2019 November unite

November 2019 Volume 29/ Number 11 • A Monthly Publication by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc • www.unitenewsonline.org

UNITE.

eFactory: Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov 18-22 Details on Page 2

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Springfield NAACP recognize five at 2019 Awards Banquet

Rod Pikett and Toni Robinson

Springfield Missouri - The Springfield Branch NAACP hosted its annual Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet, October 19th at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center with nearly 200 guests in attendance. The event is the chapter’s annual fundraiser. While the banquet is used to support the local chapter, it also recognizes those who have partnered with See article on page 2

An Untold American Story

Discover Latino American History and Culture

Springfield, MO— Tuesday, November 17th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Library Center, 4653 S Campbell Ave., watch “Foreigners in their Own Land (1565-1880)” from the landmark PBS documentary series “Latino Americans,” rated TVPG+V+L. After the screening, Dr. John Chuchiak, professor of Latin American History at Missouri State University, will lead a discussion about the Continued on page 2

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Native & Indigenous Heritage Month Banquet Nov 16th

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Page 2 November 2019 | Unite News

NAACP

Continued from Page 1

the local chapter to make the community a better place.

The theme was, “This Is What Community Looks Like.” The keynote speaker was Justice Gatson, founder of Reale Justice Network.

Awards were presented to: Rod Pickett, Blu Styles Barbershop, Myrlie Evers-Williams Business Partner; Kaijuanda Sutton, Community Service Award; Monica Horton, Roy Wilkins Educational Award; Dominic Thomas, The Marley Dias Gets It Done Award. The NAACP Drum Major Award went to Kendra Chappell & The Milly Project; Special Honors went to Cheryl Clay and Carolyn Hembree. 2018-19 Scholarship Recipients were Destinee King, NAACP Health Field Scholarship; Gakia Patterson, Glendale High School, Jacquelin Waugh Foster; and Mariah Oke-Thomas, Central High School, NAACP Youth Scholarship.

Latino American Continued from Page 1

of History, a public programming initiative produced by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA), is part of an NEH initiative, The Common Good: The Humanities in the Public Square.Latino Americans are the country’s largest minority group, with more than 50 million people. Learn how Latinos have helped shape the United States

at a series of free public events, including a screening of an episode from the award-winning documentary “Latino Americans.” The Library is one of five state organizations working with the Missouri Humanities Council to showcase the documentary.

Grupolatinoamericano Dance Troupe will perform Friday, November 13, 6:00 pm at the Library Center. Grupolatinoamericano Dance Troupe will provide a dazzling presentation of authentic dance from Mexico, Central and South America. This program is provided in partnership with the Missouri Immigrant & Refugee Advocates.

Native & Indigenous Heritage Month Banquet Nov 16th Springfield, MO — On Saturday, November 16, the Office of Multicultural Programs at Missouri State University will celebrate Native and Indigenous Heritage Month by hosting their 2nd Annual Banquet. The banquet will feature samplings from traditional native and indigenous food and includes cultural performances. The event will take place on the third floor of the Plaster Student Union Building on the Missouri State University - Springfield Campus, in the Robert W. Room West Ballroom from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. The event is open to the public and will cost $10.00 (cash only) to attend. Missouri State University student’s tickets will be free of charge. RSVP is required. Please contact multiculturalprograms@ missouristate.edu or 417-8368921 to reserve your tickets.

Global Entrepreneurship Week

November 18-22, 2019 Springfield, Missouri

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration of doers, dreamers, makers, and innovators who create jobs, solve problems, and bring ideas to life.

Innovation drives economic growth and changes lives—and it’s entrepreneurs who bring those innovations to life. Entrepreneurs wake up each day to create solutions that transform our lives.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is our opportunity to celebrate the founders and teams who are making it happen. It’s a chance to be inspired, prepare for the next challenge, and celebrate Springfield’s culture of entrepreneurship.

