2022 January Unite

UniteNews P06

Increase your Reading Skills in 2022

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Meet Du’Sean Howard Owner of Jamaican Patty

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Goals not Resolutions for the New Year

January 2022 | Volume 32 | NO 1 | www.unitenewsonline.org

Missouri Sports Hall of Fame honors William Fontleroy

William Fontleroy who was a star player on Missouri State University’s 1999 Sweet 16 team is honored. Page 5

KSMU presents stories from the Greene County African American Heritage Trail Hear stories about Graham’s Rib Station and Cabins, Lincoln High School and other locations along the trail. Page 7

Free Take One

A Salute to Sidney Needem for his lifetime of service to the Springfield community

Nominated and chosen to receive the Missouri Park and Recreation Association (MPRA) Citation Award. Page 13

‘Updated COVID-19 Community & Public Health Resource Directory See Information on PAGE 14

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Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

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

From the Editor

UNITE. Volume 32, Number 1 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 SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR, Christella Payne

While January 1, 2022 marks a new year for the UniteNews staff, it also marks a new look for our publication, website and social media pages. This will mark the third time the UniteNews publication has changed it’s logo design. The changes also includes a push to promote our tag line, “ Building Empowering Connections.” You will start to see our new print and digital campaign highligting our target audience, black families of all ages and blended bi-racial families.

Our parent organization Unite of Southwest Missouri has been publishing this publication since 1990. That’s over 30 years we have been providing positive images and stories about African American families. Our promise is to continue to promote the images and stories that result in having a direct or indirect positive impact on our community.

To help us continue our valuable work, we would like for you to please consider making a financial gift of any size.

Just go to our festival website page at smfinfo.com and click on the Donate button. Unite is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and your gift may be tax deductible.

If you have an interesting story or information you feel needs to be shared with the community, email me or give me a call. Your news leads are always welcomed. And last, I want to thank our sponsors, advertisers, and you our readers for your continued generousity and support!

Happy New Year!

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

Page 4 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

CREATIVE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY, Geve Penaflor FESTIVAL 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 ethnically diverse talent, community resources and opportunities available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801 and accompanied by $25. for one year’s postage and handling.

Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct correspondence to the same address. 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 Unite Publication in accepting advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.”

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

Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com

Our Community News

People In The News

Maurice Jones Deputy City Manager, Maurice Jone, recently completed the 12-week ICMA High Performance Leadership Academy. The ICMA Leadership Academy is an intensive program designed to cultivate key competencies needed for successful leadership at all levels of local government management.

Heather Hardinger Out of a commitment to the importance of equality and visibility for all, CoxHealth has added its first Diversity, Inclusion and Equity officer. Heather Hardinger, Springfield city councilperson and workforce development advocate, has been hired for the role.

Missouri Sports Hall of Fame honors WIlliam Fontleroy SPRINGFIELD, Mo–The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame saluted William Fontleroy who was a star on Missouri State’s 1999 Sweet 16 team.

Fontleroy was humbled by the honor. “It’s a lot. It’s a big honor. I never thought a little kid from Gary, Indiana would be in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Let alone be recognized for playing the game of basketball. For something I would do regardless of whether its on TV or getting paid. It was just something that I loved to do,” said Fontleroy.

Dr Todd Payne On March 2, 2022 Dr Todd Payne will be the presenter at the “Lunch with an MSU Genius Luncheon Series” Touching the lives of others through music, the universal language.

Dr. Todd Payne, is a MSU professor of music and professional opera singer.

Design-a-Bookmark Contest for grades K-12 At The Library Are you up for a fun challenge in the new year?

We’ve got a variety for kids, teens and adults at The Library, and you’re invited to join in.

For adults, the Winter Reading Challenge runs through Feb. 28. We have a list of 15 book categories that may delight you, or maybe introduce you to a favorite author. Pick up a reading log at any library branch, Mobile Library, or log your titles through thelibrary.org/readingchallenge.

Read books from at least five of the 15 categories, turn in your completed challenge form and receive your 2022 edition mug, courtesy of the Friends of the Library, for being a Winter Reading Master.

••• For kids and teens, the 23rd annual Design-a-Bookmark Contest for grades K-12 runs Feb. 1-March 15.

