2023 October Unite

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

The holiday season is upon us, a whirlwind of celebrations beginning with Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the grand finale of New Year’s Day. It’s that time of year when life seems to move at a dizzying pace. From organizing office holiday parties to cherishing precious moments with loved ones, the holiday season unquestionably ranks as the busiest time of the year.

For UniteNews, this marks the moment when we extend our invitations for the eagerly anticipated Annual Springfield Multicultural Festival. Like clockwork, preparations for the area’s most significant event of its kind commence around this time every year. In addition to our usual endeavors, UniteNews is embarking on one of its most transformative journeys.

Over the next few months, our dedicated readers will begin to notice a series of exciting changes gracing our website and social media pages. These alterations will revolutionize how we create and deliver our content. Extensive research has consistently shown us that our readers are increasingly consuming news and information through electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

In response to the evolving times, UniteNews will gradually introduce video content in the form of both long-form and short-form video reels. This groundbreaking development will revolutionize how we report the news and document history, ushering in a more immersive experience through the fusion of sound and moving visuals. We firmly believe that this new format will not only resonate with our younger audience but also cater to those who prefer listening to content rather than reading it.

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 October issue and embrace the season!

Best,

Samuel G. Knox President & Managing Editor

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

Crematory

Brentwood Chapel - University Chapel

Explore the paranormal, Ghost Stories and Senior Scams, all at the Library

Join us for Oh, The Horror!, a series of activities that explore the paranormal with stories about mysterious hauntings and forgotten tales of spirits in these programs.

HOMES Independent

SELECTED

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

HOMES Independent

SELECTED FUNERAL HOMES Independent

®

Haunting Ozarks Tales & Ghost Stories on Tuesday, October 17 at 7 p.m. in the Library Center Auditorium. The storied history of the Ozarks, with its remote hollers and haunting ghost towns, has long inspired tales of specters and strange characters, from ghostly brides to devilish Bald Knobbers.

®

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

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

Licensed Funeral Directors of Distinction

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’re built for now. And the road ahead. commercebank.com/BuiltForThis ©2023 Commerce Bancshares, Inc. WF1683963 SW Springfield Unite Publication Ad 4.875x4.875.indd 1 7/28/2023 4:23:00 PM

“Sleepy Hollow” at the Moxie on Friday, October 20, from 8 – 10 p.m. at the Moxie Cinema, 305 S Campbell Ave. #101. Tim Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow,” rated R, is a gothic supernatural reimagining of the legend of the headless horseman featuring Christopher Walken as the iconic rider. This is a free presentation.

Chasing Ghosts with Marc Hartzman on Thursday, October 26, at 7 p.m. in the Library Center Auditorium. Do the dead live on? Does life exist beyond this world? From famous ghosts to notorious haunted sites, join “Chasing Ghosts” author Marc Hartzman for a tour through our cultural fascination with spirits and the supernatural. Hartzman will discuss his newest book, “We Are Not Alone,” which explores the history of UFOs and aliens. •••

Senior Scams are Scary with the Better Business Bureau on Thursday, October 19, at 10 a.m. in the Library Center Auditorium. Scams can impact everyone, but older adults are targeted in unique ways. Stay informed and knowledgeable is your best protection against losing time and money to the scam. BBB Regional Director Pamela Hernandez will update you on scams targeting older adults and tips to help you identify and avoid them.

•••

Enjoy a Fall StoryWalk® from October 10-30 at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S Nature Center Way. “We are Water Protectors” by Carole Lindstrom. This walk is along an unpaved path.

•••

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.

Pitts Chapel Pastor Hopes to Connect with more people

Springfield, MO— Pastor Tracey Wolff, pastor of the Historic Pitts Chapel on 600 N. Benton Ave., added Grace United Methodist Church on 600 S. Jefferson Ave. to her pastoral duties in July.

The United Methodist bishop in Missouri, Rev. Robert Farr, asked Wolff to accept the second ministerial appointment. Given the churches’ proximity to one another and Rev. Wolff’s connection with the Springfield community, it seemed like a good fit.

