March 2012Volume 22/ Number 3

•A Monthly Publication by

Unite. of SouthwestMissouri, Inc

•www.unitenewsonline.org

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

UNITE.B.B. King At The Gillioz TheatreMarch 20, 2012 Author Heidi Durrow

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

story of Rachel, the daughter of a Danish mother and a black G.I. who becomes the sole sur-vivor of a family tragedy. With her strict African American grandmother as her new guardian, Rachel moves to a mostly black community, where her light brown skin, blue eyes, and beauty bring mixed attention her way. Grow-ing up in the 1980s, she learns to swallow her overwhelming grief and confronts her identity as a biracial young woman in a world that wants to see her as either black or white. Meanwhile, a mystery unfolds, revealing the terrible truth about Rachel’s last morn-

ing on a Chicago rooftop. Interwoven are the voices of Jamie, a neighborhood boy who witnessed the events, and Laronne, a friend of Rachel’s mother. Inspired by a true story of a moth-er’s twisted love, The Girl Who Fell from the Sky reveals an unfathomable past

and explores issues of identity at a time when many people are asking “Must race confine us and define us?”In the tradition of Sandra Cisneros’s House on Mango

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

March Is Women's History Month

Tickets For The NAACP Freedom Fund CelebrationNow Available

Continued On Page 2

Continued on Page 2

Springfield, MO— The Springfield Branch NAACP will hold its Free-dom Fund Celebration on Saturday,

Heidi W. Durrow

B E S T S E L L I N G

MSU Gospel MusicExtravaganza A gospel concert featuring the MSU Gospel Choir, as well as other collegiate and com-munity choirs will perform Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Plaster Student Union Theatre on the MSU campus. Admission is free. Contact Ramon Bates at (417) 836-5652. Continued On Page 2

March Unite Page 12

Minorities In Business 2nd Annual Heritage Awards

Joe Robles,Business Owner

Dr. Leslie Anderson,Associate UniversityProfessor

Denny Whayne,former City Councilman& Community Leader

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2012 MIB HERITAGE AWARD HONOREES !!!

Mr. Joe Robles, Robles State Farm Insurance-

Community Service Award

Dr. Leslie Anderson, Missouri State University-Advocacy Award

Mr. Denny Whayne, Community Leader-Achievement Award

We sincerely appreciate everything you do!!!

“Honoring Our Community”

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

Career Center Moves To New

Location

March Unite Page 2 March Unite Page 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

continued from page 1Heidi Durrow

Carrington 309 - Glass Hall 103417-836-5636CareerCenter@MissouriState.educareercenter.missouristate.edu

What can your Career Center do for you?

For Students and Parents:

About Employers:

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B.B. King At The Gillioz Theatre March 20

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

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

continued from page 1Freedom Fund

1322 S. Campbell • (417) 865-8943

Individual/Couples/FamilyCounseling

Sliding-fee scale

March Unite Page 6

By Ron Ponds, Social Security District Manager

Have you been wondering when the best time is to retire? If you have, then we have an audio pod-cast just for you. Social Security’s new podcast, “Deciding When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits,” is available for you to listen to now at HYPERLINK "http://www.socialsecurity.gov/podcasts" www.socialsecurity.gov/podcasts. In this discussion, Social Security will tell you some of the things you need to con-sider before making one of the most important decisions in your life. Social Security’s Deputy Commissioner for Communications, Jim Courtney

and Jason Fichtner, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of the agency, explore the factors to be considered when you think

about when to retire. “There is no one ‘best age’ for everyone,” explains Fichtner in the pod-cast. “Ultimately, it’s a personal choice that people have to make based on their individ-ual circumstances.”

The podcast encourages lis-teners to use Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator, which you can find online at HYPERLINK "http://www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator" www.socialsecurity.gov/estima-tor. The Retirement Estimator can help you “try on” different retirement scenarios, playing with such variables as when

you’d like to retire and how much you expect to earn in future working years. So stop wondering when the best time is for you to retire. Your first step to figuring out the answer to that question is to visit HYPERLINK "http://www.socialsecurity.gov/podcasts" www.socialsecurity.gov/pod-casts and to listen to “Deciding When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits.” Then, you’ll want to sub-scribe to the ongoing series, or bookmark the web address and check back for additional pod-casts. To learn more about Social Security, visit the website at HYPERLINK "http://www.socialsecurity.gov" www.socialsecurity.gov.

New Podcast Discuss When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits

Ronald Ponds

and dreams just because "the time isn't good"... you can still make 2009 the year you uncover

a whole new you for the better! Even in tough times, you get to decide how to respond to certain conditions, opportuni-ties, and outcomes--both good and bad. Life will always be a series of choices and

YOU get to decide on what will move you closer to your goals, or farther away from them. External forces will always be part of the equation, even dur-ing the good times when the

world is thriving. When people ask me about the single most important ingre-dient to success, I always share the same response: realizing what's making you achieve suc-cess, and then realizing what is stifling your success. Sometimes recognizing the things that are NOT working in your life can be painful, yet VERY powerful to shaping the life you want. Don't try to rationalize them, make excuses for them, or hide them. This is when it's even more critical to take personal inventory and evict those

Will Your Life Work the Way You Want It To In 2009?by Jack CanfieldCo-Author of Chicken Soup for the Soul Series

As I mentioned earlier, 2009 may bring greater uncer-tainty and more unset-tling economic news than recent years, but these circumstances should compel us to take a deep breath, and pause to think about our lives. When things happen in the world that seem so far beyond our individual control, it can feel unsettling. Don't give up on your goals

February Unite Page 7

WEALTHNetexcuses, rationalizations, and hidden habits that don't serve you. These things will keep you from the life you want to be living. Let me give you some examples. Ask yourself if you relate to any of these questions: Do you want to be active, fit, and strong? Then you have to stop making excuses about your weight, diet choices, and lack of exercise. Do you want to be in a loving relationship based on friendship and respect? Then you have to stop rationalizing why you and your partner are not communi-cating well. Do you want to embrace Monday mornings and feel excited about going to work every day? Then you have to stop hiding your true passions and go after whatever it is you really want to be doing day in and day out. Do you want to lose the debt forever? Then you have to stop ignoring your spending habits and get real about a creating budget that will pull you out of debt and allow you to reach financial freedom. Do you want to feel more connected to the people in your life, such as your children, friends, and colleagues? Then you have to stop complaining about your poor relationships and figure out why you don't feel as connected as you'd like to be. These things can be painful to look at because the truth is that you have to do something about them in order to make it work in your life. You'll have to say no to the second helping of dinner and

the dessert to follow and go through the awkward stage of getting into shape... You'll have to confront your partner about the areas that need work... You'll have to get past fears about changing your job or pro-fessional path... You'll have to cut back on your spending and be frugal... You'll have to take a good hard look at your personal relationships and perhaps con-sider your own shortfalls and weaknesses in communicating your needs and concerns. Plain and simple, you will have to do something uncom-fortable. Successful people don't waste time in denial (or com-plain or make excuses for that matter). They face situations like a warrior. They look for the warning signs, they find out why things aren't working, and they go about fixing them- even when fixing requires problem solving, hard work, risk, and a level of uncertainty. It's okay to identify a prob-lem even though you haven't a clue about how to go about solv-ing it right away. If you need help organiz-ing those "things" in your life, try using the following list of categories. I recommend reflect-ing on each of the 7 areas and ask yourself, what's not working here in each one and then brain-storm 3 potential solutions.1.) Financial Goals, 2.) Career/Business Goals, 3.) Free Time/Family Time, 4.) Health/Appearance Goals, 5.) Relationship Goals, 6.) Personal Growth 7.) Making a Difference. Remember, by facing what is not working, you can only improve your life!