Pick up an entry form at any library branch or the Mobile Library, or download one at thelibrary.org/ bookmarks. One winner and three runners-up will be selected in each category, grades K-2; 3-4, and so on. Winners will receive a $20 Hobby Lobby gift card and printed copies of their bookmarks. First-place designs will be distributed at the libraries and community events. Winners will be revealed on Thursday, April 21, 2022.

••• For kids and families, Library Bingo runs through Feb. 15 and challenges everyone to complete a row or column, or the complete board by sampling the craft ideas, activities and new books. Get a Bingo board at any branch or the Mobile Library, or download one from thelibrary.org/kids. Complete at least one row or column, bring your board back to the library by Feb. 15 and be entered into a drawing for a gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Winners will be announced Feb. 26.

••• iPhones can be a challenge, too! The Library is hosting iPhone Class for Seniors. Each of the four, free Continued on page 12

UniteNews Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

By Gwen Marshall, Unite Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO— Happy New Year to everyone. I hope your Holidays were filled with joy, fun and laughter. Now it’s time to get back to work. I am sure that as parents you have some students Gwen Marshall that are not so excited about going back to school, but it is encouraging to know that we are moving rapidly toward the end of the school year.

Increase Reading Skills In 2022 As we move into 2022 we have an opportunity to make improvements and changes in areas where we are struggling. Many of us have made New Year’s resolutions and now is the time to try to keep them.

Maybe we have said ‘I am going to do a better job of getting my kids to bed on time’ or ‘I am going to work at spending more time with my family’ or ‘as a family we are going to, exercise and read more’. Whatever it is, now is a great time to start. As we think about some of the changes we have on our list, I would like to emphasize reading and how important it is for our students.

There are many students that struggle with reading and don’t feel it is necessary to strive to improve their reading skills. I would like to encourage the parent of the child that is struggling not to give up on your child. They will thank you for it in the long run.

Natural Beach Living, an elite family and parenting publisher, suggest some reasons that reading is so important.

• Imagination: Books have the ability to take you anywhere you want to go. Reading helps you by painting pictures of the story in your mind.

• Focus and Concentration: When you read you are focusing and concentrating on one thing. By sitting still and reading, you are training your body and mind to slow down, relax, and focus on what you are reading.

• Language Development: Babies and children learn to talk by hearing words. The more they hear, the more likely they are to talk and understand what’s being said

• Fluency: Fluency is defined as the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and expression. The more you read, the more fluent you become. This is very important for children and adults.

• Reading makes you smarter: It’s been proven that reading makes you smarter. Readers display greater knowledge of how things work, vocabulary, and language development, as well as information on people, places, and things.

As you foster a love and aptitude for reading to your child, their likelihood for success increases. Your child needs strong reading and comprehension skills to succeed—not just in English, but in science, math, social studies and various school activities as well. If your child can read and comprehend what they have read, nothing is impossible for them.

Coming events: MLK Day: Jan. 17 (School System Closed)

Gwen Marshall at Ujima Kwanzaa 2021 Celebration at Turning Point Church

Page 6 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

KSMU Radio highlights SGF African American History Springfield, MO— On December 13 -17, 2021 KSMU presented stories from the Springfield-Greene County African American Heritage Trail. You can listen to the 10part Sense of Community series by going to the KSMU Facebook Page and clicking on the play button. Hear stories about Kentwood

Arms Hotel, Lincoln High School, Pitts Chapel, Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Benton Avenue AME church, Gibson Chapel Presbyterian, Graham’s Rib Station and Cabins, Park Central Square, Alberta’s Hotel, and the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.

Kentwood Arms Hotel, 700 E St Louis St.

Alberta’s Hotel, 600 Block of Benton Ave

Go to: KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio

Norma Duncan, former student of Lincoln School now Lincoln Hall on OTC Campus

Smitty’s Boxing Gym has moved

Black Minister’s Unity Breakfast Springfield, MO— Senior pastor at Deliverance Temple Ministries, Bishop David Knox Jr, was the keynote speaker at a breakfast meeting convened last month by

Pastor TJ Appleby of Sanctuary Of Praise COGIC. Several predominately African American churches were represented by senior pastors and associate ministers.

