October Unite Page 12
October 2014 Volume 24/ Number 10 • A Monthly Publication by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc •
GRUPO LATINOAMERICANO’s 25th ANNIVERSARY! WHEN: Saturday, October 18th 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM WHERE: MSU Plaster Student Union. S. National and E. Madison
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Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
Springfield, MO—Organizers of Springfield’s 5th Annual Jazz Festival hope both jazz aficionados and those who know little to nothing about the musical genre, will take this opportunity to listen and learn. The local festival, taking place in downtown Springfield, Friday, Oct. 3, is free to the public. Before the Civil Rights Act, before Brown vs. The Board of Education, and long before President Truman's integration of the armed forces, black and white jazz musicians were breaking social taboos in order to share and learn from each other. Experts, in fact, say the creation of jazz was due to a melting pot of sorts: the combination of European musical tradition and African musical tradition. See Schedule on page 8
Springfield, MO—The Springfield chapter of the NAACP will hold their chapter election, November 15, 2014 from noon to 4:00 Cheryl Clay pm at the Midtown Carnegie Library at 397 E. Central. This election will be held per the NAACP National Office procedures. The general membership continued on page 2
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5th Annual Springfield Jazz Festival Is October 3rd On Park Central Square
Local NAACP Will Hold Chapter Elections Nov 15
ADMISSION, FOOD AND PARKING ARE FREE!!!
Six Local Athletes honored as New Hall Inductees
Photo by B. Hairston
Photo by Springfield News-Leader
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Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
Join us in our celebration of 25 years of service to the community. Enjoy the live music, dances, cultural exhibits and food of the Spanish-Speaking world. We invite the entire Ozarks community, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, to come and share in this festive celebration of fun and fiesta for the whole family.
Unite enriches lives and connects you with diverse news about your community you can trust and count on. Unite is now available online at unitenewsonline.org
UNITE.
National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15- October 15
NaTasha Neal Moore
Gary "Peanut" Adams
Springfield, MO—Six individuals were new inductions to the list of Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame at the September 23, ceremony at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. The continued on page 9
I’m a cop. If you don’t want to get hurt, don’t challenge me. by Sunil Dutta This article reprinted from The Washington Post. 08/19/14
It’s not the police, but the people they stop, who can prevent a detention from turning into a tragedy. Sunil Dutta, a professor of homeland security at Colorado
Tech University, has been an trigger-happy murderers; riots officer with the Los erupt. This, we are led Angeles Police Departto believe, is the way of ment for 17 years. The things in America. views presented here It is also a terrible are his own and do not calumny; cops are represent the LAPD not murderers. No or CTU. A teenager is officer goes out in the fatally shot by a police field wishing to shoot Sunil Dutta officer; the police are anyone, armed or unaccused of being bloodthirsty, continued on page 11
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March Unite Page 9
October Unite Page 2
October Unite Page 11
Beginning a Robust Year of Education…with Ferguson in the Background
obliged and put some green in at my table had some wonderful it.....I recieved my rice and took plates of food and the presentamy seat. I was a little nervous tion was great. HuHot!!!! because I didn't want to leave So save some money next by Dr Ken Coopwood fear racial in an ambulance so my first few timeofyou aredifferences. at the mall and Unite Contributing Writer Itcheck is important note that all bites were rather tentative ...but it out. 3 to 1/2 forks!!!!! the programs, serafter I had eaten half a plate I With many questions vices and trainings didn't have any major sympCity of Springfield about how to start the DDI, or anyone, can toms. Well, I did feel a little Mayor’s Commission on year after the shootoffer mean nothing funny for a few minutes but it Human Rights and ing death of acourse Michael without genuine will passed......Of a friend I Community Relations Brown, a college-age for reconciliation by was describing this to asked me in Ferguson, participants. Some ifyoung I wasman just going through a psyMissouri, the Division of people drove for chological thing? I laughed and Ken Coopwood Diversity and Inclusion hours to visit the site said I don't know but I did feel (DDI) at MSU is all the more where Michael Brown was slain. funny for a minute. However, I eager to impart education about Others support “Thevowed MCHRCRtheir works to promote and did appreciate the effort and in understanding and respect race relations to the greater even participated in his among funeral case you are interested I didn't all citizens and provides the Springfield community. We have services. They were genuine, have any side effects. But all in community recourse for a devoted staff offering and DDI discriminatory activities this acts.”year will all HuHot is a very goodprodining grams, services and trainings follow suit by genuinely 840 Boonville Avenue addressexperience and the opportunity Springfield, MO 65802 to students, staff, faculty and ing the pieces and principles of to select your own ingredients is community members who want our society417-864-1038 that come together a wonderful and very entertainto learn about and live without to www.springfieldmo.gov/boards/humanrights/index.html create a situation like the one ing thing to do......and everyone
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.
in Ferguson. We will also address pieces and principles that come together to help ensure that the Ferguson situation never happens in Springfield. There will be lots to enjoy and share with someone different from you and with someone just like you. But you must participate with a willing heart and a helping hand, or else all the work is futile, and our community gets closer to its day on CNN. For starters, look for a revitalized Multicultural Resource Center (MRC). The MRC will bring loads of new heritage month programs, including one for Euro-American Heritage Month, and other developments that will bring community members to campus. We will provide a refreshed Youth Empowerment Conference (YES) and a Student Transition Education Program (STEP) to inspire our young people to new heights of citizenship and education. In addition, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and
NAACP
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membership nominating committee will present their candidates at the October 18, 2014 general meeting at the Midtown Carnegie Library. At that time nominations from the floor will be accepted to be added to the ballot. All members in good standing as of April 1, 2014 may be elgible to run for office. Please note the following important General Membership meetings of the NAACP Springfield Mo. NAACP Branch, for the purpose of election of officers and at-large members of
Inclusion (OVPDI) will present the 3rd Annual Statewide Collaborative Conference. This year’s conference will feature a national authority on race relations, an international illusionist, a diversity fair, a mini-conference for students and a host of best-practice diversity presentations. The Diversity Fellows within the OVPDI will provide a community-wide video and education series… all year round. One of these will feature a true international exchange in September between participants and visitors from Abuja, Nigeria! Race relations isn’t the only focus of the DDI. This year we will support a new LGBT (Lesbian, Gay Bi-sexual and Trans-Gender) Center and on-going services for people with disabilities. Our work for both will be to ensure that the campus and community remain safe places and increase in access for all. We welcome members of both groups to campus and to participate in any event desired.
the executive committee. 1. On September 20, 2014 the nominating committee was selected. 2. On October 18,2014 at the Midtown Carnegie Library Committee, receipt of Nominations by Petition, and election of the Election Supervisory Committee. All members whose memberships are current as of April 1 may be nominated for office or as an at-large member of the Executive Committee. In order to sign a nominating petition, or be elected to the Election Supervisory Committee, a member must continued on page 7
Library
continued from page 3
CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, vinyl records, board games and puzzles.Adult, young adult and children’s books and most audiovisual items are $1 or less; better books are $2 and up. The Friends can accept cash or checks only. Sale hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21,-Friday, Oct. 24. The sale continues from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, for Half-price Day, when everything is marked half price. The final day is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. That’s Bag Day, when everything you can jam in a bag is $1, or $5 from better books. ••• October is National Bullying Prevention Month, when the Library is focusing on raising awareness of bullying. The series continues Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. at the Brentwood Branch with the film, “Bully,” raged PG-13, for age 13 and older. It also airs at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the
Every First Tuesday of the Month
Minorities In Business monthly networking meeting When: 5:15 p.m.
Our guest speaker is George Phillips with Philips & Associates, Inc. He will be discussing MODOT DBE Certification. 405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65897 Bring a friend or business partner!! RSVP by emailing kayla@oke-thomas.com 405 N. Jefferson Ave. For more information call: (417) 863-6262
Library Station Frisco Room. The documentary follows the serious impactof bullying on five youths and their families over a school year. On Monday, Oct. 20, Jon Herbert, Ozarks Technical Community College theater instructor, will lead a group of young people in a dramatization based on one teen's haiku to reflect a personal story of bullying or oppression. Discussion will follow the performance. At 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, meet and hear Tina Meier, the Missouri woman whose daughter Megan committed suicide after being bullied online. Tina will share Megan's story and discuss bullying, bystanders, cyberbullying and sexting. Families are welcome; some material may be inappropriate for young children. This event will be simulcast live to the Library Center, Library Station and Midtown Carnegie Branch Library. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.
