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 Sept. 25: SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging and the West Plains Senior Center, 416 E. Main St., are hosting a pantry donation drive to supplement its meal service program budget — with a twist. Center Administrator Joy Pace and Kitchen Lead Heather Corbin are competing to collect the most donations: If Pace receives 500 cans of fruit or pie filling, or Corbin receives 500 cans of meat, tuna or chicken noodle soup, one of them will kiss a live pig from Monte Cattle Company at noon Sept. 25. Call 417-256-4055 for information about how to donate.
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.
Through Oct. 19: The West Plains Council on the Arts presents an exhibit by Barbara Williams, “Ozarks Buildings: Cultural Heritage and Containers of Spirit,” viewable during business hours on the mezzanine at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
Sept. 18 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Check-in begins in room 112 of Melton Hall, 129 Garfield Ave., for students in seventh through 12th grades attending the 10th annual Missouri Educators for Tomorrow’s Schools Conference, aimed at students interested in becoming teachers. Lunch will be provided. For more information, call 417-255-7904 or email rebenaatkinson@missouristate.edu.
Sept. 18 and 25 (7-8 p.m.) Choir lovers are invited to join rehearsals for the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church’s annual Christmas cantata, “Carry the Light.” The cantata is a concert of choral music and narrations celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Rehearsals begin Sept. 11, but all are welcome to begin rehearsals any Wednesday evening in September. The performance will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 10. There is no fee to join. Email Jordan Hall, jhall@fairview.k12.mo.us for more information.
Sept. 19-21: The 17th annual Ozarks Studies Symposium, themed around “The Political Economy of the Ozarks” will be held at the West Plains Civic Center, complimented by an exhibit by Barbara Williams of Ozarks Buildings. The keynote speaker at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 20 will be Kimberly Harper of the State Historical Society of Missouri, discussing her new book, “Men of No Reputation: Robert Boatright, the Buckfoot Gang, and the Fleecing of Middle America.” For the complete schedule for the free event, as well as presenter details, can be found at ozarksymposium.wp.missouristate.edu, or follow @OzarksSymposium on Facebook.
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.
Sept. 19 (5:30 p.m.) An artist reception for Barbara Williams, whose exhibit “Ozarks Buildings: Cultural Heritage and Containers of Spirit” is viewable during business hours on the mezzanine at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St., will be hosted by the West Plains Council on the Arts alongside Williams’ works.
Sept. 19 (6-8 p.m.) A reception to introduce the 12th president of the Missouri State University System, Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams, will be held in the Student Recreation Center, 323 W. Trish Knight St. Hors d’oeuvres and a hosted bar will be available. There is no cost to attend but registration is required and may be completed by calling 417-255-7240 or visiting alumni.missouristate.edu/biffinwp.
Sept. 20. (7:30-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.) The Howell County Health Department, 180 Kentucky Ave., will host walk-in clinics for back-to-school immunizations. Youths younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Parents are encouraged to bring up-to-date shot records, and if needed, may need to request them from the school district or medical provider’s office, and should be able to provide information about their child’s allergies. Be prepared for a wait. Call 417-256-7078 for more information.
Sept. 20 (6:30 p.m.) Answer-sheet-style trivia at Wages Brewing Company, 1382 Bill Virdon Blvd. in East Towne Village shopping center. In honor of the Ozarks Studies Symposium happening this weekend, it will be heavy on Ozarks trivia. Free to play in, but for a chance to win prizes, the cost is $5.
Sept. 20-21 (7 p.m.) and 22 (3 p.m.) The Avenue Theatre presents “The Game” by Louise Bryant. Parental guidance is recommended for youth younger than 13, as the subject matter deals with suicide awareness and prevention. Tickets are $12 each and may be purchased online at theavenuetheatre.org.
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. The event is free to attend.
Sept. 21 (11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) Aug. 29 (4-5 p.m.) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will be the location of Jakes Day, jointly coordinated by the Current River Callers, NWTF and Missouri Department of Conservation for kids ages 6 to 12. Activities include fishing, archery, air rifle, a hunt-shark hike and a wild outdoors activities. Registration is onsite/ no preregistration required. Registered participants will receive a free Jakes membership, goodie bag and a chance to win one of three prizes. Lunch will be served from 11-11:45. No cost for the event.
