2022 September Unite by Unite News

Whether you are looking for a job with a great company, or have a product or service to We’re ConnectedAllO W N Y O U R C A R E E R L I T E R A L L Y . Mission: to connect, empower, and advocate for children and families in pursuit of their highest levels of literacy. KIDS CORNER Powered by: Powered by: This is an empowering, energetic, and allinclusive picture book that celebrates resilience in the face of adversity. www.UjimaMo.org DIVERSE CHILDREN'S BOOK Join Us Wednesday, September 14th at 6pm for Family Literacy Night located at 1722 N. National Ave. HOW MANY WORDS CAN YOU FIND IN THE WORD "BIRTHDAY?" 1. ___________________________________________ 2. ___________________________________________ 3. 4. ___________________________________________ 5. ___________________________________________ 6. ___________________________________________

SamuelBest, G. Knox President & Managing unitepublication@yahoo.comwww.unitenewsonline.orgEditor

For more information, you can contact us at our business office at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com

MANAGING EDITOR & PRESIDENT, Samuel G. Knox ASSOCIATE EDITOR, Tyra K Knox CONTENT

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 avail able in the Springfield/Greene County area. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. You may, subscribe and have a copy delivered 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.

In that role, I would chair our local meetings made up of local health care representatives who were concerned about improving health outcomes for local minority populations. In 2005 a local study was done to measure the health disparities in Springfield and Greene County. The results were a 200-plus-page document revealing that Black Amer icans had the poorest health outcomes on nearly every disease index including diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and cancer to name a few. If you have not registered to attend the SpringMo Black Wellness Initiative Kick-off by now, please sign-up. It’s free, and you will be introduced to new and old strategies to help you live longer and healthier lives. This is your opportunity to connect with solutions and answers about your health. I hope to see you there. As always, if you have information you would like for us to consid er writing about, email or give us a call. Your news leads are always welcomed.Wehope that you enjoy our September issue and find an empower ing way to celebrate good health and a healthy lifestyle.

September will be the kick-off month for SpringMo Black Wellness Ini tiative. While medicine and healthcare are not my backgrounds, I have been involved with healthcare over time for more than 15 years serving as chair for the Missouri Office of Minority Health, Region 7 starting in the mid-’90s for about 15 years.

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

This month we cover a topic that touches everyone. It has been our intention to produce not only to create a UniteNews issue with a major focus on health, but a collaborative effort for the entire community.

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.

Volume 32, Number 9

MANAGEMENT

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

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

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

you

make a contribution to the

•••

Clifton Taulbert grew up on the Mississippi Delta during an era of legal segregation and few opportunities, and went on to be a suc cessful businessman and author, traveling the world, speaking on the power of community to positively transform lives and relationships.

“Let’s build a stronger community together.” - Samuel Knox Managing Editor Sunday 10:30 am Go to: deliverancetemple.org for more content Make A Contribution Today! Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction Locally owned and operated for over 70 years W. Bruce Howell · Robert J. Lohmeyer · Don R. Lohmeyer · Heather K. Howell · Clint W. Mease Angela N. Collins · Harley R. Williams · Andy D. Vowell · Dulcinea M. Lane Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen ®FUNERALSELECTEDHOMES Independent Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel Crematory - Columbarium 1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com

The public is invited to hear him at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, in the Library Center auditorium, on “Our Destination: An Engaged Commu nity; Our GPS Navigator: Unselfishness.”

mission,

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

Taulbert will also talk business at 1 p.m. that day in the Jay Was son Loft of the efactory, 405 N. Jefferson Ave., on “The Impact of the Entrepreneurial Mindset: Then & Now.” The public is also invited; register at thelibrary.org/programs. He will talk about how imagination ignites innovation, starting with his childhood in Mississippi where his uncle operated an icehouse, to fitness centers around the world where Taulbert’s Stairmaster exercise system maintains prominence. Sponsored by the Missouri Small Busi ness Development Center at Missouri State University, The efactory and Multicultural Business Association.

The Moxie Cinema plays host on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 5 p.m. for “Remembering the Normal Heart Controversy in Springfield, Mis souri.’’ The film documents how Missouri State University’s 1989 production of the play “The Normal Heart,” about the politics and early stages of the AIDS epidemic, caused a controversy that went national. Watch a free screening and join the producer for a panel discussion about how the episode galvanized the local LGBTQIA+ community.

