I Love Springfield, Missouri!

Coca-Cola Collectors to Convene in Springfield

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:04:47 -0500

Up to 1,000 Coca-Cola memorabilia collectors from around the world have their sights set on Springfield, Mo., for the 38th annual convention July 2-8 at University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center.

The main purpose of the club is to promote the preservation and collection of memorabilia related to The Coca-Cola Company. During the convention, hotel rooms are transformed into mini “Coca-Cola stores” where attendees exhibit Coke-related wares. Many members finance their collecting habit by selling duplicates and unwanted items. The history of the world’s most well-known product is represented in collections including everything from current promotional items to calendars, signs and advertising displays dating back to 1886.

The group began 38 years ago when 60 collectors gathered in Atlanta for the first national Coca-Cola Convention. They were delighted to find others who shared their enthusiasm and the same fervor continues today as collector friends from all corners of the globe meet yearly to share their common passion.

Among the activities are auctions, a trading center, food events, contests, activities for children, etc. Participants must be a member of the club and registered for the convention to attend most events.

On July 7, collectors will turn the hotel ballroom into a sea of red and invite the public to drop in from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to view table after table filled with collectibles, including trays, calendars, bottles, signs and other promotional items use by The Coca-Cola Company. Parking is free and there is no admission fee. Guests are invited to bring in their Coca-Cola items to let the experts tell you their history.

The Coca-Cola Company produced a myriad of advertising. You will see everything from paper cups from the 60s, signs from the 30s and 40s advertising Coca-Cola for only a nickel, and unusual items, such as sewing kits, needle cases, pocket mirrors and chewing gum jars. There will, of course, be plenty of bottles – commemorative and vintage – and cans.

For more information about the Coca-Cola Collectors Club, contact Rob Mathison at 214-929-0555 or email CCCCNewsletter@aol.com.

To learn more about this and other conventions and events brought to Springfield with the assistance of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, call 417-881-5300 or 800-678-8767 or visit www.SelectSpringfield.com. The CVB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to boosting the local economy by promoting travel and tourism to Springfield.

August is 417 Magazine Restaurant Month

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:18:00 -0500

417 Magazine, southwest Missouri’s lifestyle magazine, kicks off the eighth annual 417 Restaurant Month Wednesday, August 1, 2012. More than 20 fine-dining restaurants in Springfield and Branson, MO offer diners a three course gourmet meal for $20. 417 Restaurant Month runs Sundays through Thursdays during the month of August.

417 Restaurant Month is sponsored by the Missouri Beef Industry Council and all participating restaurants will include a beef dish on the menu. Drink specials will also be available from Boulevard Beer and Pearl Vodka, also sponsors of 417 Restaurant Month.

This event was created by 417 Magazine in 2005 as a way to drive business to locally-owned, fine-dining restaurants during the month of August, typically a slow time. It was also designed to allow readers to dine at the area’s fine-dining restaurants at an affordable price. Originally the event ran for one week in August.

Readers commented they couldn’t sample as many restaurants as they wanted in just a week so in 2010 417 Restaurant Week became 417 Restaurant Month (excluding Fridays and Saturdays.)

A full listing of participating restaurants will be revealed in the August issue of 417 Magazine and on 417mag.com beginning Thursday, July 26, 2012.

Reserve your spot today!

Science Behind Hitting & Pitching is May 19

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:15:51 -0500

What: Discovery Center Science Behind Hitting & Pitching

Date: Saturday, May 19, 2012

Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

Presentation: What do pitcher’s wind-up, curveballs, fastballs, the batter’s ability to determine when to hit the ball, and finding the sweet spot all have in common? SCIENCE - the real excitement behind the game of baseball!! Come learn how science makes baseball one of our favorite pastimes. Get a chance to meet a few of the Springfield Cardinals players and coaching staff. Dr. Brian L. Mahaffey, MD,MSPH, trained primary care/sports medicine specialist and Bruce Callen, associate professor and chair of Drury University’s department of physics will join us and help explain the science behind hitting and pitching.

Where:Springfield Cardinals Training Facility - 955 E Trafficway, Springfield, MO

Cost: $30 - non-member $25 Member per person. This price includes a ticket to May 19, 2012 Springfield Cardinal’s vs. Tulsa game at 6pm. Additional tickets can be purchased. Pre-registration & Pre-payment is required. Contact Hayley at hbudd@discoverycenter.org for reservation.

