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 Dec. 16: The West Plains Council on the Arts hosts “Deck the Halls,” a holiday art exhibit, in the West Plains Civic Center mezzanine gallery, 110 St. Louis St.
Through Dec. 31 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays) Local artist Ann Kulpa’s works will be on display at the Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave.
Through Dec. 8: Applications are now available for the Chamber Christmas Parade to take place Dec. 9 in Downtown West Plains. Pick up forms at the chamber office, 401 Jefferson Ave., or email info@wpchamber.com.
Through Nov. 30: The Willow Springs Arts Council is sponsoring a Christmas Wreath Decorating Contest. Pick up a free wreath at the Ferguson Building between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Wreaths are due back to the Ferguson building by 4 p.m. Nov. 30. Prizes will be awarded at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 after the Christmas parade. Wreaths will be available for purchase in a silent auction to follow.
Through Dec. 31 (9 a.m. to close Mondays through Saturdays) Local painter Garrett Melby’s artwork, featuring works from his “Tone Poets” collection will be displayed at the West Plains Public Library, 750 W. Broadway.
29 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) The Mtn. View Garden Club will host the third and final day of its annual Christmas Swag Workshop at the Community Center, 125 E. First St. in Mtn. View. Volunteers will gather to make 80 evergreen decoration to be hung by city workers around the city for the Christmas season. If you have gloves scissors, pruners and pliers, organizers ask you to bring them, labeled with your name. Lunch will be provided. Call Robi Tanner at 573-292-3000 for more information.
Nov. 29 (2-6 p.m.) Entries will be accepted for the second annual Ozark Artery Art Show Competition, to be hosted in partnership with the Yellow House Community Arts Center, 209 W. Trish Knight St., displayed on select dates between Dec. 2 through Jan. 10. All original works of any media are welcome, and youths will be judged alongside adults. Enter submissions at the Yellow House; the cost is $8 to enter one piece and $5 for each additional piece for a maximum of three pieces per artist. Cash prizes will be awarded. Email ozarkarteryinfo@gmail.com for find “Ozark Artery” on Facebook for more information.
Nov. 30 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare’s Mobile Mammography Unit will be at Shannon County Health Center, 18018 Grey Jones Drive in Eminence. Women wishing to have a mammogram must be at least 40, have not had a mammogram in the past year, not be pregnant or breastfeeding, have no implants, have no cancer diagnosis past or present and no issues such as breast discharge, lumps, pain or discoloration. Limited appointments are available; call 417-257-5912.
Nov. 30 (1-2 p.m.) The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a virtual class, “Mammals: Black Bears of Missouri,” to discuss fun facts about black bears in Missouri. The bear population continues to increase around the state, so being ‘Bear Aware’ is more important. Sign up online by going to mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com and searching for the event name.
Nov. 30 & Dec. 7 (1:30 p.m.) Summersville Library, 480 First St. in Summersville, hosts a weekly Story Time and Craft, designed for preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.
Nov. 30 (6-7 p.m.) Local author Marsha Theuwald will read from her book, “How Did Our Christmas Traditions Begin?” At the Mtn. View Public Library, 125 S. Oak St. There will be time for Q&A while enjoying Christmas refreshments. For more information call 417-934-6154.
Nov. 30 (7 p.m.) Justin Castro will perform acoustic indie folk/rock live at Wages Brewing Company, 1382 Bill Virdon Blvd. No cover charge.
Nov. 30 (7 p.m.) AMVETS Post 98, 1852 County Road 6070, hosts Heroes Veteran Peer Support Group for veterans and first responders every Thursday. AMVETS membership not required.
Dec. 1 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and 2 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) The Friends of the West Plains Public Library annual book sale offers books, audiobooks and DVDs for sale at the library, 750 W. Broadway.
Dec. 1 (4:30-6:30 p.m.) Ozarka College will host its 14th annual holiday event, free to the public, int he John E. Miller Education Complex on the college’s Melbourne, Ark., campus. This year’s theme is “Trees and Tidings,” and children will have opportunities to design ornaments and participate in games and other activities. Pictures with Santa will also be available.
Dec. 1 (6 p.m.) The annual West Plains Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will be held.
