Communique'

MONTGOMERY COUNTY STROKE ASSOCIATION, Inc.

A NON-PROFIT (501-C-3) ORGANIZATION HELPING STROKE SURVIVORS & CAREGIVERS SINCE 1981

MCSA Communique' January 2026

You are not alone!

P.O. Box 9343 Amy Boltz, President

Silver Spring, MD 20916-9343 Janet M. Gritz, Editor

(301) 681-6272 (MCSA)

email: MCStrokeInfo@gmail.com

We hope you like MCSA’s monthly COMMUNIQUE’ newsletter.

REMINDER: Our Communique’ is distributed digitally via email.

Only people who request “home delivery” will receive postal-delivered newsletters. To request home delivery, leave a phone message at 301-681-6272 or send an email to mcstroke@comcast.net. Please include your full name, your email address, and your home mailing address.

VIRTUAL vs. IN-PERSON MEETINGS

Our in-person chapter meetings were cancelled during the pandemic. Now we need chapter chairpersons and helpers in order to again offer any or all of our previous 3 monthly in-person chapter meetings. Without chapter leaders, MCSA might offer only one in-person meeting site or might provide only virtual meetings. Contact MCSA at mcstroke@comcast.net or 301-681-6272 if you can help. Let us know if you have suggestions for program topics or speakers.

Until in-person meetings resume, MCSA will offer virtual (online) programs. Notices about upcoming meetings will be listed in our newsletter, posted on MCSA’s website (www.mcstroke.org), and emailed to MCSA members who have provided their email addresses. To stay informed, please send your name and current email address to mcstroke@comcast.net and check events listings on our website (www.mcstroke.org).

MCSA INVITES YOU TO ATTEND OUR FREE JANUARY 2026 PROGRAMS:

* MCSA’s STROKE SUPPORT GROUP: 3rd Thursday, January 15, 3:00-4:00 p.m. E.T.

This is MCSA’s monthly virtual support group for stroke survivors and family caregivers. Ask questions, discuss stroke experiences, offer support to each other, and share helpful suggestions and resources. Free. Meeting invitations and reminders will be emailed. See page 4.

*CHAIR YOGA WITH REGINE: 1st Wednesdays, January 7, 10:30-11:30am Eastern Time.

Join us for deep breathing and gentle stretching that can be done when sitting in a chair. Virtual classes via Zoom. Free. Invitations will be emailed at appropriate times. See page 3.

MCSA’s Board of Directors will meet via Zoom on Thursday, January 8, at 10 a.m. E.T.

Board members - Please RSVP by December 4th and plan to arrive on time if possible.

MCSA wishes you a Happy New Year!

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Join Montgomery County Stroke Association’s

CHAIR YOGA with Regine

(Free Virtual Online Classes via Zoom)

1st Wednesdays: January 7

10:30 -11:30 a.m. Eastern Time

Seated Yoga Class for Beginners with Regine Clermont

Modified for Stroke Survivors & Seniors

(Movements can be done while seated in a chair.)

Free virtual (online) program - via Zoom. Zoom invitations will be emailed to you. If you have not received your invitation, email mcstroke@comcast.net to request an invitation.

Montgomery County Stroke Association (MCSA) presents

Montgomery County Stroke Association’s

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Meets online on 3rd Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time

January 15, 2026

Save the date and Zoom with us if you can.

FREE!

Open to stroke survivors and family caregivers
Friendly, informative online stroke support group
Safe and welcoming online opportunity to:
- - Ask questions
  - Talk about your stroke experiences
  - Share helpful suggestions and stroke resources
  - Celebrate your successes
  - Know that you are not alone!

Email mcstroke@comcast.net if this virtual stroke support group interests you.