Fades Barber Shop Specializing in Fades and other popular styles. 812 S. Glenstone Ave Call to schedule an appointment or come by. Walk-ins are welcome.
(417)832-8242
If you want to experience something new —the before and after look of true beauty, come to:
Trena’s Exquisite Hair Salon
Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 1553 N. National Ave.
Call: (417) 849-6611
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 Association 417-886-2199 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
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IN THIS ISSUE
Health & Mental Fitness National Alliance for Hispanic Health Statement on Introduction of SWEET Act From The National Alliance for Hispanic Health Penny a teaspoon tax on the sugar added to beverages is a reasonable and needed approach to encourage beverage manufacturers to offer healthier choices for consumers and support prevention efforts Washington, DC — “Today, we have said ¡Basta! (enough) to the unhealthy onslaught of sugary drinks that are being promoted to our children and our families. The SWEET Act is an important step to invigorate the beverage industry to put the health of people first and make healthy options more available,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health on the introduction of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax (SWEET) Act by Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro. The SWEET Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to institute a tax of 1 cent
per teaspoon of caloric sweetener, such as sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, on sugar sweetened beverage products to be paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of such products. The revenue would support prevention and treatment, research, and nutrition education to reduce the human and economic costs of diabetes, obesity, dental caries, and other conditions related to consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. “The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is proud to be one of the original endorsers of the SWEET Act. The penny tax is a reasonable approach to support public health and we will continue to stand on the right
side of this issue for the health of all families,” concluded Dr. Delgado. The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation's foremost science-based source of information and trusted
non-partisan advocate for the best health outcomes for all. For more information, visit http://www.hispanichealth. org, call the Alliance’s Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-7832645, or find us on Facebook at healthyamericas or on Twitter at health4americas.
Community News
It's Time For The Friends Of The Library Book Sale by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District The region’s biggest bargain book sale is coming Oct. 21-26 to Remington’s. It’s the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, a perfect place to pick up slightKathleen O'Dell ly used books and more for your home library or school. Many books are like new, and can make great holiday gifts. The Friends will fill Remington’s, at 1655 W. Republic Road, with books, continued on page 10
Emergency room visits linked to energy drink consumption have surged in recent years, according to a U.S. government report released on Tuesday, as more people combine the popular beverages with alcohol and drugs. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said hospitalizations in the United States tied to energy drinks have jumped ten-
fold to 13,114 in 2009 from 1,128 visits in 2005. The most recent year for which data is available is 2009. The agency, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said that 44 percent of the visits involved people who had combined the stimulant-rich drinks with alcohol, pharmaceuticals or illicit drugs. The vast majority of the visits were by males between the ages of 18 and 39, the agency said. The researchers did not say what symptoms drove the
people to go to the ER or what underlying medical conditions they may have had. But they said other studies have indicated that excessive use of the drinks on their own can cause adverse reactions such as arrhythmia, hypertension and dehydration. "Combining energy drinks with substances of abuse raises the risk of serious, even life-threatening injury, as well as the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence," the researchers said.
Every Child Promise Chooses WABC
6
The Money Section
by Lola Butcher
Allen Waldo Is The New MO PTAC Procurement Counselor
by University of Missouri Extension Program
8 10
Volume 24, Number 10 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox
Lifestyle & Entertainment News
Movie Review —“Think Like A Man Too” by Lyle Foster
Contributing Writers Dr Ken Coopwood Lyle Foster Vincent H. Lyons Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Vera Jane Goodin Schultz Photography David N. Knox John Schultz
Health & Mental Fitness
National Alliance for Hispanic Health Statement on SWEET Act
Volunteer Tyra Knox
by National Alliance for Hispanic health
The Unite. publication is a
GORMAN-SCHARPF FUNERAL HOME, INC
The Quality And Care That You Expect In 242 Years Of Combined Experience
(417) 886-9994 • Fax: (417) 886-9996 1947 E. Seminole Springfield, Missouri 65804
U.S. Hospitalizations Tied to Energy Drinks Rise by James B. Kelleher CHICAGO (Reuters)—
4
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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 Dennis B. Gamble
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City Employment Link Chase Card Services More than a Job…a Career. Open positions in our Springfield, MO Center. Join an organization recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune Magazine. Now Available: • Customer Service Advisors • Collections • Team Manager & Team Leader Apply today. Visit us online at careers.jpmorganchase.com. Keyword: SpringfieldMO
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
Hall Of Famers
continued from page 1
Every Child Promise Chooses Washington Avenue Baptist Church As Major Site Lola Butcher Unite Guest Writer Every Child Promise, a community initiative to prepare children to be “ready to learn” when they start kindergarten, has chosen Washington Avenue Baptist Church as the site for its first neighborhood hub. Springfield Public Schools has opened a preschool that can serve 20 children at the church, and Lighthouse Child and Family Development Center will provide child care for children ages 2 and 3, along with other services for young families. Future
plans call for OACAC to provide an Early Head Start program for infants and toddlers. When fully established, the neighborhood hub will serve about 50 children, in addition to providing a wide range of other important services. Preschool scholarships and sliding-scale tuition fees are available for families who qualify. For more information, contact Dana Carroll, Child Advocate for Every Child Promise, at 417-888-2020. “It is our hope that this can be a model for other neighborhoods,” Carroll said. The entire program will cost
about $200,000 a year when all operations are in place, according to an article in the Springfield News-Leader. The money will come from state and philanthropic grants, tuition fees and early childhood education scholarships funded through Every Child Promise. Currently, about 20 percent of Springfield children who start kindergarten are not “ready to learn,” meaning that they must work hard to catch up with other students. The Every Child Promise initiative is designed to help all children be well-prepared to thrive in kindergarten from Day 1. At a press conference an-
nouncing the plans, Dr. Edward Alexander, Senior Pastor of the Washington Avenue Baptist Church, said he was excited that the church could provide the space to serve the community in such a valuable way. The neighborhood hub got a jumpstart through a state-funded Missouri Preschool Program (MPP) grant awarded to Springfield Public Schools. Missy Riley, the district’s director of early childhood, competed for the five-year grant as a way to increase high quality early child care and education programs for children who are one to two years from kindergarten age.
inductees were Ann Cain, Lester Friebe, Gary Stanfield, Bill Stringer Gary Adams and NaTasha Neal Moore a Former Evangel University women’s basketball star. NaTasha was a four year starter at Evangel from 2001 to 2005 and a four-time Heart of America all-conference performer. She was HAAC Freshman of the Year in 2002, and the league’s Player of the Year for the next three seasons that followed. Moore was a NAIA-II All-American each of her four seasons and an Academic All-American twice. She ended her career second all-time in points scored with 2,654, and was in the top five in career
berry from God's House Of Glory. Everyone is invited. The scripture theme is 2 Corinthians. For more information please contact Elder Warren at 8330961.
MOVE MORE.
The Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Board Thanks The Community Springfield, MO—The Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Board wants to thank everyone who
To Advertise In The Unite Publication Call: (417) 864-7444
bought a raffle ticket during their recent fundraiser. The raffle was a big success, and the proceeds will go to maintain the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery located at the corner of Barnes and E. Chestnut Expwy. The LG Tablet was won by Ms. Laurie Washington, so our congratulations go to Laurie!
sport athletes in Springfield Central High history, earning all-state honors both as a quarterback in football and a guard in basketball. Competing from 1984 to 1988, Adams was a four-year starter for CHS in both sports. He was a two-time all-conference, all-district and all-state selection and gained honorable mention All-American in football, rushing for more than 1,900 yards, passing for 2,400 and scoring 28 touchdowns. His play led CHS to the state playoffs three seasons in a row. In basketball, he averaged 18 points a game as a junior for second team all-state honors, and earned first-team honors after scoring 21.6 a game as a senior. He sat CHS basketball career records with 101 games played and
1,406 career points. During four seasons of University of Arkansas football, Adams played quarterback and defensive secondary. The Razorbacks won a Southern Conference title when Adams was a redshirt freshman and he was a starter at free safety as a senior in Arkansas’ Southern Conferece debut. Adams graduated from Arkansas in 1994, spent eight years as an Arkansas State trooper, and since 2002 has served as an agent for the United States Secret Service.
