promoting non profit communication and awareness in our community
Event Coverage
10th Annual Run/Walk for Life Page 19
Signature Chef Auction Page 24
Sunshine Run Page 26
Care to Learn
Assisting Children in Poverty Page 7
Creating an Ethical Culture
Center for NonproďŹ t Communication Page 14
contents november 2012 3
Table of Contents
4
Membership Directory Springfield Cares members listing
5
Letters from the Editor and Publisher
7
Assisting Children in Poverty Care to Learn
9
2012 Nonprofit Communcation Conference Event Coverage Center for Nonprofit Communication
11
11 Volunteer Spotlight Teri Sickmyre
13 Happy Bear Program Teaches Children Personal Safety Victim Center
14 Creating an Ethical Culture Center for Nonprofit Communication
16 Integrity Home Care 18 Calendar of Events Charity Events for November
19
19 10th Annual Run/Walk for Life Event Coverage Pregnancy Care Center
20 Welcome to Our Day Bridges for Youth
21 Ozark Show Choir Celebrates 60th Birthday 24 Signature Chef Auction Event Coverage March of Dimes
26 Mercy Sunshine Run Event Coverage Mercy Hospital
27 Christmas Wishes Ambassadors for Children
26
29 Games Fun Stuff
staff
advisory panel
Amy Michael Publisher
Gerry Catapang PT, DPT Ken Childers Peter Edwards CIA Rebbecca Fenton COTA/L Jeff Gossman Becky Overend Sharna Rittmaster Beverly Roberts Chris Shaefer Ross Stoops Cara Trask 3 Mary Valloni
Julie Rodriguez Director of Operations Phil Dellasega Creative Director
CARES 901 E. St. Louis St. • Suite 104 • Springfield, MO 65806
417.849.CARE • www.goicare.com
Tom Mezzacapa Graphic Design Kaitlyn Schwers Editor Michelle DeWitt Graphic Design/ Web Maintenance
Membership Directory Springfield CARES would like to introduce the following Members of the magazine. Members must have non-profit status and provide services to our community. If you are interested in becoming a member, please give us a call for more information! Ambassadors For Children An Operating Agency of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks 500 W Battlefield, Suite B Springfield, MO 65807 417-708-0565 ext. 202 suzzell@ccozarks.org
American Cancer Society (ACS)
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) 1111 S Glenstone Ave Springfield, MO 65804 417-864-6202 www.casaswmo.org
Female Leaders in Philanthropy (FLiP) 320 N Jefferson Ave Springfield, MO 65806 417-863-7700 www.uwozarks.com/flip.asp
3322 S Campbell Ave # G Springfield, MO 65807 417-881-4668 www.cancer.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) 3372 W Battlefield St Springfield, MO 65807 417-889-9136
Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO) 330 N Jefferson Ave Springfield, MO 65806 417-862-3838 www.bcfo.org
Good Samaritan Boys Ranch 424 E Norton Rd Springfield, MO 65803 417-864-6698 www.ranchlife.org
GYN Cancers Alliance (GYNCA) 3023 S Fort, Suite B Springfield, MO 65807 417-869-2220 www.gynca.org
The Humane Society 3161 W Norton Rd Springfield, MO 65803 417-833-2526 www.swh.org
Bridges for Youth 1039 W Nichols Springfield, MO 65802 417-864-4167 www.bridgesforyouth.net
Killuminati Foundation www.killuminatiFoundation.org
Children’s Miracle Network
Lost & Found Grief Center
3525 S National Ave Suite 203 Springfield, MO 65807 417-269-5437 www.coxhealth.com/cmn
2840 E Chestnut Expressway, Suite C Springfield, MO 65802 417-865-9998 www.lostandfoundozarks.com
Community Partnership
March of Dimes
330 N Jefferson Ave. Springfield, MO 65806 417-888-2020 http://www.commpartnership.org/
1722 S Glenstone W110 Springfield, MO 65804 417-889-9397 www.marchofdimes.com
Pregnancy Care Center 1342 E Primrose Street Springfield, MO 65804-4224 www.pccchoices.com
United Way of the Ozarks 320 N Jefferson Ave Springfield, MO 65806 417-863-7700 www.uwozarks.com
The Victim Center 819 N Boonville Ave Springfield, MO 65802 417-863-7273 www.thevictimcenter.org
Women Connect4Good DrNancy@womenspeak.com Twitter.com/womenspk www.Facebook.com/WomenSpk www.Womenspeak.com/connect4good/
Youth of the Ozarks Thrift Store (YOTO) 2140 S Campbell Springfield, MO 65807 417-890-7283 www.thevictimcenter.org
The following persons or businesses have sponsored our members: Women Speak, William H Darr, Tom Slaight, ANPAC, Elliot & Robinson, Southwestern Womens Health, dvLaRue Design and Development
Mission: Springfield CARES and GOiCARE.com provide online and print media to the public to create awareness of charitable giving and healthy living in the area as well as give acknowledgment to local businesses that give back to our community. It is our goal to promote local business, provide information and savings to consumers and support the work of the charities where we live.
