January 2019 Volume 29/ Number 1 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc • www.unitenewsonline.org
UNITE.
10th Anniversary of the African American Read-In See Story on Page 5
Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
City Manager Jason Gage selects two deputy city managers Springfield, MO— City Manager Jason Gage has named two deputy city managers: Maurice Jones current assistant city manager Collin Quigley, and a newcomer to Springfield, Maurice Scott Jones. Quigley will be promoted and transition into the new role, effective Dec. 9 and Jones will join the City Jan. 28, 2019. Gage plans to reorganize the 1800-employee City of Springfield organization slightly, asking Quigley to take on additional responsibilities for finance and the budget process, and more evenly dividing the departmental reports between two deputies. Gage will not fill an assistant city manager position, so no new positions are being added. continued on page 2
SGF Multicultural Festival Moves To Oasis Convention Center
Festival moves to add space and create improved guest experience
Springfield MO— Unite of Southwest Missouri will present the 22nd Annual Springfield Multicultural Festival on Monday, January 21, 2019, 12 - 4 pm at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, 2546 N Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO. The festival is a premier event highlighting a variety of talent representing cultures from around the world continued on page 9
Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, 2546 N Glenstone Ave
Springfield NAACP MLK March & Celebration Springfield, MO— The Springfield NAACP will hold their annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March & Celebration Monday, January 21, 2019. The march will begin at 8:30 am at the Mediacom Ice Park and end at the Gillioz Theatre. The program will begin at the Gillioz once the marchers arrive. Martin Luther King Jr. Day sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of
Ronald Reagan and Coretta Scott King at the MLK Day signing ceremony.
Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday
of January each year, which continued on page 9
it’s non-alcoholic. And yes regurtant lar and sweet tea tOkay let’s get to the food ell 2 January they do have2019 very| Unite clear News inforThe Page mation for anyone who needs to ween eat gluten free which is appreciated. Chips and salsa which s Continued from 1 are are excellent byPage the way complimentary when you order hat Gage, who became the City’s an entre. I am not a big queso m chief executive in August, will fan but they have several vercontinue to directly oversee sions of it including a mac and stner the departments of law, human cheese, green plain. e of resources and chile publicand information The guacamole (which I nd & civic engagement, witham the becoming a fan of) is fresh and s his remaining departments reportdelicious. The taco choices are spiring to Quigley and Jones. “Solid abundant and they are good….. organizational leadership means whether you want chicken, is in getting the best persons on beef the or some type of fish. There is a se bus and in the right seats. I think vegetarian option as well. I like s day we have done that,” Gage said. the fish is taco and it professional was stuffed ll of “Collin a proven full and very tasty. Of course ght who can guide his departments they do have theMaurice soft andishard w into the future. new shell options. Fish choices are oping to Springfield and brings with also with tilapia ahi hese him good a track record of and success. tuna. You may want to try the mathoung engidly ell. film y e e om way.
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mouthful? There is a lot on the menu and it will take a few visits to adequately sample and enjoy. My lunch mate thoroughly enjoyed his food and he is a lot more adventurous than me and Together, these two gave everything two individuals thumbs up. willGreat help me fulfill goals of Americanthe Taco makes Cityspot Council, lead or thisdinner organathe great for lunch ization to best in class status, and also offers a convenient and continue to allow theneed City to to be drive-through if you a positive force for community grab and go. It can also be a betterment!” good date night spot and prices Collin Quigley can go up close to $10 for some Collin Quigley joined City of the menu items butthe if Santa of Springfield as assistant came to visit you it shouldcity not break thein bank. is one manager 2007 And afterthat serving of other reasons am as the chief executive in that bothIOzark reviewing this spot because and Kimberling City. Recent ifacthe holidays cleared outleading your complishments include finances it is an affordable efforts to develop a detailed plan option. for the Level Property Tax funds is located 2915 E.of the andItleading theatcreation Battlefield Road and is open City’s continuity of operations Sunday Thursday from plan. Hethrough will continue leading 11 to 9 and until 10 on Friday the public safety departments, and Saturday. Four forks!!!
