Unite News - Oct 2012

October Unite Page 12

Library

continued from page 3 audiobooks, movies, music from the movies, story collections for all ages. We have multiple copies of many of those items, too. Our observance began with World Hobbit Day in September, but the festival continues through December, timed with the expected winter release of

NOTICE: NAACP Springfield Chapter Office & Executive Board Election November 17, 2012 The Springfield Mo. Chapter of the NAACP will hold their chapter elections at their November 17, 2012, meeting.

the major motion picture version of “The Hobbit.” Upcoming events: A book discussion for adults on “The Hobbit” at 7 p.m. Oct. 18, in the Library Center’s Harrison Room; and at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Brentwood Branch Library. More is coming in November and December, including presentations by Tolkien scholar Justin Noetzel at 2 p.m. Nov. 17

at the Brentwood Branch and at 7 p.m. that day at the Library Center. You can see the full schedule of events in the fall Bookends, or go to thelibrary.org/programs for Tolkien programs and more. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

The meeting will be held at the Midtown Carnegie Library, 397 E. Central, Springfield, Mo. Voting will take place from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. All members of good standing are eligible to vote. The nominating committee for the election will present their nomination report at the October 20, 2012 meeting. The

committee will nominate officers and at large executive Board members. Nominations from the floor will also be accepted at this time. All members of good standing are eligible to be nominated and vote. If you have questions or concerns please contact the office at 417-873-6386.

The Words

continued from page 9 like this in real life. But this is a movie after all and in some respects the main character has to deal with the harshest critic of all his own conscience. Perhaps this might be best enjoyed at a matinee or when it comes out on DVD in the comfort of your home on one of these chilly fall evenings but it makes for an interesting 90 plus minutes. Yup, I didn't mention it but the movie is not that long so for some that maybe an added benefit. I tend to be in the camp that says give me at least a 100 minutes for the amount of $ this costs. But anyhow in case you were wondering what The Words was about or if you should see it ....it at least makes one think a little and poses some interesting ethical dilemmas. Let me know what you think! 88 out of 100

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Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

October 2012 Volume 22/ Number 10 • A Monthly Publication by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc •

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Attend The Welcome Wagon Event Details On Page 5

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

“Dream BIG: The World of Shane Evans, AfricanAmerican Author and Illustrator” Springfield, MO—“Dream BIG,” two exciting presentations by author and illustrator Shane Evans will be given on October 20, 2012 at 1:00pm for children in grades 4 – 8 and at 10:00am for older teens, parents, educators and others who are interested in teaching and learning about world cultures. The presenta-

continued on page 2

Fall Fundraiser Fashion Show and Dinner October 5 Details On Page 4

Mic Check One Two, One Two by Mykeshia Jackson Unite Contributing Writer Mic Check One Two, One Looking for a good time during the week? Big Momma’s, located on 217 E. Commercial Street, hosts Open Mic Night every Monday startcontinued on page 2

Lift Every Voice by Mia Jackson Huskisson Unite Contributing Writer

Lift every voice and vote. That is the message political candidates, interest groups, local, state, and national officials are sending on the eve of the 2012 presidential election. Martin Luther King said, “Our lives begin and end the day we become silent about things that matter.” “Our ancestors worked too hard to give us the right to vote,” Springfield NAACP President Cheryl Clay said. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 65.3 percent of African Americans and 49.9 percent of Hispanics voted in the 2008 presidential election. While the statistics are a notable increase from the 2004 presidential election they indicate that 35 percent of African Americans and more than 50 percent of Hispanics’ voices were not heard. “There was an upswing in voters getting to the polls 4 years ago but now voters must continue to exercise their right,” Missouri State University Political Science Professor and Department Head Dr. George Connor said. Connor explains that most citizens don’t vote because they

ties,” Clay said. “Elections are the one time that the little guy can voice his opinion about what he likes and doesn’t like,” Connor said. “The real struggle for some voters is feeling that their life Cheryl Clay Dr. George Conner goes on no matter how the election turns out, the truth is, simple daily decisions are tied think their vote doesn’t matto votes.” ter or because they find little Future voter, Brandon difference between the political Looney, 20, plans to lift his candidates. voice this November for the “I want to participate in the first time. “This will be my first civic process, I have one vote,” time voting. I said registered couldn’t vote in voter Marvin the last (presiPringle, 46, “but, dential) election many people but this time I with one vote have my own can really make Romney/Ryan Obama/Biden place, a job, and a difference.” I pay taxes so I can be a part of Dr. Connor refers to the what’s going on,” Looney said. 2012 Republican Missouri 130th Fortunately, citizens House District primary election who have decided to vote but which was decided by one vote. have not registered have until 5 Registered voter Ora Map.m. on October 10th. ben, 60 something, explained You may register at the importance of each voter any state agency including but examining the issues and the not limited to: the Missouri candidate’s views on the issues. Driver’s License office, Divi“Voting is not about the color sion of Family Services, and of the candidate’s skin it is Military Recruitment office. about where they stand on the All branches of the Springfieldissue,” Maben said. Greene County Library are also “There are a lot of people runregistering voters. ning for office in this state and Voter registration is free and nationally that don’t necessarily continued on page 2 represent the interest of minori-