Can’t Attend the Science Behind Event…Purchase Springfield Cardinal tickets for the May 19, 2012 Cardinals vs. Tulsa at 6:00pm. $8.00 per ticket.

Death Cab for Cutie Makes Springfield Debut July 9

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:31:49 -0500

Death Cab for Cutie will make their debut Springfield appearance at the Gillioz Theatre on at 8 p.m. July 9. General Admission and Reserved Seat tickets start at $36.00.

By their seventh studio album, many bands are running out of creative steam and original ideas. But in the case of Death Cab for Cutie, nothing could be further from the truth. Codes and Keys is singular in the quartet’s catalog when it comes to sonic exploration and lyrical ambition. If anything, the band has never sounded more excited to experiment with textures, words, sounds and even the process of recording itself.

In conversation, it’s obvious that the members of Death Cab for Cutie are still each other’s biggest fans. More important, they genuinely enjoy making music with each other and being in a band together. Their only motivation is to create music they like - and to impress and satisfy each other. Theirs might not be a controversial rock & roll story - but it is one rooted in stable, supportive brotherhood.

“We left college and spent years in a van together, and we’ve spent all of this time learning from one another and growing emotionally and otherwise over the years,” bassist Nick Harmer says. “The fabric of our relationships is very complex and certainly something that is very important to me, and probably to everyone in the band. We are a support network for each other; we are so much more than four guys who get together and play music.”

For tickets, call 417-863-9491 or visit www.gillioz.org.

Springfield Contemporary Theatre Announces 18th Season

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:31:28 -0500

Springfield Contemporary Theatre recently announced it’s 18th season. The theatre schedule is as follows:

Deathtrap    June 1-16, 2012
Broadway’s long running comedy-thriller by Ira Levin (Rosemary’s Baby), directed by Joe Bowman. Sidney, an older, washed-up playwright, arranges to meet with younger writer Clifford at Sidney’s rustic Connecticut home to discuss Clifford’s first attempt at authoring a play. Sidney clearly covets the play, which casts doubt as to whether Clifford will leave the cabin alive. “Two-thirds a thriller and one-third a devilishly clever comedy.”

1776    June 29-July 14, 2012
The inspiring historical musical drama with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone about the founding of our country. Directed by Gretchen Teague in a new all-female staging.

Boeing-Boeing    August 3-18, 2012
The 2008 Tony Award winning comedy by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans. Richard Dines directs this swingin’ 60’s comedy about an American architect balancing three air hostess fiancées and a visiting friend in his Paris apartment. A Springfield area premiere.

33 Variations    September 7-22, 2012
A new drama by Moisés Kaufman (The Laramie Project), directed by Robert Bradley, takes you from present-day New York to nineteenth-century Austria in the intersection of the lives of a Beethoven scholar and the famous composer she is researching. A Springfield area premiere.

Night of the Living Dead    October 12-31, 2012
Just in time for Halloween, Nathan Shelton adapts and directs a new stage version of George A. Romero’s cult-classic zombie film. A Springfield area premiere.

Avenue Q    November 16-December 9, 2012
A laugh-out-loud Tony award-winning Broadway musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. Richard Dines directs this musical that is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx and a book by Jeff Whitty. This musical contains adult content and full puppet nudity. A Springfield area premiere.

The Dixie Swim Club    January 11-20, 2013
A new comedy/drama by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten is the story of five unforgettable Southern women meeting over a thirty-three year period. Directed by David Rice.
A Springfield area premiere.

Bus Stop    February 14-March 2, 2013
William Inge’s classic American comedy set in a snowstorm in central Kansas where Cherie, a nightclub chanteuse, from a small town in the Ozarks, is one of several stranded travelers in a roadside diner. Directed by Robert Bradley.

Springfield Contemporary Theatre Benefit    March 8-10, 2013
Our “Special Event” in the spring theatre season. Details to be announced.

To Be Revealed    March 29-April 13, 2013
SCT will be announcing one other dynamic title to join the spring season. Stay tuned!

