[SPRINGFIELD CITY EMPLOYEE NEWS EXTRA ]

March 2020 City names Neil Slagle as new Director of Information Systems Neil Slagle was named the City of Springfield’s States Marine, Director of Information Systems (IS), effective having served two Feb. 18. This position is critical in leading the City’s tours supporting technology needs, including those that directly affect air traffic control "All School Exhibition" daily operations, both emergency and routine citizen systems for several March 6–April 26 services. The IS Department serves approximately Marine air control 2,500 employees across 22 departments, located squadrons. Springfield Art Museum Neil Slagle The museum's longest in over 100 buildings throughout the City and Slagle received running exhibition initiative, surrounding areas. The department supports nearly his bachelor of science degree in physics from the "All School Exhibition" 400 software systems. Michigan State University and a master’s in business invites student artists from Slagle comes to Springfield, following a 2017 administration from the University of Michigan. He public, private, parochial and home school cooperatives to retirement from the state of Michigan Department and his wife Linda have two grown sons. He recently exhibit outstanding artwork in of Technology Management & Budget. He has moved from Michigan to Springfield in 2019 to be our largest gallery space. This over 23 years of experience in government, closer to his parents, who live in Mountain Home, exhibit also reflects the work where he managed several different state agency Arkansas. of the incredibly talented information technology programs for the state of teachers in our community, Slagle grew up in a military family, moving many of whom are practicing Michigan, including the Department of Corrections, frequently, but spent the most of his life in Texas. artists themselves. Department of the Attorney General and His biggest impression of Springfield so far has been Opening Receptions: Department of Treasury. one of a busy, thriving place. • Middle/High School: In 2001, he was a member of the team to March 6: 5:30-7 p.m. “One can tell that the City of Springfield is • Elementary School: consolidate all of the information technology from involved in a lot of economic development. That March 8: 2-4 p.m. 19 state agencies into a newly-formed department. requires coordination from different parts of the city As part of the consolidation effort, he received and partnership with our citizens to be successful. two Michigan Governor awards for statewide data I have been in Springfield for almost a year and center consolidation and implementation of a new continue to be surprised by what the city has to enterprise security strategy. He is a former United offer.”

Owl Prowl: Nature Fire Chief recognized with Ambassador award from Center Walk and Hot for Public Safety Excellence Chocolate Bar Springfield Fire Chief David the continuous quality improvement March 20: 7-8 p.m. Pennington has been awarded process of accreditation, credentialing, Lake Springfield Park and the Ambassador of the Year and education. Boathouse Award by the Center for Public “The CPSE Ambassador of the Year Take a short hike around Safety Excellence (CPSE). Award recognizes an individual who Lake Springfield to listen CPSE is an international goes above and beyond in their support for wild owls. Then, visit the Boathouse to make delicious technical organization of accreditation, credentialing, and hot chocolate and meet that works with the most CPSE as a whole. Chief Pennington four species of owls from progressive fire and emergency received his Chief Fire Officer (CFO) the Dickerson Park Zoo. service agencies and most active designation in 2012. He is a strong Registration requested by calling 417-891-1550 or in- fire professionals. Its mission advocate for professional credentialing person. Fee: $5/person, is to lead fire and emergency within his department and neighboring Free/4 yrs. and under services to excellence through Fire Chief David Pennington communities. 4See FIRE CHIEF on page 3

Airport Fire employee MOmentum State of the 2020 Polar Plunge

BeCivilBeHeard.com donates kidney to Workforce Survey results set for March 7 Be Attentive: Live with awareness relative released toward others and your surroundings. 2 5 8 Airport Fire employee donates kidney to relative SPRINGFIELD CITY Mike Hutchison, a 36-year- The surgery took place [ old aircraft service specialist at the University of Kansas EMPLOYEE NEWS EXTRA] for the Springfield-Branson Health System. Hutchison EDITOR National Airport Fire said he didn’t sleep much the Cora Scott Department, had an available night before. He had never MANAGING EDITOR kidney (a person can survive had a surgery before and was Melissa Haase with one functioning kidney). nervous. DESIGNER A relative needed one last “We went in very early, Rebecca Pfitzner year, and he was a match. For and it was over with quickly,” Hutchison, it was as simple he said. “It was done PHOTOGRAPHER as that. laparoscopically, and I had Christopher Akins “It was the right thing to three incisions in my abdomen COPY EDITORS do,” Hutchison said. and one in my belly button, Sharon Spain His aunt by marriage, where they pulled out the Sharon Smith Rita Hickman, who is the kidney. I had pain afterward, Kamille Barker Julie Greer mother of former Law especially when getting in department paralegal Joanna and out of bed, but it was controlled with medicine. I The SCENE is published monthly by the Hickman and wife of John City of Springfield, Hickman who worked in Airport Fire for did end up getting an infection, which was 840 Boonville, P.O. Box 8368, many years, was on the transplant list to painful for a couple of weeks, but it healed.” Springfield, MO 65801 Comments and articles which appear in receive a kidney. Hers were failing due to Hutchison has no regrets about donating The SCENE do not necessarily reflect the uncontrolled high blood pressure and she a kidney and was happy to see that it gave views or opinions of City administration was on dialysis. his aunt and uncle their lives back. or any employee thereof, but are for information only. Permission to reprint The process to donate the kidney was “When she was on dialysis, they material may be obtained from the a roller-coaster