October Unite Page 11

October Unite Page 2

A Local Voice

Lift Every Voice

Shane Evans

continued from page 1

and open to all U.S. citizens who are Missouri residents and will be 18 by the date of the election. Absentee voting is available to voters unable to get to the polls on election day. Missouri, absentee voting will begin 6 weeks prior to the election. If you do not have transportation to the polls on November 6th, you may contact the Springfield NAACP office at (417) 873-6386. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we would be surprised at what would happen if we all came out to vote,â&#x20AC;? Clay said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let other people decide your future.â&#x20AC;?

presentations will be given as workshops on October 20th in the afternoon (1:00pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:00pm) and in the morning (10:00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:00 noon) for the aforementioned audience groups at the Library Station (2535 North Kansas Expressway). Shane Evans is recipient of the 2012 Coretta Scott King Book Award for his book titled Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom, A Neal Porter Book, published by Roaring Book Press, 2011. Information about Shane Evanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book and the Coretta Scott King Book Award can be found at http:// www.ala.org/emiert/cskboo-

Leaders or Followers: Something for the Youth

Office of Minority Health Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

The Office of Minority Health: Margaret Donnelly Director

Jeremiah (Jay) Nixon Governor

Joseph Palm Chief

The Office of Minority Health: x

Monitors the programs in the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for their impact on improving health equity for African American, Hispanic American, Alaskan/Native American and Asian/Pacific Islander American populations.

x Advises the director of the Department of Health and Senior Services on all matters that affect health equity for all Minority populations.

The Office of Minority Health is responsible for: x

Participating in the health education, design and implementation of culturally sensitive and competent awareness programs that reduce the incidence of disease in Minority populations and increases the knowledge of available resources.

x Analyzing federal and state legislation for its impact on the health status of Minority populations. x

Developing programs that can attract other public and private funds.

x

Assisting in the design of evidence-based programs and evaluations targeted specifically toward improving the health status and promoting health equity for all Minority populations.

x

Providing necessary health information, data, and staff resources to the Missouri Minority Health Regional Alliances and minority communities.

x Collaboration with community and professional organizations, community health centers, universities and colleges, and federal, state and local public health agencies.

The Office of Minority Health supports: x

Six regional minority health alliances (Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Eastern, and Central).

x

Community-based organizations and activities.

x

Senior services outreach.

x

Education and capacity building seminars and trainings.

x

Faith-based communities and initiatives.

x

Technical and advisory assistance related to minority health issues.

www.health.mo.gov The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

2IILFH RI 0LQRULW\ +HDOWK Ć&#x201D; 3 2 %R[ Ć&#x201D; -HIIHUVRQ &LW\ 02 Ć&#x201D; -3180

By: Tonja Osborne

Author and Illustrator, Shane Evans and Actor, Taye Diggs

kawards. The Coretta Scott Book Award web page holds this description of the illustrations and plot of Underground, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Effective interplay of dark and lightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;dark blues and greens that represent fear and oppression; bright golds that signal the joy of freedomâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;characterizes this portrayal of a band of slavesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; nighttime escape. They run, rest, get help from others, and finally celebrate their hard-won liberation.â&#x20AC;? Shane Evans, a world class illustrator and author, lives in Kansas City, Missouri where he owns an artist studio and gallery, Dream Studio. He is a graduate of the Syracuse University School of Visual and Performing Arts. His work is influenced by his travels to countries in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, as well as his travels throughout the United States. Some of Evansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recently published works as illustrator and/or author, include the following childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and youth book titles: We March, by Shane Evans; Chocolate Me! By Taye Diggs and My Brother Charlie, written by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete with Denene Millner.

