Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Tiffany Gray, Mansfield Middle School

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Tiffany Gray of Mansfield Middle School as our October Teacher of the Month.

A Mansfield native, Tiffany has spent all 19 of her years in education as a teacher at her hometown’s middle school. As this different and challenging school year approached, Tiffany worked tirelessly on new and innovative ways to meet the needs of students in the classroom and learning in a virtual setting.

Early on when COVID-19 began to impact her community, Tiffany was there to help package, hand out and deliver meals to her students. As her school district’s meal plan phased out towards the end of the 2019-20 school year, Tiffany continued to deliver food to area families through a community donor program by buying two large coolers to fit in her vehicle that allowed her to continue to package and deliver meals on a weekly basis.

Tiffany’s commitment to the well-being of her students and her impact on their learning environment not just now, but over the past 19 years, is why she’s this month’s Teacher of the Month, presented by Missouri Lottery.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Tiffany and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To learn more about the Teacher of the Month award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, or to nominate a November Teacher of the Month, you can visit springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.

Springfield Cardinals ‘Track-or-Treat’ coming October 30 to Hammons Field 

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — TRACK-OR-TREAT! With so many families having their normal trick-or-treating plans changed this year, Hammons Field is getting a candy-filled makeover on Friday, October 30 with our first-ever Cardinals Halloween event!

Track-or-Treat will be a free, socially distanced night of trick-or-treating that will provide families in the Springfield area with a completely new outdoor Halloween experience on the award-winning field at Hammons Field.

All attendees will end their Track-or-Treat experience by picking out a pumpkin from the Price Cutter Pumpkin Patch! Pumpkins available while supplies last.

To participate, families must sign up for a specific time slot for a pod of people between 4:00 p.m. and 7:50 p.m. and come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes! Please note each pod must include at least one child 12 or under to make sure Track-Or-Treat stays about the kids in our community. A pod may have up to six children, but when signing up only the Pod Leader needs to register.

Springfield Cardinals RED Access Members will be granted an early registration window for their pod from Monday, October 19 to Tuesday, October 20. Pod sign-ups open to all fans at on Wednesday, October 21. Time slots for pods will be organized in 10-minute increments with five reservations per time slot. Each pod reservation is allowed up to six children aged 12 and under.

A sign-up e-mail will be sent to RED Access Members on Monday. A sign-up link will be released to all fans on Wednesday.

All attendees aged five years and older must be masked throughout the event. All attendees will be required to sign a waiver in advance and get their temperature checked upon entry (all kids must have their waivers signed by their parents and/or legal guardians). All Springfield-Greene County Health Department COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed.

Once inside, Track-or-Treaters will walk around the Hammons Field warning track where they’ll get to collect candy from different tents and tables decorated and assembled by Cardinals partners and other Springfield companies. The Cardinals will have Halloween-themed fun and music playing on the video board and will have a photo station set up in center field.

For the safety of our fans, vendors and Cardinals employees, please note that all workers will be masked, have their temperatures checked upon arrival and will wear gloves while distributing individually wrapped candy.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: FosterAdopt Connect/Sammy’s Window

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In the foster parenting community, there’s one struggle experienced more than any other: Support during the difficult times of caring for kids who have experienced abuse and neglect. A foster parent–or any person or parent–would be hard pressed to find a more difficult time to care for children than the COVID-19 pandemic.

All it takes is a visit to the Sammy’s Window corner of fosteradopt.org, the online home of FosterAdopt Connect, to find out how real that struggle is. And according to FosterAdopt and Sammy’s Window, the challenges of a foster parent carry an even greater burden in Missouri, which provides the 49th lowest stipend to foster parents in all of the United States. That lack of support makes it even more difficult for foster parents in the Springfield area and throughout the state and increases barriers for taking in children who need a home.

Click here to view all of our Non-Profit Heroes award winners, presented by American National Insurance.

