Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by noon Fridays to news@westplainsdailyquill.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 Nov. 30 (daily at noon) The public is invited to join a walk for transgender visibility daily. Walkers will leave from People’s Park on Broadway and walk in a different direction each day.
Through Nov. 30: The Southern Missouri Christmas Toy Drive, held in partnership between Always a Future for Kids, Birthday Blessings, the Lincoln Project, Mtn. View Community Betterment, the Chaos Closet and 37th Judicial CASA, is underway. Donations may be dropped off at collection boxes at Boys & Girls Club of Greater West Plains, Community First Bank, Family Chiropractic, First United Methodist Church, MSU-WP Hass-Darr Hall, OzSBI, Ozark Marketing Company, Southern Missouri Community Health Center, Tantastic, Walgreens, West Plains Civic Center, West Plains Public Library and West Plains Bank & Trust Company. Elsewhere, boxes are at Great Rivers Distributing in Pomona, and Apple Market, Brown’s Feed Store, Connolly Insurance, Mtn. View Public Library and Simmons Bank in Mtn. View. Items must be new, unopened and unwrapped. There is a high need for items appropriate for teens and gifts rated safe for ages 1-2. An Amazon wishlist is posted on the Southern Missouri Christmas Toy Drive page on Facebook; items ordered from the list will be shipped directly to Always a Future for Kids.
Through Dec. 2: The Greater West Plains Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Alliance and Ozark Action are accepting donation forms and applications for the Community Wide Christmas Assistance Program. To donate, contact the chamber office, 397 Jackie D. Garrett Drive or 417-256-4433. To apply, contact Ozark Action, 710 E. Main St. or 417-256-6147.
Through Dec. 6: Wreaths will be on display at the Ferguson Building in downtown Willow Springs head of the annual Christmas Wreath Auction to be held Dec. 7, the day of the Willow Springs Christmas Parade.
Through Dec. 31: Shoe Sensation, 1315 Southern Hills Center, is hosting its ninth annual Socks for Troops fundraiser. Brand-new socks in original packaging may be donated at the shoe store.
Through Dec. 31 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays) Paintings by Lee Copen will be on display on the first floor of OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave.
Through December 31 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays) Photography and artwork by Kelli Albin will be on display at the West Plains Public Library.
Nov. 27 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) A Red Cross blood drive will be held in the West Plains Public Library Community Room, 750 W. Broadway. Donors must bring photo ID.
Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Day.
Nov. 28 (12:30 p.m.) All are invited to a “Friendsgiving” potluck celebration at People’s Park. Attendees may bring a food dish to share, but it is not required.
Nov. 28 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) Line dancing has resumed at the Summersville Senior Center for all ages. The group meets each Thursday at the center, 129 Rogers Ave. in Summersville. The class is free, but any donations given will be contributed to the center for facility upkeep. Call Kathie for more information at 417-932-1281.
Nov. 29- Dec. 13: the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce will host the Let It Glow Light Contest. Residents and businesses can upload photos of their Christmas light displays to the chamber’s Facebook event page, “2024 Let It Glow Light Contest” at ww.facebook.com/events/1262149238467432. Votes will be cast by likes in two categories, business and residential.
Dec. 1 (2-4 p.m.) The Avenue Theatre, 307 Washington Ave., will host the Christmas on the Avenue Toy Drive with free hot chocolate, goodies, Christmas stories, caroling and fun for the whole family. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be given to Always a Future For Kids. Concessions will be for sale.
Dec. 1 (6 p.m.) The annual City of West Plains Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on Court Square. Free coffee and hot chocolate will be available, along with commemorative ornaments and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
Dec. 2-4: The Mtn. View Garden Club will host their annual Christmas swag workshop at the Mtn. View Community Center, 125 E. First St., to create evergreen holiday decorations to adorn the city. Preparations will began at 9 a.m. Dec. 2, and at 1 p.m. Dec. 3, volunteers will begin assembling the 5-foot-tall swags. Work will resume at 9 a.m. Dec. 4. Lunch will be available for all helpers on Dec. 2 and 3. For more information call Jeanne Roles, 417-247-1479.
Dec. 3 (5:15 p.m.) The Ozarks Heritage Research Center in MSU-WP’s Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St., will dedicate a mural by Mtn. View artist Paul Jones. The images painted represent the past, present and future of the Ozarks. For more information contact Rebekah McKinney, 417-255-7949 or RebekahMcKinney@missouristate.edu.