During Shane Evansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; workshop visit in Springfield he will combine storytelling, art projects and slide presentations from his own work and travels. Plan to attend these presentations on October 20th at the Library Station, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dream BIG: The World of Shane Evans, African-American Author and Illustrator.â&#x20AC;? The Springfield AARI Committee is sponsoring the Shane Evans workshops in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Open Mic Night continued from page 1

at 7 p.m. Open Mic Night is an opportunity for local artists to express their vocal talents. From spoken word poetry and stand-up comedy to singing, all talents are encouraged to take the stage. People of all ages are welcomed. So come on out and enjoy a rich coffee or delicious smoothie, support local art, and have a good time. For more information call (417) 865-9911.

thank God first before you leave your bed you have prayed and Springfield, MOâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ask yourself, covered yourself for that day. are you a leader or a follower? A No one is perfect, but if you leader would be someone who find yourself laughing at others solves problems, helps in bad making fun of their clothes or situations and correct shoes you just ask God things they know are to forgive you and try wrong. The follower is to change the way you the one who hangs in think and what's in your groups and does what heart. Ask God to bless they see others do. They that person. If a child start trouble, they laugh smells funny, instead at people and sometimes of laughing, God may Tonja Osborne they are bullies. They want lead you to take your to be popular. last five dollars to buy them soap, My mother raised me as toothpaste and give it to them in a leader. I was churched and private. That person may break taught right from wrong but I down and cry and tell you they became a follower. I got into just moved here and had been trouble, went to jail, started using sleeping in a car. You've done a illegal substances, and suffered a good deed, stayed in prayer and lot of abuse. But I had a praying practiced leadership. This will mother and it took 20 years of my please God. life to be delivered from the situYou may have worked 80 ation. I think where the problem hours to buy the new Jordanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. started as a teenager, I didn't stay You get into the store, look at in prayer. See God uses young your money and say to yourpeople also. self, â&#x20AC;&#x153;God, that will take all my Prayer isn't always getting money." The leadership spirit down on your knees. You can may lead you to remember a boy stay in prayer by thinking about at school whose shoes are falling God at all times in your mind. No off his feet. As a leader you may one can hear what's in your head. decide to buy him some shoes Every time you call out His name instead. this pleases Him. This process And one day you may pass a doesn't happen overnight you tent sale in a parking lot and ask have to start practicing while your parents to pull in and find you're young. It will keep you a shoe store that is going out of safe, take you through college, business and find those same Jorand make you successful. dan's sitting there for 20 dollars. Things aren't always easy but So you were still blessed with you train your heart and mind the shoes, you helped someone, on being obedient to God. This you stayed in prayer and God is pleases Him. You start by every pleased. morning you open your eyes you Believe me, you have your par-

ents to protect you now and you may not have to be saved from anything yet. So you don't want to go following people and things. It can ruin your life even get you killed. So thank God every day and practice being a leader. Be positive. Pray for help on tests or any decision you're not sure about. Talk to God first in everything you do. It will save your life. He will always bless and take care of you. If you would like to contact Ms Osborne, you may email her at: tosborne_1110@yahoo.com

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October Unite Page 3

October Unite Page 10

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 Alzheimer's Dementia Workshop Lynette Adams Springfield, MO Any size class available 417-866-6878 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. Call: 1-800-877-3180

IN THIS ISSUE

Health & Mental Fitness Relationships are Not Neutral

by Dr. Jennifer L. Baker The Robert J Murney Clinic

for these services clearly exists, but a crisis nursery like Isabel's House is insufficient to address I am up against a deadline for the broader problems of abuse a grant application to the Junior and neglect. For a number of League of Springfield today, so reasons, as a recent news story this week's posting is likely to indicated, Isabel's House canbe briefer than most. The Junior not accommodate all the chilLeague's focus on "The Prevendren and families in need. This tion of Child Abuse and Neglect" is why, I suspect, the Junior is very relevant to what we try League continues its efforts to to do through the Operation Us prevent child abuse and neglect Initiative. Even though many in other areas of the community people think of Operation Us as as well. focused on the couple, nothing Prevention Must Include could be more relevant to the Focus on New and Expectant well-being of children than their Parents parents' relationship. If we reI strongly support commually want to prevent child abuse nity efforts to help children in and neglect, we must do more crisis, but if we want to prevent than identifying child abuse and mandated reportneglect, we must ...nothing could be ers and training aim at helping more relevant to the expectant parthem to do a better job of rec- well-being of children ents form and ognizing abuse. than their parents' maintain healthy, Our efforts must happy stable relationship. extend beyond unions. Research removing chilfrom three largedren from dangerous homes. scale studies on the national In order to prevent harm to incidence of child abuse and children from occurring in the neglect, identifies a previously first place, we must help their overlooked factor — the marital parents. status of parents — as a contribHelping parents who are utor in the rising incidence of experiencing a family emerchild abuse in the United States. gency or enduring excessive Rates of serious child abuse stress is one preventative action. have been shown to be lowest The Junior League does terwithin intact married families. rific work in this area through Statistics show that child abuse its support of Isabel's House, rates are as follows. a crisis home away from home • Six times higher in stepfamily for children 12 and under, with situations education and support for the • 14 times higher in an alwaysentire family. An important area single-mother family of need, the Junior League initi• 20 times higher in cohabitingated this community endeavor biological parent families in 2007 and has supported it for • 33 times higher when mother the past five years. The demand is cohabiting with a boyfriend