In 2008, Mark Hay of Sammy’s Window sought to help that problem. Mark founded Sammy’s Window in honor of his father, Sammy, who grew up in foster care in Fair Grove. Mark’s goal with Sammy’s Window? Find out what foster families need, and find a way to get it to them.

Twelve years later, Sammy’s Window is now a part of FosterAdopt Connect–a non-profit whose mission is to provide foster and adoptive children a stable, loving and nurturing family environment.

“Kids who have experienced abuse and neglect are essential and deserve our community’s full support,” FosterAdopt Connect Executive Director-SWMO Allison Gregory said. “COVID-19 was a curveball for all of us, but FosterAdopt Connect’s years of innovative experience in serving foster kids and families prepared us to meet the unique and increased needs of this time. We’re so grateful for the generous SWMO community for coming alongside us as we continue to give high quality service to more kids and families than ever before all the while ensuring that kids can be safe, stable, and loved.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges facing foster parents drastically increased. But FosterAdopt Connect/Sammy’s Window responded. And that’s why they’re this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

Since April, they have provided drive-thru services for foster families, including partnering with organizations to provide area foster families with extra, much-needed boxes of produce and dairy products. Each week, the FosterAdopt Connect volunteers at Sammy’s Window mask-up and welcome foster families to receive supplies. On top of that, foster families who receive an “emergency placement” designation can call Mark with their needs, and Sammy’s Window will find them toys, hygiene supplies, clothing or whatever they may need to continue to care for their foster children.

“I’m not sure if anyone outside the the foster/adopt community knows this, but those of us who are helped by Mark are pretty sure that underneath that mask we’re really seeing Superman,” one Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote.

Continued donations and support from the Springfield and Southwest Missouri community will allow more families to support foster children in our region. Items like clean clothing, shoes, new socks and underwear, hygiene products, formula, dry goods, new or like-new books, new toys, baby equipment and school supplies are among the most important products that people can donate to FosterAdopt Connect.

How can you get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great.

To get involved with or to donate to FosterAdopt Connect, visit fosteradopt.org.

Click here for information directly related to FosterAdopt Connect’s Southwest Missouri location.

For more on what FosterAdopt Connect is doing on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/facswmo.

To get involved with the Sammy’s Window community, join them on Facebook by clicking here.

Spend Halloween with the Hooks on October 31

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CORPUS CHRISTI – Join us at Whataburger Field on Saturday, October 31 for the 7th annual Halloween with the Hooks, presented by H-E-B.

Trick or Treat from the socially-distant confines of your vehicle in the ballpark’s South Parking Lot from 1 to 4 p.m. Treats will be delivered from booth-to-booth directly to your car window. The drive-thru experience is free to the public. Guests are encouraged to donate to the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

“We want to thank H-E-B for their amazing support in keeping Halloween with the Hooks on the calendar,” Hooks Director of Business Development Maggie Freeborn said. “It’s been a challenging year in so many ways, and they have stepped up to the plate to provide a safe and alternative way for families to have fun and help out their neighbors.”

Last year’s Halloween with the Hooks garnered 1,002 pounds of donated food.

“As a result of the COVID-19 economic impact in our communities, the Coastal Bend Food Bank has seen a significant increase in demand for food,” CBFB Executive Director Bea Hanson said. “As the holidays approach, we will need extra help to make sure that families can celebrate, especially when times are tough. Every $1 donated helps to secure four meals for families in need.”

The festivities also feature a virtual Halloween costume contest. Participants are asked to submit their best photos by Sunday, October 25 via Facebook or Twitter (@cchooks). Entries can also be made by emailing Dan Reiner at [email protected].

Categories include Best Hooks Costume, Best Sports-Themed Costume, Scariest Costume, Cutest Costume and Best Pet Costume. The grand-prize winner will be announced on Halloween and will receive a $50 gift card to Hook, Line & Sinker.

H-E-B, Academy, CITGO, Clemtex, Corpus Christi Police Department, Dave & Busters, DGS Construction, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, First Command Financial Planning, Kiewit, Kleberg Bank, Muniz Electric, Pepsi, RBFCU, State Farm, Texas Bridge Credit Union, VALERO and Whataburger will join the Hooks in giving away treats.