A Directory of free or low cost BusinessAssistanceSpringfield Area Chamber of Commercewww.spfldchamber.com417.862.5567

Small Business Administration (SBA)www.sba.gov417.864.7670

Small Business Development Center www.sbdc.smsu.edu417.836.5685

Will Your Life Work...continued from page 6

continued on page 7

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Newark, NJ — After all the testimonials from relatives and friends, the songs from legends and pop stars, the preaching and even laughter, the raw emotion of Whitney Houston’s funeral came down to just one moment: The sound of her own voice.

As the strains of her biggest record, “I Will Always Love You,” filled the New Hope Baptist Church at the end of the nearly four-hour service Saturday and her silver-and-gold casket was lifted in the air, the weight of the

moment was too much for her

Whitney Houston's Funeral: Her Voice Still Soars

Whitney Houston

continued on page 11

mother to bear. Gospel singer Cissy Houston wailed, “My baby! My baby!” as she was held up by two women and led out of the church behind her daughter’s body. A few steps behind her was the pop icon’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, also crying uncontrol-lably as she was comforted by Houston’s close friend, singer Ray J. It was the most searing scene on a day with mixed moods as family, friends and a list of celeb-rities - sometimes one and the same - came to the humble New Hope Baptist Church, where

Whitney Houston first wowed a congregation, to remember one of music’s legends, but also a New Jersey hometown girl.Houston died the previous Sat-urday in Beverly Hills, Calif., on the eve of the Grammys at the age of 48. She was buried Sunday Feb. 19, 2012 next to her father, John

Houston, in nearby Westfield, N.J. Her death marked the end of a life of stunning achievement. Blessed with a voice of great power and beauty, Houston became one of pop music’s most successful artists over a career that spanned nearly three de-cades and segued into film with

hits like “The Bodyguard.” But her life was not without struggles. An addiction to drugs and a tumultuous union with ex-husband Bobby Brown saw her tumbling from grace.Both sides of Houston were recalled at the service at New Hope, which was filled with more than 300 mourners.

continued from page 2Whitney Houston

The Missouri State University Gospel Choir (originally the Southwest Missouri State University Gospel Choir) began in 1989 as a small student organization. As time progressed the student group associated itself with the Student Affairs division and participated in several recruitment events for the Office of Admissions and Multicultural Student Services. As part of the mission to reorganize and restructure the Gospel Choir in 2009, the decision was made to seek out a qualified candidate who would be charged with overseeing the MSU Gospel choir as well as providing for music directors and musicians. As such, Ramon Bates was hired as the Administrator of the MSU Gospel Choir under the Direction of Charlotte Hardin Assist Vice President for Multicultural Student Services. The choir has performed for major events in Springfield such as the Springfield Symphony televised, Bears Backing Haiti, Missouri State Basketball games, Ballet Memphis, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Multicultural Festival, Hickory Hills Country Club and not to mention 2 major city tours, Chicago and Memphis. Since 2009 the choir has grown tremendously with over 100 participating and a current enrollment of 52 students. Missouri State Gospel Choir also seeks to work with church leaders such as Quincy Williams of Deliverance Temple, Sigrid Burson of New Hope International Church and Band Director Alfred Holmes of Deliverance Temple. This group is the leadership team of The Missouri State Gospel Choir. The gospel choir extends its ministry to any event to help spread the gospel through song, dance and praise. If we can be of any assists please contact: Ramon Bates at 417-836-5652 or email us with your request at www.mostategc.com.

Missouri State Gospel Choir

March Unite Page 3

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Community NewsFive Skills Children Need... – Part 4by Gwen Marshall

Workforce Development to move...

Health News

Bridging the Gap, CVD and Health Equityby American Heart Association

Lifestyle & Entertainment NewsMovie Review: Tyler Perry's “Good Deeds” & “Safe House”by Lyle Foster

The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801 and accompanied by $25. for one year’s postage and handling. Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct corre-spondence to the same address. Readers comments and ques-tions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. “The Unite Publication in accept-ing advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.” For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com

PublisherUnite. of Southwest

Missouri, Inc.

Managing EditorSamuel G. Knox

Contributing WritersLyle Foster

Mia Jackson-HuskissonKathleen O'Dell

Catherine Thomas

PhotographySpringfield NewsLeader

David HuskissonDavid N. Knox

DistributionBradley Knox

VolunteersTyra Knox

Kerri McGrewAngelor Wilkes

Volume 22, Number 3

March Unite Page 10

Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc.

(417)886-9994 • Fax: (417) 886-9996 • 1947 E. Seminole • Springfield, MO 65804

The quality and care that you expectin 242 years of combined experience

W. Bruce HowellRobert J. LohmeyerDon R. Lohmeyer

Marquis D. Howell, JrHeather K. HowellAngela N. CollinsHarley R. Williams

Clint W. MeaseWinford R Laster

IN THIS ISSUE UNITE.

by Kathleen O’Dell ,Springfield-Greene CountyLibrary District

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

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 417-864-1606; 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.

City Employment Link

Fades Barber ShopSpecializing in Fades and

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812 S. Glenstone AveCall to schedule an

appointment or come by.Walk-ins are welcome.

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Good News, Great Music & Warm People

2101 W. Chestnut Expwy.Springfield, MO 65802(417)865-4338www.deliverancetemple.org

Everyone is Welcome!Sunday Morning Worship 10:15 a.m.Youth Ministry: Ages 12-17Kingdom Kids: Ages 4-11 & Nursery Available

If you want to experience something new —the before and after look

of true beauty, come to: Trena’s Exquisite

Hair SalonMonday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

1553 N. National Ave.Call: (417) 862-1106

eBook PublishersStruggle WithLibrary Pricing

Subscribe To The Unite

Publication

Call: (417) 864-7444Only $25. per year

continued on page 7

City of Springfield Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations

www.springfieldmo.gov/boards/humanrights/index.html

“The Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations works to promote understanding and respect among all citizens and provides the community recourse for discriminatory acts.”

840 N. Boonville AvenueSpringfield, MO 65802

417-864-1012

City of Springfield Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations

www.springfieldmo.gov/boards/humanrights/index.html

“The Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations works to promote understanding and respect among all citizens and provides the community recourse for discriminatory acts.”