It’s one of our favorite weeks of the entire year. We can’t wait to see you at the efactory, (Robert Plaster Free Enterprise Center,) 405 North Jefferson Ave. Monday, November 18 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Free coworking at the efactory 12:00 p.m. TED Talk with Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action

9:00 a.m. 1 Million Cups at the Springfield Art Museum 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Coaching & Mentoring to Accelerate Potential

6:00 p.m. Tech Springfield Meetup

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Personnel Law: Common HR Mistakes & Hot Topics

Tuesday, November 19 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Free coworking at the efactory

12:00 p.m. TED Talk with Mel Robbins: How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Winning Government Contracts

Thursday, November 21 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Free coworking at the efactory

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Achieving Results Without Authority 12:00 p.m. TED Talk with Shawn Achor: The Happy Secret to Better Work 5:30 p.m. Data Science After Dark Meetup Wednesday, November 20 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Free coworking at the efactory

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Developing Others through Situational Leadership 12:00 p.m. TED Talk with Bill Gross: The Single Biggest Reason Why Startups Succeed Friday, November 22 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Free coworking at the efactory 10:00 a.m. efactory Tour 11:00 a.m. efactory Friendsgiving

efactory, 405 North Jefferson Avenue Springfield, MO 65806

Page 3 November 2019 | Unite News

IN THIS ISSUE 4

Community News

Tips to Help Improve your Child’s Reading Skills

by Gwen Marshall

Music, Holiday Crafts For The Whole Family At The Library

6

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

8

Look to the Library to get you in the holiday mood.

There’s the Holiday Store for Kids, music of the season and holiday crafts for the whole family.

Here are some highlights.

Adults can Kathleen O'Dell prepare for the winter holidays by creating a wreath to decorate or give as a gift at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Republic Branch.

Materials provided. To register call 732-7284.

From 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, in the Library Center auditorium, join Music & Memories: Holiday Cheer, an intergenerational event for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their families and friends. Hear carolers, decorate a sugar cookie and watch clips from classic holiday films.

Then it’s DIY Holiday MiniWreaths at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Schweitzer continued on page 11

Volume 29, Number 11 PUBLISHER Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. MANAGING EDITOR Samuel G. Knox

Business News

Don’t Let Easements Become a Headache

by Sativa Boatman-Sloan Rooftop Bar Review

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

Vantage - A View from the Top

by Lyle Foster

10

UNITE.

Health News

Autism Resources for Parents

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

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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.

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Page 4 November 2019 | Unite News

CommunityNews Tips to Help Improve your Child’s Reading Skills self-confidence.

Children develop at different rates, so the speed at which they We have heard the old saying learn to read can vary. If you are that reading and writing go handconcerned that your child is fallin-hand. So to raise kids who can ing behind, or you simply write, it makes sense that want to give them a head reading should be a big start in reading there are a part of their lives. number of easy things you When your child has can do to improve their trouble reading, it affects reading skills. them in most of their oth1. Read together every day: er subjects in school.

The best thing you can do Poor reading and Gwen Marshall is read daily with your child. comprehension skills can If they are reluctant readers you lead to frustration, low self-confican take turns reading. Rememdence, and poor grades. If a child ber that practice makes perfect, has great reading and compreso set aside some reading time hension skills they will be able to every day. master math, social studies and 2. Make reading fun: other subjects. Difficulty with Your child’s reading will imreading is something that can be prove even more rapidly if they improved with time and regular do not see it as a chore. Try to practice. I would like to share make it as much fun as possible with you a few ideas from Oxford by being creative. If your child Learning that will help increase loves to read mysteries, why your child’s reading skills and

not sit down together with their favorite mystery book and read by flashlight?

3. Surround your child with reading material: Some children will read anything they see around them, so the more they see, the better.

Always keep interesting books and magazines readily available, even a few comic books would be great. Of course, it is always fun to think outside the box.

For example, let them read the back of the breakfast cereal box instead of putting it away as soon as you’ve poured it. To help very early readers, put name labels on doors, windows, and furniture to help them learn everyday words.

