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Mar 11

HorsePowerment is an Equine-Assisted Learning Program in Coventry – Rhode Island Monthly

Weve all heard of pet therapy, a.k.a. animal-assisted therapy, a.k.a. people relying on animals to help them recover from or better cope with various health issues ranging from cancer to anxiety (thanks, mayoclinic.org).

So its understandable why people might assume that Tamarack Farm HorsePowerment, with its horse-driven sessions, falls into the same category. Theyd be wrong.

Therapy is more about dealing with the past and learning coping strategies; HorsePowerment basically picks up where therapy leaves off, says owner and founder Carol Allen. Our mission is to supply skills for the future, help people develop their leadership and communication skills through tailored equine assisted learning programs.

Carol Allen, founder of HorsePowerment, poses with Arie and Rollin in front of her classroom. Photography by Sarah Farkas.

Were sitting at a folding table in her classroom, an open red barn on the edge of Tamarack Farm in Coventrys village of Greene. Allen and her husband, Ron, are on brand she in a fuzzy zip-up embellished with wild horse illustrations and he in his workman jeans. (The most country thing about my attire is my sturdy boots; I was warned to wear shoes I wouldnt mind getting dirty.) We also have some company: A sweet cat named Sammy purrs away on my lap and two muzzles poke out from the stable behind me, overseeing our chat.

Allen, a Pennsylvania native who grew up riding horses and later driving and training them, started HorsePowerment last year while getting ready to retire after twenty years in education.

I knew that I wanted to continue helping my kids, my special needs population, during retirement, she explains. Then, one day, I was reading through a horse magazine and there was an article about programs that help humans understand, based on the way they interact with horses, how they can improve their communication skills, team-building skills, leaderships skills, confidence and more.

But whats so great about horses?

Horses are prey animals, so their number one concern is safety, Allen explains. They naturally work best in teams, as a herd, and they react immediately to whats in front of them thats whats kept them alive for millions of years. They can perceive what you are thinking before you even decide to act on it. If youre nervous, not having a good day or not giving the task at hand your undivided attention, theyre going to pick up on that and think that they cant trust you as a leader. They will keep their distance. Through their reactions, horses are able to show us when we are being clear, focused and effective. It gives people the opportunity to experience immediate, direct and unbiased feedback.

Arie and Rollin are the stars of Tamarack Farm HorsePowerment. Photography by Sarah Farkas.

Allen already had the horses: Arie, a twelve-year-old Arab-Paint, and Rollin, a thirteen-year-old Morgan. Regularly calling them her boys, Allen likens them to the odd couple as Rollin is messy and Arie is neat (but neither is immune to a treat or two, I learn when they gobble some up from my palm). She also had more than thirty years of experience with the gentle giants, and had her spacious property, Tamarack Farm, to set up shop.

I said, You know what, Im going to get this training, she recalls. Its amazing how when one door closes, another door opens.

Allen went on to get her certification in Equine Assisted Learning through the Equine Experiential Education Association, or, as she calls it, the E3A. The associations certification course not only taught her how to be a facilitator, but also helped her establish a business model. HorsePowerment is the first and only of its kind in Rhode Island and there are other examples in Utah, Arizona, Vermont and Texas. In addition to keeping her up to date with the EAL world, Allens E3A membership allows her to keep in touch with other such members.

They all have their own piece they focus on, Allen says, Theres one down south that focuses on helping firefighters because first responders have to be able to build as a team and work together in stressful situations.

And though her own emphasis had centered on special needs populations, Allen has started to expand her reach. She recently hosted a group of camp counselors who wanted to better connect with their newer, more diverse group of campers, including those with behavioral challenges and those on the autism spectrum. Allen especially wants to work more with corporate teams interested in professional development.

A group of car salesmen reached out because they kept losing customers after the initial meetings, Allen says. As it turns out, some of the younger employees were finding that they were spending too much time on their phone and their focus and attention werent on the customer, whereas the older sales reps were more personable and had those relationship-building skills. And that all came out with the boys. They werent able to establish the connection in the session. So, we took the observations and applied it to the real world: If youre talking to someone and youre fidgeting or you dont look them in the eye or youre not focused, the person is going to feel like they arent valued or worth your time. Theyre not going to want to work with you, just like the horses didnt.

