Parental engagement - Community Free Press
Transcription
Parental engagement - Community Free Press
FreePress APRIL 2 - 15, 2014 Community Big sound, bigger hair Rockin’ to the ‘80s Page 19 YOUR LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER OF THE SPRINGFIELD AREA | www.cfpmidweek.com QUICK TAKES Upfront Early education tax proposal: Investment in public safety ■ Watch out! A long winter has wrecked havoc on area roads, as potholes seem to be popping up more p. 3 ............................................ Business 1/4-cent tax to be controlled by “existing community task force” By Dillan Conn Sen. Bob Dixon proposed a bill specifically allowing Greene County and any city inside the county’s limits the right to levy a 1/4-cent sales tax to be used for early childhood education. If a municipality inside the state is to tax residents of their own accord, they are required to get approval from the state via legislation. Springfield’s Law Enforcement Sales Taxes were required to garner the same approval from the Missouri General Assembly before they were allowed on the ballot. Interestingly, this bill only gives Greene County clearance to raise the tax. “There have been sena- tors that have asked for it to be expanded (to their counties and cities),”Dixon said,“but I think it would be best to do it as a pilot program to see if it works first.” see TAX, 6 Spring construction Area developments underway for many areas of Springfield Both sides of the aisle p. 11 .......................................... Reps. Norr and Austin reflect on the first half of the legislative session ■ Home & Garden Chaotic closets Have your closets become a blackhole, sucking away your favorite pair of jeans? Control the clutter with expert tips ............................................ By April Labine-Katko p.14 Outdoors Headin’ to camp Camp Wakonda is celebrating 100 years, but still offers memorable experiences and life lessons for campers p.18 Courtesy of Liberty School District Dr. John Jungmann visits with some Liberty School District youngsters. Jungmann will take over as superintendent of Springfield Public Schools July 1. ............................................ www.cfpmidweek.com INDEX A&E ............................19 Business ....................11 Events ....................20 Health........................16 Home & Garden ....14 Outdoors..................18 Upfront ......................2 Viewpoints ..............10 Look for our next issue: Wed. April 16 Parental engagement ■ Jungmann: Parent, student learning is “personal” By Dillan Conn When he takes the helm July 1, parental engagement will be a major priority for Dr. John Jungmann, the incoming superintendent of Springfield Public Schools. “The key is that parent engagement, just like student learning, should be personal,” he said. “There are many ways for parents to engage and we should (offer) a wide variety of partnership opportunities that allow parents to engage in the way they want to engage and can have the most impact on our students.” In the Liberty school district, where Jungmann is currently superintendent, parents and commu- nity members are meeting with individual students one-on-one to build support relationships and offering advice through groups to help inform changes in the district’s system. Kim Webber, president of the Missouri Parent Teacher Association, has worked with Jungmann at the state level and agrees see INVOLVEMENT, 7 The current legislative session has just passed the halfway point and the view in the Missouri House always has a lot to do with what side of the room you’re on. For local representatives, Democrat Charlie Norr and Republican Kevin Austin that is certainly the case. WORKERS AND UNIONS Of all the bills up for consideration this session, Austin sees the right-to-work bill (HB 1770) as the most in need of passage. Sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison, the measure would prohibit labor contracts from requiring that all employees pay union fees, regardless of whether they are union members. “[Not being a right-towork state] is the main thing holding this state back from being the economic success story of the Midwest,” Austin said. Supporters of the bill, including House Speaker Tim Jones, argue that it would raise wages and create jobs. But Democrats, including Gov. Jay Nixon, say that nothing could be further from the truth. The way Norr sees the measure, along with the recently passed paycheck protection bill (HB 1617), it’s legislation best suited for the paper shredder. He said right to work and—what the Democrats have dubbed “paycheck deception”— are something akin to traveling back in time. HB 1617 would prohibit public employee unions from using employee fees for political purposes without annual writsee THE HOUSE, 6 Renovations underway at MSU By Daniel Snyder The campus of Missouri State University is currently undergoing a facelift. Late last year, the university’s board of governors awarded a contract to DeWitt and Associates, Inc., to begin work on four different athletic facilities on the Springfield campus. The project is funded by 2014 Auxiliary Enterprise Revenue Bonds, which will be paid back through a studentapproved Bears Experience and Recreation fee. Four recreational and athletic facilities will undergo renovations or new construction and are scheduled to be completed by Fall 2014. According to Doug Sampson, MSU architect and director of planning, the projects include: Constructing new 4,000 seat bleachers and mov- ing the football field at Plaster Sports Complex, building a sand volleyball court at the southwest corner of Hammons Student Center and constructing a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) compliant track and soccer complex north of Glass Hall and a NCAA compliant field hockey and lacrosse field north of Hammons Student Center. Sampson said that the cost for all four projects is $26.8 million. “It’ll be a huge see CONSTRUCTION, 7 WALLEYE or CATFISH ALL YOU CAN EAT DAILY SPECIAL 9.99 Catering & Banquet Rooms $2.99 Breakfast 6-11 am M-F 1722 S Glenstone 823-9972 2515 N Glenstone 866-1377 2129 W Republic Rd 720-1628 (Lamplighter Inn) (Best Western) (Next to Price Cutter) 2 | April 2 - 15, 2014 www.cfpmidweek.com Upfront LOCAL NEWS City public works director dies The city’s public works director Phil Broyles, 65, died March 20 after a short battle with cancer. “Our hearts are heavy at the City. It is unfair that Phil has been taken from us,” said City Manager Greg Burris in a city news release. “Phil possessed a ‘can do’ spirit, but with the easygoing style of a longtime friend that made people want to work with him … He was a champion of transportation, neighborhoods and doing things right. Phil will be missed within our City family, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.” Broyles was promoted to the position in July 2011 after he had taken over as interim director in 2010. He had previously served as assistant director of operations, prior to which, he spent two decades working for the Missouri Department of Transportation. Judge rules on motions in case against Wood Craig Michael Wood, the man accused of killing local 10-year-old Hailey Owens, made his first physical appearance in court March 26, a day after his 46th birthday. According to local media reports, Judge Mark Powell ruled on several motions regarding how the case would proceed, but no further evidence was revealed and Wood was informed that he would not yet see all the evidence the state has against him. Wood is charged with first-degree murder, child kidnapping and armed criminal action. The judge overruled a motion filed by the defense to see evidence prior to an April 24 preliminary hearing. Public Defender Patrick Berrigan also requested that TV cameras no be permitted during court proceedings, arguing that it would hinder the jury selection process. He also referred to media coverage of the case, including a Springfield News-Leader article that reported Wood as the “perpetrator” in sexual abuse committed on Owens. The NewsLeader reported obtaining the information through a Sunshine Law request to the state Children’s Division. The results of Owens’ autopsy report have not yet been made see LOCAL NEWS, 9 | Community Free Press Still telling stories A pilot and a writer, Billings is sharp as ever. » Page 4 e-mail [email protected] Council approves rezoning request for potential VA Clinic site By Daniel Snyder City Council approved rezoning 20 acres south of Kansas Expressway and Republic Road into a general retail district. The change puts the site into the running as a potential location for a new Veterans Administration Clinic. At the March 24 meeting, Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky called for an amendment that addressed the water runoff concerns of neighborhood residents and increased the amount of green space if the site is developed. If the site it chosen, the VA would build a 90,000 square foot VA Medical Clinic.The other potential sites are a vacant lot east of Kickapoo High School and property south of the Library Center on South Campbell Avenue. According to architect Geoffrey Butler of Butler, Council hears plans for multimodal connection By Daniel Snyder At a March 25 lunch meeting, City Council heard an update on the city’s workforce development plan as well as plans to build a multimodal connection between Glenstone and Grant avenues. Mary Ann Rojas, the city’s director of workforce development discussed the Missouri Career Center, which helps individuals find jobs through various programs and training. “We think it is important that staff have the capacity and infrastructure to be able to implement workforce programs and partner with our economic development partners,” Rojas said. Rojas said the career center has been working on strengthening partnerships in the community. In 2013, 10,000 individuals participated in workshop training and over 300 people were trained in various occupations. Additionally, the center helped 492 at-risk youth ages 14-21. “Over 3,000 people are receiving temporary assistance in a seven-county area and we are that agency responsible for providing training to them,” Rojas said. Rojas said the center’s goals for 2014 include securing additional funding sources, increasing community partnerships, developing marketing and communications plans and addressing the top improvement opportunities for employees. The center predicts seeing 50,000 visitors in 2014. Central Street Plans Ozarks Technical Community College continues to expand and seeks to partner with the city to add a multimodal connection between Grant and Glenstone avenues. “This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on in the last few years,” said Mike Giles, the city’s principal civil engineer. “It’s a project that we are able to take from the beginning and shape it and it’s going to be a really attractive project.” The first part of the project would include moving a stoplight on National Avenue from Central Street to Pythian Street and closing a section of Central Street between National and Sherman avenues to make way for a 500-foot pedestrian mall on OTC’s campus. A connector street would join Pythian Street and Sherman Avenue to account for the closure of a portion of Central Street. “We decided that this should be a gateway to all those people along Central Street,” Giles said. “Our goal for this project is to create a multimodal connection from Glenstone to Grant that is a safe, attractive and enjoyable walking and biking trail.” Giles said the concept coincides with the city’s Field Guide 2030 plan and the partnership allows for a complete 2-mile-long connection that would utilize what is called a “complete streets concept.” The concept would allow for wider bike lanes, pedestrian walkways and increased landscaping. It would also tie into the LINK bicycle trail and build roundabouts along the connection. The entire project would take about 10 years to complete and begin in spring 2016. The first phase would cost $1.925 million, funded through loans previously given to the Missouri Department of Transportation. The other phases would use federal, state and local funds. In order to move forward, council would have to approve the project, the budget adjusted and an agreement between OTC and the city ironed out. Rosenbury and Partners, the developers favor the site located at Kansas Expressway and Republic Road. Services would include primary care, mental health,a lab,radiology and audiology. The VA would close the Mt.Vernon clinic once the Springfield location is complete and all staff will be given the opportunity to relocate. OTHER COUNCIL ACTION • Council approved incentives for developers who use green designs and pervious pavement construction to encourage sustainable building practices and allow for the increased absorption of stormwater. If developers utilize those practices, the city would reduce the required open space by up to 25 percent. According to Ralph Rognstad, the city’s director of planning and development, developers can take advantage of the ordinance by increasing the size of buildings that would have previously cut into the open space requirements. • Council held a public hearing for a bill that would allow the city to apply for Community Development Block Grants and HOME funds. The bulk of the funds are for Affordable HUD redevelopment activities. According to Brendan Griesemer, the city’s neighborhood conservation manager, $1.28 million in CDBG funds and $740,000 in HOME funds are available. Griesemer said the city has seen a 25 percent decrease in CDBG funds and a 50 percent decrease in HOME funds. • A public hearing was held about a potential agreement with the City of Springfield, Missouri State University, Springfield Public Schools, the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks and Drury University to address improvements to stormwater retention basins. The agreement would allow partners to retrofit water basins and add features to increase the efficiency of stormwater management on the various campuses. “I believe it is a benefit to our community for people to get educated to see how these features work and some of the parking lots’ rain gardens will be in the islands and those are features I don’t think you would normally see at your normal shopping mall,” said Kirk Juranas, the city’s assistant director of public works. Community Free Press Upfront | www.cfpmidweek.com April 2 - 15, 2014 The new spring crop of potholes By Daniel Snyder Potholes. The nemesis of car tires everywhere. Potholes can form on any road and, after this year’s winter, more of them seem to be popping up. “We seem to have a lot more this year because of the heavy freeze-thaw cycles that we’ve had,” said Ron Bailey, superintendent of streets for the city. “The extended amount of time when the ground has been frozen for a long time and then quickly thawed out really contributes to potholes popping up.” For 10 years, residents have been able to report potholes online or via a telephone hotline. Bailey said, this year, a substantial number of reports have been coming in. According to Bailey, the city averages about 5,000 pothole repairs per year at a cost of around $100,000. Last year 5,228 potholes were repaired at a cost of $91,400. As of March 21, 1,471 potholes have been repaired at $14,500—which beats last year’s average. But how do potholes form? “Basically it’s water intrusion into the sub-grade or anything in between the layers of materials that form the roadway and as it freezes it expands and pops out the surface layer of the asphalt,” Bailey said. “Potholes can form just about anywhere, but typically in most cases the freeze-thaw cycles cause them.” Higher traffic does not necessarily increase the number of potholes, but a high amount of compression on the material can cause the asphalt to distress quicker. Stormwater runoff and drainage can lead to water getting into the sub-levels and Bailey said that once cracks in the asphalt form, problems can arise. “Once you have cracks in the pavement, you have an issue of water getting in there,” he said. “It may not have anything to do with stormwater.” Missouri is known for its wacky weather—where it can be in the 70s one day and snowing the next— and the extreme temperature changes means more problems with potholes. Bailey said he is | 3 REALTY PARADE Photo by Daniel Snyder Once reported, potholes are usually repaired within 24 hours. unaware of any road material that is resistant to potholes—they’re just part of the life of asphalt. The city uses either a ‘hot mix’ or a ‘cold mix’ to fill potholes, but during this time of year the asphalt plants that make hot-mix aren’t operating. “This time of the year we have to use a cold-mix product, which isn’t as good as the hot mix,” Bailey said. “It doesn’t stick as well, so there are instances where we’ve gone out and repaired potholes using the cold mix material and fairly quickly—within a month or so—it has popped back out again because it doesn’t have the same properties as the hot mix does.” Typically, when repairing a pothole with coldmix, workers use what is called a ‘throw and roll’ technique, where patch material is placed in the pothole, compacted by a truck and topped with a crown. It is widely used during colder months. “When we get a notice of a pothole, we try to respond within 24 hours,” Bailey said.