as well as departments providing a variety of administrative functions. Direct reports will include the Airport, 911 - Emergency Communications, Finance, Fire, Health, Information Systems, Municipal Court, Police and Risk Management. Quigley has a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration & Government from Evangel University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas. He is a credentialed manager with the International City Managers’ Association. “I am proud to work alongside so many dedicated and talented city employees that strive every day to deliver the highest level of service to our citizens and visitors.” Maurice Jones Maurice Scott Jones will fill the position vacated by former deputy city manager Tim Smith. Jones comes to Springfield from Dubuque, Iowa, where he currently serves as the economic development director for the City of Dubuque. He has 20 years of experience working to revitalize diverse urban cities, addressing growth obstacles facing rural communities and a track record of leveraging private and public partnerships to support vital projects. While in Dubuque he led a $20 million economic development budget and provided significant coordination and interaction with community groups, private not-for-profit organizations, other City departments, businesses and citizens. Prior to joining the City of Dubuque, he was a managing partner leading the economic development functions of a private
sector Chicago firm, Paratus Scientia, LLC from 2010 to 2013 and served as Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Community Development Director and Director of Planning & Development for Cook County Government, Chicago, Illinois. In his tenure there, he grew the department’s federal funding from $17 million to over $200 million dollars and acted as a liaison to more than 129 separate municipalities and government bodies. Jones has also done extensive equity and inclusion work, including being a member of Inclusive Dubuque, a peer-learning network of partners committed to creating an informed, equitable and inclusive community where are people are respected, valued and engaged. Jones will oversee seven departments, including the Art Museum, Building Development Services, Environmental Services, Parks, Planning & Development, Public Works and Workforce Development. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and coursework toward a Masters of Public Administration degree at University of Louisville. “I am very excited about the opportunity of joining such a dynamic leadership team in such a vibrant city,” Jones said. “As our community evolves and grows, I want to be an integral part of creating an environment where the citizens of Springfield can thrive. I’m looking forward to engaging with the community and contributing to a synergy that propels us forward.”
Page 3 January 2019 | Unite News
IN THIS ISSUE 4 Learn About New Tech, Nutrition & Do-It-Yourself At The Library
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by Kathleen O’Dell, Springfield-Greene County Library District
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This is a great time of year to resolve to explore a new hobby, and the Springfield-Greene County Library has something for techies, cat lovers, nutrition watchers and fixit fans. Teens grades Kathleen O'Dell 9-12 can grow their skills at the free Podcasting Workshop from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, in Library Center meeting room B. We’ll cover writing, recording, editing and publishing. Call 8820714 for details. Cat lovers: Gather on Saturday, Jan. 19, from 2-4 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium to watch cat videos submitted by local cat owners for the Library’s America’s Got Kitties contest. Judges will present awards for the winning videos. Feel free to wear your best kitty-themed outfit. Call 883-5341. Want to eat healthier in 2019? Learn to read nutrition labels continued on page 11
Volume 29, Number 1 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.
Community News New Year’s resolutions... by Janie Galbraith
MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox
Business News
What is Probate and Why should you avoid it?
by Sativa Boatman Sloan
10
UNITE.
Entertainment News Watercolor USA Call For Artist by Sarah Buhr Health News Start a Personalized Journal for the New Year by Tyra Knox
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 up-coming event, please contact us at: unitepublication@yahoo.com Provide as much information about the story as possible and why you are reporting it.