ride, Hutchison said. In couldn’t travel, and she couldn’t play with Department of Public Information, January 2019, he underwent testing to see her grandkids,” Hutchison said. “I’d do it (417) 864-1010. if he was a blood-type and antibody match again if someone needed an organ to live to donate to Hickman. He was denied at and I didn’t need it. The hardest part of first because his body-mass index was too the whole thing for me was asking my high. He had to lose 30 pounds, which he supervisor for six weeks off work to have said he “needed to lose anyway.” By August, the surgery and recover, but he was OK he had lost the weight and was approved as with it,” he added. MISSION a donor. The long-term health implications for We are committed to The family was excited and emotional. Hutchison having only one kidney are working with the community to Hickman was grateful that she would minimal, he added. The only restriction he provide ethical and responsible local government so that everyone receive a kidney from a relative and not has is that he can’t take a lot of NSAID can enjoy the benefits of living from a non-living organ donor that she pain relievers because they are taxing on and working in Springfield. didn’t know. the kidneys. Additional City info is available on our Web site at Department of Labor satisfied with City’s action www.springfieldmo.gov. Videos may be viewed on CityView to address grant fund eligibility on the Web or on Mediacom channels 15.1 and 80 and AT&T The City of Springfield’s Workforce U-verse channel 99. Development Department has received word that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is satisfied with the corrective action SCENE Deadline clarifying eligibility processes regarding March 26, 2020 the use of grant funds for a workforce Please direct your submissions development initiative called “America’s eligibility criteria established.” to the Department of Public Promise.” In a Feb. 11 letter from the Following an internal audit by BKD and Information. Submissions and Employment and Training Administration a second independent audit by RSM, the ads via e-mail are preferred: Division, officials notify acceptance of the City flagged 59 of the 376 participants in [email protected] “City of Springfield’s evidence that it has the program as ineligible. taken the necessary corrective actions to • 53 participants did not reside in the ensure that moving forward, all participants approved geographic area; printed on recycled paper enrolled in the • Four participants were enrolled in a program meet the 2 SCENE 4See AMERICA'S PROMISE GRANT on page 3 4FIRE CHIEF from page 1 4AMERICA'S PROMISE GRANT from page 2 Under Chief Pennington’s local educational agency; mentoring and leadership, 25 • One participant did not have required officers of the Springfield Fire documentation to show residency in Department have successfully gone the approved service area. (Several through the designation process attempts to contact the individual making his department have more were made; however, the participant designated officers than any other. was unable to be reached to obtain In addition, Chief Pennington additional documentation); has served as a peer reviewer for • One participant did not have the Commission on Professional supporting documentation to Credentialing since 2014. A Pennington sworn in as Springfield show eligibility for unemployed, proponent of accreditation, Chief Fire Chief in May 2017. underemployed, or an incumbent Pennington successfully took his worker. Missouri-Columbia. department through accreditation The total amount of grant funds He is a member of the International for the third time,” according to CPSE. expended on the 59 individuals is Association of Fire Chiefs, IAFC-FSEDI, Pennington was appointed Fire Chief $245,511.88 - an amount DOL is willing to Missouri Valley Fire Chiefs Association, in May 2017. He began his fire service approve the City using grant funds to cover, Queen City Fire Chiefs Association, and career as a volunteer firefighter with the given that moving forward, the City will Region-D Regional Homeland Security Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District ensure that all participants enrolled in the Oversight Committee. in 1994, and became a part of the City program meet the eligibility criteria. Pennington serves on the boards of of Springfield Fire Department in 1998. “We are so grateful to the Department directors for Community Partnership of the He was promoted to the ranks of Rescue of Labor for their assistance in this Ozarks and the United Way of the Ozarks Specialist, Truck Company Captain, Fire matter. Our partnership is strong, and where he also serves as a panel co-chair Captain, and Battalion Chief. As Battalion we appreciate the collaboration. We also for the community investment process. He Chief, he served in the Operations Division appreciate the continued support of OTC is active in the region as a member of the and as the Chief of Special Operations, then in this and other workforce development Regional Homeland Security Oversight as the Acting Assistant Fire Chief of the initiatives,” said Sally Payne, Interim Committee, and at the state level as the Training Division. He became the Assistant Director of Workforce Development. Fire Chief of Operations in 2010. Missouri Association of Fire Chiefs fire service representative to the advisory board Audits were requested by City Pennington was selected as the 2015 management after Workforce Development Springfield Fire Department Fire Officer for the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC). and Finance department employees became of the Year. He is a member of the Class concerned that enrollment processes may “It is a tremendous honor to represent of 2018 IAFC Fire Service Executive not have correctly assessed the eligibility of the City of Springfield and the Fire Development Institute. He served as a America’s Promise grant recipients. Department with this recognition. I am member of the faculty in the Department The $3 million grant was awarded to of Communication at Missouri State very proud of our chief officers, fire officers and fire marshals who have and are working the City in December 2016. The grants University from 2005 until 2019. are designed to accelerate the development Pennington