Unite News - Mar 2012

March Unite Page 12

Minorities In Business 2nd Annual Heritage Awards

www.unitenewsonline.org

Dr. Leslie Anderson, Associate University Professor Joe Robles, Business Owner

March 2012 Volume 22/ Number 3 • A Monthly Publication by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

UNITE.

March Is Women's History Month Career Center Moves To New Location

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

Denny Whayne, former City Councilman & Community Leader

B.B. King At The Gillioz Theatre March 20, 2012

Continued on Page 2

Tickets For The NAACP Freedom Fund Celebration Now Available CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2012 MIB HERITAGE AWARD HONOREES !!! Mr. Joe Robles, Robles State Farm InsuranceCommunity Service Award Dr. Leslie Anderson, Missouri State UniversityAdvocacy Award Mr. Denny Whayne, Community LeaderAchievement Award We sincerely appreciate everything you do!!!

“Honoring Our Community”

Big Momma's Coffee and Espresso Bar • 217 E. Commercial Street, Springfield, MO

Springfield, MO— The Springfield Branch NAACP will hold its Freedom Fund Celebration on Saturday, Continued On Page 2

MSU Gospel Music Extravaganza A gospel concert featuring the MSU Gospel Choir, as well as other collegiate and community choirs will perform Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Plaster Student Union Theatre on the MSU campus. Admission is free. Contact Ramon Bates at (417) 836-5652.

BESTSELLING

Author Heidi Durrow To Speak At MSU

Springfield, MO—A presentation exploring issues of race, identity, and multiculturalism will feature guest speaker, Heidi Durrow on March 12, 2012, 7 pm at Plaster Student Union Theatre on the MSU Campus. Admission is free. The event is sponsored by the Missouri State University Women’s History Month Committee. Heidi W. Durrow is the New York Times best-selling author of The Girl Who Fell From the Sky (Algonquin Books), which received writer Barbara Kingsolver's 2008 Bellwether Prize for Literature of Social Change, and is already a book club favorite. The Girl Who Fell From the Sky has been hailed as one of the Best Novels of 2010 by the Washington Post, a Top 10 Book of 2010 by The Oregonian, a Top 10 Buzz Book of 2010 by the Boston Herald and named a Top 10 Debut of 2010 by Booklist. Ebony Magazine named Heidi as one of its Power 100 Leaders of 2010 along with writers Edwidge Danticat, and Malcolm Gladwell. Heidi was nominated for a 2011 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Debut. Heidi is a graduate of Stanford, Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, and Yale Law School. Originally from Port-

Heidi W. Durrow

land, Oregon, Heidi has worked as a corporate litigator at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, and as a Life Skills trainer to professional athletes of the National Football League and National Basketball Association. She is the co-host of the award-winning weekly podcast Mixed Chicks Chat; and the co-founder and co-producer of the Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival, an annual free public event, that celebrates stories of the Mixed experience. She is an occasional essay contributor to National Public Radio. Her debut novel tells the

story of Rachel, the daughter of a Danish mother and a black G.I. who becomes the sole survivor of a family tragedy. With her strict African American grandmother as her new guardian, Rachel moves to a mostly black community, where her light brown skin, blue eyes, and beauty bring mixed attention her way. Growing up in the 1980s, she learns to swallow her overwhelming grief and confronts her identity as a biracial young woman in a world that wants to see her as either black or white. Meanwhile, a mystery unfolds, revealing the terrible truth about Rachel’s last morning on a Chicago rooftop. Interwoven are the voices of Jamie, a neighborhood boy who witnessed the events, and Laronne, a friend of Rachel’s mother. Inspired by a true story of a mother’s twisted love, The Girl Who Fell from the Sky reveals an unfathomable past and explores issues of identity at a time when many people are asking “Must race confine us and define us?” In the tradition of Sandra Cisneros’s House on Mango Continued On Page 2

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B.B. King At The Gillioz Theatre March 20

The Gillioz Theatre is proud to welcome Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bluesman B.B. King on Tuesday, March 20th at 8:00 PM. B.B. has been one of the most influential figures in all of music for over six decades. Along with his famous guitar, Lucille, King has revolutionized

and reinvigorated blues music and brought inspiration to musicians and fans of every style. His lifetime of musicianship was honored in 1987 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at number three on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Over the course of his career, King has been the recipient of multiple awards and recognitions. In 1970, he claimed the Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his seminal recording, “The Thrill Is Gone.” Since then, he has won several more Grammy awards for his recordings “There Must

Be a Better World Somewhere,” “Blues ‘n Jazz,” and “My Guitar Sings the Blues,” among others. B.B. has mixed traditional blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound. His singing is richly melodic, both vocally and in the “singing” that comes from his guitar. In B.B’s words, “When I sing, I play in my mind; the minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille”. “I’m trying to get people to see that we are our brother’s keeper, I still work on it. Red, white, black, brown, yellow, rich, poor,

we all have the blues”. “I’m me,” B.B. told Time Magazine in 1969, “blues is what I do best. If Frank Sinatra can be the best in his field, Nat King Cole in his, Bach and Beethoven in theirs, why can’t I be great, and known for it, in blues?” Despite the many years of performing, King is as vibrant as ever, and his guitar skills are still unrivaled. All of his time on the road has also endowed King with a lifetime of stories and lessons, some of which he shares with the audience throughout his set.

