Monthly Archives: August 2020

Spiritually Speaking: A trip to the movies – Wicked Local Walpole

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He wondered if normalcy was something, like vision or silence, you didnt realize was precious until you lost it. -- Cassandra Clare, author

It was a risk. I know. Maybe even kind of a little dangerous. Taking this one chance, after 136 days of being locked up and locked in and prevented from enjoying one cherished past time in my life, thats been with me since I first saw the flicker of shadow and light projected onto a screen, as a little boy at the Wollaston Theater, my childhood palace of dreams.

This past Saturday, I went to the movies again.

It was an impulse decision. Reading the paper, I noticed a story about one of my favorite movie theaters here in eastern Massachusetts, the West Newton Cinema, reopening, after being shuttered since last March. Ive seen upwards of 100 movies there, probably more, in my adult life, so many Saturday nights with pasta at Comellas next door and then a film. Its not a cookie-cutter venue, a cinema one to infinity kind of place, a suburban movie factory located next to the mall, that shows mostly superhero flicks and other blockbusters.

No. West Newton Cinema is as local as local gets. As theater as theater gets.

Opened in 1937, the movie palace has been welcoming viewers into its quaint and cozy building for 83 years, showed its first film in the midst of the Great Depression, and has been entertaining movie buffs like me ever since. Stroll through the heavy wooden front doors as you pass under a marquee filled with titles of current attractions, and then get your ticket from a live person in a booth and enter a spacious lobby, the smell of real homemade popcorn and melted butter making your mouth water. Once a true movie palace, the Cinema boasted of being able to seat more than 1,000 patrons for a single screening, but now it has six screens, showing both art house and popular fare. Its been owned and operated by the same pair of brothers David and Jimmy Bramante (and now their families) for the past 42 years.

I had to go to the movies. I had to somehow get an experience of normalcy and comfort in the middle of the craziness we now call 2020 in this world.

I had to go.

And so, my friend Kacey and I did go, as we have so many times before, making our way up the lobby stairs to theater five, where we found our seats in the third row and also found ourselves the only patrons in the room. The theater has strict COVID guidelines, requires a mask and social distancing and limits capacity to only 25 folks per viewing, but in the end, we had nothing to worry or fret about.

Then the lights dimmed and the projector kicked on and there up on the screen of dreams was Casablanca, the classic 1942 film about life in wartime Morocco and lost love and broken hearts and fighting Nazis and a world all caught up in tumult and fear. It felt like watching a story from a million years ago and a story from right now. At least thats how I romantically imagined it, as I watched tuxedo-clad Humphrey Bogart and the elegant Ingrid Bergman exchange snappy dialogue and stolen kisses and drink champagne at Ricks Caf Americain.

Heres looking at you kid.

Its hard to put into words how deeply grateful and blessed I felt to be doing something so normal as going to the movies and munching on my popcorn, and arranging my long legs over the seats and staring up at the screen, where at 24 frames per second, I was reminded of how much I love films. And art. And a shared creative experience, not just a solo viewing of another movie on Netflix, as I push back in my La-Z-Boy, day 137 of COVID-19.

I know with more than 149,000 already dead in the U.S. from the virus, and millions more infected and the disease now reigniting across the country, my joy at returning to the movies may seem kind of trivial or even insensitive, considering how many folks are struggling right now. And yet, ask anyone who is sick and tired, just exhausted from the COVID marathon that is not near over yet, and I know theyd tell you that they, all of us, we just need a little taste of normalcy right now. Something to soothe our souls and lift our spirits. Something as simple as going to the movies.

As Rick says to Ilsa in the dramatic final scene of Casablanca, Im no good at being noble, but it doesnt take much to see that the problems of three little people dont amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you'll understand that.

Someday we may look back on these intense times of COVID and understand, maybe even see how we grew and stretched as humans and children of God, and were each called to be our best selves in these days, courageous, even noble. But for now?

Im going to the movies.

The Rev. John F. Hudson is senior pastor of the Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ, in Sherborn (pilgrimsherborn.org). If you have a word or idea youd like defined in a future column or have comments, please send them to pastorjohn@pilgrimsherborn.org or in care of The Press (Dover-Sherborn@wickedlocal.com).

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Spiritually Speaking: A trip to the movies - Wicked Local Walpole

Indias New Education Policy takes the bullet out of the old, Russian roulette-like system – ThePrint

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New Delhi: There are inherent problems in our current education system, such as how our education does not get us a job, said ThePrints Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta as he discussed the new National Education Policy (NEP), which is aimed at fixing the mess in Indias education system.

In episode 535 of Cut the Clutter, Gupta dissected, one by one, how the new policy addresses the current problems.

He began by talking about the irrelevance of what students are taught in schools and colleges and how far it actually helps us in real life. Quoting a line from a famous Gulzar song Halchal Theek Thak Hai from the film Mere Apne BA kiya, MA kiya, lagta hai woh bhi anwai kiya (Ive done a BA and an MA, but it all seems to be in vain) he underlined how little degrees help in the long run.

He further pointed out that the education system is too exam-centric and likened it to a game of Russian roulette, wherein a bullet is placed in one of the six chambers of a revolver and then the gun is fired. Depending on your luck, youll either get an empty chamber or the one loaded with the bullet. Gupta said if things go well for you on the day of the final exam, it is like shooting the empty chamber and you survive. But if anything went wrong, it would be like shooting yourself in the head.

Also read: A second shot at boards, no MPhil, a blow to rote-learning what Modi govts NEP brings

The other problem Gupta pointed out with the education system is the insularity. He explained that a student gets typecast for life based on the subject they chose in school and the future course of life is decided by that one choice.

For example, if a student studies physics, chemistry and/or maths, they will go on to become an engineer. And if one is not good at maths, they study biology and go on to become a doctor that is a tag they carry for the rest of their life.

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The current policy aims to solve this by allowing students to mix and match subjects in school and college. Gupta also spoke about the comeback of the four-year undergraduate programme, which was rolled back in 2013.

The NEP will allow universities to offer both three-year and four-year undergraduate programs, which will allow students multiple exit options. If a student leaves after one year, he or she will get a certificate, leaving after two years will earn a diploma, and the degree will be awarded on completing three or four years. The system is a welcome step, said Gupta.

The NEP also addressed the issues at the basic learning level among school children in the country. Gupta noted that the policy bats for extending the Right to Education from three to 18 years of age. Currently, it applies to five to 14 years of age. The extension will enable inclusion of children from all ages in the formal schooling system, thereby ensuring that every child gets educated. This will be a very positive step because it will improve the learning level among school children in India, said Gupta.

The NEP also provided for using regional or local languages as a medium of instruction upto Class 5 in schools. This, Gupta said, is a good idea since students will be taught in their mother tongue or a language they best understand, but he questioned how the formula will be applied to schools that are more metropolitan, like the Dhirubhai Ambani School in Mumbai. He added that teaching in ones mother tongue should not undermine the value of teaching English in schools because we cannot have a generation of children who are not able to do business in the English language.

Gupta addressed one more problem which, according to him, the policy does not resolve commercialisation and corruption. Education will be treated as a not for profit entity under the new policy. This, Gupta argued, will give rise to more corruption because people do not want to open education institutions for charity.

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Indias New Education Policy takes the bullet out of the old, Russian roulette-like system - ThePrint

Why internet speed is crucial for good online gaming and how to improve yours – Easier

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It doesnt matter whether you are competing in a top-rated online shooter, or trying to relax at the end of a busy day with a few bets at the new online slots - unless you have a fast internet connection, your experience will not be a good one. Lag is a competitive gamers nightmare, and slow internet speeds and lagging go hand in hand.

You might be dead in Counter Strike: Global Offensive, and not realize it until 5 seconds after, and that never feels good. Believe it or not, most people who think they are really bad in reaction-based, real-time online games such as first-person shooters and sports games, lose so often because of their poor ping and slow internet connections. In a game like Call of Duty, where every frame is considered precious enough to make a difference between winning or losing a match, connection lag pretty much guarantees a loss every time.

How Internet Speed and Ping Affects Gaming

Have you ever played live casino games like blackjack or roulette, where the dealer hears your voice and reacts to it, but only after a few seconds? If that has happened to you already, then you know how frustrating it is to keep your concentration with such a distracting delay every time.

Now, imagine the same is happening in an online game where twitch reactions decide the difference between a winner and a loser. Even if you are not using a headset to chat with other players, the images will still come to you late due to the slower connection. As a result, there will always be a marked difference or discrepancy between the following:

- Your reactions and the responses of your character in a game

- What you see on the screen in front of you, and what is actually happening in real-time

If your connection to the server has ping thats high enough, the server will likely even kick you out of the game at times. In other words, not only will there be a significant delay in the online games responsiveness if your connection is slow, but you can practically never win in PvP either. Safe to say, if you are any kind of online gamer at all, you know that simply wont do, which is why we will discuss the options available to improve your internet speed and online gaming experience next.

Understand the Requirements

Even more than the speed itself, latency or ping holds more importance to online gaming. This means that you need to fulfill a few primary requirements before setting up an online match in PUBG, DOTA, or Rocket League.