has a bachelor of science toward their professional designation. The Springfield Fire Department has more and expansion of regional workforce degree in organizational communication partnerships committed to providing and a master’s in administrative studies, professional designations than any other organization in the global CPSE network, a pipeline of skilled workers in specific both from Missouri State University. He sectors. Locally, participants choose one of earned a graduate certificate in public an accomplishment I am intensely proud of,” Pennington said. six allied health care tracks to study tuition- management from the University of free at Ozarks Technical Community College: • certified nurse assistant • pharmacy technician • certified medical assistant • phlebotomist • LPN to RN bridge, and • emergency medical technician. Fifty-four of the 59 participants have exited from the program and are no longer receiving grant funded services; and Ozark Technical Community College has agreed to pay the remaining training costs for the remaining five participants and provide case management and retention services using funding sources other than the America’s Promise grant. SCENE 3 Nominations for 2020 Fire Academy Class 819 graduates Jan. 30 Harold K. Bengsch Award open through March 13 The Springfield- Greene County Health Department encourages the nomination of individuals from across all fields of public health and a range of career paths. Those nominated could be honored for significant contributions such as service in local leadership, public health advocacy, business efforts, newcomers to public health practice or career achievement. Nominating individuals from traditional or non- traditional public health organizations is welcomed. MOmentum State of the Workforce The following criteria have been established for this recognition. The award Survey results released recipient will: The City’s Department of Workforce • Hiring plans over the next 12 months • Demonstrate commitment to the values Development has announced the results of for full-time employees shows an upward of public health (e.g., community-based the sixth annual MOmentum State of the trend over the last six years with nearly approaches to health and prevention, Workforce Survey. Results were highlighted half of the companies surveyed saying they equity for all people, collaborative at a Feb. 19 luncheon attended by nearly plan to increase hiring within the upcoming spirit, ethical decision-making, etc.); 350 business, education and community year. This is up from 40% in 2019. • Have significantly contributed to leaders. • Workplace issues that are a cause of improving and protecting the health of Besides revealing the results of the concern to employers include employee citizens of Greene County; survey, Commissioner Zora Mulligan, retention which increased 4% over last year • Have contributed to a broader with the Department of Higher Education from 42 to 46%. Cost of health insurance understanding of public health; and Workforce Development, delivered a was another big concern for employers • Have a primary place of employment keynote address that highlighted Missouri’s jumping from 36 to 43%. Transportation within Greene County, but outside the progress in achieving a highly-trained concerns rose from 13 to 17% and childcare current employment of the Springfield- workforce to bolster economic growth concerns steadily increased as well. One Greene County Health Department. throughout the state and in the Ozark new point of interest — nearly one third of Nominations will be collected through Region. companies said a lack of diverse candidates March 13. Those wishing to nominate Some key take-aways from the is a concern. leaders in public health should visit health. MOmentum Survey are highlighted below. “We were pleased with the survey results springfieldmo.gov/BengschAward for the • When asked the likelihood of expanding and look forward to collaborating with online nomination form. The recipient will operation within the Ozark Region within community partners to enhance workforce be honored at an award reception during the next 24 months, 27% were “very development initiatives in the coming National Public Health Week in April, with likely” and 35% were “somewhat likely” to months,” said Sally Payne, interim director more details to follow. expand. In addition, when asked how likely of Workforce Development for the City of The behind-the-scenes nature of public companies were to expand outside the Springfield. health, often referenced as an invisible region, 69% said they were “very unlikely” To access the full survey results and an blanket of protection, is a result of a system to expand elsewhere. executive summary, visit springfieldmo. that is working well. However, those who gov/momentum. are leaders in prevention do not often get well-deserved credit for their actions. The Harold K. Bengsch Award is designed to recognize such efforts. Bengsch worked for the Springfield- Greene County Health Department for 45 years, serving as director for 20 years, before retiring in 2004. Commissioner Zora Mulligan of the Missouri Dept. of Higher Education & Workforce 4 SCENE Development was the keynote speaker. Mayor McClure encourages citizens CAmP Day with the to participate in U.S. census in March Health Department The 2020 U.S. census officially began Jan. 21 in the Alaska Native village of Toksook Bay, Alaska, on the Bering Sea. March 12-20, the U.S. Census Bureau will mail every household in Missouri an invitation to respond to the census online, by phone or by mail. Households without internet access will receive a paper questionnaire. Mayor Ken McClure encourages Springfield citizens to participate in the census to ensure the Springfield community is accurately represented on the federal level. nonpartisan government CAmPer Chris Jackson learning “The census gives us a real opportunity agency. The census how to count pollen. to make sure that each one of our citizens counts the population in all 50 states, is counted,” Mayor McClure said. “Federal the District of Columbia, and five U.S. By Kamille Barker agencies rely on census data to determine territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, February's CAmP Day was all about funding allocations for our public safety the