"The hate in this country has reached a fever pitch and it is bubbling over into violence. This past week, the entire nation was shaken by targeted attempted political bombings, by the racist attack in Kentucky and by the anti-Semitic shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
"In New York, we mourn for the victims and their loved ones, and we stand together with the African American and Jewish communities and all communities that make up our diverse social fabric. As the Governor of the state with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, I will do everything in my power to ensure our religious institutions will be free from violence and intolerance. Anyone, no matter their beliefs, deserves to be able to worship in peace.
"The events of the past week do not represent who we are as a nation. Our diversity is our greatest strength and to vilify our differences and provoke division undermines the founding principles of this country. The hateful rhetoric and violence are ripping at the fabric of America, and it must stop. In this hour of darkness, we must unite and not divide - and we must stand together against the corrosive and destructive forces of hate.
"In the wake of these attacks, New Yorkers from all backgrounds condemn these assaults that are contrary to the proud history of our state and our nation. I am directing that flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims of the recent horrific shootings, and I join with all New Yorkers to call for peace and civility and to denounce hate in all its forms."


Unlock Democracy is a campaigning organisation for democracy, rights and freedoms. Two days per week working on background and briefing papers for political campaigns and updates.
Refereed papers for inclusion in the 2001 and 2002 Australian Association for Research in Education Conference procedings.
Whole day, two to three times per month. Assisting in reforestation, conservation, and flora and fauna recording in the Greater Brisbane area.
Two to four days per month. Assisting with educational activities, bushwalking/navigation, and public liaison. Responsible for 4WD vehicles, radio communication, safety and first aid administration, as well as administrative tasks.
Half a day, once a month. Sorting, packing and recording donated items for container shipment to villages in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Fiji. RAWCS is a part of Rotary International's work in helping less developed communities around the world.
Local Environmental Education program. Led a three day educational visit, based at the Jauense Water Treatment Plant, for 10-13 year olds. We studied water ecology and treatment, erosion, human settlements and local history. Practical activities, such as tree planting and water analysis, were also undertaken.
Undergraduate representative on the school board. I was responsible for presenting undergraduate views to the faculty staff, along with the duties of acting secretary and administration.
Camp leader at pre-departure camps for 15-18 year old students about to leave as exchange students to countries in South America. These were approximately four days in duration. I also provided one-to-one counselling for foreign students in Australia with AFS.


Customers will appreciate the beauty and style of this easy-access design along with its functionality and quality. These 5/8" inch diameter acrylic rods are perfect for every location with a wall. Equipped with regular size Y-clips, this rod combination is designed for standard ophthalmic frames.
Perfectly manufactured and curved, these display rods are designed for both you and your customer�s convenience. The curved acrylic rod design catches the eye and holds eyewear upright and even. The ultimate value of this display model is within the Y-clip eyewear holders. They are removable, re-adjustable and display the frames in an open position.
The DWYR wall mount eyewear display rods are available in three lengths with 10, 12 and 14 standard Y-clip frame holders per rod. The displays snap into a set of two end caps that attach to the wall. Two end caps for each rod are provided in the package. Please click on the picture above to view a larger image of the display.
For more information please call us at (877) 274-9300 Ordering: Please click on the display with the desired frame capacity below. Available rod lengths are 36", 42" and 48". Y clips and cross sectional rod samples available upon request.


I'm Rahul Kalsariya from Surat. I'm an expert freelancer. I'm here with a complete solution with On-page, Off-page, and related task.
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So many questions come up with parents during visits to the practice, and so often they are the same ones other parents have later the same day!
I've partnered with The Wild Stand General Store to host these series of casual coffee hours to talk about a variety of health topics that pertain to raising healthy kids.
These are open to the community and there is no charge to attend. Bring your questions and join us! If there is a topic you're really curious about let me know.
Are there hidden toxins in your home and how might they be affecting your health? How can you clean up the products you are using for your family and what are some easy solutions?
Stress in Children: What are the signs of anxiety in children and what can you do as a parent to nurture your child through emotional stress and help them develop resilience?
What are the appropriate timelines for motor skill development in infants and children and why is active play so important? We will discuss the best ways to ensure your child is on-track, what you can do to support healthy development, and what problems to watch for.
What can you do as a parent to encourage healthy brain function? We will discuss many supportive strategies including foods, movement, and bonding to nurture your baby and minimize stress to their system.
Nutrition doesn't have to be complicated! We will discuss and demonstrate simple ways to make meal-prep easy, teach your family about healthy meals, and enjoy delicious food at all stages of child development – from babies to teenagers!
Colds, fevers, tummy aches, growing pains, and ear infections are some of the most common childhood health challenges. What can you do to support healthy recovery and a healthy immune system? We will discuss natural ways to provide symptom relief and strengthen the body, and when professional attention is needed.


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Bangladesh / Players / Naimur Rahman
Domestic Competitions home
BANGLADESH CRICKET LEAGUE
DHAKA PREMIER DIVISION
National Cricket League
Domestic History
Hasan Mahmud
Mehidy Hasan
Mustafizur Rahman
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Liton Das
Mushfiqur Rahim
Mashrafe Mortaza
Rubel Hossain
Naimur Rahman
Full name Naimur Rahman
Born September 19, 1974, Manikganj, Dhaka
Major teams Bangladesh, Dhaka Division, Dhaka Metropolis
Also known as Durjoy
Playing role Allrounder
Bowling style Right-arm offbreak
Tests 8 15 1 210 48 15.00 458 45.85 0 0 31 0 4 0
ODIs 29 27 2 488 47 19.52 771 63.29 0 0 42 5 7 0
First-class 34 61 4 1151 106 20.19 1 2 20 0
List A 60 56 3 1045 86 19.71 0 5 17 0
Tests 8 10 1321 718 12 6/132 6/154 59.83 3.26 110.0 0 1 0
ODIs 29 24 1094 904 10 2/51 2/51 90.40 4.95 109.4 0 0 0
First-class 34 6715 3222 103 6/132 31.28 2.87 65.1 4 0
List A 60 2314 1734 47 5/35 5/35 36.89 4.49 49.2 1 1 0
Test debut Bangladesh v India at Dhaka, Nov 10-13, 2000 scorecard
Last Test Bangladesh v West Indies at Dhaka, Dec 8-10, 2002 scorecard
- Statsguru Test analysis - Player analysis menu/filter Test match list --------------------------------- Batting career summary Batting innings list High scores Batting series averages --------------------------------- Bowling career summary Bowling innings list Bowling match list Best innings bowling Best match bowling Bowling series averages --------------------------------- Fielding career summary Fielding innings list Most catches in an innings Fielding series statistics
ODI debut Bangladesh v Pakistan at Sharjah, Apr 8, 1995 scorecard
Last ODI Bangladesh v West Indies at Dhaka, Dec 3, 2002 scorecard
- Statsguru ODI analysis - Player analysis menu/filter ODI match list --------------------------------- Batting career summary Batting innings list High scores Batting series averages --------------------------------- Bowling career summary Bowling innings list Best innings bowling Bowling series averages --------------------------------- Fielding career summary Fielding innings list Most catches in an innings Fielding series statistics
First-class debut 1999/00
Last First-class Dhaka Division v Rajshahi Division at Dhaka, Jan 17-20, 2004 scorecard
List A debut 1994/95
Last List A Dhaka Division v Rajshahi Division at Dhaka, Jan 16, 2004 scorecard
- BCB Red v BCB Green Dhaka 26 Mar 2016 Other T20
21, 0/28 Mushtaque XI v Jewel XI Dhaka 16 Dec 2015 Other T20
Naimur Rahman was Bangladesh's first Test captain, but his Test career lasted only eight Test matches over three seasons before he was sacked from captaincy in 2001 and as a national cricketer in December 2002.
But the captaincy and sackings say very little of what the man, nicknamed Durjoy by his parents, is all about. Born in Manikganj, a district town on the west of capital Dhaka, Naimur was sent to BKSP, the famed sports institute, as one of its first students. The 1987 batch yielded two other national cricketers, Sajjad Ahmed and Moniruzzaman, before BKSP became one of the premier sources of cricketers in the country. BKSP's nondescript outlook at the time didn't deter Naimur's entry into professional cricket and he was quickly marked out as one of the future cricketers, captaining age-group teams till 1994. He made his ODI debut in the 1995 Asia Cup game against Pakistan and was one of many success stories of the 1997 ICC Trophy campaign, which helped him cement a regular place.
His flighted off-spin was effective on the Bangladeshi tracks while he could bring out the big hits within the first 15 overs or as a No.6 batsman, but he never scored a fifty in Tests or ODIs. He was a cricketer who hardly backed down from a fight in the middle, but as with many cricketers of the era, lacked international quality.
However, he did manage a six-wicket haul in Bangladesh's inaugural Test, against India at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, in which he was also the captain. He was given the leadership role a month before, taking over from Aminul Islam for the 2000 ICC Knock-Out World Cup in Kenya. The six-for came in India's first innings, as they chased Bangladesh's 400, and his victims included Sachin Tendulkar. It was a rare day of international success for Naimur, who didn't get more than two wickets in an innings in his subsequent Test career.
His captaincy stint was shortlived, and went with the defeat to Zimbabwe at home. And as the runs also dried up, a career-threatening knee injury cropped up. He played his last international game, a Test match, against West Indies in December 2002, though he did continue playing first-class cricket for two more seasons.
He subsequently joined politics from his hometown Manikganj, though he has enjoyed his position as the president of Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), the players' association. He was also a national selector but quit after a year in office in 2008.
Mohammad Isam
'A Test match can change course in half an hour. That's what happened to us' (Nov 9, 2020)
Bangladesh-Zimbabwe Test in January could go ahead (Dec 23, 2015)
Hathurusingha breached code of conduct - Naimur Rahman (Apr 7, 2015)
PCB conditions not realistic - BCB (Jan 24, 2015)
Taijul, Sunny handed national contracts (Jan 15, 2015)
Naimur Rahman news and articles »
Sajidul Islam (right), called in as a replacement for Syed Rasel, with selector Nairmur Rahman
© TigerCricket.com
Indoor practice due to rain
© ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Naimur Rahman runs to congratulate his team mates on the run out of Whittall
Naimur Rahman cricket photos

