2022 April Unite

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Monica Horton shares experience in Op-Ed

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New column on Cyber security - how to protect your privacy

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April 2022 | Volume 32 | No 4 | www.unitenewsonline.org

Try out Chicago Smerqs: Chicago Style Barbeque

Free | Take One

GRANDPARENTS R A I S I N G GRANDCHILDREN

RESOURCE FAIR SATURDAY APRIL 2, 2022 8 AM - 4 PM See Story on Page 13

SWMO mourns the passing of a Star

Singer Nedgra Culp is mourned by fans in Springfield and Branson area.

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Once On This Island Is Coming in May Nedgra Culp, Branson Star

Small Umbrella Theatre Company is partnerning with Black Arts Alliance

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Timmons Hall Workshop Series Timmons Hall Freedom Classroom 101 March Workshop

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Timmons Hall in Silver Springs Park

‘Updated COVID-19 Community & Public Health Resource Directory See Information on PAGE 13

Advertise In The Unite Publication

For Rates call: (417) 864-7444 Also read Unite Online, go to: www.unitenewsonline.org

You Belong Here At City Utilities, people are our priority. If you want to work for a community-minded organization that puts people first, come find your place at City Utilities.

Get Connected to Us.

Search YouTube: Black Fathers Matter

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Call 417-863-9000 or go to cityutilities.net to learn ways we can work together.

From the Editor

The Unite News Publication is published by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.

Volume 32, Number 4 MANAGEMENT MANAGING EDITOR & PRESIDENT, Samuel G. Knox ASSOCIATE EDITOR, Tyra K Knox CONTENT CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Melesha Bailey CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Jacqueline Jadidian CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Gwen Marshall CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Kathleen O'Dell CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Darline Mabins CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Heather Noggle

April is National Minority Health Month. Every April, the Office of Minority Health (OMH) observes National Minority Health Month to highlight the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minorities and reducing health disparities. Personal negative experiences have contributed to mistrust of the healthcare system among racial and ethnic minority groups, leading to mistrust of factual information on vaccines and boosters. Because of this, the Give Your Community a Boost! theme also supports the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendations on combating COVID-19 and vaccine misinformation at the individual, community, and organizational levels.

In this issue we are featuring a number stories that address the role of healthcace in America. We will also cover the growing number of concerts and play productions becoming available in and around the Springfield area. Make some time to check out the Grandparent Raising Grandchidlen Resource Fair this month sponsored by the Be A Jewel nonprofit organization. As always, if you have an interesting story or information you would like for us to consider doing a story on, email or give us a call. Your news leads are always welcomed.

We hope that you enjoy our April issue and find an empowering way to celebrate National Minority Health Month.

Best, Samuel G. Knox President & Managing Editor www.unitenewsponline.org unitepublication@yahoo.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR, Christella Payne CREATIVE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY, Geve Penaflor GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox WEB DEVELOPER, Christoper Palma GRAPHIC DESIGN, Axela Frost

The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization.

Our goal is to promote a broader understanding and appreciation of the African American talent, community resources and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area.

Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. You may, subscribe and have a copy delivery by mail to your home or office by writing to: UniteNews, P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801. For a one year subscription, please send $25.00 for postage and handling.

Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. The UniteNews 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 more information, you can contact us our business office at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com Photo on the Cover: Photo of Nedgra Culp was used from Ms Culp’s social media page;

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

The Unite News Publication is published by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc.

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Page Page 44 Building Building Empowering Empowering Connections Connections || Unite Unite News News

The Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale April 27May 1 at the E*Plex Volume 31, Number 5

UNITE.

MANAGEMENT Whether you’re into cooking, history, music, movies, spine-tingling MANAGING EDITOR & PRESIDENT Samuel G. Knox mysteries or science fiction, you’ll find it all and more at the Friends of ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tyra K Knox the Library Spring Book Sale April 27-May 1. It’s at the E*Plex on the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

CONTENT Book lovers, families, homeschoolers, students CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Melesha Baileyand teachers say CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Sativa B-Sloan CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Gwen Marshall it’s the best bargain-book source around.

Adult, teen, children’s books CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Kathleen O'Dell and most audiovisuals are only $1; better books are $2 and up. Cash CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Daniel Ogunyemi and checks accepted.

Friends Night Preview Sale is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 26. Friends CREATIVE TEAM members admitted free; PHOTOGRAPHY, non-members pay $5 at the door to shop the Erin Gamble special hours. Questions?

Call 417-616-0564.

FESTIVAL GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox Regular sale, admission free, is Wednesday-Friday, April 27-29, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Christopher Saturday, April 30, Half-price Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;Palma and Sunday, May COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Jasmine Bailey 1, 1-5 p.m., Bag Day, everything you jam in a sack is $1, or $5 from ADVISORY MEMBER, Diana Vargas the better books COMMUNITY side.

••• Gardening takes the spotlight this spring with a full lineup of useful programs.

The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, a 501(c)(3)April non-profit OurMidtown mission is Carnegie to promote aBranch broader On Inc. Saturday, 16, community from 1-3organization. p.m. in the understanding androom, appreciation the ethnically diverse talent, community resources upstairs meeting Sherriof Hull, nutrition educator with the Greene and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Distribution of Unite.

