August 2019 Volume 29/ Number 8 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc • www.unitenewsonline.org
UNITE.
2019 ParkDay Reunion Weekend Event Calendar Photos on Page 12
Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
ParkDay Reunion Weekend Is Here!
Equity Imperatives
Community group recommends public timeline and measurable outcomes to address Equity Disparities See calendar on page 12
Boyd Elementary school has a new principal Springfield, MO— Springfield Public Schools has selected Dr. Angela Holloway Payne to serve as the next Angela Payne principal of Boyd Elementary School, effective July 1, 2019. Continued on page 2
Springfield , MO— Community Education Coalition for Springfield Public Schools Equity presented a list of “imperatives” to the Springfield Public School District at the Bartley Ducatur Neighborhood Center on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. The group is made up of community members including parents, businesses, community leaders, and local agencies. “We are publicly and jointly demanding community leaders and the school district administrators develop a public timeline with measurable outcomes to address the goals in the Springfield Public Schools strategic plans now,” said coalition member Mark Dixon. The excepts from the document include: ...As community
Mark A Dixon at the podium along with members of the Community Education Coalition for Springfield Public Schools Equity
members, we seek to assist SPS with these urgent matters to develop, short-term, intermediate, and long-term goals for access, success and equity. Transparency is necessary and trusting relationships must be built in order to effectively educate and develop our students. Areas of concern requiring collaborative and cooperative work include: 1. Buildings, Facilities, and Contracting It is imperative that policy
language be promulgated and/ revised to create equitable opportunities for local businesses that include subcontracting and consulting opportunities within the district. This would help dollars stay local and for local businesses to have an equitable opportunity to bid for the work. We are speaking about consulting, procurement, design, construction and other contractual services. 2. SPS Workforce Recruitment, Continued on page 2
Page 2 August 2019 | Unite News
SPS Equity Plan Continued from Page 1
Hiring and Retention It is imperative that creative and innovative outreach, recruitment, hiring and retention of diverse administrators, teachers, counselors and staff must be initiated immediately to ensure a SPS workforce representative of all students served by the district. 3. Cultural Awareness, Represented in Curriculum and Staff Training It is imperative that the SPS Board, administration and staff receive comprehensive and ongoing culturally responsive teaching, anti-racism, and anti-bias training and professional development. Such training in valuing inclusion should include training to identify the causes of institutional and systemic racism as well as the ways to decrease and mitigate its negative impacts. 4. Equitable Implementation of Discipline Policies and Redress Opportunities It is imperative that SPS take part in statewide research projects that focus on discipline policies and redress, with the goal of eliminating disparate treatment based on difference. 5. Resource Reallocation It is imperative that resources be reallocated to develop an effective funding plan that intentionally promotes, develops and implements inclusive policies, programs and practices that better prepare all students to succeed.
6. Executive Level Chief Equity and Diversity Officer CEDO It is imperative that the CEDO will have sufficient and appropriate staff and budget levels required for success in this position. 7. Robust Student, Parental, and Community Agency Engagement It is imperative that SPS and the Springfield community ensure a commitment to improve effective relationships with underrepresented and marginalized families and communities. “We have allocated resources to hire a chief equity and diversity officer that will serve on the executive leadership team and help to lead the ongoing work that is focused on closing the gaps and establishing more equity within our system,” said Stephen Hall, chief communications officer for Springfield Public Schools. The district said more changes are coming this fall, including an equity and diversity advisory council. “I commend them for that, but the proof is in the pudding so to speak,” said Pratt. “It’s not only about what you say, it’s about what you do.” To read the entire document presented at the press conference. Go to: www.spsitsimperative.com
Subscribe To The Unite Publication Call: (417) 864-7444
Boyd Elementary Continued from Page 1
Dr. Holloway Payne’s education career includes 12 years as an elementary classroom teacher and 10 years as an elementary principal for Shelby County Schools in Memphis, Tenn. During her time with Shelby County Schools, she was recognized as Administrator of the Year by the Tennessee Education Association. She has serves as the superintendent of Stafford USD 349 in Stafford, Kan. Dr. Holloway Payne’s husband, Dr. Richard Todd Payne, is a professor at Missouri State University. Dr. Holloway Payne received a bachelor of arts in elementary education from the University of Memphis, a master of science in administration and supervision from Trevecca Nazarene University, and both an educational specialist degree and a doctorate in educational leadership from Union University. “It is an honor to join Springfield Public Schools,” said Dr.