When I joke that her programs might even be good for couples, Allen agrees wholeheartedly. Yes, it can benefit anyone!

How does it all work? Those interested in booking a HorsePowerment session can sign up directly through their website, horsepowerment.net. From there, depending on the type of program (personal development and wellbeing, corporate leadership or youth development, for example) youre interested in, Allen will ask participants to fill out a simple, confidential questionnaire so she can plan and customize the upcoming session to the individual or groups needs.

She shows me an example of an agenda for a corporate session, which takes up half a workday (Most like to schedule it in the morning, but were flexible, she says). The agenda kicks off with getting to know the horses, and then leads into a sit-down review of what the participants can expect that day. The group will go over a summary of the questionnaire results and everyone involved will come up with one to three goals theyd like to achieve through the program (i.e. learning to delegate or building up confidence).

She also highlights the importance of horse communications and safety (read: how to avoid startling a horse). Then its time for an activity.

One example is Balls in the Air. In this exercise, five people usually participate, with one person hanging back, taking notes, while the other four interact with the horse. Two stand at the front to lead while the other two stand on either side and hold three grapefruit-sized balls (labelled with team goals) each against the horses flanks. Together, the four must successfully navigate a winding obstacle course without dropping any of the balls. The target? Assessing the groups ability to employ creative problem solving, prioritization, teamwork and effective communication.

Afterwards, Allen and the group will go over what happened during the activity, what worked and what didnt, and how the observations and skills can apply to the real world or, more specifically, in the workplace. They then break for refreshments before engaging in another activity with the horses. Finally, the group will do a recap to identify the days takeaways, assess any achievements and finalize an action plan for moving forward.

Sounds way more fun than your typical professional development day sitting in a conference room, right?

Were hoping businesses will turn it into an annual outing, Allen says. We usually have repeat visits with all of our other participants. Once they come out here, they want to come back. Because every time you visit, youre learning something about yourself.

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HorsePowerment is an Equine-Assisted Learning Program in Coventry - Rhode Island Monthly


Mar 9

20 Things Every Occupational Therapy Student Should Know – Touro College News

Collaboration skills are key, as OT students often work together in groups.

Miltner is in her lastyear of Touro's occupational therapy programand takes classes on the Bay Shore campus. "I choseOT because my family friend received various types of therapy growing up, and through watching her receive these services I became interested in occupational therapy," she says.

In college, Miltner decided to do volunteer observation hours in a nursing home, school, and hospital setting. "Having the opportunity to see what occupational therapists do in these settings gave me a better understanding of all the different opportunities I could have and the impact I could make in people's lives with this career path." Now she knows it's exactly what she wantsto do for the rest ofher life.

When we askedher what every good OT student knows, she gave us not only 10 things they all learn, but also 10 things aspiring OTs should know to make the most of their program. Take a look.

Feeling inspired? Take the next step.

Apply to Touro's OT programs now

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20 Things Every Occupational Therapy Student Should Know - Touro College News


Mar 9

Educating Patients, and Physicians, On the Importance of Genetic Testing In Breast Cancer – Curetoday.com

Genetic and genomic testing is vital for patients with breast cancer and not only do patients need to understand why that is, but their physicians as well.

Genetic and genomic testing has changed the landscape of cancer care, especially for patients with breast cancer and those with metastatic breast cancer. Not only do the results of these tests allow for a better understanding of their disease but provide physicians with a roadmap for treatment, which is why education on the importance of these tests is paramount.

Dr. Elisa Krill-Jackson, hematologist and oncologist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, discussed the significance of genetic and genomic testing in educating patients, as well as their physicians, about their breast cancer diagnosis at the 2020 CURE Educated Patient Breast Cancer Summit, held March 7, 2020, in Miami, Florida.

