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Focus Area:HTC
- Provider-initiated Testing and Counseling
- Home-based HIV Testing and Counseling
- Reaching Most-at-risk Populations with HTC
- HIV Rapid Testing
- South-to-South Technical Assistance
- CDC Handbook for Planning, Implementing, & Monitoring HBHTC
- HTC Update
- HIV Testing & Counseling Update: Latest Must-Read Literature
- Subscribe to the HTC Update
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- Reports
- Technical Consultation Materials
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Home-based HIV Testing and Counseling
Bringing HIV Testing into a Client's Home
Home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) is a new, innovative HIV testing model that expands HTC into communities and households by offering HTC services in a client's home. Here, AIDSTAR-One provides HBHTC resources including a selection of literature, HBHTC tools, case studies, and reports for program implementers.
A New HIV Testing and Counseling Strategy
Countries with high HIV prevalence, whether generalized or mixed epidemics, are tasked with increasing coverage and uptake of HIV testing and counseling (HTC), which has the potential to increase enrollment into care and treatment for those who test positive for HIV. Additionally, HTC provides the opportunity for HIV prevention counseling, which can help promote behavior change and provide access to prevention services (e.g., couples testing and prevention of mother-to-child transmission). Despite global advances in expansion of HTC, testing rates remain low. Various HTC models have been utilized for expanding access to testing and access to related services. Home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC), a relatively new model, is a strategy by which HTC services are provided to clients in their homes; this strategy removes barriers (e.g., logistical and stigma) that may be associated with facility-based HTC. HBHTC has been found to be highly acceptable and reach individuals who do not access health facilities.
Home-Based HIV Testing and Counseling Overview
HBHTC has been demonstrated to be an effective component of a national HIV strategy. However, consideration of where and how to implement HBHTC, as well as the target audience, should occur prior to implementation. In many countries, HBHTC programs in both rural and urban contexts have utilized three basic approaches:
- Door-to-door: Counselors visit households in a select geographical area offering HTC to household members
- Index client: Counselors visit households with a known HIV-positive member, targeting other household members
- Integrated: Counselors or community health workers (CHWs) provide HTC, in addition to other health-related services (e.g., tuberculosis screening and family planning).
Potential strengths of the HBHTC model include the following:
- Ensures clients receive HIV test results
- May reach more "first time" testers compared to those using facility-based models
- Can utilize lay counselors or CHWs, reducing the burden on human resources
- Offers HTC to entire families and/or households, and may reach couples and partners
- Limits client transport costs to facilities and lessens stigma associated with visiting HTC facilities
- Reaches populations who may not access HTC in health facilities (e.g., children, rural populations, poorer households).
Areas for HBHTC programmatic inquiry include:
- Identifying populations that would benefit most from HBHTC
- Identifying factors affecting consent (e.g., child testing, in home-based settings)
- Identifying programmatic needs for HBHTC (e.g., counselor training, supply chains, and quality assurance systems)
- Assessing costs of implementation, especially of materials, time, transportation for counselors, and human resources
- Determining HBHTC program goals, effectiveness, and feasibility, and monitoring quality of services.
The potential added value of including an HBHTC strategy appears strong for generalized and perhaps mixed epidemics. If an index approach is used, there is also possible added value for concentrated epidemics. AIDSTAR-One presents a selection of published HBHTC articles, in addition to International AIDS Society (IAS) and Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) abstracts related to HBHTC. This selection demonstrates acceptability and effectiveness of HBHTC, compares HBHTC with facility-based testing models, and reviews cost-effectiveness studies. The HBHTC literature selection may be used to inform program planners and policymakers in decision making on implementation of HBHTC programs.
Literature review tab
Expanding Access to Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing in Sub-Saharan Africa: Alternative Approaches For Improving Uptake, 2001-2007
Matovu, J. K., & Makumbi, F. E. Tropical Medicine & International Health (2007), Vol. 12 No. 11, pp. 1315-1322.
This literature review assesses the range of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) models, including home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC), in Africa from 2001 to 2007. Advantages of HBHTC include limiting transport costs, increasing uptake for women, and reducing stigma associated with utilization of VCT clinics. Challenges to HBHTC include possible stigma regarding disclosure of status within the household and high costs in terms of time, human resources, and program infrastructure. The applicability of HBHTC in urban areas requires further research.
Home-Based HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for Improving Uptake of HIV Testing
Bateganya, M. H., Abdulwadud, O. A., & Keine, S. M. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2010), No. 7, CD006493. (Updated from 2007 version.)
This systematic Cochrane review discusses home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) delivery models, including appraising studies on the implementation of HBHTC and determining if HBHTC improved uptake of HIV testing compared to facility-based models. One study met the inclusion criteria (Fylkesnes, K., & Siziya, S. A Randomized Trial on Acceptability of Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing, Tropical Medicine & International Health [2004], Vol. 9 No. 5, pp. 566-572). This population-based HIV survey examined HIV testing readiness and whether an option location improves acceptability of voluntary counseling and testing in Zambia. Specifically, 849 of 2,445 (approximately 35 percent) persons randomized to be tested at a clinic or "option" location expressed interest in testing. A counselor visited the option location participants, where the clients chose the HIV testing and counseling (HTC) setting (home, clinic, or other location). Results demonstrated higher acceptability with optional testing locations compared to facility-based testing. The majority (84 percent) chose home-based counseling, and HTC was conducted the following day. Participants were nearly five times more likely to accept results in the option location—primarily home-based testing. Participation in both pre- and post-test counseling was greater for HBHTC recipients relative to those tested in a facility. Concerns about privacy, poor perceptions of health services, and access to health facilities may be barriers to facility-based testing and make HBHTC a desirable option. Due to limited evidence, HBHTC cannot be considered a better model of HTC and requires additional research prior to scale-up.
Evaluation of a Home-Based Voluntary Counselling and Testing Intervention in Rural Uganda
Wolff, B., Nyanzi, B., Katongole, G., et al. Health Policy Plan (2005), Vol. 20 No.2, pp. 109-116.
This mixed methods study analyzed the results of a pilot intervention offering HIV test results from an annual serosurvey (one year prior) at homes in rural Uganda. Looking at participants who agreed to the serosurvey, providing HIV test results at home increased uptake of results from 10 percent in the year before the intervention to 37 percent during the intervention. Findings from focus groups and in-depth interviews with participants of the pilot intervention indicated that home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) may reduce barriers to testing uptake (e.g., a variety of personal fears, including stigmatization, emotional vulnerability, and the inconvenience of receiving results at facilities). Findings suggest HBHTC may be more appropriate for some populations than others; yet some populations, such as youth who discussed fears of parents' reactions to a counselor in the home, may prefer facility-based or other testing options.
Undiagnosed HIV Infection and Couple HIV Discordance among Household Members of HIV-Infected People Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda
Were, W. A., Mermin, J. H., Wamai, N., et al. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (2006), Vol. 43 No.1, pp. 91-95.
This intervention aimed to identify household members living with HIV and serodiscordant couples in households of individuals initiating a home-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) program in rural Uganda. Nearly 2,400 household members of 730 index clients were targeted. Almost all household members accepted home-based HIV testing and counseling, a majority of whom had never been tested. HIV prevalence among household members was three times higher than a recent national prevalence survey for households with a patient living with HIV. Of the 120 spouses tested, 43 percent of individuals were found not to be living with HIV. The majority had not been previously tested and did not perceive themselves to be at risk. Home-based testing for homes with people living with HIV initiating ART was acceptable and may detect previously undiagnosed HIV infections and serodiscordant couples.
Increasing Uptake of HIV Testing and Counseling among the Poorest in Sub-Saharan Countries through Home-Based Service Provision
Helleringer, S., Kohler, H. P., Frimpong, J. A., et al. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (2009), Vol. 51 No. 2, pp. 185-193.
Residents in six villages in Malawi were offered home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC), and findings indicated that the poorest households were significantly more likely to test at home and significantly less likely to have utilized facility-based HIV testing and counseling compared to the rest of the study population. Additionally, HBHTC was highest among groups such as women (particularly in the poorest households), individuals reporting sexually transmitted infection symptoms over the past year, and younger respondents. The authors suggest that HBHTC increases uptake for general populations and may also enhance access for poor and vulnerable households and individuals.
The Costs and Effectiveness of Four HIV Counseling and Testing Strategies in Uganda
Menzies, N., Abang, B., Wanyenze, R., et al. AIDS (2009), Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 395-401.
This cost-effectiveness analysis compared stand-alone HIV testing and counseling (HTC), hospital HTC, household member HBHTC; where a person living with HIV is identified; also referred to as index client), and door-to-door HBHTC. The analysis was applied to a retrospective cohort of approximately 84,000 individuals who received HTC at one of the four programs. HBHTC strategies, including door-to-door and index client, demonstrated a lower per client cost and reached the largest proportion of previously untested individuals and people living with HIV with higher CD4 cell counts. Discordant couples were only a small percentage of all participants; however, offering testing to households where a person living with HIV resided identified the highest percentage of discordant couples. The authors suggest that employing multiple HTC strategies with different costs and efficiencies can be used to expand access.
The results of the cost-effectiveness comparisons are reproduced in the following table. Costs are reported as 2007 U.S. dollars. HIV prevalence in the client groups were higher for stand-alone HTC and hospital-based HTC: approximately 19 percent (n = 9579) and 27 percent (n = 22482), respectively. However, HIV prevalence was lower in household-member HBHTC (6 percent) and door-to-door HBHTC (5 percent).
Stand-alone HTC Hospital-based HTC Household-member HBHTC/index client Door-to-door HBHTC Cost per HTC client 19.26 11.68 13.85 8.29 Cost per new HTC client 29.70 14.73 14.54 9.21 Cost per individual living with HIV identified 100.59 43.10 231.65 163.93
Feasibility, Acceptability and Cost of Home-Based HIV Testing in Rural Kenya
Negin, J., Wariero, J., Mutuo, P., et al. Tropical Medicine & International Health (2009), Vol. 14 No. 8, pp. 849-855.