Holloway Payne. “The opportunity to become part of the Boyd Elementary family is exciting! I look forward to learning about the rich traditions and history of our school. It is my passion to equip faculty and staff with the skills and resources to provide our students with a safe, supportive and enriched learning environment. Building positive relationships with faculty, staff, students, parents and community members will be an important part of every day.” “We look forward to welcoming Dr. Holloway Payne to Springfield and to SPS,” said Dr. J Anderson, executive director of elementary learning for Springfield Public Schools. “It was obvious to the selection committee that she is passionate about providing students with a personalized learning experience unique to the abilities and interests of individual students, while supporting the work of teachers and staff who are instrumental to that work.”
Service Times: Sunday 10:30 am & Wednesday 6:00 pm. Deliverance Temple is a Non-Denominational Multi-Racial congregation. For more information, go to: www.deliverancetemple.org
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IN THIS ISSUE 4
Community News
Low Cost Summer Fun For Seniors in Springfield
by Tyra Knox
Resources To Help Students With Homework At The Library
6
by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District
8
It’s hard to believe most schools resume classes in mid-August. Those puzzling homework assignments and research projects will be starting soon, and the Library has a 24/7 source especially Kathleen O'Dell for students – including adults. From home or school, use your library card to tap into a variety of helpful online resources, biographical materials, maps and databases that are librarian-tested and approved. Here’s a list worth saving. You can find more resources at thelibrary.org/research – and in library books! Go to thelibrary.org/kids and thelibrary.org/teens for these sites: • Biography in Context – articles on 400,000 international people • Credo – articles and e-books, photos, videos and audio-files • Culturegrams Kids – continued on page 11
Volume 29, Number 8 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox
Business News
Wills and Revocable Trusts: Know the Differences
by Sativa Boatman-Sloan Sports News
Building students to be “competitive, honest, and loyal”
by Sean Nevills
10
UNITE.
Health News Profiles Of Local Health Professionals by JR Chappell
GORMAN-SCHARPF FUNERAL HOME, INC
The Quality And Care That You Expect In 242 Years Of Combined Experience W. Bruce Howell Robert J. Lohmeyer Don R. Lohmeyer Heather K. Howell Angela N. Collins Harley R. Williams 886-9996 Clint W. Mease Russ Allen
(417) 886-9994 • Fax: (417) 1947 E. Seminole Springfield, Missouri 65804
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Tyra Knox Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Daniel Ogunyemi Francine Pratt John Sellars Sativa Boatman-Sloan PHOTOGRAPHY Erin Gamble Tondaleigha Jones
The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801 and accompanied by $25. for one year’s postage and handling. Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. Readers comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. “The Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.” For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com
Page 4 August 2019 | Unite News
CommunityNews Low Cost Summer Fun For Seniors in Springfield rounding nature while you wait. Maybe one day you could pack a picnic basket, blanket Springfield, MO—Summer has or chair and head to one of the been making its presence known many local parks. Find a nice for several weeks now. Accordshady area under some beautiing to the calendar and the foreful trees and eat with cast, we have a few family or friends. more weeks to go. Visit a Museum. We still have time Even when its hot outto get in several more side you can cool off fun and relaxing and take in more culevents under our belt. ture at the same time Relaxing or exerat the Springfield Art cising in a pool is a Tyra Knox Museum. Walking from great way to keep out of gallery to gallery will also give the heat. Many public pools or you exercise. However, there YMCAs offer seniors pool time is seating in each gallery if you and even water aerobic classes, want to stop and rest. There are which are great for the heart and other galleries and museums in the joints by the way. the area. I am just a little partial Find a nearby dock that allows to the Springfield Art Museum. fishing. Set up your chair and How about having an ice cooler and cast out your line. I cream social for you and your would certainly go in the early grandchildren. Indulge yourself morning time since you may be this one time. If you are brave sitting a while waiting on the fish this could be a good night for a to bite. You can however enjoy sleepover for the grandkids. the fresh air and the view of surby Tyra Knox
Guest Contributing Writer
You can always be a part of a book club. You can choose a few books with your family and friends to read and have a book discussion in the cool of the evening on the deck sipping some cool lemonade. Consider audio books if reading is a challenge for your eyes. Take in a movie, especially on a hot afternoon when the admis-
sion is less, and the air is cool. You may want to bring a jacket just in case the air is is a little too cool. I guess to be honest, whether it is Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, fun time spent together with loved ones, making new memeries, exploring your community and just enjoying yourself is a plus anytime of the year.