To inquire about hosting a booth, contact Freeborn via email or by phone at 361-561-4676.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — With its origins dating all the way back to 1938, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield has enabled young people in our city to reach their full potential in a completely inclusive environment for over eight decades.

The club boasts five different locations throughout Springfield that offers a broad range of programs in the arts; character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; and sports, fitness and recreation.

When the COVID-19 pandemic reached our city, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield became a key local food distribution center, distributing over 40,000 meals to the Springfield community. They went on to create a phased opening to safely accommodate high-need families at their facilities. Today, they are serving Springfield Public Schools students five days a week while providing virtual learning support and after-school programming.

And that is why they’re this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

You can view all of our Non-Profit Heroes at springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

“On March 18, we closed our doors. On March 19, we opened new ones,” Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield Brandy Harris said. “[COVID-19] has brought uncertainty and disruption to the communities we serve, but Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield’s top priority has not changed: the well-being and safety of the children and families we serve.’

“We have been a consistent, safe and stable place for many kids during these unstable times.”

That instability includes families who were suddenly unsure of how to balance work and life. With schools closed or operating on a limited schedule, many were suddenly facing challenges to which they didn’t have answers.

“I would have had to quit my job as a single parent [once school started if not for BGCS],” a Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote. “They have offered my child tutoring, behavioral health and counseling during such a difficult time in our lives. They are always there when we need them.”

“They provided meals when all clubs and schools were closed,” another Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote. “Then, within days of Springfield Public Schools announcing a two-day per week classroom option, they stepped up to offer care for kids and also help with their virtual learning. They have worked tirelessly during this pandemic to make sure kids and parents have all the resources they need, while also offering scholarships for families that need care but can’t afford it.”

A visit to the official website of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield (BGCS) is the quickest way to see how the organization has pivoted to the times we’re experiencing. The first tab on the home page reads “BGCS AT HOME.” It’s a portal to activities for all age groups and all aspects of life, from arts to STEM to emotional well-being to physical activity and more. It provides a schedule specifically built around the regulations that come with life during a pandemic. And it’s access to The Club Crate program–a reasonably priced club that includes an exclusive BGCS-created program curriculum, access to weekly custom ZOOM classes, weekly recognition and incentive-based activities, and access to additional at-home focused content.

How can you get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great.

To get involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, visit bgclubspringfield.org.

For more on what BGCS is doing on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/bgclubspringfield.org.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Maria San Paolo, Cassville Intermediate

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Maria San Paolo of Cassville Intermediate School as our September Teacher of the Month.

Maria spent her summer teaching in-person summer school and thinking of ways to make her classroom as safe as possible for her kids to return for the 2020-21 school year. Because her students sit four to a table, she had to think of a creative way to socially distance her students from one another.

To do so, she made dividers from curtain rods and clear shower curtains, which divided each table into four private sections for the safety and well-being of her students during COVID-19.

Today, she continues to prepare virtual lesson plans for her students just in case another “wellness break” occurs at her school. Maria has also taken time to prepare virtual learning for students who are currently and may in the future be quarantined due to exposure to the virus—a necessity in keeping them caught up with the rest of the class.

Maria lets nothing stand in the way of the safety and success of her students, and that’s why she’s this month’s Teacher of the Month, presented by Missouri Lottery.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Maria and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To nominate an October Teacher of the Month, you can visit springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.

Soddies Saturday Spooktacular To Bring Halloween To Downtown Amarillo

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BUY TICKETS NOW

A Soddies’ “Saturday Spooktacular” outdoor family movie night presented by Sonic is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 at HODGETOWN and is set to bring a socially-distanced and safe Halloween to downtown Amarillo. The event will feature the showing of Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” along with pre-movie, socially-distanced trick-or-treating around the concourse, adult, child and family costume contests, and more. Tickets for the event are limited and are on-sale now online at www.SodPoodles.com or HERE, over the phone, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office.