••• Something for the kids! It’s a popcorn party from 1-3 p.m. Satur day, Oct. 15, in the Midtown Carnegie Branch. It’s “What’s Popping in the Heirloom Seed Garden.” Enjoy easy-to-make popcorn recipes while Springfield Community Gardens shares information on how to grow beautiful Glass Gem popcorn. Kathleen O’Dell is the community relations director of the Spring field-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kath leeno@thelibrary.org.

Legendary Entrepreneur Clifton Taulbert Will Speak At The Library and The eFactory In September

UNITE.Volume31,Number5 nction Locally owned and operated for over 70 years W. Bruce Howell · Robert J. Lohmeyer · Don R. Lohmeyer · Heather K. Howell · Clint W. Mease Angela N. Collins · Harley R. Williams · Andy D. Vowell · Dulcinea M. Lane Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen ®FUNERALSELECTEDHOMES ndependent Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel 1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com The Unite News Publication is published by

P.O.

••• Been saving a beloved-but-broken treasure? Take it to the FixIt Fair from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library upstairs meeting room. Household appliances, bikes and even clothes get a new lease on life with help from volunteer fix ers. Presented with Community Partnership of the Ozarks.

News Publication and

“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, can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com Unite. would like to Unite it’s please mail gift to Unite, Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801 contact our office at (417) 864-7444.

your

He’ll share his Eight Habits of the Heart: nurturing attitude, respon sibility, dependability, friendship, sisterhood/brotherhood, high expec tations, courage and hope, as a foundation of an engaged community. Sponsored by the Library Foundation.

of Southwest Missouri, Inc. If you

Page 4 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News Sunday 10:30 am Go to: deliverancetemple.org for more content aisperspectives,WithIfforAreOPPORTUNITIESEMPLOYMENTyouinspiredtocreateabetterfutureyourselfandothers?so,MissouriStatehasaplaceforyou.acampuscommunityfilledwithdiversevoicesandopinions,MissouriStatefulfillingitscommitmenttoaddresstheneedsofchangingsociety. Missouri State University is an Equal aGenderAction/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/SexualOpportunity/AffirmativeOrientation/IdentityEmployerandInstitution.Employmentwillrequirecriminalbackgroundcheckatuniversityexpense. ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? APPLY TODAY www.jobs.missouristate.eduAND Page 4 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News MANAGEMENT MANAGING EDITOR & PRESIDENT Samuel G. Knox ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tyra K Knox CONTENT CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Melesha Bailey CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Sativa B-Sloan CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Gwen Marshall CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Kathleen O'Dell CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Daniel Ogunyemi CREATIVE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY, Erin Gamble FESTIVAL GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Christopher Palma COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Jasmine Bailey COMMUNITY ADVISORY MEMBER, Diana Vargas

SALES HELP WANTED

TeleSales at Christian Radio Station, Monday through Friday 9-3:30 pm. Hrly, Plus bonus available Apply at KADI 1550 E. Battlefield Rd, Suite A Springfield, MO 65804

SAAB contract narrowly survives school board vote

A four-person board majority — Denise Fredrick, Danielle Kincaid, Shurita Thomas-Tate and Scott Cri se — voted in support of spending $64,605 in the coming year to offer the mentoring program in middle schools.

The SAAB program, which relo cated its national headquarters to Springfield in summer 2020, operates chapters in Springfield high schools and local colleges.

Organizers of the breakfast Melesha Bailey and Lata sha Harris agreed, “it was strategically vital to get the support of these influencers and use their leadership to impact our community in a positive way.”

Springfield, MO— Area black pastors were called upon to help spread the message about the importance of taking care of your health. Thirteen pastors represent ing predomiatly black congregations in the Springfield area were called together on a Saturday morning to hear about the SpringMo Black Wellness Initiative. The initi ative is a multi-year strategy designed to produce better health outcomes for black residents living in Springfield.

As the agenda was laid out, several pastors shared personal experiences about their own health challenges and pledged their support to encourage their members to particapate in the upcoming kick-off event scheduled for Saturday, September 17, 2022.

Bledsoe brothers surrounded by student members of SAAB Springfield, MO—A contract to expand the Student African American Brother hood within Springfield Public Schools was narrowly approved at the August meeting in a 4-3 board vote.