First and foremost, the player will need to ensure that their internet plan fulfills the following requirements:

- Minimum download speed of 4-6Mbps

- Minimum upload speed of 1-2Mbps

This shouldnt be a problem in this day and age where even Gigabit fiber connections are becoming commonplace.

Secondly, we need to keep an eye on that ping. Local servers usually have lower latency, so always try to connect and play on servers closest to your geographic location. The games should automatically suggest the same as well, but if there are no servers near you, you can make do with a ping as high as 150ms, although thats not ideal for any game that requires fast reactions, such as online fighters, racers, and shooters.

What Can You Expect After Getting a Fast Internet Connection?

When the ping on your new connection is less than 20ms, and you have a 100Mbps+ fiber connection, hook your PC/console up to a 2ms 144hz monitor. You should begin to see improvements in your rank across all online games, almost immediately after. If brand new online slots and live casinos appeal to you more, then check out this new online slots provider called Unikrn to enjoy the best experience in that department with your new high-speed net connection.

We suggest connecting your PC/laptop/mobile to the big screen TV at home for playing live casino games and the brand-new slots at Unikrn. The gorgeous dealers at their live casino tables and the colorful animations in Unikrns new online slots will look more realistic than you might have ever imagined possible, thanks to the large display and the HD streaming speeds which your new connection should be able to handle easily.

The fact that your new low latency, high-speed connection will also eliminate any delays in audio interactions with other players and the dealer can practically create the illusion of playing blackjack or roulette in a real-life casino with other players. For playing both their old and new online slots, or to bet on sports while you are on the move, they have a handy mobile app that you can download and use from anywhere.

In case you cannot find a local server, or one that doesnt lag too much even after switching over to a faster internet connection, its just better to find a game that has local servers. This shouldnt at least be a problem with popular online gaming titles though. On the other hand, if you cannot find a high-speed internet connection near your location, or simply cant afford to pay for one at the moment, consider playing online games that dont require a high bandwidth. Most mobile games, including mobile casino games, fit this category, but even PC and console games that are not too heavy on the graphics and animations should be quite playable as well.

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Why internet speed is crucial for good online gaming and how to improve yours - Easier

OPINION: It’s disturbing that universities don’t teach about black South African political scientists – Independent Online

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By Dr Tshepo Mvulane Moloi

As part of my pursuit and ongoing advocacy to advance the decolonialisation of education, specifically within the context of our current national locality of South Africa, I propose to share my personal trajectory in academia.

The latter is undertaken to hopefully record and reflect about the epistimicide I experienced, in my scholarly trajectory as a "black" South African.

I completed my undergraduate (2002-2005) and honours (2006) degrees, at University of Zululand (UZ), one of the "historically disadvantaged universities" with political science as a major. I, along with fellow "black" South African classmates, observed that we were hardly taught, about "black" South African political scientists.

Oddly the aforesaid status quo incredibly prevails to date, across most institutions in South Africa. Why? Well, unbeknown to our credulous budding minds back then, we overlooked that the bulk of our lecturers were also colonised graduates, hired from other South African universities.

To be specific, the two lecturers who taught me political science were, namely, alumni of the universities of Pretoria (UP) and of Durban-Westville now University of KwaZulu-Natal.

As regards racial hue, the two lecturers who taught me political science were descendants of Afrikaners and Indians respectively.

Notably, emphasis on ones "race" in South Africa arose from absurd colonial bigotry, which climaxed post-inauguration of an apartheid regime, in 1948.

These two lecturers were (albeit differently from our "black" South African graduates), also victims. Their respective flaws, however, were consistent with the historical path imposed from a common inheritance, informed by racial prejudice.I wondered how come my lecturers, when they had an opportunity to address erasure, which is equivalent to "epistemic violence", when teaching such modules, did not do so.

They opted instead to basically continue with the earlier noted problematic status quo of dogmatic discourse, which merely renewed "epistemic violence", initiated by bygone colonialists of pre-1994 democratic South Africa. In retrospect, I recall that it is such an anomaly which inspired my eventual honours project to focus on ascertaining whether "South Africa had its own foreign policy".

To my dismay, the latter capstone by and large abhorrently magnified "white" (Afrikaans and English) scholars, as the mainly solitary scholars of South Africas foreign policy. A sample of their names included Deon Geldenhuys, Peter Vale and Maxi Schoeman.

Black South Africans who were featured appeared mostly as plenipotentiaries, as civil servants in the diplomatic corps since 1994. I only learnt later about Samuel Nolutshungu, Vincent Maphai and Tandeka Nkiwane.

As one may have expected, as a postgraduate student of political science post-2006 in South Africa, the latter incongruence worried me. The disturbing results of my study, inspired by recommendations consistent with an "epistemic break" from mainstream IR, as was explored in my doctorate.

Mindful of being a "black" South African, that is how I thus subsequently selected Eskia Mphahlele and the exploration of his Afrikan Humanism, as a possible African contribution to IR.

Both of my studies are freely available online.

Dr Tshepo Mvulane Moloi is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Study.

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OPINION: It's disturbing that universities don't teach about black South African political scientists - Independent Online

COVID-19 in Illinois updates: Heres whats happening Wednesday – Chicago Tribune

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After weeks of defending a proposal to reopen Chicago Public Schools this fall, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS CEO Janice Jackson announced Wednesday that the new school year will begin with remote learning instead.

They said the decision was based on public health guidelines and feedback from parents, and that the district will aim to move to a hybrid model, with schools reopened, in the second quarter.

The switch to an all-remote learning plan comes as teachers union leaders were planning to convene the organizations House of Delegates next week and consider a process that eventually could lead to a strike if CPS didnt agree to start the school year with full remote learning, sources said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Illinois health officials Wednesday reported 1,759 new known cases and 30 additional fatalities. The total number of known infections in Illinois now stands at 186,471 and the statewide confirmed death toll is 7,573.

Heres whats happening Wednesday with COVID-19 in the Chicago area and Illinois:

12:57 p.m.: Second stimulus check updates: Where things stand in high-level Washington talks on the huge coronavirus response bill

After more than a weeks worth of meetings, at least some clarity is emerging in the bipartisan Washington talks on a huge COVID-19 response bill.

An exchange of offers Tuesday and a meeting devoted to the U.S. Postal Service on Wednesday indicates a long slog remains, but the White House is offering some movement in House Speaker Nancy Pelosis direction on aid to states and local governments and unemployment insurance benefits. Multiple issues remain, but some areas of likely agreement are coming into focus.

12:55 p.m.: Touchless entry, ionizing HVAC: In the time of COVID-19, these 3 new luxury residences are making sure theyre outfitted for pandemic life.

It was a happy accident that Parkline Chicago, a forthcoming 26-story complex in the Loop, will feature a touchless experience for residents upon entry. As they walk through the front doors, onto the elevator and into their apartment or condo, they wont touch a thing.

Its one of the features that Parkline and two other new luxury residential developments in Chicago might have planned as a neat detail prior to 2020, but find to be much more vital in a world grappling with COVID-19. Co-working space, rooftop gardens teeming with produce and other amenities are increasingly considered essential for people who are spending more time at home for social distancing reasons.

In the cases ofParkline Chicago,PorteandThe Orchard, COVID-19 actually sped up project completion, because most construction was considered essential during the stay-at-home order, developers said. Now or soon to be on the market, these apartments, condos and town homes are a glimpse at what new developments might look like in the time of COVID-19.

12:24 p.m.: Illinois Holocaust Museum to hold annual fundraiser online this fall because of COVID-19

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie announced Wednesday it plans to host its annual soiree virtually this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The event is free and scheduled for Sept. 2, according to a news release. The museums Womens Leadership Committee plans to stream it live from a studio and feature a musical performance by Katie Kadan, a Chicago native who was a 2019 finalist on NBCs The Voice, among others.

While we are sad that we cannot gather in person this year, we are excited to take the event virtual and feel it is the best way to continue raising funds to support the museums important work, the committees president, Juliet Gray, said in the release.

The benefit is the museums signature event and aims to raise funds to combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference, and to inspire others to speak out for whats right turning powerful lessons of history into positive actions today, according to the release. The museum recommends donations of $200 at the soiree.

12:05 p.m.: 1,759 new known COVID-19 cases, 30 additional deaths

Illinois health officials Wednesday reported 1,759 new known cases and 30 additional fatalities. The total number of known infections in Illinois now stands at 186,471 and the statewide confirmed death toll is 7,573. Within the past 24 hours, officials report 46,668 tests completed.

11:01 a.m.: New University of Chicago imaging center will aid COVID-19 research

University of Chicago Medicine plans to create a massive database of medical images of COVID-19 patients such as X-rays and CT scans that researchers can use to help them better understand and fight the illness, with support from a $20 million federal grant.

The images will be collected at a new center at the University of Chicago and be open source, meaning the material will be available to researchers around the world. The center expects to collect more than 10,000 images in its first three months.

This will speed up the sharing of new research on COVID-19, answering questions about COVID-19 presentation in the lungs, the efficacy of therapies, associations between COVID-19 and other co-morbidities, and monitoring for potential resurgence of the virus, Maryellen Giger, a professor of radiology at University of Chicago, said in a news release.

