Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by noon Fridays to news@wpdailyquill.net with “CALENDAR” in the subject line. Three sentence maximum must include event description, date, time, location, cost and source for more information. Weekly events will be printed for no more than a month at a time unless renewed by the host. Call the Quill, 417-256-9191 with questions. Unless otherwise noted, events are in West Plains.
Through July 31: Birthday Blessings is hosting its second annual toy drive and seeking nonprofits, businesses and civic groups to host or promote a collection site. Interested parties may message @BirthdayBlessings2013 on Facebook, call 417-372-5306 or email office@birthdayblessings.onmicrosoft.com.
Through Aug. 31: McDonald’s and the West Plains Public Library are partnering for Happy McReaders. Children younger than 17 may pick up a punch card at the library, 750 W. Broadway, and receive a free Happy Meal from a West Plains McDonalds for every 10 punches on their card.
Through Sept. 30 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays) Artwork by local painter Rhonda Richter will be featured on the first floor of OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave. Visitors are welcome to view the display.
Through Sept. 30 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays) Works created by Honest Imagination Day Habilitation participants will be on display at the West Plains Public Library.
July 4: Independence Day. All government offices and buildings will be closed, including the library. The Quill office will be closed. MSU-WP classes will not meet and offices will be closed.
July 4: The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Willow Springs Police Department, will host the second annual “I Ran from the Cops” 5K and SWAT challenge ahead of the traditional Fourth of July parade. Details for competitions and parade are online at www.wschamber.net.
July 6 (6 p.m.) AMVETS Post 98, 1852 County Road 6070, hosts its annual Independence Day celebration, open to the public. Family games and fun lead the day with a dunking booth, scavenger hunt and games for all ages. Hamburgers, hot dogs and corn dogs will be served. Fireworks begin at dark. Bring a lawn chair.
July 4 (6:30 p.m.) The Thayer Chamber of Commerce and E-Communications radio network teams up to host a Fourth of July celebration at the Thayer High School football field. Sky divers will take to the air at 6:30 p.m. Live music from Wandering and The Jumping Jacks will be performed, and free watermelon will be available. Fireworks start at dusk.
July 6 (11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) The Mtn. View Alumni Association will hold its annual meeting in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 409 U.S. 60 in Mtn. View. Registration will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by an invocation and meal. Tips will benefit the First Baptist Church Youth Group. A business meeting and visitation will take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m Speakers are needed for honor classes of 1969, 1964, 1959 and 1954. Officers are also needed. Early reservations are helpful and may be made with scholarship donations by contacting Charry McCann by phone at 417-247-9772, email at mvhsalumni65548@gmail.com, or mail at 205 E. Seventh St., Mountain View, MO 65548.
July 6 (5:30 p.m.) Pine Meadows Venue, 1445 Highway 76 in Willow Springs, will host Red, White & Blue Concert for a Cause to benefit Whetstone Boys Ranch and celebrate America’s Independence. Live music will be performed by Anthony Garner, Nick Davis and Brady Walton. Food trucks will be on hand and a fireworks show will be displayed. Tickets are are available online at pinemeadowsmo.square.site, $20 per adult and $5 for children 12 and younger. Sponsors are sought for the event. Interested parties may email events.pinemeadows@gmail.com or call 479-244-6062 or 417-761-1296.
July 7, 14, 21 (9 a.m.) West Plains Elks Lodge 2418, 3336 N. U.S. 63, hosts Bingo every Sunday. Nonmembers are welcome to play.
July 8 (5:30 p.m.) The Democratic Party of Fulton County, Ark., will hold its monthly meeting in the Hickinbotham-Miller Building on the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Salem. Opening with a social hour, the business portion will begin at 6 p.m. Participation in the upcoming fair will be discussed. All interested parties and members are encouraged to attend. Call Chair Heath Shrable, 870-612-0374 for more information.
July 9-10: Ozarks Healthcare will offer its M*A*S*H (Medical Academy of Science and Health) Camp for youths in seventh through 12th grades.A two-day session for high school age students will be held July 9-10, and seventh- and eighth-graders will be able to participate in a single-day session July 11. Apply online by May 31 via OZH’s website, www.ozarkshealthcare.com; a $25 application fee is assessed. For more information contact Sammi Radosevich, 417-505-0038.