God of Carnage    May 3-18, 2013
Recipient of the 2009 Tony ward for Best Play by Yasmina Reza, translated by Chirstopher Hampton. A razor-sharp comedy of bad manners about two couples who meet to discuss a playground altercation between their 11 year-old children. Produced in conjunction with Resident Artist Ensemble.A Springfield area premiere.

Tech N9ne Performs at The Gillioz July 6

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:35:05 -0500

Tech N9ne is getting ready to raise the Hip Hop bar even higher with his “Hostile Takeover 2012” Tour! Tech N9ne and other Strange Music artists will be in Springfield July 6! General Admission tickets are $26.50 in advance, click here for other premium ticket options.

With 90 shows in 99 days, Tech N9ne will set the record for the longest Hip Hop tour ever done! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history in the making, as it will be the longest consecutive tour in rap history and the only time this year fans will be able to see the enigmatic Tech N9ne perform his one-of-a-kind stage show.

Tech N9ne is a premier independent hip-hop artist and has ambitious goals for 2012. With a new EP recently released, the Strange Music recording artist is gearing up to embark on his “Hostile Takeover 2012” tour that will also feature some of Strange Music’s brightest acts such as Krizz Kaliko, Mayday, Prozak and Stevie Stone. The tour started off on March 24th in Tech N9ne’s hometown of Kansas City and will continue through July.

Over the last decade, the Kansas City recording artist has continued to build his Stange Music brand by developing a fervent following of devoted fans captivated by his uncanny energy and relentless touring schedule. By the mid-2000s, Tech N9ne was performing over 200 shows a year in high-octane sets that have earned high-profile endorsements from the likes of Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes and many others.

In 2011, the rapper released his critically-acclaimed twelfth studio album, All 6’s & 7’s, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Independent and Hip-Hop/R&B charts, and No. 4 overall on the Top 200. One of his hits, “Am I a Psycho” was a featured music video on BET.com. Tech N9ne also delivered a show-stopping, stand-out feature on Lil’ Wayne’s The Carter IV, which sold nearly 1 million units in its first week of release last summer.

Botanical Center Celebrates National Gardens Day May 11

Mon, 07 May 2012 09:53:10 -0500

The Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park celebrate National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 11, beginning at 9 a.m. with an all-day schedule of events for the whole family.

You can get free admission from 9 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden.

You can meet, chat and ask questions of Master Gardeners in their demonstration gardens from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

You can take a guided garden solar tram tour from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

You can visit the Bill Roston Native Butterfly House on its opening day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

You can pre-register to attend Peter Longley’s popular Friends of the Garden-sponsored Tablescapes series by calling 417.891.1515. This session, The Intimate Patio for Mother’s Day, begins at 6 p.m. and costs $8.

“Parks and gardens are great for the body and soul,” says Botanical Center Coordinator Katie Steinhoff. “Public Gardens Day is a way of raising awareness of the important role public gardens play in promoting conservation, education and environmental preservation.”

Not that the Springfield area needs convincing. The local park, located at 2400 S. Scenic Ave. in southwest Springfield, has been consistently voted the number one attraction in Springfield, according to respondents who visit tripadvisor.com, says Steinhoff.

The 20 themed gardens, 15 special collections and five naturalized areas within the 114-acre park are created and maintained by the Friends of the Gardens, Master Gardeners of Greene County and other volunteer organizations and the Springfield-Greene County Park staff.

For more information about Springfield’s parks, visit www.parkboard.org.

Symphony Presents Music of Classic Disney Movies May 12

Mon, 07 May 2012 09:32:33 -0500

The Springfield Symphony’s final concert of their 77th season will feature performances of music from classic Disney movies. The family-friendly pops concert will take place on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

The evening’s concert, which was produced by Disney, will feature the Springfield Symphony Orchestra performing music from big-name Disney movies while images from the films are projected on a large screen above the orchestra.

Audience members can expect to hear music from “Beauty and The Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Tarzan,” “Mulan,” “The Lion King” and more.

Patrons who arrive early may enjoy pre-concert music provided by Island Breeze, a Missouri State University steel drum band.

Tickets for the concert are currently on sale at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall box office, and can be purchased by calling 417-836-7678, or online at www.missouristatetix.com. Ticket prices range from $18 - $33, and discounts are available for students and seniors.

The concert is being sponsored by Reliable Superstore, Digital LunchBox, University Plaza, KGBX and 417 Magazine.