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
In accordance with Royal Decree Law 13/2012 and its effect on Article 22.2 of the law on Information Society Services and Electronic Commerce, this website collects navigation cookies. Small files that contain a series of characters that they are sent to your browser from the server of a website, own and third parties, in order to collect input or user identification information; reproduction and loading of forms and / or content plug-in; advertising; statistics; among other. The purpose of this policy is to inform you of the different cookies that MODAES INFORMATION, SLU collects through the different media or communication channels, own or third parties, exempt or not from the duty to inform and the different means through which you can reject, allow or block those. In any case, the publisher informs you that the rejection, blocking or non-permissibility of cookies may affect a correct navigation through the contents reproduced on the website.
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Blue Glory is based in Amsterdam and represents women's and men's brands in the mid-high segment.
Blue Glory is a fashion agency in the mid-high segment.
We have the vision that traditional purchasing will disappear so we work primarily with brands that will deliver in a very short term.
"Blue" in the name Blue Glory, refers to the blue water of the IJ, where the first showroom was located. "Glory" refers to the joy it gave to start your own business.
The light and spacious showroom is located in the old port area of Amsterdam.


Alpamare, the UK's newest waterpark, is looking for thrill seekers to become official slide testers.
The park is due to open on July 28 in Scarborough , and will open its doors to a select few to test out its £14m rides.
Fit and healthy slide testers are encouraged to apply to assist in Alpamare's pre-opening preparations.
Dr Anton Hoefter, Alpamare chief executive officer said: "If you dare to try out our cool slides, we want to hear from you.
The park is expected to attract up to half a million visitors a year.
The company has a waterpark in Switzerland, and the Scarborough park will be the first Alpamare venture in the UK.
The alpine-themed water park will feature four thrilling water rides.
They will be up to 120 meters long and will cater for four-person inflatables, double inflatables and racing mats.
All slides have been named based on an alpine skiing theme.
The 'Black Run' will be the steepest and fastest slide with a drop of 11 metres for guaranteed thrills.
The 'Cresta Run' will be based on the world famous Cresta run in St Moritz, which will see riders propelled down the equivalent of a black ski run, head first, on a racing mat.
At more than 116 metres long, the family friendly 'Olympic Run' will be the longest of the four slides for a guaranteed fun filled shared ride on a double inflatable.
Signature ride 'Snow storm' will be a must for an adrenaline fuelled group experience.
Pumping 20,900 litres of water per minute, four person inflatables will hurtle riders down more than 14 metres of twists and turns.
Anyone who wants to be a slide tester should apply by sending a message via Alpamare's Facebook page .
They can also email slides@alpamare.co.uk, stating their name and contact telephone number.
Testers will be selected at random, and must be free to attend the waterpark on Burniston Road, Scarborough, between Thursday July 21 and Sunday July 24.


"Measurement and Monitoring of the Performance of Highway Investment" by Stephanie R. Everett, Yingge Xiong et al.
In response to the federal SAFETEA-LU requirements, nearly all state departments of transportation (DOTs) have started to use performance measurement at some point in the planning and/or programming process. Although these performance measures are routinely monitored, they are generally completed during the project development process on a project-by-project basis for anticipated future conditions. No state has a fully developed post-implementation tool to monitor and evaluate capital investment programs at a system (statewide) level. The primary objective of this study is to establish a systematic, comprehensive, and robust tool for the Indiana DOT (INDOT) to routinely perform an ex-post facto appraisal of its investment program at the system level. Using historical highway expenditure and performance data, the link between investment and performance was characterized in four asset areas—pavements, bridges, safety, and mobility. Linear regression models were developed to quantify the relationships. Additionally the short-term economic development impacts, in terms of jobs-created and earnings-added, were estimated for the total investment each year. The most recent surface transportation reauthorization, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), sets a precedent for performance-based management of the nation's transportation network. The present study provides a monitoring methodology that can be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of INDOT's investment of surface transportation funds and the improvement program to legislative bodies responsible for funding decisions. It also provides a mechanism to communicate the impacts of transportation investment to the general public.