County MU Extension Office, will talk about Foods for Growth. Learn is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be howdirected the food weP.eat relates to plantsMissouri and the benefits of having a garto Unite.

O. Box 1745, Springfield, 65801 and accompanied by $25. for den.

She’ll cover picking a garden spot, soil testing and hardiness one year’s also postage and handling. to make contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct zones.Those Topwishing register calla417-862-0135. correspondence to the same address. Reader’s comments and questions are welcomed. The On Saturday, April 23, noon- 3 p.m., come to the Heirloom Seed opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Garden, 1471 N. Benton Ave., for a planting party for families with Missouri, Inc. children all Publication ages. Join staff ofadvertising the Library’s Heirloommakes Seed “Theof Unite in accepting in this publication, no Library independent concerning the services of products and neither endorses andinvestigation Springfield Community Gardens foradvertised a storytime, crafts and nor garden the same andMidtown assumes noCarnegie liability therefore.” fun.recommends We’ll move to the Branch Library if it rains.

For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444.

Saturday, May 14, 1-3 p.m. at the Midtown Carnegie Branch, nutriEmail: unitepublication@yahoo.com tion educator Sherri Hull returns to discuss Preparing to Plant. Seeds provide nutrients for both plants and people. We’ll examine different kinds of seeds and learn about the benefits of the parts of plants we do eat – our fruits and vegetables. Registration starts April 30; call 417-862-0135.

There’s so much happening in April and May! Visit thelibrary.

If you would like more to make a contribution to the Unite org/programs, or pick up a free Bookends calendar News Publication and it’s mission, please mail your of events at any librarygift branch. to Unite, P.O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801 or

Make A Contribution Today!

contact our office at (417) 864-7444.

Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Spring“Let’s build a stronger community together.” field-Greene County Library District. She- can be Knox reached at kathSamuel Managing Editor leeno@thelibrary.org.

Our Community News

People In The News

Opinion & Editorial

Constitutional Rights or No Rights Fellow Citizens Are Bound to Respect?

by Monica Horton, Springfield resident and citizen

Wendy R. Washington Earlier this year, Wendy Riley-Washington from Kickapoo High School was named the Ozarks High School Sports, Athlete of the week. Washington is a junior on the Kickapoo girls’ wrestling team. She became the first girl in school history to medal at the state wrestling meet.

Dr Todd Payne Dr. Todd Payne was cast in the Ozarks Lyric Opera’s production of Pagliacci Ruggero Leoncavallo at the historic Gillioz. Payne costarred with international opera star Michael Spyres’ role debut as Canio - his first midwest appearance since recent engagements at the Metropolitan Opera.

Tylesha Marie Tylesha Marie is the owner and operator of Vintage Beauty Skincare located at 1740 S Glenstone Ave. in Springfield. The Spa features Massage, Esthetics, Brow Wax, Tints, Microdermabrasion and Certified Organic Ingredients. For an appointment call: (417) 849-1621

SWMO mourns the passing of Branson Star Obituary

Nedgra Culp, 59, of Springfield, passed away on March 2, 2022. She was born June 17, 1962 in Springfield.

Nedgra started her vocal training while attending Central High School under the direction of Mrs. Connie Bilyeu. Nedgra then went to Europe to perform with other high school students in a group called the American Choir. They traveled all over Europe as Ambassadors for the United States. When Nedgra came back to Springfield, she graduated from Central High School and then attended Southwest Baptist majoring in Music Performance.

Nedgra continued to develop her musical talents, singing with many local groups in the Springfield area and surrounding cities. Nedgra was lead to try out for a

Nedgra Culp, Branson Singer and Entertainer

Branson show by some of her friends and was hired as one of Wayne Newton’s back up singers from that tryout. As one of Wayne Newton’s back up singers, she lived and worked in Branson and Las Vegas from 1993 through 1994. After leaving Wayne Newton, she decided to make Branson her musical home. While

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Chief U.S. Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney once said that African-Americans “had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” Roger Taney, whom Taney County, Missouri is named after, uttered these bigoted words as the high court issued its landmark decision in the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford case. To know that a public official boasted within the highest court that African-Americans were not and could never become U.S. citizens – whether slave or free – speaks to the brand of white supremacy during this specific era in American history.

Today the brand of racial and paternalistic bigotry, akin to Justice Taney’s racist decree, looks like an elected official (Representative Chuck Bayse - District 47) commanding fellow U.S. citizens in state capitol to leave his office. I call it racialized and paternalistic bigotry because this public official’s poor treatment of our lobby group was in response to me (a Black female citizen) asserting clarity & context for why anti-education bills such as HB 1643 and HB 1457 exist in the first place and how they affect me as a Black parent with a child in the public school system. If I were a white male, I am almost certain that the representative’s visceral and hypersensitive reaction would not have ended with us being kicked out of his office. Matter of fact, after he commanded us to leave, he asked the only male (who was Afro-Puerto Rican) with our group to stay and talk more with him about why the anti-education bills exist from the Republican representative’s standpoint.