Social distancing protocols will be in effect and enforced by HODGETOWN staff during the event and masks are required upon entry, exit and while moving about the stadium but can be removed while seated. Entrance to the event will be located at the left-field (north) gates, which open at 5 p.m., and the movie is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Additionally, only clear, plastic totes/bags and empty candy buckets/bags are allowed through the gates.

From five to 6:30 p.m., event attendees and families may participate in outdoor, socially-distanced trick-or-treating around the stadium concourse. Sponsors and partners from around the community will be safely distanced at individual tables for spaced groups to visit and grab pre-packaged goodie/candy bags. Additionally, there will be a costume contest held for best individual adult/child costume and best group/family costume. All costumes worn at the event must be family-friendly.

A variety of movie seating will be available for purchase, including on-field, reserved square spaces, hospitality suites, and individual bowl seats.

On-field, marked square spaces are available to reserve in four or eight-person capacity (limited quantity). Four-person squares (10’x10’) are $32 and eight-person (10’x20’) squares are $64. Blankets and pillows are acceptable to bring on to the field, but folding chairs are prohibited. Sod Poodles Blankets (54″x84″) can also be added to a reservation for $36 – various colors available and limited quantity available.

Private luxury suites, coterie (concourse) suites and dugout (field-level) suites for 10 people are also available for purchase as group hospitality options.

Group hospitality options offered for 10 people are a Tailgate Meal suite, which includes hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, cookies, and canned sodas, for $320, or a Movie-Night Snack suite, which includes a choice of 10 candy-item mix and match – Cotton Candy, M&M’s Peanuts, M&M’s, Sour Patch Kids, and Skittles, 10 Drinks – Sierra Mist, Mt Dew, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Water, Bottomless Popcorn, and Bottomless Peanuts for $200.

Individual bowl seats are $8 per seat. A Family Movie Meal Pack is available for purchase which includes two candy choices, two buckets of popcorn, and four drinks for $25. Standard concessions will also be open for individual-item ordering.

The Sod Poodles team store will be open from 5 p.m. (gates open) until all guests have left the park.

Fans can purchase tickets now online at www.SodPoodles.com or HERE, by phone at 806-803-9547, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day of the event purchasing will be available but ticket availability is not guaranteed.

For more information on HODGETOWN’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan and protocols, click HERE.

EVENT INFORMATION & GUIDELINES SUMMARY:

· All Guests MUST wear a mask or face covering at all times while inside the stadium unless seated at assigned seat/pod.

· Social distancing protocols will be in effect and enforced by HODGETOWN staff.

· Only ONE entrance to the event will be located at the left-field (north) gates (across from City Hall building)

· Gates open at 5 p.m.

· Movie scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

· Outdoor, socially-distanced trick-or-treating will be open for event attendees from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

· ONLY clear, plastic totes/bags and EMPTY candy buckets/bags are allowed through the gates.

· Blankets and pillows are acceptable to bring on to the field, but folding chairs are prohibited.

· All costumes worn at the event MUST BE family-friendly.

· On-field, marked square spaces are available to reserve in four or eight-person capacity (limited quantity).

· Private luxury, upstairs suites, coterie (concourse) suites and dugout (field-level) suites for 10 people are available for purchase

· Guests can purchase tickets now online at www.SodPoodles.com, by phone at 806-803-9547, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office.

BUY TICKETS NOW

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Kids’ Harbor

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — When the COVID-19 pandemic reached Southwest Missouri back in March, the impacts on the lives of local residents was immediate. But what happens when those impacts fall onto a portion of the population that is unable to help itself?

Specifically, what happens when kids who are victims of abuse, or drug endangerment, or physical and mental neglect, are suddenly confined to their homes? Well, that’s where Kids’ Harbor steps in.