Transcription:So, I think they need to understand what kind of cancer they have. Is it estrogen receptor positive, is it progesterone receptor positive, is it HER2-positive? Anybody with metastatic breast cancer should have a genetic test no matter what age they were diagnosed at. So, we want to know if they have a BRCA mutation in all the cells in their body because that would allow us to treat them with something called a PARP inhibitor, which is a medication designed especially for patients who have BRCA mutations and its a pill that can help control their breast cancer.

I also like to test my patients with what we call a genomic test, so we can test the tumor, or we can test cancer DNA in their bloodstream to see if their tumor has particular changes in it. Now, these arent changes that they were born with, these are changes that were made in the cells in the tumor because we have drugs that are targeted at particular changes.

For instance, if we find something called a PIK3CA mutation, we know that they might be a candidate for a drug called alpelasib (Piqray), which has been shown to improve prognosis in women who have the PIK3CA mutation. If they have a mutation in the estrogen receptor of their tumor, then we know that an aromatase inhibitor isnt going to be a good drug for them, and they can get a different kind of agent or go on a clinical trial for new types of agents.

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Educating Patients, and Physicians, On the Importance of Genetic Testing In Breast Cancer - Curetoday.com


Mar 9

Vital Signs: Working out on a college schedule – The Signal

By Madison PenaNews Editor

Fitness is something that many students want to prioritize, but it can get pushed aside when they have trouble finding time in their busy schedule or dont know where to start.

Many students struggle to make the transition from playing on sports teams in high school to being on their own in college and having to form their own fitness plan. Here are some ways to find the right workout for your body and schedule.

Try a Workout Class

If youre not a fan of working out alone, try one of the fitness classes offered by the College theyre a great way to get motivated and make workouts more enjoyable. The Recreation and Wellness Center offers various workouts, including Zumba, pilates and kickboxing, according to this semesters schedule.

Go For a Run

Running can be a great way to escape the daily stress that can accumulate from exams, classes and other responsibilities. In fact, studies from Business Insider have shown that cardio exercise releases more endorphins, increases focus level and reduces stress, making it the ideal workout when you need a break from studying.

One of the best aspects of running is the lack of equipment needed, making it perfect for a packed schedule. Its super convenient when you want to get a workout in before your next class but dont have time to make it to the Fitness Center in Campus Town. With one lap around campus being just shy of two miles, you can enjoy the scenic view without the stress of being pressed for time.

Invest your Time in a Workout Program

If cardio isnt your thing or youre trying to work on strength training, lifting programs may be something to look into. Fitness guides or apps like SWEATl often have different customizable settings, ensuring that theres something for everyone.

The president is meeting with the president of other state publics (COLLEGES) tomorrow, Keep said in relation to coronavirus measures. I think itll be topic No. 1.

I would also expect that we have some decision coming up.

Related

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Vital Signs: Working out on a college schedule - The Signal


Mar 9

Common Sense Ways To Protect Aging Parents From Coronavirus And Still Keep Them Engaged – Forbes

Some folks dismiss the seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak as no big deal. Others get panicky and think everyone will get it. Neither is true. The National Council on Aging, a reliable resource for and about older adults, provides this information for those with aging loved ones.

Life doesnt stop for older adults who are at risk, but it does need to include very regular hand washing, avoiding crowds, and paying attention to any early warning signs such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. If your aging parent has chronic health conditions, you, the adult child can ensure that he or she has a supply of all prescription medications on hand in case quarantine becomes necessary. It might! Keeping supplies available also means having adequate food on hand, and other things your loved one uses regularly, such as oxygen or other medical equipment. Plan for two weeks worth if you are involved.

Quarantined elders can connect with you digitially

If your aging parent is in a seniors community, such as assisted living, ask the director what precautions are being taken there. If you are not satisfied that enough is being done, speak up and advocate for your loved one. If you have an aging parent in a nursing home (aka rehab facility), check on your aging parent daily and speak with the administration daily about any signs of COVID-19 illness in that facility. Infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus can spread quickly in a place where many vulnerable older people live in proximity to one another.