Heidi Durrow

winner of the Bellwether Prize for best fiction manuscript addressing issues of social justice. Contact: Stephanie Norander at 417-836-4106 or StephanieNorander@missouristate.edu for more information.

continued from page 1 Carrington 309 - Glass Hall 103 417-836-5636 CareerCenter@MissouriState.edu careercenter.missouristate.edu

What can your Career Center do for you? For Students and Parents: ͻ tĞ ƐƚĂƌƚ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ĨƌĞƐŚŵĂŶ ŽŶ ĐĂƌĞĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚͲ Ă ĨŽƵƌͲǇĞĂƌ ƉůĂŶ͘ tĞ ŚĞůƉ ƚŚŽƐĞ ǁŚŽ ŬŶŽǁ ǁŚĂƚ ƚŚĞǇ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ďĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŽƐĞ ǁŚŽ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ͘ ͻ ĂƌĞĞƌ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ŝƐ Ă ůŝĨĞůŽŶŐ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĐ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ͖ ǁĞ ďƵŝůĚ ƚŚĞ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƟŽŶ͘ ͻ ^ƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͗ ƚĂŬĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ŽĨ ǇŽƵƌ ĐĂƌĞĞƌ ĚĞƐƟŶǇ ĞĂƌůǇ͊ About Employers: ͻ ŵƉůŽǇĞƌƐ ǀŝĞǁ ĐĂƌĞĞƌ ĐĞŶƚĞƌƐ ĂƐ ĞƐƐĞŶƟĂů ŝŶ ƌĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͗ х ϱϬй ŽĨ ŐƌĂĚƵĂƚĞƐ ĂĐƋƵŝƌĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĮƌƐƚ ĨƵůůͲƟŵĞ ũŽď ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĂŶ ŽŶͲĐĂŵƉƵƐ ŝŶƚĞƌǀŝĞǁ͘ ͻ dŚĞ ĂƌĞĞƌ ĞŶƚĞƌ ŬŶŽǁƐ ŚŽǁ ƚŽ ĮŶĚ ũŽďƐ͕ ƌĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞƌŶƐŚŝƉƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŚŽǁ ĂŶĚ ǁŚĞŶ ƚŽ ƐŚŽǁĐĂƐĞ ǇŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ŽŶ ĐĂŵƉƵƐ͘ ͻ dŚĞ ĂƌĞĞƌ ĞŶƚĞƌ ŬŶŽǁ ĂŶĚ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚƐ ƚŚĞ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĞŵƉůŽǇĞƌƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĂƌĞ ŽŶ ĐĂŵƉƵƐ͘ hƐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ǇŽƵƌ ƐĞĂƌĐŚ͘ &ŝŶĚ Ă ũŽď ƐƵŝƚĞĚ ƚŽ ǇŽƵƌ ĐƵůƚƵƌĂů ĂŶĚ ƉŚŝůŽƐŽƉŚŝĐĂů ƐƚǇůĞ͘ The Career Center can help with: ͻ ĂƚĂ ŽŶ ƐĂůĂƌŝĞƐ ďǇ ĚĞŐƌĞĞ͕ ŐĞŽŐƌĂƉŚŝĐ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ũŽď ƚǇƉĞ͘ ͻ ĂƚĂ ŽŶ ĐŽƐƚ ŽĨ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ǀĂƌŝŽƵƐ h͘^͘ ĐŝƟĞƐ͘ ͻ ĂƚĂ ŽŶ ǀŽĐĂƟŽŶĂů ĂƌĞĂ ƐƵƉƉůǇ ĂŶĚ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ͘ ͻ ĂƌĞĞƌ ĐŽƵŶƐĞůŝŶŐ ƚŽ ŵĂƚĐŚ ǇŽƵƌ ƐŝůůƐ ;ĞǀĞŶ ŝĨ ǇŽƵ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝǌĞ ƚŚĞŵͿ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶ ĂĐĂĚĞŵŝĐ ĂƌĞĂ ;ŵĂũŽƌͿ ĂŶĚ ǀŽĐĂƟŽŶĂů ƉůĂŶ͘ ͻ WƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůƐ ǁŚŽ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉ ǇŽƵƌ ĐƌĞĚĞŶƟĂůƐ ;ƌĠƐƵŵĠ͕ ůĞƩĞƌƐ͕ ƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚƐͿ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƐƵƌĞ ǇŽƵƌ ŝŶƚĞƌǀŝĞǁŝŶŐ ƐŬŝůůƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŽƉͲŶŽƚĐŚ͘ ͻ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ăůů ƚŚĞƐĞ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ;ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞͿ FREE ŽĨ ĐŚĂƌŐĞ͊ EĞǆƚ ƟŵĞ͕ ĮŶĚ ŽƵƚ ŚŽǁ ƚŽ ĐŽŶĚƵĐƚ Ă ũŽď ƐĞĂƌĐŚ͘ ͘ ͘ SUCCESSFULLY

