2023 Nov Unite

Call for Exhibitors for 2024 SGF Multicultural Festival Pg 16

UniteNews

November 2023 | Volume 33 | No 11 | www.unitenewsonline.org

Roni Lewis: From Kickboxing Champion to Trainer & Mentor Page 6 Unveiling of the proposed plans for the Silver Springs Park Pavilion Renovation Page 9 Embracing the season with thankfulness Page 11 Sade Shine will perform Queens of Soul at the Branson Hot Hit Theatre Page 14

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Page 2 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

From the Editor

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

Volume 33, Number 11 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 early May of this year, I received an invitation to participate in a committee assembled by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Minority Health. The committee’s primary objective was to convene a cohort of prominent healthcare professionals and community stakeholders.

This committee, officially named the Health Equity Stakeholder Committee, was entrusted with the crucial task of defining the mission, expectations, and operational framework of its work.

During our most recent session held in October, the committee embarked on the vital task of formulating a comprehensive definition of Health Equity. Additionally, we dedicated the day to reviewing health data presented from various divisions within the Missouri Department of Health.

One disconcerting revelation for me emerged during this process: the most recent data concerning racial health disparities showed striking parallels, or in some instances, even more dire conditions compared to statistics dating back seventeen years. I am even more determined to raise questions and find solutions to these persistent challenges.

Our commitment to delving deeper into the Social Determinants and drivers of Health remains unwavering as we endeavor to identify strategies for achieving improved health outcomes for our local communities.

As always, we extend an open invitation to our readers. If you have news or stories to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email or phone. Your contributions enrich our content and community.

Dive into our November issue and embrace the season!

CONTRIBUTING WRITER, Mahalia Boyd SOCIAL MEDIA, Allie Goin, Sidekick Social SOCIAL MEDIA, Jessica Matschiner, Sidekick Social CREATIVE TEAM GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bradley Knox WEB DEVELOPER, Christopher Palma CONTENT CREATOR, Jase Vorel 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

Best, Samuel G. Knox President & Managing Editor

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 3

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Page 4 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Visit the Holiday Store Where Kids Can Afford to Shop!

Kids love giving holiday gifts that they’ve bought all by themselves, and they can find the perfect gifts – and kid-friendly prices – for family, friends and teachers at the Library’s annual Holiday Store.

The Between Friends Gift Shop staffers have stocked special holiday stores with useful and fun items priced from 25 cents to $10.

Children of all ages up to 18 are welcome to shop. Bring your gift list and a Library volunteer will help each child find the perfect gift for everyone on the list and stay within budget. Parents and siblings are welcome to help, too!

Items include jewelry, mugs, toys, holiday ornaments, socks, slippers, wallets, watches, frames and lots of items for anyone on your list. Don’t forget the family pets!

Proceeds from the Holiday Store support Library programs.

Here are the Holiday Store Hours: Saturday, December 2 • The Library Center Auditorium 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

• Library Station Frisco and Santa Fe rooms 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Library Center store continues through Sunday, December 10 at these times: • Sunday, December 3, 1-4 p.m.

• Monday-Friday, December 4-8, 2:30-6:30 p.m.

• Saturday, December 9, 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

• Sunday, December 10, 1-4 p.m.

••• Jan Brett Returns to Springfield on her Winter Wonderland Tour Join us as award-winning children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett will visit the Library Center on December 9. With over 44 million books in print, her creations feature beautiful artwork, full of vibrant colors and lots of details.

When you open one of her books, it’s like stepping into a magical world filled with animals and adventures. Jan will do a 20-30-minute drawing demonstration and presentation and then be on hand to sign books. If you wish to have her sign a book, come early as only 100 visitors will be allowed to visit with Brett personally. Books will be available for purchase or bring your own favorite book from home.

There will also be a special appearance by Hedgie, Jan’s favorite friend from The Mitten and The Hat. For questions about this program, contact the Library Center at 417-882-0714.

