Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, VA)

The End?

Joshua Brown

HARRISONBURG - It's 2012. And that means you have roughly 11 1/2 months to prepare for the end of the world - if you believe that the Mayan calendar predicts the Earth's demise, that is.

The culture's "Long Count" calendar is set to end on Dec. 21. And while it may make a good backdrop for special-effects movies, experts say the calendar's end just represents a transition from one era to another, similar to the ending of the Gregorian calendar year every Dec. 31.

Still, a calendar that ends thousands of years after the mysterious demise of an ancient culture is ripe for a host of apocalyptic narratives.

The Mayan Calendar
According to Matt Chamberlin, though, a professor at James Madison University who holds a Ph.D. in anthropology, the Dec. 21 date definitely does not predict the end of the world.
Mayans' understanding of time, he said, was based on "multiple interlinking cycles." The date in question represents the end of a 5,125-year cycle, and the end of the 13th "baktun," or period of 144,000 days.

"The idea of cyclical time for the Classic Maya was rooted in agricultural, mythical, religious, seasonal and astronomical cycles marked by the major solar and lunar periods, as well as synodic periods of planets like Venus," Chamberlin said in an email.
These transitional dates were often manipulated by rulers to "[legitimize] changes in political rule."

"A recent study of Mayan art showed that the artistic and mythic associations of particular calendric dates were highly variable - religious meanings and ideas were routinely altered for political purposes," he said.

"Basically, individual rulers might have themselves juxtaposed in artwork with supernatural personages or deities who were associated with particular calendric dates, as it suited them."

Other Scenarios
The Mayan calendar is hardly the only source of apocalyptic lore, though.
Norse mythology predicted the occurrence of Ragnarok, a time when many of the prominent gods, such as Odin and Thor, would be killed and the planet would be covered by water.
Many mainstream religions also address the destruction of the world. A popular belief among Christians is that Jesus will return to rapture the faithful, reign for 1,000 years and consume the Earth with fire before creating a new planet for people to live on.

But end-of-the-world scenarios don't just come from religious sources or historical cultures - some have their root in science. Experts have warned that the Yellowstone caldera is overdue for a massive eruption, which could leave several feet of ash hundreds of miles away.
Still other theories hold that the Earth might be done in by cosmic collisions or solar storms.
But according to Shanil Virani, director of JMU's John C. Wells Planetarium, while rooted in science, theories pointing to demolition from stellar agents any time soon are "bogus."
One theory alleges that a mysterious planet will collide with Earth on Dec. 21, 2012. But that's not true, Virani said, because scientists have been monitoring space for large asteroids that could wipe out the planet. But they've found none.

"We face much greater threats in our daily lives from auto accidents, disease and other natural disasters than the threat of an asteroid impact," he said in an email.

Another theory alleges that massive solar storms could irradiate life on Earth, killing everything on it. And while 2012 is predicted to have more solar storms than normal, "the problem with this doomsday scenario is that even a massive solar system would have little impact to life on the surface of the planet," Virani said.

While the Earth will eventually be destroyed after the sun turns into a red giant, that will be billions of years in the future, he said. In other words, there's nothing to worry about any time soon.

Where's the evidence?
People have been looking forward to the end of the world for just about as long as mankind has been around. Throughout the years, the harbinger of destruction has taken many different forms, according to Clinical Psychologist Audie Gaddis, of Commonwealth Psychological Services.

"People thought the turn of the century, from 1800 to 1900, would bring about the end of the world," Gaddis said. "They thought World War I was the mark of the end of the world.
They thought the Great Depression was the end of the world. They thought World War II was the end of the world."

So why is the world's demise of so much interest to humans? Gaddis suggested that it's because we naturally become more aware of our own mortality as we age - part of the "neurodevelopmental process."

"So it then becomes a question of how," said Gaddis. "When? Will it be an illness? Will it be an accident? Will it be a global catastrophe?"

As a psychologist, he often gets clients who suffer from anxiety over various world's-end predictions. When faced with such patients, he said, he always asks them for specific, objective evidence that the world will end on any given date or for any particular reason.
Often, the answers aren't very provable.

"People telling us the world is going to end, I've had many clients say that, I simply say that `With respect, I've heard that for ...' and then I mention all the different dates," Gaddis said. "And then I ask them for the specific evidence, and they'll quote Harold Camping or the Mayan calendar."

No reason to worry
When it comes down to it, end-of-the-world theories make for great entertainment, Gaddis said. And while humans are prone to contemplate their own end and how it might come about, there's no reason to obsess over it.

And when he encounters people who worry about the end of the world, he has a simple question for them.
"Why were they unable to predict their own demise?" he asked. "They certainly did a lousy job predicting the end of their world as a cultural group of people."