Springfield, MO— Smitty’s MidWest Boxing Gym has moved from 1135 E Commercial St to 648 S Scenic Ave. Leadership, Guidance, and Education. Darrell Smith, owner of Smitty’s Mid-West Boxing Gym Darrell Smith believes too many kids in our community are living life without these components. “When our youth are left to navigate the world on their own, they make decisions that permanently affect their path.

They make the wrong friends, use drugs, fail in school, and ultimately create a new generation of

unguided youth like themselves.”

Smitty’s Boxing Gym exists to break this cycle. We understand that discipline is the most important factor in fostering a new generation. This applies to the physical discipline of boxing, as well as intellectual discipline in the classroom.

On January 8, 2022 Smitty’s Mid-West Boxing Gym will hold it first annual Fundraising Dinner.

The event will be held at the DoubleTree Convention Center, 2431 N Glenstone. There will be a dinner and reception. Guest speaker will be former World Heavyweight champion, Larry Holmes.

For more information or tickets, contact Coach Smitty, (417) 268-0941 or email: dsmittty8135@aol. com

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

Who’s ready for authentic Jamaican Patties & Cuisine Guest Columnist Darline Mabins for Multicultural Business Association

Springfield, MO— Du’Sean Howard, owner of Jamaican Patty Co in Springfield is excited about the future. The Kingston Jamaica native made his journey to our city only after he first made his way to North America via Canada.

He settled there with his family for a few years before moving to Minnesota in 2009. Due to the economy at the time, he heard of the job opportunities at Prime Trucking here in Springfield and uprooted his family to move to Springfield MO. Du’Sean com-

pleted their training program and gained his commercial trucking license. From there he went on to establish an LLC and started a couple of small business ventures.

It wasn’t until he met a food scientist and was given the opportunity to lease a storefront that he began to think about starting a restaurant focused on promoting the Jamaican patty and it’s cuisine.

Du’Sean knew the image that he wanted to put out there. He wanted his restaurant to be a place where people would be comfortable to eat, and hang out.

The truck came after the store restaurant and is used mostly for

The Jamaican Patty is located at 3439 S Campbell, in the Savannah Square Shopping Center

Restaurant and Food Truck Owner, Du’Sean Howard

corporate events, weddings, and parties. Their most popular dishes include: Curry goat and chicken, Oxtails (my personal favorite), Jerk chicken, and their patties that come in 9 different flavors.

This is an MBE certified busi-

ness and their hours of operation are: Monday thru Thursday 11:00 - 6:00 pm; Friday thru Saturday 11:00 - 7:00 pm.

The Jamaican Patty is located at 3439 S Campbell, Springfield, Missouri in the Savannah Square.

Minorities In Business is now MBA

Springfield, MO—The governnamed MBA is to provide resourcing board of the Minorities In es, support and encouragement Business, or MIB, group voted to to historically under-resourced change its name to the minority, women, disadvanMulticultural Business taged, veteran and disabled Association, or MBA. business leaders.

One goal of the name Join the group for the first change is to make it networking event of 2022 clear that all racial, ethon Jan 11. It will be at the nic and diverse groups Darline Mabins Springfield-Branson Nationare welcome, according to Daral Airport. Networking at 5:30 line Mabins, news Multicultural and program will start at 6:00.

Business Association Executive We have a lot of exciting news to Director. The mission of the reshare for the coming year!

Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

How Janice Bryant Howroyd smashed the glass ceiling as a Black woman entrepreneur Merrill’s Diverse Viewpoints research is exploring how Black/African Americans are building wealth, expanding their influence, and taking active roles in their communities—creating a new legacy of wealth and wisdom for future generations.

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Community Foundation of the Ozarks awarded five grants totaling $100,000 for improving conditions Springfield, MO— The Community Foundation of the Ozarks awarded five grants totaling $100,000 today to Springfield-Greene County nonprofits for projects focused on increasing civic participation and improving conditions for marginalized community members.

The grants were presented at Timmons Hall in Springfield with representatives from each nonprofit speaking about how the grants will be used.

The grants were awarded to: A Girl Like Me Network: $12,000 for the Level Up Mentor Program to form positive self-esteem, teach basic life skills and empower youth.

Drur y University: $21,000 for the Visible in a Digital World effort. This project, in partnership with Multicultural Business Association (formerly known as Minorities in Business), aims to empower women minority business owners in Springfield by focusing on training and resources that enhance their strategic marketing abilities.