840 N. Boonville AvenueSpringfield, MO 65802

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View an electronic version of Unite the Unite Publication Online:

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March Unite Page 9March Unite Page 4

by Gwen MarshallOffice of Cultural Diversity, SPS

Well coaches, we have explored three of the five skills children need to be successful readers. I hope you parent-coaches are seeing the importance of being your child’s first reading literacy coach. Here’s a quick review. So far the skills we have discussed are “spoken words” (knowing how language sounds, which is phonemic awareness); “written words” (leaping from talking

to reading, which starts when a child can see how letters stand for sounds of speech or phonics); and “word power”

(knowledge of words and what they mean or vocabulary). Now we will look at the final two skill build-ers, “reading smoothly and easily” and “know-ing what it all means.” Many of you may know

how to drive a stick shift. Do you remember when you tried driving a “stick” for the first time? Remember how the car stalled and the jerky motion that seemed to be tearing the engine

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

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

CommunitySection

Five Skills Children Need To Be Successful – Part 4continued from page 8Safe House

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

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

Gwen Marshall

Important Dates

March 16, 2012 End of Third Quarter

(42 Days)

March 19-23, 2012 Spring Break

March 23, 2012 School System Closed

March 26, 2012 Fourth Quarter Begins

The City of Spring�eld Division of Purchases welcomes all contractors and vendors to participate in the City’s bid opportu-nities for providing needed supplies, equipment, and services to the City. Information and noti�cation about bidding is open to all, and there is never a charge.

To view or download all current documents for bidding oppor-tunities with the Division of Purchases, please go to our website at: Spring�eldmo.gov/purchasing, and click on ‘Bid Processing Center.’

Contractors, consultants and other types of vendors may also sign up to receive noti�cations of the City’s future bid opportu-nities based on the type of services they provide. This service can be found by clicking on ‘Bid Noti�cation Service’ on the Purchasing website. There is a fee (for use of a third party noti�cation service).

The City’s Department of Public Works also uses the City web-site to let contractors know about upcoming construction projects. Go to Spring�eldmo.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.

City of Spring�eld project bidsOpen for business – Open to all

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• Customer Service Representative-Front Counter (Springfield) – Provide a positive customer experience in a prompt and professional manner. Cus-tomer interactions including selling Mediacom services, resolving billing concerns, troubleshooting service issues, processing payments, equipment inventory and scheduling service and installation appointments.

Mediacom offers a competitive wage in addition to a comprehensive benefit package to include paid vacation/flex/holidays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, matching 401K, discounted services, tuition assistance and more. A minimum of High School Diploma/GED required for all positions.

Apply online at careers.mediacomcc.com

for immediate consideration.

Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.MEDIACOM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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

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

© 2012 - Universal Pictures. All right reserved.

March Unite Page 5March Unite Page 8

Movie Review: Tyler Perry's “Good Deeds”

Missouri State University is currently recruiting diverse staff and faculty to add to

the growing University system.

www.missouristate.edu/jobsVacancy recording: 417-836-4683

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

Distinctive Mission, Remarkable Education

Affordable Choice, Unbeatable Value

Memorable Experiences, Lifetime Success

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

by Lyle FosterUnite Contributing Writer

How Good will Good Deeds Be?All the Tyler Perry fans in the house say yea!!!!! Yes, Tyler Perry's new movie, "Good Deeds" was released on February 24 and it is part of an action packed trifecta that I mentioned last month with Joyful Noise, Red Tails and Good Deeds all playing back to back and Safe House!Well the biggest thing to announce about Good Deeds is that Tyler Perry has taken off his dress aka Madea and is playing a very likeable character named Wesley Deeds...who is a well to do businessman. He is a character that some can relate to in that he always put the needs of others ahead of him-self. Others in this case are his parents and his business. He has experienced a very predict-able life with a cute fiance and wedding plans underway and off to a fairy tale life. His fiance is played by the always like-able and solid actress Gabrielle Union. Now many brothers watching the movie will wonder

how could any red blooded man think twice about marrying Gabrielle Union or even a char-acter she portrays. Well, that is one of the obvious points of the

movie....finding our pur-pose in life and helping others. Mr. Deeds gets to meet another lady and learn about her life and the obstacles she is trying to overcome and at the same time raise her child. This is a life-style that he is not very familiar with and getting

to know her better makes him wonder what role should he play in her life. Did I mention that the other lady is the custodian at his company? Her character is played by Thandie Newton an actress all of us are not as famil-iar with but who has some solid acting credit behind her.Many moviegoers love the smart witted, fast talking ,stock-ing hanging, frying pan swing-ing Madea and laughs are a plenty so it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to Tyler Perry playing a man. There is certainly something ironic about that statement but that is for another time but it certainly represents a turning point in the direction that Tyler

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

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

Lyle Foster

LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews

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

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

Every First Tuesday of the Month

Minorities In Businessmonthly networking meeting

What: Networking When: 5:15 p.m. Where: Q Enoteca • Anyone interested in business is welcome.

308 West Commercial StreetFor more information call: (417) 861-0760

by Matt Schudel Reprint from Washington Post

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

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

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

Photo by Quantrell Colbert – © 2011 Very Perry Films. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

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

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

“Safe House”— Movie Review

continued on page 9

Don Cornelius, producer and businessman

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

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

Workforce development to move into vacant space

March Unite Page 6

Provided by the American Heart Association Advocacy Dept.

OVERVIEW A person's race or ethnicity shouldn't put them at higher risk for developing cardio-vascular disease (CVD), but unfortunately, it is one factor that affects a person's likeliness of suffering a heart attack or stroke and chances of survival if they do. CVD remains the No. 1 killer of Americans' and exacts a disproportionate toll on many racial and ethnic groups. For example CVD accounts for about one-third of the dispar-ity in potential life-years lost between blacks and whites. Racial and ethnic minority populations also confront more barriers to CVD diagnosis and care, receive lower quality treat-ment, and experience worse health outcomes than theirwhite counterparts. Such dis-parities are linked to a number of complex factors, such as income and education, genetic and physiological factors, access to care, and communication barriers. , The American Heart Association (AHA) believes that we must bridge the disparity gap and ensure access to qual-ity health care for all who live in the United States.

GREATER RISKS, GREATER DEATHS Many racial/ethnic minority populations have higher rates of CVD and related risk factors: • CVD age-adjusted death rates are nearly 34% higher for blacks than for the overall U.S. popula-tion. Blacks are nearly twice as likely to have a first stroke and much more likely to die from one than whites.' • Heart failure before age 40 is

20 times morecommon among blacks than among whites. • American Indians/Alaska Natives die from heart disease much earlier than expected - 36% are under 65 compared with only 17% for the U.S. population overall. • High blood pressure is more preva-lent in certain racial/ethnic minority groups in the U.S., espe-cially in blacks', for whom the prevalence is among the highest in the world and is increasing. • Non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americanshave a higher prevalence of dia-betes than nonHispanic whites for adults over age 20.1 • Non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican American women have a higher rate of obesity-a risk factor for CVD and diabetes'-than the overall population.

