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EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Board on Wednesday approved an addition to the Gateway Commerce Center enterprise zone to pave the way for Prairie Farms Dairy to move its corporate headquarters from Carlinville to Edwardsville.
According to the enterprise zone ordinance, the company is planning to build a facility at Edwardsville Corporate Centre, a business park at the intersection of Illinois 143 and Staunton Road, just east of Interstate 55. The park houses the headquarters of Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits and Scott Credit Union.
The enterprise zone allows the county to abate property taxes that can be attributed to improvements on the property. Other benefits include a sales tax exemption for building materials purchased in Illinois, a machinery and equipment tax exemption, a utility tax exemption, an investment tax credit and a job tax credit for hiring dislocated workers.
Two board members, Collinsville Republican Lisa Ciampoli and Granite City Democrat Helen Hawkins, voted against expanding the enterprise zone.
"I believe that takes away from services in the county," Hawkins said.
Madison County Board Chairman Alan Dunstan said the Fortune 500 company's move would bring jobs to the region.
"It's a big thing to have this move to Edwardsville," he said.
Prairie Farms Dairy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Ed Mullins said the move depends on whether the state authorizes the enterprise zone's expansion. The two local governments in the zone, Edwardsville and Pontoon Beach, already have approved the expansion.
Mullins said he doesn't know when the state will make the decision.
"It's in the state's hands," he said. "We're ready to go as soon as they approve.
"We will be consolidating five offices into one location, and we're excited about the opportunity to get that accomplished," he said.
If the move does happen, the Carlinville plant will stay open and continue to operate with no loss of jobs, Mullins said.
Approximately 41 employees would move to Edwardsville, inhabiting a 32,000-square-foot building.
The company is an Illinois agricultural cooperative owned by 650 farm families. In business since 1938, it has sales of $2.8 billion per year, employs a workforce of more than 5,700 and operates 36 processing plants in 17 Midwestern states. The company receives milk from producers and turns it into consumer products like ice cream and cheese.
Since the 5.89-square-mile enterprise zone's inception in 1997, businesses within its boundaries have added 5,000 jobs and 9 to 10 million square feet in new buildings. It was created to spur the development of warehouses at Gateway Commerce Center in Edwardsville.
In other action, the board:
• Approved a resolution to provide $187,500 from the matching tax fund to patch and resurface East Broadway, Henry Street and Ridge Street in Alton. The work will be on East Broadway from 105 feet west of Henry Street to Monument Street and from 429 feet east of Belchik Memorial Expressway to Allen Street; Henry Street south 110 feet from East Broadway and Ridge Street south 210 feet from Broadway.
• Approved a resolution to provide $47,200 from the matching tax fund to construct a shared-use path along Magnolia Avenue, Quince Street and Linden Street in Edwardsville. The path will connect the Nickle Plate Trail with the Spray and Play Park set to open this summer at the corner of South Main Street and Schwarz Street near downtown Edwardsville.
• Approved an agreement to act as the disbursing agency for state funds to build a new road at Gateway Commerce Center. Developer Gateway Commerce Center Development Co. Inc. will pay $1,001,512 for the $2,003,024 project, while the Illinois Department of Transportation is funding the rest.
Hawkins was the lone vote against the agreement.


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With summer in full swing, this is the perfect time to pack up the car and take a road trip to someplace you've always wanted to visit. While there are many road trip posts about what to pack, what you should check on your car before you leave and even fun places to visit, I want to talk about something a little different- driving etiquette or as I like to call them, the unofficial rules of the road. Now this is not some post aimed at bashing other drivers, it's about helping you guys, drivers and passengers, be safe on the road so you can get to your awesome destinations, wherever they may be.
December 2015

subset: commoncrawl


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The sequel is, for the most part, more of the same. This is not really a problem, however, because it's more of a good thing, and what new features have been added are much appreciated. Online play, for instance. That just makes a superior multiplayer game even better. The graphics engine has also improved somewhat, adding many different details that add up to a substantially stronger visual presentation. Offroad Fury 2 is recommended for new and old fans alike -- it's a worthy improvement on the original, and the perfect introduction if you missed that one.
I have never personally driven one of these things, and likely never will given their grim effect on the surrounding terrain, so I can't testify from experience as to the realism of the game's handling model. Realism aside, however, it is certainly fun. As before, all four wheels of each vehicle react in detail to shifts in the player's input and the smallest features of the track, and there's a surprisingly strong sensation of feedback as you play. You can see and feel the vehicle reacting and alter input accordingly, all through a race.
Besides simple steering and throttle, the key control mechanic is the suspension preload, which affects the amount of air a rider gets after hitting a jump. Pulling back on the analog stick loads up the suspension, and flicking it forward helps launch the rider further -- there's a little meter in the GUI to help you get the timing down. Getting extra air can mean pulling ahead of other riders, but there's a little more to it than that.
See, ATV has some very smart track design elements, particularly rhythm sections. A rhythm section, in motocross or BMX or what-have-you, is a series of jumps that's best negotiated in a certain rhythm. Attacking the first jump at a certain speed with a certain height can let you flow easily through the subsequent jumps, while landing over or under the optimum spot for that first jump can lead to casing several subsequent jumps. The most important aspect of reading the tracks is judging how fast and how far to jump at the beginning of each section, because it's not always a good idea to just haul back on the preload and jump as far as possible. Some sections demand a defter touch to land properly and continue smoothly through the section.
This makes ATV sound like an exacting racer, and it is in some ways, but it allows just as much room for chaotic bar-banging. The courses are always very wide, so there's plenty of room to swerve around trying to bump an opponent, cut off their line, cut through open corners, or land on another rider's head. Yes, as in the first game, it's possible to judge a landing just right and head-stomp a leading opponent. The opposing racers behave in a pleasantly realistic fashion as they react to your moves. They're not inhumanly fast or nimble, but instead use realistic racing tactics and respond appropriately in turn. It's possible for an AI racer to screw up and crash, just like you might. Crowding and shoving also work to defend or take over a racing line, which is very important. The tracks are wide enough that taking the inside line through a course, particularly an outdoor course, can make a big difference in the lead.
ATV 2 offers the same race modes as before -- circuits, waypoint races, and indoor supercross races -- but the track selection is substantially increased, and there are four great new mini-games. ATV soccer is absolutely hilarious, and it's not that hard to control, either. Split-screen races now run at a better framerate (not that they needed much help in that regard, anyway), and network play offers options for i.Link, LAN, and Internet competition.
It's a damn shame the online mode doesn't allow competition at ATV soccer -- there are only race and freestyle modes, for four players. That "only" is delivered with tongue firmly in cheek, though. This is a great racer for online competition, and while we encountered some occasional problems joining games from the office here, that's likely the fault of the mutant firewall around our office. We could create games just fine, and while it would be nice if there were an option for more players and game modes, it's enough to just be able to race online. Here's hoping Sony can keep the servers in more stable condition than those for SOCOM...
Dovetailing nicely with the chance to show off on the net, ATV 2 also adds a substantial variety of customization options. There are more licensed ATVs (hopefully, the manual won't promise any fictitious rides this time), and a huge selection of different colors and labels for a rider's gear. Everything from boots to goggles is customizable, with unlockable items for those who persist through the championship mode, and developing a unique style is naturally great fun.
In This Article
ATV Offroad Fury 2


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I know this is hard. But I lost my dad on February 14, 2013. I want to cry but feel embarrassed. I am sad and all, but nothing helps me cry. Guess I'm not emotional. Is that wrong?
Everyone handles things differently. Talk to people close to you. So sorry for your loss. Will keep you in my prayers.
Just because you are unable to cry does not mean you are not processing your father's death and grieving. I am one of those that is over emotional and cry at the drop of a hat. It does not mean that my feelings are stronger, just that they may be more visible. Crying has been a curse for me my whole life.....my stepfather ridiculed me for it to the point where I thought there was something wrong with me. I bet one of these days, maybe when you are thinking of something nice you did together, you may cry....but even if you don't cry, you will still be remembering him and that is what is important. I don't think my grandson shed a tear when he lost his grandad but I do know he cared about him and misses him.
everyone handles grief differently so not crying is your way , but don't be embarrassed to cry
sorry for your loss
The loss of a parent is very emotional but some people don't cry or may cry but many months or years later. It is good to cry but not required to korn the death of a close person. Sorry for your loss. I too have lost parents. Keep the memories.
No need to feel guilty for your feelings.
Allow yourself to feel. That is all that is important.
Sometimes sharing the experience of grief with the people around you helps in your own process.
There are always those who are strong and supportive. And those that are more emotional and need to express their feelings more.
There is no right and wrong with grief.
But expressing yourself here means that you are aware of your feelings and that is a great and wonderful thing.
Jus allow yourself whatever expression you need.
Are you near a beach??? OR a Lake??
I like to tell my troubles to large bodies of water!!! Ha ha ha.
They seem to absorb everything without me losing anything.
I have yelled at the ocean from the top of my lungs!
(felt pretty good to. Once I realized I was not going to go crazy for expressing myself)
Everyone handles grief differently; it's possible you're still in shock, and it hasn't quite sunk in yet.
But, don't be ashamed at all for how you're feeling; it doesn't change the fact that you probably love and miss your Dad a lot.
So sorry for your loss.
It's not wrong at all. My grandma died about a year ago and as hard as I took it and as much as I WANTED to cry, I just couldn't.
Most likely you're either just not an overly emotional person and you deal with things like this in a different way, or you'll just be sitting around someday and the most random thing will happen, bring back all kinds of memories, and the tears will flow. Neither one is wrong....they just mean you're human.
Sorry to hear about your dad though. Prayers with you and your family.
Why do some people never cry?
Sometimes it is noble to hold a straight face
To reassure those around you
To make them feel everything is ok
But why do these people hold their tough exterior
Even when there is no one to reassure
The world is a merciless place
It doles out hardship and death without a second thought
Bringing people down without remorse
Taking that which you care about and destroying it right in front of you
Some people will not shed a tear
Even when they have lost everything
Some people have forgotten how to cry
Some people have forgotten how to acknowledge pain that's not of the physical nature
These people will probably never cry again
But don't be fooled
These people more often than not are in floods of tears on the inside
Some people just find it indignant and will find a dark corner where no one can hear them
It's their way to suffer
It's the worst way to suffer
Why do people carry this burden when there is no need
They probably don't know either
Why do some people never cry?
By Robert McCarthy
Thank you for all the supportive posts. I finally cried for my Daddy last night while listening to "See You Again" and then screaming out "Temporary Home" and I appreciate the support. -PLAY ON-