Springfield CultureFest Is Coming In September Springfield, MO—CultureFest, a new event planned for Springfield will be held on Sept. 14, 2019, on Commercial Street. CultureFest promises to bring together and celebrate the different cultures and ethnicities of those who live in Springfield, MO. Saehee Duran describes it
as an event for “all nations and generations.” Duran is a lead pastor at Life360 Intercultural Campus and the Springfield Police chaplain. This will be the very first city-wide CultureFest. The goal, Saehee says, is to showcase rich ethnic diversity through local
restaurants, businesses, organizations and talents, so that locals can experience the world right in the backyard. Duran says she hopes this event will positively change the narrative of ethnic diversity in Springfield. Groups involved so far in-
clude: Grupo Latino Americano, Korean Association, Hmong Association, NAACP, Minorities in Business, International Institute of Southwest Missouri, the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Springfield, and restaurant owners of Cafe Cusco and Van Gogh. For information go to: www.sgfculturefest.com
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SGF NAACP Presents Intersections - A Community Tells Its Stories Springfield, MO—The Springson. Childcare will be available as well as refreshments will be field NAACP Chapter will presprovided. ent Intersections—A CommuThe event will be a comnity Tells Its Stories, munity wide, multi- media Thursday, August 1, story sharing event where 2019 at 5 pm – 8 pm at stories will be told in differthe National Avenue ent formats to encourage Christian Church deeper engagement. Dis1515 S National Ave,. plays will be available for The organization viewing before and after is asking the comthe program. munity to join them After the racist inciToni Robinson as the community dent between a substitute comes together for an evening teacher and two African American students at Hickory Hills, of story sharing, spoken word Chief Communications Officer and poems, shedding light on Stephen Hall named the alleged the darkness of racism, queercomments as “disturbing unacphobia, ableism, islamophobia, ceptable, and completely at odds antisemitism and more, within with who we are as a school the Springfield Public Schools. district.” “We seek to learn more “We will present our proposed about individual experiences and changes to policy and action understand them more deeply, steps to creating a safe learning and offer our unyielding support environment for all students in and steadfast resolve to address the district.” said Springfield these complex issues.” said Toni NAACP president Toni RobinRobinson.
game for Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day. Starting Monday, July 22 through gameday, the tickets are available for $12 at Big Momma’s Coffee and Espresso Bar Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Springfield NAACP chapter will receive $5 from each ticket sale! We look forward to you joining us for a night of family fun as we celebrate Mr. 42 and the legacy he paved for civil rights.
Whether you have a material to sell or offer a great service—CU is looking for reputable vendors to help us keep our business up-and-running.
Are you inspired to create a better future for yourself and others? If so, Missouri State has a place for you.
Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity Employer and Institution. Employment will require a criminal background check at university expense.
Springfield, MO—Springfield NAACP invite everyone to join them Aug 27, 6:30 pm at Hammons Field, where the Springfield Cardinals will play the Frisco Roughriders to commemorate Jackie Robinson’s historical integration of Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Show your support by sporting Jackie Robinson’s retired number --- 42. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and Hammons Field will sell $1 hot dogs during the
Working Together to Power Springfield
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES With a campus community filled with diverse perspectives, voices and opinions, Missouri State is fulfilling its commitment to address the needs of a changing society.