Street, Jamaica Kincaid's Annie John and Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, here is a portrait of a young girl--and society's ideas of race, class, and beauty. It is a

Freedom Fund

continued from page 1 April 14, 2012 at the Howard Johnson Hotel (formerly the Clarion Hotel) 3333 S. Glenstone Ave. Reception starts at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. There will be a program at 7:30. Tickets are: $30.00

for members and $40.00 for non-members. $50.00 includes a dinner and membership fee. Tickets are now available, and volunteers will be happy to deliver them to you. For more information contact Carolyn Hembree at (417)886-7199 or E-mail : jhemb1@mchsi.com

Whitney Houston's Funeral: Her Voice Still Soars As the strains of Newark, NJ — After her biggest record, “I all the testimonials Will Always Love You,” from relatives and filled the New Hope friends, the songs Baptist Church at the from legends and pop end of the nearly fourstars, the preaching hour service Saturday and even laughter, and her silver-and-gold the raw emotion of casket was lifted in the Whitney Houston’s Whitney Houston air, the weight of the funeral came down to moment was too much for her just one moment: The sound of continued on page 11 her own voice.

Whitney Houston

A Directory of free or low cost Business Assistance

continued from page 2

mother to bear. Gospel singer Cissy Houston wailed, “My baby! My baby!” as she was held up by two women and led out of the church behind her daughter’s Springfield Area Chamber of body. Commerce A few steps behind her was www.spfldchamber.com the pop icon’s daughter, Bobbi 417.862.5567 Kristina, also crying uncontrollably she was comforted by Smallas Business Houston’s close(SBA) friend, singer Administration www.sba.gov Ray J. 417.864.7670 It was the most searing scene on a day with mixed moods as Small Business family, friendsCenter and a list of celebDevelopment rities - sometimes one and the www.sbdc.smsu.edu 417.836.5685 same - came to the humble New 417.864.7670 Hope Baptist Church, where

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Whitney Houston first wowed a Houston, in nearby Westfield, hits like “The Bodyguard.” congregation, to remember one N.J. But her life was not without of music’s legends, but also a Her death marked the end of struggles. An addiction to drugs New Jersey hometown girl. a life of stunning achievement. and a tumultuous union with exHouston died the previous SatBlessed with a voice of great husband Bobby Brown saw her urday in Beverly Hills, Calif., on power and beauty, Houston tumbling from grace. Benefits New Podcast Discuss When To Start Receiving Retirement the eve of the Grammys at the became one of pop music’s most Both sides of Houston were and Jason Fichtner, Acting recalled you’datlike retire at and how ageBy of Ron 48. Ponds, Social Security successful artists over athe career thetoservice New District Manager Deputy Commissioner of the much you expect to earn She was buried Sunday Feb. that spanned nearly three deHope, which was filled with in agency, exploreinto the film factors 19, 2012 next to her father, John future years. cades and segued withto more thanworking 300 mourners. Have you been wondering be considered when you think So stop wondering when the when the best time is to about when to retire. best time is for you to retire. retire? If you have, then “There is no Your first step to figuring out we have an audio podone ‘best age’ for the answer to that question is to cast just for you. everyone,” explains visit HYPERLINK "http://www. Social Security’s Fichtner in the podsocialsecurity.gov/podcasts" new podcast, “Deciding cast. “Ultimately, it’s www.socialsecurity.gov/podWhen to Start Receiving a personal choice that Retirement Benefits,” is casts and to listen to “Deciding people have to make available for you to listen When to Start Receiving based on their individRonald Ponds to now at HYPERLINK ual circumstances.” Retirement Benefits.” "http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ The podcast encourages lisThen, you’ll want to subpodcasts" www.socialsecurity. teners to use Social Security’s scribe to the ongoing series, or gov/podcasts. online Retirement Estimator, bookmark the web address and In this discussion, Social which you can find online at check back for additional podSecurity will tell you some of HYPERLINK "http://www. casts. the things you need to consocialsecurity.gov/estimator" To learn more about Social sider before making one of www.socialsecurity.gov/estimaSecurity, visit the website at the most important decisions tor. The Retirement Estimator HYPERLINK "http://www. in your life. Social Security’s can help you “try on” different socialsecurity.gov" www. Deputy Commissioner for retirement scenarios, playing Communications, Jim Courtney socialsecurity.gov. with such variables as when

Missouri State Gospel Choir

Will Your Life Work the Way You Want It To In 2009?