Kenneth Bedell Keisha McMillen Dr. Algerian Hart Kenneth Bedell was recently added to the School of Social Work at Missouri State University. Professor Bedell has over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. During that time, he worked as a case manager and super visor of andintellectual,servicescommunity-basedforindividualswithdevelopmental,behavioraldisorders.

Missouri State Universi ty has selected Dr. Algerian Hart as its interim chief diversity officer/assistant to the president. Hart has served as associate dean/ professor of the Graduate College at Missouri State since 2019. He has a robust academic record related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), including dozens of publications and presentations in the United States and abroad. Keisha McMillen was recently appointed to the Ujima Language and Literacy board of directors. McMillen is the Op erations Director at The Creamery Arts Center. She graduated in 2018 from Drury University with a bachelor’s degree in theater and arts administration with a minor in entrepre neurship. McMillen is also chair of the Artists Alliance Collective.

UniteNews Building Empowering Connections | Page 5 Community News People In The News

Black pastors meet to build collaboration and support of health and wellness programs

Area pastors meet at the efactory to discuss health and wellness

Terry’s Deluxe Stump Grinding LLC started with over 10 yrs experience Terry says, “customer service is what separates him from his competi tion. by Darline Mabins

Continued on page 7

Page 6 Fall is just around the corner. With this year of record setting heat. I am one of many people looking forward to cooler weath er. The falling leaves, long sleeve sweaters, the pumpkin spice fren zy that seems to take over, are just the beginning of the great things that autumn has to offer. As top of this list are the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at more com fortable temperatures. So for this month we are moving out to meet holds school shooting records for most 3 pointers in a game for the season in both 1995 and 1996 basketball seasons. So how did he end up owning and operating a tree stump grinding business yearsWeldinglater? was his occupation for 7 years at Trinity Rail. He wasn’t having dreams of opening his own company at the time. He thought maybe he could retire from the company. Then the recession came in 2008 and by 2009 the railroad company laid off 400 workers. Terry being one of them. With several of his former coworkers looking for work in the area at the same time. Terry found it difficult to find another position quickly. He ended up completing a job application at Ryan Lawn and Tree. He ad mits he knew nothing about the Terry Smith of Terry’s Deluxe Stump Grinding LLC. Terry is a local Springfieldian having moved to the area with his family at the age of eight years old. He is a Boyd Elementary school graduate. He completed his middle school education at Pipkin Middle school and attend ed high school for 2 years at Cen tral and graduated from Glendale High school. He was a top recruit for basketball and currently still industry. His first position was in the pruning department as a Ground Tech. After 3 years with the company, he moved into tree stump grinding for the company. He worked in this area for nearly 4 years. At some point he start ed to question where or how he could move up in the company. He couldn’t see any advantages for himself and decided in 2016 to leave the company. By February 6, 2017, Terry’s Deluxe Stump Grinding LLC was opened and ready to operate. With over a decade worth of experience in the field Terry shared that customer service is what separates him from his competition. His company slogan, “Terry’s Deluxe Stump Grinding Quality above the name” is his focus. He also thinks that offering Owner Terry Smith standing by company truck

A local software developer has launched a website to list Spring field’s diverse businesses, organi zations, and professionals. Duan Gavel was born in Kan sas City, Missouri. he grew up on the southside of Kansas City, Mis souri. He moved to Springfield, Missouri to attend Missouri State University in 2004. He has lived in Springfield, for 18 years now. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics with a minor in Mathe matics ( Dec 2007 ) and a Bach elor’s Degree in Information Tech nology - Software Development (Dec 2021 ). When asked, How did he come up with the idea? Gavel said, “My business’s name is All Things Diverse SGF LLC. We are a local software developer who has launched a website listing Spring field’s Black-owned businesses. We got the idea from having sev eral conversations with friends/ families in Springfield asking how to increase and retain diversity.

Where would he like to be in five years? He is excited about the future growth and expansion of his current business along with venturing into other small business startups. He is the voice behind each and every phone call and he offers free estimates. You can follow him on social media via Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit his website at: multiculturalaconsiderunsightlyphoneterrysdeluxestumpgrinding.com-www.number4174-227-0143. Sonexttimeyoulookatthetreestumpinyouryard,givingMr.TerrySmithcallandsupportanothersmallbusinessowner.

