[SPRINGFIELD CITY EMPLOYEE NEWS EXTRA ]

September 2020 HR answers frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 By Melanie Williams, Human Resources must do our part to stay home Thank you to all City employees for working when we have symptoms or feel ill, so hard to keep each other safe during this check our temperatures twice daily, challenging time. Though City employees are wash our hands regularly, maintain FAQ making concentrated efforts to prevent virus spread, physical distancing of 6 feet between This & That: Cartoons our organization has not remained unaffected by ourselves and others and wear face by Bob Palmer the virus. As of Aug. 26, our organization has had coverings. All these preventive Springfield Art Museum ? a total of 36 employees who have tested positive measures help prevent the spread of the virus within SEPT. 5-NOV. 29 for COVID-19, and many employees have been our organization and protect our employees and the This exhibition will feature quarantined due to known positive exposures or public. over 100 original political cartoons created by local travel. As we navigate this unusual time, we are working cartoonist Bob Palmer Our greatest asset at the City is our employees, hard to communicate updates to policies that impact during his tenure at the and we are doing what we can to keep each other our employee groups as swiftly and as effectively "Springfield News-Leader." Between 1953 and 1991, safe. By now, all employees are aware of the many as possible. The beginning of the school year has Palmer made a daily cartoon precautions we are taking as we continue to strive brought even more challenges to City employees, as covering everything from to protect City employees from the virus. We all 4See COVID-19 FAQ on page 4 daily life in the Ozarks to national presidential elections to international City to rebroadcast 2014 Ozark Mountain Daredevils issues ranging from Middle East Peace negotiations to concerns over Foreign Aid. concert on web and cable Sept. 4 Remember the good old days when people could More information at sgfmuseum.org/247/This- attend concerts? That-Cartoons-by-Bob- One concert in particular stands out to City of Palmer Springfield Department of Public Information & Civic Engagement staff – the Ozark Mountain Daredevils concert at the Gillioz Theatre that took place on the second night of the 2014 Birthplace of Route 66 Festival. In partnership with the Daredevils and the Dog Swim The Daredevils agreed to allow the City to festival, the City will rebroadcast the 2014 concert to Fassnight Pool livestream the concert from inside the Gillioz to a route66festivalsgf.com and the City’s cable channels Tues. Sept. 8: 4-5:15 p.m. screen on Park Central Square if the Gillioz concert or 5:45-7 p.m. – Mediacom channel 15.1 and 80 and AT&T Uverse sold out. It did, and we did – to an audience of about channel 99 – at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. The Annual Dog Swim at Fassnight Pool is back! One 2,000 people in lawn chairs. Viewers are encouraged to post photos of dog per human, no humans A lot has happened since then, including the death themselves enjoying the concert at home to social allowed in the pool. Humans of Daredevil Steve Cash last October and a global media by tagging #DareToStayHome. are required to wear a mask for the duration of the event. pandemic. The 2020 Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, “We are very appreciative for this opportunity $8/Dog-Human pair; $3/ set to take place Aug. 14 and 15, was cancelled due to revisit this special night for the band and the Each Additional Human. to COVID-19. Birthplace of Route 66 Festival. We hope everyone All proceeds benefit Cruse Dog Park. Proof of updated We decided to relive some of the magic of that enjoys the show and smiles when they see our lost vaccinations to register. 2014 Daredevils concert, but this time, from our brother, Steve Cash, having a blast playing his heart Pre-registration is required at couches, recliners and patios. We’re calling it the out for the crowd,” said Daredevils manager Dwight ParkBoard.org/DogSwim. We Dare You to Stay Home Concert. Glenn.