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President Obama Backs Stronger Broadband Regulation in Big Win for Activists
Don't be surprised if the FCC Chairman proposes regulating under Title II when he unveils a new net neutrality proposal.
By Amy Schatz Nov 10, 2014, 7:12am EST
Share All sharing options for: President Obama Backs Stronger Broadband Regulation in Big Win for Activists
Pete Souza/White House
President Obama came out in favor of the FCC re-regulating broadband lines under rules written for phone networks when the agency adopts new net neutrality rules, in a major win for Internet activists.
The White House released Obama's net neutrality proposal Monday morning with a statement and video. While the president was careful to note that the FCC is an independent agency and can do what it wants, the announcement was clearly made to give FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and other FCC Democrats political cover to go for broke when adopting new rules over Internet lines.
Obama had previously mentioned he didn't like Wheeler's first proposal — which would allow Internet providers to sell fast-lane service to content companies. But the president had carefully stayed out of the debate about the legal technicalities of how the FCC could write legally enforceable rules.
Wheeler's inability to find a path forward without re-regulating Internet lines under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 — which was written for copper-line phone networks — came into sharp focus last week after activists and broadband providers complained about a compromise plan his staff floated last month.
Obama's move Monday is likely to upset broadband providers, many of whom have been campaign donors, but given the president isn't running for office again their ire may have little impact. Verizon Communications, Comcast* and other providers are likely to turn to the new Republican-controlled Congress for help with the rules, although it would be hard for lawmakers to do much about it.
President Obama said Monday that the FCC should regulate consumer broadband service under Title II, "while at the same time forbearing from rate regulation and other provisions less relevant to broadband services."
Broadband providers have fought having their lines regulated under Title II because they don't want regulators setting the rates they can charge to consumers and business customers. The rules would also open up the prospect of requiring them to sell wholesale access to their networks to rivals. In the statement, the president basically said that he thinks the FCC should rule that those sorts of provisions shouldn't apply to modern broadband networks.
He also backed applying the rules to wireless networks, since "the rules also have to reflect the way people use the Internet today, which increasingly means on a mobile device."
And in a win for Netflix and other middle-mile Internet providers, the president said that the FCC should adopt new transparency rules that don't just apply to the last mile of service to consumer homes, but to middle-mile connections as well. "The connection between consumers and ISPs — the so-called 'last mile' — is not the only place some sites might get special treatment," the White House said.
In a statement, Verizon said re-regulating lines under Title II would be a "radical reversal of course" that would "also face strong legal challenges and would likely not stand up in court."
The whole statement is here, but this is the key section laying out what the White House thinks the FCC's rules should do:
The FCC is an independent agency, and ultimately this decision is theirs alone. I believe the FCC should create a new set of rules protecting net neutrality and ensuring that neither the cable company nor the phone company will be able to act as a gatekeeper, restricting what you can do or see online. The rules I am asking for are simple, common-sense steps that reflect the Internet you and I use every day, and that some ISPs already observe. These bright-line rules include:
No blocking. If a consumer requests access to a website or service, and the content is legal, your ISP should not be permitted to block it. That way, every player — not just those commercially affiliated with an ISP — gets a fair shot at your business.
No throttling. Nor should ISPs be able to intentionally slow down some content or speed up others — through a process often called "throttling" — based on the type of service or your ISP's preferences.
Increased transparency. The connection between consumers and ISPs — the so-called "last mile" — is not the only place some sites might get special treatment. So, I am also asking the FCC to make full use of the transparency authorities the court recently upheld, and if necessary to apply net neutrality rules to points of interconnection between the ISP and the rest of the Internet.
No paid prioritization. Simply put: No service should be stuck in a "slow lane" because it does not pay a fee. That kind of gatekeeping would undermine the level playing field essential to the Internet's growth. So, as I have before, I am asking for an explicit ban on paid prioritization and any other restriction that has a similar effect.
* Comcast owns NBCUniversal, which is a minority investor in Revere Digital, Re/code's parent company.
Jeff Bezos wants the world to know he's a philanthropist The Amazon founder has committed to giving most of his money to charity — and he's got roughly $120 billion to burn. How's he doing?
Inside the battle for the future of Amazon After the largest corporate layoffs in its history, the tech giant is at a crossroads.


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LennyCo — June 3, 2019 in Entertainment
Buster Douglas Says Ruiz Beating Anthony Joshua's One Of Biggest Upsets Ever
Buster Douglas
Ruiz Over Joshua
Bigger Than Mike Tyson??
6/3/2019 9:20 AM PDT
Buster Douglas — the man who SHOCKED the world and beat Mike Tyson — tells TMZ Sports … Andy Ruiz's TKO of Anthony Joshua is one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
Bigger than his 1990 upset of undefeated heavyweight champ "Iron" Mike?? Buster — a 42-1 underdog when he KO'd Tyson in the 10th round — wouldn't pick which was bigger … but was clear, this fight was historic.
"I think it was a great fight, man. It was a big upset. An upset is an upset. Ruiz came to fight, Andy came to get it and he got it."
"Despite all the obstacles that were laying there in front of him that were against him, that he had no chance of winning, and he went out there and did the impossible."
Let that sink in … Buster Douglas — the guy responsible for arguably the most shocking upset in sports history — says Ruiz did the impossible when he stopped Joshua in the 7th round.
Douglas says he actually sees a lot of similarities between him and Ruiz.
"The man believed in what he was doing. He believed in himself despite all the naysayers," Douglas tells us … "It's a lot of similarities there. I'm just happy for him, and wish him all the best."
Leading up to the fight, Ruiz was a heavy underdog against the unbeaten Joshua … and seemingly nobody believed he had a chance in hell to win the fight — a feeling Douglas vividly remembers.
"It definitely takes me back. It's like I kinda relate to what they're going through, the emotion that they're feeling going into the fight. 'I'mma show them tonight!'"
Buster says he was so PUMPED when Ruiz won … "I felt like running!"
"That's awesome, man. It was great to see that. Takes you right back to that moment that you had yourself."
Da Brat Defends Jermaine Dupri's 'Strippers Rapping' Statement


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Special thanks to Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites for hosting the How To Spend It team during this shoot. Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites, Inis Meáin, Aran Islands, County Galway, Ireland (inismeain.com; post@inismeain.com). Hair Craig Marsden using Balmain Paris Hair Couture. Make-up Marco Antonio using Crème de la Mer and Mac Pro. Model Marc-André Turgeon at Supa Model Management London. Junior fashion editor Millicent Simon. Fashion assistant Raphaelle Helmore. Photographer's assistant David Beech. Digital operator Sonny McCartney. Casting director Paul Isaac. StockistsAntonio Marras, www.antoniomarras.it and see Joseph. Bottega Veneta, 33 Sloane Street, London SW1 (020-7838 9394; www.bottegaveneta.com). Brioni, 32 Bruton Street, London W1 (020-7491 2101; www.brioni.com). Calvin Klein Collection,www.calvinklein.com and see Dover Street Market. Damir Doma,www.damirdoma.com and see Matchesfashion.com. Dover Street Market, 18-22 Haymarket, London SW1 (020-7518 0680; www.doverstreetmarket.com). Dries Van Noten,www.driesvannoten.com and see Harvey Nichols. Dunhill, Bourdon House, 2 Davies Street, London W1 (020-7853 4440; www.dunhill.com). Emporio Armani, 191 Brompton Road, London SW3 (020-7823 8818; www.armani.com). Filson, 9 Newburgh Street, London W1 (020-7434 3007; www.filson.com). Giorgio Armani, 37 Sloane Street, London SW1 (020-7235 6232; www.armani.com). Hardy Amies, 8 Savile Row, London W1 (020-3696 1408; www.hardyamies.com). Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1 (020-7235 5000; www.harveynichols.com). Inis Meáin,www.inismeain.ie and see Matchesfashion.com. James Perse, 30A Dover Street, London W1 (020-3535 7890; www.jamesperse.com). Jil Sander,www.jilsander.com. Jimmy Choo, 35A Dover Street, London W1 (020-7495 8007; www.jimmychoo.com). Joseph, 63 New Bond Street, London W1 (020-7629 9161; www.joseph-fashion.com). Kenzo, 31 Bruton Street, London W1 (020-7491 8469; www.kenzo.com). Lanvin, 32 Savile Row, London W1 (020-7434 3384; www.lanvin.com). Louis Vuitton, 17-19 New Bond Street, London W1 (020-3214 9200; www.louisvuitton.co.uk). Matchesfashion.com, 87 Marylebone Road, London W1 (020-7487 5400; www.matchesfashion.com). Paul Smith, 9 Albemarle Street, London W1 (0800-023 4006; www.paulsmith.co.uk). Valentino, 174 Sloane Street, London SW1 (020-7235 5855; www.valentino.com). Versace, 183-184 Sloane Street, London W1 (020-7259 5700; www.versace.com). Wooyoungmi,www.wooyoungmi.com and see Matchesfashion.com.