The idea came from having several conversations with friends/families by UniteNews Staff Software Developer, Duan Gavel

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

Terry believes his business helps the homeowners maintain and increase their property values. Re moving unsightly stumps helps to keep yards clean, attractive, boost curb appeal, and improves the aesthetics of the neighborhoods and community at large.

•Website: allthingsdiversesgf.comid1635669582com/us/app/all-things-diverse-sgf/•Appduangavel.AllThingsDiverseSGFcom/store/apps/details?id=com.Play: https://play.google.Store: https://apps.apple.

Also, we found that people in the community were finding it chal lenging to find diverse businesses, organizations, and professionals.”

Our All Things Diverse SGF mobile application has been in the App Store and Google Play since July 24, 2022. The company has 400+ downloads and 25+ 5 Star Ratings. Ourgoal is to showcase the rich diversity here in Springfield, Missouri. We want to build and grow the community of Spring field by connecting them to busi nesses, professionals, resources, and organizations from diverse backgrounds.Wealsohave a goal to assist non-profits and small businesses in creating mobile applications for their services. We at All Things Diverse SGF will develop a mobile app for a reasonable price so that you can reach and expand your clientele.” saidToGavel.download the app, got to: • Google

Stump Grinding continued from page 6 three levels of stump grinding services gives his customers options and makes the service affordable for all. The levels are: Basic- simple stump grinding; Intermediate: stump grinding with debris removal; and the final level is Terry’s Deluxe: which includes all previous services levels, plus topsoil and grass seed being added to the area. This service is his most popular with his custom ers. He feels its important to offer options in order to help people at all price points. Why should you give him a call? He focusses on great custom er service, building rapport and relationships with his customers.

Software Developer Duan Gavel creates All Things Diverse SGF: Find it on Google Play and App Store

Heather Hardinger System Director - DEI, Human Resources Cox Health Dr. Kayette Glass Vice President of Clinical Services The Arc of the Ozarks. Rebecca Caceres Dental Hygiene Program Director, Ozarks Technical Community College

Rana Coleman, RD, LD WIC Springfield-GreeneNutritionistCounty Health Department

A rediscovering what healthcare means and how community can act together to advocate for and promote better health outcomes. by UniteNews Staff

The objective is to influence and adopt health policies and best practices that consistently increase health equity.

Jenny Fillmer Edwards Public Information Admistrator Springfield-Greene Park Board

• Empower participants to be proactive and advocate for their own health and wellness

Nancy Yoon, MD, MPH Chief Medical Springfield-GreeneOfficerCounty Health Department

• Address the social stigma of healthcare disparities and mental •healthAcknowledge the barriers and other factors that influence the “social determinants of health”

The initiative seeks to:

The event will feature several panel discussions providing infor mation about the various services and programs provided by area healthcare organizations, includ ing CoxHealth, Burrell Center, Aids Project of the Ozarks, Springfield Greene County Health Department, and others. To register, go to: springmo blackwellness.com and click on the registration link.

The SpringMo Black Wellness kick-off event is funded in part by a grant from the Missouri Office of Minority Health, a division of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

• Build connections between underutilized resources in the •communityFacilitate workshops, screen ings, and community-wide cam paigns to improve health literacy

Dr. Katie Donovan Gooch, DC, MTAA Owner/Beyond Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Nina Y. Smart-Dixon, CRADC Executive Director/Owner Recovery Outreach Services

Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Health & Wellness Initiative Kick Off

Nichole Massey, MSW, LCSW Director of Prevention and Outreach AIDS Project of the Ozarks

Keke Rover, BS System Director, Diversit and Inclusion, Burrell Center Reggie

Guest Healthcare & Wellness Panelists include:

Springfield, MO—Black Amer icans have some of the poorest health outcomes on nearly every disease index. And while Black Americans are living longer, a new analysis from the Center for Disese Control and Prevention, (CDC) shows that younger black Americans are living with or dying of many conditions typically found in older ages. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and cancer are rampant, and the numbers continue to increase. Toaddress these conditions locally, a group of community leaders, healthcare workers, business owners, students, and civic workers have been work ing together to create a plan to improve the health outcomes of Black residents who live in the Springfield area. On September 17, 2022, the group will kick off the first phase of the SpringMo Black Wellness Initiative. This program will be a half-day workshop from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. at the Robert Plaster Free Enterprise Center (eFactory) 405 S Jefferson Ave. in the Jay Wasson Idea Loft on the 3rd floor. Lunch will be provided for attendees who register holdertweenconnectionstroducethe“TheSeptemberbefore9th.purposeofeventistoinandbuildbeourstakehealthcare institutions and our local targeted population,” according to the lead coordinator, Melesha Bailey, Health Coach and owner of Love 4 LifeBaileyWellness.says, “The Black Well ness Initiative is a multi-year effort designed to help local black residents rediscover what healthcare means and how we can act together to advocate for and promote better health outcomes.”