“We usually have the pothole fixed within 48 hours of the notification.” To report a pothole, call 864-1010 or fill out an online form at springfieldmo.gov/webapps/serv_re q/index.jsp. "We have Rent to Own homes available" Council and CU discuss utility rates, bus station during joint meeting The new Park Central Bus Transfer Station and a possible plan to ask businesses to help save energy were among topics discussed April 1 during a meeting between City Council and City Utilities. Associate general manager of electric supply,Steve Stodden said CU has been discussing the possible implementation of the Electric Demand Response program. It would allow the Southwest Power Pool—that Springfield is a part of—to confidentially ask businesses to voluntarily shut down high volume electric sources during peak hours. According to Stodden, due to the confidentially of the program, CU staff would have no way of knowing when it was initiated. He added that the program could complicate electrical systems operations and ,although it does have its place in the industry, it would take “specific circumstances” to make sense. “The last thing we should do is allow an unknown entity to control CU,” said Bill Kirkman,chairman of the board of public utilities. “Why do I want to give up control in our community if it doesn’t benefit everybody?” Stodden said the next step is to research the program’s impact and decide if council should implement rules that designate CU to manage and coordinate future Demand Response market participation. Council also heard that construction on the bus transfer station at College Street and Main Avenue should begin at the beginning of 2015. CU interim director of transit, Chris Jones said designing the project should take about six months. The project will utilize grant money, all of which has been received. Call Jenn Today to find your new home 417-553-5555 Upfront 4 | April 2 - 15, 2014 Hank Billings in brief: 15 MINUTES WITH… Stories of the past By Dillan Conn Hank Billings, a life-long Springfieldian, started writing for newspapers in the first grade, started flying planes the day he graduated high school, went to work for the Springfield News Leader and Press and hasn’t stopped telling stories since. Although he doesn’t get to fly anymore, his hobby was his work, flying aerial photographers around the Ozarks for a living as well as reporting news himself. Billings still writes a column that appears on the front page of the News-Leader’s “Community” section every Monday. Billings said he thinks people identify with and enjoy the experiences he’s had and they’re delighted with stories of the past and how it differs from today. “I think there is still a spirit of friendliness throughout the city,” he said. “Although it’s gotten awfully big.” How did you learn to fly? On a May day in 1944, I graduated high school and I soloed an airplane. I learned to fly out at Springfield Municipal Flying Service. They started us on 65-horsepower Piper Cubs. I heard a story when I was a kid about a man who had a 40-horsepower Cub and would be flying it back down to Springfield from Kansas City while he was getting passed by the cars on the highway. The 65-horsepower engine was much better than the 40-horsepower. There was a civilian pilot program at Drury and Southwest Missouri State at the time.The idea was to weed out fellas who might not make good pilots in the Air Force. Many of the young men in the classes were planning on going into the Air Photo by Dean Curtis/News-Leader Hank Billings is a man of many hats who has worked for newspapers and flown aerial photographers as a pilot. Force. My instructor was in uniform and all. I wasn’t able to serve though because I had a bad hip. Several years later, a good friend said I really ought to have a commercial license since you’re flying photographers for the paper. He offered to give me lessons for free to get me certified if I would pay for the plane rental time and that’s just too good of a deal to pass up. What was it like working at the NewsLeader back then? Well the News Leader and Press, they had three papers back then. I started on the evening side but moved to the morning paper.When I worked the morning paper I wrote obituaries and rewrote stories from the evening paper for the next day’s issue. What was your favorite part of working at the paper? I reported on about everything but society, but I wrote about police reporting for the longest amount of time when I was there. In the summer of 1953, the cobras got loose up on St. Louis Street. It was pretty exciting for me to be up there reporting because even Life Magazine came down to report too. There were about 12 snakes that got loose and they caught one alive and took it over to a professor at the university and he couldn’t believe it was a cobra. They ended up donating that to the Dickerson Park Zoo. The snakes were delivered to Reo Mowrer, who owned a pet shop. I don’t think he ever admitted to ordering them. A young man found the bag of snakes and didn’t know what they were and just let them go. Did you go to school for journalism? I started writing in the first grade.We had a paper called the Boyd Bugle and in Junior High I went to Jarrett for seventh, eighth and ninth grade and was a part of the Jarrett Broadcaster. Later on, I worked for the Central High Times, which was printed right there at Central High. But I didn’t go to college and I regret that because the world is so much more complicated these days. I did take two classes over at SMS from Dr. L.E. Meador. He actually helped write the Missouri Constitution and was a fine teacher. I took economics and Missouri state and local government from him. I think he helped my newspaper reporting a bit too. How was it flying aerial photographers for the paper? I don’t think there was a single week that went by without me going up at least once.At the time, Hometown: Springfield Family: Wife (married since 1952), three sons and a daughter Hobbies: Billings has flown planes, built model trains and taught Bible school What makes him interesting: He worked for three newspapers before graduating high school and continued in journalism with no professional schooling we ran a series called “Just Visiting” about daytrips to local areas. We would fly out to take aerial pictures of the whole town to set the scene of local places like Ozark or another town nearby. There was an aerial photographer named Betty Love; she was an art teacher at Jarrett who was hired away from the school to be a cartoonist before being moved to photography. She said she wouldn’t fly with me because she remembered how I was when I was younger, so some other pilots had a little fun with her. She went up in a Twin Cessna with them to cover President Truman’s dedication of the Simon de Bolivar statue in Bolivar and they passed around a bottle and acted like they were drunk. They didn’t tell her it was a joke until it was all over. She flew with me later for a picture of the Sears and Roebuck. When I asked her if she got the picture she said, “I don’t know. I closed by eyes.” She did get that picture. SEEKING WRITERS / FREELANCERS The Community Free Press in Springfield, Mo. is seeking hard-working writers who understand the importance of community journalism and are ready to join a small team that likes to make an impact. The ideal candidate must possess strong writing, editing and photography skills, be able to develop story ideas and sources and be comfortable writing hard news stories as well as entertaining features. The CFP writer / freelancer will be inquisitive and creative and have a working knowledge of AP Style. The job requires covering a variety of beats and/or special sections, working effectively and efficiently in a team environment and demonstrating solid detail-oriented experience. A journalism degree and prior experience is preferred. Knowledge of Quark Xpress and social media is a big plus. The Community Free Press publishes every two weeks. Send resume, cover letter and your six best clips to: [email protected] www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press DAD’S HOME REPAIR “Honey Do” List Specialist CARPENTRY • PLUMBING • ODD JOBS Exterior-Interior Remodels Bath-Kitchens Licensed – Insured 30yrs Experience (417) 425-9161 Rick Linville-Owner Ofc (417) 877-0289 “No Job Too Small” IBEW-NECA APPRENTICE ELECTRICIANS Applications available April 14 through April 25, 2014 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. IBEW Union Hall 2902 E. Division Springfield, MO. High School Diploma or GED. High School Algebra or Equivalent w/passing grade required. $25 application fee. EOE Community Free Press | www.cfpmidweek.com Upfront April 2 - 15, 2014 | 5 SPS goes to court over land purchase misunderstanding By Dillan Conn Springfield Public Schools has updated its practices when it comes to land acquisition, following a deal gone wrong when the district purchased a parcel of land thought to be larger than it was. According to SPS chief financial officer, Steve Chodes, all land acquisitions will now include a mandatory survey of potential purchases. The 2012 purchase of 2.85 acres on Fremont Avenue just south of Chestnut Expressway has come into question because the district believes Realtors misrepresented the size of the land they bought, Chodes said. “I don’t want to imply they were lying,” he said. A strip of land 280-feet long and 50-feet wide was, according the district, included in the $345,000 purchase and would be necessary for the site’s future plans. Without it, there is no space for busses to turn left onto Chestnut. It was intended that the site would connect to the Transportation Center on Chestnut, something made impossible without the strip of land. The lot would also provide additional parking for the General Services Center. SPS went back to land brokers, Hilton Realty LLC, to cancel the purchase but the company, instead, offered to sell the strip in a separate deal. Chodes, who is responsible for land acquisition, said the district believes the realty company is overvaluing the strip and wouldn’t cut a deal. Now the district will have its day in court. “We’re suing them for damages in an amount that is necessary to acquire the strip of land,” said SPS attorney Todd SCHOOL NOTES Local universities partner with art museum for educational event On April 5, Drury, Missouri State University and the Springfield Art Museum are partnering to help artists explore educational opportunities 2-6 p.m. at the Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Dr. The free event, “Flexible Art Worlds: Graduate Art Education in Springfield and Beyond,” will help artists with an art degree with portfolio review, keynote lectures, panel discussions and informational material. The event is aimed at artists exploring graduate degree programs. For more information, contact Tom Parker, director of Drury’s Summer Institute for the Visual Arts at [email protected] or Nick Nelson, director of the Springfield Art Museum at 837-5700. Evangel University president to retire Evangel President Robert H. Spence has announced that effective April 30, he will retire as president and serve as Chancellor. His primary responsibilities will be working in fund development, donor relations and as ambassador for Evangel, promoting the university while reporting and working closely with Evangel’s new president, Dr. Carol Taylor. His role as chancellor will be a parttime appointment. According to a news release from Evangel, Spence is one of the longest serving college presidents in the U.S. with 40 years of service. Taylor, an Evangel graduate, will start as the fourth president of Evangel since 1955 on May 1. Fifth-graders experience culture exchange at MSU Boyd and Rountree fifth-graders got an opportunity to interview Missouri State University international students on different perspectives about local issues at the Jim D. Morris Center. According to a news release from Springfield Public Schools, the program was designed to introduce students to global views while developing their in-depth research exhibition. The students interviewed students from Saudi Arabia, Syria, South Korea, China and other countries. New SPS construction bids awarded at lower-than-expected cost Recent bids for construction at Kickapoo and Glendale high schools have been awarded for about $573,000 less than originally estimated. Springfield Public School staff worked with local organizations, including Missouri State University to promote a favorable bidding atmosphere. The two projects are a part of the 2013 bond initiative, which includes other projects like the Fremont Elementary School expansion, constructing a new see SCHOOL NOTES, 9 Johnson. “Subsequently the property will be appraised without that strip of land and the difference between that strip and the land without it will determine the cost. The dollar amount is not named in the lawsuit.” In December, SPS purchased land at 2945 E. Pythian St. for $2.5 million with plans to move the Transportation Center to the site. Chodes said the Fremont location was funded with $345,000 in rainy day funds, which came from extra dollars in the operating budget. “We don’t budget for retail purchases because why would we tie up budget on an annual basis for something that might or might not happen,” he said. “We’d rather use budget to pay for teachers and students.” Legal council for Hilton Realty LLC did not respond to an interview request. New LOYALTY PUNCH CARD *25% OFF Total Purchase *Quarterly GRAND PRIZES !!! *With Punch Card Completed *Limit 1 Card per Customer-Unlimited Punches All Proceeds Benefit Fair Haven Children’s Home Most Clothing Open Mon Tue Thr Fri 10-6 Wed 10-5 00 1312 S Glenstone 882-3392 $1 Upfront 6 | April 2 - 15, 2014 THE HOUSE, from 1 ten permission from workers. “These two, as far as I’m concerned, are an attack on workers,” Norr said “They are an attack on labor forces; they are union busting bills.They won’t create jobs. We don’t want to go backward in salary and things that we pay; that’s the worst thing we could do.” HEALTH CARE AND MEDICAID On the other hand, Norr said Medicaid expansion, for people who need it, is something that is long overdue. He said Missourians are relying far too much on emergency room treatment for conditions that should be taken care of—and better still, prevented—in a doctor’s office. “You go to the emergency room with a giant toothache and what do they do? They give you pain pills and Norr something for infection and a month later you’re back with the same toothache,” Norr said. That’s not the way to treat people; that’s not the way to keep people healthy.” But Austin said, while he doesn’t rule out Medicaid expansion in the future, without reforms, it’s just too soon. He argues that the price tag is simply too daunting for Missouri taxpayers. “In Missouri, the projected cost to the state would be about $200 million annually— even with the federal incentives,”Austin said.“However, we have tried to reach a compromise on Medicaid reform with those on the other side of the aisle, but we were soundly rejected. Without reform and without a solution that the feds will accept, we cannot ‘just pass it.’” Norr has discussed the issue with local doctors who have Medicaid expansion on the top of their wish lists. He said they want to keep their hospitals open and hire more staff so they can treat people. “It’s really been a thorn in my side here in discussions on the floor about other bills we were going to finance and pass,” Norr said.“And not a single word about Medicaid expansion.” OPPOSITION ON THE FLOOR on a whim; it is already a decision they take very seriously. With only one clinic in the state providing the procedure, the obstacles only serve to make a difficult situation even worse. “I believe in women’s rights,” Norr said. “Why do a bunch of male House Democrats and Republicans even have to get involved in this? It’s federal law. I’d like to see no abortions. I’d like to see more birth control, more education.” When it comes to household battles, Austin said one of his bills didn’t exactly win most popular. The tort reform bill IS THE GLASS HALF-EMPTY (HB 1482) aims to put a cap on OR HALF-FULL? the punitive damages that a plaintiff can seek against a With the state budget out of defendant in a medical mal- the way and out the door,Austin practice suit. is feeling very positive about the “This bill was a high priority session so far. He said it is a balfor our Springfield Chamber— anced budget that is destined to and for good reason,” Austin remain that way because it errs said. “However, the trial attor- on the side of caution. neys have mounted a very “If we over-calculate and strong defense to this. budget too much, then we will “Paradoxically, my tort face a devastating shortfall,” reform (HB 1929) aimed at Austin said. “On helping our tourism industry the other hand, if has been met with bipartisan we budget consersupport.And, my court funding vatively, we may (HB 1825) has been met with have an excess at great support too, again on a the end of the bipartisan basis.” year—and what’s And though Norr is con- Austin wrong with that? I vinced his legislation to estabhave no problem lish a cleanup program for asking less from the taxpayer.” properties contaminated by As far as Austin is concerned, the manufacture of controlled halfway through the session, substances (HB 2115) won’t the glass is half-full. Norr, on see the light of day this ses- the other hand, in anticipation sion, he’s ready to return next of the failure of Medicaid year with a bullet-proof bill if expansion, sees things a little differently. need be. “The glass is not half-full.The Still, he said the bills that have heard the most debate on glass is not half-empty. It’s comthe floor were the ones involv- pletely drained; it’s bone dry,” ing abortion, such as one that Norr said.“To me, the glass was would require women to wait full when we went in in 72 hours to undergo the proce- January and now it is empty ... dure instead of the current 24 It’s empty because now we’re hours (HB 1313). Another going to attack labor and workwould require a woman to ing people with the right to have an ultrasound and review work and the paycheck decepit with her doctor before the tion … If we were waiting for a drink out of the glass with waiting period (HB 1379). Norr doesn’t approve of this session, it ain’t going to abortion, but he thinks that it’s happen.” not something a woman does 100% of Proceeds stay with Missouri Council of the Blind 2713 N Kansas Expressway Behind IHOP 831-7600 1st SAT of each M onth 50% OFF STOREW IDES ENIORS & VETERANS Save 10% Off Everyday 25% OFF on Tues. See Us on OPEN Free or Cable Hours: M-F 9 am to 8 pm SAT. 9-6, SUN 10-6 Donation Pick-Up Hotline: 831-3701 Donations Tax Deductible TO THE PUBLIC! $3 Off purchase of $10 or more! www.cfpmidweek.com TAX, from 1 Dixon’s SB 947 does not expressly define what the monies would be used for outside of early education, but it does say “an existing community task force selected by a governing body of the county/city” would be in charge of the money “in accordance with a budget approved by a city/county governing body.” A similar tax was soundly defeated in November 2005, said Greene County Associate Commissioner Roseann Bentley. “It’s a good cause and it would be a great benefit to get kids off to a better start with their lives,” she said. “Many of our jail overcrowding Bentley problems began (in 2005 and before) with the early childhood.” In 2005, Bentley wrote an oped in the Community Free Press outlining the efficiency of spending on early childhood education. Citing a 40-year study by the Federal Reserve Bank, every dollar spent on early education created a $17 return on investment in reduced jail time, recidivism, crime rates and school failures. The failed 2005 sales tax was dubbed the Community Safety Initiative and would have added Springfield police officers, Greene County law enforcement and 911 services, funded a regional crime lab and addressed “root causes”of crime by focusing on the early education of children, especially on their early development. While the city and county have since addressed some of the issues in the failed initiative, the $2.7 million set aside for an Early Childhood Resource Center and the hiring of family resource facilitators haven’t come to fruition. According to Bentley, the proposed Center would have been a resource of information for | Community Free Press parents, held a small library for children with activities and ranked programs for parents and their children the same way the Better Business Bureau might. In her 2005 opinion article, Bentley noted that some corrections Dixon officials use the third grade reading failure rates as a predictor of how many jail cells they will need in 15 to 20 years. “The kindergarteners are more violent than they used to be and even in 2005 we were hearing anecdotal evidence from teachers expressing the same kinds of increases,” she said. “After volunteering in elementary schools today I can see that it’s pretty much mayhem to get kids to sit down and learn something.” Just because the Community Safety Initiative wasn’t passed and the Resource Center wasn’t built doesn’t mean the battle was forgotten. Recently, Springfield’s Every Child Promise has taken up the fight to educate parents, connect them with resources and improve the preparedness of children before they reach kindergarten. Addressing why the tax designates only Greene County, Dixon said the “community is calling for it and other communities are not.” It is unclear what Dixon meant when he referred to the “community” as city and county representatives have said they did not lobby Dixon in support of this bill. “This bill will not raise a tax,” he said. “That would be a local initiative and local decision would be involved in spending the money. It’s my opinion that any money we keep out of Jeff City would be better spent close to home.” Attempts to reach City Council members before press time were unsuccessful. Dental E.R. Urgent Care Walk-In Dental Clinic 222 E. Primrose St Springfield MO. 65807 (417) 851-8111 Expires 04-30-14 Limit 1 Coupon Per Person Per Visit (Not Valid With Any Other Offer) Coupon Good at 2713 N Kansas Expressway Behind IHOP GOT PAIN? www.Dental-ER.info Community Free Press CONSTRUCTION, from 1 improvement over what we had,” Sampson said about the new Plaster Sports Complex, the largest of the four projects. “Part of that project takes the track out of the existing football complex and we can move the football field a little more to the west. It creates a better fan experience by getting the fans a little closer to the field.” Sampson said MSU students approved the projects, which are the most visible currently underway on campus. “The students overwhelmingly were in support,” Sampson said.