Springfield Police Officers Visioning phase for Grant Avenue Scene Spotlight: welcome Morgan Walsh Parkway corridor improvement Do you know Act With Compassion: Treat others with kindness back to school project kicks off Sept. 3 Mariah Inman? and honesty. 3 4 9 Consider everyday challenges faced by those with physical disabilities By Krystal Ray, Human Resources with disabilities face, specifically physical SPRINGFIELD CITY Most of us dread the daily routine. I find disabilities. One person was generous to [ some parts of my own daily routine are provide insight into their day, which I’ve EMPLOYEE NEWS EXTRA] annoying to me. Necessary, but annoying. For compared to my own in the chart below. EDITOR example, I hate “getting ready.” I want to be Beyond this eye-opening summary, what Cora Scott clean and presentable, but it just seems to take is most impactful to me is this person’s MANAGING EDITOR so long to achieve minimal results. appreciation for the opportunity to work for Melissa Haase But most of us don’t consider the “what the City and how they view their job as an opportunity to have a positive impact on the DESIGNER if.” What if one day this all changed? We all Rebecca Pfitzner take life for granted and don’t often consider community as a whole. the value of the small things in life. Many Although I’ll likely never enjoy getting PHOTOGRAPHER people would jump at the chance to get ready ready, I have increased respect for people with Christopher Akins in solitude, in a clean, private bathroom that is physical disabilities and their unseen efforts to COPY EDITORS well-stocked, and have no physical difficulties perform simple tasks that I take for granted. Sharon Spain affecting their ability to get ready. I encourage you to take a moment and Sharon Smith Let’s pause on that last point; no physical consider the ways you could easily help Kamille Barker difficulties. those around you who may have a physical Julie Greer Thanks to discussion with a few peers, disability. The SCENE is published monthly by the my eyes were opened to the reality people City of Springfield, 840 Boonville, P.O. Box 8368, PHYSICALLY LIMITED Springfield, MO 65801 Comments and articles which appear in PERSON KRYSTAL The SCENE do not necessarily reflect the "Getting Ready" Routine At minimum two and half At minimum 20 minutes views or opinions of City administration or any employee thereof, but are for hours with assistance information only. Permission to reprint material may be obtained from the Getting to work • Ensure driver is available • Get in my car Department of Public Information, • Commute • Commute (417) 864-1010. • Physical challenge of getting in and out of the vehicle Coming into the Busch • Make sure I am at an • Hoping I'll get a close Building accessible entry parking space • Prepare for obstacles (objects blocking my walking path, MISSION opening doors, unexpected We are committed to changes) working with the community to provide ethical and responsible At my workspace Physically tired, but thankful Ready to go, feeling local government so that everyone for the ability and opportunity energized with some coffee. can enjoy the benefits of living to work. Hoping for a good day. and working in Springfield.

Additional City info is available on our Web site at TIPS FOR BEING MORE CONSCIENTIOUS TOWARD PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: www.springfieldmo.gov. Videos may be viewed on CityView • Do not place things, such as trash cans, in front or to the side of a door, including public on the Web or on Mediacom restrooms. Wheelchairs need AT LEAST 4 feet to be able to maneuver. channels 15.1 and 80 and AT&T U-verse channel 99. • When you see a striped area in a parking lot next to or in front of an accessible parking spot, do not park (including your motorcycle) there or place your cart there. This is the SCENE Deadline designated accessible route or accessible parking space for people with disabilities to safely maneuver into the building. Sept. 24, 2020 Please direct your submissions • Many times, sidewalks are the only safe route for people with disabilities to get to work to the Department of Public or the store. Keep sidewalks clear of obstructions by doing the following: Information. Submissions and » Shovel snow or clean leaves off of the sidewalk in front of your house. ads via e-mail are preferred: [email protected] » Place your trash dumpsters somewhere off of the sidewalk. » Do not block a sidewalk by parking your car over it printed on recycled paper

2 SCENE Springfield Police Department honors 10 supervisory promotions On Aug. 13, the Springfield Police Department celebrated 10 officers during a promotional ceremony at the Springfield Regional Police and Fire Training Center. Congratulations to • Lieutenant Eric Reece promoted to Captain • Lieutenant Culley Wilson promoted to Captain • Sergeant Tonya Price promoted to Lieutenant • Sergeant Mark Foos promoted to Lieutenant • Sergeant Jeremy Anderson promoted to Lieutenant SPD welcomes Morgan Walsh back to school • Sergeant Dustin Martin promoted The Springfield Police Department as she headed back to school on Aug. 27. to Lieutenant showed up to support Morgan Walsh, Officer Walsh was tragically killed in the • Corporal Jennifer Sandage promoted the daughter of fallen Officer Chris Walsh, line of duty on March 16. to Sergeant • Officer Brandon Penrose promoted to Sergeant • Corporal Chris Rasmussen promoted to Sergeant • Officer Scott Hill promoted to Sergeant.