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lyle Foster Tyra Knox Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Mariah Oke-Thomas Francine Pratt John Sellars Sativa Boatman-Sloan PHOTOGRAPHY Tondaleigha Jones Erin Gamble
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 January 2019 | Unite News
CommunityNews New Year’s resolutions... those extra pounds, go back to the gym, finish that project, or countless other undertakings, By Janie Galbraith, only to fall back to the Special Education same old habits. We Teacher and Equity make commitments to Champion Sunshine drink more water, get Elementary our steps in, limit “junk food”, get up earlier and How many of us hit the gym, read more have spoken these books, and many other Gwen Marshall words on January 1st? ways to keep our body “This is the year I’m going to…” and mind healthy. Just imagine We have convinced ourselves what we could do for our mental, this year will be the year to shed emotionally and even spiritually By Janie Galbraith for Gwen Marshall Unite Contributing Writer
diverse career opportunities serve your community Make an impact!
self, if we all decided to share a few random acts of kindness. A study from Oxford University found performing acts of kindness boosts well-being and positive social emotions. The experiment completed in April 2017 involved 691 participants from 39 countries and investigated kindness to family, friends, strangers, and self. Participants performed acts of kindness every day for seven days. Data from the experiment showed that kindness to all groups had a positive effect on the kind person’s happiness, life satisfaction, compassion, trust, positivity regarding humanity, and social connection. Furthermore, the benefits increased as the number of kind acts performed increased. While you may not get a prize for having the most acts of kindness, I can guarantee you are going to get a warm feeling in your heart. This is one resolu-
tion we can all meet. To help you understand how to put kindness into action. Here is a seven-day plan to help you create your seven days of acts of kindness: Day 1: Show Your Appreciation to Someone in Your Life Day 2: Show Gratitude to a Stranger Day 3: Give a Helping Hand Day 4: Truly Listen To What People Say When You Ask, “How Are You Doing?” Day 5: Pick Up Trash Day 6: Make Time to Connect With A Friend Day 7: Pay It Forward, In The Grocery Store or A Fast Food Drive-Thru Happy New Year from the Office of Equity and Access #BeKind Coming Events: January 21, 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (School System Closed)
Diaper Bank of the Ozarks hears our Baby’s cries and responds Call: 864-1607
/CityofSGF
City of Springfield, Missouri
@CityofSGFjobs
@CityofSGF
Too often, in homes across the Ozarks, a mother is trying to comfort her crying baby during the night and the crying does not stop. She picks the baby up, holds her close, cuddles and rocks her, offers the breast or a bottle, but the baby is inconsolable. The reason…. a soaking wet
and soiled diaper and no clean diapers available to provide the comfort needed for her to fall asleep again. This is known as Diaper Need and is experienced by 1 in 3 families across our nation, and even more often across the Ozarks continued on page 9
Page 5 January 2019 | Unite News
10th Anniversary of the Springfield African American Read-In By Kathleen O’Dell Unite Contributing Writer
Springfield, MO—The 10th anniversary of the Springfield African American Read-In begins Feb. 1 with a sweeping series through spring that includes a traveling exhibit, music, dramatic readings, a scholarly panel and a visit from an illustrator of best-selling African-American children’s books, AG Ford. The celebration begins with the rare opportunity to see the exhibit, “Telling A People’s Story: African American Children’s Illustrated Literature” at the Library Center. It is the traveling portion of the main exhibit housed at Miami University Art Museum, Oxford, Ohio. The university organized the exhibit through a grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation. The exhibit will remain at the Library Center through March 31, then move to the Duane G. Meyer Library on the Missouri State University campus from April 3-May 22. While it covers aspects of social justice, it also celebrates the complex and diverse African-American experience through a lens intended for children and young readers. Don’t miss the opening reception for the exhibit and the 10th annual Springfield African American Read-in from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, in the Library Center auditorium. The Read-In celebrates the theme “Freedom Stories...The
Journey Continues” with a night of music, dramatic reading, poetry and prizes. The National African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. In February, the Library branches will feature stories by African-American authors and illustrators in adult book discussions and Racing to Read Storytime: One World” events. Look for programs designated as African American Read-In events in the listings for adults and kids at thelibrary.org/programs and in the Library’s calendar of events, Bookends. More events continue through spring. New York Times best-selling illustrator AG Ford Ford has over 30 books published for children, including “My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” and “Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Would Grow Up To Become Malcolm X,” both featured titles in the traveling exhibit Telling A People’s Story African-American Children’s Illustrated Literature. He will discuss his work, the process of making a picture book, and becoming an illustrator at two events on Thursday, March 28: 2-3 p.m. in the Missouri State University Meyer Library auditorium 101. Books will be available
Traveling exhibit housed at Miami University Art Museum, Oxford, Ohio.