4
Letter from the Editor Dear readers, Hello again from Springfield CARES Magazine! I hope you all have had a great start to the fall season. We have lots of exciting news and events to share with you once again. In this issue, you’ll find an article about Care to Learn, a new volunteer feature, event coverage from March of Dimes’ Signature Chefs Auction, photos from October’s Sunshine Run, and much more! While you’re at it, check out the November calendar to see what events are coming up. Some events to look forward to include the Killuminati Foundation’s Project Puppy on Saturday, November 3, Sertoma’s Code 3 Dinner with Jack on Thursday, November 8, and more. As always, let us know if you have article ideas or if you have an event that you would like to include on the calendar. Send CARES an email at info@goicare.com or find us on Facebook by searching ‘Springfield Cares Magazine.’
Kaitlyn Schwers
Thank you for your continuous support!
Contributing Editor
Ron Penney CFP®, ChFC® Private Wealth Advisor
Letter from the Publisher
Helping you create the future you envision.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! As we approach the holiday I'm reminded to be ever more thankful of the people I hold dear to me. Friends and family alike, from here to California and everywhere in between. I was making a long drive the other day which left me plenty of time for uninterrupted thought, and I began to think about all of the people that make a positive impact on my life. I had to ask myself if I am making an equally beneficial impact on theirs. Most of the time yes, I thought. However, there is definitely room for improvement in showing those that love and support me just
Penney, Murray & Associates
how much they mean to me and the appreciation I feel for having them in my life.
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
Truly, we should all be thankful all the time for what we have, but Thanksgiving to me is a reminder that we can all use to improve and enhance our relationships with those we love. Thank you for caring Springfield!
Amy Michael Kindly,
Publisher
1342-E East Kingsley Springfield, Missouri 65804
(417) 881-9200 Licensed to provide service in the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL IN, KS, MN, MO, MS, NE, NY, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY. Broker, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. 130179MR0112
5
Sponsor | ANPAC
assisting children in poverty by Kaitlyn Schwers
Care to Learn, a non-profit organization, was founded in 2008 after a local Springfield businessman, Doug Pitt, heard some disappointing statistics on poverty in the Ozarks. More specifically, he learned about children being in poverty. He was surprised to discover that some children were impoverished because they lacked some of the most basic needs, like food or clothing. Today, Care to Learn meets these issues by providing Ozarks children with funding and resources—like food, school supplies, and clothes—to help them get out of poverty. Executive director, Morey Mechlin, discusses Care to Learn’s main purpose, how Care to Learn serves the Ozarks, how the community can help, and more. What is the main goal of Care to Learn? “Our main goal is to make sure that children have the health, hunger and hygiene resources they need to be successful in
Doug Pitt, Founder
school. When Doug Pitt founded Care to Learn, he dedicated himself to making sure that no child suffers physically or emotionally due to lack of food, access to medical, dental or mental health care, or hygiene issues.” Chapters of Care to Learn have been recently formed in Willard, Clever, Fordland, Logan-Rogersville, and Republic. Is it possible that Care to Learn will open more chapters in the future? “Clever and Fordland are our newest chapters
Upcoming Events from Care to Learn
and they joined in the spring of 2012. Yes, Care to Learn is in discussion with several communities. Because every Care to Learn Chapter is self-sustaining, it is important to meet with the school district administration and community
Kenny Rogers Christmas & Hits Tour @ the O’Reilly Family Event Center
members to make certain that they are committed to providing the administrative support and
Presented by PFI Western Wear, Kenny Rogers will
“The community response has been overwhelming. I believe that we live in the best part of the
be making a stop in Springfield, MO on
country. Everyone understands that children need an education and that a child can't learn if they
fund-raising activities needed to meet the needs of their school children.” What has been the overall community response for Care to Learn?
Wednesday, Dec. 5 for his Christmas & Hits Tour.
are hungry or dressed inadequately or in need of hygiene items or health/dental care. We care
Tickets are on sale now at drurytickets.com for
about our neighbors—and we don't mean someone who lives next door. To Care to Learn donors,
$34-$59. A portion of the proceeds will benefit
a neighbor can be someone they have never met who lives in a part of town they have never
Care to Learn.
visited.”
New Year’s Eve @ the DoubleTree Hotel New Year’s Eve will feature a live band, dinner, cocktails and specialty drinks, desserts, a midnight ball drop and much more. The cost is $375/couple, and the DoubleTree is inviting guests to spend the evening at a special reduced rate. All proceeds benefit Care to Learn.
How can community members get involved with Care to Learn? “In order to maintain the confidentiality of the students we serve, all of our work is done through the schools. What we need are community members who are able to donate $10/month or $100/month or $1000/month. Our pledge to them is that every penny is used to immediately help students in need.” For more information about Care to Learn, visit www.caretolearnfund.org.
7
Ladi Ladies, dies, list listen en tto o yyour o bodies! our bodies!
Gynecologic G ynecologic Cancer Symptoms mptoms
8
The 2012 Nonprofit Communication Conference at Drury University was a tremendous success. More than 200 people representing 55 nonprofit organizations throughout southwest Missouri were in attendance.
The Center for Nonprofit Communication at Drury University presents:
Participants, exhibitors, and sponsors came together to share ideas and make important connections.The conference featured sessions on social media, strategic planning, websites, board communication, and other timely topics taught by industry experts. "It was a great day for nonprofits and our community," said conference organizer Dan Prater. "It was inspiring to have so many people who do wonderful work, in the same place at the same time."
Plans are already in place for next year's October conference.
