Retirement pinch for nuns, monks // Orders lacking young members to support old - Chicago Sun-Times

NAZARETH, Mich. For 53 years, Sister Alice Trese labored in theLord's vineyard as a college registrar and social worker for theSisters of St. Joseph.

Now 89, Sister Alice spends her days in the order's retirementhome, a wing on the convent she entered as a young woman in 1929.

'I can't get used to the idea I can't do what I used to do,'said Sister Alice, who worked as a receptionist and in the order'slaundry even after retiring seven years ago. 'I can't get used to theidea of failing health.'

Now, Sister Alice and her retired friends attend mass every day,say their rosaries, and root for the Detroit Tigers just like theyhave since their younger days.

These frail women of God are part of an aging breed of RomanCatholic nuns and monks moving into retirement while fewer and feweryoung women and men are entering convents and monasteries to supportthem.

The result is a fiscal nightmare that has left an estimated $3billion deficit in retirement budgets across the country, said SisterMary Oliver Hudon.

She is director of a retirement project of the NationalConference of Catholic Bishops, Conference of Major Superiors of Menand the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.

Nearly 36 percent of the estimated 122,000 nuns and monks in theUnited States are over age 70 and less than 1 percent are under 30,she said.

'The base that can support the older religious (nuns and monks)has just been eroded away,' she said.

Few orders stashed money away for retirement, in part becausenuns worked for low wages and because they preferred to spend themoney building hospitals or adding services, Sister Mary Oliver said.

'They made that choice on the assumption that when people wereno longer active, they died,' she said. 'It sounds terrible, but Idon't think anybody foresaw the social changes' that led to longerlife-spans and far fewer people entering religious life.

Diocesan priests, who aren't members of religious orders,weren't included in the retirement project, she said. Their pensionsare funded by all the churches in the diocese for which they worked,rather than a single order.

The Sisters of St. Joseph mirror the national picture, with 220of their 455 members retired, said Sister Betty Veenhuis, presidentof the congregation.

The order, founded 100 years ago by nuns from New York who camewest to staff Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, once had 950 membersworking in hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages and Catholic schoolsacross southern Michigan.

Thirty years ago, Sister Betty said, as many as 50 young womenwould have been preparing to enter the convent, which comprises thespot on the map called Nazareth.

Now it has only 18 women under 40 and just one woman - in her40s - preparing for admission, she said. At the other end of thespectrum, 13 are over 90.

Sister Betty said mergers with other orders could bolster thesisters' ranks in the future, as could discussions with a group ofabout 100 lay people in the Kalamazoo area who want to be affiliatedin some way with the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Like many orders, the Sisters of St. Joseph joined SocialSecurity in 1971 when the law was changed to permit nuns and monks tomake back payments and enter the system.

Sister Emily Simons, treasurer of the order, said SocialSecurity provides just $2,000 of the $10,000 annual cost of caringfor a retired member. The rest comes from the earnings of youngersisters, who take vows of poverty and turn their earnings over to theorder.

But Sister Betty said that isn't enough and this year the orderwill need to tap the interest on a retirement fund that it has beenpaying into since 1971.

Sister Emily said the congregation's assets, including itsmembers' earnings, Social Security, retirement fund and the proceedsfrom selling all its property except the motherhouse, would be 45percent short of the amount needed to care for the current membersuntil their death.

The sisters know of the looming financial crisis and try to cutcorners, Sister Betty said.

'I don't think they at all fear that we're going to run out ofmoney and that they're going to be on the street,' she said.

'It simply calls us to good stewardship and good planning andgood use of our resources over the next five or 10 years.'

Despite the growing problem, said Sister Mary Oliver, mostorders still can pay their bills.

'There is not a sister or brother I know of who is starving ornot getting medical care,' she said. 'The crunch is going to come infive to 10 years.'

In December, Michigan Catholics contributed more than $1.45million to a new fund set up to bail out religious orders, saidSister Monica Kostelmy of the Michigan Catholic Conference.

Final figures aren't in, but Sister Mary Oliver expects morethan $20 million will be collected nationwide in the first of 10annual appeals.

The funds will go first to desperate orders, such as one with 17of its 18 members over 70, and then be divided among the others'retirement funds, she said.

Sister Betty said the Sisters of St. Joseph will stick together,rather than going back to their families or elsewhere for care intheir twilight years.

Birth control pills give rise to mass tort - Lawyers USA

The newest form of combined oral contraceptives has given birthto a mass tort.

Several lawsuits have been filed in federal court against BayerCorp. over Yaz/Yasmin birth control pills, alleging that a newingredient in this 'fourth generation' contraceptive presentsdangerous risks that the company failed to warn about.

The plaintiffs claim injuries that include deep vein thrombosis,gallbladder damage, kidney stones, heart attacks, pulmonaryembolisms and strokes.

The lawsuits also allege fraudulent concealment of safetyinformation.

Hundreds more suits are expected to be filed in the near future,with lawyers around the country looking into these cases.

'We've filed four cases this week, and we will file more thisweek and every week as we go forward. There are a substantial numberof cases,' said Janet Abaray, a managing shareholder of Burg SimpsonEldredge Hersh in Cincinnati, Ohio and co-lead counsel for the Ortho-Evra (contraceptive patch) litigation.

Daniel Gallucci, an attorney with RodaNast, P.C. in Lancaster,Pa., who filed one of the first lawsuits, said that he isinvestigating hundreds of cases.

Joseph Weinstein, an attorney with Squire, Sanders & Dempsey inCleveland who represents Bayer Corp., declined comment for thisarticle. Bayer Corp. did not return a call seeking comment.

'Fourth generation'

Yaz, which was approved by the FDA in 2006, and Yasmin, which wasapproved in 2001, are fourth generation combination oralcontraceptives that combine estrogen and progestin to preventpregnancy.

What makes both drugs 'fourth generation' and different from anyother birth control pills is the progestin component, calleddrospirenone.