SPD remembers K9 Charlie retires from SPD retired Sgt. Todd King After more than six I know he is always going On Aug. 20, SPD years with the Springfield to give me his best effort. wore mourning bands Police Department, K9 Charlie is the best partner I in remembrance of Charlie will be retiring have ever had! He has kept recently retired SPD from the department me and other Officers safe Sgt. Todd King. following the promotion every time. The bond I have King passed away on of his handler, Sgt. with him, unless you are a Sunday, Aug. 16. Michael Karnes. handler, is hard to describe He retired last Charlie, a Malinois from in words.” fall after 25 years with the department, Denmark, first began In retirement, Charlie will serving in a variety of roles including in the with SPD in June of 2014. live with Sgt. Karnes as a Internal Affairs Unit, Special Investigations He was a model K9 and pet and become part of his Unit and on Patrol. In 2019, Todd retired enjoyed working, whether family. He will get to relax as the Sergeant over SPD's Violent Crimes/ it was tracking bad guys, and enjoy life by playing Homicide Unit, where he worked to solve searching buildings, outside in the yard or laying crimes and bring justice to many victims. conducting car sniffs, or around the house. King is remembered as a loving father, doing article searches. The Springfield Police husband and friend. "When he retired, we “My favorite thing Department is grateful for lost a great police officer, and with his death about Charlie is his work K9 Charlie’s service, and we we've lost a great ethic,” said Sgt. Karnes. wish him plenty of naps and person," said Capt. “Charlie is methodical and intelligent, and lots of treats in retirement. Culley Wilson. SCENE 3 4COVID-19 FAQ from page 1 Visioning phase for Grant Avenue Parkway some school districts are utilizing virtual learning for students. For corridor improvement project kicks off Sept. 3 those employees who are eligible The City of Springfield is for the FFCRA leave benefits, asking the community to help FAQ please see the revised version of set the vision for the upcoming the FAQs on CityShare. ? Grant Avenue Parkway Below are a few common COVID- corridor improvement project 19-related questions HR staff receive and corridor plan. regularly. If you have specific questions A city-wide public input regarding policies and procedures related to survey launched Sept. 1 with COVID-19, contact Human Resources and a series of virtual public we will assist you in finding answers. visioning workshops scheduled throughout the month of COMMON COVID-19 EXPOSURE September. QUESTIONS A community-wide virtual 1. My family member, who resides project kickoff and visioning with me, was exposed to a positive workshop is planned 6-7 p.m., COVID-19 case. Do I need to “Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we Thursday, Sept. 3, followed by a series of quarantine? No, this is considered an are ready to bring the community together events targeting impacted neighborhoods indirect exposure. Should your family in this effort,” says Director of Public member test positive for COVID-19, along the corridor: Information and Civic Engagement Cora you may be subject to a quarantine • West Central Neighborhood Workshop Scott. “Maybe not physically, but we’ve based on a direct exposure. In that case, (Grand Street to College Street) assembled a variety of virtual, interactive contact HR as soon as possible. 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 tools that we’ll use to engage the diverse body of stakeholders along the route.” 2. I am planning to attend an event • Downtown Workshop where I know a lot of people will 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 To participate and learn more, the public be in attendance. The city where • Fassnight Neighborhood Workshop is encouraged to visit grantavenueparkway. we are going does not require face (Sunshine Street to Grand Street) com. coverings. Myself and my family will 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. ABOUT THE GRANT AVENUE wear face coverings per the City’s PARKWAY PROJECT All four virtual workshops will be requirements, and we will physically The Grant Avenue Parkway will create livestreamed from grantavenueparkway.com distance for the duration of the an off-street pedestrian and bicycle pathway event. Will I need to talk to my and the City’s Facebook page. Workshops along Grant Avenue between Sunshine supervisor about a 14-day quarantine will be recorded and broadcast on the Street and Downtown Springfield. The when I return? Circumstances may City’s cable channels – Mediacom channel 3-mile stretch will connect downtown vary, but as long as the employee is 15.1 and 80 and AT&T Uverse channel businesses and neighborhoods with the masking and physical distancing for 99 at noon on Wednesdays and 8 p.m. on Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and the entire time period of the event, this Saturdays during September. Aquarium (WOW) – linking Springfield would not trigger a 14-day quarantine. Funded primarily by a $21 million However, the employee should still cultural experiences for both residents and federal Better Utilizing Investment to visitors. coordinate and communicate with Leverage Development (BUILD) grant, the his/her supervisor in this instance. The Parkway route will further Grant Avenue Parkway will provide major If remote work is an option, they connect parks and recreation amenities, transportation improvements along Grant may want to have the employee work neighborhoods, schools, and fill a vital gap Avenue in the heart of Springfield. remotely as a precaution. in the Ozark Greenways trail network. The 3-mile stretch of “parkway” will 3. What should I do if I am sent to The Parkway will start at Sunshine create an attractive corridor connecting take a COVID-19 test? Coordinate Street and end in a loop downtown via vibrant Downtown Springfield to the with HR immediately. Do not return College Street, Boonville Avenue, Mill Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and to work until you have talked with HR Street and Main Street. The route is Aquarium, with various neighborhoods, and have been cleared to do so. envisioned to include bike and pedestrian parks, Ozark Greenway connections and friendly facilities, various traffic-calming 4. If I am exposed to an employee other amenities in between. who tested positive for COVID-19 improvements, bridge enhancements, utility Input from neighborhoods, residents at work, will I be informed? Human upgrades, fiber connectivity and additional and stakeholders along the route as well Resources follows contact-tracing crossing and intersection improvements. as the community-at-large will be used to protocols to notify all affected staff The City will be tackling this provide guidance to subject matter experts members as soon as a positive corridor improvement project with completing the upcoming preliminary case is known. Human Resources four improvement goals in mind: concept phase for the project. Beyond also coordinates with appropriate Transportation, Economic Development, design consideration for the parkway, input supervisory personnel for impacted Quality of Life and Community received from these events will guide the employees. Revitalization. development of the Grant Avenue Corridor Plan. 4 SCENE Two SPD Lieutenants A Note from Jason ... graduate Missouri Police