Nonprofits Weathering the Financial Storm | grant writing | | fundraising | | social entrepreneurship | | working with foundations |
npcomm.org
January 16, 2013 | Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks Sponsored by the Slusher Foundation | for more info or to register: npcomm.org 9
By Kaitlyn Schwers I enjoy meeting other people who love children and share the dream that all babies have the right to be born healthy and when they are not, we have the knowledge and resources to help them achieve that goal. What are you most passionate about in the community? I love the community that I have been born and raised. Everyone may not see eye to eye on politics, ball teams, but they always are on the same page when it comes to helping another person in need. How long have you been an active volunteer? I have been involved with March of Dimes for several years, but have become more committed in the last 4 years. How does volunteering affect you personally and professionally? Volunteering helps my personal life by learning to be less closed to issues and become more open minded to what is important for me and my family. Teri Sickmyre is a community leader in the field of
Professionally, volunteering helps you to be a better team player by realizing we
healthcare, but she’s also a volunteer. As a volun-
are all here to do a job as a team, not one better than the other.
teer, she supports organizations such as March of Dimes. In this feature, Teri talks about volunteering
From your experience, what are some major benefits to getting involved with the community through volunteering?
for March of Dimes, why she volunteers, how it
Too many to mention. I would encourage everyone to start small and build those
benefits her both personally and professionally,
volunteering muscles. You will come out a happier healthier you!
and more.
What else do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies?
Where do you volunteer?
My hobbies are my family and soon to be grandbaby! Anytime I can spend with
I serve on the board of directors for March of
friends and family is the best hobby I can think of having.
Dimes, chairman of the trustees for the Women Auxiliary Elks, and volunteer for Special Olympics Games
Is there anything else you would like to add about your experience as a volunteer? I would encourage everyone to try to volunteer. It does not always require a huge
Why do you choose to volunteer?
commitment, just the desire to do something for those who need us! I have
There are so many reasons to volunteer! I like help-
always said that I cannot believe that I do not have to pay to do this! I always
ing out a cause I believe in for their mission. I have
walk away feeling like the winner!
been blessed in my life with my family and with a career that I can witness miracles everyday! I feel it is my duty and pleasure to payback all I have been given. More specifically, what do you enjoy most about helping March of Dimes? 11
Help Helping lping ng w with ith Horsep Horsepower epower o err iiss an n exciting excit iting new new pproject ne roojject c ffo for or the boys at Good Good Samaritan Samaritan m Boys Boys Ranch. Partnering Partnerring with Mother Road Motorcycles, Motorcycl Mo cles, the the boys th bbooyys w will ill be b rebuilding rebuilding a 2006 2006 Harley Harleey police cycle to a customized customized i Harley David-son which wh hich w will ill be be raffled raffled ffl d off ff in in S Spring pri ring ooff 2013. 20013. Wat Watch ch our progress proogress at w www.ranchlife.org ww.ranchliffee.orgg an aand nd ppurchase purc chas h se yyour our ra rraffle affle ticket affl i ts by ccalling allingg tthe... al he he... tickets
4417-376-2238 177-37 -376-222238
Buy a Raffle Ticket SPONSOR A PART
Sponsor | Mr. & Mrs. William H. Darr
Happy Bear Program Teaches Children Personal Safety Although The Victim Center has an excellent reputation for providing free-of-charge counseling services to men, women, and children who have been victimized by violent acts of crime; additional resources are made readily available to the community. For instance, the agency provides educational programs to help schools teach children about personal safety. One program, in particular, is the Happy Bear Program, which is coined after the bear costume used to interact with teachers and children. In a recent interview with the fun-loving Happy Bear, it was clear that he enjoys teaching children ways to stay safe: Interviewer: Please describe your role in the Happy Bear Program for the Victim Center. Happy Bear: I assist the Education Coordinator, Melinda Vacey, with greeting children as she enters the classroom. Children greet me with smiles, giggles, laughter, and hugs. This serves as a helpful ice breaker to encourage children to listen to the program. During the presentation, Melinda asks children to give a show of hands for volunteers interested in pretending to act as the teacher in the classroom, while I pretend to be the student. This is the moment when I embarrass myself by pretending to try on a bathing suit! The goal of this portion of the program is to educate children about good touches verses bad touches. I tell children that they have the right to protect their own body.
“Children do have the right to defend their personal safety.” — Happy Bear
Interviewer: What rules of safety are important to discuss with children? Happy Bear: Personal Safety Step #1 Children need to remember that it is okay to say “NO.” Personal Safety Step #2 Never trust strangers or get in a vehicle with a stranger, friend, or family member without the permission of a parent/legal guardian. The program teaches children to recognize that strangers appear to be nice, normal everyday individuals that look like Grandma or Uncle Joe. The program gives examples of how to refuse this kindness when strangers offer children candy or a ride home from school, and then it explains the reasons why children should never trust a stranger regardless of how nice they appear. Personal Safety Step #3 No Secrets! Children do not need to keep secrets, especially when someone has touched them inappropriately. Interviewer: Can you tell me the places in the community that the Happy Bear Program is presented? Happy Bear: The Happy Bear Program is available free-ofcharge to organizations in the community such as schools, summer camps, church groups, YMCA, Girls and Boys Clubs, etc. Interviewer: What grade or age group is appropriate for the Happy Bear Program? Happy Bear: Pre-school through Kindergarten (Age groups include 4 and 5-year-olds.)