July 9-11 (1-3 p.m.) The Willow Springs Arts Council will host Kids Art Camp for children who have completed first through fifth grades, led by longtime instructor Ginny Thomason. Classes are $5 per session per student, with all supplies and snacks included. Students must be registered before class begins. That can be completed at the Ferguson Building in downtown Willow Springs between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays except July 4-5. Call 417-962-0979 or visit www.willowspringsartscouncil.org for more information.
July 9 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) Janessa’s Lemonade Stand will be set up at Willow Care Nursing Home in Willow Springs. Youth entrepreneur Janessa began the enterprise as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of her Great-Grandma Better, who would have been 89 on this day.
July 9 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Preparing for Breastfeeding classes recommended for expectant mothers. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
July 10 and 11 (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) Ozarka College will host a youth Aviation Camp for grades four through six on July 10 and seven through 12 on July 11. The camp will be held at Melbourne Municipal Airport, 524 Airport Road, Melbourne, Ark. Tuition is $75 per child. Learn more at www.ozarka.edu or call 870-368-2391.
July 10 (1-3 p.m.) A meet-the-artists event will be held at the West Plains Public Library, 750 W. Broadway. Come, view art and meet the artists, participants at Honest Imagination Day Habilition.
July 11 (10-11 a.m.) The West Plains Public Library will host a free presentation by Dickerson Park Zoo officials at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
July 11 and 18 (4-6 p.m.) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host Discover Nature: Fishing Lessons 1 and 2. Learn the parts and function of a spin cast fishing rood and real and how to cast safely and successfully, fasten basic tackle to a line and catch and handle fish properly. Then learn knotting and baiting techniques. Participation is for children ages 7 and older, accompanied by an adult. Equipment and instruction will be provided. These lessons must be completed before attending lessons 3 and 4. Registration required. Sign up online by going to www.mdc.mo.gov and clicking on “Discover Nature Fishing.
July 12 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) TCMH will host a “Chillin’ in the Ozarks” CBCO blood drive in its Jayson Gentry Community Safe Room, 1333 S. Sam Houston Blvd. in Houston. Donors will receive a free plush beach towel while supplies last. Appointments are encouraged and may be made by calling 417-227-5006 or visiting www.cbco.org/donate-blood. Photo ID required for all donors.
July 12 and 19 (4-6 p.m.) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host Discover Nature: Fishing Lessons 3 and 4. Learn basic biological concepts and functions of Missouri native fit, plus their habitat and food webs. Then learn about using lures and understanding fishing regulations. Participation is for children ages 7 and older, accompanied by an adult. Equipment and instruction will be provided. Attendees must have been to Lessons 1 and 2 first to attend these sessions. Registration required. Sign up online by going to www.mdc.mo.gov and clicking on “Discover Nature Fishing.
July 12 (6:30-9:30 p.m.) Healthy Lifestyles Wellness Center, 212 E. Third St., is cohosting a Girls Night Out Botox & Jewelry Party with Chelsea Cale of The Lash Lounge. The party will feature Botox, IVs and permanent jewelry available for purchase. A giveaway drawing will also be held for a beauty basket valued at $500. Tickets are available through the day of the party by cash or Venmo payment, $5 for one or $20 for five tickets. Call 417-256-4592 for more information.
July 13 (8 a.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Prepared Childbirth classes recommended for parents in the second semester of pregnancy. Covered are breathing techniques, relaxation methods, support strategies and insights into labor, delivery and C-sections. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
July 13 (4-6 p.m.) An artist reception at The Yellow House, 209 W. Trish Knight St., will recognize the artists featured in the Ozark Artery’s Conversation Starters art show. Winners of the show will be announced. The event is free and open to the public.
July 13 (6 p.m.) The historic Avenue Theatre presents Red, White & Blue Live at the Avenue, a live music celebration with a People’s Choice award. Admission is $10 for spectators. Those interested in participating should email christi@theavenuetheatre.org by July 6.