Wolff has been serving as Pitts Chapel’s pastor since 2021. Prior to that, she facilitated college-age ministry for The United Methodist Church in Springfield. But her ties to the area go even deeper. Wolff is a Lady Bear alumna, graduating in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree. She walked onto the Missouri State women’s basketball team in the mid-1980s as a sophomore before becoming a full scholarship student athlete by her

senior year. Following graduation, she spent two years as a graduate coaching assistant for the Lady Bears before leaving for Milwaukee in 1991 to serve as Marquette University’s assistant women’s basketball coach, a post she held for 10 years.

After Marquette, Wolff worked as Director of Women’s Basketball

with Athletes in Action, the sports ministry of Cru Ministries, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ. Her experience working with students helped her realize a call to ministry. She pursued that dream and graduated from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis in 2017. Prior to her move back to Springfield, she served St. Andrew and North Hills United Methodist churches in north St. Louis County.

She is looking forward to engaging with new people in a city she already calls home. Wolff is Grace’s first Black pastor.

The United Methodist Church in Missouri considers Wolff’s appointment to Grace UMC as cross-racial and cross-cultural. Cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments are assignments of clergy to congregations in which most of their constituencies are different from the clergy person’s own racial/ethnic and cultural background.

“In cross-cultural appointments we are inevitably confronted with differences and when it happens it is usually in unexpected ways. That’s where challenges arise because they catch us off guard,” said Wolff.

Wolff’s weekly experience is unique. She is pastor to both a Historic Black congregation and a majority White congregation. The roles allow her to explore the diversity of God’s creation.

“Difference is not bad. Difference is part of God’s beautiful design,” said Wolff. “We are all made in the image of God, even in our differences!”

While Wolff is Grace UMC’s first Black pastor, the church has been led by several women. The United Methodist Church has been ordaining women since 1956. Methodists have been a part of Springfield since the 1830s. The building where Grace UMC currently worships was erected in 1923. For more information, visit: www.yourgraceplace.org.

7th Annual Unity on Division Street is Oct 7

Springfield, MO— The 7th annual Unity on Division gathering is coming up! Come by Smith Park on October 7th for live music, hot food, games for the kids, and special presentations from our local ministers.

The Unity on Division project started in 2013 with the guiding question: “Why do people of God find it so hard to Unite?” Steve Williams, owner of Crosstown Barbeque and one of the event’s organizers said “God uses me to bring people face-to-face, so we can bring each other heart-to-heart. We’re afraid to love each other based on how we’ve hurt each other in the past.

God breaks down that fear.”

Unity on Division is looking to make real changes in the community. Division Street is ripe with historical significance. “The City was separated in the 1800s, with Commercial Street being the downtown of what was ‘Moon City’ (North Springfield), and the square being the downtown of what was, at the time, Springfield,” Steve says. “The street is a visual symbol of what divides us to this day. People are so quick to separate themselves from others based on racial, denominational, and economic conditions. Through this event, Fresh-

water Church seeks to raise the idea of unity in the name of Jesus.” “We want to be able to change the name ‘Division Street,’ to ‘Unity Street,’” Steve says, “It would be a start of breaking down the barrier of what divides the city. We’ve talked to the city council, and they said the cost was too high. This year, we’re asking people to make a monetary pledge to help offset that cost.”

Unity on Division is held on October 7th, from 11am to 3pm, in Smith Park, on Division Street. Bring your own lawn chair. The event is free to the public, and all are welcome!

Pastor Tracey Wolff

Event Organizer, Steve Williams

Innovate SOMO prepares Missourians for careers in high-tech field

by Dr John Stapelton, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Across Missouri, the fastest-growing job categories and companies are in the technology field. Also throughout the state, there’s a major deficit in the supply of individuals educated and prepared to tackle those positions. This is even more true in smaller metros and rural communities. Innovate SOMO is working to change that.

My organization, codefi (based out of Cape Girardeau, Missouri), has partnered with efactory on several programs and projects in the last several years to better serve entrepreneurs and provide technol-

ogy-focused education, training, and services. Innovate SOMO is another one of those partnerships that breaks down barriers for the individuals they serve.