In hindsight, I realize that my 1st and 14th amendment constitutional rights were violated that day by the state representative. And just so that I would not end up in a verbal altercation with whomever he called to remove us from his office, I willfully left on my own accord to avoid further incident. I’m trained in de-escalation and knew what I needed to do to protect myself from a verbal incident that could’ve led to my physical removal because clearly the representative had us on repeat. A week before our lobby group arrived, the state rep. commanded another black woman to leave his office speaking on the same types of antieducation bills that harm children and families of color and prevent white Continued on page 9

UniteNews Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

A Word to Our Springfield Public School Students on Finishing Strong gin to feel the stress of unfinished assignments. But the show must go on. Now is the time to take a Springfield, MO—Spring Break deep breath and apply some deis over and we are entering the termination to finish strong. home stretch for this school year.

I would like to share a few tips This is the busiest yet the from the desk of Jessica most exciting time of year Mize, coordinator for the for many students. Just Academic Center for Excelknowing that summer lence. and graduation for some • Take a time out (but not is almost here can be a during class)- Take a time time filled with exhilaout for you to re-focus on Gwen Marshall ration and anticipation. your agenda, your goals, During this time students and re-group for the rest of can suffer fatigue, eagerness and the school year. Find or schedule bewilderment. As summer apsome down time for a timeout and proaches some students may bedevelop a game-winning plan.

By Gwen Marshall Unite News Contributing Writer

UPCOMING EVENTS AT TIMMONS HALL FREEDOM CLASSROOM 101 April 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Culturally Responsive Literature, with Dr. Sabrina A Brinson, author and MSU Professor; and Just Be Present, with Mark Simmonds, Springfield Public Schools Principal and Coordinator at Great Circle Campus.

FEE: $30/Person, includes lunch HISTORY MAKER BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES April 30, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

A presentation focusing on Jonathan Fairbanks, Springfield school superintendent 1875-1912, followed by a larger conversation.

FEE: $5/Person Seating is limited. Call 417-864-1046 or email cpeoples@springfieldmo.gov to RSVP Timmons Hall in Silver Springs Park, 1055 E. Webster, Springfield, Mo.

PARKBOARD.ORG/TIMMONSHALL Page 6 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

• Focus on the finish line- 2022 was an Olympic year. The athletes had to know how to look and focus on the finish line while in the race. Your finish line is: a certain grade, or a certain GPA. Look at the goals you have set for yourself at the beginning of the school year and put them where you can see them. Never underestimate the power of a well-placed sticky note.

• Have a pep rally for yourself- Never underestimate the power of positive self-talk! Remind yourself in the mirror each morning that there is a task at hand and that is to finish strong. And don’t forget to adjust your attitude and keep it positive. Tell yourself what you want with confidence, knowing that you will get it.

• Talk to your teachers- Schedule

a meeting with your teacher(s).

Ask about where you stand in their class Use previous tests and quizzes to review and refresh your mind on concepts from the past.

• Study, Study, Study. make sure you take time to study. When you get tired find a friend to study with. One that will encourage, motivate and push you to the finish line. “Remember that the road to success begins with you.”

Keep putting your best foot forward, and don’t hold back.

“Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.” – Napoleon Hill. I challenge you to work hard and finish strong.

Coming Events: April 15, 2022 - Professional Day Students Out All Day

Thirty Years on the Internet

by Heather Noggle Unite News Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—My web browser’s home page is set to SecurityWeek.com, and a recent headline was “Are You Prepared for 2022’s More Destructive Ransomware?”

The site then lists other similar articles that are so popular in recent times now that nearly everyone is online.

The Internet was much simpler once. I sent my first email in the fall of 1992 from my dorm room at Missouri State University.

That was so long ago we called it Southwest Missouri State University, and personal computers were not on everyone’s desk yet.

I’m still unsure who I emailed and what I said, but I do remember I got a response and how amazing it

seemed that someone somewhere else in the world could receive a message from me and respond instantly to it.

It was while I was connected via the Internet protocol Telnet to one of the various chat sites available on the early Internet that I had learned about email. A few weeks earlier, a friend taught me how to connect to the chat sites using that same dorm room computer, and we made our usernames and started talking to strangers using our keyboards. The early 90s was still a time of expensive long-distance phone calls, so we easily understood how talking with other students at different universities for free was exciting, easy, and revolutionary.

From emailing and Telnet-based Continued on page 11

“Special Thanks” to Participating Freedom Classroom Educators and Art Immersion Workshop Instructor Kendra Chappell

Springfield, MO— In February, Workshop instructor Kendra Chappell used black hotel owner, Alberta Ellis’s photograph to demonstrate the techniques teachers drew from to create an immersive art experience during Timmons Hall’s, Art Immersion Freedom Classroom workshop.

Chappell also used a technique called “Wonder and the Ask.”

Students are posed with the statement: “These are the things I wonder about.”

It allow students to wonder out loud and ask questions about Mrs. Alberta’s photograph.

In the photos: Through Group Tableau and Group Composition Frames, teachers captured and embraced Alberta’s ingenuity, resilience and brilliance as a hotelier and business woman.

The class also learned about historical context, and the challenges, Mrs. Alberta Ellis went through during the time of segregation and Jim Crow laws.