who is not the father These statistics, coupled with the fact that 51% of Missouri's children will live in a single parent family at some point in their childhood, suggest a much greater risk of poverty, child abuse, and neglect for children in single parent families. Fortytwo percent of all babies in the U.S. today are born to unmarried parents. Even though research from the Fragile Families Study indicates a strong majority (85-90%) intend to marry at the time of their child's birth, only 10-15% actually manage to achieve their goal. Children, whose parents do not marry by their third birthday, typically lose contact with their fathers, putting them at greater risk for child abuse and neglect. Perhaps we're reluctant to focus on parent relationships because many of us know single parents who have done a great job. Perhaps we are struggling to make our stepfamily the best it can be. Maybe we know and love children born out-of-wedlock and don't want them to be stigmatized in any way. These are all reasonable concerns— ones we need to keep in mind. At the same time, I hope we won't lose sight of the mountains of research supporting the idea that statistically, children raised by their same two married parents do better on every measure than children raised in any other arrangement. If we want to prevent the abuse and neglect of children, we simply must help their parents form and maintain healthy, happy homes and marriages.

Community News

Download Thousands Free ebooks, Videos and Audiobooks by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District Have you downloaded any books on your e-reader for free from the Library yet? We can show you how, with free help sessions and now with a how-to online video. You can find the video on YouTube, do a search for “Springfield-Greene County Library District” and scroll down to the downloading videos for Nook and Kindle. The Library has thousands of e-books, e-audiobooks and evideos that patrons with a library card can check out and download for free. Try one of these informal downloading how-to sessions: 11 a.m. Oct. 15 in the Library Station Frisco Room; 6 p.m. the same day in the upstairs meeting room of Midtown Carnegie Branch Library; and at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Library Center’s Story Hour Room. If you have questions before these sessions or about downloading library materials, please call 616-0531. ••• Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and his popular titles, “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” won’t want to miss all the programs devoted to their hero during the Library’s Tolkien Festival 2012 this fall. And if you’d like to experience more of Tolkien – or experience his work for the first time – the Springfield-Greene County Libraries have 55 different Tolkien-related items for checkout: books, continued on page 12

5

Hispanic Heritage Month Festival

6

Business Resource Guide

by Yolanda Lorge

MIB Names Interim Executive Director by Lola Butcher

8 10

Lifestyle & Entertainment News

Food & Movie Review by Lyle Foster

UNITE.

Volume 22, Number 10 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox Contributing Writers Lyle Foster Mia Jackson-Huskisson Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Photography David Huskisson Dr. David N Knox Distribution Bradley Knox

Relationships Are Not Neutral by Dr. Jennifer L. Baker The Robert J. Murney Clinic

Volunteers Tyra Knox Kerri McGrew Angelor Wilkes

The Unite. publication is a

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

W. Bruce Howell Robert J. Lohmeyer Don R. Lohmeyer Marquis D. Howell, Jr Heather K. Howell Angela N. Collins Harley R. Williams Clint W. Mease Winford R Laster

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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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“EDUCATION S OUR BUSINESS”

501[c]3 organization Est. 1986

CommunitySection Transitioning Into Middle School Gwendolyn Marshall Office of Cultural Diversity, SPS

between the lines. Be sensitive to any fears your child might have but reserve comments and actions until you have The middle school facts about a situation, years are a time of discuss peer pressure, transition: emotional, communicate with your physical, social and child, welcome and get academic. Your supto know your child’s port and involvement friends and become as parents are essential aware of physical and at this stage of your emotion changes in Gwen Marshall child’s growth. Reyour child. search shows that pre-teens do According to the United better in school when their parStates Department of Educaents are involved in their lives. tion, Reading is an important During this time of transipart of the middle school years. tion listen to what your child Many of the subjects your child tells you and is really saying studies in middle school involve

~ REMINDER ~

“A Passion For Fashion” A Fall Fashion Show and Dinner Presented by the “Ladies Civic League” Friday, October 5, 2012 ~ 6:30 p.m. Executive Conference Center ~ 910 W. Battlefield ~ Springfield, MO