Giger will lead the center along with leaders from the American College of Radiology, the Radiological Society of North America and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

11 a.m.: CDC warns coronavirus measures could disrupt detection of rare, paralyzing polio-like disease in children

Health experts once thought 2020 might be the worst year yet for a rare paralyzing disease that has been hitting U.S. children for the past decade.

But they now say the coronavirus pandemic could disrupt the pattern for the mysterious illnesses, which spike every other year starting in late summer.

Scientists say its possible that mask wearing, school closures and others measures designed to stop spread of the coronavirus may also hamper spread of the virus suspected of causing the paralyzing disease.

Dr. David Kimberlin, a researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, called it the million-dollar question.

"We just simply don't know right now," said Kimberlin, who is co-leader of a national study to gather specimens from children who develop the paralyzing condition.

The pandemic is dominating public health work right now, but officials are trying to draw attention to the polio-like condition they call acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday made a public call for parents and doctors to watch for it, and act.

10:55 a.m.: Joe Biden wont travel to Milwaukee for 2020 Democratic National Convention because of concerns over the coronavirus

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will not travel to Milwaukee to accept his partys White House nomination because of concerns over the coronavirus.

That's according to a Democrat with knowledge of the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity to discuss planning.

The move is the latest example of the pandemics sweeping effects on the 2020 presidential election and the latest blow to traditional party nominating conventions that historically have marked the start of fall general election campaigns.

10:45 a.m.: Northwestern football workouts still on hold after a player tests positive for COVID-19, while Illinois will start camp Thursday

Northwestern football remains in pause stemming from a players positive COVID-19 test late last week, a school official told the Tribune on Wednesday.

As a result of its own strict protocols, Northwestern officials used contact tracing to determine that more than two dozen players needed to be quarantined. They will need to test negative to be released and cleared for workouts.

The Wildcats hope to return to the field by Friday, which is the allowable start date for a contact practice per NCAA rules.

NU is one of six Big Ten schools that has paused its football workouts, joining Ohio State, Maryland, Rutgers, Indiana and Michigan State.

9 a.m.: Chicago Public Schools shelves hybrid reopening plan, as officials announce remote learning plan for new school year

After weeks of defending a proposal to reopen Chicago Public Schools this fall, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS CEO Janice Jackson announced Wednesday that the new school year will begin with remote learning instead.

They said the decision was based on public health guidelines and feedback from parents, and that the district will aim to move to a hybrid model, with schools reopened, in the second quarter.

The decision to begin the 2020-2021 CPS school year remotely during the first quarter is rooted in public health data and the invaluable feedback weve received from parents and families, Lightfoot said in a release. As we build out this remote learning model and seek to establish a hybrid learning model in the second quarter, we will continue to support and collaborate with parents and school leaders to create safe, sustainable learning environments for our students.

8:57 a.m.: Will movie theaters survive? Cinemark lost $170 million last quarter, but its optimistic.

The third largest movie theater company in the world has taken a nearly $230 million hit this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, but leadership at Cinemark and analysts are optimistic about the prospects of reopening theaters.

Plano, Texas-based Cinemark posted a loss of $170 million for the three-month period that ended June 30, telling investors Tuesday that it's "been working diligently to prepare for reopening our theatres within this new operating environment."

The companys second quarter results reveal just how deeply the coronavirus pandemic has threatened the movie theater industry.

8:30 a.m.: US companies pulled back on hiring in July, ADP payroll report says

U.S. businesses sharply reduced hiring last month, suggesting that resurgent COVID-19 infections slowed the economic recovery as many states closed parts of their economies again and consumers remained cautious about spending.

U.S. firms added just 167,000 jobs in July, payroll processor ADP said Wednesday, far below Junes gain of 4.3 million and Mays increase of 3.3 million. Julys limited hiring means that according to ADP the economy still has 13 million fewer jobs than it did in February, before the viral outbreak intensified.

ADPs figures suggest that the job markets recovery is stalling and will likely fuel concerns that the governments jobs report, to be released Friday, will show a similar slowdown.

7:27 a.m.: Virgin Atlantic, 49% owned by Delta, files for US bankruptcy protection

Virgin Atlantic, the airline founded by British businessman Richard Branson, filed Tuesday for protection in U.S. bankruptcy court as it tries to survive the virus pandemic that is hammering the airline industry.

The airline made the Chapter 15 filing in U.S. federal bankruptcy court in New York after a proceeding in the United Kingdom.

A spokeswoman for Virgin Atlantic said the bankruptcy filing is part of a court process in the United Kingdom to carry out a restructuring plan that the airline announced last month. The process is supported by a majority of the airline's creditors, and the company hopes to emerge from the process in September, she said.

A Virgin Atlantic lawyer said in a court filing that the company needs an order from a U.S. court to make terms of the restructuring apply in the U.S.

6:35 a.m.: Lightfoot, schools and health officials expected to make announcement on public schools

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Chicago Public Schools chief Janice Jackson and city Health Commissioner Allison Arwady were scheduled to make an announcement Wednesday morning regarding the 2020-2021 school year, according to the mayors office.

The Tribune reported Tuesday that CPS planned to announce as soon as Wednesday that the school district would start the school year with all-remote learning. The move comes as the Chicago Teachers Union planned to hold a meeting of its House of Delegates next week, in preparation for a possible strike if the Chicago Board of Education were to go through with a plan to begin school in-person, while allowing parents to opt for remote learning.

6 a.m.: As COVID-19 keeps university fall plans in doubt, community colleges see boost as affordable option closer to home

In some ways, community colleges are better equipped to weather the coronavirus pandemic than traditional four-year universities. Unlike larger institutions, community colleges dont rely on revenue from residence halls which will plummet if students dont return to campus for fear of getting sick.

And local two-year colleges could become more appealing to families who dont want to pay top-dollar tuition for virtual instruction. Very few universities are discounting the cost of attendance despite offering most classes online.

Over the summer, several community colleges in Illinois including College of Lake County, Harper College in Palatine and College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn reported upticks in enrollment. Now, the colleges are watching to see if that trend continues for fall.

Madeleine Rhyneer, vice president and dean of enrollment at the education research firm EAB, said the numbers will likely fluctuate until classes start next month and students are forced to make final decisions.

If a bunch of students who are committed to four-year schools in the next three weeks say, You know what? Im just not doing that. Im going to defer for a year ... or Im going to withdraw and reapply a year from now or six months from now, then I think we definitely could see a bump in community college enrollments, Rhyneer said.

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COVID-19 in Illinois updates: Heres whats happening Wednesday - Chicago Tribune

A Wisconsin county says a resident was ‘reinfected’ with COVID-19, though scientists have no proof that can happen yet – Appleton Post Crescent

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La Crosse County health officials reported Tuesday that a resident has been reinfected with COVID-19, though scientists studying the virus have yet to report a case that was confirmed to be a reinfection, and not a flare-up of a previous infection.

According to a Facebook post from the La Crosse County Health Department, the person first tested positive for COVID-19 more than three months ago.

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventionon July 22 said there had been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 reinfection, but scientists continue to investigate the possibility.

The La Crosse County Health Department was not immediately available for comment Tuesday evening, but health officials did respond to questions earlierTuesday on the department's Facebook page.

In response to a Facebook comment askingwhether the infection could possibly be "one long case," the health department said it was considering the case a reinfection and cited guidance from the CDC: "If a positive test occurs more than 3 months after a persons symptom onset, clinicians and public health authorities should consider the possibility of reinfection."

The patient's symptoms "were not the same the second time," the health department said in response to another question,thoughhealth officials did not share what those symptoms are.

In a July 22 story in The New York Times, scientists said it would be extremely rare for someone to become reinfected with COVID-19, but not impossible.

And people who've been infected with related coronaviruses "appear to become susceptible again at around 90 days after onset ofinfection," according to the CDC.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests the antibodies produced by the immune system to fight COVID-19 may only last a few months in people with mild cases. But once infected, the immune system remembers how to make fresh antibodies if needed, according to a story byThe Associated Press.

There is also a growing recognition among scientists and doctors that it's possible for the virus to lay dormant for months and then flare up again insome patients.

It is difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person has been reinfected with COVID-19, said Dr. Nasia Safdar,who studies infectious disease at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is medical director of infection control at UW Health.

Certain conditions have to be met to prove a reinfection, Safdar said. A person first has to recover from the original infection and then be infected with a strain of the virus that is either different from what they had before or that can be "cultured," meaning grown in a lab and proven to be a live, viable virus "and not just a persistent presence" of the original COVID-19 infection.

Safdar said most labs are not equipped to culture for COVID-19 because its hazardous.

In the absence of that, the best you can do is have some sort of criteria that if a certain amount of time has elapsed and somebody comes up with still a (positive test),it may be reinfection."

But that doesn't necessarily prove a reinfection, she said, because scientists have learned that people still test positive for the coronavirus "several weeks after the first infection."

Cases that have been reported as "reinfections" could instead be a person's first encounter with the virus, after a person's initial test was a false positive.

La Crosse isn't the only county in the U.S. to report a reinfection. Also Tuesday, Todd County in Kentucky reported that a single patient was counted asa reinfectionbecause more than 90 days had passed between positive tests.

