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

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

The Howell County Commission will have a light schedule during their 10 a.m. meeting today at 35 Court Square. The public is welcome to attend. Meetings are normally held Mondays and Thursdays, but will be held today because of the Thanksgiving holiday. more

It was a typical Thanksgiving with warm sunshine but a bite in the air. Aproned women chatted together as they busily worked to prepare the huge meal, while menfolk were engaged in guy-talk as they waited to be called to dinner. Laughter was heard from the children as they played. more

In preparation for the Christmas season and to decorate the streets accordingly, the Mtn. View Garden Club will host its annual swag-making workshops at 9 a.m. Tuesday and Dec. 4 at the Mtn. View Community Center, 125 E. First St. in Mtn. View. more

The West Plains R-7 School District has named its Teacher Proud Tuesday and Zizzer Champion for November. Each month the dedication of the district's educators and staff members is recognized by choosing honorees, nominated by colleagues, students,and parents as examples of excellence and commitment. "We proudly recognize each as a valued team member and as a recipient of the District Award of Excellence for their exceptional contributions," District Communications Director Lana Snodgras said. The Teacher Proud Tuesday recipient is high school special education teacher Kirsten Peterson, and the Zizzer Champion recipient is West Plains Elementary paraprofessional Brenda Colter. To nominate a teacher or staff member to be honored in November, visit ow.ly/gNoO50PFXUC. more

Considering adopting a pet for Christmas? The West Plains Regional Animal Shelter has a young pup — and a cat — volunteers say “would love to keep you entertained with all the energy they have.” Cat Simba is a yellow tabby male that hasn't been neutered yet, but will be before adoption. Pup Polly isn't purebred, but is about 6 months old, spayed, and up-to-date on shots. Shelter officials encourage anyone considering pet adoption to visit the shelter at 1486 BB Highway, and note a new building is nearing completion. Donations of supplies and new cages are still needed to help finish the inside. Volunteers are also needed; call the shelter at 417-256-8438 for more information. The fee to adopt cats is $45 each, and for dogs the fee is $50; both fees include spaying or neutering and vaccinations. To learn more about adopting a pet drop by the shelter between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, or call 417-256-8438. more

The Avenue Theatre is gearing up to present a double feature with a "Twisted Christmas Carol" and the beloved classic "It's a Wonderful Life" taking the stage beginning Dec. 6. more

The Avenue Theatre, 307 Washington Ave. in downtown West Plains, is set to host the inaugural Miss Holly Jolly Pageant at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. While the deadline to enter has passed, the community is invited to attend. more

The Avenue Theatre is set to host its inaugural Chili Cook-Off on Jan. 11. more