Dear City Employees, during their Aug. 4 Chiefs’ Command College Two Springfield You may remember that on June 24, I lunch workshop. You Police Department sent you a note outlining our FY 2020-21 can review the commanders were Budget. We were able to offset most of the presentation here honored Aug. 27 as City’s COVID-19 related revenue loss by (springfieldmo.gov/DocumentCenter/ part of the Missouri freezing employee salary increases, cutting View/49838/Contingency-Plan-Council- Police Chiefs non-essential travel/training, selectively Lunch-Aug-4?bidId=) and video here Charitable Foundation delaying the refilling of certain position (livestream.com/accounts/4690814). It (MPCCF) Command vacancies, applying a few minor department presumes further revenue reductions up to College. Lieutenant cost reductions and using self-insurance 6%. Plan B includes a combination of using Dave Meyer and reserves. These actions allowed us to avoid additional self-insurance reserve funds and Lieutenant Tony applying any furloughs or layoffs and will further cuts to services, supplies and Lt. Dave Meyer Vienhage graduated ensure continuity of our municipal services. contracts. However, this plan continues to avoid furloughs and layoffs. after completing the The current COVID-19 economy is seven-month-long The Finance Department has built hitting our sales and use tax the hardest. program. We rely on these taxes for over 60% of in quarterly revenue triggers to help us The MPCCF our General Fund revenue and about 34% determine if and when to activate Plan aims to provide of the revenue for the total budget. In B. To date, we are still optimistic that we valuable training for addition, our collections occur about two will not have to use Plan B. Our sales tax current and future months after the purchases because this tax collections from March through August law enforcement is collected from retailers by the State of have been a little better than expected, but supervisors, Missouri and then remitted back to cities. have been erratic. We will continue to keep employees, City Council and the general commanders, chiefs Unfortunately, we won’t know for a Lt. Tony Vienhage public apprised of our financial situation and sheriffs. The few more months how deep or long our as the fiscal year progresses. Because training provided by this program is COVID-19 related economic challenges will this organization’s previous financial designed to not only provide command- be. This uncertainty prompts the need for stewardship and discipline, I suspect that level training, but it also allows the a contingency budget plan just in case the we are weathering this storm far better opportunity for Command College students economy becomes worse than expected and than most cities. to earn a master’s degree. our revenues are lower than budgeted. Our The MPCCF is a not-for-profit hope is to never use the contingency plan, Thank you for all you do to deliver high corporation formed in 1996 to provide which we refer to as “Plan B”, but wish to quality services to our residents in these assistance and service to citizens and law be prepared just in case the need arises. difficult times! enforcement. Their mission is two-fold: Plan B was presented to City Council Your City Manager, Jason Gage to promote the safety of Missouri’s youth through educational programs and to City LAGERS member delegate virtual election advance the quality and professionalism of law enforcement by supporting higher Sept. 21-28 standards and offering advanced officer The City of Springfield membership placed on a virtual ballot for a delegate training. The MPCCF is recognized and will select one delegate to represent election to be conducted starting licensed by the State of Missouri as an City employees in the election Monday, Sept. 21 and ending at approved provider of law enforcement of members to the LAGERS 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28. continuing education. Board of Trustees, at a meeting Final candidates will be Oct. 29-30 at Margaritaville asked to provide a brief Resort in Lake Ozark. The statement explaining the Connect with the City selected delegate is given reasons why he or she wants the opportunity to express to represent City employees at #MyCitySGF concerns about the system and the LAGERS annual meeting. offer suggestions for changes to the The final ballot will include legislative committee or LAGERS staff. the statement and a brief biographical The delegate is also expected to report summary about each candidate. back to LAGERS members about the The person receiving the greatest annual meeting and keep them informed number of votes in the election will be Make sure you are connected of pending legislation or other pertinent the employees’ representative at the activities involving the LAGERS system. to catch news, photos, job 2020 LAGERS annual meeting. The two opportunities and more. The nomination election ends at 5 p.m. employees receiving the second and third on Sept. 2. After the initial round of ballot highest number of votes will be the first submissions, the three employees receiving and second alternates, respectively. the greatest number of votes will be SCENE 5 SFD receives new City seeks input on preliminary design of Cherry ladder truck July 27 and Pickwick intersection improvements A new 100-foot ladder truck arrived at The City of Springfield the Springfield Fire Department's fleet asked for public feedback on its services center on Monday, July 27. preliminary plans for intersection It went through a final inspection before and traffic calming improvements training on the new truck took place in the growing Cherry Street and throughout the month of August. It will Pickwick Avenue area during the formally be put into service at Fire Station month of August. 