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Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

Chicago Smerqs - Chicago Style Barbecue: a little jerk & smoked

by Darline Mabins Unite Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO— April showers bring May flowers and hopefully a visit from your families to our restaurant for this month; Chicago Smerqs. When most people think about popular foods of Chicago, deep-dish pizza is usually the first thing to come to mind. While it is true that Chicago serves up great pizza. You would be surprised to know that Barbeque is also a

popular item in Chi-Town.

Although not known as the barbeque scenes of Kansas City or the Carolinas, Chicago barbecue is just as delicious. There are specific techniques that you will find in Chicago barbeque like;” boilbecue” and smokeless roast.

The most well-known is their take on rib tips. If you are a fan of rib tips…Chicago Smerqs does not disappoint.

We caught up to the busy owners and sat down to discuss their

L to R Business owners, Anedra and William (Bill) Mosley

journey. Husband and wife team; William (Bill) Mosley and Anedra Mosley are not newcomers to the area. Bill is a hometown boy who is proud to share with anyone that asks that he is a Central High school graduate. Anedra made her way to Springfield in 2003. The pair are married and raising their family in the Queen City. When asked if they always had aspirations to own their own restaurant; their immediate response is; yes. Anedra is who you would call their idea woman/ visionary; while Bill is there to support and help to bring their dreams forward together. The couple has two existing small businesses, A &B Blessing (home healthcare business) and BMJ Realty LLC, which are still going strong. They were approached by an acquaintance about opening a franchise. The couple saw this as the opportunity they were waiting for to finally accomplish a dream.

So the couple found a location and secured capital to begin the process. Unfortunately, as time progressed, they found themselves on an island; with no support or Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

input from the franchisor. So they were left with a decision. Stop and let everything fall apart or move forward and figure things out on their own.

March 2021 Chicago Smerqs opened its doors. With a menu that is made up of the couple’s recipes and side dishes that they have adapted to make their own.

What is a Smerqs; you ask. The word is comprised of the words: smoke, jerk, and barbeque. Put them all together, you get smerqs!

The barbeque sauce is made entirely from scratch and in-house.

The only hint I was given as to what it contains, was from Anedra who mentioned they use a small amount of jerk sauce in their recipe. When asked what the most popular item on the menu was.

Anedra’s response was the restaurant’s fried catfish. She thinks it appeals to all; young and mature customers.

When asked about where they hope to be in a year? Anedra hopes to see more customers and that the community on the west side of town will know that

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Chicago Smerqs

Continued from page 8 they are indeed open for business and in the area. So as we look towards the Spring season and begin to venture outdoors more, make a trip to the west side of Republic Road(3202 W Republic Rd Springfield MO 65807) and stop

by Chicago Smerqs.

They are open Thursday thru Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Catering is also available.

Monica Horton

Continued from page 5 children from preparing for 21st century thriving in a multi-racial society.

The day of our lobby visit, the state rep. who is also the chair of the elementary and secondary education

committee implicitly declared, in the spirit of Chief Justice Taney, that I “had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” And according to his words in the Springfield Daily Citizen article published March 14, 2022, he explicitly uses dehumanizing language such as “radicals,” and declares me and my lived experience as a public school parent to be “full of crap.” That day, the state rep. violated my right to make a complaint to, or seek the assistance of the government without fear of punishment or reprisals. I was not treated as a U.S. citizen as my 14th amendment rights guarantee, but as one “full of crap” and therefore having no rights that the state rep. was obligated to respect. The larger issue for me is this 21st century grotesque treatment as a means to deter civic engagement from members of groups who’ve been historically disenfranchised, intimidated, terrorized and suppressed from full participation in our Ameri-

can democracy as citizens. We are not 2nd class citizens. I come from foremothers and forefathers who were a part of The Great Migration in the early 20th century. My ancestors were escaping the racially and economically hostile Jim Crow South – Mississippi and South Carolina. They would eventually settle in what would become redlined neighborhoods in Kansas City, MO where I was born and raised. They started off having no voting rights or any other incentive to be civically engaged with their government that was “of the people, by the people, and for the people” (in the words of Abraham Lincoln) though my great grandfather planted and pastored a church in Kansas City called Griddine Temple Church of God in Christ. I am a Griddine and if I know better, my ancestors’ political life was wrapped up in their faith life, a place to express their identity as image bearers and assert their activism for civil rights within a racially

Presenting Sponsors

Springfield Prayer Breakfast 2022 Thursday, May 5 2022 7am-8am Oasis Convention Center

hostile state and country. The legacy The Griddine Family left behind compels me to be civically engaged and to encourage others be involved in public affairs as well. But gosh, no wonder so many remain apathetic and disengaged. If the average person knows that lobbying a state lawmaker results in disparaging treatment as a citizen petitioning their government, then why participate? Why not avoid such confrontations with public officials who staunchly disagree with your views and your very right to exist and belong? But that’s the goal: to suppress participation, to mute your voice, and discourage activism. The popular civil rights-era lyrics gives the historically disenfranchised our marching orders: “Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me around, turn me around, turn me around…keep on a-walkin’, keep on a-talkin.’ Marching into freedom land.”

For tickets please visit ccozarks.org or scan the QR code below.