Necessary as it is, isolating or having to quarantine our aging parents comes with a price. Many seniors social connections provide the enjoyment they need for a fulfilling life. Depression can result in their feeling cut off from what they like to do, whether its playing bingo, attending lectures, or being part of a club or senior center. You can help by offering frequent telephone or other contact. You can help them set up movies, music or other entertainment at home. If theyve never done a video chat, now could be a time to show them how its done. Explore innovative devices that can make it simpler for elders who may not be fully computer literate to use an iPad or one like it to chat with family, see photos or otherwise connect digitally. No computer needed. Getting one for them or demonstrating how to use such a device can help ward off the depressive effect of being cut off from fun because of self-isolation.

The National Council on Aging has a variety of exercise plans a person can do at home even if chair-bound or frail. Telephone or video-based home exercise programs could fill some of the empty hours an elder may have to spend when avoiding social events.

Whatever you can offer, it will be worth your effort to help keep your aging parents safe at home and not feeling completely deprived of enjoyable things to do.

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Common Sense Ways To Protect Aging Parents From Coronavirus And Still Keep Them Engaged - Forbes


Mar 9

Severe weather preparedness focus of statewide drill – Dubois County Free Press

To focus attention upon the rapidly approaching tornado and severe weather season, the week of March 15-21, 2020 is designated Severe Weather Preparedness Week throughout the State of Indiana.

The purpose of this proclamation is to stress the importance of promoting the publics awareness of what actions to take in case of tornadoes and other types of severe weather.

In conjunction with this proclamation, and in cooperation with the National Weather Service, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the Indiana Department of Education and the Indiana State Police, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 has been selected as the date for the Statewide Tornado Exercise which will be initiated at approximately 10:15 a.m. (EDT). Should actual severe weather be a threat that day, the exercise will be held on March 19. There will be no evening exercise.

Your participation in this annual exercise will help to improve your tornado preparedness and severe storms awareness programs and plans. Our goal is to prevent, if possible the potential number of deaths and injuries from tornadoes and other severe storms this season. For more information please contact Tammy Humbert or Gary Fritz at Dubois County Emergency Management at 812-482-2202.

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Severe weather preparedness focus of statewide drill - Dubois County Free Press


Mar 9

Staying Young And Healthy With Personalised Health Care – Bangkok Post

An annual anti-aging medical check-up is like taking your car in for preventive maintenance.

For safety, car parts like brake pads and tires are changed based on usage even when the part still functions. Oddly, people typically go to see a doctor only when some body part is starting to break down. Anti-Aging is like preventive maintenance first we check to see if everything is still functioning optimally, and if not we fix it. And dont forget that unlike your car, body parts are much more difficult to get replaced.

The above message is delivered by Dr. Anongnuth Chavalithamrong (M.D., ABAAM), American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine, European Masters of Preventative and Anti-Aging Medicine, renowned for being one of Thailands best trained medical professionals in the field of anti-aging medicine for almost 18years.

Anti-aging medicine, considered an evolving branch of medical science and applied medicine, has sparked interest among people, particularly those who truly understand the importance of healthcare. Though most people think of beauty or looking younger when they hear anti-aging actually the focus of anti-aging medicine is on the treatment and prevention of illnesses as well as the promotion of excellent health and longevity.

Addlife Anti-Aging Center is fully committed to providing personalised healthcare services, backed by advanced technology-based analysis of the cause and effect of illness, reliable laboratory test results, and a comprehensive range of medical treatments. A team of medical professionals will help design a personalised healthcare program for each individual patient based on their unique condition and concerns. Anti-aging programs are aimed at improving quality of life by boosting energy, increasing vitality, getting a better nights sleep, restoring sexual health, revitalising brain cognition and cellular functions, easing weight loss, maximising immunity, reducing muscle and joint pain. Specialised health treatment programs may include natural hormone replacement, vitamin and mineral supplementation, oxygen therapy, cell therapy and more. Lifestyle advice is also provided on how to stay healthy with proper nutrition and adequate exercise.