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Sign up to trot and support a good cause! The High Risk Hope Tot Trot is an annual family friendly 3K that raises funds to benefit High Risk Hope. November is prematurity awareness month across the globe and your family can help spread the word and win the #fightforpreemies!
Upon registration, you will be given the option to start or join a fundraising team. Whether you decide to be part of a team or not, each individual will also have the option to create their own custom fundraising page with your story and photos. We encourage you to take this extra step, it will help us work together to raise more money and spread awareness. You can share this page with your family and friends, asking them to donate to your team or join you in the High Risk Hope Tot Trot!
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In the Perspective of Human Rights
A new place for church related NGOs in the health services?
Von Jaap Koot / Medicus Mundi International MMI
Before the church related NGOs could enter into a dialogue with the government on contracting, they need to strengthen themselves and define their vision, goals and objectives for church health services. They need to revisit their mutual working relations and strengthen their national organisations as negotiating partner for governments.
During the last fifteen years, in many countries in the world public service reforms have been initiated, with the aim to create a "lean and mean" public service. There are two reasons for these reforms. In the first place a kind of ideological reason: the belief in the effectiveness of free market mechanisms. In the second place a purely financial reason: cost reduction.
The ideological motivation is interesting to explore. After World War II in most European countries a state-controlled rehabilitation programme guided the building of a new economy. But after thirty years, it was felt to be inefficient. The fall of the Berlin wall and the fall of most Communist regimes in East-Europe added to the idea that state-controlled economies could not work. According to the new ideology, the state had to withdraw its control and had to stop providing services. It had to leave the market to find its most efficient ways of operation.
In most third word countries, the state-controlled economies were inherited from the Colonial governments and were hardly changed after independence. Bankrupt countries in East and Southern Africa had to accept the consequences of the free market economy under the structural adjustment programmes imposed by the International Monetary Fund in the 1980s and 1990s. Often the African governments were not very willing to embrace the new ideology, but simply had to accept a free market economy in order to get support from the IMF and the World Bank. Everywhere in the world we have seen and still see privatisation of former government services and parastatal companies, like post and telecom services, or in the transport and mining sector.
Health reforms
Though in some countries people in the health sector see the health reforms as a unique and autonomous process, they are just part of the public service reforms. However, in countries like Zambia and Tanzania the health reforms have a bigger momentum than the public service reforms.
Health reforms are taking place world wide, though sometimes not as openly discussed as in Eastern and Southern Africa. Examples of health reforms can be found in the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, but also in Latin America, in countries like Peru and Bolivia. Countries in Eastern Europe go through a very extensive reform process. The elements of the health reforms are more or less the same as those of the public service reforms: introduction of market mechanisms, reduction of the role of the central government in service provision and not to forget cost-reduction or at least cost-control.
A unique element in the health reforms in comparison to the general public service reforms, is the discussion on the contents of the services - often called health care package. This element of the health reforms was strongly promoted by the Word Bank, with publications like "Investing in Health" and "Better Health in Africa". Though there was much criticism on the way it was presented, it was an important discussion. It acknowledged that the government is responsible for guaranteeing a minimum package of health care for its people. In fact it acknowledges the limitations of the free market mechanisms in social services.
In many countries – at least in theory – the National Ministry of Health is "withdrawing" from service provision and is redefining its role as "regulator of markets". The government decentralises and leaves management to lower levels (district or provincial levels). In Eastern and Southern Africa, there are two approaches to separating market regulation from service provision. The Zambian approach is the introduction of autonomous Health Management Boards while in Malawi and Tanzania the approach is the handing over of health institutions to local government.
At the same time private health service provision is allowed, which is leading to the booming of private dispensaries, especially in urban areas.
As part of the structural adjustment programmes in most countries "cost sharing" has been introduced for government health services (in general in the form of patient fees). In general, church health institutions were already applying systems of patient contributions and did not suffer a lot from this ideological breakpoint.
History of the NGOs in the health sector
Before discussing the consequences of the health reforms for service providers, it is good to look back at the history of NGO health services in Eastern and Southern Africa. This history is in general very closely related to that of Roman Catholic and Protestant missions in Africa. The services were not evenly spread over countries, but concentrated on areas where most missions were found. Most mission health services were purely curative and often in relatively big hospitals.
The relations between the government health services and church health services could in general be characterised by "mutual tolerance". Churches were allowed to go their own way in developing health services, while government planned its own programme. Where collaboration between the two was opportune, it was accepted. But sometimes government and church health services operated completely parallel to each other.
In most countries the Ministry of Health contributed something to the running of church health institutions through bed grants or secondment of staff. But the bulk of the costs was to be met by the church health organisations mostly supported by oversees donors. On the one hand the church health organisations were seen as private, autonomous institutions. On the other hand they were seen as belonging to the public health system. Their voluntary agency status did set them apart from private-for-profit providers.
During the last 15 years most church health facilities have been handed over to local church organisations. We have to acknowledge here that for most local church organisations, these health institutions constitute a heavy burden, both in financial and in managerial terms.
Consequences of the health reforms
The liberalisation of the markets is part of the health sector reforms. The entrepreneurial risks of running health services are pushed from the government to the health care providers. Instead of a guaranteed payment of costs, contracts and competition are being offered to health institutions. For example: health institutions become employers instead of having government staff on secondment. Because of cash budget systems imposed by the IMF the central government often does not comply with the budget allocations, but leave the problems of health workers' strikes, power cuts and telephone disconnections to the local health service providers.
Introduction of competition and free markets leads to the increase of private for profit providers, who enter the most profitable segment of the market, i.e. outpatient care in urban areas, whereas governmental and non-for-profit private providers are left with the hospital functions and preventive health care. Especially in Tanzania this effect can be felt even in the rural areas.
The church health institutions are faced with a specific problem. They were very much used to the status of being autonomous and at the same time being part of the public health system. With the district health office, there was a collaboration in health programmes like TB or EPI when necessary, but mostly from a distance.
Now, with the health reforms the church health institutions are forced to choose: either be private or be part of the public health system. Being private guarantees further autonomy, but deprives the health institutions from financial contributions from local government or health board.
If the church health institutions want to become part of the public health system, they have to accept "interference" in for example the service provision, in the number of beds or in the service package (family planning!). They have to become part of the District Health Management Committee. They have to enter into negotiations and have to put their cards on the table (e.g. financial transparency).
The theory of health reforms is simpler than the reality. Where in theory the central government is stepping back from service provision and leaving it to local government or health board, in practice there is still a direct line of command between district health services and central government. This is called a problem of the transition period.
It is no surprise that the church health institutions feel tricked; they see the referee playing with the other team! The one, who pretends to be a "regulator" of the market, is a market player well. Leaving the health reforms too long in a transition period creates opportunities for misunderstanding and mistrust between the parties.
The churches, as owners of the health facilities, are faced with an even more complex situation. They have "inherited" the health facilities from expatriate missionaries and feel responsible for the continuation of the services. At the same time they see the external support dry up. They see the limited managerial capacity in the health institutions. They see the overwhelming changes as result of the health reforms, which they experience as threats. Sometimes in a kind of panic reaction, services are shut down, most unfortunately the primary level facilities and outreach activities.
In general, the national co-ordinating bodies of church health institutions, the boards or associations, face a dilemma. On the one hand they have a limited mandate by their member organisations. The owners of the facilities want to define their own policies. On the other hand in the health reforms process, the National Ministry of Health considers them as the negotiating partner on behalf of the church institutions.
The way forward
The present situation calls for not less than a strategic repositioning for the churches and the church health institutions.
Most owners of church health institutions (Dioceses, Parishes) have inherited the facilities from missionaries and have never formulated for themselves what is their mission in health care. In the past when the rural areas were neglected, the choice for starting health services was clear, but now governments have built a health service infrastructure, what is the comparative advantage of church health institutions?
What is the task of the church in the light of its Christian ministry of healing? Where is the linkage between pastoral work, social work and health services? The Catholic Secretariat in Zambia has rightfully put this question on the agenda. Isn't it time to go back to the roots of Christian work in the society and concentrate on home based care for AIDS patients, nutrition education for parents and children, etc.?
Churches are faced with huge managerial and financial problems in the health institutions. We can already see now that the health reforms will not solve these problems, certainly not in the short run. Oversees donors are no longer a reliable source for filling deficits. Why endure all this trouble and become a part of a public health system, where the only distinction between church institutions and other institutions is the name of the owner?
The "Contracting NGOs for Health" initiative by Medicus Mundi International has skipped that question until now. In my view that is a mistake. It is essential to answer the fundamental question first: "What is our mission in health service provision?" If churches come to a clear choice, they make an end to the present status of muddling through and can come to a more pro-active role in the health reforms at district and National level.
The second step church health institutions should make is the "right" seizing of institutions. This right seizing first of all depends on the demand by the population, especially the poor and the needy. The right seizing also depends on the "market", on what other health service providers offer. And finally, the right seizing also depends on the ability of the owner of the institution to sustain the services in a good way.
Thirdly, church health institutions should come out with a clearer profile, which underlines their distinct competence. What makes them different, even better, than other health service providers? Many people consider it not appropriate talk about this issue, but they forget that church health services are in competition, especially with private-for-profit providers. The church health institutions need good marketing to attract clients. At district and regional level, church health institutions have to improve their networking, use each other's specific capacity, even between institutions from different denominations.
Lastly, the national boards or associations of church institutions should get a clearer mandate, to operate as negotiating partner with the national government, not only in issues of finances, but also issues of contents of services.
In several countries, the Ministry of Health is dragging its feet with health reforms. At times, it comes with half-hearted measures, which do harm to the not-for-profit private providers.
More intensive contacts between the national organisation and its member institutions could bring common problems earlier in the open and allow for a quicker response at national level.
Potentially the national church health organisations can become the motor of health reforms and direct the process in a direction that does justice to the mission of the churches in health care. In my view, the church organisations have to put the health services in the perspective of human rights. They should indicate clearly the limited regulatory capacity of free markets. Every person has the right to receive an essential package of health services and governments should pay more than lip service to this right.
*Jaap Koot, MD MBA, Public Health Consultant. Summary for the Medicus Mundi International Partner Consultation, Dar Es Salaam, 5-7 November 1999.