For more information on these and other great programs, visit thelibrary.org. Vickie Hicks is the community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at vickieh@thelibrary.org.

Community News

Lincoln Music By: Joan Hampton-Porter Curator History Museum on the Square There was a long history of music education in the schools once designated for Black Springfieldians. The crown jewel of the music program was the New Lincoln band (1946-1955). The development of the band was built on a strong tradition of music education.

Singing was added to the curriculum in the 1860s-1870s. There was an elementary school band at Old Lincoln (1920s) and New Lincoln (1930s) under the direction of Adah Fulbright.

Notable musical band alumni were John Thomas “Bebop” Brown and the Hardin Brothers. In 1922, there was daily music instruction. The district music supervisor gave one singing class a week. The boys’ glee club class included music notation and terminology. There was an 8student orchestra. In 1945-1946, Florence Sample directed a forty-member a cappella choir.

William Foster (1946-1947) directed the first high school band. The school board rejected his request for classical sheet music for the choir, so he bought it himself. After a strong performance, he was allowed to choose what he deemed appropriate.

In 1947, Gerald Brooks was hired to teach French, English, and band. He arranged for the students to rent instruments. He convinced the parents to form a Band Booster Club to fund the uniforms. They raised money through concerts and raffles. At one 1949 concert, they raffled a $180 Maytag washer, a $120 Zenith radio, a $39.50 electric mixer, and two turkeys.

The striking black and gold uniforms were so attractive that the Springfield High School (now Central High School) band unsuccessfully requested ones just like them. New Lincoln Band performed and competed all over the area. Homer Boyd, drummer and Drum Major, stated that some of the local parades stopped having a "Best Band" category because Lincoln always won. Boyd is nationally known for his music, having been a member of the Philharmonics.

They were the first Black singing group to be regulars on a nationwide television program.

1950-51 Drum Major Homer Boyd This hat and baton are in the History Museum on the Square's collection.

For more information: showmemo.org/collection/lincoln-high-school-drum-head/ This site celebrates Missouri’s 200th anniversary. digitalarchive.thelibrary.org/digital/collection/lincolnschool This site documents local Black education.

154 Park Central Square | Springfield, MO 65806 (417) 831-1976 | historymuseumonthesquare.org

c. 1948 New Lincoln Band marching on Central Street A hat and bass drum are in the History Museum on the Square's collection.

UniteNews Building Empowering Connections | Page 5

From Kickboxing Champion to Trainer & Mentor

By Samuel Knox, Unite Staff Writer

game; you’re playing chess with your opponent. You can’t pass the ball or Roni Lewis started boxing at the throw it to someone else; when you age of nine, inspired by his older step into the ring, you face yourself. brother. Lewis fell in love with the So, anyone you fight deserves a lot sport and pursued it for 33 years, of respect because it’s like going to turning professional at the age of war.” twenty-one. He fought in locations Lewis recalled challenging fighters such as Oklahoma and Las Vegas, from Laos and Thailand, describing achieving a world ranking of 13th and them as some of the toughest oppoventuring into international compenents he faced. He specifically mentition. Most of the world champions tioned one fighter, Manson Gibson, were in Tokyo, Australia, and Russia, known as “The Thai Destroyer,” as a where they boasted some of the best source of great respect and learning fighters in Shoot boxing. in his career.

In 1996, Lewis competed in Tokyo His career also took him to for his first world title against a Moscow, where he fought one of the fighter named “Myki Ore,” who had toughest opponents in Red Square. held the title in Japan for about three Reflecting on the experience, he notyears. This match marked his first ed how different cultures and experiworld title, knocking out his opponent ences enriched his life. in the second round. Subsequently, Both of Lewis’ world titles came he secured a contract in Japan and from Tokyo, Japan. He won his fought there approximately 13 times, second title in 1998 and donated his with only two losses. third belt to a friend in Baltimore, “In international competition, they MD, who now teaches boxing. He had some really good fighters. Many occasionally conducts seminars for of the fighters came from low-income around 50-60 people at the same families, so they school. were hungry and UniteNews: How did determined to you make the transucceed,” Lewis sition from being a Gym Hours Monday explained. “I mainsuccessful boxer to Saturday 4:30 pm -9 pm tained my fitness becoming a trainer Call: (954) 245-2204 and my workout and gym owner?