LOWER ACCESS, LOWER QUALITY Racial/ethnic minority groups are less likely to be insured and have more limited access to quality health care.• A 2007 U.S. Census report showed that more than half of the uninsured are people of color.• A recent survey found that Hispanics and blacks are less likely than whites to have access to a regular source of medical care, but having health insur-ance and a medical home can reduce or eliminate disparities in access and quality.• A recent report on cardiac care quality of racial/ethnic minority groups found evidence

Facts Bridge the Gap, CVD and Health Equity

March Unite Page 7

Health & MentalFitness

of disparities in 84% of the stud-ies examined." • Evidence suggests black adults are far more likely than white adults to be admitted to the hospital for angina and con-gestive heart failure. • A study on cardiovascular procedures found blacks were

more likely than whites to be admitted to an emergency room and had higher post-operative mor-tality rates.

• Blacks hospitalized with a heart attack are less likely to receive revascularization com-pared to white and Hispanic patients, even after adjusting for insurance status and comorbidi-ties. • The National Healthcare Disparities Report, 2007 found that the proportion of Medicare patients with heart failure who received the recommended hospital care was lower for American Indians/Alaska Natives and Hispanics, com-pared to whites.• Disparities are also linked to minority patients receiving care in lower-performing hospitals.

HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE There are fewer minority physicians and limited aware-ness among cardiovascular practitioners about health care disparities. • Minorities are greatly under-represented in the U.S. physi-cian workforce. In 2001, only 2% of cardiologists were black 3.8% were Hispanic, and 12.7% were Asian.' • In 2004, almost two-thirds of U.S. medical school graduates

A Directory of local and regional healthresourcesAIDS Federal hotline; 24 hours a day, everyday, including holidays.1-800-590-AIDS (2437) Local office: 417-881-1900

Alzheimer’s Disease1-800-272-3900

American Stroke AssociationLearn more about strokes by calling1-888-4-STROKE

Cancer Resource Network1-800-227-2345

Diabetes HotlineDivision of Cox Medical Center North 417-269-3737

Medicare InformationMedicare Information Hotline1-800-494-7355

Mental Health Crisis HotlineCounseling needs & crisis intervention1-800-494-7355

National Parkinson FoundationEducation, announcements, links to related sites1-800-327-4545www.parkinson.org

OTC Dental Hygiene ClinicProvides low cost dental care for adults and children; performed by students under the supervi-sion 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 HealthThe mission is to eliminate health disparities through assertive lead-ership, advocacy support, and visible interaction with minority communities in Missouri.The Southwest Alliance meet-ing is held every other month on the last Tuesday at 12:00 p.m.in Springfield at the Deliverance Temple Campus 2101 W. ChestnutExpwy. Call: 1-800-877-3180

were white. Only 6.3% were black, 6.2% were Hispanic/Latino, and less than 1 % were Native American. 18• Many minority patients have difficulty communicating with their health care provid-ers.• Just 35% of cardiologists recently surveyed agreed that disparities in overall care exist in the U.S., and only 5% believed disparities exist in the care of their own patients. • A recent review of racial/ethnic differences in cardiac care showed that 91 % of high quality studies included data on blacks, but only 26% on Hispanics, 14% on Asians, and a mere 5% on Native Americans."

MORE AND BETTER DATA NEEDED The Affordable Care Act includes provisions that would require the develop-ment of more data on health disparities. Understanding where and why health dispari-ties exist is the first step to addressing them. Although the new HHS Data Collection Standards are a step in the

right direction, no standard-ized requirement exists in the health care industry for collecting, 9 categorizing, or using race/ethnicity data. The proportion of people in the US who are members of at least two ethnic groups will increase 10% by the year 2050, complicating assess-ments of 20 health disparities.

THE AHA ADVOCATES The AHA and its American Stroke Association division support:• Meaningful, affordable high-quality health coverage for all U.S. residents that is culturally and Ian guage-appropriate; • The Health Equity and Accountability Act (H.R. 2954), comprehensive legisla-tion designed to help eradi-cate health disparities. • Funding at the nation-al and state levels for WISEWOMAN or similar programs, which provide free screening and lifestyle intervention services to low-income, uninsured or under-insured women; • Improved reporting of health care data, including new drug and medical devicesafety and efficacy data, by sex, race, and ethnicity.

Qunci Williams, Success CoachSassy Sistah NetworkLife skill mentoring for womenin transitionsassysistahnet@aol.com417-861-3965

Calvin L. Allen, Exec. DirectorSpringfield Community Center- Family Achievement AcademyCorner of Sherman Ave/Division StSpringfield, MO 65803417-866-4359

Cheryl Clay, PresidentSpringfield Branch N.A.A.C.P. P.O. Box 8983Springfield, MO 65801(417) 873-6386Meetings are every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Flora (Pat) Looney, PresidentOur Night OutSocial & Charitable Org.417-866-2387

James Pike, PresidentSpringfield Reunion ClubOrganizes the Annual Park Day/Reunion Weekend1447 N. HamptonSpringfield, MO 65802417-869-0183Meeting every first Monday

Samuel G. KnoxUnite of SWMO, Inc.Publishes the Unite Publication; presenters of the Annual MultiCultural Festival 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy.Springfield, MO 65802Phone: 417-864-7444unitepublication@yahoo.comwww.unitenewsonline.org

Mark A. DixonBartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center918 E. CalhounSpringfield, MO 65802417-719-4300www.bartley-decatur.org

Duke WinkfieldAmerican Legion PostNorvel Stafford1339 E. Division StSpringfield, MO 65803417-862-9123

Alana Lyles, PresidentLadies Civic LeagueProvides scholarships for youthP. O. Box 8296Springfield, MO 65801

Robert Looney, Ozarks Golf Club, IncSpfld. Community Center618 N. BentonSpringfield, MO 65806

Sidney Needem, Sec.,Sherman Avenue ProjectCommittee, Inc. Housing Org.1228 N. ShermanSpringfield, MO 65802417-865-1203

W.M. Herman Burkett, Jr.Prince Hall MasonsTruth Lodge #151P.O. Box 8063Springfield, MO 65801417-890-5180

Wesley PrattThe GatheringA community action groupFor more information call 417-987-7809

Shelia Burton, PresidentLincoln Memorial CemeteryBoard, Inc.P.O. Box 9282Springfield, MO 65801417-877-0668

African American CommunityOrganizations Directory

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

continued from page 6CVD & Health Equity

continued on next page

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

collections” budget must cover the district’s entire print, audiovisual and electronics purchases. What does this mean for the Library’s e-book collection? Lisa is optimistic, especially if library patrons continue their letter-writing campaign to e-book publishers. “As soon as publishers get a handle on how to adapt in this market, they will figure out strategies to sell to this (library) market,” she says. “But it would be great if all of them could get together and decide on a standard way to sell to public libraries.”

continued from page 3Library Column

March Unite Page 6

Provided by the American Heart Association Advocacy Dept.