“The students are behind it; the administration is behind and I think it will be an excellent addition to our campus that will last for years and years.” ADDITIONAL Upfront | www.cfpmidweek.com CONSTRUCTION Renovations to two residence halls will begin at the end of the academic year. The MSU Board of Governors recently approved spending $1.075 million to renovate Sunvilla Tower,833 E.Elm St.,built in 1963, and $1.8 million for Kentwood Hall, 700 E. St. Louis St., built in 1926. Improvements to Kentwood Hall—formerly the Kentwood Arms Hotel—will INVOLVEMENT, from 1 with the idea of gaining parental insights as well as their educational elbow grease. “There’s a difference between involvement and engagement,” she said. “Engagement is a two-way street. The administrators and teachers need to come with their thoughts and questions to the parents, just as the parents have a responsibility to question the teachers and administration; checks and balances all-around.” Webber’s sentiment is echoed by some of Jungmann’s thoughts. “A culture of mutual respect, trust and partnership between parents and educators must be the foundation,” he said. “We must insist our teachers reach out to parents and not only invite them to (take part) but to engage the community outside the walls of our schools.” Jungmann said he is focused on challenging leaders to think differently and give them the permission to take risks when it comes to doing the work of educators. In one Liberty elementary school, parents and community volunteers are taking part in a pilot program in which they are “very strategically” supporting students who are struggling with reading. “This is all about making sure students are getting include new paint, drapes, fixtures and carpeting and most of the building’s outdated plumbing will be replaced. “It’s a 1920-era building and it has needed improvement,” Sampson said. “This building has a waiting list for next fall, so the students are ready for those improvements.” Sunvilla Tower will be closed during the 2014-2015 school year to install a fire-suppression system, reconfigure stairwells and add new carpeting, paint, fixtures and drapes.The work is slated to be complete by August 2015.The university will also construct a $1.3-1.4 million FEMA storm shelter inside Sunvilla. MSU officials have stated that both Sunvilla and Kentwood will be “wet” residences, meaning that students ages 21 or over will be allowed to have alcohol in their rooms. Sampson said renovations will also be made to Pummill Hall and the interior and lobby of Hammons House and an academic center will be constructed at the Forsythe Athletic Center.An additional $3.8 million will go to the construction of a Welcome Center at the corner of Bear Boulevard and National Avenue. MSU officials are also planning to build a third parking structure in the future, but no solid plans have been made. every opportunity they can in school,” Webber said.“That is the great thing about public schools— everyone has the chance to rise to the top.” Parents need to be engaged so they know the playing field and stay on the same page as their children and other parents, she said. “Parents must establish a relationship of respect and responsibility, participate in extracurricular activities and talk about what’s going on on the school bus and on the playground,” Webber said. Many parents have more than one job or are just too busy to be as involved as they want to be, she said, but “not giving up”is important. Jungmann said parents must play an active role in promoting the importance of education at home, but it is also the responsibility of schools to provide support and accountability to parents. “We often only ask parents to help us with noneducational tasks,”he said. “Some parents desire to be engaged at a deeper level and we are often scared to invite them in to truly assist with the learning aspects of the classroom and school.” Conversely,Webber said parents are often scared to get involved. “Parents will have to feel comfortable,” she said.“You have to meet on common Get involved early and often: ■ Go to the school you want to volunteer at and fill out volunteer paperwork. Pass the state and national background check. Volunteer at a one school or a number of schools. Fill out paperwork early and the volunteer office will pay for the $17.50 background check. grounds where everyone feels good and there is a connection.” Jungmann quoted one of his colleagues. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” meaning all of the best systems in the world can’t trump a unified group of community members and participants working for the same goals. “Culture begins with an expectation that parents must engage with the school and their students,” he said. “(As a maximizer I am) never satisfied with the current level of performance and always looking for ways to move a system from good to great.” Webber said there is no one who will work harder than Jungmann. “He is an open, honest man who understands the system as a whole and has high expectations for his district,” she said. “It’s truly a big win for Springfield.” April 2 - 15, 2014 | 7 Upfront 8 | April 2 - 15, 2014 News Digest Attorney General releases Urban Crime Summit report Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster released a report outlining recommendations for public safety in the state. The report is the result of a four-day Urban Crime Summit that Koster sponsored in September in response to the high rate of crime in Missouri’s urban centers. Some of the nation’s leading criminologists and law enforcement authorities put their heads together to determine a course of action toward greater public safety. “Just as methamphetamine use migrates from rural to suburban regions, violent crime spills over city borders into neighboring counties throughout Missouri,” Koster said in the report, noting that without public safety, no community can prosper and as the report was being drafted, there were more than 100 homicides in both Kansas City and St. Louis. “This problem isn’t confined to our large urban centers. Missouri’s overall homicide rate is the ninth highest among all 50 states,” Koster said. The report focuses on four points: prevention, intervention, enforcement and re-entry, and six recommendations that include “best practices” suggestions for local government and law enforcement. To view the full report, visit ago.mo.gov/UrbanCrimeSummit/. Missouri no longer meth capital in 2013 For the first time in more than a decade, Missouri no longer has the distinction of being the methamphetamine capital of the United States. According to a recent report by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, during 2013, that distinction went to Indiana, with 1,797 laboratory seizure incidents, followed by Tennessee, with 1,545. Missouri comes in third with 1,495 incidents compared to 1,985 in 2012—a 25 percent drop. The nation’s total last year was 11,490 compared to 12,088 in 2012. Greene County saw 67 seizures last year, compared to 94 in 2012. The highest rates in the state go to Jefferson County (223), St. Charles County (119), St. Louis County (74) and Franklin County (68), according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol data. Food bank distribution reaches highest level in history According to the Missouri Food Bank Association (MFBA), more than 117 million pounds of food was distributed through food banks in the state last year—an increase of 23 percent compared to 2012. According to an organization news release, the numbers are the highest they have been in the state’s history. “The increased demand due to a slow economic recovery coupled with cuts to federal nutrition programs has caused more people to turn to charitable organizations for support,” the MFBA said in the release. “It is estimated that cuts made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in November equated to over 3.5 million fewer meals for Missouri recipients.” According to the release, the poundage equates to 97,505,980 meals. The MFBA is an association of the Feeding America food banks in Missouri: Second Harvest Community Food Bank, St. Louis Area Foodbank, Harvesters Community Food Network, Southeast Missouri Food Bank, The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri and Ozarks Food Harvest. Senate passes mental health care legislation The Senate passed a version of the “Excellence in Mental Health Act” March 31, a bipartisan bill Sen. Roy Blunt co-sponsored with Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. The legislation would establish pilot programs in eight states over the next two years in which community mental health clinics providing certain health services could get more federal funding. According to a news release from Blunt’s office, “the bill also establishes criteria for certified community behavioral health clinics to ensure the providers cover a broad range of mental health services—including 24-hour crisis care, increased integration of physical, mental and substance abuse treatment so they are treated simultaneously rather than separately and expanded support for families of people living with mental health issues.” The legislation was initially introduced in response to the 2013 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut in that proper and early treatment of mental illness could prevent such tragedies. According to the release, the original bill was co-spon- Airport to begin redevelopment By Daniel Snyder The Springfield-Branson Airport will soon redevelop 12 acres to be ready for construction of new airplane hangars. The area to be redeveloped is part of the General Aviation (GA) complex that caters to businesses and corporate aircraft. The work will allow corporations to build and lease hangar space from the airport. “We won’t actually build hangars; all it is going to do is get that 12 acres cleaned up and make it hangar ready,” said airport spokesman Kent Boyd. “Sort of like when a developer gets land ready for a subdivision. In this case we’ll get the taxiways in there and once that work is done, corporations can lease hangar lots on which to build hangars.” Boyd said work is scheduled to begin the first week of June and finished by fall. The redevelopment is funded through a $5 million grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation and the airport will provide an additional $565,563 for a total cost of $5.6 million. “Well, the bottom line is that we don’t have any place at the moment for corporations that would want a hangar for aircraft,” Boyd said. “The chamber will tell you that often times when they’re talking to companies that are thinking about moving here, sometimes they want to know about hangar facilities because they have corporate airplanes. This will allow us to have hangar space if the corporation needs it.” Currently the airport has 27 GA hangars that can house 110 aircraft. The redevelopment project will be divided into two phases. The first, to make the land ready for eight hangars and, if the demand is there, a second phase will make land ready for six hangars. Boyd said during the recession GA took a big hit because of rising fuel costs, but it has rebounded as of late, leading to the air- www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press sored by 25 senators and supported by more than 50 mental health organizations, veterans organizations and law enforcement groups. Union members rally in state capital Hundreds of Missouri union members rallied in Jefferson City March 26 against legislation being mulled over in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by local Rep. Eric Burlison, the Freedom to Work Act aims to prohibit labor contracts from requiring that all employees pay union fees, whether they are union members or not. According to media reports, Gov. Jay Nixon expressed his opposition to the bill at the rally. “This is wrong and would move our state backward,” he said. The sentiment was met with applause. The annual rally is sponsored by the Missouri State Building and Constructions Trades Council. Man sentenced 15 years for planning, not committing crime The 21-year-old Bolivar man who admitted to planning, but never carried out shooting up a movie theater in November 2012, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. According to media reports, Blaec Lammers’ attorney, Don Cooley, intends to appeal the sentence. Tricia Lammers had reported her son to authorities after he purchased an AR-15 and another semi-automatic weapon from a Walmart. He later told investigators he decided the “better choice” was to shoot up a Walmart instead of a theater showing the movie “Twilight.” Tricia Lammers was hoping that reporting her son would get him the psychiatric help he needs. Blaec Lammers had originally been charged with first-degree assault, making a terrorist threat and armed criminal action, but the terrorist threat charge was later dropped. According to Polk County prosecuting attorney, Kenneth Ashlock, the statutory definition of first-degree assault includes an “attempt to cause serious physical harm.” The defendant was sentenced to 15 years on both charges, but they would be served concurrently. According to media reports, Blaec Lammers had previously been hospitalized for psychiatric problems seven times and was diagnosed with a personality disorder. port board’s decision to go ahead with the project. “We’ve started to see it trend up again in the past 18 to 24 months,” Boyd said. “ I think it’s a pretty good sign that the economy is definitely getting better.” Community Free Press Upfront | www.cfpmidweek.com LOCAL NEWS, from 2 public and Wood is not charged with a sexual abuse crime. City Utilities adjusts rates for electric, fuel In 2014, electric customers with City Utilities can expect to pay $1.10 more for service from April through September compared to the same period in 2013. Natural gas customers can expect to pay $1.13 more per month compared to last year. The increases are based on average residential usage and the increases are due to CU’s practices to balance the costs of providing the service. According to a news release, an average customer uses 1,000 kWh or electricity and 50 therms of natural gas per month. SPD launches volunteer program to help motorists The Springfield Police Department recently launched the Motorist Assist Program (MAP), developed to help stranded motorists in Springfield. According to a city new release, MAP is staffed by community volunteers who undergo a background check and program training provided by the SPD. Volunteers make contact with stranded motorists whose vehicles have become immobile on the streets and utilize the MAP vehicle to provide them with cover and to alert other motorists. When a MAP volunteer is available to assist with a stalled vehicle along a roadway, officers are able to remain available for law enforcement duties and respond to other calls. MAP is part of the SPD’s Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. Residents interested in volunteer opportunities can call 8641351 or visit the volunteer page on the SPD website. Officers search home of man found dead on Walmart lot After a man was found dead in a car on a Walmart parking lot March 19, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant to search the man’s home in the 2300 block of South Orchard Crest Avenue — finding marijuana, smoking devices, syringes and pills. According to local media reports, Greene County’s chief medical investigator, Tom Van De Berg docu- mented that William C. Gabler, 26, died six to eight hours before emergency personnel arrived. The cause of death was undetermined, but an autopsy revealed no trauma to Gabler’s body and toxicology reports are still pending. It is believed that Gabler died in his home several hours before officers were called about the unresponsive man. According to reports, documents identify the caller as Gabler’s girlfriend, Megan Keith, 26. Officers questioned Keith and a friend, Ryan Keeter, 25, who was also present. Keeter said Keith was reluctant to call law enforcement and Gabler had told him the night before he died that he was under the influence of Xanax. According to reports, while traveling to the hospital, Keith called 911 and stopped in the Walmart parking lot at Sunshine Street and West Bypass to perform CPR. Doug Harpool appointed to federal bench The U.S. Senate confirmed that former Missouri State Rep. Doug Harpool has been appointed as a federal district judge for the Western District. From 1983 to 1992, Harpool served five terms as the house representative for the 134th District. In 2006, he ran unsuccessfully to represent the 30th District in the Senate. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Missouri State University in 1977 and his juris doctorate at the University of Missouri Columbia School of Law in 1980. Since serving on the state legislature, he has been in private practice. President Obama nominated Harpool to the federal bench last August to replace Judge Richard Everett Dorr, who died in April of last year. Local attorney’s license suspended Prominent Springfield attorney Darryl Johnson Jr., will not be able to practice law for at least six months after a March 25 Missouri Supreme Court ruling. Johnson’s license was suspended indefinitely after he was found guilty of professional misconduct, according to the Office of the State Courts Administrator. Media reports indicate that three clients accused Johnson of misconduct. One client, seeking his representation in a divorce case, said he was not informed that Johnson was already representing the SCHOOL NOTES, from 5 Sherwood Elementary School, adding classrooms to Hickory Hills K-8 School and upgrading technology districtwide. Local elementary student headed to National Spelling Bee Harrison Elementary School fourth-grader, Krishan Ghosh is heading to the National Spelling Bee after winning the man’s wife. Another client accused him of failing to file timely motions and not telling him when court hearings were scheduled for his case. A third client accused him of lewd comments and showing her photos of a naked woman. According to reports, Johnson said he did that so that his client would understand what could be brought up in a divorce case. The chief disciplinary counsel also accused Johnson of improperly handling his office accounts and advance fees paid by clients. Johnson admitted that he commingled funds but he denied stealing any money. Johnson cannot apply to be reinstated until at least six months has passed. Johnson owns Johnson & Johnson Attorneys At Law, L.L.C. with his wife Lynn. He has previously been accused of groping a client in 2012 and subsequently charged with deviate sexual assault. The charges were later dropped for lack of evidence. Johnson’s attorney said the client sent emails praising his work until she received his bill for $8,500. April 2 - 15, 2014 announced a nationwide search would be conducted to replace Nicholls. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month During the month of April, Isabel’s House and the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks are meeting with businesses and organizations to raise awareness about what can be done to prevent child abuse and neglect. According to an organizational news release, more than 6,000 Missouri children have suffered abuse or neglect. Greene County has the highest rate of child abuse in the state of Missouri. Isabel’s House provides immediate refuge for children from birth to age 12 whose families are in crisis. According to the organization, 460 children were served and 241 families were given support in 2013. For more information on how to prevent abuse and neglect, visit isabelshouse.org. Mercy Hospital president announces resignation Pediatrician and president of Mercy Hospital Springfield, Dr. Robert W. Steele has announced that he has taken a position as chief strategy officer at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. During his time as president, Steele has overseen the opening of the new children’s hospital and the construction of Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital Springfield. He will remain in his position until May 2 when Jon Swope, president of Mercy’s Central Region, will assume duties as interim president during the transition period. Emergency management director leaves … again dig it The city’s emergency management director Ryan Nicholls has accepted the position of emergency management planning specialist for the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. According to a city news release, he will begin his new duties April 7. Last March he left his position to take a new job as director of the State Emergency Management Agency in Jefferson City, but he returned the following June. City Manager Greg Burris and Greene County Administrator Tim Smith Southwest Missouri Regional Scripps Spelling Bee at Missouri State University. More than 30 students from 13 area schools participated. Ghosh spelled “strophic” in the championship round to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., May 25-31. In addition to being an excellent speller, Ghosh also attends Cherokee Middle School in the afternoon to take eighthgrade math. Featured April 16 Don’t miss the 2014 Ozarks Gardener. For advertising info, call 417-268-9177 E-mail [email protected] www.cfpmidweek.com | 9 Upfront 10 | April 2 - 15, 2014 Viewpoints THINK About It! www.cfpmidweek.com “We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much.” — Ronald Reagan FreePress Local Voice Community Breck Langsford, President/Publisher Amanda Langsford, Associate Publisher Photos and interviews by Dillan Conn What has your legislator done for you lately? EDITORIAL I’m aware of things they are trying to get done at the state level that I don’t agree with (Right to Work, repealing Common Core, etc). So, sadly, I don’t feel like I’m being represented well. Jessie Alexander-East April Labine-Katko Copy Editor, Reporter Daniel Snyder, Reporter, Photographer Dillan Conn, Reporter, Photographer CONTRIBUTORS Kelsey Garman Phil Morrissey Bob Mace DESIGN Amanda Langsford ADVERTISING Amanda Langsford Greg Hansen Illustration by Phil Morrissey CIRCULATION / DISTRIBUTION Marylee York, Manager Tim Rose, Courier Rodney Page, Courier Ron Dake, Courier ADMINISTRATION Muriel Lincoln, Senior Accountant Dudley Brown, IT Systems & Web CONTACT [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] B Publishing Group 537 N. Broadway / Springfield, MO 65802 Mailing address: PO Box 2418 Springfield, MO 65801 Phone: (417) 447-2130 (417) 268-9177 866-577-3946 Fax: (417) 447-2140 www.cfpmidweek.com The Community Free Press is published by B Publishing Group, Inc. in Springfield, Mo. It is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader, from distributors in the Springfield-metro area. Additional copies may be obtained at the B Publishing Group offices. CFP may be distributed only by the publisher’s authorized agents. No one may, without permission from B Publishing Group, take more than one copy of each issue. Reproduction prohibited without publisher’s written permission. Unsolicited materials should be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. B Publishing Group reserves the right to publish unsolicited articles, and is under no obligation to return such materials. Vol. 12 Issue 7 The thoughts and opinions of columnists in the Viewpoints section do not reflect those of the Community Free Press. If you wish to respond to Viewpoints please e-mail CFP: [email protected] | Community Free Press Good Morning Joe O E-mail Bob Mace: [email protected]. ne recent Sunday morning The ing to pay a couple of hundred Edge sorties for errands and bucks for a Keurigosity that brews some of that people watching. one cup at a time from little dollar a Observation relieves the amalgamashot foil pans that look for all the tion of boredom and road rage resultworld like jelly tubs in a greasy ing from traffic light synchronization spoon eatery. simpatico only with the jerky moveIt’s perplexing to see otherwise ments of the soccer vans with pilots sane fellow citizens of this nation more intent on cosmetics and texreduced to Soviet-style standing (or ting than on navigation. The Edge driving) in lines to get the most basic Bob Mace experiences each and every red light of consumed commodities. One that morning. wants to yell from the window,“We THE EDGE As the journey progressed fitfully, are predominate in the world, we the oddity of coffee habits began to dawn. By don’t wait in line behind a dozen of comrades way of prelude, in the Edge’s youthful years to pay black market prices for bean-flavored people didn’t much go out for coffee. water. Moreover, one didn’t need to speak pidginThat whole line thing reaches apex at one of Italian to communicate preferences for a those re-designed McDonald’s with the double morning cup. No Cappa-Frappa-Expresso- lane thing. If one visits a supermarket on the Macchiato-Chino with apricots, a cinnamon day before Thanksgiving, it’s a busy place. stick and marinara sauce. Mocha was a color People scurry about trying to find the used by tailors who arrogantly referred to Starbuck’s line or provisioning for the coming their craft (building dresses) as haute couture. feast. Here’s the point: the grocery store doesIn the days when an unapologetic America n’t react to being crowded by opening a secled the world in all things, coffee was served ond meat department, they open more checkblack, with cream and/or sugar.Those were the out lines because that’s where the bottleneck innocent days of Chase & Sanborn, Maxwell occurs. House and Folgers. Ordering any of those Looking at the line of coffee seekers at this blends would set one back perhaps a dime as two-lane drive through it comes to mind that opposed to the more modern norm of a four- cards should be shuffled, not cars! Regardless dollar extravagance paper cup with corrugat- of the number of ordering lanes, everybody ed sleeve to keep one’s hands from discom- merges back to a place where there’s one kid fort. who splits time between taking orders, asking In our neighborhood, the Page’s house was a if we want fries with that coffee and tendering gathering spot. Phil and Dee Page had four currency. Go figure how these McCafenistas children, a bird dog and a shiny percolator that could build a bigger facility that increases ran most all the time. Denominated, “The rather than decreases customer wait time.The Coffee Pot,” the percolator was, to anyone’s coffee’s good, but it’s not that good. memory seldom full and seldom empty. Going The Edge returns home to use seven-dollar a out for coffee in those days often meant wak- pound hazelnut flavored beans from the freezing across the street, going through the only er, grind them fresh and then brew them in a void in an always trimmed hedge and entering ridiculously expensive Mr. Coffee drip thing. the back door leading to the coffee pot and A moment of Edge reflection brings reverie the kitchen that surrounded it. of long-missed simpler brews with the Page Most recently it’s spendthrift-crazy-demean- family across the street and “the coffee pot!” My guess is probably not much of anything. I don’t think people have been motivated to get things done, or they don’t think they can pass anything. In our Missouri Legislature, we really need to get some people out of there. I’ve been really frustrated with it all. Jill Lohmeyer Nothing except take away freedoms. They can do all the little stuff they want, but diminishing people’s rights is a big deal to me and at that point there’s nothing good to say about it. Chris Rose They provide funding for me to go to school. Allocating money for grants and scholarships doesn’t just happen, that takes a legislator. Without that I wouldn’t be able to go to school. Nataleigh Ross Nothing but make life harder each year. Because I got in trouble once when I was 18, now as a 34-year-old, some jobs won’t hire me, some places won’t rent to me. How am I supposed to successfully support my family? Willis Bystrom I work in the children’s division for the state, so they’ve paid me. Also Sen. Bob Dixon has advocated for more technologies in the field, like iPads, to increase our efficiency. Chris Chiarino Community Free Press | www.cfpmidweek.com April 2 - 15, 2014 | 11 Fishy business Business Local aquarium shop has everything you need to start your living artwork. » Page 13 e-mail [email protected] FYI Unemployment rate rises in January The Springfield unemployment rate for the metropolitan area rose nearly a full percentage in January. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all eight of Missouri metropolitan statistical areas experienced an increase in the unemployment rate. In the Springfield MSA, comprised of Greene, Christian, Webster, Dallas and Polk counties, the unemployment rate rose to 5.5 percent from 4.7 percent in December. Springfield MSA was the second lowest in the state. Columbia MSA was the lowest with 4.5 percent. Missouri sales tax ranks top 20 in nation The independent tax policy research organization, the Tax Foundation released the 2014 Facts & Figures report that ranks Missouri as having the 14th highest state and local sales tax in the nation. As of Jan. 1, Missouri averaged a 7.58 percent combined state and local sales tax. Tennessee has the highest tax rate with 9.45 percent and Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon were the lowest because there is no sales tax in those states. Local retailers join Farmers Park In May, Jellybeans and STAXX will be joining the local businesses at the Farmers Park Development that is set to be completed in April. Both retailers will be celebrating anniversaries, Jellybeans with 20 years in business and STAXX with 10 years in business. The Farmers Park Complex is designed to create a healthy and environmentally conscious community that focuses on local food and shops. Other local retailers and restaurants at Farmers Park include Five Pound Apparel, Studio 417, Hudson Hawk Barber & Shop, Metropolitan Farmer, Aviary Cafe, 417 DryBar and Ellecor. Old Missouri Bank to purchase Bank of Ash Grove An agreement has been made by Old Missouri Bank to purchase the Bank of Ash Grove. The deal was, according to news publications, a cash deal with undisclosed terms and is expected to close around June 30. The purchase would increase Old Missouri Bank’s branches to four. The Bank of Ash Grove has two locations, one in Ash Grove and the other in Walnut Grove. Old Missouri has two branches in Springfield. Old Missouri will take on $65 million in assets from the Bank of Ash Grove and almost $60 million in deposits. The purchase will increase Old Missouri’s employee count to around 50. Renovations continue without CID By Daniel Snyder Despite the city’s decision not to establish the Country Club Plaza shopping center as a Community Improvement District, developer Curtis Jared, president and CEO of Jared Enterprises, has moved forward with renovations. A year ago, Jared approached City Council to establish the CID to renovate the facade and establish the area as blighted. “What we’ve done is we went ahead and got the rest of the property owners to go along with redoing the parking lot, redoing the lights and we restructured the parking lot layout,” Jared said.“We needed to go ahead with the remodel regardless. We went ahead and pushed forward and did ours and hopefully,down the road, everybody will be in a better position to do theirs.” Jared’s company owns about half of the center and he said he has plans to resubmit the CID proposal.Much of the center is rented out to various owners. “Just like anything, it would have been nice to renovate the whole center and get everybody else on board,” Jared said. “I know the city likes to have things look nicer and have things redeveloped, but not everybody is in the same position.” A new Family Dollar will be built By Daniel Snyder According to a news release from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, five finalists have been named for the 2014 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. The finalists are: Everything Kitchens, LLC, led by owner and CEO Emily Church, Paragon Architecture, Inc., led by president and CEO Brad Erwin, People Centric Consulting Group, founded by Randy Mayes and Don Harkey, App Pros, LLC., led by CEO Jody Chaffin and The Greek Corner, led by owner Jason Parke. The winner of the award will be announced during the Chamber’s annual awards luncheon, May 7. Last year’s winner was Connell Insurance Inc. There’s a lot of construction activity happening along Kimbrough Avenue and Bryan Properties is behind it, with plans to build a quality living environment for students. Construction is currently underway for Bear Village, 815 S. Kimbrough Ave., a 9-acre studenthousing complex with a clubhouse, pool and other amenities for residents. The entire project encompasses an area from Madison to Grand streets and Kimbrough to A report released recently from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show employment increased 2.9 percent in Greene County. The data showed that as of Sept. 30, Greene County employers counted 156,100 workers, an increase of 1.3 percent compared to September 2012. Greene County was ranked 51 in the nation out of 344 counties tracked by the BLS in percent change. An average weekly wage in Greene County was $712 during the third quarter compared to a $922 average U.S. weekly wage. at the location formerly occupied by Smillie’s Market and the store is expected to open in April. If council approved the CID and the area was established as blighted under state laws, it would allow business owners to implement an additional sales tax, up to 1 percent, to fund improvements on the center. Jared said while he tried to educate council members on the project, he didn’t think that the designation would be approved. “Here’s the issue; you work with the City of Springfield to accommodate any of their questions or concerns and they’re behind it and then City Council looks at it and they don’t quite understand,” Jared said. “I tried to educate everybody and sit down with council mem- bers to no avail.” Jared said although he will continue to make improvements, a CID designation would help with the overall economy. “At the end of the day, I have to move forward. I’ve got tenants that want to move in [that] are not going to move in if the center is not updated,” Jared said, adding that without the use of similar tax credits, much of downtown Springfield would not be in its current state. “Look at downtown Springfield; if they didn’t do those historic tax credits, if they didn’t do that CID and do all that other stuff, if you go back 15 to 20 years, downtown was a dump and look at it now.It’s a vibrant area,” Jared said. “At the end of the day,you can actually see what people around here do with the tax dollars.” Changes in the neighborhood Chamber names Small Business Award finalists Wages on the rise in Greene County Photo by Daniel Snyder Despite not obtaining a Community Improvement District designation, Curtis Jared, owner of Jared Enterprises and a portion of the Country Club Plaza, went ahead with some renovations including a new sign. Roanoke avenues. “The main thing that we’re doing right now is we’re building a state-ofthe-art clubhouse for our residents and it’s going to have a 24-hour café inside that the students can come in and get something to eat or coffee,”said Bryan Magers, owner and president of Bryan Properties. “It will open up to the swimming pool and it will be connected by an elevator, where students in that building will be able to walk down the hall and go right into the clubhouse.” Photo by Daniel Snyder Bryan Properties, LLC. is currently developing a 9-acre plot of land into what will be known as Bear Village. Magers said the clubhouse will be ready Aug. 1 and will feature a media room, two pool tables, shuffleboard and a weight room. He said the complex currently has housing for 96 students, but by Aug. 1, it will have enough for 300 students. The clubhouse construction will cost $15 million and the cost of the entire project is around $40 million. Once the other buildings are completed, it will provide see BEAR VILLAGE, 13 Business 12 | April 2 - 15, 2014 IN BUSINESS www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press By Daniel Snyder Judgment-free zone Starting a downtown tradition Working out at a gym around a bunch of strange people and even stranger equipment can be intimidating your first time, but the “judgment-free zone” at Planet Fitness promises to change all that. Planet Fitness, which opened in Springfield March 18, prides itself on being available for anyone who is interested in getting the body they’ve always wanted. “We’re known for our judgment-free zone and what that means is everybody is welcome, we don’t Photo by Daniel Snyder cater to body builders or Travis Satterthwaite, district manager at Planet Fitness, stands in power lifters,” said Travis front of some of the more than 100 pieces of cardio equipment at Satterthwaite, district manthe gym. Planet Fitness opened March 18 and already has 2,000 ager at Planet Fitness. members signed up. “We’re geared more toward general fitness.” With more than 100 pieces of cardio equipment at the ready, Planet Fitness it’s no wonder that Planet Fitness is known for its cardio. The company also sponsors The Biggest Loser TV show. Hours: 24/7 The gym offers two membership choices. For $10 a month, Address: 2857 W. membership includes the opportunity to attend classes led by Republic Road a fitness instructor and no contract. For $19.99 a month, the Phone: 877-0244 Black Card membership includes access to the gym, fitness Online: classes, massage beds, tanning beds, the ability to bring a planetfitness.com guest in for free and access to any of the 700 locations nationwide. Satterthwaite said the gym started a presale in January and it currently has about 2,000 members. “We have a great clientele; it’s not just the younger crowd, it’s across the board,” he said. “I’ve signed people up in their 90s and as young as 14.” Members must be at least 13 years old to sign up. Minors require parental permission and they must be at least 16 years old to attend without a parent or guardian. Satterthwaite said the company plans to open up multiple locations in Springfield and has committed to a second location in the fall and a third in the summer of 2015. The popular local restaurant, McSalty’s is now making roots in central Springfield. McSalty’s opened in 1979, but they recently decided that having one location on East Sunshine Street wasn’t enough for their regulars. On March 14, they moved into the location vacated by Dairy Queen. (The East Battlefield Road location is under different ownership). “A lot of loyal customers now went to Missouri State and visited the Delmar location before we moved,” said owner Sarah Dunlop. “We wanted to reconnect with the younger generation, so we can be a part of their family tradition later on in life.” Dunlop said McSalty’s will continue to focus on the high quality of food at their new home. And as for being downtown, Dunlop said it is full of opportunities to get the McSalty’s name out there. “It’s been great; we’ve gotten in touch with a lot of businesses,” Dunlop said. “And we’re really excited about the potential for having live music and getting a chance to become a part of downtown, especially since some college students might not know who we are event though we’ve been around for 35 years.” Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday Address: 307 S. Jefferson Ave. Tell Us About Your Phone: 887-3680 Local Business Online: mcsaltys.com Welcome to Ziggie’s Café Local breakfast staple, Ziggie’s Café is doing well at its new south side location. The latest restaurant opened in September and area residents seem to be happy with it. The staff feels that way about it too. “We absolutely love it and the customers are thrilled to have us in this neighborhood because there really isn’t a sit-down breakfast place,” said Christine Forte, dining room manager at the Republic Road location. “It has a different feel, a different ambiance; our store looks great.” Ziggie’s offers both breakfast and lunch menus, but are probably best known for their expansive breakfast menu. “So far it’s been wonderful. Of course, the weather hasn’t been our friend but we’re getting by,” Forte said. “I have a lot of people who come here in the mornings and have their coffee and take their time and just relax.” Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Sunday Address: 2129 W. Republic Road Phone: 720-1628 Online: ziggiescafe.com How climate change may impact business and investing T he climate is changing. To deny it is to ignore the facts. However, I’m not sure that man’s activities are the cause of it, or that man can change it no matter how much money government throws at it. The climate is always changing. In the early 20th century, Dr. Raymond Wheeler, a professor at the University of Kansas, devoted three decades to the study of climate cycles over the last 2,500 years, and how they influenced human activities, including business. Most of the results of Wheeler’s work is documented in the book, “Climate: The Key to Understanding Business Cycles,” edited by Michael Zahorchak. Wheeler discovered 100-year weather cycles divided into four phases: 1. warm and wet, 2. warm and dry, 3. cold and wet, and 4. cold and dry. He also found that about every 500 years the earth experiences a long cycle of weather extremes in which temperatures vary 1.5 to 2 degrees best. above or below Both dry its average of 57 phases, on the degrees. other hand, For example, were consistentduring the ly times of eco“Little Ice Age,” nomic stagnawhich lasted tion and depresfrom the mid-14 sion. The 1930s th Century to period was a the mid-19th warm-dry Century, temper- Kelsey Garman phase. In fact FINANCIAL INSIGHTS atures dropped 1930 was the as low as 2.7 driest year degrees below normal. recorded in his study of Wheeler believed these American weather cycles. temperature variations It was also the year the were driven by solar activ- U.S. economy crashed in ity, not greenhouse gases, the wake of the stock as do many today. It is market plunge in October impossible to explain of 1929. The warm-dry how greenhouse gases phase continued throughmade the earth hotter out the 1930s, creating hundreds of years ago the great dust bowl in when there were no America’s heartland, forcgreenhouse gases. ing farmers to abandon In 1950, Wheeler pub- their land. lished his findings related As a small child in 1937, to weather and business I remember that dry concycles in America since ditions on the farm forced 1794. He found a remark- my father to take a job in able correlation between a bakery in town for 40 weather patterns and cents an hour. business conditions. Wheeler’s studies indiHe found the wet phas- cated that the extreme es to be best for business warm-dry phase in the with the warm-wet phase 1930s was a major climate being the best and the cycle that occurs about cold-wet phase second every 100 years. Each of If you have business news, events and other information you would like considered for publication in the Community Free Press, e-mail: editor@ cfpmidweek.com. these phases has been associated with an economic breakdown. Most economists today consider such meteorological theories to be fanciful and unsophisticated. But, apparently they never bother to check the facts. No theory is perfect, but Wheeler’s studies show a degree of correlation that would make most economists envious. His studies show a year-toyear correlation of 78 percent between weather conditions and business. When longer periods are considered, the correlation was more than 85 percent—much better than most modern economic theories. Eight boom periods are distinguishable in the U.S. during the period of Wheeler’s study. Without exception they took place in the wet weather phases. Students of Wheeler’s theories say that we have been in a warm-wet cycle since the late 1990s, which would account for the earth growing warmer. The next phase will be a warm-dry phase, which they expect in about 15 years. If that is the case, the earth will continue to warm for another few years no matter what man does to change it. Of course, these phases may be moderated or intensified by other economic or social cycles operating in history. Kelsey Garman is a former financial consultant. E-mail him at [email protected]. MISSOURI GOLD SILVER DIAMONDS BUYING, SELLING & E-BAYING Vintage Jewelry, Antiques and Collectables, Watches, Coins, Pocket Watches, Vintage Costume Jewelry Bring in Treasure We Photo & Create Listing Take Your Treasure Home Cash Paid in 10-14 Days • Bring in & We Ship 851 S. GLENSTONE 417-877-GOLD Mon. - Fri 10 am-6 pm • missourigoldsilverdiamonds.com Community Free Press Business | www.cfpmidweek.com April 2 - 15, 2014 Owner: Harold Isaak Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday Address: 2246 S. Campbell Ave. Phone: 887-4849 Online: springfieldaquariumshoppe.com Clown fish and coral to custom aquariums Photos by By Daniel Snyder By Daniel Snyder The ocean is vast and the majority of it hasn’t even been explored, but you can bring a segment of the ocean into your home without having to move closer to the water. At the Aquarium Shoppe, owner Harold Isaak works with his clients to design, install and maintain both saltwater and freshwater aquariums in their homes. After being a Springfield middle school teacher for 16 years, in 2008, Isaak started an aquarium maintenance business, Underwater World, before eventually buying the Aquarium Shoppe in 2011. “I was a hobbyist; I taught science in middle school and that’s where I started saltwater aquariums and had amazing support from the administrators to help me get going on that in the classroom,” Isaak said. “It was time to leave education. I was there for 16 years and it was time for a different picture. I took a year off from teaching, knowing I could go back if Harold Isaak, owner of the Aquarium Shoppe, was a saltwater aquarium hobbyist for 15 years before he decided to take a break from teaching and start his own aquarium maintenance business before buying a retail store. I failed and it’s been six years now.” In addition to offering on-site consultations, designing, installing and maintaining clients’ aquariums, the Aquarium Shoppe provides everything needed to make your little piece of the ocean a reality, including fish, coral and tanks. “Having been a hobbyist, that gives us credibility with the people we speak with because they know we have an interest in it too,”Isaak said.“We can be as involved as you want us to be. We have clients we visit once a week; we have clients that we visit three times a week. It’s kind of like designing an outdoor landscape.” Isaak and his staff can help with existing aquarium setups or consult with new homeowners during construction to design the perfect underwater kingdom the way their clients want it. And after the install, his staff works out the best way to maintain the watery world. Each member of his staff specializes in a certain niche. For example, one employee may know more about freshwater fish or coral habitats, but each aquarium Isaak installs is a symbiotic example of the ocean or lake in your home. “They’re really like a living piece of art,” Isaak said. “If somebody goes out and they spend $3,000 on a painting and put it in their home, well then there it is. This changes all the time and sometimes that’s a positive and sometimes it’s a negative because you are dealing with something that is living.” And as for running both a retail and a maintenance business, Isaak said it is a lot tougher than his previous career path. “It is more work than I ever imagined in my life,” Isaak said.“The struggles I went through are not unique to anybody starting a new business, but we have never had a client who fired us.” So what does the future hold for Isaak and his business? “We will focus on moving some specialty stuff online and continue to expand that aspect of it,” Isaak said. “We plan on still continuing growing the service aspect of it and, hopefully, getting into more custom stuff and working with new homeowners who would want an aquarium incorporated in their house.” Prices for different services vary from client to client but, at the Aquarium Shoppe, it isn’t just about making the big sale. “One thing we have to our advantage is we are hobbyists and the second thing is that all of my guys are not just some schmoes off the street,” Isaak said. “We want to teach; we’re not just selling this tank to get it off the floor. What we really want you to do is get this aquarium and come back to us and let us help you through the process of maintaining your aquarium.” Nonprofit to move into College Station By Daniel Snyder College Station across from Regal Cinemas is currently undergoing infill work to provide spaces for local businesses and nonprofits. The space, nicknamed the “gravel museum”by local residents, has been vacant since Scott Tillman developed the $12 million project in fall 2008. On the other side of the development, the Hamels Foundation is the only tenant, but soon local nonprofit Art Inspired will be moving in with plans to expand. “We are taking a portion of the College Station for our production BEAR VILLAGE, from 11 housing for 800 students. The market-rate apartments will cost $575-600 per month per bed for a four-bed, four-bath unit. Each unit will facility and we just received approval for funding for opening a thrift store on the corner called Inspired Boutique,” said Jacquie Atkins, general manger of Art Inspired.“The thrift store will provide a better quality of life for individuals that have developmental disabilities because they will be able to receive donated goods for free.” Atkins said the organization plans to move in within 60 days and hopes to be open by early summer. Art Inspired is a document disposal service that takes unwanted documents and turns them into paper products. The organization include a 12-month lease. Magers,who started buying properties near Missouri State University in 1985, has always had big plans for the area. “I ended buying 43 hous- also employs individuals with developmental disabilities. “We make furniture, wine racks, picture frames, decorative items all out of the paper pulp,” Atkins said. “We employ individuals with developmental disabilities and give them a meaningful place to work and they receive the same wages as their co-workers who are not developmentally disabled.” Art Inspired has operated at its current location, 310 S. Campbell Ave., since August 2012 and will continue to operate that space as an art gallery. es in that block and it just got time, after 30 years of buying and leasing property, to see my dream come true and that was to provide a real quality project for Missouri State stu- dents,” Magers said. Magers said he also plans to build three Greek houses on Grand Street— two fraternities and one sorority—within the 9acre project area. 13 Locally Owned The Aquarium Shoppe LOCALLY OWNED | Affordable • Dependable • On-Time WOMMACKS WOMMACKS MARKET MARKET WHOLE FRYERS (Chicken) 99¢ lb PORK SPARE RIBS (Small Size) $2.99 lb Date 04-02-14 thru 04-16-14 “You’ll be Back to Wommacks” *custom meat cutting *special orders 1130 N. GRANT 41 7-866-32 41 BOB’S GARAGE 417-866-5855 2600 W. DIVISION ST • Spfd. SAME LOCATION FOR OVER 40 YEARS SPECIALIZING IN N MOTOR OVERHAULS INSTALLED FOREIGN & DOMESTIC HEAD GASKETS • TIMING • ETC MON-FRI 8AM-5PM 14 | April 2 - 15, 2014 www.cfpmidweek.com Home & Garden e-mail [email protected] Fast Fact: | Community Free Press As of February 25, 2014, the official debt of the United States government is $17.4 trillion. This amounts to $54,899 for every person living in the U.S. Source: justfacts.com Controlling the chaos ■ Simple systems keep clutter bugs ahead of the curve By Dillan Conn W ith spring air comes the urge to freshen up the home, a chance to reset for another year and organize all of the junk stashed over the winter. Gutting the garage is often a daunting undertaking and cleaning out the closet can be just as overwhelming, but there are people who make a living from organizing clutter—and they have some words of advice. With a handful of daily tasks, a few systems put into place and the desire to keep the clutter in order, every homemaker can clean up their habits and live a more stress-free lifestyle. Owner of local business 2B Organized since 1997, Betsy Miller has been featured on Home and Garden TV and the TV shows Hoarders and Extreme Home Makeover. Miller said studies show clutter can wreck havoc on your mood and productivity. “It’s not just about being a neat freak and anal about your space,” she said. “It’s about respecting your space and the things you’ve worked hard to earn.” So how does one tackle a clutter monster years in the making? “People become overwhelmed and don’t know where to start,” Miller said. “When I come in, I take the lead and have a plan. A lot of times that’s what they don’t have and that’s the number one rule of starting project.” HAVE A PLAN: START WITH THE PURGE Miller said the first step to every project she works on is the purging process. This is where someone goes through all the stuff and decides what they need to keep, what they can throw away and what they can donate. “Don’t get bogged down on one item during this process,” Miller said. “Don’t let the totality of the project slow down because you can’t figure out what to do with something. Just move on; the quicker the better.” Sharon Johnson is another professional organizer around town. Her business, Clutter-Free, began after 22 years of professional kitchen organization and she agrees the first step is to purge. “If you’re going to do this on your own, a good mark to aim for is de-clutter by 20 percent,” she said. “If you’re overwhelmed, divide it into zones. Break it down into four zones and work on one at a time.” Both organizers say clothes are usually a primary source of clutter because of lack of organization or that unused garments are taking up space. “Most people wear 20 percent of their clothes 80 percent of the time,” Miller said. “This is one reason I really like the idea of a donation station.” A “donation station” is a designated place in the home to put things that have been deemed unnecessary. Whenever the pile starts to climb, donate it to charity and turn it into a tax write-off. STICKING TO A SYSTEM After the space is organized, the real work begins. The hard part for most is following through with keeping things in order. A few simple tips can make it easier. Clearing off flat zones is a classic way to keep a space looking tidy. Johnson says cleaning off tables, floors, dressers and any flat surface will destress an individual and make it easier to stay on Courtesy of 2b-organized.com From diaster area to straightforward and easy to navigate, this closet is no longer an eyesore. top of the buildup. One of Johnson’s ways of accomplishing this is by implementing the O.O.P.S. method. OOPS stands for Only One Place Specified. It means that everything—whether it’s scissors, shoes or dirty dishes—has one home. “I work with a lot of families and children; this system does really well with younger kids,” she said.“For adults, I say you can put it down only once before you put it back to its home.” Another organizational acronym Johnson champions is more of a mantra than a system. C.H.A.O.S. is a way to motivate your- self to sticking to your guns. CHAOS works two ways: It first describes the negativity around the see CHAOS, 15 Community Free Press Home & Garden | www.cfpmidweek.com HOME & REAL ESTATE NEWS Springfield home prices see increase in February MSU Ag education for Mo. high school students According to a report from real estate tracking firm CoreLogic, Springfield home prices rose 3.5 percent in February compared to February 2013. Home prices decreased .2 percent from January. Nationwide home prices increased 12.2 percent in February 2014 compared to the same month last year. The William H. Darr School of Agriculture at Missouri State University will host the first-ever George Washington Carver Agricultural Academy July 21-25. Carver developed more than 100 uses for the peanut and countless farming techniques. The free academy is offered to high school juniors and seniors and 30 students from Missouri will be selected to attend. During their time at the academy, students will participate in agricultural workshops, educational field trips and industry presentations. To apply, students should have an interest in science and a minimum of 2.5 GPA. Applications must include: A completed application form, a 500-word essay, a high school transcript and three letters of recommendations submitted to the Darr School of Agriculture by April 18. For more information, call 837-2506 or visit blogs.missouristate.edu/ag Home sales in state down in February According to a news release from the Missouri Association of Realtors, Missouri residential housing sales fell 17 percent in February. Agents sold 3,300 homes in February 2014 compared to 4,060 homes sold in February 2013. Although sales numbers declined, Missouri’s average residential property selling price rose 6 percent in February 2014 compared to the same time last year. The release said that homes sat on the market fewer days in February, averaging 133 days until a sale. CHAOS, from 14 The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Transportation are asking residents to help fight litter by doing some spring cleaning outdoors during the No More Trash! Annual Trash Bash throughout the month of April. Volunteers are asked to clean up litter from roadsides, parks, neighborhoods, rivers, streams, trails and other outdoor locations. Participants are asked to report their efforts to receive a No More Trash! thank-you pin. For more information, visit nomoretrash.org/trash-bash or call 1-888-ASK-MODOT. Foreclosures in Springfield down According to real estate market tracker company, CoreLogic Inc., the Springfield foreclosure rate dropped to .53 percent in January, down from .86 percent the same month last year. Local foreclosure rates ranked below the U.S. average of 1.97 for January. In Missouri, the rate dropped Quick hit clutter tips house—Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome—which should be changed to Can Have Awesome Organized Surrounding. “Until people see the need to fix what’s bothering them, it won’t happen,” Johnson said. “They have got to desire to change. It’s a mindset that you deserve to have a peaceful surrounding.” According to both organizers, creating systems are key in organization, but it’s not so simple for people to flip a switch and become an organized “neat-nick,” as Miller says. MORE MDC and MoDOT call for Missourians to fight litter TIPS TO MAKE IT EASY Miller said the most common problem at the start of a job is people just have too much stuff. “Most people have a lot of incoming and not a lot of outgoing,” she said.