Plaintiffs' attorneys allege that drospirenone, a diuretic,causes an increase in potassium which can lead to 'hyperkalemia' orunsafe levels of potassium that disrupt heart rhythms and slow theflow of blood. This can lead to blood clotting.

'No other birth control uses a diuretic as an active ingredient,'said Gallucci, who noted that the number of adverse events reportedto the FDA appears disproportionately higher for Yaz and Yasmin thanfor other birth control pills.

Between 2004 and 2008, over 50 deaths of Yaz and Yasmin userswere reported to the FDA, according to the suit filed by Ohioplaintiff Anne Marie Eakins, who used Yaz for four months in 2007and suffered multiple bilateral pulmonary emboli.

Another common injury in these cases is gallbladder damage, saidDavid Zoll of Zoll, Kranz & Borgess in Toledo, Ohio, who authors theYaz, Yasmin and You blog.

'The diuretic causes you to lose water and so you develop sludgeor bile that wipes out the gallbladder,' he said.

Gallucci said some of his clients are women who were not of child-bearing age and suffered gallbladder removal or sudden death aftertaking the pills for acne.

According to the British Medical Journal, the Dutch College ofGeneral Practitioners recommends that its members prescribe older,second generation birth control pills instead of Yaz/Yasmin becauseof 40 cases of venous thrombosis, including the death of a 17 year-old.

Abaray contends that after first generation birth control pillswere found to cause health risks because of the levels of theestrogen component ethinyl estradiol, the second generation pillsdropped the level of hormones and the risks went way down.

'We're sort of going in a circle,' she said. 'Now that thepatents ran out, they have started patenting 'new and improved'progestins by monkeying with the levels again, and we're seeingincreased risks of blood clots.'

FDA warnings

The makers of Yaz and Yasmin have been warned about theirmarketing.

In 2003, the FDA warned Berlex Laboratories, which has since beenpurchased by Bayer, about TV ads which used the tagline: 'Ask aboutYasmin and the difference a little chemistry can make.'

The FDA said that the ads overstated the safety of the drug andfailed to communicate that increased potassium is a risk, incontrast to the bolded warnings in the package insert.

In 2008, the FDA warned Bayer about TV ads that claimed Yaz waseffective for treating acne and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), asopposed to the more severe disorder premenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD), for which Yaz is approved.

In those ads, women sing 'We're not gonna take it' while kickingand pushing away words such as 'IRRITABILITY,' 'MOODINESS,''BLOATING' and 'FEELING ANXIOUS.'

The company has released new ads designed to clear up the FDA'sconcerns.

But Zoll said that the cases are not limited to those occurringbefore the new round of ads.

'Even with the new ads, the warnings are still grosslyinadequate,' he claimed.

Happenings - Between the Lines

Outings

The Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality presents a unique discussion event open to the public titled 'Policy to Practice: Why Diversity and Inclusion are Good for Business in Kalamazoo.'

As one of Michigan's top-five metropolitan areas, serving as the hub of southwestern Michigan's financial, educational, health and scientific services, Kalamazoo's local businesses are placed in an optimal position. This discussion will show how proper hiring practices, internal employee welfare, community outreach and effective diversity policies, can help these businesses flourish.

The evenings keynote speaker is Eric Peterson, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Society for Human Resource Management. Joining Eric will be Brad Gorman, a Communication and Engagement Specialist; James L. Liggins, a litigator, and Carrie Hoch-Mortlock, Executive Director of Human Resources at Greenleaf Hospitality.

Policy to Practice begins 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at Borgess Medical Center-Lawrence Education Center, 1521 Gull Road in Kalamazoo. For more information, go to kalamazooalliance.org.

Music & More

Canadian musician Ember Swift's last album, 'Lentie,' delivered an entirely unique sound filled with organic acoustics and electronic rhythms that can only be identified as 'folktronica. ' Swift's music is the manifestation of both her Canadian roots and her affinity and background in Chinese culture and music. 'Lentie' features both Mandarin Chinese and English lyrics, and uses Chinese instruments such as the guzheng in addition to Western instruments.

This year, Swift presents her newest material on a North American tour, stopping by Ann Arbor's The Ark on Sept. 15. 'The show includes a lot of stories and language discussion - as well as lots of music, of course,' says Swift. 'This project is even more of a 'cultural bridge' between my home in the West and my adopted home in the east of Beijing, China.'

Ember Swift performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 15 at The Ark, 316 S. Main St., in Ann Arbor. For more information, visit theark.org.

Theater

The musical 'Follies' opens the 89th season of Village Players on Sept. 16. The popular community theater, which likes to call itself 'Birmingham's best live theater, ' is an appropriate venue for this Stephen Sondheim classic.

'Follies' is all about theater. It takes place at the 1971 reunion of performers of the great Follies shows of the past. The occasion is the closing and demolition of the theater where they performed. Musical theater is used as a metaphor for life. Follies were the shows, but they were also are the foolish undertakings of life. Youthful performers of the past are 'reunited' with the people they have become.

Performers are at 8 p.m. Sept. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at the Village Players Playhouse, 34660 Woodward, Birmingham (two blocks south of Maple). Tickets are $19. Call 248-644-2075 for tickets or more information.