For more information on the Springfield Symphony Orchestra visit www.springfieldmosymphony.org or facebook.com/springfieldsymphony.

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Additional funding for all Springfield Symphony Orchestra programming is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

Street Rods Return to Springfield May 25-27

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:56:00 -0500

The Mid-America Street Rod Nationals Plus will be May 25-27 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Mo. The participants and visitors to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds will be part of the largest automotive participation event in this area.

This year marks the 18th time the National Street Rod Association® has chosen Springfield as host city for this event. The National Street Rod Association® (NSRA), is headquartered in Memphis, Tenn.

Vehicles will be driven from all parts of the United States to make this a truly unique gathering of vintage automobiles featuring nearly every make, model and style. This event includes vehicles from the 50s, 60s and 70s, adding to the automotive excitement created by street rods.

Spectators will be treated to the sights and sounds of some of the best constructed, most beautiful vintage automobiles ever to gather in one place.

This event will include manufacturer displays representing leading automotive specialty and aftermarket suppliers, as well as a “Women’s World” area with arts and crafts. A vintage car parts “swap meet” adds to the experience and helps the enthusiast find these “one-of-a-kind” parts.

Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. May 25, 8 a.m.-5p.m. May 26 and 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. May 27. Admission is $14 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and 5 and younger are free.

For more information, visit http://www.nsra-usa.com or call the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767 or visit www.SpringfieldAdventures.com.

Monster Trucks Compete in Springfield May 5-6

Thu, 03 May 2012 16:37:00 -0500

A bright yellow Monster Truck with a horse-shaped body will thunder into the U.S. from Australia this year in the Lucas Oil 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals Series of Monster Truck Thunder Drags this weekend in Springfield, MO at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds May 5-6. Outback Thunda is the name of the truck, driven by Clive Featherby.

This powerful Monster Truck in its evolving forms has competed at over 600 shows in every state and territory of Australia. Outback Thunda made its U.S. debut in 2011 at the E3 Spark Plugs Monster Truck Nationals Presented by Lucas Oil in Chicago, winning both Wheelie and Donut competitions at the indoor show in the Sear Centre Arena. This year, Clive will make the 12,000 mile journey from his home in Caloundra, Queensland Australia to wheel Outback Thunda against top competitors like the Bigfoot #18, Vi-Cor Bigfoot Bessie, Lucas Oil Stabilizer, Star Marshal, Chalkboard Chuck, Raminator, Rammunition, and more.

Outback Thunda originated in 2003 following two years of being known as Bronco Magic for the Brisbane-based Rugby League Team the Brisbane Broncos. The truck was a dark brown color then. Clive had been working as a show promoter in the U.S. and decided that his goal would be to bring the truck to America. But it needed a catchy name to capture instantly its Australian roots. After hearing the song by AC/DC called “Thunderstruck” at so many Monster Truck shows, he decided that Outback Thunda was to be the name. Along with the new name, came a new color scheme of bright red and yellow, reminiscent of the colors of the Australian outback.

The Outback Thunda truck that will compete on the Lucas Oil 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals Series is the fourth iteration, built by Dan Patrick in 2010. It is powered by a 541 big-block Chevy engine, has a 2-speed powerglide transmission, uses almost 50 gallons of methanol fuel for every show, and weighs in at approximately 10,000 pounds.

Clive Featherby was born in England but has lived in Australia for 32 years and is now a naturalized citizen there. His hobbies include staying fit and heading to the boxing gym. He loves training, and his kids. While some of his kids are grown and moved on, he still misses them. He has been to over 70 countries in his travels, and when in America particularly enjoys visiting National Parks.

Clive says his ambition is, “To try to do well in Monster Trucks in the USA over the next couple of years, to make the Monster Truck scene in Asia work, to try to help my family prosper, and to hopefully do just a little good for the Monster Truck scene in general.”

For more information, visit www.familyevents.com. For information about other events in Springfield, visit www.SpringfieldAdventures.com or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767 or 417-881-5300.

C-Street Market Opens with Rhythm on the Rails Festival

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:30:00 -0500

The 2012 C-Street Market opens for the season with Rhythm on the Rails, a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 28. With the return of the C-Street Market, farmers and artisan vendors, patrons will be welcomed with music, kids’ games, and fun and hands-on art activities for all ages.