The GLO Center: $21,000 for

an expansion of the Ozarks Inclusion Project, which encourages and recognizes businesses that demonstrate nondiscrimination policies and workplace protections for staff and customers in the LGBTQ+ community.

Missouri State University: $21,000 for the Bear Learning and Successful Transitions (BLAST) project. As a collaboration between MSU, Springfield Public Schools and EnCompass Academy, this program will develop inclusive experiences for K-12 students with disabilities that lead to successful transitions to post-secondary education and competitive employment.

Timmons Hall/Springfield-Greene County Park Board: $25,000 for the Meet n’ Greet History project, a program that teaches African American Studies through place-based learning at Silver Springs Park, Timmons Hall and Alberta Ellis’s family timeline. Ellis’ family owned a central Springfield hotel included in the “Green Book” travel guide as a safe place to stay for Black travelers on Route 66.

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Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Your Health & Wellness News Goals Not Resolutions For the New Year

by Melesha Bailey Unite Contributing Writer

about what changes you’ll make to help you feel good emotionally so that you won’t experience negSpringfield, MO— Do you feel ative emotions surrounding your pressure to make New Year’s resexpectations or lack thereof. olutions that involve Many resolutions drastic lifestyle fail because there’s no changes surround“why” attached to the ing health, money, “what.” Finding the or lifestyle? Unfor“what” is easy: lose tunately, these can weight, save money, be UNREALISTIC get a new job, travel expectations and more. But the “why” is contributes to 80% just as—if not more— of people giving up important.

Melesha Bailey their New Year’s resolutions How about weight loss, for

by February. Sound familiar? example. It’s probably a goal that Many of these goals are ones you have faced at some point in that we convince ourselves will your life. So, why do you want to change our lives for the better. lose weight? To feel more conUsually, our goals come down fident? To feel more accepted? to specific emotions, like happiTo have more energy to play ness, fulfillment, or confidence. with your kids or grandchildren?

So first, consider what feeling To prevent or reverse chronic you want to achieve by accomillness? It’s crucial to define your plishing your goals. Then, think “why” when you decide on your

Springfield, MO— When we hear the word hospice we automatically think of death, or end of life. In our culture the dying process still has the stigma of being morbid, dark, and uncomfortable to

business world and countless other instances are S.M.A.R.T. goals, an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Some examples are: I will eat healthier, becomes I will incorporate a vegetable for at least two meals a day for the next month.

Or, I will save more money, becomes, I will set aside $50 each month for the next year.

Don’t’ make resultions or goals that you will not keep. Unfortunately, accepting the process means it may not look the way you WANT it to look many times.

Know that instead of holding yourself up against unrealistic expectations, give yourself some grace and pay special attention to yourself on days when things seem daunting.

Don’t let negative thoughts derail your progress--instead, set Continued on page 11

Having the conversation about the H Word!

discuss. However, there are cultures that celebrate the end of life process as a time to reflect on the person’s life and to make sure that person is comfortable and pain free until the final day they close their eyes. Hospice is a beautiful program that gives quality of life to the patient and Jacqueline Jadidian family (known as “unit

by Jacqueline Jadidian Unite Contributing Writer

“what” because that will motivate you to keep going when you want to give up.

It’s OK to have big goals and dreams; however, creating micro-goals is more important because they require less effort and mental strain and are more sustainable. As you check off these “easy” goals, it will help build confidence and create a snowball effect as you get closer to experiencing your results.

Breaking down your goals will help you develop a clear action plan and provide you with a set of guidelines on how to get from where you are to where you want to go. Base the outcome on the results you want, not what someone or society tells you that you have to do. Aim for them to be specific and detailed enough for you to achieve.

Make your plans realistic. One approach used throughout the

Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

of care”) and provides comfort and methods to alleviate pain by techniques/medication, as well as spiritual counseling. Hospice takes a holistic approach while focusing on the diagnosis and patient.

Hospice provides many benefits. To name a few I am familiar with…

• Medication to alleviate pain, full medication review to make sure current meds are not interacting

and causing further problems • Comfort techniques by licensed professionals Aromatherapy, Massage Therapy, Music Therapy, Pet Therapy, Acupuncture, • Spiritual Counseling / Chaplain Service The patient can be religious, spiritual, or have no belief system.