Dec. 1 (6 p.m.) The annual Toys for Tots Christmas Concert will be held at the Bridge Church in the building formerly known as The Barn Event Center, 10105 S. U.S. 63. Admission is a new, unwrapped toy for Christmas for kids.
Dec. 1 (7-10 p.m.) AMVETS Post 98, 1852 County Road 6070, hosts live music every Friday. This week’s performance features Hannah Katheryn. Upcoming: Travis James, Dec. 1.
Dec. 2 (8 a.m.-6 p.m.) The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce will host a Downtown Holli-Day with activities planned for the entire downtown ring in the Christmas holiday season. From 8-10 a.m., the Lions Club will host Pancakes with Santa at 2532 County Road 5800; cost is $5 per person. From 10-2 p.m. Ozarks Sweetest Bakeshop, 704 E. Main St., will host a cookie-decorating event with hot cocoa; cost is $10 per child. From 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Santa will be under the gazebo next to Privette Law Office to visit with children. From noon to 2 p.m., the Star Theatre will show vintage Christmas cartoons; free admission, free popcorn. From 1-3 p.m. public voting and viewing of a gingerbread house decorating contest will be held at Willow Springs Church of Christ, 2850 Bolerjack Road. At 6 p.m., the Christmas parade will make its way through downtown.
Dec. 2 (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) & 3 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) The West Plains Optimist Club’s 41st annual Holiday Season Arts & Crafts Show and Sale will take place in the civic center, 110 St. Louis St. Admission is $3 per day for ages 15 and older; children under 14 are admitted free if accompanied by an adult.
Dec. 2 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) St. Paul Lutheran Church, 291 N. Kentucky Ave., will host a one-day Christmas Craft and Decor Sale with 20% off all purchases. A door prize drawing will be held. Credit cards are accepted. The event is an annual fundraiser for the church to donate to a local nonprofit.
Dec. 2 (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Santa is coming to the “Go Farm” Farmer’s market at 805 Worley Drive next to Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply. Treats and photo opportunities will be available.
Dec. 2 (noon) The Ozark Spring National Society Daughters of the American Revolution monthly meeting will be a “Tea Party” to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, held at the American Legion Hall, 1401 Bill Virdon Blvd. Attendees are invited to dress in period clothing if so inspired.
Dec. 2 (2 p.m.) The Springfield Community Band will perform in the West Plains Civic Center theater, 110 St. Louis St.
Dec. 2: The Ozark Artery Art Show and evening reception will be held in conjunction with the Yellow House Art and Craft Show and Sale at the Yellow House Community Arts Center, 209 W. Trish Knight Street. Times TBA. Interested artists can send a message to “Ozark Artery” on Facebook or email ozarkarteryinfo@gmail.com for information about entering the Artery Show.
Dec. 2 (4-7 p.m.) The Willow Springs Arts Council and Willow Springs High School will host the second Invitational Art Show upstairs in the Ferguson Building, 127 E. Main St. in Willow Springs. The public is welcome. To enter student artists into the show, contact Madyson Callahan, WSHS art teacher, at 417-469-2114 or callahanm@wspgs.com. A special showing will be offered to schools from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1.
Dec. 2 (8 p.m.) AMVETS Post 98, 1852 County Road 6070, hosts karaoke every Saturday.
Dec. 3 (3 p.m.) The annual Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas pageant will be held at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
Dec. 4, 11, 18 & 25 (6-8 p.m.) Celebrate Recovery meets Mondays at His Place House of Worship on Worley Drive. For more information contact 573-821-0147.
Dec. 6 (4-8 p.m.) A Professional Educators Recruitment Conference will be hosted by MSU-WP Associate of Arts in Teaching degree program officials in Gohn Hall. Potential paraprofessionals and pre-service teachers will be connected with local school districts. Call AAT Director ReBena Atkinson for more information at 417-255-7904.
Dec. 7 (9:30 a.m.) A high school counselor/A+ coordinator meeting and luncheon will be held at Hass-Darr Hall on Garfield Ave., hosted by the MSU-WP admissions office. Campus updates will be given and conversation will be had about current topics and opportunities for collaboration. Call 417-255-7955 for more information.
Dec. 7 (noon to 1 p.m.) The Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon will focus on leadership development with a presentation from LEAD West Plains Program Director Brandy Stuston. RSVP by Dec. 1 by emailing info@wpchamber.com.