Based out of Osage Beach and serving Lake of the Ozarks, Fort Leonard Wood and surrounding areas, Kids’ Harbor serves those children by providing resources to keep them safe and to assist with whatever situation they may be enduring. During COVID-19, doing that work instantly became more challenging. But the Kids’ Harbor staff accepted that challenge. And that’s why they’re this week’s Non-Profit Hero award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

You can view all of our Non-Profit Heroes at springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

“We are so grateful to be chosen as a Cardinals Non-Profit Hero,” Kids’ Harbor Board President Tim Thompson said. “While we have all been dramatically affected by the COVID pandemic, children have suffered the most. Not only do they have to deal with the crisis but we know abuse has gone un-reported while kids have been locked down. Our staff has worked tirelessly to figure out how to serve and protect them all while having to adapt and overcome these challenges we all face.’

“Cardinals and American National support is incredibly helpful in getting this crucial message out: Please be aware and alert for signs of abuse, and if you see something, say something.”

At the onset of the pandemic, the State of Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline experienced a drastic drop (60%) in the number of hotline calls made. Reason being? Forty percent of those calls are made by school personnel.

“Kids, whose safe places had historically been school, church, extracurricular activities, etc., suddenly found themselves alone and isolated with no friends, teachers, or counselors to see them or report concerns,” one Non-Profit Heroes award nominator wrote. “Throughout the pandemic, Kids’ Harbor has continued to spread awareness to encourage the adults in our community to keep kids safe and report any concerns they see.”

Kids’ Harbor has remained open throughout the pandemic, providing forensic interviews and medical exams and providing counseling and advocacy to children and their safe caregivers.

Even if they had to work from home, Kids’ Harbor advocates continued to reach out to families who had experienced trauma and crisis to see how they could provide support and needed services.

Kids’ Harbor also provides support to local law enforcement and others who are tasked with investigating child abuse and related cases. Throughout the pandemic, Kids’ Harbor has found ways to assist in these difficult investigations virtually to make sure that their services continue uninterrupted.

“A big concern during the pandemic was the safety of children,” a Non-Profit Heroes award nominator wrote. “They weren’t being seen by the mandated reporters that they normally see. Stress was much higher than usual. Parents might not be working, money might be tight, kids were at home full time, and they were trying to homeschool their kids. This was a lot more pressure than they were used to. It could cause some people to deal with that stress by hitting their children or other things they normally wouldn’t do. Kids Harbor trained other people in the community on signs to watch for to help protect children.’

“These employees faced the same problems that we struggled with. But they never quit fighting for every child and safe caregiver that needed them. They are heroes every day and they really stepped up and made a big difference during the pandemic.”

How can you get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great.

To get involved with Kids’ Harbor, visit kidsharbormo.org.

For more on what Kids’ Harbor is doing on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/kidsharborinc.

Posted by Kids’ Harbor, Inc. on Monday, August 10, 2020

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Least Of These

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In 2019, over 1 million pounds of food came through the Least Of These food pantry and into the hands of Christian County residents.

During the COVID-19 pandemic this year, that number has only increased.

Least Of These is the only full-service food pantry serving Christian County—one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri—and the cities of Nixa and Ozark, serving over 850 families a month in a normal year.

But due to the impacts of COVID-19, this year has seen an increase of 32% in families requesting assistance. That increased need has increased the pantry’s food distribution by 116% over last year.

The staff at Least Of These, which is now working with far less help than at the beginning of the pandemic due to many National Guard volunteers being recalled, has continued to meet demands for hundreds of people who often must choose between paying for food or paying for rent and utilities. And that’s why they’re this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

You can view all of our Non-Profit Heroes at springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

“Least Of These continues to serve the most vulnerable in our community amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Least Of These Executive Director Kristy Carter said. “The way our clients receive food is different right now, but the amount of food and the support each family feels when dealing with us has not changed. It is our commitment to continue to serve families in need in Christian County.’

“We have created and are following an emergency response plan to help those who are faced with food insecurity. As these times are scary and unknown, we will continue to provide food and hopefully remove that fear and anxiety.”

But as the fall and winter months approach, Least Of These continues to need the help of an ever-caring Southwest Missouri community to ensure that its families receive the resources they need.