Our mission is to unlock the full potential of entrepreneurship and innovation to transform entire communities in the southernmost 47 counties in Missouri. We do it because the health and wealth of the region depends on people having the skills and resources to enter high-quality occupations. We also know that many of these people will one day pay it forward by starting companies that create more jobs.

I believe in this program so vehemently that I have moved to Spring-

field and launched a satellite codefi office here at Coworking @ Brick, 315 W. Mill St. Along with the efactory team, I am pushing to see Innovate SOMO succeed.

What does Innovate SOMO include?

Innovate SOMO is a comprehensive series of programs to increase capacity for attracting and supporting a larger number of tech-based companies from startup to growth. It is an umbrella program including training and education, access to resources, coaching and mentorship as Missourians take a leap into entrepreneurship in the tech space.

One of the first programs we’re launching is the 120-Day Tech Startup, which helps entrepreneurs take an idea from concept to market. Essentially, it’s a product launch fast track. Participants work hand-in-hand with experienced coaches on: validating ideas and business models; software design and development; marketing and customer acquisition; and raising venture capital.

Throughout the program, participants will test viability and establish a demand for the product before actually building it, which is the way it should be done. However, it is often done in the reverse order.

Applications are now open for the 120-Day Tech Startup program at innovatesomo.org.

Digital skills education

You may have also heard about some of the digital skills training codefi has been offering in Springfield in partnership with efactory for the last couple of years, including Youth Coding League and Code Labs. These are incredible opportunities to open pathways for learning tech skills across the lifespan.

Youth Coding League is offered as an after-school program for 5th-8th grade students. Students learn analytical concepts and coding skills and then compete in bracket-style competitions. It builds character in these young students and hopefully creates a love for learning digital skills that can persist.

Code Labs just kicked off its 2023-24 cohort, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the group who will be growing with us this year. It’s a rigorous education in the world of coding, somewhere on the spectrum between a coding boot camp and a full degree in computer science. Code Labs teaches participants skills beyond the theoretical or practical. It combines both through a no-cost, academic-year-long experience and possible paid apprenticeships.

Both Code Labs and Youth Coding League neatly fit under the umbrella of Innovate SOMO, since they prepare individuals for the tech economy.

I hope you’ll check out more about how you can advance your opportunities through Innovate SOMO.

Springfield NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet and Call for Nominations

by Jaseph Vorel UniteNews Contributing Writer

Our local chapter of the NAACP will host its annual Freedom Fund Banquet on October 28th, in the Doubletree Hotel on Glenstone. This year’s banquet will feature Dwayne Proctor, PhD, as keynote speaker.

“It’s been a wonderful turnout, since COVID restrictions have been lifted,” Says Kai Sutton, current President of our local branch. “Over 400 people came last year, and we like to give back by asking for nominations for our yearly Community Service Award.”

Nominations are now open until October 9th. “The NAACP board takes a hands off approach to the nominees, says Kai, allowing members to support one anothers achievements. The organization also highlights those who strive to improve their community, educate the masses, identify problems, and lead the way to fix them.

Previous recipients of the Community Service Award include Cheryl Clay, who served as prior NAACP president and Nonda Nunnely who received the drum award, the organization’s highest honor, in volunteering.

The Freedom Fund is the NAACP’s largest fundraiser of the year. Funds raised go towards honoring exemplary members of the community through the aforementioned award, as well as youth scholarships, and sponsoring activities in the NAACP’s youth board to foster leadership and professional skills.

The theme of this year’s banquet is ‘building an inclusive community.’ Dr. Dwayne Proctor will be speaking on this further during his keynote speech.  During his 20-plus years in philanthropy, Proctor has always worked to ensure that American communities were healthy and thriving. He joined MFH in 2021 as President and CEO. The Foundation works to improve health through collaboration, convening, knowledge sharing and strategic investment, never losing sight of the equity lens that shapes all of its work.

The Freedom Fund Banquet will be held on October 28th, in the Doubletree Hotel on Glenstone. Tickets are $50 per person, or $400 for a table that seats eight. There will be a silent auction at the beginning of the event, and all funds go back into providing for the banquet, and supporting the youth board. General meetings for our local branch of the NAACP take place every third Saturday of the month, at noon, at the Sanctuary of Praise Church, located at 2245 S Holland Ave.