Family-friendly folk music from the Historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge will fill the Market area with festive sounds to delight all ages. Live Oak plays from 10am to noon, Ryan Spearman shares his Vintage Americana with Springfield from noon to 2pm and local favorites Cindy Wolfe, Dallas Jones, and Molly Healey will delight audiences with wonderful harmonies and traditional flavor from 2pm–4pm in the afternoon. Children will enjoy an inflatable two story slide, fun kids’ games, sidewalk chalk, and other engaging activities provided by The Table on C-Street.

New to the 2012 C-Street Market is the Market Trading Post, a retro/vintage and eclectic vending area. The Market Trading Post will join the C-Street Market every first Saturday during Market hours, 8am to 1pm.

The new Co-op booth, built by Hammons School of Architecture students last Market season, continues to be a popular alternative for vendors seeking a second location or simply neighbors with extra produce. Items may be sold for a 25% commission or vendors can sign up for a 2-hour shift to keep all proceeds from their co-op sales. Co-op produce unclaimed at the end of the market will be donated to The Kitchen, Inc. to help serve families in need.

The C-Street Market is a gathering place for live, “face to face” social networking; plug in by coming Uptown and checking in. The opening celebration, Rhythm on the Rails is a free, family-friendly event. Following the season opener, the 2012 C-Street Market season will run from 8am to 1pm every Saturday, rain or shine until October 22, 2012. The Co-op Booth, where produce, homemade and handmade items are sold by the Market will be available on all Market Saturdays. The Market Trading Post for retro/vintage and unusual items, will operate on the first Market Saturday of each month. The C-Street Market will continue to present opportunities for local singers and songwriters to play “unplugged” from 10am to 12pm.

All Market vendors—either seasonal or weekly, Co-op Booth participants or monthly Market Trading Post merchants are encouraged to call the C-Street Market Master, Elonzo King, at 417-496-1968 or visit itsalldowntown.com/cstreet for downloadable applications. All categories of vendors are still being accepted.

EU's Colossal Sale to Raise Funds for Scholarships, Projects

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:32:02 -0500

The Evangel University Auxiliary’s colossal sale is May 9-12. This annual sale raises funds for scholarships and projects.

Clothing, small appliances, jewelry, books, office items, toys, furniture and other household goods will be among the items for sale in the Mabee Fitness Center, located on the northwest side of the Evangel campus.

The sale is 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 9-11 and 8 a.m.-noon May 12.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary has been doing an annual fundraising sale since 1964. In the beginning, only unused items donated by the ladies were sold; however, the Auxiliary decided to enlist the help of students for this annual fundraiser when they witnessed all the saleable items students left behind at the end of the school year. In 1980, the Auxiliary had its first all-college sale.

“Since Evangel’s beginning in 1955, the EU Auxiliary members have been a constant support by volunteering time and talents in order to see the campus flourish,” said James Williams, vice president for institutional advancement. “They have been tireless in the pursuit of funds for campus needs.”

Major donations of the Auxiliary have included the Heritage Room in Riggs Hall, a pipe organ and grand piano for the chapel, the second and third floor lobbies of Trask Hall, lighting and stage curtains for the Barnett Fine Arts Theatre and furnishings for the Riggs Hall prayer chapel.

The Auxiliary’s most recent project provided uniforms for Evangel’s new marching band, which first performed in the fall 2011 semester.

For more information, call Muriel Denton at (417) 880-5168.

Discovery Center Events in May Include New Traveling Exhibit

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:30:22 -0500

May 1, 2012 - Discovery Center is a great family orientated attraction for the southwest Missouri area and a great place to bring your family. With 11 different galleries and more than 200 different hands-on exhibits, families of all ages can enjoy the interactive exhibits that focus on all sorts of science with inquiry based learning. Discovery Center is located at 438 E St. Louis St. in downtown Springfield with free parking in Discovery Center parking lot located east of the main doors. General Admission is $9.00 adults, $8.00 seniors and $7.00 for children age 3-15 and children 2 & under are free. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-6pm, and Sunday 1-5pm. Check the website at www.discoverycenter.org.