for purchase and signing from 3-4 p.m. in Meyer Library Room 107. 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the event. Mock Coretta Scott King Award Book Discussion The year 2019 celebrates the
50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards. The American Library Association annually recognizes outstanding books for young adults and children by African-American authors and illustrators that reflect the African-American experience.
You’re Just the Person We’ve Been Looking For City Utilities is looking for motivated people to partner with to provide our customers with the care and service they’ve come to expect. If you’re a contractor who thinks outside the box, a vendor with an item to sell, or a hardworking person looking for a great place to work, look no further than CU. For more information on opportunities at CU, log on to cityutilities.net.
City Utilities of Springfield 301 East Central, Springfield MO 417.863.9000 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.
Page 6 January 2019 | Unite News
BusinessNews What is Probate and Why Should You Avoid it? By Sativa Boatman-Sloan, Attorney at Law Unite Contributing Writer
Last Will and Testament will avoid probate. Not true — Wills go through probate, although the specific process varies by state. Springfeld, MO—The topic of Regardless if a person probate brings up a has a Will in place at the lot of concerns from time of death, any assets people who come to that do not pass directly our law office for estate to beneficiaries must planning. Many have go through the probate heard horror stories process. The court must from families and also make a determifriends. They know nation that the Will is enough to know that Sativa Boatman Sloan valid. If someone contests they want to avoid prothe validity of the Will, the bate, but they don’t know why or court decides the matter. how. Probate is simply an adAvoiding probate is the only ministrative process supervised way to have your assets pass by the courts that helps in the directly to your heirs. There are orderly distribution of a person’s several ways to do this, but the assets after death. easiest way is to create a living One of the most common Trust. In a Trust, the grantor misconceptions people have (person writing the Trust) diabout probate is that having a
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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.
the other owner takes full ownership upon death, i.e. joint tenancy with a right of survivorship. • Designating beneficiaries, or the person to whom benefits pass directly upon death, on life insurance and retirement accounts. Designating beneficiaries as pay-on-death (POD) for bank accounts or transfer-on-death (TOD) for investment accounts and on titles for vehicles, boats, motors, and trailers.
First Annual #BlackTechMatters Influencer Awards a Huge Success
Honorees at this year’s Black Tech Matters Influencer Awards in Washington, DC
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.
rects how assets are to be distributed upon death, and retains control over those assets until their death. The grantor also chooses a successor trustee, who will distribute the trust property according to the grantor’s instructions following the grantor’s death. Other ways to avoid probate include the following: • Holding property jointly so that
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY AND
www.jobs.missouristate.edu
Washington, DC — Wealthy Life and #BlackTechMatters recently recognized 6 honorees from tech and STEM innovation on the 27th of November. Each of the honorees were awarded a “BlackTechMatters Influencer Award” courtesy of Wealthy Life and participating sponsors – AT&T,
Mastercard, Ben’s Chili Bowl, BlackPR.com, Lee’s Flowers and the Charter School Development Corp. Celebrating a diverse spectrum of talent in technology and STEM. Keynote speaker Thierry Lindor of Influence Orbis, trav-
continued on page 9
Page 7 January 2019 | Unite News
Social Media may be a leading cause of depression in teenagers By Mariah Oke-Thomas Unite Contributing Writer
Everyday, millions of users all over the world log into social media weåbsites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and many more. These platforms give users the opportunity to connect with friends and family, meet new people, learn new things, and develop new interests. Although social media is praised and often put at the forefront of society’s shifting future, new discoveries reveal that social media may be a leading cause of depression in teenagers. Researchers from the Alberta Teachers’ Association, the University of Alberta, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School released a study in 2015 that found that there was an increase in kids diagnosed with social disorders which may be due to social media use. Teachers at University of Alberta say there has been an increase in students diagnosed with conditions such as: anxiety disorders (85 percent), ADD and ADHD (75 percent), and such mood disorders as depression (73 percent). Another study by researchers at the Royal Society for Public Health and Young Health Movement found that 91 percent of users between the age of 16 to 24 said that Instagram was the worst social media platform as it relates to mental health. With social media being such a large part of our