OVERVIEW A person's race or ethnicity shouldn't put them at higher risk for developing cardio-vascular disease (CVD), but unfortunately, it is one factor that affects a person's likeliness of suffering a heart attack or stroke and chances of survival if they do. CVD remains the No. 1 killer of Americans' and exacts a disproportionate toll on many racial and ethnic groups. For example CVD accounts for about one-third of the dispar-ity in potential life-years lost between blacks and whites. Racial and ethnic minority populations also confront more barriers to CVD diagnosis and care, receive lower quality treat-ment, and experience worse health outcomes than theirwhite counterparts. Such dis-parities are linked to a number of complex factors, such as income and education, genetic and physiological factors, access to care, and communication barriers. , The American Heart Association (AHA) believes that we must bridge the disparity gap and ensure access to qual-ity health care for all who live in the United States.

GREATER RISKS, GREATER DEATHS Many racial/ethnic minority populations have higher rates of CVD and related risk factors: • CVD age-adjusted death rates are nearly 34% higher for blacks than for the overall U.S. popula-tion. Blacks are nearly twice as likely to have a first stroke and much more likely to die from one than whites.' • Heart failure before age 40 is

20 times morecommon among blacks than among whites. • American Indians/Alaska Natives die from heart disease much earlier than expected - 36% are under 65 compared with only 17% for the U.S. population overall. • High blood pressure is more preva-lent in certain racial/ethnic minority groups in the U.S., espe-cially in blacks', for whom the prevalence is among the highest in the world and is increasing. • Non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americanshave a higher prevalence of dia-betes than nonHispanic whites for adults over age 20.1 • Non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican American women have a higher rate of obesity-a risk factor for CVD and diabetes'-than the overall population.

LOWER ACCESS, LOWER QUALITY Racial/ethnic minority groups are less likely to be insured and have more limited access to quality health care.• A 2007 U.S. Census report showed that more than half of the uninsured are people of color.• A recent survey found that Hispanics and blacks are less likely than whites to have access to a regular source of medical care, but having health insur-ance and a medical home can reduce or eliminate disparities in access and quality.• A recent report on cardiac care quality of racial/ethnic minority groups found evidence

Facts Bridge the Gap, CVD and Health Equity

March Unite Page 7

Health & MentalFitness

of disparities in 84% of the stud-ies examined." • Evidence suggests black adults are far more likely than white adults to be admitted to the hospital for angina and con-gestive heart failure. • A study on cardiovascular procedures found blacks were

more likely than whites to be admitted to an emergency room and had higher post-operative mor-tality rates.

• Blacks hospitalized with a heart attack are less likely to receive revascularization com-pared to white and Hispanic patients, even after adjusting for insurance status and comorbidi-ties. • The National Healthcare Disparities Report, 2007 found that the proportion of Medicare patients with heart failure who received the recommended hospital care was lower for American Indians/Alaska Natives and Hispanics, com-pared to whites.• Disparities are also linked to minority patients receiving care in lower-performing hospitals.

HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE There are fewer minority physicians and limited aware-ness among cardiovascular practitioners about health care disparities. • Minorities are greatly under-represented in the U.S. physi-cian workforce. In 2001, only 2% of cardiologists were black 3.8% were Hispanic, and 12.7% were Asian.' • In 2004, almost two-thirds of U.S. medical school graduates

A Directory of local and regional healthresourcesAIDS Federal hotline; 24 hours a day, everyday, including holidays.1-800-590-AIDS (2437) Local office: 417-881-1900

Alzheimer’s Disease1-800-272-3900

American Stroke AssociationLearn more about strokes by calling1-888-4-STROKE

Cancer Resource Network1-800-227-2345

Diabetes HotlineDivision of Cox Medical Center North 417-269-3737

Medicare InformationMedicare Information Hotline1-800-494-7355

Mental Health Crisis HotlineCounseling needs & crisis intervention1-800-494-7355

National Parkinson FoundationEducation, announcements, links to related sites1-800-327-4545www.parkinson.org

OTC Dental Hygiene ClinicProvides low cost dental care for adults and children; performed by students under the supervi-sion 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 HealthThe mission is to eliminate health disparities through assertive lead-ership, advocacy support, and visible interaction with minority communities in Missouri.The Southwest Alliance meet-ing is held every other month on the last Tuesday at 12:00 p.m.in Springfield at the Deliverance Temple Campus 2101 W. ChestnutExpwy. Call: 1-800-877-3180

were white. Only 6.3% were black, 6.2% were Hispanic/Latino, and less than 1 % were Native American. 18• Many minority patients have difficulty communicating with their health care provid-ers.• Just 35% of cardiologists recently surveyed agreed that disparities in overall care exist in the U.S., and only 5% believed disparities exist in the care of their own patients. • A recent review of racial/ethnic differences in cardiac care showed that 91 % of high quality studies included data on blacks, but only 26% on Hispanics, 14% on Asians, and a mere 5% on Native Americans."

MORE AND BETTER DATA NEEDED The Affordable Care Act includes provisions that would require the develop-ment of more data on health disparities. Understanding where and why health dispari-ties exist is the first step to addressing them. Although the new HHS Data Collection Standards are a step in the

right direction, no standard-ized requirement exists in the health care industry for collecting, 9 categorizing, or using race/ethnicity data. The proportion of people in the US who are members of at least two ethnic groups will increase 10% by the year 2050, complicating assess-ments of 20 health disparities.

THE AHA ADVOCATES The AHA and its American Stroke Association division support:• Meaningful, affordable high-quality health coverage for all U.S. residents that is culturally and Ian guage-appropriate; • The Health Equity and Accountability Act (H.R. 2954), comprehensive legisla-tion designed to help eradi-cate health disparities. • Funding at the nation-al and state levels for WISEWOMAN or similar programs, which provide free screening and lifestyle intervention services to low-income, uninsured or under-insured women; • Improved reporting of health care data, including new drug and medical devicesafety and efficacy data, by sex, race, and ethnicity.

Qunci Williams, Success CoachSassy Sistah NetworkLife skill mentoring for womenin transitionsassysistahnet@aol.com417-861-3965

Calvin L. Allen, Exec. DirectorSpringfield Community Center- Family Achievement AcademyCorner of Sherman Ave/Division StSpringfield, MO 65803417-866-4359

Cheryl Clay, PresidentSpringfield Branch N.A.A.C.P. P.O. Box 8983Springfield, MO 65801(417) 873-6386Meetings are every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Flora (Pat) Looney, PresidentOur Night OutSocial & Charitable Org.417-866-2387

James Pike, PresidentSpringfield Reunion ClubOrganizes the Annual Park Day/Reunion Weekend1447 N. HamptonSpringfield, MO 65802417-869-0183Meeting every first Monday

Samuel G. KnoxUnite of SWMO, Inc.Publishes the Unite Publication; presenters of the Annual MultiCultural Festival 2101 W. Chestnut Expwy.Springfield, MO 65802Phone: 417-864-7444unitepublication@yahoo.comwww.unitenewsonline.org

Mark A. DixonBartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center918 E. CalhounSpringfield, MO 65802417-719-4300www.bartley-decatur.org

Duke WinkfieldAmerican Legion PostNorvel Stafford1339 E. Division StSpringfield, MO 65803417-862-9123