Discovery Center Summer Workshop Registration open. Summer 2012 is on the horizon, and Discovery Center education staff are excited about some great workshop topics. Discovery Center workshops will be offered Monday through Thursday, 9am-3pm for 1-6th grade and 9am-12pm for Pre-K and K (ages 4-5). Grades 1-6 (full days) $150 members, $175 non-members. Pre-K (half day) cost is $75 members, $85 non-members. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Check the website for further details on classes or call Guest Services at 417-862-9910 Ext. 706.

May 5, 2012 - 9:00-6:00pm - Discovery Center will celebrate Japan Children’s Day
Japan Children’s Day is celebrated each year to honor children. Honor the special children in your life by coming to the Center and learning about the Japan’s culture. Volunteers will assist with a variety of traditional Japan Children’s Day activities, origami activities, flag making station and paper doll activities. General Admission applies.

May 12, 2012 - Robot Workshop 10am-12pm - Robot Workshops continue to be a great learning adventure for both parents and children. Both parent and child will work closely with Discovery Center staff to build a functional robot, All Terrain Robot (8+). Learn about following technical directions, plus how gears, circuits, and other mechanical parts work together. These are very popular classes and usually fill fast. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Cost is $20 member child/parent duo plus cost of All Terrain Robot $35. $25 non-member child/parent duo plus the cost of All Terrain Robot $35.

May 19, 2012 - Science Behind Hitting & Pitching with Springfield Cardinals - 10am-12pm. Located at the Springfield Cardinals Training Facility. What do pitcher’s wind-up, curveballs, fastballs, the batter’s ability to determine when to hit the ball and finding the sweet spot all have in common? SCIENCE - The real excitement behind the game of baseball. Come learn how science makes baseball one of our favorite pastimes. Get a chance to meet a few of the Springfield Cardinals players and coaching staff. Dr. Brian Mahaffey, MD, MSPH trained primary care/sports medicine specialist and Bruce Callen, Associate Professor and Chair of Drury University’s department of physics will join us and help explain the science behind hitting and pitching. Pre-registration and pre-payment required through Discovery Center. $30 per non-member and $25 per member includes ticket to May 19, 2012 Springfield Cardinal vs. Tulsa game at 6pm.

May 22 - September 9, 2012 - Traveling exhibit - RACE: Are We So Different? —-The RACE exhibit is part of a larger public education exhibit project from American Anthropological Association and funded by the Ford Foundation and the National Science Foundation. The project is intended to inform and shape the national dialogue about race. The RACE exhibit addresses the topics of race and racism from three different perspectives. The three sections are interwoven and tell a compelling story of science and deep and lasting social impact.

Science: In this section of the exhibit, visitors will discover that human beings are more alike than any other living species, and no one gene or set of genes can support the idea of race.

History: Ideas about race have been around for hundreds of years, and they have changed over time. This section of RACE demonstrates that, throughout American history, economic interests, popular culture, science, politics and the struggle for power have played a role in shaping our understanding of race.

Everyday Experience: Though race may not be a real biological concept, it certainly is real both socially and culturally. In this section of the exhibit, visitors will explore the personal experiences of race in our schools, neighborhoods, health care systems, sports and entertainment industries.

This exhibit uses visuals, charts, light-up screens and videos to demonstrate certain points. It’s a highly interactive exhibit. The structure plays well and the educational value is appropriate for any age level. This exhibit is included in Discovery Center General Admission.

Locally sponsored by: Missouri State University, Positronic Industries, Candy and Jim Trogolo, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, City Utilities of Springfield, Edward Jones Center for Entrepreneurship at Drury University and Drury University Inclusion Council, Empire Bank, Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

Free Admission April 21-29 at Civil War Battlefield

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:54:38 -0500

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced that the National Park Service will waive admission fees on selected dates throughout 2012 and encourages all Americans to visit a national park this year.

“Many people have made resolutions to spend more quality time with loved ones and to get outdoors in 2012,” said Secretary Salazar. “There’s no better place than a national park to help keep those resolutions. Parks offer superb recreational opportunities, making them perfect places to enjoy our beautiful land, history and culture, and nurture a healthy lifestyle.”

“In these tough economic times, our fee-free days will give families many opportunities to enjoy our nation’s heritage and natural beauty in meaningful and affordable ways,” he said. The fee-free dates for 2012 are:

April 21-29 – National Park Week
June 9 – Get Outdoors Day
September 29 – Public Lands Day
November 10-12 – Veterans Day weekend

Normally, 146 of 392 national parks charge entrance fees ranging from $3 to $25. The other 246 do not charge for admission. The fee free waiver for National Park Week does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors—such as fees charged for camping, reservations and use of concessions.