Sept. 21 (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.) and 22 (3 p.m.) The Star Dramatic Company presents “The Gray Ladies Ride Again,” written and directed by the company’s own Kristi Cunningham. Tickets to the show are $10. Performances will be given at the Star Theatre in downtown Willow Springs.
Sept. 21 (7 p.m.) Local rock trio BrotherPaint performs live rock originals and cover tunes at Wages Brewing Company, 1382 Bill Virdon Blvd. in East Towne Village shopping center. No cover charge.
Sept. 23 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) An informational meeting for those interested in learning more about 4-H will be held at the Howell County MU Extension Office, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd. Contact Katy Taylor for more information at katy.taylor@missouri.edu or 417-683-4409.
Sept. 24 (noon) The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 695 of West Plains will meet at Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant, 1449 Preacher Roe Blvd. National Weather Service retiree Bruce Dunnihoo will present a weather safety seminar and special guests Laura Cowart, Districts 7 and 8 congressional leader, will share information Missouri NARFE Federation. All active and retired employees and spouses are invited.
Sept. 24 (4:30 p.m.) Zizzer Softball will host a Service Member Appreciation Night. Bartlett Moving Services will provide food for all service members in attendance.
Sept. 24-Nov. 12 (5:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays) An eight-week Early Stage Business Boot Camp workshop will be offered by partnering entities including the Greater West Plains Chamber of Commerce, Ozarks Small Business Incubator, MSU-WP and the Missouri Small Business Development Center. Call Tara Horton, 417-837-2617 or TaraHorton@MissouriState.edu for registration details.
Sept. 24 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) The Southern Missouri Community Orchestra meets for rehearsal every Tuesday at the Ferguson Building, 205 E. Main St. in Willow Springs in preparation for a Halloween concert to be given in October. All are welcome to join, and string players are particularly sought. The orchestra is sponsored by the Willow Springs Arts Council, donors and the Missouri Arts Council. Interested musicians should call Brandy Taylor, 417-259-7634, or Director Jodie Forbes, 417-417-217-0542. Check them out on the web at www.willowspringsartscouncil.org/soco, or follow “Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra” on Facebook.
Sept. 25 (8 a.m. to noon & 1-5 p.m.) Appointments will be scheduled on these dates for regular back-to-school immunization clinics held at the Howell County Health Department, 180 N. Kentucky Ave. Parents are encouraged to bring up-to-date shot records, and if needed, may need to request them from the school district or medical provider’s office, and should be able to provide information about their child’s allergies. Be prepared for a wait. Call 417-256-7078 for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Sept. 25 (noon) The community is invited to the West Plains Senior Center, 416 E. Main St., to watch the winner of a food drive contest kiss a live pig supplied by Monte Cattle Company.
Sept. 26 (1-3:30 p.m.) The Howell County Health Department will have its Women’s Mobile Health Services in the parking lot of the Mtn. View Chamber of Commerce on First Street. Services offered: Pap smears, pelvic exams, breast exams, contraception, sexually transmitted disease testing, pregnancy testing, mammogram referrals and lipid and blood sugar screenings. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Call 417-256-7078.
Sept. 26 (508 p.m.) Open Jam hosted by West Plains Underground at Wages Brewing Company, 1382 Bill Virdon Blvd. in East Towne Village shopping center. Bring an instrument or your voice and join in.
Sept. 26 (6-7:30 p.m.) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host Nature Art: Pine Needlers for the fourth in a 12-month series of sessions 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.
Sept. 27 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) The University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic, through its Tigers for Troops Program, offers free legal consultations to veterans regarding their VA disability compensation benefits, discharge upgrades and VA healthcare at Eminence High School, 505 S. Sixth St. in Eminence. Register online at bit.ly/EminenceTFT or call 573-882-7630. Walk-ins are welcome but registration is highly recommended to guarantee an appointment.
Sept. 27 (1-2 p.m.) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host a virtual program on hummingbirds. Learn about the tiny fliers and how to attract them to your yard or garden. 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.