culture, researchers are setting out to find why social media is contributing to the mental health problem. Being a teenager myself, I have often encountered times where I’ve found myself insecure and despondent after being on social media for a long period of time. Going off my own experience and other experiences that I’ve witnessed. Here are a few things I think may be affecting mental health as it relates to social media. First is cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has become an increased problem since the beginning of social media platforms. Communicating has never been easier, and unfortunately, neither has bullying. When on the internet, you can say any and everything you want behind the solace of a computer screen. Some have accessed this ability by harassing, insulting, and threatening others online. Cyberbullying can range from spreading rumors to leaving hateful comments about one’s race, looks, sexuality, or religion. As rates of cyberbullying cases increases, it is quite evident that this problem may have an effect on one’s mental health. Along with cyberbullying, online personality can also leave a user feeling inadequate. The follower and like system is something that is apart of several social media platforms; Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat. The more followers and likes you have, the more people that are interested in your feed.
Cyberbullying has become an increased problem since the beginning of social media.
These numbers, although quite meaningless, can cause a user to feel insufficient, especially compared to someone who may have more followers or likes than them. We rely on the acceptance of others to gratify our worth. This, in itself, is demoralizing and causes us to lose track of what’s truly important in order to satisfy others. With these possible causes, we now reach the question, what is a solution to this problem? It can be as simple as putting social media away for a little while. Social media consumes so much of our life, and too often, we don’t see how much it does. According to the UK’s Office of Communications (2015), young people between the ages of 16 and 24 spend
more than 27 hours a week on the Internet. We dedicate over a day’s worth of time towards social media. With that much time, it is not hard to see why we let social media control our emotions. A plausible solution would be to log out. Does this mean get rid of social media completely? Absolutely not, but it would most definitely help to, instead of staring at your screen all day, take some time to go on a walk, visit some friends, travel, sing, dance, whatever makes you happy and realize that social media is a miniscule part of life that in no way defines who you are. Put the phone down for a little while, I promise you won’t regret it. GOLD SPONSORS
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Page 8 January 2019 | Unite News
Arts&EntertainmentNews Watercolor USA Call For Artists By Sarah Buhr Guest Contributing Writer
Springfield, MO—Entry applications are now open for Watercolor USA 2019! The 58th annual juried exhibition of the very best in contemporary American watermedia is scheduled for June 8 – September 1, 2019. This exhibition is open to artists from all 50 states and US territories and will be judged by award-winning watercolorist Dean Mitchell. Mitchell is a member of the National Watercolor Society and the American Watercolor Society. He is a recipient of the AWS Gold Medal. All artists (age 18+) using watermedia as critical components in their work can enter. Artists whose work pushes the boundaries of traditional aqueous media are encouraged to enter. Approximately $20,000 in cash prizes and Museum purchase awards are available. Support for Watercolor USA 2019, including the opening reception on June 7 at 5:30 PM, has long been provided by the Southwest Missouri Museum Associates, with additional cash and merchandise awards generously provided by the Watercolor USA Honor Society. Artists who are interested in participating can view sample works from previous exhibitions
by reviewing “Past Exhibitions” on our website at sgfmuseum. org/134/ Past-Exhibitions, reviewing previous Watercolor USA photo galleries on our Facebook page, or by reviewing previous “July August September” issues of our printed newsletter at sgfmuseum.org/150/ Newsletter. In addition, you can request Watercolor USA catalogs dating