For additional information, please call the park visitor center at 417-732-2662, extension 227.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield preserves and commemorates the first major battle of the Civil War in the West. Administered by the National Park Service, the 1,920-acre battlefield is located 10 miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri at the intersection of ZZ Highway and Farm Road 182. For additional information, call 417-732-2662.

Enter to Win Missouri's Hidden Treasures!

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:45:58 -0500

Missouri is loaded with Hidden Treasures; unique places and attractions, off the beaten path, just waiting to become the next big thing. The Missouri Division of Tourism and VisitMO.com think these places are already big things, so they want to familiarize you with some of these jewels—and, they’re giving away some stupendous getaway packages to prove it … no purchase necessary. Interested?

Look for the special, 12-page “Hidden Treasures” insert in the May/June edition of Midwest Living magazine. The flyer is filled with photos and descriptions of some of Missouri’s hidden treasures: ever hear of The Rusty Jug, or Dick’s 5 & 10? How about Warm Springs Ranch or Overlook Farms? No? Well, you have some treats in store.

Oh, and let’s not forget the “giving away” part. You can register to win—remember, no purchase required to win—Missouri getaway packages valued at $150-$450; plus, the grand prize, a SIMON® Gift card valued at $500, compliments of Battlefield Mall and Independence Center. Still interested?

Here’s a quick look at how the giveaway works:

- No purchase required to enter.

- To submit an entry, simply navigate to VisitMOtreasures.com. (Details, rules, and a prize list are posted on the site.)

- Every Friday morning, April 20 through June 22, three winners will be drawn at random, to receive a Missouri getaway package, valued at $150-$450. Winners will be notified by email at noon, CDT.

- Weekly winners will be announced on VisitMO’s Facebook page.

- You must register each week, beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, to be eligible for the following Friday’s drawing.

- You can only win the weekly drawing once; however, all winners are eligible for the grand prize.

- When you register online, if you agree to share the contest information through Facebook or Twitter, you are also eligible for the grand prize, a SIMON® Gift card valued at $500, compliments of Battlefield Mall and Independence Center.

- The grand prize winner will be announced on VisitMO’s Facebook page at noon Monday, June 25.

- You can follow the giveaway on VisitMO’s Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest pages, using the hashtag, #VisitMOtreasures.

VisitMO.com is the official tourism website for the Missouri Division of Tourism.

Arts Council Offers Free Art Day April 21

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:30:11 -0500

The Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC), with help from the Junior League of Springfield, MO, presents Free Art Day at The Creamery Arts Center, Saturday, April 21 from 10am to Noon.

Several fun spring activity stations will be available, including gift wrap making, printmaking rubbing techniques, journal decorating, and necklace and/or medallion making. Best of all, children will be able to make their own stamps to print here or take home to print later.

All ages and artistic abilities are welcome for hands-on art activities and no registration is required. Every participant can create and take home one item at each station, with instruction and supplies provided by SRAC staff and volunteers. The Creamery, at 411 N. Sherman Parkway, is located in Jordan Valley Park, at the intersection of Sherman and Trafficway, just west of Hammons Field.

Free Art Days are held on the third Saturday of every other month. Upcoming dates in 2012 are June 16 at The Creamery Arts Center.

For more information regarding Free Art Day or other SRAC education programs, call 417-862-2787 (ARTS) or visit www.SpringfieldArts.org. Support for Free Art Day is provided by the Junior League of Springfield and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

Discovery Center Offers Free Admission for Earth Day

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:30:14 -0500

Celebrate 42nd Annual Earth Day - A Project of Springfield/Greene County Choose Environmental Excellence and Discovery Center of Springfield - from 9 a.m.-6 pm.. April 21. The event is sponsored by Partnership for Sustainability.

Springfield Earth Day focuses on exploring the variety of environmental resources that are here in the community. Celebrate Earth Day by enjoying educational displays, hands on activities and demonstrations from a variety of community organizations. Exhibitor booths will be available from 9am-4pm. 2:30-4:30pm join Fishin’ Magicians as they stroll around sharing educational magic with a fishing theme.