“The past couple of weeks have demonstrated that it will be difficult to raise the necessary funding to continue to provide food for families faced with food insecurity in Christian County,” Carter said. “In one day alone this week, we served 266 Christian County families and we expect those numbers to continue to increase significantly as we rapidly approach the holidays.”

Least Of These began in 1998 as a community outreach project of a Nixa-based church. Over the past two decades they have grown from providing food assistance to seven families to over 10,000.

How can you get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. Least Of These relies on generous food and monetary donations from the community to provide assistance to struggling families. And they also rely on volunteers.

To get involved with Least Of These, visit leastofthesefoodpantry.org.

For more on what Least of These is doing for Christian County on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/leastofthese.

Least Of These, Inc. is the only full-service food pantry serving Christian County. We feed around 900 families a…

Posted by Least of These, Inc. on Friday, September 18, 2020

Tulsa County Election Board Names ONEOK Field Early-Voting Location

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Tulsa County Election Board has announced that ONEOK Field will be used as the early voting location for the November 3rd election. ONEOK Field is normally home to the Tulsa Drillers, but it will open for three different periods for Tulsa County voters to complete ballots for the November election.

Throughout the country, several stadiums and arenas have been chosen as voting locations to help provide safe facilities for voters during the COVID pandemic.

The Tulsa County Election Board will be conducting in-person, early voting at ONEOK Field on Thursday and Friday October 29 and 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday October 31 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The election board is anticipating record-breaking voter participation for this three-day early voting period.

“We are pleased to announce that we will be partnering with ONEOK Field, home of the Tulsa Drillers in downtown Tulsa, as our chosen location for in-person, early voting,” said Election Board Secretary Gwen Freeman.

“The ONEOK Field location will enable Tulsa County voters to vote at a large, centrally-located venue where our staff and resources can be combined to ensure the success of our early voting teams and to assist in the implementation of CDC guidelines. These guidelines includes adequate room for large crowds and social distancing in a covered but open-air facility that helps prevent the spread of COVID. The venue is ADA compliant, has ample available parking areas, is easily accessible by public transportation and is a well-known and familiar location.”

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to ONEOK Field management and the Tulsa Drillers team for offering the voters of Tulsa County the use of their location for this event,” said Freeman.

The election board is encouraging voters to wear masks and social distance while voting.

Freeman added that since the election board we will be utilizing all available staff members to facilitate early voting at one large site, the Tulsa County Election Board will not be available for early voting but will be open for other business, including in-person absentee ballot drop-off. Absentee ballots cannot be dropped off at ONEOK Field.

It is the first time that ONEOK Field has been utilized as a voting place. It joins other sports venues in large markets that are being used in this election, including Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and the Toyota Center in Houston.

“We are thrilled to be able to make ONEOK Field available for early voting and to help provide a safe, outdoor, polling location for all voters, including those with health concerns,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “It’s a simple, yet impactful, way that the Drillers organization can give back to a Tulsa community that has always been there for us.”

Quick facts for early in-person voting for the November 2020 Presidential Election

Location: ONEOK Field (201 N Elgin Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120)

Dates and times: Thursday, October 29, 2020 8am-6pm
Friday, October 30, 2020 8am-6pm
Saturday, October 31, 2020 9am-2pm

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: SeniorAge

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — From the very beginning of COVID-19’s impact in the United States and around the world, the most vulnerable population has been our seniors.

Suddenly, people couldn’t hug—or even visit—their parents or grandparents. Couldn’t offer them help on a daily basis.

Here in Southwest Missouri, SeniorAge filled that void in a big way. And they’re this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

Since 1973, SeniorAge has been serving thousands upon thousands of seniors in 17 counties in our region, primarily serving those aged 60 years and older and serving based on need—not income. The work they do plays a key role in a senior’s ability to remain independent and live at home.

In a normal year, part of that work includes serving over 1 million meals to seniors through home delivery and in their dining rooms.