For additional information about the programs and services at The Victim Center, please review our website at www.thevictimcenter.org or contact us at 417. 863. 7273.
creating an ethical culture
by Dan Prater The Center for Nonprofit Communication at Drury University dprater@drury.edu
What happens when good organizations do bad? 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations have a special place in society. They are given high respect and special advantages to help them in their role of benefiting those in need. As public servants, the organizations are totally dependent on the public's trust. 14
Over the past few decades several scandals in the nonprofit industry have brought about an elevated interest in the ethics of organizations. Abuse of power, lack of oversight, and financial mismanagement in nonprofits have caused the public to demand better oversight of these organizations. Well-known national groups such as the American Red Cross, the Catholic Church, and the United Way have been entangled in scandals, which have been widely reported in the media. Southwest Missouri has had its share of nonprofits scandals, too. In 2008, the director of the Springfield Association for the Blind was charged with embezzling more than $25,000 from the organization. In 2009, former Springfield Municipal Court employee Rhonda Bateman was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for stealing money from the court.
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations have a special place in society. They are
1. Being honest in solicitation materials and truth-
given high respect and special advantages to help them in their role of ben-
ful and clear in communications with donors
efiting those in need. As public servants, the organizations are totally
about how their gifts will be or have been used;
dependent on the public's trust. Without it, they cannot gain donations or
2. Being transparent about who is accountable for
volunteers, which enables them to accomplish their missions. People who
the nonprofit’s expenditures; adopting expense
donate to these organizations have faith their dollars will be managed with
policies;
honesty and used for its intended purpose. When an organization violates
3. Publishing financial information on a nonprofit’s
this trust, a "Gresham's Law" may go into effect, causing donors to withhold
website, such as a copy of the organization’s
donations to all nonprofits because of the actions of one nonprofit.
application for tax-exemption, IRS Form 990,
Surveys demonstrate most people have a favorable view of nonprofit organ-
audited financial statements and annual reports
izations, and rightly so. Most groups are staffed by dedicated people who
4. Adopting internal controls, to ensure account-
exhibit high levels of professionalism. However, as more organizations behave unethically, this opinion may change. In a recent report, The National Nonprofit Ethics Survey revealed two disturbing findings: 1. Conduct (among nonprofits) that violates the law or an organization’s standards is on the rise. 2. Financial fraud is higher in nonprofit organizations than it is in business or government.
ability.
Accountability Accountability is not simply compliance with the law. It relates directly to public trust. Every nonprofit should examine the promise vs. performance. In other words, are you really doing what you said you would do? Are people healthier, safer, and happier because your organization exists? Can you prove it?
Nonprofit organizations can earn the public's trust by demonstrating three
As Peter Druker said, "You can't manage what you can't
things: integrity, transparency, and accountability
measure."
Integrity
Doing good is no longer good enough. Nonprofits must
Integrity is described in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as "a firm adherence to a code of especially moral values: incorruptibility." It has to do with
be serious about measuring and evaluating their work, and proving they are doing what they said they would do.
the connection between what you say and what you actually do - the con-
Accountability means holding yourself (and allowing oth-
tinuity between appearance and reality.
ers to hold you) to a high standard of performance.
I know of a leader who used to speak publicly about her organization's successes. It was later discovered the statistics she had quoted were inaccurate, grossly exaggerated. This is an example of lacking integrity. It is also an
To truly understand your organization's performance, and to be accountable to others for this work, you must set in place processes of constant evaluation.
example of how leaders set the tone for the entire organization. If the
Boards and staffs must demonstrate that their pro-
leader is willing to tell "white lies" to bring in more donations, it becomes
grams/services are effective at accomplishing their mission
likely other employees in the organization will see this as an acceptable way
and run prudently and honestly.
of doing business.
Organizations that fail to consistently measure and eval-
Every statistic and every story reported by your organization must be true
uate their work are probably unsure if their services are
and accurate. Embellishment may lead to an increase in donations, but it
effective, or maybe they do know and are afraid to dis-
almost always leads to a decrease in trust.
cover the truth.
Transparency One of the best things nonprofit organizations can do to instill public confidence in their work is to do good, and then welcome inspection and scruti-
As nonprofit organizations build a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability, they will continue to have the trust and support of their communities.
ny by others of their methods.
Harvard report: http://www.hks.harvard.edu/hauser/PDF_XLS/workingpapers/workingpaper_35.pdf
The National Council of Nonprofits recommends that nonprofits create
Ethics Survey: http://www.ethics.org/files/u5/ERC_s_National_Nonprofit_Ethics_Survey.pdf
transparency by:
Harvard report on accountability: http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6387.html
www.NPcomm.org
15
At Integrity Home Care, S E R V I C E S * P R O V I D E D * I N C L U D E :
Home Care • Companionship • Shopping and Errands • Transportation • Meal Preparation • Housekeeping and Laundry • Personal Care • Medication Assistance • Overnight Live in and 24 Hour Care
In Home | Consumer Directed | LifeLine | Hospice Palliative Care | Pharmacy | Private Pay
there is nothing we can’t do! From Pediatric Care to Geriatric Care, Integrity is here for you!