She'd settled into her life and had taken consolation in the words of Paul: "Whatever state I am in…" She wrapped herself in contentment like a thick, wool comforter on a cold winter's day, and nestled into a predictability that over the years was slowly and methodically suffocating her.
Years ago God had spoken to her concerning the call on her life, purpose, destiny. He had given her a dream so big she couldn't even wrap her mind around it. But she believed Him, and set out in "Don Quixote-esque" fashion, ready to fulfill it all.
Then life happened. The unforeseen bullied its way into her life and took up residence. The death of a sibling! Divorce! Personal health challenges. A father's fatal diagnosis. The needs of a child that superseded her own needs. A shattered heart. Betrayal by those she believed knew her and loved her unconditionally. And yes she'd made some bad choices and suffered the consequences. Overwhelmed, she abandoned the vision, neglected the call.
And she did what so many do. Took those dreams, that vision, those hopes and desires, sealed them in air-tight boxes, labeled "Not for This Season!" "I Was Wrong," "Missed God" and "Not in this Lifetime" and stored them safely away. Others she'd reduced to something "manageable" and became content to use her gifts and talents when she could and hoped to have some impact.
She planned to unshelve them someday ,but then she began to live life on autoplay.
Up at dawn, shower, dress, cook breakfast, kids ready and off to school, battle through the morning rush to just make it to the job for which she was highly over-qualified, a job that had long ago ceased to challenge or draw from the reservoir of creativity within her. But dutifully she put in her eight hours and then was hurled into the madness of after-school activities – soccer practices and dance classes. Then home, dinner, homework, bedtime rituals with the kids. On a good night she'd stare blankly at the TV watching the Housewives of Somewhere and wonder how someone got away with murdering her dreams as she watch Viola Davis on TGIT. Pray, read, go to sleep, only to get up the next morning and do it all over again.
She'd dreamed — still dreamed — of more than this! Knew that God had placed deep in her all she needed to fulfill the dream He'd given her. And she'd tried numerous times with underwhelming success. Had met with failure and disappointments but was undaunted by that – well, at least initially. But one let down after another. One more blow. One more loss. She wondered when things would shift. Wondered why, despite her best efforts, her reality was so different from the vision God had shown her. She'd prayed and cried out, "What did I do wrong?" Made readjustments, moves, necessary changes, yet still the investment didn't seem worth the return. It was such a struggle to produce so little. It was such a battle with no lasting, tangible results. Maybe the dreams needed to remain in those air-tight boxes on the shelf.
She hadn't lost faith . . . or had she? After all, how much faith is required in the Default Zone?
God never intended us to live our lives by default!
The wooing, longing persists! That still, small voice grows louder, stronger. For God has never abandoned the call, the dream, the vision, the purpose, the destiny He'd placed in her — in all of us. He hasn't reneged on the promise! Before time began He knew about the sickness, the death, the divorce, the betrayal, the children. He knew and He still called, still equipped, still chose each of us to impact a world for Christ. And through those seasons of barrenness and seeming unfruitfulness, He continued His deep work in us — forging His character in us, healing our wounded souls, making us whole, strengthening our hearts, increasing our faith, rooting and grounding us in His love and in His word, maturing us, transforming us. Now we are ready! Now is the time to take all the lessons learned in the Default Zone and create a new reality rooted in His faithfulness to fulfill His word!
You'll be amazed by the glorious, miraculous life of fulfillment and adventure that awaits!


Pontiac wis a brand o automobile that wis produced frae 1926 tae 2010. Although Pontiac motor vehicles wur first produced in 1907, the company wis quickly merged intae Oakland Motor Company, an began tae produce motor vehicles brandit Pontiac as a companion brand in 1926. Pontiac wis sauld in the Unitit States, Canadae, an Mexico bi General Motors (GM). Pontiac haes been marketit as the performance division o General Motors for mony years, specializin in mainstream performance vehicles.
Wikimedia Commons haes media relatit tae Pontiac vehicles.


Aside from jeeps, what are your other hobbies?
Discussion in 'Pop Tarts' started by SethKnox, Feb 26, 2018.
Mine is taking care of our household companion, a Pomeranian named Svenson. He loves to play catch, hitch a ride on our trips, and even barks at our annoying neighbors during their noisy weekend parties. He's a spoiled little tyke. I bought him one of those comfortable dog beds so he would sleep soundly in the evening. I even gave him a variety of chew toys, so he would have a lot to go around with. How about you? Feel free to share your other hobbies.
I play roller hockey year round, during the summer months I spend time 4 wheelin on the Eastern shore of MD, surfing and putting a dent in the local blue claw and clam population!!
My other hobbies are surf fishing and photography. I also make Nantucket baskets on occasion.
Thanks. I made this one for my wife.
Well.....the list of things that are not my hobbies would be a lot shorter. Sleep is probably at the top of that list.
Restoring old vintage BMX bikes.
Water sports: Sailing, fishing, jet skiing. Texas Gulf Coast.
I like to pretend I'm a woodworker, but, mostly I'm raising a two-year old.
Guns, hiking and general shenanigans.
Zac Reynolds and Dgr401 like this.
I make noise with instruments. I'm something of a gear addict. I collect effects pedals and such.
I ride a motorcycle, but mostly for commuting.
I am my wife's video game co-pilot. Fornite is my current fav. Death Stranding is my most anticipated.
I make stuff out of wood and try to sell it, usually from exotic woods. not very lucrative.