Dedication for the newly installed fence at Lincoln Cemetery

Annual Chicken and Chili Dinner at Gibson Chapel Church

Springfield, MO—The Executive Board of Lincoln Memorial Cemetery will hold a Dedication for the newly installed marker and fence in honor of the 100th anniversary of the cemetery. Saturday, November 9th at 11:00 am. There will be a short ceremony to

Springfield, MO— The Gibson Chapel Presbyterian Church, 536 E. Tampa will hold their annual fried chicken and chili dinner Saturday, November 23rd from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This event is part of a fundraiser the church holds every year in the base-

by Gwen Marshall

Guest Contributing Writer

commemorate the 100 years of Lincoln Memorial serving the African American Community. Please join us as we dedicate the new marker. The cemetery is located at 2245 E. Chestnut Expressway corner of Barnes and Chestnut Expressway.

4. Use a wide variety of formats: If your child really enjoys using an e-reader or computer, allow him to do this for some of his daily reading time. But remember technology does not take the place of more traditional methods and formats.

5. Provide plenty of cross-curricular reading activities: Offer historical fiction and interesting nonfiction books on history or geography topic your kids are currently studying. The reading materials will enhance and reinforce the subject matter, and the children won’t even be aware that the task is designed to help improve reading skills.

Continued on page 7

Upcoming School Events November 5, 2019

November 27-29, 2019

Professional Day (Students Out All Day)

Thanksgiving Vacation (School System Closed)

ment of the church. Baked goods will also be available for sale in time for the holidays. Guests are encouraged to come and dine-in or order your meal to go.

For more information, contact (417) 865-1410.

Page 5 November 2019 | Unite News

What Are You Thankful For? Springfield, MO—We are

thankful for the way our families and friends came back home for our 2019 Park Day celebration, through Family Reunions, Class Reunions and some just for old times sake.

We are thankful for Friday night’s packed out Doubletree hospitality, to the Saturday Tournaments, Parade, Car Show, rained out Softball Game and

over-abundant Picnic held in Silver Springs Park.

We are thankful for how people are still talking about the Full Flava Kings Band and how they threw back at the Saturday Night Dance.

We are thankful for the next day, we were taken back to church from our Sunday Morning Worship by our fantastic gospel community, ...What A

For only $25 per year you can have delivery to your home or office.

Call: (417) 864-7444

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.

Nora England, Springfield Park Day Reunion Club, president.

Subscribe To The Unite Publication

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.

Time, What A Time, What A Time.

We the Springfield Reunion Club Members, would just like to say, we are thankful to all of you, for helping to keep our dreams alive for Park Day. We need your continuous prayers and ideas and we will hopefully see you all next year, July 31 – August 2, 2020.

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 November 2019 | Unite News

Business&FinanceNews Don’t Let Easements Become a Headache easements are held by utilities and the Department of Transportation. These allow the power Springfield, MO— If you are companies to install and maintain purchasing or leasing property lines and also trim trees (even if — whether a home, a condomini- you don’t want them to). Utility um, a farm or a business companies may replace — you need to be aware and maintain water of the legally binding and sewer lines, and easements that effect the DOT can expand a the title to the property. road. While erecting Separately recorded a non-permanent fixeasements or easements ture, such as a fence on created by deed will an easement, may be Sativa B. Sloan specify any rights that permissible, building allow someone to use a a permanent structure, property that they don’t own. such as a garage, would be Easements are generally conproblematic. There have been sidered permanent, and a deed instances when property owners covenant may protect someone’s did not research the easement right to continue to use the proprestrictions and unknowingly erty even if ownership changes. built their house or business on The most common property an easement. Needless to say,

By Sativa Boatman-Sloan Attorney At Law

owner’s responsibility to observe this scenario could result in exthe easement holder’s rights and pensive renovation costs, frustraprivileges. It is also important to tion, and even litigation. note that as the property owner When buying property, you you would be responsible for paymay assume that you will own ing taxes on the entire parcel of the land around your home or property. business, i.e., ...title insurance...provides a Most of the time, front yard, back report that details all issues there is not a probyard, driveway, with the property, including lem with easements, or parking lot easements, liens, outstand- but it is important to without others ing mortgages, judgments check. A real estate having the right or unpaid taxes. attorney or agent to use it. But that will advise you to is not always the obtain title insurance along with case. When you review the real the purchase, which provides estate records, you may find that a report that details all issues someone actually has a right-ofwith the property, including way through your property. In easements, liens, outstanding some instances, the previous mortgages, judgments or unpaid owner might have been compentaxes. sated for granting this access.

