It’s not often that Santa’s “better half” has time to come to the library this close to Christmas, but Mrs. Claus will be paying our branch a special visit from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday! more

I have come again into the woods on a December evening. more

This past weekend, it felt like Christmas took me by the hand and led me on a whirlwind tour of everything that makes this season special. more

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. more

Science-fiction novelist Dr. Ezra Manes of the Thayer area has penned his eighth novel, "Entangled Destinies," and will hold a book signing event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Book Nook, 203 Washington Ave. more

Explore West Plains will sponsor a Non-Profit Expo and Volunteer Fair from 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 28 at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. The event is designed for all area nonprofit and charitable organizations to have an opportunity to let the community see what they do and to describe their volunteer roles, if any. more

Area residents interested in learning how to read blueprints or develop computer-aided drafting skills can sign up now for a class being offered by the Workforce Development and Community Education Department at Missouri State University-West Plains. more

Mt. Zion Church in Akers invites all to its 10th annual Christmas Celebration at 2 p.m. Dec. 15, 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. more

It is the first day of December as I take pen and paper in hand. more

The Ozark Spring Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution members will host the members of the Josiah Howell National Society Sons of the American Revolution for a Christmas Luncheon at noon Saturday. more

NINTH GRADE more

A "Christmas on the Avenue" toy drive will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Avenue Theatre, 307 Washington Ave. in West Plains. more

This week, I had the distinct privilege of sitting down with a local legend — Joe Spears, who just turned 100 years old. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to have a century of life packed into one conversation, I can tell you: It’s a little bit like getting the most fascinating history lesson of your life, with a side of charm and wit. more

With Saint Nick’s annual visit approaching and winter’s cold starting to settle in, I can imagine some folks hoping to find warm fur caps, gloves or coats under the Christmas tree. more

A recent invitation for West Plains High School graduates to visit Hammond Mill Camp during a "Time to Remember" has netted the facility $8,000 in voluntary donations, collected to honor the memory of those Zizzers who have died. more