As of Tuesday, there have been 844 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in La Crosse County. Four people are hospitalized and one person has died.

RELATED:These Wisconsinites survived COVID-19, but 'recovery' hasn't meant a return to normal

RELATED:Tony Evers says he has 'no secret plan' to mandate virtual instruction for schools

Contact Natalie Brophy at (715) 216-5452 or nbrophy@gannett.com. Followher on Twitter @brophy_natalie.

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A Wisconsin county says a resident was 'reinfected' with COVID-19, though scientists have no proof that can happen yet - Appleton Post Crescent

‘Big Brother’ returns with color-coded pods and no hugs amid coronavirus pandemic – CNN

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The housemates identities are still under wraps -- even host Julie Chen Moonves said she doesn't know who the 16 people are who will be living in the house. The potential castmates have been quarantined leading up to the premiere, according to Chen Moonves.Production flew in "a bunch of people, more than 16," Chen told CBSN Los Angeles.

"Some people I thought were definitely going in the house, they tested positive for Covid-19 so they couldn't go in," Chen Moonves said.

In a separate interview with SiriusXM, Chen Moonves explained that production staff who are essential to get the show on air wear masks and take weekly Covid-19 tests.

"I'm the only person that's not going to be wearing a mask for the limited time when I'm on television, but when we're in commercial or what have you, that mask is going on," she said.

Crew also wear color-coded lanyards and can only be in the areas that are marked with their color.

"So let's say you're in the orange pod and your lanyard and ID has orange on it. You can only go into the spots where orange can go into," Chen Moonves explained.

On screen, when a houseguest gets evicted, social distancing will mean no more shaking hands and no hugs with the host.

Reflecting on the 20 years since "Big Brother" debuted in the US, Chen Moonves said her approach to hosting has evolved over time.

"Season 1, I was terrible," she said. "Let's just say what everyone knows: I was the Chenbot. I deserved that name because I was robotic. I came from a news background and I was asked to do this show and I thought, 'Okay, I'm going to be really straight, with no personality, because my original dream was one day to be a correspondent on '60 Minutes.' And I was told if I do this reality show, I probably am shutting and sealing that door shut from ever going through it. I'm going to prove them wrong.' They were right, by the way. I was never asked to do 60 Minutes."

Chen Moonves said she's grown into the role.

"I finally learned how to embrace the Chenbot," she said. "The stars of the show are the ones in the house. I'm just the conductor of this train. So sometimes letting my personality show. I learned that also from I did eight years on 'The Talk,' where again, I had to learn how to not be so newsy and just not editorialize and kind of bring a little bit of my real personality to the table. So it's been a journey for me."

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'Big Brother' returns with color-coded pods and no hugs amid coronavirus pandemic - CNN

Biden will not travel to Milwaukee for the Democratic National Convention amid coronavirus pandemic – CNBC

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Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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WASHINGTON Former Vice President Joe Biden and the rest of the speakers scheduled to take the stage at the Democratic National Convention later this month will not travel to Milwaukee in person for their speeches, convention organizers announced Wednesday.

Citing the coronavirus pandemic, organizers said the speakers will avoid Milwaukee "in order to prevent risking the health of our host community as well as the convention's production teams, security officials, community partners, media and others."

The announcement came as both Democratic and Republican convention committees scramble this week to make final arrangements for conventions that have been upended by the pandemic, which has surged in the past month.

Democratic speakers are expected to include former President Barack Obama, presumptive nominee Joe Biden and his yet-to-be-announced vice presidential running mate.

"From the very beginning of this pandemic, we put the health and safety of the American people first. We followed the science, listened to doctors and public health experts, and we continued making adjustments to our plans in order to protect lives," said DNC Chair Tom Perez in a statement accompanying the announcement.

Instead of traveling to Milwaukee, Biden will deliver his program-topping acceptance speech from his home state of Delaware on Aug. 20, organizers said. The Democratic National Convention will air on television and online each night from 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET Aug. 17-20.

Biden is not the only major candidate this year whose convention plans are up in the air. Incumbent President Donald Trump also has yet to announce where he plans to deliver his acceptance speech, which is slated to take place a week after Biden's speech.

One idea that's reportedly being considered is for Trump to deliver his acceptance speech from the South Lawn of the White House. Such a move, however, would likely draw scrutiny from government ethics experts. While the president is exempted from the Hatch Act, it is still frowned upon to commandeer federal property maintained by taxpayers in order to hold purely political events.

As word spread through Washington on Wednesday that Trump's acceptance speech might be held on White House grounds, at least one Senate Republican was already skeptical of the idea.

"Is that even legal?" said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, when NBC asked him about a possible convention speech at the White House. "Anything on federal property would seem to me to be problematic," added Thune, who is the second highest-ranking Republican in the Senate.

The Republican National Convention was originally scheduled to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, but Trump abruptly yanked the convention speeches from the host city in early June, after the state's governor refused to guarantee that the attendees would be allowed to ignore face mask and social distancing requirements.

Republican convention speeches were then moved to Jacksonville, Florida, after the Trump-allied GOP governor there, Ron DeSantis, assured the president that the event could have a pre-coronavirus look and feel.

But within days of Trump's announcement that Jacksonville would be the site of a GOP convention "celebration," coronavirus cases in Florida began to soar. By the last week of July, it became clear that Jacksonville could no longer be the site of a major gathering either.

"The timing for this event is not right. It's just not right with what's been happening," Trump said on July 23, announcing the cancellation of the Florida arm of the convention. In its place, he said, "We'll have a very nice something."

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Biden will not travel to Milwaukee for the Democratic National Convention amid coronavirus pandemic - CNBC

Coronavirus and Weddings: Take It Seriously – The New York Times

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Rules and Regulations Vary by State

State laws vary when it comes to weddings. Some wedding spaces are governed by the same rules as restaurants, meaning they can accommodate a certain percentage of their overall capacity. In Arkansas, for example, you can fill venues to 66 percent capacity. So an event in a 1,000-person ballroom can legally host 666 guests. In other states events are limited to the size of the group. In parts of New York, for example, gatherings are limited to 50 people regardless of the space.

Ms. Bett said many of her clients feel safer with smaller affairs. I have clients doing private, intimate ceremonies, because no one is making a big stink about those, she said. No one wants to be the new epicenter of the outbreak.

But even weddings with the tightest guest list arent immune to the coronavirus.

Sunshine Borrer, 26, a veterinary technician in Houston, attended her sister-in-laws wedding in Crockett, Texas, which has a population of 6,000. It was a real small town, she said. Covid wasnt something I was super concerned about. The 30-person wedding was held outdoors, but the after party was in a small bar area of an indoor restaurant.

It took about a week for her symptoms to develop. She tested positive for Covid-19, along with the bride and groom, another couple, and the brides daughter. Fortunately all cases were mild.

She noticed there is no etiquette for how to communicate a coronavirus outbreak to wedding guests. The bride and groom maybe told the people they were living with, but that was it, she said. They told one of my other sisters-in-law, and she is a nurse, so she took it upon herself to tell people.

Ms. Chism said it was her oldest son, not the bride and groom, who alerted wedding guests to the virus exposure. If it were me I would have been on the phone calling every single person, she said. But it wasnt me.

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Coronavirus and Weddings: Take It Seriously - The New York Times

Coronavirus question: How long will it take after Ive been exposed to the virus for me to test positive? – NJ.com

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NJ Advance Media has launched a daily coronavirus question, a service in which our reporters provide answers to commonly asked questions about the epidemic that has hit hard in New Jersey.

Todays coronavirus question is answered by Dr. David Cennimo, an infectious disease specialist who teaches at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Q: How long will it take after Ive been exposed to the virus for me to test positive?

A: There is no clear answer. According to Cennimo, it looks like a test can detect the coronavirus between one and two weeks after a person has been exposed to it. But, he believes this number may actually closer to between five and seven days for the majority of people testing positive for the virus.

Still, because the answer remains uncertain, Cennimo agrees that individuals should quarantine for at least 14 days after arriving from coronavirus hotspots per the states recommendation.

Is a face mask really effective in preventing the spread of the virus?

Is a second wave of the coronavirus inevitable?

Can the virus be spread through meat products and vegetables?

Is it dangerous to participate in a protest during the outbreak?

What kind of mask should I wear?

Is it safe to fly now?

What is the likelihood of being an asymptomatic carrier?

Should I work from home until there is a vaccine?

If you would like to submit a question about the coronavirus, please email your question to coronavirus2020@njadvancemedia.com.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Caroline Fassett may be reached at cfassett@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.

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Lord Ram not the ”property” of BJP: Tharoor – Outlook India

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New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) With the Congress under attack from various quarters over what was seen by many as a subtle shift in its position on the Ram temple issue, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday rejected allegations that the grand old party was being "BJP-Lite" and asserted that Lord Ram is not the "property" of the saffron party.

Seeking to clear the air on what he said were "widespread misrepresentations" he had heard during the course of the day, Tharoor put out a series of tweets to spell out his party''s stand on the Ram temple issue.

In his tweets, Tharoor also addressed those Muslims who say that they feel let down by the Congress and cited verses from the holy Quran, asking "who exactly betrayed you?"

