-peer-telephone-support/index.aspx.
-----------------------------------------------
MS Wellness at CentraState
The MS Wellness Program at the Linda E Cardinale MS Center at CentraState Medical Center is designed to optimize the quality of life for those living with the challenges of MS. The next series of classes begins on Feb 9 and runs through to April 26. There are also a variety of ‘graduate’ classes (for anyone that has completed the 12 week wellness class):
- Stretching and Balance Class – Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30pm
- Tai-Chi - Thursdays from 1 pm- 2pm
- Stretching and Balance Class (advanced) - 2 pm- 3pm
- Aquatic classes begin on February 27. The class will run for six consecutive Tuesdays. Registration is required. The fee for the six classes is $20.00
- Adult Scuba classes will soon be announced.
To learn more about these programs and future classes, contact Ruth Memoli CSW, MS Wellness Coordinator at 732 637-6334 or rmemoli@centrastate.com.
-----------------------------------------------
MS Wellness at Kessler
The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Wellness Program is offered by Kessler Institute in collaboration with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New Jersey Metro Chapter. The program focuses on creating a greater awareness and understanding of the many changes that individuals with MS might experience and empowering persons to effectively increase quality of living through education and an experiential curriculum. A dedicated team of specialists effectively integrates evidence-based cognitive and psychological treatment with complementary wellness-based practices.
New programs begin on January 18, 2012! The Living with MS Series and Wellness Seminars will run for ten consecutive Wednesdays from 10AM -3PM at Kessler’s West Orange campus. A continental breakfast and lunch are included.
Interested individuals will participate in a clinical interview evaluation to best identify and understand the range of physical, cognitive and emotional concerns. For more information and to register, please contact the Neuropsychology Dept at 973-324-3634.
-----------------------------------------------
FREE! Saint Barnabas MS Center Lunch Time Lecture Series “MS Talk” Fall/Winter 2011
All lectures will be held at the Saint Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center. 200 South Orange Ave Livingston, NJ 07039. Lectures will be held from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. A light lunch will be served. The remaining schedule:
Wednesday, January 11 —Conference Room B — Managing MS as Partners
Speakers: Andrea and Paul Lindsley
Please RSVP to Lauryn Weinshank, LSW at 973-322-7935 at least one week prior to the event. Child Care is available with advanced reservations by calling 973-322-7309. This lecture series is sponsored by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
-----------------------------------------------
Nutrition Consultations
The MS Comprehensive Care Center at The Saint Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center is pleased to announce that they have received a grant from the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation to offer 90-minute nutritional consultations for patients with MS. This grant provides patients with a complimentary nutritional consultation for those who would be otherwise unable to afford this service. People with MS who are interested in receiving a consultation may contact Wanda Aponte at 973-322-7007. Appointments are limited.
-----------------------------------------------
Having difficulty reading? Enjoy FREE Talking Books and a FREE digital audiobook player from the Talking Book and Braille Center
If you find it difficult to hold a book, turn the pages of a book or read standard print, you are eligible to receive the free services of the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC).
Anyone who struggles to read due to a physical difficulty, vision loss, or organic reading disability is eligible for TBBC’s services. TBBC is a free public library in New Jersey and is funded by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) and the New Jersey State Library. TBBC can deliver talking books to your home or you can download them to flash drives from the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) web site of NLS. BARD has over 25,000 digital books to choose from and approximately 42 magazines. In addition to the digital books and players, TBBC has a 24/7 news reading service called Audiovision. You can learn more about Audiovision at http://www.audiovision-nj.org.
Questions? Explore the services on the web at http://www.njsltbbc.org. Also, feel free to call TBBC at its toll-free number at 800-792-8322.