“No matter what you bring into the house, something needs to leave. If you get a candle, burn out the old one. If you get a new pair of jeans, throw one out. “If you keep that flow of one in and one out, you’ll always break even and you’ll never have too much stuff to deal with.” Johnson has another cleaning system for kids she calls “Clutter Patrol,” where children are given a whistle and they tell each member of the family where they’re going to clean for 15 minutes. “It doesn’t matter what they do,” she said.“It’s a matter of engaging the child. The purpose is kids have to have order and cleaning up the clutter de-stresses the home.” For adults, she tells them to set a timer for 15 minutes and clean as hard as they can and any job that can be done inside of two minutes needs to be knocked out right then. “Don’t serve mail for dinner,” Johnson Make a plan Purge: Keep it, pitch it, donate it Don’t get bogged down: Keep moving and break into zones Set up a “donation station” Keep flat spaces clean OOPS: Only One Place Specified (everything has a home) One in, one out: Applies to everything but children Set a timer and clean hard Don’t serve mail for dinner: Stop dropping it on the kitchen table Maximize wall space: The most underutilized organizational technique Contact Info 2B Organized Owner: Betsy Miller Contact: 880-2325; [email protected]; 2b-organized.com Rate: $100/three hours (three-hour minimum, hording rates cost more) Clutter-Free Owner: Sharon Johnson Contact: 459-8988; [email protected] Rate: $30/hour ($25/hour for 10 hours or more) said.“Weed out the junk mail, open it up and don’t leave it on the kitchen table.” Miller’s final tip for controlling the chaos is a missed opportunity in using garage space. “Everyone stores things on the floor when there’s so much space on the walls and so many ways to organize on the walls,” she said. “Maximizing wall space is great. Also people have stuff to purge in the garage. “If you had less stuff, that’s less to manage, which means more time to enjoy your life.” to .71 percent in January, from 1.07 percent a year earlier, according to a news release from the company. Top real estate agents receive award The Greater Springfield Board of Realtors awarded four area Realtors at its annual Realtor of the Year award ceremony. The recipients were nominated by their peers and take into consideration business accomplishments among other traits. The award winners were: Antonio Serano, Broker of the Year; Laura Daly, Salesperson of the Year; Andy Trussell, 2013 Rookie of the Year and Linda Brown, Margaret Martin Cooperative Spirit Award. April 2 - 15, 2014 Farmers Market of the Ozarks celebrates two years The Farmers Market of the Ozarks will host a two-year anniversary Party and Spring Gardening Kick-Off 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at the Farmers Park Development. Over the past two years, the farmers market has grown to become the largest in the region with over 100 vendors and 10,000 customers shopping weekly. Party activities include paleo cooking demonstrations, festive music, food sampling and a children’s activity booth. Whispering Oaks Winery and Vineyard will provide wine samples. For more information, visit springfieldfarmerspark.com. | 15 16 | April 2 - 15, 2014 www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press Health & Wellness Healthy options outside By Daniel Snyder W hile winter took its toll on the city of Springfield, chances are it also took its toll on your waistline. Now that the weather is warming up, there are no excuses to keep from heading outside for some much-needed exercise. According to americawalks.org, brisk walking has been shown to reduce body fat, lower blood pressure, increase high-density lipoprotein and even reduce the risks of bone fracture. Springfield has over 70 miles of Ozark Greenways Trails for walking, running and biking, but before you decide to hit the pavement, it’s important to first have a plan of attack. “I think that it is important that they start first by looking at their shoes and that they get a good quality pair of shoes, so they don’t risk injury while they are out there,” said Marilyn Hill, administrative director of Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Springfield. “Start slow and work up Marilyn Hill by setting goals each week so you can see the progress. Always be hydrated and don’t walk after a heavy meal.” A number of Springfield parks have stretching bars, which are great for warming up before jogging or walking. And if you can’t get to the trails or a gym, Hill said other daily tasks can help with cardiovascular health. “Just parking a little further away when they are doing their shopping is another great activity to do as well,” Hill said. “Walking up stairs is another good idea. If you are walking outside, do a couple of squats and then keep walking, so you are doing a couple of different exercises. You don’t have to go to a gym to get your exercise during the day.” If you’re apprehensive about getting started or having trouble finding the motivation, there is a solution. “I would say try it and ask around because everyone has been in that position,” said Rebecca Wilcox, wellness coordinator at Mercy Springfield. “Try and get a group together that really helps with motivating each other. “Staying motivated is a really big part of it or volunteer for a 5K just to see how it works and to get inspired to say ‘maybe I could do that.’” Hill said hiking is another good exercise and a great way Mercy to open new facility in April By Daniel Snyder Mercy staff has been in the process of moving into a new 60-bed rehabilitation facility next to its orthopedic hospital at Highway 65 and Evans Road. The $28 million 63,000 square foot facility will offer inpatient services for patients recovering from strokes, brain or spinal cord injuries, amputations, orthopedic injuries and other conditions. “We’ve found that the need for rehabilitation has outgrown our 35 current beds,” said Brad Haller, media relations specialist at Mercy.“Instead of being put on a waiting list, patients Photo by Daniel Snyder Mercy will host a grand opening of their new $23 million, 63,000 square foot rehab hospital on April 16. The rehab hospital will have 60 beds for patients who have undergone a life-changing illness or injury. will have access to one of 60 beds. In addition, we’ll be able to provide inpatient rehab for people as young as 13. Before this, folks in that age category had to go three or so hours away for rehab.” Haller said Mercy did not originally plan for the two facilities to be sideby-side and patients in the rehab hospital are typically more long-term than those at the orthopedic hospital. CFP file photo Winter is finally over, now it’s time to walk, run or bike off the holiday dinners by utilizing local parks, trails or bike paths for low-impact activities. to experience nature. Biking is another low-impact activity that is easier on your joints or finding a personal trainer at a fitness center could be another option. Wilcox said even groups of co-workers can help you get started during your lunch break. “Here at Mercy we get coworkers to do it on their break and a 10-minute walk three times a day,”Wilcox said.“I think it keeps you functioning all the way around and it definitely decreases stress and keeps your The rehab facility will include some unique features for patients, including apartments, an outdoor walking trail, gymnasiums with therapy devices, a room specifically equipped for burn patients, a brain injury unit and a dedicated stroke unit, along with other high-tech rooms. “There are so many patients in this area who have met criteria for inpatient rehabilitation in the past but have not been able to access the service, due to bed availability in our market.” said Tasha Ganson, director of business development for the Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital. “The Mercy “Treat Yourself to a World of Sound” A New Solution for Hearing Aid Users Advanced Sound Quality, Comfort & Design Complimentary Test & Fitting – 1 DAY MID-WEST HEARING AID SERVICE, INC. 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It’s great for cardiovascular health.” Both Wilcox and Hill said if you are looking to get started with walking or running, Rebecca Wilcox springfieldmissouri.org has a list of several activities in the area, like 5Ks or fun-runs. “There is a lot of opportunities around that people can take advantage of,” Hill said. “Different things motivate different people.” Rehabilitation Hospital of Springfield will allow us to provide the opportunity for those patients to reap the benefits that an extensive rehabilitation program provides following a life-changing injury or illness.” According to Ganson, the closest option right now is in Fayetteville, Ark., with other facilities in Columbia, St. Louis, Kansas City and Tulsa, Okla. “Thus the opportunity to reach such a large segment of underserved patients and the benefit this hospital provides to both Mercy and the Southwest Missouri communities is incredibly exciting,” she said. Mercy will host a grand opening for the new facility April 16. Looking for Maternity Care? Look at Us! Trouble getting Seen? Talk to Us! ❖ Confirm Pregnancy, Transfer of Care, Temp Medicaid ❖ An Independent Solo Full-Service OB-GYN Practice ❖ Accepting Tricare, Medicare, Medicaid ❖ In Network for Mercy, many other private insurers ❖ Handicapped accessible office and exam area Andy J. Wright MD FACOG American Board of OB-GYN 1911 S. National, Ste 408 Springfield, MO 65804 Ph(417) 863-1310 Fax(417) 863-9381 ajwobgyn.com Community Free Press Health & Wellness | www.cfpmidweek.com April 2 - 15, 2014 | 17 Sticking with your systems NEW LIFE DENTAL CENTER It isn’t easy to turn a new leaf but these tips might get you there things will give you the energy and momentum to tackle bigger things. That goes for a daily routine or a lifestyle change. By Dillan Conn Do you suggest creating lists? I love lists. I put things on my lists just so I can knock them off. Lists help you stay focused, keep your eye on the goal and make sure you don’t forget something. Today’s world is so noisy, a text message or phone call could get you off track and things will start to fall through the cracks. Sometimes people put really big items on their lists. I like to break these down into smaller actionable steps to make the list feel less overwhelming. Schedule an appointment ■ Starting a new workout plan isn’t easy. If it were easy, everyone would do it. But here comes summer and it’s time to get that beach body whipped into shape. Melissa Miller Local life coach, Melissa Miller, coowner of Zen Life Solutions, has some insights that may help you push on through to the fitter side. What are the classic pitfalls for people trying to start a new lifestyle plan, such as a workout regimen? People often try to change too many things at once. They realize: Hey, my life isn’t working, and try to change everything at once.That sets them up for failure because they didn’t get there all at once and can’t expect to get out all at once. It’s better to change one or two things at a time and be very systematic about it. Start with a few goals and then add a few more. It doesn’t mean you can’t set big goals, but they need to be logical goals. Slow and steady will increase your chances of success. Slow and steady makes sense. Do you recommend smaller goals first? It’s really good to take on things you can tackle first and start building momentum. People talk about losing weight, but if you haven’t been to the gym at all, you can’t expect to go an hour a day seven days a week. You’re body would give out. But you can go three times a week for 20 minutes and you’ll feel accomplished. The same thing goes with spring-cleaning.Take it room by room. If you take those smaller steps, the bigger steps seem easier. I tell people to tackle little things in the morning. Starting with smaller ” Change takes work and if it weren’t work then we wouldn’t be working toward something. — Melissa Miller with yourself at the gym. Make a note to visit the farmer’s market; you’ll buy something there and eat healthier. I’ll even put learning more about something or cooking a meal at home on the list. Is there an advantage to being more specific with your goals? It’s the smart, measured goals that generate more success. If you have a time frame on goals, it gives you a timeline to actively work toward instead of a vague, I’ll lose weight some day. Timelines spur the action part of it. It sounds like timelines help fight procrastination and apathy. Procrastination is well fought by the specific goals, including timelines. This is especially the case when you’re not quite committed. Saying, I’m going on a diet tomorrow, will never get you there because there’s always another tomorrow. At some point you have to say, I’m going to do this now. It’s mind over matter. If you visualize your end result, you are more likely to beat this feeling. What is (your goal) going to feel like? What will it change for you? How will it affect your life? How badly do you want that? How can you break the bad habits holding back success? Placing notes around the house telling you not to do things is a good start. No more boredom eating. No more mail on the coffee table. I say it takes 21 days to make a habit. If you can force a change for 21 days, it won’t seem forced eventually. Soon it will become automatic. When plans fall apart, many people fall into a self-pity and give up on the original commitment. How do you reset and take back control? You have to give yourself permission.That’s one of the reasons I say take one or two things at a time. If you’re trying to change everything and you can’t, you’ll say, screw it, and go buy a pack of cigarettes and some tequila. Change takes work and if it weren’t work then we wouldn’t be working toward something. One piece of birthday cake isn’t going to undo three weeks of work, but you have to acknowledge that you did it and get back on track. You’re going to appreciate that bathing suit so much more if you worked that hard to get in it. Do these positive actions bleed into other parts of our life as you make progress? Once you start to change things, like getting in shape [or] quitting smoking, other areas of your life start to fall in line because you’ve tackled one area.You either make life happen or life happens to you. Once you take some personal responsibility and work toward some change, you start to find some hyperawareness and have more clarity because you’re more focused on yourself. 1881 N. 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They are the four core values of the YMCA. “Now, what parent wouldn’t want their kids to learn those things?” said Camp Wakonda director Steve Maynard.“Those are the four core values and we live them every day, our counselors really embody them.” Camp Wakonda started in 1914 on the banks of the White River in Forsyth, Mo., before moving to its current 100-acre location in Ash Grove. At the camp, which runs from June 15 to Aug. 2, boys and girls ages 8 to 17 can attend a one-week summer camp and participate in a various programs. When kids first arrive, camp counselors make sure that each child is an adequate swimmer and, if they are not, swimming lessons are added to their program. Camp begins on Sundays with an introduction to what Camp Wakonda is all about. “Sunday afternoon starts with an opening campfire and it’s meant to be zany and silly and fun,” Maynard said.“The campers and the counselors dress up in the craziest outfits and it could be a themed cabin, they could be all dressed up as ninjas or it could be anything. They get the idea right off the bat that it’s different than what they experience at home or at school.” Campers can choose between a variety of activities, including archery, basketball, a high ropes course, fishing, outdoor cooking, swimming, soccer and more. “The kids coming from an urban environment don’t normally get to experience those things,” Maynard said. “Those 8, 9 and 10-year-olds are getting their first taste of independence. They get to make their own decisions as far as what they want to do. The campers get to choose what activities they do throughout the week.” Campers will stay in one of nine cabins on-site along with two counselors per cabin. Other fun things at Camp Wakonda include a recreation hall with foosball, air hockey and pool tables, a minigolf course, a treehouse, a 40-foot tall climbing and a swimming pool. “The activities that are here are great activities and fun and kids really enjoy them,” Maynard said.“They’re tools to help kids grow in self-confidence and self-esteem and relationship building. The kids don’t even realize that they’re gaining those things.” The older campers can join the Counselor In Training (CIT) program if they are interested in COMPLETE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING Mon-Sat 10-6 Electronic Junk PILING UP? *WE BUY Your Junk! 2935 W Chestnut Expwy “There’s NO FEE…and You Paid ME!” (417) 864-4415 *tube monitors & tube tv’s –minimal fee www.CompleteElectronicsRecycling.org Courtesy of Camp Wakonda Camp Wakonda lets campers choose their programs for the week they are there, based on things that they like to do, like swimming, archery, basketball and more. INFO Camp rates: A is $435; B is $355; C is $245 To register, visit orymca.org/campreg or mail registrations to Monett Area YMCA Camp Wakonda Registration 115 S. Lincoln Ave., Monett, MO 65708 Camp Wakonda will be celebrating its 100th anniversary on Memorial Day 2015. Maynard is asking for past campers and staff to come out and tell their camp stories. Contact Steve Maynard at 491-4206. The Missouri Department of Conservation will also be hosting a free camp at Camp Wakonda Aug. 4-7 for girls ages 11-15. To register, call conservation agent Kearby Bridges at 251-3693. becoming a counselor. “CIT will foster a lot of leadership skills and whether or not they become a counselor here or go out into the world, those skills will come with them,” said Hayden Ponsar, camp staffer for five years and CIT program leader.“If they are a counselor here, we want to see them become a leader at camp and embody the four core values.” Maynard knows that in order for campers to have the best time possible, they need to have great role models to show them the ropes. “The lessons and the experiences that campers have here definitely helps mold them into the people that they’ll be,” Maynard said.