Hospice does not discriminate • Volunteers Continued on page 11

Goals Not Resolutions Continued from Page 10

a goal to tune into your emotions by checking in with a friend or writing your reflections to monitor your progress. If you need some guidance getting started, I’m happy to help you. Contact me at melesha@love4lifewellness. Let’s start this year off with a clear, concise vision of where you want to go and how you will get there.

So don’t make New Year’s resolutions. Set goals based on your WHY for a WIN! Happy New Year!!

tient is residing in a community) Providing a bath aide to help patients bathe, especially ones that are bed bound

priority is to make sure the patient is comfortable, feels heard and understood, and still has autonomy, if applicable.

Diverse cast rocks production at Springfield Little Theatre

The H Word

Continued from Page 10 Companionship, crafts, music, reading, composing letters, light housekeeping, minor errands, caregiver relief • Interdisciplinary Team (Physician, RN, Social Worker, Chaplain, Volunteer Coordinator, Aides) that encompasses a dedicated team that oversees the patient’s wellbeing and care • Equipment and products that will help the patient with transfers, mobility, incontinence, breathing • Social Worker that can meet with the patient and/or family to discuss end of life planning, advance directives, family dynamics, communication • Bereavement Coordinator that can assist with the grieving and loss process, especially after the patient passes • Supplemental care added to the staff that is already in the longterm care community (if the pa-

The most important benefit that has always stood out to me is that the hospice team listens, understands, and has empathy. Their

Springfield, MO—There’s a photo of a little Imari nestled on Cinderella’s lap, watching Cinderella sign her program. The photo was taken in 1998, when Stout was a 5-year-old who spent a lot of time at the Landers Theatre watching her brother Kendrae Mahoney practice for his role in the Springfield Little Theatre production of “Cinderella.”

“At 5 years old, for me, it was like watching a Broadway actor,” Stout says. “I was definitely fangirling.”

Little did she know then she would one day step into the spotlight as Cinderella.

Last month, one of the most diverse cast wrapped up a threeweek run in the lead roles of this year’s production of “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.”

Imari Stout stars as the lead character in Springfield Little Theatre’s “Cinderella.”

This production, however, is slightly different than the original.

This is the Enchanted Edition, which still features Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music but is based on the 1997 teleplay featuring Brandy and Whitney Houston. It introduces new songs and a fresh, more humorous approach to the classic story.

But “more than anything, Imari Stout this production is special because it requires a diverse cast,” says Stout.

“It’s really special because it calls for all different types of ethnicities,” she says. “Getting to play Cinderella as a Black actress was really special. She is traditionally a caucasian princess.”

Also featured in prominate roles were the King, Queen and the fairy Godmother.

Derrick DeVonne King (King Maximillian) is excited to be returning to SLT, having last been seen in Hello Dolly pre-COVID. Favorites at SLT include The Full Monty Derrick King (Horse), Godspell (Jesus), Big River (Jim), Cats (Deuteronomy), The King

and I (King), To Kill a Mockingbird (Tom Robinson), Of Mice and Men (Crooks), and Children of Eden (Adam). He’s also been seen at Springfield Contemporary Theatre in Big River (Jim), Broadway Rocks 2 & 3, Dawg Pound Blues (Dewayne), The All Night Strut, and as choreographer for Evita, Sweeney Todd, and Avenue Q. Derrick received his BFA in Choral Music from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and his MFA in Musical Theatre from Oklahoma City University.

Brecka Henderson (Queen Constantina) is a native of Springfield, MO. She has been the owner & lead stylist of Hair Waves Salon since 2007. She has been a Praise & Worship leader, at Deliverance Temple Ministries, for over 10 years.

This is Brecka’s first stage performance at SLT. Special thanks to her Brecka Henderson amazing nephew Brandon Looney (Lola in Kinky Boots!) for encouraging her to audition. “Thank you to SLT for this absolutely amazing opportunity to work with some of Springfield’s best of the best!

Deborah Bedell (Fairy Godmother) is from Springfield MO. She attended Central High School and Draughons Business College. Deborah loves cooking and

Continued on page 12

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

miles from where I grew up. chemistry and support between The time is right before the ladies and the way they the famous Mercury-Atlas 6 encourage each other works Springfield Little Theatre The Library mission in 1962 and is about very well and in many ways Continued from Page 11 Continued from Page 5 a math genius is the glue that named holds the film raising elephant ears.