Contact Joshua Brown at 574-6218 or jbrown@dnronline.com
Copyright (c) 2012, Byrd Newspapers, All Rights Reserved.

Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, VA)

October 13, 2011
Page: C5

Rein In Your Road Rage
Got A Temper Behind The Wheel? Apply The Brakes

SAMANTHA COLE, Daily News-Record

Your mundane morning commute can turn white-knuckled, swerving and expletive-inducing in a matter of seconds. Considered a criminal offense in Virginia, road rage is the violent reaction to aggressive driving.

Mary-Hope Vass, Harrisonburg police department public information officer, says driving aggressively is similar to other kinds of distracted driving.

"Anytime someone is not paying full attention to what they're doing, it can result in an accident."

Sgt. Roger Knott of the xxx xxx Department sees two types of ill-tempered motorists: the competitive and the aggressive. Competitive drivers are typically "people late for someplace to go, whether it be grocery shopping, home or work. They have a competitive nature to get from point A to B as quickly as possible," he says.

He says the second type simply chooses to spurn traffic laws, igniting aggressive behavior in themselves or others. These are "bullies on the road," he says.

The consequences for road rage go beyond a spike in blood pressure. Law enforcement follows a point system for road rage penalties, with categories including driver inattention, reckless driving and competitive racing.

Clinical psychologist Audie Gaddis has worked with clients who exhibit road rage behaviors, and recognizes several factors involved.

For some, it's a matter of anger management: They impulsively become enraged when they feel disrespected on the road. "Many of these drivers believe that their acts are warranted as they perceive other drivers as potential enemies."

A similar problem in perception is found in the "self-appointed vigilantes," according to Gaddis. "[They] believe they are helping other drivers through their so-called noble actions."

But not all road-ragers are trying to turn highways into monster truck rallies. Even the otherwise mild-mannered can succumb to stressful driving situations and react aggressively.

"This is a common experience for numerous drivers and all drivers are at risk for such behaviors," says Gaddis. "These are people who typically would not lose their grip, but due to internalized stressors do not realize their propensity to become aggressive towards another driver."

Behind the wheel, some feel free to express their frustrations without the confrontation of a personal encounter. "You have a barrier, and the anonymity of that barrier gives you more freedom to act aggressively," says Knott.

Gaddis says such drivers take advantage of the chance to feel an adrenaline rush: "They feel their cars give them a degree of power that they don't have in their everyday life."

If you're raging on the road, figure out why, then change your behavior. Gaddis says that his treatments for driving aggression vary depending on the client, but usually involve addressing psychological distress in other areas of their lives.

"If someone else makes a driving error, it's out of your control," Vass says. "You shouldn't dwell on it."

There is generally one foolproof way to react: Stay calm. Confronting another angry driver only escalates tension.

Knott says to never attempt approaching or stopping an aggressive driver. Instead, report their license plate number to authorities if their driving habits are putting yourself and others at risk. On Virginia interstates, dial #77 to report an aggressive driver.

Contact Samantha Cole at 540-574-6274 or scole@dnronline.com.

Get Control

* Be conscious of offensive behaviors like cutting others off, driving well below the speed limit, using high beam headlights unnecessarily or tailgating.

* Don't provoke other drivers, make eye contact or gestures.

* Change your own behaviors: leave for appointments earlier, listen to soothing music, practice deep breathing or imagine the situation from another driver's perspective.

* Avoid distractions and focus only on driving.

Source: Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Copyright (c) 2011, Byrd Newspapers, All Rights Reserved.

News Release

 Richmond, VA – On October 2, 2008, the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) partnered with Dominion to host its Third Annual Disability Employment Champions Awards Luncheon.  The event, which took place at the Sheraton Richmond West in Richmond, Virginia, officially kicked-off a series of events and activities planned statewide to commemorate October Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“With employers facing an aging workforce and an impending labor shortage, businesses cannot afford to overlook disability employment and assistive technology as solutions today’s workforce needs,” said DRS Commissioner Jim Rothrock.  “We hope that as we honor these champion employers and individuals across the Commonwealth, we also increase public awareness of the positive contributions that people with disabilities bring to business and our communities.”

The Disability Employment Champions Award was created to recognize individuals and organizations from public, private, and non-profit sectors who have ‘championed’ the employment of people with disabilities and gone above and beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to support workers with disabilities.  Past recipients include The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Omni Richmond Hotel, Busch Gardens Europe, the Virginia Department of Health, and Governor Tim Kaine, who received the first Champions Award for his support of Virginia’s Medicaid Buy-In Program.

Recipients of the 2008 Disability Employment Champions Award include: Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Northrop Grumman Newport News, Hyatt Hotel (in partnership with Hands On Educational Services), Fluor Corporation, and Kroger of Lexington, for the Regional Business Awards;

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for the State Agency Award;

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys for the Employment Service Organization Partnership Award;

Comcast Cable for the Community Champion Award; and

Dr. Audie Gaddis for the Self-Employment Champion Award.