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Gender perspectives in medical education
Riti Sanghvi
Published online: December 3, 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20529/IJME.2018.097
Medical students have to go through an incredibly vast number of voluminous textbooks in their undergraduate years. But most of us learn next to nothing about the intricacies of the social determinants of health and the larger socio-political-cultural spaces we will have to negotiate. Without any exposure to the larger patriarchal, economic and historical systems, which are bound to collide with our textbook learning, we will be highly unprepared to locate our own biomedical skills within the larger context. The objective of this article is to analyse the current level of gender sensitivity in the textbooks being used for undergraduate medical training, and the potential impact that this has on developing attitudes towards a gender and rights-based approach.
International commitments to integrate gender into Medicine
Gender sensitive medical training aims at rectifying the imbalance and injustice in systems of knowledge that have failed to acknowledge the issues women face as a result of their gendered lives. The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, Egypt, in 1994 followed by the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995 identified gender-based inequalities as crucial determinants of health (1, 2). The 2006 WHO Gender, Women and Health (GWH) meeting report documented examples of international efforts at integrating gender studies across all years of the undergraduate medical curricula. Gender studies was integrated into the curriculum for medical education in the Chulalangkorn medical school in Thailand in 2003—2004, followed up by a questionnaire-based evaluation of the new gender-integrated programme in 2006. The evaluation showed that most of the respondents had a positive attitude to gender issues, and applied gender concepts in their work and in their personal lives (3). Other noteworthy attempts at inclusion include: making gender considerations an integral part of topics such as sexuality, sexual and reproductive health (Turkey and China), and intimate partner and family violence (Philippines), using web-based teaching modules, building faculty capacity, promoting and winning institutional support (3).
In India, the National Health Policy, 2017, provides for gender sensitive healthcare facilities and promotion of equity, but there is no direction on how it is to be achieved (4). The policy does not address the need for gender sensitive medical education, nor does it mention sexuality when speaking of reproductive and sexual health. A rights-based perspective, when talking about reproductive and sexual health, and its linkage to health as a fundamental right, is totally absent. This is one of the reasons why medical education in India is lagging behind in gender sensitivity training, and thus in the provision of effective and equitable healthcare services.
Objectives of medical training
Medical training needs to guide students not only to arrive at a clinical diagnosis and plan the appropriate treatment, but also to imagine healthcare frameworks that can lead to a better quality of life. There are important biological, social and behavioural factors tied to unequal gender relations between people of different gender identities, coupled with social inequality and economic deprivation, affecting the manifestation, epidemiology and pathophysiology of diseases and access to healthcare.
For example, women who seek healthcare from a gynaecologist may also need support or protection from intimate partner violence, or for ensuring that she can use contraception of her choice without family members controlling her options. It is necessary to remember that these women approaching the public healthcare system are often survivors of socio-economic injustices, making them vulnerable to discriminatory treatment and potential exploitation (5). Medical textbooks should therefore be able to tackle issues related to gender and sexual inequalities, violence, and culturally defined norms that adversely affect the health of women in society. Textbooks are the cornerstone of the learning process and can shape the approaches and attitudes of readers and learners. Thus, it is important that women's health needs are addressed with sensitivity.
Review of literature
This paper reviews the latest editions of undergraduate textbooks (edited or written by Indian authors only) of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Forensic Medicine and Preventive and Social Medicine from a gender perspective, with a focus on women's health, social determinants of health, and topics related to gender-based violence, and compares it to the 2005 analysis that appeared in the Economic and Political Weekly1. The textbooks reviewed are commonly used by teachers and undergraduates as well as postgraduate students across most medical colleges in India. Given below are examples of the language in medical textbooks which reflects the attitude—or even prejudices—of the authors, that reinforce patriarchal biases in the minds of students who have never been exposed to other perspectives.
For ages, young girls have been taught to be passive and boys to be aggressive. In a male-dominated society, these stereotypes strengthen the assumption that women want to be sexually dominated by men, and that men have a right to ignore consent, demand sexual compliance, and control a woman's body and sexuality.
The material facts to be considered are the conduct and behaviour [sic] of the victim. It is not rape where a woman initially objects, but subsequently gives her consent to sexual act." (6: p 385)
The social behaviour of rape victims is often generalised, without recognising that the social realities of women who survive rape are varied, and their reactions will be diverse with varying degrees of fear, embarrassment, guilt and anger. But anything considered inconsistent or bad fit can get interpreted as a false accusation, a mental disorder, or just dismissed (7). When a woman is seeking medical attention after a sexual assault, healthcare providers often ask hostile and irrelevant questions concerning her clothing, marital status, sexual history, and level of resistance, dwelling on the victim's gender and the sexual aspect of the assault instead of simply acknowledging it as an act of violence (8, 9). Doctors may convey a sense of disbelief causing delay or reluctance in getting medical help and reporting the act (7). But whether or not a rape victim intends to report an attack to the police, medical care and counselling should be provided.
Rape and gender — in law, rape can only be committed by a man, and a woman cannot rape a man… (6: p 388)
The definitions of rape/sexual violence exclude marital rape, and men as victims of sexual violence (6); and rape laws are different for married and unmarried minors. Men are not seen as being susceptible to sexual violence. Men being victims of rape is considered incompatible with their masculinity, particularly in societies where men are discouraged from talking about their emotions. Society assumes that a man should be able to protect himself and deal with the consequences of the attack "like a man". Although these findings relate to sexual violence against men committed in time of peace, there is nothing to suggest that it does not also pertain to times of conflict (10). Sexual violence is often (wrongly) presented as a proof of individual masculinity and power, especially if a man feels his masculinity is being questioned or challenged. Such situations are not presented in medical textbooks; thus, students often lack the perspective to understand sexual violence against men. Despite section 377 IPC being scrapped, sexual violence against men persists as a taboo topic. Community and service providers often react negatively to the sexual orientation of male victims and the gender of their perpetrators (12). Due to this, male victims tend to hide and deny their victimisation due to the fear of stigma and persecution (11, 12, 13). Eventually, male victims may be very vague in explaining their injuries when they are seeking medical or mental health services. Male victims of sexual violence have reported a lack of services and support, and that legal systems are ill-equipped to deal with this type of crime (10, 12, 13). Laws dealing with sexual violence and rape should be gender-neutral.
Many lesbians are masculine in type, possibly because of endocrine disturbances and are indifferent towards individuals of the opposite sex. The practice is usually indulged in by women who are mental degenerates or those who suffer from nymphomania. (6: p 401)
Textbooks make no efforts to clarify that sexual orientation and expressions of gender identity occur naturally and are an essential component of one's identity. Without any scientific basis, homosexuality is being wrongly described as a pathological condition using offensive and discriminatory words like "mental degenerates", harming their dignity, self-worth, right to privacy and protection.
Rape survivors in India continue to be subjected to intrusive tests like the two-finger/virginity test for assessment of sexual violence.2 These tests are performed under the belief that genitalia habituated to sexual intercourse has a specific appearance. Textbooks do not take into consideration that the vagina is a dynamic muscular canal that varies in size and shape depending on individual, developmental stage, physical position, and various hormonal factors such as sexual arousal and stress. A WHO study by Olson and Garcia-Moreno (14) shows that the size of the hymenal opening is an unreliable test for vaginal penetration, as it varies with the method of examination, the position of the examinee, the cooperation and relaxation of the examinee, and the examinee's age, weight, and height. It was also found that most hymenal injuries heal rapidly and leave no evidence of previous trauma. The study indicates that the inspection of the hymen cannot give conclusive evidence of vaginal penetration, or any other sexual history. Further, virginity testing can cause serious physical, long-term psychological effects of self-hatred, loss of self-esteem due to the violation of privacy, and the fear and trauma the examination causes. The prevailing social rationale for testing is that an unmarried female's virginity is indicative of her moral character and social values, bringing in shame and dishonour to families and communities, and a way to separate "pure" from "impure" females (14).
VIRGINITY: A female is called a virgin (Virgo intacta) if she has never experienced any sexual intercourse. (15: p 351) (6: p 364)
Virginity, as a concept, exists for men too but without the same social implications or significance. Textbooks are perpetuating this negative gender stereotype without offering a sociological explanation for a patriarchal society's need to control women's sexuality and the stigma around pre-marital sex for women. Virginity is thus a social construct and not a medical fact. Why is it still being taught to medical students when it has no medical relevance? From a human rights perspective, virginity testing is a form of gender discrimination, as well as a violation of fundamental rights, and when carried out without her consent, a form of sexual violence.
The Forensic Medicine textbook (6) in fact has a table explaining the differences between a virgin and "deflorate", which is not just offensive labelling but also factually incorrect and legally of no relevance to rape. The focus should be more on victim and witness testimonies, rather than physical examinations for injuries, because absence of injuries is frequently equated with the absence of assault, denying victims their rights and autonomy (14).
The aims of family planning are:
(1) To bring down population growth, so as to ensure a better standard of living.
(2) From economic and social point of view — already existing population of nearly 1027 million are deficient in their basic needs of food, clean water, clothing, housing, education and proper health care. Spacing of birth and small family norm will improve the health of the mother and their children, so that a healthier society can emerge.
(3) To reduce the maternal and infant mortality rates… (16: p 494)
This text assumes that the main goal and justification for providing women access to contraceptive methods is population control, rather than facilitating women's control over their own bodies. It does not consider unequal distribution of resources and inadequate public sector spending on health as a barrier to better standards of living, nor does it reflect upon the politics of the globalised world where consumption patterns of the global North are ignored and only birth rates of the global South are in focus. Despite India being a signatory to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) programme of action (Cairo 1994), which ushered in a paradigm shift from population demographics to individual sexual and reproductive rights and health, access to contraception is being projected as a solution to population growth (1).
The use of the phrase "family planning" instead of contraception also assumes a heteronormative married couple as the basis of a family. This excludes any discussion around other sexualities and family structures, and fails to apprise medical students of how unequal gender relations put women at risk of unwanted pregnancies and how they affect women's mobility, decision-making and access to contraceptives. For example, students need to be aware of the difficulties that women face in negotiating condom use, such as the fear of violence, accusation of infidelity, and abandonment.
Indications (of female sterilization): (1) Family planning purposes: This is the principle [sic] indication for most of the developing countries. (2) Socio economic: An individual is adopted to accept the method after having the desired number of children. (3) Medico-surgical indications (therapeutic): Medical diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic renal disease, hypertension, are likely to worsen, if repeated pregnancies occur and hence sterilization is advisable. During third time repeat caesarean section…., sterilization operation should be seriously considered. (16: p 513)
In the section on female sterilisation (16), only the procedure has been described and there is very little guidance on the difference between female and male sterilisation or the need to promote male sterilisation as a less invasive, safer procedure. Surely, if the woman should avoid future pregnancies because she has serious heart disease, it makes sense not to do an invasive surgery on her but instead encourage the male partner to undergo a vasectomy? At various places under the section on sterilisation, camps are mentioned but without reference to safety provisions that need to be ensured3, or even the "standards to sterilization" published by the Government of India in 1992 (17). There is no guidance on how to determine whether or not a woman has made an independent decision free of pressure or coercion.
If a woman is considered unfit to bear children, and permanent method considered, a written opinion regarding psychiatric problem should be obtained. The written consent should be obtained from the husband or guardian, as the psychiatric patient may not be mentally aware of the nature of sterilization. (18: p 286)
Shaw's textbook states without justification that a psychiatric disorder is an indication to undergo sterilisation. Using phrases such as "unfit to bear children" to describe patients suffering from mental illnesses and promoting sterilisation are violations of their reproductive rights, including the right to make decisions regarding sterilisation and contraception.
Contraception counselling should be given more attention in both textbooks and practice. The woman should be presented with all options and empowered to make a choice. In India, the decision to remove an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is not always in women's hands, and providers often hesitate to remove IUDs. It would be desirable that textbooks guide students about the rationale for choosing each method and about the right of women to discontinue an unsuitable contraceptive method, irrespective of non-medical reasons such as family/husband/partner opposition. These textbooks need to educate students about areas where the reproductive rights of women are likely to be violated during the provision of contraceptive services, like overt or covert coercion for sterilisation or IUDs, coercion for contraceptives while providing MTP services or caesarean section and so on (19).
There has been considerable scientific progress in the area of contraception, liberalising the medical eligibility criteria and increasing access to contraception. The textbook (16) on the other hand, recommends unnecessary and excessive requirements for starting use of a contraceptive, which reduces access for women. For example, Dutta's textbook (16) suggests that breast, blood pressure and pelvic examination are mandatory before starting oral pills. However, recent WHO guidelines do not consider these necessary and state that oral pills can be started even by non-medical persons by using a checklist (20).
Adolescents are often tempted to respond to their physical and emotional changes by indulging in high-risk sexual behavior to gain peer group approval, they are often ignorant of the consequences that may follow or wilfully choose to ignore them. It is not unusual to find them in relationship with multiple partners and failing to use barrier contraceptives. (18: p 168)
With words like "high-risk", "consequences" and "ignore", the focus of the text is on abstinence as contraception for adolescents, further stigmatising consensual sexual activity. It does not talk about the importance of sex and sexuality education in providing young people with honest, age-appropriate information, and the ability, and comfort to manage their sexual health and relationships throughout life in an empowered way. The needs of adolescent patients and the difficulties they face in terms of lack of information about contraception and sexuality, talking to adults, financial barriers, and stigma around pre-marital sex that delays seeking healthcare, should be kept in mind as part of medical training. Doctors should be trained and sensitised to address a woman's contraceptive needs, expectations and concerns, while clearing misperceptions about contraceptive methods in a way that is compatible with the patient's health literacy, regardless of their age or sexual history. Access to and use of emergency contraception should routinely be included and an adolescent patient should at no time be forced to use a method chosen by someone other than herself, including a parent, guardian, partner or healthcare provider.
Dutta's textbook (16) does not explain the rationale behind abortion services (such as the lack of access to safe abortion) and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act in 1971. Apart from mentioning that the husband's consent is not required, there is little information on the implications of this Act for women patients and service providers (19). Textbooks should include sections on various important provisions related to confidentiality and consent that give women space for informed decision-making, as well as on the interpretations of the Act. Currently, there is no section on pre-abortion counselling and provider-patient communication for abortion. It is important that women with unwanted pregnancies are provided counselling on whether they wish to terminate or continue, and issues related to the procedure such as pain, time taken, cost, choice of procedure etc.
It is worth emphasizing that in India, when a newly married couple in a stable relationship presents with an unplanned pregnancy and is considering the alternative of MTP, it is worth spending time with them. Counseling them about all aspects of MTP, giving them time to mull over their decision and encouraging them to continue the pregnancy unless there are pressing needs to the contrary. In practice, it has been seen that more than 50% of such couples opt out for continuation of pregnancy and that they have not later regretted their decision, whereas a frivolous decision on the part of the couple often ends up in regret. All patients undergoing MTP should be counseled to accept contraceptive advice in order to avoid future unplanned pregnancies. (21: p 582)
Textbooks encourage doctors to accept the ideal of a heteronormative family, meant for the purpose of reproduction. Healthcare of young, single women is often compromised because their decision to abort is judged as frivolous and textbooks urge doctors to counsel the women to continue the pregnancy. Women seeking abortions, especially in public facilities, or coming in for repeated abortions are pressurised to adopt certain methods of long-term contraception and may even be pressurised to go in for sterilisation (19). There is no mention of inequality and gender-based violence as a high-risk factor in continuing the pregnancy (22, 23). These textbooks fail to note that power imbalances faced by women may necessitate terminating unwanted pregnancies and that repeated abortions may be a marker of intimate partner violence. Women, especially from poor and rural areas, face multiple constraints in accessing abortion such as: obtaining approval from the family, not having any free public sector services nearby, not being able to afford the cost of services in the private sector, lack of mobility, issues related to confidentiality and lack of information. This simply does not allow for rights-based access to safe abortion. Textbooks should sensitise medical students about women's lack of decision-making power regarding sex, contraception and pregnancies, and while taking histories, students should also be taught to enquire about the woman's social relations, family, support or lack thereof, history of violence, or other anxieties.
Drugs inducing abortion produce congestion of the uterine mucosa and then uterine bleeding, followed by the contraction of the uterine muscle and expulsion of fetus, or they cause uterine contractions by stimulating the myometrium directly. There is no drug which when taken by the mouth causes abortion without endangering the life of the woman. (6: p 376)
Reddy's textbook grossly mis-informs readers about the abortion pill, which is the safest non-invasive method for performing an abortion. Mifepristone and Misoprostol were registered in India in 2002. These pills can be used by practitioners who are not skilled in surgical abortion and offers advantages in terms of improved access. In the developed world it has in fact become the preferred method of termination (24), even as textbooks here continue to describe outdated, less effective or dangerous methods for abortion like aspirotomy and intra-amniotic instillation. Ethacridine lactate, which is widely used in India for second trimester abortion, is no longer considered an appropriate choice (19).
Pregnancy and labour care
In most developing countries including India, maternal morbidity and mortality remain major public health challenges despite multiple efforts aimed at improving the quality of maternal healthcare delivery and creating an approachable environment for women seeking reproductive healthcare. Erratic availability of medical resources and unethical practices among health workers adversely affect the quality of maternal healthcare service delivery and utilisation.
Encouraging the patient to discuss her fears, apprehensions, expectations, and perceived problems-opportunity to allay anxieties and emphasize co-operation. (21: p 59)
While the point of providing comfort to the woman seeking antenatal care (ANC) is put forth, the ways to organise ANC in a woman-friendly way—ensuring privacy, maintaining the dignity of the woman, winning the confidence of the woman, getting her informed consent for various examinations and procedures, communicating properly and with empathy, encouraging men's participation—are not described (23, 25). There is no mention of the misbehaviour of healthcare providers for reasons as varied as coming too late to the hospital, having multiple pregnancies (having more than two children), seeking services from unsafe abortion providers, opting for home delivery. Inappropriate language is also commonly seen in our textbooks, where women coming to healthcare facilities for ANC services, with normal pregnancies and in a state of normal labour are addressed as "patients". Tags like "multi-" and "primigravida", while medically relevant, are used to address women on a general basis and are examples of casual objectification of women (22).
Chapters on physiological changes during pregnancy and endocrinology of pregnancy discuss physiological and anatomical changes. However, there is no mention of the psychological changes that occur throughout the different stages of pregnancy (22).
…In India where nearly 40-90% of pregnant women are considered anemic.
The most common cause of anemia in India is nutritional anemia.
Causes: Diminished intake of iron- faulty diet habits… (21: p 104)
When talking about anaemia and nutrition, the text does not highlight intra family gender inequality in food distribution and calorie consumption which majorly contributes to the poor nutrition levels in women and young girls in general and especially during pregnancy (22, 26). Studies show that nearly 40 per cent of women suffer from domestic violence and violence during pregnancy is an important cause for delay in seeking antenatal care, poor weight gain, low birth weight and bleeding during pregnancy (27). This role played by gender-based violence in various complications during pregnancy is not addressed anywhere in the textbook (22, 23, 25).
Many HIV infected women choose to become pregnant, continue their pregnancies despite of counseling and making MTP services available to them. (18: p 166)
The textbook fails to provide guidance on non-discriminatory and non-judgemental behaviour towards HIV positive patients (19). By calling them "HIV-infected", denies them dignity and implies that she was infected in isolation, since there is no mention of confidentiality and partner counselling. Many pregnant women who are HIV-positive drop out of these programmes or don't adhere to medical protocols because of the stigma and resultant social barriers.
Summary and conclusion
Even after more than a decade since the Review of Women's Studies that appeared in the Economic and Political Weekly in April, 2005, while there have been minor changes in the texts, most of the aforementioned observations are still relevant, and biases highlighted in the 2005 review continue in the textbooks.
- The texts lack a rights-based approach to reproductive and sexual health, in terms of contraception and access to safe and legal abortion.
- There is no mention of the role of the father/partner/husband during pregnancy.
- There is no discussion on how the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act (amended in 2003) is confused with the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, thus targeting abortion services rather than sex determination by using the term "sex-selective abortions".
- Some texts have statements such as: "Sometimes, false charges are made by a consenting woman, when the act is discovered by the parents or someone else, when she becomes pregnant or for purposes of revenge or blackmail" (6: p 395), showing deep rooted misogyny (28).
- Women's health issues are addressed only under "maternal and child health", failing to understand her health needs as a separate individual.
- The texts constantly idealises a patriarchal family with well-defined gender roles.
- There is a general lack of research on women's health issues and evidence-based studies (29, 30).
Gender differences in health and illness are due to biological, psychological, social, cultural and political factors, and they affect how healthcare is provided, organised and accessed. It is critical that doctors are aware of gender norms, values and power relations affecting the provider and the patient, influencing the nature and quality of their interaction. Medical professionals witness rights violations on a daily basis and are key players in advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights. As healthcare providers and leaders, doctors are in a position of privilege from where they can act as agents of change, by creating an environment that is respectful, safe and effective, providing dignified care that is suited to and responsive to their needs as individuals. As research and evidence is critical to changing attitudes in medicine, there is a need to strengthen research on gender differences, critically evaluate new information through a gender lens, demonstrate an understanding of the gendered nature and impact of healthcare systems on populations and individuals receiving healthcare, and adopt best practices that incorporate knowledge of sex and gender differences in health and disease. Even if textbooks don't change easily, critiques should be offered by sensitised medical faculty members during the process of training. Integrating a gender perspective in medical education in a systematic and progressive manner at all levels will result in greater gender awareness among future doctors.
Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Dr Suchitra Dalvie for encouraging me to write on this topic and her help and guidance throughout. I would also like acknowledge the Youth Advocacy Institutes (conducted by Asia Safe Abortion Partnership) for sensitizing and inspiring me to advocate on issues relating to gender, sexuality and reproductive rights.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
1 The 2005 Economic and Political Weekly (Vol 40, Issue 18) review of women's studies appears here: https://www.epw.in/taxonomy/term/17680
2 While the two-finger test has been officially delegitimised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, according to a study by Human Rights Watch (HRW), doctors continue to conduct this test for rape survivors in India. See: https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/11/09/doctors-india-continue-traumatise-rape-survivors-two-finger-test; https://www.hrw.org/report/2017/11/08/everyone-blames-me/barriers-justice-and-support-services-sexual-assault-survivors; Guidelines and Protocols for medico-legal care for survivors/victims of sexual violence- https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/953522324.pdf; https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/No-two-finger-test-for-rape-SC/article12141055.ece; https://scroll.in/article/857169/doctors-in-india-continue-to-traumatise-rape-survivors-with-the-two-finger-test
3 In 2014, 83 sterilisation procedures were carried out in six hours, violating all guidelines, at a Bilaspur sterilisation camp leading to the deaths of 15 women. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Chhattisgarh_sterilisation_deaths; https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/bilaspur-8-women-dead-20-others-in-a-serious-condition/
- International Conference on Population and Development. Cairo: UNFPA;1994[cited 2018 Oct 6]. Available from: http://www.unfpa.org/icpd
- United Nations Organization. Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, China; 1995[cited 2018 Oct 5]. Available from: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/beijingdeclaration.html
- World Health Organization. Meeting report of Integrating gender into the curricula for health professionals, 2006. Geneva: WHO;2006 Dec 4-6 [cited 2018 Oct 5]. Available from: http://www.who.int/gender/documents/GWH_curricula_web2.pdf
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India. National Health Policy, 2017. New Delhi: MOHFW:2017 [cited 2018 Oct 6]. Available from: http://cdsco.nic.in/writereaddata/National-Health-Policy.pdf
- Prakash P, George A, Panalal R. Sexism in medicine and women's rights. Indian J Soc Work. 1993 Apr; LIV(2):199-204.
- Reddy KSN, Murty OP. The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology; 34th Edition; New Delhi; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd; 2017.
- Ahrens CE. Being silenced: The impact of negative social reactions on the disclosure of rape. Am J Community Psychol. 2006 Dec;38(3-4):263-74.
- George A. Doctors to cops: The horror of rape examination in India Firstpost.com. 2013 Jan 4 [cited 2018 Oct 5]. Available from: https://www.firstpost.com/india/doctors-to-cops-heres-the-horror-of-rape-examination-in-india-577953.html
- Dhawan H. The shocking questions lawyers ask rape survivors. Times of India. indiatimes.com. 2017 Sep 4 [cited 2018 Oct 6]. Available from: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/the-shocking-questions-lawyers-ask-rape-survivors/articleshow/60365331.cms
- Sivakumaran S. Sexual violence against men in armed conflict, European Journal of International Law. 2007 Apr;18 (2):253-76
- Bullock CM, Beckson M. Male Victims of sexual assault: Phenomenology, Psychology, Physiology. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 2011 Apr;39 (2):197-205.
- Leith J. Male Sexual victimization: Victim response, reporting barriers, and treatment. Bemidji State University Honors Program. Department of Psychology, 24 April 2017.
- Male survivors of sexual assault. Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, University of Michigan. Date unknown [cited 2018 Oct 6]. Available from: https://sapac.umich.edu/article/53
- Olson RM, García-Moreno C. Virginity testing: a systematic review. Reprod Health. 2017 May 14;14(1):61.
- Rao NG. Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology; 2nd Edition; New Delhi; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd; 2010.
- Konar H. DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics; 9th Edition; New Delhi; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd; 2017.
- National Health Mission, MoHFW. Standards of sterilization. Date unknown [cited 2018 Oct 5]. Available from: http://www.nhm.gov.in/nhm/nrhm/guidelines/nrhm-guidelines/family-planning-guidelines.html
- Padubidri VG, Daftary SN. Howkins and Bourne Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology. 16th edition; New Delhi; Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd.; 2015.
- Iyengar K. How gender-sensitive are obstetrics and gynaecology textbooks?" Econ Pol Wkly. 2005 Apr 30;40(18):1839-46.
- World Health Organization. WHO guidelines for starting OC pills; http://www.who.int/bulletin/archives/78(8)1015.pdf;
- Daftary SN, Chakravarti S, Pai MV, Kushtagi P. Holland and Brews Manual of Obstetrics; 4th Edition; New Delhi; Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd.; 2015.
- Khanna R. Obstetrics and gynaecology: A women's health approach to textbooks. Econ Pol Wkly. 2005 Apr 30;40(18):1876-81
- Sudhakaran N. Teaching Clinical Obstetrics: A short note. Econ Pol Wkly. 2005 Apr 30;40(18): 1867-9.
- Medical abortion as a percentage of all abortions in various developed countries; Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_abortion
- World Health Organization. New guidelines on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience; http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/news/antenatal-care/en/
- Prakash P. Where is the woman in preventive and social medicine? Sociological perspectives. Econ Pol Wkly. 2005 Apr 30;40(18):1828-34.
- Mahapatro M, Gupta RN, Gupta V, Kundu AS. Domestic violence during pregnancy in India. J Interpers Violence. 2011 Oct;26 (15):2973 – 90. Epub 2011 Jan 30.
- Agnes F. To whom do experts testify? Ideological challenges of feminist jurisprudence. Econ Pol Wkly. 2005 Apr 30; 40(18): 1859-66.
- Bhate K, Acharya S. Preventive and Social Medicine: Practitioner's review of gender content. Econ Pol Wkly. 2005 Apr 30;40(18); 1870-5.
- Gaitonde R. Community medicine: Incorporating gender sensitivity. Econ Pol Wkly. 2005 Apr 30;40 (18):1887-92.