10 at the beginning of September. In recent years, Cherry and Pickwick has become an “We will also be installing three increasingly popular activity center for crosswalks in the area which will further neighborhood residents and outside visitors signal to motorists that they are entering alike, causing a rise in foot traffic and a pedestrian friendly area and that they increasing concerns over pedestrian safety. should slow down and use caution,” Estell Planned improvements along Cherry added. Street will stretch from Fremont Avenue The City has established a project website to the west and the railroad crossing at springfieldmo.gov/cherryandpickwick to the east. The project design includes where interested citizens can learn more SFD piloting virtual the construction of various “bulb-outs,” about the project, view the preliminary or extensions of the curb line into the designs and submit a public comment card. fire station tours and roadway. These modifications will visually The deadline for public comment on the safety presentations and physically narrow the street, forcing design was Aug. 21. traffic to slow down while also reducing Following the public comment period The Springfield Fire Department is the crossing distance for pedestrians and for the preliminary design, Public Works looking for new ways to stay connected providing additional green space. will develop the final engineering design with the community. On July 28, Engine 8's “Cherry Street serves as a busy secondary plans. The project is expected to be bid out Lt. Jeffrey Butler and Firefighter Justine arterial in our roadway network,” to potential contractors in November with Kahn piloted the department's first virtual explains Public Works project manager construction anticipated in early spring, fire station tour and safety presentation Derrick Estell. “The goals of this project 2021. with a local Boy Scout Troop. include slowing down traffic along The Cherry and Pickwick Intersection Cherry Street, creating a safer and more and Traffic Calming Project is estimated inviting environment for pedestrians and to cost approximately $150,000 and will be contributing to the area’s sense of place funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation through aesthetic design features and Sales Tax Alternative Transportation landscaping.” program. Dickerson Park Zoo welcomes new veterinarian Dickerson Park Zoo and the City of Springfield welcomed new zoo veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Zec at the end of July. Dr. Zec graduated from the University of Illinois. She completed a one-year veterinary internship at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and she recently completed a three-year residency with the Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo. At Dickerson Park Zoo, Dr. Zec will provide health care for more than 500 animals. Regarding her new position she said, "The best part about being a zoo veterinarian is we get to work with a diversity of animals and get to wear all the hats, including: dentist, surgeon, nutritionist, etc. Our veterinary program's mission is to provide quality veterinary care through preventative medicine and work with the zookeepers on behavioral training Dr. Stephanie Zec 6 SCENE for medical procedures." Upcoming Events FASSNIGHT POOL SPLASH & SIZZLE SEPT. 6 & 7: 1-6:30 P.M. The Splash & Sizzle program, offering $1 admission or free with a canned food donation, will take place all day Sunday and Monday, Sept. 6 & 7, 1-6:30 p.m., benefiting Ozarks Food Harvest. Sept. 5-7 will be the last weekend to enjoy Fassnight Pool for the season. For more information visit ParkBoard.org/Aquatics. Virtual Kid’Athlon is a mini-triathlon your times! Pre-registration required. for kids ages 5-12 years. Complete and Fee: $20/child. Registeration deadline is JAPANESE FALL MINI SERIES time your own events in swimming, biking Sept. 28. SEPT. 11: 5:30-10 P.M. & SEPT. 12: 3-10 P.M. and running throughout the month of MIZUMOTO JAPANESE STROLL GARDEN For more information like suggested A scaled-back celebration of Japanese September. Compete at your own pace and routes and locations and to register, visit culture in place of annual Japanese Fall on own course. After completing all three ParkBoard.org/KidAthlon. Festival, canceled due to COVID-19 race segments, log your results to show off prevention. Activities include concerts, mini souvenir tent, candlelight walks, Year-to-date sales tax revenues are down (1.27%), botanical workshops, and an afternoon with compared to budget through August 2020 Springfield Cosplay (Saturday). Sponsored Beginning in July 2020, the City is The City of Springfield's August sales tax by Springfield Sister Cities Association. Admission: $5/adult, $2/children 12 and reflecting sales tax on a full-accrual basis revenues from the Missouri Department of under. Registration is required for the rather than a cash-basis. Fiscal year Revenue came in at $3,316,780. On a fiscal workshops: $75/individual, $90/pair. 2020 sales tax receipts include sales tax year-to-date basis through August 2020 For more information, a full schedule of collections received by the City from actual revenues are $46,608,253. Revenues events and to register for the workshops September 2019 through August 2020 are (1.27%) below budget or $598,747. visit PeaceThroughPeople.org/events/ (since there is a two month lag in the The check reflects sales processed by the japanese-fall-mini-series/. collection process). For fiscal year 2020, state in July for transactions made primarily August is the final month of sales tax to in June. Compared to last year's actuals, GUIDED FLOAT (JAMES RIVER WATER TRAIL) complete the fiscal year. revenues are up 0.47% on a year-to-date SEPT. 4, 25 & OCT. 9: 5:30-7:30 P.M. basis. Learn how to paddle a canoe or kayak on this guided group float on the James River. Great for beginners, this course includes paddling basics and boat safety at Lake Springfield Park. Then we paddle upstream to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center for a group hike. Guides will help you stay safe while spotting wildlife on and off the water. Paddle back to the park to enjoy snacks on the lawn. For ages 10 and up. Ages 10-17 must have an adult with them on the water, and ages 10-13 must share a boat with an adult. Registration is $30/and includes boat rental, paddle and life jacket. Register at ParkBoard.org/ LakeSpringfield.