Team of community partners plan

BrandiHarrisFounder/OwnerHarrisMultifacetedLLCL.Bowers,PharmD, BCACP, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration UMKC School of Pharmacy at MSU Melesha Bailey Health Coach and Owner of Love 4 Life Wellness

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Your Health & Wellness News

es of our choices to make life style changes that will make the difference between life and death or sickness and health. Chronic diseases are responsible for 7 out of 10 deaths yearly, kill ing more than 1.7 million people. In addition, treatments strain our nation’s health care costs, take a toll on families, and lessen our quality of life. You/we have the power to pre vent chronic disease by making positive diet and lifestyle chang es that can help reduce these threats. It can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. I have learned that you may have a genetic disposition for some chronic diseases, but you don’t have to develop them, and your kids and grandchildren don’t have to either. However, your choices today will have lasting effects on your future.

abundant life full of vitality, or are you going down a road of sickness and disease? We can do everything in our power NOW to lessen our chances of developing avoidable adverse health condi Thetions. leading causes of death are chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, obesity, and stroke. However, you can pre vent many of these illnesses by addressing their root cause and looking at your lifestyle and daily Youhabits. see, I was very sick. I suf fered from pain and started devel oping lifestyle diseases resulting from how I treated my body with unhealthy food and no physical activity. So that was the point I decided to do something about it. If I had known what I know now, I would not have gone that road, or would I have? Unfortunately, many of us face the consequenc it has happened. We are getting older. Have you thought about how you want to age? Do you want a richly

Prevention

Here is a brief list of ways to re main safely in your home: 1. You can always request from your physician to write an order for a home evaluation done by occupational therapy. a. The therapy company would come into your home and assess the interior and exterior of your house for potential fall hazards. b. A fall hazard could be steps Health Coach, Melesha Bailey A quote by Benjamin Franklin and a proverb that means it is better to try to keep a bad thing from happening than to fix it once

Do everything in your power NOW to lessen your chances of developing avoidable adverse health conditions.

Continued on page 11 on page 11

Jacqueline Jadidian Ounce of is Worth a Pound of Cure Safety Is Key to Remaining in Your Home Longer

There are resources and services in the community that can assist seniors to stay in their homes safely if possible.

There are many reasons why seniors move from their home into a senior living community; sometimes it’s by choice and other times it is required for the person’s wellbeing. by Jacqueline Jadidian

Continued

into the home of where you may need a ramp, rugs that are not secure, shower/bath room assist handles/ rails as well as a show er chair, toilet riser seat, etc. 2. Fire hazards are common especially with seniors that smoke, smoke while on oxygen and/or cooking accidents. a. Examples: leav ing a stove burner on, item left

Most of us want to continue to live in our homes if possible. One of the most common factors of why seniors move into senior living communities is because of safety reasons, especially if a fall was involved. Falls are very common in the elderly as the body

by Melesha Bailey

Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News loses muscle mass, balance/gait, along with side effects from med ications and/or safety measures not put in place in the home.

Continued from page 10 on a hot stove burner, electrical fire, while smoking dropping the cigarette on self and/or in home, smoke detectors not working properly, unsupervised lit candles, fireplace not having a ent bedtime and wake time, even on the weekends, helps. 4. Control stress. Chronic stress wrecks your immune system. Instead, try mindful ness, meditation, and gratitude to relieve stress to improve your physical and mental health. 5. Social connections, and lov ing people, keeps you emotionally and physically healthy. Although physical distancing is becoming a usual way of life, virtual relation ships can be transformative. You don’t want to get sick if you can prevent it. Sickness affects your finances, time with your family, and the ability to do the things you love. Taking care of yourself NOW reduces the risk of diseases, disabilities, and death. Don’t be like millions of people, including myself, and turn a blind eye. Take care of your