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Last week we went to Charles' and Amélie's well visits. We were lucky enough that we were able to align the little dude's 2.5 year visit with baby girl's 9 month visit. Score!
In the office, the nurse started with Charles who straight out refused to stand on the scale to be weighed (I swear, he is such a scaredy cat!). No worries, though, he was happy to sit down on the baby scale instead. He's just over 31 lbs now. He then stood against the wall to get measured; only 8 cm away from measuring a meter (or just over 3 feet tall). His pediatrician was happy with his progress and was surprised that he was potty trained. She was completely unfazed by the constellation of bruises on his legs and arms and merely smiled when we mentioned that he falls…a lot.
(He also likes to wear goggles, by the way. Specifically when I wash his hair. Actually, the goggles were a solution to the endless screams and tears that were associated with the hair-washing experience)
As for Amélie, she is now 18 lbs and back up on the average curve with regards to her weight (the last time she had a well visit, at 6 months, her pediatrician had expressed some measure of concern because she had dropped quite a bit on the percentile curve). She remains on the shorter side, measuring up at 69 cm. When our pediatrician asked if we had any concerns, we mentioned the bump she has over her right eyebrow.
It's been there a while, I remember it being there during her 6 month visit, but I hadn't talked about it because I figured she'd just bumped her head and that it would go away. It hasn't. It's about the size of a cooked chickpea and has never seemed to bother her (I also don't remember when it appeared, but it doesn't seem to have grown or reduced in size). Her pediatrician, poked and prodded and squeezed and frowned. Then, she told us she thought it was a cyst, but gave us a referral to see a pediatric surgeon at the Montreal Children's hospital (which is where we went for Charles' allergies before the allergy department moved out of the hospital). So we'll see where that leads us.
I should probably mention that the little princess is intent on being able to follow her big brother around. She still hasn't mastered the crawl (which doesn't stop her from being super speedy by doing her zombie drag), but that hasn't stopped her from pulling up and starting to cruise.
Oh boy!