A home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) program in a rural, high HIV-prevalence village in Kenya was assessed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and cost of HBHTC, and to examine its applicability to high-prevalence areas. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Of 3,180 individuals, aged 15 to 49, almost 64 percent (2,033 adults) consented to an HIV counseling visit; the majority of this group (approximately 98 percent [1,984 adults]) consented to HIV testing. After parental or guardian consent, an additional 399 people, aged 15 or younger, were tested, in addition to 606 persons aged 50 or older who were tested. Interviews with counselors and supervisors during recruitment suggest the following reasons for test refusal: religious beliefs, fears about stigma, and already knowing HIV status/previous testing. A total of 2,989 people were tested, with overall HIV prevalence at 7 percent. The cost of testing was approximately U.S.$6 per person and the cost per case detected was U.S.$84. Counselors reported they felt welcomed in homes and that community members were accepting of the program. The study suggests that HBHTC is feasible, yields high testing uptake, and is an economical strategy for which scale-up should be considered in similar settings.
Social Inequality and HIV Testing: Comparing Home- and Clinic-based Testing in Rural Malawi
Weinreb, A., & Stechlov, G. Demographic Research (2009), Vol. 21 No. 21, pp. 627-649.
Data was analyzed from a Demographic and Health Survey in Malawi demonstrating differences in home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) versus clinic-based testing; the analysis highlighted differences in socioeconomic characteristics among those who tested for HIV and those who did not. With the sample used for this analysis, 912 (83 percent) women had a home test. Eighty-one percent of these women were first-time testers, compared to only 203 (18 percent) who reported ever having had a clinic-based HIV test. HBHTC was effective in increasing HIV testing rates. Also, HBHTC was shown to reduce the inequalities found among facility-based testers: among women who consented to HBHTC, there were no observed differences in education level, economic status, or marital status. The authors recommend HBHTC for countries experiencing high HIV prevalence.
Comparison of Home- and Clinic-based HIV Testing among Household Members of Persons Taking Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda: Results from a Randomized Trial
Lugada, E., Levin, J., Abang, B., et al. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (2010), Vol. 55 No. 2, pp. 245-252.
A study in Uganda compared HIV testing uptake of household members of individuals living with HIV who were randomized to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) at home or in a clinic. Results demonstrated higher testing uptake among household members in the home group, and a greater number received test results compared to the clinic group. HIV prevalence was higher in household members of the clinic-based ART group. Children living with HIV were more likely to be identified in the home-based ART group.
Home-based Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing Found Highly Acceptable and to Reduce Inequalities
Mutale, W., Michelo, C., Jürgensen, M., et al. BMC Public Health (2010), Vol. 10, p. 347.
This study examined acceptability of home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) in rural and urban areas, intention of clients to be tested, and the extent to which HBHTC services affected inequalities in HIV testing in adult Zambian participants of a population-based survey. High uptake of HIV testing through HBHTC was observed, particularly in rural areas and with youth and less educated groups. An increase in clients who had not tested previously for HIV was demonstrated from 18 percent before HBHTC provision to 38 percent after. More men than women expressed intention to get an HIV test. Results seemed to reduce existing inequalities in access to HIV testing.
Acceptance of HIV Testing for Children Ages 18 Months to 13 Years Identified through Voluntary, Home-based HIV Counseling and Testing in Western Kenya
Vreeman, R. C., Nyandiko, W. M., Braitstein, P., et al. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (2010), Vol. 55 No. 2, pp. e3-10.
This study analyzes uptake of pediatric HIV testing, characteristics of testers, and HIV prevalence among at-risk children aged 18 months to 13 years in a home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) program in Kenya. Of approximately 2,300 children offered testing, consenting adults accepted HIV testing for 57 percent of the children. Consenting household members were adults (defined as aged 13 years or older). Children younger than 13 were considered eligible for testing if they met one of the following: mother known to be deceased; mother's living status uncertain; mother known to be HIV-positive; or mother's HIV status uncertain. Parents/guardians could choose to have a child tested even if the child did not meet the eligibility criteria. Factors that affected acceptance of HIV testing included the relationship of the child to the head of household, if the child's mother was living with HIV, and if parents were not home. However, caregivers refused HIV testing for nearly half of these children at high risk of HIV, suggesting pediatric home-based testing may need enhancement. HBHTC offers an opportunity to test high-risk children early in disease progression; however, further understanding of refusal and barriers to consenting for testing of children is needed.
Community-based Interventions to Increase HIV testing and Case Detection in People Aged 16-32 years in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Thailand (NIMH Project Accept, HPTN 043): A Randomised Study
Sweat, M., Morin, S., Celentano, D., et al. The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2011), Vol. 11, pp. 525-532.
This article reviews interim results for Project Accept, a randomized controlled HIV prevention trial taking place in Africa and Thailand comparing community-based HIV testing and counseling (HTC) plus clinic-based voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) to clinic-based VCT alone. The number of first-time testers during the study was higher in community-based VCT than in standard VCT in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Thailand. HIV prevalence was higher in standard VCT across all sites. However, community-based VCT detected approximately four times the number of HIV cases than did clinic-based VCT. Authors suggest community-based VCT should be considered as an HTC strategy, especially in areas with limited access to facility-based testing.
No "Magic Bullet": Exploring Community Mobilization Strategies Used in a Multi-site Community Based Randomized Controlled Trial: Project Accept (HPTN 043)
Tedrow, V., Zelaya, C., Kennedy, C., et al. AIDS Behavior (2011). Epub ahead of print.
This article discusses results on community mobilization Project Accept, a randomized controlled HIV prevention trial taking place in Africa and Thailand comparing community-based HIV testing and counseling plus clinic-based voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) to clinic-based VCT alone. Results from a qualitative study based on key informant interviews with Project Accept staff from the study sites in Africa and Thailand identified seven community mobilization strategies used by the project. The key strategies included stakeholder commitment, community coalitions, community engagement, community participation, raising awareness, community leader involvement, and partnership creation. The success of the strategies was dependent on their evolution, the process of acceptance and trust, and tailoring mobilization strategies to the different communities.
Home-Based HIV Testing and Counselling in a Survey Context in Uganda
Yoder, S. P., Katahoire, A. R., Kyaddondo, D., et al. Calverton, MD: ORC Macro (2006).
This report examines the impact of offering home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) in conjunction with a population-based survey and found an increase in the proportion of respondents who learned their HIV status. Respondents reported major difficulties with facility-based testing, such as cost in time and money to travel and the risk of being seen at a clinic, were removed by HBHTC. Several drawbacks to HBHTC were discussed, including expense in materials, time, and personnel; transportation for counselors; and lack of linkage to treatment and care services for those who tested positive for HIV. Authors recommend that the HBHTC strategy not be applied in HIV testing survey research in Uganda.
Know Your Status Campaign Review Report
Lesotho Ministry of Social Health and Welfare. March 13–April 4, 2008.
Know Your Status (KYS) was a campaign implemented in Lesotho in 2007 offering community-based HIV testing and counseling (HTC). Approximately 3,800 trained community health workers (CHWs) offered HTC in designated local areas or homes. Twenty-three percent of the tests were conducted in community-based settings; the uptake of services varied, ranging from 7 to 39 percent. Challenges included providing incentives for CHWs, lack of clarity in the scope of work and KYS, and human resource shortages. The Ministry of Social Health and Welfare recommends enhanced quality assurance mechanisms for community-based HTC, ongoing training for CHWs, increased recruitment, and conducting an in-depth cost-effectiveness analysis of HTC models to better direct resources.
A Testing Challenge: The Experience of Lesotho's Universal HIV Counseling and Testing Campaign
Human Rights Watch (United States) and AIDS & Rights Alliance for Southern Africa. (November 2008).
This article analyzes the Operational Plan of the Know Your Status campaign in Lesotho in terms of a "rights-based" approach of HIV testing and counseling versus a "public health" approach. The following areas were explored: informed consent and counseling; confidentiality; linkages between HIV testing and prevention, care, and treatment services; accountability mechanisms; and the adequacy of the policy and legal framework for protecting the rights of people living with HIV. There was no evidence of involuntary testing and few reports of confidentiality breaches. Several efforts were made to provide linkages between testing and treatment services. However, there was a failure to ensure that defined human rights safeguards were properly put into practice.
Scaling up HIV Counseling, Testing and Care Services through Community Camping: An Innovation for Rural Populations in Uganda
Tumwebaze, H. Mayanja Memorial Hospital Foundation. IAS Abstract MOPE0413 (2010).
The Mayanja Memorial Hospital Foundation in Uganda implemented a community health services outreach program in rural Uganda that offered HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services, including comprehensive home-based HTC services though "community camping." Trained counselors resided in rural communities for short periods of time, providing door-to-door HTC and care (including referral and psychosocial support). From 2007 to 2010, 120 "camp" visits were conducted, with a total of 54,073 persons tested and received results. Of those tested, 934 were HIV-positive, given a care package, and referred into care. The approach increased access to hard-to-reach populations and mitigated access and utilization gaps.
Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Home-based versus TB Clinic-based HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing for Family and Household Members of TB Evaluation Patients in Uganda
Charlebois, E., Nanteza-Walusimbi, M., Okwera, A., et al. IAS Abstract MOPE0439 (2010).
A randomized controlled intervention in Kampala, Uganda, is evaluated on whether barriers to HIV testing for family members of tuberculosis (TB) patients were reduced through home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC). Households of approximately 300 TB patients were randomized within HIV status to either HBHTC or TB clinic-based HIV voluntary counseling and testing. More than 1,000 individual household members were included. HBHTC had significantly higher proportions of household members tested compared with clinic-based testing (74 percent and 40 percent, respectively). While the study is still underway, preliminary findings suggest only 19 percent of patients tested HIV positive. Approximately 63 percent of individuals newly diagnosed were spouses of HIV-positive TB index patients. The authors suggest that HBHTC is a more effective approach to increasing testing of household members than clinic-based HIV testing and counseling. However, challenges to HBHTC remain, such as privacy, and men and children are often unavailable during the day.
Increasing Access to PMTCT Services in a Rural Setting in Western Kenya: The Role of Home-based Counseling and Testing (HBCT)
Ndege, S., Kioko, R., Kimwattan, S., et al. IAS Abstract TUPE0294 (2010).