“That’s why it’s so important to have good leadership and mature, caring leaders and Christian leaders. They’re role models and they know that coming in.” Parents can choose from three camping packages and scholarships are available for qualifying campers. “Anybody can come and that’s our goal, to ensure that any child that wants to come to camp Photo by Daniel Snyder Hayden Ponsar (left), is a five-year staff member and former camper and Steve Maynard is camp director at Camp Wakonda. can come to camp,” Maynard said. “I came to camp as a scholarship camper. Our board chairman came to camp as a scholarship camper, so it’s near and dear to our hearts and we know the value that camp can have.” Maynard said registra- tion has already begun and so far they have 20 kids signed up. He said this year will be full of new surprises. “We’re excited, really excited. There’s so many new and innovative things that we are doing,” Maynard said. “It’s going to be a great year.” FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE $89 Recommended every 15,000 miles Service Throttle Body In-Tank Fuel Injector Cleaner Induction System Service Restore power and performance. Eliminate rough idle. Reduce emissions caused by deposits. Restore efficiency and fuel economy. Helps prevent fuel system repairs. Not redeemable for cash or any other service. Customer is responsible for all applicable sales tax. 1462 S Enterprise (417) 881-2240 BOHANNONAUTOSERVICES.COM Community Free Press | www.cfpmidweek.com A&E IN BRIEF “The Scarlet Pimpernel” at Parkview H.S. The theatre department at Parkview High School, 516 W. Meadowmere St. is producing the musical version of “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” Based on the play by Baroness Emma Orczy, the musical adaptation features music by Frank Wildhom and lyrics and book by Nan Knighton. The story is set in England and France during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution, where the hero, The Scarlet Pimpernel, keeps his identity secret under the alias, Sir Percival Blakeney, as he recruits a league of gentleman to join him in rescuing prisoners from the guillotine. The play was originally produced in 1903 and met little success. After a rewrite, the play was later well received. The novel was published soon after to much success and numerous adaptations followed over the years. The Broadway musical version was first produced in 1997. See “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” 7 p.m. April 10-12 and 2 p.m. April 13. Admission is $15 for adults and $13 for students/seniors. Refreshments are included. To purchase tickets, call 523-9300 or visit phstheatre.org. An evening of French chansons The SRO Lyric Theatre will present Café des Artistes: Chanson Realiste, 7:30 p.m. April 11 at The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway. Attendees will see IN BRIEF, 21 25¢ CLOTHES EVERYDAY April 2 - 15, 2014 | 19 California-style fresh-mex Killer fish tacos and fresh salsa all day at Purple Burrito. » Page 22 e-mail [email protected] For those about to rock! We salute you! By Daniel Snyder W hat do KISS, Metallica,AC/DC, Aerosmith and Members Only have in common? The ‘80s, duh. Eighties tribute band, Members Only, recently returned from a trip Down Under, where they played music and hung out with A-list celebrities. But that’s just one highlight for the band that has been playing together since 2008. Members Only started out with high school friends, lead singer Brent Thornton and drummer Justin Gabossi.They wanted to start a Journey tribute band and eventually more musicians made their way into the fold. Guitarist Seth Jaeger said the band is an homage to Jake Simpson and the 4 Jax, a popular area band back in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. “They were really popular and we’re all big fans of them, so we wanted to continue on the tradition,” Jaeger said. The band’s first gig was at the now defunct Jordan Creek nightclub and the current members have played together for three and a half years.In that time,their popularity has grown substantially because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love the ‘80s? “The best thing about the ‘80s is the diversity; they are the songs that people can sing the cho- ruses to,” Jaeger said. “They’re the rock songs that are just about having fun. You want to get people singing and dancing and this is the kind of music that is doing it.You don’t have to be a really big fan to know every word of the songs we play; it’s just that kind of music. It’s nostalgia; it’s good, fun party music and it’s been a successful formula for us.” And the band’s awesome live shows have generated international interest. After hearing Members Only play, international event planner David Tutera asked them to play a New Year’s Eve party on a private island in the Great Barrier Reef. “It was incredible,” Jaeger said.“It was a lot of fun both professionally and being able to travel out there as well. It was pretty incredible because my wife and I had breakfast on the morning of Jan. 1 next to some pretty big name A-list celebrities.” In 2012, the band played at Hammons Field during the Fourth of July Fireworks at the Field event. Jaeger said it was definitely a defining moment for a bunch of guys who just happen to love playing ‘80s music. “That was a pretty high point because, at one point, they let the crowd come out on the field and it was a huge rush and an Courtesy of Members Only Members Only prides itself as the nation’s premier ‘80s cover band. Consisting of bassist Sam Adkins, drummer Justin Gabossi, guitarist Seth Jaeger, guitarist Zach McClease, keyboardist Will Clark and Brent Thornton on vocals, the band recently returned from a trip to Australia to play a New Year’s Eve show. incredible feeling,” he said. Another high point was when Members Only opened for the ‘80s bands that they cover, including Journey and Def Leppard—who gave them a shoutout from the stage. “Our last show in Springfield was our record show and we’ve been very fortunate,” Jaeger said. “When you realize that people plan their weekends around our schedule, it’s pretty incredible. We’re very lucky that we’ve been able to do this for so long in Springfield and in reality, it’s not slowing down.” Members Only also makes it a point of playing benefit shows and food drives in support of charitable organizations, like The Kitchen, the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks and Habitat for Humanity. A teacher by day, Jaeger has also brought the music into the classroom. He is currently doing a project with his students where he has them creating bands and a mock tour. “They have to do the budgeting, planning and everything for a tour,” Jaeger said.“They are writing their own music and they have to promote their own music. It’s half real/half fake, but it has a very high interest level because we are talking about the history of rock ‘n’ roll and what it takes to get out there on the road.” Now that the band is back from being international rock stars, Jaeger said that 2014 will be another year to remember. “We’re looking forward to another huge year,” Jaeger said.“We have a lot of cool stuff happening.” Jaeger said the band is working on expanding their reach to cities like St. Louis, Kansas City and Oklahoma City, but he knows that without the see MEMBERS ONLY, 21 WE HAVE EXPANDED GREY GABLES By COME SEE OUR FURNITURE SELECTION Available for : Private Parties, Weddings & Family Events FURNITURE, NICK NACKS, COLLECTIBLES, Our Prices AND MANY HARD TO FIND ITEMS Check Make People & Cash M-S 10-5 864-7283 Smile 3868 W CHESTNUT EXPWY (Orchard Plaza) “Springfield’s Uniquely Historic & Most Intimate Event Center” “We’ll Accommodate Your Every Need” Email: [email protected] | 417.862.6400 820 E.Walnut St. | Springfield, MO. | gilardisonwalnut.com A&E 20 | April 2 - 15, 2014 STA theatre season Springfield Theatre Alliance has announced the line-ups for the 20142015 season. Springfield Contemporary Theatre Center Stage Wilhoit Plaza, 431 S. Jefferson Ave. 831-8001; springfieldcontemporarytheatre.org “Don’t Dress For Dinner” (June 6-22) “The Spitfire Grill” (July 11-26) “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” (Aug. 8-23) “Moonlight and Magnolias” (Sept. 12-27) “The Normal Heart” (Oct. 17 to Nov. 1) “Around the World in 80 Days” (Nov. 21 to Dec. 14) “Shining City” (Jan. 9-24) “Painting Churches” (Feb. 13-28) “The Tempest” (March 20 to April 4) “Spring Awakening” (April 24 to May 17) Springfield Regional Opera Lyric Theatre The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway 863-1960; srolyrictheatre.org “Elixir of Love” (Oct. 24-26) “Voices of Christmas, The Wise Women” (Dec. 5-7) “Street Scene” (Feb. 20-22) “Master Class” (March 27-29) “Café des Artistes: Roma Fellini” (April 24-25) Springfield Little Theatre The Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St. 869-1334; springfieldlittletheatre.org “Mary Poppins” (Sept. 12 to Oct. 5) “The Phantom Tollbooth Jr” (Oct. 17-26) “A Streetcar Named Desire” (Nov. 14-23) “The Littlest Angel” (Dec. 5-14) “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (Jan. 23 to Feb. 8) “Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr” (Feb. 27 to March 1) “The Wizard of Oz” (April 10-26) “Tuna Does Vegas” (May 15-26) “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (June 12-28) Drury University Theatre 873-7255; drury.edu/theatre “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” (Oct. 1-4) “Violet” (Nov. 12-15) “Wit” (March 4-7) “Tartuffe” (April 22-25) “Broadway Cabaret” (May 7-8) www.cfpmidweek.com April 3-19: Operation Hope Tote is collecting hygiene items for Victory Mission Ministry Center, 1715 N. Boonville Ave. on the second floor, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Info: 831-6387 April 3: Farmers’ Market of the Ozark, 4139 S. Nature Center Way, 4-8 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Info: [email protected]; 7668711 April 4: Operazzi: “Songs of Hope,” presented by Springfield Regional Opera at the Historic Firehouse No. 2, 101 E. Commercial St. 7-9 p.m. This fundraiser for Lost & Found Grief Center will feature music from SRO Lyric Theatre artists. Free admission. Info: 863-1960 April 3-4: “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead,” presented by Tabula Rasa Theatre Production Co., Mille’s Cafe Banquet Hall, 313 S. Jefferson Ave. 7:30 p.m. Info: Info: 434-5670 or [email protected] April 3-5: “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” presented by Springfield Contemporary Theatre, 431 S. Jefferson Ave., Suite 136, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25; $22 for ages 55 and older and students; $10 cash student rush or $12 charge if available. Info: 831-8001; springfieldcontemporarytheatre.org April 3-6: Bassmaster Elite, Table Rock Lake, Branson. The third of nine 2014 Bassmaster Elite Series professional bass fishing tournaments. Info: bassmaster.com April 3-5: “A Place Called Eden,” Stained Glass Theatre, 1996 Evangel St., Ozark, 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $10, $11 day of performance and $8 or $9 day of performance for ages 2-12; $8 for groups of 15 or more. Info: 581-9192; sgtheatre.com April 3, 10: Rejuvenate Your Retirement at Drury University, 900 N. Benton Ave. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fee: $39 including spouse. Info: Nicole, 631-4840 April 3-6: 2014 Shrine Circus at JQH Arena, 685 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway. 7 p.m. April 3; 7:30 p.m. April 4; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 5; 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. April 6. Gates open one hour before show. Admission: $937; $8 general admission opening day. Info: 836-7678; missouristatetix.com; springfieldcircus.com April 4: “Diary of a Worm” Storytime at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 3055 S. Glenstone Ave. 10 a.m. Free. Info: 885-0026 April 4: First Friday Art Walk, a self-guided art gallery tour, downtown Springfield, 6-10 p.m. Free. Info: 862-2787, ext. 25; ffaw.org April 4: Edible Books Festival at Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square, 7-8 p.m. Professional bakers will present cakes fashioned after the themes from “The Call of the Wild.” All ages. Free. Info: 831-1342; thelibrary.org April 4: “The Mystery Hour,” a live taping with host Jeff Houghton and special guests at Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, 7 p.m. Tickets: $5. Reservations: themysteryhour.com/see-the-show-live April 4-6: Spring Ag and Urban Fest at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission and parking. Info: 833-2660; ozarkempirefair.com April 4-27: “Shrek, The Musical,” Springfield Little Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St. Tickets: $28; $25 for ages 62 and older, students and military; $15 for ages 14 and younger. Info: 869-1334; springfieldlittletheatre.org April 4-5: The 2014 Jackson Day Celebration; 8 a.m. April 5: Alliance Breakfast at the Tower Club, 901 E. St. Louis St. 6 p.m. April 5: The Jackson Day Banquet at The Old Glass Place, 521 E. St. Louis St. Info: gcmodemocrats.org; Info: 8868980 CLEANING SERVICES 836-7678; theatreanddance.missouristate.edu Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway 836-7678; hammonshall.com “The Music Man–In Concert” (Sept. 26-27) “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” (Oct. 24-25) “Camelot” (Feb. 6-7) “Million Dollar Quartet” (May 1-2) Tent Theatre Missouri State University campus 836-7678; tenttheatre.missouristate.edu “Forever Plaid” (June 11-21) “You Can’t Take It With You” (June 26 to July 3) “Fiddler on the Roof” (July 9-20) COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR April 3: Opening Day: Springfield Cardinals vs. San Antonio Missions at Hammons Field, 955 E. Trafficway St. 7:10 p.m. Info: 863-0395; springfieldcardinals.com SPIC & SPAN Missouri State University Theatre & Dance “Columbinus” (Sept. 18-28) “City of Angels” (Oct. 23-26) “Our Town” (Nov. 20-23) “Runaways” (Feb. 12-15) “Tartuffe” (March 26-29) “Spring Dance Concert” (April 23-26) April 4-5: The Ozark Women’s Living Expo at the Springfield Expo Center, 635 St. Louis St. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets: $7; $5 with discount card at Price Cutter stores; free for ages 8 and younger. Info: womenslivingexpo.com; 203-259-3351 April 4-26: Art Reception at Waverly House Gallery, 2031 S. Waverly Ave. 5-7:30 p.m. April 4. Jazz guitar by John Strickler. The exhibit will continue through April 26. Free. Info: 882-3445; waverlyhouse.com April 5: Simon Kidgits Club Easter Bunny Eggstravaganza at the Battlefield Mall, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave. 1-3 p.m. Free for Simon Kidgits club members; $5 to sign-up for an annual membership. Info: 883-7777; simon.com/mall/battlefield-mall or facebook.com/BattlefieldMall April 5: Giboney Cave Tours Giboney Dave at Doling Park, 301 E. Talmage St. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walking tour is $4, tunnel tour is $6; school trips: $75 minimum. Ages 6 and older. Info: 833-8923; parkboard.org April 5: Firehouse Bluegrass Jam, 4 p.m. and Bluegrass Show, 6:30 p.m., Firefighters Union Hall, 2350 N. Clifton Ave. Free; accepting donations. Info: Josh Gilbert, 8499521 April 5: Walk-in Weekend Theater: “The Hunger Games,” (PG-13), Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square, 6:30 p.m. Grades 7 and older. Free. Info: 831-1342; thelibrary.org April 5: Cherry Blossom Kite Festival, presented by Springfield Sister Cities Association at the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission; kite kits available for $5. Admission is free to the stroll garden the day of the festival. Info: 864-1341; peacethroughpeople.org April 5: Mission in the Mountains Dinner and Concert at the Hopedale Baptist Church, 5307 N. Missouri NN, 4:30 p.m. Dinner: $10; $8 for children. Proceeds benefit mission trip to Lynch, Ky. Info: 581-3836 April 5: Hellam Young Artists’ Competition at the Barnett Recital Hall, Evangel University, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave. Semifinals 9:30 a.m., finals 1:30 p.m. Free. Info: 8646683; springfieldmosymphony.org April 5: Park Cleanup Day at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, intersection of Greene County ZZ and Farm Road 182, Republic, 8:30 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring work gloves, hat, work boots and sunscreen. Info: 732-2662, ext. 225; nps.gov/wicr April 5: Native Plant Sale and Seminar at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All ages. Free; no registration required. Info: 888-4237 April 5: Springfield Cardinals vs. San Antonio Missions at Hammons Field, 955 E. Trafficway St. 6:10 p.m. Info: 863-0395; springfieldcardinals.com April 5: Sudsy Soap Making at the Brentwood Branch Library, 2214 Brentwood Blvd. 2-4 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Free. Info: 883-1974; thelibrary.org April 5: Traditional Dance and Music Society of the Ozarks Contra Dance at the Northview Center, 301 E. Talmage St. 7 p.m. Admission: $6; $4 for students and members. Info: 862-8681; springfieldcontra.org; [email protected] April 5: Walk MS Springfield at Mercy Montclair Building, 3045 S. National Ave. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission, accepting donations. Info: 268-9010; msmidamerica.org April 5-15: Greater Springfield Farmers’ Market at the Battlefield Mall, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave. Spring hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday beginning April 15. Info: 708-1909; [email protected] see EVENTS, 22 | Community Free Press Commercial • Residential Christian Owned & Operated Estimates call messages answered promptly (417) 300-5821 Community Free Press | www.cfpmidweek.com A&E April 2 - 15, 2014 | 21 In honor of a lost friend By Dillan Conn A family of friends came together again this year to play some Yahtzee, support each other, pay tribute to their lost friend and raise awareness about the silent killer that took her too young. Julie Messick died last March from a brain aneurysm. She was 51 years old. Last year, the group gathered at The Flea for beer, music and to enjoy Messick’s favorite pastime, Yahtzee. The event raised $4,000 for her headstone and her two children. The group did it again this year, but this time the $632 raised went to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, according to Todd Thomas, a friend who helped organize the event. MEMBERS ONLY, from 19 support of their fans it would all be—as Aerosmith says—“dream on, dream on, dream yourself a dream come true.” “We consider ourselves so fortunate for the sup- IN BRIEF, from 19 enjoy an evening of lovely French cabaret music and selections from American musical theatre. The show is directed by Stephen Bomgartner, with Jimmy Benecasa on piano and stars members of SRO’s Young Artist and Studio Artist programs. Admission is $10. For more information about SRO, visit srolyrictheatre.org. Shrine Circus coming to town The circus is headed our way again, promising trained tigers, Chinese acrobats, motocross, a human cannonball and Ragtag Rascal the clown with her sidekick Baby Bo. The Shrine Circus will be at JQH Arena, 685 S. John Q Hammons Parkway. Show times are 7 p.m. April 3; 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 4; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 5; 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. April 6. Doors open an hour before the show. Admission is $9-37. Seats are general admission April 3 and cost $8. To purchase tickets, call 836-7678, visit MissouriStateTix.com or Want something to do? Want to make $$$? Represent the Free Press… We need deliver drivers/couriers! Photo by Dillan Conn Call 417-268-9177. Ask for Breck The Stagaroos were Julie Messick’s favorite local band. Bringing their brand of classic country-western rock and roll, they’ve played each of her benefits. “It’s not as much as we raised last year,” he said. “But we’ll do it again next year and maybe we’ll raise $1,000. “Aneurysms do come out of nowhere but there are things to do to minimize the risk. People need to recognize aneurysms are a family history issue; they don’t just happen randomly and people can get screened to see if they’re at risk.” Smoking and drinking can increase the risk of an aneurysm and women and African-Americans are at a higher risk. Messick’s fiancé, Steve Hogan, remembers her as “a great person who could kick your ass in Yahtzee.” “If we got home and had nothing to do, we’d play a game of Yahtzee,” he said. “She loved that game; she loved people and she loved music.” Another friend and Yahtzee comrade, Isabelle Walker also helped organize the event. “She was a very special person,” Walker said. “She brought a lot of us together and the people up her right now are like a second family.” port we get in our hometown, our friends and family and our fans that we have met, so we’re going to keep improving and see where this goes,” Jaeger said. “There are some people who were at the very first show and those people are still around.To see what it has become is quite incredi- ble. We’re so fortunate to have awesome fans in Joplin and Springfield.” drop by the box office 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayFriday. On event days, the box office will open 10 a.m. Blue October in April Texas four-piece alt-rock band, Blue October is bringing its musical stylings to the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East 8 p.m. April 10. Making music since 1995, Blue October was originally discovered by former Kid Rock manager, Michael Rand when the guys were playing the Atchafalaya River Café in Houston. Apparently, he liked them enough to get them booked for more than 350 shows before they were even signed. The band’s album, “Approaching Normal” made the 2009 Billboard Top 15 and album “Any Man In America” made it to the 2011 Billboard Top 10. Blue October is promoting, “Sway,” the band’s first album in two years. Admission is $27 in advance. To purchase tickets, call 863-9491, visit gillioz.org or drop by the theatre box office noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Andy Dalton SHOOTING RANGE & 4897 N. Farm Road 61 Ash Grove, MO 65604 417–742–4361 mdc.mo.gov/node/288 Outdoor Education Center Let our staff of specialists and trained volunteers help you become a sharper, safer hunter and teach you a variety of outdoor skills. Scan the QR Code in this ad with your smartphone to learn more about our facility and programs. MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION A&E 22 | April 2 - 15, 2014 EVENTS, from 20 April 5, 12,19: Playhouse Improvised Show for Kids at the The Skinny Improv, 308 South Ave. 11:30 a.m. Admission: $5; free popcorn. Info: 831-5233; theskinnyimprov.com ■ To submit ideas for a local Delightful Dish, email [email protected] April 6: Cocktails and Cupcakes, presented by I Wish I May at the Twin Oaks Country Club, 1020 E. Republic Road, 3-5 p.m. Proceeds benefit the organization’s goal in assisting birthday celebrations to area children. Tickets: $20 advance; $25 door. Info: wishimay.org April 6: The Succulent Society of the Ozarks meeting at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell, 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Info: [email protected] April 6: The Grand Canyon in Pictures at the Springfield Botanical Center, Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. 