The Missouri State University Gospel Choir (originally the Southwest Missouri State University Gospel Choir) in 1989 as a small student organization. As time progressed the student group associated by Jack began Canfield and dreams just because "the world is thriving. itself with the Student Affairs division and participated in several recruitment events for the Office of Co-Author of Chicken Soup for time isn't good"... you can still When people ask me about Admissions and Multicultural Student Services. the Soul Series 2009 the year you uncover thethe single most important ingreAs part of the mission to reorganizemake and restructure the Gospel Choir in 2009, decision was made a whole new you for the dient to success, I always share to seek out a qualified candidate who would be charged with overseeing the MSU Gospel choir as well as As I mentioned thethe same response:ofrealizing providing for music directors and musicians. Asbetter! such, Ramon Bates was hired as Administrator the earlier, 2009 may Even in tough times, what's making you achieve MSU Gospel Choir under the Direction of Charlotte Hardin Assist Vice President for Multicultural Student sucbring greater unceryou get to decide how cess, and then realizing what is Services. tainty and more The choir hasunsetperformed for major events into Springfield as the Springfield Symphony televised, respond such to certain stifling your success. tling economic news Missouri State Basketball conditions, Bears Backing Haiti, games, BalletopportuniMemphis, Juanita K. Sometimes Hammons Hall for the recognizing the than recent years, but Performing Arts, Multicultural Festival, Hickory Hills Country Club and not tothings mention 2 major city tours, ties, and outcomes--both that are NOT working these circumstances Chicago and Memphis. good and bad. in your life can be painful, yet Since 2009 the tremendously with over 100 participating and a current enrollment of 52 the should compel us choir to has grown Life will always be VERY powerful to shaping Jack Canfield students. Missouri State Gospel Choir also seeks to work with church leaders such as Quincy Williams of take a deep breath, and a series of choices and life you want. Deliverance Temple, Burson of New Hope International Church and Band Director Alfred Holmes of pause to think about Sigrid our lives. YOU get to decide on what will Don't try to rationalize them, Deliverance Temple. This group leadership team of The Missouri State Gospel Choir. When things happen in the is themove you closer to your goals, make excuses for them, or hide The gospel choir extends its ministry to any event to help spread the gospel through song, dance and world that seem so far beyond or farther away from them. This is when praise. If we can be of any assists please contact: Ramon Bates at 417-836-5652 them. or email us with your it's even our individual control, it can feel External forces will always be more critical to take personal request at www.mostategc.com.

unsettling. Don't give up on your goals

part of the equation, even during the good times when the

inventory and evict those continued on page 7

March Unite Page 10

March Unite Page 3

Good News, Great Music & Warm People

IN THIS ISSUE

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by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District If you’re an e-book borrower and can’t find your favorite titles at the Library, we feel your pain. Several book publishers are charging libraries more for ebooks and in some cases are no longer selling e-books to libraries, and we think you deserve an explanation about what’s going on. The e-book marketplace is on fire, and print and e-book publishers are struggling to figure out how e-books fit into their business models when it comes to library lending. Some publishers decided early on not to sell e-books to libraries, and still don’t. The companies face several issues, says Collection Services Manager Lisa Sampley. E-books are one-time sell because, technically, they last forever. Print books wear out over time and buyers like libraries replace them, she says. Publishers also want their authors to be compensated properly for their work, but how to do considering the limitless scale of library lending? Here’s how some publishers are responding: • Harper Collins limits each new e-book to 26 checkouts, after which a library must purchase a new copy of that e-book. This and many U.S. libraries no longer buy Harper Collins e-books. • Penguin Books no longer sells e-books and e-audiobooks to libraries. (An individual purchaser can still buy Penguin e-books from retailers.) In addition, Penguin e-books loaned for reading on continued on page 7

4

Community News

Five Skills Children Need... – Part 4 by Gwen Marshall

5 6

Workforce Development to move... Health News

Bridging the Gap, CVD and Health Equity by American Heart Association

8

UNITE. Volume 22, Number 3 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox Contributing Writers Lyle Foster Mia Jackson-Huskisson Kathleen O'Dell Catherine Thomas Photography Springfield NewsLeader David Huskisson David N. Knox

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

Distribution Bradley Knox

Movie Review: Tyler Perry's “Good Deeds” & “Safe House”

Volunteers Tyra Knox Kerri McGrew Angelor Wilkes

by Lyle Foster

The Unite. publication is a

Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc. The quality and care that you expect in 242 years of combined experience

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City Employment Link The City of Springfield offers a variety of municipal career opportunities for individuals interested in public service. Job opportunities are updated each Friday and can be accessed through a number of mediums: Web: http://www. springfieldmo.gov/jobs; or Phone: Jobs Hotline at 417-8641606; or TV: CityView on Medicacom Cable Digital Channel 80; or In Person: visiting our offices at 840 Boonville, Room 324, Springfield, MO 65802. The City is fully committed to a policy of hiring without regard to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, or disability. The City is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer.

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CommunitySection

Safe House

continued from page 8

Five Skills Children Need To Be Successful – Part 4 to reading, which starts when a child can see how letters stand for sounds of speech or phonics); and “word power” (knowledge of words Well coaches, we and what they mean or have explored three of vocabulary). the five skills children Now we will look at need to be successful the final two skill buildreaders. I hope you ers, “reading smoothly parent-coaches are and easily” and “knowseeing the importance ing what it all means.” of being your child’s Gwen Marshall Many of you may know first reading literacy how to drive a stick shift. Do coach. Here’s a quick review. So you remember when you tried far the skills we have discussed driving a “stick” for the first are “spoken words” (knowing time? Remember how the car how language sounds, which is stalled and the jerky motion that phonemic awareness); “written seemed to be tearing the engine words” (leaping from talking by Gwen Marshall Office of Cultural Diversity, SPS