-----------------------------------------------
The Assistance Fund Announces New Premium Assistance Program for Multiple Sclerosis Patients
It was announced early September 9, 2011, that The Assistance Fund has created a new program to supply premium assistance to Multiple Sclerosis patients. For more information, see the press release: Announcing The Assistance Fund Multiple Sclerosis Premium Assistance Program. The Assistance Fund is a leading 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to make advanced biotech therapies available to the underinsured. As new scientific discoveries are brought to market and diagnostics are created to establish appropriate therapy guidelines, The Assistance Fund works with individuals to make access a reality, putting us at the forefront of service delivery, speed to therapy and compliance to therapy. The Assistance Fund was created by individuals with the passion and knowledge in the process of making advanced biotech therapies available to the underinsured. As new scientific discoveries are brought to market and diagnostics are created to establish appropriate therapy guidelines, The Assistance Fund partners with individuals to achieve its goal of making access reality. You can read more about the Assistance Fund from this link: http://theassistancefund.org/
-----------------------------------------------
NJ State Bar Foundation (NJSBF) Calendar of Upcoming Events
The NJSBF has a schedule of programs that will be held at the NJ Law Center in New Brunswick. Admission is free but advanced registration is required.
- 1/11/12, 1-3pm – Wills and Estate Planning
- 2/16/12, 1-3pm – Medicare-Medicaid Maze
- 2/16/12, 7-9pm – Estate and Federal Income Tax
- 3/7/12, 7-9pm – Starting and Succeeding with a New Business
- 3/15/12, 7-9pm – Landlord-Tenant Issues
- 3/27/12, 9am-12:30pm (tentative) – Law and Disability Conference
- 3/29/12, 7-9pm – Condominium Law
- 5/10/12, 12am-12:30pm – Senior Citizen’s law Day Conference
- 6/5/12, 7-9pm - Wills and Estate Planning
For more information you can call 1-800-FREE-LAW or visit the website: http://www.njsbf.org/for-the-public/events.html
-----------------------------------------------
MS Learn Online- Participate Online Today!
The National MS Society has an exciting menu of MS Learn Online webcasts currently available on its website www.nationalmssociety.org/mslearnonline. Each webcast features experts presenting on topics relevant to those affected by multiple sclerosis. MS Learn Online webcasts are typically 10-minutes in length, and have been a successful way to educate people about multiple sclerosis from the convenience of their own computer. Program topics cover: the basics facts of MS, symptom management, progressive MS, research, healthy living and family life, life planning and independence. In addition to the existing menu of programs, a new webcast debuts the first and third Thursday of each month throughout the year. Programs and their written transcripts can be accessed at www.Nationalmssociety.org/mslearnonline. Would you like to be notified of upcoming MS Learn Online programs? Please send your email address to MSLearnonline@nmss.organd you will receive an email notification the day the program is available for viewing.
-----------------------------------------------
Professional Education Opportunities - View the Chapter’s webpage for a complete list of Professional Educationopportunities: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/njm/programs--services/professional-education/index.aspx
Calling All Nurses
What: The IOMSN has developed a schedule of Town Hall Meetings, via phone
When: the 3rd Tuesday of every month, 8pm ET
The next call is scheduled for Tuesday, 1/17/12, 8pm
Where: from the comfort of your own home or office
Fee: Free
-----------------------------------------------
Kessler is Looking for Research Participants
Kessler Foundation Research Center is recruiting persons with multiple sclerosis aged 30 to 45 for a study investigating physical exercise as an innovative, non-pharmacological treatment of memory problems. All participants will be compensated for their time. Participants will complete paper-and-pencil tasks, receive MRI scans of their brain, and complete a 12-week exercise program. This study does not involve medications. The Principal Investigators are Drs. James Sumowski and Victoria Leavitt. The study takes place at Kessler Institute, 1199 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange, NJ. Interested persons should call or e-mail Amanda Sireno at 973-324-8451 or asireno@kesslerfoundation.orgfor more information.
-----------------------------------------------
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 40 percent of cancer, as well as 80 percent of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, could be prevented if Americans exercised more, stopped smoking, and ate healthier.
Community Health Charities, in cooperation with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation and The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, would like to invite you to participate in a FREE webinar on January 18 “Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle ."
What: Free webinar on "Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle"
When: Wednesday, January 18, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (EDT)
Where: Via webinar
To learn more and to register, visit http://www.healthmattersatwork.org/Ongoing-HMatW-Webinars
-----------------------------------------------
Read all About the latest in MS Research from this link: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/index.aspx
-----------------------------------------------
Learn All About Chapter Fundraising Activities on the Chapter Website:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/njm/fundraising-events/index.aspx
-----------------------------------------------
Stay Connected!
To keep informed about all the latest news from the National MS Society, view the Chapter website at www.nationalMSsociety.org/NJM