If you are handling the purAs the new property owner, you will be inheriting the previous Continued on page 7

The 1099 SideGig Generation

By Amber Donaldson Unite Contributing Writer

Think the 1099 generation is a hindrance to your overall business strategy? You can’t seem to find good employees who are invested in the company these days? Think again! This article highlights why you should be encouraging your employees to have a side gig, which might just improve the overall production at your own company.

Think back to the days when you first founded your startup.

You most likely were in over your head with the amount of work to be done and didn’t realize how much hard work it would actually entail. You had to navigate through by the seat of your pants and hold on for the ride. You hoped that you would generate revenue but were bracing for those days when things didn’t go as planned.

What made the difference for your business was the ability to adapt to changes and go with the flow. Putting in extra work every day until your question mark

turned into a cash cow. There radar. were extra things you learned When you pick up a side gig, along the way. Soft this is typically your way skills were developed. of blowing off steam Being able to show after work. Work money up to work, finish on tends to go toward bills time and under budget and side hustle monwere main priorities. ey goes toward your You learned how to be “fun budget.” Having honest in your work this form of an outlet Amber Donaldson makes employees less time and not goof off during company hours stressed. In fact, one rebecause you quickly learned time port, by CareerBuilder, showed is money. Sweat equity became that 75% of employees that have part of your lingo and learning to a side hustle after work hours Continued on page 7 delegate also showed up on your

Page 7 November 2019 | Unite News

Easements

Continued from Page 6

on your own or just want to know what easements are currently tied to your property, deeds are a matter of public record and can be obtained from the county recorder or assessor’s office.

Highway and Public Works Departments would also be a good resource for utility and road easements.

Given the potential headache an easement can become, it is important for your peace of mind that you are fully aware of any restrictions and requirements tied to a property before a sale is finalized.

1099 SideGig

Continued from Page 6

are happier and many do it for self-fulfillment and never intend to leave their day job. A 1099 tax form is filled out when someone is self employed. They set their own hours and location. In doing so, this helps them work around their day job.

If you’re looking to find out more about what a side gig entails, look no further than the education industry where side gigs have long been the status quo. After a teacher is done for the day, they might also be a coach, tutor, or leader of a club.

These side hustles help supplement their income and also help them engage with their students on a different level.

Minorities in Business recently held their October Business Development Workshop on the topic of side gigs and featured

five speakers that addressed various points of side gigs from how to start your own side gig, using social media management to market your business and figuring out taxes for 1099 employees. Connect with Minorities in Business for future events at: www.sgfmib.com.

Reading Skills

Continued from Page 4

6. Try audiobooks: Let the kids listen to an audiobook in the car (or at night before they go to sleep). Audiobooks can motivate a reluctant reader, appeal to auditory learners, and foster a real love of books in any child. Encourage them to follow the text with their eyes as they listen? This way, they will learn many new words.

7. Use learning games: Flashcards and other games are invaluable for learning individual words or word families, and you can play a variety of games with them, such as the Card Match Game or with younger children, use colorful picture flashcards to capture their imaginations and keep them engaged.

8. Go to the library: The library can open up a new world for your children! Not only can they choose books from a wide range of topics and genres, but the skills they develop in searching for books by subject area or alphabetically by author’s name will be helpful to them in the future.