For Rates program, thanks to Lewis: “My son my great trainers played a crucial Hal Lewis, Ike role in my transiStafford, and Master Thai, who protion to training. He showed me that vided valuable insights and guidance. he had the potential, and when his They kept me grounded and focused, friends joined in, we decided to start paying off in the long run.” a gym. It has been operational for a Throughout his boxing career, year now, and it’s been a success. I’ve Lewis participated in 64 fights, run gyms in Baltimore, MD, while achieving 45 KOs and experiencing competing simultaneously, which was 7 losses. He emphasized the mental a lot of work. By training these kids, aspect of the sport, saying, “In this I hope to pass on the knowledge they sport, you have to use your mind as can use in their future careers.” much as your body. It’s like a chess Many of his students attend

To Learn More:

Page 6 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

Roni Lewis, Kick Boxing Champion and Boxing Gym Owner/Trainer schools like OTC, MSU, or Evangel, and some are helping train the younger kids. Lewis emphasized the importance of discipline and structure in both boxing and life. Education remains a top priority, and he encourages his students to excel academically.

UniteNews: How do you instill those values into the kids here?

Lewis: “It’s challenging but necessary.

Once they have their first fight, they understand that they need to be committed and present every day. The only exceptions I make are for tests and finals. School and jobs come first; boxing is secondary. However, if they can’t attend a training session, they must let me know how many sprints they

completed. Most of them are dedicated and understand the physical and mental demands of the sport. They run six miles and practice sprints every other day. They also work on the heavy bags, ropes, and ring movement. They learn to use the smaller ring effectively, which prepares them for larger rings where they have more room to maneuver.”

“We’ve had 12 fights with no injuries so far, thanks to the safety gear provided by USA Boxing. Currently, we have one fighter ready to turn professional.”

UniteNews: As a gym owner and trainer, what advice do you give young Continued on page 12

Trainer & Mentor continued from page 6

boxers who want to succeed in the sport?

Lewis: “I tell them it takes a lot of work, discipline, and commitment.

I often tease them about not having time for girlfriends or going out with friends. They need to be at the gym.

This creates a family atmosphere among them, a sense of unity and purpose. They train together and grow bonds. They stay humble, and

no one gets a big head. We emphasize staying at the same level and working together to improve. They have to be willing to put in the effort both physically and mentally.”

“Boxing provides more than just physical benefits; it builds character, discipline, and respect. It teaches them to lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid negative influences, and remain focused on their goals. The mental aspect is just as important as the physical one, and it’s a life-changing experience for them.”

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Women’s Medical Respite plans first Annual Fundraiser Celebration Event Springfield, MO—Women’s Medical Respite: Recuperative Care for Medically Fragile Unsheltered Women invites you to our First Annual Fundraising Celebration: Rising Up to Build Healthy Lives. This event held at Pythian Castle promises to be an afternoon of entertainment and enjoyment, with music

by Brecka Henderson and The Melody Room and catering of charcuterie and pastries. A cash bar is available. We’d love to see you!

Time & Location Nov 11, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Springfield, 1451 E Pythian St, Springfield, MO 65802 Event Admission $30.00 Use coupon code SEATSIX to save $30 off a purchase of six tickets!

Please contact us with any questions. We appreciate your interest in our organization and we are glad to serve our community.