If you would like to register a group as a sponsor please email RSVP@ccozarks.org

SPEAKER TO BE REVEALED SOON

SPRINGFIELD, MO Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Your Health & Wellness News The Role of Healthcare in American Coverage

by Melesha Bailey Unite Contributing Writer

different racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

Before the Affordable Care Springfield, MO— The Role of Act (ACA), people of color were Health Care in America likely to have no or inadequate Health coverage healthcare. Younger plays a significant Latinos, Native Amerrole in empowering icans, and Alaska everyone to access Native people had the health care and prohighest uninsured tecting families from rates,1 out of 3 with high medical costs. inadequate coverage.

According to the The Kaiser Family Health Resources Foundation found that and Services Adminthe ACA created new Melesha Bailey istration, health disparities health insurance options are defined as “population-spethat helped decrease but did not cific differences in the presence eliminate disparities in health of disease, health outcomes, or coverage that many minorities access to healthcare. had remained accustomed to for Unfortunately, Black people many years. Between 2010 and and other minorities continue 2016, there have been tremenenduring disparities in health dous gains in coverage across coverage that contribute to ineall racial/ethnic groups under qualities in providing healthcare the ACA. However, even though and access to healthcare across health care coverage increased,

Springfield, MO— When I made the decision to leave my nursing home career to assist family of taking care of my grandma that had Alzheimer’s, I gained a new perspective of Alzheimer’s. I

Do’s and Don’ts with Alzheimer’s

received firsthand experience of what it takes to care for someone with dementia. Grandma was residing in an independent living community, and for her to be suitable to stay my family used me to provide caregiving/ companionship. I know many families can relate to my experience Jacqueline Jadidian of caring for a loved

by Jacqueline Jadidian Unite Contributing Writer

people of color remain more likely to be uninsured.

At the beginning of 2017, during the Trump administration, health insurance coverage gains began to reverse, and the number of uninsured Americans increased over the next 3 years.

As uninsured rates increased, many ethnic groups experienced erosion from prior coverage increases due to the ACA. These coverage losses could have come from policy changes made by the Trump administration that may have contributed to the reduced gain in access to and enrollment in coverage.

We have made gains of access to health care, but there is still a high incidence of Blacks and Latinos with chronic conditions, higher death rates, and inferior health outcomes when compared to non-whites because of health disparities.

Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

one with dementia, either directly or indirectly. Dementia progresses in phases that encompass a loss of ability in specific areas.

With Alzheimer’s the person is affected by losing their reasoning ability, as well as their speech and words they choose, their behavior, and their short-term memory. Daily tasks such as driving, shopping, laundry, dishes, cooking, bathing, dressing, and eating become very challenging to nearly impossible

Several issues lead to these disparities, such as poor access to healthcare, poverty, exposure to environmental problems, inadequate education, and individual and behavioral factors.

Many reasons for these disparities are in the quality of healthcare provided because of: • Communication problems – Effective communication with your healthcare provider, is crucial for treatment and care. Poor communication leads to inaccurate diagnosis, incorrect medication use, and failure to attend follow-up appointments. In addition, the language differences between patients and the provider can confuse their advice and the failure to comply. Also, cultural differences play a significant role in communication between healthcare practitioners and patients.

• Discrimination happens when

Continued on page 11

to accomplish on their own.

I have learned from caring for my grandma and clients that there are guidelines that should be kept in mind for anyone interacting or caring for someone with dementia.

Here is a brief list of the do’s and don’ts when interacting/caring for someone with dementia: 1. Be very cognizant of your non-verbals and your tone of Continued on page 11

Role of Healthcare

Continued from Page 10 healthcare providers treat certain racial and ethnic groups differently, whether conscious or not.

For example, the World Medicine Foundation research suggests that doctors may apply a negative stereotype to minority groups, regardless of their income, education, or personality.

•Deficient preventive care and regular screening services for minorities. Those who lack adequate health insurance are less likely to receive preventive screenings for chronic illnesses.

Everyone needs healthcare, and having access to good care is our right. The question is, are you utilizing your health coverage to its total capacity? Do you feel like you are getting satisfactory service from your healthcare provider? You must be an advocate for your health and wellness outcomes. Take care of your health. Engage with your physician or wellness practitioner. And if you feel like you are experiencing inferior healthcare, speak up.

You are empowered to have the best health outcomes for you and your family.

Alzheimer’s

Continued from Page 10 of voice. Even though they may not be able to comprehend at times what you’re saying, they are still intuitive when it comes to a person’s variation in tone, frustrated/angry/anxious/impatient facial expressions and behavior.

Our non-verbals and tone of voice can exacerbate the person’s behavior.

2. Ask one question at a time and keep the questions simple to understand. Allow time for them to think and process what you asked/said, and patiently wait for them to respond. Questions that only need a Yes and No response are best.

3. With Alzheimer’s the person begins to have narrow vision.

It’s best to always approach and ask questions standing directly in front of them versus behind or the side of them.

4. If the person is anxious or agitated, be mindful of their environment and needs, such as noise level, sundowners, feeling unsafe, hunger or pain.