 “Disability employment has certainly changed the way companies respond to workforce recruitment and workforce retention,” said Bill Hall, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Dominion. “It is evident from our champion awardees that an investment in disability employment is an investment in your company’s future success.”
For more information on the winners of the 2008 Disability Employment Champions Awards luncheon, please contact Aileen Colorado, Public Relations Specialist:

Contact: Aileen Colorado, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: 804-662-7532                                                             
Email: Aileen.Colorado@drs.virginia.gov
Web: http://www.vadrs.org

About DRS:  In partnership with people with disabilities and their families, the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) collaborates with the public and private sectors to provide and advocate for the highest quality services that empower individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society.  For more information about DRS, call 1-800-552-5019 or visit www.vadrs.org.

September 27, 2008

Brain Injury Recovery:
Navigating the MIND Fields Conference a Success!

Thank you to everyone who participated and attended Brain Injury Recovery: Navigating the MIND Fields conference on Saturday, September 27, 2008. The one-day conference was held at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, VA and was designed to bring together survivors of brain injury, their caregivers and professionals who serve them to share and learn about resources available in our community.

More than 75 people participated in the conference, including 13 exhibitors and 11 presenters. Presentation topics included a keynote address from Cara Adkins Biller and Darlene Spitler on Cara’s journey from Coma to College. Other presentations included:

The Universe Between Our Ears and the Neurobehavioral Problem by Dr. Paul Aravich, Eastern Virginia Medical School;
What Can Special Needs Trusts Do for You? By Mr. Matthew Sunderlin, Clark & Bradshaw;
Advocacy and Self-Advocacy by Ms. Anne McDonnell, Brain Injury Association of Virginia;
Brain Injury Clubhouses in Virginia by Ms. Leigh Wion of the Highstreet Clubhouse in Charlottesville and Mrs. Juanita Thornton of the Phoenix Star Clubhouse in Roanoke;
Applying for SSI and SSDI by Mr. Ned Sledge, Social Security Administration, and Mr. Rich McConche, Disability Determination Services;
Neurogenesis and the Potential for Brain Recovery by Dr. Audie Gaddis, Commonwealth Psychological Services; and
Assistive Technology by Mrs. Kelly Lum, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center.

Exhibitors at the conference included:
Brain Injury Association of Virginia
Commonwealth Community Trust
Commonwealth Psychological Services
Friendship Industries
Greater Shenandoah Valley Brain Injury Support Group
Interim Healthcare
Lakeview Virginia Neurocare
M.I.T.S. of Virginia
Phoenix Star Clubhouse
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services – Vocational Rehabilitation
Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors who made the event possible and include:
The Greater Shenandoah Valley Brain Injury Support Group,
Commonwealth Psychological Services, and
AHC Community Health Foundation.
Lunch at the event was provided courtesy of Texas Steakhouse – Harrisonburg (and it was fantastic!).

Additional in-kind donations were provided by:
Lash & Associates Publishing
Ken Schuler
Costco
Howard Spangler
Water Works and
Martin’s Staunton

Welcome
Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery is a community-based case management program for survivors of brain injury. Case management is a comprehensive approach to brain injury recovery that includes all aspects of a survivor’s life – from assistance with applying for services to re-learning daily living skills and returning to school or work. Recovery does not end when an individual is released from the hospital – and our goal is to help survivors get back to their lives once they come home.

What our Clients say about us
“Crossroads has given me peace…allowed me to lean on them.”
“It is wonderful to have your services available.”
“All of you are very caring, open and trusting.”
“Very polite; were able to answer questions as to what I should expect….the organization is very helpful.”
“I run a support group for survivors of brain injury and do recommend Crossroads to the group.”
“I was so happy that someone understood my memory problems…and worked with me for a solution. My case manager was a Godsend – to encourage, problem solve and help me understand.

Brain injured in Va. lack services
Virginians with traumatic brain injuries lack adequate residential facilities, access to therapy, and other services, a report found. Returning war veterans with traumatic brain injuries are likely to further tax the system, too.

April 30, 2008

Road Runners Take On Boston
Men Do Not Let Age, Disease Slow Them Down

By Heather Bowser

(From left) Steve Flora, 50, Audie Gaddis, 50 and Dick Myers, 60, go for a quick jog Monday evening along Pearl Lane. The running buddies ran the Boston Marathon earlier this month.
Photo by Michael Reilly

HARRISONBURG - County residents Audie Gaddis, 50, Steve Flora, 50, and Dick Myers, 60, aren't your typical road runners.

True, they run. And yes, they usually do it on the road. But one thing sets the three amigos apart from other middle-aged jogging buddies - one of them has Parkinson's disease.