Sept. 27 (5 p.m.) Vinyl Night at Wages Brewing Company, 1382 Bill Virdon Blvd. in East Towne Village shopping center. Theme: late ’90s post grunge/alternative. Bring a record to share.
Sept. 28 (7 p.m.) Native Souls will perform in concert at the Historic Star Theatre in downtown Willow Springs. Admission is $10.
Sept. 28 (8 p.m.) Moe’s Karaoke at Wages Brewing Company, 1382 Bill Virdon Blvd. in East Towne Village shopping center. Free to participate.
Sept. 28 (10 a.m.) Big Spring in Van Buren will celebrate National Public Lands Day and the 100-year anniversary of Missouri’s first state parks and the first public recreation lands in the Current River Watershed. Volunteers are invited to help plant 100 native trees and enjoy musical entertainment and appreciation of the ONSR Foundation.
Sept. 29 (2-5 p.m.) A reunion for former Marathon/Regal-Beloit employees will be held in the pavilion of People’s Park. Attendees are invited to a bring a dish and enjoy visiting.
Sept. 30 (1-4 p.m.) OzSBI will hold a Howell County Smart Start workshop, Developing a Successful Business, at the Mtn. View Community Center, 125 E. First St. in Mtn. View. The free session will present the first steps of starting a business and how to pave the way to success.
Sept. 30 (7 p.m.) The Shannon County Museum will host its annual archaeology and history program with speaker Jack H. Ray, emeritus research professor for the MSU Center for Archaeological Research in Springfield. He will present “Recent Archaeological Investigations in Shannon County: The Alley Mill Site and Cave Spring Dugout Canoe.” The program is free and donations are accepted. Call 314-291-1165 or email abanks7@att.net for more information.
Oct. 3 (3:30-5:30 p.m.) Ozark Independent Living will hold a member mixer in which all are invited to drop by 109 Aid Ave. and see O.I.L.’s new durable medical equipment program. To donate or for more information, call 417-257-0038, visit www.ozarkcil.com or email info@ozarkcil.com.
Oct. 4 (6 p.m.) The Avenue Theatre, 307 Washington Ave., will host karaoke.
Oct. 5 (7:30 a.m.) On-site registration begins for the annual Pedal the Cause fundraiser bike ride to support cancer research. Ride begins at 8 a.m. at West Plains High School and is expected to finish between 9:15-9:30 a.m. Spin bikes are available. Helmets required to participate. Prizes will be available and medals will be given to first 200 participants. Sign up in advance at www.givesignup.org/Race/MO/WestPlains/WestPlainsRidesforPedaltheCause.
Oct. 5 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) The annual Friends of the Paul Weaver Library will be held in the lobby of the John E. Miller Education Complex on the Ozarka College campus in Melbourne, Ark. Books on a variety of topics will be available. No prices will be set; books will be sold by donation to raise funds for student scholarships. For information call librarian Dan Lindsey, 870-368-2054
Oct. 5 (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) A dementia resource event will be held at First Baptist Church, 202 Walnut St. The free event includes breakout sessions with elder law attorneys, Alzheimer’s Association representatives, a neurologist, hospice providers and a dementia coach and author. Prize drawings will be held, and free breakfast will be served. Free resources will be available and participants will have time to speak with experts in the field. Email jillpietroburgo@gmail.com for more information.
Oct. 5: The Bear City Fall Festival will take place in downtown Willow Springs.
Oct. 5 (2-7 p.m.) A one-day basketball camp for boys and girls in seventh through 12th grades will be held as a fundraiser for Lady Zizzer Basketball. The cost is $120 per player and campers will receive a one-month subscription to OtterBasketball’s virtual training and a camp T-shirt. Register at www.otterbasketball.com or call 866-357-2966 for more information.
