Tuesday, March 14, 2025

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Good Morning, Joplin. If you caught a few shooting stars last night, you weren’t imagining things — the Orionid meteor shower, born from Halley’s Comet, lit up Joplin’s skies overnight. The show peaked early this morning, but you might still spot a stray meteor or two before dawn over the next night or so.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Parr Hill Park Renovation

• MSSU Homecoming

• Murder Mystery Dinners

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who has never seen a shooting star.

FEATURED EVENT

🎹 Hollywood & Broadway in Four Hands

Saturday, October 25 | 4:00 PM | Beshore Performance Hall at the Cornell Complex
🎟️ Tickets: $25–$30 | 212 W 7th St, Joplin

Step into the golden age of American music with world-renowned jazz pianists Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi as they perform dazzling four-hands arrangements of classics by Gershwin, Berlin, Bernstein, Rodgers, and more. This acclaimed duo blends stride, swing, and vintage Hollywood charm—all from one piano.

Whether you’re a jazz lover or a Broadway buff, this concert promises elegance, energy, and unforgettable artistry. Presented as part of the Cornell Series.

Tickets available now by clicking the link below or by calling 417-621-9824.

🌾 Old-Fashioned Hay Bale Trail

Friday, Oct. 24 | 6:00–9:00 PM | McClelland Park (4568 McClelland Park Rd, Joplin)

Round up the family for an evening of classic fall fun at Joplin’s Old-Fashioned Hay Bale Trail! This beloved seasonal celebration brings the community together at McClelland Park for a night filled with cozy autumn charm and family-friendly entertainment.

Enjoy a family hayride through the park, bounce houses, yard games, and festive music from a live DJ. Local groups will decorate creative hay bale displays, and visitors can grab delicious food and drinks from on-site vendors.

🍁 Free admission — bring a blanket, a big appetite, and your best fall spirit for this fun-filled night under the stars!

🌳 Parr Hill Park Set for Major Renovation with State Grant

The City of Joplin has received a major boost toward improving one of its central parks. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks has awarded Joplin an Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant, covering half of the nearly $968,460 renovation budget for Parr Hill Park near 18th Street and Michigan Avenue.

The other half will be funded through Parks & Stormwater Sales Tax funds and in-house labor and equipment, helping the City stretch taxpayer dollars while modernizing one of Joplin’s most-used parks.

Planned upgrades include:

• Two new all-inclusive playground structures—the first of their kind in Joplin

• Pour-in-place surfacing at an existing playground

• Seven new outdoor fitness stations along the walking trail

• Permanent outdoor games and accessible sidewalks

• A multi-use sports court allowing for basketball, tennis, and pickleball

“These improvements will make Parr Hill Park more accessible and enjoyable for residents of all ages,” said Parks and Recreation Director Paul Bloomberg. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion projected by late summer 2027.

🎨 A Week of Art & Imagination at Spiva Center for the Arts

Spiva is bursting with creativity this week—from kids’ art adventures to adult workshops that inspire and relax. Here’s what’s happening:

👧 Creation Station with Emily Cole
Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 4:00–5:15 PM | Ages 6–11 | $10
Young artists will explore new techniques each week in this fun, hands-on art class designed to spark creativity and confidence.

🕯️ Mini Makers: Ghost Family Portraits | Oct. 22 | Oct. 25
Wednesday, Oct. 22 & Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10:15–11:15 AM | Ages 2–5
It’s spooky season for little artists! Join Spiva’s Mini Makers for a creative session inspired by Teeny Tiny Ghost. With an adult’s help, kids will make watercolor “ghost family” portraits and explore textures, movement, and color.

👩‍🎨 Studio 55: Open Studio
Friday, Oct. 24 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Ages 55+ | $10 (or donation)
A relaxed open-studio space for adults to create, connect, and explore. Supplies available or bring your own.

🎃 Petals & Pumpkins: Fall Floral Workshop
Friday, Oct. 24 | 6:00–7:00 PM | $45 | Outdoors (weather permitting)
Join Justin Thomas of The Wild Flower for a cozy evening arranging seasonal blooms, vibrant foliage, and pumpkins into your own stunning fall centerpiece. Perfect for date night or a girls’ night out.

🧵 Patching, Mending & Adorning Garments
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 12:00–3:00 PM | Ages 16+ | $30
Learn visible mending and decorative patching techniques with artist Adria Garrison—no sewing machine required.

🧠 Creativity Unlimited with Mrs. Jade
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 12:00–12:45 PM | Ages 10–17 | Free
A supportive art class for neurodiverse students, focused on creative expression and connection.