The AMPATH Partnership implemented a home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) program to assist prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in its clinics' catchment population in western Kenya. This retrospective study collected data on women identified in two clinics from 2008 to 2010 and analyzed uptake of HIV testing and counseling. Of those eligible, 3,934 were tested, yielding a HIV prevalence rate of approximately 4 percent. Of those tested, 54 percent were attending antenatal care (39 were HIV-positive, and 31 enrolled into PMTCT). Approximately 50 percent were not attending antenatal care, and 103 were HIV-positive. A significantly higher proportion of pregnant HIV-positive women who attended antenatal care enrolled into the PMTCT program, compared with those who did not attend antenatal care. Results suggest HBHTC increased the proportion of women knowing their HIV serostatus, which in turn increased access to PMTCT.
Factors Associated with Early Uptake of HIV Care and Treatment Services after Testing HIV-Positive during Home Based Testing and Counseling (HBTC) in Rural Western Kenya
Amolloh, M., Medley, A., Owuor, P., et al. CROI Paper #1077 (2011).
A home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) intervention in rural Kenya was evaluated on coverage, acceptance, and HIV prevalence, and on how it identified the characteristics of people who enrolled into HIV care after testing. Following the HBHTC intervention, peer educators visited households to gather data on enrollment into care and perception of health status. Peer educators also offered to assist with linkage to care for those not currently in care. Characteristics of those who tested HIV-positive and were receiving care (42 percent) included being female, perceived health status as fair or poor, having received couple or family testing, and living in a household with another individual receiving HIV care. The most common reasons for not seeking care for those not enrolled included feeling in good health and disbelief of test results. Authors recommend use of peer educators to reach youth, men, and people who are asymptomatic, and to facilitate enrollment into HIV care.
Can We Reach "Universal Screening" through Repeated Door-to-Door HIV Testing and Counseling Campaigns in Sub-Saharan Settings? A Case Study on Likoma Island, Malawi
Helleringer, S., Reniers, G., Mkandawire, J., et al. CROI Paper #1012 (2011).
A quantitative assessment of repeated HIV testing and counseling (HTC) uptake in two consecutive home-based HTC campaigns in Malawi, as part of an effort to implement a "test and treat" approach, found that HTC uptake during the campaigns improved overtime, from 70 percent (597 of 852) in the first campaign to greater than 80 percent (1,717 of 2,035) in the second campaign. Of 801 individuals, 56 percent repeatedly accepted testing. Yet, a large portion of "never testers," 12 percent, was found, particularly among men and older persons, and many of these persons had not previously tested at a health facility either. Therefore, populations with undetected HIV infection exist, and future research must identify alternative strategies to target these individuals.
What is the Impact of Home-Based HIV Counseling and Testing on the Clinical Status of Newly Enrolled Adults in a Large HIV Care Program in Western Kenya?
Wachira, J., Kimaiyo, S., Ndege, S., et al. Clinical Infectious Diseases (2012), Vol. 54 No. 2, pp. 275-281.
This study compares the clinical status of 19,500 participants who entered HIV care via one of four points of entry in western Kenya: home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC), provider-initiated testing and counseling, HIV testing in a tuberculosis clinic, and voluntary counseling and testing at clinical facilities or mobile units. HBHTC was compared with the other three methods; the study showed that patients admitted to HIV care via HBHTC were less likely to have World Health Organization Stage III or IV infection. HBHTC was also effective for identifying pregnant women in the community. Men were proportionately less well represented. The study shows that HBHTC effectively enrolls HIV-positive people at a much earlier stage of disease compared with the other HIV testing models, and if "treatment as prevention" is effectively scaled up, HBHTC could play an active role in identifying HIV-positive community members and linking them to care and treatment. However, cost-effectiveness studies are urgently needed.
Facility and Home Based HIV Counseling and Testing: A Comparative Analysis of Uptake of Services by Rural Communities in Southwestern Uganda
Mulogo, E. M., Abdulaziz, A. S., Guerra, R., et al. BMC Health Services Research (2011), Vol. 11 No. 54.
This paper presents findings from baseline data of a longitudinal, cross-sectional study in a rural area of Uganda. The study compared uptake predictors among 1,000 participants for voluntary counseling and testing offered in homes using lay counselors and community health workers. The facility-based testing participants were less likely to come from rural areas as opposed to trading centers. Home-based participants were less likely to report symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection and were more concerned about being shunned by friends, family, and their community if they contracted HIV. The authors conclude that both types of HIV testing and counseling should be offered so that individuals can choose the method that best suits them. The authors note that a woman with sexually transmitted infection symptoms, for example, may feel reluctant to disclose them in a home setting where her husband might hear. Giving participants a choice of testing location, according to factors such as residence, educational level, and marital status, could improve both service coverage and uptake rates.
High Acceptance of Home-Based HIV Counseling and Testing in an Urban Community Setting in Uganda
Sekandi, J. N., Sempeera, H., List, J., et al. BMC Public Health (2011), Vol. 11 No. 730.
This cross-sectional survey of 588 participants in an urban setting in Uganda examined the factors associated with uptake of home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC). Males aged 25 to 34, persons who had previously been married, and persons who had previously undergone HIV testing were all significantly more likely to accept HBHTC. Taking testing into the home reached HIV-positive people who had not previously been tested, identifying 30 HIV-positive individuals among the 408 who underwent testing. The authors note that HIV seroprevalence may have been underestimated because the number of HIV-positive individuals among the group that declined testing is unknown. On the other hand, selection bias may have overestimated HIV seroprevalence because three-quarters of the participants were women.
Perceived Acceptability of Home-Based Couples Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing in Northern Tanzania
Njua, B., Watt, M. H., Ostermann, J., et al. AIDS Care (2011).
This study, based on interviews and focus group discussions, focused on the acceptability of home-based couples counseling and testing. The participants included married men and women, people living with HIV, health care workers, home-care providers, HIV counselors, and community leaders. The participants identified the following advantages to this HIV testing and counseling model: improved access, normalization of testing, confidentiality, and benefits to a couple's relationship. Drawbacks included stigma, physical abuse, divorce, and blame. Unequal gender relations are a significant barrier that needs to be overcome. For such an intervention to be successful, it must incorporate making appointments for home visits, establishing a trusting relationship between clients and counselors, and instituting measures to address potential negative consequences. The next step should be a randomized controlled trial at pilot sites as well as cost-effectiveness analysis to compare home-based couples counseling and testing with other testing modalities.
Case Study: Getting in the Door—Home-based HIV Testing and Counseling in Kenya
Home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC) has emerged as a promising approach to meet the Kenyan government's challenge—that 80 percent of all Kenyans to know their HIV status by the end of 2013. By using rapid tests, HIV programs are able to offer HTC services to individuals and families within the privacy and convenience of their own homes. Furthermore, HBHTC provides an entry point at the community level for referrals and integration of other health messages, such as family planning, tuberculosis screening, and malaria prevention. This case study provides program planners, implementers, and decision makers with examples of strategies and approaches for ensuring quality in HBHTC.
CDC Handbook for Planning, Implementing, and Monitoring, Home-Based HIV Testing and Counselling
HBHTC refers to HIV testing and counselling (HTC) services conducted by trained HTC service providers in someone's home. The main purpose of HBHTC is to bring HTC services to households, overcoming some of the barriers of access to testing services and providing testing to individuals who might not otherwise seek services. The purpose of this handbook is to provide practical guidance on ways to address these challenges and to outline some of the key considerations when planning, implementing, and monitoring HBHTC.
South-to-South Technical Assistance: Swaziland
July 2010 - At the request of PEPFAR's Technical Working Group and USAID, AIDSTAR-One facilitated its first south-to-south (S2S) exchange of technical assistance (TA) in support of Swaziland's pilot of home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC). Expert trainers well-versed in HBHTC from The AIDS Support Organization in Uganda (TASO) conducted HBHTC training and provided technical guidance. As a result, Swaziland launched a six-month HBHTC pilot project to determine feasibility and acceptability for potential national scale-up.
Technical Consultation: Home-based HIV Testing and Counseling: Program Components and Approaches
AIDSTAR-One, in collaboration with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Technical Working Group on Counseling and Testing, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), convened a technical consultation on HBHTC from November 3 to 5, 2009, in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting's 40 participants were primarily PEPFAR HBHTC program implementers in Kenya and Uganda. The report summarizes implementers' experiences and expertise, identifying key features of their HBHTC programs, the challenges and strategic approaches, the lessons learned, and suggestions for new and ongoing HBHTC programs.
Download the HBHTC: Program Approaches and Components Technical Consultation Report (PDF, 254 KB)
View the presentations and related documents from the Home-based HIV Testing and Counseling: Program Components and Approaches Meeting
AIDSTAR-One collected HBHTC tools from Kenyan and Ugandan implementers at the 2009 HBHTC technical consultation in Kenya. Click here for the full report of this meeting.
The tools are available for use as examples to inform persons involved in planning and implementing HBHTC programs. (Note that these tools are not endorsed by PEPFAR/USAID).
|About the Tools
|Designed to assist HIV counselors in providing HIV testing and counseling (including rapid testing) to different audiences by including the important messages and steps of the process.
|Used for training counselors on home-based HIV testing and counseling techniques. Examples of the training tools include: training assessments, HBHTC protocol, data collection form for training participants, and rapid HIV testing training modules.
|Designed to highlight key points that should be addressed in HBHTC program design, such as community characteristics, local support services, security concerns, and potential barriers to HBHTC.
|Used to refer clients to various health and support services and to track HIV positive clients identified during an HBHTC visit.
|Designed to collect information on HBHTC for program purposes. These tools include daily, weekly, and monthly reporting forms, in addition to a HIV rapid test reporting form and a supply request form.
|Designed for HBHTC program supervisors to record HBHTC activities and evaluate counselors' performance.
|Designed to collect specific demographic and health information from HBHTC clients at the household level.