Home Health
Pediatrics
• Physical Therapy
• Private Duty Care for children with Special Needs
• Occupational Therapy
• Personal Care
• Speech Therapy
• Ventilator Oversight
• Medical Social Work
• IV Therapy and TPN
• Home Health Aide Service
• Respite Care
• Nursing Care
• Other Specialized Care
Hospice • Bereavement Counseling • Music Therapy • Chaplain
In Home Services Consumer Directed Services LifeLine Integrity Pharmacy
• Pet Therapy
INTEGRITY HOME CARE LOCATIONS Springfield, Joplin, Osage Beach, Columbia, Independence, Gladstone, and Overland Park KS www.integrityhc.com • www.theintegritypharmacy.com
888.793.1795
c a l e n d a r
o f
If you u have a charitable event you ou would like to add, please email us at events@goicar events@goicare.com e.com .com November: November: Discovery Center is a great great family orientated attraction. With With 11 dif different ferent galleries and over 200 0 different different hands on exhibits! Adults $9, Seniors $8, Children Childr en 3-15 $7. 2 and d under ar are e free. free. November 4, 4:00PM: November 4:00PM M: Springfield Ballet, Inc. - Springfield Ballet is excited to announce e its first ever FREE Workshop, to be Boys Movement W o orkshop, taught by Darrell Darrell V. V. Hyche, II. Event held at the Cr Creamery eamery Arts Center from from 4-5pm on the 4th, . This workshop, open to males ages 7 and up. p. Ther There e is no fee, but space is limited, so please call (417) 862-1343 to rregister. egister. November N ovember 8, 6:00PM: 6:00PM M: Discovery Center - The he entire entire family can help support Discovery covery Center's with the mission. Enjoy the Center C learn whole family, lear n some holiday science, enjoy refreshments refreshments ments and bid on some great great family items. ms. Plus have an opportunity to bid on 4 tickets to the sold out concert of ONE NE DIRECTION at Kansas City's Sprint Center Ce enter on Friday, July 19th 6:30pm. $10 per person. November N ovember 8, 6:30PM: 6:30PM M: Code 3 Sertoma's Dinner ner with Jack at 319 W. W. Walnut Walnut "Downtown owntown Event Center" Doors open n at 6:30pm. Purchase tickets Pur chase kets at www.dinnerwithjack.org are www.dinnerwithjack.or rg Tickets Tickets ar e $150/person. TTicket icket price includes Steak dinner prepared prepared d by Chef James Clary, Code 3 Sertoma a collector bottle of Jack Daniel's Single e Barr el whiskey. Barrel An auction will be e among the entertainment for the evening. N ovember 9: November Army The Salvation Ar my is now signing-up volunteer bell ringers for or the upcoming Lights Christmas 2012 TTree ree of ghts Campaign. Hundr eds of volunteer bell Hundreds Greene, ringers will be needed ded in Gr eene, Christian, Taney Taney & Stone ne counties from from
18
November ember 9th until December 24th. For or more information visit: more information t: usc.salvationarmy.org usc.salvationar alvationarmy.org November Nov vember 10, 9:00AM: Farmers Market of the Ozarks - Ch Chili Farmers m ili Cook-Off: from Cook-Of k-Off: fr om 9am-12 Get your chili chili on at the Market Chili Cook-Of Cook-Off ff Contest. test. Both chefs and market et vendors dors can enter their best chili to be e voted d on. In addition, we will hold a canned ned food drive to benefit Harvest st on Wheels and the Ozarks Food d Harvest. est. November Nov vember 11, 1:00PM: Discovery overy Center - A day devoted to o honoring are oring those who ar e defending g Liberty Freedom. ty and Fr eedom. This day we e honor or our family, friends, neighbors and d all who ho have served. Discovery Center er thanks ks you & your family for your ur service offering ce by of fering a discount with h military ary ID. November Nov vember 15, 5:00PM: Springfield gfield Ballet, Inc. - Stop by for the e 2nd annual a A Night for The Nutcracker! r! Springfield partnered gfield Ballet has partner ed with h Parlor or 88 (on east Sunshine) S nshine) for an an evening ning with friends or coworkers of o holiday ay cocktails & table-tizers PLUS a chance nce to take home one of our ur fabulous lous themed holiday baskets just iin n time for the gift-giving season! All A proceeds proceeds eeds benefit Springfield Ballet's 's The Nutcracker Nutcracker.. (age 21 & up only) November Nov vember 17, 9:00AM: American rican Cancer Society - Half the e museum eum will be closed to the public iin n preparation preparation aration for the Festival of TTrees rees es fund-raising -raising raising event. Come and explore explore Discovery "Greener overy Center's "Gr eener Side" a LEED certified green green building for half lf the price! No discounts apply for the p e day. Admission for this day is adults ts $6.00, Children 0, Childr en age 3-15 - $4.00, Seniors rs $5.00. 0.