5. Don’t push them to do things, but nicely encourage. If they don’t want to do what you’re directing them to do, give them some space, and then try again.

Short breaks are beneficial for the caregiver and the person.

Thirty Years on the Internet Continued from Page 6

conversations, I learned about domain names and extensions like .edu, .org, and .com. The early Internet was all text based, and users were attracted by Usenet - news groups you could post to and comment on in text via e-mailing the group. I actually met my husband years later on one such newsgroup rec.arts. poems when I asked him where people read poetry in St. Louis.

His email at the time was stlbrianj@aol.com, so I figured it was worth the ask. He knew, and it was.

IRC was a service that expanded Telnet-based chat.

Companies, organizations, and universities built web pages that

early online users read using textbased browsers like Lynx. Soon after, graphics made web pages come alive for users with more advanced web browsers like early versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape.

Home Internet connectivity was not widespread until the mid90s, expanding quickly each year.

Soon the terms URL, web page, web site, and surfing the Internet became part of our culture.

Search engines evolved from Alta Vista, Lycos, Yahoo, and Excite to Dogpile and Ask Jeeves to, well, Google. More of us embraced what the Internet could provide.

You know what came next and where we are now. The Internet enables smartphones and workfrom-home for many jobs. It gives us text and electronic medical records and the ability to talk with our grandchildren daily by video if we choose.

Because the Internet is in everything, even if we limit how it affects our daily personal lives, we must master how it works

for us. The Internet has enabled most of my career, including moving from St. Louis to Springfield in 2009, and none of my customers knew or cared.

Also because the Internet is woven in everything, in 2022, cybersecurity will dominate the headlines as - hopefully - COVID fades.

I’d like to leave this column with one request of you to prepare for the Internet of now and the future. Consider building a simple computer habits plan in your home and help others build their plans, especially in your place of work. After all, your workplace has personal information about you and your colleagues. More information coming soon on how to do that in detail, but research these three things for now and think about how they would fit in your plan.

•Password Manager, such as LastPass •Antivirus Software, such as AVG or Kaspersky •Antimalware Software, such as Malwarebytes

Free Neighboring 101 Class Offered Monthly via Zoom & YouTube

Hear from experts across the nation. Attend live or listen to class recording.

Register on our website for Neighboring 101.

Greene County MU Extension

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu or contact David Burton at (417) 881-8909 or burtond@missouri.edu

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

Nedgra Culp

continued from page 5 in Branson, she shared her musical talent at numerous shows; including the 50’s at the Hop, Breakfast with the Classics, Lost in the 50’s, Stuck in the 70’s, Hairspray as Motor Mouth Maybell (Florida) and Legends as Aretha Franklin. She also traveled with a tribute to Ray Charles called Can’t Stop Loving You and also performed at the Rockbox Theater in Fredericksburg, TX. Nedgra returned to Branson, performing as Martha Marley in Maxine’s Christmas Carol and then started her own show, Nedgra Culp and Girls on Fire.

Her last show was Aretha, a Tribute to Queen of Soul.

Nedgra was blessed to be a part of a loving family. She was the youngest of six siblings. She was preceded in death by her mother, Stella Mae Culp and sister, Alfreda Culp.

She is survived by her father, George Culp; sisters Janice Bradford, Dana Cook and Tina Bennett; brother, Terry Culp and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Concerts Near You Contact TicketMaster.com for Tickets Saturday, April 9 - 7:00 pm Chaifetz Arena, St Louis, MO An Evening of Soul W/Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Friends!

Patti LaBelle

Gladys Knight

Stephanie Mills

Howard Hewitt

Friday, April 22 - 7:30 pm Azura Amphitheater, Bonner Springs, KS Snoop’s Dogg Dayz of Blaze with Ice Cube and Warren G

Snoop Dogg

Ice Cube

Warren G

Friday, April 30 - 7:00 pm Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, MO Love & L...Tour W/ Maze featuring Frankie Beverly & The Isley Brothers

Frankie Beverly

Isley Brothers

Chrisette Michele

Saturday, April 30 - 8:00 pm Chaifetz Area, St Louis, MO KEM & Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds Hosted by Sherri Shepard

KEM

Babyface

Contact ticketmaster for ticket prices on Sports, Concerts, Art & Theater and Family Events. www.ticketmaster.com

Once On This Island: The Musical is coming in May! Springfield, MO— The Small Umbrella Theatre Company has partnered with the Black Arts Alliance to bring, “Once on This Island.”

This coming-of-age, one-act stage musical is a book with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. Based on the 1985 novel My Love, My Love; and, The Peasant Girl by Rosa Guy, it is set in the French Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. It’s about a peasant girl on a tropical island, who uses the power of love to bring people together of different social classes.

The Small Umbrella Theatre Company was co-founded by Producer - Joe Rogers sand Artistic Director, Paige Rogers.

According to Rogers, the Small Umbrella Theatre Company’s mission is to create extraordinary theatre in Springfield, MO with the values of: • Prioritizing women and under-

Page 12 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

represented communities in their storytelling on and off stage.

• Provide, Pay what you will ticket prices, and • Pay all artists for their work Black Arts Alliance Southwest Missouri is a newly formed group with the goal of gathering BIPOC + QTPOC talent in Springfield, MO and to give them a stage to perform and thrive on.