text:
Operation Instructions
for the elefantastic nasal aspirator
OLAF® is simple to use. Please see below a short instruction for the device. The complete and detailed operation manual can be downloaded here:
Insert the new batteries correctly into the device.
To switch it on, press the button strongly.
Let the nasal aspirator run for while near your child, so it can get used to the humming.
The Right Tip
The 3 supplied silicon tips are suitable for:
- White for strong nasal discharges.
- Blue for regular, thin nasal discharges.
- Pink for newborn babies from 0 to 3 months.
Tips for Using OLAF
- Check, if the device is in a proper sanitary condition.
- Be sure that the silicon tip is placed tightly on the top.
- Put the silicon tip for approx. 3 to max. 5 seconds onto the nostril.
- With small children, only put the silicon tip onto the nostril in a soft way. Never press it violently into the nostril! Danger of injury!
- In case of thick or dried nasal discharge, it might be helpful to rinse the nose of the child in beforehand. Your medical practitioner can advise you on effecting a nasal douche.
- In order to effect the suction successfully, hold one nostril carefully closed during the suction of the other nostril.You can use the device again immediately after a short break, until the nasal discharge is removed completely. Then clean the nasal aspirator thoroughly.
Preparation for Cleaning
- Take the silicon tip (B) off the transparent cap (C).
- Turn the cap (C) counter clockwise off the cap attachment (D).
- Draw the cap attachment (D) carefully off the housing (A). Do not break the sucction channel (G) inside.
Cleaning of the device
The device may not be cleaned with benzine or other chemical solvents. OLAF® is not dishwasher proof.
The dismanteled parts of the device can be cooked in boiling water or be steam sterilized. Please make sure that the small tube inside the cap is free. Remaining nasal discharge may block the tube so that no suction power can be created anymore.
After that, you can re-assemble the device again.
Please watch this video to see how simple the nasal aspirator can be cleaned.
Re-assembling of the device
To assemble the parts again, please proceed in reverse order.
Please make sure that the transparent washer does not get lost, but is correctly(!) placed onto the cap attachment. Otherwise the cap does not close tightly and no vacuum can be created.