As your children get older, help

them discover new reading material. If they fall in love with fantasy, sci-fi, comedy, mysteries, or historical fiction, let them read to their heart’s

content. Most importantly help your child develop a real passion for reading because if they can read, they can learn to do “Anything”.

Page 8 November 2019 | Unite News

Arts&EntertainmentNews Vantage - A View from the Top sight. The décor is quite frankly on point and if you have any celebration where you just plan Springfield, MO—If the sun to stay local make your reservahad not been beating down tion. Of course, you will have to on me in the 90 degree plus dig in your pocket but if you are heat I may have thought that I an advocate of self-care or just was in a dream. But I did not plain old pampering yourself need to pinch myself this is the place. because this was real.

Of course the buzz Springfield, Mo is now is about Vantage the the home to a next roof top bar on the 5th level roof top bar and floor of the new hotel patio space that is next expansion which is just level indeed for our fair to the northwest of city. It is not the first the existing Vandivort roof top in the city and Hotel across the alley.

Lyle Foster probably won’t be the The rooms are open and last but it certainly is the highthe Vantage opened for business est and takes downtown and on Tuesday, September 24. indeed the entire city to a whole There is much to share in fact new level. Yes, we are not in more than space permits but the Kansas any more and if I hadn’t enclosed center restaurant/bar seen it myself I may have wonspace is beautifully appointed dered if we were in Springfield from the bar itself to the family anymore. table and all of the indoor seatNow just in case you are a ing. Because it is a rooftop bar purist I don’t usually do reviews the enclosed space is surroundof bars and the like but often ed by abundant patio space with there is an exception to every a variety of seating all around rule and this indeed would be the roof and several styles of the one for this column. In seating areas including cabanas. case you are late to this major Yes, you read that right think development the Vandivort South Beach in Miami except Hotel downtown which someon the roof and in Springpatch. times is just lovingly referred They have to be reserved and to as the “V” has just opened an you have to guarantee a minexpansion. And I won’t pull any imum purchase. Before you punches the rooms are dope, make a comment remember tight and whatever the current this is next level. term is for the coolest thing in The views are expansive

By Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

and you can see in all directions and you get to see your favorite downtown spots from angles you have not seen them before. There is a ritual that the McQuearys have initiated in this space for every sunset which involves the ringing of a 1,000 lb bell brought in from New York state.

And there is more but you will have to come at sunset to find out. But let me say the sunsets from the rooftop are off the chain.

In terms of menu well of course you have the appetizers which are unique creations fitting for the coldest bar in the city but think finger foods, sliders and cheese. In terms of drinks well you guessed it they have everything and they start from the introductory prices to the full bottle service that might be close to your car payment.

But please know this the wait staff are top notch with class and professionalism and the bartenders and chef all know what they are doing. I don’t have a critique…well they could have asked my favorite appetizers but maybe they will when

they do their first menu revision. The view, the atmosphere and experience only enhance whatever you drink or eat.

I will close it out with this….. if you want to see what is happening on the entertainment scene for drink, atmosphere for the poppin set in our city check out Vantage. Check out the hours before you go on the Vandivort website.

And to John and the Karen McQueary the owners of the Vandivort and the biggest downtown boosters there are we can only commend you on a crowning achievement for the food and beverage scene.

Advertise Your Message In The Unite Publication Call: (417) 864-7444 Unitepublication@ Yahoo.com

Page 9 November 2019 | Unite News

Blue Room Comedy Club will feature Ms. Pat Nov 22-23 Springfield, MO – Blue Room going to end up dead. He was 21 Comedy Club will feature Ms. and a military vet and he showed Pat, on Friday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 me a way out”.