City of Springfield project bids Open for business – Open to all The City of Springfield Division of Purchases welcomes all contractors and vendors to participate in the City’s bid opportunities for providing needed supplies, equipment, and services to the City. Information and notification about bidding is open to all, and there is never a charge. To view or download all current documents for bidding opportunities with the Division of Purchases, please go to our website at: Springfieldmo.gov/purchasing, and click on ‘Bid Processing Center.’ Contractors, consultants and other types of vendors may also sign up to receive notifications of the City’s future bid opportunities based on the type of services they provide. This service can be found by clicking on ‘Bid Notification Service’ on the Purchasing website. There is a fee (for use of a third party notification service). The City’s Department of Public Works also uses the City website to let contractors know about upcoming construction projects. Go to Springfieldmo.gov/departments/publicworks and look for the ‘Notices To Contractors’ box. The links will direct you to a virtual plans room for more information on projects.

apart? That’s what early reading is like according to Dad’s Playbook: Coaching Kids to Read. Like learning how to play football, baseball, or other sports, learning to read takes time. As Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go.” It’s that simple. Reading smoothly and easily takes practice. The goal here is the ability to read accurately and quickly with “fluency.” A fluent reader recognizes lots of words on sight, without having to sound them out. Fluent readers sound natural when they read and do not have to stop and decode word by word. As coaches, you can help in this process by listening to your child read the same pages repeatedly until your child smoothes out the bumps in their reading. Sometimes you can take turns reading those favorite books to each other. As we read the same books over and over the child begins to know what it all means, which is the fifth skill needed to become betters readers. We read for many reasons. For example, to get swept away by a great story, or find out what happened in last night’s game. Maybe we need to figure out how to put together a new bicycle. You’ll probably agree that there is no need to read if it doesn’t help us understand something. If a person can read the words, yet not understand what they are reading, they are not really reading. In more than 30 years of research, many ways that parents can help

their children become better at understanding, remembering and communicating what they read have been discovered. It’s all about comprehension. Does your child understand the details, the meaning, and the ideas behind what they read? How can you help coach them in this area? Ask questions. It’s a great way to know whether your reader really understands what they are reading, plus, it stimulates their brain to think. When they read a story, stop them to ask questions once in awhile. “Why did the character do that?” “What do you think will happen next?” “What would you do in that situation?” In fact, you can ask your child questions about everything you see and do together, not just the books you share. So, why are we sharing this information with you? Along the way, young readers need coaches like you. You will be able to help your child get through the rough spots. So keep cheering them on to victory, Coach! You’ve got a winning playbook. “The road to success begins with you.” -- Dr. Nate Quinn

Important Dates March 16, 2012 End of Third Quarter (42 Days) March 19-23, 2012 Spring Break March 23, 2012 School System Closed March 26, 2012 Fourth Quarter Begins

in the CIA and there is a reason why everyone is looking for Tobin Frost. Denzel plays the cool bad guy who has a secret that everyone wants and he provides a bit of teaching and mentoring along the way. There is action....there is action and there is intrigue...are you excited yet? There is the predictable supporting cast of CIA espionage types who try to provide the cover and keep business as usual and they do an adequate job. Do you mind if I tell you something embarassing that happened to me in the movie?.....I sometimes jump a little when something unexpected happens...yea I am man enough to admit it.....and there was the scene of course when I didn't just jump a little ....

I jumped a lot .....so much that he water in my cup went in the air out of my cup and onto the lap of the very nice couple(the female) in front of me. Hmmm the good thing is that I didn't have to use any of my extensive bench pressing skills in a fight but still it was very embarassing.....But now I can tell readers the movie was so good and Denzel was so smooth that I jumped out of my seat and wet my pants...well not mine.....but the girl in front of me. Folks, it is a solid movie...Denzel has matured a little more and looks slightly older and is not jumping off buildings and out of planes but he still has it...he has the craft and he shows it well. The numbers show it to ...the movie was released on February 10 and the first weekend to came in no. 2 behind The Vow

which was the Valentine flick so we get that and it was a clsoe no. 2. Last weekend it surprised the pundits and came in No. 1 when it had been expected that Ghost Rider would be in the no. 1 slot but Safe House took it. It cost a cool $85 million to make and it has brought on over 100 million so it is likely to at least double the money it took to make from this phase of the movie. I recommend it .....it's a good

date flick or father and son....or just the fellas....it works in any of those combinations. The weather is getting better and hibernation season is over so let's throw off the TV blanket and get out and support the abundance of opportunities we have to catch a good movie. It gets a 95 on my scorecard!!! Yes it does!!! Safe House is a Safe Bet!!!

Mediacom is a recognized leader in the telecommunications arena, offering cutting edge technologies to our communities. We offer services such as digital cable, high definition T.V., digital video recording, and high speed internet access. We continue to grow through the acquisition of new customers while maintaining a solid customer base.

