From the Editor

MANAGEMENT

PRESIDENT & MANAGING EDITOR, Samuel G. Knox

ASSOCIATE EDITOR, Tyra Knox

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, Mary Gartner

CONTENT

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Melesha Bailey

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Gwen Marshall

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Vickie Hicks

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Darline Mabins

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Heather Noggle

In this edition, we present features on two local musicians, Arthur Duncan and Vic Vaughan. These talented artists share their unique journeys and the significant impact they continue to make in the Ozarks music scene.

Did you know that the Plaza Towers Office Building’s owner, Marco Denis, is nearing the completion of his latest project, the Event Center and Roof Top Bar? You’re invited to take a virtual tour and share your thoughts on the remarkable design and features of this new addition.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Annual ParkDay Reunion Celebration, an event not to be missed! The celebration includes a diverse range of activities including sporting tournaments, picnic at the historic Silver Springs Park, a scholarship fundraiser and much more. Additionally, learn about the inspiring story of Mr. Gerald Brooks, an educator of black students at Lincoln High School who went on to work at Springfield Public Schools after desegregation. He was also one of the original planners for the cherished ParkDay Celebration.

For all the road trip enthusiasts, make sure to attend the Springfield Route 66 Festival, celebrating the Birthplace of the Mother Road. As a special highlight of the festival, don’t miss the Kansas City Chiefs Champion Tour making its way to Springfield. It promises to be an exciting and unforgettable experience!

As always, if you have news or information you would like us to consider writing about, we invite you to email or give us a call. Your news leads and stories are always welcome. We hope you enjoy our August issue.

Best,

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

CREATIVE TEAM

GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox

WEB DEVELOPER, Christopher Palma

UniteNews 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 UniteNews 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 UniteNews. 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 at our business office at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com

Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel Crematory - Columbarium

Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel Crematory - Columbarium

Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel

Everything from concert memories to gardening tips to a Storywalk® At The Library

SELECTED FUNERAL HOMES Independent

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

SELECTED FUNERAL HOMES Independent

®

Independent

®

The Springfield-Greene County Library still has excellent free activities as the summer winds down. You can enjoy everything from concert memories to gardening tips to a Storywalk® in August. Be sure to check thelibrary.org/programs or the Bookends magazine for free, family-friendly activities. Consider downloading our mobile app to have information right at your fingertips.

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

W. Bruce Howell · Robert J. Lohmeyer · Don R. Lohmeyer · Heather K. Howell · Clint W. Mease

W. Bruce Howell • Don R. Lohmeyer • Heather K. Howell • Clint W. Mease

Angela N. Collins · Harley R. Williams · Andy D. Vowell · Dulcinea M. Lane

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

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

Nicole E. Bauer • Angie Howell Larsen

Angela N. Collins · Harley R. Williams · Andy D. Vowell · Dulcinea M. Lane

Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen

1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com

Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen

Nichole E. Bauer · Barbara A. Hinds · Angie Howell Larsen

1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com

Locally owned and operated for over 70 years

1947 E. Seminole · 886-9994 · GormanScharpf.com

Locally owned and operated for over 70 years

Locally owned and operated for over 70 years

For decades, artists like Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Tina Turner and the Eagles have entertained audiences throughout the Ozarks. Join us for On Tour: Great Concerts in the Ozarks on Thursday, August 17, at 7 p.m. in the Library Center Auditorium. Local History Associate Michael Price will discuss memorable musical performances from Hammons Student Center to Branson.

On Saturday, August 26, we will host two great garden programs. We start with the Three Sister Garden Tour, 10 a.m.-noon at The Fairbanks, 1126 N Broadway Ave. See firsthand how corn, beans, and squash plants grow together & depend on each other with a tour of the American Indian Center of Springfield’s garden at the Fairbanks Envision Center. This tour is handicap-accessible. This program is provided in partnership with the American Indian Center of Springfield and Springfield Community Gardens.

Then join us for Get Cooking at the Library: Stored for Freshness, 2-4 p.m. at the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library. Are you tired of wasting produce? Learn some tested methods for getting a longer life from your fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Consider a StoryWalk®, August 17-30 at Miller Farm Park, 1001 S Hunt Road, Willard. It’s an excellent opportunity to get out, enjoy nature, exercise, and enjoy a special book all at the same time! Perfect for infants to age 9. The August walk will feature “A Frog in the Bog” by Karma Wilson. Please note that this walk is along an unpaved path.