2019 Dec Unite

December 2019 Volume 29/ Number 12 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc • www.unitenewsonline.org

UNITE.

Details on Page 2

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Drury University appoints Marilyn Harris to new Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer role Springfield, MO, November 5, 2019 — Drury University is pleased to Marilyn Harris announce a significant step forward in its commitment to diversity and inclusion by appointing Marilyn Harris as the school’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer. Harris was named head of Drury’s human resources department in May, and she will continue in that position.

Her new title will be Chief Human Resources & Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

Harris brings more than 20 years of experience to the role. She will serve as a Continued on page 2

KWANZAA Celebration

An African American celebration of cultural heritage and traditional values

Springfield, MO—Join the Springfield Ladies Civic League as they hold a Kwanzaa celebration on Saturday, December 28th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

The celebration will be held at Turning Point Church located at 1722 N. National Ave. Springfield, MO. The event is free to the public. There will be fellowshipping over a traditional meal, music, and dancing.

Continued on page 2

The 2018 presenters of the Seven Kwanzaa Principles

The Unite News Publication Plans Upgrades and Expanded Reach Dear Unite Readers, Next month the Unite Publication will celebrate 32 years of service to the community.

Some of our readers have read every issue since the first issue that came out in 1988. To that, we extend a heart felt thank you!

Over the last 31 years, the Unite News Publication has changed slightly in its look

and coverage. Over the last few of our diverse communities months we have been gatherto young and older audiences ing input from the community from the broader community. to find ways to keep The Unite mission, up with our changing whether through retimes. porting news in our We feel it is very monthly publication or important to get your promoting work force opinion and input on development, presenthow we serve you our ing performers repreSamuel Knox customer. While our publicasenting cultures from around tion has represented a “for us, the world, we are promoting by us model,” it also provides a a broader understanding and positive glimpse —a snapshot Continued on page 2

Page 2 December 2019 | Unite News

Kwanzaa

Continued from Page 1

There will also be a presentation on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja which represents Unity, Kujichagulia which represents Self-Determination, Ujima representing Collective Work and Responsibility, Ujamaa representing Cooperative Economics, Nia which stands for Purpose, Kuumba meaning Creativity, and Imani meaning Faith.

Drury

Continued from Page 1

point person for Drury, helping to raise the visibility of diversity efforts; clarify goals and assess progress; and provide expertise on issues of access, equity, diversity, and inclusion. She will work with various constituencies across the university to develop a formal plan that will initially focus on three main areas: • Infusing diversity and inclusion throughout all parts of the university • Working with Springfield community leaders to develop partnerships for programs and initiatives pertaining to diversity and inclusion • Helping to facilitate campus-wide sessions on diversity training and leadership development to increase awareness of diversity and cultural competence among students, faculty, administrators and other staff “I am profoundly proud of Drury University’s rich heritage of diversity and inclusion, which started with attracting women and Native Americans

into its first class nearly 150 years ago,” says Drury President Dr. Tim Cloyd. “To continue to build upon our history we must attract, embrace and celebrate academic success that includes an expanded scope of diversity.

Marilyn is the right person to lead these efforts. Yet she does not bear the sole responsibility in this area. It will take the contributions of the entire Drury community to ensure we are truly walking the walk in this regard.”

Gardens Aglow transforms Springfield’s Japanese Stroll Garden into a Botanical Winter Wonderland

Unite

Continued from Page 1

appreciation of the ethnically diverse talent, community resources and opportunities available in the Springfield and the Greene County area.

As the population changes— along racial, ethnic, generational, and economic dimensions—so do the tastes and expectations of local audiences. At the same time, technology has radically transformed when, where, and how people engage in their consumption of news and informational resources.

We plan to continue our influence as an information platform to drive our organization’s mission. More specifically, our plan is to create a digital news site able to capture and promote our ethnically diverse unique experiences in Southwest Missouri in real time vs our month to month format.

Starting as a print publication over 31 year ago, the Unite News Publication expanded with a respectable local distribution.

