☕️ MOmentum's Grand Debut

Good Morning, Joplin. The Mother Road is calling. The Route 66 Drive-In is back open for the season, and Third Thursday goes full Route 66 Fest in just nine days. With sunny skies and a high over 70° today, there's honestly no excuse not to get outside and see what's happening.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• MOmentum’s Grand Debut

• 74+1 Joplin Teachers Deserve Recognition

• The Mother Road is Open Again

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who doesn’t know Joplin has the longest stretch of Route 66 in Missouri.

🌲 May the Forest Be With You

Saturday, April 11 | 10 AM – 2 PM | Wildcat Park, Joplin

A long time ago, in a galaxy not far away… someone had the brilliant idea to combine Earth Day, Arbor Day, and Star Wars into a single free community event. That person deserves a medal.

Joplin Parks & Recreation, the Friends of Wildcat Glades Nature Group, Grip-Cuts LLC, and the Missouri Department of Conservation are teaming up to host May the Forest Be With You this Saturday at Wildcat Park. The fun runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and includes a Star Wars-themed costume contest, nature exploration stations, an outdoor scavenger hunt, live music, food, family activities, and giveaways.

Whether your kids are more into Yoda or yellow-bellied sapsuckers, this one is worth the trip. Dust off the Darth Vader helmet, grab some sunscreen, and get yourself out to Wildcat Park. The Force, and the forest, are strong with this one.

🚲️ MOmentum Bike Park's Grand Launch Party

Saturday, May 2 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 601 Adventure Lane, Joplin

Joplin's newest outdoor destination is almost ready for its close-up. The city's MOmentum Bike Park will hold its Grand Launch Party on Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 601 Adventure Lane — main entrance on Lone Elm Road, just south of Zora Avenue. This is not a lowkey ribbon-cutting. Expect friendly competitions, rider demonstrations, food trucks, vendor booths, a live DJ, and giveaways throughout the day.

Kids can score free helmet fittings, enter for free bike helmet giveaways, and explore a pit zone with a bike repair station. Experienced riders will showcase the park's features all day long. Vendors and nonprofits can still register for booth space at the Joplin Parks & Recreation office at 3301 W. 1st St. or by calling 417-625-4750.

🍎 74 Joplin Teachers Nominated for the 41st Annual Golden Apple Awards

Seventy-four. That's how many Joplin Schools teachers have been nominated for this year's 41st Annual Golden Apple Awards, powered by Allo Fiber. The Golden Apple Awards recognize educators who go above and beyond for their students — nominated by the very students, parents, and community members who see that dedication every single day.

If there's a teacher in your life who made the list, they've earned it. And if there's one who hasn't been nominated yet — there's still time to make it happen.

🎓 Joplin Schools Names 2025-26 Teacher of the Year

Speaking of teachers getting recognition, Joplin High School science teacher Tarryn Gilbert has been named the 2025-26 Joplin Schools District Teacher of the Year. Gilbert has nearly two decades of teaching experience and has been at JHS since 2017, teaching Physical Science, Chemistry, Engineering, and Physics. She also serves as co-chair of the Science Department and Physical Science subject lead.

Superintendent Dr. Kerry Sachetta surprised Gilbert with the announcement at JHS. "She embodies the true spirit of education, passing along her passion and curiosity to her students," said Dr. Sachetta.

Gilbert will compete for Regional Teacher of the Year later this summer and will receive a cash prize from the Joplin Schools Foundation at an upcoming board meeting.

🏛️ Friends of Joplin Memorial Hall to Host Public Meeting

Thurs. April 9 | 5:30 PM | Joplin Public Library, 1901 E 20th St., Community Room

A coalition working to save Joplin's 100-year-old Memorial Hall is hosting a public meeting this Thursday to share their rehabilitation plan with the community.

The group will present a $16.7 million rehabilitation plan (estimated by Crossland Construction) covering structural repairs, updated finishes, a new elevator, modern theatrical upgrades, and dedicated space for Post 13 American Legion. Funding would come from state and federal historic tax credits, new market tax credits, community fundraising, and a proposed 2% hotel-motel occupancy rate increase.