Anti-aging patients commonly complain of fatigue or loss of energy, insomnia, weight gain or loss of fitness even after having a medical check-up and no problems were identified. Fatigue from a disease perspective involves heart or lung problems. From an anti-aging perspective, fatigue could be from hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, toxic accumulation, poor circulation, and inadequate oxygen which are not diseases but rather part of aging and therefore often neglected. At Addlife, patients will be offered specialised health check-up programs to identify these problems and treatments to correct them.

Dr. Kridakorn Kesorncam (M.D., ABAARM), Board of Pediatrics, Board of Family Medicine, American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, said that: Aanti-aging science and annual health check-up are developed under consistent methods. Health check-ups are not only conducted to diagnose disease but we also work to identify risk factors for future health problems. Everyone is recommended to have a health check-up at least once a year. If risk factors have been found, a specialised health treatment program will be introduced to a patient to reduce such risk factors. Meanwhile, it is even more necessary for those diagnosed with certain illnesses or having poor health conditions to seek a complete health check-up to ensure the most possible and efficient treatment plan for better health.

Admittedly, people seek health check-ups because they think they are at risk of severe diseases, for instance, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Nonetheless, according to laboratory test results, many of them are not diagnosed with any severe disease. Hence, no treatment is required at this stage. Many people think they still remain healthy as no unusual condition or symptom is reported in their medical records. Our diagnosis and treatment processes are more detailed than those practiced by other health centres because we identify how best to promote good health and prevent illnesses for our patients. We take into account the patients body mass index (BMI) and their individual metabolic rates, advising requirements in exercise and appropriate intake of nutrients. Every health treatment program will include a physical examination provided by a team of medical specialists. Meanwhile, the programs also include recommendations and tips on dietary and recommended supplementary intakes.

Dr. Kesorncam added that: In addition to personalised care, Add Life Anti-Aging Center has obtained the best and most advanced technology from all over the world to tackle various health problems. Our specialised healthcare services include cell therapy, ozone therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, low-level laser therapy, blood circulation therapy, and more. Teams of highly experienced nurses, physical therapists, dietitians, and physicians are always ready to facilitate patients. Recently, we have announced the opening of our new Digestive & Liver Center aiming for the best of medical and healthcare services to promote good gut health.

Dr. Chavalithamrong concluded Please dont wait until it is too late to get a health check-up. We used to have to accept growing old with grace, but now due to new anti-aging medical technologies, we dont have to.

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Staying Young And Healthy With Personalised Health Care - Bangkok Post


Mar 9

Raising Heart Rates and Spirits for Cancer Patients – Columbia University Irving Medical Center

For cancer patients, sometimes a necessary course of treatment is a healthy dose of cardio.

Alice King, who is battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, couldnt agree more. A local Washington Heights resident, King was walking her dog one weekend last year when she came across signs promoting CancerFIT, a free exercise class at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) tailored to cancer patients and survivors. As someone who firmly believes that physical activity is a key part of getting through cancer, King jumped on the opportunity to take a CancerFIT class.

Having cancer, you just really have to keep moving, says King. CancerFIT classes are a way of doing that in a safe space with like-minded people, and with instructors who are paying attention to everyone as an individual. We are all getting something out of it and doing the exercises the right way and for our skill level.

She adds, Its important for us to not think of ourselves as sick and to keep our heart rates up.

CancerFIT was founded by Barbara Trencher, a breast cancer survivor, and Sarah Urke, who lost her father to cancer. Trencher and Urke met while earning their doctorate degrees in physical therapy from Columbia Universitys Vagelos College of Physician and Surgeons. At the time, both were motivated to start an evidence-based exercise class geared towards cancer patients and survivors with the goal of countering emotional and physical stresses patients undergo while in treatment and beyond.

There is clear data and ongoing research that supports the benefits of exercise. It counters such things for cancer patients as cancer-related fatigue, depression, and anxiety, says Trencher. With CancerFIT, were providing a service that we think should be an integral part of every patients cancer carea data-driven exercise program that directly links to better patient outcomes.

The co-founders rolled out CancerFIT at Columbia in the fall of 2018. The classes are a combination of high-intensity aerobics, stretching, and strength-training, led by Columbia physical therapy graduate students who help with modifications during the course of the class. CancerFIT is currently held weekly on Friday mornings at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 627 W. 165th St. on the second floor of the service building, with additional classes and locations expected in the summer and fall.