Once on This Island production will be directed by James R. Dixon who lives in Portland OR.. He will travel to Springfield to conduct rehersals and the weekend performances.

Dixon stated, “While theater is all about entertainment, this work is meant to be transformative for the community. It’s really difficult to collect this many black

folks to tell a story like this. Now more than ever, it is important to see black folks tell black stories.”

The hope is that, the Black Arts Alliance can see this as an opportunity to wholly model and build a richer arts community in Springfield.”

Jada Bunch who is performing the lead role of Ti Moune is a Freshman at Missouri State University.

Bunch is studying to earn a degree in Musical Theater. She recently moved to Springfield from Southhaven, MS. Show Dates: Preview: Thursday, May 12, 2022, Opening Night: Friday, May 13, 2022 Closing Night: Saturday, May 28 7:30 p.m.

For ticket information go to: SmallUmbrellaTheatre.org

List of Exhibitors cont.: Jordan Valley Clinic Missouri Mentoring Partnership University of Missouri Extension, Family Nutrition Education Program Ozarks Literacy Council Ujima Language & Literacy

List of Exhibitors: Abilities First Arc of the Ozarks Consumer Credit Counseling Diaper Bank of the Ozarks Foster Adopt Connect Girl Scouts of America

Be A Jewel Fund www.beajewel.today Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 13

(COVID-19) COMMUNITY & PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCE DIRECTORY Below, please find new and updated community resources and services.

The information is based on research conducted in January 2022 We encourage readers to contact the organization directly for updated information:

NEW INFORMATION

Greene County Emergency Rental Assistance Greene County has coordinated fund distribution efforts with area organizations and community partners that have existing experience with utility and housing assistance programs: • Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) 417-447-0554 • Consumer Credit Counseling Services 417-889-7474 • Community Partnership of the Ozarks 417-888-2020 • Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri 417-268-9998 • Council of Churches of the Ozarks 417-887-3545 • The Salvation Army 417-862-5509 Greene County has structured this program so you can make an appointment with a trusted Community Agency and complete the application together. Contact one of the partnership agencies to schedule an appointment. To make the most of your appointment please bring the following items: • A listing of every individual living in the household • Identifying documentation for all members of the household such as licenses and social security cards • Income information for every individual 18 years or older with either 2020 or 2021 Tax return or past 60 days of income sources that are reported on a tax return • Documentation of unemployment for at least one of the individuals or a reduction in pay due to COVID-19 • Past-due rent and utility bills and/or notices of eviction • A copy of your lease agreement • Contact information for your landlord.

Stimulus Checks (2022 Economic Impact Payments) According to the US Government, parents of newborns, foster or adopted children (2021-2022) will have a stimulus check benefit in 2022. Part of the government help will go to either a new dependent or a parent of a child who was born in 2021.Those who had eligible children in 2021 are able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their next tax return. The Economic Impact Payments, otherwise referred to as stimulus checks, were sent out during 2021 and these are advance payments of the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you did noy receive the full amount you were expecting by December 31, you can claim the remainder of the money when you submit your taxes in 2022. Given that the 2021 Economic Impact Payments were Page 14 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

calculated off a person’s 2020 or 2019 return, any eligible dependents who became a member of the family in 2021 will not have been included in the calculation nor the payment. For the latest updates on the Economic Impact Payments/Stimulus Checks, check the IRS website: IRS.gov/coronavirus.

2021 Taxes | Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) VITA offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. If individuals have access to a computer, they can also use the following website, suggested by Community Partnership of the Ozarks, www.myfreetaxes.com. For more information visit https://www.cpozarks.org/financial-literacy/ or call 417-720-2000.

‘Stronger Together’ COVID-19 Vaccine | Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is committed to providing a free COVID-19 vaccination experience to all Missourians, including those without insurance. For Missouri COVID-19 vaccine information, visit www.MOStopsCovid.com. Get the facts about vaccines and where to find one. Everyone ages 5 and up is eligible for vaccination now in Missouri. Vaccination providers may charge an administration fee to insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, if applicable to an individual’s circumstance.

To learn about vaccine providers in your area and time frames to access the vaccine, please visit https://covidvaccine.mo.gov.

Housing Locator “Socialserve” is a free, online rental property search service that links individuals with available rental housing across Greene, Christian, and Webster counties. It helps to make a more informed decision when exploring your housing options. For more information, visit www.cpozarks.org.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Use the FAFSA form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school for the 2021-2022 or 2022-2023 academic year. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 PM (CT) on June 30, 2022. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 PM (CT) on September 10, 2022. The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 PM (CT) on June 30, 2023. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 PM (CT) on September 10, 2023. Deadlines are quickly approaching!

