Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Cultivating Compassion Education Series June Gatherings

 

Cultivating Compassion

Education Series

June Gatherings

Monthly Gatherings

Beyond ALS


June 4, 6:30pm ET

Join a welcoming group of men and women who have lost a loved one to ALS. Share openly with others who are rebuilding their lives after profound loss. This interactive gathering will highlight where we are now and what may feel different: our identity, our values, our approach to spirituality, and more. We will listen deeply to each other’s stories about the new experiences of building relationships, contentment with solitude, or challenges as a single parent. But, most importantly, come to enjoy and appreciate the company of others who have come to experience the precious nature of human life.

Caregiver to Caregiver


June 11, 3:00pm ET

Join the informal gathering designed to offer genuine support for those engaged in ALS caregiving. Enjoy the opportunity to be with other folks who have an intimate understanding of ALS and share your unique point of view as a caregiver. It is truly a meaningful experience to sit in council with ALS caregivers, to practice heart-centered listening, bear witness to our journeys and those of others, and to support and be supported without judgment.

Sons and Daughters of ALS

Guided by Ron Hoffman, CCALS Founder


June 11, 7:00pm ET

Sons and Daughters of ALS, hosted by CCALS Founder and Director, Ron Hoffman, is designed for those 18 years to 30- somethings who have experienced a parent, or close loved one, struggling from symptoms, diagnosis, decline or death with ALS. Growing up with the intensity and complexity of ALS in our family can shake us to the very core. It is often hard to comprehend or describe the ways that this disease shapes our past, present and future. If you are living with, or have lived with, the impact of a parent with ALS, you are invited to join our zoom gathering for Sons and Daughters of ALS. With deep listening, in the company of others who know the similarity of the uninvited path of having a parent with ALS, we will gather in council to share our experiences with the broad motivation to bring heartfelt connection, awareness and healing.

Men of ALS

Guided by Ron Hoffman, CCALS Founder


June 18, 2:00pm ET

Join us for a time of brotherhood and belonging for men living with ALS, or men caring for someone with the disease. This group operates as a council circle that encourages deep listening, acceptance, and an invitation to be genuine about what is going on in your life.

Women of ALS


June 18, 3:00pm ET

Enjoy the connection and unique perspective of other women living with ALS, female caregivers of persons living with ALS, daughters of those with ALS, or any woman touched by the disease. We will gather in council to share our experiences with the broad motivation to bring heartfelt connections and healing to the ALS journey. The Women of ALS gatherings create a safe space to explore the rich feminine perspective on lineage, sexuality, the role as caregiver, and the experience of compassion.

Mothers of ALS


June 22, 1:00pm ET

CCALS offers this informal gathering specifically for mothers who have a child living with ALS. This disease shines a unique and challenging spotlight on the relationships between mothers and their children. We will join with each other in council to listen deeply and bear witness to our experiences as we connect and discover new pathways through the intensity of an ALS experience.

Contact James@ccals.org with any questions.

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Monday, June 1, 2026

Parkinson's Fitness Ability-based Exercise, Arts and Movement Programs

June Newsletter and Class Schedule 6/1 - 6/7

Dear Friends:


June always feels like the start of summer, even though the official start date is the 21st. The weather is taking a more pleasant turn, making getting outdoors easier. Try to add in some more outdoor activity and get out of the house to attend our in-person classes.


Remember that every bit of movement helps you manage your Parkinson's symptoms, so try your best to attend the in-person classes and log on for video recorded classes as much as you can.


Gail will host her Choose Happy Parkinson's Support Group this Monday, June 1st at 11am right after Kim's exercise class at the Marblehead COA. All are welcome!


Thank you!

Linda

In-Person Parkinson's Fitness Classes

This list details our in-person classes. Click on the underlined address to access a map and directions. Look to the blue box under this section for links to our Zoom and recorded classes. 