"Not those who stand for an inclusive India, who have neither attacked you nor preached hatred against you," he said, addressing the section of Muslims riled by the Congress'' stand.

Tharoor''s remarks assume significance as they came after Indian Union Muslim League, a major ally in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance, passed a resolution expressing displeasure over Priyanka Gandhi Vadra''s statement on the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Ahead of the ''bhoomi pujan'' ceremony in Ayodhya, the Congress general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh issued the statement, hoping that the groundbreaking ceremony becomes "a celebration of national unity, fraternity and cultural affinity". Priyanka''s remarks were seen by its allies, including the Muslim League, as a subtle shift in Congress'' position on the emotive issue.

Several Congress leaders had also welcomed the "bhumi pujan" ceremony and hailed the Ram temple construction.

Former party president Rahul Gandhi said Lord Ram is the ultimate embodiment of supreme human values and can never appear in cruelty, hatred or injustice.

Hitting out at the BJP, Tharoor said, "Shri Ram is not the property of BJP. He is the ideal man whose image is deeply etched in the hearts and minds of millions. Gandhiji always sang his hymns and died with "Hei Ram'' on his lips. He talked about a Ram Rajya where all would live in peace and prosperity. Can''t let his name be hijacked!"

The universal appeal of Ram and Sanatan Dharma cannot be commandeered by those who chant either hymns or slogans, he said, asserting that Lord Ram belongs to all humanity.

For Hindutva, Ram is a God to be worshipped; for Gandhi, Ram represented ideal qualities that every person should practise and seek to emulate, he said.

"Let''s be clear: @INCIndia was NEVER opposed to the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, but to the criminal demolition of the Babri Masjid. In 1989, Rajiv Gandhi ji allowed VHP to do shilanyas on non-disputed land nearby as an alternate site: At the same time it was NOT Rajiv Gandhi who ordered opening of the locks at the masjid, but the district judge of Faizabad who ordered the locks to be opened in 1986!!" Tharoor said in his tweets.

"Whatever you feel about today''s events, the Masjid''s demolition is a blot on our conscience. As Rahul Gandhi said in 2007, ''My father said to my mother that he would stand in front of Babri Masjid. They would have had to kill him first''," the MP from Thiruvananthapuram said.

Hitting out at some Left-liberal intellectuals accusing the Congress of being "BJP-Lite", Tharoor said many leaders welcomed the Ram temple after the Supreme Court judgement, but they did not instigate Hindus against Muslims.

"They did not make hate speeches against the Muslim community. They hailed the ideal Ram ji," he said.

"To those who insist there is no difference between the political parties in India, I ask: is there is no difference between those who would respectfully have come to an accommodation with the Muslim community on a Ram mandir, and those who, with rage and hate, destroyed the mosque?" the former Union minister asked.

Earlier in the morning, ahead of the foundation laying ceremony, Tharoor tweeted, "Lord Shri Ram epitomises justice for all, righteous conduct, fairness and firmness in all dealings, moral rectitude and courage."

"These values are much needed in such dark times. If they spread throughout the land, Ram Rajya would not be an occasion for triumphalist bigotry," he said, using the hash tag ''JaiShriRam''.

In a highly-anticipated event watched by millions on television, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the day laid the foundation of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The wait of centuries has ended, Modi said after performing the groundbreaking ceremony, made possible by a Supreme Court verdict last year that allowed the construction of the temple at the site where the Babri mosque was demolished by kar sevaks in 1992. PTI ASK ZMN

Disclaimer :- This story has not been edited by Outlook staff and is auto-generated from news agency feeds. Source: PTI

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What exactly is ‘old growth’ BC forest, and how much is protected? – Terrace Standard

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B.C. Forests Minister Doug Donaldson has had an independent report on old-growth forest preservation on his desk since May, but it will be some time before it is released and longer before any of its recommendations are acted upon.

Donaldson appointed two experts to conduct the strategic review in October, with the forest industry struggling with poor economic conditions, the B.C. governments latest logging restrictions and continued protests calling for a moratorium on old growth logging.

Questioned on his ministrys $489 million budget at the B.C. legislature, Donaldson said the report is expected to be released soon, but that will be followed by engagement on the recommendations. The terms of reference require government-to-government talks with first nations before any decisions are made, which is expected to take several months.

Donaldson made a couple of things clear in his answers to B.C. Liberal MLA John Rustad. He isnt considering any change to the provinces definition of old growth forest, or a moratorium on old-growth logging for an industry that has seen steady increase in protected areas and restrictions on the Crown land base.

B.C.s definition of old growth is 250 years old in the Coast region, and 140 years old in the Interior. Overall, about 13.7 million hectares or 23 per cent of the total B.C. forest base is considered old growth, and 3.75 million hectares, 27 per cent of the old growth, may be harvested, Donaldson said.

Asked by Rustad if he is considering a short-term moratorium on old-growth logging until the report is considered, Donaldson responded: I have never used, and weve never used as a government, the word moratorium.

RELATED: B.C. has the most sustainably managed forests in the world

RELATED: Teal-Jones shuts down B.C. coast logging operations

The Coast region, which includes Vancouver Island, the Central Coast area designated as the Great Bear Rainforest timber supply area and Haida Gwaii, has 7.55 million hectares of forest, with 42 per cent old growth. And 33 per cent of the west coast region is protected or reserved, Donaldson said.

Vancouver Island forests are 73 per cent Crown land and 27 per cent private, much of it the legacy of colonial Governor James Douglas 1850s deal with coal baron James Dunsmuir to trade land for construction of the Esquimalt and Nanaimo (E&N) Railway.

A focus of anti-logging protests for decades, Vancouver Islands Crown forests are 39 per cent old growth, nearly half of which are protected or reserved.

The review was completed in January by Garry Merkel, a professional forester and member of the Tahltan Nation in northwest B.C., and Al Gorley, a professional forester and former chair of the Forest Practices Board that audits logging in B.C.

@tomfletcherbctfletcher@blackpress.caLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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What exactly is 'old growth' BC forest, and how much is protected? - Terrace Standard

Guest Editorial: Life on Mars? The science-affirming mission we need right now – York Dispatch

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Baltimore Sun Editorial Board Published 3:30 a.m. ET Aug. 4, 2020

FILE - In this Dec. 17, 2019 photo made available by NASA, engineers monitor a driving test for the Mars rover Perseverance in a clean room at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. The robotic vehicle, scheduled to launch on July 30, 2020, is planned to touch down in an ancient river delta and lake known as Jezero Crater, not quite as big as Floridas Lake Okeechobee. (J. Krohn/NASA via AP, File)(Photo: J. Krohn / AP)

From writer H.G. Wells to filmmaker Ridley Scott, the possibility of life on Mars hassparked the public's imagination for generations. And if there ever was a time when a world could use a demonstration of the power of science, or at least a hopeful distraction, it is in the Year of Oh-My-Lord 2020.

Earth is caught not only in a raging COVID-19 pandemic but in an extraordinary rejection of the systemic study of the natural world. When a sitting member of Congress who openly defies social distancing norms contracts the virus and then blames mask-wearing for his fate, as Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert did, while a sitting president promotes videos of a woman who believes the coronavirus has already been cured (and warns about having sex with demons), as Donald Trump did, then maybe it's time everyone got back in the classroom for some remedial instruction.

Perhaps a NASA mission is just what the doctor ordered. Certainly, Thursday's launch was not as dramatic as aliens landing in New Jersey bent on destroying mankind or astronaut Mark Watney getting stuck on the red planet in the movie "The Martian" and forced to MacGyver his survival, or even the antennae rising from the back of Uncle Martin's head in "My Favorite Martian." But at least the Perseverance rover now headed to Mars is real and not fictional.

Its mission is to closely examine the rocks and soil beginning with the Jezero Crater while the companion drone helicopter Ingenuity hovers 15 feet above the surface to check out the challenges of the Martian flight. It's entirely possible Perseverance will uncover signs of ancient microbial life on Mars as it roams the planet.

It's not the first such U.S.-led effort (four others, Curiosity, Opportunity, Spiritand the original Mars rover, Sojourner, came before it) but it's the most capable, with the ability to drill and store core samples and ramble across the landscape for the equivalent of two Earth years. It's a shame that now comes the boring part.

Perseverance won't land until February. In movies, this is usually the moment where there's a montage of rocket hurtling clips interspersed with scenes of NASA personnel hunched over computers before a landing takes place about 30 seconds later.

Still, this gives everyone time to marvel at how human ingenuity and knowledge has reached the point where a remotely controlled robot stuffed with all kinds of technology, from lasers to drills, cameras and microphones, sitting on top of a powerful Atlas V rocket can be launched into space with the press of a button on a mission that will take years to complete. Isn't that amazing?

This isn't science fiction. It's a product of a Mars exploration effort decades in the making. And this time the United States is not alone.

Studying Mars is now an international effort, with the United Arab Emirates' Hope and China's Question to Heaven spacecraft already on their way, the former destined to circle the planet to study its weather and the latter to send its own rover to the surface.

Now, cut to the final reel and imagine if Perseverance discovers evidence of some one-celled organism that lived on Mars 3.7 billion years ago, when the planet was more habitable with a watery surface.