Fundraiser: Jackie Robinson Day at Hammons Field
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY AND
Call 417-831-8363 or log on to cityutilities.net, key search “Purchasing”, to learn about ways for us to work together.
It is the policy of City Utilities to offer equal opportunity to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.
www.jobs.missouristate.edu
City Utilities of Springfield • 301 East Central, Springfield MO • 417.863.9000 • cityutilities.net
Page 6 August 2019 | Unite News
BusinessNews Wills and Revocable Trusts: Know the Differences By Sativa Boatman-Sloan Attorney At Law
Springfield, MO— Wills and Revocable Trusts are beneficial planning documents used to pass assets on to beneficiaries after death. However, there are very distinct differences. To make the best decision for your family, you should know the three major distinctions between Wills and Revocable Trusts. Privacy When a Will is administered, it must go through the court system and becomes public record. When a trust is administered, privacy is protected because all transactions are administered through the trustee, avoiding court. Probate Probate is the legal process by which the court system determines whether your Will is legally valid and appoints a Per-
sonal Representative (executor) to administer your estate. The objective of the court is to ensure your debts are paid out of your estate before any distribution is made to the beneficiaries as outlined in your Will. The most well-known advantage of a Revocable Trust is avoiding probate. Any assets properly held in the trust or transferred upon death to the trust will avoid probate and pass to the named beneficiaries as set out in the terms of the trust. Control A Will allows you to transfer assets upon death, but you have no control over how those assets are managed after your death. In contrast, Revocable Trusts are flexible and can contain unique distributions to beneficiaries. For example, you can hold money in a trust to be distributed over time. Some families prefer to have their adult beneficiaries
receive only a portion of their inheritance at one time and wait to receive the remaining amounts at later dates. Although a Revocable Trust may be considered the principal document in an estate plan, a Will should accompany a trust. This type of Will, referred to as
a “Pour Over” Will, names the Revocable Trust as the principal beneficiary. Thus, in the event it becomes necessary to probate any assets after your death (for example, if something was not properly transferred to the trust), it would ultimately go back into continued on page 9
City seeks public input via Community Development Needs Survey Springfield, MO—The City’s Planning & Development Department is soliciting public input via a Community Development Needs Survey, which will assess the community in five areas: Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Public Services, Public and Private Improvements and Infrastructure, and Public Facilities. Survey results will be
used in an assessment of community development needs applied to the FY 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The five-year Consolidated Plan is the City of Springfield’s primary vehicle for identifying and prioritizing housing, community development, public service and economic needs and strategies to guide the City’s use
of its entitlement funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We would absolutely love to hear from members of each of the Community Collaboratives regarding what you feel are the most pressing needs within Springfield. The survey is available online at the following link:
https://communitydevelopmentneeds.questionpro.com/ This survey is designed to collect public opinion regarding how the City should use HUD funding among the five program areas. The survey is voluntary and will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The survey will be available through the Fall of 2019.