But when COVID-19 hit and transitioned into a worldwide pandemic that reached us here in Missouri, SeniorAge was forced to close its senior centers to the public.

Yet the rate of meals and the volume of help only increased.

“From the beginning of the COVID interruption in mid-March when many organizations were forced to close their operations to the public, SeniorAge worked diligently to ensure seniors in our 17-county service area continued to receive meals and services that kept them safe in their homes,” SeniorAge Marketing Director Juli Jordan said.

Since the shutdown began back in March, SeniorAge has provided over 750,000 meals to seniors at no cost—maintaining home delivery and instituting a no-contact drive-thru program.

“Our home-delivered meal program nearly doubled in volume to serve vulnerable seniors who could not get out for groceries and food,” Jordan said. “And our telephone reassurance program saw an increase in customers who wanted a friendly phone call and wellness check. Seniors have come to trust us for guidance, information, and direction.”

SeniorAge’s telephone reassurance program exists purely for joy and wellbeing. Seniors receive a friendly phone call from a caring staff member to check on their personal well-being and to provide a kind ear just to listen and talk.

“During a time of social distancing, seniors can often feel isolated and forgotten about,” one Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote. “The telephone reassurance program is similar to having a best friend to talk to when times are tough.”

SeniorAge staff have made over 26,000 wellness calls to local seniors, completed nearly 5,000 tax returns at no charge, distributed over 1,100 farmers market vouchers, and provided over 42,000 units of “information and assistance” to help guide seniors through these difficult times.

They also started a text and e-mail alert program to ensure safety and inform about possible COVID-related scams, created new virtual counseling and online wellness videos, and provided transportation trips through carGO to those who needed help getting to health centers.

The farmers market vouchers alone account for over $65,000 of fresh food from local farmers for seniors.

And they’ve done all of this while maintaining their full pre-pandemic staff.

“We all follow alongside our CEO Starr Kohler, who has empowered us with the confidence and resources we all need to be successful,” Jordan said. “Every employee has moved through this pandemic with compassion, courage, and an eagerness to deliver winning service at a time when so many felt alone and scared.’

“The way we operate now is a little different than six months ago, but we look forward to the day when we can safely reopen our doors to allow seniors to enjoy meals, activities, and programs among friends in one of our 36 activity centers. Until then, we will continue to do what it takes to ensure safety and security at home.”

To keep track of all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, visit springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

Do you want to get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. To get involved with SeniorAge, visit senioragemo.com/contact.

For more on what SeniorAge is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/senioragemo.

SeniorAge is located at 1735 S. Fort Ave. in Springfield, Missouri.

Cardinals, Missouri Lottery accepting September Teacher of the Month nominations

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are now accepting September nominations for the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery!

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, fans have until September 28 to submit new nominations to the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program.

The Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are accepting Teacher of the Month nominations right now on SpringfieldCardinals.com/molotteryteachers, creating an opportunity to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

All past nominees are still eligible for the Teacher of the Month selection process and do not need to be re-submitted.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, each Teacher of the Month honoree will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

In order to be eligible for the program, nominees for Teacher of the Month must be public school teachers in the state of Missouri. Missouri public school teachers at all grade levels and disciplines are eligible for nomination.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Janice Smith, Williams Elementary

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Janice Smith of Williams Elementary in Springfield as our August Teacher of the Month.

Janice’s immeasurable impact on her students as a kindergarten teacher places them on a path towards future success in and out of the classroom. From resources ranging from nourishment to encouragement and so much more, Janice ensures all of her students have the tools they need for success, even providing supplemental food, snacks and clothes to her students in need.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Janice and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To nominate a September Teacher of the Month, you can visit springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Harmony House

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — For nearly 50 years, Harmony House has been there for Southwest Missouri–providing shelter, advocacy and education to survivors of domestic violence and promoting the principle that all individuals have a right to a life free from abuse.

Since its founding in 1976, Harmony House has helped over 17,000 individuals who were victims of domestic violence. Even before the uncharted times our country has endured these past six months, Harmony House stands as a hero in our community.