PM and Saturday, Nov. 23, at At 19 with two toddlers and 7:00 PM, 9:15 PM. Club Seating a new husband, she is handed is per $20.00/person. Dinner 4 more young children from Seating is $25.00/per person. her sister who was struggling Tickets are $10.00 more with drug addiction. The at the door. Tickets next 10 years of her life available at: https:// are spent raising those www.blueroomcomedy6 children. Part of that club.com/events/32172 process included visits Ms. Pat hasn’t lived to the welfare office for the life of your typical food stamps and Section comedian. Born to a sin8 housing assistance Ms Pat gle mother of 5, living on for her sister’s children. welfare in a tough West It was during these visits end neighborhood of Atlanta, that Ms. Pat was first told she Ms. Pat learned early on she had a talent for telling funny stowould have to fend for herself ries. In 2003 with her case-workin this world. Her Grandfather er’s encouragement she decided ran a “bootleg” house where as to go on stage and appeared a kid Pat learned how to roll the at the Open-Mic-Night at “The drunks for food money. She had Pub” in Atlanta. From the moher first child at 14 and her secment she stepped on stage she ond child at 15, “I knew I wasn’t knew she had found her place. going to college so I figured With a comedy career now why not get an early start on spilling over 13 years, this powmy family”. She became a drug erful woman brings an honest, in dealer in her teens known by the your face, and hilarious perspecstreet name “Rabbit”. “I figured tive to her shows. there were two things I could She has appeared on TV do in my neighborhood to earn Guide Network’s “Standup in money, either sell drugs or sell Stilettos”, and Nickelodeons p...y”. At 16 she purchased her “Mom’s Night Out”. She is a first Cadillac. During her teens, regular guest on the syndicatshe was shot twice and arrested ed Bob and Tom Radio Show, numerous times. At 19 years of and appeared on Katt Williams age she met a man, and with his DVD “Kattpacalypse”. She has help and encouragement decidbecome a Podcast celebrity with ed to get out of the “life”. “I was appearances on TalkinS...t with so tired, I thought for sure I was Eddie, WTF with Marc Maron,

The Joe Rogan Experience, Ari Shafir’s Skeptic Tank, The CrabFeast with Ryan Sickler and Jay Larson, and Your Mom’s House with Christina Pazsitzky and Tom Segura, the Bertcast with Bert Kreischer.

In January of 2015, she appeared on Comedy Central’s “This Is Not Happening” and NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”.

In July of 2016, Ms. Pat performed at the Montreal Comedy Festival appearing in Kevin Hart’s “LOL”, and Jeff

Ross “Roast Battle” for Comedy Central.

In November of 2016, she made her initial appearance on the syndicated show “Harry” with Harry Connick Her memoir “Rabbit” published by Harper-Collins was released on August 22, 2017.

Ms. Pat currently resides with her husband and three children in Indianapolis.

For more information about Ms. Pat visit: https://www. mspatcomedy.com/ .

diverse career opportunities serve your community Make an impact!

Call: 864-1607 /CityofSGF

City of Springfield, Missouri

@CityofSGFjobs

@CityofSGF

Page 10 November 2019 | Unite News

HealthNews Local Services that specialize in serving the Autism Community

By Amber Donaldson Unite Contributing Writer

• Extra Care Hair Co. - Extra Care Hair Company was founded After receiving a diagnosis of this year on April 1st by Kristen Autism for your child, you may Gossett. The company is an inclube wondering where to turn to sive salon that creates a custom next? Usually, the first step is to experience to serve individuals of contact the Springfield Regional all abilities. They are ADA accesCenter. Once you’re done there, sible and sensory-friendly. They you’re directed to First Steps/ have experience with all hair Next Steps to recieve a support types including ethnic and mixed coordinator that will help guide hair. There is a free 15-minute you through different services consultation where clients can that you are able to receive for come in and meet the stylist and your child. But what about the see what the shop is like before everyday resources, the ones scheduling a haircut. They even that aren’t on everyone’s list, the offer a mobile service if needed. ones that take a little more time • Pierce Vision Specialists to figure out?

Pierce Vision Specialists not only Taking your child out into a offer eye exams, but they also ofpublic setting might prove to be fer Vision Therapy. This service a more difficult task than othermeasures your visual efficiency, wise expected. processing, and perception.

