City seeks public input on future plans
Transcription
City seeks public input on future plans
FreePress JULY 13 - 26, 2011 Community Park it Explore the outdoors and go camping in state parks. Page 18 YOUR LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER OF THE SPRINGFIELD AREA | www.cfpmidweek.com QUICK TAKES Upfront Lasting impression ‘Don’t Meth with Us’ teaches fifth-graders dangers of drug use. ............................................ ■ Citizens can share feedback on projects with online surveys By Amanda Hess p.3 Blast off Drury physics team conducts experiment for NASA. ............................................ City seeks public input on future plans p.5 Home & Garden In the first two weeks after the City launched its online transportation survey, more than 900 responses have been made. The survey for the City’s strategic plan, however, has been online since April and has received a total of only 17 responses so far. Mike Brothers, the City’s co-interim director of Public Information, said the City will leave the transportation survey online until July 29, allowing a five-week window to collect feedback from Springfield citizens. “There’s no one thing jumping out; people are voting for lots of different things,” Brothers said. “People are really taking advantage of the open comment box.The survey is not going to be the only definitive thing to narrow the list of projects but it’s not going to be one measure used to Open the window Window manufacturers offer energy efficient choices for homeowners. Window coverings top off the look and keep the weather out of the home. .......................................... OUR COMMUNITY p.14 A&E Ice cream and history SUBSCRIBE » 417-447-2130 o n l i n e a t w w w. c f p m i d w e e k . c o m The History Museum for Springfield - Greene County presents an Ice Cream Social on July 21. The event, Beyond Toy Soldiers and Dolls: Children’s Games and Toys of the 19th century, offers old-fashioned games for children. .......................................... p.20 INDEX A&E ............................20 Business ....................11 Events ......................21 Health........................16 Photo by Amanda Langsford Dillons Stores presented $250,000 to Ozarks Food Harvest on Friday, July 8, at the Food Bank Facility in north Springfield. The major gift was designated for long-term relief efforts in Joplin. Immediately following the check presentation, two teams of 10 employees from the Springfield stores, including four Springfield store managers, raced to pack food bags for the Food Bank’s summer Backpack Program in three Joplin schools. Each team filled 100 food bags and the winning team won bragging rights during the Volunteer Challenge for Joplin. decide. It’s one tool that we will use to make sure our priorities match up with the public’s.” The transportation survey allows citizens to prioritize among more than 70 proposed transportation projects or comment on possible projects they would like the City to consider. Brothers said the survey results would likely be released once City officials review the responses. The City’s Strategic Plan survey can still be found online as well, Brothers said. “It’s interesting we’ve had over 900 responses in two weeks for the traffic survey but only 17 for the strategic plan,” he said.“I think people who learn more about the plan will start to care more but it’s been a discussion for the Strategic Plan Coordinating Committee how to make this more tangible for people.” see SURVEYS, 5 Home & Garden ....14 Outdoors..................18 Bus station site talks go round and round Puzzles ....................22 ■ Upfront ......................3 By James Hanson Marketplace............23 Look for our next issue: Wed. July 27 Opponents of Elm Street site urge CU to search elsewhere for new location City Utilities has altered its original plan to locate a bus transfer facility at Elm Street and Kimbrough Avenue by changing the position of the station. Instead of running north to south, the station—if approved by the CU Board of Public Utilities and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) —would run east to west in an attempt to limit the amount of traffic on Walnut Street. But opponents of the proposed site still object to the location. Several citizens spoke during the Board of Public Utilities meeting June 30, urging CU to consider another location and to not rush into a decision just because the $3.1 million awarded for the project in grants from the FTA could disappear if something isn’t done soon. OPPONENTS SPEAK OUT Gary Blankenship, president of the Walnut Street Historic Association, said the association understands the need to move the bus station but said the current proposed location isn’t the right location in the view of the WSHA. “The neighborhood has improved dramatically and …our charge is to continue that as a neighborhood association,” he said. Another concern that Blankenship mentioned is the location of the Early Childhood Development Center ran by see COUNCIL, 4 Photo by James Hanson The corner of College Street and Main Avenue was one of five sites identified as a possible location for a new City Utilities bus transfer station. However, after a discreet inquiry, CU chose not to pursue that option any further. 2 | July 13 - 26, 2011 www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press Community Free Press | www.cfpmidweek.com Upfront LOCAL NEWS Boys & Girls Club Alumni host fundraiser The Boys & Girls Club Alumni Association presents an Ice Cream Social fundraiser from 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 21 at the Boys & Girls Clubs Musgrave Unit, 720 S. Park St. Admission is $5, and includes Hiland ice cream, Krispy Kreme donuts, drinks, music and inflatables. Funds support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield. Discovery Center collects school supplies The Discovery Center of Springfield and the Salvation Army are collecting school supplies for local children through Sept. 30. A donations barrel is located in the Discovery Center lobby, 438 St. Louis St. Donated supplies must be new and in original packaging. Possible donations include: back packs, 8 oz. liquid white glue, scissors, rulers, rubber eraser toppers, paper, crayons or colored pencils, calculators, or a large box of tissue. Discovery Center members will receive a free guest pass and non-members will receive a buy-one-getone-free admission pass for items donated. Doula Foundation of MidAmerica awarded grants The Musgrave Foundation awarded the Doula Foundation of Mid-America (DFMA) $2,000 to improve pregnancy outcomes and strengthen family bonds for mothers and their babies by providing doula support during pregnancy, birth and the early postpartum period. The Children’s Trust Fund awarded DFMA $28,859 for a pilot project called “First Connections: Community Based Doula Support for Pregnant Teens.” The project, in cooperation with Jordan Valley Community Health Center and Springfield/Greene County WIC, provides intensive in-home visitation and labor support for pregnant teens. The Doula Foundation of Mid-America is a see LOCAL NEWS, 10 July 13 - 26, 2011 | 3 The Green Mom Ashley Gann talks about being “Greenest Mom in America.” » Page 6 e-mail editor@cfpmidweek.com ‘Don’t Meth With Us’ catches on in Springfield ■ Fifth-graders get a close look at the dangers of methamphetamine use By James Hanson M ethamphetamine use can, and often does, start at an early age. A statewide survey conducted in 2009 by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), reported that 4.8 percent of Missouri high school seniors admit to having used methamphetamine one or more times. The Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast got involved last fall in the hopes of helping curb those numbers. PROGRAM’S BEGINNING John Horton, a member and former president of the Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast, attended an Expo Center at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal in June 2010. And there he discovered a program done by the Rotary Club in Farmington, New Mexico—“Don’t Meth With Us.” After, sharing the concept with his fellow Rotary members, the club got permission from Springfield Public Schools (SPS) to teach the drug prevention and education class aimed at keeping kids away from meth to all of the fifth grade students. More than 2,000 students took part in the first year of the program, including fifth graders at Springfield Catholic School and Redeemer Lutheran School. Horton said fifth graders are the right age group to begin drugabuse education. “Don’t Meth With Us” utilizes before-and-after images of meth users, a variety of interactive activities and other educational material, all aimed at delivering the message about how dangerous meth is. Horton shared the story with the SPS Board of Education during its June 28 meeting. He said Rotary members wanted kids to know that they were there because they care about them and the community. “This education allows them to see how dangerous and destructive meth can be,” Horton said. Horton said meth is a larger problem in rural areas because it is cheaper than cocaine and the ingredients needed to make it are readily available in smaller communities. He also said the high lasts much longer. Horton said the response from students, teachers, principals and parents has been fantastic. “We are committed to do this until we don’t need to do it anymore,” he said. He said law enforcement officials, like Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams and Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott, have also been very supportive of the program. “It would help the city in the long run to get behind this effort and they have all been very supportive,” Horton said. “We are always looking for new sponsors and next year we plan to target high schoolers too.” LEE’S INVOLVEMENT Gerry Lee, an SPS board member, participated in several presentations with Horton and is a member of the “Don’t Meth With Us” board for the RCSS. “It is a great program. All of the schools that were involved this year were very excited about it,” Lee said.“Next year, we hope to tie it into Red Ribbon Week, which we have in October.” Red Ribbon Week is the Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast Gerry Lee speaks with a group of fifth-graders about the dangers of methamphetamine. His presentation was part of the “Don’t Meth With Us” program. nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program, reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life. Lee said the “Don’t Meth With Us” program had a lot of positive reaction from students, parents, teachers, principals and community members. “The presentations had lasting impressions on the kids,” he said.“I would come back and visit and they were wearing their T-shirts. I think they got the message. The district was real supportive.This program is very good for the Rotary, the district and most importantly, the students.” PRINCIPAL’S REACTION David Martin, principal at Rountree Elementary School, said he was impressed with the organ- ization of the volunteers. “They had their presentation down pat,” he said. “You can tell it was something they had really worked on. I felt like it was a very engaging presentation. It had different visuals and activities for the kids to get involved with. I was impressed with how well it went.” Martin said the students enjoyed the interaction and he was surprised by how much information the kids had retained when he revisited the issue with them a few weeks after the presentation. “I think the message had a certain level of stickiness that stuck with the kids,” he said. He said he would like to see the program come back to Rountree Elementary next year. “It was nice to get something back in the schools to educate children about the dangers of drugs,” Martin said.“It was a quality presentation.” Upfront 4 | July 13 - 26, 2011 A closer look at the grid concept By James Hanson Some people have suggested that City Utilities bus service move to a grid-style system, which would not necessarily require a transfer terminal. And while CU continues to analyze that option, it appears the odds are against it. Mark Viguet, CU’s director of marketing and communications, said a route study is periodically done and one is scheduled for later this year. “That speaks to the grid issue some,” he said.“Until we do that, it would be difficult to know if a grid system would work.” Typically, a grid system disburses multiple stops throughout the city. “It could create some efficiencies but then it could not either,”Viguet said. “We do know that a grid system would require more buses and more drivers.When you move from one operating model to another, it is important to do due diligence and that is what we are doing.” Viguet said CU continues to explore both a grid system and a new transfer site. “This is all part of the process to make public transit better,” he said. “Our goal is to make it the best as it can be here in Springfield.” Dan Scott, a member of the Board of Public Utilities and owner of Jericho Development, said he thinks just because finding a site for a new transfer station Scott has presented a challenge doesn’t mean a jump should be made to the grid system. “We don’t have the population density nor could we bear the expense it would require for a grid system,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that there are not other considerations for locating a transfer station.” Scott said he believes CU should find a place for a transfer station or stations so they don’t have to bring all of the buses to one site. “If you look at the consultant’s commentary on the two-station thing, it wasn’t that they objected to the concept but routes would have to be looked at,” he said. He said he is glad members of the Historic Walnut Street District have made their voices heard. “I indicated to them that I didn’t know if I would support that location or not,” he said. “But I told them it was important that they had a voice in the process and I’m glad to see that is occurring.” Scott said his opinions are his alone and do not represent the entire CU board. Council Wrap Rezoning requests get approval despite opposition By James Hanson Several members of the public stormed out of Council chambers after City Council approved two requests for rezoning—one regarding the expansion of Salvation Army’s campus on property on Chestnut Street between Kansas Expressway and LaFontaine Avenue; and the second regarding a low-income housing apartment complex in the 200 block of North Hilton Avenue being proposed by Affordable Homes. At the June 27 council meeting, residents and members spoke about concerns over the interaction between children and individuals living at either one of the proposed developments, as well as fears of an increase in criminal activity and decreases in property values. A discussion continued among council members before the votes were cast. Most council members concurred that a facility to assist individuals and families in need, such as the one proposed by Salvation Army, is needed in the Springfield community. General Seat B Councilman John Rush cited Salvation Army’s track record and history of helping the less fortunate as the reason he supported the rezoning request. Zone 2 Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky said she was hesitant to vote in favor of the request but feels better about the Salvation Army’s plans to continue working with the neighbors near the development, such as the Salvation Army’s plan to build a privacy fence around the campus and transitional housing units. Zone 4 Councilman Scott Bailes said although he supports the Salvation Army, he understands property owners’ frustration. “When I bought my house, I was under the assumption that the lots www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press on both sides of me would continue to be single-family homes, not an apartment complex,” he said. “Will it be nicer? Maybe. When I asked if the Salvation Army could look at this project in another way, they said no.” Council voted 8-1 to rezone approximately 10.2 acres of land near 709 N. Kansas Expressway from Planned Development District No. 167 to Planned Development District No. 167 Amended. Bailes voted no. A protest petition triggered a requirement of at least six affirmative votes and all nine council members present to approve the rezoning request by Affordable Homes for the development of the Westport Woods Apartments. Approximately 6.23 acres of property located on the east side of the 200 block of North Hilton Avenue was rezoned from Single Family Residential and Highway Commercial districts to a LowDensity Multi-Family Residential District and establishing Conditional Overlay District No. 42. The bill passed by an 8-1 vote, with Zone 1 Councilman Nick Ibarra abstaining. Council also agreed to accept the dedication of the public streets and easements to the City of Springfield as shown on the Preliminary Plat of Westport Woods. Ibarra voted against this bill. Several members of council agreed that the individuals who would live in the low-income apartments are “the working poor.” Rushefsky said she supported the development and hopes to see it succeed. “We aren’t talking about transients or a halfway house for people with alcohol and drug abuse, we are talking about working poor,” she said. “People who are holding jobs and trying to make it just like everyone else in that neighborhood. Things are tough and they can’t pay a full rent but they are entitled to decent housing just like everyone else in that neighborhood is. Unfortunately there are more and more people put into this position, where they need help to pay the bills.” Rush reiterated that potential residents must go through an extensive background and criminal check in order to live in the building. Council: Ready to assist CU to ensure federal funds aren’t lost CONTINUED, from 1 Missouri State University (MSU). The transfer station would be located directly across from the center, which also causes concern for Aaron Buerge, market president for First National Bank. Buerge agreed that a new station is needed, but expressed concerns about air and noise pollution, and how it would negatively impact the children at the ECDC. “For those of us who have children, we know nap time is very contributory to children for brain development,” Buerge said. “I don’t see how 200 buses