Cue Cards
|Contact Information
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing: Adult Cue Cards (PDF, 206KB)
Cue cards for counselors providing HIV counseling to adults. Cue cards explain how to perform the following types of counseling: individual test counseling, couples test counseling, positive HIV results, negative HIV results, couple concordant positive results, couple HIV discordant results, counseling on risk reduction.
Ministry of Health (MOH-STD/ACP Department)
SCOT Uganda
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing: Child Counseling Cue Cards (PDF, 257KB)
Cue cards for counselors providing HIV counseling to children and to parents/guardians of those children. Cue cards explain how to provide the following types of counseling: child test decision counseling, positive and negative HIV results to a parent/guardian, counseling to non-sexually active children, counseling to sexually active children, and counseling to parents/guardians of children with positive and negative HIV status. Cue cards cater to children of the following ages: < 18 months, children under 12 years, and adolescents 12–18 years. Cards also cover counseling for children who have a mother of unknown HIV status.
Ministry of Health (MOH-STD/ACP Department)
SCOT Uganda
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing: Rapid Testing Cue Cards (PDF, 237KB)
Cue cards for conducting HIV rapid testing. Cue cards explain: HIV sequential testing algorithm, conducting a variety of rapid HIV tests and interpreting results, and how to prepare a dried blood spot in the field.
Ministry of Health (MOH-STD/ACP Department)
SCOT Uganda
Training Tools
|Contact Information
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing-Training Assessment Tool (Pre-test) (PDF, 80KB)
A pre test for HBHTC training participants assessing knowledge of HIV transmission, treatment and counseling, and testing. Should be given prior to training so the trainer is able to identify the trainees' levels of HIV and counseling and testing knowledge. Answer sheet for trainers included.
International Medical Corps (IMC) Kenya
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Training Course- Participant's Manual (PDF, 3MB)
Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Training Participant's Manual. By the end of the training, participants should be able to: educate households and communities on HBHTC benefits; conduct pre-test counseling sessions with individuals, couples, and children; conduct a rapid HIV test using the finger stick method; provide HIV test results to individuals, couples, and children; support individuals and couples to develop a risk reduction plan.
Ministry of Health (MOH-STD/ACP Department)
SCOT Uganda
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Training Course-Facilitator's Manual (PDF, 1.97MB)
Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Training Facilitator's Manual. Manual consists of 10 modules: 1) course overview, 2) community mobilization, 3) key concepts, 4) household education, 5) individual counseling and risk assessment, 6) providing results, 7) rapid HIV testing using the finger stick technique, 8) voluntary HIV counseling for children, 9) field planning and management, and 10) quality assurance and control.
Ministry of Health (MOH-STD/ACP Department)
SCOT Uganda
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Training: Manual for Resident Parish Mobilisers (DOC, 1.28MB)
A Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Training Manual for Resident Parish Mobilizers that includes: community mobilizing, nutrition and HIV, stigma and psychosocial support, and communication skills.
|Integrated Community Based Initiatives (ICOBI)
Head Office
Plot 37 Lumumba Ave, Nakasero
PO Box 16331, Kampala.
Fred Kusaasira
Willis Muhereza
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Protocol: 35 minutes (DOC, 45KB)
A brief protocol explaining how to conduct HBHTC and provides "talking points" on the following: risk assessment, test preparation, testing, post-test intervention, and risk reduction plan.
|Kenya Medical Research Institute
PO Box 54840
Nairobi, Kenya 00200
Manase Amolloh
Fillet Lugalia
|Participant Information Sheet (for HBCT training) (PDF, 54KB)
Information sheet for HBHTC Training Participants that collects the following information: name and contact information, organization, position, whether the individual was previous trained in HIV counseling, and highest level of education attained.
International Medical Corps (IMC) Kenya
|Daily Evaluation Form (Training) (PDF, 28KB)
A form that allows participants to evaluate HBHTC training on a daily basis. Allows for feedback on specific sessions and asks participants for suggestions to improve training.
International Medical Corps (IMC) Kenya
|Trainee Monitoring Form (PDF, 38KB)
A monitoring form used to collect a training participants data, performance on pre- & post-tests, participation, and approval for certification.
Plot 138 Upper Mawanda Rd.
PO Box 33604
Kampala, UG
|Guide for Writing a Training Activity Report (PDF, 22KB)
A guide for how to write a report on a training activity.
Plot 138 Upper Mawanda Rd.
PO Box 33604
Kampala, UG
|Training Event Summary Form (PDF, 60KB)
A form that summarizes information about a completed training activity.
Plot 138 Upper Mawanda Rd.
PO Box 33604
Kampala, UG
|Assuring the Quality of HIV Rapid Testing- Training Module (PDF, 1.2MB)
A training module designed for HBHTC trainees to learn to identify all of the supplies required for HIV rapid testing and the components of test kits for HIV rapid testing
Plot 138 Upper Mawanda Rd.
PO Box 33604
Kampala, UG
|Blood Collection - Finger Prick - Training Module (PDF, 739KB)
A training module designed for HBHTC trainees to learn to explain the preparation tasks required for rapid tests; put a client at ease while collecting blood; and collect blood from a finger prick accurately and confidently.
Plot 138 Upper Mawanda Rd.
PO Box 33604
Kampala, UG
|Blood Collection & Handling of DBS - Training Module (PDF, 1.76MB)
A training module designed for HBHTC trainees to learn how to collect dried blood spots (DBS); package and store DSB properly to maintain specimen integrity; maintain DBS records; and distinguish between valid and invalid DBS.
Plot 138 Upper Mawanda Rd.
PO Box 33604
Kampala, UG
|Introduction & Performing HIV Rapid Tests - Training Module (PDF, 2.53MB)
A training module designed for HBHTC trainees to learn to explain the different types of HIV tests; discuss the testing algorithm; explain the infection control measures and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) procedures HIV Clinical settings; conduct the finger-stick blood collection technique; accurately interpret HIV test results; and describe quality assurance in HIV testing.
Plot 138 Upper Mawanda Rd.
PO Box 33604
Kampala, UG
|Quality Control for HIV Testing - Training Module (PDF, 1.2MB)
A training module designed for HBHTC trainees to learn about quality control (QC); benefits of QC in rapid testing; internal versus external QC; troubleshooting invalid results; and QC records.
Plot 138 Upper Mawanda Rd.
PO Box 33604
Kampala, UG
Program Tools
|Contact Information
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Protocol Summary (PPT, 17.5KB)
Provides a summary of key points to address during HBHTC household mobilization visits and program logistics.
|Kenya Medical Research Institute
PO Box 54840
Nairobi, Kenya 00200
Manase Amolloh
Fillet Lugalia
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Feasibility Guide/Tool (DOC, 43KB)
This tool collects critical information that can tailor planning of HBHTC services for a specific geographical area. Specific data collected includes population characteristics, community occupational and social dynamics, infrastructure, climatic conditions, security concerns, potential barriers to service, and current HIV/AIDS services offered in the area.
|Liverpool VCT, Care, and Treatment
Head Office, Argwings Kodhek Road
PO Box 19835-00202, KNH, Nairobi.
Peter Shikuku
Referral Tools
|Contact Information
|Community Client Referral Form (PDF, 171KB)
A referral form for HBHTC (Note: triplicate form).
|IRDO Tuungane Youth Project
Mito Jura Road, Tom Mboya Estate,
PO Box 9171 Kisumu, Kenya.
Rose Adhiambo
George Ochieng
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Referral Tracking - Follow-up Form (DOC, 47KB)
This tool can be used to track all HIV positive clients every month after HBHTC. The form tracks the person who tested HIV positive, the number of people in his/her household, the date he/she was tested and where, and the type of care the client is enrolled in. Furthermore, it contains questions asking the client what made him/her seek treatment services at a specific health facility and asks about client's satisfaction with services.
International Medical Corps (IMC) Kenya
Reporting Tools
|Contact Information
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Summary Tool (DOC, 273KB)
Tool for HBHTC counselors to summarize information from households visited.
USAID/APHIA II Rift Valley
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Index Client Reporting Form (XLS, 236KB)
Form used by HBHTC counselors to record individual HBHTC client information for index client visits.
USAID/APHIA II Rift Valley
|Central Districts: Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Counselor's Weekly/Monthly Report form (XLS, 33KB)
Weekly or monthly reporting form used by HBHTC counselors to record household visit information.
|Integrated Community Based Initiatives (ICOBI)
Head Office
Plot 37 Lumumba Ave, Nakasero PO Box 16331, Kampala.
Fred Kusaasira
Willis Muhereza
|Home-based Counseling & Testing Daily Activity Report Form (DOC, 30KB)
Daily reporting form for HBHTC counselors.
|Integrated Community Based Initiatives (ICOBI)
Head Office
Plot 37 Lumumba Ave, Nakasero PO Box 16331, Kampala.
Fred Kusaasira
Willis Muhereza
|Central District Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing Requisition Form (DOC, 114KB)
Form to request needed supplies/tools for HBHTC.
|Integrated Community Based Initiatives (ICOBI)
Head Office
Plot 37 Lumumba Ave, Nakasero PO Box 16331, Kampala.
Fred Kusaasira
Willis Muhereza
|HIV Rapid Testing Logbook (PDF, 241KB)
Logbook to record rapid testing information which tracks test results, specimen, and test kit information.
|Kenya Medical Research Institute
PO Box 54840
Nairobi, Kenya 00200
Manase Amolloh
Fillet Lugalia
Supervision Tools
|Contact Information
|Home-based HIV Counseling & Testing In-charge Weekly Summary Sheet (DOC, 44KB)
Weekly reporting form for supervisors to summarize HBHTC activity information.
|Liverpool VCT, Care, and Treatment
Head Office, Argwings Kodhek Road
PO Box 19835-00202, KNH, Nairobi.
