Parkinson’s support group to hold ninth anniversary party

Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017, Barb Skutka has been an advocate for education and awareness of the disease.

She looked for a support group in the area but couldn’t find one. So she started one herself for patients and caregivers.

The first meeting in September 2017 at the Cedar Grove Public Library drew 31 people. Average monthly attendance grew from 29 to 52 over the years. Attendees come from as far as Whitefish Bay and Cleveland, Wis.

The group has had more than 30 speakers covering topics from yoga to power of attorney and mental health to caregiver self-care.

“When we don’t have a speaker, we either have a social, or divide into groups, people with Parkinson’s and care partners,” Skutka said.

It has also hosted holiday events and other activities.

Skutka worked as an administrative assistant for Cedar Grove-Belgium High School before retiring in 2025. Much of her time since has been spent on Parkinson’s support.

The Cedar Grove Parkinson’s Support Group is celebrating its ninth anniversary with a party from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, at First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove.

Skutka was part of a promotional video for the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association. See it at https://tinyurl.com/58yumsrr.