Community Calendar

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center will host a candlelit woods walk January 23 along the Boardwalk Trail, which will be softly lit by luminaries. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather.

All ages. No registration is required.

Nature reveals itself more openly in winter with foliage off the trees and shrubs. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a free guided winter hike along Lake Taneycomo on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Join the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center for a Winter Hike along Lake Taneycomo from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 24 at 483 Hatchery Road in Branson. Groups are welcome, but all individuals must register separately. Those 5 years and older may participate; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Register at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/214287

Participants will learn how Missouri’s animals adapt to the colder chill, learn to identify trees and twigs without leaves, and see how trout adjust to changing water temperatures.

Attendees are encouraged to bundle up for a one-mile winter hike along the shores of Lake Taneycomo, wear closed-toed walking or hiking shoes and bring bottled water. Leashed pets are welcome on the hiking trails.

The group will meet outside the front of the Conservation Education Center at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, 483 Hatchery Road in Branson.

To find out more about the Winter Hike along Lake Taneycomo or other events at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center, call 417-334-4865, ext. 0.

The cooler temperatures mean Missourians may see short-eared owls flying low over native grasslands.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a Short-Eared Owl Hike from 4:30-6 p.m. Jan. 24 at Shawnee Trail Conservation Area.

Register for the hike at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/214016

Staff from Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center will help participants spot short-eared owls as the raptors search for mice, rabbits, and other small mammals. Bring the family and dress for the weather for this easy-rated hike. The event is best suited for those ages 10 and older.   

Shawnee Trail Conservation Area is located at SW 50th Road in Asbury. This 3,635-acre area is primarily cropland and grassland, with patches of native prairie, wetlands, old fields, and pasture.

For information about the Short-Eared Owl Hike or future events at Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, call 417-629-3434. The education center is located at 201 West Riviera Drive in Joplin.

The White River Group of the Sierra Club will host a cleanup of South Creek on January 25.

Meet in the parking lot of the Sullivan Bank on South Campbell at 1:30 and wear sturdy shoes and gloves. The club will provides pickers and bags.

Information at pjshaver999@gmail.com.

Adults are invited to attend Microsoft Excel Basics from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library Computer Training Center, 397 E. Central St.

Learn how to create and use spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel. Add data to a spreadsheet, perform calculations and set up spreadsheets for printing.

For more information on this free program call 417-862-0135.

As the cold days settle in, winter can be a great time to start bird watching.

Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for a Winter Bird ID virtual program from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. Viewers will learn about common birds seen during winter and how to keep them returning to the feeders.

Register at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/214017

MDC Naturalist Jessie Ballard said the lack of bold breeding colors can make some birds difficult to identify in the winter.

“That is why we hope to help folks see different characteristics of Missouri’s winter birds during this program,” Ballard said. “Birdwatching during winter brings joy and discovery during a time when most of nature is taking a rest. That’s why it is fun to learn which birds are in your own backyard, neighborhood, or local conservation area.”

On September 11, 2001, the world stood still. On September 12, kindness soared. COME FROM AWAY tells the remarkable true story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, where 7,000 stranded airline passengers were welcomed with open arms and open hearts.

This stirring musical captures the extraordinary compassion, resilience, and human connection that brought people together in the face of tragedy. Featuring a vibrant score and unforgettable storytelling, COME FROM AWAY is a powerful testament to the kindness of strangers and the strength of community.

January 30th - 7:30pm
January 31st - 7:30pm
February 1st - 2:00pm
February 5th - 7:30 pm
February 6th - 7:30 pm
February 7th - 7:30 pm
February 8th - 2:00pm
February 12th - 7:30pm
February 13th - 7:30pm
February 14th - 7:30 pm
February 15th - 2:00pm

These free screenings are part of MOXIE FLIX, a monthly series focusing on essential films for kids to see before they turn 13. This series was made possible by a grant from the Missouri Arts Council and the Springfield Regional Arts Council.

When a good-hearted farmer named Willow Ufgood discovers a baby girl prophesized to end the rule of the evil queen Bavmorda, he sets out on an adventure to return the child to her people. Encountering all manner of creatures and characters, Willow finds both companionship and villainy along with a newfound skill as a sorcerer.

Willow was a story created and produced by George Lucas and directed by the celebrated filmmaker Ron Howard. With actor Warwick Davis in his first leading role, the film featured pioneering use of digital technology by Industrial Light & Magic and remains a classic of fantasy cinema to this day. [Disney/lucasfilm.com]

Starring: Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Billy Barty, Jean Marsh
Director: Ron Howard
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Action
(PG 126 min.)

*To accommodate seating capacity, ticket holders must check in no later than 5 minutes past the scheduled showtime. After this time, unclaimed reserved seats will be released to wait listed guests.

All ages are invited to attend National Seed Swap Day from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library upstairs meeting room, 397 E. Central St.

Bring seeds of any type and swap with other gardeners. Don't have seeds to share? You're still welcome to participate. Kids can stop by the Teen Room to make a craft; materials will be provided.

For more information on this free program call 417-862-0135.

Music Monday of the Ozarks will host Stan Coffman on February 2 at the Springfield Elks Lodge.

Coffman studied keyboard, guitar and harmonica. Throughout his high school and college years he played in several bands including the Crimson Tide, Free Beer and Chicken, and with DC Cunningham and Bo Brown.

He has performed with Bobbie Enloe in Key West and St. Augustine, Florida and made two albums with Ted Sinclair of Ft. Worth, Texas.