Dec. 3 (5:30 p.m.) The MU Extension office in Howell County, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd. in East Towne Village shopping center, will host the fourth annual Howell County Equine Conference. Topics will include financial support for grazing, fencing and watering systems; soil fertility management; and evaluating quality of horse hay. Cost is $10 and includes dinner. Register by calling 417-256-2391 or online at extension.missouri.edu/events/4th-annual-howell-county-equine-conference.
Dec. 3 (6 p.m.) Historian and author Vincent Anderson will speak on Henry Rowe Schoolcraft’s legendary expedition through the Ozarks at the Ozarks Heritage Research Center inside MSU-WP’s Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St. The presentation is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Rebekah McKinney, 417-255-7949 or email @rebekahmckinney@missouristate.edu.
Dec. 5-22 (2-6 p.m. Thursdays & Fridays, noon to 6 p.m. weekends) The West Plains Model Railroad Club presents the seventh annual Christmas Model Train Display at the Harlin Museum, 405 Worcester St. Admission is free, and donations are accepted.
Dec. 5, 12, 19 & 26 (5 p.m.) Flotsam Farm’s Sycamore Salons are held weekly with a potluck dinner served at 5, followed by presentations at 6 p.m. The gatherings are free and open to the public at 13962 Highway 181 in Sycamore, just west of Hodgson Mill on Bryant Creek. For more information call Amelia LaMair at 417-261-1104 or email flotsamfarm@protonmail.com.
Dec. 6: Deadline for auditions for the Masked Singer Competition hosted Feb. by the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater West Plains Area. Selected candidates will perform in elaborate disguises. Each round, one singer will be eliminated and unmasked. Performances are pre-recorded and voting will take place between 6-8 p.m. Feb. 8. There is a $20 fee to audition. Call 417-204-2582 or email director@bgcwp.com.
Dec. 6 (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a virtual class on the southern flying squirrel. Learn about their needs, what makes them exceptional gliders and how to attract them to your woods or forest, and see plans for a flying squirrel next box and how to place it. Sign up at web.s3licensing.com.
Dec. 6 (noon to 1 p.m.) OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., will host a Lunch & Learn workshop, “Beneficial Ownership: What You Need to Know” to help local business owners understand and comply with new federal “beneficial ownership” reporting requirements that went into effect Jan. 1. The cost is $15 per person and includes lunch. Registration is required and can be done by calling OzSBI at 417-256-9724 or visiting ozsbi.com/events.
Dec. 6 (4:30-6:30 p.m.) Ozarka College in Melbourne, Ark., will hold its 15th annual holiday event, free and open to the public, int he John E. Miller Education complex. This year’s theme is “Gingerbread Lane.” There will be activities for kids involving crafts, ornament designing, coloring activities and games. The college Culinary Arts Department will provide treats, and Santa is scheduled to appear for photos.
Dec. 6, 7 (6 p.m.) & 8 (3 p.m.) The Jamaica Mission announces its annual fundraiser dinner theater event, “Christmas at the Cricket County Cafe” to be held at First United Methodist Church, 503 W. Main St. in West Plains. Tickets for dinner and a show are $20 per adult and $15 for children 10 and younger. The Dec. 8 performance will be a matinee show only, no dinner will be served, and tickets for that performance are $10. For more information or to buy tickets, contact Falana at 417-256-6167 or fumcjamaicamission@gmail.com.
Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14 (6:30 p.m.) and Dec. 8 & 15 (3 p.m.) The Avenue Theatre, 307 Washington Ave. presents “A Dazzling Double Feature” with two stage performances: A Twisted Christmas Carol, performed by the Fine Arts Academy, followed by It’s a Wonderful Life. Tickets are available online at theavenuetheatre.org.
Dec. 7: The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce will host Pancakes with Santa & the Grinch and a slew of other Downtown Holli-Day events, concluding with a lighted Christmas parade. Pancakes with Santa is from 8-10 a.m. and cost is $6 per person for a plate of pancakes, sausage and drink. It is a joint fundraiser for the chamber and the Willow Springs Lions Club. Photos are welcome to be taken by attendees.
Dec. 7 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) St. Paul Lutheran Church, 291 N. Kentucky Ave., will host a one-day-only Christmas Craft and Decor Sale, with a portion of proceeds going toward the Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Fund.
Dec. 7 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) Ozarks Sweetest Bakeshop will host a Christmas cookie decorating event as part of the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce Downtown Holli-Day events. The cost is $10 per child and includes four cookies, frosting and decorations and a hot cocoa.
Dec. 7 (noon to 4 p.m.) Santa Claus and Friends will be in the Star Theatre Annex in downtown Willow Springs for the chamber of commerce’s Downtown Holli-Day events.