going by the center every day would make that even a possibility.” Buerge also cited safety concerns for children and other pedestrians as a reason why the proposed location is problematic. During the meeting, board member Lisa Officer asked Buerge if he had spoken with MSU about moving the center to ease parents’ concerns. He said no one at the ECDC knew about the proposed bus station. “It seems MSU has a fairly neutral stance,” Buerge said. CU board member Tom Rankin said he thinks discussions with MSU are still ongoing regarding MSU’s possible sale of the property. Carol Lorance, a Springfield resident living near Walnut Street, said she shares Blankenship’s concerns about rushing the proposed site. She showed the board an email she had received from Mokhtee Ahmad, an FTA regional director, addressing CU’s alleged deadline for selecting a site and possible loss of $3.1 million in federal grants if the deadline is missed. She said Ahmad made no mention of a concrete timeline to use the funds and that the funds are available until expended, or until the City decides to not use the funds, which at that time would then be re-obligated for another community. Lorance also questioned why a route study was being done after the selection of a bus transfer facility. “That is backwards,” she said. “I see this as a lateral movement at best. Why not pursue real improvement? Now is the time to really look at our needs and the desire of the Utility to expand and better our bus system. Don’t just settle for the same system we have had since the late 1950s. Think outside of the box.” She said she would rather the City lose the money than to waste it on a station that isn’t part of the route revision. CU General Manager Scott Miller said he was surprised by the e-mail and would follow up with the FTA for clarification on whether or not a timeline does exist to use the funds. He said that CU must show positive progress on the bus transfer station or risk losing the funds. At a meeting between City Council and CU’s Board of Public Utilities on July 8, Miller said he had received confirmation from Ahmad that while there is no technical timeline for the project, positive progress must be shown or the funds could be rescinded. He said CU hasn’t used anything from those funds since 2009. The Community Free Press reached out to the FTA for clarification but did not receive a reply by deadline. COLLEGE AND MAIN The feasibility study conducted in March found five possible locations for a future bus transfer facility. Consultants Esterly, Schneider and Associates Inc., with assistance from HNTB of Kansas City, used the following screening criteria to determine which site would be most suitable: operational functionality; passenger convenience; cost; environmental impact;land-use compatibility; safety; and flexibility. One site measured as well as the Elm Street site: the intersection of College Street and Main Avenue. According to the study, operational functionality measured better at College and Main than it did at Elm Street, citing more sight distance and wider streets with surplus capacity. The study found that Elm Street is relatively narrow and could pose operational problems.It also stated that site access might be limited to Elm Street. Joel Alexander, manager of communications for CU, said the reason CU didn’t pursue the College and Main site further than a discreet inquiry came down to two factors. “Not all of the property is avail- able and some of it would never become available for sale,” he said.“That led us to the next location; the Elm corridor. It also had more community acceptance.” CURRENT SITE ‘UNSAFE’ During the June 30 meeting, CU bus driver Brian Shipe said he is in favor of another site, saying a new site is needed for the overall safety of both passengers and drivers. “To me it isn’t about where is the best site,”he said.“I’m wanting to address the safety concerns from where we are at now.” Shipe said handicap-accessible ramps at the current transfer site on McDaniel Street lack enough space to allow passengers to move easily between buses. He also voiced concerns over the amount of parking allowed along McDaniel Street and said maneuvering around delivery trucks can create challenges for the buses. “It is just unsafe,” Shipe said. At the conclusion of the July 8 meeting, Mayor Jim O’Neal said CU has the council’s support in working with the FTA to ensure federal monies for the project aren’t lost. “My strategy with this is to defend that money against the perception we are not making progress,” O’Neal said.“Citizen input, this type of meeting, consideration of route systems, the noise studies …all of these things, to me, that is progress. I want to make sure that the City of Springfield works with CU to secure those funds. We will help so we can try to get this thing resolved correctly.” Community Free Press | www.cfpmidweek.com Upfront July 13 - 26, 2011 | 5 Drury team conducts experiment for NASA By Amanda Hess Students from the Drury University’s Physics Department were chosen to participate in the NASA 2011 Grant Us Space Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program. The Drury team was selected out of 14 teams nationwide. The students on the team are Andrew Chase,Dalton Sivils,Preston Julian, Kieran Ojakangas, Celka Ojakangas and Kiefer Barrett. The team departed for NASA’s Ellington Field in Houston on July 6 to conduct the experiment July 14 and 15. The students’ experiment is called Hamiltonian Dynamics of a Two Degree Freedom Robotic Arm with Viscoelastic Muscles in Micro-gravity, or Son of Toby for short.The project is a continuation of Drury’s 2007 experiment that was also chosen for the program. The team will conduct Photo courtesy Drury University Drury students aboard the Weightless Wonder in 2007. Surveys: Shortened strategic plan will be ‘brief and digestible’ CONTINUED, from 1 The strategic plan is a map of Springfield’s plans to meet future needs of the community and enhance existing strengths. The 13-chapter plan addresses specific topics to improve the city, with an overview of four themes: sustainability, minimizing poverty, regionalism and civic engagement. City Manager Greg Burris is a member of the Strategic Plan Coordinating Committee. Burris said after trying different approaches to reach the public, the committee found it received more responses when it went to the public instead of expecting the public to come to it. “It’s hard to cut through the static of everyone’s daily lives and I understand that,” Burris said. “I think a big problem right now is the 13 chapters are longer than we originally intended; some are over 15 pages long. The good thing about it is that the committee members took the challenge seriously, but it requires a certain level of commitment for a citizen to read that much.” The committee wants to create a smaller, more digestible version of the strategic plan for citizens to read and give feedback on, Burris said. “Instead of picking up a stack of 13 chapters we would like to make an eight-page document that shows the major initiatives that are proposed in the plan,” he said. “We will also be shortening the plan by putting the performance measures at the end of the document or something like that. We need an annual report card that is brief and digestible.” Find the surveys and more information on the City’s strategic plan online at springfield mo.gov the experiment while flying in NASA’s Weightless Wonder aircraft that will drop from 35,000 to 25,000 feet of altitude in 25-second windows to create weightlessness. The team’s purpose for the experiment is to understand how muscles create arm motions in different amounts of gravity. NASA will give the team resources for the experiment and assign a mentor who will help guide the team and make suggestions to achieve better results. Dr. Greg Ojakangas, associate professor of Physics at Drury, said the new arm is much better and has a higher fidelity than the last one constructed by the team. “In our 2007 project, the arm was made crudely out of roughly machined materials,” he said. “This time it was done much better and has much better measuring devices on it and accelerometers on board. “We are going to analyze the data and see if our equations of motion do correctly predict the direction of the arm in the presence of gravity, absence of gravity and in micro-gravity. When astronauts move in space, it’s different.This is an effort to understand how the brain controls the body better.” Upfront 6 | July 13 - 26, 2011 stay-at-home moms on there. It’s a big market and it seems to be getting bigger because more people are going back to that. 15 MINUTES WITH… Greenest Mom in America Q. What are your philosophical reasons for wanting to go green? By Janice Mason Ashley Gann won the distinction of being the Greenest Mom in America through a national contest by making a difference in her family’s life and in the environment. The Springfield mom entered the contest through Children’s Orchard, a national franchise with a local store on Republic Road that sells gently used and new namebrand children’s items. Gann entered the contest in May by posting her green practices and a photo of her four-month-old daughter on the store’s Facebook page. The moms with the highest number of fans, tallied by how many people clicked the “Like” button, were then narrowed to three moms. A panel from Children’s Orchard chose the winner. Gann received a $500 gift card to the store for winning the contest. She has lived in Springfield for four years. Her husband, Joshua, grew up in Springfield and is a medical technician and an Air Force reservist. Q. How long have you been going to the Children’s Orchard? A. I have nieces and nephews, so my sister-inlaw and I go over there a lot. Q. Were you surprised when you won Photo courtesy Ashley Gann Ashley Gann holds her fourmonth-old daughter, Rory. the contest? A. I won! I actually didn’t think I was going to. I’m glad I did. Q. What did you submit to the contest? A. I submitted a photo (of my daughter) in one of her cloth diapers. It was actually one of her first photos of being able to push herself up on her hands. She was just in a Mizzou cloth diaper. I then put the description of the (green) things that I do, and that was basically it. Q. Do you shop from home or do anything to make money from home? A. I actually buy some of my cloth diapers from a work-at-home mom in Wisconsin. I really try to support work-at-home moms because I stay at home and work for my own Etsy.com shop. I make burp cloths and hair accessories, sometimes baby blankets. Sometimes people want custom items. It’s more of a hobby. Etsy.com is a place where people who make homemade items, hand-made items, sell their stuff.There are hundreds of thousands of sellers on there, but it’s mostly for hand-made items. There are a lot of A. Ours is mostly health and the environment in general. My husband and I… through the cloth diapers and having our own garden, and shopping at the farmers market—it is helping the environment and it’s helping local business owners here in town. We’re trying to cut back on our carbon footprint as much as possible and to kind of give Rory a better life in the future. We are hoping that she’ll pick up a couple things, even if it’s just gardening, shopping at the farmers market, to give her another option in life. Q. How did you get interested in environmental concerns? A. I grew up on a horse farm in Ohio and so I’ve always kind of been more aware of what’s around me and my husband also grew up on a farm around here with his family. So, he was into the gardening— all sorts of stuff. So, he got me into the gardening.We didn’t want to keep going down the same path as everybody else, so we wanted to be able to eat healthier and not have to wonder what was in all the foods. Q. Do you think that you save money by going green? A. Yes. I personally think it’s saving us a lot of money. We started out putting her in cloth diapers during the day and putting her in Pampers at night.We were still spending at least $100 a month Ashley Gann in brief Profession: Stay-athome mom Hometown: Bradford, Ohio Family: Husband Joshua and daughter Rory Why she’s interesting: “I think what’s interesting about me is that I am of the younger generation. I am only 23,” she said. “So, I am in between the group that is transitioning from everything everybody is doing to the greener lifestyle. I feel like I am kind of the middle person. I am always the person people come to, to ask questions because I am the one taking the step and trying to change.” on disposable diapers and we weren’t even doing it all the time. So for the last month or so, I have been doing cloth diapers fulltime and you can really tell with our budget that it’s working out for us. I have about 30 diapers and I plan on getting more in the next month or so, so I’m not doing laundry so much. Also I’m not wearing out the diapers quickly. It’s a big investment at first, but in the long run I think it’s best for the babies and the environment. You aren’t putting so many diapers in the landfills. Q. What are you and your husband’s green plans for the future? A.We are in the process of making plans to build our own house and he’s wanting to do solar panels and use sunlight for heating the house during the day with big windows.We are going to integrate green living into it because it will be better for us and everybody else in the future. www.cfpmidweek.com News | Community Free Press Digest Partnership for Hope to help Missouri families Gov. Jay Nixon announced on June 30 that he has authorized the Missouri Department of Mental Health to request from the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services an expansion of the Partnership for Hope to serve an additional 300 Missourians with developmental disabilities, from 10 additional counties. The Partnership began enrolling Missourians in October 2010 at the direction of Gov. Nixon. In total, the Partnership will serve nearly 1,300 individuals in 83 Missouri counties and the city of St. Louis. The additional counties requested were: Barry, Christian, Grundy, Morgan, Perry, Oregon, Reynolds, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard and Wayne. Participants in the partnership receive up to $12,000 in services per year. Funding for the program comes from the Missouri Department of Mental Health, county developmental disability boards and the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The county boards contribute up to $2.8 million annually for the program, which is matched by up to $2.8 million in existing state funds and up to $10 million from the federal government. County developmental disability boards and the Department of Mental Health already have enrolled 869 individuals in the Partnership. Missouri State Parks accepting donations for Joplin parks Visitors at Missouri State Parks might notice something new: donation boxes. The boxes became available on July 2. All of the donations received will be used to purchase and plant trees in Joplin-area parks. The boxes are part of an effort to assist in replacing hundreds of trees destroyed by the May 22 tornado. Missouri State Parks is currently participating in the Odwalla Plant-a-Tree Program, which allows people across the nation to vote where they want trees planted. Odwalla has committed $100,000 to the campaign and each vote will be equal to $1 to be used for trees. To vote to donate trees to the Joplin area parks, visit mostateparks.com and click on the Odwalla Plant-aTree program link. Voting ends Aug. 31. DSS Director to take post at St. Louis University Department of Social Services (DSS) Director Ronald J. Levy is leaving the department July 31 to accept a position at St. Louis University School of Public Health. Levy has been the DSS director since 2009. He will become Executive in Residence at the St. Louis University School of Public Health. He also will be available to assist Gov. Jay Nixon on special projects related to health care. DSS Deputy Director Brian Kinkade will serve as acting director pending a national search for Levy’s replacement. Community Free Press | www.cfpmidweek.com School Board Wrap SCHOOL NOTES Board adopts 2011-2012 By James Hanson Springfield Public Schools finished the 2010-2011 fiscal year better than expected financially, which will help push the district’s operating fund balance to almost 17 percent. SPS’s Chief Financial Officer Steve Chodes presented the news to the board at its June 28 meeting. The board adopted the presented budget for 2011-2012, which includes total operating expenditures of $207,970,000 and total operating revenues of $208,370,000. All non-represented employees are scheduled to receive a 1-percent salary increase plus a step increase. All employees who are represented through collective bargaining will receive salary increases in accordance with their ratified contracts, which were approved during the board’s May 24 meeting. Springfield National Education Association (SNEA) represents teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses and maintenance, custodial and supply. The Teamsters Local No. 245 represents the district’s transportation department bus drivers, aides and bus nurses. During the June 28 meeting, the board voted to ratify a collective bargaining agreement between SPS and the Teamsters No. 245, which is effective July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. The estimated additional cost to implement proposed revisions in the agreement is $115,000 and has already been included in the district’s operating budget for the 2011-2012 Upfront Evangel University director receives award fiscal year. The 2011-2012 budget also provides for the addition of 17 teaching positions. Thirteen of those positions are to address an expected increase in enrollment and four class-size-reduction teachers who were paid previously with Title II funds. Title II funding was cut by 21 percent for next year. Decreases in the budget were also made, in case of revenue shortfalls. A total of $1.07 million was cut in administrative salaries and another $2 million was cut in other expenditures. The board also approved a fundraising agreement with Athletic Surfaces Plus. Athletic Surfaces Plus will develop and initiate a campaign to raise $4 million in private donations to improve the district’s athletic fields and tracks. Money raised would help pay for new fields and tracks at Kickapoo, Glendale and Hillcrest high schools, as