There's never enough time or money, so why not save both while generating cash-back proceeds for AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region and yourself? AIDS Services has joined forces with Market America, a product brokerage firm specializing in one-to-one marketing, creating ease of shopping online through specific nonprofit agency web addresses where retailers donate a percent of proceeds back to the agency. In no way does this increase the cost of products to buyers. In fact, special purchase discount coupons and free shipping are available only to agency supporters upon entering the agency gateway.

Buyers who visit www.marketamerica.com will access all major department stores and brands without spending time in the car or putting gas in the tank. Online shopping has become the preferred way to make purchases for millions worldwide. Market America has taken the idea of shopping one step further, creating a chance to do good for nonprofits without any extra effort.

Not only will retail outlets automatically donate back a percentage of proceeds to the agency, but buyers can also sign up for cashback promotions of up to 35%!   All major brands are represented including Target, Walmart, Land's End, Old Navy, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Disney, Delta Airlines, HP, Timberland, GAP, Liz Claiborne, Victoria's Secret, Dick's Sporting Goods, Sears, Holiday Inn, Borders, Apple, Bloomingdale's, ESPN, Aeropostale... over 3500 stores and 50 million products in one place comprise an incomparable virtual mall.

With school shopping right around the corner, why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, while automatically donating badly needed income to AIDS Services. Visit www.marketamerica.com/shopforasmr and take a look around 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Once online through the ASMR gateway, click on Partner
Stores to see the full list.

With dwindling state and federal dollars, nonprofits need to become more creative than ever at raising funds. Online shopping through www.marketamerica.com/shopforasmr benefits everyone.

ASMR is supported in part by the Monadnock United Way, City of Keene, Broadway Cares and the generosity of individuals throughout the Monadnock Region. For more information, please call AIDS Services at 603.357.6855 or email susan.macneil@asmronline.org.

Find out THIS FRIDAY, June 18 at the EF Lane Hotel, Downtown Keene when audience voters will determine who is awarded the $250 grand prize and title of KEENE KOMIC!.

KEENE KOMIC! showcases area comedians ages 18+. All contestants will compete with a routine no longer than 15 minutes. Audience members decide who will win the $250 cash prize! Contestants include Sweet Baby Ray, the versatile Wade "the Great" Garrett, Auntie Septic and other local favorites.

Still accepting comics who would like to participate. There is no fee for comics to participate. Comics register at the door or pre-register by calling 603-357-6855. Audience member tickets are $10 each and tables can be reserved in advance. Doors open 7p, show at 7:30p. MC/VISA accepted. Call 603-357-6855 for tickets. Cash bar, dinner served.

Proceeds benefit the work of AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region, funded in part by the City of Keene and the Monadnock United Way. www.asmronline.org

You can order a DVD from Cheshire TV for only $10!

Contact Lee Perkins to place your order at: lperkins@cheshiretv.org

Friday, May 21 "A ROSE IS A ROSE" with the Rainbow Ladies! Hosted by Miss Mama Mayhem. Best Western Sovereign Hotel, Winchester St, Keene. Door 8p, show 9. Cash bar, snack menu available. Preferred reserved seating $20, general admission $15 if available. Reserve table of 6 in advance for $100.

Saturday, May 22 "SONGS FOR THE GARDEN" at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Washington Street, Keene. Proceeds will be dedicated toward the Starr Cobblestone Memorial Garden, located at the UU Church, to begin Phase II work. Featured performers include Bernadette Weimer and Marco Rosato, performing a rainbow of music featuring original, folk, Broadway standards. Door 7;30p, show 8;00p, $10 admission.  View Press Release.

To mark the National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, which is May 18, lead researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) recapped the latest advances and challenges in vaccine research, reiterated their commitment to the cause and thanked those who work and volunteer in the effort.