Previous classes taughtKatherine by veteran instrucJohnson whowill hadcover a tor Julie Mahaffey together. productions include Show Boat different topic. Masks required; an important role Costner at Central, A My NameKevin is Alice at register at 417-883-1974. Classes in calculating plays the role of Drury, South are 10flight a.m.- trajectories noon at the Schweitzer supervisor and Pacific at Tent Brentwood Branch. for NASA. The as usual plays Theatre, and his • February 3: Navigating other two women Your part in anGirl, inspirGoodbye iPhone, Setting Up Contacts profiled in the ing manner.

Sophisticated • February 10: Making/Receiving film also had The Ain’t film is in Ladies, Deborah Bedell Phone Calls, Using SIRI significant roles limited release Misbehavin’, • February 17: Making/ReceivoneMessages, being theUsing Voice onofChristmas Beehive, Little Shop Horrors atday ing Text first black female and gets to all of SLT. “Thank GOD, for daughter Dictation engineer the and right Tameka, son Erniethe Jr., nation wife Elisa, • February 24: and Calendar other leading after the new grandsons D’Angela James a.k.a.

Other Useful Apps black women year. I am hoping JJ, family for the encouragement

by Kathleen O’Dell isincommunity Universal Pictures 2016 the West Area that seeing through each production.

Lovethese you relations director of the Springcomputers division. sisters work their magic in mathmuch.” field-Greene County Library.The women all so are played by some easily recogematics will inspire some young nizable women in the person men and women to become engiof Taraji P. Henson, Octavia neers and scientists and wildly Spencer and Janelle Monae. succeed in technology as well.

Their acting ability can bring The real message of the film any story to life and the reality might be one for our society that it really happened simply still and that is when you are makes it even more powerful. trying to get a man in space The film doesn’t hide from you don’t have time and room the racial and gender climate of for prejudice to get in your way. the day and with the lead charHopefully we will learn that acters being black and female about everything else in life as in a male dominated space race well. and engineering field one can Please try to support these imagine the day to day challengincredible films and let me know es that they face. The film gives what you think! us a good idea of a few of the Fences…..93 out of 100 things that they faced and the Hidden Figures 92 out of 100

Restaurant Column continued from page 8

much too early to find out but I have been told by very reliable sources that the margaritas are nice and well worth a try!

And consistent with the cuisine there is an abundance of tequila as well so if that is your drink or that is what you want to try in the new year you are now informed. Oh and if you just want to sound like you are get-

Page 12 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

mation for anyone who needs to eat gluten free which is appreciated. Chips and salsa which are excellent by the way are complimentary when you order an entre. I am not a big queso fan but they have several verSpringfield, MO—The United Methsions of it including a mac and odist Women of Pitts Chapel United cheese, green chile(UMC) and plain.

Methodist Church extend an Theinvitation guacamole I amto join to the(which community us in celebrating, Happy becoming a fan of)“AisHealthy, fresh and New Year” on Saturday, delicious. The taco choices are January 22, 2022, at 12 noon - 2 abundant they pm. Theand event willare takegood….. place at whether you want Pitts Chapel UMCchicken, Fellowshipbeef Hall, 600 Benton Springfield, or some type Ave., of fish.

There isMO. a This is a health and wellness vegetarian option as well. I like program addressing key compothenents fish taco and itand/or was stuffed of creating enhancing healthy lifestyle. during the fullaand very tasty. Time Of course program willthe be devoted the they do have soft andtohard importance of truly knowing your shell options. Fish choices are health related numbers, being an alsoinformed good with tilapia advocate forand yourahi own tuna. You may want to try the

enjoyed his food and he is a lot more adventurous than me and gave everything two thumbs up.

Great American Taco makes a great spot for lunch or dinner and also offers a convenient drive-through if you need to grab and go. Itdeveloping can also be a health/wellness, your personal plan, and good datehealth/wellness night spot and prices sharing information varican go up close to regarding $10 for some ous community health and wellness ofresources. the menu items but if Santa came to visit you it should not There will be guest speakers, break the bank. is one discussion circles, And groupthat activities, ofand thehealthy otherrefreshments. reasons thatAddiI am tionally, a covid vaccine station reviewing this spot because if will also be available for those who the holidays cleared out your might be interested. This program finances it is an affordable is being co-sponsored

by Jordan option.