well as replace the outdated field turf at JFK Stadium at Parkview High School. Athletic Surfaces Plus must raise at least $2.5 million before the district can begin seeking bids for work on the projects. Athletic Surfaces Plus was also selected to provide project management services for the installation of artificial turf and track replacements. Dr. Tom Prater said private donations, such as those being sought for the field and track replacements, helps the district ensure more money is available for the most important thing: education. Gina Rentschler, director of community life at Evangel University, has been awarded the Don L. Boender Award for Distinguished Service from the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD). The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the ACSD and the field of Student Development. Rentschler holds a Masters degree in Guidance Counseling and has served Evangel University for 17 years, five as the residence director for Spence Hall and 12 as director of community life. Emerson Charitable Trust contributes to college fund Emerson Charitable Trust contributed $16,000 to underwrite need-based scholarships to member schools of the Missouri College Fund (MCF). The grant will provide a $1,000 scholarship to each of the 16 member schools. The scholarships will be awarded to students studying to achieve degrees in science and math. MCF member schools in Springfield are Drury and Evangel universities. Central High School student receives award Albert Scherff, a student at Central High School, was one of 14 high school students in Missouri awarded the 2011 Horatio Alger State July 13 - 26, 2011 Scholarship. Scherff will receive $5,000 toward his college education as well as financial aid guidance. Students were selected for the scholarships because they persevered in overcoming adversity while succeeding academically, contributing to the community and exhibiting exemplary character. OTC Foundation receives $15,000 for building expansion The OTC Foundation, the fundraising arm of Ozarks Technical Community College, received a gift of $15,000 from the BKD Foundation, the charitable division of Springfield-based BKD, L.L.P. The funds will be used to expand the Information Commons West on the college’s Springfield campus. One of the new classrooms in the addition will be named in the firm’s honor. SPS coordinator honored Jean Grabeel, Springfield Public Schools coordinator of health services, was inducted as a Fellow into the National Academy of School Nursing (NASN) at the annual National Association of School Nurses conference on July 2. She is the second person from Missouri to receive this honor. NASN awards this to individuals whose achievements have made enduring, unique and extraordinary contributions to the advancement of professional school nursing practice. | 7 PHS picks up national awards Parkview High School speech and debate squad placed second in the nation in rounds of competition at the national tournament in Dallas in June. The team of Aaron Sowards and Thao Anh Mai placed ninth in public forum debate; Zach Perry and Christian Weaver placed in the top 35 in duo interpretation; and Dakota Brown placed in the top 50 in supplemental debate. Parkview also moved to 10th in the nation in rounds of competition in national student congress and Zach Perry placed seventh at the National Catholic Forensic League National Tournament over Memorial Day weekend. Motorcycle instruction revs up at OTC OTC’s Community Enrichment Center is offering basic motorcycle instructions at the OTC Springfield campus in August. The beginner classes prepare riders for the required state street test and teach basic survival skills. Motorcycles and helmets are provided during class unless a student wants to bring a bike with a motor of 500ccs or less. OTC will also offer classes in driving threewheel motorcycles. The classes will be held on the fullsized test range being stripped on Parking Lot O, southwest of the CEC offices. The classes are a total of 18 hours and are held over a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For details, call 447-8888. Upfront 8 | July 13 - 26, 2011 www.cfpmidweek.com To blight or not to blight? By James Hanson Several properties and pieces of land in Springfield, predominantly near Center City, downtown and Missouri State University, carry the label of “blighted.” Mary Lilly-Smith, economic development director for the City of Springfield, gave a presentation on Blight and Redevelopment Plans at the June 28 City Council luncheon. Blight, according to Lilly-Smith, is often misunderstood. To understand blight, one must understand the definition of blight as defined by Missouri state statutes established to help with economic development. Lilly-Smith said the definitions for each type of blight—Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA); Tax Increment Financing (TIF); and Urban Redevelopment Corporations (URC) —are similar but with a few modifications. LCRA blight can be used when an area, which by reason of the predominance of defective or inadequate street layout, unsanitary or unsafe conditions, deterioration of site improvements, improper subdivision or obsolete platting, or the existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire and other causes, or any combination of such factors, retards the provision of housing accommodations or constitutes an economic or social liability or a menace to the public health, safety, morals or welfare in its present condition and use. (Section 99.320(3) RSMo.) This definition is also used in Section 99.805(1) RSMo. when defining TIF Blight. URC blight (Section 353.020(2) RSMo.) is used when a portion of the city within which legislative authority of such city determines that by reason of age, obsolescence, inadequate or outmoded design or physical deterioration have become economic and social liabilities, and that such conditions are conducive to ill health, transmission of disease, crime or inability to pay reasonable taxes. COUNCIL’S ROLE Lilly-Smith said that council must find that a predominance of one of the blighting factors exists and that it leads to one of the conditions in the last part of the definition before labeling properties and/or buildings as blighted. “Council must also determine Recommendations Springfield’s Economic Development Director Mary Lilly-Smith made several recommendations regarding blight and redevelopment plans to City Council at its June 28 meeting. Those recommendations include: ■ Prepare council action declaring that blight has been remediated in the Hammons Tower Redevelopment Area, the University Plaza Redevelopment Area, the Downing Street/Winstead Commons Redevelopment Area, and the Juris Building Redevelopment Area; ■ Review the redevelopment areas annually to determine if any should be declared free of blight; ■ Continue to search for the missing Southwest Missouri State University Redevelopment Plan and encourage developers in that area to prepare their own redevelopment plan for the interim; ■ Discourage the use of property tax abatement in the Commercial Street TIF District, since abatement is in direct conflict with the adopted TIF Plan; and instead encourage developers to prepare their own redevelopment plans for the blighted areas outside of the Commercial Street TIF District; ■ Consider use of blighting/redevelopment plans in strategic locations in conjunction with other planning efforts; ■ All blighting/redevelopment plans should be consistent with the adopted Economic Development Incentives Policies (adopted earlier this year); ■ Develop documents and website information regarding the Redevelopment Areas to inform and assist potential developers interested in designated areas. Buy One Specialty Donut, Get One Specialty Donut FREE! Offer Expires 07-31-11 | Community Free Press Oktoberfest brews exemption draws support, concern By James Hanson Photo by James Hanson Local developer Tim Roth received approval for his tax abatement request earlier this year. Above is his development at Kimbrough Avenue and Madison Street, scheduled to open to tenants on Aug. 1. that blight no longer exists, before removing the blight designation,” she said. Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky made a suggestion that the city develop a system that would allow the blight to be removed automatically when tax abatements, such as Tax Increment Financing end. “When a tax abatement ends on a property, the blight designation remains unless council declares that the blight no longer exists,” Lilly-Smith said.“The law department is looking into the possibility of blight being removed once an abatement rolls off.” To date, most of the blight in Springfield has been LCRA Chapter 99 and URC Chapter 353 property tax abatements. From 1964 to present, there have been a total of 26 redevelopment areas and 38 blighting actions. Lilly-Smith informed council that in 2010, four properties rolled off the abatement—University Plaza Hotel, Hammons Office Building, One Parkway Place Condominiums and the U.S. Federal Courthouse. In 2011, two more properties— Hammons Tower and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Building—will go back on the tax rolls. The assessed value for those properties in 2009 was $3,923,940. In 2010, the assessed value increased to $8,390,020. Economic development is encouraged in blighted areas, because that designation allows for developers to apply for various tax abatements that can assist with the development. “Blight is a way to qualify an area for incentives or a funding program,” Lilly-Smith said. The Urban Districts Alliance (UDA) is seeking a onetime exemption to allow the possession, sale and consumption of alcohol on the square on Oct. 1 for Oktoberfest.The request was referred to more than once as a pilot project during the July 11 City Council meeting. City Attorney Dan Wichmer said the Springfield Police Department must approve UDA’s security plan and shop owners affected by the event must be notified before the event could take place. Currently, under city code, an open container is not allowed on the downtown Mall, the area proposed for this event. Wichmer said UDA is seeking approval now so it can get everything in order. Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky had two concerns, security and underage drinking. SPD Chief Paul Williams said he must sign off on the security. He said he believes wristbands would be used to ensure the area is a controlled area. “I’m not so concerned about the young professionals who might attend,” Rushefsky said. “I’m a little more concerned with the very young, not-so-professionals who may take advantage of the opportunity to drink illegally.Will there be any limitations placed on the police’s ability to check for underage drinking?” Sara Hough, community event coordinator for UDA, said there would be no limitations and that SPD would have free reign to check identifications. Big Whiskey’s would be the agent in charge of selling alcohol for the event. Other restaurants and bars will sell alcohol but none of it will be allowed to leave their premises. Hough referenced that at the annual Taste of Springfield event, a beer garden is available for patrons.That downtown event has been successful for the past four years, with no incidents being reported. The ordinance for Oktoberfest would be only for the Oct. 1 date and would only be valid for beer and wine. There would be only one place where beverages would be sold for the event. Chief Williams said SPD services shouldn’t be impacted under the proposal.Williams said off-duty police officers are often hired for events such as Oktoberfest. “If it is approved, we will work with UDA and the Oktoberfest committee to make it a successful event,” he said. He said underage drinking is always a concern but feels SPD has a very good under-21 program and does a lot of target enforcement of retailers and compliance checks. “Whenever there is a special event like this, our officers have a heightened awareness of making sure young people aren’t drinking,”Williams said. Council will decide on the issue at the July 25 meeting. Community Free Press | www.cfpmidweek.com Viewpoints July 13 - 26, 2011 THINK About It! – Benjamin Franklin FreePress Local Voice Breck Langsford, President/Publisher Amanda Langsford, Associate Publisher Photos and interviews by Amanda Hess What’s your biggest Springfield construction pet peeve? EDITORIAL Janice Mason, Editor James Hanson, Reporter Kim W. Schumer, Copy Editor Amanda Hess, Intern The bridge on Kansas Expressway. It slows traffic down and you only have two lanes to work with. You don’t really see any progress being made, it just feels like it’s taking a long time. – Cynthia Lewis, Springfield CONTRIBUTORS Kelsey Garman Phil Morrissey Jacy Tilton DESIGN Amanda Langsford Lonnie Bolding, Art Tech Breck Langsford Amanda Langsford Greg Hansen CIRCULATION / DISTRIBUTION Marylee York, Manager Mike Weber, Courier Mike Metz, Courier ADMINISTRATION Donna Blackburn, Senior Accountant Muriel Lincoln, Credit Manager Dudley Brown, IT Systems & Web CONTACT editor@cfpmidweek.com letters@cfpmidweek.com events@cfpmidweek.com ads@cfpmidweek.com classifieds@ cfpmidweek.com B Publishing Group 3057 E. Cairo / Springfield, MO 65802 Mailing address: PO Box 2418 Springfield, MO 65801 Phone: (417) 447-2130 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. Postal delivery to your home or business address is available via Standard Mail. Call 417-447-2130 for information. 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. 9 Issue 13 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: letters@cfpmidweek.com 9 “Words may show a man’s wit but actions his meaning.” Community ADVERTISING | Illustration by Phil Morrissey Mayor’s Commission addresses discrimination T he Springfield Mayor’s Commission to be a factor in the differential on Human Rights and Community treatment of specific groups of peoRelations is a local Board of ple in the local community. Once Commissioners appointed by the Mayor the Commission has finished its to provide representation from a reasonresearch function, it will then move ably broad spectrum of the community. to educate the public and policy Factors such as areas of expertise, makers on issues and needs related geographic location, education, race to eliminating the discriminatory and profession are considerations factors. The Commission will then made in choosing appointees. Human advocate for policy changes that are Rights Commissioners are given the Kelly Johnson more inclusive and sensitive to task to educate the community on varunderstanding. GUEST COLUMN ious human-rights issues and to The quality of life of residents can address complaints of discriminatory acts be substantially enhanced when human-rights made by community members. Discrimination principles are taught and reinforced at the local on the basis of a person’s race, color, creed, level. The MHRC is tasked with identifying religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex methods to promote social cohesion, dialogue or familial status in housing is forbidden by between different groups and non-discriminatolaw. Commissioners work to promote equality, ry practices. understanding and respect among all citizens The MCHR conducts many educational and and provide the community recourse for dis- intervention programs that target specific criminatory acts. issues including but not limited to racism, One of the MCHR’s primary functions is to housing discrimination and public accommoadvocate for and take positive action toward dation. If your business, school, or organization eliminating discrimination, racism and bigotry, would like to receive training on a specific strengthening inter-group relationships, and human rights issue, or learn more about the fostering greater understanding, inclusion and MCHR’s current endeavors, call 864-1038 or ejustice for those who live, work, study, wor- mail: city&springfieldmo.gov ship, travel and play in the City of Springfield. Anyone may file an official complaint with To achieve this task, the Commission uses dis- the Springfield Mayors Commission on Human tinct procedures for intake, investigation, Rights.There is no fee for this service.You may mediation and determination of need to file your claim at www.springfieldmo.gov/ process official complaints at the state level. boards/humanrights Mediation is often utilized by the MCHR to Kelly Johnson is the commissioner of the resolve disputes or complaints of human- Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights. rights violations. Mediation is a form of dispute resolution gaining popularity as an alterCorrection native to formal litigation. Mediation is frequently utilized to expedite a case through a In the June 29 edition of the Community mutually agreed settlement and therefore benFree Press, Greg Gaines’ service in the United States Marine Corps was incorrect. Gaines efits both parties. If mediation is successful, enlisted for a four-year tour in the USMC in the Commission typically closes the case. If the early 1980s. mediation is unsuccessful, the Commission then determines if the complainant should Correction Policy Every attempt is made to ensure that all informatake his or her case to the Missouri tion in the Community Free Press is factual. In the Commission on Human Rights. event of an error we will publish any necessary corThe MCHR is actively researching policies rections as soon as we are informed of a mistake and can confirm the correct information. and practices where discrimination is believed The square because it’s not pretty and there is no real place to hang out anymore. – Michael Winiewicz, Poland It’s everywhere you turn, downtown, South Campbell. It feels like it’s everywhere at once. – Elaine Smith, Springfield The square. How many times have they changed the plan for it? It seems to be taking more time than it’s supposed to. – Adam Johnson, Nixa The lack of sidewalks on busy streets. You can’t ride your bike or walk along many of our streets. – Michelle Brown, Springfield Everyone seems to be against us getting a new bus terminal for our buses. No one wants it in their neighborhood but we’ve outgrown the ones we have. It seems like Springfield is 30 years behind other cities. – Larry Bond, Springfield Upfront 10 | July 13 - 26, 2011 Letters E-mail: letters@cfpmidweek.com. It has been about a month since Joplin, Missouri, got hit by the tornado and over 150 people perished. A city of 50,000 people had one-third of its homes and businesses destroyed. Live for Joplin, a concert, could help raise money, raise the spirits and feelings of the citizens and advance the efforts to rebuild the areas of the city that have been devastated. George Harrison’s “Concert for Bangladesh” started the movement worldwide of artists raising money though concerts. Tom Petty and Dire Straits and many local not-for-profit organization that provides pregnancy support services to financially disadvantaged women and teens through prenatal and baby yoga, doula services and childbirth classes. TARGET barbecue returns to its roots The Association of Republicans Getting Everyone Together (TARGET) presents its annual barbecue fundraiser at Doling Park’s Northview Center, 301 E. Talmage, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23. Admission to the event is $10; advanced registration is suggested. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Doling Park is the site of the first Greene County Repubicans barbecue in 1960; the park’s Northview Center was selected for others were at Live Aid. A little star power could go a long way in helping. Send your own messages on their Facebook sites to Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Mark Knopfler, Willie Nelson, Mark Chestnut, Toby Keith, Norah Jones and others asking them to consider a concert for Joplin, Missouri. Please let me know of any ideas at mrblueboo@hotmail.com or Facebook Steven L Reed Springfield. this year’s event because of concerns over excessive heat. Entertainment at the barbecue is provided by No Less Than One Member of the Geezer Band, lead by Greene County Clerk Richard Struckhoff. Guests scheduled to attend the event include Republican office holders and 2012 candidates, including Congressman Billy Long and U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt. For more information, call 823-9130 or visit GreeneCountyGOP.org Park board offers options to beat the heat The Springfield-Greene County Park Board will offer options to cool down when the National Weather Service issues heat advisories for the Springfield area this summer. Grant Beach Park Outdoor Pool, 833 W. Calhoun St., will | Community Free Press Larino’s extension request approved What you think is important Live for Joplin LOCAL NEWS, from 3 www.cfpmidweek.com Steven L. Reed Springfield remain open until 8 p.m. if a heat advisory is issued Wednesdays through Sundays. Chesterfield Family Center Indoor Pool, 2511 W. Republic Road, will stay open until 8 p.m. Citizens are welcome to visit the lobby areas of Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Road, Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage St., and Mediacom Ice Park, 635 Trafficway, during normal business hours to cool off. Gillenwaters Tennis Complex, 3635 S. Jefferson Ave., and Perry Tennis Courts at the corner of Bennett Street and National Avenue will leave outdoor tennis courts lighted until 11 p.m. during heat advisory days. Submit Events: events@ cfpmidweek.com Broyles, Meyer and Straw move to permanent status Three members of the City of Springfield’s Leadership Team began permanent duties leading their respective departments with the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. Phil Broyles became the Director of Public Works; Steve Meyer became the Director of Environmental Services; and Chris Straw became the Director of Building Development Services. Broyles and Meyer served as Co-Interim Directors of Public Works since April 2010. That department split into two separate departments after July 1. The new Public Works Department includes the following divisions: Transportation Engineering, Storm Water Engineering, Street Maintenance, Traffic-Operations, Traffic-Transportation Management, Construction Inspection, and Internal Services. The Environmental Services Department is comprised of Clean Water Services, Solid Waste Management, the Office of Sustainability, and Environmental Compliance. Straw had served as Interim Director of Building Development Services since February 2010. The interim appointments came as a result of a hiring freeze at all levels of City government that began in January 2009. Hiring restrictions were eased this spring although more than 70 jobs remain frozen at the City. For more information, call Phil Broyles or Steve Meyer at 864-1902 or Chris Straw at 864-1059. By James Hanson Paul Larino, developer and owner of Larino Properties LLC., remains in the thick of his latest development, Hickory Hills Marketplace. Last spring, Larino agreed to buy the property from Springfield Public Schools for $4,450,000, with a $2.5 million payment due June 15. But Larino missed the deadline and sought an extension, which the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education granted at an executive session on June 28. The new agreement gives Larino a 120day extension, making the payment due by Oct. 14, in exchange for a non-refundable $50,000 cash payment, which the school has received. According to a release sent out by SPS, the $50,000 cash payment is the equivalent of 6 percent annualized interest on the $2.5 million that Larino Properties was scheduled to have paid SPS on June 15. Board president Dr. Tom Prater said the decision to grant the extension was an easy one to make. “The pieces of the puzzle are coming together,” he said. “He (Larino) just needs a few more things done. This is the closest we have been on closing the sale, ever. We thought the additional time for him to wrap things up was appropriate.” Prater said the board has wanted to sell the property for some time. “This is the best deal we have had so far,” he said. In the same release sent out by SPS, Prater called granting the extension “a prudent financial measure for the school district.” Larino intends to develop a retail center, to be called Hickory Hills Marketplace, at the site of the former Hickory Hills Middle School. The center will have an anchor tenant, still unknown at this time, and various eateries and retail shops. Upon completion, the center is expected to generate sales and property taxes that could have an impact on the city’s economy. SPS has estimated that once the development is complete, an additional $250,000 to $300,000 in property-tax revenue could be generated for the district each year. According to the terms of the contract, Larino must conduct asbestos abatement on the 102,609-square-foot building and then demolish it, even if the sale is not finalized. For more information, visit springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org The Salvation Army rolls out new canteen Salvation Army rolled out its new canteen on July 1. The mobile feeding unit provides food, hydration, counseling and other assistance to disaster survivors and emergency responders. The 16-foot canteen’s amenities will allow the Salvation Army to prepare food on site and serve more people in need. The Missouri Office of Homeland Security paid $130,000 for the canteen and provided it to the Salvation Army. The canteen will primarily deploy to disasters within Missouri Region D, an 18-county area in southwest Missouri that includes Greene, Polk, Christian, Taney and Stone counties. The Springfield Corps’ previous canteen is being used to provide relief efforts in Joplin and will permanently transfer to the Joplin Corps. Construction begins on Route 65 sound barriers A project to build noise-reducing barriers or sound walls in five locations along Route 65 began July 5. The first few weeks of the project include clearing trees and brush. Crews began building footings for the sound walls on July 11. Most of the sound-wall construction will take place away from traffic; however, it may be necessary at times for crews to close lanes of Route 65 during nighttime hours, possibly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. The sound-wall locations are: ■ Chestnut Expressway to Catalpa Street on southbound side of Route 65 ■ Bennett Street to Sunshine Street on southbound side of Route 65 ■ Battlefield Road to Gasconade Street on both sides of Route 65 ■ Republic Road to Route 60 on the southbound side of Route 65 In December 2009, property owners living along Route 65 voted on whether they wanted sound walls built adjacent to their homes. Seven locations were proposed and property owners approved five locations. Sound walls were proposed as part of the widening of Route 65 to six lanes between I44 and Route 60 in Springfield. Under federal guidelines, the noise-reducing barriers are offered to property owners when noise increases to a certain level as lanes are added. The walls are proposed only if the barriers can effectively reduce noise. The prime contractor on the project is Archer Western Contractors of Chicago, Ill., doing the work for a low bid amount of $4 million. The project is scheduled for completion by May 2012. Community Free Press | www.cfpmidweek.com July 13 - 26, 2011 Business | 11 Coffee and More Boca Mocha the newest spot for coffee lovers. » Page 12 e-mail editor@cfpmidweek.com FYI Expanding the Empire Liberty Bank contributes $50,000 to Joplin schools Liberty Bank is donating $50,000 to aid Joplin schools with immediate and long-term efforts to rebuild school buildings and assist students recovering from the tornado that struck Joplin on May 22. Liberty Bank, headquartered in Springfield, has two locations in Joplin, one of which was damaged by the tornado. The 2350 S. Range Line Road location re-opened on June 6. Liberty Bank serves southwest Missouri with 19 locations in 11 communities through banking, lending and mortgage services. Public Relations Boot Camp scheduled The Southwest Missouri Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) presents a Public Relations Boot Camp workshop for individuals wanting to improve their PR skills. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 28 at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $40 for PRSA and Chamber members, $50 for non-members. The fee includes breakfast, lunch and program materials. For more information, call 269-4113. Company earns American Building Companies award Williams Construction Inc. received the 2011 Building of the Year Award by American Buildings Company (ABC) in its annual Excellence in Design Awards. The award was for the construction of O’Reilly Family Event Center. Williams Construction was also named the Excellence in Design winner in the Recreation category for the same project and received second place in the Warehouse/Distribution category for Arrowhead Building Supply in Hollister, Mo. Judges chose from more than 95 entries to select the best projects in 11 different categories. Branson hotel named Comfort Inn of the Year Choice Hotels International awarded the Comfort Inn of the Year designation to the Comfort Inn & Suites see FYI, 12 Newest branch in the design and planning stage ■ By James Hanson Photo by James Hanson Arthur Coats (left) and Angel Kim, co-owners of Blu Sesame and Side by Side Dessert Lounge, at 413 S. Jefferson Ave. Open, Blu Sesame! Asian eatery, dessert bar latest downtown dining options By James Hanson After finding success with the Argentina Steakhouse, ReRico Brazilian Grill and Springfield Catering Company, Angel Kim decided to take his talents downtown. Kim will open two new ventures, side by side, at 413 S. Jefferson Ave.: Blu Sesame and Side by Side Dessert Lounge, with both venues expected to open July 18. Kim’s wife, Song Kang, will manage Side by Side, while his business partner Arthur Coats will oversee operations at Blu Sesame. Kim said a developer and partner in Wilhoit Plaza, Jeff Schrag, played a role in the decision to try downtown for a new business. But he said he also hadn’t seen any Asian restaurants downtown. “We are going to provide for a comfortable environment and everyday food that is high quality, yet affordable,” Kim said.“We think this has a chance to be really successful here as there are a lot of college students and workers down here every day.” He said the Side by Side Dessert Lounge is something he and his wife have always wanted to do. “We have invested a lot of money into her learning all of the desserts,” Kim said.“So we wanted to put it to good use.” The dessert lounge will be similar to a French-style patisserie. Diners can enjoy a variety of beers while dining at Blu Sesame. Kim said the restaurant will be a fusion of traditional Asian and everyday foods. Both venues will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Kim said the plan is to cater to diners’ needs. “We know this is a college town and we want to provide high-end food at an affordable price,” he said. He said everything has gone smooth and on schedule. “Our ultimate goal is to build on this,” Kim said. “We already have a second location in mind if all goes well here in the next six months.” For more information, call 8818882 or visit blusesame.com CoWorking Center to open more doorways downtown By James Hanson The Creative Foundry LLC was established by Jim Michels in January. The Foundry serves as a volunteer-supported; grassroots-style organization that supports entrepreneurial innovation and collaborative creativity. And on Aug. 1, it will further its mission with the opening of the CoWorking Center at 325 W. McDaniel St. CoWorking Centers are spaces where independent professionals, freelancers and entrepreneurs can come together to work and network. Desirina Boskovich, media communications for the Creative Foundry, said CoWorking Centers appeal to people who often work at home. At a CoWorking Center, individuals have similar resources, equipment and social opportunities as typically found in a traditional workplace, while still operating independently and pursuing their own projects. “It can get boring and get lonely at home,” Boskovich said. “There is a chance for more distractions at home. So having an office space where you can just go and focus on your work can help. There are also the social benefits where you can meet colleagues. You can support them and they can support you.” Boskovich said CoWorking Centers are all about building a community and building a network. “This should be really beneficial for downtown Springfield and be a tool for economic development,” she said. “This provides a new opportunity for entrepreneurs and independent workers. We are hoping this will generate some dynamic energy down here.” Boskovich said fees to use the space are still being discussed. Early indications are that the fees to use the space would be as follows: $10 per day; $100 per month for a part-time user; and $250 per month for someone wishing to utilize the space the entire month. For more information, visit thecreativefoundry.org, email Desirina at Desirina@thecreativefoundry.org or Jim Michels at jim@thecreativefoundry.org Empire Bank remains committed to bringing its name to the east side of Springfield. The company purchase a two-acre parcel of land at the intersection of Sunshine Street and Blackman Road in 2007 to serve as the future home of its 12th branch in Springfield. Ground was broken on June 23. Andrew Tasset, vicepresident of marketing at Empire Bank, said before the branch is built, a deposit-taking ATM would be put in place. “This will help serve our customers on that side of town, ahead of the branch,” he said. Tasset said Empire has no timeline established to build the new branch. “Right now we are still in the designing and planning stage,” he said. He said Empire Bank saw an opportunity to expand its presence in east Springfield. “We want to better serve our customers in the east Springfield area, where we don’t currently have a branch,” Tasset said. “This will make it more convenient for them.” In total, Empire Bank has 22 branches in Polk, Greene, Christian and Webster counties. In 2011, Empire Bank was named one of the best banks in America— through its holding company CentralBancom—by Forbes Magazine. Tasset said the company is well capitalized, which has allowed it to continue growing. “We’ve always been a real strong bank,” he said. “We were able to weather through the financial downturn and expand.” Business 12 | July 13 - 26, 2011 www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press IN BUSINESS Fresh, frozen yogurt made simple Photo by James Hanson Michael and Rachel Trimble (left) and Jessica and Tim Kelly launched Boca Mocha on July 1. Boca Mocha provides unique blends for java lovers By James Hanson Boca Mocha Michael Trimble grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and ■ Owners: Tim and started his path as a young entrepreneur with the opening of Boca Mocha, a coffee shop in Port-au-Prince. Jessica Kelly; Michael Shortly after meeting his wife Rachel, who was in Haiti and Rachel Trimble for a mission trip, he moved to the United States, settling Opened: July 1 in Springfield. Location: 320 Park The two became friends with Tim and Jessica Kelly and Central West discussed opening a restaurant. Hours: 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. Boca Mocha was referenced as an ideal venture and the Monday-Thursday; 7 four agreed to become business partners. a.m.