Mark it on your calendar, and be sure to submit your Nominations for Community Service Award recipients soon! Nominations close on October 9th.

Learn how you can be a part of Timmons Hall’s educational history programs, outreach efforts and Culture Connect Tours. Sign up to volunteer, host or collaborate.

Age: 18 yrs. and up

Fee: FREE

Dr. Dwayne Proctor

by Jackie Sibblies Drury

by Heather Noggle UniteNews Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—APTs are often other countries’ governments and organized cybercrime. If the thought of cybersecurity leaves you scared, these groups are why.

“Significant resources” - “sophisticated levels of expertise” - this is what NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) has to say about APT groups.

October 20-November 5, 2023

For Info: SGFTheatre.org

What do they want? They want data, information, knowledge, wisdom, and money that do not belong to them. How do they operate?

Shhh...very quietly. They make an objective, get into the network, and they dwell. Dwell, as in live there, squatting. Learning. Grabbing that data and information to gain the knowledge.

And we do it, too - our government. You may have heard of Stuxnet, which dismantled Iran’s nuclear program well over a decade ago by sabotaging and destroying the centrifuges they were using to transform uranium into a more usable state.

Some cybersecurity firms amass threat intelligence. They try to see the “signature” in the work of cybercriminals and attribute breaches to certain groups because of the tactics, techniques, and procedures used in the discovered breaches. One such organization is Mandiant, which is now a part of Google.

Unnamed groups are not awarded interesting names. You can research APT 33, APT 35, APT 37, and so on. The name does help when threat intelligence analysts are referring to knowledge about how the groups operate. The kind of malware they use. Their target types. Where we think they’re working

from. Many originate in China, North Korea, or Russia. Some have other names, like APT18 is also known as Wekby.

APT37 is a good group to research if you’re interested in this sort of thing. The first site Google recommends for APT37 is called MITRE, and it’s a very comprehensive site showing attacks attributed to the group and more information about each. It also lists the different types of malware software used during the attacks along with the techniques.

So, now you know where to go to research things like APT37, Fox Kitten, Moses Staff, and SilverTerrier. MITRE.

How do we defend against APT groups?

As individuals, we’re unlikely to be targets of these groups. But the organizations we work forthat’s a different story. Think about data as value. Organizations must implement what’s called defense in depth. Multiple types of cyber defense. Part of that includes training employees to do many of the things I talk about - back up data, keep good passwords, use a password manager, use multifactor authentication, know what systems you have and patch them, and use good antimalware software.

Most of the other parts of a defense-in-depth approach are technical in nature. Please thank your company’s IT security department for the work they do on behalf of your company or non-profit. It’s a lot, and it changes frequently, requiring constant skill upgrades.

In closing, 2023 has been a year of many vulnerabilities in key core software we all use. Mobile security is just as important as computer security. It’s been wise to update iPhones and iPads purposefully even if you’ve got these devices set to auto update.

Be intentional and advanced in learning more about APT. And doing your part.

APT. Another cybersecurity acronym. It means Advanced Persistent Threat.

a powerful adult comedy

Your Health & Wellness News

Beyond the Package: The Perils of Processed Foods

by Melesha Bailey, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO— Processed or convenience foods have become a significant part of our diets and are prevalent in today’s culture.

Processed foods are easy and quick to prepare, making them convenient for busy people and families. In our fast-paced world, convenience is often chosen over healthy food options. Many processed foods have a long shelf life due to additives and preservatives and are sometimes more affordable than fresh, which makes them an attractive option. Be cautious; some additives may be associated with adverse health effects, including hyperactivity in children.

Most processed foods, even the

ones labeled “healthier,” are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats to enhance their flavor. High amounts of added sugars contribute to excessive calorie consumption, linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Unhealthy trans fats and foods high in saturated fats can raise bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke risk. These flavor profiles found in prepackaged foods can be addictive, making people crave and consume

more and more, leading to the ups and downs of maintaining healthier food habits and lifestyles.