Zoom invitations (and meeting reminders) will be emailed to you at appropriate times.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdu-vqzkoGt1VCzo-e-iyqWvWxdaki3hN

After registering, you will get a confirmation email from Zoom with information about joining the meeting. Save that email and use the Join Meeting link at 3pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

* * * STROKE-RELATED EVENTS & RESOURCES * * *

ARTICULATE APHASICS TOASTMASTER GROUP

David Premo has established an official Toastmaster’s group for adults who have aphasia. According to David, “Aphasia improves (lessens) with practice. That’s why we practice at all our meetings. Come see why research proves the Toastmasters program helps people with aphasia rediscover their voice. Join us online on Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern Time.” Note: Guests may attend (observe) free of charge. Toastmaster membership has a fee. For more information, email articulateaphasics@gmail.com. Here is the Zoom “join meeting” link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86033527668?pwd=xvb3HXmNa1pxq8WrajvpmynZthPXFe.1

Meeting ID: 860 3352 7668 Passcode: 100100

BLaST: NEW VIRTUAL APHASIA “EXERCISE” GROUPS

Jessica Parker, SLP, is offering new virtual aphasia “exercise” groups intended to help stroke survivors who have aphasia improve their communication skills. Cost: $22 per session. For details about BLaST (Better Language Support Together), call Jessica Parker at 301-

323-8486 or email Jessica@AdultSpeechTherapyServices.com .

MAAC VIRTUAL APHASIA SUPPORT GROUP:

Contact Mark Harder (msharder.maac@gmail.com) for information about Mid-Atlantic Aphasia Conference (MAAC) programs, including a free weekly virtual Aphasia Support Group. Recent guest speakers discussed a new app they created to help people with aphasia or other communication challenges discuss their medical concerns. MAAC’s free virtual aphasia support group meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

POST-STROKE SHOULDER PAIN TREATMENT STUDY

Sheikh Khalifa Stroke Institute – P M & R Department, Johns Hopkins Hospital - Motor Recovery Lab. For study details, call 410-955-1347 or email motorrecoverylab@jh.edu.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND APHASIA RESEARCH CENTER STUDIES

Participants are wanted for a two-year study involving monolingual English-speaking stroke survivors who have aphasia and age-matched neurologically healthy individuals. Participants will be paid $20 per hour. Part of the research is conducted online. For details about this study (including the eligibility requirements), call 301-405-2477 or email Aphasia@UMD.edu .

The Science of Aphasia for People with Aphasia: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 12 noon E.T.

Topic: “Aphasia and Apraxia: Understanding the Differences” - Get your questions answered.

Speakers: Gayle DeDe, PhD, CCC-SLP and Marja-Liisa Mailend, PhD.

Zoom link: https://temple.zoom.us/j/98225630680 .

MUSIC APPRECIATION – VIRTUAL GROUP FOR PEOPLE WITH APHASIA

These free virtual meetings are offered every Monday from 2pm to 3pm Eastern Time, 1pm to 2pm Central Time, 12 noon to 1pm Mountain Time, and 11am to 12 noon Pacific Time. Josh D. Smith is the host. Josh is a stroke survivor who was a professional music director in theaters across the U.S.A. These sessions are intended to bring people with aphasia together and share their love of music. Activities include reading, watching, listening, talking together, and playing musical Jeopardy. Then there is a live performance by the artist. Supportive, educational, fun, and free!

Here is the Zoom meeting information: Meeting ID: 894 3637 7594 Passcode: 960180

Join Zoom Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89436377594?pwd=dU93cGJqdWdyLzB4MXBUaXc1c2MxQT09

Introduction video: https://youtu.be/nYVhaiCBJ3c

LOCAL (DMV) IN-PERSON STROKE SUPPORT GROUPS

* Aphasia Community Group in Frederick, Md. (Brain & Balance Center): Wednesdays, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Call 301-662-1997 or email Sandi.Lancaster@bakerrehabgroup.com .

* SCALE (Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement). Baltimore, Md. area. SCALE is now sponsored by the League for People with Disabilities. Visit https://leagueforpeople.org for details.

