Community Calendar

A gathering of concerned relatives and friends facing the reality that problems of someone close to them are seriously affecting their lives and their ability to function.

Families Anonymous® members are dedicated to practicing a constructive approach in dealing with the family illness of addiction and behavioral issues.

Learn from shared experiences and wisdom, that you are not alone, and that there is a better way. FA is compatible with other 12 step programs and benefits the friends and families despite whether their loved with an addiction or behavioral problems is seeking recovery or not.

Families Anonymous is a group of new friends who won't be shocked by the nature of your problems and will stand by you as you learn how to gain sanity and serenity in your life , and people just like you, helping other people just like you.

Hunger Action Month is Ozarks Food Harvest’s annual advocacy campaign to raise awareness about hunger in the Ozarks and inspire action in the community. Proceeds from Hunger Action Month will support the Weekend Backpack Program, which provides children facing hunger with kid-friendly, nutritious meals and snacks to take home every weekend of the school year.

Join the movement to end hunger by attending Hunger Action Month events, hosting a food and fund drive, making your business a community partner or spreading the word.

Orange is the color of Hunger Action Month. You can show support for hunger relief by wearing orange on Go Orange Day, September 16.

Springfield Sister Cities Association and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board will host the 29th annual Japanese Fall Festival September 5-7 at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park.

The festival celebrates Springfield's long relationship with Sister City Isesaki, Japan with authentic cultural experiences for all ages, including:

· Samurai Sword Soul returning as the headline entertainer with its theatrical mix of humor, drama and authentic sword-fighting arts performed in a contemporary artistic style.

· New participants Bentenya, a group of Japanese Chindon Girls who are traveling Route 66 to introduce Japanese culture through their performances.

· Two groups of taiko drummers – returning favorites St. Louis Osuwa Taiko and the new Forest of Nukumori, a Japanese family of five whose father trained with a renowned drumming group in Japan.

· Springfield’s own Japanese cultural performers – the Kizuna Japan America Friendship Group; fun dance cover groups KiRi KiRi, Summer Magic, MoonMagic Dance; and Springfield Cosplay hosting a hologram show on Saturday evening.

· World-renowned large-scale calligrapher Seiran Chiba, who will make a return visit from her home in Fukushima, Japan.

· Several advanced archery students from Japan demonstrating Kyūdō, a martial art that emphasizes both accuracy and character development.

· The largest number of food, retail and information booths to date. Two food courts will feature expanded sweet and savory offerings reflecting Asian and U.S. tastes.

The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools will host the second annual “The Original and Still the Best” Alumni Tour at Central High School on September 5.

Step back in time and reconnect with the enduring legacy of Central High School, an institution woven into the very fabric of Springfield. Founded in 1867 as Springfield High School, CHS holds the distinction of being the oldest high school in continuous operation west of the Mississippi River. For generations, its iconic halls—particularly the main building constructed in 1893—have fostered academic excellence, artistic achievement, and traditions like the famous Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps.

The Bulldogs will play their first home football game against Fair Grove that same evening.

Registration is required.

Hunger Action Month is Ozarks Food Harvest’s annual advocacy campaign to raise awareness about hunger in the Ozarks and inspire action in the community. Proceeds from Hunger Action Month will support the Weekend Backpack Program, which provides children facing hunger with kid-friendly, nutritious meals and snacks to take home every weekend of the school year.

Join the movement to end hunger by attending Hunger Action Month events, hosting a food and fund drive, making your business a community partner or spreading the word.

Orange is the color of Hunger Action Month. You can show support for hunger relief by wearing orange on Go Orange Day, September 16.

The Branson Parks and Recreation Department will host its semi-annual Community Garage Sale on September 6 at the Branson RecPlex parking lot.

Information at https://www.bransonmo.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1940

Harvest Food Pantry in Aurora will host the Stompin' Out Hunger 5K and Color Run on September 6.

Registration is required.

8:00 am - Timed Race
10:00 am - Color Run

The Missouri Prairie Foundation will host a native plant sale September 6 at Bass Pro Shops Sportsman's Center in Springfield with a variety of native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, vines, shrubs, and trees from two Grow Native! professional members.

Fishing a stream from the bank or by wading through its shallow parts is a great way to catch fish and to enjoy the area’s outdoor beauty.

People can learn more about fishing an Ozarks stream at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) program “Stream Fishing – Big Sugar Creek.” This program will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 6 at MDC’s Deep Ford Access in McDonald County. At this program, MDC Office Supervisor Tim Smith will lead participants in stream-fishing trip on this MDC-owned access on Big Sugar Creek near Pineville. This program is part of a series of stream-fishing programs being put on by the staff at MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin. These programs are designed to provide hands-on fishing opportunities at a variety of stream locations in the southwest corner of the state.

Participants in the Sept. 6 program are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment and bait, but a limited amount of equipment will be available. Participants between the ages of 16 and 64, unless otherwise exempt, must possess a valid Missouri fishing permit. Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. People can register for this event at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/209306

For details about this program or for directions to Deep Ford Access, people can contact Smith at Tim.Smith@mdc.mo.gov.

MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is located at 201 W. Riviera Drive in Joplin. People can stay informed about upcoming virtual and in-person programs at the Shoal Creek Center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. They can sign up for Shoal Creek Center text alerts by calling 417-629-3434.

Whether it’s Batman or Superman, this cut-out comics display will add heroic flair to any fortress of solitude. Recommended for grades 3 and up. Registration opens August 23.