For more information on how to buy tickets or sponsor this event call: (417) 225-7409

Trainer Roni Lewis is shown here with one of his students Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 7

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Page 8 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

How Well Do You Know Dr. Kimberly Berry Reprinted from the Ozarks Technical Community College Employee Newslatter

Oprah Winfrey Eddie Murphy When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

Describe what you do at OTC in I enjoy volunteering at my church, 50 words or less. watching court tv, shopping, attendI serve as the chair of Communiing community events and spendcation and World Languages. In my ing time with family and position, I oversee instrucfriends. tion for courses in the areas A tornado siren goes of Communication, ASL, off. Are you in the baseFrench, Journalism, and ment or standing on the Spanish. I also serve as front porch, watching? a liaison for the Foreign I am in the basement Language Institute partwith all the necessary nership with Missouri State survival supplies. When University. I primarily teach you are married to a former Introduction to Communiemergency management cation and Public Speaking Dr. Kimberly Berry professional, you have a both online and face to face. heighten appreciation for safety.

In the past, I have taught Intercultural, If you could take a vacation Interpersonal and Mass Communicaanywhere in the world (with no tion. worries about the cost), where How long have you been at OTC would you go? and where were you I would go to the African continent immediately prior? to see Egyptian pyramids and to go My career at OTC began as an adon safari. junct in the fall of 1992. I was hired as What’s your favorite place to eat a full time faculty member fall 1997. I – and your go-to order? have been a department chair since I have several favorite spots so it fall 2007. I worked at Missouri State is hard to pick just one. When visitprior to joining the faculty at OTC. ing my daughter in Austin, I always Tell us about your family life. visit the Cheesecake Factory and My husband, Richard and I have order herb crusted salmon with garlic been married for 20 years. He is mashed potatoes. At home, I love semi-retired but still works part time McSalty’s pizza and cashew chicken as a safety officer. My daughter, from Hong Kong Inn. Gabrielle, is a recent graduate of What were the last three songs University of Texas – Austin. She is you played on your musical depracticing her first year as a Speech vice? language pathologist in Austin. I also I typically listen to Sirius radio have a stepdaughter, Tiana and she Heart and Soul or the Groove. I enjoy and her family live in the St. Louis listening to Silk Sonic, Earth, Wind area. We recently adopted a new and Fire, Charlie Wilson and the Isley rottweiler mix puppy, Worf, after the Brothers. passing of our 17 year old Austrian What do you hope to accomShepard mix, Clarice. plish in your position in the coming Please tell us one boring fact year? about you.

This academic year I plan to Actually, I don’t think of this as focus on Integrated planning and boring but I collect King Kong memoassessment. I hope to see an inrabilia and love all the movies. crease in retention for all courses If you could have dinner with within my area, however, my focus three famous people, alive or dead, will be enhancing the online platform who would they be? experience for students.

President Barack Obama

Attend the unveiling of the proposed plans for the Silver Springs Park Pavilion Renovation Please join us for the exciting unveiling of proposed plans for the renovation of the Silver Springs Park pavilion!

These updates are long overdue and we’re excited to share them with you.

Members of the community planning team will be on hand to hear your thoughts and answer your questions.

It’s all happening from 1 :30 to 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 5th at the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center, 918 E. Calhoun. We hope to see you there!

rings Park

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 9

Great leaders look for opportunities to change, evolve, adapt

By Nicki Donnelson UniteNews Contributing Writer They say the only constant is change, and for us, that’s exciting.

Being that efactory serves startups, entrepreneurs and employers across the region, we are surrounded by people looking to approach the world differently.

In addition to helping startups, we’ve served local companies with all sorts of coaching and developed custom training to drive innovation and initiate organization-wide change.

Thanks to incredible champions for change cheering us on, we’ve also been emboldened to employ new tactics and expand our services.

One Missouri State University leader who has shared our vision has been President Clif Smart.

President Smart’s vision President Smart was the third university president to oversee the evolution of the downtown Springfield community as IDEA Commons grew from an idea to a reality. And his time at the helm has seen the most dramatic change – from dilapidated areas to dazzling spaces.

He has shepherded significant policy changes, facility rebirths and legislative priorities throughout his tenure. It’s not hyperbolic: He’s played a pivotal role in creating a vision that has shaped Missouri State, our community and state.

