Community Calendar

September is National Recovery Month, celebrating those in recovery from mental health and substance use challenges. CoxHealth will host over 20 local agencies the 5th annual Recovery Jamboree on September 6 at the Sanctuary of Hope. The event will include music, lunch, giveaways, food distribution, resources, and more. There will also be snow cones, popcorn, games, and a bounce house for kids.

This event is part of National Recovery Month. The observance raises awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, celebrates individuals in recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. The event is hosted through collaboration between local prevention, treatment, and recovery support providers.

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.

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.

Discover how deep your family tree roots go with help from a genealogy enthusiast.

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 Christian County Library's Outdoor Concert series will be held most Saturdays in September, as well as October 25 at 6:30 pm at various branches.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and drinks.

Schedule

• September 6: RH Silverwood at the Ozark Branch
• September 13: Jasmine Road at the Clever Branch
• September 20: Rowan's Crossing at the Sparta Branch
• October 25: Lancaster Station Band at the Nixa Branch

Live From Downtown is a weekly summer concert series on Park Central Square that showcases local musicians and bands from all genres. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Shows start at 7 pm every Saturday from the beginning of May through the end of September.

Find the schedule of performances here: https://www.livefromdowntownsgf.com/

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.

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.

Slurp up ramen noodles while watching "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim." Rated PG-13. Recommended for grades 7-12.