NOW HIRING • Direct Sales Representatives (Springfield/Joplin & surrounding areas) – Sell Mediacom services in local neighborhoods and communities serviced by Mediacom as the company’s neighborhood marketing representative. Maintain minimum sales quotas as indicated by the Sales Supervisor following company guidelines. One year of sales experience preferred. • Customer Service Representative-Front Counter (Springfield) – Provide a positive customer experience in a prompt and professional manner. Customer interactions including selling Mediacom services, resolving billing concerns, troubleshooting service issues, processing payments, equipment inventory and scheduling service and installation appointments. Mediacom offers a competitive wage in addition to a comprehensive benefit package to include paid vacation/flex/holidays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, matching 401K, discounted services, tuition assistance and more. A minimum of High School Diploma/GED required for all positions. Apply online at careers.mediacomcc.com for immediate consideration. Pre-employment drug screen and background check required. MEDIACOM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews Movie Review: Tyler Perry's “Good Deeds”

by Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

how could any red blooded man think twice about marrying Gabrielle Union or even a charHow Good will Good Deeds Be? acter she portrays. Well, that is All the Tyler Perry fans in one of the obvious points of the the house say yea!!!!! movie....finding our purYes, Tyler Perry's pose in life and helping new movie, "Good others. Mr. Deeds gets Deeds" was released to meet another lady on February 24 and and learn about her life it is part of an action and the obstacles she is packed trifecta that I trying to overcome and mentioned last month at the same time raise with Joyful Noise, Red her child. This is a lifeLyle Foster Tails and Good Deeds style that he is not very all playing back to familiar with and getting back and Safe House! to know her better makes him Well the biggest thing to wonder what role should he play announce about Good Deeds in her life. Did I mention that is that Tyler Perry has taken the other lady is the custodian off his dress aka Madea and is at his company? Her character playing a very likeable character is played by Thandie Newton an named Wesley Deeds...who is a actress all of us are not as familwell to do businessman. He is iar with but who has some solid a character that some can relate acting credit behind her. to in that he always put the Many moviegoers love the needs of others ahead of himsmart witted, fast talking ,stockself. Others in this case are his ing hanging, frying pan swingparents and his business. He ing Madea and laughs are a has experienced a very predictplenty so it will be interesting able life with a cute fiance and to see how audiences respond wedding plans underway and to Tyler Perry playing a man. off to a fairy tale life. His fiance There is certainly something is played by the always likeironic about that statement but able and solid actress Gabrielle that is for another time but it Union. Now many brothers certainly represents a turning watching the movie will wonder point in the direction that Tyler

Perry's movie making is going. He is riding a very strong wave of popularity currently although because of tragic circumstances. His comments at the Whitney Houston funeral which was broadcast worldwide and his behind the scene acts of comments have created an enormous amount of buzz and good will towards anything Tyler and that is only fitting. I am glad to see him stretch his character

different genre. I for one will be interested in your feedback. Tyler is quoted in many sources that he has become very vulnerable for this role and in some ways it represents a part of who he really is. And under the news flash department Tyler's next movie is The Wedding Counselor and yes...read it twice Kim Kardashian has a role in it. In responding to criticism that she has a role in

to his latest film and to witness him in the role of Tobin Frost...a legendary CIA operative. I have a weakness for the spy flicks with just the amount of action, adventure and foreign intrigue. The film was shot on location in several parts of South Africa which is speical to me because of

Workforce development to move into vacant space Springfield, MO— Price Cutter

has closed its location at 2900 E. Sunshine St., and the city's workforce development department is moving in, officials have announced. Officials with Price Cutter say employees at the Sunshine location were offered com-

parable positions within the company, according to a news release. Officials with the Missouri Career Center said they plan to move into the new location sometime in July. For more information on the services offered by the Missouri Career Center, call Bill Dowling at 887-4343.

Every First Tuesday of the Month

Minorities In Business monthly networking meeting

What: Networking When: 5:15 p.m. Where: Q Enoteca • Anyone interested in business is welcome. 308 West Commercial Street For more information call: (417) 861-0760

Don Cornelius, producer and businessman by Matt Schudel Reprint from Washington Post

further...and yes I know that he played men in the Madea movies but characters were so exaggerated and overshadowed by Madea that we still want to see how he does in movie of a

it Mr. Perry states he feels very strongly that she is supposed to be in it. Well Mr. Perry has spoken but after that multi-million dollar wedding stunt and the reality show stunt...well.... I'm just saying!!!

“Safe House”— Movie Review Safe House...is a Safe Bet!!! Yes, I will date myself...I'm a middler.....and I have been a Denzel Washington fan ever since he first filled the screen. And I have watched him hold his own and adapt to changing directions with various plots along the way. I was looking forward

Don Cornelius dies, leaves ‘Soul Train’ legacy of music and culture

the deep history of South Africa and the incredible scenery and personally I like to see projects which help its economy. Ryan Reynolds plays the able costar and he is a heart throb to many fans and can handle his own on the big screen as well. He is a rookie CIA operative and is the

housekeeper in CapeTown for the CIA safe house. I am not one to reveal too much of the plot and I definitely want fans to go and be surprised along the way but suffice it to say that there is trouble in the CIA and there is continued on page 9