Valley Health Clinic. If anyone has questions or needs additional It is located at 2915 E. information, please contact Charlotte Battlefield Road and is open Hardin by phone/text at 417-766Sunday Thursday from 2893 or through via email at Charlottehar11 to 9 and until 10 on Friday din@missouristate.edu. and Saturday. Four forks!!!

Pitt Chapel promotes “A Healthy, Happy New Year” Health Fair

A Salutes to Sidney (Sid) Needem for his lifetime of service to the Springfield community Springfield, MO—Sidney (Sid) Needem, a Springfield native, was born 1945. He attended Lincoln School in Springfield, MO grades 1-3, Fairbanks grade 4-5. He attended Simmons School in St. Louis, MO, grade 5-8 and graduated from Vashawn High School also in St. Louis, MO. He went on to work at Kraft Foods for 47 years.

Needem is a member of the Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church, and over the years has served as Finance Chair, Lay Leader, Admistrative Chair Person, Soft Ball Coach and Usher Board.

Needen is the only 3-Term Board Member in the 106 -Year History of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Serving Terms from 1994 - 1999, 2006 -2012, and 2015 - to the present.

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board operates and maintains more than 100 park sites, trails and facilities in Springfield and unincorporated Greene County, ranging from neighborhood playgrounds to multi-use recreation centers. The system includes three golf courses, three family centers, a zoo, a farm park, a botanical center, several sports/ athletic complexes, two indoor aquatic centers, six outdoor swimming pools, multiple School-Park sites and more than 100 miles of recreational trails.

During Sid’s terms of service, he was a part of a Park Board team that helped oversee a wide number of historically-significant developments that drove the park system forward. Most significant of these included the transition of the Springfield City Park System to an expanded City-County System (1995), the development and formal adoption of the Vision 2020 Master Plan for Parks (1998) and the renewal of the popular Parks & Stormwater Sales Tax Initiative (2006) that generated over $55 million dollars for much-needed parks, trails and stormwater projects. Sid is the current Park Board Vice-Chair.

Springfield-Area Boys & Girls Club

Needem was a 42-Year Board Member for the Springfield-Area Boys & Girls Club. He helped facilitate partnership between the Club and Park Board to develop the Boys & Girls Club facilities in or Adjacent to City Park Sites.

Needem was the first person of color as Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame Inductee and to serve as board chair in 2011.

Springfield Reunion Club

Needem is an active Board Member for Springfield Reunion Club and Annual Park Day Celebration at Silver Springs Park. Silver Springs Park is one of Springfield’s ten historic parks that was originally developed in 1918. The park is especially significant in

that it was the only park available to the African-American community during the era of segregation. Since the early 1950’s, a group of active citizens known as “The Reunion Committee” have worked to develop and program a reunion-type of annual event in Silver Springs Park. Sid has been an extremely active part of this volunteer committee for over thirty years, even serving to chair its popular Bowling Tournament.

the Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma Club’s Service to Mankind Award.

For his achievements and a lifetime of service to the Springfield community, Sid Needem was nominated and selected to receive the Missouri Park and Recreation Association (MPRA) Citation Award (Individual) in 2019.

Springfield Community Center

In addition to his extensive volunteer roles noted above, Sid was a founding board member for the Springfield Community Center – a not-for-profit organization working to provide afterschool facilities and programs for urban youth.

Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center (BDNC)

Sid was a founding board member for the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center. BDNC is the former Kiddie Kove Daycare Center opened by Roberta Bartley—with her sister, Olive Decatur, who were both retired schoolteachers at Lincoln School.

Sid has also been a volunteer basketball coach to countless area youth teams through the years and now serves as an honorary coach and ambassador for the prestigious Bass Pro Shops’ Tournament of Champions event.

In recent years, Sid also received

Sidney (Sid) Needem

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 13

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) COMMUNITY & PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCE DIRECTORY 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 provides 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 during Recovery orders. For more information visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5107/Help-Ozarks

Springfield-Greene County Health Department | COVID-19 Resources

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department’s website has guidelines for good hand and respiratory hygiene habits, tips for at-risk groups that may be more affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and guidance for travel and isolation/quarantine timelines. The health department’s website also shows testing sites—Cox Virtual Health Visits and MyMercy—available in Springfield. For more information visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5068/ Coronavirus or call 417-874-1211.