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Seven Comments about the Council of Bishops' recommendations on a Way Forward
Back to News & Views
Bishop Tom Berlin
Church Vitality
Denominational News
Disaster Preparation
Fresh Expressions
Resilient Churches
School-Church Partnerships
Commentary Way Forward
By Bishop Ken Carter | FLUMC
Editor's Note: Click here for the press release detailing the Council of Bishops' recommendation on a Way Forward, released May 4.
1. What happened in the Council of Bishops' meeting?
First, a motion was approved by the Council of Bishops that the three plans discussed by the Council of Bishops and the Commission on a Way Forward will be included in a report to the special session of the General Conference in February 2019. These are:
A traditionalist plan that retains the present language about human sexuality
A one church plan that removes the language and allows for adaptation, and
A connectional conference plan that allows for three distinct bodies within a larger church, with different perspectives on human sexuality.
The motion of the COB was passed with strong support. And all three were carried forward, to be discussed, because the values of our whole church are present in the three different plans, and we did not want to suppress the conversation. We also wanted to honor the legislative work that will take place in the delegations. This work was done with intense prayer, listening to scripture and to each other, and with love for the Lord Jesus Christ and his body, the church.
2. Did the Council of Bishops make a decision?
The Council of Bishops recommends the One Church Plan as our best way forward. Again, this vote was by a significant majority. The One Church Plan allows for contextualization of language about human sexuality in support of our mission with all people. It allows for central conferences, especially those in Africa, to retain traditional language and values. It honors conscience of traditionalists in their own contexts and at the same time creates a spiritual home for the LGBTQ community within our denomination. In other words, it includes protections and permissions.
3. What was the basis for this decision?
I have been drawn to a number of biblical texts, including 1 Corinthians 12-14 (there is a diversity of gifts, and the greatest gift is love); Galatians (the relation of love and law) and John 15 (Jesus is the vine, we are the branches, we are called to love one another and bear fruit). Of great importance as well is the Mission, Vision and Scope of the Commission on a Way Forward: to "maximize as much United Methodist witness in as many places in the world as possible," to allow for "as much contextual differentiation as possible," and to seek "as much unity as possible."
4. What are the outcomes of these decisions?
This work will be in the hands of the delegations to the 2019 special session of the General Conference, approximately 800+ clergy and laity from around the world. They will assess the plans and approve a way forward. Again, the bishops want the delegates to know of each plan while recommending the One Church Plan. In this plan, no local church or annual conference will be required to vote. There is a way to honor religious liberty and inclusion. And there is a recognition that missional contexts are different: our global denomination is present in some contexts where homosexuality is illegal, or does not have a meaning in the cultural language, and also in settings where laws, customs and family relationships are very different.
5. When and how can I read the report?
The report will become available as final editorial work is completed, as it is evaluated alongside our constitution by the Judicial Council (three laymen, three laywomen, three clergy), and as it is translated into the official languages of our global church (English, French, Portuguese, Swahili). This is expected to be completed no later than July 8. In the meantime, a summary is available and portions will be released, including the missional and theological frameworks.
6. What will happen between now and the special session of the General Conference?
In Florida, local churches are having a POV (Point of View) Conversation, which was designed by a diverse team of laity and clergy, with a spectrum of viewpoints, including traditionalists, local church pastors and members of the LGBTQ community.
Many delegations are learning from a text entitled The Anatomy of Peace, which is about how we learn to live with a heart of peace instead of a heart at war, how we can avoid exaggerating our differences and how we can respond to the escalation of conflict in our communities.
We can participate in Praying our Way Forward, which calls for prayer every day from 2:23-2:26 p.m., numbers which correspond to the dates of the special session in 2019 (2/23/19-2/26/19).
7. What does this mean for my local church, and for the Florida Conference?
We will continue to worship God, to serve in our communities, and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. We will continue to support the connection that blesses so many through Campus Ministries, the Children's Home, the Young Adult Missional Movement, Fresh Expressions of church and Camping Ministries, to name a few. We will gather in June to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United Methodist Church. The bishops believe that God's grace is available to all, and we want to create local churches that open doors of faith, hope and love to new people, in new places and in new ways.
To learn more, or to stay in this conversation, please share the following resources:
The Council of Bishops' Page
The Florida Conference Way Forward Page
The Anatomy of Peace
Bishop Ken Carter's era remembered for his compassion and vision
Things are going to get messy: New rituals can help
"Justice is what love looks like in public"
New Year, New Hope for Rural America in the Fight Against COVID
Twenty years later, the memories of Sept. 11 remain vivid