-1 a.m. Friday, On July 1, their dream and hard work came to fruition Saturday with the grand opening of Boca Mocha Coffee Shop and Phone: 865-3828 Café at 320 Park Central West. Web: bocamocha.com Tim Kelly said everything he had read about the company compared it to a “Caribbean Starbucks.” “It is very diverse,” he said. “All of the coffee we use is found in Haiti. Different blends and types of coffee can be found in different regions of the country.” Boca Mocha offers more than coffee. The restaurant features breakfast, lunch and dinner specials, beer, both on tap and bottled, wine and an assortment of mixed drinks. Jessica Kelly said the restaurant intends to buy local and fresh products, as well as organic products when applicable. She said they are also using local bakers as much as possible for their pastries and desserts. Tim said the business has created 19 full- and part-time jobs and the possibility for expansion could become reality. “In the near future we would like to have our own roasting house, which would create more jobs” he said. “We are importing the coffee ourselves. Long-term, we hope to appear in kiosks and in other areas in the community to spread the brand. We think we have the potential to become the next Starbucks.” He said everyone at Boca Mocha has the desire to do well by the community and they are excited about the new café. “Everything is going well,” Tim said. “I think it will be a hit.” FYI, from 11 Branson Meadows. The award is given based on guest satisfaction scores, the quality assurance scores and unannounced on-site inspections. GOLD applications accepted through August The Greater Ozarks Leadership Development program (GOLD) is accepting applications until Aug. 31 for Class VI. The Missouri State University regional leadership development program’s goal is to further civic engagement, regional awareness, community development and economic growth in southwest Missouri. Participants meet regional communities for program days and spend two days in Jefferson City. Sessions run from October 2011 to June 2012. Cost is $795; limited scholarships are available. For details, call 836-3701. Applications are online at ozarkleaders.us Verizon Wireless hosts smartphone workshops Verizon Wireless presents online workshops and free in-store to help customers learn how to use smartphones. A free workshop on Android and Apple Basic is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 28 at Remington’s Verizon By James Hanson As temperatures continue to increase in the coming ■ Owner: Butch Brooks months, most people will be finding ways to keep cool. Opened: June 8 Simply Yo Self Serve Yogurt Lounge’s grand opening Location: Kickapoo on June 8 is a classic case of perfect timing. Corners Shopping The store is located at 3600 S. Campbell Ave., inside Center, 3600 S. the Kickapoo Corners Shopping Center. Campbell Ave. Butch Brooks, owner of Simply Yo Self Serve Yogurt Hours: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Lounge, said the idea came about after helping his Monday -Saturday; brother-in-law open a restaurant in Mountain Home, noon- 10 p.m. Sunday Ark. last fall. Phone: 881-1425 “He had people tell him about the frozen yogurt craze Web: simplyyo.com coming from California,” he said. “We all kind of talked about it and researched it. We helped on the weekends down there and then threw out the idea of starting one here in Springfield.” Brooks has been in business in Springfield for over 40 years, but never in the restaurant business. “This is something different that I can do with my family,” he said. Simply Yo Self Serve Yogurt Lounge uses certified real dairy frozen yogurt with live and active cultures. No powder mixes are used. Visitors can make their own creations by topping their yogurt with a variety of toppings, including fresh fruits, nuts, candies, sprinkles and more. Brooks said business has gone really well so far. “We do have a loyalty program for our customers. We have had over 1,000 people join that, so I think that speaks for itself. It is slowly growing and getting new people every day,” he said. New store a destination for all things outdoors Destination By James Hanson Outdoors Mike Bodine and his associate Greg Deckard attended the ■ Owners: Greg Shot Show in Las Vegas last year and came back with an idea Deckard and Mike to bring with them products that were not seen in Springfield. Bodine In January, Destination Outdoors, 3335 W. Sunshine Opened: January 2011 St., opened its doors. Location: 3335 W. The store features a variety of outdoors products, includSunshine St. ing commercial and residential mowers, trimmers, leaf Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. blowers, shotguns, rifles, handguns, paper targets, Case Monday-Friday; 9 knives, and Commando Calls, which are made in Bolivar. a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday Other major brands found in the store are Husqvarna, Phone: 763-3300 Echo and Shindiwa. Web: destinationoutThe store also serves as a service center for MTD doorsinc.com products. Bodine said they try to buy products made in America. He said that business has been a little slow in the early going. “The lawn business has been a little slow because of the cool spring but we’ve been reaching a lot of our sales goals,” Bodine said. “We focus on providing superior customer service. We want out customers to feel welcomed and acknowledged when they are here.” Other items like fishing and camping gear and more sporting goods should be added in the future. “Our long-term goal is to get into a more diverse line of our outdoor products,” Bodine said. Wireless Store, 1645 W. Republic Road. Customers can also educate themselves online or check for other workshops at verizonwireless.com/workshops. Bank ofAsh Grove The Oldest Bank Greene County Main Bank in Ash in Grove – 672-2572 INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE LOANS • Apartments • Rental Houses 417-672-2572 Strength and Longevity Simply Yo Self Serve Yogurt Lounge Since 1883 Community Free Press Business | www.cfpmidweek.com July 13 - 26, 2011 Homeowners facing foreclosure have another option Take a Taste class, get free groceries Thanks to the Emergency Home Loan Program (EHLP), Missouri homeowners struggling with their mortgages might get the help they need to keep their homes. Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Springfield (CCCS) is the recipient of the EHLP funds, which provide direct financial assistance to homeowners struggling with their mortgages. Funds from EHLP benefit homeowners who are unemployed, under employed or have a medical condition that has resulted in foreclosure risk. A press conference announcing the program is at 9 a.m. Friday, July 22 at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, 425 Trafficway. EHLP funds are part of the $1 billion Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Under program guidelines, consumers can qualify for an interest-free loan that pays their past-due mortgage payments and a portion of future payments for up to two years. CCCS has been allocated 181 households to provide assistance to. To learn more, call Tonya Collister, housing director at CCCS at 889-7474, e-mail her at tonya@cccsoftheozarks.org or visit cccsoftheozarks.org. The deadline to apply is July 22. Price Cutter’s new Taste Culinary Classroom offers a variety of cooking classes for the home chef. Local and national “celebrity” chefs, health and nutrition experts and beverage specialists are the Taste instructors. The classroom is located in Price Cutter store at 2021 W. Republic Road. All classes are from 6 to 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. In July, Taste students receive a Price Cutter gift card worth $5 to $20, depending on the class. The class schedule for the rest of July is: • July 13: Healthy Kitchen: Love the Skin You’re In. Nutrition and wellness consultant Jessica Idleman, owner of Glow Nutrition, shares simple, healthy recipes for young, healthy skin. Fee: $25. • July 14: Thursdays with Clary: Authentic Mexican. Chef James Clary, Price Cutter’s culinary director, prepares authentic Mexican recipes. Fee: $40. • July 15: TGIF at Taste: The Wines of California, Sonoma vs. Santa Barbara. Jim Kreissler of Major Brands samples wines of California paired with hors d’ouevers suited to their companion wines. Must be 21 or older to attend. Fee: $25. • July 18: Guest Chef Classroom: David Bauer. Bauer, owner of Coyote’s Adobe Café, Mille’s and Coyote’s Dockside Café, shares favorite Coyote’s recipes including Coyote’s award-winning wings. Fee: $50. • July 19: Ask the Experts: All About Steaks. Pyramid Foods meat specialists Carl Nixon presents Flag of Freedom award to Springfield business On July 1, Gov. Jay Nixon presented Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company with the first “Flag of Freedom” award. Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company has hired 11 military veterans in the past year under the “Show-Me Heroes” program. The company was one of the first Missouri employers to take the “Show-Me Heroes” pledge to increase efforts to hire veterans. The Flag of Freedom award recognizes “Show-Me Heroes” employers who have hired military veterans. Nixon announced “Show-Me Heroes” in January 2010. It is designed to connect military veterans with job opportunities when they return home from service. Since its inception, 1,413 Missouri employers have taken the “Show-Me Heroes” pledge, and 275 veterans have been hired in new jobs. The plaque features an American flag patch from the combat uniform of a member of the Missouri National Guard worn while that Citizen-Soldier or Airman was deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan. Employers who wish to participate in the “Show-Me Heroes” program can visit the state’s website at mo.gov Lithium called the New Oil by green investors L ithium is the Earth’s by 2012. China is the lightest metal. It is world’s fastest-growing used in batteries for cell auto market and it simply phones, cameras can’t afford to and laptop comimport oil for puters. gasoline. Chile is the Estimates are leading producer that 9 percent of of lithium, folChina’s cars will lowed by be electric by Argentina, China 2020. That and the United would re-duce States. The U.S. is the country’s the leading user petroleum of the metal, Kelsey Garman demand by FINANCIAL INSIGHTS although China is 120,000 barrels rapidly catching a day. up.Global sales were up 30 Like the U.S. governpercent in 2010 over the ment, the Chinese governprevious year. Many new ment is offering an $8,800 companies are exploring subsidy for every electric for lithium worldwide. vehicle sold.It has set aside Since lithium has the 5 billion yuan for the procapacity to store electric gram and is spending energy better than any another 1 billion yuan on other metal, it’s widely research and development. used in the alternativeLast year, the Obama energy sector. It is essen- Administration invested tial for generating solar $2.4 billion in the develand wind power and in opment of batteries and powering electric and electric-car technology. hybrid cars. Because of its That’s after granting potential substitution for more than $25 billion in oil in the transportation loans to car and battery industry, it has been tout- makers in an effort to put ed “the new oil” by some a million electric cars on green-energy enthusiasts. the road by 2015. It’s the use of lithium in Most European car comelectric cars that makes it panies are also joining the attractive as a long-term fray. investment. We’re talking about a China plans to invest lithium-battery market about $15 billion in elec- that will hit about $15 biltric cars during the next lion this year—and proba10 years. The plan bly double that by 2020. includes putting 500,000 Just imagine what would electric cars on the road happen if 250 million elec- tric cars were cruising U.S. highways, not to speak of the millions in China, Japan and other parts of the world. It would delight lithium miners worldwide and put millions in the pockets of investors. Although I can see the potential, I’m not overly enthusiastic because I’m 77 years old, so I’ll not likely live to see the potential realized. Investing in lithium is a long–term investment in green technology that will contribute to the green-energy revolution and eventually generate huge profits. Lithium prices have triples in the last decade and will likely do so again by 2020. However, of the 50 companies set up over the last two years to develop lithium, 80 percent of them are not expected to survive due to technology challenges and costs, according to Edward Anderson, president of the TRV group, a Toronto based consulting group specializing in lithium. That means it could be risky to invest in some of the lithium startup companies. Although there are dozens of well established companies involved in lithium mining, processing or battery manufacturing, your best bet is probably buying shares in the Global X Lithium Exchange Traded Fund (LIT). Each of the 22 companies owned by the fund is engaged in some aspect of lithium development, including exploration, mining or lithium battery | 13 Allen and Corey Lawler share the grilling basics, including how to choose a steak, and preferred grilling techniques. Fee: $25 • July 22: T.G.I.F. at Taste: A Night in the High Sierras with Sierra Nevada Beer. Instructor Jeff Larson of Glazers Midwest will sample Sierra Nevada beers paired with recipes created by Taste chefs. Must be 21 years or older to attend. Fee: $25 • July 23: Kids’ Cooking: Veggies That Even Kids Will Eat. Taste chefs show parents and kids how to prepare fresh vegetables and fruit to tempt the pickiest of eaters. Class time is 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fee: $15 • July 25: Guest Chef: Tony Garcia. Garcia, chef/owner of Avanzare Restaurant, shares classic Italian dishes and Avanzare favorites. Fee: $50 • July 27: Healthy Kitchen: Guilt-free Summer Pies. Nutrition expert Jessica Idleman shows how to make delicious yet guilt-free pie. Fee: $25. • July 28: Thursdays with Clary: Heirloom Tomatoes. Chef Clary discusses heirloom tomatoes and shares recipes celebrating this popular vegetable. Fee: $40. • July 29: T.G.I.F. at Taste: Hot Food and Cold Beer. Chef Clary leads a beer tasting featuring Anheuser-Busch products paired with spicy hors d’oeuvres. Must be 21 to attend. Fee: $25. To register or for more information, visit pricecutteronline.com production..About 51 percent of its assets are allocated to mining and processing and 49 percent to battery production. If you are inclined toward green investing,invest a few dollars in this fund and hold on to it for a long time. It could make you rich. Kelsey Garman is a former financial consultant who writes a column for Community Free Press. E-mail him at klgarman@live.com. The Ozarks Transportation Organization announces a public comment period for the public to review and comment on the 2012-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a schedule of transportation improvements planned by various agencies within the Springfield Area Metropolitan Planning Organization boundary over the next four years. To be eligible for federal funds, a project must be included in the TIP. The 2012-2015 TIP is available for review at www.ozarkstransportation.org and at the Springfield-Greene County Library Center, 4653 South Campbell and Ozarks Transportation Organization, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 107. Comments may be submitted in writing to the Ozarks Transportation Organization, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 107, Springfield, MO 65806, or emailed to staff@ozarkstransportation.org. The public comment period runs from July 10, 2011 through August 17, 2011. A public hearing will be held at the OTO Board of Directors meeting on August 18, 2011 at noon in the Busch Municipal Building located at 840 Boonville, Springfield, MO. This public notice of public involvement activities and time established for public review and comment on the TIP will satisfy the program-of-projects requirements of the Urbanized Area Formula Program. If no comments or changes are made to the program, then the program as proposed will be the final program. For more information contact: Sara Edwards, Ozarks Transportation Organization, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 107, Springfield, MO 65806, (417)836-5442. 14 | July 13 - 26, 2011 www.cfpmidweek.com Home & Garden Fast Fact: | Community Free Press Now is the time to sow seeds of carrots, beets, turnips and winter radish for fall harvest. (Source: friendsofthegarden.org) Dressed to impress Homeowners have stylish options when choosing energy-efficient windows ■ By Janice Mason W hether energy efficiency or style leads to the decision to upgrade the home’s windows, choices are abundant. TODAY’S “Marvin used to have a saying, ‘Whatever your mind can conceive, we will create,’” said Kendrick. Energy efficiency has taken over the window manufacturing business. Kendrick says the company sells all double-paned glass now. Single-paned glass windows are rarely requested, “mostly for historic value,” he said. DRESSING WINDOWS UP THE WINDOW Southern Supply, a local, famiLinda Holman has been the ly-owned business since 1934, owner of Budget Blinds for offers a wide range of windows three years. to fit each room style.Windows “There are 1,500 of us,” she are custom-made to fit the said. “We are all independently home. Southern Supply uses owned. We do draperies—all Marvin windows. types of window treatments. Larry Kendrick, contractor “Budget Blinds means there’s salesman at Southern Supply, a window treatment for any sells aluminum-clad, wood inte- budget. It does not make us rior windows; Marvin Integrity cheaper or second-hand.” and Integrity Budget Blinds brand, all Ultrex offers custom cov(fiberglass) winerings including The big dows. ViWin blinds, shutters, thing right Tech, an all-vinyl shades, curtains now is …trying to window, is the and drapes. make everything company’s ecoMotors with cordless. nomical choice. remote controls “A lot of those open and close — Linda Holman, are sold today coverings with a owner, Budget Blinds because of the touch of a button. economy,” “Anything can Kendrick said.“They are a more be motorized,” said Holman. cost-friendly window. They do Window films, installed have insulated, double-paned, directly onto the window surlow-e (emissivity) and argon face, shield the sun but are a (insulating glaze) glass.” material Holman discourages. “I don’t agree with window WINDOW STYLES film because it’s not green,” said Southern Supply offers dou- Holman. “In the winter months ble hung and casement win- you are not utilizing the dows, awnings, sliders, patio warmth of the sun. It can cut doors, geometric shapes, round down on your daylight so a little tops, Gothic styles and more. bit of tinting is great accompa- ” POND CONSTRUCTION LANDSCAPING POND CLEANING & MAINTENANCE MIKE KENNEDY 417 833-POND (7663) LIBERTY TREE CARE FREE TREE CHECKUP LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED – Certified Arborist – TREE HEALTH SPECIALIST “Difficult Jobs Our Specialty” 417-350-0734 Energy efficiency ■ To improve the energy efficiency of existing windows, add storm windows to the outside and caulk and weather-strip inside windows. Window treatments help but it might be more cost effective to replace the windows. New energy-efficient windows eventually pay for themselves through lower heating, cooling and lighting costs. (Source: energysavers.gov) nied by some sort of solar shade or something like that. It depends on what the customer wants, if it’s function or fashion. Function meaning, do they want privacy, sun control? Window tinting is great if it’s real high windows and you don’t want to put a window treatment up there.” KEEP Photo courtesy Southern Supply/Marvin catalog Bay windows are a popular choice in creating the perfect space. out 97 percent of the UV rays.” THE WEATHER OUT Holman said her 2-inch blinds and cellular, honeycomb shades work well for insulating windows. She said the most energy efficient window coverings are shutters. “Usually it goes—shutters, cellular shades then blinds,” she said.