To remain viable and reach a larger audience, the management and staff have listened to

Springfield, MO – Bring the whole family to walk Gardens Aglow, a botanical-themed light festival in the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at the Springfield Botanical Gardens, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. The unique event spans Thursdays-Saturdays, November 29-December 28, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person or free for children 12 and younger.

More than 75,000 festive lights accent the unique structures and landscaping of the Stroll Garden and capture the winter beauty of nature. Light features include firecracker lights, framed installations, up lighting and string lights and are made possible by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Friends of the Garden, Iris Society of the Ozarks, Ozarks Regional Lily Society and Springfield Area Herb Society.

Cozy up to a fire pit and purchase coffee or hot chocolate. Buy a commemorative Gardens Aglow mug to receive a discount on refills all season.

For more information, please visit friendsofthegarden.org. You may also call 417-864-1341 or e-mail info@friendsofthegarden. org.

readers. This shift should make for easier access for subscribers, an improved value offerings to advertisers, reduce publishing expenses and reporting the news at a faster pace.

Finally, the rebrand will take place over the next several months and include a noticeable

connect with the growing local Spanish speaking market by offering an updated website with some news offered in both English and Spanish. As always, feel free to notify us when you hear or see news in the community.

We look forward to serving you for another 30 plus years.

Page 3 December 2019 | Unite News

IN THIS ISSUE 4

Community News

How To Teach Our Children To Love Social Justice

by Gwen Marshall

Download An App To Read An Audiobook At The Library

6

by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District

8

If you’ve put off downloading an e-book or audiobook through the library because it felt like there were too many steps involved, here’s an easier and quicker way to do it.

It’s called Libby, and it’s about the Kathleen O'Dell simplest reading app you’ll ever use.

You can download it, free, using your Springfield-Greene County Library card. Libby is provided

by OverDrive, the service that lets you borrow digital content from the library.

Here’s how to do it: • Download the Libby app from your app store or by going to springfield.overdrive.com or overdrive.thelibrary.org.

• Enter your library card number.

• Browse your choices of books or audiobooks.

• Select one, click “Borrow” and start reading or listening.

• Checkouts are for three continued on page 11

Volume 29, Number 12 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox

Business News

How Often Should I Review My Estate Plan?

by Sativa Boatman-Sloan Movie Review

ASSISTANT EDITOR Amber Donaldson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Tyra Knox Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Daniel Ogunyemi Francine Pratt Sativa Boatman-Sloan

The Harriet Tubman Movie

by Lyle Foster

10

UNITE.

Health News

Autism Resources for Parents 2

by Amber Donaldson

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

Share Your Story With the Unite News Publication

If you would like to share your local story or make an announcement about an upcoming event, please contact us at: unitepublication@yahoo.com Provide as much information about the story as possible and why you are reporting it.

UNITE.

www.unitenewsonline.org

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 December 2019 | Unite News

CommunityNews How to Teach Our Children to Love Social Justice

by Gwen Marshall

from author Jennifer Gafford: • Teach them history. Visit monWhat is Social Justice? uments, battlefields, read stories Social justice is the equal of the past and share resources access to wealth, opportunities, about celebrations and holiand privileges within a days. Exploring historsociety. Social Justice ical viewpoints is a great effects the needs of our opportunity for your child world, our political systo understand others’ tem, our jails, and our points of view, and become society as a whole. acquitted with more than So how do we nurture one perspective. a sense of justice in our • Share current events.

Gwen Marshall children? What are some There are current events ways we can bring them into our happening that may catch your real world, while protecting them child’s attention and increase from age-inappropriate content? their passion for social justice.

How can we instill in our chilIf they like animals talk about dren a deep-rooted trust in jusendangered wildlife and entice, compassion and kindness, vironmental care. If they are despite the problems they might learning about Native Americans see in the world? in school? Teach them about Here are few suggestions problems that many Native Guest Contributing Writer

Americans face in their educational systems. It’s important to be honest with your child and also sensitive to their ability to handle the content.

• Use children’s literature.

Whether the literature is about people who are different than they are or an affirmation of their identity, or one that exposes bias or shares stories of people who stood up to injustice, reading books is an excellent way to address Social Justice.

• Love justice, love kindness.