* Stroke Comeback Center: In-person (Vienna, Va. and Rockville, Md.) and online classes. For details, call 703-255-5221 or visit www.strokecomebackcenter.org .

* Stroke Support Group (in person) at the Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center: This in-person support group meets monthly on 4th Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Eastern Time in Silver Spring, Md. For details, email Asaad@adventisthealthcare.com .

* Young Aphasia Conversation Club (Y.A.C.C.): Meets monthly on 2 nd Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m. E.T. in Annapolis, Md. and via Zoom. Contact Judy Crane at jbcrane77@gmail.com or 301-520-9044.

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR STROKE SURVIVORS (MCSA, November 2025)

- Adler Aphasia Center: Virtual Meet-Ups. https://signupgenius.com/go/904044ba5ad23abf49-free1. Weekly meetings via Zoom on Wednesday evening or Thursday afternoon. Ask about fees.

- Adventist Rehab Hospital sponsors brain injury (including stroke), aphasia, and dysphagia support groups. Some are virtual and some are in person. For details, email Anna Zolkowski at bisupportgroup@adventisthealthcare.com, Anarose Hogan at ahogan@adventisthealthcare.com for the aphasia group, Amelie Bail at abail@adventisthealthcare.com for the Spanish BI group, or Megan Hayn at dysphagia@adventisthealth.com for the dysphagia (swallowing disorder) group. For the White Oak Medical Center stroke support group (4th Weds. at 4pm), email Asaad@adventisthealthcare.com .

- Aphasia Community Group in Frederick, Md. (Brain & Balance Center): Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Call 301-662-1997 or email Sandi.Lancaster@bakerrehabgroup.com .

- Aphasia Recovery Connection (ARC): Website (www.aphasiarecoveryconnection.org).

Facebook group. Free programs include Virtual Connections (https://www.aphasia.com/join-vc).

- Aphasia Software Finder: https://www.aphasiasoftwarefinder.org. Free. Hundreds of reviews.

- Bungalow Software: www.bungalowsoftware.com. Computer software and online programs for persons with aphasia. Free Aphasia Workbook. Monthly software highlights and free offers.

- Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center: Email rmental@chsc.org. Adult Communication Group meets every Wednesday via Zoom from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Free.

- Constant Therapy: Speech/language and cognitive therapy software and apps. 14-day free trials. For more information, email support@constanttherapy.com or visit www.constanttherapy.com.

- ETSU Communication Support Group: Email andrewscm@etsu.edu. Free. Monthly on 3rd Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Contact person: Courtney Andrews, MA, CCC-SLP.

- Flint Rehab: www.flintrehab.com. Devices for stroke recovery; free newsletter; helpful articles.

- Joan L. Green, Speech-Language Pathologist, Technology Specialist: Learn how technology can help you. Free 15-minute phone consults. Informative website. Contact Joan at 301-602-2899,1-800-IST-2550, joan@innovativespeech.com, or visit www.innovativespeech.com.

- Janet M. Gritz, MA, CCC-SLP: Free Zoom Stroke / Aphasia Chats (support groups) for stroke survivors and caregivers on 2nd & 4th Fridays, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (ET). Next dates: January 9 & 23. For details or to register, leave a message for Janet at 301-622-2282 or email janetgslp@comcast.net.

- International Aphasia Movement: https://iamaphasia.org. Small group aphasia therapy on Zoom in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Two Monday evenings per month. Free.

- League for People with Disabilities: https://leagueforpeople.org. (Includes SCALE aphasia programs.)

- Lingraphica: Sells dedicated communication devices for people with speech and language impairment, has 2 free online speech therapy programs (TalkPathNews & TalkPathTherapy), provides free Virtual Connections. Contact Lingraphica at 1-888-965-6005 or http://www.aphasia.com.

- National Aphasia Association: (naa@aphasia.org, https://www.aphasia.org): Free information, newsletter, resources, programs. Check listing for their Aphasia Café and other free online programs.

