Community Calendar

Adults are invited to attend Exploring Genealogy at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, in the Library Center Annie Busch Auditorium, 4653 S. Campbell Ave.

Building a family tree can be fun, but adding the wrong branches is frustrating and time-consuming to fix. Learn how to avoid mistakes by channeling your inner detective. In this virtual presentation, professional genealogist Debbie Smyth will show how to sort and evaluate evidence to make sure that it really is your ancestor. This program is sponsored by the Ozarks Genealogical Society.

For more information on this free program call 417-882-0714.

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.

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

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.

Plotline will offer two happening back to back on Tuesday evenings beginning February 3.

Intro to Filmmaking (Ages 9-13) 5:00 - 6:30 pm
This hands-on collaborative class is geared at new and developing film and media makers. Explore what is a story and why it’s important in film. Students will learn camera operation, video editing and work together to produce short form films with an emphasis on experimentation and fun. 13-year-olds are allowed in this class or the teen class depending on whichever is a better fit for their maturity level.

Film Production (Ages 13-18) 6:40 - 8:10 pm
This hands on collaborative filmmaking class is for new and returning students looking to explore a deeper level of cinematic storytelling. From examples of the masters to original story pitches, students will take the journey from creative idea to writing and then producing one longer form film during the semester. Students will gain experience in acting, screenwriting, directing, sound recording, video editing and movie poster design. 13-year-olds are allowed in this or the younger class depending on whichever is a better fit for their maturity level.

Registration is required.

The Historic Gillioz Theatre Presents:
49 Winchester: Spring Tour 2026
with Cole Chaney

Saturday, February 7th, 2026
Doors: 7:00PM
Show: 8:00PM

Public on sale: Fri, 9/12 at 10am
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Hailing from Castlewood, Virginia (population: 2,045) in the desolate backwoods of Southern Appalachia -- a place where opportunity seldom knocks -- 49 Winchester came to fruition when Gibson, his childhood best friend, Chafin, and his hometown crony, guitarist Bus Shelton, decided to step off the front porch (on Winchester Street) and take their music to whatever stage would have'em.

"It's always been a family affair," Gibson says. "When you can look at it that way, as lifelong friends and not business associates or hired guns, you can look at it through a different lens, which just lends itself to longevity."

Since its formation, 49 Winchester has fiercely retained this inner resolve to transcend one's lot in life with a reckless abandon that's led to widespread acclaim and fandom in the country, Americana and rock realms.

Kids will be immersed in this classic ballet story during this afternoon of fun and dance that includes learning roles from the ballet, crafts, games, a synopsis of the story and a surprise guest performance.

No prior dance experience required.