Justice roars and bellows. Kindness whispers and acts quietly.

They need each other. Teach your children to stand up for someone that is having a problem, but teach them likewise, to be concerned about the person causing the problem. Justice and

Upcoming School Events

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Are you inspired to create a better future for yourself and others?

If so, Missouri State has a place for you.

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.

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.

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY AND

www.jobs.missouristate.edu

kindness go hand-in-hand. We don’t need to be champion fighters to be great advocates for justice. Teach your children about modern heroes who are fighting for justice and showing kindness.

Teach them to act justly and to love mercy and that is never too late to do what is right.

It is important that adults model positive examples for their children. Do not give them the idea that we should be “colorblind” to racial differences or tell them to be quiet when they notice someone with a disability.

We want to encourage them to, honor people’s identities without judging or discriminating based on differences. Teaching our children that their voices are powerful is a lasting way to encourage them to take positive action that will change the world.

Dec 23 - Jan 3

Winter Break

MLK Day: Jan 20

(School District Closed)

Page 5 December 2019 | Unite News

5 Qualities You Need to Reach Your Biggest Goals

By Cynthia Bazin Success Insider

I have had many big goals, ones I have gone for and achieved. I earned my master’s in psychology, became a private investigator after working in the security industry for 20 years, co-authored two books, and grew my speaking and mentoring business into a profitable company.

It wasn’t always easy—it was a huge commitment and it took a lot of determination each time.

But let’s face it. Sometimes we give up on our goals because we don’t follow through on everything we should do. We all do it.

Starting today and moving ahead, don’t be one of those people that doesn’t achieve their dreams. Not because you fail— because we all make mistakes.

More because we should live with absolutely no regrets, because you don’t want to go through life knowing that you didn’t go for it in life.

In my work as a motivational speaker and mentor, I talk with people that have not achieved their goals, and, usually, it’s not because their goal wasn’t a great one—it’s because they give up too soon, before reaping the rewards of their efforts.

If this resonates with you, I want you to change that—to become one of those people who do achieve their dreams. I want to share my personal experience and what I advise clients are the

characteristics that help drive you to huge success to accomplish your goals.

Here are five qualities you need to reach your biggest goals:

1. Be positive.

I have always believed that everything starts with a positive mindset. What you put your mind to is where you will put action to.

You have to believe in yourself and stay positive as much as you can. Some of the best ways to do this are to surround yourself with positive, inspiring people; journal your progress; and start each day reading an inspirational article or listening to something positive and motivational.

2. Be persistent.

At times when you are trying to reach a large goal, there are people that are going to say “no” to what you want and need. I have been told that and you will, too. Strong, successful people do not give up. You don’t want to push too hard on people—sometimes it just takes a 15 percent shift in your strategy.

And sometimes it’s that very next person who will say “yes.”

So keep moving forward on your goals. Always believe that today is going to be your day.

3. Be patient.

You must also have amazing patience when going for your biggest goals. We all want to achieve our goals today. We want the fruits of our labor right now, but sometimes the timing isn’t

right for our goal. As Beverly Sills said, “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

Get into a mindset that the wait will be worth it. Take massive action on anything that you can, but remember that great things take time. Your dreams are worth the wait.

4. Be resilient.

Throughout our lives, there are people and situations that will try to throw us off our path to success. There will be people that will try to tell you that you can’t do it, and there will be challenges along the way that might want to make you quit.

Resilience is definitely a quality that you need to have in order to make it. If you find yourself doubting yourself at times, one of the best things you can do is hire a mentor or coach to help you positively push through. Alone

you can do a lot, but together with the right support system, you’ll find that you’ll accomplish so much more.

5. Be adaptable.

As Og Mandino said, “Always take the attitude of a student.

Never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.” You must always learn and grow through life because that will help you achieve great success. You must have an open mind to the awesome possibilities and opportunities out there. Surround yourself with really smart people who you can learn and grow from. When you surround yourself with others who have already taken the path that you are on, it’ll open you up to awesome strategies to achieve success.