In September, President Smart announced his plan to retire from Missouri State in the summer of 2024. He is completing the current academic year, and there is an active search for a new university president

Page 10 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

underway.

It was under his tenure that in January of this year, he expanded the scope of efactory. Through this expansion, we have established a greater focus on our employer partnerships program. We also added all noncredit training from MSU as well as student employment under our umbrella – all to ensure we meet the needs of businesses who want to connect with MSU. This has been a gamechanger for us, and we think it will continue to gain momentum for all of the applications this employer partnerships program could have to positively impact the community and our region’s economic growth.

We wish him well in his retirement, and as a whole, efactory wants to provide a very public sincere thank you for his support over the years.

Inviting innovation into an organization In 2022, the university’s Executive Vice President Zora Mulligan and Provost Dr. John Jasinski came to MSU as leaders who would strategically evaluate the university; complete an analysis of its strengths,

weaknesses, opportunities and threats; and propose ideas to make improvements.

Last month, Mulligan partnered with efactory to offer the first-ever Innovation Accelerator at MSU. As a group of innovators and problem solvers, our team worked alongside her to host this event. We were enthralled that the university would invest in this type of exercise that systematically busts through tired approaches and unnecessary silos.

The Innovation Accelerator was a huge success with a cross-section of individuals from all areas of the university. Approximately 100 students, faculty and staff worked together to identify better ways of doing things, save money or improve the university experience.

But beyond that, innovation accelerators offer an opportunity for organizations to identify rising stars from within the ranks, consider new possibilities and build morale. This is something we hope to see more organizations taking advantage of in the future.

Your Health & Wellness News Embracing the Autumn Season With Thankfulness

by Melesha Bailey, UniteNews Contributing Writer As the leaves begin to change colors and the air becomes crisp, fall provides a perfect backdrop for reflection and gratitude. The season encourages us to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures, cultivating a sense of thankfulness for all that is good and allowing us to enjoy autumn’s beauty. Let’s embrace the beauty of fall and the autumn season while prioritizing our well-being and nurturing a thankful mindset.

Embrace Nature’s Bounty Fall is a harvest time, and nature provides a colorful abundance of fruits, vegetables, and seasonal flowers. Fill your plate with seasonal produce like apples, pumpkins, squashes, and kale, which nourishes your body and connects you with the earth’s natural rhythms. These nutrient-rich foods boost your immune system, helping you maintain good health throughout the season.

Stay Active Outdoors The cool, crisp weather of fall is perfect for outdoor activities

Fall is a season of giving thanks, like hiking, biking, or taking walks and there’s no better way to express through the colorful foliage. It is a gratitude than by giving back to our great way to stay active and soak in community. Volunteering at local the season’s beauty. Regular physical charities or participating in food activity contributes to good health drives can provide a and a sense of vitality. sense of fulfillment and Practice Mindfulness remind us of the imporFall’s slower pace tance of helping those makes us more presneeding a hand-up. ent in our daily lives.

Prioritize Self-Care Taking time to pracAutumn’s beauty brings tice mindfulness can busyness. Take care improve mental and of yourself by getting emotional well-being. enough sleep, staying Meditation or yoga Melesha Bailey hydrated, and managing helps reduce stress, stress.

Prioritizing self-care is essenincrease self-awareness, and foster a tial for maintaining good health and grateful mindset. overall well-being.

Nurture Relationships Cultivate a Gratitude Journal As the holidays approach, reconA gratitude journal can be a necting with loved ones is a time powerful tool for living a thankful to cherish those relationships. The life. Take a few minutes each day to meals we share, the laughter, and jot down what you’re grateful for that quality time with family and friends day. This practice helps shift your strengthen our emotional well-being. focus towards the positive aspects of These connections remind us of the life, fostering a sense of contentment importance of cherishing the people and good health. who contribute to our happiness and Celebrate the Season overall health.

Lastly, make the most of the autumn Give Back to the Community

season by celebrating it. Host a cultural fall-themed gathering, decorate your home with autumnal colors, or start a new tradition like apple picking. These activities can bring joy and a sense of togetherness, reminding us of the many reasons to be thankful for our health and the changing seasons.