November November 17, 9:00AM: Join the St. Jude Give thanks. W Walk. alk. to raise money y for St. Jude Children's Children's Research Research Hospital. al. Registration for this family-friendly event free vent is fr ee and all participants are are encouraged e to raise money to help save kids battling cancer and otherr deadly diseases. The walk is held at the Jordan e Jor dan Valley Valley Park 635 E. TTrafficway, rafficway,, Springfield MO. For more information more infor mation n and to rregister egister please visit www.givethankswalk.org. www.givethankswalk.or givethankswalk.org. November November 17, 6:30PM: Discovery Center - 27th Annual Festival of Trees Trees Benefit - Experience xperience the Magic. Tickets are T ickets available now! n TTickets ickets ar e $100 $ per person and include nclude great great food by Nicola's, music, fun and friends. Complimentary beer pr provided ovided with love from from Mother's er's Brewery. Brewery. Holiday Attire. more Attire. For mor e infor iinformation mation or to be involved call Charlotte 417-arlotte McCoy, 417 862-9910 Ext. 713. November November 18, 3:00PM: Springfield Ballet, Inc. - The Nutcracker Children’s Workshop Children’s W orkshop hop Course at the Creamery Creamery Arts Center Ce enter from from 3:30-5pm. Enrollment Enrollment is limited ed to 5-15 5 15 boys and girls in each age group, e gr oup, please call (417)862-1343 to register. register. November November 26, 10:00AM: Council of Churches of the Ozarks Churches c Crosslines Crosslines Holiday ay Applications for Assistance in Greene Gree ene County for ChristChristmas & Toystore Toystore Families and seniors over 60 can apply ply for Thanksgiving & Christmas Food Baskets plus the Crosslines Crosslines Holiday y TToystore oystore November 26 – December 1 (10am to 3pm) Evening Hours November ovember 29 (10am to 7pm) Saturday Saturday Hours December 1 (10am to 3pm).
Family, friends, and organizations participated in the 10th Annual Run or Walk for Life on October 6th. This is a family-friendly event that helps raise funds to provide health, wellness, pccchoices.org and relationship education
people over the next year. For more information call Vecthyna at 417-877-0800 xt. 334
photography: James Hanson
to more than 19,000 young
19
Welcome to our Day at
Bridges for Youth
As I awoke today, thoughts of kids and all the encounters from the previous day flooded my mind. Always one of the first ones there, the 12-year-old girl greets all the staff by name as she comes in the door. She comes up to me and makes certain I know that she is wearing no make-up today. I had told her a few days ago that she didn't need make up at her age, only the beauty God had already given her. The 10-yearold boy at the snack bar counter is also a daily fixture and is delighted to see we have the popular spider in the jar candy for sale. Nasty if you ask me, but I knew the kids would get a kick out of it.
consider kind of silly for them to pray about, but face it, God tells us to cast all our cares on him. A little 8-year-old guy prays for his new pet, a crab, and a 9-year-old girl prays for a great birthday party. Two girls sitting next to each other from different families pray for their Grandma who has cancer. An 8-year-old boy asks for us to pray for his hurt knee. Several kids pray for the uncle of one of our young ladies who is in the hospital. A boy asks us to pray for another young man from school who was hit on his bike. A 7-year-old boy implores us to pray that he gets to see his mom this weekend.
The expectantly thrilled look on kids faces as they arrive at Bridges after school is something I wish everyone could see. Once inside, the line is long to sign-in, so they spend their time having fragmented discussions about everything from spending the night together to who can be the funniest without getting into trouble. A 13-year-old boy signs in his little 6-year-old brother and protects him as though he were a fragile crystal vase. The same young man asks if he can help pour the drinks for snack time today. He loves to help.
It's a beautiful day, so we go outside to enjoy our new play set that was just finished at this Bridges. Everyone grabs a snack and a drink as they go out the door. The snacks are on the counter and one 5-year-old has to climb on the stool to get her snack. As she gets down, she is precariously holding her two cookies and Kool-Aid, heading for a picnic table to enjoy her treat.
In the very back of the center, a 9-year-old girl sits reading a book. Although it’s noisy in the center, she somehow can close it out and experience the book as though she is in another world. It's devotion time and 44 kids find a seat at the booths, futons, and tables. The devotion is about David and Goliath, and we happen to have a young man who is 6 foot 3. I have him stand in front of the kids and tell the kids that Goliath was 3 feet taller. All this to say that, our faith in God can take down giants. Prayer time is a moving time at Bridges. The kids really pray what is on their heart. There are some things that us adults
I have barely gotten outside and a 9-year-old girl blocks my path. She is grinning from ear to ear and will not let me pass without me first hearing her say the memory verse for the day. There are footballs flying, kids coming down the slide, and loud activity all around, and a game of tag has already organized around me. An 11-year-boy and his two friends are trying to make 50-60 foot shots with the basketball. Amazingly the 11-year-old boy makes quite a few, and his buddies hardly any. He has found something he is better at than anyone else, and that’s pretty cool. Several kids are under the play set playing with the little Se blocks of lumber that were left over from the play set. You know, you lum can build stuff stuf with those. The day d comes to an end with numerous conversations with parents as they come and pick up their kids. All in a day’s pa work after school at the 4 Bridges for Youth Centers. Your w donations can help make it possible for tomorrow’s stories. d
www.bridgesforyouth.net Office: 417-864-4167
Give at: G
20 Sponsor | Mr. & Mrs. William H. Darr
Ozark Showcase Chorus Celebrates
60
th
Anniversary
with “Diamond Showcase” this November
by: Kaitlyn Schwers The Springfield chapter, OSC, consists of 30 women and is The Ozark Showcase Chorus (OSC), a 503c organization led by director Jeff Veteto. The choir performs in a based in Springfield, will be celebrating their 60th annivercappella, four-part harmony in barbersary of being an official Sweet shop style. The choir’s primary mission Adelines International chorus (SAI) is to preserve the art of barbershop member with their show “Diamond singing. OSC performs for the commuShowcase.” The “Diamond Showcase” Upcoming Events nity, churches, and will be performed at the Missouri State University Plaster Student Union December 14, 2012 Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. Performance at MercyHospital with special guest, ZING!, an internafor St. Jude’s Christmas Party tional champion quartet. businesses. In the past, proceeds from January. 25–26, 2013 their annual shows have been donated General admission to the “Diamond Region 25 Quartet Retreat to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Showcase” is $15. Part of the proceeds Addison, Texas Ozarks, Children’s Miracle Network, will benefit Care to Learn, a nonprofit Hospice of SW Missouri, and Convoy of that supports children in need. AdmisFebruary 26, 2013 Hope. sion for students is free. For tickets, go Coaching with Joe Connelly to www.ozarkshowcase.org or call at the Montclair OSC also encourages new members. 417-890-6212. Women who are interested can come March 14–17, 2013 observe choir practices on Tuesdays SAI is a nonprofit organization for Region 25 Competition from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the music education. It was founded in Richardson, Texas Montclair Retirement Community. An 1945 and is located in Tulsa, OK. This audition process is required, but organization is one of the largest women do not need to have prior singing organizations for women with musical knowledge to join. chapters in most of the U.S. and around the world. Visit www.ozarkshowcase.org to hear the chorus sing and to view their video demo. Find the chorus on Facebook by searching Ozark Showcase Chapter.