Here are some easy things you can do NOW to help prevent lifestyle diseases: 1. Choosing a diet consist ing of whole, unrefined plants and minimally processed foods. Eating more plant-based helps prevent heart disease and cancer risk. 2.Physical activity and move ment help all your body’s internal organs and mind. Most experts recommend that a consistent 30 minutes of moderate physical ac tivity five days a week will make a significant difference. 3. Good sleep is essential. Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. No matter how busy your life is, having a consist

Prevention Continued from page 10

Safety Is Key

safeguard3.Ifyou’re taking more than 4 prescribed medications, it would be best to schedule an appoint ment with your physician to re view your med list and make sure they will not affect your cognition and4.balance.Specific potential causes: loose rugs, shower floor or any bare floor getting wet, not wearing rubber sole or non-slip footwear, having to bend over or reach high for items, not using your assistive device correctly (walker or cane), bed level is too high or too low, not having your nightstand closer to your bed, stairs, the toilet is too low. Sometimes things are inevita ble and out of our control where we must move into a senior living community; however, there are practical ways, like the list above to prolong that decision. health now before it’s too late. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. “Taking care of yourself NOW reduces the risk of disabilities,diseases,anddeath.”

Vaccine ClinicW h e n y o u ' r e r e a d y , w e ' l l b e h e r e . V A C C I N E 4 1 7 . C O M FIND YOUR COVID-19 VACCINATION OPPORTUNITY AT Individuals receiving their primary series or first booster dose are automatically eligible for a $50 gift card at the time of vaccination Second booster doses are not eligible for the gift card program Individuals may not receive more than $150 in gift cards Vaccines, booster doses and gift cards are available while supplies last

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

• Track more than home work: Keeping a calendar helps you plan ahead—because you’ve got more going on than just homework assignments! Make sure you’re marking your ex tracurricular, work, and social commitments, too.

Coming Events: Labor Day: September 5, 2022 (School System closed) Springfield, Missouri

@SGFMUSEUM65807SGFMUSEUM.ORG417-837-5700 · Monday: Closed Tues-Sat: 10am - 6pm Sunday: 1PM - 5PM *Closed on city & national holidays ART SIGNATUREGUESTKIDSCLASSESWORKSHOPSEDUCATIONEXHIBITSFOR&ADULTSARTISTSEVENTSMUSEUMTOURS free admission hours of operation:

school year, let’s start with some good study tips from The Princeton Review. by Gwen

• Use class time wisely and look over your notes every night: If your teacher finishes the lecturing, but you still have 10 minutes of class left? Get a jump on your homework while it’s still fresh in your mind. Or use the time to ask your teacher about concepts that were fuzzy the first time. And be sure to look over your notes each night to fill in details and edit the parts that don’t make sense while it is still fresh in your mind

• Study a little every day: Cramming for a quiz might work in the short-term, but when it comes time to study for mid terms, you will be back at square one. Reviewing the terms later will help you store them for the long term.

Marshall SPRINGFIELD BRANCH NAACP #4081

1111 East Brookside Drive

Page 12 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

• Get into a routine: Make the time to do your homework every day. Find the time of day that works best for you (this can change day-to-day, depending on your schedule), but plan to hit the books!•Learn how to create a dis traction free zone. Try turning off your phone notifications or block ing Twitter (temporarily) on your computer so you can concentrate on the homework tasks at hand.

• Get real: When you’re look ing at the homework you have to get done tonight, be realistic about how long things actual ly take. Gauging that reading a chapter will take an hour and writing a response will take another 30 minutes will help you plan how you spend your time.

Study Tips for Back to School

• Start small: If you’ve got a big assignment looming, stay motivated by completing a piece of the project every few days. Write one paragraph each night and then take a break.

This Marshall Gwen

• Make a friend in every class: Find a few people you can contact from each of your classes if you have a homework question or had to miss class (and do the same for them). They will also be great study partners. Remember that the road to success begins with you.

• Be organized: Come up with a system and keep to it. Keep the system simple.

Springfield, MO—It is that time again: the start of a new school year and back to the books. Have you ever stopped to think about how important it is to get off to a good start? The Chinese proverb that says ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ puts forward the notion that, no matter how difficult a task is, you can complete if you start. This school year, let’s start with some good study tips from The Princeton Review that will give the brain boost your student needs for a successful school year.