Commonwealth of the Northern the Springfield-Greene County Health agencies, hospitals, schools and public Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Department. CAmPers started the day infrastructure projects. The results of the Islands). learning about communicable diseases, census also determine the number of seats Responses to the census are safe, secure, milk testing, water testing, STD testing, each state will have in the U.S. House of and protected by federal law. Responses and how the department counts the pollen Representatives, and they are used to draw should be based on household information each day. Next they learned about different congressional and state legislative districts.” as of April 1. Your answers can only be programming the Health Department For every adult and every child that is not used to produce statistics. They cannot be offers, such as WIC, the NEST Partnership counted, Missouri loses an estimated $1,300 used against you in any way. and community wellness. They also learned in federal dollars. As a result of the 2010 By law, all responses to the U.S. Census about community health advocates and how census, Missouri lost a congressional seat Bureau household and business surveys are they work directly with clients to help them and millions of dollars in federal funding. kept completely confidential. Households learn about local resources to improving ABOUT THE CENSUS that don’t respond to the census will health. The U.S. census is conducted every 10 continue to receive reminders, including After lunch, CAmPers toured Jordan years and is mandated by the Constitution U.S. census workers visiting your home. Valley Community Health Center to see and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a The final census counts are due to the first-hand the services and programs president Dec. 1. they offer to everyone in our community, including health, dental and vision services. SPD's Regina Next, CAmPers visited the Animal Shelter and learned how the Animal Control Maldonado retires division operates its facility and collaborates after 35 years with local animal shelters, as well as the On Feb. 20, Traffic Service Officer Regina process used for pit bull registrations, stray Maldonado retired after 35 years with SPD. animals and missing pets. We are proud and grateful for her time and The day ended with CAmPers becoming dedication to the department. Her kind “food inspectors” at a fictional restaurant, spirit will be missed! where actual food inspectors took part Regina, from all of us at SPD, good luck in obvious and less-obvious violations to and enjoy retirement! the health code to see if CAmP inspectors would notice. Inspectors then taught Springfield Police Officers Association takes three CAmPers what they look for during an inspection and how they work as a team first-place finishes at Sertoma Chili Cook Off with the restaurant to ensure the health of Congratulations to the Springfield Police Fire Department patrons. Officers Association (SPOA) for taking who took third Thank you to all the Health Department three first-place finishes at this year's place in Group employees who made the day so informative Sertoma Chili Cook Off on Feb. 22. SPOA Fundraising. and fun. took first place in People's Choice, Group This year's grand Fundraising, and Group Chili Division. champion was Also congratulations to the Springfield SMC Packaging. SCENE 5 World-champion Springfield Lasers 2020 tennis season opens July 12 The two-time world-champion • July 18, Washington at Springfield Williams, Pete Sampras, Stefanie Graf, Springfield Lasers Pro Tennis Team has • July 20, Springfield at Las Vegas Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Bob and Mike released its 2020 season schedule, which • July 21, Springfield at Orange County Bryan, Sloane Stephens, Martina Hingis, includes a busy first week at home. • July 22, Springfield at San Diego Maria Sharapova, Lindsay Davenport, The defending champions of the World • July 23 Springfield at San Diego John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Martina TeamTennis league begin the season in • July 25, New York at Springfield Navratilova, Chris Evert and Naomi Osaka. Springfield Sunday, July 12, at Cooper • July 26, Orlando at Springfield Owned by innovator Fred Luddy and Tennis Complex, and go on to play a total • July 28, Springfield at Washington entrepreneur Eric Davidson, CBS Sports is of five home matches that week. Two more • July 29, Springfield at Philadelphia the official television broadcast partner of home matches follow the next weekend. • Aug. 1 WTT Playoffs in Las Vegas WTT. WTT is one of five active U.S. pro World TeamTennis released the league’s • Aug. 2 WTT Finals in Las Vegas sports leagues which has been in operation complete schedule Feb. 10, as well as All home matches begin at 6:30 p.m. at for more than 40 years, along with the unveiled a new team, the Chicago Smash. Cooper Tennis Complex, 2331 E. Pythian NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB. Learn more at Chicago has had two previous teams in St., Springfield. VIP Season Tickets may be WTT.com. the league: the Chicago Aces, which played reserved now at Cooper Tennis Complex, ABOUT THE LASERS in 1974 and 1982, and the Chicago Fyre, 417-837-5800. Individual tickets go on sale The Springfield Lasers were established which played 1983-1986. Chicago is now this spring at SpringfieldLasers.com. in 1996 by the late Harry Cooper, who the Lasers’ closest rival and the only other Springfield won its first King Trophy in gifted the team to the Springfield-Greene team in the Midwest. A total of nine teams 2018, after 23 years in the league and four County Park Board. The Lasers are now now play in the league. previous trips to the championship final. one of the oldest teams in WTT, managed “We look forward to defending our title The Lasers won their second World by the Springfield-Greene County Park in the 2020 season,” said Paul Nahon, TeamTennis Championship Aug. 3, 2019, Board and playing home matches at Cooper Springfield Lasers General Manager. “It’s seven weeks after the St. Louis Blues won Tennis Complex. The Lasers won their exciting that the league continues to grow, the Stanley Cup, and six months before the first WTT Championship in 2018 and their and it’s great to see World