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Refugee Health Profiles
Medical Screening of US-Bound Refugees
Congolese Refugee Health Profile
Overseas Medical Examination
Pre-Departure Medical Screening
Pre-Embarkation Checks
Post-Arrival Medical Screening
Congolese refugees who have been identified for resettlement in the United States receive medical assessments (Figure 7). Some assessments occur several months prior to the refugees' departure and some occur immediately before departure to the United States.
Figure 7: Medical assessment of United States-bound Congolese refugees
An overseas medical examination is mandatory for all refugees resettling in the United States and must be performed according to CDC's Technical Instructions. The purpose of the medical examination is to identify applicants with inadmissible health-related conditions, and they are performed by panel physicians who are selected by US Department of State consular officials. CDC provides the regulatory and technical oversight and training for all panel physicians. Information collected during the refugee overseas medical examination is reported to EDN and is available to state refugee health programs in the states where the refugees are resettled.
Refugees do not have to receive any vaccines before they are admitted into the United States. Vaccines given to Congolese refugees during the overseas medical examination vary depending on the country where they reside during the examination.
Congolese refugees receive a pre-departure medical screening about 3 weeks before leaving for the United States if they have been previously diagnosed with class B1 TB (TB fully treated using directly observed therapy, or abnormal chest x-ray with negative sputum smears and cultures, or extrapulmonary TB). The screening includes a repeat physical examination with a focus on TB signs and symptoms, chest x-ray, and sputum collection for acid-fast bacilli smear microscopy.
IOM clinicians perform 2 pre-embarkation checks within 48 hours of the refugee's departure for the United States to assess his or her fitness for travel. During this assessment, the clinician administers presumptive therapy for intestinal parasites (worms) and malaria. Presumptive therapy is treatment of individuals who have a high likelihood of asymptomatic or sub-clinical infection without, or prior to, results from confirmatory laboratory tests.
Congolese refugees departing from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda receive pre-departure treatment for soil-transmitted helminths, schistosomiasis, and malaria according to current CDC guidance. Except when contraindicated, refugees are treated for soil-transmitted helminths with a single dose of albendazole, schistosomiasis with standard dose of praziquantel (divided into two doses for better tolerance), and malaria with a 6-dose schedule of artemether-lumefantrine. Management of Strongyloides in Congolese refugees is deferred until the refugee's arrival in the United States. Guidance for this is available in the Domestic Intestinal Parasite Screening Guidelines. Refugees from sub-Saharan Africa are normally given presumptive treatment for infection with Strongyloides with ivermectin; however, since DRC is a Loa loa-endemic country, Congolese refugees should not receive presumptive ivermectin for strongyloidiasis prior to departure because of the risk of encephalopathy.
Information on presumptive therapy for intestinal parasites will be noted on IOM's Pre-Departure Medical Screening Form, which is included in the packet provided to each refugee before he or she departs. Information on presumptive therapy for intestinal parasites given to refugees will also appear in EDN.
Active surveillance for communicable diseases of public health significance (such as TB) takes place through all phases of overseas medical processing. This surveillance is designed to identify refugees with conditions that may result in deferred travel or other interventions. In addition, when disease outbreaks occur in the camps, IOM coordinates with the local implementing partners to identify refugees in the resettlement program who may be affected. Depending on the nature of the disease outbreak, various interventions may then be used, such as deferral of travel, additional vaccinations, and presumptive or directed therapy.
Once refugees have arrived in the United States, CDC recommends that they receive a post-arrival medical screening (domestic medical screening) within 30 days. The Office of Refugee Resettlement reimburses providers for screenings conducted during the first 90 days after arrival. The purpose of these more comprehensive examinations is to identify conditions for which refugees may not have been screened during their overseas medical examinations. The examinations also introduce refugees to the US healthcare system. CDC provides guidelines and recommendations while state health departments oversee and administer the domestic medical screenings. State refugee health programs determine who conducts the examinations within their jurisdiction; these may be performed by health department personnel or private physicians. Data from the screenings are collected by most state health departments.
Health Conditions for Healthcare Providers to Consider in Post-Arrival Medical Screening of Congolese Refugees
In addition to the standard guidelines for post-arrival medical screening of newly arriving refugees, clinicians should consider the following health conditions.
According to the current United States domestic screening guidelines for malaria, refugees who have received presumptive treatment prior to departure need no further evaluation for malaria unless they demonstrate signs or symptoms of infection. CDC recommends that Congolese refugees originating from other sub-Saharan African countries who have not received pre-departure therapy either receive presumptive treatment when they arrive or have laboratory screening with a blood smear.
Strongyloidiasis
CDC currently recommends that all United States-bound Congolese refugees either be presumptively treated OR tested and treated (if positive) for strongyloidiasis after arrival in the United States. Currently, only Congolese refugees departing from Kenya receive pre-departure treatment for strongyloidiasis.
The treatment of choice for Strongyloides infection is ivermectin, a single dose for 2 consecutive days. However, the management of Strongyloides infection in the Congolese refugees is complicated by the possibility of co-infection with the parasite Loa loa, also known as "eye worm." Persons with a high blood level (microfilarial load) of Loa loa who are given ivermectin therapy can develop severe encephalopathy. Although this is rare, CDC recommends that a patient originating from, or transiting through, a Loa loa endemic country be tested prior to ivermectin use to ensure that he or she does not have a high microfilarial load. Please refer to the list of Loa loa-endemic countries.
Use one of these three approaches to address Strongyloides infection in Congolese who are at risk of co-infection with Loa loa infection:
Presumptive treatment with ivermectin after testing for Loa loa – To diagnose Loa loa, a daytime blood smear (thick and thin, same test as for malaria) can be done between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If there are no Loa loa parasites observed, ivermectin may be safely used to presumptively treat the refugee.
Presumptive treatment with "high-dose" albendazole without testing for Loa loa – Presumptively treat refugees with "high-dose" albendazole without testing for Loa loa infection. The dosing recommended for treatment of Strongyloides infection is albendazole 400 mg twice a day for 7 days.
Test for Strongyloides, Loa loa and treatment if positive – Test the refugee for Strongyloides infection and only treat (for Strongyloides) those whose results are positive. Serology is the most sensitive test for detecting Strongyloides infection. Stool ova and parasite examination or stool agar culture may be used as additional tests but should not be used alone because of poor sensitivity. Those with positive test result (for Strongyloides) could either be treated with ivermectin (if a daytime blood smear is negative as described above) or with the 7-day course of albendazole.
For more information, please see the Domestic Intestinal Parasite Guidelines for refugees.
Refugees originating in sub-Saharan Africa without a contraindication receive a treatment dose of praziquantel prior to departure, which presumptively treats a majority of infected individuals. Currently, those Congolese refugees from the asylum countries of Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Africa should be receiving praziquantel prior to departure. However, a treatment dose of praziquantel is not 100% effective and any refugee with signs or symptoms of active disease, most often, a persistently elevated eosinophil count, may need further evaluation for schistosomiasis. Please see Presumptive Treatment and Screening for Strongyloidiasis, Schistosomiasis, and Infections Caused by Soil-Transmitted Helminths for Refugees for additional information on domestic medical screening.
The filarial diseases are caused by nematodes transmitted to humans, most commonly through black flies and mosquitoes. The 3 most common infections, all endemic to DRC, are loiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocerciasis. The filarial infections are common in the DRC and co-infection is common. They may persist for a decade or more and some of the complications may be permanent. Most people infected with these nematodes will never develop symptoms. The most common clinical sign in refugees is a persistent elevated eosinophil count. Therefore, these parasites need to be considered in Congolese refugees with a persistent elevated eosinophil count and in those with symptoms more specific to each nematode.
Loiasis, (also known as "eye worm"), caused by the parasitic roundworm Loa loa, is transmitted by red (chrysops) flies and is endemic through most of DRC although it is particularly common in certain focal areas. Most infected individuals have no symptoms, but common clinical manifestations include an increased eosinophil count, recurrent episodes of transient itchy swellings (local angioedema) usually found on the limbs or near joints and sometimes referred to as "Calabar swellings", and "eye worm". Eye worm is the visible migration of the adult worm across the surface of the eye which may be associated with eye congestion, itching, pain, and light sensitivity. Other symptoms include generalized itching, hives, muscle pains, joint aches, fatigue, and the visible migrating worm under the surface of the skin. Infection does occur in the absence of an elevated eosinophil count.
Lymphatic filariasis, most commonly caused by the nematode Wuchereria bancrofti, is transmitted to humans by mosquito vectors. Lymphatic filariasis is distributed throughout DRC as well as all major East African countries of asylum. Most infected persons will never develop symptoms. The most common clinical manifestations are a persistently elevated eosinophil count, and a lymphedema that usually affects the legs but also occurs in the arms, breasts, and genitalia (especially hydrocele or swelling of the scrotum in males). Infection does occur in the absence of an elevated eosinophil count. When the swelling is accompanied by hardening and thickening of the skin it is commonly referred to as elephantiasis. This condition predisposes patients to bacterial infections.
Onchocerciasis, caused by Onchocerca volvulus, is transmitted to humans through the bite of a blackfly. Onchocerciasis is found throughout most of DRC as well as in areas of Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Common clinical manifestations include generalized itching, nodules under the skin, rashes and, most concerning, visual changes (commonly known as "river blindness"). When larva die within the eye they initially cause reversible lesions of the cornea. However, with time they may result in permanent clouding of the cornea and blindness. In addition, inflammation of the optic nerve may occur, resulting in vision loss. Although an elevated eosinophil count is common, infection does occur in the absence of an elevated count.