OUTINGS

Wednesday, Sept. 7

Ladies Who Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Ladies meet at Nina's Cafe for food and conversation. Contact Angie to make a reservation. The Resource Center, 1710 W. Main St., Kalamazoo. Kglrc.org

Friday, Sept. 9

MI Response to Hate, 7:30 a.m. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Michigan led the nation in 201 0 with the highest number of anti-government extremist groups at 50. This conference will provide a structured opportunity for Michigan to develop community-based response systems and address the needs of our communities and victims of bias motivated incidents. Registration is free. The Michigan Alliance Against Hate Crimes and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, 55 S. Harrison Ave., East Lansing. 517-432-4000. Miaahc.com

Artist Opening Reception for The Face Of Detroit, 6 p.m. Metro Times photographer Bruce Giffin has been shooting photos in the city of Detroit for almost 30 years. He's garnered attention in recent years for his Face of Detroit portrait project. The artist states one-third of the subjects are homeless, but that it's not important to know which are. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105 224. Goaffirmations.org

Older Lesbians Organizing, 7 p.m. Provides older Lesbians with the chance to meet like minded women in their common struggles, to share mutual interests and to play and work together. Meets the 2nd Friday of every month. Older Lesbians Organizing, 31 9 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734-678-2478. jasmithers@sbcglobal.net

Womyn's Film Night, 7 p.m. FilmSappho. Recently married Sappho can't imagine a more perfect union than the passionate relationship she shares with her sensitive husband. That is, until they spend the summer on the Greek island of Lesbos. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Goaffirmations.org

Saturday, Sept. 10

Until Love is Equal: All You Can Eat Pancakes, 8 a.m. Fundraiser for Until Love is Equal's efforts to create a nondiscriminate Holland, Michigan. Tickets: $5. Until Love is Equal, 3851 Alpine Ave., Comstock Park. Untilloveisequal.com

'Circle.. .Home' Book Release, 12 p.m. Melissa Dey Hasbrook releases Circle.. .Home, a collection of poetry rooted in mid-Michigan. Circle. ..Home is a collaboration with Women's Center of Greater Lansing, and supported in part by a grant form the Arts Council of Greater Lansing. Women's Center of Greater Lansing, 2019 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 517-897-5833. Deyofthephoenix.com

Sunday, Sept. 11

PFLAG Detroit Meeting, 2 p.m. Support groups, social gathering, community announcements, program presentations, guest speakers, and dinner. Every 2nd Sunday of the month. PFLAG, 3333 Coolidge Hwy, Troy. 248-656-2875. Pflagdetroit.org

GOAL Book Club, 4 p.m. September's choice: 'Middlesex' by Jeffrey Eugenides. GOAL, 515 S Washington, Royal Oak. 248-515-2551. Getoutandlive.me

Rainbow Book Club, 4:30 p.m. Book club dedicated to reading and discussing classic and contemporary lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer literature. Meeting since before 1998, every second Sunday of the month. Rainbow Book Club, 319 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734-678-2478. Catherine.herne@gmail.com

HARC provided HIV/AIDS testing, 5 p.m. HARC provides anonymous and free HIV counseling, testing and referral services through its outreach at the Jim Toy Community Center. HARC, 31 9 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734 6782478. Hivaidsresource.org/hiv-testing

Monday, Sept. 12

LGBT Adoptive Parent Support Group, 7 p.m. Meet with other LGBT families and be supported in your adoption process or adoptive parenting. Hands Across The Water Adoption and Social Services Agency, 2890 Carpenter Road, Suite 600, Ann Arbor. 734-477-0135. Hatw.org

Tuesday, Sept. 13

Dress for Success, 12 p.m. Designed for jobseekers who would like to brush up on their interviewing skills and those interested in learning how to update their work wardrobe on a budget. Karen Gutman, an employment specialist from the Jewish Vocational Service, will be on hand to provide tips on resume writing, networking and job search skills. Attendees will receive 20% off all clothing and accessory purchases on the day of the event. Limitations may apply. National Council of Jewish Women Greater Detroit Section, 3297 W. 12 Mile Road, Berkley. 248-548-6664. Ncjwgds.org

LanSINGout Gay Men's Chorus, 6:30 p.m. LanSINGout Gay Men's Chorus invites all people with male-sounding voices to join with us at our open enrollment rehearsals. Lansing First Presbyterian Church, 510W. Ottawa St., Lansing. 517490-1746. Lansingout.org

Transgender Life Support, 7 p.m. Support group for transgendered people and allies. Transgender Life Support, 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Goaffirmations.org

Wednesday, Sept. 14

LGBT In the Park, 5:30 p.m. Ongoing LGBT social group featuring discussions and meet and greets with new people during the week. Discussion: Ways of coping with the stress of the season. LGBT in the Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights, Hazel Park. 248-460-3251. Jffryoliver� yahoo.com

Sistrum Orientation, 6 p.m. Sistrum's 26th season begins with an orientation. New members and returning members may RSVP to info@sistrum.org. Sistrum Lansing Women's Chorus, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. Sistrum.org

TransCend, 6:30 p.m. Open to persons 18 and older. Younger are welcome with parent or guardian permission. Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer Street, Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org

Thursday, Sept. 15

Policy to Practice, 6 p.m. Discussing diversity and inclusion as effective strategies for businesses in Kalamazoo. Keynote speaker Eric Peterson. Borgess Lawrence Education Center, 1521 Gull Road, Kalamazoo. 810-650-6274. Kglrc.org

Polyamory Network, 7:30 p.m. Open and inclusive community of people living polyamorously, people interested in polyamory and people of, friendly to and curious about polyamory. Welcomes diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity. Polyamory Network, 319 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734 6782478. Jimtoycenter.org

Friday, Sept. 16

Welcoming Reception, 11:30 a.m. President of Oakland University, Dr. Russi, will be speaking as well as Professor Larrabee of the LGBT Resource Group and Alexa Van Vliet of the Gay Straight Alliance. A welcome to LGBT and allied students of the fall semester. Free food will be provided. Oakland University's GSA, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester. 734-891 - 0501. gsaatoaklandu@gmail.com

Bisexual Peer Group, 7 p.m. Meets monthly on the third Friday. Discussion relating to bisexuality, pansexuality, omnisexuality. Allies are encouraged and welcomed to attend. Building is handicapped accessible using ramp to rear entrance. Bisexual Peer Group, 31 9 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-678-2478. Biprideannarbor@gmail.com

Womyn's Film Night, 7 p.m. Film-The Hunger. Miriam, a centuries-old vampire, preys on urban club goers with her vampire lover John. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Goaffirmations.org

Saturday, Sept. 17

Transgender Health Fair, 1 p.m. 2nd annual Transgender Health Fair. Transgender Michigan and Affirmations, 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-3987105.Goaffirmations.org