Dec. 7 (6-7 p.m.) Local author Edwin Woolsey will read from a book he has written and will speak on Christmas traditions starting in the Netherlands and going to New Amsterdam, also known as New York City, at the Mtn. View Public Library, 125 S. Oak St. Refreshments and discussion to follow. For more information call 417-934-6154.
Dec. 8: Deadline for Willow Springs residents and businesses to enter the Willow Springs chamber’s Let it Glow Christmas light display contest. Email a photo of the display to willowspringschamber@gmail.com. Winners will be announced Dec. 11.
Dec. 8 (noon to 1 p.m.) The Friends of the Garnett Library will meet in Lybyer Technology Center Rooms 104 and 105, with guest speakers alumni Taler and Anna (Cantrell) Sutherland. They will discuss the impact MSU-WP had on their lives. For information or to reserve a lunch, call 417-255-7940 or email friendsofgarnettlibrary@missouristate.edu.
Dec. 8, 9, 15 & 16 (7 p.m.) and 9 & 16 (3 p.m.) The Children’s Ballet of the Ozarks will perform The Nutcracker Ballet in the West Plains Civic Center theatre, 110 St. Louis St.
Dec. 9 (8:30-11 a.m.) The Greater West Plains Area Boys & Girls Club will host Cookies with the Claus, formerly known as Breakfast with Santa, with an emphasis on activities for children at the West Plains Civic Center. Babies age 3 and younger are admitted free, and entry for children 4 and older is $3 cash only. Activities will include face painting, cookie decorating, ornament making and photo opportunities with Santa.
Dec. 9 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and 10 (noon to 4 p.m.) The Tri-County Holiday Market will be held in the Fulton County Fairgrounds, Salem, Ark. To participate as a vendor, contact Bridget, 817-706-3090, or Tamara, 501-743-2161, or find the registration link on the fair website, www.fultoncountyfair.org. Concessions will be available, as will photos with Santa. Admission and parking are free with a donation of a nonperishable food item; donations will go to veterans.
Dec. 9 (4 p.m.) The Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, themed “The Joys of Christmas,” will make its way downtown. Entry forms, available Nov. 1, may be picked up from the chamber office on Jefferson Avenue.
Dec. 9 (5-8 p.m.) & 8 (5-7 p.m.) The West Plains Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2800 Christie Drive, will host a live Nativity scene with musical performances and light refreshments. Admission is free.
Dec. 9 (5-9 p.m.) Ozarks Summit Ministries presents Christmas Trivia Night at Pine Meadows Venue, 1449 Highway 76, Willow Springs. The cost is $25 per person or $200 per team, reservations due by Dec. 1. There will 24 tables available. A prize will be awarded for best individual costume and table theme. A hot cocoa and coffee bar, cookies and light snacks will be offered. Find the “Christmas Trivia Night” event page hosted by Pine Meadows and click “Tickets” for a link to the online Google form to register.
Dec. 10 (2 p.m.) Mt. Zion Church in Akers invites all to the ninth annual Christmas Celebration, hosted in partnership with Friends of Mt. Zion, Ozark Riverways Foundation, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Dent County Historical Society, Ozark Heritage Project and the Shannon County Museum Association. Enjoy a Christmas message and singing of Christmas carols, plus an appearance from Santa. Bring an ornament and a memory, a photo or a story to share. Refreshments will be provided. Call Judy Maggard Stewart, 573-247-8706, or Ruth Ruppel-Maxwell, 815-866-4419 for more information.
Dec. 11-14: Final exams are underway for MSU-WP fall classes.
Dec. 11 (10-11 a.m.) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host Nature Art: Nature’s Ornaments, a workshop for those interested in making holiday treasures from the abundance of natural objects this season has to offer. 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. 11 (5:30 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare and the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation will hold the annual Lights of Life Tree Lighting inside the main entrance to the hospital, 1100 Kentucky Ave. Santa will be available beginning at 4 p.m. for photo opportunities with children. Purchase lights to go on the area at www.ozarkshealthcare.com/support-us/foundation/lights-of-life or call 417-853-5200.