Page 7 August 2019 | Unite News
African American Community Organizations Directory Mark A. Dixon Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center 918 E. Calhoun Springfield, MO 65802 417-987-9939 www.bartley-decatur.org
Shelia Burton, Worthy Matron Missouri Jurisdiction PHA Order Of Eastern Star Greater Truth Chapter #88 P.O. Box 8804 Springfield, MO 65801 417-866-6878
Deidra England, President Ladies Civic League Provides scholarships for youth P. O. Box 8296 Springfield, MO 65801 417-887-7440
Calvin L. Allen, Exec. Director Springfield Community Center 911 E. Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-866-4359
Sherman Avenue Project Committee, Inc. Housing Org. 1228 N. Sherman Springfield, MO 65802 417-865-1203 Anthony Pickens Prince Hall Masons Truth Lodge #151 P.O. Box 8063 Springfield, MO 65801 417-890-5180 Shelia Burton, President Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Board, Inc. P.O. Box 9282 Springfield, MO 65801 417-877-0668 Dennis Davis Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Springfield Alumni P.O. Box 6287 Springfield, MO 65801-6287 417-496-7365 Dorothy L. McClendon, Esq. (President) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Cultured Pearls of Springfield P.O. Box 8361 Springfield, Missouri 65801 (816) 721-8946
Toni Robinson, President Springfield Branch N.A.A.C.P. P.O. Box 8983 Springfield, MO 65801 Meetings are every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. 417-873-6386 Nora England, President Springfield Reunion Club Organizes the Annual Park Day/ Reunion Weekend 1447 N. Hampton Springfield, MO 65802 417-869-0183 Meeting every first Monday Willie Carter, Director Victory Circle Peer Support Inc 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy Springfield, MO 65802 417-894-0188 Support group for men in recovery
Samuel G. Knox Unite of SWMO, Inc. Publishes the Unite Publication; presenters of the Annual Springfield Multicultural Festival 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Springfield, MO 65802 Phone: 417-864-7444 unitepublication@yahoo.com www.unitenewsonline.org
Page 8 August 2019 | Unite News
SportsNews Building students to be “competitive, honest, and loyal” District as an activities/athletics director. Josh brings a wealth of knowledge and The importance accolades from his time in Waynesville. He serves on of extracurricular the board of directors for activities and the the National Interscholastic district AD leading Athletic Administrators the charge. Association and was awarded State Athletic Springfield, MO—Why Director of the Year are extracurricular by the Missouri activities important? Interscholastic Darrell Floyd and the Athletic National Federation Administrators of State High School Association in 2017. Associations (NFHS) “I have the best Sean Nevills highlight numerous AD job in the state individual and community of Missouri,” says Josh. In benefits as a result of parSpringfield, Josh leads a disticipation in school activitrict with over 300 coaches, ties. Some of the benefits of and activities/athletics coorinclude promoting character dinators at the five public development through learnhigh schools and nine middle ing life skills and increasing schools. Josh is Tournament the likelihood of success Director for Bass Pro Shops in the classroom. StudentTournament of Champions, athletes are more likely to Springfield’s annual high have better attendance, highschool basketball showcase. er test scores in math and Last basketball season, the science, and are more likely tournament hosted over to graduate high school. 25,000 fans and was spotlighted by USA Today as one Meet Josh Scott, Springfield Public of the top 15 high school Schools Athletic Director basketball tournaments in Josh, a husband, father, the country. Josh’s additionand fellow St. Louis Cardinals al duties include allocating fan, is entering his second athletic funds throughout the year with SPS after serving a district and assists with mondecade at Waynesville School itoring athletics facilities and By Sean Nevills Guest Contributing Writer
2019 Tournament of Champions Champs - McEachern Indians (GA)
improvements. The vision for Springfield Public Schools activities and athletics Josh Scott The goal for SPS is 90% engagement amongst students in activities outside of the classroom. Josh believes the best way to engage students is by creating more opportunities in the schools, especially at the middle school level. SPS offers a variety of sports and activities to accommodate students with a range of abilities. Josh notes the emergence of the district archery programs which serve up to 900 students. “When you look at engagement and when you
look at activities… you need to be more creative and not look through your normal lens of what you think activities and engagement should be,” Scott explains. Josh maintains a community focus to promote extracurricular activities. He encourages his high school coaches to be active figures in their feeder middle schools. He feels the key to success for SPS athletic programs is to create relationships with students and families and build trust and comradery. He hopes to empower coaches to develop students athletes who are competitive, honey, and loyal. Josh states, “If we can help instill kids to be more competitive, honest, continued on page 9
Page 9 August 2019 | Unite
Building Students Continued from Page 8
and loyal, I think we’ve done a great thing.” More information for students and families High school fall sports practices start Monday, August 12. Middle school practices start Monday, August 19. Prospective athletes need a current MSHSAA physical on file with their school, dated on or after February 1st, 2019, in order to participate. Please contact your local school for more details.
Wills and Trusts Continued from Page 6
the trust and still be distributed to (or held for the benefit of) the beneficiaries according to the trust instructions. Determining your need for a Revocable Trust involves an analysis of your goals and your personal and financial circumstances. However, everyone should have a Will even if it is just for the purpose of having a backup plan in the event something would inadvertently end up in probate.