July 16 (10 a.m.) Local John Deere dealership Heritage Tractor’s Traveling Tractor Tour will present a donation check of $1,000 to West Plains Regional Animal Shelter on BB Highway.
July 16-18 (1-3 p.m.) The Willow Springs Arts Council will host Kids Art Camp for children who have completed sixth through 12th grades. An acrylic painting session will be led by Whitney Smith on the first day, then oil pastels and and sculpture programs will be led by Ron McGarry. Classes are $5 per session per student, with all supplies and snacks included. Students must be registered before class begins. That can be completed at the Ferguson Building in downtown Willow Springs between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays except July 4-5. Call 417-962-0979 or visit www.willowspringsartscouncil.org for more information.
July 16 (1-4 p.m.) Ozark Action, the West Plains Arts Alliance, Howell County Health Department and University of Missouri Extension partner to bring the second Artfully Aging Event in the Community Room at the extension offices, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd. in East Towne Village shopping center. Attendees ages 60 and older will have opportunities to explore hands-on art activities presented by local artists and receive updates on Medicare/Medicaid programs. The health department’s mobile van will be on hand for tours and/or vaccinations. Email kmead@oaiwp.org or info@westplainsarts.org for more information.
July 16 (6 p.m.) The story of Henry Rowe Schoolcraft and his journey through the Ozarks presented by educator and columnist Dr. Rick Mansfield at Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St. Sponsored by Ozarks Heritage Research Center. Call 417-255-7945 for more information.
July 16 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Heart Saver Infant CPR classes recommended for new parents in the third semester of pregnancy up to a year after birth. Covered are basic resuscitation skills for use on an infant. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
July 18 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) A workshop by Kristen Anderson on Customer Service Essentials will be hosted by OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave. For details and registration visit crm.ozsbi.com events.
July 18 (10-11 a.m.) The West Plains Public Library will host a free youth program presented by Randy the Magic Guy at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) A Food Truck Festival is hosted by the West Plains Civic Center every third Thursday of the month through summer.
July 18 (6 p.m.) The Avenue Theatre, 307 Washington Ave., introduces Singo Bingo, an “unforgettable evening of excitement, camaraderie and the the thrill of the win” with a game combining show tunes and bingo. Proceeds go toward The Avenue’s Raise the Roof Fund to support roofing upgrades. Admission is $10. Prizes available.
July 20 (8 p.m.) A demolition derby will be held at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 124 Arena Lane, Salem, Ark. Entry fee for car and driver is $50, and a Kid’s Derby will be held during intermission. Cash prizes will be awarded. Email fultoncountyfair1@gmail.com or call 870-095-5565 for more information, or to see rules, visit www.fultoncountyfair.org.
July 22, Aug. 26, Sept. 23 (5:30 p.m.) The Willow Springs Arts Council meets upstairs in the Ferguson Building in downtown Willow Springs. All local artist and those interested in promoting the arts are welcome to attend.
July 24: Last Day of summer classes at MSU-WP.
July 25 (6-7:30 p.m.) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host Nature Art: Pine Needlers for the second in a 12-month series dedicated to embroidering and learning about Missouri’s wildflowers. By signing up, participants are committing to attend all 12 sessions to complete 15 blocks for an entire quilt. A virtual session will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on this date for those who cannot attend in person. Registration required. Sign up online by going to mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com, selecting “Shannon” in the drop-down menu labeled “County,” and clicking search to scroll and find the event listed.
Aug. 2, 9 and 14: Missouri State University-West Plains hosts STudent Advising and Registration (STAR) Orientation for new students. Contact the academic advisement center office at 417-255-7222 for more information and to register.
Aug. 8 (2-4 p.m.) A meet-the-artist event for painter Rhonda Richter will be held in the lobby of OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave. The public is invited to attend and view and discuss Richter’s works on display.
Aug. 8 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session New Parent Skills classes recommended for parents in the third semester of pregnancy. Covered are self-care, baby care, infant bathing, safety, immunizations and circumcision. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Aug. 13 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Heart Saver Infant CPR classes recommended for new parents in the third semester of pregnancy up to a year after birth. Covered are basic resuscitation skills for use on an infant. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Aug. 20 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Preparing for Breastfeeding classes recommended for expectant mothers. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Aug. 22 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) A workshop, “Quickbooks Online for Business,” will be presented by Ila Sloan at OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave. For details and registration visit crm.ozsbi.com events.