TeamTennis Kansas City Chiefs won the Superbowl, second in 2019, after making it to the WTT returning to Chicago.” bringing three professional sports finals in 2014, 2013, 2009, 2001 and 1999. Nahon said he is in the process of championship trophies home to Missouri For more information on Springfield recruiting the team roster, including some within a single year. Lasers, visit SpringfieldLasers.com, or look returning stars from 2019. New this year, ABOUT WORLD TEAMTENNIS for Springfield Lasers on Facebook or World TeamTennis launched free agency World TeamTennis @SGFLasers on Twitter and Instagram. player recruitment, giving teams more showcases the best in flexibility to sign players, instead of the professional tennis with one-day player draft used in previous years. eight teams in major Recruiting is also challenging for all teams, markets competing in the due to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games innovative team format overlapping the World TeamTennis season. for the King Trophy, the The three-week World TeamTennis League’s championship season includes seven home and seven away trophy named after tennis matches for the Lasers, including (home icon and founder Billie matches in bold): Jean King. Since the • July 12, Las Vegas at Springfield League’s debut, virtually • July 13, Chicago at Springfield every major champion of • July 14, Springfield at Chicago the Open era has played • July 16, San Diego at Springfield WTT, including Andre • July 17, Orange County at Springfield Agassi, Venus and Serena Airport gets federal grant for pavement repairs The Springfield Airport will receive a “We appreciate the strong support $3.7 million discretionary grant from the and leadership from our congressional Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to delegation in securing these funds,” says coming from airport and other FAA help reconstruct a taxiway and make repairs Brian Weiler, director of the Springfield funding received annually. Construction will to a runway. airport. “The pavement on the taxiway begin later this year and will have little or being reconstructed has worn out and there Taxiways are paths for airplanes at an no impact on flights. airport. They connect runways to terminals are cracks in isolated portions of Runway “Safety is first and foremost as our airport and other airport facilities. A runway is the 2-20 that need to be replaced. This grant is continues to experience strong passenger paved surface that airplanes use to takeoff a major step toward making that happen.” growth. This work will ensure our airfield and land. The cost of the entire project will be pavements are properly maintained and approximately $7 million. This grant will allow for continued safe aircraft operations,” pay for more than half with the remainder 6 SCENE says Weiler. educational frame show. This exhibition EVENTS was guest curated by Exhibitions Manager Cindy Qualye. Tai Chi With Dee Ogilvy: Fridays, March 6, 13, 20, 27: 9-10 a.m. Great for adults of any age and physical Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Dr., fitness level. Requires no special equipment. Floating Easter Egg Hunt: March 28: sgfmuseum.org. Relaxed, composed flowing movements that • 6 mo.-4 yrs.: noon-1 p.m. combine strength with gentleness. Beginners • 5-8 yrs.: 1-2 p.m. Slow Viewing Night – Anne Lindberg: are welcome! Free and open to the public at • 9-12 yrs.: 2-3 p.m. "tilted sky": March 5: 6-7 p.m. the Springfield Art Museum. A hoppin’ good time with a floating twist. Each month we will gather in front of an We fill the pool with floating eggs for kids art piece for an hour and build a collective 1 Million Cups Springfield: Wednesdays, to splash, swim, and plunge their way to understanding of the work through March 4, 11, 18, 25: 8:30-10 a.m. gathering them up. Bring a waterproof sharing our observations, questions, and The third largest 1 Million Cups basket to collect eggs. Every participant suggestions. In March, we will focus on the Community out of nearly 100 national receives a prize! Children 8 and under must "tilted sky" installation by Anne Lindberg. and international communities. The be accompanied by an adult in the water. Meet in the museum lobby at 5:50 p.m. program was created based on the notion Located at Chesterfield Family Center. Seating will be provided. that entrepreneurs discover solutions and network over a cup of coffee. Each Fee: $8/participant, includes an accompanying community uses the same format; two adult; $2/spectator, with pre-registered presenters, one hour, lots of free coffee, and participating youth. asking the generous question of “What Cherry Blossom can we as a community do to help your Kite and Piñata business?” Festival: April 4: "All School Exhibition:" March 6- 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 26. The museum's longest running Celebrate spring exhibition initiative, the "All School with the Springfield Exhibition" invites student artists from Sister Cities public, private, parochial and home school Association at the cooperatives to exhibit outstanding artwork Springfield Botanical in our largest gallery space. This exhibit Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Gardens. Bring also reflects the work of the incredibly ParkBoard.org a kite to fly or build one with us on the talented teachers in our community, many Great Lawn. Whack a piñata nearby. Enjoy of whom are practicing artists themselves. USA Olympic Softball Team Tour Stop: Japanese and Mexican children's crafts at • Middle/High School Opening June 3: 5:30 p.m. Tickets the Botanical Center, and free admission to Reception: March 6: 5:30-7 p.m. go on sale March 3. the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden as it • Elementary School Opening The 2020 USA Softball reopens for the season. Free admission, $5/ Reception: March 8: 2-4 p.m. Women's National Team will play an kite kit. Anders Zorn: Etchings exhibition doubleheader National Zoo Lovers Day & Enrichment Closes March 8 at Killian Softball Stadium EGGstravaganza: April 4: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At the end of the 19th Wed., June 3, 5:30 p.m., as the "Stand Celebrate zoos, and watch the zoo’s animals century, Anders Leonard Beside Her" tour rolls through the U.S. in “hunt” when zookeepers hide papier-mâché Zorn (1860-1920) was preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic eggs filled with treats or use other egg- one of the most well- Games. Tickets: $25/Premium chairback, themed enrichment items at Dickerson Park known portraitists in $15/Infield bleacher, $12/Outfield bleacher, Zoo. Fee: $15/adults and teens, $10/children France, England and the $10/Outfield bleacher for groups of10+. 