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Fr Yousef Marie, F.SS.R. celebrated his first Solemn High Mass on Sunday 23rd June in the Church of the Fraternity of St Peter, Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini in Rome. We are most grateful to them for the use of their Church. Fr Magdala Maria, F.SS.R. was deacon and Br Jean Marie, F.SS.R. was subdeacon. Fr Anthony Mary, F.SS.R. was assistant priest.
Vesting in the sacristy.
Father in his cope just before the start of Holy Mass.
The Asperges.
After the Asperges Father removes the cope and puts on the chasuble and the maniple.
The incensation.
During the Gloria.
Dominus vobiscum.
The deacon kneels to receive the blessing to chant the Gospel.
During the Gospel a beautiful shaft of light shone through the smoke of incense.
Offering the bread.
Hoc est enim corpus meum.
Fr Yousef Marie consecrates for the first time, changing the host into the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ!
Hic est enim calix sanguinis mei...
The consecration of the wine.
O Sacrament Most Holy,
O Sacrament Divine;
All praise and all thanksgiving,
Be every moment Thine!
Father consumes the Precious Blood.
Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccata mundi...
Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who taketh away the sin of the world...
Father Yousef Marie gives Holy Communion to his mother...
...and to two of his brothers who were able to be present.
The last blessing.
Thanks be to God for the ordination of a new priest. May he be God's instrument for the conversion and salvation of many souls!
In the sacristy after Mass.