Partnership for Sustainability & Harry Cooper Supply will be giving away up to five 15w CFL bulbs per family. CFL bulbs are equivalent to 60w bulbs, but use 75% less energy and last 5 times longer. Supply is limited.

In addition to visiting with community representatives and getting free CFL bulbs, be sure to enjoy Discovery Center’s hands-on exhibits and walk through the 1st LEED Gold Certified building in SW Missouri. This public “green” building allows visitors to understand ways to practice sustainability both in the museum and at home.

Admission is free for the day. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information check the website at www.discoverycenter.org or call 862-9910.

Ethnic Trail of Trees Dedication April 14 at Botanical Center

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:33:40 -0500

Immigrants to Springfield could easily get lost in the crowd, but one man, pursuing a vision that he has had since his World War II military service, made sure that didn’t happen. More than ten years ago, Jim Mauldin brought what-he-called storytellers and storykeepers together for an Ethnic Life Stories Project.

These personal histories of 38 ethnic elders from 33 different nations are available at the Springfield-Greene County Library District, online and on the shelves at the Library Center, as well as Springfield Public Schools, Southwest Missouri Office on Aging and Springfield college and university libraries.

It turns out that Mauldin wasn’t done. On Saturday, April 14, 2012, at 10 a.m., a newly planted 960-foot-long Ethnic Trail of Trees will be dedicated at Springfield Botanical Gardens in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park.

Mauldin, still passionate about his project at 92 years old, raised funds to buy the 32 black gum trees and individual granite markers that will recognize those who shared their stories and those who donated their time to interview, write and edit them.

“Throughout his adult life, Jim pursued knowledge of other people and other cultures,” said Charlotte Phillips, who volunteered as a storykeeper and helped Mauldin initiate the Ethnic Life Stories Project as an editor. “He encountered men and women in business, in the university, in social organizations and in church who lived in marginalized communities within our own country or had come from other counties to the U.S. in pursuit of education, economic opportunity or family life. Jim spent time with them, asking questions and listening with full attention to their answers. He was excited by every meeting, by every chance to learn of another country and another life journey.”

The trail, along the northern boundary of the park, was laid out by Springfield-Greene County Parks Supervisor Ben Kellner and Friends of the Garden volunteer Bob Childress.

“This Ethnic Trail of Trees stands as a monument to the shared vision of all who worked on the project. It honors those who told their stories and those who received these stories. It is a symbol of unity born of diversity,” said Phillips.

Mauldin now lives in Louisville, Kentucky. His sons, Gregory and Philip, will represent him at the dedication. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held in the Botanical Center.

Benefit Environment with Fundraiser April 17

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:26:00 -0500

Several Springfield restaurants have joined together to celebrate Earth Day with “Earth on Your Plate,” an annual fundraiser benefitting the local environment Tuesday, April 17.

Select restaurants are donating 10 percent of total sales that day to environmental organizations Ozark Greenways, James River Basin Partnership and the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has agreed to match this contribution up to $5,000.

“This is a fun and delicious way preserve greenspace in Springfield and Greene County and protect our region’s water supply,” said Terry Whaley, Executive Director for Ozarks Greenways.

Participating restaurants include:

* Springfield’s Incredible Pizza Company - evening

* Bambino’s - evening

* Farmers Gastropub - evening

* Houlihan’s Restaurant and Bar on North Glenstone Avenue and East Republic Road - evening

* Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe

Others include Chili’s, Trolley’s, Panera Bread Co. (all five locations - breakfast 6-9 a.m.), Skinny Slim’s, MaMa Jean’s (both locations - lunch), Millwood Golf and Racquet Club (Mikayla’s), Pasta Express (evening), Grad School and Metropolitan Grill.

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with ArtsFiesta May 4

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:26:18 -0500

ArtsFiesta is a Cinco De Mayo celebration of Mexican art, culture, and music from 6-9 p.m. May 4 at Founders Park at Jefferson Avenue and Water Street in downtown Springfield.

The 2012 event will feature Mariachi Viva Xalisco, with special guest Sheila Rios, from Springfield’s Sister City, Tlaquepaque, Mexico. Dance performances will be performed by Grupo Libertad, and there will also be children’s activities and concessions.

A full evening of music and fun!

Adults $5

Kids 10 and under Free!