Don Cornelius, creator and host of “Soul Train,” a milestone in television programming that introduced generations of viewers to new music and dance trends emerging from black America, died Feb. 1 of a selfinflicted gunshot wound in Los Angeles, according to police. He was 75. Police responded to a report of a shooting at Mr. Cornelius’s house at about 4 a.m., and he was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police ruled out foul play in the death and said a search of the house did not turn up a suicide note. Detectives were conducting interviews to learn more about Mr. Cornelius’s mental state. “Soul Train,” which aired for more than 35 years, was the longest first-run syndicated television series in broadcast

history. In addition to its cultural importance, with regular appearances by such musical giants as Michael Jackson, James Brown and Aretha Franklin, the show represented a major advance in entertainment for African Americans. Recognizing that the major TV networks had virtually no programs geared toward black audiences in 1970, Mr. Cornelius designed “Soul Train” as what he called “a black ‘American Bandstand.’ ” As the show’s host, he promised — in a burnished baritone voice — to take viewers on “the hippest trip in America.” He drew dozens of star headliners to “Soul Train,” but Mr. Cornelius’s greater achievement might have been as a behind-the-scenes producer and businessman who helped persuade mainstream companies to spend advertising dollars on largely black audiences.

Distinctive Mission, Remarkable Education Affordable Choice, Unbeatable Value Memorable Experiences, Lifetime Success

Missouri State University is currently recruiting diverse staff and faculty to add to the growing University system.

www.missouristate.edu/jobs Vacancy recording: 417-836-4683

Successful candidates must be committed to working with diverse student and community populations.

Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution

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A Directory of local and regional health resources AIDS Federal hotline; 24 hours a day, everyday, including holidays. 1-800-590-AIDS (2437) Local office: 417-881-1900 Alzheimer’s Disease 1-800-272-3900 American Stroke Association Learn more about strokes by calling 1-888-4-STROKE Cancer Resource Network 1-800-227-2345 Diabetes Hotline Division of Cox Medical Center North 417-269-3737 Medicare Information Medicare Information Hotline 1-800-494-7355 Mental Health Crisis Hotline Counseling needs & crisis intervention 1-800-494-7355 National Parkinson Foundation Education, announcements, links to related sites 1-800-327-4545 www.parkinson.org OTC Dental Hygiene Clinic Provides low cost dental care for adults and children; performed by students under the supervision of faculty and local dentists. Cleanings, X-rays and exams For adults $50. for children $35. Call 417-447-8835 to make appt. DHSS/ Office Of Minority Health The mission is to eliminate health disparities through assertive leadership, advocacy support, and visible interaction with minority communities in Missouri. The Southwest Alliance meeting is held every other month on the last Tuesday at 12:00 p.m.in Springfield at the Deliverance Temple Campus 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Call: 1-800-877-3180

Health & MentalFitness Facts Bridge the Gap, CVD and Health Equity Provided by the American Heart Association Advocacy Dept. OVERVIEW A person's race or ethnicity shouldn't put them at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), but unfortunately, it is one factor that affects a person's likeliness of suffering a heart attack or stroke and chances of survival if they do. CVD remains the No. 1 killer of Americans' and exacts a disproportionate toll on many racial and ethnic groups. For example CVD accounts for about one-third of the disparity in potential life-years lost between blacks and whites. Racial and ethnic minority populations also confront more barriers to CVD diagnosis and care, receive lower quality treatment, and experience worse health outcomes than their white counterparts. Such disparities are linked to a number of complex factors, such as income and education, genetic and physiological factors, access to care, and communication barriers. , The American Heart Association (AHA) believes that we must bridge the disparity gap and ensure access to quality health care for all who live in the United States. GREATER RISKS, GREATER DEATHS Many racial/ethnic minority populations have higher rates of CVD and related risk factors: • CVD age-adjusted death rates are nearly 34% higher for blacks than for the overall U.S. population. Blacks are nearly twice as likely to have a first stroke and much more likely to die from one than whites.' • Heart failure before age 40 is

20 times more common among blacks than among whites. • American Indians/Alaska Natives die from heart disease much earlier than expected 36% are under 65 compared with only 17% for the U.S. population overall. • High blood pressure is more prevalent in certain racial/ethnic minority groups in the U.S., especially in blacks', for whom the prevalence is among the highest in the world and is increasing. • Non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans have a higher prevalence of diabetes than nonHispanic whites for adults over age 20.1 • Non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican American women have a higher rate of obesity-a risk factor for CVD and diabetes'than the overall population. LOWER ACCESS, LOWER QUALITY Racial/ethnic minority groups are less likely to be insured and have more limited access to quality health care. • A 2007 U.S. Census report showed that more than half of the uninsured are people of color. • A recent survey found that Hispanics and blacks are less likely than whites to have access to a regular source of medical care, but having health insurance and a medical home can reduce or eliminate disparities in access and quality. • A recent report on cardiac care quality of racial/ethnic minority groups found evidence

of disparities in 84% of the studies examined." • Evidence suggests black adults are far more likely than white adults to be admitted to the hospital for angina and congestive heart failure. • A study on cardiovascular procedures found blacks were more likely than whites to be admitted to an emergency room and had higher postoperative mortality rates. • Blacks hospitalized with a heart attack are less likely to receive revascularization compared to white and Hispanic patients, even after adjusting for insurance status and comorbidities. • The National Healthcare Disparities Report, 2007 found that the proportion of Medicare patients with heart failure who received the recommended hospital care was lower for American Indians/Alaska Natives and Hispanics, compared to whites. • Disparities are also linked to minority patients receiving care in lower-performing hospitals. HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE There are fewer minority physicians and limited awareness among cardiovascular practitioners about health care disparities. • Minorities are greatly underrepresented in the U.S. physician workforce. In 2001, only 2% of cardiologists were black 3.8% were Hispanic, and 12.7% were Asian.' • In 2004, almost two-thirds of U.S. medical school graduates continued on next page