Dec. 7 (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) and 8 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) The annual West Plains Optimist Club Holiday Season Arts & Crafts Show and Sale will be held at the civic center. Admission is $3 per day for ages 15 and older. Children 14 and younger are admitted free with an adult. Prospective exhibitors may request a reservation by Nov. 1 by emailing wpoptimistartsandcraftsshow@gmail.com, calling Amy Ross at 417-255-6091 or Marc Hubbell at 417-293-3404, or sending a letter to West Plains Optimist Club, P.O. Box 873, West Plains, MO 65775.
Dec. 7 (noon to 6 p.m.) The Willow Springs Arts Council’s annual Christmas Wreath Auction will be underway at the Star Theatre Annex. Wreaths will be on display for viewing, voting and bidding. Santa Claus will be on hand from noon to 4 p.m., and possible appearances could be expected from the Grinch and some superheroes.
Dec. 7 (4 p.m.) Alton’s Christmas Festivities will kick off with the coronation of Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas and the induction of this year’s grand marshals, Tom and Sandy Dills, at 4 p.m. on the Oregon County Courthouse lawn. The parade starts at 5 p.m., with lineup beginning at 5 p.m. at Alton Schools. The chamber’s Night on the Town will feature the annual photo booth where parents can have photos of their children with Santa and Mrs. Claus at JoElla’s Collective on Court Square, and several businesses will be open. Follow @altonchamber417 on Facebook for more information.
Dec. 7 (5-9 p.m.) Ozarks Summit Ministries presents Christmas Trivia Night at Pine Meadows Venue, 1449 Highway 76 in Willow Springs. The cost is $200 per team; 16 tables are available with up to eight people seated at each table. Entry is open to teams or individuals. A prize for best table theme and individual costume will be awarded. Hot cocoa and coffee, cookies, and light snacks will be offered. RSVP by Dec. 5. For tickets, find the “Christmas Trivia Night” event page hosted by Pine Meadows Venue on Facebook.
Dec. 7 (6 p.m.) The Couch High School FFA will host a fundraiser dinner, “Grand Gatsby Murder Mystery,” which will include the FFA Greenhand Ceremony. Doors open at 5 p.m.; the event will be held in the school gym. Tickets are $10 for students 6-18, $20 for adults or $50 for families of four or more. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. RSVP by Nov. 8. Call 417-938-4212 or email rlawrence@couchk12.com for details.
Dec. 8 (3 p.m.) The Little Mister and Miss Merry Christmas Pageant will be held at the West Plains Civic Center. Three age divisions: 2-4, 5-7 and 8-12. Entry forms are available at the West Plains Daily Quill and must be turned in by Nov. 15, either by returning to the Quill or emailing to wp.mrs.claus@gmail.com. No fee to enter. Audience admission to the pageant is $5. Door prizes will be available.
Dec. 9 (5:30 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare’s annual tree-lighting ceremony will take place in the main entrance lobby. For a $10 donation per light, community members may sponsor lights to honor loved ones. Call 417-853-5200, visit the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation office at 12 Parkway Center, 1211 Porter Wagoner Boulevard, or go online to www.ozarkshealthcare.com/support-us/foundation/lights-of-life to donate.
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. 10 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) The West Plains Council on the Arts will host a workshop led by Tara Shahan to create a winter-chapel-themed porch leaner painting. The class will be held in the Dogwood Rooms of the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. The cost to participate is $48 and includes all supplies. Register online via the Eventbrite link on the “Winter Chapel Porch Leaner Painting Workshop” page on Facebook.
Dec. 7 (7 p.m.) The annual Canned Film Festival at the Glass Sword Theater will benefit Samaritan Outreach. Enjoy a movie for the price of admission of two cans of unexpired food.
Dec. 11; Jan. 8 and Feb. 13 (9-11 a.m.) The Howell County Health Department, 180 Kentucky Ave., will host a free diabetic education class in a small group setting. The class is a series of four monthly sessions, with a $25 Casey’s gas card presented at the last of the four classes. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required and may be done by calling 417-256-7078.
Dec. 11 (6:30-7:30 p.m.) The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a virtual class not he Ozark Chinquapin, at one time a major player in the region’s forests, dominant on many ridge tops and rocky slopes. The decline of the species had major effects on local wildlife food webs and traditional cultural uses. Learn about the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation, local foresters and naturalists, and their efforts toward saving the species. Sign up online by going to mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com.