Cox Health Visits

Cox Healthcare System is providing free virtual visits to screen patients for COVID-19 and provide more guidance about the 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

Pandemic Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (P-SNAP) provided all households currently eligible for SNAP to receive the maximum amount for their house size for March through June 2020 to prevent Food Stamp benefits from ending during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting July 1, 2020, Missourians are required to complete a periodic recertification process to verify the household still qualifies for Food Stamp/SNAP benefits.

For more information visit https://mydss.mo.gov/covid-food-stamp-info.

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 during COVID-19 Stay-atHome and Recovery orders can be found at 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 Page 14 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

EDUCATION PRE-K TO 12TH GRADE & BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL Springfield Public Schools (SPS)

Springfield Public Schools (SPS) has an online resource center to help adjust to schooling from home to create an environment for your student to learn well at home. Resources include tips to schedule a routine for homeschooling children at each grade level, special education and English Language Learner (ELL) resources. For more information visit https://www.sps.org/Domain/57 or contact your child’s school.

Kahn Academy

Kahn Academy is offering free resources to parents, teachers, schools and districts to keep everyone learning. Their website offers resources such as daily schedules, weekly learning plans for students in remote learning environments. For more information visit https://keeplearning.khanacademy.org/.

Fast Track Program

Fast Track is a financial aid program from the Missouri Department of Higher Education that helps adults obtain an industry-recognized credential in high need job areas. Students who receive the Fast Track grant have any remaining college tuition and fees covered after using other state and federal aid programs. Individuals 25 years or older or who have not been enrolled in school within the last two years and are seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apple. Participants must earn under $40,000 per year or $80,000 filing jointly.

For more information visit https://dhewd.mo.gov/initiatives/fast_track.php.

Ozarks Technical Community College

OTC is a community college in Springfield, Missouri. Students can earn a one-year certificate, two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or Associate of Arts degree. They also have a variety of apprenticeship programs. For more information visit https://www.otc.edu/ or call 417-447-7500.

Missouri State University

MSU is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs. Their purpose is to develop fully educated persons with a focus on ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. For more information visit https://www.missouristate.edu/ or call 417-836-5000.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Community Health Advocates | Springfield-Greene County Health Department

Community Health Advocates help individuals navigate Springfield resources and work with individuals to determine their needs and provide personalized referrals to employee assistance, affordable housing, healthcare, pregnancy and parenting services, education, disability services and childcare assistance. To make a referral visit: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CHAreferral or call 417-874-2477.

U.S. Census 2020

The U.S. 2020 Census invitations began arriving at households March 12. For the first time, nearly everyone will be invited to respond online, by phone, or by mail. Along with the invitation, households will receive a census overview, description of language assistance in English and 12 additional languages, and a census ID number. More information about when most people will receive their invitations can be found at 2020census.gov. https://2020census.gov/en.html?utm_campaign=20200312msprts1ccpupnl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Prosper Springfield Website: “Get Help & Get Informed”

This website has information on current resources and services available in the Springfield/Greene County area. Click “Get Help” to find information related to almost any area of need related to education, health, housing, job/financial assistance and transportation.

Please visit: www.prosperspringfield.org.

More resources listed online at: unitenewsonline.org

EDUCATION PRE-K TO 12TH GRADE AND BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL • RENT OR MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE • CHILD CARE & TUTORING

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 15

PRESENTS

FEATURED TALKS FUTURE FORECASTING

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J A C K S TA C K

2022

EVENT PREVIEW

Learn from the best local visionaries, creators, leaders and founders for a ted-talk inspired day full of vision casting, lessons in leadership and business building, inspiring stories and more.

0 2 . 0 4 . 2 2 | J U A N I TA K . H A M M O N S H A L L G E T T I C K E T S AT T H I N K S U M M I T . B I Z 4 1 7 . C O M

Page 16 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Jack Stack’s $100 Million Plan

INSPIRING STORIES

DR. TYRONE BLEDSOE

Wa l k i n g t h e W a l k : T h e boy who walked with Dr. King has created his own legacy

BUSINESS BUILDING

PETER HERSCHEND

Turning Hollers into Dollars