The free exercise program offers more than a physical workout, it also provides much-needed support and inspiration for cancer patients and survivors.

The classes really serve as an organic support group, says Trencher. Participants feel safe working out with other patients who are going through the same experiences that piece of CancerFIT is important. It is a different kind of support group that can be really meaningful.

Taking the class helps me feel like Im in control of what it is I can do for myself, adds King. Its very positive and uplifting and makes a huge difference in how I feel.

-Melanie A. Farmer

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Raising Heart Rates and Spirits for Cancer Patients - Columbia University Irving Medical Center


Mar 9

FIRST FIVE: Conditions of possibility for religious freedom Posted Mar 08, 2020 – hays Post

Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum.

Americans sometimes assume they are equipped with everything they need laws, policies and cultural norms to exercise their right to religious freedom. But is that true? What circumstances need to exist for religious freedom to be possible? What conditions must already be in place if Americans are to exercise their right to believe and act in accordance with their religious identities?

Corey D. B. Walker, a religious studies scholar at the University of Richmond, recently raised these questions at a course exploring African-American perspectives about religious freedom. Drawing on the work of Enlightenment philosopher Immanuel Kant, Walker asked students to consider the conditions of possibility for religious freedom. So, what are the conditions necessary for enabling religious freedom in the first place?

Consider the Trump administrations proposed changes to rules in nine federal agencies. The changes are complex and differ somewhat across agencies, but one common theme is the elimination of certain religious liberty protections for social service beneficiaries. These rules were implemented pursuant to an executive order signed by President Obama in 2010 (Executive Order 13559). With this order, President Obama embraced recommendations made by his inaugural Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, which was comprised of both progressive and conservative religious and community leaders. The order states in part:

If a beneficiary or prospective beneficiary of a social service program supported by federal financial assistance objects to the religious character of an organization that provides services under the program, that organization shall, within a reasonable time after the date of the objection, refer the beneficiary to an alternative provider.

In other words, a religiously affiliated group like a Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist or Sikh ministry or aid society can receive a federal grant or contract to provide a social service such as emergency shelter, food supplement or job training programs, addiction treatment services and more. If a religiously affiliated group does so, then the group must refer beneficiaries (those who receive the service) to other groups if the beneficiary objects to the religious affiliation or character of the service provider.

Furthermore, the rules require social service providers to notify beneficiaries that they can request such a referral. The task force that made these recommendations asserted that beneficiaries cannot be expected to know about these protections social service providers are responsible for informing them.

The Trump administration would eliminate the alternative provider requirement. It would also no longer obligate social service providers to notify beneficiaries that they could request an alternative provider. Beneficiaries could still seek a referral to such a provider, but they would not be told about that option. If beneficiaries do request a referral, providers would still have to make reasonable efforts to make one, and the provider would have to tell the government or awarding entity if they were unsuccessful.

Do the proposed rules create the conditions of possibility for religious freedom? The Trump administration argues the rules would put religious social service providers on a level playing field with non-religious providers, thereby promoting one possible condition for freedom: equality. The administration contends that the alternative provider requirement and beneficiary notice are discriminatory for placing special obligations on religious social service providers. They say those rules are in tension with recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Others assert that these requirements are consistent with the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses in the First Amendment. And the Supreme Court cases that the Trump administration cites involve governmental policies that refuse to allow religious bodies to compete for state funding or religious individuals to run for certain public offices, not reasonable conditions that apply to government grants religious bodies do receive.

In either case, the Trump administrations proposed rules would eliminate another condition for freedom: knowledge. If social service beneficiaries are not notified about these religious liberty protections, they may not know that they can request a different religious or non-religious provider. Our judicial system has long acknowledged the link between knowledge of rights and the ability to exercise those rights. Anyone who has watched a crime show knows that the police need to read suspects their Miranda rights, for example.