Fossils? Maybe not, but some trace of organic chemicals could exist. Will third planet inhabitants see such a breakthrough as the answer to the eternal question, is there life beyond Earthor as a fraud perpetrated by the liberal eggheads with their fake news co-conspirators?

Here's a good pretest: Is the person reacting to such an event wearing a mask to prevent the virus from spreading or still insisting that hydroxychloroquine is a cure so why bother?

Sometimes reality truly is stranger than fiction. Onward.

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Guest Editorial: Life on Mars? The science-affirming mission we need right now - York Dispatch

‘Birth & Baby Fest 2020’ and more – The River Reporter

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Educational webinars from the Alzheimers Association

ONLINE The Alzheimers Association Hudson Valley Chapter has scheduled a series of free social and educational webinars for caregivers and people with dementia in August. Registration is required either online at http://www.alz.org/hudsonvalleyor by calling the 24/7 helpline at 800/272-3900. Information about how to participate in the webinars will be provided following registration.

AlzWell Social Club is from 1 to 3 p.m. every weekend, offering creative activities for caregivers and people with early and middle-stage dementia.

An interactive music program led by NY state-licensed creative arts therapist and board-certified music therapist Timothy Doak, Something for Alz: Musical Moments, is from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays August 8 and 15.

A creative arts program led by creative arts therapist Jayne Henderson, Something for Alz: Creative Expression for Well-Being, is from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Tuesday, August 4.

A free educational program offering helpful strategies for providing safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stages of Alzheimers, Living with Alzheimers for Middle-Stage Caregivers, is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, August 4, 11 and 18.

A free educational program hosted by the Alzheimers Association Hudson Valley Chapter and the Sullivan County Cooperative Extension with practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage, Living with Alzheimers for Early-Stage Caregivers, is from 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, August 5, 12 and 19.

A free virtual opportunity for people with early-stage dementia and their family caregivers to socialize and enjoy musical entertainment, Memory Caf, is from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays, August 6 and 13. Pre-screening is required.

A free virtual event featuring musical fun, Tuesday Social, is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11.

Learn to decode common behaviors so you can connect at every stage of Alzheimers disease in Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11.

Learn information on diet, nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement in Healthy Living for your Brain and Body from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12.

LIBERTY, NY Public Assistance (PA) applicants can now fill out the E-2921 application form at ww.mybenefits.ny.gov. Applicants can also apply by filing a paper version of the 2921 application and mailing it in to the Sullivan County Department of Family Services (DFS) at 16 Community Ln., Liberty, NY 12754, or dropping it off at one of the DFS drop boxes located at the DFS office or the Sullivan County Career Center at 50 North St., Monticello.

Once an online application is submitted, applicants will receive a call from a DFS worker to review it and conduct an eligibility interview within 24-72 hours. There is no change to existing electronic applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or (Medical Assistance) MA cases.

Emergency situations should still be handled by stopping by or calling the DFS office at 845/292-0100.

ONLINE On Sunday, August 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., join Garnet Health (formerly Catskill Regional Medical Center) in partnership with the Sullivan County Breastfeeding Coalition and Maternal Infant Services Network for a virtual learning experience for pregnant women and new parents. Information sessions will include breastfeeding, car seat safety, sleep safety, early nutrition and other parenting basics. - Car Seat Safe - Safe Sleep

This free personal enrichment class can be accessed through Zoom on your PC, laptop computer or phone. Participants must register to confirm their space. An email invitation link will be sent 24-hours prior to the class.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.sunysullivan.edu/sullivan-birth-baby-fest-2020.

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'Birth & Baby Fest 2020' and more - The River Reporter

BankRI gives $5500 in charitable grants to three Pawtucket organizations – Valley Breeze

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8/4/2020

PAWTUCKET Three Pawtucket-based organizations that work with youth and families on education, healthy living and to provide basic supports have been awarded a total of $5,500 in charitable grants by Bank Rhode Island. The organizations are Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, The Empowerment Factory, and YMCA of Pawtucket.

The grants are helping to support both current programming and initiatives set to begin in the fall.

At the YMCA of Pawtucket, funding is supporting the Grab n Go meal program, in which boxes of nonperishable meals are available to local families. With many in the community struggling amid the pandemic, the program has grown to reach some 200 families. Additionally, the grant is helping the Ys efforts to provide personal need and baby items to those in need, along with offering virtual classes.

Junior Achievement of Rhode Island has received funding to deliver financial literacy programs during the upcoming academic year. Programs are developed for both in-person and virtual learning, with students in Pawtucket, Central Falls, Providence and Woonsocket being introduced to the importance of how smart choices about education, career and saving today can lead to a strong financial future.

Blending social-emotional learning with environmental education, The Empowerment Factory is using its grant to deliver its Healthy Living Community Adventure curriculum. The program engages participants in healthy habits through virtual learning, creativity and beautification projects while social distancing.

Nonprofits, especially right now, are a lifeline for our communities in so many ways, and the commitment these organizations have to their Pawtucket neighbors is a perfect example of just that, said Mark Meiklejohn, president and CEO of BankRI.

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BankRI gives $5500 in charitable grants to three Pawtucket organizations - Valley Breeze

List of human services in the Poconos – Pocono Record

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Editors note: Please call or visit websites to check on operation hours due to COVID-19.

American Cancer Society: 2158 W. Main St., Stroudsburg. Offers cancer support groups; Reach to Recovery; ostomy support; information and referral; Look Good, Feel Good program for women; Road to Recovery; and free wig program. Information: 1-888-227-5445, cancer.org.

American Red Cross of the Poconos: 410 Park Ave., Stroudsburg. Offers health/safety training (cardiopulmonary resuscitation/first aid/water safety), blood donor clinics, armed forces emergency services and disaster relief services. Information: 570-476-3800, redcross.org.

Animal Welfare Society of Monroe: 3129 Godfrey Ridge Drive, Stroudsburg. AWSOM seeks to accommodate Monroe County's stray, homeless, neglected or abused animals. Information: 570-421-3647, awsomanimals.org.

Burnley Employment and Rehabilitation Services: 4219 Manor Drive, Snydersville. Burnley provides rehabilitation for people with disabilities by helping them achieve their fullest physical, mental, social, vocational and economic potential. Employment placement and training, job coaching, sheltered workshop and transition services are offered. Information: 570-992-6616, allied-services.org.

Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health/Developmental Services: 732 Phillips St., Stroudsburg. MHDS is the first point of contact for all people with mental illness and mental retardation in Carbon, Monroe and Pike counties. MHDS provides mental health case management, service coordination, early intervention and a 24-hour crisis intervention hot line. Information: cmpmhds.org or 24-hour crisis intervention hot line, 800-273-8255 or text line 741741.

Center for Vision Loss: 4215 Manor Drive, Snydersville. Provides preventive, rehabilitative, supportive and social services enabling blind and visually impaired clients to achieve their personal goals and restore quality of life. Also provides transportation to clients for essential appointments. Information: 570-992-7787, centerforvisionloss.org.

Developmental Education Services of Monroe County Inc.: 796 Lindbergh Ave., Stroudsburg.A non-profit, human services agency providing supports to maximize the skills of adults with intellectual disabilities through center and community based activities. Information: 570-424-5410, devedmc.org.

DES-Community Partners in Recycling: 796 Lindbergh Ave., Stroudsburg. A non-profit recycling business employing adults with disabilities. Information: 570-421-2912, communitypartnersinrecycling.org.

Easter Seals Eastern Pennsylvania Pocono Division: Provides services to adults and children with physical disabilities and developmental delays. Information: 610-289-0114, esep.easterseals.com.

Family Promise of Monroe County: 1274 N. Ninth St., Stroudsburg. Family Promise of Monroe County provides temporary shelter to homeless families with children in transition through a network of local congregations. Information: 570-420-8589, familypromisepa.org.

Light of The World Church: 114 Academy Drive, Minisink Hills. Joes Closet provided gently used clothing from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month. Information: 570-977-0709, 570-420-9970, lwcpa.org.

Make-A-Wish Foundation of NEPA: 327 N. Washington Ave., #501, Scranton. Grants wishes to children suffering from life-threatening medical conditions. Information: 570-341-9474, 800-480-9474 or wishgreaterpa.org. Serves: Bradford, Lackawana, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

Monroe Animal League: Note: Offers low-cost spay-and-neuter programs for pet owners who cannot afford to alter their pets and provides needed funds for veterinarian care when animal emergencies occur and funds are unavailable. The league also conducts rabies clinics, provides pet food in cases of need and sponsors humane education. Office hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Friday. Information: 570-421-7775.

Monroe County Area Agency on Aging: 724 B Phillips St., Suite 102, Stroudsburg. The Monroe County Area Agency on Aging is a resource for citizens age 60 or older residing within Monroe County. The MCAAA provides an information and referral service especially for seniors, oversees county senior centers, the ombudsman program, senior protective services, APPRISE, home modification program, family caregiver support program and PDA waivers for in-home services. Option services include Personal Emergency Response Systems, Meals on Wheels, and Respite Care. Information: 570-420-3735, 1-800-498-0330, monroecountypa.gov.