To Advertise In The Unite Publication Call: (417) 864-7444
One small change. One big difference.
Prayer Breakfast Oct 25 At Greater Metropolitan Church Springfield, MO—Greater Metropolitan Church at 1400 West Ave will serve a "Crush Your Worries," Prayer Breakfast, October 25 at 11:00 a.m. Speaker will be pastor Christine Grand-
rebounds and assists. She also owns the school record for career three-pointers made with 317. Tasha earned four varsity letters in high school at Springfield-Kickapoo and was a three-time Class 4A all-state selection. She led the Lady Chiefs to the 2001 state championship compiling a 28-4 record that season and was named Most Valuable Player in the state title game. Moore finished as Kickapoo’s all-time leading scorer with 1,789 career point. Her jersey number 44 is retired at both Evangel University and Kickapoo High School. NaTasha is raising three sons with her husband Anthony Moore, pastor at Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Gary “Peanut” Adams is among the most honored multi-
Making healthy living easier. HLASpringfield.org
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LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews Movie Review: “Think Like A Man Too ” by Lyle Foster, Unite Contributing Writer
look for something that they can relate to. Of course the success led to the I am sorry so I will apolonatural result …..let’s do this gize in advance because it may again ….come up with any idea sound like I am venting here we can pull out of a hat and then but this movie fits where it is see if we can make more money ….at your local DVD distributhe second time around. tor. This column is dedicated to I could end here and that those who don’t want would be a sufficient to go to the big screen review for Think Like and I do get that even a Man Too. This type though this fall weather of movie has what is is incredible. But if you known as the ensemare watching the coins ble cast which means and trying to save up as many actors and for the holidays rentactresses they can get Lyle Foster ing a DVD is very cost to sign on and make effective. fun of each other or Think Like A Man Too was just have fun together. Then hopereleased on DVD and I thought fully you will see someone you it might be worth checking out like and go check it out. Well as the original one was funny the crew (Megan Good, Adam and entertaining. I always have Brady, Kevin Hart, Gabrielle a problem when the best minds Union, Michael Ealy, La LA in Hollywood predictably decide Anthony, Wendi McLendonthat since a movie did well in Covey, etc) meet in Vegas for Installment No. 1 that we now the wedding of one of the crew need to do No. 2, 3 and 4. But and the plot falls apart from oh well that is how money is there. Just think of Hangover made. And I have even bigger with mostly black folks and not problems when audiences go quite as crude humor with a few gobble up the movie even when white actors thrown in for good it doesn’t have a plot or story measure. line. There is not much use in tellMost of us will recall that Think ing the story line because we Like A Man was based on the have seen it hundreds of times popular Steve Harvey book before….everyone has misad“Act Like a Woman, Think Like ventures which almost derails A Man”. It blew away all the everything but it comes togethpundits in Hollywood who were er in the last scent. Duh???!!! shocked by its runaway success Kevin Hart who is enjoying and were literally wondering incredible success pretty much where this audience had been dominates this film as he does all along. Well that is the subin most films he is in with ject of another story but niche laughs, jokes, laughs, jokes movies have become very popuand anything else to get a grin. lar as more and more audiences The cast are all actually good
actors but never get a chance to do more than act silly and run around in circles. Talk show host Wendy Williams is actually in the film along with Dre in a cameo role but I understand that some of her scenes got left on the cutting room floor so we don’t get to see much of her. Well you maybe upset with me because I am negative on the film…..please don’t get me wrong. I am not against the film…I did laugh twice but for a film with this many people in it Sony Pictures 2014 and that made so much money in the first installment they could have given us a much better developed film How many films go to Vegas and have fun and kiss and make up at the end? This is just another one of those…it is clear audiences get no respect at the
end of the day because it is not even funny….it is stupid. So a DVD rental is about the right price point. Oh and by the way it was the No. 1 film the weekend it opened in June knocking Jersey Boys out of the top slot. So a lot of people did go see it on the big screen and many were probably thinking it would be more like the first much better installment. And don’t worry I am not the only one who thought it could have been more. The reviews were pretty all in agreement too. But…if you want to stay at home and giggle a few times….. well you know…… There are some good films coming out in the next few weeks….. 78 out of 100
Springfield Jazz Festival Schedule Friday, October 3, 2014, Park Central Square Admission is FREE!
Park Central Square Main Stage • 6:15-7:00 PM: MSU Jazz Studies Ensemble • 7:15-8:30 PM: Arthur Duncan Trio • 9:00 PM: Featured Artist: Bob Lark and the Missouri Jazz Orchestra (MOJO) Park Central East Stage • 6:00 PM: Linda Sala Jazz Project • 7:00 PM: Richard Bruton Quartet • 8:00 PM: Brandon Mezzelo's Haus Quintet
Parental Involvement in School by Gwen Marshall Unite Contributing Writer
committee. Child Trends Databank further indicates that children whose parents or significant “In this complex world, it adults who share in their formal takes more than a good school to education tend to do better in educate children. And it school. Some benefits takes more than a good that have been idenhome. It takes these tified that measure two major educational parental involvement in institutions working education includes: together” Dorothy Rich • Higher grades and According to Child test scores Trends Data Bank, • Long term academic parental involvement achievement in school is defined as Gwen Marshall • Positive attitudes and parent reported parbehavior ticipation at least once during • More successful programs the school year by attending a • More effective schools general school meeting; attendThough research reflects the ing a scheduled meeting with positive effects of parent involvetheir child’s teacher; attending ment in a student’s educational a school event; volunteering in the school or serving on a school process some parents find it dif-
ficult to get involved. There are a wide range of reasons that causes some parent not to be able to participate in school meetings and activities. Some parents are constrained by economic and time limitations. Time being one of the primary obstacles many parents work schedule does not allow them the flexibility to be involved. Other parents work nights, making it impossible to attend evening programs and difficult to appear at daytime meetings. Some parents are not familiar with the educational process because they do not understand key factors affecting their child’s education. Furthermore, they do know what benchmarks and skills their child should have mastered by the end of every
school year. In some cases parents have had an unpleasant educational experience and school visits generates unpleasant memories. With these concerns in mind The Office of Diversity and Inclusion would like for you to visit your local school, ask questions, and become familiar with the all aspects of your child’s educational process. Our desire as a district is to make our schools a place where there is a feeling of trust between teachers, administrators and parents. This creates a warm welcoming atmosphere for both parents and students. As Concha Delgado-Gaitan (1991) points out “... the difference between parents who participate and those who do not is that those who do continued from page 7
Washington Avenue Baptist Church Celebrates 147th Church Anniversary Springfield, MO— Washington Avenue Baptist Church, at 1722 N. National Ave will be celebrating 147 years of Ministry October 19th, 10:45 a.m. with guest speaker, Pastor Edrin Alexander
of Memphis, Tn. At 4:00 pm Pastor Eric Alexander and the St. Luke Baptist Church Family will be our special guests. We invite you to join us in this Historical Celebration.
Song Of Praise Concert, Oct 12th At Gibson Chapel Presbyterian Church Springfield, MO— The community is invited to a Song of Praise Concert featuring area choirs. Sunday, October 12th, 4 pm at Gibson Chapel Presbyterian
Church, 536 E Tampa. Refreshments will be served following the concert. For more information contact Sheila Burton at (417) 887-0668.
Musical Celebration At Pitts Chapel Nov 1 Featuring Local Artists Springfield, MO— Pitts Chapel, at will host a Musical Celebration on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 6pm featuring local art-
ists. This event is free of charge and the public in invited. For more information contact the church at (417) 866-1720.
Come lend your voice to our University!
Missouri State University is recruiting diverse faculty and staff for a variety of positions. We are committed to inclusive excellence across campus, and we have a unique public affairs mission that encourages cultural competency, community engagement and ethical leadership. We believe diversity is good for our students, our community and our University. Our most important job is to give students an enriching education, complete with the tools for career success. Our faculty and staff must be racially, ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse to help our students understand and appreciate different viewpoints, preparing them to lead the future. We act on our beliefs. Let us welcome you to our campus. Come see for yourself!