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Obituary of Michael James Pelonero
Michael was a kind-hearted and genuine spirit. He spent a lot of time out of town working to provide when his kids were growing up, but he tried to spend as much time as he could get with his family. and made up for any missed time when his grandkids came along. His 4 grandsons and granddaughter were his world. He would always try to get to every one of his grandson's lacrosse games.
Michael was known by all of his friends and family as a trivia master – packed with loads of "useless information". He knew random facts from any Jeopardy category you could throw at him, but he was especially knowledgeable about football and sports. Mike was an avid sports enthusiast loved to watch sports of all kinds – he even coached his daughter's softball teams.
Everyone thought of him as a handy guy to have around – for his knowledge as well as his more technical skills. He could fix or build anything. He even built the house he family lived in.
Pelonero, Michael J., December 17, 2017 of Lake View NY. Beloved husband of Jacqlyn; devoted father of Sherri (Richard) Bellanca, Nicole (Michael DeLisle) Pelonero and Katie (Tim Schulz) Pelonero; cherished grandfather of Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jayce, and Addisyn. Also survived by brothers, nieces and nephews. A gathering to honor Michael's life will be held at JP's in Lake View on January 11 from 4 - 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 12 at 10:30 AM at St John Paul II Church in Lake View NY. Donations may be made in Mike's memory to the Cleveland Clinic. Online condolences at www.lakesidefuneralhome.com


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Networks Specialist
This position will require independent thinking and demand full use and application of principles, theories and concepts of routing and switching technologies. They will work closely with DST technical teams, project management, and engineering teams to insure meeting the customer's requirements. In addition, the role will provide technological vision for network transformation, serve as the Network Technical lead back into DST, and ensure information is flowing to infrastructure and engineering resources assigned to project and run
This position will provide a mentoring program for other team members and responsible for delivery of knowledge sharing across the teamMain Responsibilities


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Pemex has yet to announce the next phase of its refined products logistics open season, which could be impacting investment decisions on new midstream projects in Mexico, according to sources.
Mexico's petroleum liberalization does not call for the sale of Pemex logistics assets. But the use Pemex's existing pipeline and storage infrastructure is being auctioned off in phases under three-year use contracts.
In the Northwest region, US refiner Andeavor (formerly Tesoro) won the first phase in May, allowing the company to use PEMEX assets in Baja California and Sonora for a three-year period.
Originally, the results of the second phase for infrastructure in the Northern region had a tentative date of May 25. However, delays in the open season's first phase have made this date not viable. Results for the third phase for assets in Central Mexico is scheduled for October 16.
Companies looking to build and acquire midstream projects in Mexico are looking to the auctions as a guide to determine how much they will be able to charge customers for the use of pipelines and storage tanks.
Eugenio Lohr, Boston Consulting Group project leader in Mexico City, told S&P Global Platts that some of its client companies have considered delaying midstream investment decisions because they lack a comparison point.
This concern was echoed at the Oil and Gas Innovation Forum in July in Mexico City by Rolando Vazques, director of Oxxo Gas, which is owned by Mexico's Coca-Cola FEMSA. Oxxo is the most popular convenience store chain in Mexico with over 14,000 locations.
"At the decision-taking time, how will I invest millions of dollars in a new midstream project without knowing how much Pemex's fee will be at a terminal in the same region?" Vazquez said.
"Pemex has to be transparent about [its fees] with the market so we can make investment decisions," he added.
Pemex, Mexico's Energy Regulatory Commission, and its national Energy Secretariat declined to comment on the delays on the open season.
Some are downplaying the concerns. Mexico has reference prices for midstream developers to propose projects, Roberto Diaz de Leon, president of Onexpo, Mexico's largest retail group, told Platts.
These reference prices are the ones Pemex's Logistic division charges to the state-run company's marketing division, he said.
Pemex's Logistic prices has become more reflective of market conditions since the beginning of the year after the government ended national pricing and accounted for regional transportation costs in fuel prices, Diaz de Leon said.
Regional bottlenecks
Still, the results of Pemex's open season could set the bar for regions with infrastructure bottlenecks and high demand like Mexico City and Monterrey, he added.
Emerging logistic costs from changes to fuel prices early this year and the results of the Pemex open season aren't "perfect" but are the starting point for more "homogeneous" market prices, he said.
"However, I don't see project investment has been delayed by lack of price references," he added.
How influential Pemex's open season will be on project development will depend on the risk aversion of the investing company, said Sandy Fielden, Morningstar's energy research director.
"It is a reasonable view from an investment decision, but all comes down to if the cost of buying or acquiring infrastructure is competitive at a retail level in the international market," Fielden said.
Many projects will be built regardless of what happens with the open season.
"Some companies are willing to take on riskier investments with the hope to get a better market share or a first-mover advantage while others decide to wait and see," he added.
As an example of this strategic approach, Fielden pointed out to Valero's recent agreement IEnova, Sempra Energy's Mexican unit, for 1.3 million barrels of storage and distribution capacity in Mexico's Central Region and 1.4 million barrels of storage capacity and distribution capacity at the port of Veracruz.
Open seasons a litmus test
Pemex's open seasons will be a litmus test for market conditions in Mexico. If the resulting tariffs are high and retail prices don't change, this could spell trouble to companies entering the market.
"If this is the case, there is a subsidy somewhere in the value chain," Lohr said. This would mean new players might not be competitive, he added.
"That is a point of view that exist in the market, and that is the biggest concern," Lohr said.
Fielden shares the concerns that if prices don't compare with international prices, then there is an inefficiency or a subsidy.
"If they don't get that right, then the rest of things are wrong," he said.
The next auction is for the use of assets in the Northeast, which includes Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and Gomez Palacio, Durango.
The region includes several pipelines with a combined operational capacity of 638,700 b/d, and storage terminals with a combined operational capacity of 2.6 million barrels, according to Mexico's Energy Secretariat (SENER).


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Categorised in: Interviews, Written
This post was written by Diane Slocum
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Here's My Open: As we approach the publication date for this book, I continue to be amazed at how quickly… - Jeanine Pirro, Liars, Leakers and Liberals.
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Jewish Girl Seeks Favor with Persian King to Save Her People
An exclusive Authorlink interview with Rebecca Kanner, Author of Esther
By Diane Slocum
February 2016
Esther is a teenage Jewish orphan when she is rounded up by King Xerxes' Immortals and brought to the royal harem. There, she finds favor with the head harem eunuch and with her Jewish maid who grooms her for her one night with the king. A favorite concubine sees her as a prime rival and sets out to destroy her. Further complicating her situation, Esther has strong feelings for the Immortal who captured her. But the survival of her people depends on her conquest of the king
|" I was inspired by looking at pictures of Anne Boleyn and reading descriptions of Cleopatra."
AUTHORLINK: What led you to write a fictionalized version of the Biblical Esther's story? What is it about Esther's character that intrigues you?
KANNER: I was intrigued by the feat that Esther carried off—saving her people. The Book of Esther is a biblical fairytale in which an orphan girl wins the love of the Persian king because of her beauty and is then able to save her people. I retold the story so that beauty and obedience weren't her most important characteristics. I was inspired by looking at pictures of Anne Boleyn and reading descriptions of Cleopatra. While these women are widely believed to have been gorgeous, they were not actually pictures of traditional physical perfection. Their personalities, including both wit and charm, are what I believe accounted for much of their attractiveness. We have continued to mythologize their beauty as an explanation for their success (however short-lived it was for Anne Boleyn), instead of focusing on their intellects.
AUTHORLINK: On what did you base the details of Esther's life in the harem and as queen? The clothing, the food, the hierarchy and such?
KANNER: Most of them are taken directly from the Megillah, which contains the Book of Esther that Jews read as part of the Purim holiday celebration each spring. From couches of gold and silver to the six months of treatments with oil of myrrh that the women receive, the Megillah emphasizes the luxury and splendor in the palace. The hierarchy, too, is taken from the Megillah and also from Herodotus' The Histories, which talks about the special place of esteem eunuchs could hold as trusted advisers.
AUTHORLINK: Why did you change certain things that are in the Biblical story?
KANNER: I didn't change things so much as add to them. I merged the Book of Esther with the history of Persia, which I researched in various sources including Persia and the Bible by Edwin M. Yamauchi, The Royal City of Susa which was put out by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and my favorite, Herodotus' The Histories.
In addition to all the details I added, I also gave Esther the space to be a full, imperfect, human being, a young woman dealing with her own sexual awakening in an environment where women are seen as sex objects instead of sexual beings with their own needs and desires. I think it would be unusual for a fourteen year old girl not to have any interest in love or her own budding sexuality. After being kidnapped and finding herself completely alone in the world, Esther is in that vulnerable state where connections can form very quickly. Erez, the soldier she later falls in love with, hears her praying in Hebrew and gives her his Farvahar, a symbol of the Zoroastrian religion, in an effort to protect her by disguising her as a non-Jew. That is when she realizes she trusts him and starts thinking of him in order to get through all the trials that follow.
Esther has to weigh her feelings for Erez against all she has to lose by following them. This is the sort of inner struggle many of us have as we make our way to adulthood. Exploring Esther's struggle was another way of making her human.
|"I hope that Esther will give people the courage to do things they fear."
AUTHORLINK: How is Esther's story a lesson for us?
KANNER: I hope that Esther will give people the courage to do things they fear. I really like the Georgia O'Keeffe quote "I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do."
AUTHORLINK: How was the writing and publishing experience different with this book than your first, Sinners and the Sea?
KANNER: I wrote Sinners and the Sea: The Untold Story of Noah's Wife, unsure if anyone other than friends and family would read it. That afforded me a lot of freedom. With Esther, I knew my publisher was going to see it because in my contract for Sinners and the Sea they were granted Right of First Refusal on my second book. Also, by the time I was writing Esther, I'd read lots of reviews of Sinners and the Sea and it was hard not to hear some of the praise and also the criticism from professional and customer reviews as I wrote Esther. Most of the reviews were really positive and helped me during moments of self-doubt. There were some angry reviews as well, that were focused on sexuality or other mature material in Sinners and the Sea. One person even sent me a couple of nasty emails and told me she'd burned the book. I tuned out the criticisms I'd received as best as I could but it was hard to tune them out completely. Publication has been a dream come true–I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world—but it definitely has put a little more pressure on my writing.
|".I kept reminding myself that Kathryn Stockett received sixty rejections before finding a publisher for The Help . . . "
AUTHORLINK: What advice can you give others who are hoping to publish Biblical fiction?
KANNER: Be prepared for strong reactions. Most people will be incredibly touched and grateful, but some will be offended. Also, I know it sounds like a cliché, but have faith in yourself and don't give up. Most writers receive lots of rejections before they become successful. I kept reminding myself that Kathryn Stockett received sixty rejections before finding a publisher for The Help, which went on to be a bestseller and major motion picture.
AUTHORLINK: What are you working on next?
KANNER: I'm working on a thriller set in St. Louis, MO and various parts of Minnesota. The cold is a factor, which isn't hard to write about now as it's ridiculously cold here in Minnesota right now. Perfect writing weather.
|About the Author:
Rebecca Kanner has a MFA from Washington University in St. Louis. Her short stories have been published in The Kenyon Review and The Cincinnati Review and others. Her awards include the Loft Mentorship.
About Regular Contributor:
Diane Slocum
Diane Slocum has been a newspaper reporter and editor and authored an historical book. As a freelance writer, she contributes regularly to magazines and newspapers. She writes features on authors and a column for writers and readers in Lifestyle magazine. She is assigned to write interviews of first-time novelists and bestselling authors for Authorlink.
Categorised in: Interviews, Written
This post was written by Diane Slocum
Comments are closed here.


