Therapeutic Horses Helping People in Oak Grove: Stable Pathways' Story
June 8, 2016 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.BGS Legal Administrative Assistant Sarah Thies has been volunteering with Stable Pathways for five years and serves on their Board of Directors. She became involved with the group after hearing about the need for volunteers to help lead the horses and walk along side the riders. Stable Pathways is located at Oak Haven Farm in Oak Grove, MN . It provides equine-assisted activities for people living with physical and cognitive challenges under the careful direction of either a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Certified Instructor or a Minnesota licensed Occupational Therapist. Sarah says that therapeutic horseback riding helps riders “organize” body and brain. Sarah explained that the horse’s gait is most similar to a human gait so riding provides a connection to a natural rhythmic movement from the horse that stimulated the rider’s body and brain. Stable Pathways was recently featured in local television programming CTN Coon Rapids. This coverage is a great way for Stable Pathways to promote its mission “to empower, strengthen, and inspire those living with disabilities through horse-assisted activities.” Watch Here
Read MoreEmployers Take Note: 2016 Employment Law Updates
June 7, 2016 | Bradley KletscherIn 2016 there have been several changes to federal laws which impact employers in the state of Minnesota. Employers need to be aware of these changes so that they can examine existing policies and practices to determine if changes are needed to address these legal changes. NEW OVERTIME RULES The United States Department of Labor released its final regulations modifying certain regulations related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The key change to the regulations is the salary requirement for exempt employees. Effective December 1, 2016, in order to be classified as an employee exempt from overtime pay requirements, an employee must be paid a minimum of $913 per week/$47,476.00 per year. The new requirement for the highly compensated employee exemption is $134,004 per year. Exempt employees must also meet the duties test to qualify for exempt status. The impact of this regulatory change is that employers need to revaluate all exempt employees to ensure that they are being paid the minimum salary requirements as of December 1, 2016. If not, then they will need to change the employee’s classification. NEW TRADE SECRET PROTECTION The new federal “Defend Trade Secrets Act” (DTSA) was passed by Congress and signed into law on May 11, 2016. The law provides employers with federal protection…
Read MoreWhy my first piano recital in 42 years reminds me of YOUR contract needs!!
May 11, 2016 | Carole Clark IsaksonFriday May 6, 2016. A moment I had (surprisingly!) come to dread. It wasn’t the idea of being in front of large groups of people, I’m an attorney and speaking to large groups is common for me and actually quite enjoyable. I wasn’t speaking though! I was playing the piano… and I hadn’t had a piano recital in 42 years… I have never abandoned my love of the piano, but over the years I found I wasn’t pushing myself to conquer difficult pieces – after a few mistakes I would simply turn the page and move on to the next song. I tended to play the same ones from year to year. It was this realization that prompted me to sign up for piano lessons last fall – when my 12 year old signed up for her 4th year. Even then however, I questioned whether I REALLY needed to take lessons again. I’m an adult! Do I REALLY need someone to look over my shoulder to accomplish what I want to do? Wasn’t it just a question of more time? Couldn’t I do all this myself? Here is where I am reminded of your company, and your contracts. Laws change, people change, technology changes (daily!) and along with those changes you’ll have many…
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