Nov. 4th Court 1 3:30 – 5:30pm; Court 2 3:30 – 5:30pm
Nov. 10th Court 2 3:30 – 5:30pm; Court 3 3:30 – 5:30pm
Nov. 17th tbd
All posts by Jennifer Villa
Austin Trout demo with Gerry Burgos
Austin Trout demonstrates sparing practice with Gerry Burgos, the local coach of Rock Steady Boxing at Maximum Martial Arts’ gym.
Austin Dwayne Trout graduated from Mayfield High School in Las Cruces. Trout (born September 18, 1985) is an American professional boxer and bare-knuckle boxer. In boxing he held the World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight title (Regular version) from 2011 to 2013. He extended his championship legacy by winning the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) welterweight title in 2024. As of August 29, 2026, he is #5 in the BKFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings, #4 in the welterweight rankings and #1 in the lightweight rankings.
More information about Austin, Rock Steady Boxing and the history of interaction with our Parkinson’s Group is available in a Las Cruces Bulletin article from 2019.
Think Again: Parkinson’s Caregivers
Randy Harris, host of Think Again interviewed John Mylius and Ken Posey (local Parkinson’s support group) and two people who are caregivers for loved ones with Parkinson’s Disease. Mike Sunjica, located here in Las Cruces, and Pattie Stoffel from Florida share their experiences as caregivers. They give us insight into the emotional, physical, and psychological challenges of the caregiver experience, and managing their own self-care.
Click here to listen to the show.
The Harmonica Parkinson’s Project
Inspired by “The Harmonica Parkinson’s Project” Carol’s class, New Pathways for Parkinsons, is learning to play the harmonica. The project is an evidence-based, therapeutic program that uses learning and playing the harmonica to help maintain and improve speech, breath control, and saliva management in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
How It Helps with Parkinson’s Speech
Up to 90% of people with PD experience speech-related difficulties as the disease progresses, including:
- Soft or quiet voice (vocal intensity/loudness)
- Articulation and mumbled words
- Pitch control
- Saliva management and swallowing
Playing the harmonica targets these exact physiological mechanics. Inhaling and exhaling through the instrument builds respiratory strength, breath support, and oral-motor coordination—similar to traditional speech therapy, but in a creative, group-oriented setting.
The program was founded by physical therapist Kevin Lockette (with decades of experience in Parkinson’s care and harmonica performance).
Resources & Materials
- Book & Self-Study: The complete 23-lesson curriculum is available via the The Harmonica Parkinson’s Project Book on BookBaby or digitally on the Kindle Store ($5.99).
- Video Tutorials: Free step-by-step lessons and song guides are hosted on the official Harmonica Parkinson’s Project YouTube Channel.
- Live Classes: Free monthly Zoom sessions are hosted through organizations like the Hawaii Parkinson Association for patients and care partners.
Celebration of Life Service for Tom Williams
Barbara William’s husband, Thomas Ocie Williams III,78, passed away on June 22, 2026 at Mountain View Hospital in Las Cruces, New Mexico. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Sunday, October 18 at the Sunset Grill at Sonoma Ranch Golf Course at 3pm.
Tom was born August 23rd 1947 in Birmingham, Alabama, ‘Tommy’, Graduated from Phillips High School in Birmingham in 1965. He was passionate about the sports that he played growing up and he excelled at baseball, basketball and football. Tommy was a varsity member of the 1965 Phillip’s basketball team that took first place in the city. In 1965 he attended Colorado State University on a football scholarship, as a defensive tackle, and graduated with a BS degree in 1969.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lois Williams and Thomas O. Williams II. His career working in non-profit organizations included the Red Cross in Florida, Alaska and Atlanta and the United Way in Atlanta. Tommy also was in public relations for the State of Georgia (as what he called a professional liar) and was a playwright and actor for Agatha’s A Taste of Mystery in Atlanta, from 1988 to 2005. He will never be forgotten for his wacky sense of humor which brought laughter to everyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Louis Williams of Las Cruces, and his cousins Lynn Hollis and Janet Wilbanks of Tuscumbia, Alabama.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Sunday, October 18 at the Sunset Grill at Sonoma Ranch Golf Course at 3pm.
October Monthly Meeting Invite
This is your friendly reminder of our upcoming meeting Tuesday, October 20th at the Holiday Inn Express-Las Cruces North – 2142 Telshor Court. Join us for our support group meeting.
Social Time 9:00 to 9:45 – Meeting 9:45 to 12:00.
Guest Speakers:
Dr. Kati Henley – VYLEV Stem Cell treatment for Parkinsons
Gerry Burgos, Coach/trainer Rock Steady Boxing
Lisa Gonzales, Medicare Specialist
Vanessa Ordonez
2026 Health Biz Expo
Join us at the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce 2026 Health & Biz Expo!
Event Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026 Las Cruces Downtown Plaza
We’ll have a table on the north end of the Plaza, near the stage. We set up at 8 am; come help man the booth.
Sept. Pickleball at Pickle Planet
Sept 22nd Court 1 3:30 – 5:30pm; Court 2 – 3:30 – 5:30pm
Sept 29nd Court 1 3:30 – 5:30pm; Court 2 – 3:30 – 5:30pm
Oct. 6th Court 2 3:30 – 5:30pm; Court 3 – 3:30 -5:30p
Exercise class class cancelled for 2 weeks.
Our Parkinson’s Exercise Class, New Pathways for Parkinsons, led by Medical Exercise Specialist, Carol Witham, is cancelled Monday September 21 & 28, Wedneday Sept. 23 & 30, so Carol can have a well-deserved vacation. Classes willl resume on Monday October 5 at 10 a.m. as usual.
RockSteady Boxing Class cancelled on September 18
RSB Class will be cancelled on Friday September 18, due to a Martial Arts tournament. There will be a full class on Wednesday September 16 at 11a.m. instead of open gym.