6 p.m. Ages 15 and older. Free. Info: 891-1515; parkboard.org April 6: First & Calvary’s Musical Offerings present Missouri State University Community Band at the First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, 820 E. Cherry St. 2:30 p.m. Free. Info: 8625068; firstandcalvary.org April 6: MSU Concert Chorale at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 N. Campbell Ave. 7 p.m. Free. Info: 836-5182 Purple Burrito Dish: Fish tacos Cost: $2.25 each; Mexican Coke $1.50 Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Address: 1510 N. National Ave. Phone: 866-7040 Online: ThePurpleBurrito.com By Dillan Conn If you’re a fan of authentic Mexican food, you probably have a favorite restaurant around town already. If you’re a fan of traditional home-cooked meals, you probably don’t eat out that often. But, if you enjoy both of those things equally, family-owned and operated Purple Burrito could graduate to your favorite lunch or dinner joint—and in the case of the location at 1510 N. National Ave., a new favorite breakfast spot. Each of the four Purple Burritos around town have the same base menu, so if you have a favorite item, it will always be there. But, the location operated by certified cook Eddie Ramos, also serves breakfast, along with other items like lengua tacos (cow tongue), barbacoa (spicy shredded beef) and other classic Mexican dishes. Ramos has 12 years of experience cooking at Cesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. “We cook Mexican food because we’re Mexicans,” Ramos said. “This is the kind of food when you go home and mom and dad cook you something, this is what it’s like.” At Purple Burrito, nothing comes from a can or a bag, and the first thing you taste, after biting into one of the over-stuffed fish tacos, is the homemade tartar sauce. Almost like a creamy dressing, the tartar maintains the natural allure of a fish taco by keeping it light while still packing a lot of flavor. There is a healthy amount of colorful cabbage salad filling the walls of the tortilla, but that is not to say they’ve skimped on the fish. Hand battered and fried tilapia is just crispy enough and flaky-white inside. The classic Mexican salsa comes standard on this taco; tomatoes, onions and cilantro are familiar, but if you’re a culinary risk taker—or perhaps you just like salsa—Purple Burrito offers four to choose from. Ramos said the sweet and smoky salsa is great on chicken and barbacoa; the green is a classic tomatillo-based salsa with just a little green habanero for flavor and the hot salsa is made with grilled Japanese chilies. To keep all the flavors fresh, a new batch of salsa is made ever 45 minutes. April 6: Magic Engineer Joe will be performing his Magic for the S/W Mo INVENTOR’S Network at the Library Center, 4653 S Campbell Ave. 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. Info: [email protected], 466-8013 April 6: Springfield Urban-Warrior Challenge at Hammons Field, 955 E. Trafficway St. 8:30 a.m. Obstacle race designed by Missouri State University Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Participants can register as an individual or with a team of four people. Fee: $75-105 individual registration; $275350 for teams. Register: embracethesuc.com; 885-4597 April 7: Get a Job at Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, 397 E. Central St. 3:15-4:30 p.m. Grades 612. Free. Info: 862-0135; thelibrary.org April 7: Making Sense of Numbers Storytime at Brentwood Branch Library, 2214 Brentwood Blvd. 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-6. Free. Info: 883-1974; thelibrary.org April 7: Simple and Delicious Cooking on a Budget with Chef Chadwick at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. 7 p.m. Adults. Free; registration required. Info: 8820714; thelibrary.org April 7: MoGardens— Greenhouse Biochar Stoves and Home Fruit Production at the O’Reilly Cancer Center, 2055 S. Fremont Ave. 6 p.m. Cost: $20 for the evening or $35 for two. Registration required. Info: 881-8909 April 7-28: Master Gardeners Potting Shed University, Mondays, Springfield Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. 6:307:30 p.m. Fee: $5 a class. Info: 8911515; parkboard.org/botanical April 8: EU Jazz Orchestra Concert at the Barnett Recital Hall, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave. 7:30 p.m. Free. Info: 865-2815, ext. 7212 April 8: Get a Job at the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, 397 E. Central St. 3:15 p.m. Grades 6-12. Free. Info: 862-0135; thelibrary.org www.cfpmidweek.com April 8: Chevelle at the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, 7:30 a.m. Tickets: $28.50. Info: 863-9491; gillioztheatre.com April 9: Story Time With Ms. Ladybug at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, 11-11:30 a.m. Ages 2-6. Free; no registration required. No organized groups. Info: 888-4237 April 9: Money-Saving Ideas from Pinterest at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. 7 p.m. Adults. Free. Info: 882-0714; thelibrary.org April 9: Nick Nelson, director of Springfield Art Museum will speak at Studio 55 Fine Arts Guild meeting at the National Avenue Christian Gallery, 1515 S. National Ave. 1 p.m. Info: 869-7812 April 9: Tech N9ne at Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East. 8 p.m. Tickets: $30-$50. Info: 8639491; gillioztheatre.com | Community Free Press TAYLOR’S Fresh Ground Daily Since 1947 Cash Only! Open 11 AM – 2PM MON-FRI Trafficway at Kimbrough 862-3278 April 10: Blue October, 8 p.m., Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East. Tickets: $27. Info: 863-9491; gillioztheatre.com April 10: Behind the Baton at Newk’s at Newk’s Eatery, 2639 S. Glenstone Ave. 5:30 p.m. Info: 8646683. Free. Info: 864-6683; springfieldmosymphony.org April 10: EU Chorus and Chorale Concert at the Barnett Recital Hall, campus of Evangel University, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave. 7:30 p.m. Free. Info: 865-2815, ext. 7212 April 10: Little Acorns: Worm Squirm at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, 11-11:45 a.m. or 1:30-2:15 p.m. Ages 3-6. Free; registration required. Info: 888-4237 April 10: The Women’s Council of Realtors House of Friends Auction, 319 W. Walnut St. 5:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Child Advocacy Center, Girls on the Run and the Killuminati Foundation. Tickets: $5. Info: Birdie Watson, 766-2630 April 10: Spring Clean Eating at Hy-Vee, 1720 W. Battlefield Road, 67:30 p.m. Cost: $10. Register: Info: 881-1950 April 10-12: “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” musical at Parkview High School Theatre, 516 W. Meadowmere St. 7 p.m. April 10-12 Tickets: $15; $13 for students and senior citizens; includes refreshments. Info: 523-9300; phstheatre.org April 11: “Balto” (G) matinee at the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, 397 E. Central St. 1-3 p.m. All ages. Free. Info: 862-0135; thelibrary.org April 11: “The Call of the Wild” (Northview Book Club) at the Northview Center, 301 E. Talmage St. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Senior adults. Free. Info: thelibrary.org April 11: Crafts for Dogs at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. 2-4 p.m. Materials provided. Kgrade 5. Free. Info: 882-0714; thelibrary.org April 11: Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame Induction Banquet at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave. 5 p.m. Tickets: $35 online at publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/halloffame/induction.htm; Info: 836-4143 April 11: Ghost Tour at the Pythian Castle, 1451 E. Pythian St. see EVENTS, 23 The Food You Grew Up With OPEN: 11am-10pm 7 Days a Week Mexican Villa El Taco 1595 W. Jackson Ozark | 582-0600 Mexican Villa El Taco 316 W. Kearney | 869-4340 Mexican Villa West 1110 W. Sunshine | 886-7292 Mexican Villa 1408 S. National 869-4459 Mexican Villa Comida 434 S. Glenstone | 831-6196 Mexican Villa South 2755 S. Campbell | 883-1040 www.mexicanvilla.net Mexican Villa East 1337 E Sunshine | 887-1010 Community Free Press A&E | www.cfpmidweek.com EVENTS, from 22 8-9:30 p.m. Cost: $15. Info: 8651464; pythiancastle.com April 11: School’s Out Play-in-aDay Workshop at the Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ages 5-12. Cost: $30. Info: 8693869, ext. 15; springfieldlittletheatre.org April 11: Survival of the Fittest at the Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway. 4-6 p.m. for grades 4-8 and 6-8 p.m. for grades 6-12. Free. Info: 865-1340; thelibrary.org April 11-13: SATO48 Kick-off and filming weekend, April 1113, film competition in which dozens of filmmaking teams each shoot and edit a five-minute movie in 48 hours. Info: sato48.com April 11-12: Café des Artistes: Chanson Réaliste, a showcase of SRO’s Young and Studio Artists, Exhibition Hall, Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. Info: 863-1960 April 11-14: Camping World of Springfield RV Sale Battlefield Mall, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave. During mall hours. Info: 883-7777; simon.com/mall/battlefield-mall; facebook.com/BattlefieldMall April 11-12: WOW National Outdoor Recreation & Conservation School, Ritter Springs Park, 3683 W. Farm Road 190. All ages. Fee: $30 or $60 for a family of four. Registration required: [email protected] April 11-13: Electronic Recycle Event to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital sponsored by Complete Electronic Solutions and SCS Home Entertainment, parking lot of SCS Entertainment 2868 S. Glenstone Ave. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Minimum donation of $10 per vehicle of electronics CRT TVs are an additional $10 disposal fee. Volunteers are needed. Info: [email protected] April 12: Basic Herbal First Aid at the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, 397 E. Central St. 1-2 p.m. Adults. Free; registration required. Info: 862-0135; thelibrary.org April 12: Children’s Choirs of Southwest Missouri TwentyFirst “We Love CCSM!” Season “Songs with Heart” Spring Showcase Concert at the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, 7 p.m. Pre-concert at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $12-$15. Info: 861-3591; childrenschoirs.org April 12: Central Assembly Kids Easter Celebration at the Fusion Center, across from main church building, Central Assembly of God, 1321 N. Campbell Ave. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Easter egg hunt is for newborns to age 5. Free admission. Info: 8665013; centralassembly.org April 12: Color Me Rad 5K at Jordan Valley Park, 635 E. Trafficway St. 9 a.m. Entry fees and registration: colormerad.com/race/springfieldmo; Info: 836-8894 April 12: Drury Humanities and Arts Film Series: Chris Rock’s “Good Hair,” at the Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave. 1-3 p.m. General admission: $7. Info: 873-6954; drury.edu/du/humanities/Moxie-Film-Series April 12: Community Autism Awareness Fair at the Burrell Autism Center, 1300 Bradford Parkway, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Submit Events: events@ cfpmidweek.com Info: 761-5333; burrellautismcenter.com April 12: Easter at the Farm at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free; some activities have a small fee. Info: 837-5949; parkboard.org April 12: Easter Egg-stravaganza at the Ozark Community Center, 1530 W. Jackson St. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages 10 and younger. Hunts will be separated into age groups. Free; accepting donations. Info: 581-7002, ext. 2005 or [email protected] April 12: Celebrate the 44th annual Earth Day at the Discovery Center, 438 St. Louis St. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activity stations available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reduced admission: $7 a person. Info: 862-9910; discoverycenter.org April 12: Hiking Club: Roaring River State Park at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Free; registration required. Info: 888-4237 April 12: Hosta Dividing Seminar and Sale at the Springfield Botanical Center, Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. 9, 10 or 11 a.m. Adults. Free. Info: 891-1515; parkboard.org April 12: Hunter Hayes at JQH Arena, 685 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, 7 p.m. Info: 836-7678, 888-476-7849; missouristatetix.com April 12: Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers meeting at the University Heights Baptist Church, 1010 S. National Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Info: OzarksACW.org; [email protected] April 12: Live Well Fitness Fest and Expo at the Fieldhouse Sportscenter, 2235 W. Kingsley St. 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 at 417mag.com April 12: Reading Pals—Big Read Style at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. 10-11 a.m. Grades K-5. Free. Info: 882-0714; thelibrary.org April 12: Republic Parks and Recreation Easter Egg Hunt at J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines St. 10 a.m. to noon. The Great Egg Drop at 10:15 a.m. For ages 12 and younger; divided into age groups. Free. Info: 732-3500; republicmo.com April 12: Springfield Symphony: Russian Fireworks at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 John Q. Hammons Parkway, 7:30 p.m. Preconcert lecture at 6:30 p.m.; preconcert music at 7 p.m. Tickets: $11-$33; Info: 836-7678; hammonshall.com; Info: Info: 864-6683; springfieldmosymphony.org April 12: Simon Kidgits Club Little Planet Helpers at Battlefield Mall, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave. 1-3 p.m. Free for Simon Kidgits Club members; $5 to sign up for an annual membership. Info: 883-7777; simon.com/mall/battlefield-mall or facebook.com/BattlefieldMall April 12: Fifth annual Tarang at the Plaster Student Union Ballroom and Theatre, 1110 E. Madison St. 69:30 p.m. Tickets: $15; $12 students; $8 for ages 5-12. Info: 7719888; email: [email protected] April 2 - 15, 2014 April 12: Starlight Debonaires Couples Dance at the Elks Club, 2223 E. Bennett St. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Cost: $20 a couple. Info: 861-7051 April 12: Free Tax Help at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: 7202000 to make an appointment; 8820714; thelibrary.org April 12: Walk-in Weekend Theater “City Slickers,” (PG13), Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square, 6:30 p.m. Grades 7 and older. Free. Info: 8311342; thelibrary.org April 12-Jan. 3: “Passages” Interactive Living-History Exhibit, 3534 E. Sunshine St. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tickets: $15.95; $13.95 for age 62 and older; $11.95 for military and college students with ID and ages 617; free for ages 5 and younger. Info: 888-297-8011; ExplorePassages.com April 12-13: Repticon Reptile Show at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13. Tickets: two-day pass: $15, $5 for ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and younger; one-day pass $10, $5, free for ages 4 and younger. VIP tickets available. Info: 833-2660; repticon.com April 13: Sunday Concert Series: High Hopes Bluegrass at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. 2 p.m. All ages. Free. Info: 882-0714; thelibrary.org April 13: Caring Bunny at Battlefield Mall, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave. 10 a.m. to noon Info: 883-7777; simon.com/mall/battlefield-mall or facebook.com/BattlefieldMall | 23 April 13: The Chancel Choir of Central Christian Church presents Mendelssohn’s unfinished oratorio “Christus,” 9:30 a.m. Central Christian Church, 1475 N. Washington Ave. Free. Info: 8697241 April 13: Big Party Half Marathon at Mercy Hospital, 1235 E. Cherokee St. 8 a.m., 5K at 8:30 a.m. and stroll at 7:45 a.m. Half marathon and 5K will end at Jordan Valley Park. Proceeds benefit Camp Barnabas. Registration and info: bigpartymarathon.com; 476-2565 April 13: Community Helicopter Egg Drop at King’s Way United Methodist Church, 2401 S. Lone Pine Ave. 3 p.m. Free. Info: 8816363, ext. 235; KingsWayUMC.com April 14: Ready for Disaster: Just in Case at the Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, 7 p .m. Adults. Free. Info: 865-1340; thelibrary.org April 15: “Quiet Bunny” Storytime at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 3055 S. Glenstone Ave. 10 a.m. Free. Info: 885-0026 April 15: EU Orchestra Concert at the Evangel Chapel Auditorium, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave. 7:30 p.m. Free. Info: 865-2815, ext. 7212 April 16: Spring Wildflower Hike at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, 12:30 p.m. Ages 8 and older. Free; registration required. Info: 888-4237 April 16: Association Free Lutheran Bible School Concert Choir at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2756 S. Blackman Road, 7 p.m. Free. Info: 881-1020; immanuelfreelutheran.org 24 | April 2 - 15, 2014 www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press