The Trump administration should not eliminate the alternative referral requirement and beneficiary notice if they want to safeguard the conditions that make religious freedom possible. Even if one accepts their claim that the alternative provider and beneficiary notice requirements present a possibly unconstitutional burden on religious social service providers a claim vigorously disputed by some church-state lawyers, including Melissa Rogers the administration could maintain these religious liberty protections for beneficiaries in other ways. The administration could require both religious and non-religious social service providers to make referrals to alternative providers and notify beneficiaries about religious liberty protections for them. Or governmental bodies, not providers, could notify beneficiaries of existing protections. (As Melissa Rogers notes, [t]he only indefensible approach would be to end such religious freedom requirements).

Too often those in power present religious freedom as a zero-sum game. In this case, the Trump administration argues that the government can extend religious liberty protections to social service providers or beneficiaries, but not both. But the administration can maintain protections for both and thereby affirm conditions that both conservatives and progressives argue are necessary for religious freedom to exist at all.

A British Council survey released to the public earlier this year found that 89 percent of people in the United States agree that freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental right. As Americans, we should urge the government to do everything it can to create the conditions that make it possible for Americans of all religions and none to exercise that fundamental right.

I am grateful to Melissa Rogers, former executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (2013-2017), for sharing her comments on the proposed rule changes by the Trump administration. Her insightful feedback inspired this column.

Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum. His email address is: [emailprotected].

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FIRST FIVE: Conditions of possibility for religious freedom Posted Mar 08, 2020 - hays Post


Mar 9

Stamm represents APA in Top 60 workout | Sports – The Herald Bulletin

INDIANAPOLIS While her time as a Jet was brief, the impact Madison Stamm had on the Anderson Prep girls basketball program was strong.

And her performance for APA received some statewide attention.

Stamm represented APA on Sunday in the Hoosier Basketball Magazine Senior Girls Top 60 workout, held at Heritage Christian.

The event includes participating in drills run by coaches from around the state and playing scrimmages with some of the very best players in the state. Stamm is the first girls player from APA to participate in the annual event, which this year included Miss Basketball frontrunners Madison Layden from Northwestern and Sydney Parrish of Hanmilton Southeastern. This is the 39th year for the event.

The 60 players were selected by coaches from the original list of the top 100 seniors from across the state. Addie Gardner of Frankton and Aubree Dwiggins of Pendleton Heights were the only other area players in the top 100.

While the nature of the event may not have differed too much from her AAU experience, that did not allay the early nerves for Stamm, who will continue her basketball career next season at Manchester.

But seeing a few familiar faces helped calm those anxious feelings.

Luckily, my friend (Sydnee Perry) from Mount Vernon was here, and we linked up right away, Stamm said. Once me and her were together, we started calming down right away.

In her three scrimmages, each of which were eight-minute, running clock periods, Stamm had two rebounds, two assists and a steal and knocked down one of her two 3-point attempts.

Her presence impressed her coach for the day, Triton Centrals Bryan Hughes.

What I liked about her was that she was very polite, a great teammate who talked to everybody, said Hughes, who guided his team to an undefeated season until falling to eventual Class 2A champion Linton-Stockton at semistate. On the court, she knew her job with that group and did it very well. Very talented and impressive young lady.

All Stamm did after transferring from Mount Vernon prior to her junior year was average 15.5 points and 8.9 rebounds over her 45 games with the Jets. She teamed up with fellow seniors Savannah Prewett and Tommya Davis to lift APA to a program-best 14 wins this season.

Jessica Hornocker was her coach at APA, and she said Stamms impact was felt not only tangibly with her on-court production but also in her quiet leadership.

A lot of times we talk about impact statistically, and thats great, Hornocker said. But Madis impact was more than statistical. Her knowledge of basketball and her ability to work hard, but she wanted others to get better and push themselves by her presence. Shes not a vocal leader or a barker. ... She just did what needed to be done, just her presence lifted the level of our team.

Stamm hopes her impact will be felt even after she moves on.

I feel like Ive inspired other little girls to go as far as I have, she said. I wish I was at APA for all four years. I feel like I would have been able to accomplish even more.

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Stamm represents APA in Top 60 workout | Sports - The Herald Bulletin



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