3-12 yrs. and $12/60 yrs. and up, Free/ United States. His talent, ParkBoard.org/Softball children 2 and under, and FOZ members. and knack for meeting the right people, led him to paint portraits of international Try Archery Program: March 15 and Easter at the celebrities including three U.S. Presidents, April 22: 6-7 p.m. Allows beginners an Farm: April 4: Swedish royalty, American railroad tycoons opportunity to shoot a limited number 10 a.m. -2 p.m. and renowned artists. Free and open to the of arrows under the supervision of an A day of family- public. instructor. Equipment is provided. Located oriented activities at the Springfield Archery Complex at the celebrating spring, Framed: The Art of the Picture Frame: Davis Property. For ages 6 yrs. and up. including arts and March 21-June 21 Fee: $5/one-hour class. ParkBoard.org/Archery. crafts, inflatables, This special exhibition yard games and the Easter Bunny at features over 40 Orchid Show and Sale: March 21-22: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. We’ll have works from Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; more than 20,000 eggs filled with candy the museum's Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and prizes, with individual Easter Egg permanent collection, The Springfield Orchid Hunts throughout the day. Kids are limited demonstrating art Society presents a to 15 eggs each, while supplies last. Bring framing styles and trends as varied as the dazzling juried display your basket and your camera for pictures paintings they surround and illustrating the of beautiful, rare and with the Easter Bunny. No Easter grass important role of art framing in conserving exotic orchids, some of which are available please. Ages: 3-9 yrs. Free (some activities have and preserving artwork. This exhibition for purchase. Located at the Springfield- a small fee). is divided into three areas: history of Greene County Botanical Center. art framing, aesthetics, and a hands-on Free admission, prices vary per plant. SCENE 7 City to demolish 2020 Polar Plunge set for March 7 vacant buildings along Join us March 7 at Ski Shack, 5539 S. Boonville to make way Campbell for the 2020 Polar Plunge! This "unbearable" event is a unique opportunity for parking to show your bravery as you support local Special Olympics athletes by plunging into the frigid winter waters. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Missouri. SOMO exists to provide year-round sports and training opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and our athletes need you to get involved. Become a coach, volunteer, recruit a future athlete and learn how you can make a difference! Participants must be at least 10 years The City of Springfield began old and raise a minimum of $75 by event construction to demolish three vacant day. WHAT ABOUT MY CHILD WHO buildings along Boonville – 827, 833 and IS UNDER 10? Good news! We will host 843-845 N. Boonville. The buildings have a Pee Wee Plunge at noon before the main been acquired by the City over the past few plunge. Participants must raise a minimum years because they are in disrepair and are of $25.Visit https://somo.org/plunge to considered to be dangerous buildings. A register. paved municipal parking lot, constructed by The Polar Plunge is a project of the Public Works Street Division will replace Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special the buildings. The lot will include 100 Olympics Missouri. The Springfield Police spaces, accessible parking for handicapped Department and Missouri State Highway visitors to Government Plaza and lighting. Patrol Troop D and Springfield PD are The Notice to Proceed Demolition proud to host this event. Questions? was issued Feb. 18 and the project will Contact Officer Mark Priebe at 417-864- take approximately 45 days, according to 1140 or [email protected]. Jennifer Swan, a registered architect with the Department of Public Works’ Facility Design and Construction division. Swan IS implementing email security banner anticipates the demolition will be complete To help combat against malicious For example, in May. The demolition will be performed emails and phishing attempts, Information the email below by Earth Savers Solutions LLC at a cost of Systems has enabled an email security is a phishing $43,875. banner. The banner has been added to the attempt. The The City Utilities bus stop shelter located top of all emails that are received from email looks like just north of the buildings will be removed external senders. The banner looks like the it is coming from temporarily during the project to ensure following: springfieldmo. public safety and will be reinstalled once **CAUTION** This email originated gov (internally) the parking project is complete, Swan from outside the organization. Do not to gain your said. The parking lot project is still in the open attachments or click links from trust. You can see the security banner was design phase and the Public Works Streets sources you do not know and trust. applied to let you know it was NOT sent Division will construct the project. ------from the internal IS department. The City is also preparing to renovate the exterior envelope of former Springfield Mill and Lumber building just northwest of the three soon-to-be-demolished buildings at 216 W. Central. This project is estimated to be complete in July at a cost of $711,426.50. Reasbeck Construction will perform the work, which will provide additional office space for the Springfield Police Department. Due to the contractor’s staging needs, a portion of the newly improved parking lot may remain closed until the renovation is complete in July.

8 SCENE Do You Know...? A Q&A of City of Springfield employees. To suggest a colleague for “Do You Know...?” e-mail [email protected]. Ashley Krug Market Development Coordinator, Environmental Services Ashley has worked for the City for 6 years.

Thanks for the great Spirit Day selfies!