Diagnosis and treatment of filariasis is complicated and beyond the scope of this document. Further information on each parasite may be obtained at the CDC Division of Parasitic Diseases. CDC also offers diagnostic and treatment assistance.
African Trypanosomiasis
African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is an insect borne infection transmitted by tsetse flies. It is caused by microscopic parasites of the species Trypanosoma brucei. There are two subspecies of T. brucei, T.b. Rhodensiense (East African) and T.b. gambiense (West African). Refugees from the DRC may be at risk of West African trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma brucei gambiense) where West African sleeping sickness is endemic, although most of the refugees report being from non-endemic areas of DRC. Depending on migration route, refugees may also be at risk for T.b. Rhodensiense which is most endemic in Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia. T.b. Rhodensiense is less common and has a more acute onset and would be observed at the time of migration or shortly following arrival and would be characterized by fevers, headache, muscle and joint aches, enlarged lymph nodes and is frequently accompanied by a large sore (a chancre) at the bite site. There is relatively rapid clinical decline without treatment with mental disorientation, other neurologic symptoms, coma resulting in death within months.
T.b. gambiense, more common and of greater concern in refugees, since it is more common and may be more insidious occurring months to years after after infection. Symptoms of West African trypanosomiasis typically emerge and include fever, rash, swelling of the hands and face, headaches, fatigue, myalgias and arthralgias, pruritis, and lymphadenopathy. As disease progresses, weight loss ensues with progressive confusion, personality changes, daytime sleepiness with nighttime sleep disturbances, and other neurologic signs and symptoms such as paralysis, ataxia, and balance problems. If left untreated, neurologic symptoms will progress until eventually death occurs, usually years after initial infection.
The diagnosis should be considered in any refugee with potential exposure and unexplained signs or symptoms such as weight loss and neurologic decline.
More information on the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases may be found on the CDC Parasitic diseases website. CDC also offers diagnostic and treatment assistance.
Given the low prevalence of syphilis in the Congolese refugee population (Table 5), screening for syphilis should follow the current CDC domestic refugee medical screening guidelines. That is, providers should rely on the results of the pre-departure testing, if it is available.
Repeat screening should be done domestically with a nontreponemal test (e.g., Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [VDRL] or rapid plasma reagin [RPR]) in the following situations:
For all refugees ≥15 years old if overseas results are not available.
For children <15 years old who are at risk (i.e., mother who tests positive for syphilis) should be evaluated according to the Congenital Syphilis section of the CDC Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010.
Any refugee who has a history of sexual assault
Refugees with positive nontreponemal screening test results should have confirmatory treponemal testing.
HIV testing is offered to refugees by many state health departments. The current domestic refugee screening guidelines for HIV recommend universal screening of refugees after arrival. This is especially important since in January 2010, the requirement for HIV testing of adult refugees prior to US resettlement was removed. The known history of sexual violence in the Congolese refugee population and data that indicate relatively higher rates than most refugee populations reinforce the importance of HIV screening in Congolese refugees.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
The current Refugee Domestic Screening Guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Diseases suggest routine screening for chlamydia in women ≤25 years old who are sexually active, or testing refugees for chlamydia and gonorrhea if there are known risk factors or signs of infection.
There are limited data available on rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in Congolese refugees (Table 5). Given the lack of data and well-documented high rates of sexual violence, it is reasonable to extend screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea to both female and male adult refugees as well as any child with a history of sexual abuse or signs of infection (e.g., leukesterase).
Chronic Viral Hepatitis
The most common chronic viral hepatitis encountered in refugees is hepatitis B. Clinicians should screen all Congolese refugees for chronic infection with hepatitis B virus on arrival to the U.S., as recommended in the CDC Guidelines for the U.S. Domestic Medical Examination for Newly Arriving Refugees. Some Congolese refugees may have received one or more doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis B surface antibody may be positive if measured after the first or second dose of vaccination and does not necessarily indicate long-term immunity. Congolese refugees generally do not receive the full hepatitis B series prior to migration, with the exception of refugees departing from Kenya (since September 2013). Even if vaccinated, refugees should be screened for hepatitis B infection if previous results are not available since vaccination does not protect a person with precedent infection. If the refugee is not infected with hepatitis B virus, and has not received an acceptable full course of hepatitis B immunization, the vaccine course should be completed according to ACIP guidelines. More information and guidance about hepatitis B infection and prevention in refugees is available in the domestic screening guidelines. There are no published or other available screening data on the prevalence of hepatitis C in Congolese refugees and screening guidelines remain consistent with the broader screening guidelines for arriving refugees.
Anemia is frequently caused by multiple factors such as nutritional deficiency (e.g., low iron intake), parasitic infections such as hookworm and malaria, thalassemias, and hemoglobinopathies, although it may indicate other underlying diseases (e.g., cancer, ulcers). There will be an expected higher rate of sickle cell anemia (SCA) in Congolese refugees based on available country prevalence data, and physicians may consider screening for SCA, especially in refugees found to have anemia. Screening may lead to appropriate management and monitoring of those with SCA as well as to counseling of those who have sickle cell trait.
In addition, glucose-6-dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency, an enzyme deficiency, is common in certain populations and has been estimated to occur in 19% of the population of the DRCExternal 17. Unlike most inherited hematologic disorders which result in anemia (e.g., decreased hemoglobin or change in indices such as MCV or RDW), G-6-PD deficiency is not evident on routine blood testing or blood smears. Under certain circumstances, G-6-PD deficiency may result in acute hemolytic anemia, usually after a refugee with this condition is exposed to certain medications, foods, or even infections. Therefore, certain medications with strong oxidizing potential Cdc-pdf[PDF – 1 page]External (e.g., primaquine for malaria, dapsone) should be avoided if the patient's G-6-PD status is unknown (or the patient should be tested for G-6-PD deficiency before he or she takes the medication). Other common oxidizing medications should also be used with caution or avoided in this population, including sulfa-based medications; unless the patient's G-6-PD status is known.
Alpha thalassemia should also be considered in patients with an anemia.
Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, and Diabetes
Routine blood pressure screening and monitoring is suggested in newly arriving Congolese refugees, as with all populations. Diabetes should be considered when there are risk factors (e.g., obesity) or other common signs are present (e.g., hyperglycemia on blood chemistry, glucosuria). Lipid screening should be considered according to United States' guidelines.
MAP: Malaria Atlas Project. Wellcome Trust. Population estimates for G-6-PD deficiency table for the Congo. Available at: http://www.map.ox.ac.uk/browse-resources/g6pd/g6pdd-estimates-table/cog/External. Last accessed August 5, 2013
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Enrollment numbers down as educators learn lessons from first month of virtual schooling
Elizabeth Adkins, director of technology, updated the members of the Henry County School Board about efforts to provide technology and connectivity to students.
By Brandon Martin
Following the first month of instruction, the Henry County School Board heard an update on efforts by the schools to adapt to the new virtual learning environment.
"We are ending our fourth week of virtual instruction," said Schools Superintendent Sandy Strayer. "One hundred percent virtual learning has been new to our teachers and for our families. I appreciate everyone's patience and flexibility as we acclimate ourselves to our current learning environment. I cannot say thank you enough to our board, staff, parents and community for continuing to work hard to support all of our students."
Strayer said that staff are reporting to work each day and are available to meet with parents or guardians who need assistance acclimating to the new structure. Additionally, she said staff are reporting in person to prepare for the transition to hybrid instruction.
Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Administrative Services David Scott (left), discussed enrollment during an update to members of the Henry County School Board. Also pictured are School Board Attorney, Mike Gardner (middle), and Thomas Auker, chairman of the Henry County School Board.
David Scott, assistant superintendent for operations and administrative services, said "as far as enrollment, there are some ugly and undeniable truths that we have to acknowledge. Enrollment is down compared to last year. After the first month, we are down about 140 students compared to last year. Compared to the Department of Education projections for this year, we are down closer to 200 students."
It's not unusual for the average daily membership (ADM) to lag behind the membership count, according to Scott.
"In fact last year with hardly any change in membership in September, our ADM grew by 140 students in September, and another 50 or so in October," he said. "It's not out of the question that our ADM will rebound as it normally does during the fall. I do believe that we will still fall short of the Department of Education projection of 6,938 students but how much short is a difficult question to answer."
Scott said that the drop in students could be attributed to multiple factors. Among them were out-of-state transfers, in-state transfers, private school transfers and families opting to homeschool.
"We will be mailing homeschooled families with detailed information about our online virtual offerings which we believe offer a more comprehensive learning experience than most homeschool programs, particularly in terms of counseling, academic support and the provision of meals," Scott said. "While our home school numbers have not outpaced our numbers from last year, we do believe some families have chosen this option early this year before knowing how Henry County would return to school."
One struggle with the virtual learning environment is ensuring that students are participating, Scott said.
"We know there are some not committing time to the task. We have those students every year, but when we have had the opportunities to interact with these parents and students, putting the devices in their hands and when they've allowed us to show them how online instruction will work, we have been able to re-enroll students," he added.