- Parrot Software: Memory, language, and cognitive programs for stroke survivors. Monthly subscription, free offers. Email parrotsoftware@gmail.com or visit www.parrotsoftware.com.

- Requests & Dedications: Free online guitar playing and singing by stroke survivor Frank Goulart. Tuesdays (3:30-4:30 pm ET) & Thursdays (5-7 pm ET). Email fgoulart@pacbell.net for program links.

- Saebo Rehab: www.saebo.com. Helpful newsletter, devices, and articles about stroke recovery.

- SCALE (Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement): Visit https://leagueforpeople.org .

- Sibley Hospital Stroke Support Group: Meets via Zoom on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM E.T. For details, contact Jenni Knittig at 202-660-7413.

- Sing Aphasia: https://singaphasia.com. Weekly choir rehearsals on Zoom. First class is free, then pay-what-you-can donations are requested. Saturdays, 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

- Stroke & Aphasia Recovery (STAR) Program, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

https://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/star-program/ Free. Tuesdays and Thursdays (Zoom).

- Stroke Comeback Center: info@strokecomebackcenter.org, www.strokecomebackcenter.org

Virtual and in-person classes in Vienna, Va., and Rockville, Md. Facebook page. 703-255-5221.

- United Stroke Alliance Community: Talk-About-It-Tuesday. https://unitedstrokealliance.org .

- Virtual Connections: Free programs. https://www.devices.aphasia.com/virtual-connections

- Voices of Hope for Aphasia: Email info@vohaphasia.org for event details and the newsletter.

- Young Aphasia Communication Club (YACC): Virtual meetings via Zoom or in person (2nd Mondays, 4-5pm E.T.). Contact Judy Crane at jbcrane77@gmail.com for details.

- YMCA of Metropolitan Washington Stroke Re-Integration Program: Free 8-week program for older adults (65+) who had a stroke and for their caregivers. Also Fit & Well Seniors online exercise programs. For details, check their website (www.ymcadc.org) or call 202-232-6700.

OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES (NOT SPECIFICALLY STROKE-RELATED)

AARP: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/:

Exercise and fitness classes online:

- Adventist Rehab Hospital: Exercise, yoga, cooking classes. Call 240-864-6000 for details.

- Bone Builders: Age 55+, Montgomery County Public Library. Call for current dates and times. Visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov and look for library / exercise classes.

- Holy Cross Hospital virtual fitness classes: Visit https://www.holycrosshealth.org for details.

- Silver Sneakers: Fitness programs for age 65 +. Visit https://www.tools.silversneakers.com .

- Spirit Club: Fitness for all. Pay-what-you-can option. Daily virtual exercise, meditation, healthy cooking, and other classes. Contact Jared at 301-933-3722 or visit www.spirit-club.com.

- YouTube: Search for exercise videos by Physical Therapists “Bob and Brad.”

Library Services: Many online services are offered by the public library system in Montgomery County, Md. and Washington, D.C. Call Ask-a-Librarian at 230-777-0001 for details, or visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library or www.dclibrary.org/goDigital .

SeniorPlanet.org: Many interesting lectures, technology classes, exercise classes. To check out a program that helps seniors use technology, visit www.Seniorplanet.org/aging-connected .

StrongerMemory: Free program at www.goodwinhouse.org/stronger-memory. 3rd Tuesdays, 10 a.m. E.T. via Zoom. Sibley Senior Association. Call

Pamela Nunez (202-364-7602) to register (get Zoom link, meeting ID, passcode, etc.).

Virtual Music Therapy from Kensington Park: Online (live sessions via Zoom) every other Thursday morning, 11–11:30 AM. Eastern Time. Free. RSVP to Conor (301-946-7700).