Food manufacturers play a central role in producing and marketing processed foods, and they use various strategies to lure consumers into choosing these products. It’s by design to keep the consumer coming back for more. Some processed foods are marketed as “healthier” options, with claims like “low-fat,” “low-sugar,” or “natural.” While some of those claims may be accurate, carefully reading labels helps the consumer understand nutritional content, serving size, and other information,

which is essential to knowing what’s in the food and not being tricked by food manufacturers’ claims of being healthy, natural, or sugar-free.    Processed foods are readily available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and vending machines, making them easily accessible. People with limited cooking skills and busy lifestyles have come to rely on the lure of ready-made or easy foods for meals.

Several potential dangers are associated with consuming processed foods in our diets, which can lead to health concerns. Many are stripped of their natural nutrients during processing and then fortified with synthetic vitamins and minerals. This can lead to imbalanced nutrition and less essential nutrients like fiber,

Continued on page 11

“The Males Place” In Charlotte Helps Mentor Boys Through Agriculture

A nonprofit group in Charlotte, N.C., employs a different approach to mentor Black boys from 12 to 18 years old.

According to WFAE, The Males Place, founded by Baba Reggie Singleton, empowers young boys by teaching them the skills that can assist them in helping their communities through agriculture. They are also taught the basic social skills and lessons on becoming men.

“Our focus is to socialize them, where we draw on time-honored traditions, our history, culture, and experience to properly develop and socialize them so they understand who they are,” Singleton said. “We use three major tenets: mentorship, agriculture, and social justice.”

Singleton shares experiences he had growing up, where he learned to do seasonal work. He started helping his family by picking and growing crops around 5 years old.

“The agriculture piece is not only addressing and ensuring that we have access to clean, healthy food but deeper concepts into being self-sufficient, solving problems, as well as being able to work side by side with young people in natural areas,” Singleton said.

Since starting in 1993, The Men’s Place has helped more than 3,000 young men. The initiative started as a Mecklenburg County Health Department reproductive clinic for men to reduce teen pregnancy in the Black community. After starting the

program, Singleton realized it needed to address more than reproductive rates.

“A rising increase of Black-onBlack crime, the rising rate of unin-

tended pregnancy, and the absence of fathers in the homes, in the lives of the young people,” he said.

“In order to truly impact these young people, we needed to be able to counteract some of those negative images and messages and modeling that our young people were seeing.”

The nonprofit organization has taken the boys to places like Charleston, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., Ghana, and Cuba to learn about the Black experience in different parts of the world.

Melesha Bailey

Processed Foods

continued from page 10

vitamins, and minerals that the body needs to maintain health and wellness. Fiber is necessary for digestive health, managing blood sugar levels, and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.

Eating processed foods contributes to low energy, nutrient-poor diet, weight gain, and obesity. Convenience foods can be high in calories and low in satiety-promoting nutrients like fiber and protein. A diet high in these foods can lead to overeating and weight gain, as people may consume more calories

without feeling full.  It’s important to recognize that not all processed foods are bad for you. Some can be an important part of a balanced diet when choosing healthier, less processed options. My goal is to promote food education, cooking skills, and a balanced nutrition approach that can help make healthier choices in a culture that heavily promotes processed foods. I would love to talk with you if you rely heavily on processed or convenience foods. I have solutions to help you learn easy ways to eat a more balanced diet. Check out my website, www.love4lifewellnes.com, for my wellness options and set an appointment.

by Gwen Marshall, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Springfield,MO—The back-to-school season is in full swing, and adjusting to a new academic year after a summer of sunshine and fun can be tough. But, now it is time to get down to the business of managing classes, family, in some cases a work schedule, social life, and hopefully eight hours of sleep. It sounds like a lot doesn’t it?

Well, a new school year is the perfect time to get a fresh outlook on how to be prepared for whatever comes your way this year.

Back-To-School Study Tips

It is important to have a game plan which will make it easier to navigate your daily activities and decrease your stress level which will help you start your school year on the right foot.

To help you, here are some backto-school study tips recommended by Candace Kassman with UPchieve:

• Set A Study Routine

Find a time to do your homework and studying that suits you best and fits in with your schedule (even if it is late at night or early in the morning). Some students prefer to come home from school and get straight into home-

work while the day’s classes are still fresh.