Monroe County Assistance Office Department of Human Services: Route 209 at Tanite Road, Stroudsburg. Assists Monroe County residents with food stamps, TANF Cash Assistance, Children's Health Insurance Program, Medicaid, Low Income Heating Assistance Program, Disability Advocacy and other programs administered by the Department of Human Services. Information: 570-424-3030, dhs.state.pa.us.

Monroe County Career and Technical Institute: 194 Laurel Lake Drive, Bartonsville. Provides literacy classes and English as Second Language classes during the school year. Information: 570-629-2001, ext. 1125, monroecti.org.

Monroe County Children and Youth Services: 730 Phillips St., Stroudsburg. Intensive in-home services, protection from abuse and neglect, adolescent intervention program, foster family care, as well as adoption and subsidized adoption services, life-skills education, parenting education, parent and youth advisers and 24-hour crisis intervention. Information: 570-420-3590, 24-hour emergency on-call.

Monroe County Habitat for Humanity: 912 Main St., Stroudsburg. The Home Preservations program allows homeowners who are affected by low income, old age or disability to make necessary repairs on their homes. When these critical repairs are not made, homes can potentially become condemned. There is a great need for these types of repairs in our county. Information: 570-476-9846, habitatmc.org.

Monroe County Housing Authority: 1055 W. Main St., Stroudsburg. Administers public housing and housing choice voucher programs. Information: 570-421-7770, TDD 570-421-6968 or housingauthoritymonroecounty.org.

Monroe County Meals on Wheels: 901 Polk Valley Road, Stroudsburg. Delivers meals to the home bound who are physically or mentally unable to shop for and/or prepare meals for themselves. Information: 570-424-8794, monroemeals.com.

Monroe County Redevelopment Authority: 701 Main St., Stroudsburg. Provides non-cosmetic housing rehabilitation, loans and conditional grants. Conditional Grants require seven-year occupancy by grant applicant. Information: 570-421-4300, exdirector@monroecountyrda.org or pahra.org.

Monroe County Transit Authority: Route 611, 134 MCTA Drive, Scotrun. Provides transportation programs for persons with disabilities and senior citizens through Fixed Route, Shared Ride Program and Medical Assistance. A co-pay applies for all trips accept medical assistance. Also offers Mogo cards for students with a reduced rates (30 day and semester passes). Information: 570-839-6282, goMCTA.com.

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation: Allentown District Office, 45 N. Fourth St., Allentown. Provides services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain or retain employment. Counselors available at Monroe County CareerLink by appointment. Contact District Office for appointments. Information: 610-821-6441.

PATH PA Treatment & Healing: 149 Sawmill Ct., East Stroudsburg. East Stroudsburg Center offer: Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment; After School Evening Program; Intensive Adolescent Program; Alternative Education Program; Foster Care Program; Parental Supervision Program; and Community Service Program. Information: 570-517-7153, lisaa@pathtochange.org or pathtochange.org.

Pennsylvania CareerLink of Monroe County: 2937 Route 611, Merchants Plaza, Tannersville. Provide comprehensive employment and training services for both local and regional employers and residents. Also offer job assessment and testing, on-the-job training, employment counseling, and more. Information: 570-620-2850 or monroecountycareerlink.org.

Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network Food Pantry: 2334 Route 209, Sciota. Provides a food pantry and clothing closet for residents appointment only. Information: 570-992-3136, pven.net.

Pocono Alliance: 301 McConnel St., Stroudsburg. Pocono Alliance provides resources to the community by building relationships and creating solutions. Programs focus on self-sufficiency, healthy living and child and family development. Pocono Alliance coordinates a help line offering 900 different services. Also offers PoconoInfo, a free service dedicated to assisting Monroe County individuals and families find the health and human services information they need. This is a small portion of agencies serving Monroe County. Information: 570-517-3953, poconoinfo.org.

Pocono Area Transitional Housing: Two locations, 309 Park Ave., Stroudsburg and 7 N. Ninth St., Stroudsburg. Offers transitional housing with services to assist homeless families with children. Best to call for information. Information: 570-476-1828, 570-424-0542 or pathhouse.org.

Pocono Services for Families and Children: 212 W. Fourth St., East Stroudsburg. Provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, parent involvement and social services for families and children ages 3 to 5 who meet income guidelines. Information: 570-421-2711, psfc.org.

Pregnancy Resource Center of the Poconos: 49 Dansbury Terrace, East Stroudsburg. Free pregnancy test, counseling, education on pregnancy and abortion alternatives. Baby and maternity clothing, referrals, childbirth classes, parenting skills, post-abortion counseling, abstinence education for schools and a 24-hour help line. Information: 470-424-1113, help@poconoprc.org or pregnancytalk.org.

Salvation Army: 226 Washington St., East Stroudsburg. Provides emergency shelter, food pantry, limited utility/rent assistance and soup kitchen for Monroe County residents. Information: 570-421-3050, salvationarmyusa.org.

Special Olympics of Monroe County: Offers sports training and competition to children and adults 8 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Information: 570-798-7662, somrc.org, sopamonroecounty@gmail.com.

Pocono Mountains United Way: 301 McConnell St., Stroudsburg. Provides essential support to member agencies. Information: 570-517-3953 or poconounitedway.org.

Women's Resources of Monroe County: 225 J Wilson Drive, Delaware Water Gap. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Center that provides services, including temporary emergency shelter; crisis counseling; support groups; 24-hour crisis hot line; accompaniment to court, police and medical services; legal advocacy; community and youth education programs; public awareness events; Kids First counseling; youth outreach; and a Safe Connections Program. Information: 570-424-2093, 570-421-4200 (hot line), wrmonroe.org.

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List of human services in the Poconos - Pocono Record

5 Health Risks of Loneliness and How to Cope When You Feel Alone – LIVESTRONG.COM

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The novel coronavirus pandemic may have worsened an existing loneliness epidemic.

Image Credit: LumiNola/E+/GettyImages

Mental health professionals were concerned about loneliness well before we all started social distancing to help contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"We were in the middle of a loneliness epidemic before COVID-19, and having to further distance from the world ultimately can be detrimental to our overall mental health and wellbeing," says Nina Vasan, MD, MBA, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Stanford University and chief medical officer of Real, an on-demand therapy platform.

Loneliness is a state of mind of being alone or separated from others. It should not be confused with social isolation, which is physical separation from other people, commonly associated with living alone.

"In that sense, it is possible to experience loneliness with others around, and it is possible to be alone but not feel lonely," Dr. Vasan says.

Here's a closer look at loneliness and the startling ways it can affect your health.

The Dangers of Loneliness

Mental health professionals are learning that loneliness can pose significant risks to your health.

1. Loneliness Is Linked With Depression

While loneliness is distinct from depression, it has been associated with depressive symptoms.

Researchers found that social disconnectedness is a unique risk factor for loneliness, which predicted higher depressive symptoms in individuals, according to a January 2020 study in the Lancet. The study also supported the reverse: People with depression were also more likely to feel isolated.

2. It's Connected to Inflammation

There seems to be a link between loneliness and inflammation, according to a December 2015 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Research suggests that loneliness may weaken the body's immune response to cause more inflammation, which can in turn increase risk for chronic disease.

A July 2020 report in the Perspectives on Psychological Science found that interpersonal stressors, such as loneliness, are connected to increased risk of diseases, including respiratory viruses, evoking the possibility of greater vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

"Loneliness can be harmful for long-term immunity, making you more susceptible to pathogens like bacteria and viruses," Dr. Vasan says.

"It is possible to experience loneliness with others around, and it is possible to be alone but not feel lonely."

3. It's Tied to Higher Chances of Heart Disease

Loneliness may increase a person's odds of developing heart problems, too. A May 2016 study in Heart found about a 30 percent higher chance of stroke or heart disease among people who scored poorly on measures of social relationships.

The researchers attribute this link to a variety of behavioral, biological and psychological factors, such as behaviors like smoking or physical inactivity that are more common among individuals who are lonely.

4. Loneliness Is Linked to High Blood Pressure

People who experience loneliness may be more susceptible to high blood pressure, according to a first-of-its-kind March 2010 study in Psychology and Aging. Still referenced widely today, the research linked levels of loneliness with greater increases in systolic blood pressure over a four-year period among a diverse group of people.

The mechanism behind this link is not completely understood, but it points to how loneliness may be associated with earlier or more dramatic changes to the arteries, the authors note.

5. It's Associated With Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Loneliness can pose unique challenges to older adults, according to a February 2020 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report, due to risk factors like living alone or the loss of family and friends.

That's particularly problematic because older adults are also already at higher risk of certain loneliness-linked health conditions, such as cognitive decline and dementia.

An August 2019 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health used data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey to investigate the association between loneliness and cognitive decline among older men and women in China. The researchers concluded that loneliness was a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment among older men, but not women.

Earlier, loneliness was linked with a 40 percent increased risk of dementia in an October 2018 Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences study analyzing data from 12,000 participants collected over 10 years, the largest sample for this topic.

"If aging adults are living in environments with limited social interaction, their dementia can worsen over time," Dr. Vasan says.

5 Ways to Cope With Loneliness

Adopting a pet or spending time with your furry friends can help replace feelings of loneliness with feelings of warmth.