But it’s what they’ve done and found ways to continue to do during the COVID-19 pandemic that makes them this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

“It was important to our entire team that we keep our doors open for victims in our community, as many are still suffering at the hands of their abuser even through the pandemic,” Harmony House Director of Development Jared Alexander said. “We maintained a full staff of advocates in shelter, continued operation of our 24-hour emergency hotline, and transitioned to several virtual presentations and programs to continue services and communication for residents, volunteers, and the general public.”

And the community recognized those efforts. Harmony House received over 10 percent of all nominations for our Non-Profit Heroes. Their impact and effort was certainly noticed.

“Harmony House has continued to work through the COVID pandemic, sheltering clients and providing outreach services,” one nominator said. “Harmony House is the only domestic violence shelter in Greene County and without their services many abused people would have been trapped in dangerous situations.”

The Harmony House team understood the added dangers for domestic violence victims during the stay-at-home-order and responded, implementing a code word that could be used to indicate that an individual was in immediate danger and continuing to help alleviate individuals from the epidemic of domestic violence–as one nomination put it.

“We are so proud of the entire team at Harmony House–staff, volunteers, and our board–who continue to work tirelessly for domestic violence victims in our community despite the challenges we are all facing as a community,” Alexander said. “Harmony House, like so many in our community, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as an organization. Immediately, our leadership team and board of directors made the decision to remain open and to implement screening procedures to protect the staff, volunteers and clients currently residing in shelter and participating in our Outreach program.”

Harmony House is not only the only domestic violence shelter in Greene County, but it’s the largest of its kind in the state of Missouri. In 2017, Harmony House expanded to a larger facility that allowed it to expand its bed count from 110 to 168. Each year, Harmony House assists over 900 women, men, and children in our community.

To keep track of all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, visit springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

Do you need help or want to get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. To get involved with Harmony House, contact them at myharmonyhouse.org/contact.

If you need help, call the Harmony House 24-hour hotline at 417-864-7233 or toll free at 800-831-6863. You can also visit myharmonyhouse.org for additional resources.

For more on what Harmony House is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/**myharmonyhouse.**

Drillers Bringing the Arts to ONEOK Field

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In a normal year, September at ONEOK Field, which is located in downtown Tulsa in the historic Greenwood District, usually features the sounds of baseball. The familiar sounds of a baseball hitting a leather glove or being struck by a wooden bat. But 2020 has been anything but normal, resulting in the cancellation of the Tulsa Drillers Minor League Baseball season. With no baseball in September, ONEOK Field is being filled with new sounds. The sounds of the performing arts.

The Tulsa Drillers are working with several organizations to bring four unique, outdoor arts events to downtown Tulsa. The events include three symphonies and one opera presentation.

The presentations will begin with A Celebration of Beethoven from the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, September 5.

Two weeks later, on Saturday, September 19, the Signature Symphony at Tulsa Community College will present Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

The Tulsa Opera will come to ONEOK Field on Friday, October 9 with its presentation of Verdi’s Rigoletto in a baseball-themed production directed by James Robinson.

The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra will return for a second performance, a matinee presentation on Sunday, October 18.

“We are thrilled to have found a way to partner with these great Tulsa arts institutions to bring their amazing talents to life here at ONEOK Field,” said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. “These events are a perfect example of how the Tulsa entertainment community can come together to help each other during these trying times.”

All three performances will take place on the playing field at ONEOK Field with the downtown Tulsa skyline providing the backdrop.

COVID-19 safety standards will be utilized, limiting attendance capacity to approximately 20% of normal.

Tickets are currently available for all three events with links provided below.

PERFORMING ARTS SCHEDULE AT ONEOK FIELD

Tulsa Symphony – A Celebration of Beethoven on September 5

Signature Symphony at TCC – Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on September 19

Tulsa Opera – Verdi’s Rigoletto on October 9

Tulsa Symphony – Triple Play: Brahms 4 on October 18