“Anything you put on your window is going to be insulating, better than the bare glass. “You can get a solar shade that’s 3-, 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-percent visibility. And, basically what that means is that you can see through it. It’s not the best thing for privacy.What you can see out in the day with the sun, you can see in at night with lights on, but you are blocking WHAT’S NEW? Holman said the new window-covering samples coming in offer a wide selection of solar shades and colors, but that the most requested covering is based on safety. “The big thing right now is …trying to make everything cordless,” she said. Holman says window-treatment manufacturers are often blamed for choking accidents related to cords. She suggests parents either keep children away from windows or keep the cords up. “They have done an awful lot to eliminate any danger to children.” she said. Roman, or folding, shades are made from fabric or a woven wood. Holman said the cords behind Roman shades used to be further apart. They are now made with the cords closer together so children can’t get their heads between the cords. “Pretty much everything now is available in cordless,” she said. Holman said people are also interested in saving money. “If it’s white, there’s no reason not to get faux wood shutters,” she said. “If you don’t need the beauty of the wood grain, there’s no reason for painting good wood. Shutters are the most expensive, so any time you can, eliminate the expense.” Community Free Press Home & Garden | www.cfpmidweek.com July 13 - 26, 2011 | 15 Brew-and-brats dinner July 22 By Janice Mason Slow food, a term symbolizing the opposite of fast food, has many definitions. Where did the food come from? How did it get here? Is it organic or grown locally? One group in Springfield represents the term and what some call a movement. Made up of volunteers, 75 members strong, Slow Food Southwest Missouri promotes local food and farmers. To continue its education efforts, the group presents a Farm to Table event on July 22. “We use these dinners as the big fundraiser for the year,” said Mindy Armstrong, president of Slow Food SWMO. “We will use the funds for bringing education to the area.” The organization offers information on local food, farmers markets and supports local in-kind organizations. Armstrong said Slow Food SWMO was formed by a group of people in the food-service industry. “There were a few of us that got together and said ‘We would like to bring this organization to the area.’ Slow Food is actually a global organization that started in Italy. So there are chapters all over the U.S. “We are a chapter of Slow Food USA.We started Slow Food of Southwest Missouri in November of 2009. We work with farmers. Our events are all focused on everything coming locally. We do all sorts of things to support the local food community in Springfield,” Armstrong said. Slow Food SWMO has a list of local farmers and organizations on its website. “We all serve different purposes within the community,” said Armstrong. “So there are all these really great organizations in the area that bring together a holistic picture… they all just work together.” The group works with the Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition, a group that promotes vegetable gardens in schools. “We are going to partner with them in August to try to raise funds for their gardens this year,” said Armstrong. “We also send out information to our members in case they need volunteers.” The organization holds farm tours once a month and a members’ forum once a year where local farmers explain their operations and techniques. “The farmers’ forum gives them an opportunity to come talk to an audience about what they grow and how they grow it, and where they sell it so that the community can become more aware of the food resources here,”Armstrong said. Kelly Spencer, brewing administrator at Mother’s Brewing Co., said Slow Food SWMO approached them to emphasize the Slow Food SWMO ■ Farm to Table Dinner Brew and Brats When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 22 Where: Tasting Room, Mother’s Brewing Company, 215 S. Grant Ave. Fare: Brats made by Farmer’s Gastropub with a locally sourced menu Entertainment: Music by Dallas Jones and Barak Hill Tickets: $20. Registration available online only at brownpapertickets.com/even t/183966 Web: slowfoodswmo.com local aspect of the event. Mother’s offers four locally brewed beers—Towhead (American blond beer), Three Blind Mice (brown ale), Lil’Helper (IPA) and Sandi Wheat (summer, seasonal beer). “I do know everything is local,”said Spencer.“The food’s local, it’s being made local, and of course our beer is local.” HOME HAPPENINGS Rutledge-Wilson Farm offers Gardening Series The Springfield-Greene County and University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners present the Growing Knowledge at the Farm gardening series from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through July 21 at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146. Fees for the series are $5 to $15. The workshop “Plan Now for a Fall Harvest-Into the Garden,” is from 9 to 11 a.m. July 21. Saddle up for a Western history celebration at “Frontier Days at the Farm,” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 23. The Fiber Arts Fair, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 13, features workshops on fiber techniques, spinning and weaving demonstrations, and local vendor booths. To register for a workshop or for details on events, call 837-5949. FISHEL POOLS 8 TIME INTERNATIONAL GOLD MEDAL WINNER Locally Owned Since 1971 I T ’S A COMMERCIAL F I S H E L & RESIDENTIAL I Residential Design / Construction Of Gunite Or Vinyl Pools & Vinyl Liner Replacements I Total Pool Renovations I Weekly Service, Maintenance And Repair I Free In-Store Computerized Water Analysis I With Full Line Chemicals & Supplies 886-6699 (800) 994-2090 1421 E.Sunshine www.FISHELPOOLS.COM EMAIL fishelpools@sbcglobal.net 16 | July 13 - 26, 2011 www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press Health & Wellness Kids left in cars – Bad idea Cooler heads prevail Simple precautions can help you avoid heat sickness as temperatures skyrocket ■ By Amanda Hess Summer is here and it brought 90-degree weather with it. Although summer is a time to go outside and be active, whether it is swimming, running, or mowing your lawn, there are important health issues to consider while you are outside. THE PROBLEM Lisa Cox, media relations specialist with St. John’s, said the hospital had 19 heat-related cases between June 14 and July 4. Only one person was admitted, the rest were treated in the ER and released. Most cases were diagnosed as heat exhaustion, Cox said. Ted McMurry, St. John’s medical director for the Emergency Trauma Center, said as the number of high-heat days increase, so does the number of people who go to the hospital for heat illnesses. “You don’t see a spike during that one day with high heat in the spring but when you get continuous days with 90 degrees, people start feeling the symptoms,” he said. Katie Towns-Jeter, public information administrator for the Springfield- Beat the Heat transport ■ City Utilities Transit system provides free transportation to cooling centers during its normal operating hours. Riders who want to travel to one of the cooling centers must mention it to the driver. Cooling centers offered by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board include: ■ Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Road ■ Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage Road ■ Mediacom Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway On days the National Weather Service issues heat advisories for the Springfield area, the park board will extend hours on services such as the Chesterfield Family Center Indoor Pool until 8 p.m. If the heat advisory is on Wednesdays through Sundays, Grant Beach Park Outdoor Pool, 833 W. Calhoun St., will remain open until 8 p.m. Gillenwaters Tennis Complex, 3635 S. Jefferson Ave., and Perry Tennis Courts, at Bennett Street and National Avenue, will leave outdoor tennis courts lighted until 11 p.m. during heat advisory days. Information from press releases from the Springfield-Greene County Park Board and City Utilities Greene County Health Department, said the most common heat-related illness is heat exhaustion. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, cramps, headaches, nausea and vomiting. “A lot of times it’s people like senior adults, people with chronic illnesses or young children [who are affected],” Town-Jeter said. “However it can be cumulative,so people who work in high temperatures for a long time can have an accumulative effect and have these illnesses develop more rapidly.” THE EFFECTS McMurry said most heat-related illnesses do not require a visit to the hospital. “Most of the time when people have these symptoms, its self-care,” McMurry said. “When it’s important to seek medical care is when they lose mental ability. When you get dizzy or confused, when you become unconscious or cannot stop vomiting and keep water down, if blood pressure is very low, those are the ones you become much more concerned about and need medical care.” Towns-Jeter said if you ignore symptoms, the heat-related illness could grow into something serious. “If they keep going [and ignore the symptoms], you can get heat stroke, Google images which is when your body’s cooling system quits working,” she said. “They have red, hot, dry skin, because the sweating mechanism shuts off.They are often confused. People with these symptoms need to seek medical attention immediately.” THE PREVENTION McMurry said prevention is the key to keeping a heat-related illness from becoming serious. “Don’t wait until you have symptoms before you try to protect yourself,” he said. “Early on it will be a headache or feeling of loss of energy. When you start to feel those, you are already behind.” Drinking plenty of fluids before and during an outside activity and moving to a cool place when you start to feel overheat- ■ Safe Kids Springfield launched an education and awareness program to help reduce the number of child deaths in vehicles caused by heat stroke. The program featured a demonstration on July 1 that cooked s’mores inside a hot vehicle to show how quickly temperatures rise in a vehicle. Safe Kids Springfield shares these tips to help reduce the number of child deaths caused by heat stroke in vehicles: ■ Take immediate action and dial 911 immediately if you see an unattended child in a vehicle ■ Lock vehicles so kids can’t enter and become trapped; and ■ Always take your child out of the car with you when you arrive at your destination. ed or dizzy can stop a heat-related illness from progressing. Jamie Blackwell, trauma program manager for Cox Health, said to keep work at the hottest part of the day to a minimum and maintain hydration. “Kids, they love to be outside, swimming, biking, even people in the pool can become dehydrated and most people don’t realize that.” Towns-Jeter said it is very important to avoid alcohol and caffeine when outside for long periods of time because they dehydrate the body and to never leave anyone in the car, people or pets. HEALTH NOTES Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center launches heart valve clinic CoxHealth provides a Heart Valve Clinic on Fridays inside Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center. Patients receive an accurate diagnosis and the physicians determine treatment. CoxHealth’s Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center is located at 3800 S. National Ave. Patients must be referred to the clinic by their physician. For details, call 269-6479. CoxHealth provides workshops and events CoxHealth provides the following workshops and events: ■ Fibromyalgia Education Program, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning July 14 in the Administrative Classroom, Cox Walnut Lawn, corner of National and Walnut Lawn. This is a six-week course that helps individuals with fibromyalgia take a more active role in their health care. The fee is $30. Call 269-4636 to register. ■ Osteoporosis Screening, Friday, July 15 in the Turner Center, 1000 E. Primrose, Suite 110. Osteoporosis risk assessment and bone density heel screening fee is $25 and for ages 21 and older. Call 2694636 to register. ■ Driver Safety Program, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, July 25 in Conference Room C, Meyer Center, 3545 S. National. To register, call see HEALTH NOTES, 17 Community Free Press Health & Wellness | www.cfpmidweek.com July 13 - 26, 2011 | 17 Scramble for Miracles to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth will hold the annual Scramble for Miracles Golf Tournament Monday, July 25 at the Fremont Hills Golf Course, 1953 Fremont Hills Drive, Nixa. The tournament features a fourperson scramble format. The individual entry fee is $125 and team entries are $500. The fee includes green fees, golf cart, lunch and a gift bag. Tournament sponsorship opportunities are available. The tournament begins with a 1 p.m. shotgun start and ends with dinner and an awards ceremony. Proceeds from the tournament benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth. To register, call 269-5437 or visit coxhealth.com/cmn HEALTH NOTES, from 16 269-3616. Please pay AARP on day of class. Garage Sale, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, July 29 in the Foster Auditorium, Cox South, 3801 S. National. Proceeds benefit CMN Hospitals. For details, call 269-5437. Free back-to-school physicals July 30 The CoxHealth/ Children’s Miracle Network C.A.R.E. Mobile will be at Washington National Baptist Church, 1722 N. National Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 30 to conduct free physical check-ups for kids. Cox Hospital nurse practitioners working with Cox physicians will conduct the physicals for back-to-school and school sports. Registration is requested; limited walk-ins will be accepted. Call 8662750 to schedule and appointment. St. John’s physician certified in travel health John H. Brown, M.D., a physician at St. John’s Clinic-Smith Glynn Callaway, earned the International Society of Travel Medicine’s Certificate of Knowledge in May. Physicians earning the certificate have demonstrated an understanding of the challenges facing international travelers such as epidemiology, disease prevention and diagnosis and global health issues. Dr. Brown is certified to provide travel vaccinations and medicine and pre-travel consultations. Cardinal Health awards $31,500 to CoxHealth The Cardinal Health Foundation has awarded a $31,500 grant to CoxHealth for the hospital to use for improvements to its operatingroom safety and efficiency. CoxHealth will use the grant to implement its program to enhance performance and patient safety in its operating rooms at its three hospital campuses. The Cardinal Health Foundation, an organization that supports community-wellness and health care-quality programs, encourages health-care provides to submit funding requests for programs that seek to improve management and safety. CoxHealth offers parenting classes From pregnancy to graduation, parenting is challenging. CoxHealth offers a variety of classes to help parents navigate the challenges of child-rearing. BabySense teaches basic baby care and safety to new parents. The class is from 6:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 at the Turner Center, 1000 E. Primrose. There’s a $20 fee and registration is required. Toddler Times helps parents learn to teach their 15-month to 3year-old child basic social skills such as sharing. Toddler Time is from 7 to 9 p.m. July 19 in Meeting Room 2 at Cox South, 3801 S. National Ave. The fee is $10 and registration is required. The Refresher Childbirth class is from 6 to 9 p.m. July 21 at the Turner Center, 1000 E. Primrose. This refresher class has a $30 fee; registration is required. Call 269-5239 to register or for more information. Photo courtesy Emma Talbot Phyllis Swearingen, Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild member, stitches a quilt for Joplin victims. Quilt makers stitch for Joplin By Janice Mason Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild members are stitching and collecting new quilts for Joplin tornado victims. They began the project in June and the guild has pieces for 30 quilts, and donations of finished new quilts have started rolling in. The quilts will be stored at the guild building on South Campbell Avenue. Joplin help agencies will distribute the quilts to tornado victims before the winter months. Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild has approximately 300 members across southwest Missouri and Arkansas. Judy Gold is in charge of the Community Quilts project. “We make quilts all year round for different organizations around Springfield,” she said. “I think last year we donated 245 quilts to places like the Kitchen, Harmony House, Crosslines, Southwest Independent Living Center, a whole bunch of places, the hospitals of course.” Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild holds a quilt show in September. Kay Turner, past show chairman, helps out at the boutique. “What the guild decided, they wanted to do something special for the Joplin people,” Turner said. Joe Haik, owner of the Take donations to: Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild Village Shopping Center Address: 2738 S. Campbell Ave. Delivery time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays Web: ozarkpiecemakers.com Fabric Outlet on Glenstone Avenue, donated the material for the quilts. “He donated hundreds of dollars of fabric specifically for the quilts in Joplin,” said Gold. “He’s really good to work with. We went over there and thought we’d get a discount and he said,‘No, just take it.’” 18 | July 13 - 26, 2011 www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press Outdoors & Recreation Missouri State Parks ideal for camping Visitors can enjoy trails, water sports, fishing and history ■ Photos courtesy of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources An angler fishes for trout at Bennett Springs State Park. By James Hanson With summer in full swing, outdoor enthusiasts are making the most of their opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, water sports and camping. And camping, along with many other activities, can be done inside most of Missouri’s state parks, many of which are conveniently located for a day or weekend get-away. Sue Holst, information officer for Missouri State Parks said Missouri’s parks provide something for everyone. “Some people may like to go for the historic factor, while others may like to go for the fishing and the hiking that is available,” she said. Holst said each park has something different, Stockton Lake is a national destination for water sports, espcially sailing. Show Me the Parks ■ Bennett Springs State Park 26250 Hwy 64A Lebanon Phone: 532-4338 ■ Watkins Mill State Park 26600 Park Road North Lawson although some are known for particular things. “Bennett Springs State Park is well known for many things, but especially the trout fishing,” she said. “It has a large campground and a large nature A couple and their dog relax by their campfire at Table Rock State Park. Phone: 1-816-580-333387 ■ Stockton State Park 19100 S. Hwy 215 Dadeville Phone: 276-4259 ■ Table Rock State Park 5272 State Hwy 165 Branson Phone: 334-4704 For more information, visit mostateparks.com center with lots of exhibits. If you catch your limit of fish you can take a break and visit the center. Bennett Springs also has some nice hiking trails and provides access to the Niangua River for float trips.” She said a dining lodge is also available for those camping who may wish to not cook one day or the entire weekend. Another popular choice, for the history alone, is the Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, in Lawson, outside of Kansas City. This park remains the home to a large woolen mill used on the Bethany Plantation in the 1870s. “It is also a state historic site,” Holst said. “It is a great place to camp because it features a nice lake, with a bicycle trail around the lake and many historic buildings. The mill remains intact today and so do some of the outbuildings, like the schoolhouse, a church and the home, where the owner, Waltus Watkins lived with his family.” Holst said this park is popular because it has a little bit of everything, all on one site. “It also features heirloom gardens, which means the plants found there are the same kind of plants that would have grown in the 1800s.” She said Stockton State Park, right on Stockton Lake, is also a nice campground that appeals to people for the large amount of water recreation available. “It features a large lake, a nice marina and is also known as one of the best sailing lakes in the nation,” Holst said. “There is a very dependable breeze there. They also have a well-recognized sailing school for those wanting to learn how to sail.” Holst said Table Rock State Park is also an ideal location for campers because of the water activity and trails. She said a new mountain biking and hiking trail is currently scheduled to open there this summer. “There aren’t a lot of mountain biking trails in that area of the state, so that is something mountain bikers are looking forward to,” Holst said. “There are so many things for our visitors to do at the state parks. I think people can should utilize our website as a resource, so they can see what we have to offer ahead of time. Once they find what they are looking for then they head out and try it for themselves. We just want people to come out and try it.” Holst said most of the state parks are open yearround, although some facilities may not be open all year. For more information, visit mostateparks.com Community Free Press Outdoors & Recreation | www.cfpmidweek.com July 13 - 26, 2011 | 19 Legislators’ trip targets elk restoration, black bear study State Rep. Eric Burlison, (R136), was among a group of legislators which made a trip to Peck Ranch Conservation Area to see Missouri’s newest residents in their natural habitat. “From a distance through the woods we were able to see a herd of elk, Missouri elk. If they didn’t have GPS collars on you would have thought they had been here for years,” said Burlison. The Missouri Sportsmen’s Elk were reintroduced into Missouri earlier this summer. The Missouri Sportsmen’s Caucus was among the first to view the elk in their natural habitat in late June. Caucus was among the first to view the elk in their natural habitat last week at Peck Ranch Conservation Area in Carter and Shannon counties. As chairman of the caucus, Burlison played an important role in the reintroduction of elk into Missouri after a 150-year absence. The restoration project recently released 34 elk in a designated restoration zone in southern Missouri, with five calves since being born. Burlison’s primary role, along with his fellow caucus members, was to keep the lines of communication open between the Missouri Legislature and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Burlison stressed to the Department of Conservation the importance of quickly establishing a hunting season and providing farmers and landowners outside of Peck Ranch an opportunity to harvest elk. “I’ve received a great deal of input because I go to many hunting events in the area and people that I talk to are thrilled. Hunting organizations and enthusiasts are very excited to have elk come to Missouri,” Burlison said. Burlison sees citizen interest in the elk restoration and the potential elk tourism as an exciting development for Springfield as the headquarters for Bass Pro. “Hunting and fishing are some of Springfield’s best economic generators. Not only is it a good opportunity to return a species that once roamed Missouri, but it’s a good opportunity to improve our hunting economy,” said Burlison. Another animal making a comeback in Missouri is the State Rep. Eric Burlison (R136), poses for a photo with a black bear during his recent visit to Peck Ranch Conservation Area in Carter and Shannon counties. Photos courtesy Eric Burlison black bear. While visiting Peck Ranch Conservation Area, Burlison was able to see the black bear study in action. Using several dozen donated glazed donuts, the Department of Conservation trapped a 388pound male black bear. Department agents are gathering and recording scientific data necessary to manage black bear populations. Conservation agents applied a GPS collar to track the bear before returning him to Douglas County, where he was caught. Contributed by Jacy Tilton, intern at Representative Eric Burlison’s (136) office. OUTDOOR HAPPENINGS nearby. Advance registration is required one week in advance. All ages. 7:30 a.m.; Saturday-6:30 p.m., Sunday. Capital Nature Adventures (MO State Capital and Museum, Runge Nature Center). Fees: $40/person, $70/family of 3, $25/each additional person. 833-8647. Photo courtesy Springfield-Greene County Park Board July 15 and Aug. 5-Fun Family Fishing Nights at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Win prizes and relax by the bonfire. Cost: $5; free for kids younger than 4. Registration is required. 837-5949 July 16, Aug. 6, Aug. 20 and Sep. 17-Kayaking and Paddle Boarding at Lake Springfield’s James River Water Trail-Southwood Access. Learn beginner skills or brush up your skills as you try the new and exciting sport of paddle boarding; includes basic kayaking skills and water safety. Advance registration required by the Tuesday prior to each date. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All ages (12 years and under with an adult). Fees: $30/canoe (1-4); $25/kayak (1); $25/Paddle board (1); or $8/person with own boat. 833-8647. July 19-21—Children’s Horse S.H.O.E. Camp at Valley Water Mill Park Equestrian Center, 1730 E. Valley Water Mill Road. Attention horse lovers! In this camp, children will learn grooming, safety and horsemanship through classroom and riding time. The camp combines the Horse S.H.O.E. Levels I and II. Children are encouraged to bring a light snack and beverage each day. Camps are three hours a day, three days a weeks, 9 a.m.-Noon. Space is limited to 10 kids each camp. Fee: $90. 833-3291. July 23-24-Camp Adventure Family – Group Trip Camps, all trips depart from the Park Board Office at 1923 N. Weller Avenue. Provided: 4 meals, guide(s), local parks’ remote camping, tents, transportation, lush toilets and showers July 25-29-“Once Upon A Farm” Summer Camp at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Do you know who lives on a farm? Join the park as they take a peek inside the barn and learn about the animals found inside, their care, adaptations and products they provide to people. For ages 67. Fee: $65 per person. 837-5949. July 26-28-Camp Challenge Youth-Teen Trip Camps, all trip departs from the Tom Watkins Center, 2100 W. High Street. Provided: program equipment, 6meals, snacks, tents, transportation and 3-staff. Advance registration is required by the prior Tuesday. Ages 9-15. 7:30 a.m.; Tuesday-5:30 p.m.; Thursday. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park: Canyon Gorge, Creek Wading and Shut-Ins Water Chutes, Elephant Rocks State Park, Fort Davidson Civil War Historical Site and Taum Sauk Mountain (highest point in MO). Fees: $75. 833-8647. Aug. 8-12-“Best In Show” Summer Camp at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the summer, many farmers enjoy displaying their animals at summer fairs. Campers will discover firsthand how to prepare and train animals for a fair, as well as learn what part farms play in our everyday lives. For ages 10-12. Fee: $65 per person. 837-5949 Aug. 9-11-Camp Challenge Youth-Teen Trip Camps, trip departs from the Tom Watkins Center, 2100 W. High Street. Provided: program equipment, 6meals, snacks, tents, transportation and 3-staff. Advance registration is required by the prior Tuesday. Ages 9-15. 7:30 a.m.; Tuesday-5:30 p.m.; Thursday. Arkansas’s Boston Mountains: Boxley Elk Valley, Buffalo National River, Creek Wading, Ponca Elk Education Center and Pruitt Landing. Fees: $75/trip. 833-8647. Aug. 20-Adult Horse S.H.O.E. Program at Valley Water Mill Park Equestrian Center, 1730 E. Valley Water Mill Road. This class is designed specifically for the adult who has always wanted a horse or just wants to get back into something they did in their youth. This program will teach the basics of all-round horsemanship including safety, grooming, handling, tacking, and riding techniques. Each student is provided their own horse. 8 a.m. to Noon. Class limited to six students. Ages 18 years and up. Fee: $40. 833-3291. Sep. 30-Oct. 1- Camp Ritter Family-Group Camping at Ritter Springs Park, 3683 W. Farm Road 92. Camp out in Ritter Springs Park in your own camper, trailer or tent. Fees include opportunities for: Kayaking or Canoeing, Catch ‘N Release Fishing, Caving, Dutch Oven Clinic/Lunch, GPS—Geocaching, Camping, Acclimatization Night HikeBat Flight and more. Advance registration is required by the prior Tuesday. All ages. 5 p.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-4 p.m. Saturday. Fees: $25/13, $5 each additional person, free/6 years and under. 833-8647. 20 | July 13 - 26, 2011 www.cfpmidweek.com Accidental education A&E IN BRIEF WWE Smackdown World Tour arrives in August Kmart presents the WWE Smackdown World Tour at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28 at John Q Hammons Arena, 685 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy. The event offers fans a choice of street fight or no hold’s barred fighting between “The Viper” Randy Orton Vs. Christain. Other WWE superstars also compete. Tickets ($15-$60) are now on sale and can be purchased at missouristatetix.com Call for Japanese Festival vendors and artisans The Springfield Sister Cities Association is accepting applications for vendors and artisans for the Japanese Fall Festival on Sept. 9. The festival is a celebration of Springfield’s sister city of Isesaki, Japan. The SSCA Isesaki Committee will review vendor and artisan applications for authenticity of culture and gardening practices. The deadline for booth assignment is Aug. 5. To download the vendor booth application, visit peacethroughpeople.org and submit to SSCA at 1923 N. Weller, Springfield, 65803. For details, call 864-1341. Call for ‘Prints U.S.A.’ Art Museum exhibit Original printmaking media, including monoprints and monotypes, will be reviewed through Aug. 30 for consideration in the Springfield Art Museum’s exhibition “Prints U.S.A.” The exhibition is open to artists 18 years or older residing in the United States. Original works must be executed since Jan. 1, 2010. The exhibit hangs from Nov. 19 to Jan. 8, 2012. For details, call 837-5700 or visit springfieldmo.gov/arts ‘Educating Rita’ plays at the Vandivort through July 23. » Page 22 e-mail events@cfpmidweek.com Have an ice cream and play old-fashioned games The History Museum for Springfield-Greene County fundraiser is July 21 ■ By Janice Mason Bring the kids to the Beyond Toy Soldiers and Dolls: Children’s Games and Toys of the 19th Century Ice Cream Social July 21 and, for just one night, leave the computer games at home. The Springfield-Greene County History Museum presents the event offering games from the pioneer, Civil War and turn of the 20th century eras. “We were talking about something fun for kids,” said interim Executive Director David Eslick. “If the kids aren’t connected to the museum then they are going to forget about the history of Springfield and Greene County.” Games include a three-legged race, jump rope, hop scotch, marbles, jacks, dominos, Annie Over—“kids’ games that I used to play when I was a youngster or during the Civil War time period,” said Eslick. HISTORY Photo courtesy History Museum Interim Executive Director David Eslick and curator Joan Hampton-Porter, dressed in 19th-century costumes, play dominos at the History Museum for Springfield-Greene County. EDUCATION Eslick and museum curator Joan Hampton-Porter present a traveling trunk program at Springfield schools with clothing and games the kids can pass around. “Surprisingly, there are a lot of kids that pay attention and when it’s over the teachers give a little quiz,” said Eslick.“They do learn. “There is nothing in the curriculum in Springfield schools [on local history], and I have been Leading a dance organization thinking about that for years. I have taken a slide show and given that in school libraries.” DOWNTOWN MUSEUM PROGRESS The date for completion and opening of the new History Center downtown was originally set for this month. Eslick says the economy delayed the project but since the center of the Square is under construction, the delay has By Janice Mason Caitlin Kissee’s new job is a perfect mix of her best talents. She became the business affairs manager at Springfield Ballet in April. “I grew up dancing for the ballet in St. Louis so I knew I wanted to be in a not-for-profit, and the arts was the perfect fit—combined passions for me. So, this is really a dream job for me.” Kissee earned a marketing and management degree from Drury in 2009. She worked for the Springfield Ballet while in college and has a background in fundraising and marketing. Q. What is the Children Underserved in Springfield Program? A. CUSP was created to help our performances, our productions, classical dance reach audiences, particularly children in Springfield that might not otherwise have access to it. So the Ballet gives away close to 500 tickets per season to various groups that serve underprivileged children in Springfield and their caregivers. Photo by Janice Mason Caitlin Kissee, business affairs manager at Springfield Ballet, landed her “dream job” in April. Ice Cream Social Beyond Toy Soldiers and Dolls: Children’s Games and Toys of the 19th century When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 21 Where: Smith Park Pavilion, 1536 E. Division St. Fee: Games and admission are free; $1 each for ice cream and bottled water Host: The History Museum for Springfield-Greene County Phone: 864-1976 Web: springfieldhistorymuseum.org not been an inconvenience. “We’re getting ready to start a capital campaign. There’s a new sign going up on the front of the building,” said Eslick. “It says, ‘A Campaign for History.’ We planned on starting a campaign when the recession hit. It’s just, the economy—being what it is. We are going to be in the Barth’s building.” The History Museum, a nonprofit organization, owns the building and began construction in 2008. The date of completion and amount of donations needed for continued construction are undetermined. For more information, call the History Museum at 864-1976 or visit springfieldhistorymuseum.org Caitlin Kissee is on pointe as Springfield Ballet business affairs manager Q. Do you still dance? A. I danced for 15 years. I did ballet, point, tap, jazz. I also did musical theater and was a vocal music non-major at Drury. I sing. I don’t dance. I teach Zumba, but that’s a little bit of a stretch. ‘Improv Sportz’ gets 8 p.m. spotlight You decide who’s the funniest improv team at “Improv Sportz 2011,” the Skinny Improv’s comic competition where the audience is the judge. “Improv Sportz 2011” is featured during the 8 p.m. Mainstage Show on July 23 and July 30. “Improv Sportz 2011” is a regular feature at 10 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Performances are at the Skinny Improv Theatre, 301 Park Central East. For details, call 8315233 or visit theskinny improv.com | Community Free Press Q. What kinds of scholarships do you offer at the Springfield Ballet? A. We award close to $6,000 in scholarships per semester and those are primarily need-based. We do award a small amount of merit-based scholar- ships but we find that even our merit-based scholarship recipients also have a need. Q. How many classes do you have, for what ages and when? A. We serve about 140 students in the fall and spring semesters. The summer is a little bit smaller. We offer about 50 classes, ages three to adult. We offer classes in creative movement, ballet, point, tap, jazz, Pilates, and a Mommy and Me class for two- and three-year-olds. Springfield Ballet is unique because 100 percent of the class time is spent on technique and instruction. The productions, we hold open auditions open to anyone in the community whether they are Springfield Ballet students or not. Rehearsals are held differently from class time. Q. Do you ever plan on having more than two performances per year? A. “The Nutcracker” is pretty much tradition. For us, it seems short to prepare for a full ballet in between “The Nutcracker” and the middle of March. We do perform at community events. We perform at Cider Days every year and Arts Fest. We do the lunchtime series in Founders Park in the summer. So, we have a pretty full performance schedule. The Springfield Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Dec. 16-18 and “The Sleeping Beauty, Act III” in March. For details, call 862-1343 or visit springfieldballet.org Community Free Press A&E | www.cfpmidweek.com CHECK IT OUT COMMUNITY EVENTS July 13-17 – MSU Tent Theatre presents “Oklahoma!” 