Watercolor Judge and Artist, Dean Mitchell
back to the 1980s by contacting Avant Art at (417) 874-2871. These historical documents will provide a snapshot of what has been exhibited in the past; however, it is important to note
that we are actively seeking what is now and what is next in the world of watermedia, and that each annual juror brings their own aesthetic eye continued on page 11
Film Festival Accepted as OSCAR Qualifying Event
Aurora, CO — Run&Shoot Filmworks’ Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival (MVAAFF) is excited to announce that it has been approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifying festival for Short Film Awards. Short Films that receive the MVAAFF Best Short Film award may now be eligible to enter the Academy’s Short Film competition for the concurrent season. This is a first for the Martha’s continued on page 11
(l to r) Spike Lee, Stephanie Rance, John David Washington, Ron Stallworth, and Floyd Rance Photo Credit: Bernard Fairclough / ABS LLC
Page 9 January 2019 | Unite News
Festival
Continued from Page 1
as well as the Springfield and Southwest Missouri area. With the help of our sponsors and exhibitors, we are able to connect our guest with a variety of local Financial Services, Health Care, Career and Employment opportunities. In 2019, we are looking forward to serval new additions to enhance the experience at our event including, extending performance line-up, adding informational videos about various cultures and having exotic foods to sample. Currently we are averaging about 1,500 attendees with more than 50 exhibitors representing multiple quality-of-life resources in our community. “It is our hope that our guest will come away with new appreciation and understanting of the diverse talent and resource our community has to offer.” remarked festival corrdinator Samuel Knox. “We appreciate the continued commitment of our sponsors and exhibitors that help make a positive impact on strengthening families and building the community.
NAACP
Continued from Page 1
third Monday of January each year, which is around King’s birthday, January 15. The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21.
King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
Diaper Bank
Continued from Page 4
where our poverty levels are so much higher than the national averages. The Diaper Bank of the Ozarks hears our Baby’s cries and responds… “Let’s make 1 in 3, NONE in THREE!” The Diaper Bank of the Ozarks has distributed over 3 million disposable diapers through 90 different agencies across Greene County and 34 rural counties in the Ozarks, provided education and cloth diaper loans to over 400 families, and standing beside hundreds of parents by providing diapers for their babies in daycare so that they could keep their daycare provider, their job and their income. In 2018, programs have been initiated to provide adult incontinence supplies, period products and most exciting, we’ve initiated the Baby Hub concept
by incorporating an educational component to the distribution of material supplies (diapers, wipes, books, toys, clothes and more). We realized that when a family returns month after month seeking help with diapers, the concerns are way deeper, and we seek to take on these concerns with a more holistic approach; the Baby Hub are focused to meet those deeper needs. Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to initiate the Baby Hub, a group of 20-30 moms, dads, grandparents and other caregivers meet weekly at one of our partner agencies, the Springfield Dream Center. Our families come with their burdens and for a couple of hours we come together to share a family meal and have meaningful discussion with caring facilitators from another partner agency, the Pregnancy Care Center. Topics are relative to everyday life for our families and fun/educational activities are provided in the nursery. Just this past week a conversation revolved around transportation. Only a few members of the group owned a car, many rely on taxi services, some ask for rides, walk, and many are familiar with public transportation but shared openly about the difficulties of loading strollers, babies and toddlers onto a bus. The Baby Hub concept revolves around providing both material and educational resources of our partner agencies to families in the neighborhoods where resources are most needed. As we move into 2019, the Mercy
Foundation supplied us with the funds to go mobile. Our baby boutique, diapers and other giveaways, along with supplies needed for teaching will be transported across town to families and partner agencies willing to welcome the Baby Hub in their lives and programs. Our partnership with Isabel’s House, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, and Music therapy of the Ozarks will allow us to continue to co-host Parent Cafés.