Kilina Goldenberg from Finance was February’s winner! She won an Andy’s gift card and an extra City Spirit T-shirt. Don’t forget to snap a pic wearing What are three words to describe the City of your City Spirit shirts Fridays, March 6 & April 3 Springfield? Innovative, passionate and fun! and send it to [email protected]! What's something you've learned since working for the City? Our staff make up some of the most thoughtful and caring people that I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. Our employees are constantly striving to be innovative and make our Follow the GOLDEN GOOSE community better, there is no settling for mediocre here! To: Joshua Best, Art Museum In the years that I have been here, it has only been in the Why do you do what you do? I’m a firm believer recent past that there has been the amount of excitement in the idea that sustainable communities ensure an that your extravaganzas have produced. With the improved quality of life for our residents of today introduction of “Art in Bloom” and the continuation and tomorrow. I’m a little like a cheerleader for of “99x” and their themes therein, you have helped in a sustainability within the City, and work to make very big way to restore very special pieces of art in our our community aware of the ways that we can collection to their original brilliance. You have brought positively impact the environment through our “glam” back to these special nights in the art museum, everyday actions. Our combined efforts really DO and I am sure that Rose O’Neill and Fanny thank you make a big impact! as much as I do. So, without further ado, it is my extreme What’s the hardest part of your job? Being only pleasure to award Joshua Best the Golden Goose. one person! There are so many opportunities to Thank you for all you do for the Springfield Art Museum. collaborate with departments inside the city and – Michele Huntley, Art Museum community organizations, but there is only so much time. Prioritizing my time and learning to To: Leslie Forrester, Parks say no occasionally. I’m still not great at that one. Leslie’s tireless efforts on behalf of arts and culture What’s the best part of your job? The team of advocacy make our community a better place to live and people I’m blessed to work with. I’m not trying work. Leslie’s work in understanding and effectively to brag or anything, but Environmental Services communicating the economic impact of the arts has really is the BEST department at the City. helped keep arts and culture, placemaking, and quality of life at the forefront of comprehensive planning If you could switch your job with anyone else initiatives like Forward SGF. She is a respected arts within the City, whose job would you want? leader throughout the state who never loses sight of the I really do believe that I have the best job in the fact that she is also part of a larger team. I’m pleased to City… but I definitely think that our zoo staff are award the Golden Goose to Leslie Forrester. pretty lucky too. I love animals and will never turn – Joshua Best, Art Museum down an opportunity to feed a giraffe. SCENE 9

Ty Original Beanie Babies for Sale: “Barley” SERVICES (brown horse w/beige mane) w/flat tag $3; “Love to Mom” (Happy Mother’s Day, Lavender) Farmhouse Picture Frames made of real wood. w/”Play Online!” flat tag $3; “4-H” (Orange w/ You choose your color! City Employee pricing: FOR SALE green 4-H emblem) w/flat tag $3; “Peace Bear” 8x10 ($25), 11x14 ($30), and 5x7 that holds up (Blue w/color peace sign on chest) w/flat tag To submit ads, call 417-864-1003 or email to 8 photos ($35). Have a size not listed? Let’s $3; “Inch” (Rainbow colored “worm”) w/flat tag [email protected]. talk! For more info or pictures, call or text Chris & tag protective cover $3; “Valentina” (“Red” w/ at 417-894-2067. white heart on chest) w/flat tag $3; “The End” Black (w/”The End” written on chest) w/flat tag Steve’s Scuba: City of Springfield employees $15. Contact Marcia at 417-379-8459. and friends receive $100 off Open Water Certification Class (regular price $450 per Precious Moments Wedding Ensemble: $85.00 person, special price is $350 per person). Save (Retail Value $170). Till The End of Time 10% on continuing educational classes; try Bride & Groom Figurine (Bride has fabric veil). scuba for $25. For more information, call 417- Unity Candle Set, Dated 2000. Unity Candle 882-7327 or email [email protected]. (Handmade in Colorado, used once). Set of Bride & Groom Champagne Glasses. Glass Cake Knife JR’S Handyman Service, 417-343-7772, & Cake Server w/blue ribbons. Contact Marcia Licensed & Insured. Services Offered: Tub at 417-379-8459. Refinishing, Home Remodeling, Home Repairs. Antique Dazey Butter Churn No.40 for sale. Also see us on Facebook@JR’s Handyman/ Surround yourself with greatness! Celebrate Glass churn with wood paddles. Embossed Renewsurfacing. the Chiefs’ Super Bowl championship win with glass: Patented Feb. 14, 1922. St. Louis, Made in Interested in Mary Kay products or hosting a mini-poster prints of Mahomes and Kelce USA. Dazey embossed flower on bottom of jar. party? Contact Maria Sanchez at 417-848-5357 caricature drawings. All semi-gloss prints are Excellent condition. Asking $175.00. Contact or e-mail at [email protected]. Also, presented in a resealable bag with board backing Marcia at 417-379-8459. ask how to receive a free facial. and signed by the artist. Prices: 8x10, $25; 11x17, $35. Contact Mark by email at mark@ markAmontgomery.com View other illustrated WELCOME TO THE CITY portraits at markAmontgomery.com

For Sale: 2010 GMC Terrain, 132,000 miles. All maintenance has been kept up to date. No smoking or pets. After market remote start added in 2017. $7000. Email Tasia at [email protected] for more information and pictures. Dyson DC33 Multi-floor upright bagless vacuum cleaner. Great condition. $125.00 Contact: Linda #300-9917. Samsung K950/ZA 500 Watt Sound Bar System with Dolby Atmos. Includes wireless subwoofer & 2 surround speakers. Like new with original box and packing. $800. Contact Marcia at 417-379-8459. For Sale: Used Knilling Bucharest violin. In great shape. Would be perfect for the student learning to play. Comes with a hard shell case, bow and rosin. $375 firm. Contact Cara B. at 864-1902. Two Media Storage Cabinets for cds/dvds/ videos. Wood composite with maple finish. 2 fixed and 5 adjustable shelves. 60 1/2’” H x 11 1/4” W x 6” D $10 each.1 Bookcase. Wood composite with cherry finish. 2 fixed shelves and 3 adjustable shelves. 71 1/2” H x 29”W x 11 3/4” D $15. Contact Marcia at 417-379-8459. Black and Decker tool set, 18v battery powered, drill, reciprocating saw, 10” weedeater, hard Back Row, L-R: Kyle O'Dell, Municipal Court; Neil Slagle, IS. surface blower, batteries and charger, $60. A few Second Row: Joshua Wells, Parks; Shauna Motti, Health. 