Calendar: World-renowned organist plays at Evangel's chapel

Oct. 26–28

Evangel University theater students present three one-act plays beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening in EU’s Barnett Fine Arts Theatre. The plays are “Here We Are,” a comedy written by Dorothy Parker; “Trial of God,” based on true events at Auschwitz and written by Elie Wiesel; and “Trifles,” written by Susan Glaspell. “Trifles” is a play that deals with what happens when women allow emotions to cloud their judgment. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased in the Evangel humanities department by calling (417) 865-2815, ext. 8641 or at the EU box office on performance days.

Nov. 7

World-renowned organist Diane Bish performs a musical service at 10 a.m. in Evangel University’s chapel. Bish will play a variety of organ favorites and original hymn arrangements to demonstrate the capabilities of Evangel’s 40-rank, three manual Schantz pipe organ. Bish’s recital is co-sponsored by the EU Artist Series and the June Kean Pipe Organ Endowment Series. The performance is free and open to the public. For more information, call (417) 865-2811.

Community

Oct. 23

Kerby Anderson, president of Probe Ministries, author of seven books and radio talk show host, presents “Decoding ‘The Da Vinci Code’” at 7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium on the College of the Ozarks campus in Point Lookout. Anderson’s convocation is free and open to the public. For more information, call (417) 334-6411, ext. 3446.

Through Oct. 31

Panera Bread joins forces with Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks to raise money for BCFO during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Panera is offering its cherry-flavored Pink Ribbon bagels, and 25 cents from the sale of each bagel at Panera’s six cafés in Springfield and Branson will benefit BCFO.

Oct. 24

Michael Cobb, former National Football League first-round draft pick, will speak at a convocation at 7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium on the College of the Ozarks campus in Point Lookout. Cobb is now a speaker through Sports World, which reaches out to young people and adults regarding life choices. Cobb will give his personal testimony and share his experiences on and off the field. For more information, call (417) 334-6411, ext. 2224.

Oct. 28–29

Ozarks Coin Club presents its annual Fall Coin & Stamp Show 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 28 and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Oct. 29 in the E-Plex at the Missouri Entertainment & Event Center, 3001 N. Grant Ave. Dealers from across the country will show, sell and discuss coins and stamps with collectors and visitors to the show. The Gallery Mint Museum also will provide a mini-mint coin-making demonstration. Admission is free to the event, which also includes games and prize drawings. For more information, call (417) 868-8877.

Nov. 3–4

Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau presents an open house 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Tourist Information Center, 3315 E. Battlefield Road, to showcase recent improvements to the center. In addition to remodeling that was completed in 2004, the center has been chosen as a state Welcome Center affiliate to provide statewide information. The public is encouraged to attend; refreshments will be served and drawings will be held for prizes. For more information, call (417) 799-0940.

Nov. 10–12

St. John’s presents the sixth-annual Totally Healthy Woman Retreat at Chateau on the Lake in Branson. The event will include exhibits, breakout sessions, a pajama party and an inspirational service on Nov. 12. The cost for the conference and activities is $85. Special-rate accommodations, paid separately, are available at Chateau on the Lake, (888) 333-5253. Conference registration is available at www.stjohns.com.

Business & Professional Development

Oct. 25

Missouri State University continues its Breakfast With Champions series 7:30–9 a.m. with National Football League referee and crew chief Larry Nemmers. Nemmers, an NFL official for 22 years, officiated in Super Bowl XXV and was an alternate referee for Super Bowl XXXV. He will present “Attitude: It Makes a Difference,” in the Illinois Room at University Plaza Hotel, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway. The cost is $15. To register, call (417) 836-5667 or visit www.mdi.missouristate.edu.

Internationally syndicated columnist and best-selling author Jeffrey Gitomer speaks on selling techniques 8:30–11:30 a.m. at Ozarks Technical Community College. Gitomer is the author of “The Little Red Book of Sales Answers.” Tickets are $99 or $89 for a group of 10 or more. Check-in and networking begins at 7:30 a.m. Register at www.gitomer.com/springfield or call (417) 447-8888 for more information.

Oct. 26

The Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association presents Medicaid Planning, continuing legal education, 2–6 p.m. at the SMBA office, 1615 S. Ingram Mill Road, Bldg. D. Featured speakers will be Doug Lee of Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell and Brown, Lois Zerrer of Zerrer Elder Law Office, Michael S. Kisling of the Missouri attorney general’s office and Robert Ingold of the Law Office of Robert G. Ingold. Topics will include special-needs trusts, division of assets, asset recovery and pitfalls to avoid. The cost for SMBA members is $90 in advance or $100 at the door. For nonmembers, the cost is $125 in advance and $145 at the door. To register, call (417) 831-2783 or visit www.smba.cc.

Oct. 27

Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership holds its fall meeting 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. in Branson’s RecPlex, 1500 Branson Hills Parkway in Branson. Business and government representatives from across the 10-county region served by the partnership will address multiple economic development topics, including Branson Landing and the Jordan Valley Innovation Center. Tickets are $20 and are available until Oct. 25 by calling (417) 862-5567 or visiting www.springfieldchamber.com.

Nov. 1–2

Missouri State University’s Small Business Development Center presents Quickbooks For Your Business 8 a.m.–5 p.m. each day in the 14th-floor conference room at BKD LLP in Hammons Tower, 901 E. St. Louis St. The course instructor is Sueanne Bishop of BKD.

The course is $325 per person and course size is limited. To register or for more information, call (417) 836-5685 or visit www.sbdc.missouristate.edu.

Nov. 2

The Salute to Design & Construction Council, comprising 24 organizations in the construction industry, presents Salute 2006: Building Communities, Careers and Lives, beginning with a 5 p.m. social hour at Clarion Hotel, 3333 S. Glenstone Ave. Dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. Former Springfield City Manager Tom Finnie will be the master of ceremonies of the event, where several awards will be presented. Tickets are $20 through Oct. 30 and $30 after that date. Tickets are available at several locations: Springfield Contractors Association, The Builders Association, Springfield Business Journal, Great River Engineering and Rain Forest Creations (Burns Architects). They also may be ordered by calling SCA at (417) 862-1313.