Mondays at 10am In-Person

Strength with Kim at Marblehead Council on Aging, 10 Humphrey Street in Marblehead. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 781-631-6225


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Wednesdays at 11am In-Person

Strength with Kim at Marblehead Council on Aging, 10 Humphrey Street in Marblehead. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 781-631-6225


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Thursdays at 11am In-Person

Balance in Motion Class with Dianna at MAGMA (Movement Arts Gloucester), 186 Main Street in Gloucester. To confirm class will be held, please call Dianna at 857-488-7880.


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Thursdays at 12:30pm In-Person

Strength with Kim at Salem Council on Aging, 401 Bridge Street in Salem. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 978-744-0924.


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Fridays at 10:30am In-Person

Balance and Strength Class with Sally at Lynnfield Council on Aging, 525 Salem Street in Lynnfield. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 781-598-1078.


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Fridays at 1pm In-Person and Also on Zoom

Balance in Motion Class with Dianna at Danvers Council on Aging, 25 Stone Street in Danvers. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 978-762-0208. 

Can't make it in? Join from home with this link: Click Here Meeting ID: 824 0247 5688. Passcode: 12345


Parkinson's Fitness At Home Exercise

Try these pre-taped classes that you can do at home at any time. Do what feels best for your body and clear the area around you so your arms and legs can move freely. Drink plenty of water.

All times listed are US Eastern Standard Time. Click here to convert to your time zone.


Tuesday at 1pm Balance in Motion with Dianna on Zoom

Click Here

Meeting ID: 824 0247 5688 Passcode: 12345


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Wednesday at 1pm Breathe and Stretch Yoga with Dianna

Click Here

Meeting ID: 818 8748 2663 Passcode: 12345


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Friday at 1pm Balance in Motion with Dianna on Zoom

Click Here

Meeting ID: 824 0247 5688 Passcode: 12345


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Looking for More Workouts?

Try one of our Recorded Video Classes



Click for Dianna’s channel of videos


Click for a recorded workout with Kim


Click to access Parkinson's Foundation Fitness Friday videos



News, Articles, & More

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Gail Borden will host her Choose Happy Parkinson's Support Group this Monday, June 1st at 11am right after Kim's exercise class at the Marblehead COA. All are welcome!

Webinar— Let’s Keep Moving with APDA—Staying on your Feet: Pushing the Boundaries of Balance: Tuesday, June 2nd at 1pm

Balance issues are common for people with PD. In this episode we’ll explore how exercise can help to improve balance in your daily life. You will learn practical tips and examples of balance training for people with PD, how to tailor these approaches to your own abilities, needs, and environment, and much more! (Please note: this is not an exercise class, but an educational session focused on building your knowledge about balance exercise and PD.) Click to Register.

Article— Caring for the Mind: 10 Parkinson's Mental Wellness Resources

Parkinson’s disease can feel overwhelming. Managing symptoms, navigating physical and mental changes and making lifestyle adjustments can take an emotional toll. As you find your path forward, it’s essential to also take care for your mental health. Whether you live with PD or you are a care partner to someone who does, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Explore our top resources that address mental wellness and PD, in a blog from Parkinson's Foundation. Click to Read.

Webinar— Financial and Estate Essentials for Life with Parkinson’s: Wednesday, June 10th at 1pm

Planning for the future can feel daunting—but it’s one of the most meaningful ways to care for yourself and your loved ones. In this session, we’ll break down the basics of financial and estate planning in clear, practical terms. Learn how to protect your assets, make informed choices, and create a plan that reflects your values and priorities. Whether you’re just getting started or revisiting your plans, you’ll walk away with the tools and confidence to move forward with peace of mind. Click to Register.

Webinar— Parkinson's Spotlight Webinar, Reducing "Off" Time: A New Treatment for Parkinson’s: Wednesday, June 10th at 3pm

Michael Vitti at AbbVie will share information about a new treatment option that can deliver 24 hours of continuous levodopa-based therapy to improve motor fluctuations. Join us to learn more, hear from a patient about their experience and ask Michael your questions. Michael Vitti is an account executive with AbbVie, covering Oregon, Alaska, and Utah. Michael has over eight years of experience working with AbbVie in the Parkinson’s community. Click to Register.