They're also looking for volunteers — ambassadors, fundraisers, and grant writers. Open to the public.

🎬️ Route 66 Drive-In Opens for Another Season

It's back. The Route 66 Drive-In has officially opened for another season, and one of the area’s most nostalgic nights out is ready to roll. One of the few remaining drive-in theaters in Missouri, the Route 66 Drive-In has been lighting up the sky for decades — big screens, car speakers, and the feeling that some things are just better left exactly as they are.

Check their current lineup and showtimes. Warm nights, a blanket in the back seat, and a double feature — this is peak spring in Joplin.

🏥 Freeman Health System Earns Top National Honor for Heart & Vascular Care

Freeman Health System has earned the highest STEMI (Transcatheter Excellence in MI) designation for its Heart & Vascular Institute — a national recognition placing Freeman among the top-performing cardiac care programs in the country.

For the Four States region, this means world-class heart care is right here at home. Freeman's Heart & Vascular Institute serves thousands of local patients each year, and this designation is a reflection of the quality they experience. The kind of news worth knowing — and worth sharing with people you care about.

Learn more at freemanhealth.com

Tuesday: 🌡️ 46 | 72 ⛅️ 

Wednesday: 🌡️ 53 | 74 💨 

Thursday: 🌡️ 55 | 77 ☀️ 

Recap:

⚾️ Baseball (22-12)
Tuesday 3/31 at HOME vs Newman University | W 22-9
Thursday 4/2 at HOME vs University of Central Oklahoma | W 9-5
Friday 4/3 at HOME vs University of Central Oklahoma | L 9-6
Saturday 4/4 at HOME vs University of Central Oklahoma | W 7-2

🥎 Softball (33-5)
Saturday 4/4 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | W 4-2, 7-2

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Saturday 4/4 at Pittsburg State University | Recap

⛳️ Men’s Golf
Tuesday 3/31 at Tommy Riggs Collegiate Invitational in Pittsburg, KS | Recap

⛳️ Women’s Golf
Sunday 4/5 - Tuesday 4/7 at Spring Region Preview in Afton, OK | Recap

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (22-12)
Tuesday 4/7 at HOME vs Pitt State University | 3:00 PM
Friday 4/10 at Emporia State University | 5:00 PM
Saturday 4/11 at Emporia State University | 2:00 PM
Sunday 4/12 at Emporia State University | 1:00 PM

🥎 Softball (33-5)
Friday 4/10 at Missouri Western State University | 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Saturday 4/11 at Northwest Missouri State University | 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Thursday 4/9 and Friday 4/10 at University of Central Missouri
Friday 4/10 and Saturday 4/11 at Harding University

Tuesday

 🎭️ "Jagged Little Pill: The Musical" Auditions: Yes, the Alanis Morissette album is now a musical, and it's coming to Joplin. If you've got the pipes (and the angst), auditions are open to ages 16+.

Wednesday

🐰 Preschool Nature Connections: Rabbits: A nature-themed program for little ones ages 3–7. Spring + bunnies + kids = can't miss.

🎭️ The Acting Academy Youth Program: Ongoing youth acting sessions at the Cornell Arts Complex — check for registration details.

Thursday

🎵 Hermitage Piano Trio: A full evening of live classical music at the Cornell Arts Complex. The Hermitage Piano Trio is internationally recognized — this is a legit night out at zero cost.

🎨 Impasto Oil Painting with Tricia Courtney: A hands-on afternoon workshop — thick, expressive oil painting with an experienced local instructor.

Friday

📚️ Dear Listener: A Night of Letters Aloud: An open mic night with a twist — bring an old letter from a relative, a creative letter you've written, or your favorite rejection letter and read it aloud. Hosted by the Joplin Public Library. Registration required.

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THANKS!

Thank you for reading JOMO Jive today. See you again Friday!