Image Credit: Alex Potemkin/iStock/GettyImages

1. Join a Recurring Class, Club or Activity

Sign up for something you enjoy with others to help you meet people who have similar interests as you. When it becomes a regular event, you'll have something to look forward to.

Start with your existing skills and interests whether it's art, drama or gardening and use this as an opportunity to advance to the next level.

"Engaging in activities can help distract you from loneliness and isolation," Dr. Vasan says. "With most of us now unable to engage in traditional in-person activities, I recommend getting creative with virtual interactions, such as live-streamed group classes, watch parties on Netflix or Prime, arts and crafts and online game or trivia nights."

2. Find Ways to Give Back to Your Community

Selflessly caring for others will not only optimize their wellbeing, but also your own. Helping people can deliver meaning to your life in the face of loneliness.

Start with a task you can do from afar, like making and sending cards for people going through cancer treatment with a group like Chemo Angels. If you're comfortable giving back in person, consider volunteering at a local food bank.

"Getting involved in helping people not only feels good, but you connect with others who have a heart of service," says educational psychologist Roseann Capanna-Hodge, EdD, LPC.

3. Surround Yourself With What Gives You Warmth

Engage in activities that bring you joy and spend time with people who deliver warmth.

This looks different for different people: For you, maybe that means strengthening an existing connection with a loved one, adopting a pet or even taking a short afternoon nap. Experiencing these little joys can fight loneliness by helping you reconnect with yourself.

"Be good to yourself by finding small things that bring you joy," Dr. Vasan says. "Enjoy online retail therapy, a warm bath, reconnect with an old friend the smallest things can mean the most at this time."

"Loneliness feels awful, and one can get stuck in those sad and hurt feelings, but focusing on the future gives you hope, purpose and direction," Capanna-Hodge says.

To help you plan ahead, she suggests putting aspirations and unfulfilled wishes onto a virtual or real-life vision board.

"Creating a vision board is a powerful way to get clear on what is important in your life, as well as what your future goals are," she says.

It's OK to start small: Cultivate excitement about cooking a new cuisine or visiting a new local park in the coming weeks or months.

5. Get Professional Support

In some cases, it may be helpful to seek therapy to process and work through loneliness. Mental health professionals can suggest beneficial coping mechanisms that might work best for your individual situation.

"The most important thing you can do for yourself is asking for help when you need it," Dr. Vasan says. "Medical professionals are out there and want to help you get better. If you feel lonely, it may be helpful to contact a psychiatrist or therapist or connect with a therapy hotline or app."

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5 Health Risks of Loneliness and How to Cope When You Feel Alone - LIVESTRONG.COM

Sparrow Ionia Hospital, Health Department to offer COVID testing – WSYM-TV

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SARANAC, Mich. Sparrow Ionia Hospital and the Ionia County Health Department are combining to offer COVID-19 nasal swab testing at a special one-day event in Saranac on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

The testing will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Anthonys Catholic Church parking lot, 6070 David Highway, Saranac.

A nasal swab (or PCR) test determines whether or not you have an active COVID-19 infection at the time the sample is collected. Its a molecular test that is reviewed at Sparrow Laboratories. Nearly 200 people were swabbed at similar events held recently in Ionia, Belding and Lake Odessa.

Residents can attend without having a doctors order in advance. No money will be collected onsite and Sparrow will bill those with medical insurance.

Sparrow Ionia Hospital has been working collaboratively with the Ionia County Health Department to ensure the health and safety of our community, said Sparrow Ionia President Linda Reetz. Again, the goal is to protect the community we serve as our county and state begin to reintroduce people back into the workforce.

Those seeking more information can contact the ICHD at 616.527.5341.

One of the most effective ways to contain any epidemic is widespread testing, said Ionia County Health Officer Ken Bowen. We encourage anyone who has symptoms, who may have been exposed, or who will be returning to work to get tested.

Check out other Health related articles in our Yes to Healthy Living section of our website.

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Sparrow Ionia Hospital, Health Department to offer COVID testing - WSYM-TV

Lakehouse’s Grand Opening to Feature Colorado’s Only WELL Pre-certified Residences Steps from Sloan’s Lake – PRNewswire

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DENVER, Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As Denver remains one of the nation's most exciting urban real estate markets with tremendous lifestyle opportunities, the much-anticipated grand opening month at Lakehouse on Sloan's Lake begins in August 2020.

Lakehouse, designed by architects Stantec and Muoz + Albin, offers residents modern amenities and sustainable design on 17th Avenue on the south side of Sloan's Lake, Denver's largest metro-area lake. Lakehouse's 12 floors feature views of the Rocky Mountains, Sloan's Lake, and downtown Denver with floor-to-ceiling windows. Designed to maximize healthy living and wellness, Lakehouse piloted the WELL Building Standard, a certification designated only to buildings who prioritize healthy infrastructure and enriching spaces including the best design practices for enhanced thermal, visual and acoustical comfort, MERV-13 air filtration, increased window sizes for natural light, careful selection of environmentally-friendly products, the use of natural and durable materials, expansive recreation and exercise facilities, edible landscaping and biophilic design.

Sloan's Lake provides residents with a 2.6-mile running, walking and biking trail surrounding the lake; water activities like paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing; and local-favorite restaurants and entertainment within walking distance of Lakehouse.

The Lakehouse residences range in size from one, two and three-bedroom condominiums, and townhomes starting at an affordable $469,000. Lakehouse is located in Denver at 4200 West 17th Avenue. Kentwood Real Estate Broker Associates Dee Chirafisi, Kevin Garrett and Matt McNeill are the exclusive residential real estate agents representing Lakehouse.

About Kentwood Real EstateAt Kentwood Real Estate we believe in community. That we accomplish more together. That deep roots matter. We inspire people to imagine the next steps in their life journey. Our brokers are the highest producing, most knowledgeable, caring, and experienced brokers in the country who offer a quality customer service experience. The exclusive affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway's HomeServices of America in Colorado, Kentwood Real Estate produces more sales volume per agent than 99 percent of all real estate companies in the U.S. For more information, visit Kentwood.com.

SOURCE Kentwood Real Estate

https://www.kentwood.com

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Lakehouse's Grand Opening to Feature Colorado's Only WELL Pre-certified Residences Steps from Sloan's Lake - PRNewswire

Health care in WA prisons leaves inmates waiting months or years for help – Crosscut

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A question of necessity

The departments priorities often diverge from those of the women and men in its care. Common, debilitating ailments go unaddressed because treatment, by the prisons standards, is not medically necessary.

One inmate with a hernia that caused him daily pain could not get surgery because treating his injury was not necessary in the departments calculus. In a court declaration, he recounted crying as he tried to push the hernia back in during a visit with his wife; he worried the visit would be cut short if he called for help. Another described medical staff denying surgery to remove objects embedded in his temple even though he struggled to eat, sleep or walk, while a man who struggled to breathe after his nose was badly broken said the department refused to pay for a specialist to examine him.

In a deposition filed with U.S. District Court, a physician treating one prisoner with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, recounted asking to conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The doctors request was denied and, as he feared, the mans colon ruptured through his abdominal wall and nearly killed him.

This is not how you treat human beings, said Allen, who led the failed class action lawsuit in which those stories were collected.

A lot of this stuff has life or death implications, he continued. If you're not taking it seriously, if you're treating folks as other, that's going to result in unnecessary and preventable death.

If not death, then pain.

Incarcerated since 2007, Michael Sublett has served nearly all his time in grinding pain. A decades-old motorcycle injury that flared not long after he arrived at Washington Corrections Center in Shelton has left him unable to walk. A marathon 8 hour back surgery performed in 2016 left him worse off than ever, Sublett said. Spacers placed between his vertebrae attached to two, 10-inch metal rods near his spine began to painfully fail almost immediately.

I lay in bed and screamed for more than three hours before anyone came to my aid, said Sublett, describing the night seven months after surgery that the screws failed.

Its been a nightmare of pain and anguish, he continued in a 14-page handwritten letter detailing his treatment.

Sublett said he spent years begging prison medical providers to allow him to have his back examined. When the scans were ultimately conducted, Sublett said by letter, doctors at Providence St. Marys Medical Center in Walla Walla found that his spine had collapsed, and that four of 10 screws had failed.

Currently receiving bone strengthening treatment at UW Medical Center, Sublett said he expects to undergo three surgeries to correct the failed attempt to fix his back. The 61-year-old credited Dr. Sara Kariko, the departments chief medical officer, with personally intervening in his case to get him the corrective surgery he has needed for nearly four years.

In a recent interview, Kariko said there is always room for improvement within the departments medical system. But, she argued, many prison care providers see themselves as advocates for underserved and vulnerable populations and pursue the work passionately.

Sublett relies on a wheelchair, a device that prison staff can take away from him at any time. He may never walk again, he said, and faces the prospect of becoming quadriplegic in prison.

I am incarcerated to pay for crimes against society, said Sublett, who was sentenced to life without parole under Washingtons three strikes law after being convicted of murdering aThurston County man. I was not sentenced to be physically and mentally punished for over a decade with debilitating pain.

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Health care in WA prisons leaves inmates waiting months or years for help - Crosscut