•Get Organized Early

Staying organized is a vital way of keeping on top of your workload. Having a physical or downloaded planner is a great way of keeping track of upcoming school projects and social events so that you can do it all.

• Sleep Schedule

Your student can easily find themselves staying up late to study but late-night cramming sessions are not the most effective way of improving their academic performance and concentration. However, getting the recommended amount of sleep which for adolescents (13-18 years old) is between 8-10 hours every 24 hours, can improve mental health

and productivity.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If your student finds themselves falling behind, confused about a new topic in class, or if their last test grade wasn’t quite what they had hoped, encourage them to find a time to speak with their teachers about their concerns. If they are struggling, or needing extra support, tutoring may be a good option.

• Break Down Large Projects into Smaller Chunks

When staring at a full schedule it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to begin. Breaking longer projects down into smaller chunks and tackling them over the course of a few days can make that important project feel so much more

Continued on page 13

A Roadmap to Eradicating Credit-Card Debt

by Mahalia Boyd, UniteNews Contributing Writer

Springfield, MO—Credit cards are one of the most common financial products in our country, providing the bulk of shortterm credit for families. Interest rates on credit cards have risen substantially. According to a recent article on the consumerfinance.gov website, the average interest rates are going well over 20%. Current trends for 175 million Americans with credit cards, estimates suggest that outstanding credit card debt may continue to set records and could hit $1 trillion.

Here are a few suggestions for

lowering the stress level and reducing the symptoms our finances can bring. Create a budget by starting to analyze your monthly income and expenses to create a realistic budget. This will help you to understand where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back to allocate more funds toward not only credit-card debt but all debts.

Prioritize payments by listing all your credit card debt and their interest rate. We recommend paying off the card with the highest interest rate first, then moving on to the next. The sense of accomplishment from paying off in full can motivate you to tackle the

remaining balances. Additionally, negotiate for lower rates then more of your payment will go towards the principal. Transfer high-interest credit card balance to a card with 0% or low introductory interest rate. However, be cautious of transfer fees; they range from 3%-5%. And, make sure you can pay off the balance before the introductory period ends.

Cut unnecessary expenses by reviewing your entire family budget and identify discretionary expenses that can be temporarily cut or at least minimized. Redirect the money that is uncovered toward the credit card debt.

Anytime there is an opportunity to pay down your debt through tax refunds, bonuses, or monetary gifts should be directed toward your credit card debts. Avoid the temptation to splurge. Instead, use these funds to

make a dent in your highest-interest debt.

If your credit card debt is overwhelming, consider reaching out to a credentialed or licensed professional that can provide guidance and advice on debt stacking principles.

An additional suggestion for erasing your debt burden include the following:

• Boost your income by exploring other income options part-time by checking out the financial services field. Middle-income Americans can learn to educate, coach, and navigate principles known by the banking environment.

Starting to eliminate credit card debt involves a combination of strategic financial planning, disciplined budgeting, and smart decision-making.

Continued on page 13

Gwen Marshall

Mahalia Boyd

Study Tips

continued from page 12

achievable.

• Limit Screen Time

In a world of technology, it is all too easy to be distracted by any number of devices and social media platforms. Restrictions on devices can be a great way of maintaining focus and curbing procrastination. This can be achieved by simply turning off your phone or leaving it in another room, or even by setting time limits. Social media and most mobile apps bombard your brain with stimulation, making it harder to retain the information you just worked so hard to learn.

• Diet

The foods and drinks that we put into our bodies can have a bigger effect on the performance of our

minds and bodies than you might expect. Making sure that you have a balanced diet, and eat regularly, is vital for keeping up concentration and efficacy.

• Study Regularly and Often

Try and spread out studying over the whole year in bite size chunks that can be easily managed on a daily basis. This will quickly become a part of a daily routine and help you effortlessly keep on top of your workload. “The hardest part is starting. Once you get that out of the way, you’ll find the rest of the journey much easier.”