Cyber Security Column

It’s a bit of time investment to set up and maintain, but knowing we as regular people have a cy bersecurity superpower available in 2022, wow, do we need super powers in this time. Sign me up!

• Security questions - many sites do still use security ques tions and you provide an answer. If the site or app you’re using uses these, consider fake an swers. You can track those fake answers easily in your password manager. LastPass, for example, has a notes section. The reason? We humans choose easy and sometimes Internet tracked an swers for frequent security ques tions. Remember those “What your favorite pet’s name” memes on Facebook?

diverse career opportunities serve your community Make an impact! @CityofSGFjobs City of MissouriSpringﬁeld,/CityofSGF Call:@CityofSGF864-1607

We’re built for the journey. Your journey rarely follows a straight path. But it’s those detours that make the trip worthwhile. Whatever discoveries and unexpected turns you make, it’s nice to have someone there to help navigate. At Commerce Bank, we’re built for helping you with your journey — whether you’re set on the destination or just enjoying the scenery. commercebank.com417.869.5411

Multi-factor Authentication is a Superpower

Making an assumption here: you’re using a password manag er to keep your passwords tidy, easy to use, and secure. Google LastPass to learn more if you’re not there quite yet. A password manager is a security accelerator, as you no longer have to remem ber your passwords. Multi-factor authentication is the superpow er, though. (MFA) You do need both to build and maintain good personal isway.proveyouvidingsameanotherofMFA? What’scybersecurity.thatmeanexactly,Youmayalsohaveheardtwo-factorauthentication,nameforessentiallythething. Inadditiontoproapasswordtoproveyou’retoawebsiteorapp,youalsoyou’reyouanadditionalIfmulti-factorauthenticationoffered,sayyes.

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 13

Who wants a superpower? Multi-factor authentication is a cyberse curity superpower. by Heather Nogle

Some options, from least helpful to most.

• Many sites offer better MFA scrutiny than security questions and will text or email (or even call) you with a code, usually 6 digits, and you then enter that number into the screen, and you’re in and proven. A hassle, yeah, some. More security - defi nitely.•The most secure of the three current common multi-factor authentication types is an authen tication app where you retrieve a code on your phone, like Duo, Authy, or Google Authenticator. These apps are free, and you have to sync the authentication app to the website prior to being able to use a code there. Instead of view ing a text that’s “pushed” to you in a message or email, you “pull” the code out of the app intention ally, so you’re in your phone and getting a code, which expires in 30 seconds. If you miss that code’s window, you get another code. You can use more than one of these apps because all websites that support this methodology do not support all of the apps - I have all 3 different authenticator apps I mentioned.Computer power and efficien cy expand all the time. On the horizon - mainstream quantum computing, which will mean pass words won’t be strong enough to secure our private things; quantum computers will be able to efficiently decipher them using brute force attacks. Brute force is the equivalent of hitting nails on down a line with a hammer; there’s not a lot of thought to it, but eventually you reach the end of the line. The next phase of continued on page 15

dia,” Timmerman says. For more information contact:

Timmerman plans to grow and expand The Melody Room brick by brick into a worldwide media companyglobal that will continue to discover new artists all while providing a luxury style platform for them to monetize and grow their passion for music! “Times are different now everything is social me

Musician and entrepreneur Sam Timmerman

The Melody Room: a luxury style platform for musical artists in SGF

Page 14 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Springfield,MO—Sam Timmer man was born in Forrest City, Arkansas. He grew up in Osceola, Arkansas. Timmerman gradu ated from Osceola High School in 2004. He attended Arkansas State University for 3 years before taking a Whenbreak. asked how did he wind up in Springfield, Timmerman recounts, “On a weekend trip my wife’s cousin called and asked if I would be interested in coming to Springfield to play at a church service. That Sunday morning, I traved to Springfield to play the organ. After service I told my wife I felt like we belong in Springfield. We were originally moving to Kan sas City, but had no idea we would end up in Springfield. The rest is history.”Timmerman is the creator of The Melody Room. It was started in June of 2022. “I came up with the idea was because I’m a huge Tiny Desk fan from YouTube! Tiny Desk provide their 100+ million viewers with an up close & per sonal intimate live music experi ence. There are so many amazing musicians and singers in our com munity who I’ve yet had a chance to meet, so I created The Melody Room with high hopes to be able to connect with them but more im portantly provide our local artists, singers, musicians, & bands with an unique platform as well as an opportunity to be shined upon