Alana Lyles, PresidentLadies Civic LeagueProvides scholarships for youthP. O. Box 8296Springfield, MO 65801

Robert Looney, Ozarks Golf Club, IncSpfld. Community Center618 N. BentonSpringfield, MO 65806

Sidney Needem, Sec.,Sherman Avenue ProjectCommittee, Inc. Housing Org.1228 N. ShermanSpringfield, MO 65802417-865-1203

W.M. Herman Burkett, Jr.Prince Hall MasonsTruth Lodge #151P.O. Box 8063Springfield, MO 65801417-890-5180

Wesley PrattThe GatheringA community action groupFor more information call 417-987-7809

Shelia Burton, PresidentLincoln Memorial CemeteryBoard, Inc.P.O. Box 9282Springfield, MO 65801417-877-0668

African American CommunityOrganizations Directory

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

continued from page 6CVD & Health Equity

continued on next page

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

collections” budget must cover the district’s entire print, audiovisual and electronics purchases. What does this mean for the Library’s e-book collection? Lisa is optimistic, especially if library patrons continue their letter-writing campaign to e-book publishers. “As soon as publishers get a handle on how to adapt in this market, they will figure out strategies to sell to this (library) market,” she says. “But it would be great if all of them could get together and decide on a standard way to sell to public libraries.”

continued from page 3Library Column

March Unite Page 5March Unite Page 8

Movie Review: Tyler Perry's “Good Deeds”

Missouri State University is currently recruiting diverse staff and faculty to add to

the growing University system.

www.missouristate.edu/jobsVacancy recording: 417-836-4683

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

Distinctive Mission, Remarkable Education

Affordable Choice, Unbeatable Value

Memorable Experiences, Lifetime Success

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

by Lyle FosterUnite Contributing Writer

How Good will Good Deeds Be?All the Tyler Perry fans in the house say yea!!!!! Yes, Tyler Perry's new movie, "Good Deeds" was released on February 24 and it is part of an action packed trifecta that I mentioned last month with Joyful Noise, Red Tails and Good Deeds all playing back to back and Safe House!Well the biggest thing to announce about Good Deeds is that Tyler Perry has taken off his dress aka Madea and is playing a very likeable character named Wesley Deeds...who is a well to do businessman. He is a character that some can relate to in that he always put the needs of others ahead of him-self. Others in this case are his parents and his business. He has experienced a very predict-able life with a cute fiance and wedding plans underway and off to a fairy tale life. His fiance is played by the always like-able and solid actress Gabrielle Union. Now many brothers watching the movie will wonder

how could any red blooded man think twice about marrying Gabrielle Union or even a char-acter she portrays. Well, that is one of the obvious points of the

movie....finding our pur-pose in life and helping others. Mr. Deeds gets to meet another lady and learn about her life and the obstacles she is trying to overcome and at the same time raise her child. This is a life-style that he is not very familiar with and getting

to know her better makes him wonder what role should he play in her life. Did I mention that the other lady is the custodian at his company? Her character is played by Thandie Newton an actress all of us are not as famil-iar with but who has some solid acting credit behind her.Many moviegoers love the smart witted, fast talking ,stock-ing hanging, frying pan swing-ing Madea and laughs are a plenty so it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to Tyler Perry playing a man. There is certainly something ironic about that statement but that is for another time but it certainly represents a turning point in the direction that Tyler

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

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

Lyle Foster

LifeStyle&EntertainmentNews

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

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

Every First Tuesday of the Month

Minorities In Businessmonthly networking meeting

What: Networking When: 5:15 p.m. Where: Q Enoteca • Anyone interested in business is welcome.

308 West Commercial StreetFor more information call: (417) 861-0760

by Matt Schudel Reprint from Washington Post

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

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

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

Photo by Quantrell Colbert – © 2011 Very Perry Films. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

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

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

“Safe House”— Movie Review

continued on page 9

Don Cornelius, producer and businessman

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

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

Workforce development to move into vacant space

March Unite Page 9March Unite Page 4

by Gwen MarshallOffice of Cultural Diversity, SPS

Well coaches, we have explored three of the five skills children need to be successful readers. I hope you parent-coaches are seeing the importance of being your child’s first reading literacy coach. Here’s a quick review. So far the skills we have discussed are “spoken words” (knowing how language sounds, which is phonemic awareness); “written words” (leaping from talking

to reading, which starts when a child can see how letters stand for sounds of speech or phonics); and “word power”

(knowledge of words and what they mean or vocabulary). Now we will look at the final two skill build-ers, “reading smoothly and easily” and “know-ing what it all means.” Many of you may know

how to drive a stick shift. Do you remember when you tried driving a “stick” for the first time? Remember how the car stalled and the jerky motion that seemed to be tearing the engine

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

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

CommunitySection

Five Skills Children Need To Be Successful – Part 4continued from page 8Safe House

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

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

Gwen Marshall

Important Dates

March 16, 2012 End of Third Quarter

(42 Days)

March 19-23, 2012 Spring Break

March 23, 2012 School System Closed

March 26, 2012 Fourth Quarter Begins

The City of Spring�eld Division of Purchases welcomes all contractors and vendors to participate in the City’s bid opportu-nities for providing needed supplies, equipment, and services to the City. Information and noti�cation about bidding is open to all, and there is never a charge.

To view or download all current documents for bidding oppor-tunities with the Division of Purchases, please go to our website at: Spring�eldmo.gov/purchasing, and click on ‘Bid Processing Center.’

Contractors, consultants and other types of vendors may also sign up to receive noti�cations of the City’s future bid opportu-nities based on the type of services they provide. This service can be found by clicking on ‘Bid Noti�cation Service’ on the Purchasing website. There is a fee (for use of a third party noti�cation service).

The City’s Department of Public Works also uses the City web-site to let contractors know about upcoming construction projects. Go to Spring�eldmo.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.

City of Spring�eld project bidsOpen for business – Open to all

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.

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• Direct Sales Representatives (Springfield/Joplin & surrounding areas) – Sell Mediacom services in local neighborhoods and communities serviced by Mediacom as the company’s neighborhood marketing representative. Maintain minimum sales quotas as indicated by the Sales Supervisor follow-ing company guidelines. One year of sales experience preferred.

• Customer Service Representative-Front Counter (Springfield) – Provide a positive customer experience in a prompt and professional manner. Cus-tomer interactions including selling Mediacom services, resolving billing concerns, troubleshooting service issues, processing payments, equipment inventory and scheduling service and installation appointments.

Mediacom offers a competitive wage in addition to a comprehensive benefit package to include paid vacation/flex/holidays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, matching 401K, discounted services, tuition assistance and more. A minimum of High School Diploma/GED required for all positions.

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

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

© 2012 - Universal Pictures. All right reserved.

March Unite Page 3

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5

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Community NewsFive Skills Children Need... – Part 4by Gwen Marshall

Workforce Development to move...