Search our vacancies to learn how you can join us.
www.missouristate.edu/careers Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
October Unite Page 7
October Unite Page 6
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 417.890.8501 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.837.2619 Drury University - Breech Center / Student in Free Enterprise www.drury.edu 417.873.7243 The Library Center Business Reference thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org 417.874.8110 Small Business & Technology Development Center sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417.836.5685
The MoneySection Allen Waldo Is The New MO PTAC Procurement Counselor Springfield, MO—Allen Waldo very well equipped to handle has been named a Missouri Prothe challenges small business curement Technical Assistance and the federal government will Center (MO PTAC) procurethrow at him.” ment counselor, serving BarThe mission of PTAC, a prory, Christian, Dallas, Greene, gram of the University of MisJasper, Lawrence, McDonald, souri Extension Business DeNewton, Polk, Stone, velopment Program, Taney and Webster is to help businesses, counties. including small, Waldo, a University disadvantaged and of Missouri employwomen owned firms ee, will be housed in obtain federal, state Missouri State Univerand local government sity’s (MSU) Robert contracts. W. Plaster Center for Waldo earned a bachAllen Waldo Free Enterprise and elor’s degree in acBusiness Development, counting and an MBA Springfield. from MSU. He is also a Certified “I am delighted to have Allen on Public Accountant and Fellow of board,” said Bill Stuby, interim the American College of Healthdirector of MO PTAC.“ care Executives and active in Allen has a superb backhis community, having served ground in both the public as president of the Rotary Club, and private spheres, further Boonville; president of the strengthening our breadth of Boonville Area and Polk County talent and background. He chambers of commerce and will significantly contribute treasurer of the Polk County 911 to helping small businesses board, among other positions. in southwest Missouri obtain Waldo has nearly three government contracts, and he’s decades of contracting, ac-
counting, sales, healthcare and executive leadership experience including as CEO of Cooper County Memorial Hospital, Boonville, where he led the hospital to a $1.5 million net revenue gain and was responsible for 350 employees; COO of Citizen’s Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, responsible for 400 employees and increasing net income; CEO of Barton County Memorial Hospital, Lamar, where he turned the hospital around from near-closure to profitability in one year; and rising from staff accountant to CFO of Skaggs Community Health Center, now Cox Medical Center, Branson, ultimately responsible for a nearly $100 million gross operating budget. He also served as lead negotiator for a $20 million expansion and was lead on two bond issues cumulatively worth $30 million. His contact information: waldoaj@missouri.edu, 417-8372612 Let me know what else you might need!
See How CU Can
Work With You Plumbers, caterers, landscapers, exterminators, and more are all needed to help City Utilities of Springfield operate on a day-to-day basis. If you offer a good or a service, CU has opportunities. Call 417-831-8363 or visit cityutilities.net, key search “Purchasing”, to learn about ways for us to work together. It is the policy of City Utilities to offer equal opportunity to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.
301 East Central, Springfield • 417.863.9000
cityutilities.net
Standing: US Congressman, Billy Long and Kazakhstan Ambassador, Kairat Umarov stopped by to say hello to Minorities In Business board members during a Strategic Planning Retreat in their conference room at the eFactory.
I'm a cop
continued from page 1 unlikely to defend it quite as loudly during a time of national angst like this one, people who work in law enforcement know they are legally vested with the authority to detain suspects — an authority that must sometimes be enforced. Regardless of what happened with Mike Brown, in the overwhelming majority of cases it is not the cops, but the people they stop, who can prevent detentions from turning into tragedies. Working the street, I can’t even count how many times I withstood curses, screaming tantrums, aggressive and menacing encroachments on my safety zone, and outright challenges to my authority. In the vast majority of such encounters, I was able to peacefully resolve the situation without using force. Cops deploy their training and their intuition creatively, and I wielded every trick in my arsenal, including verbal judo, humor, warnings and ostentatious displays of the lethal (and nonlethal) hardware resting in my duty belt. One time, for instance, my partner and I faced a belligerent man who had doused his car with gallons of gas and was about to create a firebomb at a busy mall filled with holiday shoppers. The potential for serious harm to the bystanders would have justified deadly force. Instead, I distracted him with a hook about his family and loved ones, and he disengaged without hurting anyone. Every day cops show similar restraint and resolve incidents that could easily end up in serious injuries or worse. Sometimes, though, no amount of persuasion or warnings work on a belligerent person; that’s when cops have to use force, and the results can be tragic. We are still learning what transpired between Offi-
cer Darren Wilson and Brown, but in most cases it’s less ambiguous — and officers are rarely at fault. When they use force, they are defending their, or the public’s, safety. Even though it might sound harsh and impolitic, here is the bottom line: if you don’t want to get shot, tased, pepper-sprayed, struck with a baton or thrown to the ground, just do what I tell you. Don’t argue with me, don’t call me names, don’t tell me that I can’t stop you, don’t say I’m a racist pig, don’t threaten that you’ll sue me and take away my badge. Don’t scream at me that you pay my salary, and don’t even think of aggressively walking towards me. Most field stops are complete in minutes. How difficult is it to cooperate for that long? I know it is scary for people to be stopped by cops. I also understand the anger and frustration if people believe they have been stopped unjustly or without a reason. I am aware that corrupt and bully cops exist. When it comes to police misconduct, I side with the ACLU: Having worked as an internal affairs investigator, I know that some officers engage in unprofessional and arrogant behavior; sometimes they behave like criminals themselves. I also believe every cop should use a body camera to record interactions with the community at all times. Every police car should have a video recorder. (This will prevent a situation like Mike Brown’s shooting, about which conflicting and self-serving statements allow people to believe what they want.) And you don’t have to submit to an illegal stop or search. You can refuse consent to search your car or home if there’s no warrant (though a pat-down is still allowed if there is cause for suspicion). Always ask the officer whether you are under detention or are free to leave. Unless the officer has a
legal basis to stop and search you, he or she must let you go. Finally, cops are legally prohibited from using excessive force: The moment a suspect submits and stops resisting, the officers must cease use of force. But if you believe (or know) that the cop stopping you is violating your rights or is acting like a bully, I guarantee that the situation will not become easier if you show your anger and resentment. Worse, initiating a physical confrontation is a sure recipe for getting hurt. Police are legally permitted to use deadly force when they assess a serious threat to their or someone else’s life. Save your anger for later, and channel it appropriately. Do what the officer tells you to and it will end safely for both of you. We have a justice system in which you are presumed innocent; if a cop can do his or her job unmolested, that system can run its course. Later, you can ask for a supervisor, lodge a complaint or contact civil rights organizations if you believe your rights were violated. Feel free to sue the police! Just don’t challenge a cop during a stop. An average person cannot comprehend the risks and has no true understanding of a cop’s job. Hollywood and television
NAACP
continued from page 2
be current as of 30 days prior to the October meeting. 3. On November 15, 2014, the election of officers and at-large members of the Executive Committee will take place at Midtown Carnegie Library by paper ballot. Polls will be open from noon to 4:00 p.m. In order to vote in the Branch election one must be a member in good standing of the Branch 30 days prior to the election.
stereotypes of the police are cartoons in which fearless super cops singlehandedly defeat dozens of thugs, shooting guns out of their hands. Real life is different. An average cop is always concerned with his or her safety and tries to control every encounter. That is how we are trained. While most citizens are courteous and law abiding, the subset of people we generally interact with everyday are not the genteel types. You don’t know what is in my mind when I stop you. Did I just get a radio call of a shooting moments ago? Am I looking for a murderer or an armed fugitive? For you, this might be a “simple” traffic stop, for me each traffic stop is a potentially dangerous encounter. Show some empathy for an officer’s safety concerns. Don’t make our job more difficult than it already is. Community members deserve courtesy, respect and professionalism from their officers. Every person stopped by a cop should feel safe instead of feeling that their wellbeing is in jeopardy. Shouldn’t the community members extend the same courtesy to their officers and project that the officer’s safety is not threatened by their actions?