Peter Shikuku
|HBCT Session Quality Assurance Guide for Supervisors (Counselors Assessment Tool) (DOC, 104KB)
A quality assurance checklist for a supervisor to assess an employee's ability to conduct HBHTC and allows the supervisor to give feedback. Employees are rated on the ability to provide the following: pre-test counseling, risk assessment, rapid HIV testing, test results counseling, support disclosure, risk reduction plans, sources of support/referrals, and overall counseling skills. Employees are rated on a 1–5 scale with 1 listed as "very poor" and 5 as "excellently done." The checklist also allows the supervisor to give general observation comments.
|Kenya Medical Research Institute
PO Box 54840
Nairobi, Kenya 00200
Manase Amolloh
Fillet Lugalia
Household and Client Information Tools
|Contact Information
|Census Form per Household (DOC, 66KB)
HBHTC household census form to collect demographic information and eligibility for HBHTC.
|IRDO Tuungane Youth Project
Mito Jura Road, Tom Mboya Estate,
PO Box 9171 Kisumu, Kenya.
Rose Adhiambo
George Ochieng
|Individual Household Member Card (Client Profile) (PDF, 124KB)
A form that collects the following information from an individual who underwent HBHTC: basic demographic information, sexual behavior, testing history, counseling summary, laboratory results, reason for taking HIV test, and whether or not the individual is willing to be revisited.
International Medical Corps (IMC) Kenya
|Home-based Counseling and HIV Testing Form (non-IEIP) (PDF, 130)
A comprehensive form for HBHTC participants that collects the following information: whether he/she knows HIV status, marriage status, education, sexual behavior, family planning, reasons for getting tested, results, tuberculosis (TB) status, and referrals for services.
|Kenya Medical Research Institute
PO Box 54840
Nairobi, Kenya 00200
Manase Amolloh
Fillet Lugalia
|HBCT Booking Cards (DOC, 57KB)
An appointment card for HBHTC.
|Liverpool VCT, Care, and Treatment
Head Office, Argwings Kodhek Road
PO Box 19835-00202, KNH, Nairobi.
Peter Shikuku


text:
Walmart Black Friday 2012 Ad
The Walmart Black Friday 2012 Ad is here! This is the Black Friday ad everyone has been waiting for and its front page deals show that it is worth the wait! With three events starting in successive times, they start the shopping bonanza right after Thanksgiving dinner. Event 1 starts on November 22 at 8 pm, with the Family specials. Event 2 kicks off at 10 pm and is for the gadgets die-hards. Event 3 starts at 5 am on Black Friday November 23 with more deals on TVs, clothes and jewelry.
AND you can buy most of these online when the Black Friday sales start.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Palmetto State has landed some big-name European companies over the years: notably Michelin, BMW and Bosch.
But a medical sociologist at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine wants to make molecules and DNA as readily known in the vocabulary of industry recruits as the nuts-and-bolts companies already geared up across South Carolina.
"Europeans have always found South Carolina a good place to locate their companies. But now, instead of focusing only on large consumer goods manufacturers that produce cars and tires that we can touch, we're also focusing on small biotech companies that produce molecules that can be seen only through electron microscopes," said Emerson Smith, president of Metromark Market Research Inc. of Columbia.
Metromark, in addition to working with hospitals and physicians to provide quality care and market analysis, brings together biotech companies in the U.S. to collaborate with companies in Europe.
"It is a different scale of manufacturing, but one that holds a great deal of potential in terms of expanding our knowledge economy in South Carolina to create high-paying jobs and to attract U.S. and European investors," he said.
To that end, Brad Goodwin, CEO of CharlestonPharma, a Charleston-based company focused on developing innovative therapeutic antibodies and related diagnostic tests for cancer patients, and two other biotech company representatives from South Carolina were in Warsaw, Poland, recently.
At the invitation of Poland's Ministry of Economy, the three scientists were representing the state's medical biotech industry.
Goodwin could not be reached for comment about his trip experience, but Igor Roninson, president of cancer-research firm Senex Biotechnology Inc. of Columbia and a professor at the University of South Carolina, said the trip was rewarding.
"We met with a number of Polish companies and identified potential collaborators and potential subcontractors," Roninson said. "We are planning to follow up on those initial contacts and see what can develop."
Smith said the three men used the opportunity to tell Polish scientists about the opportunities available in South Carolina through the S.C. Research Authority, state research universities and regional business alliances.
The Warsaw conference brought together scientists from South Carolina and Poland to learn about each other's research, how patents from biotech companies are being commercialized and how the companies can work together across the Atlantic.
Medical biotech companies are discovering drugs and therapies to treat cancer, heart disease, stroke and other health problems, according to Smith.
Once these drugs are tested in clinical trials and approved by the Food and Drug Administration, patients in Charleston, Warsaw and elsewhere in the world can benefit from the discoveries made by research teams at the three South Carolina biotech companies and at other biotech companies based in the state, Smith said.
Reach Warren L. Wise at 937-5524 or twitter.com/warrenlancewise.
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text:
Come Fly with Us!
Explore the map below to follow the spring migrations of Willy the Warbler, Gracie the Pelican and Moonbird the Red Knot.
Follow the journeys of three plucky adventurers as they make their spring migrations north.
Follow Willy the Wilson's warbler, Gracie the American white pelican and Moonbird the red knot on their spring journeys from their wintering grounds to destinations north. Our three plucky adventurers will be "tweeting" via Twitter on the wonders and tribulations they encounter on their annual migrations through North America, each traveling different flyways – Pacific, Mississippi and Atlantic. Follow the hashtag #FlyWithUs for their latest updates.
From Central America to the Boreal Forest, our travelers will pass through innovative conservation projects, protected natural areas – maybe even your own backyard – and possibly encounter dire threats to their wellbeing. It's all in the life of a migratory bird in their quest to rest, feed and ultimately to nest, mate and rear their young.
Passport to the Skies--Willy Jr.
Willy Jr. shares his adventures as he migrates through the Pacific Flyway. Learn more about this Wilson's warbler
Passport to the Skies--Gracie
Gracie moves up and down the Mississippi River Flyway through her adventure. Learn more about this American White Pelican
Passport to the Skies--Moonbird Jr.
Moonbird Jr. shares his adventures as he migrates through the Atlantic Flyway. Learn more about this Rufa Red Knot
What do birds mean to you?
From our backyards to the seashore to the mountain tops, birds are a wondrous – and essential – part of our landscape. Have you created a backyard habitat for birds? Do you have a favorite bird species? Share your stories about birds and what they mean to you.


text:
Wizard of Oz Boxcar #1
6-39317 | Price: $59.99
MGM's adaptation of L. Frank Baum's children's story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz became an instant classic in the hearts of people everywhere. Lionel now celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the original theatrical release (1939) of "The Wizard of Oz" with this new boxcar series.
Wizard of Oz™ & © Turner Entertainment Co.
- Features:
- Operating couplers – uncouple cars automatically with a remote-control or uncoupling track system
- Die-cast metal sprung trucks and operating couplers
- Metal frame
Gauge: Traditional O Gauge
Dimensions: Length: 10 1/2"
Minimum Curve: O-27
Lionel 2009 Volume II


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Boone County AARP
The Boone County Chapter AARP will meet on Tuesday, December 4th at 1 p.m. at Park Ave. Rest., Danville. Our Christmas Dinner is 'dutch treat' with each member ordering from the menu. Members may invite a friend for this meeting. Patsy Nelson will tell a Christmas story. Every member should plan to attend this meeting. Everyone is asked to bring items that can be used for bingo prizes at the Boone Nursing Home.
Rev Up Madison
Rev Up Madison Cookie & Candy Contest. Dec.1st- Down Home Christmas. To enter call S. Bell 304-855-3563 and leave a message.
BCARSE meeting
The Boone Co. Assn. Retired School Employees (BCARSE) will meet on Dec. 19th at Park Ave. Rest. at 10 a.m. The program will be a celebration of the Christmas season. Dan and Jenny Light will present the musical program. All members plan to attend this time of food, fellowship and sharing of musical talent. Jeanine Castle will present the devotional.
Nellis Neighborhood Watch meeting
Neighborhood Watch meeting is scheduled for Nov. 27, 2012, at 6 p.m., at the Nellis Church/Archives Building.
Annual Community Christmas Party
The Appalachian Center for Independent Living, Inc. that serves persons in Boone County is inviting everyone to join us on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at the National Guard Armory in Charleston to celebrate its 12th Annual Community Christmas Party. There will be live entertainment, refreshments, a silent auction, raffles, door prizes, Santa Claus and craft tables. For more information, call 304-965-0376.
Start your Christmas Shopping Early and support your community, REV UP Madison is again sponsoring their annual Christmas Auction at Madison Civic Center Nov 24th, doors open 5 p.m. auction hours 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., delicious concessions available.
November 24th is also Small Business Saturday, "it's the biggest day of the year for SMALL BUSINESSES", Shop Small and support your community, this event is sponsored by all WV On Trac Communities.
December 1st, the Annual Down Home Christmas Celebration and Christmas Parade, to participate in parade contact Carolyn at 304 369 0426, for crafters call Kathy 304 369 1588 or post on REV UP's Facebook page.
Candle lighting
There will be a candle lighting at Pineview Cemetery at 4 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2012. Volunteers are welcomed. There will also be a Memory Tree for anyone wanting to bring a bulb for a past loved one is welcomed to do so. For more information, call 304-837-3804.
Veteran's Memorial
Madison VFW Post 5578 is building a Veteran's Memorial to honor mothers of veterans and veterans. Purchase a brick for $50. Call 304-369-6248 or mail to Daniel Boone VFW Post 5578 Attn: Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 272, Madison, WV 25130. Post 5578 is constructing a Veteran Memorial to honor the mothers' of Veterans and Veterans. A Brick Campaign lets you send a special tribute, inspiring message or create a permanent legacy of caring.
New Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
There will be new AA meetings in Alum Creek at Lyons Club Park every Friday at 6:30 p.m. For more information, men call Chris F. at 304-767-0395; women call Brandi M. at 304-807-7802.
Crafters needed
Crafters are invited to participate in the Appalachian Center for Independent Living's 12th annual Community Christmas Party to be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the National Guard Armory at Coonskin. Table space cost is $20. To reserve a table, call 304-965-0376 by Nov. 28, 2012. This day includes live entertainment, raffled items, a silent auction, free food and much more.
Boone Republican Party
The Boone County Republican Party will meet the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Park Avenue Restaurant in Danville.