Health News

Bridging the Gap, CVD and Health Equityby American Heart Association

Lifestyle & Entertainment NewsMovie Review: Tyler Perry's “Good Deeds” & “Safe House”by Lyle Foster

The Unite. publication is a monthly newspaper published by Unite of Southwest Missouri, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. Distribution of Unite. is by free circulation at various locations. However, request for home delivery by mail may be directed to Unite. P. O. Box 1745, Springfield, Missouri 65801 and accompanied by $25. for one year’s postage and handling. Those wishing to make a contribution or become a monthly sponsor should direct corre-spondence to the same address. Readers comments and ques-tions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of Unite. of Southwest Missouri, Inc. “The Unite Publication in accept-ing advertising in this publication, makes no independent investigation concerning the services of products advertised and neither endorses nor recommends the same and assumes no liability therefore.” For further information, you can contact us at (417) 864-7444. Email: unitepublication@yahoo.com

PublisherUnite. of Southwest

Missouri, Inc.

Managing EditorSamuel G. Knox

Contributing WritersLyle Foster

Mia Jackson-HuskissonKathleen O'Dell

Catherine Thomas

PhotographySpringfield NewsLeader

David HuskissonDavid N. Knox

DistributionBradley Knox

VolunteersTyra Knox

Kerri McGrewAngelor Wilkes

Volume 22, Number 3

March Unite Page 10

Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc.

(417)886-9994 • Fax: (417) 886-9996 • 1947 E. Seminole • Springfield, MO 65804

The quality and care that you expectin 242 years of combined experience

W. Bruce HowellRobert J. LohmeyerDon R. Lohmeyer

Marquis D. Howell, JrHeather K. HowellAngela N. CollinsHarley R. Williams

Clint W. MeaseWinford R Laster

IN THIS ISSUE UNITE.

by Kathleen O’Dell ,Springfield-Greene CountyLibrary District

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

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 417-864-1606; 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.

City Employment Link

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Everyone is Welcome!Sunday Morning Worship 10:15 a.m.Youth Ministry: Ages 12-17Kingdom Kids: Ages 4-11 & Nursery Available

If you want to experience something new —the before and after look

of true beauty, come to: Trena’s Exquisite

Hair SalonMonday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

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eBook PublishersStruggle WithLibrary Pricing

Subscribe To The Unite

Publication

Call: (417) 864-7444Only $25. per year

continued on page 7

City of Springfield Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations

www.springfieldmo.gov/boards/humanrights/index.html

“The Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations works to promote understanding and respect among all citizens and provides the community recourse for discriminatory acts.”

840 N. Boonville AvenueSpringfield, MO 65802

417-864-1012

City of Springfield Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations

www.springfieldmo.gov/boards/humanrights/index.html

“The Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations works to promote understanding and respect among all citizens and provides the community recourse for discriminatory acts.”

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March Unite Page 2 March Unite Page 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

continued from page 1Heidi Durrow

Carrington 309 - Glass Hall 103417-836-5636CareerCenter@MissouriState.educareercenter.missouristate.edu

What can your Career Center do for you?

For Students and Parents:

About Employers:

The Career Center can help with:

FREE

SUCCESSFULLY

B.B. King At The Gillioz Theatre March 20

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

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

continued from page 1Freedom Fund

1322 S. Campbell • (417) 865-8943

Individual/Couples/FamilyCounseling

Sliding-fee scale

March Unite Page 6

By Ron Ponds, Social Security District Manager

Have you been wondering when the best time is to retire? If you have, then we have an audio pod-cast just for you. Social Security’s new podcast, “Deciding When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits,” is available for you to listen to now at HYPERLINK "http://www.socialsecurity.gov/podcasts" www.socialsecurity.gov/podcasts. In this discussion, Social Security will tell you some of the things you need to con-sider before making one of the most important decisions in your life. Social Security’s Deputy Commissioner for Communications, Jim Courtney

and Jason Fichtner, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of the agency, explore the factors to be considered when you think

about when to retire. “There is no one ‘best age’ for everyone,” explains Fichtner in the pod-cast. “Ultimately, it’s a personal choice that people have to make based on their individ-ual circumstances.”

The podcast encourages lis-teners to use Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator, which you can find online at HYPERLINK "http://www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator" www.socialsecurity.gov/estima-tor. The Retirement Estimator can help you “try on” different retirement scenarios, playing with such variables as when

you’d like to retire and how much you expect to earn in future working years. So stop wondering when the best time is for you to retire. Your first step to figuring out the answer to that question is to visit HYPERLINK "http://www.socialsecurity.gov/podcasts" www.socialsecurity.gov/pod-casts and to listen to “Deciding When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits.” Then, you’ll want to sub-scribe to the ongoing series, or bookmark the web address and check back for additional pod-casts. To learn more about Social Security, visit the website at HYPERLINK "http://www.socialsecurity.gov" www.socialsecurity.gov.

New Podcast Discuss When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits

Ronald Ponds

and dreams just because "the time isn't good"... you can still make 2009 the year you uncover

a whole new you for the better! Even in tough times, you get to decide how to respond to certain conditions, opportuni-ties, and outcomes--both good and bad. Life will always be a series of choices and

YOU get to decide on what will move you closer to your goals, or farther away from them. External forces will always be part of the equation, even dur-ing the good times when the

world is thriving. When people ask me about the single most important ingre-dient to success, I always share the same response: realizing what's making you achieve suc-cess, and then realizing what is stifling your success. Sometimes recognizing the things that are NOT working in your life can be painful, yet VERY powerful to shaping the life you want. Don't try to rationalize them, make excuses for them, or hide them. This is when it's even more critical to take personal inventory and evict those

Will Your Life Work the Way You Want It To In 2009?by Jack CanfieldCo-Author of Chicken Soup for the Soul Series

As I mentioned earlier, 2009 may bring greater uncer-tainty and more unset-tling economic news than recent years, but these circumstances should compel us to take a deep breath, and pause to think about our lives. When things happen in the world that seem so far beyond our individual control, it can feel unsettling. Don't give up on your goals

February Unite Page 7

WEALTHNetexcuses, rationalizations, and hidden habits that don't serve you. These things will keep you from the life you want to be living. Let me give you some examples. Ask yourself if you relate to any of these questions: Do you want to be active, fit, and strong? Then you have to stop making excuses about your weight, diet choices, and lack of exercise. Do you want to be in a loving relationship based on friendship and respect? Then you have to stop rationalizing why you and your partner are not communi-cating well. Do you want to embrace Monday mornings and feel excited about going to work every day? Then you have to stop hiding your true passions and go after whatever it is you really want to be doing day in and day out. Do you want to lose the debt forever? Then you have to stop ignoring your spending habits and get real about a creating budget that will pull you out of debt and allow you to reach financial freedom. Do you want to feel more connected to the people in your life, such as your children, friends, and colleagues? Then you have to stop complaining about your poor relationships and figure out why you don't feel as connected as you'd like to be. These things can be painful to look at because the truth is that you have to do something about them in order to make it work in your life. You'll have to say no to the second helping of dinner and

the dessert to follow and go through the awkward stage of getting into shape... You'll have to confront your partner about the areas that need work... You'll have to get past fears about changing your job or pro-fessional path... You'll have to cut back on your spending and be frugal... You'll have to take a good hard look at your personal relationships and perhaps con-sider your own shortfalls and weaknesses in communicating your needs and concerns. Plain and simple, you will have to do something uncom-fortable. Successful people don't waste time in denial (or com-plain or make excuses for that matter). They face situations like a warrior. They look for the warning signs, they find out why things aren't working, and they go about fixing them- even when fixing requires problem solving, hard work, risk, and a level of uncertainty. It's okay to identify a prob-lem even though you haven't a clue about how to go about solv-ing it right away. If you need help organiz-ing those "things" in your life, try using the following list of categories. I recommend reflect-ing on each of the 7 areas and ask yourself, what's not working here in each one and then brain-storm 3 potential solutions.1.) Financial Goals, 2.) Career/Business Goals, 3.) Free Time/Family Time, 4.) Health/Appearance Goals, 5.) Relationship Goals, 6.) Personal Growth 7.) Making a Difference. Remember, by facing what is not working, you can only improve your life!