The Guy’s Guide To Staying On Top Of His Health By Toni Gerber Hope Unite Contributing Writer
Men really are less likely to go to the doctor: Research shows that 40 percent don’t get annual checkups. If a guy you love is part of that group (or you’re one of those guys), get him on board with our decade-by-decade guide to key exams and lifestyle tweaks.
20s and 30s Checkup Checklist Blood Pressure
Check it at least once every two years starting at age 20. New guidelines say you want to stay at or below 120/80. If your numbers are higher, talk to your doctor about diet and exercise changes; even a small uptick in young adulthood can lead to heart damage by middle age.
Cholesterol
Test once between 17and 21; repeat every four to six years if your number are good: under 200, with HDL over 60, LDL under 100. Also triglycerides should be under 150. Limiting your strutted fat intake (full-fat dairy and fatty meat like steak and hot
dogs) and exercise regularly are key to keeping heathy numbers.
STIS
Testing for sexually transmitted infection such as syphillis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia will depend on your sexual history. Be honest with your doctor: Many don’t have symptoms, and rates of infection are rising. All men should be screened for HIV at least once.
A Good Time To…Find a primary care doctor you like
Think of your doc as your partner for staying heathy for life. Research shows people who have a regular doctor get the most effective preventive care.
Learn your family heath history
If any immediate relatives have heart disease or diabetes, you may need additional or more frequent checks. Record the info at familyhealthhistory.org
Stop Smoking
A review of 63 studies found that using two forms of nicotine-replacement therapy increases your chances of quitting by 36 percent.
40s Checkup Checklist Blood Glucose
A blood test checking glucose (blood sugar) levels screens for diabetes. If your blood pressure or cholesterol levels are high or you’re overweight (BMI of 25 plus), get tested at 40; otherwise, you can wait until 45. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get the plasma glucose test, which measures blood sugar after fasting, or the hemoglobin A1C, which shows glucose levels over the past two to three months.
Eye Exam
You might be reaching for readers now thanks to farsightedness (aka prebyopic). Get an eye exam at 40 then every two to four years if no issues.
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
Your risk of heart disease starts rising so check BP yearly and cholesterol every five years or annually if it’s elevated. Your doctor may also do an EKG to
check your heart’s electrical rhythms. continued on page 11
15-Year Old Cori Gauff, the Youngest Player to Ever Play in Wimbledon, Beat Venus Williams Nationwide — 15-year old Cori Gauff made history as the youngest tennis player to ever qualify in Wimbledon. She competed against one of her idols in the sport, Venus Williams, and she won. After beating Greet Minnen
in the final qualifying rounds with a score of 6-1, 6-1, Gauff became the youngest player to qualify for the main draw at Wimbledon since 1968 when the Open Era began. Cori Gauff, who is also known as Coco and is from South
Florida, is currently the world number 301 in tennis. She has recently received a wildcard to get into qualifying and shown outstanding performance at Wimbledon wherein she reportedly defeated Aliona Bolsova, Va-
continued on page 11
Page 10 August 2019 | Unite News
HealthNews Profiles Of Local Health Professionals By JR Chappell Unite Contributing Writer
Springfield MO— Profiles of local Health Professionals will be a regular monthly column written by JR Chappell, Health Committee chair for the Springfield NAACP Branch. Mr Chappells is a health professional himself and is committed to the goal of inspire young African American youth to consider a career in the health care field. Where are you from Dr. Clark?: I was born and raised in Jacksonville Florida and went to undergraduate school at Florida State. When did you know you wanted to be a doctor? During a mission trip to Guyana (with an organization called Health Education Reform Guyana, HERG) I saw the great needs for medical providers. That trip was when I was a sophomore in college. Tell us about yourself: I have been married 5 years, we have no children but we do have a dog. Family is mostly in Florida and I have two sisters and one brother. I went to medical school at Meharry medical college in Nashville TN. Meharry is a historically black college. I
did my residency in Gainesville Fl and currently work in North Springfield. North Springfield is considered a medically underserved area of town but it is quite different than my residency in Gainesville. In Gainesville the population that I worked with was 55-60% black.