You deserve to achieve your Continued on page 9

Fall into a Career at CU Fall is right around the corner. If you’re looking for a change then look no further than CU. CU offers jobs in a variety of fields and one may be the right fit for you. For more information about job opportunities and the benefits offered by CU, log on to cityutilities.net.

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.

City Utilities of Springfield • 301 East Central, Springfield MO • 417.863.9000 • cityutilities.net

Page 6 December 2019 | Unite News

Business&FinanceNews How Often Should I Review My Estate Plan?

Although the hard part is over in setting up your plan, it’s a mistake to file it away Although there is no set and forget about it. Your estime to review your estate tate plan captures your life at plan, the new year is a good a moment in time and applies opportunity to reflect the best information on any significant you have at that time. changes in your life Even though your during the past year to plan is drafted to be determine if your plan useful and relevant still meets all your for many years, there goals. will be changes in Time has a way of your family, as well as Sativa B. Sloan passing quickly, and it changes in estate and is easy to put your plan tax laws which may lead to in a safety deposit box and adjustments needed in your forget it. After all, the hard estate plan. work has been done. Now you A quick review each year can relax and have peace of is a good idea to address any mind that your family is taken changes in your life. Then a care of. thorough review is recomBy Sativa Boatman-Sloan Attorney At Law

mended every five (5) years.

• Your health deteriorates Also, a review is appropriate • You move to another state when a major life event ocor country curs.

• You are retiring For example, these major • Your executor or trustee events should trigger a review becomes ill or dies of your estate • Your executor or ...the new year is a plan: trustee no longer good opportunity to • Your marital wishes to serve in status changes reflect on ...changes this capacity • You add to Remember, an in your life during the your family estate plan, includpast year... through birth, ing your trust, adoption, or marriage (stepwill, powers of attorney and children) personal directives, should • Your spouse or family membe reviewed periodically to ber has died, has become ill or make sure they are up to date is incapacitated and fulfill your needs. Not all • You receive a sizable inherlife changes mean your docitance or gift uments need to be amended, • You anticipate financial diffibut if they do, we can help you culty in the future through the process.

Watch Brand Backed By Richard Branson Launches New Line BlackNews.Com

Vitae London watches, founded by Black entrepreneur Will Adoasi, is launching a new line of modular-interchangeable fashion watches on Kickstarter.

The brand is backed by Richard Branson and Virgin Start-Up, and Richard was among the first to buy and wear a Vitae London watch.

The new line, called Elmington, comes in both 36mm and 44mm face sizes. Each size

comes in a choice of four face colors (silver, blue, gun metal grey and black) and each watch can be bought with interchangeable straps and bezel (rim) – in a choice of silver, rose gold, and gold. This means you can create three different watches, to suit whatever you are wearing, from just one watch face.

The Elmington line, like all of Vitae London watches, supports children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

For example, for every Elmington watch purchased a child is

Will Adoasi, founder of Vitae London watches, with Richard Branson

gifted a Solar Lamp from local charity Pen to Paper Ghana. This means the children don’t have to

travel for hours or burn harmful fuels in order to study in the Continued on page 7

Page 7 December 2019 | Unite News

Watch Brand

Continued from Page 6

evenings.

Will is passionate about creating watches that combine classic and beautiful design with social justice. Pairing minimalist concepts with stylish modernity, Vitae watches are elegant, slim timepieces that look great while also making a difference in the world.

The watches are named after the council estate (government housing) in South London where Will grew up. These humble beginnings inspired Will to create a company with social change at its heart. His goal is to help us all ‘live without limits’ – whether we were born in the UK, or Africa, or

anywhere else in the world.

The line is available exclusively through Kickstarter, with delivery of the watches in January 2020.

About Vitae London Vitae London is an ethical watch brand that offers fashionable, quality watches at affordable prices. Within the company’s DNA is the desire to advance social justice.

Vitae London works within several Sub-Saharan African provinces to help give children access to education. For every watch sold from the new Elmington collection a child is gifted a Solar Lamp from local charity Pen to Paper Ghana.

