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 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.
Through Dec.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.
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.
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 on the 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 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) An open house will be held at the new location of the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce office, 209 E. Main St., inside the Star Theater Annex in downtown Willow Springs.
Dec. 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. 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. 13 (noon) MSU-WP’s music program will be the topic of the Friends of the Garnett Library meeting in the Carol Silvey Student Union at Hass-Darr Hall, 201 Garfield Ave. Music Director Rocky Long will discuss the program and then lead an ensemble of band members in a performance of a selection of holiday favorites. Cost is $10 for lunch, payable at the door. Reservations for lunch are closed. For more information visit wp.missouristate.edu/friendsofgarnettlibrary or call 417-255-7940.
Dec. 13 & 14 (6:30 p.m.) and Dec. 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. 13 (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. 13, 20, 27 & Jan. 3 (12:30-3 p.m.) The West Plains Senior Center, 416 E. Main St., hosts bingo games for all ages with a progressive jackpot and cash payouts. Card sales start at 12:30 and games begin at 1:30.
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 & 21 (noon to 6 p.m.) Black Lagoon Clothing and Thirteen Crows Clothing team up to present the inaugural Photos with Krampus event. During this free event, all are welcome to take their own photo with Krampus. Dress for the weather as the line will form outside at 103 S. Aid Ave. Donations of menstrual hygiene products, deodorant, shampoo and personal care products, along with nonperishable food items, are encouraged. Donations will go to Christos House domestic and sexual violence resource center.
Dec. 14, 21 & 24 (2-4 p.m.) Volunteers of all ages will gather at Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St. to assemble Holiday Gift Bags for neighbors who could use some extra care. Donations of hand warmers, warm socks, winter apparel and accessories, tents, tarps, solar charges for cell phones, dry bags, hygiene kids, menstrual products, small sweet treats, weather and AM/FM radios, and gift cards for shoes, haircuts and salon treatments and local restaurants are suggested. Volunteers, donors and anyone who wants more information can email camlnichols75@gmail.com, call 417-280-6473 or connect with “Just Another Human” on Facebook.
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, 22, 29 & Jan. 5 (9 a.m.) West Plains Elks Lodge 2418, 3336 N. U.S. 63, hosts weekly bingo games open to nonmembers.
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 (12:30-4:30 p.m.) A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. Donors must bring ID.
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. 20-Jan. 5: The MSU-WP campus is closed for winter break and will reopen for normal business at 8 a.m. Jan. 6.
Dec. 20-Jan. 5: Half-day of school for West Plains R-7 students. Winter break follows. School resumes Jan. 6.
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.
Dec. 24-25: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Quill office will be closed.
Dec. 25: Christmas Day. All government offices are closed.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve. The Quill office will be open for half a day, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Jan. 1: New Year’s Day. The Quill and all government offices are closed.
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. 18 (8 a.m.): Onsite registration begins for the Lady Zizzer Basketball Pink Out 5K and 1 Mile Walk/Run. Cost is $25 for the 5K or $15 for the mile-long walk/run. Register online at ladyzizzerpinkout.squarespace.com. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Jan. 25.
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. 28 (2-5 p.m.) Explore West Plains is sponsoring a Nonprofit Expo and Volunteer Fair at the West Plains Civic Center. Potential volunteers will have an opportunity to see what opportunities are available. Admission is free. Organizations may host a booth for $15. Preregistration is required and sign-up forms are available at explorewestplains.com or at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, 2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd. Learn more on Facebook at the “Non-Profit Expo and Volunteer” event page.
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 (9-11 a.m.) A 4-H and FFA youth steer weigh-in will be held at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds.
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.
March 29 (9 a.m. to noon) A 4-H and FFA youth small-animal weigh-in will be held at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds.
June 1-7: The Heart of the Ozarks Fair will be held at the fairgrounds on North U.S. 63.