October Unite Page 7
October Unite Page 6
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 417.890.8501 Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org 417.837.2619 Drury University - Breech Center / Student in Free Enterprise www.drury.edu 417.873.7243 The Library Center Business Reference thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org 417.874.8110 Small Business & Technology Development Center sbtdc.missouristate.edu 417.836.5685
The MoneySection Allen Waldo Is The New MO PTAC Procurement Counselor Springfield, MO—Allen Waldo very well equipped to handle has been named a Missouri Prothe challenges small business curement Technical Assistance and the federal government will Center (MO PTAC) procurethrow at him.” ment counselor, serving BarThe mission of PTAC, a prory, Christian, Dallas, Greene, gram of the University of MisJasper, Lawrence, McDonald, souri Extension Business DeNewton, Polk, Stone, velopment Program, Taney and Webster is to help businesses, counties. including small, Waldo, a University disadvantaged and of Missouri employwomen owned firms ee, will be housed in obtain federal, state Missouri State Univerand local government sity’s (MSU) Robert contracts. W. Plaster Center for Waldo earned a bachAllen Waldo Free Enterprise and elor’s degree in acBusiness Development, counting and an MBA Springfield. from MSU. He is also a Certified “I am delighted to have Allen on Public Accountant and Fellow of board,” said Bill Stuby, interim the American College of Healthdirector of MO PTAC.“ care Executives and active in Allen has a superb backhis community, having served ground in both the public as president of the Rotary Club, and private spheres, further Boonville; president of the strengthening our breadth of Boonville Area and Polk County talent and background. He chambers of commerce and will significantly contribute treasurer of the Polk County 911 to helping small businesses board, among other positions. in southwest Missouri obtain Waldo has nearly three government contracts, and he’s decades of contracting, ac-
counting, sales, healthcare and executive leadership experience including as CEO of Cooper County Memorial Hospital, Boonville, where he led the hospital to a $1.5 million net revenue gain and was responsible for 350 employees; COO of Citizen’s Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, responsible for 400 employees and increasing net income; CEO of Barton County Memorial Hospital, Lamar, where he turned the hospital around from near-closure to profitability in one year; and rising from staff accountant to CFO of Skaggs Community Health Center, now Cox Medical Center, Branson, ultimately responsible for a nearly $100 million gross operating budget. He also served as lead negotiator for a $20 million expansion and was lead on two bond issues cumulatively worth $30 million. His contact information: waldoaj@missouri.edu, 417-8372612 Let me know what else you might need!
See How CU Can
Work With You Plumbers, caterers, landscapers, exterminators, and more are all needed to help City Utilities of Springfield operate on a day-to-day basis. If you offer a good or a service, CU has opportunities. Call 417-831-8363 or visit cityutilities.net, key search “Purchasing”, to learn about ways for us to work together. It is the policy of City Utilities to offer equal opportunity to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.
301 East Central, Springfield • 417.863.9000
cityutilities.net
Standing: US Congressman, Billy Long and Kazakhstan Ambassador, Kairat Umarov stopped by to say hello to Minorities In Business board members during a Strategic Planning Retreat in their conference room at the eFactory.
I'm a cop
continued from page 1 unlikely to defend it quite as loudly during a time of national angst like this one, people who work in law enforcement know they are legally vested with the authority to detain suspects — an authority that must sometimes be enforced. Regardless of what happened with Mike Brown, in the overwhelming majority of cases it is not the cops, but the people they stop, who can prevent detentions from turning into tragedies. Working the street, I can’t even count how many times I withstood curses, screaming tantrums, aggressive and menacing encroachments on my safety zone, and outright challenges to my authority. In the vast majority of such encounters, I was able to peacefully resolve the situation without using force. Cops deploy their training and their intuition creatively, and I wielded every trick in my arsenal, including verbal judo, humor, warnings and ostentatious displays of the lethal (and nonlethal) hardware resting in my duty belt. One time, for instance, my partner and I faced a belligerent man who had doused his car with gallons of gas and was about to create a firebomb at a busy mall filled with holiday shoppers. The potential for serious harm to the bystanders would have justified deadly force. Instead, I distracted him with a hook about his family and loved ones, and he disengaged without hurting anyone. Every day cops show similar restraint and resolve incidents that could easily end up in serious injuries or worse. Sometimes, though, no amount of persuasion or warnings work on a belligerent person; that’s when cops have to use force, and the results can be tragic. We are still learning what transpired between Offi-
cer Darren Wilson and Brown, but in most cases it’s less ambiguous — and officers are rarely at fault. When they use force, they are defending their, or the public’s, safety. Even though it might sound harsh and impolitic, here is the bottom line: if you don’t want to get shot, tased, pepper-sprayed, struck with a baton or thrown to the ground, just do what I tell you. Don’t argue with me, don’t call me names, don’t tell me that I can’t stop you, don’t say I’m a racist pig, don’t threaten that you’ll sue me and take away my badge. Don’t scream at me that you pay my salary, and don’t even think of aggressively walking towards me. Most field stops are complete in minutes. How difficult is it to cooperate for that long? I know it is scary for people to be stopped by cops. I also understand the anger and frustration if people believe they have been stopped unjustly or without a reason. I am aware that corrupt and bully cops exist. When it comes to police misconduct, I side with the ACLU: Having worked as an internal affairs investigator, I know that some officers engage in unprofessional and arrogant behavior; sometimes they behave like criminals themselves. I also believe every cop should use a body camera to record interactions with the community at all times. Every police car should have a video recorder. (This will prevent a situation like Mike Brown’s shooting, about which conflicting and self-serving statements allow people to believe what they want.) And you don’t have to submit to an illegal stop or search. You can refuse consent to search your car or home if there’s no warrant (though a pat-down is still allowed if there is cause for suspicion). Always ask the officer whether you are under detention or are free to leave. Unless the officer has a
legal basis to stop and search you, he or she must let you go. Finally, cops are legally prohibited from using excessive force: The moment a suspect submits and stops resisting, the officers must cease use of force. But if you believe (or know) that the cop stopping you is violating your rights or is acting like a bully, I guarantee that the situation will not become easier if you show your anger and resentment. Worse, initiating a physical confrontation is a sure recipe for getting hurt. Police are legally permitted to use deadly force when they assess a serious threat to their or someone else’s life. Save your anger for later, and channel it appropriately. Do what the officer tells you to and it will end safely for both of you. We have a justice system in which you are presumed innocent; if a cop can do his or her job unmolested, that system can run its course. Later, you can ask for a supervisor, lodge a complaint or contact civil rights organizations if you believe your rights were violated. Feel free to sue the police! Just don’t challenge a cop during a stop. An average person cannot comprehend the risks and has no true understanding of a cop’s job. Hollywood and television
stereotypes of the police are cartoons in which fearless super cops singlehandedly defeat dozens of thugs, shooting guns out of their hands. Real life is different. An average cop is always concerned with his or her safety and tries to control every encounter. That is how we are trained. While most citizens are courteous and law abiding, the subset of people we generally interact with everyday are not the genteel types. You don’t know what is in my mind when I stop you. Did I just get a radio call of a shooting moments ago? Am I looking for a murderer or an armed fugitive? For you, this might be a “simple” traffic stop, for me each traffic stop is a potentially dangerous encounter. Show some empathy for an officer’s safety concerns. Don’t make our job more difficult than it already is. Community members deserve courtesy, respect and professionalism from their officers. Every person stopped by a cop should feel safe instead of feeling that their wellbeing is in jeopardy. Shouldn’t the community members extend the same courtesy to their officers and project that the officer’s safety is not threatened by their actions?