1# bags of shelled Georgia pecan pieces, $10/ Third Row: Austen Smith, ES; Ethan Nance, PW; Les Fielden, ES. bag. 417-864-1371, ask for Phil. Fifth Row: Benjamin Tegeler, Planning; Les Daniels, PW; Brandee Turney, Health. Front Row: Morgan Blankenship, Finance; Kimberleigh Jennings, Finance/WFD; 10 SCENE Carol Severson, Airport. FREE HEALTH ASSESSMENTS MILESTONES for City of Springfield employees, provided by Mercy Promotions A health assessment includes a biometric screening and a health risk questionnaire. Assessments Mariah Inman are FREE for all regular and contract full-time employees; including spouses on the health plan. Community Health Nurse March 27 - May 29, 2020 – Health 1. Receive a $20 gift card (10 options available) Zachary Wilson 2. Be entered to win 4 hours paid time off Chemist 3. Gain eligibility for discounts through the Springfield-Greene County Park Board – Environmental Services Registration details & full c alendar found at springfieldmo.gov/inBalance or Share Point > inBalance Phillip Barber Senior Claims Specialist Mental Health First Aid will teach you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of – Risk Management mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This 8-hour training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental Jeffrey Butler health or substance use problem and help connect Michael Kuss them to the appropriate care. Kody Rein Date: April 8, 2020 Fire Lieutenants Location: Police/Fire Training Center (2620 Battlefield) – Fire Time: 8 am - 5 pm Rachel Heithaus Lunch and snacks will be provided! Laboratory Analyst – Environmental Services Parenting Series Cooking Meal Prep Cooking Class Jordan Tate Demonstration Date: April 1, 2020 Fire Equipment Operator Theme: Cooking for the Pickiest Time: 5:30 - 7 pm – Fire Eaters Location: Hy-Vee Kitchen Brenda Miller Date: March 4, 2020 Menu is TBD Paralegal Time: 12 - 1 pm Seating is limited to 10 participants Location: Jordan Valley WIC Registration required – Law Classroom (440 E Tampa) (Share Point>Training) Kristi Bolli Parks Caretaker Join us on Facebook! inBalance - City of Springfield Employee Wellness – Parks Retirements Jason Bisby Police Sergeant – Police, 24 years Florene Williams Employees helping employees. Payroll Deductions: A voluntary donation can be City employees are often the first to step set up directly from your paycheck. Workforce Development forward to help their fellow co-workers in times Visit the Employee Crisis Fund tab on CityShare Specialist – Workforce of crisis. The Employee Crisis Fund provides to complete the payroll deduction form. an avenue for employees to give to other Development, 22 years employees in need, and for those in need to seek assistance. APPLY An eligible employee or his/her designee must complete an Employee Crisis Fund Program HOW TO GIVE Application and submit it to the Crisis Fund Donate Directly: Donations may be sent to the Administrator. Finance Department, Attn: Nikki Crisp. The Finance Department is located in the lower For more information or to obtain an level of the Busch Municipal Building, application, email: 840 Boonville. Make checks payable to: City of [email protected] Springfield Employee Crisis Fund. Donations are not tax deductible. SCENE 11 Working with the Community ( Awards & Recognition

To: Officer Gower Anderson To: Jesse Richerson, 9-1-1 I wanted to make you aware that a case Telecommunicator investigated by Officer Gower Anderson On Feb. 14, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator went to jury trial against Jordan Bush. Jesse Richerson was assisting SPD with a We received guilty verdicts for 1 count of warrant arrest. As Jesse was listening to second-degree domestic assault, 8 counts the officers, he realized something sounded of third-degree domestic assault, 3 counts wrong and quickly sent backup to the of fourth-degree domestic assault, 1 count officer. SPD Sergeant Simmons later called of second-degree burglary, 1 count of to thank Jesse for his quick thinking on the attempted victim tampering, 1 count of potentially bad situation. Sergeant Simmons first-degree property damage, and 1 count said, “that was a good catch!” Way to go, of first-degree harassment. That’s 16 Jesse! counts against the same person, and the jury returned guilty verdicts as charged by To: DeAnn Reynolds, SPD the State. I picked up a large number of analog This was a complex case involving radios from DeAnn Reynolds at HQ. three separate incidents and a lot of This is the first step in a long process of circumstantial evidence that was pieced getting MSU ROTC cadets a dedicated together by Officer Anderson. He played an communications system for use in field essential role in getting these convictions. training, during maneuver operations, and He did excellent work on the initial above all-for mission safety. We cannot investigation and put in a lot of time thank you and the SPD enough for the studying and preparing to testify. He also donation of surplus radios, chargers, provided crucial testimony on the dynamics and batteries! We are well on our way to of domestic violence and choking that was training in a realistic manner for the big vital to the State’s case. I’m proud to say three: shoot, move and communicate! that justice was served in this case, and DeAnn was awesome to work with and none of it would have been possible without made the donation/turn-over quick and to Officer Anderson’s hard work. the point. She was awarded a Commander's – Amanda Johnson, Assistant Prosecuting Coin of Excellence for her dedication to Attorney, Greene County mission completion. Every trip back to the SPD has always been positive for me. You To: Dusten Whisnant, 9-1-1 have an awesome organization, sworn and Telecommunicator non-sworn - keep up the great work! On Jan. 22, there were multiple traffic – Kevin Holle, Contractor MSU ROTC pursuits in Greene County. Greene County Officer Foster later called in to thank 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Dusten Whisnant for all his hard work that evening. Great job Reminder: Dusten! Daylight Saving Time Begins To: James Garrett, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Sunday, March 8 • 2 a.m. On Jan. 23, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator James Garrett took a call involving possible carbon monoxide poisoning. James quickly reacted and called City Utilities to ensure the correct utilities company was contacted. Connect with the City #MyCitySGF Greene County Deputy Shook called in to thank James for his quick thinking. Excellent job James!'

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