Completing the FAFSA form is free. For more information visit: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

OTHER RESOURCES Continued on Page 15

Continued from page 14 This resource list provides information about Springfield area community resources related to public health, employers/job seekers, education, and other services available during Springfield’s Road to Recovery. Please feel free to share:

PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES Help Ozarks Help Ozarks is the City of Springfield’s main website to share official directions to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This website has direct links to information on the latest Springfield-Greene County health updates, resources for job seekers and employers, and a pledge citizens, businesses and institutions can voluntarily take to show commitment to slowing the spread of the Coronavirus. For more information visit https:// www.springfieldmo.gov/5107/Help-Ozarks Cox Health Visits Cox Healthcare System is providing free virtual visits to screen individuals for COVID-19 and provide more guidance about appropriate actions to take if they are sick with the coronavirus. Virtual visits are online appointments that are available for people ages two years and older and include a COVID-19 Risk Assessment and if needed, a prescription referral to a pharmacy.

For more information visit: https://www.coxhealth.com/services/virtualvisits/ or call 417-269-3000.

Mercy Health Mercy Health provides virtual care options to seek medical treatment without exposing others to illness. MyMercy is a free, easy-to-use application to manage your whole family’s health online. This app allows users to access information about their health and care team 24 hours a day. For more information visit: https://www.mercy.net/patients/mymercy/ or call 417-820-2000.

Missouri Food Stamp To apply for the Food Stamp Program, individuals can drop off, mail, fax or complete an application at a Family Support Division (FSD) office. FSD will call the number listed on the application to complete a phone interview within 3 days of receiving the application. Individuals will typically know their eligible for Food Stamp benefits within 30 days. For more information visit https://mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance.

Food Resources in Springfield and Greene County Food resources in Springfield that are available to the general public, children and older adults who are 60 years and above can be found on the following Google Spreadsheet. The list is updated with new resources when they become available and contains the location, hours, type of food service, ways to access food services and who can access services: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1v3UBVz5i68INI3agcZLM7ULys-O3jHOKm6zwJXWqJB0/edit#gid=0 WIC The WIC program is housed at Jordan Valley Community Health Center and provides free services for qualifying participants such as health screenings, nutrition education and additional food packages, breastfeeding support, referrals to health care providers or social services agencies. For more information visit: https://www.jordanvalley.org/services or call 417-864-1540.

Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Please visit the DSS website to see how the Family Support Division, Child Care Subsidy, MO HealthNet (Medicaid), Children’s Division and Division of Youth Services will conduct business during this time period if assistance is needed at https://dss.mo.gov/covid-19/ MO HealthNet (Medicaid) Telehealth is available to MO HealthNet participants. There are no copays for COVID-19 testing for MO HealthNet participants. Coverage has been extended to Missourians ages 19 to 64 who test positive for COVID-19.

Requirements for prescriptions refills will make sure participants have access to essential medications. For more information visit: https://dss. mo.gov/mhd/ or call 573-751-3425.

JOB SEEKERS and EMPLOYERS Missouri Job Center The Missouri Job Center has reopened to the public and offers a variety of job options and job training programs during Recovery Orders to make sure individuals can get back to work stronger than ever before with events and opportunities such as: Aspire (youth program), MO Works Together, Green for Greene, Career Services, America’s Promise, SkillUP and Franklin Apprenticeship & Dislocated Worker programs, etc. The north location job center continues to have an office at the Drew Lewis Foundation located in the Fairbanks. For more information visit https://www.springfieldmo. gov/1007/Workforce-Development or call 417-887-4343.

Ozark Career Academy The MO Job Center’s youth work experience program prepares youth to enter the workforce during and after high school in the Ozark region. The Ozark Career Academy is a virtual project-based, community work program that focuses on fine-tuning work-readiness for local youth through workforce preparedness, physical and mental health, and financial literacy.

Participants learn soft-skills such as self-motivation, time-management, independence, adaptability, and work ethic. This program allows participants to work on weekly tasks at their own pace while earning a paycheck and learning skills for online virtual work. For more information visit: or call 417-841-3341.

File for Unemployment | Missouri Department of Labor The Missouri Department of Labor’s website has information on how to file or manage an unemployment claim or claim benefit eligibility. The website also has information on worker’s compensation and discrimination complaints for businesses and workers. Businesses can file unemployment for groups of employees they may have to lay off due to COVID-19. For more information visit: https://labor.mo.gov/.

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce provides a comprehensive list of resources for employers on their website with links and updated information about economic development resources for local businesses and job openings in the Springfield area. For more information visit https://www. springfieldchamber.com/.

More resources listed online at: unitenewsonline.org

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 15

Every April, the Office of Minority Health (OMH) observes National Minority Health Month to highlight the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minorities and reducing health disparities.

OMH is proud to announce the theme for National Minority Health Month 2022: Give Your Community a Boost! This year’s theme focuses on the continued importance of COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as one of the strongest tools we have to end the COVID-19 pandemic that has disproportionately affected communities of color. This theme supplements the CDC recommendations to prevent COVID transmissions, such as physical distancing, use of well-fitting masks, adequate

ventilation, and avoidance of crowded indoor spaces.

Experiences with racism and discrimination can contribute to mistrust of the healthcare system among racial and ethnic minority groups, leading to mistrust of factual information on vaccines and boosters. Because of this, the Give Your Community a Boost! theme also supports the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendations on combating COVID-19 and vaccine misinformation at the individual, community, and organizational levels.

OMH encourages its partners and stakeholders to spread the word by accessing our sample social media messages, shareable graphics, and information about Give Your Community a Boost!