In 2005, doctors diagnosed Gaddis with the movement disorder, which is incurable, chronic and progressive. The disease causes stiffness in the limbs and uncontrollable tremors of the hands, legs, face and jaw.

Nevertheless, with the help of his friends, Gaddis began to run, and run far.

Earlier this month, the three friends completed the Boston Marathon, the world's oldest and best-known annual road race. According to the race's official Web site, about 20,000 runners register for the event each year. Most of those run just to finish.

Gaddis and Flora, his "guide," completed the 26-mile race in 4 hours, 27 minutes. Myers, who stopped along the way to chat with friends, finished two minutes behind them.

"My friends have been so instrumental in challenging me to face the obstacles of my disease," Gaddis said. "[They] have taught me the value of the Beatles' song, ‘We all need a little help from our friends.'"

It All Started

The road to Boston started about a year ago, when Gaddis' daughter, a runner at Wilbur S. Pence Middle School, was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which typically causes fatigue, muscle cramps and poor muscle tone.

At the time, her father had quit running because his foot was "shuffling."

"I didn't think I'd be able to run again," he said.

But his daughter was different.

"She didn't give up," Gaddis said. "She was still running. I had to get out there and start running again."

So, Gaddis started running with his church friend, Flora, who, for years has run with a group in Bridgewater. Myers had been a part of the group since he was in his mid-30s.

"I was a two-pack-a-day smoker and when I quit, I gained weight [and] my blood pressure was too high," Myers said. "My doctor suggested exercise but said, ‘Nobody does that and stays with it.' I didn't quit."

The group jogs several mornings a week and on Saturdays around Dayton. Everyone stops for coffee afterward at Mr. J's Bagels. Quickly, the men became better friends.

"When you run with people, you build a relationship only brothers know," Myers said. "We get up 5 a.m., spend sweat and tears. We talk about personal stuff. It's changed my life."

Prepping For Boston

In time, Gaddis' strength began to increase. By midsummer, he considered running a half-marathon in Charlotte, N.C. He and Flora began training.

The two had no intention of running the race in Boston because it requires a qualifying time in a certified race. Plus, Gaddis had never run that far.

"I knew from my age there was no way I could meet the qualifications because I was too slow," Gaddis said.

But then, two weeks before the half-marathon, they looked closer at the rules. There were easier qualification times for runners who were "mobility impaired."

With that, Gaddis decided to go for it. Until that point, the farthest he had run was 12 miles.

"I gave him a 50-50 chance of finishing," Flora said. "Most people train for four months, not two weeks."

Nevertheless, in December, Gaddis completed "Thunder Road" in Charlotte in 4 hours 57 minutes, a time well within the 6-hour limit for Boston. The other two men qualified at other races.

They were all going to Boston.

"There's no reason he should have been able to complete that race," Flora said. "It was amazing."

Boston

The Boston Marathon, held every year on the third Monday of April, is known throughout the world for its rigorous course, the men said. The trek begins at a downhill slope, which makes runners go faster, tiring them out quickly.

"Running downhill beats up on your legs," Gaddis added.

Worse, about 20 miles into the 26-mile run are a series of three huge hills, the last one, called "Heartbreak Hill," tests the strength of all who attempt the race.

A seasoned runner, Flora had run the race before and opted to run with his friends as a guide.

"Steve kept encouraging me to hang in there when my body wanted to freeze up," Gaddis said. "I listened and just kept telling myself, ‘I'm not going to stop. I'm doing this in honor of my daughter who refused to give up.'"

As they ran, the crowd read his "Power over Parkinson's" shirt, and cheered him on.

"Although I would never choose [Parkinson's], I never regret the growth it has brought into my life," Gaddis said. "It has given me friends who accept me for who I am, with all my flaws yet believed in me at times when I didn't believe in myself."

Contact Heather Bowser at 574-6218 or hbowser@dnronline.com

November 9, 2007

Gaddis Forms Employmnet Firm

Audie Gaddis has launched a new company intended to provide employment solutions to businesses and job seekers.

CPSConnections provides pre-employment testing, leadership development and consulting for employers as well as vocational testing and coaching for job seekers.

The new firm is a subsidiary of Commonwealth Psychological Services PLC, which Gaddis founded.

“CPSConnections is not a job-placement agency,” Gaddis said. “It provides solutions to both parties.”

Gaddis will assist businesses seeking to hire well-qualified employees as well as the person who wants to find the position that matches his or her abilities.

A licensed clinical psychologist, Gaddis will use a variety of testing tools along with individualized consulting and coaching, he said.

CPSConnections will operate out of Commonwealth Psychological Services’ offices at 2322 Blue Stone Hills Drive in Harrisonburg.

The firm has secured several corporate contracts for pre-employment testing, Gaddis said, and several out-of-state companies also have expressed interest.