#BlackTechMatters Continued from Page 6
traveled all the way from Canada to discuss changes in the digital divide, current challenges for inclusion in STEM innovation, the need for more investments in diversity and the best practices for all companies. Speakers included Tamika Tremaglio (Greater Washington Managing Principal, Deloitte), BK Simmons (Co-Founder, Wyzerr), and Mary Blackford (Founder of Market 7). The BlackTechMatters Awards convened innovative leaders from across the nation that share one bold message, “Representation Matters.” BK Simmons, who delivered The State of Black Tech Matters speech recounts: “We celebrated honorees who have demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity; opening doors for people of color to build products, get jobs, and generate wealth with technology.
Page 10 January 2019 | Unite News
HealthNews Start a Personalized Journal for the New Year By Tyra Knox Unite Contributing Writer
to start a journal. Not just any journal but a personalized jourSpringfield, MO— As we begin nal that can benefit your family a new year and a new chapter history. in our lives, we find Sometime ago I was ourselves creating, given a small journal once again, a list of entitled, “Treasures of new year resolutions. the Heart and Soul”. In We list things like, the table of contents I losing weight, making saw things that really more money, attending got my attention. There church, making new were titles like, “my Tyra Knox friends, etc. life”, “how do I want to be I challenge you to add to your remembered”, “my decisions and list something that will have a desires”. major effect on your life forever. As I flipped through this This new year I challenge you booklet of less than fifty pages, I
realized this information could be so vital to leave to my family and at the same time I was actually writing my first book. The tag lines on each page will allow you to get started with your writing. You just fill in the lines and you have left something special for future generations to come. In the “my life” area they asked questions like, what is your favorite holiday, or memory or sounds. It gives you the chance to talk about some work highlights and some playtime highlights as well that you have
experienced. In the other areas of the booklet it leads you to talk about your personality, strengths, weaknesses, your beliefs and advice tips. You can also give some directions for your financial affairs as well as leave special messages for your family and friends.
I recommend you capture this opportunity while your mind is still sharp. Your generations to follow will find this information of great interest for a number of reasons and you can add to your list of goals that you completed your first book too.
Reflection from the Frontlines: A Look at Child Abuse & Neglect By Daniel Ogunyemi Guest Contributing Writer
Springfield, MO— Imagine a world in which a new person is introduced to you every day. Not just a new person, but ones that promise their commitment to ensuring your future success -- trained to meet your specific needs and requests. Now, for extroverts like myself, this fantasy island is ideal… Meeting new people means new friends. New friends mean more followers on social media (shout out to my fellow millennials). More followers on social media equals status, importance, acceptance. Furthermore, these friends wholeheartedly believe that nothing you do will be wrong and there
is no mistake you can make that will drive them away. Friends that make you believe nothing is ever your fault and you deserve more than they could give to you. Now imagine friends that are only paid to be your friends. Friends that say they care, but only see you monthly, quarterly,
many questions in mind, relatively little to no decision-making power, and a limited number of personal items to take with them. Conflictual feelings of abandonment/belonging, trauma/ comfort, and relief/nostalgia that plague these children daily leaves them in an omnipresent state of confusion. “I want to go home, but I hate home. I know it’s not safe at home, but I feel safe with mommy and daddy. I don’t want a new home, but I love my new and sometimes never. Friends home…” This inspiring, make-bethat do not seem like friends. lieve world is suddenly no longer Friends that are strangers. as attractive as it sounded. An Unfortunately, this imagination innocent child’s life transforms is reality for approximately 600 children that are currently in fos- from one that is “normally” filled with laughter, learning, and love ter care in Greene County Missouri. Children that are forcefully to a revolving door of change, continued on page 11 removed from their families with
Page 11 January 2019 | Unite News
Library
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and make them work for you during a talk by Della Miller from University of Missouri Extension at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Midtown Carnegie Branch. Call 862- 0135. The Fix-it Fair returns from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, in the Midtown Carnegie Branch basement meeting room. Gather up all your broken items and Queen City Beard and Mustache Federation volunteers will help you restore them. Hourly how-to presentations also start at 10 a.m. Call 862-0135. ••• Two related events honor Black History Month: The People’s History Café runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, in the Midtown Carnegie Branch upstairs meeting room. Learn different ways to preserve and share African-American history as you tour exhibits and talk with residents, students and history docents. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by Peoples Meet and Greet and the Library in collaboration with Drury University, Missouri State University-Heritage Trail, NAACP-MLK50 and Timmons Hall. Call 417-3533189 or email ministerpeoples50@ gmail.com. On Sunday, Feb. 3, at 1:30 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium, Bright Star Touring Theatre presents “African Folktales” for preschool-grade 5. Akili and Jabari share folktales they’ve gathered from across the African continent. African music helps set the stage
for these energetic stories, which includes tales of Anansi, porquoi and trickster tales. Call 882-0714. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.