Sunday, Sept. 18

PFLAG Ann Arbor Meeting, 1 a.m. 3rd Sunday of every month. Support group and monthly speaker at each meeting. PFLAG Ann Arbor, 306 N. Division St., Ann Arbor. Pflagaa.org

AIDS Walk Detroit 2011, 8 a.m. Annual AIDSWaIk. Corporate Sponsors for this event are Comerica Bank, DirectRX, 5/3 Bank, Ford Motor Company, Genisys Credit Union, Gilmour-Jirgens Fund, MGM Grand Detroit, Raymond James, Tibotec Therapeutics, Volkswagon of America, and ZMC Pharmacy. More information online. AIDS Walk Detroit 2011, Royal Oak Farmer's Market, Royal Oak. Aidswalkdetroit.org

PFLAG Tri-Cities Meeting, 2 p.m. Every 3rd Sunday of the month. Support groups including monthly speakers. PFLAG Tri-Cities, 2525 Hemmeter, Saginaw. 989-941 -1 458. pflag@pflag-mbs.org

MUSIC & MORE

CLASSICAL

Fox Theatre 'Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra' World's most popular classical artist who is renowned for his energetic and festive live concerts. Tickets: $49-139. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19. 313-471-6611. Olympiaentertainment.com

COMEDY

Andiamo Celebrity Showroom Joan Rivers American comethenne, television personality and actress, Joan Rivers. Call for ticket information. Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren. 8 p.m. Sept. 17. 586-268-3200. Joanrivers.com

Meadowbrook Music Festival Stephen Wright Tickets: $27.50 reserved, $17.50 general. Meadow Brook Music Festival, 2200 N. Squirrel Rd., Rochester. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17. 1-800-745-3000. Palacenet.com

The Ark Willy Porter Tickets: $17.50. Hill Auditorium, 31 6 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1 8. 734-761 -1 800. Theark.org

The Ark 'Joy Kills Sorrow' Tickets: $1 2.50. Hill Auditorium, 31 6 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 1 9. 734-761 -1 800. Theark.org

CONCERTS

Ferndale Public Library 'The Blueflowers and Woodman' Library's 'First Stop Friday' series offering a unique, non-bar venue. This month's performance: The Blueflowers and Woodman Ferndale Public Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9. 248-547-6008.

Fox Theatre Alison Krauss and Union Station Tickets: $29.50-49.50. Featuring Jerry Douglas for the 'Paper Airplanes Summer Tour 201 1 .' Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8. 31 3-471 -6611. Olympiaentertainment.com

Joe Louis Arena 'Chris Brown F.A.M.E. Tour' North American Tour with Kelly Rowland, T-Pain andTyga. Tickets: $39.75-85.75. Joe Louis Arena, 19 Steve Yzerman Drive, Detroit. 7 p.m. Sept. 18. 313-396-7000. Olympiaentertainment.com

Kerrytown Concert House Howard Fishman New Orleans jazz, Brooklyn soul, open-hearted country, blues and gospel music through a completely original, experimental aesthetic, to create a sound entirely its out. Tickets: $30-10. Kerrytown Concert House, 41 5 N Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. Sept. 9 - Sept. 9. 734-769-2999. Kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Saugatuck Center for the Arts Janis Ian, Grammy winning, iconic singer/songwriter Janis lan's one-night only performance in West Michigan. Tickets: $35. Saugatuck Center for the Performing Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. 7 p.m. Sept. 8. 269-8572399. Sc4a.org

The Ark John McCutcheon Tickets: $20. The Ark, 31 6 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 1 0. 734-761 -1 800. Theark.org

The Ark Caroline Herring Tickets: $15. The Ark, 31 6 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 14. 734-761-1800.Theark.org

The Ark Bernard Allison Tickets: $20. The Ark, 31 6 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 13.734-761-1800.Theark.org

The Ark Ember Swift, Canadian independent artist with both western and eastern (Chinese) influences. Tickets: $15. The Ark, 31 6 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 1 5. 734-761 -1 800. Theark.org

The Ark 'Maria Muldaur & Her Red Hot Bluesiana Band' Tickets: $20. The Ark, 31 6 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 20. 734-761-1800.Theark.org

The Ark 'Ben Sollee' Tickets: $1 5. The Ark, 31 6 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 14.734-761-1800.Theark.org

University Musical Society Emerson String Quartet' Formed in the bicentennial year of the United States, the Emerson String Quartet took its name from the great American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. The group made its Ann Arbor debut in 1 989, and in 1 4 appearances since has performed with the integrity, energy, and commitment that it has demonstrated throughout more than 30 years of extensive touring and recording. Tickets: $52-24. Burton Memorial Tower, 881 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. 4 p.m. Sept. 18. 734-764-2538. Ums.org

University Musical Society 'An Evening with Ahmad Jamal' Living legend of Jazz, a pivotal influence on Miles Davis and countless others. Tickets: $46-10. Burton Memorial Tower, 881 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 17. 734-7642538. Ums.org

FILM & VIDEO

Detroit Film Theatre 'Viva Rival' Tickets: $7.50, $6.50 for DIA members, seniors and students. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit. Sept. 9 - Sept. 9. 313-833-7900.Dia.org

Detroit Film Theatre 'DF 101: The Killer' Tickets: $7.50, $6.50 for DIA members, seniors and students. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit. 4 p.m. Sept. 10. 313-833-7900. Dia.org

Detroit Film Theatre 'Fire House Detroit' Tickets: $7.50, $6.50 for DIA members, seniors and students. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit. 7 p.m. Sept. 11.313-833-7900.Dia.org

Detroit Film Theatre 'The Interrupters' Tickets: $7.50, $6.50 for DIA members, seniors and students. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit. Sept. 16 - Sept. 18. 313-833-7900. Dia.org

Detroit Film Theatre 'DFT 1 01 : Mexican Cinema: Fernandez & Figueroa' Tickets: $7.50, $6.50 for DIA members, seniors and students. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit. 2 p.m. Sept. 17. 313-833-7900.Dia.org