— Simon Sinek, author and inspirational speaker

Credit-Card Debt

continued from page 12

By prioritizing your credit card debts (highest to lowest interest

rate), examining the debt stacking concepts, and making adjustments to the spending habits you uncover in your monthly budget, you CAN begin to control your finances and work toward a debt-free future.

Consistency, discipline, and determination are a few keys to tackling credit-card debt. Primerica provides a complimentary, digitally superior Financial Needs Analysis (FIN) roadmap explaining components necessary for proper protection, debt freedom, and financial independence.

by Maria Ramsdell UniteNews Contributing Writer

Springfield,MO—Navigating the

Work For Great People!

Navigating the World of Health Insurance

carriers and can help take the confusion out of finding a health plan. I have detailed conversations with clients to find plans that fit their needs and budget. I offer cafeteria style plans that include dental, vision and life insurance just like you may find through an employer. My mission is to educate my clients on all the available options as well as advocate for them throughout the year. HIPPA regulations prohibit brokers from seeing a client’s personal medical records. But some things I can help with are finding doctors in a plan’s network, ordering misplaced insurance cards, and advising clients on where to seek further help for complicated cases.

If you are offered insurance through your workplace, your options may be limited. Sometimes you are offered one plan, but you may have a choice between a few. If you believe your work insurance is too expensive, you should call a broker to find out if you qualify for other programs available or if another plan may suit you better.

If you are not offered insurance through your job or if you are a small business owner, you have a few choices. The first option available to you would be to get insurance through the Affordable Care Act. You may have heard this referred to as the marketplace, healthcare. gov, or Obamacare. The premiums for these plans are based on household size and income. You and your family may qualify for a tax subsidy to help with the premium cost on these plans. Consult with a broker to determine your subsidy eligibility and amount. Marketplace plans also

cover pre-existing conditions and preventative wellness visits, like your yearly visit with your primary care physician or OBGYN. Mammograms and diagnostic colonoscopies are also covered. These plans are the only plans that are considered major medical coverage outside of coverage offered through an employer. There is not one company that offers plans on the marketplace. Multiple insurance carriers offer plans and it can be helpful to work with a broker to make sure your specific plan covers any prescriptions

and includes a network of doctors that works for you.

Short term medical plans are an alternative option to the plans on the marketplace. These plans differ in that they do not cover pre-existing conditions that have been diagnosed within a certain time period prior to the enrollment of the plan. Short term plans are not run through the government, and as such, the premiums are based on age and how many people are insured on the plan. These plans can be a great option for clients or families who are healthy but may not qualify for a tax subsidy through the Affordable Care Act. Working with a broker can ensure that you choose the path that best fits the needs of you and your family.

Unite Publisher is finalist for Ozzie Award

Springfield, MO—Samuel Knox, president of Unite of SWMO, Inc has been nominated and chosen as one of three finalists for the Arts Ambassador Award given by The Springfield Regional Arts Council. This award highlights an individual or team that has taken an active role in building a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for the arts in the Ozarks. The recipient of this award is someone who has worked tirelessly to create, promote, or support the arts, and has made a significant impact on the local arts community.

According to the Springfield Regional Arts Council, Knox was anonymously nominated in this category because…

“Mr. Knox created and has led the Springfield Multicultural Festival (SMF) for over 27 years. The SMF happens every January on MLK day and brings in thousands of participants by celebrating and introducing a multitude of cultural performances and heritages to the public. I’ve been fortunate to capture several of the festivals on camera and to see the joy

and positive impact for the performers and the audiences. I strongly believe this is a wonderful thing for our community and that Samuel is long overdue for an Ozzie Award recognition.”

All applicants were judged by a panel of Missouri arts leaders and will be announced and awarded live at the 38th Annual Ozzie Awards, which will take place at the Springfield-Branson National Airport on October 14th.

Other award categories which also include three finalists were Arts Champion, Volunteer of the Year, and Excellence in Arts and Education. Knox was chosen as a finalist in the Arts Ambassador category along with Joshua Best, Springfield Art Museum, and David Harrison, Children’s Book Author.

These finalists were chosen out of over 70 nominations, and have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and passion within their respective categories, further contributing to the vibrant arts community in Springfield.

Maria Ramsdell