Art Museum
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and decision-making to the process. For full information on entry rules and how to submit your work, please view or download the prospectus at sgfmuseum. org or contact Exhibition Manager Cindy Quayle at cquayle@springfieldmo.gov or (417) 874-2863.
Film Festival
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Vineyard African-American Film Festival and takes the 16-year old film festival to new and exciting heights. “We are honored and ecstatic to have the Academy recognize us as a qualifying festival,” said Floyd Rance, co-founder of the MVAAFF. “For the past 17-years, we’ve produced the MVAAFF with the primary goal of providing a positive environment where African American filmmakers can share their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations. Now, we are thrilled to add that we can offer recipients of our Best Short Film award the possibility of being considered in the Short Film category of the
Academy Awards®, provided their films otherwise comply with the Academy rules.” About Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival Established in 2002, the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) is a five-day event where independent and established African American filmmakers can showcase, screen and promote emerging feature, documentary, and short films from across the world. For more details, visit www.mvaaff.com
CASA
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chaos, and craziness. The sheer mayhem that maintains a vicious generational cycle that is often blamed on “the system.” Too often, society sits back comfortably, rather smugly and blames “the system” for the way OUR children get treated. Let me be clear, “the system” indeed has its flaws. A structure aimed towards healing the hurt has at times retraumatized and exacerbated situations that children blamelessly find themselves in. However, I have three problems with attributing all of the fault to “the system”: 1) There are thousands of passionate individuals within “the system” that work tirelessly to affect positive change for the innocent children, 2) At-risk families and offending parents are too often dubbed as menaces to society and are outcasted into a cycle of drug abuse, domestic violence, and institutionalization, and 3)
This is a community problem! By no means am I naïve to the fact that some people oppose help neither do I believe that prisons and other institutions are unnecessary. Nonetheless, I am an advocate for all underprivileged and underserved populations. So why does this matter? What is the cure? Who is responsible for the change? First, the efforts of workers, like Judge Andy Hosmer, should not go unnoticed. Judge Hosmer and many other professional organizations have worked diligently to reduce the number of children in foster care while simultaneously providing resources and opportunities to parents in need. Despite this hard work, there are plenty of deficits in this community that must be met if we will eliminate the vicious cycle of child abuse and neglect. Springfield/Greene County has a plethora of volunteer and donation opportunities that will assist in providing service and advocacy for vulnerable children and endangered families. Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not mention the supreme Higher Power that is able to heal and protect from all hurt, harm, and danger. The community must rally around the issues surrounding Child Abuse and Neglect. “The system” has its problems, but America was built on resilience and perseverance despite skewed systems. Springfield/Greene County Missouri has the power to be the staple community in this national problem. But it truly does take a village… Feel free to contact me at dogunyemi@casaswmo. org on how you can take part in this fight.
THINK
THINK OUT LOUD Connect with local visionaries, ignite new ideas and walk away feeling challenged to revolutionize the way you think and do business. ONE DAY. 11 TALKS. UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES.
1.18.19 / SPRINGFIELD ART MUSEUM / 7:30 A.M. TO 5 P.M. G E T T I C K E T S B I Z 417 . C O M / T H I N K
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