Michigan Theater 'Le fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulain' From the visionary writer and director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Am�lie helped give the filmmaker the global recognition justly deserved after working with his artistic partner Marc Caro on such cinematic achievements as Delicatessen and The City of the Lost Children. Tickets: $9. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Sept. 4 - Sept. 6. 667-TIME. Michtheater.org

State Theater 'Reservoir Dogs' Midnight viewing: In 1992, Reservoir Dogs transformed Quentin Tarantino practically overnight from an obscure, unproduced screenwriter and part-time actor to the most influential new filmmaker of the 1 990s. Tickets: $9. Ann Arbor State Theater, 223 S. State St., Ann Arbor. 11:55 a.m. Sept. 10. 734-761 -8667. Michtheater.org

University of Michigan Museum of Art 'Romanian Film Festival: Crossing Dates' Third annual Romanian Film Festival kicks off with 'Crossing Dates.' Both chance and intention play a part in these encounters, and the consequences can remain like footprints on the paths of our lives. Crossing Dates mixes three separate stories that take place over two days. The characters' paths intersect, and they affect each other unintentionally. Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. 3:30 p.m. Sept. 17. 734-763-4186. Umma.umich.edu

University of Michigan Museum of Art 'Romanian Film Festival: Wedding in Bessarabia' Third annual Romanian Film Festival continues with 'Wedding in Bessarabia.' A train takes two newlyweds hoping to find an easier way to make a living and a conductor from Bucharest and his wife, a pianist from the hard life of Romania to the woman's homeland of Moldova, where the wedding will be held. The wedding not only reunites her with her family but also allows the couple the chance to receive presents and money that they desperately need to start their new life together. Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17. 734-763-4186. Umma.umich.edu

OTHER

Fashion's Night Out 'Birmingham Fashion's Night Out' Celebration of the global shopping and fashion event 'Fashion's Night Out.' Special events and sales offered in participating stores downtown. For a list of participating stores goto enjoybirmingham.com. Downtown Birmingham, Various Venues, Birmingham. 6 p.m. Sept. 8. Enjoybirmingham.com

Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter 'Bully Splash Bash' Celebrating the Bully breed of dog. Supports the 'Recycl-A-Bullz' advocacy program. Currey's Family Pet Care, 6261 Hannan Road, Romulus. 1 1 a.m. Sept. 18. Dearbornanimals.org

Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter 'No-Beast Feast' Discovering vegetarian entrees and desserts with take-home recipes. Raising funds for the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Tickets: $45 in advance, $50 at the door. Park Place Banquet Hall, 23400 Park St., Dearborn. 6 p.m. Sept. 16. 313-943-2697. Dearbornanimals.org

Greenfield Village '61 st Old Car Festival' Among 700 vehicles to be displayed at the 61 st Annual Old Car Festival, the historically accurate replica of the 1770 Fardier de Cugnot, a steam powered wheel cart considered to be the first self-propelled vehicle ever made. Along with the Cugnot, the festival will celebrate the 1 00th anniversary of the first lndy 500 race. Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn. Sept. 1 0 - Sept. 11. 313982-6001.Thehenryford.org

The Abrahams 'Abraham's Open House for Hope's Heroes' Raising awareness for animal welfare and raising funds for Hope's Heroes, a Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter program that provides care to animals with special needs. Tickets: $50 donation appreciated. Home of Councilman Robert A., 510 Crescent Dr., Dearborn. 4 p.m. Sept. 10. Dearbornanimals.org

Warren/Conner Development Coalition 'Eastside Farmers Market' Fresh produce, healthy foods, and unique artisan items. Everything locally made and sold directly by the growers and producers. Accepts cash, Bridge Card, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC, Project Fresh, credit, and debit. Weekly music and entertainment. Mack Alter Square, 14820 Mack Ave., Detroit. June 11 -Oct. 1.313-571-8200 X.1 11 7. Facebook.com/eastsidefarmersmarket

THEATER

CIVIC/COMMUNITY THEATER

All Shook Up $1 8-$22. Kalamazoo Civic Theatre at Civic Auditorium, 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo. Sep. 16-0ct. 2. 269-3431313. kazoocivic.com

An Inspector Calls A staged reading. Free; donations accepted. Great Escape Stage Company at Franke Center for the Arts, 21 4 E. Mansion St., Marshall. Sep. 10-11. 269-781 -0001. frankecenterforthearts.org

Annie $20. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Dr., Lansing. Sep. 8-Sep. 18. 517-482-5700. riverwalktheatre.com

Avenue Q $22. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 91 1 N. University, Ann Arbor. Sep. 1 5-1 8. 971 - 2228. a2ct.org

Entertaining Mr. Sloane $1 5. Korda Artistic Productions at The KordaZone Theatre, 2520 Seminole St., Windsor. Sep. 16-24. 519-562-3394. kordazone.com

Follies $1 9. Village Players, 34660 Woodward Ave., Birmingham. Sep. 16-0ct. 2. 248-644-2075. birminghamvillageplayers.com

Meet Me in St. Louis $25, $18 in advance. Stagecrafters at Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette, Royal Oak. Sep. 16-0ct. 9. 248-541-8027. stagecrafters.org

The Music Man $18. Spotlight Players at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Rd., Canton. Sep. 16-Sep. 25. 734-394-5300.spotlightplayersmi.org

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY THEATER

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee $15. Eastern Michigan University Theatre at Sponberg Theatre in the Quirk Dramatic Arts Bldg., East Circle Dr. & Best Hall, Ypsilanti. Sep. 9-1 1 . 734487-2282. emich.edu/emutheatre

PROFESSIONAL

Beehive: The 60s Musical Sensation Happenstance Productions at Andiamo Novi Theatre, 42705 Grand River Ave., Novi. Sep. 8-0ct. 9. 248-348-4448. andiamonovitheatre.com

Come Fly Away $39-89. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. Sep. 13-25. 31 3-872-1 000. broadwayindetroit.com

