ATO Community Corner
A Global Mission in Our Backyard: How WorldServe is Addressing the Clean Water Crisis
Did you know a global clean water initiative is headquartered right here in Springfield? Grace sits down with Kickapoo high school alumnus and former NBA pro Anthony Tolliver, alongside Ed Berry from Creative Artists Agency, to discuss their life-changing work with WorldServe International. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now to hear how a single, sustainable water well completely transforms a…
From Surviving to Thriving: Empowering At-Risk Youth with I Pour Life
What if the only thing keeping a young person from succeeding is never having a single adult show them they are worth it? This week, Grace chats with Kayla Lynch from I Pour Life about how they are stepping into the gap for Springfield’s at-risk youth. Kayla shares a moving, eye-opening look at how simple, consistent mentorship can completely break generational cycles. ⛓️💥 Watch the full…
Summer Fun: Free Festivals, Camps & Pool Savings with the Park Board!
Looking for cheap, easy ways to get the kids out of the house this summer? Jenny shares a bird’s-eye view of the fantastic—and mostly free—family events taking over the Springfield-Greene County Park Board this season. From open spots in their popular weekday day camps to major neighborhood celebrations, the parks are packed with budget-friendly ways to keep every age group entertained and…
Ashley Reynolds: Leaving TV News for an Inspiring New Role at Crosslines Community Outreach
If you’ve watched local news in the Ozarks, you know Ashley Reynolds. For years, she was the trusted reporter working “On Your Side,” but she recently made a massive pivot, stepping away from the news to join Crosslines Community Outreach. Ashley opens up about the reality of balancing work with raising her four-year-old daughter. After a powerful moment at home made her realize her family was…
Music with a Mission: Stomp the Blues Festival Returning June 13th
If you’re looking for the perfect way to enjoy world-class music while making a tangible difference in our community, the 15th Annual Stomp the Blues Festival is exactly where you need to be on Saturday, June 13th. This beloved local tradition brings together an incredible lineup of musicians for a high-energy day of blues, soul, and rock. But this event is about much more than just great…
Turn Hobbies into Hope: Do What You Love to End Alzheimer’s
Grace sat down with Alaina Ballance from the Alzheimer’s Association to discuss their newly rebranded initiative: “Do What You Love to End ALZ.” Gone are the days of being limited to a single fundraiser on the summer solstice. Now, you can turn any hobby into a fight for a cure, any day of the year! 🎨⛳️ Take a listen to get some inspiration for your own fundraiser, or learn about some you can…
Running for Hope: Lost & Found Grief Center’s Run and Remember 5K
For over 25 years, Lost & Found Grief Center has been a pillar of support in our community, helping more than 25,000 people navigate the difficult journey of loss at no cost to the families. Grace sat down with Mark Miller and Jamie Fields to talk about their upcoming Run and Remember 5K, an evening dedicated to movement, memory, and healing. Event Details: 📍 Where: Jordan Valley Park 📅…
Bring History Home: Preserving the Gillioz Theatre’s 100-Year Legacy
Did you save a piece of Gillioz history? They want to help you bring it home! Springfield’s historic Gillioz Theatre is turning 100, and they’re on a mission to preserve the memories that made them who they are today. Grace sat down with Associate Director Joy Bilyeu-Steele to discuss the Gillioz Theatre’s “Bring History Home” initiative. If you “saved” theatre artifacts or memorabilia while the…
Run for Research: Angelman Strong Springfield 5K on May 9th
What if your morning workout could change lives? On May 9th at Nixa High School, the community is coming together for the Angelman Strong Springfield 5K to fund life-saving research for Angelman syndrome. What is Angelman Syndrome? Angelman syndrome is a rare neuro-genetic disorder that causes significant developmental delays. Most individuals with the condition are nonverbal and about 85%…
Get Ready for Summer: Sports, Jobs, and Camps with the Park Board! ☀️⚾
The weather is warming up, and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board is officially ramping up for a busy summer season! Whether you’re looking to get on the field, land a summer job, or find the perfect camp for your kids, there’s something for everyone: Summer Sports Leagues: Don't miss out! Registration for summer baseball and softball (including T-ball "Sluggers") ends soon! Now…