Sept. 10 (8-11 a.m.) Ozarks Healthcare will offer low-cost lab screenings including those for blood sugar levels, cholesterol, thyroid function, calcium levels, diabetes, prostate cancer and vitamin D levels. The cost per screening ranges from between $15 to $35, cash or check only. Visit the Alton, Gainesville, Mtn. Grove, Mtn. View, Thayer or Winona clinics, or the West Plains walk-in clinic at 181 Kentucky Ave., or OZH Lab Services at 1100 Kentucky Ave.
Sept. 10 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Preparing for Breastfeeding classes recommended for expectant mothers. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Sept. 14 (8 a.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Prepared Childbirth classes recommended for parents in the second semester of pregnancy. Covered are breathing techniques, relaxation methods, support strategies and insights into labor, delivery and C-sections. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Sept. 17 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Heart Saver Infant CPR classes recommended for new parents in the third semester of pregnancy up to a year after birth. Covered are basic resuscitation skills for use on an infant. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Sept. 21 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) The Amelia Network’s Business Women’s Expo will be held at OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave. Prospective vendors and sponsors can find forms to submit online at ozsbi.com/events by scrolling down to “Business Women’s Expo” under “September 2024” and clicking the link.
Oct. 5: The Bear City Fall Festival will take place in downtown Willow Springs.
Oct. 8 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Heart Saver Infant CPR classes recommended for new parents in the third semester of pregnancy up to a year after birth. Covered are basic resuscitation skills for use on an infant. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Oct. 10-11: Baxter Health and KTLO Classic Hits and The Boot will hold their 43rd annual Health Fair and Expo. On Oct. 10, the event will be held at The Sheid on the Arkansas State University-Mtn. Home, Ark., campus, and on Oct. 11, it will be held at the Durand Center in Harrison.
Oct. 10 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session New Parent Skills classes recommended for parents in the third semester of pregnancy. Covered are self-care, baby care, infant bathing, safety, immunizations and circumcision. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Oct. 15 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Preparing for Breastfeeding classes recommended for expectant mothers. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Oct. 31: The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce will host Trunk or Treat. Details to be announced.
Nov. 9 (8 a.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Prepared Childbirth classes recommended for parents in the second semester of pregnancy. Covered are breathing techniques, relaxation methods, support strategies and insights into labor, delivery and C-sections. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Nov. 12 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Preparing for Breastfeeding classes recommended for expectant mothers. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Nov. 18-25: Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection will be underway at area churches. Year-round volunteer opportunities are available. Visit samaritanspurse.org/occ or call 816-622-8316 to learn more.
Nov. 19 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Heart Saver Infant CPR classes recommended for new parents in the third semester of pregnancy up to a year after birth. Covered are basic resuscitation skills for use on an infant. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Dec. 7: The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce will host Pancakes with Santa and a slew of other Downtown Holli-Day events, concluding with a lighted Christmas parade. Details to be announced.
Dec. 10 (8-11 a.m.) Ozarks Healthcare will offer low-cost lab screenings including those for blood sugar levels, cholesterol, thyroid function, calcium levels, diabetes, prostate cancer and vitamin D levels. The cost per screening ranges from between $15 to $35, cash or check only. Visit the Alton, Gainesville, Mtn. Grove, Mtn. View, Thayer or Winona clinics, or the West Plains walk-in clinic at 181 Kentucky Ave., or OZH Lab Services at 1100 Kentucky Ave.
Dec. 10 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Heart Saver Infant CPR classes recommended for new parents in the third semester of pregnancy up to a year after birth. Covered are basic resuscitation skills for use on an infant. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Dec. 12 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session New Parent Skills classes recommended for parents in the third semester of pregnancy. Covered are self-care, baby care, infant bathing, safety, immunizations and circumcision. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Dec. 17 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Preparing for Breastfeeding classes recommended for expectant mothers. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