Daddy Long Legs $34.50-44.50. The Gem Theatre, 333 Madison Ave, Detroit. Sep. 14-Nov. 20. 313-963-9800. gemtheatre.com

Freud's Last Session $39.50-$44.50. Century Theatre, 333 Madison St., Detroit. Sep. 7-Nov. 20. 313-963-9800. gemtheatre.com

Fridays and Saturdays at Go Comedy! Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. gocomedy.net

Heroes $18-$24. Stormfield Theatre, 201 Morgan Lane, Lansing. Through Sep. 18. 517-372-0945. stormfieldtheatre.org

Love Song $14 opening night; $16 all others. Broadway Onstage, 21517 Kelly Rd., Eastpointe. Sep. 9-0ct. 8. 586-7716333. broadwayonstage.com

Love Song $25. Planet Ant Theatre, 2357 Canrff, Hamtramck. Sep. 15-0ct. 8. 313365-4948. planetant.com

Oh, Hell! By donation. The Abreact Performance Space, 1301 W. Lafayette #1 1 3, Detroit. Sep. 9-0ct. 1. 31 3-4541542.theabreact.com

Opera at The Acorn $25. The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks. 8 p.m. Sep. 17. 269-756-3879. acorntheater.com

Rosmersholm $1 5-1 8, or pay what you can. Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company at 1 51 5 Broadway, 1 51 5 Broadway, Detroit. Sep. 16-0ct. 8. 313-708-4269. magentagiraffe.org

Southern Baptist Sissies Contains nudity and adult situations. $1 0-$20. Who Wants Cake? at The Ringwald, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Sep. 9-26. 248-545-5545. whowantscaketheatre.com

Sundays at Go Comedy! $7 for the night. Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. gocomedy.net

The Extraordinary Ordinary $27-$29. Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo. Sep. 16-0ct. 9. 269-3432727. farmersalleytheatre.com

The Judy Show $1 5. The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks. 8 p.m. Sep. 15. 269-756-3879. acorntheater.com

The Light in the Piazza $28. The Encore Musical Theatre, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Sep. 8-0ct. 2. 734-268-6200. theencoretheatre.org

The Mystery of Irma Vep $28-$30. Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville. Through Oct. 9. 248-347-0003. tippingpointtheatre.com

The Outsiders A staged reading, with an afterglow. $20 adult, $15 seniors, $15 children. Flint Youth Theatre, 1220 E. Kearsley St., Flint. 6 p.m. Sep. 1 1 . 810237-1 530. flintyouththeatre.org

The Whipping Man A co-production with Plowshares Theatre Company. Previews Sept. 7, 8 & 1 0. $36-$43. The Jewish Ensemble Theatre at Aaron DeRoy Theatre at the Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield. Sep. 7-0ct. 2. 248-788-2900. jettheatre.org

Thursdays at Go Comedy! $1 5. Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. Through Aug. 25. 248-3270575. gocomedy.net

Wednesdays at Go Comedy! Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. gocomedy.net

YOUNG AUDIENCES

Sleeping Beauty $10 adult, $5 child. PuppetART, Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 E. Grand River, Detroit. Saturdays through Sep. 24. 313-961-7777. puppetart.org

AUDITIONS

KALAMAZOO CIVIC THEATRE - auditions for 'White Christmas' (Sept. 17-18) and 'A New Brain' (Sept. 18-19) and 'A Salute to the Red, White and Blue' (Senior Class Reader's Theatre, Sept. 18-19), 269-343-2280.

ART 'N' AROUND

The Rust Belt Market 'A Pinch of Spice and More' Rust Belt Market for vintage, design, and art. Woodward Ave. & 9 Mile Rd., North West Corner, Ferndale. June 25 -Nov. 20. 246-622-1621. Apinchofspiceandmore.com

Cass Cafe '6 Degrees' Exhibit of paintings by Detroit-based artist Craig Paul Nowak. The show features a range of works in a variety of media, and features large-scale portraits drawn from the artists' circle of family and colleagues. Cass Cafe, 4620 Cass Ave., Detroit. Aug. 27 - Oct. 29. 31 3-831 - 1400. Casscafe.com

Cranbrook Art Museum 'Saarinem House and Garden' rare integration of art, architecture, design and nature's total work of art. Designed in the late 1920s, Saarinen House served as the home and studio of the Finnish-American designer Eliel Saarinen and Loja Saarinen from 1930 through 1950. Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills. May 2 - Sept. 30. 877462-7262. Cranbrookart.edu

Detroit Institute of Arts 'It's A Zoo In Here' Countless creatures of many species fill the galleries in this exhibition of more than 150 prints and drawings drawn entirely from the museum's holdings and designed with fun in mind for everyone. Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 Woodward, Detroit. April 1 - Sept. 25. 313-833-7900.Dia.org

Farmington Downtown Development Authority 'Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market' Each Saturday. Fresh Michigan produce, baked goods, locally produced honey, handcrafted soaps and emollients, fine art and jewelry, photography and a variety of unique, artisan-made products. Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion, 33113 Grand River Ave., Farmington. May 28 - Oct. 29. 248-473-7276. Downtownfarmington. org/Downtown-Events/Whats-Happening/ Farmers-Artisans-Market

Lawrence Street Gallery 'Sherry Adams Foster' Luminescent new work of LSG Gallery member Sherry Adams Foster. Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave. Suite A, Ferndale. Aug. 31 - Oct. 1. 248-544-0394. Lawrencestreetgallery.com

MOCAD 'barely there' Group exhibition featuring James Lee Byars, Luis Camnitzer, Jason Dodge, Pable Helguera, Christoph Keller, Lee Loazno, Rivane and Sergio, Neuenschwander, Wilfredo Prieto, Pascale Marthine Tayou and Adolf WoIfIi. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. May 27 - Dec. 30. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit 'Stephanie Nava: Considering a Plot (Dig for Victory)' A work in progress, developed by French artist Stephanie Nava. Its installation at MOCAD marks the artist's first solo exhibition in the United States. The installation is based on the specifications and history of English allotments, or subsistence gardens.