Scholarship Resource Guide For Diverse High School Students Name of Scholarships:

For Guidelines Contact:

Central Bank of the Ozarks Diversity Scholarship/ Internship

Central Bank of the Ozarks 1800 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65804

For minority seniors interested in the area of Business attending college in the area Clifton F. & Lorane S. McCormic Endowed Scholarship For graduating African American students at Central High School Thomas L. & Ursalee Cole-Darton Endowed Scholarship For graduating African American and Hispanic students who want to continue their education Drury Diversity Scholars Program For graduating minority students Wallace & Libby Walter Scholarship For African American students from Springfield, MO NAACP Springfield Branch Youth Scholarship For graduating minority students Jacquelin Waugh Foster Scholarship For graduating minority students

For Guidelines Contact: Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 1131 Boonville, Springfield, MO 65802

For Guidelines Contact: Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 1131 Boonville, Springfield, MO 65802

For Guidelines Contact: If you have questions, please contact the admission counselor at (800) 922-2274 or (417) 873-7205.

For Guidelines Contact: Lawrence Anderson, Office of Equity & Access, 1359 E. St Louis, Springfield, MO 65802 For Guidelines Contact: Springfield NAACP, P.O. Box 8983, Springfield, MO 65801

For Guidelines Contact: Springfield NAACP, P.O. Box 8983, Springfield, MO 65801

For guideline details on any of these scholarships listed, please contact Lawrence Anderson, Office of Equity & Access, Springfield Public Schools (417) 523-0064

Page 8 December 2019 | Unite News

Arts&EntertainmentNews Movie Review: Harriet source of higher inspiration as she never lost one slave that she led on the underground railroad to freedom. She was Of course, it is probably struck on the head as a 13 year somewhat unseemly to say Lord old by an overseer which led to have mercy but what can you her having seizures for the rest say about a movie that depicts of her life. During what medical the famous slave liberator professionals might diagHarriet Tubman. nose as head trauma or Lord have mercy! seizures she would see The long-anticipated visions or believe she film was released the was receiving divine beginning of November instruction for direction and while not having and guidance. I suppose an overwhelming box we have to look at the office turn out has still result to make our deciproved to be a film Lyle Foster sions about what was worth seeing. The film really going on. has brought in about 33 In the film, Harriett is played million to date so the budget is

by Cynthia Emvo who is the at least covered.

Tony award winner who played I didn’t need to be convinced Celie in the Broadway version that this was a film that was an of The Color Purple. There was important work but still was a bit of a controversy when Ms. eagerly awaiting its release.

Emvo was first selected for the Produced by Focus Film the role as she is Nigerian raised movie was shot entirely in my in London. There were many home state of Virginia (that’s who felt Harriett should have what I am talking about) and been portrayed by an Africanone location was very close to American. Obviously, there is an my birthplace. irony to this as Harriett herself Hopefully, we are all familwould have been only a few iar with the story of Harriett generations removed from her Tubman who led more than African ancestors so why the 70 slaves to freedom through uproar? Interestingly enough her life. History informs us that the real Harriett was five feet she believed that she was led tall while Ms. Emvo is five feet

by God through visions which and one inch….a real nice coinshowed her how to lead slaves cidence. to freedom. It seems that she The film works well and the must have been led by some

By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

supporting cast is strong including the slave master and his fraile, difficult mother. I wonder sometimes what it is like for actors playing these type of antiquated roles but yet recognize that someone has to perform in these type of roles for us to fully appreciate the dynamics between “master and slave” and yet these are just what we imagine from script and narratives of what the period may have been like. We most likely could never capture the real horror of this dark period in US history.

I think it is challenging to figure out what the audience would want to see most of but the filmmaker has found a balance that seems to work depicting plantation life, the underground railroad, abolitionists and Harriet’s personal

struggles.

It worked for me and the highly anticipated film is done very well. It renews appreciation for the liberators of this period of our nation’s history and provides a window into this aspect of the heralded “Underground Railroad”. I truly hope that audiences will make the sacrifice and desire to be informed to support this work.

And I hope the US treasury will stop delaying putting this amazing hero on the face of the $20 bill. The most recent delay has been attributed to security delays.?

I am a fan and our children, our families, and our communities need to see this important film to learn more about another significant chapter in this nation’s past.