HIGHLIGHTS OF MCSA’s 2025 PROGRAMS

Recurring virtual programs:

*Monthly Chair Yoga sessions: 1st and 4th Wednesday mornings

*Monthly Stroke Support Groups: 3 rd Thursdays, 3pm to 4pm Eastern Time

Special Recreational Programs:

*Sailing with CRAB (Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating) in Annapolis: June 18 and Sept. 9

Special Virtual Educational Programs (via Zoom) :

*“Neuroplasticity and Real-life Functional Language Tasks for Stroke Survivors who have Aphasia”: June 24 –

By Jessica Parker, Speech-Language Pathologist

*“Reducing Risk of Falls at Home: Smart Modifications to Support Stroke Recovery”: September 29, By

Melissa Bressler, HandyPro of Washington, DC.

*“Good Gifts for Stroke Survivors”: November 24 - By Janet Gritz, Speech-Language Pathologist

MCSA’S UPCOMING 2026 PROGRAMS

CHAIR YOGA with REGINE: 1 st Wednesday – January 7 , 10:30-11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Join us for deep breathing and gentle stretching that can be done while sitting in a chair. Free.

MCSA’s STROKE SUPPORT GROUP: 3 rd Thursday, January 15, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. MCSA’s

monthly virtual support group for stroke survivors and family caregivers. Free.

STROKE IS A BRAIN ATTACK!

DON’T DELAY. CALL 9-1-1 RIGHT AWAY.

KNOW THE TYPES OF STROKES

1. Blood Clots in or leading to the brain: These are “ischemic” strokes. The 2 main types are:

► Cerebral Thrombosis: An artery bringing blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot (thrombus) that forms inside the artery, or a clot forms in a vessel in the brain.

► Cerebral Embolism: A wandering clot (embolus) being carried by the bloodstream gets lodged in an artery in the brain. This cuts off the blood flow that brings oxygen to the brain.

2. Bleeding in the brain: These are called “hemorrhagic” strokes.

A diseased or defective artery in the brain bursts and floods the surrounding tissue with blood (cerebral hemorrhage), or a blood vessel on the surface of the brain ruptures and bleeds into the space between the brain and the skull. The resulting loss of blood supply and pressure from accumulated blood interfere with brain cell function. A cerebral hemorrhage feels like the worst headache of your life. Surgery can remove the clot and reduce pressure on the brain.

KNOW THE RISK FACTORS YOU CAN CHANGE (80+% of strokes could be prevented.)

1. High blood pressure

2. Heart disease (including atrial fibrillation)

3. High red blood cell count

4. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA’s)

5. Elevated blood cholesterol and lipids

6. Cigarette smoking

7. Excessive alcohol intake

8. Physical inactivity

9. Obesity

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS (SYMPTOMS) OF STROKE – CALL 9-1-1

1. Sudden weakness or odd feelings in the face, arm or leg on one side of the body;

2. Sudden and unexplained confusion, or difficulty speaking or understanding;

3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes;

4. Sudden trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance; or loss of coordination;

5. Sudden severe headache (the worst headache of your life) with no known cause.

Here’s a way to remember stroke signs: Think “BE FAST” to help identify a stroke.

B = BALANCE. Sudden onset of dizziness or balance difficulties may be a sign of a stroke.

E = EYES. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes could be a sign of a stroke.

F = FACE. Smile. Is one side of the face droopy? (The droopy side is weaker.)

A = ARMS. Raise both arms. Is one arm lower? (The lower side is weaker.)

S = SPEECH. Say a sentence. Is speech slurred or are the words wrong or strange?

T = TIME. Time to call 9-1-1 and report a stroke. Note the time when symptoms began.

IF YOU THINK THAT SOMEONE IS HAVING A STROKE,

CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!

Some treatments are only effective if they start within 4 hours of the onset of a stroke.

Fast treatment saves lives and reduces disability. Don’t delay. Call 9-1-1 right away.

Time lost is brain lost. Two million brain cells die each minute during a stroke.

Every 30 minutes of delay could reduce good outcomes by 10%.

Montgomery County Stroke Association

Visit MCSA’s Website: www.mcstroke.org

Email address: mcstroke@comcast.net

Non-emergency Helpline: 301-681-6272

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