The developmental evaluation is a 90-minute appointment and tests visual tracking. If they conclude that you do need vision therapy they A list of local services that specialize in serving offer two services, the needs of the Autism Community one weekly service Where can you go that underthat’s offered in office and anothstands this concept and is willing er option where they help you go to go above and beyond a typical through a home vision therapy customer experience to help you program with in-office checkups with your special needs child? If to monitor your progress. this place did exist, would you • The Springfield-Branson become a customer for life? Here National Airport (SGF) - In conjuncare 10 local businesses that are tion with The Arc of the Ozarks, changing the way they do busithe airport recently held an event ness in order to better serve the called “Wings for Autism” which needs of their customers with let those with developmental developmental disabilities. disabilities “practice” the airport

Autism Resources for Parents

experience. Event attendees were able to check-in, go through security, and board an airplane and learn about safety procedures while on the plane. This was a mock flight and never actually left the ground, but Allegiant Airlines made a plane and crew available for this special event.

This was a huge success for the Autism community in helping to change what might have been a stressful experience into a positive experience for all involved in the event.

• The Smile Spot - Dr. Matt Anderson is a pediatric dentist that specializes in care specific to kids, children with special needs, adolescents/pre-teens, & even special needs adults. At The Smile Spot, they believe that all kids — especially those with special needs — deserve quality dental care that is caring and honest. They provide special needs dentistry that includes you in every step of your child’s dental services.

• M.O.C.H.A. - Moms of Children who Have Autism (M.O.C.H.A.) is a local mom’s group on Facebook where you can go and ask questions and get great feedback from those that truly understand what you are going through. They also offer Mom’s Night Out events where you can go and meet up with other moms that have children with special needs.

• Incredible Buddies - Incredible

Buddies is a sensory program for families or individuals with special needs that takes place at Incredible Pizza. The program is usually once a month in the morning hours. They make special accommodations in the game room and cut down on any sounds or flashing lights that may be a trigger and can even provide headphones if needed.

For more information please call 417-773-5106 or email smeyer@ incrediblepizza.com.

• Stars in Her Eyes - is a book written here in Springfield, MO. The book addresses the dizzying maze of autism and helps parents and teachers learn how to navigate the topic. In the book, Dr. Barboa shares heartfelt narratives from parents and teachers who have gone before and paved the way. Each contributor gives practical advice from her own unique experiences. It’s a great read for those who are newly navigating their child’s diagnosis.

• Dr. Krista Boyd - Dr. Krista Boyd, a family doctor in Nixa, MO Dr. Boyd is a favorite in the Autism community. Why? The simple fact is she listens.

She doesn’t pressure vaccinations and will help you navigate through all of your options for your child and makes sure your child gets the additional care they need. Words don’t do justice to the love and care she gives her patients. She accepts Cox or MerContinued on page 11

flight trajectories for NASA. The other two women profiled in the film also had significant roles one being the Library first black female Continued from Page 3 engineer and the Brentwood other leadingBranch Library.

Wreath formsinand materials black women provided; feel free toUniversal bringPictures your 2016 the West Area decor to share, tradeThe or use.

Regcomputers division. women istration November call are playedstarts by some easily 21; recog883-1974. nizable women in the person Saturday, Dec. 7,Octavia begins the of Taraji P. Henson, fun Holiday Store for Kids at sevSpencer and Janelle Monae. eral library Their actingbranches. ability can“Stores” bring are created inside the libraries, where any story to life and the reality children through age 18 can shop that it really happened simply for others and find gifts priced makes it even more powerful. from 25 cents to $10. Friends of The film doesn’t hide from the Library volunteers help young the racial and gender climate of children shop, purchase and wrap the day and with the lead chartheir gifts. acters being black and female The Library Center Holiday in a male dominated space race Store is in the auditorium: 9 a.m.and engineering fieldp.m. oneDec. can 8; 7 p.m.

Dec. 7; 1-4:30 imagine the day to day challeng2-7 p.m. Dec. 9-13; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. es that14; they gives Dec. andface.