NAACP
Involvement
be current as of 30 days prior to the October meeting. 3. On November 15, 2014, the election of officers and at-large members of the Executive Committee will take place at Midtown Carnegie Library by paper ballot. Polls will be open from noon to 4:00 p.m. In order to vote in the Branch election one must be a member in good standing of the Branch 30 days prior to the election.
have recognized that they are a critical part in their children's education.” Regardless the age or grade level of your child the bottom line for parents is that you can make a difference in your child's education. From small day-to-day Interactions to bigger decisions about higher education, college readiness, or where and how your child learns, you can be a champion for your child's education - and they need you to take up the cause. “The journey of a thousand miles began with a single step” Lao Tzu Let’s make the journey together.
continued from page 2
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October Unite Page 8
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LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews Movie Review: “Think Like A Man Too ” by Lyle Foster, Unite Contributing Writer
look for something that they can relate to. Of course the success led to the I am sorry so I will apolonatural result …..let’s do this gize in advance because it may again ….come up with any idea sound like I am venting here we can pull out of a hat and then but this movie fits where it is see if we can make more money ….at your local DVD distributhe second time around. tor. This column is dedicated to I could end here and that those who don’t want would be a sufficient to go to the big screen review for Think Like and I do get that even a Man Too. This type though this fall weather of movie has what is is incredible. But if you known as the ensemare watching the coins ble cast which means and trying to save up as many actors and for the holidays rentactresses they can get Lyle Foster ing a DVD is very cost to sign on and make effective. fun of each other or Think Like A Man Too was just have fun together. Then hopereleased on DVD and I thought fully you will see someone you it might be worth checking out like and go check it out. Well as the original one was funny the crew (Megan Good, Adam and entertaining. I always have Brady, Kevin Hart, Gabrielle a problem when the best minds Union, Michael Ealy, La LA in Hollywood predictably decide Anthony, Wendi McLendonthat since a movie did well in Covey, etc) meet in Vegas for Installment No. 1 that we now the wedding of one of the crew need to do No. 2, 3 and 4. But and the plot falls apart from oh well that is how money is there. Just think of Hangover made. And I have even bigger with mostly black folks and not problems when audiences go quite as crude humor with a few gobble up the movie even when white actors thrown in for good it doesn’t have a plot or story measure. line. There is not much use in tellMost of us will recall that Think ing the story line because we Like A Man was based on the have seen it hundreds of times popular Steve Harvey book before….everyone has misad“Act Like a Woman, Think Like ventures which almost derails A Man”. It blew away all the everything but it comes togethpundits in Hollywood who were er in the last scent. Duh???!!! shocked by its runaway success Kevin Hart who is enjoying and were literally wondering incredible success pretty much where this audience had been dominates this film as he does all along. Well that is the subin most films he is in with ject of another story but niche laughs, jokes, laughs, jokes movies have become very popuand anything else to get a grin. lar as more and more audiences The cast are all actually good
actors but never get a chance to do more than act silly and run around in circles. Talk show host Wendy Williams is actually in the film along with Dre in a cameo role but I understand that some of her scenes got left on the cutting room floor so we don’t get to see much of her. Well you maybe upset with me because I am negative on the film…..please don’t get me wrong. I am not against the film…I did laugh twice but for a film with this many people in it Sony Pictures 2014 and that made so much money in the first installment they could have given us a much better developed film How many films go to Vegas and have fun and kiss and make up at the end? This is just another one of those…it is clear audiences get no respect at the
end of the day because it is not even funny….it is stupid. So a DVD rental is about the right price point. Oh and by the way it was the No. 1 film the weekend it opened in June knocking Jersey Boys out of the top slot. So a lot of people did go see it on the big screen and many were probably thinking it would be more like the first much better installment. And don’t worry I am not the only one who thought it could have been more. The reviews were pretty all in agreement too. But…if you want to stay at home and giggle a few times….. well you know…… There are some good films coming out in the next few weeks….. 78 out of 100
Springfield Jazz Festival Schedule Friday, October 3, 2014, Park Central Square Admission is FREE!
Park Central Square Main Stage • 6:15-7:00 PM: MSU Jazz Studies Ensemble • 7:15-8:30 PM: Arthur Duncan Trio • 9:00 PM: Featured Artist: Bob Lark and the Missouri Jazz Orchestra (MOJO) Park Central East Stage • 6:00 PM: Linda Sala Jazz Project • 7:00 PM: Richard Bruton Quartet • 8:00 PM: Brandon Mezzelo's Haus Quintet
Parental Involvement in School by Gwen Marshall Unite Contributing Writer
ing a school event; volunteering in the school or serving on a school committee. “In this complex world, it Child Trends Databank takes more than a good school further indicates that children to educate children. whose parents or sigAnd it takes more than nificant adults who a good home. It takes share in their formal these two major educaeducation tend to do tional institutions workbetter in school. Some ing together” Dorothy benefits that have been Rich identified that measure According to Child parental involvement in Trends Data Bank, education includes: Gwen Marshall parental involvement in • Higher grades and school is defined as parent retest scores ported participation at least once • Long term academic achieveduring the school year by attendment ing a general school meeting; • Positive attitudes and behavior attending a scheduled meeting • More successful programs with their child’s teacher; attend• More effective schools
Though research reflects the positive effects of parent involvement in a student’s educational process some parents find it difficult to get involved. There are a wide range of reasons that causes some parent not to be able to participate in school meetings and activities. Some parents are constrained by economic and time limitations. Time being one of the primary obstacles many parents work schedule does not allow them the flexibility to be involved. Other parents work nights, making it impossible to attend evening programs and difficult to appear at daytime meetings. Some parents are not familiar with the educational process
because they do not understand key factors affecting their child’s education. Furthermore, they do know what benchmarks and skills their child should have mastered by the end of every school year. In some cases parents have had an unpleasant educational experience and school visits generates unpleasant Important Dates: ACT Test Date: December 13,2014 Registration Deadline: November 7, 2014 Late Fee Required: November 8-21, 2014
Washington Avenue Baptist Church Celebrates 147th Church Anniversary Springfield, MO— Washington Avenue Baptist Church, at 1722 N. National Ave will be celebrating 147 years of Ministry October 19th, 10:45 a.m. with guest speaker, Pastor Edrin Alexander
of Memphis, Tn. At 4:00 pm Pastor Eric Alexander and the St. Luke Baptist Church Family will be our special guests. We invite you to join us in this Historical Celebration.
Song Of Praise Concert, Oct 12th At Gibson Chapel Presbyterian Church Springfield, MO— The community is invited to a Song of Praise Concert featuring area choirs. Sunday, October 12th, 4 pm at Gibson Chapel Presbyterian
Church, 536 E Tampa. Refreshments will be served following the concert. For more information contact Sheila Burton at (417) 887-0668.
Musical Celebration At Pitts Chapel Nov 1 Featuring Local Artists Springfield, MO— Pitts Chapel, at will host a Musical Celebration on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 6pm featuring local art-
ists. This event is free of charge and the public in invited. For more information contact the church at (417) 866-1720.
Come lend your voice to our University!
Missouri State University is recruiting diverse faculty and staff for a variety of positions. We are committed to inclusive excellence across campus, and we have a unique public affairs mission that encourages cultural competency, community engagement and ethical leadership. We believe diversity is good for our students, our community and our University. Our most important job is to give students an enriching education, complete with the tools for career success. Our faculty and staff must be racially, ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse to help our students understand and appreciate different viewpoints, preparing them to lead the future. We act on our beliefs. Let us welcome you to our campus. Come see for yourself!
Search our vacancies to learn how you can join us.
www.missouristate.edu/careers Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
October Unite Page 9
October Unite Page 4
CommunitySection
Hall Of Famers
continued from page 1
Every Child Promise Chooses Washington Avenue Baptist Church As Major Site Lola Butcher Unite Guest Writer Every Child Promise, a community initiative to prepare children to be “ready to learn” when they start kindergarten, has chosen Washington Avenue Baptist Church as the site for its first neighborhood hub. Springfield Public Schools has opened a preschool that can serve 20 children at the church, and Lighthouse Child and Family Development Center will provide child care for children ages 2 and 3, along with other services for young families. Future
plans call for OACAC to provide an Early Head Start program for infants and toddlers. When fully established, the neighborhood hub will serve about 50 children, in addition to providing a wide range of other important services. Preschool scholarships and sliding-scale tuition fees are available for families who qualify. For more information, contact Dana Carroll, Child Advocate for Every Child Promise, at 417-888-2020. “It is our hope that this can be a model for other neighborhoods,” Carroll said. The entire program will cost
about $200,000 a year when all operations are in place, according to an article in the Springfield News-Leader. The money will come from state and philanthropic grants, tuition fees and early childhood education scholarships funded through Every Child Promise. Currently, about 20 percent of Springfield children who start kindergarten are not “ready to learn,” meaning that they must work hard to catch up with other students. The Every Child Promise initiative is designed to help all children be well-prepared to thrive in kindergarten from Day 1. At a press conference an-
nouncing the plans, Dr. Edward Alexander, Senior Pastor of the Washington Avenue Baptist Church, said he was excited that the church could provide the space to serve the community in such a valuable way. The neighborhood hub got a jumpstart through a state-funded Missouri Preschool Program (MPP) grant awarded to Springfield Public Schools. Missy Riley, the district’s director of early childhood, competed for the five-year grant as a way to increase high quality early child care and education programs for children who are one to two years from kindergarten age.
inductees were Ann Cain, Lester Friebe, Gary Stanfield, Bill Stringer Gary Adams and NaTasha Neal Moore a Former Evangel University women’s basketball star. NaTasha was a four year starter at Evangel from 2001 to 2005 and a four-time Heart of America all-conference performer. She was HAAC Freshman of the Year in 2002, and the league’s Player of the Year for the next three seasons that followed. Moore was a NAIA-II All-American each of her four seasons and an Academic All-American twice. She ended her career second all-time in points scored with 2,654, and was in the top five in career
berry from God's House Of Glory. Everyone is invited. The scripture theme is 2 Corinthians. For more information please contact Elder Warren at 8330961.