Tickets $20.00 each Proceeds Benefit Ladies Civic League Scholarship Fund TICKET AVAILABLE AT: Hair Waves—1211 W. Battlefield—(417) 888-2442 Tangles—3051 S. Kimbrough—(417) 881-2121 The Braidery—1349 S. Glenstone—(417) 883-3866 Trena’s Exquisite Hair Salon—1553 N. National—(417) 862-1106 Louise & Sisters Hair Boutique—1874 N. Glenstone—(417) 831-0275

you will need to make for your much more reading than in child’s education beyond high elementary school. Check with school. The FAFSA4Caster, at your child’s school counselor www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov, can to see what your child’s readhelp you calculate college costs ing level is. If your child reads before your child applies to below grade level, check with college. And, the school to see when your child what additional “Ability is what is ready to apply reading programs are available to you are capable of for financial aid, help improve your doing. Motivation we make it easier for you to learn child’s skills. determines what how much finanNow is the you will do. Atcial support is time to help your available to your titude determines child focus on the family and how future. Encourhow well you do to apply for aid. age your child to it.” – Lou Holtz Now, here is take challenging the conclusion classes. You may of the matwant to ask your ter “middle school.” You’re in child’s teachers these questions: grades 6–8, you’re not a child • Will the classes my child takes anymore…but you’re not a help him or her be competitive grown-up either. You have more in college and the work world? freedom…but not enough. Your Is my child having trouble in any life is more exciting…and more class? stressful. You’re faced with a lot • What tutoring programs are of decisions…but where can you available? turn for advice? Your friends are • Does my child have good as confused as you are, and your study habits? parents might not understand • Does he or she read what is what you’re going through. Connecessary to complete an assigngrats to all you tweens out there ment? Hand in assignments on and welcome to middle school. time? Prepare ahead of time for assignments and tests instead of cramming at the last minute? Important Dates To Remember • Does my child have the supOctober 16, 2012 plies needed to complete assignEnd of First Quarter (42) ments? Last but not least is preparing October 17, 2012 Professional Learning/Work Day financially for college. In our (Students Out All Day) present economy it is difficult October 18, 2012 for many of us to live day to day. Second Quarter Begins Preparing for a child’s college education for many parents may September 22- October 5, 2012 Late ACT Registration seem to be a luxury. The U.S. Department of Education has October 27, 2012 ACT Test a resource to help you determine the financial commitments

Food Review

continued from page 8 Wal-Mart (eaten a lot of those at

get-togethers).....they tend to be basic but they still satisfy the wing craving. My favorite flavors?....I like the honey mustard....Bar-B-Q...teriyaki and sometimes I go exotic if the option is there and get sweet

and sour or something crazy. So if sports is on fire in your household and you have to do the entertaining you can not go wrong with the many options for wings in our town. And I would for you to email Unite and let us know what your favorite wing place is in town... there is a game to watch!!!!! Go Chiefs!!!!!

Movie Review: “The Words” supposedly seeing each other if anyone is interested in knowing the "hot" news. And while we are on that page is Hollywood This is the time of the year the only business where you when a lot of films go to the Halcan be an "item" in real life and loween theme and the scarier then get paid to be a couple on is the better seems to be the the big screen too. I honestly general rule. I am not a fan of went to see this movie on an the Friday the 13th genre and all evening when of the slash and nothing was gore themes. really grabbing Personally I me in terms of think life has what was playenough scary ing because as moments on I mentioned it's own without earlier I don't having to pay for do blood and them. So in this gore. The plot season I usually was somewhat look for what I interesting call sleeper films even plausible because the so I decided summer blockto give it a try. busters are over The premise is ...some were © 2012 Benaroya Pictures about a strugbig successes gling writer and some were who desperately attempts to not. Recently I went to check get his first book published and out The Words. This 2012 film of course no success. A part is written and directed by Brian of that was interesting as well Klugman and Lee Stern which is as for this author once he gets their directorial debut. The film publishes he becomes golden. has a decent line-up of actors The struggling writer (Bradand actresses which include ley Cooper) is also in a young Bradley Cooper, Olivia Wilde, relationship (Zoe Saldana) and Zoe Saldana, Jeremy Irons, Ben she is so supportive of him and Barnes, Dennis Quaid and Nana everything that he is doing. Arnezeder. As an aside BradAfter so many rejections and ley cooper and Zoe Saldana are by Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

disappointments he stumbles upon a manuscript in an old store on a Pairs vacation. And yes you can guess the rest........ he claims it as his own and one day the original author comes a calling. Of course, this is after fame and fortune have come his way. The movie attempts to examine some of the moral and ethical issues that are inherent with such a decision and we get a bit of a glimpse into some of the consequences as well. An interesting sidebar occurs when the original author tells us the real grit behind the story. We get to see some Parisian scenery which is always cool. The acting is okay....reasonably good...... nothing at the Academy award level.. And the film is shared in the I'm telling you the story of

my life vein and then contains another story within a story so one has to keep track of all of those levels in the plot. Zoe Saldana looks great and does a credible job and makes an interesting decision which adds to the plot when she learns the truth of her companion's book project. And once again we learn the life lesson that some of the strongest lessons in life that resonate with each of us the strongest come from the painful and real experiences that we actually have. The story itself was not the most plausible perhaps because it seems that in today's sue happy culture that the real author would have gotten his fair due. And yet we have seen a few examples that were almost continued on page 12

