Community Calendar

Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers invites the public to its 2026 Fly Fishing Expo, Friday and Saturday, September 11th and 12th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at the Benson Center in Clinton, Missouri.

Admission is free.

The two-day Expo will feature 50 fly tyers and more than 35 vendors, along with fly tying
demonstrations, seminars, casting instruction, a beginner fly tying table, auctions and raffles.

Whether you’re an experienced fly fisher or simply curious about the sport, there will be
something to see and learn.

That’s the Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers Expo, September 11th and 12th, from 9 to 4 both days at the Benson Center in Clinton.

For more information, visit TriLakesFlyFishers.com.

Slow Viewing is a supportive practice for anyone who wants to develop their skills of interpretation, observation, and discussing art. Guests spend an hour carefully observing and speaking about the works on view, resulting in a deeper understanding of how they and others relate to the artwork and to each other.

Slow Viewing is free and open to the public. Slow Viewing is facilitated by artist and educator Shauna LeAnn Smith and requires no specialized art historical or art interpretation knowledge. Individual sessions will be held at various community locations. Space per site may be limited so pre-registration is required.

Slow Viewing with Springfield Regional Arts Council: The Best of Missouri Hands Exhibition, The Creamery Arts Center
Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing with Evangel University: Spring by Denton Highfield, Lawrence and Alletha Barnett Fine Arts Center
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing with Missouri State University: Crossroads, Brick City Gallery
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing with Missouri State University: Biennial Faculty Exhibition, Robert & Margaret Carolla Arts Exhibition Center
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing takes a hiatus November-December 2026 and will return in January 2027. Please check back for updates, schedule, and registration information.

Looking for a chance to connect with other parents who get it? Join us for our monthly 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐟𝐞́, a welcoming space to share experiences, build connections, and discover new ways to support your family.

📅 September 17 |🕕 6 to 8 PM
📍 The Darr Family Foundation HUB at the O'Reilly Center for Hope (1518 E. Dale, Springfield)

Enjoy a FREE dinner, and each family will receive a $25 gift card!
📞 Reserve your spot today by calling 417-290-3858.

Together, we're building stronger families and more resilient kids, one conversation at a time. 💙

Community Partnership of the Ozarks' (CPO) mission is to help build resilient children, healthy families, and stronger neighborhoods & communities. Visit www.cpozarks.org to learn more!

The University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic, through its rural outreach program, Tigers for Troops, will offer a free Continuing Legal Education training hosted by Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law, LLC, 901 E. St. Louis Street, Suite 2000 Springfield, MO 65806, on Friday, September18, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The program qualifies for 2.4 total MCLE credits, including 1.0 of Ethics (Elimination of Bias) credit. A working lunch will be provided to attendees who register in advance.

The Veterans Clinic is located at the University of Missouri School of Law. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, law students help veterans, at no charge, with their claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. The Tigers for Troops program was created by the Clinic in 2019 and focuses on ensuring that veterans in even the most remote parts of Missouri have access to resources. Part of that effort focuses on building a statewide network of attorneys trained in veterans law. This network increases the Clinic’s capacity to serve veterans by connecting them with local legal professionals who can provide informed, high-quality representation. The Clinic’s capacity to serve veterans by connecting them with local legal professionals who can provide informed, high-quality representation.

Attorneys in the Springfield area who are interested in engaging with the veteran population and advocating for our nation's heroes are encouraged to register.

Register Here: https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1X0l8EcvUk3kmEe
 

Want to learn how to fish? Sign up for a beginner-friendly program that will introduce you to the basics of fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

MDC will host Introduction to Fishing 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Belladona Pond across from Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center, 483 Hatchery Road in Branson.

Register for the class by Sept. 25 at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/220852
Participants will learn how to set up a fishing pole, casting, safe fish handling, and more.

“Whether you’ve always wanted to try fishing or simply don’t know where to start, this program is a great way to learn the fundamentals in a relaxed and welcoming environment,” said MDC Naturalist China Lapach.

All fishing poles and tackle will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment if they prefer. Please wear closed-toed shoes or boots.

The program is open to ages 5 and up. Children, ages 5-15, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The accompanying adult must register for the program only if they plan to fish.

Participants, 16 years and older, will need a valid Missouri Fishing License. This can be purchased online at mdc.mo.gov/permits or at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center front desk, in advance of the program.

For questions, please email Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov or call 417-334-4865 x0.
Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs throughout the year. A listing of these programs may be found at https://mdc.mo.gov/events.

MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request an ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/accessibility.