MOVE MORE.
The Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Board Thanks The Community Springfield, MO—The Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Board wants to thank everyone who
To Advertise In The Unite Publication Call: (417) 864-7444
bought a raffle ticket during their recent fundraiser. The raffle was a big success, and the proceeds will go to maintain the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery located at the corner of Barnes and E. Chestnut Expwy. The LG Tablet was won by Ms. Laurie Washington, so our congratulations go to Laurie!
sport athletes in Springfield Central High history, earning all-state honors both as a quarterback in football and a guard in basketball. Competing from 1984 to 1988, Adams was a four-year starter for CHS in both sports. He was a two-time all-conference, all-district and all-state selection and gained honorable mention All-American in football, rushing for more than 1,900 yards, passing for 2,400 and scoring 28 touchdowns. His play led CHS to the state playoffs three seasons in a row. In basketball, he averaged 18 points a game as a junior for second team all-state honors, and earned first-team honors after scoring 21.6 a game as a senior. He sat CHS basketball career records with 101 games played and
1,406 career points. During four seasons of University of Arkansas football, Adams played quarterback and defensive secondary. The Razorbacks won a Southern Conference title when Adams was a redshirt freshman and he was a starter at free safety as a senior in Arkansas’ Southern Conferece debut. Adams graduated from Arkansas in 1994, spent eight years as an Arkansas State trooper, and since 2002 has served as an agent for the United States Secret Service.
To Advertise In The Unite Publication Call: (417) 864-7444
One small change. One big difference.
Prayer Breakfast Oct 25 At Greater Metropolitan Church Springfield, MO—Greater Metropolitan Church at 1400 West Ave will serve a "Crush Your Worries," Prayer Breakfast, October 25 at 11:00 a.m. Speaker will be pastor Christine Grand-
rebounds and assists. She also owns the school record for career three-pointers made with 317. Tasha earned four varsity letters in high school at Springfield-Kickapoo and was a three-time Class 4A all-state selection. She led the Lady Chiefs to the 2001 state championship compiling a 28-4 record that season and was named Most Valuable Player in the state title game. Moore finished as Kickapoo’s all-time leading scorer with 1,789 career point. Her jersey number 44 is retired at both Evangel University and Kickapoo High School. NaTasha is raising three sons with her husband Anthony Moore, pastor at Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Gary “Peanut” Adams is among the most honored multi-
Making healthy living easier. HLASpringfield.org
EAT BETTER.
BREATHE EASY.
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 Association 417-886-2199 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
October Unite Page 3
IN THIS ISSUE
Health & Mental Fitness National Alliance for Hispanic Health Statement on Introduction of SWEET Act From The National Alliance for Hispanic Health Penny a teaspoon tax on the sugar added to beverages is a reasonable and needed approach to encourage beverage manufacturers to offer healthier choices for consumers and support prevention efforts Washington, DC — “Today, we have said ¡Basta! (enough) to the unhealthy onslaught of sugary drinks that are being promoted to our children and our families. The SWEET Act is an important step to invigorate the beverage industry to put the health of people first and make healthy options more available,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health on the introduction of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax (SWEET) Act by Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro. The SWEET Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to institute a tax of 1 cent
per teaspoon of caloric sweetener, such as sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, on sugar sweetened beverage products to be paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of such products. The revenue would support prevention and treatment, research, and nutrition education to reduce the human and economic costs of diabetes, obesity, dental caries, and other conditions related to consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. “The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is proud to be one of the original endorsers of the SWEET Act. The penny tax is a reasonable approach to support public health and we will continue to stand on the right
side of this issue for the health of all families,” concluded Dr. Delgado. The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation's foremost science-based source of information and trusted
non-partisan advocate for the best health outcomes for all. For more information, visit http://www.hispanichealth. org, call the Alliance’s Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-7832645, or find us on Facebook at healthyamericas or on Twitter at health4americas.
Community News
It's Time For The Friends Of The Library Book Sale by Kathleen O’Dell , Springfield-Greene County Library District The region’s biggest bargain book sale is coming Oct. 21-26 to Remington’s. It’s the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, a perfect place to pick up slightKathleen O'Dell ly used books and more for your home library or school. Many books are like new, and can make great holiday gifts. The Friends will fill Remington’s, at 1655 W. Republic Road, with books, continued on page 10
Emergency room visits linked to energy drink consumption have surged in recent years, according to a U.S. government report released on Tuesday, as more people combine the popular beverages with alcohol and drugs. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said hospitalizations in the United States tied to energy drinks have jumped ten-
fold to 13,114 in 2009 from 1,128 visits in 2005. The most recent year for which data is available is 2009. The agency, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said that 44 percent of the visits involved people who had combined the stimulant-rich drinks with alcohol, pharmaceuticals or illicit drugs. The vast majority of the visits were by males between the ages of 18 and 39, the agency said. The researchers did not say what symptoms drove the
people to go to the ER or what underlying medical conditions they may have had. But they said other studies have indicated that excessive use of the drinks on their own can cause adverse reactions such as arrhythmia, hypertension and dehydration. "Combining energy drinks with substances of abuse raises the risk of serious, even life-threatening injury, as well as the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence," the researchers said.
Every Child Promise Chooses WABC
6
The Money Section
by Lola Butcher
Allen Waldo Is The New MO PTAC Procurement Counselor
by University of Missouri Extension Program
8 10
Volume 24, Number 10 Publisher Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. Managing Editor Samuel G. Knox
Lifestyle & Entertainment News
Movie Review —“Think Like A Man Too” by Lyle Foster
Contributing Writers Dr Ken Coopwood Lyle Foster Vincent H. Lyons Gwen Marshall Kathleen O'Dell Vera Jane Goodin Schultz Photography David N. Knox John Schultz
Health & Mental Fitness
National Alliance for Hispanic Health Statement on SWEET Act
Volunteer Tyra Knox
by National Alliance for Hispanic health
The Unite. publication is a
GORMAN-SCHARPF FUNERAL HOME, INC
The Quality And Care That You Expect In 242 Years Of Combined Experience
(417) 886-9994 • Fax: (417) 886-9996 1947 E. Seminole Springfield, Missouri 65804
U.S. Hospitalizations Tied to Energy Drinks Rise by James B. Kelleher CHICAGO (Reuters)—
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City Employment Link Chase Card Services More than a Job…a Career. Open positions in our Springfield, MO Center. Join an organization recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune Magazine. Now Available: • Customer Service Advisors • Collections • Team Manager & Team Leader Apply today. Visit us online at careers.jpmorganchase.com. Keyword: SpringfieldMO
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March Unite Page 9
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Beginning a Robust Year of Education…with Ferguson in the Background
obliged and put some green in at my table had some wonderful it.....I recieved my rice and took plates of food and the presentamy seat. I was a little nervous tion was great. HuHot!!!! because I didn't want to leave So save some money next by Dr Ken Coopwood fear racial in an ambulance so my first few timeofyou aredifferences. at the mall and Unite Contributing Writer Itcheck is important note that all bites were rather tentative ...but it out. 3 to 1/2 forks!!!!! the programs, serafter I had eaten half a plate I With many questions vices and trainings didn't have any major sympCity of Springfield about how to start the DDI, or anyone, can toms. Well, I did feel a little Mayor’s Commission on year after the shootoffer mean nothing funny for a few minutes but it Human Rights and ing death of acourse Michael without genuine will passed......Of a friend I Community Relations Brown, a college-age for reconciliation by was describing this to asked me in Ferguson, participants. Some ifyoung I wasman just going through a psyMissouri, the Division of people drove for chological thing? I laughed and Ken Coopwood Diversity and Inclusion hours to visit the site said I don't know but I did feel (DDI) at MSU is all the more where Michael Brown was slain. funny for a minute. However, I eager to impart education about Others support “Thevowed MCHRCRtheir works to promote and did appreciate the effort and in understanding and respect race relations to the greater even participated in his among funeral case you are interested I didn't all citizens and provides the Springfield community. We have services. They were genuine, have any side effects. But all in community recourse for a devoted staff offering and DDI discriminatory activities this acts.”year will all HuHot is a very goodprodining grams, services and trainings follow suit by genuinely 840 Boonville Avenue addressexperience and the opportunity Springfield, MO 65802 to students, staff, faculty and ing the pieces and principles of to select your own ingredients is community members who want our society417-864-1038 that come together a wonderful and very entertainto learn about and live without to www.springfieldmo.gov/boards/humanrights/index.html create a situation like the one ing thing to do......and everyone
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.