text:
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Ruth Davis celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at Springside at Seneca Hill retirement home Oswego, NY, on July 2, 2015 with a dessert reception and entertainment provided by pianist Jeff Sawyer. She was born on July 2, 1915 in Syracuse, NY, the daughter of Ida Mae and Marvin Parry. She attended school in Syracuse and graduated from Nottingham High School. She married Arthur W. Davis Jr. of Baldwinsville on May 23, 1942 at Grace Episcopal Church in Baldwinsville; he died on Oct. 8, 2002. They were the parents of A. W. Davis III of Colorado Springs, Co. and Stephen M. Davis of Fulton. She has 6 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was an organist at several local churches and a gifted seamstress who taught tailoring classes at E. W. Edwards Department Store in Syracuse.
Web Id: SPS14048258
Published on Syracuse.com and/or The Post Standard 7/5. Updated 7/5.
Thelma O'Malley Celebrates 90th Birthday Thelma O'Malley of the Brighton Towers recently turned 90 years young. Born Thelma Eden, on May 16, 1925 in Scranton, PA, Thelma moved to Syracuse in 1941. She married John O'Malley on New Years Day in 1945, and spent the next 68 years at his side until his passing in 2013. Over the years Thelma has been a homemaker, worked for King Laboratories, and retired as the manager of the craft shop at the Ida Benderson Senior Center. Her children include daughters Hilda (David) Lasky of Central Square, Jacqueline Noll of Baldwinsville, and son Anthony O'Malley of Liverpool. Thelma also has many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even several great-great grandchildren. Everyone in the family wishes her many more years to come.
Published on Syracuse.com and/or The Post Standard 6/28. Updated 6/28.
Congratulations to Gabriel Jansson, who graduated with his Master of Science in Information Management and Certificate of Advanced Study in Information Security from the School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University. During his time at the iSchool, Gabriel was a Research Assistant and Project Leader at iConsult, the iSchool's student consulting organization. Gabriel is also a 2014 graduate of Le Moyne College and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology Crime and Justice and two minors in Spanish and Psychology. While attending Le Moyne College during his senior year, Gabriel was enrolled in the 4+1 Fast Track Accelerated Degree Program in Information Management, offered by the School of Information Studies. This allowed him to take graduate classes and finish his Master's degree in one year, instead of two. He is also a 2010 graduate of Jamesville-DeWitt High School. We know that Grandma and Grandpa Grosso and Grandma Jansson would have been so proud of everything you have accomplished! We wish you nothing but happiness and success in your new beginning and adventure. Now that you are finally finished, we can turn off the lights at a reasonable hour! Love you always and forever, Mom and Dad.
Published on Syracuse.com and/or The Post Standard 6/28. Updated 6/28.
WOW, LOOK WHO'S TURNING 70!!! SANDY BERARDI If you see this foxy lady today, make sure to wish her a very Happy 70th Birthday! We love you more with each passing day. We thank you for all you do and all the love you share. Love you so much, Stacy, Snickers, and Mitzy too!
Published on Syracuse.com and/or The Post Standard 6/28. Updated 6/28.
Ann Brisky is celebrating her 90th Birthday today at Brookdale Bellevue 4330 Onondaga Blvd. Syracuse, NY 13219. Friends and relatives can stop by this afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 to wish her a Happy Birthday, catch up, and have some cake!
Published on Syracuse.com and/or The Post Standard 6/28. Updated 6/28.
If you see Prof. Frederick Marvin this month, congratulate him. He celebrates his 95th Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Ernst
Published on Syracuse.com and/or The Post Standard 6/28. Updated 6/28.
We've been blessed with another angel, Giovanni Domenico, who joins brother Anthony!!! Both want to wish a Happy Father's Day to the best daddy in the world!!! WE LOVE YOU DADDY!!! Love, Anthony & Giovanni
Published on Syracuse.com and/or The Post Standard 6/21. Updated 6/21.
John Maniscalco has earned his Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of Alaska. Graduating with honors, John conducted his dissertation research on the population dynamics of Endangered Steller Sea Lions in the eastern Gulf of Alaska while employed at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska. Highlights of his work portray a sea lion population in recovery with improved birth rates and survivorship. The SeaLife Center sent John to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia to work with the biologists in that country that are experiencing the same problem with endangered Steller Sea Lions. John has written many articles for journals that are available to Biologists worldwide. one article was recently highlighted in the February issue of Alaska Magazine. John and his research were featured on multiple episodes of ABC's Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin. He continues to study behavior and population dynamics of seabirds and marine mammals in the vicinity of Seward, in addition to other work as a captain of marine vessels. John is the son of Emanuel and Marian Maniscalco of Auburn.
Published on Syracuse.com and/or The Post Standard 6/14. Updated 6/14.
Michael John Fortino Jr, 1st Birthday Happy 1st Birthday, to our little buddy. You have quite the personality and are such a ham already. You are definitely going to keep us on our toes! We love you tons!! Mommy, Daddy and your big sisters Jasmine & Gianna
Published on Syracuse.com and/or The Post Standard 6/14. Updated 6/14.
Happy 95th Birthday Josephine ZingaroJosephine Zingaro celebrated her 95th birthday with family and close friends for a dinner at the Justin's Tuscan Grill in Syracuse on Saturday evening June 13th, 2015.She was born May 30th, 1920, in Syracuse, NY, the daughter of Theresa and James Fortuno. She attended school in Syracuse and graduated from Eastwood High School. She worked for 25 years at Henry's Bakery on Park Street and as a teacher's aid in the Syracuse school district. She married George Zingaro on September 13, 1941 in Syracuse, NY; he died October 13, 1988.Her only child Sandra Phy, husband Kenneth Phy, and three grandchildren Michelle Kessler, Frank Kessler, and Candace Short and husband Carl Short, gave the party to celebrate this special occasion. Everyone enjoyed a slideshow of pictures with memories and events throughout the years and Josephine's favorite music by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Vic Damone.Her greatest enjoyment is baking, summer vacations in Ocean City New Jersey, and spending time with her family, including two great grandchildren, Jonathan Wilson and Madison Short.Thank you Mom for all the wonderful memories! Happy Birthday
Web Id: SPS13867123
Published on Syracuse.com and/or The Post Standard 6/14. Updated 6/14.
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Wind: 0 mph
To The Editor:
Please allow me to make several observations and forward a little history about the Kingsbury Family Farm in the Green Thumb Valley (The Mad River Valley).
After the farming era in The Valley, Elwin Kingsbury and his family
established the Shell Service Station on Route 100 at the
Warren-Waitsfield town line. "Hooter Dan Farnham, the man with a plan,
was one of many people working at the service station. He attracted
customers from all over. We can't forget Hooter Dan, the public
relations man. Also there was Greg Pierce who was a great asset. Bryan
Kingsbury did lots of welding all over The Valley. And I can't forget
Sledge Hammer Mr. Cool Jim Livingston and his heavy duty excellent
efforts as a mechanic on large equipment.
One day, as I remember it, Jim had a white car and had Cop Catcher written on it and went off the road at the junction of Routes 100 and 17. The vehicle heated up. In an attempt to fix things, he opened the hood of the "Cop Catcher" and after lifting the hood, he pulled the radiator hose off and after several tries got the steam coming out, but it was aimed directly at his body in the wrong places. He dropped his pants and rolled on the grass hollering over and over again for water, water, water and water. After a few minutes he recovered and said "Damn, never had such an experience before." It sure was an exciting development for Jim.
As time went on to the 1980s or so, the garage was turned into Kingsbury's Country Store. Dad semi-retired. Bryan, Vicky and Troy Kingsbury then operated the store. Margaret Kingsbury looked after the deli and the ice cream window. There was a going-away party for my oldest son, Kris, and his veteran friends, who had signed up for the U.S. Navy in San Diego. Kris and his buddies all had a great time.
Scott Kingsbury, also my son, put together a band, In Transit, and provided dancing under the tent and under the stars, complete with a barbecue for all with corn on the cob, seafood and all kinds of other food. Jodi, Kim Woods' friend, helped with many pre-made dishes. Uncle Mert, a party man, stopped in. People arrived from Granville -- Edwin Harvey and Roberta Jaques -- and from all over the place. It was estimated that there were 400 to 500 people.
After several years the store was sold to Mac's and a new building was erected on the same site. We, as family, miss dad, the farm, the service station, and the country store. We have many memories to last forever.
We wish the new owners and investors the very best.
Remember the very fertile river bottom and the rich topsoil.
From an ex-farmer with sincerest regards,
Bob Kingsbury


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The point willieH of what Molly (and I) are saying, if I am correct in saying this Molly and if not do correct me; is that God is not a <insert explicative> who doesn't listen to his own children, but only cares about what he wants to do.And yes, I am indeed taking into account all of God's infinite wisdom, and benevolence, and all those pat-answers that say "God's way is best"...I'm just trying to make a point with what limited ability English can provide to convey the sentiment.
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion."[f] 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth."[g] 18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.19 You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
So it all boils down to two things, when it comes to prayer.Its one sided conversation, God will do what he wants irregardless of us: Absolutely useless to even pray?Its a requited, two sided conversation, God takes our wishes into account with his will: His will becomes imperfect?Why is it considered so impossible for;Its a requited, two sided conversation, God takes our wishes into account with his will: His will remains perfect, our free-will petitions already being placed in his will to provide upon our request. "Pre-emptive willful giving in preparation for the moment of its requisition."C.S Lewis once made a very logical statement regarding the omnipresence/omniscience of God, and his relationship with Time/Destiny. I will have to find the quote, but from what I recall and if I may summarise, God exists in a state of ever-present "now", that every point in time is "now", the "present" to him. He is not bound by any form of time, as time (a force of continuity) is to his perspective, a divine perspective of the manipulatable Present.
God molds us, changes us, and makes us into his image - this is true.But it is all for a purpose, and it is not so he can amuse his whim and have toy butlers...I am being made into a priest, and a king, fit to rule and live; Live Genuinely, in Truth, Life, and Love, in fullest Salvation.Salvation = Freedom, and love doesn't manipulate, it draws one to by their own will align with yours, or draws you to by your own choice align your will to another's.A helper-mate relationship works that way, and we are the bride of Christ, not his whore!The worst kind of bondage, is to have no will of your own...