Started in London in 2005 as part of the Institute Francais Villa Medicis Hors les murs residency program. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit. Sept. 16 - Dec. 30. 313-8326622. Mocadetroit.org

Pittmann-Puckett Art Gallery 'The Face of Detroit' Metro Times photographer Bruce Giffin photographs of Detroit. A third of all subjects are homeless, though Giffin argues it is unimportant to know which they are. Affirmations, 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. Sept. 1 - Sept. 30. 248-3987105.Goafflrmations.org

The Gallery Project 'Subjective World/ Umvelt' Umvelt or subjective world is a foundational concept in the study of animal behavior. It challenges people to think about animals as they might experience the world through their own senses and respond to it with their own bodies, according to their own priorities. The Gallery Project, 215 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. Sept. 21 - Oct. 30. 734-997701 2. Thegalleryproject.com

University of Michigan Museum of Art 'Mike Kelley: Day is Done' UMMA inaugurates its New Media Gallery this fall with Mike Kelley's 'Day is Done.' University Of Michigan Museum Of Art, 525 South State Street, Ann Arbor. Aug. 27 - Dec. 31. 734-763-4186. Umma. umich.edu

University of Michigan Museum of Art 'Amalia Pica' London-based Argentinian artist's investigations into perception, time, and memory, as well as a desire to explore how particular gestures read in different cultural contexts, pursued across a diverse body of work in sculpture, photography, film, and installation, as well as temporary interventions on buildings, monuments, and objects. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 South State Street, Ann Arbor. May 28 - Sept. 18. 734-763-4186.

FORUM ADDRESSES ETHICS OF MEDICAL RESEARCH - US Fed News Service, Including US State News

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Oct. 27 -- Western Michigan University issued the following press release:

Three medical professionals and one ethicist will tackle thorny ethical issues revolving around a famous case in which cells with unusual properties were removed from a Baltimore woman without her knowledge.

Speakers will reflect on the issues of ethics, medical care and medical research illuminated in the new book 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot. The public forum, titled 'The Immortal Cells of Henrietta Lacks: Medical Research Ethics Then and Now,' is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, in Room 204 of the Bernhard Center at Western Michigan University and is part of the WMU Center for the Study of Ethics in Society's fall season.

FORUM SPEAKERS ARE:

* Dr. Shirley Bach, WMU professor emeritus of philosophy and Ethics Center associate director

* Dr. Stephen Jefferson, who practices pulmonary medicine at Borgess Medical Center

* Neil Johnson, vice president of Patient Care Services at Bronson Methodist Hospital

* Dr. Perry Westerman, associate professor of psychiatry and medical doctor with the Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies

Henrietta Lacks was a poor, black woman and mother of five in Baltimore, who became the unwitting donor of a seemingly immortal line of cells taken from a cancerous tumor. In 1951, Lacks sought treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital and was diagnosed with cervical cancer. But prior to receiving treatment, cells were removed from her tumor without her knowledge or consent.

Lacks died later that year at age 30, but her cells, unlike those of other donors, could be kept alive and grow in the laboratory. As a result, the cells could be used to conduct many experiments and represented an enormous boon to medical and biological research, a sort of Holy Grail of mid-century biological research. They became known as the HeLa cells (after Lacks' initials) and provided the building blocks for numerous breakthroughs and may have helped discover the cure for polio. Yet Lack's family continued to live in poverty and poor health and only learned of what had happened two decades later. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com

In Memoriam: Mary Jo Martin - American Journal of Electroneurodiagnostic Technology

I first met Mary Jo Martin, R. EEG T. at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona in 1969. I was taking my ABRET oral exam and had gone in the bathroom to deal with my rising nausea only to find this tall, somewhat imposing woman leafing through a stack of EEGs laid out on the sink and exclaiming to herself that 'this simply couldn't be happening.' When I expressed interest, she told me her record review tracings had been taken, and these meaningless, anonymous records had been left in their place. As I took the top one from her, I noticed writing on the underside, turned the record over and said, 'Well, this one belongs to a Mary Jo Martin.' She let out this big laugh and said, 'That's me! Oh, you found my records. Aren't you wonderful!' It wasn't until much later when I chaired the ASET Training and Education Committee and she kept sending me tips like 'always keep your page numbers in the upper right hand comer' that I finally realized that she was dyslexic and this was just one of the many ways she had learned to deal with it except on those rare occasions when her nerves got the best of her.

I could not make even an educated guess as to how often I have heard that laugh since that day at Barrow's, and I am sure that each of us who counted Mary Jo as a friend, or even knew her casually, remembers her wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude. And, she did make us feel wonderful. The stories she told were legend, always true, and often at her own expense. The hardships of life had to be overcome, the problems solved. Her infectious laugh had a way of lightening the mood and bringing people together.

As a young mother with two daughters, she was determined to become self-sufficient and braved a winter and the rugged EEG technology training program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. This excellent training and her organizational skills provided the background needed to establish several outstanding neurophysiology laboratories. Education was a priority for Mary Jo and she was very proud of the fact that all of the technologists who trained and worked with her at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan; The Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia; and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York became registered EEG technologists.

Mary Jo was President of ASET immediately after the organization voted against unionization and was a very stabilizing influence at a time when emotions were still running high. She was a progressive leader; our professional growth took several giant steps forward during her administration with the hiring of our first Executive Secretary and the expansion of the Training and Education Committee to offer a bigger variety of courses and to develop teaching aids. She was an active Board Member of ABRET, again pressing for the innovation of hiring a professional testing agency to improve the written examination process. She was a member of The Joint Review Committee on Accreditation in EEG Technology, spending many hours reviewing applications and making site visits.

In her personal life Mary Jo was an avid reader, a very talented painter, and did beautiful smocking and other types of fine hand sewing. She was active in her church and sang in the choir. She was very proud of the accomplishments of her daughters and enjoyed visits and phone calls with their families.