There also is a plan to put an enforcement mechanism in place for families that are not cooperating.
Scott said that the schools plan on coordinating with social services agencies to pressure Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients who aren't participating in online learning.
"Now that we have delivered iPads and Kajeets to these families, and eliminated any excuse that they don't have access to the instruction, we have to be able to put some responsibilities on the families not choosing to do the work," Scott said.
Since state funds are reliant on enrollment numbers, any significant drop in numbers could affect the school system's finances as well, he said.
"Financially, we've prepared a budget that can absorb some shortages in funding due to lower enrollment," Scott said. "We are closely monitoring our monthly expenditures and show savings in what we have budgeted for substitutes, utilities, fuel and travel. We also expect credits from our insurance policy based on experience over the last several months."
Due to the uncertainty, Scott said that progress on capital projects would be evaluated with the potential of some delays "while we see how enrollment continues to fluctuate."
In terms of actual instruction, Strayer said that teachers can use the learning management platform, Canvas, to ensure equity of instruction among students.
For students that miss Zoom calls with teachers, the lessons can be posted to Canvas to be watched later. Teachers and administrative staff have access to log onto Canvas and see if students have logged on to watch the sessions.
"We had every principal log on and report to" administrators "the number of students that are making no effort, not logging onto live Zoom calls and not going back to watch videos and turning work in. The numbers were small. It was a handful of students, so that was good news. I thought it was going to be a lot larger."
Scott said that non-participation is an ever–present part of daily school life, regardless of virtual or in-person learning.
"To be realistic about it, and in a traditional setting, we have students that unfortunately show up to school every day and put forth no effort. So, to expect that that would be different in a virtual setting, I think is kind of foolish," he said. "We know that we have students who rely on the school and consider themselves to be part of the school community who aren't making an effort, but I can assure you that our teachers, our administrators are doing everything they can to get participation from those students."
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Lisa Millner said, "one thing that we needed to take advantage of with our CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) funding is a program called iCEV Curriculum.
"This helps our CTE (Career and Technical Education) courses since most of those courses are traditionally hands-on. This also provided an opportunity for those teachers to have that virtual curriculum at their fingertips, so that they could push out that same type of modules and learning experience to their students using the Canvas LMS (learning management system)," she said.
Following recent research, Millner said that there is an expectation that performance in mathematics will drop due to online learning. Working with outside partners, teachers learned how to use diagnostic performative assessments to identify instructional gaps and how to design instruction to address those gaps prior to learning new skills.
"If you hear anything about the diagnostic performative assessments, they are pretty much 4 to 6 questions that I would ask a student to complete and that would give me the data, kind of like a preassessment, of what I need to do to teach them in math," Millner said.
Additionally, Millner said that 6.5 hours of learning in person does not translate to that much time online.
"Teachers are learning how to provide targeted instruction that doesn't overwhelm students and families," she said. "Principals are encouraging collaboration between teachers to divide and conquer. To share resources and lighten the load of teachers, students and families."
Strayer said that one of the biggest complaints from parents has been finding assignments and figuring out how to submit assignments.
Principals were asked "to put on the main page of their Canvas page, where to find assignments and where to submit those. When there are concerns, we need to hear those so we can fix those." Additionally, Strayer said that teachers and staff welcome phone calls as well.
Noting that some families are struggling due to a lack of Internet access, Director of Technology
Elizabeth Adkins said that after speaking with a representative from Xfinity, "at this time they provide internet essentials which provides qualifying families with internet for $9.95 a month. Sometimes the parents don't qualify because they have an outstanding bill but between now and the end of December 2020. If families have an outstanding bill, they may still qualify for Internet essentials because they (Xfinity) are going to let the outstanding debt be waived. They also provide free internet hotspots. Families can go to wifi.xfinity.com to find the nearest free hotspot."
Work is also being done to assist families outside of the service area for Xfinity.
"To begin the work on the internet expansion, I'm collecting addresses from schools and compiling a list," Adkins said. She said a representative is going to start working with Xfinity's "tech team to figure out the next expansion for our district that would help our students."
Kajeets, or personal MiFis, also are being checked-out by students, according to Adkins.
"At this time, we've checked out approximately 175. We have a total of 388 that were purchased by the board of supervisors and they (families) are also making a monthly payment," she said.
The data is limited daily, but refreshes every morning, Adkins said. The Kajeets also have firewalls in place to prevent students from accessing sites that aren't appropriate or that are not related to instruction, like social media.
"This also preserves data," she said. "We can run reports to see how the Kajeet is being used if we need to. For families that have more than two students, they have the option to check out more than one device."
Adkins said that there has also been a delay in the delivery of iPads for 9th graders. The devices were supposed to arrive Aug. 18.
"We were told that it was due to the keyboard case. The 9th graders get a keyboard case which is different from what the 1-5th graders get, and that the case was on backorder," Adkins said. She added that the school system is currently 6th in the queue for Apple's shipping.
Scott also provided an update on the meals program, which totaled 27,000 meals during August. Because families have multiple food options under the current food service program, he said that it has made the operation "pretty clumsy at this point. We've had difficulty getting the right meals to families. We've had difficulty getting any meal for a student who is living out of zone. It's difficult to coordinate those things in every special situation. However, with the passage of time, we are getting a lot better at that."
With more families opting to take part in the school's meal program, Scott said some added benefits have occurred.
"It allows our bus drivers to remain active and log hours to get paychecks, which also keeps our full cafeteria staff at work," he said, and added that the next hurdle would be juggling delivery, pickup and in-school service of meals once students return to school.
Monica Hatchett, director of communications said that the schools have also distributed 366 food boxes.
"Each of these boxes contains between $100 and $150 worth of groceries, and includes items that students can prepare themselves, but also meals that families can make and enjoy together," she said.
With money still left over from a grant, Hatchett said that another order to fill boxes will be put together in the coming week. Of the 366 boxes already distributed, Hatchett said that only 40 families have gotten more than one box. The rest of the distribution has been to new families.
In addition to food boxes, Hatchett said more time has been dedicated to communicating with families.
"We are talking to them by traditional methods, like over the phone and in person, but specifically through social media," she said. "Our hours on Facebook, in particular, are" 5 a.m. until 11:30 p/m.
"We try to engage with families as much as possible, to answer their questions because we know their hours aren't traditional school hours. Once we respond to that question, to ensure that it is given to the right person so that we can assist them in the" best capacity possible, she said.
Hatchett said that a number of staff were recently involved with a "pandemic drill" involving Henry County Public Safety and members of the Department of Health.
"Coming out of that drill, we knew that we knew that we needed to enhance our communication with staff members about the protocols that we would follow," she said, adding the division shared a protocol booklet with staff members recently so that staff are abreast of the right procedures.
"We also shared a letter with families to remind them how we will proceed once students return to school if there is an identified case in the building. And certainly, to remind them of our obligation and our desire to protect student information through HIPAA and FERPA," she said of privacy laws.
Hatchett said the schools also are developing videos that will be posted to their websites for students and families "to know what to expect when we return back to school."
When students do arrive back in school, sanitation efforts will be in full swing according to Keith Scott, director of facilities maintenance.
"Our Clorox-360 machines arrived about a month earlier than I thought they were," he said. "They are coming into play this week. We are going to start working on a training process next week, and distributing those to our schools so that also helps with our evening cleaning and being able to prepare for when our students arrive back as well."
Keith Scott also said that the schools have more than enough disinfectant as well.
"The custodian refills those bottles as needed. We have plenty of those in stock and readily available if we need to order more," he added.
Upgrades for the water fountains will also be made.
"We have the first round of bottle fillers. We have about 10 of the water cooler bottle fillers showing up next week and we will start installing those. We have a plan to start at the elementary schools, and then once those are complete to make sure each one has one, we will move into our secondary schools as well," he said.
Strayer explained that the water bottle fillers prevent students from having to touch or put their lips on a water fountain.
Ben Gravely, of the Iriswood District, said he was impressed by the efforts being made, and called on the community to work with the schools.
"It seems like we are doing what we can do under these circumstances, and I guess my plea to the community is to be flexible along with us," he said. "I think if we keep pushing, then I'm hoping the community is understanding about where we are in this process. We are working hard to try to meet their needs."
Alice Willingham, a representative of the Virginia Education Association, addressed the Henry County School Board during the public comment period.
A representative of the Virginia Education Association urged the school board to work in the best interest of teachers.
"Please allow teachers to work from home if they request to do so," Alice Willingham said. "Many have discussed this option with their principals, and their administrators stated that they would allow for tele–work, but that site-based decision is not theirs to make. Please be certain that the decisions you make today do not become regrets later. In summary, teleworking options, a mask mandate and remote work assignments for high-risk employees would all be greatly appreciated," Willingham said.
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