Perhaps you lot want to become punch and judy, but as for me and my house we shall worship the lord in spirit and in truth as joint or co heirs with Jesus Christ.Peace
I call it FREEDOM.
I've read it said before but I read the story of Jonah this morning and I think it is the perfect example of what we're discussing here. Because even when Jonah thought that he was resisting God, he was in fact, doing His will. We see that Jonah's three days and three night into the fish was an image of things to come.Did Jonah thought all along that he was free?Maybe.But that doesn't change the fact that God had already declared his resistance.There are too much verses saying that God is the only Creator and that He has created EVERYTHING WHICH EXIST, which includes us, our thoughts, our ways and our decisions.To declare otherwise is to give reason to those who insist God has 2 wills and that one of these is dependant upon us. I hate that thinking and fight it daily with ETers. If God said that He wills all men to be saved, He will do it. To God all Powers, Authority, Wisdom and Strenght, who can resist His will?
I Will DRAG All men unto me.
The Gentle Shepherd.


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text:
Complete Weekly Press Release - CSUN @ UC Davis
Northridge Notes
Cal State Northridge will continue its quest for a berth in the upcoming Big West Tournament with a conference game at UC Davis (2/16/13, 7:00 pm) ... CSUN is 4-10 in the conference, one game back of eighth-place UC Santa Barbara which has a 4-8 conference record ... Three of the next four conference games for CSUN are at home including a March 2nd encounter against UCSB at the Matadome ... The other home games are against Cal Poly (2/28/13, 7:00 pm) and Hawai'i (3/7/13, 7:05 pm) ... UCSB has six more conference games (two at home vs Cal State Fullerton and UC Riverside, four on the road at Cal Poly, UC Riverside, Hawai'i and at CSUN) ... Bill Courtland and Alan Zinsmeister will have the live broadcast of Matador basketball game at UOP on gomatadors.com ... Live Stats and Twitter coverage will also be available.
Depth Dialogue
Depth has been a major strength for CSUN in 2012-13 ... Ten players are averaging 11.1 or more minutes per game ... Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Junior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) leads the team in minutes per game at 31.8, eighth-best in the conference ... Greene has played 30 or more minutes in 19 games including a season-high 38 minutes at Cal State Fullerton (1/31/13) and vs UC Riverside (1/3/13) ... Stephan Hicks (6-7, 200, Sophomore, F/G, Thousand Oaks, Ca) has started 22 games and is averaging 30.5 mpg ... Stephen Maxwell (6-7, 220, Sophomore, F/C, Woodland Hills, Ca) has started all 26 games and is averaging 27.7 minutes per game ... Allan Guei (5-9, 160, Sophomore, Guard, Compton, Ca), a starter in 25 games, checks in at 19.4 mpg while Landon Drew (6-1, 175, Freshman, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) is tops among the reserves at 19.7 mpg ... Tre Hale-Edmerson (6-9, 215, Freshman, F/C, Sheridan, Or) is averaging 16.6 mpg ... Four reserves - Trevone Williams (17.9 mpg, 6-6, 225, RS Freshman, Forward, Los Angeles, Ca), Brandon Perry (15.2 mpg, 6-7, 275, Freshman, Center, Fresno, Ca), Donovan Johnson (14.5 mpg, 6-3, 185, Freshman, G/F, Los Angeles, Ca) and Lonnie Watson (11.1 mpg, 6-4, 190, RS Sophomore, F/C, Paso Robles, Ca) are all seeing extensive action ... Williams has scored in double figures in nine games including season-highs in points (15) and rebounds (8) at Cal Poly (1/26/13) ... Drew has scored in double figures in seven games including a season-high 19 points at Utah (12/21/12) ... Drew is fourth-best in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio at 2.3 ... Drew leads the team in assists (4.0 apg, #8 in the BWC) ... Hale-Edmerson is seventh in the conference in blocks (0.8 bpg) ...Perry is averaging 6.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game ... Perry's best game of the year included a 22-point (7-for-8 from the floor), five block effort vs San Diego Christian (12/18/12) ... Johnson scored a team-high 19 points in the season opener against Pepperdine (11/9/12) ... Lonnie Watson (6-4, 190, RS Sophomore, F/G, Paso Robles, Ca) played 103 minutes in four starts including 34 minutes at UC Riverside (2/2/13) ... Watson started at Cal State Fullerton (1/31/13) and responded with eleven points and four rebounds ... Watson started four games due to the knee injury to Stephan Hicks (6-6, 190, Sophomore, F/G, Thousand Oaks, Ca).
Individual Incidentals
Twenty-six games into the 2012-13 season, and already the Matador record book has undergone change ... Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Junior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) set a school record with 33 straight free throws over a seven game span, to break the previous record of 32 set by Markus Carr during the 2000-01 season ... Greene's 14-for-14 free throw effort in the 92-76 victory over Tulsa (11/17/12) was fourth-best for a single game in school history ... Greene dished out 13 assists against Eastern Washington (11/12/12), a career-best and sixth-best for a single game in school history ... Greene has 131 three-pointers in three seasons at CSUN, tied for sixth-best in the CSUN record book with Brooklyn McLinn (1989-90) ... Greene's 362 career three-point attempts is seventh-best in the school record book ... Stephan Hicks (6-6, 200, Sophomore, G/F, Thousand Oaks, Ca) also added his name to the CSUN record book with a 9-for-10 shooting effort at San Diego (11/15/12), the third-best effort in Matador history for a single game ... Hicks produced a career-best seven steals at San Diego (11/15/12), fifth-best for a single contest in CSUN history ... Brandon Perry's (6-7, 275, Freshman, Center, Fresno, Ca) five blocked shots vs San Diego Christian (12/18/12) is second-best for a single game in CSUN history ... The 17 steals against UC Davis (1/17/13) were ninth-best for a single game in school history ... The 32 free throws against Tulsa (11/27/12) were ninth-best for a single game in school history ... The eight blocks against San Diego Christian (12/18/12) were third-best for a single game in Matador history.
Maxwell's Memo
Stephen Maxwell (6-7, 220, Sophomore, F/C, Woodland Hills, Ca) has become a dominant force offensively and defensively for Cal State Northridge in recent weeks ... Maxwell has been the team's leading scorer in nine of the last 13 games including career-highs in points (27) and rebounds (14) at UC Santa Barbara (1/24/13) ... Maxwell has been the team's leading rebounder in nine of the last 13 games ... Maxwell has hit double-double figures in eight of the last 14 games and has ten double-doubles this season ... His recent success has raised his scoring average to 15.0 ppg (#2 on the Matadors, #10 in the BWC) and 8.2 rebounds (#1 on the Matadors, #2 in the BWC) ... Maxwell is hitting a team-leading .563 (153-for-272, #4 in the BWC) ... Maxwell is averaging 17.4 points (244 points) and 9.2 rebounds (129 rebounds) in his last 14 games.
Age Analysis
Which NCAA Division I basketball team is the youngest in the country? ... Look no further than Cal State Northridge ... In a nationwide survey conducted by the Naval Academy media relations office, in terms of playing experience, the Matadors have 16 active players with only ten years of collegiate basketball experience, an average of 0.63 years per player ... Three of the nation's least experienced teams hail from the Big West Conference ... Following the average of 0.63 years per player by Cal State Northridge, Dartmouth is second nationally at 0.73 years per player, followed by Navy (0.76 years), UC Santa Barbara (0.78 years) and UC Riverside (0.79 years) ... Their are NO seniors on the 17-man Cal State Northridge active roster ... Their are ONLY three juniors ... The rest of the Matador squad is either freshmen (seven) or sophomores (six).
League Ledger
CSUN is among the Big West Conference leaders in several team and individual offensive categories ... CSUN is averaging 8.6 steals per game, #1 in the conference ... CSUN has ten or more steals in eleven of the 26 games ... CSUN had a season-high 17 steals against UC Davis (1/17/13), ninth-best for a single game in school history ... Stephan Hicks (6-6, 200, Sophomore, G/F, Thousand Oaks, Ca) is second in the conference at 2.0 spg ... Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Junior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) is third in the conference in steals at 1.8 spg ... CSUN is averaging 76.0 ppg, second-best in the league ... In five games, CSUN has scored 90 or more points, including a season-high 120 points vs Vanguard (12/5/12) ... Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Junior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) and Stephan Hicks (6-6, 200, Sophomore, F/G, Thousand Oaks, Ca) are second and sixth, respectively, in the league in free throw percentage ... Greene is shooting .851 (97-for-114) from the charity stripe while Hicks is at .806 (108-for-134) ... CSUN is #1 in offensive rebounds (14.3 orpg) ... Stephen Maxwell (6-7, 220, Sophomore, F/C, Woodland Hills, Ca) is second in the BWC in offensive rebounds at 3.8 per game while Hicks is fifth at 2.9 orpg.
Season Shorts
Down by 17 points (26-9) with 7:33 remaining in the first half, CSUN stormed back to defeat UC Irvine (2/7/13), 70-61 ... CSUN's 76-71 victory at Utah (12/21/12) was the team's first victory over a Pac-12 school since Nov. 20, 2005 when the Matadors recorded a 81-76 overtime verdict at USC ... The Matadors were down 21 points, 49-28, at halftime ... It was the biggest come-from-behind victory for Bobby Braswell in his 17 seasons as head coach at CSUN ... CSUN won its ninth game (76-71 at Utah) of the year on Dec. 21, 2012, a winning feat the basketball program has not accomplished this quick in the 55-year history of Matador basketball ... The 6-0 start to the 2012-13 season was the best start in school history since CSUN began NCAA Division I play in 1990-91, and the best overall start since the 1981-82 campaign.