Dr. Justin Patrick Clark, MD Specialties: Family Medicine
In Springfield the percentage of black patients that I work with is 3-4%. What problems and challenges do you face? As a family practice doctor I see a variety of health problems and people with multiple co-morbidities (sicknesses). These people can be very complicated to take care of. It has been rare but I have had people use racially offensive terms if they do not agree with a treatment plan. How do you see yourself in 10 years? I want to be the best family practice doctor in the area. I would like to be more active in the political/policy realm of medicine. What advice do you have for our political leaders? We need more mental health professionals, medications need to be affordable and we need more people to care for the community.
Justin Patrick Clark, MD, Mercy Clinic Family Medicine - W. Kearney 2212 W. Kearney Street Springfield, MO 65804 Phone: (417) 553-1812
Watch a video interview by going to: www.mercy.net/doctor/justin-patrick-clark-md/
Page 11 August 2019 | Unite News
Library
Continued from Page 3
statistics, photos and recipes from across the world • Explora – a great starting point for research topics • Learning Express – help with 4th- & 5th-grade math, reading and writing skills • Science Reference Center – topics from encyclopedia, books and magazines • Mango Languages – Improve your conversation skills in over 60 languages Need more help? On thelibrary. org, click “Ask a Librarian!” ••• Who’s the favorite superhero in your house? You might see him or her at LibraryCon on Saturday, August 17. It’s our family-friendly version of ComicCon, with a lineup of comic, game and book authors and illustrators. Meet superheroes, and feel free to come in your own costume! Activities go from 10 a.m.5 p.m. at the Library Center. Visit thelibrary.org/librarycon for a complete schedule. ••• Bring your family and join us for stories, book talks and activities at Better Together: Family Storytime, for all ages at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Midtown Carnegie Branch. When families read together, kids learn important life lessons like kindness and caring for others. We’ll share fun books and conversation starters for learning about your child’s day at school and ways to save your child’s work without getting overwhelmed! For details call
(417) 862-0135. ••• The Library is a safe space to explore diversity, learn about empathy and teach tolerance. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 3 p.m. in the Library Station Story Hour Room for Little Voices – stories, songs and activities to inspire and support positive change. This session for age 2-grade 2 celebrates Hispanic American Heritage Month. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.
Cori Gauff
Continued from Page 9
Valentyna Ivakhnenko, and Greet Minnen without losing a set. Gauff won the competition against 39-year old Venus Williams in the first-round match. Williams, who is a five-time champion at the All England Club, has already won four of her seven major titles even before Gauff was born in 2004. But Gauff said the 24-year age gap is not an issue. “I don’t think of Venus as old — she’s still killing the game right now,” Gauff told BBC. “It’s crazy to show her longevity — that’s how I look at it. I hope I’m still playing and doing well at 39.” Moreover, Gauff shared that the Williams sisters were some of the people she look up to growing up who inspired her to play the sport. “Serena Williams has always been an idol and Venus…
I mean, they’re the reason I wanted to pick up a tennis racket,” she told Wimbledon media. “I’ve met them both and they’re both super kind people. I’m just super happy and thankful that they chose to play tennis ’cause I’m sure they’ll dominate any sport they wanted to play.” Gauff has just started making history and many have been waiting for what’s coming for her. She said, “It’s crazy that people call me the next this, next that. I’m just trying to be me.”
Mens Health
Continued from Page 9
A Good Time To… Focus On Adding Heart Healthy Foods To Your Diet
Reach for food containing good fats, like nuts and avocados, to boost heart health. Add fatty fish at lest twice a week. Overall, aim to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, plus some lean meat. A Good Time To… Focus On Adding Heart Healthy Foods TO Your Diet Reach for food containing good fats, like nuts and avocados, to boost heart health. Add fatty fish at lest twice a week. Overall, aim to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, plus some lean meat. Tame Tension Stress-Relief techniques(like meditation) can make it easier to cope with demands at home and work. Two apps to try: Headspace and Calm. Listen to
music or audiobooks (not the news) during your commute can help too. Pay Attention To Your Moods. Increase stress ups your risk for depression. Persistent sadness is a sign, as well as irritability and drinking more alcohol.