1-4:30The p.m.film Dec. 15. us a good idea of a few of the Call these other branches for things that they facedhouse and the their store and open schedules: Library Station, Schweitzer Brentwood, Republic, Midtown Carnegie and Strafford branches.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 12:15 continued from page 8 p.m. is the annual Holiday Horns in the too Midtown Carnegie much early to find outBranch but I upstairs meeting room.

The have been told by very reliable Springfield Brass sources thatSymphony’s the margaritas Quintet will perform festive are nice and well worth a try! holiday music sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Refreshments will be served.

On Thursday, Dec. 12, at 12:30 p.m., return to Midtown for light refreshments and hear holiday favorites by the Courthouse Chorale, the vocal ensemble of Greene County officials and employees.

Then it’s Homemade Holiday Crafts 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, in

Restaurant Column

supervisor and as usual plays his part in an inspiring manner.

The film is in limited release the Library Center Story Hour on Christmas day Room. Build your own and gets cozy to all of cabin ornament decorate theand nation right clay ornaments at this make-andafter the new take session. Materials provided. year. I am hoping Registration starts November 22; that seeing these call 883-5341. sisters work their magic in mathKathleen O’Dell is community ematics will inspire some young relations director of the Springmen and women to become engifield-Greene County Library neers and scientists and wildly District. She can be reached at succeed in technology as well. kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

The real message of the film Mercy patients but her clinic is might be one for our society still and that is when you are Autism trying to get a man in space Continued fromtime Pageand 10 room you don’t have for prejudice to get in your way. with OCH in Nixa.

Hopefully we will learn that • Transcend Orthodics - Tranabout everything in life as scend orthotists else and prosthetists well. are fully certified and experiPlease to support these enced in try serving the needs of incredible films and let me know their patients. But true care isn’t what you think! just a matter of certifications and Fences…..93 out of 100 years of experience.

Care begins Hidden Figures 92 out 100 an with compassion. Theyofhave unrelenting focus on serving their patients in ways that go above and beyond And consistent withexpectations the cuisine to achieve best possible there is an the abundance of tequila outcomes.

They can help if you as well so if that is your drink have child that is want toe-walking or thata is what you to try by helping make custom-fitted in the new year you are now braces for their feet. informed.

Oh and if Melissa you just and Michelle always take extra want to sound like youthe are getsteps needed in providing care for your child.

• The Meyer Center - At The Meyer Center you will find services for Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Food Therapy, Water Therapy, etc. They have a great staff that works together to meet the needs of your child. There is a waitlist but there are few things you can do to speed up the process. Make

The guacamole (which I am becoming a fan of) is fresh and delicious. The taco choices are abundant and they are good….. whether you want chicken, beef or some type of fish. There is a sure to getoption a referral fromIyour vegetarian as well. like doctor set up and schedule an the fish taco and it was stuffed evaluation services.

Also, full and veryfor tasty.

Of course If you open up your availability they do have the soft and hard for the time you are willing to shell options. Fish choices are come in for therapies you will also good with tilapia and ahi be able to get services faster tuna. You may want to try the since openings are dependant

of the menu items but if Santa came to visit you it should not break the bank. And that is one Page 11other November 2019that | Unite of the reasons I amNews reviewing this spot because if the holidays cleared out your upon patients graduating out of finances it is an affordable the program. option.

This is by no means an exhausIt is located at 2915 E. tive list but a great place to Battlefield Road and is open start for various services here Sunday through Thursday from in the Ozarks from a parent 11 to 9 and until 10 on Friday with two children on the specand Saturday. Four forks!!! trum!

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

Page 12 November 2019 | Unite News

Add Immunizations to Your Back to School Checklist Help keep your child healthy and in school.

Immunization is the single most important way parents can protect visit their children against serious diseases.

 Help keep your child healthy and in school.  Help protect the health of your community! www.health.mo.gov/immunizations or contact your local public health agency

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Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Minority Health www.health.mo.gov 800.877.3180

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Services provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have a speech disability can dial 711 or 1-800-735-2966.

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