As we welcome the fall months, let’s remember to embrace the beauty of this season and nurture a thankful life in good health. By savoring the season’s offerings, staying active, practicing mindfulness, nurturing relationships, giving back, and prioritizing self-care, we can fully enjoy the wonders of autumn while appreciating the gift of good health that allows us to do so. Let this season be a reminder of the abundance in our lives and a time to express gratitude for our well-being.

Check out my latest freebie, “Simple Self-Care Strategies,” at www. love4lifewellness.com or schedule a Coffee Chat if you need help getting through the holiday season—blessings in good health.

Mental Health In The African American Community

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 11

How Parents Can Help Overcome the Pandemic Learning Loss Nation’s Report Card,” some two decades of progress have been wiped out. Average math The years of the COVID-19 scores for fourth and eighth pandemic and its impact on graders in 2022 fell by five the disruption of learning is and eight points, respectively, coming into compared with focus and the pic2019 levels, while ture is sobering. average reading We are looking at scores fell by national statistics three points. that indicate that Our schools have COVID-19 has left been charged with us with some sethe monumental rious educational task of making gaps. According Gwen Marshall up for months of to the latest National unfinished learnAssessment of Educational ing. Our students need more Progress (NAEP), or “The help to recover both academby Gwen Marshall, UniteNews Contributing Writer

ically and emotionally from pandemic disruptions. And our schools are experiencing staffing shortages which means our teachers are more overworked and overwhelmed.

This is not just a job for our educators. Parents have a role to play at home as well. “Parents should try as much as possible to be both engaged with their student’s schooling and to help them get reengaged with school,” says Dan Goldhaber.

Blondie Ndebele with Global Fund for Children has shared some suggestions about what parents can do to support their children’s post pandemic

learning: • Understand how your child is doing in school now, ask questions, look at the learning standards for their current grade to get a sense of what they should be working on in school.

• Bring learning home, but play it cool using fun educational apps, and playing games can all reinforce important skills without making your kids feel like you’re forcing schoolwork on them at home.

• As a parent, your involvement in your child’s academic life is important.

Continued on page 13

A Guide to Disputing a Credit Report • To identify mistakenly reported accounts or personal information like your name, address, and social security number; This is just what you • To address incorneed to add to your, rect account statuses “To Do List.” By reglike showing a closed ularly checking your account as open or credit bureau report, inaccurate payment you can monitor your history; financial health and • To monitor fraudoverall well-being. ulent activity shows Your credit report unfamiliar accounts serves as a compreor credit inquiries hensive record of resulting in identity Mahalia Boyd your credit history. It is a theft or fraud. factor in determining your creditworErrors in your credit report can adthiness. One of the primary reasons versely affect your credit score. The to check your credit report regularly ratings are as follows: is to identify and rectify any errors • 800-850 Excellent or inaccuracies that may be present.

• 740 to 799 Very Good These errors can take on a variety of • 670 to 739 Good forms and include: • 580 to 669 Fair

by Mahalia Boyd, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Page 12 Building Empowering Connections | Unite News

• 300 to 579 Poor A lower credit score can lead to difficulties in obtaining loans, credit cards, or mortgages and can contribute to higher interest rates when you qualify for credit. Monitoring your credit report helps you spot signs of identity theft early. If you notice an unfamiliar account or inquiry, you can take immediate action to prevent further potential fraudulent activity.

Your credit report is a valuable tool for financial planning. Lenders, landlords, and sometimes potential employers may use it to assess your financial responsibility and trustworthiness. Ensuring its accuracy can enhance your chances of securing loans, renting or purchasing a home, or even getting a job.

Addressing errors can be a time-consuming process. You must contact each agency, provide evi-

dence of the inaccuracies, and follow up until the issues are resolved.

Leaving errors unresolved can lead to long-term consequences, including damage to your credit and difficulty accessing financial products or services.