50s Checkup Checklist
In addition to cholesterol and
continued on page 11
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Page 12 August 2019 | Unite News
2019 ParkDay Reunion Weekend Schedule Sponsored by Springfield Reunion Club & Springfield Greene County Parks
Theme for 2019...”Come Back For The Throw Back” Playing your favorites form the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s
(Come Sporting Your Afros, Platforms, Bell Bottoms, Mini Skirts, Zoot Suits Or Whatever You Were Wearing Back Then...)
FRIDAY, August 2, 2019
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. HOSPITALITY - Lamplighter Inn North, 2820 N. Glenstone - 417-869-3900 featuring … “DJ Surprise” Adults - $10 / Kids - $5 (ages 5-10) Friday & Saturday - ParkDay Golf at Payne Stewart Friday, Skin Game 9:00 am Saturday, Golf Tournament 8:30 am Contact Bevo Looney 417-343-8228
SATURDAY, August 3, 2019
9:00 a.m. - TENNIS TOURNAMENT ~ Silver Springs Park Contacts: Randy Smith 417-576-6116 or Vincent Stout 417-886-2682 10:00 a.m. - ParkDay Co-Ed Softball Games - Nora England 417-861-7568 11:00 a.m. - BOWLING TOURNAMENT ~ Sunshine Lanes ~ 1500 W. Sunshine Contacts: Sidney Needem 417-865-1203 or Sunshine Lanes 417-866-7246 12:00 Noon - ParkDay REUNION PARADE ~ Silver Springs Park – Sponsored by Ladies Civic League & NAACP Contacts: Charmaine Huddleston 417-425-9355 or Janet Price 417-379-6652 1:00 p.m. - ParkDay Car Show - Silver Springs Park (Trophies will be given) Contact: Wally Ransom 417-766-6479 1:00 p.m. - 3 Point Basketball Shootout -Silver Springs Park (Trophies will be given) 4 different ages of teams Contact: Wally Ransom 417-766-6479 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - KID’S $1 SWIM – Silver Springs Park 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - ParkDay REUNION PICNIC - Everyone is Welcome! Bring your covered dish. 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. - ParkDay REUNION DANCE - Lamplighter Inn North, 2820 N. Glenstone featuring … “Charlie Redd & The Full Flava Kings -Tulsa, Oklahoma” (Tickets- $15 in advance / $20 at the door)
SUNDAY, August 4, 2019
MORNING WORSHIP - Go To the Church of Your Choice 3:30 p.m. - GOSPEL PRAISE IN THE PARK Contacts: Quinci Williams 417-861-3965 or Nora England 417-861-7568 6:00 p.m. - MISS SILVER SPRINGS BEAUTY PAGEANT - (for pageant information) Contacts: Jane Pike 417-869-8091 Stephanie Herron 417-693-6442 Sabrina Shockley 417-597-1946
Mens Health
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Blood Pressure: Colorectal Cancer You can lower your chances of dying from colorectal cancer by more than 50 percent with a colonoscopy, the gold standard for screening. Lung Cancer If you’ve smoked the equivalent of a pack a day for 30 years (even if you’ve quit), have a low-radiation CT scan at 55 then yearly until 80. A Good Time To… Talk About Prostate Cancer Screening The U.S Prevention Task Force advises men 55 to 65 who may have a higher risk to discuss the pros and cons of screening with their doctor. A book group, the church chorus, an athletic league. Studies find that socially connected people live longer, healthier lives. Stop The Excuses Me are only two-thirds as likely to go to the doctor as women. Why? Men tend to think they aren’t that sick and are wasting the doctor’s time, or they fear they’re really sick. So what can loved ones do to get their guys to the doctor? Nag! Remind him how important he is to his family and friends. Schedule the appointment and make it a date: Go with him.
60s 80s and Beyond
Keep screening cholesterol and BP and add an Eye Exam Bone Density Test, Aorta Ultrasound: This checks the abdominal aortic aneurysm, a rupture of the major supplier of blood from your heart to your body.