A clinical trial last year in Thailand showed that a vaccine protected 31 percent of volunteers against HIV infection. “Though this level is modest, it gives us hope that a safe and effective vaccine is possible,” wrote NIAID directors Anthony S. Fauci, MD, Margaret I. Johnston, PhD, and Gary J. Nabel, MD, PhD, in a statement. NIAID is a part of the National Institutes of Health.

Another advancement came last year with the discovery of new antibodies that can neutralize some HIV strains.

Seth Berkley, the CEO and founder of IAVI, noted that considerable work lies ahead and that “making a vaccine against HIV remains one of the toughest problems of modern science.”

The NIAID scientists summed up: “We must remember that a vaccine alone will not end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. If an HIV vaccine is developed, it will need to be used in concert with multiple other scientifically proven HIV prevention tools. NIAID continues to support research into an array of investigational HIV prevention methods, including pre-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs, microbicides, and expanded HIV testing and treatment with linkage to care.”

Friday, May 21 "A ROSE IS A ROSE" with the Rainbow Ladies! Hosted by Miss Mama Mayhem. Best Western Sovereign Hotel, Winchester St, Keene. Door 8p, show 9. Cash bar, snack menu available. Preferred reserved seating $20, general admission $15 if available. Reserve table of 6 in advance for $100.

Saturday, May 22 "SONGS FOR THE GARDEN" at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Washington Street, Keene. Proceeds will be dedicated toward the Starr Cobblestone Memorial Garden, located at the UU Church, to begin Phase II work. Featured performers include Bernadette Weimer and Marco Rosato, performing a rainbow of music featuring original, folk, Broadway standards. Door 7;30p, show 8;00p, $10 admission.

Tuesday, June 1 and 15 AUDITIONS for Keene Karaoke IDOL in the lounge at Best Western Colorado Pub, Winchester St, Keene. DJ Jay Hosmer of Karaoke Idol USA will spin tunes for Idol auditions and event. Judges Ted McGreer, Steve Pro and Shana Stack return. $40 contestant fee for chance to win $1000 grand prize. On-site registration 6p, Auditions 7p. Advance registration preferred.

Friday, June 18 KEENE KOMIC! returns to the EF Lane Hotel, Keene pitting the spring 2010 Grand Prize winner against the usual suspects... "Sweet Baby Ray," Wade "the Great" Garrett, Josh May, Dan the Man and Colby James. Enter to compete by calling 603.357.6855. Winner receives $250 cash prize. Audience determines winner. Door 7p, show 7:30, admission $10.

Without a hard-working set-up and clean-up crew, nothing else can be accomplished. Very special thanks to Belinda, Katrina, Ben, Lanisha, Susan, Jared, Ray, Frank and John.

AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region and The Cleve Jones Wellness House are here to serve the region's HIV+ residents and their families, as well as meet the needs of the community with education and prevention outreach. Our work is funded, in part, by the Monadnock United Way, City of Keene, Broadway Cares and the tax-deductible contributions of many persons throughout the year.

HI-TINI, Thursday, April 22

Check out Hi-Tini, where high rollers come to play at Margarita's Mexican Restaurant and Watering Hole, Main Street, Keene from 6-8pm. The second floor of the restaurant will be dedicated to the event, featuring appetizers provided by Margarita's and raffle prizes. A $10 donation provides patrons entry and a raffle ticket for the evening's drawings.

DERBY DAMEZ AND DRAG QUEENS, Saturday, April 24

ASMR presentS Keene's own roller derby league, the Elm City Derby Damez in "Booty Blocks & Toe Stops" featuring special guests Miss Kitty Litter and Miss Krystal Kenzington of Providence.

Keene announcer Jared Goodell will emcee at Cheshire Arena, Rte 12, Swanzey. Introduction "Talk Derby To Me," warm-up exercises that test the skill and patience of participants and exhibition. Lucky raffle winners will be invited to skate laps with the damez and guests. Lights, music. Door 6p, Show 7p, admission $10. Open Skate 9-11, admission $5. Skates available for $5 rental. Food/drink concessions; sweets by Unbridled Chocolates. www.elmcityderbydamez.com, DerbyDamez on facebook for bios and merchandise.