Hicks Hoopla
Stephan Hicks (6-7, 220, Sophomore, F/G, Thousand Oaks, Ca) is back ... Hicks suffered a knee injury at Cal Poly (1/26/13) which forced him out of four games ... Hicks returned at Pacific (2/14/13) and responded with team-highs in points (16), rebounds (7) and steals (3) ... Hicks leads CSUN in scoring (16.8 ppg, #6 in the Big West Conference), and is second in rebounding (7.6 rpg, #6 in the BWC) ... Hicks leads the team in free throws (108) and free throw attempts (134) and is second in steals (45, 2.0 spg, #2 in the BWC) ... Hicks, who has been named Big West Player of the Week twice this year, has five double-doubles this year, and ten over the last two seasons ... Hicks tied his career-high with 26 points at Long Beach State (1/9/13) ... Three times this year, Hicks has scored 25 points ... Hicks has scored in double figures 19 of the 22 games this year ... Hicks has led the team in scoring in eleven games, and the team's leading rebounder in 13 games ... Hicks opened his CSUN career in 2011-12 season with 22 points and 17 rebounds at Hawai'i (11/14/11) and followed it up with 25 points and eight rebounds against the Rainbow Warriors (12/29/12) ... Hicks hit 9-of-10 shots at USD (11/15/12), the third-best effort in CSUN history for a single game ... Hicks produced a career-best seven steals at USD (11/15/12), fifth-best for a single contest in CSUN history.
Matadome Memo
The Matadome, home to the Cal State Northridge men's and women's basketball programs, has undergone significant renovations since the conclusion of the 2011-12 campaign ... A new floor, air conditioning, and visual upgrades completed this past summer have given the Matadome its first significant makeover in a decade ... Last season, new baskets and shot clocks were installed for basketball games as well as new press row tables, video display boards, a scoreboard above center court, and wall graphics ... With a brand new floor and a redesigned court, the Matadome received a dramatic overhaul just in time for the 51st anniversary of the first home game played in the facility this November ... Fans will notice wall graphics on the east end of the Matadome commemorating Cal State Northridge's post-season successes and a mural of fans cheering on the Matadors ... In addition, a new public address system has been installed ... New renovations also allow for the expanded use of live video for all competitions.
Davis Data
UC Davis is 10-13 overall and 6-6 in the Big West Conference ... Corey Hawkins leads the team in scoring at 19.3 ppg followed by Ryan Sypkens at 14.5 ppg and J.T. Adenrele at 12.2 ppg ... Ryan Howley is the team's leading rebounder (7.8 rpg).
Series Saga
Cal State Northridge holds a 18-10 lead in the series aganst UC Davis ... However, the Aggies won the last meeting, a 74-71 decision at the Matadome on January 17, 2013 ... Four UC Davis scored in double figures led by Paolo Mancasola with 18 points and six assists ... Stephen Maxwell (6-7, 220, Sophomore, F/C, Woodland Hills, Ca) led Cal State Northridge with 18 points, eleven rebounds and four steals in 28 minutes ... The Aggies have won the last three games on their home court, the Pavilion, including a 79-71 decision last year (2/9/12).
Conference Chatter
CSUN has been picked to finish eighth in the annual Big West Conference pre-season media poll ... CSUN generated 83 points ... Long Beach State, the defending league regular season and league tournament champion, earned 13 first place votes and 194 points to emerge as the league favorite in 2012-13 ... The 49ers outdistanced Cal State Fullerton, which accumulated 164 points, and third place UC Irvine's 153 points ... The 21-member media panel tabbed Big West member Hawai'i for fourth place with 132 points followed by UC Santa Barbara in fifth place (129 points) ... Pacific was picked for sixth place (113 points) followed by Cal Poly (100 points), Cal State Northridge (83 points), UC Davis (44 points) and UC Riverside (43 points) ... CSUN's Stephan Hicks (6-6, 200, Sophomore, F/G, Thousand Oaks, Ca), who gained Big West Freshman of the Year honors in 2011-12 with a 15.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game average, was named to the pre-season media all-conference team ... Also named to the pre-season team were James Ennis (Long Beach State), Vander Joaquim (Hawai'i), D.J. Seeley (Cal State Fullerton), Kwame Vaughn (Cal State Fullerton) and Michael Wilder (UC Irvine).
Fast Facts
Two CSUN players (Allan Guei, Ilya Ilyayev) speak foreign languages ... Guei was born in Italy, but spent his early childhood in the Ivory Coast where he learned and spoke French ... Guei moved to the United States at age nine where he had to learn a second language, English ... Ilyayev was born in Moscow, Russia ... Ilyayev speaks fluent Russian ... Like Guei, Ilyayev had to learn English when he moved to the United States at age four ... Ilyayev holds dual citizenship ... CSUN started the year, 6-0, its best start since CSUN moved to the NCAA Division I level, and its best overall start since the 1981-82 campaign.
Record Review
CSUN set a wrecking ball to the record book with its 120-69 victory over Vanguard (12/5/12) ... The 120 points scored by CSUN were the third-most in school history ... The 32 assists were third-best for a single game in Matador history ...The .672 shooting percentage (45-for-67) was fifth-best for a single game in the 55-year history of Matador basketball ... The 51-point margin of victory was the seventh-largest in school history ... The 45 field goals scored were ninth-best for a single game in Matador history ... The seven blocks against Vanguard were ninth-best in school history.
Triple Threat
As expected, Stephan Hicks (6-6, 200, Sophomore, G/F, Thousand Oaks, Ca), Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Junior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) and Stephen Maxwell (6-7, 220, Sophomore, F/C, Woodhill Hills, Ca) have been the team's top three players ... All three players are prominently mentioned in numerous Big West Conference statistical categories ... Hicks leads the team in scoring (16.8 ppg, #6 in the BWC) and steals (2.0 spg, #2 in the BWC) and is second in rebounding (7.6 rpg, #6 in the BWC) ... Hicks' name is among the statistical leaders in free throw percentage (.806, #6 in the BWC), steals (2.0 spg, #2 in the BWC), offensive rebounds (2.9 rpg, #5 in the BWC) and defensive rebounds (4.7 rpg, #5 in the BWC) ... Hicks has already established career-bests in field goals (10), steals (7), assists (3), and blocks (2) this year ... Hicks has scored in double figures in 19 of 22 games this year, including season-highs (26 points, career-high) at Long Beach State (1/9/13) ... Twice this year, Hicks has been named Big West Player of the Week ... Greene has hit .851 (97-for-114, #2 in the Big West Conference) from the free throw line, and is among the league's top statistical leaders in steals (1.8 spg, #3 in the BWC), and assist/turnover ratio (1.8, #9 in the BWC) ... Greene is the new school record holder with 33 straight throws ... Greene made two straight free throws vs Vanguard (12/5/12) to give him 33 straight before missing on his 34th attempt ... Maxwell is averaging 15.0 ppg (#2 on the Matadors, #10 in the BWC), 8.2 rebounds per game (#1 on the team, #2 in the BWC) and shooting .563 (153-for-272, #4 in the BWC) from the floor.
Free Throw Facts
CSUN has made a league leading 442 free throws, 78 more than second place Hawai'i ... Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Junior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) is second in the BWC in free throw percentage (.851, 97-for-114) ... Greene's career free throw percentage (.838, 218-for-260) is third-best in school history.
Television Talk
CSUN basketball has proven to be a popular commodity ... During the previous five seasons, Cal State Northridge basketball has been featured prominently on television (32 times to be exact), including games on CBS, Fox Sports Net and ESPNU ... During CSUN's march to the NCAA Tournament in 2008-09, Matador games were televised a school record nine times ... Matador basketball fans will have the opportunity to see CSUN five times on television during the 2012-13 men's basketball season ... The Pac-12 Networks has televised CSUN's games at UCLA (11/28/12), Arizona State (12/8/12) and at Utah (12/21/12) ... The Big West Conference game at UC Irvine (1/12/13) was televised on Prime Ticket ... The CSUN/BYU game was televised on BYUTV.org ... Prime Ticket will serve as the official regional telecast home of the Big West Conference ... Prime Ticket will televise four Big West Tournament Quarterfinal games on March 14 from the Honda Center in Anaheim ... In addition, either Prime Ticket or Fox Sports West will feature second day coverage of the Big West Men's & Women's Track & Field Championships which will be hosted by Cal State Northridge on May 11 ... The championship game of the 2013 Big West Tournament will be televised on ESPN2 on March 16 (7:30 pm).
Conference Catalogue
The Big West Conference and the Honda Center have announced that all-session tickets for the 2013 Big West Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament are now on sale in conjunction with the official start of the college basketball season ... The 2013 Big West Tournament will be third year the event has been hosted by the Honda Center in Anaheim ... The 2012 tournament saw a 23 percent increase in attendance from the previous year ... The Big West Tournament is the oldest NCAA Division I post-season basketball tournament in the West, dating back to 1976 when the conference was known as the Pacific Coast Athletic Association.
Post-Game Points
Cal State Northridge has played 1,511 games since the start of the basketball program in 1958-59 ... Since the 1962-63 season, Cal State Northridge has played 610 home games at The Matadome with a winning percentage of .655 ... In 50 seasons on CSUN's home court, the Matadors have produced 41 winning seasons, five .500 seasons and only four losing seasons ... Entering the 2012-13 season, 407 players have worn the Red, Black & White of Cal State Northridge ... Thirty-one states have been represented in years past on the Matador roster.
Schedule Saga
The 55th season of Cal State Northridge basketball has promised to be just as competitive and exciting as the previous 54 years ... Three Pac-12 Conference teams (UCLA, Arizona State, Utah), a game at Brigham Young (BYU), and the addition of Hawai'i to the Big West Conference calendar are just a few of the highly competitive games that are on the 2012-13 docket ... Thirteen home games will be played at The Matadome ... Nine of those 13 home games will be Big West Conference games includings contests against defending league champion Long Beach State (Feb. 9, 7:05 pm) and Hawai'i (March 7, 7:30 pm) ... Entering the 2012-13 season, Cal State Northridge has played 213 colleges and universities that have represented 43 states ... Geographically, Cal State Northridge has played as far west as Hawai'i (played at Hawai'i in 2011-12) and as far east as New Jersey (played at Rider in 2008-09) ... The CSUN-UCLA game was played at the new renovated Pauley Pavilion on Nov. 28 ... The Big West Tournament is slated for March 14-16 at the Honda Center in Anaheim.