SCT: A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2

Springfield, MO— Springfield Contemporary Theatre presents A Doll’s House, Part 2 December 6-22, 2019 by Lucas Hnath, Directed by Jack Laufer

Featuring Sidney Alexander, Julie Bloodworth, George Cron* and Erika Nadir* Who’s that knocking at the door? Fifteen years after Continued on page 9

Page 9 December 2019 | Unite News

A Doll’s House

Continued from Page 8

marriage, leaving her husband and children behind, Nora’s come home. Now a successful yet scandalous writer, she’s being blackmailed by a judge, and she needs her not-quite-ex-husband’s help.

Not so fast, Nora. Your family has a few grievances they want to air! Inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s groundbreaking 1879 classic A Doll’s House, Lucas Hnath’s Tony Award-nominated Broadway hit is a smart new comedy that raises fascinating questions about marriage and the ways the roles of women

Reach Your Goals Continued from Page 5

goals and dreams. If want it, you have to go for it—but you have to do the right things to achieve

have – and haven’t – changed.

Don’t miss your chance to see the most produced, most talked about play in America from the writer of The Christians. A Springfield area premiere. Contains adult language and situations.

Pricing: $27 Adults, $24 Students/Seniors (55+), $10 Student Rush Opening Weekend (December 6-8): $22 Pay What You Can Thursday (available tickets at 6:30pm day of show) Special Event: Opening Weekend Receptions follow evening performances.

Post-show Talkbacks Discussions follow noted performances. it. Be positive, persistent yet patient, have resilience and always be adaptable. What are your big goals that you want to achieve?

Believe in yourself. You can do this!

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 10 December 2019 | Unite News

HealthNews Local Services that specialize in serving the Autism Community (2) and the second side is a new pilot volunteer program. I spoke with Liz Drennon, Assistant Vice President at MERS/ Goodwill in Springfield, MO, and she was very excited to share news about their new program.

A list of local services that specialize Given that 1/3 of Amerin serving the needs of the Autism Community icans have some form of disability, MERS/Goodwill has Springfield, MO -- MERS/ started a new pilot program Goodwill has an Autism Employcalled Customized Employment. ment Program located in the St. The philosophy of the program Louis area, but they also offer aims to help those with special employment services here in needs by partnering with local Springfield, MO, to those with area community businesses. The any kind of special need. There program has participants come are two sides to the program; out to the selected place of emone side is helping to evaluate ployment, in a 4-hour shift, and job seekers and determine their test out what a job in that indusskills to help them obtain a job

By Amber Donaldson Unite Contributing Writer

Autism Resources for Parents

try would look like in day-to-day operations. This helps those with special needs to consider all aspects that a job would entail and helps them to become aware of things that they might not have known in this hands-on experience.

For those with special needs, this type of hands-on experience is highly beneficial; being able to experience these job scenarios first hand instead of just reading about them provides valuable feedback in their job-seeking experience. This program is more of a job shadowing experience and doesn’t necessarily lead to employment but provides the job seeker with real-world experience that they wouldn’t be

able to obtain any other way. This type of program is revolutionary, not only the Springfield area but also Missouri, as it is the first of its kind.

Right now the program is working with a few local employers but they are looking to expand this program in the upcoming year. If you’d like more information about this pilot program or are interested in becoming an area business partner, please contact Liz Drennon, at (417) 862 - 5005. When you partner with MERS/Goodwill in the Customized Employment program, you are helping the community by bringing to Springfield, MO new ways to help those with special needs.

6 Things Successful People Never Waste Time Doing

By Cynthia Bazin Success Insider

As a mentor, people often come to me when they are overwhelmed, stressed and feeling like they’re not accomplishing their goals, the things they most want to do in life. They feel stuck. They are at a point which they don’t know what to do.

So one of the first things I do first is identify their time-wasters, the things that are getting in the way of them being successful, keeping them from moving forward, toward what they want to accomplish.

I think we all, from time to time, get ourselves involved in activities that do not contribute to our greatest success or happiness. I definitely did at one time, but I made the necessary changes once I became an entrepreneur and learned how valuable each second of the day was—that there really wasn’t any time to waste on activities that didn’t grow me or my business.