Numerous events have been canceled and facilities are closed to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. For the latest updates visit ParkBoard.org/ Coronavirus.

SCENE 7 Third annual Birdies for Badges Golf Tournament Sept. 11 Springfield Police Foundation's Birdies for Badges Golf Tournament is an annual Current and Upcoming day of fun for local business owners, golfers and our own men and women of the Exhibitions Springfield Police Department to support FRAMED: THE ART OF THE PICTURE and give to the SPF's mission. FRAME: CLOSES SEPT. 27 This year's tournament will be held This special exhibition features over Friday, Sept. 11, at Rivercut Municipal 40 works from the museum's permanent Golf Course. Lunch will be at 11 a.m. collection, demonstrating art framing styles with a shotgun start at noon. The cost to and trends as varied as the paintings they that support the mission of the Springfield participate is $500 per four-person team or surround and illustrating the important Police Department and enhance our role of art framing in conserving and $400 for a sponsored all-officer team ($450 community. preserving artwork. This exhibition sponsored team of three with one officer The vision of the foundation is to is divided into three areas: history of randomly assigned). To register, visit the foster public safety through community art framing, aesthetics, and a hands-on link pinned to the top of the Birdies for building, education and outreach. The educational frame show. This exhibition Badges Facebook page at facebook.com/ Springfield Police Foundation is a broad was guest curated by Exhibitions Manager birdiesforbadges. based community non-profit that provides Cindy Quayle. The Springfield Police Foundation was resources to support the needs of the A link to a Virtual Tour of the exhibition established in 2015. Its mission is to provide Springfield Police Department. To learn is at sgfmuseum.org/248/Framed-The- critical resources for innovative programs more, visit springfieldpolicefoundation.org. Art-of-the-Picture-Frame. THIS & THAT: CARTOONS BY BOB Officer Mardie Keller named 2020 SWMO NAMI PALMER: SEPT. 5-NOV. 29 This exhibition will feature over 100 Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year original political cartoons created by local Springfield Police Officer Mardie Keller cartoonist Bob Palmer during his tenure at was named the 2020 Southwest Missouri the "Springfield News-Leader". Between National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 1953 and 1991, Palmer made a daily cartoon Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer of covering everything from daily life in the the year in August. Ozarks to national presidential elections to Officer Keller was nominated for her international issues ranging from Middle ability to "personally connect with people East Peace negotiations to concerns over and build trust in order to give them hope Foreign Aid. Learn more at sgfmuseum. org/247/This-That-Cartoons-by-Bob- and show them they are not alone and that Palmer. people, including law enforcement, do care." SPD has 75 CIT-qualified officers who EYE TO I: SELF-PORTRAITS FROM THE have undergone the required 40 hours NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY: of training on how to serve individuals OCT. 24-JAN. 17, 2021 L-R: Lt. Jennifer Charleston, Officer Mardie Organized and drawn from the collection experiencing a mental health crisis through Keller, Stephanie Appleby (Southwest of the Smithsonian's National Portrait deescalation and helping direct them to Gallery, this exhibition explores how artists resources. Missouri NAMI Executive Director) in the United States have chosen to portray themselves through painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and video since the beginning of the 20th century. These works raise important questions about self- reflection and self-perception. Learn more at sgfmuseum.org/251/Eye-to-I-Self- Portraits-from-the-National. AFLOAT: ARTISTS AND RIVERS: DEC. 12-FEB. 28, 2021 This exhibition explores a wide range of river-based work from our local rivers and beyond, reflecting upon the importance of this resource as both a natural amenity and a source of artistic inspiration. Learn more at sgfmuseum.org/252/Afloat-Artists- and-Rivers. 8 SCENE Follow Prayers for Priebe Facebook page Do You Know...? to keep up with Officer Mark Priebe A Q&A of City of Springfield employees. A Prayers for Priebe Facebook page Priebe" in the To suggest a colleague for “Do You Know...?” has been set up to keep the community memo line. e-mail [email protected]. updated about Officer Mark Priebe The checks and fundraisers being held to support can be mailed him and his family as he continues to SPOA at Mariah Inman his rehabilitation in Colorado. The 235 N. Benton, Community Health Nurse, page can be found at facebook.com/ Springfield, Health Department PrayersforPriebe-102271438196635. MO 65806. Mariah has worked for the City for 1 1/2 years. The Springfield Police Officers’ Cash Association (SPOA) has set up a fund to donations can support Officer Priebe and his family. be dropped Officer Priebe is a 21-year veteran off in person through the drive-thru of SPD and was seriously injured at the Metro Credit Union. Questions? after being intentionally struck by a Please contact SPOA Treasurer Officer vehicle in the parking lot of Police Brandon Keene at 417-920-2800. Headquarters on June 9. Online donations can be made at Checks can be made out to "SPOA https://www.spoarelieffund.com/ Relief Fund" and please include "Mark officer-priebe-fundraising.