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"There was an interesting article in The Birmingham News about the type of surgery you just had, but don't read it!"
It was so good to hear her voice and then she, like a good friend, said something that made me laugh out loud, which came with a jolt of pain like a dog shock collar (I'm guessing), but made me smile big anyways. She said. "There was an interesting article in The Birmingham News about the type of surgery you just had, but don't read it!" This instantly gave me a flashback of when she told me how great the movie Beaches was, with a strict warning not to see it. This instruction was to protect me from having an emotional breakdown after my mother's passing of breast cancer in 1989. (Okay, for you younger folks, Beaches was a movie that came out in the year 1988 with Bette Milder, Barbara Hershey and a young child actress, Mayim Bialik, nowadays recognized from The Big Bang Theory.)
Anyhoo, she was right, but did I listen? Noooo! I thought to myself, I can handle it. Sweet movie, but didn't see the rest of it because my eyes were almost swollen shut from crying so hard. The kind of crying where my head hurt along with my neck and chest. I later confessed to her, "You were right, I should have listened."
"You were right, I should have listened."
Several friends and family members also told us the same the thing about the article. "Great article, really gives a lot of detail and explanation, very interesting, BUT don't read it! Here, we saved you a copy." Ah, laughter is indeed good medicine!
So, from time to time I would glance at the article below, start to read a paragraph, wince, look away and think, Okay, I not ready. I carefully placed it back in the drawer and walked away.
Took me less than sixty seconds to call my brother, who had just graduated from medical school, to ask what the doctors had told him and my family about my chances. He was very reassuring and so was my husband and father, who had also given their accounts of what my doctors had communicated with them. They thought my chances were good, they thought, they hoped.
Then I remembered! I remembered all that God had done. I remembered the prayers prayed over me. I remembered how excited I was when I first walked into my surgeon's office and saw this writing on the wall down at The Winship Cancer Center at Emory.
Then I remembered! I remembered all that God had done.
She prayed earnestly with boldness, love and authority!
As the nursing shift was changing out for the morning. Rena, a Christian nurse from India, asked me how my morning was. (We had talked before when she helped me stand for the first time with Scott. She told us that when she was growing up in India, there was a Missionary couple who had come to share the gospel with several families in the area. She said her family was one of the blessed families and talked of how those Missionaries gave up a lot to minister to them and others in their area.) I told her about how I felt scared and was hurting and called out to God. Then I told her about the night shift nurse that came in and prayed over me at my request. Rena had the biggest smile on her face and laughingly said that God definitely heard my prayer. She said Kemi, the night shift nurse, was an anointed minister and had written a book on prayer. I smiled from ear to ear just hearing that.
That morning a young student nurse walked into my room and introduced herself. (I wish I could remember her name) She said that she was assigned to me and could help me with whatever I needed. That turned out to be a huge blessing because the physical therapist was unable to come work with me on walking that day. This sweet student walked with me and we had some great conversations throughout the day. Her mother was at MD Anderson as a cancer patient and as soon as her nursing exams were over, she planned to be with her mom. I told her what happened that morning with Kemi. She responded, "You know, I prayed this morning that God would put me with the right patient and He has. I know that God has put us together today to encourage each other!" Indeed He had.
I told my husband and family about Kemi. She never bragged or told me about her book, but I wanted a copy and so did several of my family members. The best thing about her book, was it just kept pointing my focus back to God and His Word. The book is titled Molding Your World Through Prayers by Kemi Oluwakoya. I kept her book close to my bedside and would read it especially when I felt challenged, which was quite a lot.
God relates to our sufferings way more than we can imagine or think.
There were many more God stories that happened during my recovery and in the past two years. As I have gotten back into the everyday grind, I realize the importance of what one decides to focus on in life. When Peter stepped out of the boat, he looked at his surroundings and started to sink, but when he got his focus back on Jesus, he was fine.
So Laura, you were right! There are things I don't need to watch or read. Most importantly, there is someone Whom I need to look to and keep my eyes on at all times and His name is Jesus.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:4-8
As I got into His word today on the two year anniversary of my surgery, I noticed many wonderful things. One thing in particular was the word humble. The words humble and bold had been on my mind ever since my surgery and I thought it pretty cool that the reading for today's date, April 16th, of The One Year Bible had scripture with the words, humbled and humble on the same page as the date of my surgery. God is so awesome!
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
So again Laura, you were right! There are things I don't need to watch or read. Most importantly, there is someone Whom I need to look to and keep my eyes on at all times and His name is Jesus.
With love,
Stay humble & BOLD!
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
To check out my testimony click here
Let's get connected!
Instagram @humbleandbold
Facebook Humble & Bold
Twitter Christina @humble_bold
Pinterest humble&BOLD by Christina
Youtube Humble & Bold


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A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better.– Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur.
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I am a huge Brooklyn Nine-Nine fan. I think it's a series that finally shows a new type of funny. It reminds me a bit of Scrubs but with some unexpected twirls. In many other shows you could live without some of the main characters, but in Brooklyn99 you really get to love everyone's role and character.
Photo Source: YouTube
And since I was deeply missing the show (I am re-watching season 1), I've decided to catch up with the cast on Instagram. With a few exceptions (Andre Braugher why you no have an IG account???) you can keep having fun with the cast on Instagram while we wait for the new season next September.
Jake Peralta – Andy Samberg
Can't not love him
Amy Santiago – Melissa Fumero
Not so nerdy in real life, bummer!
Rosa Diaz – Stephanie Beatriz
Our favorite Badass!
Terry Jeffords – Terry Crews
He has his own Meme and he knows how to use it! Terry loves Memes (and yogurt).
Charles Boyle – Joe Lo Truglio
He's a real-life Super Papa and my personal favorite character in the Series.
Gina Linetti – Chelsea Peretti
The coolest person alive. Would truly love to have a conversation with her exclusively about Beyonce.
BONUS: Someone asked for Hitchcock?
Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) is not on IG yet, but Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) is! And we all love him…


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Frederick A. "Fritz" Schaefer is the new vice president of marketing for the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Schaefer has over 20 years experience in sales, marketing, and general management, including profit and loss responsibility for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to start-ups. He has broad industry experience in technology, especially in communications markets across multiple industry segments.
Additionally, his skills lie in finance, the energy field, law, government, and the commercial sector. Schaefer started his career at IBM and was a marketing manager in Denver. He also led Varian Associates (high-tech electronics manufacturer, Palo Alto, Calif.) worldwide marketing and sales efforts.
"With a BA in economics from Colorado College; an MBA, marketing concentration, from the University of Minnesota; and a Juris Doctor degree from the William Mitchell College of Law, Schaefer brings impressive academic credentials to the Chamber," said chamber president Will Temby. "His previous career successes, innovative thinking, and strategic focus will contribute significantly to the Chamber's mission and future direction."
Tembly believes the Chamber has assembled a winning team with the hiring of Schaefer, and the recent hiring of Chief Operating Officer Dave Csintyan.
"Coupled with our existing management staff, (this) will give the Chamber one of the best teams ever assembled," Temby added.
The Chamber's other executives include Jeff Crank, senior vice president of government affairs; Lynn Pelz, vice president of programs and community relations; and Curtis Layne, vice president of sales and member services.
"I am thrilled to be joining Will's management team and look forward to making substantial contributions to the Chamber's strategic direction," Schaefer said.