8:15 p.m. at MSU’s Craig Hall Plaza. Tickets: $10-$22. 836-7678, tenttheatre.missouristate.edu Kid’athon, a triathlon for kids, is Aug. 6. July 13 – Go-Gettin’ Out presents Butterflies, 6:30 p.m. in the Butterfly House at the Botanical Center, 400 S. Scenic Ave. 8641049, parkboard.org Photos courtesy Springfield-Greene County Park Board July 13 – Wednesday Noon in Founders Park presents Springfield Regional Opera Lyric Theatre, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. at Founders Park, 330 E. Water St. 831-6200, springfieldmo.gov/founders Kids can test athleticism at Aquathon and Kid’athon The Springfield-Greene County Park Board presents two events for kids, Aquathon and Kid’athlon. Aquathon is a series of swim-run races for ages 5-14. The course features a 1.25-mile run and a 350-yard swim. The top three participants in each age group will be recognized. Aquathons are at 7 p.m. July 19 and 26 at Doling Park, 301 E. Talmage Road. The cost is $10 per person, per race and participants receive a free t-shirt. The 8th Annual Kid’athlon, a triathlon for ages 5-14, begins at 8 a.m. Aug. 6 at Meador Park, 2500 S. Fremont Ave. Kid’athlon involves a swimming, running and biking triathlon involving a 50- to 100-yard swim, 0.5- to 1.5-mile run and a 0.5- to three-mile bike ride, depending upon age group. Check-in is from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. with the first heat at 8 a.m. The cost is $25 per child, $15 for the second child from same household. Mandatory packet pickup is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage Road. Pre-registration is required by July 29. For details and to register, call 837-5900 or visit parkboard.org Aquathon, a series of swim-run races for kids, is July 19 and 26. July 13 - 26, 2011 Submit Events: events@ cfpmidweek.com Summer sizzles with Concerts in the Park The Midtown Neighborhood Association and the Springfield Greene-County Parks Department present Concerts in the Park from 6 to 8 p.m. July 24 and Aug. 21 in Washington Park, 1600 N. Summit Ave. Eddie Gumucio and the Electrics perform on July 24. Singer/songwriter Edward Gumucio offers an eclectic mix of indie pop with collaborators Tim Datema, Josh Nimmo and Ben Carroll. Glen McKenzie and the Road Kings perform Aug. 21. Glen McKenzie and the Road Kings play roots-rock songs about life, love, cars, bars, motorcyles, girls, politics and guitars. Concerts in the Park are free; bring a lawn chair or blanket. Sacred Heart Church will cook and serve hot dogs. Lemonade and water will also be available. For details, call 865-4774 or visit midtown-springfield-mo.com July 13 – Hiking Club, 8:30 a.m.noon. Meet at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, to carpool to Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area. Ages 18-adult. Registration required. 888-4237 July 14 –Discovery Center’s Science Café, 6-8 p.m. at Trolley’s Bar and Grill Level 2, 107 Park Central Square. Brenda Burrell presents “Endeavour Goes Social with the STS-134 Launch,” regarding her visit to NASA. 862-9910, discoverycenter.org July 14-17 and 21-23 – Springfield Contemporary Theatre presents “Educating Rita,” 7:30 p.m. ThursdaysSaturdays and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17 at the Vandivort Center, 305 E. Walnut, fourth floor. Tickets: $10$22. Half-price on Thursdays with military or faculty I.D. 831-8001, springfieldcontemporarytheatre.org July 14 and 16 – Babes In The Woods Celebrates Spiders, 11 a.m.-noon at the Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way; for ages 0-2 with adult caregiver. Registration required. 888-4237 July 15 – Little Acorns: Butterfly Magic, 11-11:45 a.m. or 1:30-2:15 p.m. at the Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way; for ages 3-6. Registration required. 888-4237 July 15, 16 – Hunter Education, 6-9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way; for ages 11–adult. Register online at MissouriConservation.org. 888-4237 July 15 – Murder Mystery Dinner, 7 p.m. at Pythian Castle, 1451 E. Pythian St. Admission: $45 per person, includes dinner and show. Reservations required. 8651464, pythiancastle.com July 15-17 – Civil War Expo at the Battlefield Mall, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave. Expo includes reenactors, period musicians, storytellers, demonstrations and vendors displaying period art, military artillery and Civil War artifacts. 8834111 July 15 – An Evening with Sheryl Crow, 8 p.m. at the O’Reilly Family Event Center, Drury University, 900 N. Benton Ave. Tickets: $45, $55 and $75. 873-6389, drurytickets.universitytickets.com July 15, 16, 22, 23 – Free Movies in Founders Park, 330 E. Water St. showing “Nanny McPhee Returns” July 15, “Burlesque” July 16, “Letters to Juliet” July 22, and | 21 July 13 - 26, 2011 “August Light: Wilson’s Creek and the Battle for Missouri” July 23. Free admission with advanced tickets at Chesterfield and Doling Family Centers, Mediacom Ice Park, the Busch Municipal Building and Mediacom offices; $5 at the gate; free for children younger than 5. 831-6200, springfieldmo.gov/founders/movies.html July16 – Girls Just Wanna Run 5K Run/Walk, 7:30 a.m. at Phelps Grove Park. Packet pick-up 2-7 p.m. July 15 at the Meyer Center, 3545 S. National Ave. Packet-pick up includes Fun before the Run expo with food, free chair massages, product samples, door prizes and a Zumba demo. Entry fees: $20 for pre-registration, $25 on race day and $45 for families; benefits CoxHealth Fitness Center’s scholarship program. 269-3282, coxhealth.com/GJWR July 16 – Chonda Pierce, the “Queen of Clean Comedy,” 7 p.m. at Evangel University Chapel, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave. Tickets: $17. 866-440-7880, chonda.org July 16 – Zoobilee, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Road. Event features music, entertainment and activities throughout the zoo. 833-1570, dickersonparkzoo.org July 16 – “The Adventurous Adventures of the Three Little Pigs,” 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Skinny Improv, 301 Park Central East. Tickets: $5, includes free popcorn. 831-5233, theskinnyimprov.com see EVENTS, 22 A&E 22 | July 13 - 26, 2011 www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press Who’s educating whom? That’s the question Explore the past at Nathan Boone Homestead Springfield Contemporary Theatre presents “Educating Rita,” a comedy about a burnt-out alcoholic English professor and a non-traditional tutorial student, at 7:30 p.m. July 14-16 and 21-23, and 2 p.m. July 17 at the Vandivort Center, 305 E. Walnut, fourth floor. The production features Whitney Ice as Rita and Noah Karrasch as Frank. Seats are available on a “pay what you can” basis on July 14, with generaladmission seating for this performance only. Tickets for other performances are $22 for adults, $18 for students and senior citizens age 55 and older. Student rush tickets are $10, when available, 30 minutes before each performance. Tickets are half-price with military or faculty identification on Thursdays. Reservations can be made Photo courtesy Springfield Contemporary Theatre/Richard Dines at the Vandivort Center Theatre Box Whitney Ice as Rita and Noah Karrasch as 0ffice, 305 E. Walnut St., or by calling Frank perform in the Springfield 831-8001. For additional information, Contemporary Theatre production of “Educating Rita.” visit springfieldcontemporarytheatre.org Learn about local history and archaeological investigations at History and Archaeology Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. The event features presentations by historic site staff and guest speakers. Admission is free. Frontiersman Nathan Boone moved to Greene County with his family in 1837. Presenters will speak on aspects of Boone’s life, the history of the farm and the Boone family’s legacy in Missouri. Recent archaeological work conducted by Missouri State University students at the nearby William H. Berry farm will be highlighted. Berry’s wife, Caroline, and her mother began their lives as slaves of the Boone family, and later settled west of Ash Grove. Nathan Boone The Homestead State Historic Nathan Site is located 1.5 miles Boone north of Ash Grove on Homestead State Highway V. For a State schedule of speakers and Historic times for History and Site is located Archaeology Day, call 751near Ash 3266. For additional Grove. information, visit Photo by mostateparks.com EVENTS, from 21 July 16, 17 – Butterfly Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 16; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 17 at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. Bluegrass and Blossoms concert, 1-5 p.m. July 16. 891-1515, friendsofthegarden.org 2031 S. Waverly Ave. 882-3445, waverlyhouse.com, optv.org July 16-23 –PBS KIDS GO! Writer’s Contest winning stories and illustrations on display at Waverly House Gifts and Gallery, July 16 – Woof ‘N Wash Dog Wash, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Camp Bow Wow, 1900 W. Sunset St. Dogs of all sizes welcome. All dogs must be upto-date on shots, bring a copy of vet records or email to inspirelives@yahoo.com. Admission: $10 donation. 8270160, projectpuppy.org CR O SSWO R D ■ ■ ACROSS 1 Compass direction 4 Caviar 7 To be announced (abbr.) 10 Other (Sp.) 11 Yale student 12 Heat 14 Charged lepton 15 Apt 17 Aid to Dependent Children (abbr.) 18 Flexible wood 19 Nounforming (suf.) 20 Ironwood 22 Nose (pref.) 24 Fort 27 19th century rifle bullet 31 Blue (Fr.) 32 Stool pigeon 34 Estrade 35 Showy flower 37 Therm 39 Crab-eating macaque 41 Wool (Lat.) 42 Dead on arrival (abbr.) 45 Aloe derivative 47 Possesses 50 Slub (2 words) 52 False friend 53 Half a ticket 54 Indo-Chin. language ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ July 17 – Gavin DeGraw in concert, 7:30 p.m. at the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East. Tickets: $24.50-$29.50. 863-9491, gillioz.org July 19 – Discover Nature Families: Catfishing Fun, 7-9 p.m at the Bois D’Arc Conservation Area fishing pond in Ash Grove. Registration required. 888-4237. July 20 – Wednesday Noon in Founders Park presents the Retrognomes, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. at Founders Park, 330 E. Water St. 831-6200, springfieldmo.gov/founders 55 56 57 58 Trolley This one (Lat.) Finesse Trouble Corp. (abbr.) 25 Bantu language 26 Shellac 28 4th incarnation of Vishnu DOWN 29 3 (Rom. numeral) 1 Detachable button 30 Compass direction 2 Upholstery fabric 33 Palm 3 Eternity 36 Russ. inland sea 4 Roe (2 words) 38 Swed. county 5 Strong-scented 40 Bastard wing 6 Iron (Ger.) 42 Abnormal (pref.) 7 Brace 43 Pledge 8 Low 44 Aoudad 9 Son of Zeus 46 Mosque in 10 Tumor (suf.) Jerusalem 13 Physicians, for short 48 Bedouin headband 16 Carriage cord 18 Old times 49 Benedictine title 21 Seal with oakum 51 Television channel 23 Ancient Syrian port 52 Thus (Lat.) 24 Can. Broadcasting Here’s How It Works: To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! See puzzle answers on page 23 July 21 – Growing Knowledge at the Farm, 6-7 p.m. at RutledgeWilson Farm Community Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146. Plan now for a fall harvest. Admission: $5. Registration required. 837-5949, parkboard.org July 21 – Springfield-Greene County History Museum’s Ice Cream Social, 6-8 p.m. at Smith Park Pavilion, 1536 E. Division. Features Beyond Toy Soldiers and Dolls: Children’s Games and Toys of the 19th Century. Free, $1 donation for ice cream and bottled water. 8641976, springfieldhistorymuseum.org July 22 – Beer and Brats, 7:30 Janice Mason p.m. at Mother’s Brewing Company, 215 S. Grant Ave. Features music by Dallas Jones and Barak Hill, menu by Farmers Gastropub. Admission: $20 per person; benefits Slow Food Southwest Missouri. 862-0423, brownpapertickets.com, search for Beer + Brats in Missouri July 22 – Malibu Beach Bash, 6 p.m. at Hickory Hills Country Club, 3909 E. Farm Road 136. Tickets: $75; benefits Developmental Center of the Ozarks. 829-0804, dcoonline.com Submit Events: events@ cfpmidweek.com July 22 – Cabaret Dinner Theater, 7 p.m. at Pythian Castle, 1451 E. Pythian St. Admission: $45 per person, includes dinner and show; show only, $20. Reservations required. 865-1464, pythiancastle.com July 22-23 – “Once On This Island Junior,” 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. July 22; 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. July 23 at the Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut Ave. Admission: $5. 869-1334, springfieldlittletheatre.org July 23 – Discover Nature Women: Trout Fishing, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Roaring River State Park. For women and girls ages 12-17. For details and to register, 888-4237. July 23-24 – Capital Nature Adventures, 7:30 a.m. July 23 to 6:30 p.m. July 24 at Missouri State Capital and Museum, Runge Nature Center. Trip departs from the Springfield-Greene County Park Board office, 1923 N. Weller. Provided: four-meals, guide(s), remote camping, tents, transportation, flush toilets and showers nearby. For families or groups. Fee: $40/individual, $70/family-group of three with each additional/$25. Registration required by July 16. 833-8647, 833-8923, parkboard.org July 24 – Summer Hummers, 56:30 p.m. at the Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way. Registration required. 888-4237 July 24 – Concert in the Park featuring Eddie Gumucio and the Electrics, 6-8 p.m. at Washington Park, 1600 N. Summit Ave. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. 873-7149, midtown-springfield-mo.com July 25-29 – Big Apple Adventure Vacation Bible School 6-9 p.m. at Galloway Full Gospel Church, West Bypass and Sunshine. 863-7053 July 26 – Bat Chat, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way; for ages 6-adult. Registration required. 888-4237 July 27 – Little Acorns: Water Bugs, 11-11:45 a.m. or 1:30-2:15 p.m. at the Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way; for ages 3-6. Registration required. 888-4237 July 27 – Wednesday Noon in Founders Park presents Missouri State String Fling, string chamber music, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. at Founders Park, 330 E. Water St. 831-6200, springfieldmo.gov/founders July 28 – Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Taste of the Ozarks, 6 p.m. at the University Plaza Convention Center, 333 John Q. Hammons Pkwy. Features food from some of Springfield’s fine dining establishments, live and silent auctions, a $20,000 raffle, wine pull, music by Pearl. Tickets: $100. 8899136, bigbro.com/tasteoftheozarks July 28 – Conservation Kids’ Club: Crustacean Sensation, 78:15 p.m. at the Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way. Bring a prewashed piece of clothing or any cloth material to paint with crayfish stamps. For ages 7-12. Registration required. 888-4237 July 29 – Exploring Galloway Creek, 10 a.m.-noon. Meet at the Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way. For ages 7-adult. Registration required. 888-4237 July 29-Aug. 7 – Ozark Empire Fair-75th Anniversary, 11 a.m.11 p.m. at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant. Admission: $6; kids $2. Parking free before 3 p.m.; $4 to park after 3 p.m. ozarkempirefair.com July 30 – Hiking Club, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Hope Conservation Area. Meet at the Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way. For ages 18-adult. Registration required. 888-4237 Your Community Free Press To place an ad Marketplace 417.447.2130 MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 417.447.2130 2011 Mobile Home Stimulus Package Cash for Clunkers $25,000 Trade In Land Owners Discount 417-414-8695 25% EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISING SALES Community Free Press needs individuals with sales experience to develop and serve a diverse client base. Salary base plus aggressive commission. Sales and creative experience a plus. HAULING 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Mon - Sat Donation Pickup Service Donations tax deductible. 1445 W. Kearney Purchase of $3.00 or more (Not valid with any other offer.) COUPON GOOD AT 1445 W. KEARNEY ONLY. Expires 08/31/11 Open to the public! Baby of Mine In My Home Infant Care SERVICES SEEKING EMPLOYMENT JOY Y PAINTING Custom m Interiorr Paintingg • Fauxx Finishing Colorr Selectionn Servicess • Freee Estimates Calll Joyce,, Artisann Forr Yourr Walls, (417)) 569-3720 I’m looking for a second job - to work a few nights a week and daytime hours on Saturdays and Sundays. I’m dependable, a quick learner, motivated, determined and a self-starter. I have experience in several different fields. Resume available upon request. I’m interested in all opportunities and positions. Call 209-9282 and ask for James. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Ages 0-3 Weekly rate $110 SUDOKU CROSSWORD (Daily and Hourly rates w/ approval) Monday–Friday 6:30 am – 5:30 pm 4 children maximum means lots of love and attention! Clean, safe, non-smoking, Christian Home Mother of 3 with 22 yrs. childcare experience I will love your child like my own when you cannot be with them… Location: East of 65, South of Cherry Street Caregiver: Suzzanne Nimmo Telphone: 417-766-6835 cfpmidweek.com 417-773-4776 THRIFT STORE 831-1488 Limit 1 coupon per person per visit. Personal checks accepted. almost anything Ask for Pat NEW IMAGE 23 $1.00 OFF I-Haul Sofas, garage clean-outs, large metal items hauled free. Reasonable rates, prompt and friendly service. Missouri Council of the Blind Senior Citizen Discount EVERY TUESDAY! INSIDE/OUTSIDE Send resume to: Breck Langsford, Publisher PO Box 2418 Springfield, MO. 65801 E-mail to: publisher@cfpmidweek.com July 13 - 26, 2011, 2011 | Community Free Press | www.cfpmidweek.com 24 | July 13 - 26, 2011 www.cfpmidweek.com | Community Free Press