CVD & Health Equity continued from page 6

were white. Only 6.3% were black, 6.2% were Hispanic/ Latino, and less than 1 % were Native American. 18 • Many minority patients have difficulty communicating with their health care providers. • Just 35% of cardiologists recently surveyed agreed that disparities in overall care exist in the U.S., and only 5% believed disparities exist in the care of their own patients. • A recent review of racial/ ethnic differences in cardiac care showed that 91 % of high quality studies included data on blacks, but only 26% on Hispanics, 14% on Asians, and a mere 5% on Native Americans." MORE AND BETTER DATA NEEDED The Affordable Care Act includes provisions that would require the development of more data on health disparities. Understanding where and why health disparities exist is the first step to addressing them. Although the new HHS Data Collection Standards are a step in the

Library Column continued from page 3

Kindle devices must be downloaded to a computer, and then transferred to the device over USB. For library patrons, this means Penguin e-books will no longer be available for over-theair delivery to Kindle devices or to Kindle apps. • Random House is raising its e-book prices for libraries. (E-books already cost more – a print book we pay $20 for costs about $27 in e-book format.) Raising costs will put a squeeze on the Library’s budget -- $1.5 million of the $1.6 million “

right direction, no standardized requirement exists in the health care industry for collecting, 9 categorizing, or using race/ethnicity data. The proportion of people in the US who are members of at least two ethnic groups will increase 10% by the year 2050, complicating assessments of 20 health disparities. THE AHA ADVOCATES The AHA and its American Stroke Association division support: • Meaningful, affordable high-quality health coverage for all U.S. residents that is culturally and Ian guageappropriate; • The Health Equity and Accountability Act (H.R. 2954), comprehensive legislation designed to help eradicate health disparities. • Funding at the national and state levels for WISEWOMAN or similar programs, which provide free screening and lifestyle intervention services to lowincome, uninsured or underinsured women; • Improved reporting of health care data, including new drug and medical device safety and efficacy data, by sex, race, and ethnicity. collections” budget must cover the district’s entire print, audiovisual and electronics purchases. What does this mean for the Library’s e-book collection? Lisa is optimistic, especially if library patrons continue their letterwriting campaign to e-book publishers. “As soon as publishers get a handle on how to adapt in this market, they will figure out strategies to sell to this (library) market,” she says. “But it would be great if all of them could get together and decide on a standard way to sell to public libraries.”

African American Community Organizations Directory Mark A. Dixon Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center 918 E. Calhoun Springfield, MO 65802 417-719-4300 www.bartley-decatur.org

Qunci Williams, Success Coach Sassy Sistah Network Life skill mentoring for women in transition sassysistahnet@aol.com 417-861-3965

Duke Winkfield American Legion Post Norvel Stafford 1339 E. Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-862-9123

Calvin L. Allen, Exec. Director Springfield Community Center- Family Achievement Academy Corner of Sherman Ave/Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-866-4359

Alana Lyles, President Ladies Civic League Provides scholarships for youth P. O. Box 8296 Springfield, MO 65801 Robert Looney, Ozarks Golf Club, Inc Spfld. Community Center 618 N. Benton Springfield, MO 65806 Sidney Needem, Sec., Sherman Avenue Project Committee, Inc. Housing Org. 1228 N. Sherman Springfield, MO 65802 417-865-1203 W.M. Herman Burkett, Jr. Prince Hall Masons Truth Lodge #151 P.O. Box 8063 Springfield, MO 65801 417-890-5180 Wesley Pratt The Gathering A community action group For more information call 417-987-7809 Shelia Burton, President Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Board, Inc. P.O. Box 9282 Springfield, MO 65801 417-877-0668

Cheryl Clay, President Springfield Branch N.A.A.C.P. P.O. Box 8983 Springfield, MO 65801 (417) 873-6386 Meetings are every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Flora (Pat) Looney, President Our Night Out Social & Charitable Org. 417-866-2387 James Pike, President Springfield Reunion Club Organizes the Annual Park Day/ Reunion Weekend 1447 N. Hampton Springfield, MO 65802 417-869-0183 Meeting every first Monday Samuel G. Knox Unite of SWMO, Inc. Publishes the Unite Publication; presenters of the Annual MultiCultural Festival 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy. Springfield, MO 65802 Phone: 417-864-7444 unitepublication@yahoo.com www.unitenewsonline.org

If you are a part of a Springfield African American Community Organization, we want to hear from you. Please send the name of your organization, address, phone number and a contact person to Unite., P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, MO 65801