A Directory of free or low cost BusinessAssistanceSpringfield Area Chamber of Commercewww.spfldchamber.com417.862.5567

Small Business Administration (SBA)www.sba.gov417.864.7670

Small Business Development Center www.sbdc.smsu.edu417.836.5685

Will Your Life Work...continued from page 6

continued on page 7

4840 West Kearney Street P.O. Box 2877, 65801Springfield, Missouri USA 65803Tel 417-865-8715 Fax 417-865-2950www.tuthill.com

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Newark, NJ — After all the testimonials from relatives and friends, the songs from legends and pop stars, the preaching and even laughter, the raw emotion of Whitney Houston’s funeral came down to just one moment: The sound of her own voice.

As the strains of her biggest record, “I Will Always Love You,” filled the New Hope Baptist Church at the end of the nearly four-hour service Saturday and her silver-and-gold casket was lifted in the air, the weight of the

moment was too much for her

Whitney Houston's Funeral: Her Voice Still Soars

Whitney Houston

continued on page 11

mother to bear. Gospel singer Cissy Houston wailed, “My baby! My baby!” as she was held up by two women and led out of the church behind her daughter’s body. A few steps behind her was the pop icon’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, also crying uncontrol-lably as she was comforted by Houston’s close friend, singer Ray J. It was the most searing scene on a day with mixed moods as family, friends and a list of celeb-rities - sometimes one and the same - came to the humble New Hope Baptist Church, where

Whitney Houston first wowed a congregation, to remember one of music’s legends, but also a New Jersey hometown girl.Houston died the previous Sat-urday in Beverly Hills, Calif., on the eve of the Grammys at the age of 48. She was buried Sunday Feb. 19, 2012 next to her father, John

Houston, in nearby Westfield, N.J. Her death marked the end of a life of stunning achievement. Blessed with a voice of great power and beauty, Houston became one of pop music’s most successful artists over a career that spanned nearly three de-cades and segued into film with

hits like “The Bodyguard.” But her life was not without struggles. An addiction to drugs and a tumultuous union with ex-husband Bobby Brown saw her tumbling from grace.Both sides of Houston were recalled at the service at New Hope, which was filled with more than 300 mourners.

continued from page 2Whitney Houston

The Missouri State University Gospel Choir (originally the Southwest Missouri State University Gospel Choir) began in 1989 as a small student organization. As time progressed the student group associated itself with the Student Affairs division and participated in several recruitment events for the Office of Admissions and Multicultural Student Services. As part of the mission to reorganize and restructure the Gospel Choir in 2009, the decision was made to seek out a qualified candidate who would be charged with overseeing the MSU Gospel choir as well as providing for music directors and musicians. As such, Ramon Bates was hired as the Administrator of the MSU Gospel Choir under the Direction of Charlotte Hardin Assist Vice President for Multicultural Student Services. The choir has performed for major events in Springfield such as the Springfield Symphony televised, Bears Backing Haiti, Missouri State Basketball games, Ballet Memphis, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Multicultural Festival, Hickory Hills Country Club and not to mention 2 major city tours, Chicago and Memphis. Since 2009 the choir has grown tremendously with over 100 participating and a current enrollment of 52 students. Missouri State Gospel Choir also seeks to work with church leaders such as Quincy Williams of Deliverance Temple, Sigrid Burson of New Hope International Church and Band Director Alfred Holmes of Deliverance Temple. This group is the leadership team of The Missouri State Gospel Choir. The gospel choir extends its ministry to any event to help spread the gospel through song, dance and praise. If we can be of any assists please contact: Ramon Bates at 417-836-5652 or email us with your request at www.mostategc.com.

Missouri State Gospel Choir

March 2012Volume 22/ Number 3

•A Monthly Publication by

Unite. of SouthwestMissouri, Inc

•www.unitenewsonline.org

Building Empowering Connections In Our Diverse Community

UNITE.B.B. King At The Gillioz TheatreMarch 20, 2012 Author Heidi Durrow

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

story of Rachel, the daughter of a Danish mother and a black G.I. who becomes the sole sur-vivor of a family tragedy. With her strict African American grandmother as her new guardian, Rachel moves to a mostly black community, where her light brown skin, blue eyes, and beauty bring mixed attention her way. Grow-ing up in the 1980s, she learns to swallow her overwhelming grief and confronts her identity as a biracial young woman in a world that wants to see her as either black or white. Meanwhile, a mystery unfolds, revealing the terrible truth about Rachel’s last morn-

ing on a Chicago rooftop. Interwoven are the voices of Jamie, a neighborhood boy who witnessed the events, and Laronne, a friend of Rachel’s mother. Inspired by a true story of a moth-er’s twisted love, The Girl Who Fell from the Sky reveals an unfathomable past

and explores issues of identity at a time when many people are asking “Must race confine us and define us?”In the tradition of Sandra Cisneros’s House on Mango

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

March Is Women's History Month

Tickets For The NAACP Freedom Fund CelebrationNow Available

Continued On Page 2

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Springfield, MO— The Springfield Branch NAACP will hold its Free-dom Fund Celebration on Saturday,

Heidi W. Durrow

B E S T S E L L I N G

MSU Gospel MusicExtravaganza A gospel concert featuring the MSU Gospel Choir, as well as other collegiate and com-munity choirs will perform Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Plaster Student Union Theatre on the MSU campus. Admission is free. Contact Ramon Bates at (417) 836-5652. Continued On Page 2

March Unite Page 12

Minorities In Business 2nd Annual Heritage Awards

Joe Robles,Business Owner

Dr. Leslie Anderson,Associate UniversityProfessor

Denny Whayne,former City Councilman& Community Leader

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2012 MIB HERITAGE AWARD HONOREES !!!

Mr. Joe Robles, Robles State Farm Insurance-

Community Service Award

Dr. Leslie Anderson, Missouri State University-Advocacy Award

Mr. Denny Whayne, Community Leader-Achievement Award

We sincerely appreciate everything you do!!!

“Honoring Our Community”

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

Career Center Moves To New

Location