Dec. 11: Save the date — The West Plains High School and Middle School Zizzer Band will perform their Christmas concert at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
Dec. 12 (8-11 a.m.) Low-cost lab health screenings will be conducted at Ozarks Healthcare Lab Services, 1100 Kentucky Ave.; Ozarks Healthcare, 181 Kentucky Ave. Suite 100 in Highland Park; and Ozarks Healthcare Family Care, 1307 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains. Screenings will also be held at clinics in Alton, 100 Medical Drive; Gainesville, 37 Medical Drive; Mtn. Grove, 500 E. 19th St.; Mtn. View, 220 N. Elm St., Thayer, 1375 Nettleton Ave.; Winona, 9104 Highway 19; and Mammoth Spring, Ark., 260 Main St. For more information call 417-257-6736.
Dec. 12 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offers Heart Saver Infant CPR classes for parents in the third trimester of pregnancy or of babies younger than 1 year. Classes cover basic resuscitation skills to be used on an infant. One-session classes are available. To sign up call 417-256-9111 ext. 6440 (TTY: 417-257-5868).
Dec. 13 (7 p.m.) Grizzly Basketball vs. Memphis Day in the West Plains Civic Center arena, 110 St. Louis St.
Dec. 14 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offers New Parent Skills classes for parents in the third trimester of pregnancy. Classes cover self-care, baby care, safety, immunizations and circumcision. One-session classes are available. To sign up call 417-256-9111 ext. 6440 (TTY: 417-257-5868).
Dec. 16 (9 a.m. to noon or 1-4 p.m.) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host Nature Art: Wreath Making Class, a workshop for those interested in making holiday wreaths using local Missouri conifer boughs with dried native plants and berries for interesting accents. All materials provided. 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. 16 (10 a.m. to noon) Treat Your Palette will host a “Winter Church” painting party at the Harlin Museum, 405 Worcester St. Reserve a spot and get more info at treatyourpalette.com. Registration is required.
Dec. 16 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) The West Plains Public Library Foundation hosts a Festival of Trees. Visit the library at 750 W. Broadway to see trees decorated by the community. Proceeds will benefit the library. Call 417-256-4775 for more information.
Dec. 16 (11 a.m.) Wreaths Across America will be at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1019 E. Third St. in Mtn. View, for a remembrance ceremony to honor deceased veterans. Ozark Spring Daughters of the American Revolution seeks volunteers and sponsors to help place wreaths on the graves. For more information call Cindy Birch, 417-629-4102, or Lois Frazier, 417-257-8215.
Dec. 19 (2 p.m.) English professor Frank Priest will present “The First Noel,” a celebration of the poetry of traditional Christmas hymns, including their history, rhyme, meter, rhythm and form. Hosted by the Ozarks Heritage Research Center at the Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St. Free admission. Call 417-255-7949 for more information.
Dec. 19 (6-7 p.m.) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host Nature Art: Pine Needlers, a 12 month embroidery workshop that meets from June to May to learn simple embroidery techniques and become familiar with Missouri’s unique native trees. A virtual session will be offered online from 4 to 5 p.m. for those who cannot attend in person 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. 21-Jan. 3, 2024: MSU-WP campus is closed for holiday break.
Dec. 21 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offers Preparing for Breastfeeding classes for expectant parents. Classes provide important information needed to breastfeed a new baby. One-session classes are available. To sign up call 417-256-9111 ext. 6440 (TTY: 417-257-5868).
Dec. 25: Christmas Day.
Jan. 1: New Year's Day
Jan. 10: MSU-WP will host an on-campus, in-person STAR Orientation session for incoming freshmen or transfer students with less than 10 credit hours planning to attend classes in spring semester, which starts Jan. 16. A virtual session can be scheduled at any time via Blackboard. Call 417-255-7222, email wpadvising@missouristate.edu or fill out the form online at wp.missouristate.edu/advising/star.htm to schedule an appointment.
Jan. 18 (5 p.m.) Save the date for the 2023 Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony. Nominations forms are available. Email info@wpchamber.com to request a form.
April 5-8: Party in the Path, a four-day festival celebrating the total solar eclipse’s path with just over three minutes of totality in West Plains, will feature live music, a mural painting, self-guided tours, a 5K, vendors, “Cosmic Carnival” for kids, duck races, a Neon Parade, dice run, Hot Air Balloon Glow, fireworks and food trucks. Details are still coming together. Watch explorewestplains.com/tse or follow @eclipsewestplains on Facebook for updates.