Always keep a copy of your dispute letter and correspondence for your records. I suggest sending it by certified mail with a return receipt to ensure delivery.

In summary, regularly checking your credit report is essential for identifying errors, protecting your credit score, preventing identity theft, and making informed financial decisions. You can request inquiries online, handwritten or typed. The websites, a sample letter, and addresses are as follows: www.equifax.com, click Credit Report Continued on page 13

Learning Loss

continued from page 12 Help them with their schoolwork and support their studies. Get a tutor If needed • Make their teacher your ally!

Parent-teacher relationships are key in tracking your child’s performance at school and at home.

• By showing an interest in your child’s school life, you are encouraging them to thrive.

• Spend more time with your child, talk to them about the challenges they face, and listen to their concerns.

• Last but not least, Play with them! And as an educator and parent team we can turn the re-

sults of COVID-19 around for our students.

Coming Events: Thanksgiving Vacation November 21-25 (School System Closed November 23-25)

Credit Report

continued from page 12 Dear Credit Bureau Name: I am writing to dispute the accuracy of information on my credit bureau report by your agency. I believe there are inaccuracies in the information reported. I am requesting in writing an investigation into this matter. Please

find the details of the disputed account below: Creditor Account Number Account Type Date of Last Activity *Describe the specific information you are disputing.

For example, late payments, incorrect balances, closed accounts, and late fees. I feel the information in the statement is inaccurate. List any supporting documents like payment receipts or correspondence from the creditor.

Additionally, I’m requesting you provide me with a written response detailing the result of your investigation within 30 days

of receiving this dispute letter per the guidelines set forth by the Fair Credit Report Act. Respectfully, ...

Mail Credit Report Disputes to the following: Equifax Disclosure Dept., PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374 800.685.1111 Experian, PO Box 4500 Allen, TX 75013 888.397.3742 888.397.3742 TransUnion Consumer Relations, PO Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016 800.916.8800

Advertise In The Unite Publication For Rates call: (417) 864-7444

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 13

Arts & Entertainment News Sade Shine stars in a tribute to the Queens of Soul BRANSON, MO - Get ready for a soulful extravaganza that will take you on a journey through the incredible lives and music of some of the greatest vocalists of all time! “Queens of Soul” is the latest and most highly anticipated show in Branson, and it’s set to grace the stage at the Hot Hits Theatre in Beautiful Historic Downtown Branson.

If you have a deep appreciation for the timeless melodies of Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, the heart-wrenching ballads of Etta James, or the legendary

hits of Tina Turner and Whitney Houston, then “Queens of Soul” is your ultimate destination. The show brings to life iconic tracks like “Natural Woman,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “At Last,” “I Will Always Love You,” and many more, all performed by the exceptionally talented Sade Shine.

Sade Shine, a renowned performer, and former American Idol contestant on Fox, is no stranger to the spotlight. She has graced the stage in Disney’s Broadway Musical “The Little Mermaid” as Ursula at The WhiteHouse

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Theatre and captivated audiences as Ms. Celie in Mosaic Arts production of “The Color Purple” at The Fox Theater. Shine has also showcased her vocal prowess in the “Motown Downtown” production, making her a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

“Queens of Soul” is not just a show; it’s a soul-stirring experience that transcends generations.

This intimate, in-depth, and all-ages performance is designed to blow you away. Immerse yourself in the remarkable stories and

music of the iconic “Queens of Soul” as seen through the eyes of Branson’s very own Queen of Soul, Sade Shine.

Opening is set for Tuesday, November 7th, 2023, at 2:00 pm, and you can catch this sensational show every Tuesday at 2:00 pm through December 26, 2023, at the Hot Hits Theatre.

For tickets and more information, visit www.bransonhothitstheatre.com or call (555) 123-4567.

Join us for an unforgettable experience that will have you singing along and dancing in your seat!

Unite News Building Empowering Connections | Page 15

Please scan QR Code for information on how to register as a sponsor or exhibitor.

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