We’re all looking to be successful in life, but sometimes we are wasting our time doing things that are holding us back from reaching our full potential.

And, often, we don’t recognize those things until someone points them out.

It’s important to analyze how we spend our days, hour by hour, and regularly look for ways to work smarter, ways to eliminate time-wasters. So, to get started, here are eight things that productive, successful people never waste their time doing (and you shouldn’t either): 1. Productive, successful people don’t get sucked into social media.

Being on social media— checking notifications Facebook, scrolling through pictures on

Instagram, reading quick updates on Twitter, whatever—it’s part of everyday life. But if you don’t control how much time you spend on it, the hours will fly by and you won’t have accomplished anything on your to-do list.

So either put a time limit on it—set an alarm for when you need to minimize it, close the app, do something else—or only get on after completing necessary work projects. Use social media as a reward.

2. Productive, successful people don’t go through the day without a plan.

Continued on page 11

Page 11 December 2019 | Unite News

Library

Continued from Page 3

weeks. The book will disappear after that – no late fees!

••• The holidays remind us to gather with our families for some simple fun. Remember these events at the Library!

Reading with Lucy lets kids in grades K-3 practice reading with patient, loving Lucy, an experienced therapy dog with Pet Therapy of the Ozarks, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library.

Storyteller and musician Mike Anderson, as Hugo Kringle, presents holiday songs and hilarious stories about growing up with the boy who would become Santa Claus. It’s at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, in the Library Center auditorium, and 2 p.m. in the Library Station Frisco Room for preschool-grade 2. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.

At 2 p.m. Dec. 21 in the Library Center auditorium, grades K-5 are invited to sing and have fun with Buddy the Elf during this interactive showing of “Elf,” rated PG. Crafts and activities included.

Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 4 p.m., in the Midtown Carnegie Branch upstairs meeting room, all ages are invited to Better Together: It’s a Family Thing, for family stories, book talks and activities Sunday, Jan. 12, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., gather with family and friends at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch for a fun and fierce Jigsaw Puzzle Competition.

Teams of 2-4 race to finish a

500-piece puzzle. Register a team or ask to be placed on a team when you call. Registration starts Dec. 29; call 883-1974.

Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

Never Waste Time Continued from Page 10

Successful people have a purpose, a laser-focused plan of things they want to achieve on a particular day. I believe in writing things down—but only the top two or three priorities I need to accomplish that day, not a long list of things.

Write down your top priorities and break down those large tasks into more reasonable steps and you’ll see yourself wanting to get them done and crossed off the list.

3. Productive, successful people don’t do emotionally draining activities.

If you want to step into a truly successful life, you have to focus on things that positively fuel your life. Productive people don’t waste their time on things that emotionally drain them.

Before committing to activities on your schedule, be sure the activity will positively add to your life. If you believe it won’t, then think about saying no to it. Also, don’t feel obligated to give an answer right at the time you’re being asked to do something. Think before you say yes and know that it’s OK to say no to requests for your time.

4. Productive, successful people don’t worry about things they can’t control.

Successful people realize that worrying gets you absolutely nowhere in life, especially if you can’t do anything about a situation.

So turn your thoughts to action-based activities. Focus on things you can get done.

5. Productive, successful people don’t hang out with negative people.

It’s said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So if you want to be your best, you have to surround yourself with the best people.

Be sure to eliminate negative, toxic energy around you.

If you want to soar in life, you need to unload what is weighing you down.

6. Productive, successful people don’t dwell on past mistakes.

Successful people make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. The key to being successful in life is not making the same mistake twice, learning and growing from mistakes, and becoming a better person because of them.

So when you make a mistake, get into a mindset that the mistake is done with and you can’t go back to the past.

Focus on what you learned and design a strategy to positively move forward from it.

Are there things on this list that have been time-wasters for you? Eliminate them so you can step into your best life.

Service Times: Sunday 10:30 am & Wednesday 6:00 pm.

Page 12 December 2019 | Unite News

For more information call (417) 501-5676