CALL 357-6855 NOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS WITH VISA/MC! 

Check out www.asmronline.org/calendarofevents.htm for full calendar and additional detail.

CALL 357-6855 NOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS WITH VISA/MC!

"I'm honored to be helping AIDS Services in any way I can.  It's really important to me that the arts are used in all different ways. The fact that we can put on a great night of music in order to raise money for such a necessary cause is a beautiful thing and I am truly humbled by the opportunity."

Keene will be one stop in Hayes' East Coast tour including Boston and New York.  A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Hayes lends a technical mastery to relatable lyrics and an earthy, effusive voice to produce songs that engage and connect with her audience.

From an early age, Hayes knew that she wanted to use her musical talent to reach out to others. "There have been so many times in my life where music has been the only thing that I could relate to," Elise said. "When I was young and I realized that I might have some kind of musical talent, all I ever wanted to do was help people the way other musicians had helped me with their words and melodies." She is thrilled to use her music as a way to help people in her hometown community of Keene.

After completing her EP, Hayes focused on performing original music for fans and new audience members. For her, the experience is all about what she gives her listeners. She plans to go back to the studio to record more songs in the near future. "I'm really learning how to stay in tune with myself and with the music," said Elise, "because that's the most important part."

Hayes lists her musical influences as James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLachlan, Dave Matthews and Motown/R&B. Read more about Hayes at www.bostonmusicspotlight.com.

As our elected officials struggle with how to manage shortfalls in the state's operating funds, nonprofits everywhere wait and worry about how we will possibly carry on if the $47 million recommended by the House or the $90 million recommended by Governor Lynch is cut from the 2010-11 budget.

I appreciate the difficulty that the House faced when recommending their solution and know they did so with a heavy heart. But I must applaud Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manchester) and Senate members for having the guts to consider what is surely an unsavory stopgap measure to many; that of expanded gambling. Given the reality, it is surely the lesser of two evils. The shortsightedness of cutting millions to the social service agencies that need it most is mind-boggling hypocrisy.

For a state that has historically peddled cigarettes and alcohol as a major revenue resource, it is completely disingenuous to vilify legislators who would rather allow expanded gambling than rip open the statewide social service safety net by agreeing to devastating cuts. As some profess that the quality of life will be destroyed if we allow gambling, they are apparently oblivious to the quality of life disaster that will occur if nonprofit organizations operating on a shoestring close their doors or reduce services to the vulnerable populations they serve. Municipalities would be held hostage to providing assistance suddenly no longer available through nonprofit agencies, hospitals and emergency rooms would be overburdened with the needs of our clients, welfare offices would face requests they are unable to fill. Just by virtue of their existence, many nonprofits are able to access funding for their clients that reduces the local fiscal burden to towns and cities. These agencies provide a stabilizing influence, keeping families together, housed, fed, medically adherent, in treatment and offering hope for a better future.

One such recommended cut is the $400,000 provided to the five AIDS service organizations throughout the state. Last year the total funding was $500,000 and our agency received $41,000. But this year's reduction of $100,000 meant we received only $29,000, representing 18% of our total budget. These funds provide for case management support, housing, transportation and nutritional needs. They are critical to stabilizing not only our clients, but also our agency.

As reported in the March 25 Keene Sentinel article, Senate okays expanded gambling, Senators Peggy Gilmour (D-Hollis) and Molly Kelly (D-Keene) clearly have the right understanding of the personal and political. The State of New Hampshire didn't arrive at this fiscal crossroads overnight, a dire situation made worse by nationwide economic factors beyond our control. Until NH decides to get serious about raising revenue in a manner that doesn't depend upon smoking, drinking and now, perhaps, gambling, our legislators will always be faced with having to choose between two evils - the potential for personal abuse or the potential for destruction of the social service safety net. The greater good calls for keeping the safety net in place.