in Ferguson. We will also address pieces and principles that come together to help ensure that the Ferguson situation never happens in Springfield. There will be lots to enjoy and share with someone different from you and with someone just like you. But you must participate with a willing heart and a helping hand, or else all the work is futile, and our community gets closer to its day on CNN. For starters, look for a revitalized Multicultural Resource Center (MRC). The MRC will bring loads of new heritage month programs, including one for Euro-American Heritage Month, and other developments that will bring community members to campus. We will provide a refreshed Youth Empowerment Conference (YES) and a Student Transition Education Program (STEP) to inspire our young people to new heights of citizenship and education. In addition, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and
NAACP
continued from page 1
membership nominating committee will present their candidates at the October 18, 2014 general meeting at the Midtown Carnegie Library. At that time nominations from the floor will be accepted to be added to the ballot. All members in good standing as of April 1, 2014 may be elgible to run for office. Please note the following important General Membership meetings of the NAACP Springfield Mo. NAACP Branch, for the purpose of election of officers and at-large members of
Inclusion (OVPDI) will present the 3rd Annual Statewide Collaborative Conference. This year’s conference will feature a national authority on race relations, an international illusionist, a diversity fair, a mini-conference for students and a host of best-practice diversity presentations. The Diversity Fellows within the OVPDI will provide a community-wide video and education series… all year round. One of these will feature a true international exchange in September between participants and visitors from Abuja, Nigeria! Race relations isn’t the only focus of the DDI. This year we will support a new LGBT (Lesbian, Gay Bi-sexual and Trans-Gender) Center and on-going services for people with disabilities. Our work for both will be to ensure that the campus and community remain safe places and increase in access for all. We welcome members of both groups to campus and to participate in any event desired.
the executive committee. 1. On September 20, 2014 the nominating committee was selected. 2. On October 18,2014 at the Midtown Carnegie Library Committee, receipt of Nominations by Petition, and election of the Election Supervisory Committee. All members whose memberships are current as of April 1 may be nominated for office or as an at-large member of the Executive Committee. In order to sign a nominating petition, or be elected to the Election Supervisory Committee, a member must continued on page 7
Library
continued from page 3
CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, vinyl records, board games and puzzles.Adult, young adult and children’s books and most audiovisual items are $1 or less; better books are $2 and up. The Friends can accept cash or checks only. Sale hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21,-Friday, Oct. 24. The sale continues from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, for Half-price Day, when everything is marked half price. The final day is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. That’s Bag Day, when everything you can jam in a bag is $1, or $5 from better books. ••• October is National Bullying Prevention Month, when the Library is focusing on raising awareness of bullying. The series continues Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. at the Brentwood Branch with the film, “Bully,” raged PG-13, for age 13 and older. It also airs at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the
Every First Tuesday of the Month
Minorities In Business monthly networking meeting When: 5:15 p.m.
Our guest speaker is George Phillips with Philips & Associates, Inc. He will be discussing MODOT DBE Certification. 405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65897 Bring a friend or business partner!! RSVP by emailing kayla@oke-thomas.com 405 N. Jefferson Ave. For more information call: (417) 863-6262
Library Station Frisco Room. The documentary follows the serious impactof bullying on five youths and their families over a school year. On Monday, Oct. 20, Jon Herbert, Ozarks Technical Community College theater instructor, will lead a group of young people in a dramatization based on one teen's haiku to reflect a personal story of bullying or oppression. Discussion will follow the performance. At 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, meet and hear Tina Meier, the Missouri woman whose daughter Megan committed suicide after being bullied online. Tina will share Megan's story and discuss bullying, bystanders, cyberbullying and sexting. Families are welcome; some material may be inappropriate for young children. This event will be simulcast live to the Library Center, Library Station and Midtown Carnegie Branch Library. Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.
Fades Barber Shop Specializing in Fades and other popular styles. 812 S. Glenstone Ave Call to schedule an appointment or come by. Walk-ins are welcome.
(417)832-8242
If you want to experience something new —the before and after look of true beauty, come to:
Trena’s Exquisite Hair Salon
Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 1553 N. National Ave.
Call: (417) 849-6611
October Unite Page 12
October 2014 Volume 24/ Number 10 • A Monthly Publication by Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc •
GRUPO LATINOAMERICANO’s 25th ANNIVERSARY! WHEN: Saturday, October 18th 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM WHERE: MSU Plaster Student Union. S. National and E. Madison
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Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
Springfield, MO—Organizers of Springfield’s 5th Annual Jazz Festival hope both jazz aficionados and those who know little to nothing about the musical genre, will take this opportunity to listen and learn. The local festival, taking place in downtown Springfield, Friday, Oct. 3, is free to the public. Before the Civil Rights Act, before Brown vs. The Board of Education, and long before President Truman's integration of the armed forces, black and white jazz musicians were breaking social taboos in order to share and learn from each other. Experts, in fact, say the creation of jazz was due to a melting pot of sorts: the combination of European musical tradition and African musical tradition. See Schedule on page 8
Springfield, MO—The Springfield chapter of the NAACP will hold their chapter election, November 15, 2014 from noon to 4:00 Cheryl Clay pm at the Midtown Carnegie Library at 397 E. Central. This election will be held per the NAACP National Office procedures. The general membership continued on page 2
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5th Annual Springfield Jazz Festival Is October 3rd On Park Central Square
Local NAACP Will Hold Chapter Elections Nov 15
ADMISSION, FOOD AND PARKING ARE FREE!!!
Six Local Athletes honored as New Hall Inductees
Photo by B. Hairston
Photo by Springfield News-Leader
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Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community
Join us in our celebration of 25 years of service to the community. Enjoy the live music, dances, cultural exhibits and food of the Spanish-Speaking world. We invite the entire Ozarks community, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, to come and share in this festive celebration of fun and fiesta for the whole family.
Unite enriches lives and connects you with diverse news about your community you can trust and count on. Unite is now available online at unitenewsonline.org
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National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15- October 15
NaTasha Neal Moore
Gary "Peanut" Adams
Springfield, MO—Six individuals were new inductions to the list of Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame at the September 23, ceremony at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. The continued on page 9
I’m a cop. If you don’t want to get hurt, don’t challenge me. by Sunil Dutta This article reprinted from The Washington Post. 08/19/14
It’s not the police, but the people they stop, who can prevent a detention from turning into a tragedy. Sunil Dutta, a professor of homeland security at Colorado
Tech University, has been an trigger-happy murderers; riots officer with the Los erupt. This, we are led Angeles Police Departto believe, is the way of ment for 17 years. The things in America. views presented here It is also a terrible are his own and do not calumny; cops are represent the LAPD not murderers. No or CTU. A teenager is officer goes out in the fatally shot by a police field wishing to shoot Sunil Dutta officer; the police are anyone, armed or unaccused of being bloodthirsty, continued on page 11