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. 12 (7-9 p.m.) The West Plains Public Library Foundation presents the Festival of Trees Christmas Gala with special guest emcee Brandon Beck. Tickets are $40 and on sale at the library. Each includes appetizers and one free alcoholic beverage. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Dec. 14 (8:30-11 a.m.) Cookies with the Claus, hosted by the Boys & Girls Club, will take place at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. Children 3 and younger are admitted free of charge; entry for ages 4 and older is $3 cash only. Professional family photos will be available for $25 and individual photos for $10; payments must be made in cash. Activities will include cookie decorating, a Whoville scavenger hunt, games, and meeting Santa. For more information call or text 417-204-2582 or email director@bgcwp.com.
Dec. 14 (11 a.m.) The Ozark Spring chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will partner with Wreaths Across America to lay wreaths at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Mtn. View. The public is invited to participate by sponsoring a wreath for $17 each in one of two ways: mail a check payable to Ozark Spring Chapter DAR (Ref #MO 0237) to 1619 Webster St., West Plains, MO 65775, or go online to www.wreathsacrossamaerica.org/MO0237 to pay by credit/debit, Google Pay or PayPal.
Dec. 14 (4 p.m.) The Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will be held with the theme, “The Sounds of Christmas. Volunteers are needed, and parade entry forms are available at the chamber office, 395 Jackie D. Garrett Drive.
Dec. 15 (2 p.m.) The tenth annual Christmas Celebration at Mt. Zion Church in Akers will be held. Bring an ornament and a memory, picture or story to share. Refreshments will be served; attendees are asked not to bring food. For more information contacted Judy Maggard Stewart, 573-247-8706, or Ruth Ruppel-Maxwell 815-866-4419.
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.
Dec. 17 (6:30-7:30 p.m.) The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a virtual class, Mammals: Missouri’s Giants, about the most fascinating large mammals one might encounter in the wild across Missouri. Sign up online by going to mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com.
Dec. 19 (4 p.m. [virtual] and 6 p.m. [in-person]) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host Nature Art: Pine Needlers, a 12-month project group meeting through May using embroidery techniques to explore Missouri’s native wildflowers. By signing up, you are committing to all 12 months. 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.
Dec. 23-29 (noon to 5 p.m.) The West Plains Model Railroad Club presents the seventh annual Christmas Model Train Display at the Harlin Museum, 405 Worcester St. Admission is free, and donations are accepted. The museum and display will be closed on Christmas Day.
Jan. 11: The Avenue Theatre, 307 Washington Ave., will host a Chili Cook-Off with a $20 entry fee. Contestants are asked to create a sign with the chili’s name and description, a list of ingredients and potential allergens, and a disclaimer that it was prepared in a non-commercially inspected kitchen. Chili should be ready to serve in a slow cooker with a ladle and an extension cord to plug in to keep the chili warm. Provide toppings and accessories to complement your entry. Sign up by emailing Christi at christi@theavenuetheatre.org.
Jan. 14 (2 p.m.) Deadline to sign up for the Early-Stage Business Boot Camp free four-week virtual training offered by Innovate SOMO, efactory, CodeFi and the Small Business Development Center. Dates are Jan. 14 through Feb. 6, with sessions held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays via Zoom. Contact Tara Horton at 417-837-2609 to register
Jan. 23: Save the date for the 2024 Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony. Nomination forms are available. Email info@wpchamber.com to request a form.
Jan. 30 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) Project Homeless Connect will be held at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. Service providers are needed to volunteer their services. The event has been rescheduled from its earlier planned date of Jan. 23 due to a schedule conflict. Services can include helping clients complete applications and intake forms, signing up for programs, handing out free items and providing direct services such as medical, dental, vision and mental health care; care relating to substance abuse; housing assistance; benefits support; legal assistance; help with photo identification, food and clothing; wheelchair repair; and haircuts. To request a registration form, email Sharon Cobb, scobb@oiawp.org. Those who cannot offer services may donate items including menstrual hygiene products, Ziploc bags, shaving razors, washcloths, pillows, socks, T-shirts, hand warmers, blankets, hats, winter gloves, can openers, tents, toothbrushes and paste, and laundry pods.
Feb. 8 (6 p.m.) The Boys & Girls Club of Greater West Plains presents Valentines Masquerade with a Masked Singer at Rubydoo’s Vintage Events Center, 9240 County Road 9190. Can you guess who’s behind the mask? The event features dinner, a silent auction, giveaway drawings and a costume contest. Tickets are $60 in advance or $75 at the door; a table for eight may be reserved for $750. Sponsorships are available. Singers interested in participating must pay a $20 audition fee; sign up by Dec. 6 by calling the club or emailing director@bgcwp.com. Online reservations will be available soon. For more information call 417-204-2582.