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 • Installers (Springfield) - Install cable television and high speed internet within the Joplin, Springfield and surrounding areas. The successful applicant will possess a strong technical aptitude, adept customer service attitude, satisfactory driving record, and enjoy working outdoors • Direct Sales Representatives (Springfield) – 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. 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 mediacomcable.com/careers for immediate consideration. Pre-employment drug screen and background check required. MEDIACOM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews Food Review: Buffalo Wings and Football by Lyle Foster Unite Contributing Writer

at many places. Do any of you ever feel like your favorite place shifts or changes? Right now I To all Chiefs fans....what a really enjoy the Thai wings at win on Sunday, September 23 in Houlihan's and a lot of people the come from behind that I know agree as win with the Saints. well. They have a great And to tie it up and do chile inspired sauce on it in overtime....what a them which gives them victory!...I got to catch a kick but not so much some of the Colts and that you can not go to Jaquars game on the sleep the same night. same weekend and to They have a crisp see the exciting play finish but yet they are Lyle Foster the Jaquars pulled off moist and I never can on the home field of the Colts get enough of them which is in the last minutes of the game also a good sign... but I force was NFL at its best. myself to stop with the amount Now someone is asking why that comes in the order. They the food column is talking about seem to get at what I like most football because it is now offiin a good wing... flavor throughcially fall and this is football seaout and moist and yet a slight son and now that the NFL is on crispness. And with two locaat least three times a week... we tions in town you can get these know that food goes with a lot of wings north and south. games from tailgating to just the Now one of the obvious placmancave or sitting on the couch es is Buffalo Wild Wings, they with the gang. have a lot of fans in town and So this month we are talkagain you can hit them up north ing about wings as in chicken and south. Obviously they are a wings. Does anyone like sports bar and you can catch a them?... And in Springfield we variety of sports there and that have our share and I'd be very is the kind of atmosphere... but interested in you sharing what they serve an amazing variety of your favorite wing place is. I flavors for their wings... sure to would love to know what the please most palettes. Truthfully reader's favorite wing choice at Buffalo Wild Wings... I find is... maybe you can turn me on that I like the description of the to somewhere I haven't been to wings better than the actual or make me give them another taste of them... does that make chance. any sense?... I am psyched that I like bone-in wings and I they are going to taste really already know that many of you good and I order my favorite like the boneless, but I guess flavors and then they don't quite I am old school and proud so make the grade. The wings it is what it is. I have three seem a bit small for me and as favorite wing places in town and I mentioned earlier I like the have definitely sampled wings bone in wing and I know they

are dealing with big volume but they are popular and if the Chiefs do anymore victories like today there will be a lot of wings consumed. But wait I am not forgetting you have some more favorite places and let's mention a few more. Wing Stop on South National has a lot of fans and as you know my focus in this column is to highlight local businesses. I like the ambiance because it is genuine... the outdoor porch on National is a good

place for checking out the sights and seeing what is going on. The wings are dead on and you can dine in or carry out and they have some interesting flavors and a few combo and secret flavors that you can ask for that are not on the menu... but they are gooooood! With its proximity to MSU there are a lot of the college crowd there and a few TV's to watch the games on. It is not a fancy place but it is a good local place and that is good enough. I tend to like my wings bigger and meatier and I find that at Wing Stop. Have you ever thought of how many wing places there are and how many wings we eat in this country?...Wow. Well I can not write about wings without mentioning one of my other

favorite spots and that is Big Whiskey's in what I call the bar district downtown Springfield on Park Central. The wings here are good... no they are not the only thing on the menu and again they cater somewhat to the sports and at night to the party crowd... so if that's not your thing come early or sit on the patio while you still can. Speaking of the patio I have seen some sights that I can not mention in this paper eating wings there on weekend nights.... now to be clear the sights were on Park Central walking by to a local dance club. They don't have as many flavors as BW3 but they have the most popular flavors and the wings are usually good sized and tasty. The portion size is also good... Usually on Sundays there are wing promotions and you can cheaply order as many wings as you would ever want to eat. Sometimes the service has not been as good as I would like, but I have tried to exercise patience and kept thinking of the good wings I would soon be eating and stayed in my seat until I was recognized. Hmmm I did mention it to the manager on one occasion and my last visit service was smoother. I'm just saying. Now real quicly....I like the wings at Dillon's, Applebees and continued on page 9