Phone:Instagram:Facebook:room417@yahoo.comBusinesssamtimmerman778@yahoo.comemail:email:themelody-TheMelodyRoomTheMelodyRoom417 870-882-6696

Music Concert- September 24th w/ Brecka Henderson Location: LightBox Studios 600 E Commercial St Soulful6-9pm Friday’s w/ Brecka 7-10pm 308Location:SeptemberHenderson 30th QEnoteca WCommercialSt

September Events: The Melody Room’s Live Intimate in a more intimate manner. The Melody Room is truly the art of storytelling so each performer would have to be able to take us all on a journey with them,” Tim merman says. The Melody Room is specif ically designed to create a mul ti-cultural platform for all artists, musicians, singers, & bands of all musical genres in the Springfield area and across the world. The Melody Room showcase & host some of the most rawest & talent ed musicians, singers, artists, & bands in the Springfield area as well as from all over the world. From RnB, Soul, Neo Soul, Gos pel, Funk, Country, Rock, Jazz, Hip Hop, Christian Contempo rary music, etc all genres are welcomed at The Melody Room!

There are so many amazing musicians and singers in our community who I’ve yet had a chance to meet, so I created The Melody Room by Staff

UniteNews

“I wanted to be able to provide a luxury style platform or stage identical to other major platforms we love and adore such as the Grammys, AMA music awards, MTV, BET, Tiny Desk, to just name a few, for our local under ground artists, singers, musicians, & bands” Timmerman remarked.

Unite News focuses on local, regional and national stories, featuring information that informs, connects, and empowers. Publishing since 1988. | Website: www.unitenewsonline.orgPoweredbyUniteof

Springfield’s Black Community Newspaper

adults with mild to moderate hearing problems. The FDA estimates that nearly 30 million adults could potentially benefit from hearing aids, but only about one-fifth of people with hearing problems use the devices cur rently.“The action by the FDA rep resents a significant milestone in making hearing aids more cost-ef fective and accessible,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, told reporters. The FDA first proposed the rule last year and it will take effect in mid-October. The move follows years of pressure from

by Matthew Perrone WASHINGTON (AP) — Mil lions of Americans will be able to buy hearing aids without a prescription later this fall, under a long-awaited rule finalized in August.TheFood and Drug Admin istration said the new regulation cuts red tape by creating a new class of hearing aids that don’t require a medical exam, a pre scription and other specialty evaluations. The devices will be sold online or over-the-counter at pharmacies and other retail stores.The devices are intended for medical experts and consumer advocates to make the devices cheaper and easier to get. Cost is a big obstacle now. Amer icans can pay more than $5,000 for a hearing aid, between the device itself and fitting services. Insurance coverage is limited and Medicare doesn’t pay for hearing aids, only diagnostic tests. “The requirement to see a specialist was not only a burden and an annoyance for many consumers but it actually created a competitive barrier to entry,” said Brian Deese, a White House economics adviser.

Your news leads are always welcomed.

Unite News focuses on local, regional and national stories, featuring information that informs, connects, and empowers. Publishing since 1988. | Website: www.unitenewsonline.orgPoweredbyUniteof

Work with the technology we have now to be your most secure, and keep your eye on knowledge for the future. Teach others the same tools and practices. Cy bersecurity at the hygiene level is empowering, helpful, and it’s an interesting conversation with others, levels above the weather and sports scores.

If you are looking for an opportunity to advertise and reach our unique audience, please give us a call at (417) 864-7444 or email unitepublication@yahoo.com

Over-the-counter hearing aids expected this fall

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 15

If you are looking for an opportunity to advertise and reach our unique audience, please give us a call at (417) 864-7444 or email unitepublication@yahoo.com

Southwest Missouri, Inc.

Springfield’s Black Community Newspaper

Your news leads are always welcomed.

Southwest Missouri, Inc.

Cyber Security continued from page 13 security is certificate authentica tion, which you most commonly see today as securing websites by encrypting traffic from your computer to the website. Watch for more discussion about using certificates to authenticate.

s y