To learn more about the international organization, SAI, visit
Photo: by Lilly Photography
www.sweetadelineintl.org.
21
Big Brothers Big Sisters Offers YOP Tax Credits Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to offer State of Missouri Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) Tax Credits to our contributors. If you are liable for Missouri taxes (individuals & corporations) you could take advantage of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ status as a YOP approved organization. Missouri Department of Economic Development awards YOP Tax credits to qualified organizations that broaden and strengthen opportunities for positive development and participation in community life for youth, and to discourage such persons from engaging in criminal and violent behavior. Big Brothers Big Sisters contributors receive 50% of their monetary contribution in tax credits to offset their Missouri state tax liability, with up to a 5 year carry forward. The benefit also provides great impact as the contributor’s tax credits redirect his/her tax dollars back into our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters has $50,534 in credits which will leverage $101,068 in contributions to support our mission of providing children with positive adult role models. Donation to Big Brothers $100 Big Sisters of the Ozarks
$500
$1,000 $2,500
$5,000
Federal tax deduction (assuming 28% tax bracket)
-28
-140
-280
-700
-1400
Missouri income tax savings (assuming 6% tax bracket)
-6
-30
-60
-150
-300
Additional Missouri income -50 taxsavingsfromYOPTaxCredit
-250
-500
-1250
-2500
Donor’s tax savings
$420
$840
$2,100
$4,200
$80
$160
$400
$800
$84
Donor’s Out-of-Pocket Costs* $16
*Note: Consult your tax advisor for further guidance on how these rules apply to you individually.
of the Ozarks If interested in learning more about our YOP Tax Credits, please contact: Chief Development Officer Sophie Pierpoint 417. 889. 9136 x109 spierpoint@bigbro.com
Signature Chef Auction October 18th, 2012 The March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, presented by Farmers Insurance, is a dinner auction that pays tribute to the culinary excellence of local Chefs and restaurants while raising money to give babies a healthy start in life. Chefs donated their time and talents to prepare a gourmet sampling reception of their unique specialities. Participants included: Tower Club, University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Fire & Ice, Twilight Grille, the Rebecca Grille, Bambu Vietnamese Cuisine, RyMac's Rub and Pub, Brown Egg, and Gigi's Cupcakes.
photos: Carla Sandwell
24
Top Finishers:
Sunshine Run
male: 34, Springfield, Mo Kris Gamble: time:1:10:56; pace: 00:11:26
mercy.net
Who Benefits: Sunshine Run 2012 The Sunshine Run has been part of Mercy for 33 years. Launched in 1979, the Sunshine Run was one of the area’s first major running events. It has expanded over the years to include three events: 10K walk/run, 5K walk/run and the 1-Mile walk. The purpose of the event goes beyond race-day activities, to a mission of increasing community awareness and support for physical fitness and wellness. Proceeds from the Sunshine Run benefit the Mercy Burn Center, the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield Catholic Schools, Willard Schools, Mercy School of Nursing, Mercy Laboratory Scholarship Fund and Medical Explorers.
photos: James Hanson
26
female: 31, Springfield, Mo Heather B: time: 1:09:57; pace: 00:11:08
Christmas Wishes In December 2010, a couple weeks before Christmas, I received a frantic phone call from one of my colleagues at Children’s Division. There were 100 foster children who would not be receiving Christmas gifts and my colleague wondered if Ambassadors for Children could help. Through the generosity of several donors, we answered that call and a new specialized Christmas effort for foster children was born. Three years later (and on a much larger scale), Ambassadors for Children continues to coordinate Christmas gifts for local foster children in need. We also coordinate gifts for children in our community at immediate risk of foster care placement. Our goal is to ensure every abused and neglected child has a reason to smile on Christmas morning. This is made possible through a strong and long standing partnership with Greene County Children’s Division. We receive Christmas referrals directly from local Child Protective Services Caseworkers, which include children’s special preferences, clothing sizes, and wish list items. We then match each child with a local donor, who blesses them with gifts. We are pleased once again to partner with Crosslines Toystore, KTTS Christmas Crusade, and Murney Associates Realtors to assist with gifts. In addition, we work with many other donors who “adopt” a youth in foster care for Christmas on an individual basis. After gifts are collected, Ambassadors for Children organizes a Gift Wrapping Party, which gives community volunteers the opportunity to help wrap the gifts. To know that you have personally purchased and/or wrapped a gift that a foster child will open on Christmas morning is overwhelming. Greene County currently has approximately 900 children in foster care, with many more local children at immediate risk of foster care placement. Many of these children live in residential centers, group homes, or with extended family members who are unable to provide gifts.