Mary Jo was an excellent ambassador and representative to the larger allied health community at a time when EEG technology was striving to gain recognition and acceptance. She set a standard of performance at work that allowed her technologists to meet registry standards and was instrumental in seeing that EEG technologists nationwide began to have access to the tools needed to prepare for their registration exams.

And Mary Jo was a wonderful friend. Not just to me, but to many others in our EEG community who have had the opportunity to build great relationships as a result of the work we do that promotes and benefits our profession. Mary Jo recognized the far reaching importance and value of ASET, and our Society played a large role in her life. Mary Jo's friends and the technologists she influenced during her long career still have the opportunity to further the growth and stature of our profession. Nothing would please her more.

[Author Affiliation]

Sandra L. Clenney, R. EEG T.

LAWRENCE HAILED AS TOUGH, DIRECT WITH INTEGRITY EX-GOP LAWMAKER FROM PUEBLO IS FOCUSED ON RESULTS.(City Desk/Local) - Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO)

Byline: Todd Hartman, Rocky Mountain News

Staff writer John Sanko contributed to this report.

Joyce Lawrence is an accomplished former state legislator with a straight-talking style and a backbone to go with it.

Lawrence, who will help lead an investigation into the University of Colorado's football program, brings a legacy of civic involvement and a keen interest in educational issues to her role in the fledgling panel.

The 63-year-old from Pueblo will make up the Republican side of the co-chair role. Her counterpart, Peggy Lamm, is a Democrat.

Lawrence offers another critical component: no ties to CU and little knowledge of football. She did watch the Super Bowl, she said, but only for the slew of witty commercials.

Lawrence served eight years in the state House of Representatives and, before that, three years on the Pueblo City Council. She has also served on numerous civic boards and committees.

'She's a woman of integrity,' said Judy Weaver of Pueblo, a member of the Colorado Commission of Higher Education and longtime Lawrence associate. 'She's a person focused on results and is very committed to this community as well as the best interests of Colorado.'

While serving in the legislature, Lawrence's colleagues praised her work ethic when the Rocky Mountain News in 2000 asked lawmakers to grade themselves on their effectiveness. Lawrence was ranked 13th out of 65 lawmakers.

She also showed backbone, once publicly scolding a lawmaker - then-Rep. Mark Paschall, who is now the Jefferson County treasurer - in her own party after he killed an immunization-related bill using what many said were unfair tactics.

Paschall's maneuver was 'sick and sleazy,' Lawrence said at the time. During a heated House GOP caucus meeting called in the aftermath of the bill's demise, Lawrence stunned those gathered, saying, 'I can tell you there are a couple of people in here I wouldn't trust with my dog.'

Among several successful legislative efforts, Lawrence led the charge to change the mission of the University of Southern Colorado, making it a regional university with more master's degree programs. The change included renaming the school Colorado State University-Pueblo.

She ran unsuccessfully for a state Senate seat in 2002. Since then, she has served on several committees in Pueblo, including assisting pharmaceutical research at the Colorado Mental Health Institute.

'I think Joyce will be a fair and honest person to do the investigation and I applaud the selection,' said House Speaker Lola Spradley, R-Beulah, a colleague and friend of Lawrence.

INFOBOX

Joyce R. Lawrence

* Age: 63

* Hometown: Pueblo

* Political affiliation: Republican

* Education: Nursing degree, Borgess School of Nursing; bachelor of science degree in nursing, University of Michigan; M.B.A., University of Phoenix

* Legislative history: Four two-year terms in the state House of Representatives, 1994-2001

* Work history: Office manager, The Lawrence Center; director of physician services, St. Mary-Corwin Hospital in Pueblo

* Other: Served on Pueblo City Council, 1992-1994; Healthy Pueblo 2000 steering committee; pharmaceutical research committee for Colorado Mental Health Institute; Rotary member; numerous additional civic and business committees

* Family: Married, two sons

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Visensia Summit for Patient Safety Brings Together Healthcare Leaders. - Blood Weekly

OBS Medical hosted its first-ever Visensia(R) Summit on September 8. It welcomed key leaders in patient safety to its hometown of Indianapolis. Nurses, physicians and administrators that use and/or support Visensia had the opportunity to meet and learn from each other's experiences while actively participating in its exciting growth (see also OBS Medical).

Formerly known as BioSign, Visensia fuses up to five vital signs - heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation and blood pressure - into a numerical index, the Visensia Index. This Index is an indication of a patient's wellness and enables significant improvement in clinical outcome and optimization of hospital resource utilization.

The day began with a welcome by CEO Frank Cheng and was followed by Clarian Health CEO & President Daniel F. Evans, Jr. who spoke about patient safety challenges and opportunities. The keynote speaker was Dr. Michael R. Pinsky, professor and vice chairman of Academic Affairs in the Department of Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). He presented on 'Rapid Response Systems and the Use of Electronic Integrated Monitoring' and shared findings from a large UPMC study and peer-reviewed paper published in Archives of Internal Medicine - 'Defining the Incidence of Cardiorespiratory Instability in Patients in Step-down Units Using an Electronic Integrated Monitoring System'. Involving 1,000 patients (18,248 hours of continuous monitoring in Phase I), the study became the largest ever continuous monitoring study for cardiorespiratory variables in non-ICU patients. This new evidence strongly supports Visensia's ability to detect clinical instability early and thereby avert a clinical crisis.

The nurses' round table was hosted by Lisbeth Vortuba, RN, MSN of St. Mary's Health Care, Marilyn Hravnak, RN, PhD and Leslie Edwards, BSN, CMSRN both from UPMC. The discussion focused on workflow and implementation. Additional user feedback, best practices and anecdotes were also shared. OBS Medical provided insight into future research and development, feature expansions, and implementation opportunities.

Summit attendees were from Clarian Health, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Saint Mary's Health Care, Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland, Parkview Health, Bloomington Hospital, Community Health Network, Allegheny General Hospital, Saint Joseph's, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Borgess Health.

Keywords: OBS Medical, Blood Pressure, Critical Care, Wellness.