Congratulations! Inman recently completed a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies through Cornell University. What are three words to describe the City of Springfield? Rewarding, caring and supportive. What's something you've learned since working for the City? Just how much really good work the Health Department and other departments within the City do every day that very few people ever see. Why do you do what you do? Helping people is the most rewarding thing I can imagine ever doing. What's the hardest part of your job? Understanding that we can't reach everyone but desperately wanting to. What's the best part of your job? Getting to help people as a part of the most amazing team I've ever worked with. What are you passionate about? Education and preventive medicine. What do you admire about this organization? The level of dedication to its citizens and how, as employees, we are encouraged to learn, grow and actively contribute to the cause. Thanks for the great Spirit Day selfies even from home! What's something Springfield as a city should Grant Bledsoe from IS strive for? Continuing to aspire to the greatest was August's winner! He won an Andy’s gift card and an level of public outreach that we can. extra City Spirit T-shirt. Don’t forget to snap a pic wearing If you could switch your job with anyone else, your City Spirit shirts Fridays, Sept. 4 & Oct. 2 whose would you want? I wouldn't want to switch with anyone! I love my job! and send it to [email protected]! SCENE 9 Construction on Commercial Street Parking Lot Firefighters' Fill the and Alleyway Improvement Project begins Boot Campaign to Commercial Street Historic District residents, business owners and visitors benefit Muscular began to see increased activity in the Dystrophy Association district as construction for the City’s Parking Lot and Alleyway Improvement For 66 years, Project began in late August. when not fighting fires, The project consists of improvements to members of the the “Dr. Tickle” alleyway located between International Campbell Avenue and Boonville Avenue, Association of the C-Street Market alleyway, between Fire Fighters Robberson Avenue and Jefferson Avenue, closed to pedestrians for approximately have been and the public parking lot located at Blaine three weeks. Activity will then shift to the fighting another Street and Jefferson Avenue. The project C-Street Market Alleyway and then to ongoing threat will include lighting improvements, parking the parking lot. The public should expect — muscular dystrophy, a disease that lot resurfacing, minor stormwater and parking availability in the Blaine Street and includes more than 40 neuromuscular water quality improvements, stamped Jefferson Avenue lot to be limited, as the disorders. But the COVID-19 pandemic has crosswalks, and other decorative elements. south portion will be used for staging of dramatically affected firefighters’ efforts to materials and equipment. The overall goal of the project is to Fill the Boot for MDA, while the critical enhance parking options along Blaine and This project is expected to cost $523,000 need for fundraising to help find a cure and create friendlier pedestrian connections and will be funded by the Commercial support those served by MDA remain. With from the parking lot to businesses along Street Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund traditional Fill the Boot drives on hiatus, Commercial Street. and the ¼-Cent Capital Improvement Sales firefighters and MDA are counting on your As construction kicks off, contractor Tax, with pedestrian lighting improvements support through our virtual Fill the Boot Hunter Chase is expected to begin in provided by City Utilities. Completion of campaign during these challenging times. the project is expected by late October. the Dr. Tickle Alleyway which will be Learn more and donate at https://filltheboot.donordrive.com/ index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. participant&participantID=4729

If you would like to submit an ad please email TheScene@springfieldmo. gov. If you would like an ad to run for a certain length of time please let us know; otherwise ads will run for three months before being removed. Ads must be received by Sept. 24 to appear in the October issue. For a full schedule of performances visit itsalldowntown.com FOR SALE Ranch raised beef. USDA inspected. No Environmental Services' Jody Bailey places third antibiotics. No steroids. Whole or half sides. Meat cut and packaged to your in division at Republic Tiger Tri specifications. Now taking orders for Jody Bailey recently competed in one of 8 other September and October processing dates. the few triathlon events that has not been participates. Contact Sharon Spain @ 417-830-1460. canceled due to the pandemic. The Republic Bailey DAC’s Local Honey! Pure Filtered Ozarks Tiger Tri was held Aug. 1, and of the 300 works for Honey. 12 oz. (wt.) bottle - $6.00 each or participants that could have participated, Environmental 5/$25.00. 24 oz. (wt.) bottle $12.00 each or only 120 athletes actually competed. Services as a recycling attendant at the 5/$50.00. Will deliver to city departments. It was held with very strict rules on social Household Chemical Collection Center, $75.00/gallon (makes GREAT mead). distancing during the race. Bailey placed Lone Pine Recycling Center, Franklin Call or text Don @ 417-773-3226. third in the Male Recycling Center, and the Yardwaste 60-64 Division Recycling Center. 10 SCENE with a total of Follow the GOLDEN GOOSE MILESTONES To: Chris Hollan, PW Promotions I have Chosen Mr. Chris Hollan, supervisor with the Public Works Traffic Operations/Sign Shop to receive the Golden Goose Award Eric Latimer for his willingness and professionalism when called upon to assist Division Chief any department within the City. Chris and his crew provide an – Fire excellent public service for the City of Springfield. Chris is a pleasure to work with and is very committed to the departments Derrick Estell responsibilities. Thanks Chris!! Engineer III – Gail Fangrow, PW – Public Works P.S. Diana Young gave the award to Chris on behalf of Gail. Saki Urushidani Engineer III – Environmental Services Andrya Haase Engineer II – Public Works Jeffrey Prior Steven Sweaney Battalion Chiefs – Fire Andrew Hoover WELCOME TO THE CITY 911 Quality Assurance Manager – Emergency Communications Jonathan Bachman Andrew Bick 911 Shift Supervisors – Emergency Communications