Sponsor: Mr. & Mrs. William H. Darr
For these children, who have experienced more trauma in their young lives than most of us will in a lifetime, a few gifts can truly bring hope, worth, dignity and joy. Last year, we coordinated nearly 3,000 gifts for over 530 local abused and neglected children. With your help, we are thrilled to make their Christmas Wishes come true again in 2012!
How you can Help: 1. Sign-up to “Adopt” a Youth in Foster Care for Christmas (ages 13-21). We provide the wish list, you provide up to 5 gifts or gift value of $100, whichever comes first. 2. Make a special year-end donation to help support this and our other programs for local foster children. 3. Volunteer at our 3rd Annual Gift Wrapping Party: Monday, December 17th from 9am-5pm (2 hour shifts). Volunteer Registration is required. 4. Donate wrapping supplies (ribbon, gift tags, tape, wrapping paper)
*Contact us at 417-708-0565 or suzzell@ccozarks.org to sign-up or donate today! Monetary Donations can be made payable to Ambassadors for Children (or CCO-AFC) and mailed to: 500 W. Battlefield, Suite B., Springfield, MO 65807.
WORD SUDOKU
O u r F a y l r y m O i i a r O m u r i a l r a l
G Q W I H A I A G M F Y L I M A F P I U
O N L R J Z Y R R W Y A M S R Y O L Z B
L L I Q L G A E S N Q M E Z D D P C S G
T O X V A T H F P K A V J U O W M F G W
B N J V I T T D D E N W D X P X E O K Z
B Z D T E G U S W P D A C G T L N S Q Q
X X U G X S S C F P U L H N Z M E B H S
O D O K A T W K N N X R E T U J O H D Q
E T O S B U X F N C L P C J W W V N Z T
H B H H M F H S X A L V Z X F H L G M J
M U I W T F E L K N H C T J B D F G F L
Q F C I X I C U P C J T V D Q E C K D P
X Q F W K N N P U N R K N C J K K J Y I
A Z U A B G T I D Y S T W E A A E P Y G
P O T A T O E S U O G P Z G Y Y O Y C A
G Z T K S B Y Q H G F C U Q X Z P I W K
R A I Y A E I P G I Q V Y B V J K W T V
W I D K F O K K K R S O X X Y C E I R R
S E I R R E B N A R C G G I O A D G W P
F N E E E Y W E G C V N F W N X N G G L
G O M Y S R B V L H B S G L X R C A C P
B O O U A F F O U A U O M X D N U Y P W
H V B T Y D D L D P O I D F V C D E J T
m i l y a u r r l O m y F F m y l i a r
S W S K B X J K H P O Z X P E U D K A D
R F C M D A Y J U Y E J I L V O O R V G
X I W W I R L J L W M U D S Y J S U I R
Z D C V M L Q L D I H R W N V L W T Q G
A F F G Q P E V H M I L V T G M Q P A G
S P E U X F V O W P S Y O S S V A N Z N
D E M P I U N R Z E W J Q V D Z Q R U L
BAKING CRANBERRIES DAY FAMILY FOOTBALL GRATITUDE HAPPY HOME LOVE
PIE POTATOES SMILE STUFFING THANKS THANKSGIVING TOGETHER TURKEY YAMS
29
p i k Sa Pay
No matter where your loan was financed.
Lower your rate, lower your payment. Reducing your rate,even by just 1/2 percent, can save hundreds of dollars over the life of your loan.
REFI & DELAY YOUR PAYMENT UP TO 45 DAYS!*
Do you owe more than your car is worth? We can still help.
Contact our loan department today to schedule a no-obligation appointment: 417.887.1983.
FREE checking Our Prosper account lets you qualify** for perks like:
2.50% Interest
APY**
Unlimited ATM fee refunds
*Subject to approval. Rates vary with term and credit history and are subject to change. All standard BluCurrent loan policies apply. **To qualify for !"!#$%& ()!*%! "+$! $,*$ $-*"%*./+"% 0123 (+%$ *"4 .)!*- $+ 5+6- *..+6"$ 46-7"8 $,! 9+"$,)5 :6*)7#.*/+" .5.)!; 3,!5 9*5 "+$ ! 7" * (!"47"8 %$*$! $+ :6*)7<5 *% +"! +< $,! :6*)7#.*/+"%; 3-*"%*./+"% 9*5 $*=! +"! +- 9+-! *"=7"8 4*5% <-+9 $,! 4*$! $,! $-*"%*./+" >*% 9*4! $+ (+%$ $+ *"4 .)!*- *" *..+6"$; ?@AB?""6*) @!-.!"$*8! A7!)4;