Our work is funded, in part, by the Monadnock United Way, City of Keene, Broadway Cares and the tax-deductible contributions of many persons throughout the year. Contact us at susan.macneil@asmronline.org or 357-6855. Visit our website at www.asmronline.org.

Susan MacNeil, Executive Director
AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region
The Cleve Jones Wellness House
POB 396, Gilsum, NH 03448

TELEGRAPH:

As our elected officials struggle with how to manage shortfalls in the state's operating funds, nonprofits everywhere wait and worry about how we will possibly carry on if the $47 million recommended by the House or the $90 million recommended by Governor Lynch is cut from the 2010-11 budget.

I appreciate the difficulty that the House faced when recommending their solution and know they did so with a heavy heart. But I must applaud Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manchester) and Senate members for having the guts to consider what is surely an unsavory stopgap measure to many; that of expanded gambling.

For a state that has historically peddled cigarettes and alcohol as a major revenue resource, it is completely disingenuous to vilify legislators who would rather allow expanded gambling than rip open the statewide social service safety net by agreeing to devastating cuts. As some profess that the quality of life will be destroyed if we allow gambling, they are apparently oblivious to the quality of life disaster that will occur if nonprofit organizations operating on a shoestring close their doors or reduce services to the vulnerable populations they serve.

The State of New Hampshire didn't arrive at this fiscal crossroads overnight, a dire situation made worse by nationwide economic factors beyond our control. NH must get serious about raising revenue in a manner that doesn't depend upon smoking, drinking and now, perhaps, gambling. The greater good calls for keeping the safety net in place.

"Hope in the Age of Anxiety" by KSC's Anthony Scioli and Henry Biller has been published and is available from Borders and Amazon (among other book sellers).  A portion of the book deals with research that was conducted with the help of the ASMR.

Dr. Anthony Scioli is Professor of Clinical Psychology at Keene State College.

Hope on the Web:  www.gainhope.com

"Hope in the Age of Anxiety" available from Amazon

From Dr. Scioli's blog on Psychology Today...

December 1, 2009, Health
Hope is Associated with a Stronger Immune System in HIV+ Individuals

Having studied hope for many years, in 2006 I contacted Susan McNeil, director of AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region (ASMR) in New Hampshire to see if she and her agency were interesting in a collaborative study. I had spent almost ten years developing a new theory of hope as well as a new questionnaire to measure this complex but vital emotion. I proposed that we investigate whether hope, as assessed with this new tool, might be associated with self-report measures of health, and even more importantly, to immune functioning.

Fortunately, Susan was more than willing to help. In fact, she was thrilled at the prospect of tracking the hope levels of her clients, and exploring the potential impact on their emotional and physical wellbeing.

In February of 2006 we gave 16 clients at ASMR a packet of questionnaires, including the hope measure, several health questions as well as several other questionnaires. Because some wonder (erroneously) if hope is equivalent to denial, I asked a case manager, blind to the other data (hope, health, etc.) to rate each client on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the least in denial about their illness and 5 being the most in denial. I also asked the case manager to rate each client on a similar 1-5 commitment scale, where 1 meant the client was not committed to managing their illness and 5 meant the client was totally committed. We also tracked the number of doses of HIV medication clients were taking and conversely, how many doses there were missing.

At the start of the study, and then again at 8 months and 24 months we also recorded CD4 blood levels. CD4 is an immune system cell. Sometimes called a "master cell", it helps to regulate other cells in the immune systems, and is thus considered one of the most important biological markers to monitor in someone affected with HIV.

Our Findings:

We found that higher hope scores were associated with a stronger commitment to manage one's illness and lower perceived denial (again, as rated by the case manager).

Those with higher hope scores reported greater overall health, greater satisfaction with their physical abilities, and a higher energy level. These are important findings but one can always questions the validity of self-reports. Fortunately, we also had the biological data, the CD4 values.