2012- 2013 Exhibitions Displayed At The Springfield Art Museum • History of Springfield in Art 14 July - February 24, 2013 Thielen Gallery This exhibition explores the ever-changing face of Springfield. From paintings, photographs to drawings by artists such as Bob Palmer, J.G. Hulett, Ernest Cecil Jarrad, Raymond Kennon and David Lakish, it showcases the richness of the history of the Queen City of Missouri. • John Cavanaugh: Hammered Lead

15 September - 18 November 2012 Hosted by the Southwest Missouri Museum Associates. Considered to be the 20th century's "master of hammered lead," sculptor John Cavanaugh was best known for his innovative direct metal technique of working with the medium. Concerned with capturing the unique surface qualities of the medium, Cavanaugh expressed a sense of intimacy and motion in works ranging from figurative to impressionistic to abstraction.

Welcome Wagon Reception Planned For New Diverse Residents On October 5th Springfield, MO—The Gathering will host a Welcome Wagon Reception Friday, October 5, 2012 at the new “C-Street Event Center” located at 306 Commercial Street, at 6:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by Q’Enoteca and Big Momma’s Coffee & Espresso Bar. The Gathering encourages new residents, of diverse backgrounds, that moved to the Springfield area within the past 18 months to contact Wes Pratt at (417)8736386 or wesesq@hotmail.com if

you plan to attend. The Gathering also encourages elected and appointed officials, local businesses, community and faithbased organizations to join us in welcoming our new Springfieldians and connecting them to the goods and services available in our great city. The “Welcome Wagon Reception” was inspired by Councilmember Denny Whayne’s desire to help new Springfieldians to the community feel at home and to connect to the community.

Craft Fair Scheduled For Nov 17th In The Deliverance Temple Gymnasium Springfield, MO— Vendors are invited to sell their craft and or products at the DT Craft Fair Saturday, November 17, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 p.m. Cost is $25.00 for exhibit space. A homemade lunch will also be available from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

If you are interested in selling your handmade goods, please contact Patricia Looney at 8696566/861-6981 or email her at patricia.looney@sbcglobal.net or tammyyorke@att.net Deliverance Temple Ministries is located at 2101 W. Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO.

Call For Singers and Musicians For “Revival In Song”, at Greater Met December 6 -8 Springfield, MO— A Revival In Song, “Next Level” is scheduled at Greater Metropolitan Church 1400 N.West Ave., December 6-8, 2012 nightly at 7:00 p.m. If you are a singer, musician, or have a praise team, choir and

group that would like to participate or need more Info please contact Moniqua Bell (417) 6195305 or gmets.music@gmail.com Also womens focus Sunday evenings 7-8 for more Info contact: (417)619-9269.

Every First Tuesday of the Month

Minorities In Business monthly networking meeting

What: Networking & Guest Speakers 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

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 free or low cost Business Assistance Minorities In Business Monthly Networking Meeting 417.861-0760 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce www.spfldchamber.com 417.862.5567 Small Business Administration (SBA) www.sba.gov 417.864.7670 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.864.7670 Drury University - Breech Center / Student in Free Enterprise www.drury.edu 417.873.7243 Ozarks Technical Community College www.otc.edu 417.895.7158 The Library Center Business Reference thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org 417.874.8110

Small Business & Technology Development Center

sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417.836.5685 • Loan assistance • Financial analysis • Business planning • Marketing products • Trademark searches • Training seminars (business planning, business valuation, business management, finance, human resources, QuickBooks, marketing and international trade)

Business ResourceGuide MIB Names Interim Executive Director Springfield, MO—The Minorities-in-Business Board of Directors has appointed Lyle Q. Foster to serve as interim executive director. Minorities-in-Business is a 501(c)3 organization that promotes economic development and business opportunities through advocacy, networking, community development and capacity-building for minority businesses and entrepreneurs in the greater Springfield area. “MIB is excited about this chapter in the organization's history as we continue to assist

small businesses and entrepreneurs develop capacity and work with the public and private sectors to increase opportunity," said John Oke-Thomas, president of the MIB Board of Directors. Foster, a founding member of MIB, is an entrepreneur who owns Big Momma's Coffee and Espresso Bar and Q Enoteca and participates in Commercial Street re-development activities. He is also an instructor at Missouri State University. His background includes more than 25 years of non-profit manage-

ment and consulting. Oke-Thomas, MIB’s founding president, recently was elected to serve a second term. Ronald Ponds, retired District Manager for the Social Security Administration, was elected as first vice president, and Joe Robles Jr., owner of Joe Robles State Farm Insurance, was elected as second vice president. MIB membership meetings are at 5:15 pm on the first Tuesday of each month at Q Enoteca, 318 W. Commercial St. The next meeting will be Oct. 2. The public is invited.