Oct. 5 (6-11 p.m.) The Blue Jean Ball fundraiser for Ozarks Healthcare Foundation returns for its 12th year. It will be held at Silver Springs Ranch, 6860 Private Road 8900. Music will be provided by a deejay and the Ben Oesch Band, and live and silent auctions will be led by Billy Sexton. Also included are a cake walk, dance floor, mechanical bull, permanent jewelry from Links by Leyla and a hat bar from Trendy Southwest Hippy. Tickets are $75 in advance or $100 at the door and may be purchased online at www.ozarkshealthcare.com/BJBTickets. Each ticket includes dinner, two adult beverages and unlimited nonalcoholic drinks; additional adult beverages will be available for purchase at a cash bar. To sponsor or purchase tickets, people may also call 417-853-5200 or stop by the foundation office at 12 Parkway Center, 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd.
Oct. 6: Ozark National Scenic Riverways hosts a series of free one-day workshops about the basics of fly fishing for youth between 12 and 18 years old at the Mt. Zion Church north of Akers. Reservations are required as space is limited to 10 youths with at least one parent for each. Contact 573-858-3297 for more information and to register.
Oct. 6 (2-6 p.m.) A basic training basketball camp for girls and boys in third through sixth grades will be hosted by Lady Zizzer Basketball as a fundraiser. Cost is $100 per player and campers will receive a one-month subscription to OtterBasketball’s virtual training and a camp T-shirt. Register at www.otterbasketball.com or call 866-357-2966 for more information.
Oct. 8 and Nov. 5: The Howell County Amateur Radio Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 180 Kentucky Ave. in the basement of the Howell County Health Department. Anyone interested in amateur or emergency radio communications is welcome. For more information call 417-372-8799 or visit @w0hca on Facebook.
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. 9 (6 p.m.) The monthly meeting of the Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks will be held at the Library Center Auditorium, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. Mike Calvert will present, “The Second Battle of Independence, Missouri, Oct. 22, 1864.”
Oct. 10 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., will host a workshop, Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, presented by leadership development coach and trainer Kim Worlow. Cost is $175 for OzSBI members and $220 for nonmembers.
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. 11 (4-6 p.m.) West Plains Pride will host a potluck and meet-and-greet at People’s Park on West Broadway in celebration of National Coming Out Day. All LGBTQIA+ community members and allies are welcome.
Oct. 12-13 (9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) Always a Future for Kids will host OzFaire, a charity Renaissance festival to raise funds for children who are neglected, abused or in the foster care system. Held at HOBA Bluegrass Park, 1138 Bluegrass Lane, tickets are $10 for ages 13 and older per day, $5 for ages 8 to 12 and free for children younger than 8 accompanied by an adult. Vendor applications are being taken. Find details at ozfaire.com.
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. 15 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) The West Plains Council on the Arts will host an amigurumi crochet workshop led by Tara Shahan in the West Plains Civic Center Dogwood Rooms 1 and 2, 110 St. Louis St. The cost is $35 to attend and includes all supplies. Learn to crochet a small stuffed plushy creature. Space is limited. Reserve a spot by searching for “Amigurumi Crochet/Mabel Chicken Workshop” on Eventbrite or Facebook and RSVPing there, texting Paula at 417-293-2325 or emailing info@westplainsarts.org.
Oct. 17 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) A walk-in flu shot clinic will be held at the West Plains VA Clinic, 1801 E. K Highway. Veterans seeking immunizations should bring their VA health care ID card.
Oct. 19 (10 a.m.) Gates open for ShenanigansFest, an all-day music festival at the Hanger, 808 Ozark County Road 352-A in Caulfield, near Sunburst Ranch, just past Patrick Bridge. Music begins at 11 a.m. and features eight bands from Nashville, Tenn., Virginia, and Tulsa, Okla., as well as local performers. Food truck, a kids area and a beer garden will also be available. Presale tickets are $45 for ages 12 and older at www.eventbrite.com/e/shenanigansfest-2024-tickets-1004506976407. For information, including a Spotify playlist of the scheduled performers, follow @shenaniganswpmo on Facebook or visit linktr.ee/shenanigans_mo.
Oct. 31: The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce will host Trunk or Treat. Details to be announced.
Nov. 7 (11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.) OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., will host a Business Women First Luncheon sponsored by Community First Banking Company. “SOULutions for Stress,” presented by leadership development coach and trainer Kim Worlow, will focus on identifying and replacing limiting beliefs about stress, learning new ways to interpret stress and how to influence stress and get it working for you instead of against you. Cost is $20.
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.