We found that higher hope scores were correlated with higher CD4 values at the start of the study. This is nice but still not a good enough finding because one could question if a higher CD4 value is impacting hope or vice versa. So then we looked at hope scores taken at the start of the study in relation to CD4 levels obtained 8 months later and 24 months later. Again we found a positive and statistically significant relationship.

Still not satisfied, we did a final series of analysis to assess the robustness of our findings. At the start of the study we had given a measure of neuroticism. We also recorded how long they had the disease, and monitored how many doses they were taking or missing.

We re-ran our statistics, looking at the correlation between hope and CD4 values, after mathematically extracting any potential confounding role that might be played by a neurotic personality disposition, level of drug compliance, or years with HIV. And the results were virtually the same, higher hope scores were still associated with higher levels of CD4.

To put these findings in context, consider that the low hope clients, on average, never achieved a CD4 level of 600 (the lower end of normal) while the high hope clients never went below 600. When we take into account the size of the statistical relationship, it suggested that nearly 40 percent of the variability in immune functioning was associated with hope scores.

A final caveat: The kind of hope of which I write, research, and promote, is not a passive, magical panacea. My "hope" is not to be confused with wishful thinking or denial. My hope is an active, empowered, open, connected, liberated emotion. This kind of hope is more complex, and requires a greater investment to cultivate, but the rewards will be real, tangible, and possibly even life-altering. (It is noteworthy that the higher hope individuals in our study also missed fewer doses. Another indication of the active, engaged hope of which I write.)

Note: I reported these findings in my recent book, Hope in the Age of Anxiety (see below). However, given that today is World AIDS Day is seemed relevant and appropriate to include it for this blog.

Dr. Anthony Scioli is a leading authority on the topic of hope. He is the author of Hope in the Age of Anxiety (September 2009, Oxford University Press), and has another forthcoming book, The Power of Hope, that will be published by Health Communications Inc. (February, 2010). He is professor of clinical psychology at Keene State College as well as a member of the graduate faculty at the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Scioli has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Positive Psychology and currently serves on the editorial board of the new APA journal, Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.

GLAD announced a settlement between its client, AIDS Services of Monadnock Region (ASMR) and the town of Gilsum, New Hampshire. The settlement will enable ASMR to operate a group home for people with HIV without many of the onerous restrictions previously imposed by the town, including restrictions on people with criminal convictions or histories of substance abuse.

The settlement came as the result of a lawsuit filed by GLAD in Keene Superior Court in September 2008, which asserted that Gilsum illegally restricted the client population who could live in the house.
"People with HIV can be harmed by unfounded fears of those with a history of substance abuse or a criminal record. This case was about challenging those fears," said Bennett Klein, GLAD's AIDS Law Project Director. "We're pleased that the Cleve Jones Wellness House can now fulfill its important mission of providing a stable home and supportive services to people living with HIV and Hepatitis C."

One of the restrictions successfully challenged allowed only residents who were sober for a year before entering the house. The settlement will allow people in the home who have three months of self-reported sobriety, have successfully completed a licensed drug or alcohol treatment program, or have been on probation or parole and drug- and alcohol-free for at least 30 days.

In addition, the settlement eliminates a prohibition on residents who have been out of prison for less than one year, permitting people on probation and parole to live in the house immediately upon release from prison. The settlement must be approved by Gilsum's planning and zoning boards.

Susan MacNeil, board member and interim executive director of ASMR said, "We're delighted this matter has been settled and we can focus on the business of providing our residents the support and monitoring they need to make healthy choices, move forward in their lives, and contribute to society."

Stephen Bragdon of Bragdon & Berkson, PC of Keene co-counseled the case with GLAD. Elliot Berry of New Hampshire Legal Assistance was counsel for ASMR in a companion case.

AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region, founded in 1989, is a non-profit organization committed to serving people with HIV/AIDS in Cheshire County, southern Sullivan County, and western Hillsborough County. ASMR offers case management, free, anonymous HIV testing in a confidential setting, educational programs, HIV+ speakers, and 200+ volumes in its lending library.

ASMR Online Lawsuit Resources for more information.