Business Opportunity: Entrepreneurship at 50+ by Michael Chodos, Small Business Administration Official Life after 50 opens the door to many opportunities and new interests, and being retired or near retirement may give you the time, resources and experience that will allow you to be more passionate about these than you have ever been before. It may be time to find the answer to the “what’s next” question you’ve been pondering. In fact, we’re seeing a growing number of people over the age of 50 – we call them encore entrepreneurs – look to small business ownership as their next big opportunity. Think of it as a great concert. What’s the best part? The encore! I’m pleased to share today that SBA has launched our initial Encore Entrepreneurship course, an easy-to-use guide on the ins and outs of starting and

running a small business, financing, identifying hot industries and more. The self-paced course is a great first step to entrepreneurship learning, and is designed for individuals planning to start a business after earlier career endeavors. It is practical with real life examples and helpful tips. The Encore Entrepreneurship course will help you to: • Discover how to turn your entrepreneurial idea into a business reality, and • Define and describe components to forming a new business SBA is committed to helping encore entrepreneurs in their journey to entrepreneurship. We know it can be a challenge to figure out what to do and where to go for business assistance. There is a ton of information available on how to start and run a business, but not all of it is the

right information. Whether you want to pursue a hobby or start the business you’ve always dreamed of, the new course can help you to: • Choose your Business Idea • Determine if it has Income Potential • Develop a Flexible Business Plan that Steers the Business • Decide on a Business Model, and • Take the Necessary Legal and Regulatory Steps to Get Started Our partners at AARP impressed upon us that people who are 50+ are digitally savvy and enjoy using engaging, interactive resources. Along those lines, we’re introducing a virtual concierge (her name is Jean). Virtual Jean will serve as our help desk resource for encore entrepreneurs, available anytime and anywhere, on desktops, laptops and tablets. continued from page 7

Business at 50+ continued from page 6

Jean’s important responsibility is pointing you to the right courses, tools and mentors, and gathering your feedback on what’s useful to you. Jean will introduce a series of “webisodes,” with topics ranging widely from freelancing, programs for veterans, disaster planning, green businesses and more. Jean will also connect you with SBA’s 1,400+ mentors across the country. Perhaps you’ve heard that there is an opportunity to meet our small business mentors on National

Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day on Oct. 2, a joint effort of SBA and AARP. You’ll get a chance to interact with small business mentors, and learn more about resources available at Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and SCORE chapters. I encourage you to stay tuned for more resources and tools that we’re developing to keep encore entrepreneurs well equipped for small business success. Meanwhile, check out our virtual concierge Jean and let us know what you think. To start go to http://www.sba.gov/content/50entrepreneurs

Are You Thinking About Starting A Minority- Owned Business? by Small Business Administration Are you ready to start your business, but don't know where to start or what opportunities are out there for minority groups? The following resources provide information on federal government programs and services that help members of minority groups start their own businesses, as well as resources to help finance your new business and where to go to get training and assistance. Federal Programs and Resources • HubZone Program Provides information on a program sponsored by the SBA that helps businesses in historically underutilized areas gain access to federal procurement opportunities. • Minority Business Development Agency Details how to finance a business as well as business opportunities from a federal agency

created specifically to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America. • Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference Explores the issues affecting the growth and development of minority business enterprises, discussed at this federally-sponsored, national conference. • 8(a) Business Development Program Covers programs and services that help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and federal procurement market. • SBA Office of Native American Affairs Outlines programs and resources that are available to American Indians, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiians seeking to create, develop and expand small businesses. For more information go to: http://www.sba.gov/content/ minority-owned-businesses

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

Lynette Adams, Worthy Matron Order Of Eastern Star Greater Truth Chapter #88 P.O. Box 9412 Springfield, MO 65801 417-866-6878 Calvin L. Allen, Exec. Director Springfield Community Center- Family Achievement Academy Corner of Sherman Ave/Division St Springfield, MO 65803 417-866-4359 Cheryl Clay, President Springfield Branch N.A.A.C.P. P.O. Box 8983 Springfield, MO 65801 Meetings are every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. 417-873-6386 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 Willie Carter, Director Victory Circle Peer Support Inc 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy Springfield, MO 65802 417-894-0188 Support group for men in recovery Samuel G. Knox Unite of SWMO, Inc. Publishes the Unite Publication; presenters of the Annual Springfield 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