Community Calendar

Citizens interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the Springfield Police Department’s practices and policies can apply now for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy beginning in August.

The program curriculum covers a variety of topics including police policies, organizational structure, investigative processes, and policing tactics. Participants complete 33 hours of instruction over 11 weeks, meeting every Tuesday beginning August 12.

The academy’s goal is to give citizens a better understanding of how the police department functions and an inside look at the challenges officers face when working to serve the community.

Applications must be received by July 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Interested Springfield residents can apply online.

Applicants MUST be Springfield residents who are at least 18 years of age. Applicants must pass a basic background investigation to be eligible.

Citizens interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the Springfield Police Department’s practices and policies can apply now for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy beginning in August.

The program curriculum covers a variety of topics including police policies, organizational structure, investigative processes, and policing tactics. Participants complete 33 hours of instruction over 11 weeks, meeting every Tuesday beginning August 12.

The academy’s goal is to give citizens a better understanding of how the police department functions and an inside look at the challenges officers face when working to serve the community.

Applications must be received by July 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Interested Springfield residents can apply online.

Applicants MUST be Springfield residents who are at least 18 years of age. Applicants must pass a basic background investigation to be eligible.

Citizens interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the Springfield Police Department’s practices and policies can apply now for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy beginning in August.

The program curriculum covers a variety of topics including police policies, organizational structure, investigative processes, and policing tactics. Participants complete 33 hours of instruction over 11 weeks, meeting every Tuesday beginning August 12.

The academy’s goal is to give citizens a better understanding of how the police department functions and an inside look at the challenges officers face when working to serve the community.

Applications must be received by July 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Interested Springfield residents can apply online.

Applicants MUST be Springfield residents who are at least 18 years of age. Applicants must pass a basic background investigation to be eligible.

Live From Downtown is a weekly concert series hosted in the heart of Downtown Springfield, Missouri in Park Central Square, located on historic Route 66. By hosting local artists every Saturday the series encourages the greater Springfield community and its guests to spend time downtown interacting with local businesses, socializing with neighbors, and learning about our vibrant history, all while experiencing a wide variety of Ozarks-grown talent in an accessible and family-friendly venue.

Citizens interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the Springfield Police Department’s practices and policies can apply now for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy beginning in August.

The program curriculum covers a variety of topics including police policies, organizational structure, investigative processes, and policing tactics. Participants complete 33 hours of instruction over 11 weeks, meeting every Tuesday beginning August 12.

The academy’s goal is to give citizens a better understanding of how the police department functions and an inside look at the challenges officers face when working to serve the community.

Applications must be received by July 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Interested Springfield residents can apply online.

Applicants MUST be Springfield residents who are at least 18 years of age. Applicants must pass a basic background investigation to be eligible.

What do a teenaged boy from Virginia in 1776, a South Carolina farmer in 1781, and a North Carolina merchant who emigrated from Scotland in 1772 have in common? These three men and dozens of others who served the patriot cause in the American Revolution were all early settlers in the Cape Girardeau District, Missouri. Indeed, the Revolution set off a chain of events that led to the founding of Cape Girardeau and a number of other eastern Missouri communities.

The increasing availability of a variety of records has made research on Revolutionary ancestors easier than ever. In this presentation Bill Eddleman –coordinator of the Cape Girardeau Research Center of the State Historical Society of Missouri—focuses on case studies of 12 men who emigrated to the Cape Girardeau District from 1797 to 1830 and contributed to the new settlement. Use of traditional and newly-available records and their value in similar research will be emphasized.

Attendance Options:
- In person at The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO
- Zoom for OGS members. (Members will receive a Zoom link by email or find the link at ozarksgs.org>programs. Members must login for access.)

The Child Advocacy Center will host a monthly Coffee for a Cause Open House every second Wednesday.

Sip coffee, tour the CAC, and meet with staff along the way to learn about the services they provide.

Visit www.childadvocacycenter.org to RSVP.

The Springfield Art Museum, in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, is excited to host monthly Fassnight Creek Cleanups. These volunteer-driven efforts play a vital role in maintaining the health and beauty of the creek while fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.

Volunteer Clean-Ups are held the second Saturday of each month from March through October, weather permitting. Volunteers should wear clothes and shoes they don't mind getting dirty, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, and a hat if desired. This is a family friendly opportunity, but children under 16 years old should be accompanied by a caregiver.

Learn more and preregister at https://sgfmuseum.org/291/Fassnight-Creek

Carver Day Celebration!
Carver Day will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This year commemorates the 83rd anniversary of George Washington Carver’s passing and the subsequent establishment of the National Park on July 14, 1943, the first one to honor an African American.

Guest speakers include Peter Duncan Burchard, Carver scholar and author of "George Washington Carver, A Great Soul." Sandra Knauf is a nature writer, author and publisher. Knauf’s presentation is entitled, "The Gospel of Regeneration: George Washington Carver’s Legacy in Soil, Society and Soul."

Music is a huge part of the Carver Day fun. Musical performers this year include Arlecia Elkamil & band. Arlecia is a multi-instrumentalist and singer. Kufara Marimba Band, a Zimbabwean- style ensemble, will perform and local church choirs are also invited. Gospel singing group Sensational Wonders return to the music tent.

Paxton Williams will perform his legendary role as George Washington Carver in his original one person show "Listening to the Still Small Voice."

Carver Day is also a time for kids to explore the park and connect to the child who was born here over 150 years ago. There will be guided tours, Junior Ranger activities, and more. Local area education resource exhibitors will also share information. The Diamond Lions Club will provide food concessions as well.

The event is free of charge.

Live From Downtown is a weekly concert series hosted in the heart of Downtown Springfield, Missouri in Park Central Square, located on historic Route 66. By hosting local artists every Saturday the series encourages the greater Springfield community and its guests to spend time downtown interacting with local businesses, socializing with neighbors, and learning about our vibrant history, all while experiencing a wide variety of Ozarks-grown talent in an accessible and family-friendly venue.