Retirements Brian Crum Police Sergeant – Police, 24 years Catherine Gaw Health Educator Assistant – Health, 25 years

James Hinkle Police Officer – Police, 20 years

Stephen Osborn Laborer – Public Works, 24 years

Doug Simmons Parks Maintenance Supervisor – Parks, 15 years

Top Row, L-R: Michael Marshall, Parks; Alina Ainyette, Health; Casey Haynes, 911. Middle Row: Chance Wallesen, Parks; Adam Denton, Health. Bottom Row: Tyler Sandell, Parks; Jessica Robinson, Airport; Robert Buchanan Jr., ES. SCENE 11 Working with the Community ( Awards & Recognition

To: Chris Marsh, Wayne Lowrance, Dean To: Andrew Bick & Ashley House, Freeman, Matt Dwyer, Reggie Lamb, and 9-1-1 Shift Supervisors Bryan Loughrige, Public Works On July 31, 9-1-1 Shift Supervisors We had some Andrew Bick and Ashley House received mail end up a call from Sergeant D’Andrea regarding Employees helping employees. on the road at pavement that was buckling at Montclair City employees are often the first to step West Chestnut and Woodhurst. Bick and House were able forward to help their fellow co-workers in Expressway to get in contact with Public Works and times of crisis. The Employee Crisis Fund right outside got the situation under control within 30 provides an avenue for employees to give your Public minutes. Great job, guys! to other employees in need, and for those Works area, and To: Dean Westermeyer, in need to seek assistance. I just wanted 9-1-1 Telecommunicator to express my HOW TO GIVE On Aug. 15, Dean Westermeyer, took a Donate Directly: Donations may be sent to appreciation call where a citizen need assistance. The the Finance Department, Attn: Nikki Crisp. for some of responding officer later called to relay The Finance Department is located in the your employees the message to Dean that the citizen said lower level of the Busch Municipal Building, that came out he did a great job calming her down and 840 Boonville. Make checks payable to: and help us with not only just picking up appreciates everything 9-1-1 does. Great City of Springfield Employee Crisis Fund. the mail but protecting us in traffic. They job Dean! Donations are not tax deductible. actually blocked off some of the road and Payroll Deductions: A voluntary donation kept us safe and issued us vests, and I just To: Elisha Lurvey-Smith, can be set up directly from your paycheck. wanted to make sure they know how much 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Visit the Employee Crisis Fund tab on we appreciated their assistance. I just On July 22, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator CityShare to complete the payroll wanted to tell them thank you so much. Elisha Lurvey-Smith received a call from deduction form. They kept us safe. They helped us get the a citizen stating they were going to hang themselves. Elisa worked hard to get a APPLY mail out of the road, and they were just An eligible employee or his/her designee location while staying on the phone while outstanding, and I wanted to express my must complete an Employee Crisis Fund appreciation. Thank you! responders arrived. Elisha could hear the Program Application and submit it to the – Abby, United States Postal Service officers through the victims phone and Crisis Fund Administrator. assisted the officers in locating the citizen For more information or to obtain an To: Marti Fewell, Planning and they were able to cut the victim down I needed some answers to a title application, email: employeecrisis@ as he made the attempt. SPD later called springfieldmo.gov commitment I had received that had Deeds in to thank Elisha for her AMAZING hard of Trust from 2008 that the seller was work by going above and beyond to find the unaware of. Not only did she have the victims location and help save a life that day. answers but remembered the seller and Absolutely incredible, Elisha! their conversation. She answered all of my calls and questions and even took the time To: Tim Hammer & Josh Roy, to email me the information I needed to Public Works help my seller through his selling process. We are writing to compliment you on two In a time of uncertainty and confusion of your employees, Tim Hammer and Josh it is refreshing to know that their are Roy. These men were recently trimming still people out there working hard and trees on our street in Chesterfield Village. remaining calm and courteous. Goodness, They were extremely helpful, thoughtful I think she is the kindest and most and real professionals! It's great to see knowledgeable person I have worked with our tax dollars spent on employees of this in so very long, and she has very unusual caliber. They truly understand service and circumstances creating obstacles at every community. Our compliments to you and turn. I can't imagine what we would have these men for their cooperation and a job done had it not been for her. well done! Thank you again and keep up the – Mary Sekunda, Realtor good work! – Steven Bishop & Ed Potter

12 SCENE