🎨 Squeegee Paintings with Brooks-Elizabeth
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 2:00–4:30 PM | Ages 7–14 | $35
A playful, high-energy class that turns paint pulls into bold, layered masterpieces.

❄️ Tips for Saving Energy and Money This Winter

With chilly weather just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to make small changes that can lead to big savings on your energy bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, weatherizing your home can reduce energy costs by up to 35%—and it doesn’t take much to get started.

🏡 Home Heating Tips

• Have your furnace serviced annually and replace filters monthly.

• Use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures while you sleep or are away.

• Seal gaps around windows, doors, and pipes to prevent heat loss.

• Keep curtains open on sunny days to naturally warm rooms, and close them at night to retain heat.

• Install insulated drapes or shades for an extra barrier against drafts.

• Close your fireplace damper when it’s not in use to stop warm air from escaping.

💧 Water & Kitchen Energy Savings

• Take showers instead of baths to cut water-heating costs.

• Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.

• Avoid preheating the oven when possible, and keep the door closed while cooking to maintain heat.

For more energy-saving ideas and rebates on efficient appliances, visit SpireEnergy.com/rebates.

Tuesday: 🌡️ 45 | 67 ☀️

Wednesday: 🌡️ 43 | 72 ☀️

Thursday: 🌡️ 45 | 72 ☀️ 

🦁 MSSU Homecoming 2025: “Once Upon a Pride”

Saturday, Oct. 25 | Downtown Joplin & Fred G. Hughes Stadium

The roar of the Lions returns for Missouri Southern State University’s 2025 Homecoming, themed Once Upon a Pride! Celebrate with students, alumni, and the Joplin community during a full day of school spirit and tradition.

🎺 Homecoming Parade

10:00–11:00 AM | Downtown Joplin

🏈 Homecoming Game

2:00 PM | Fred G. Hughes Stadium
🎟️ Free for students/staff (with ID) | Alumni $5 tickets – email [email protected]

Recap:

🏈 Football (3-4)
Saturday 10/18 at HOME vs University of Nebraska at Kearney | W 24-16

🏐 Women’s Volleyball (8-12)
Friday 10/17 at Washburn University | L 3-0
Saturday 10/18 at Emporia State University | L 3-0

⚽️ Women’s Soccer (2-8-3)
Sunday 10/19 at University of Central Oklahoma | L 4-2

Upcoming:

🏈 Football (2-4)
Saturday 10/25 at HOME vs Missouri Western State University | 2:00 PM

🏐 Women’s Volleyball (8-12)
Tuesday 10/21 at Drury University | 6:00 PM
Friday 10/24 at HOME vs University of Central Missouri | 6:00 PM

⚽️ Women’s Soccer (2-8-3)
Sunday 10/26 at Western Missouri State University | 2:00 PM

⛳️ Men’s Golf
Tuesday 10/21 at Missouri Southern Fall Invitational

⛳️ Women’s Golf
Tuesday 10/21 at MWSU Holiday Inn Express Super Regional Preview in St. Joseph, MO

👟 Men’s & Women’s Cross Country
Saturday 10/25 at 2025 MIAA Cross Country Championships in Pittsburg, KS

Tuesday

🌿 Plant BINGO at Bloom: Back by popular demand, Bloom’s October Plant Bingo returns for a night of cozy vibes, coffee, and leafy prizes! Doors open at 5 PM, and bingo starts at 5:45. Each card is $5 with prizes valued at $10 or more. Seating is limited to the first 50 guests—so grab your plant-loving friends and get there early!

🎬 Old Hollywood Monster Movie Night: Celebrate spooky season with a double feature of classic chills at the Joplin Public Library! Catch Frankenstein (1931) at 5:00 PM and The Wolf Man (1941) at 6:30 PM in the Community Room West. Free admission, no registration required—just bring your love for vintage horror and settle in for a night of monsters, mayhem, and movie magic. Ages 18+.

💼 Business After Hours: Keep the momentum going after work at this month’s networking mixer, hosted by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Guaranty Bank. Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and conversation with fellow business professionals in a relaxed atmosphere. This come-and-go event is from 4:30–6:00 PM at Guaranty Bank, 3016 McClelland Blvd.

Wednesday

🎃 Halloween Music Bingo at B&B Theatres: Test your spooky music knowledge at B&B’s Halloween-themed Music Bingo night! Free to play and open to all ages, with fun prizes for the winners. Enjoy great food and drinks while you play to help support future community events.

Thursday

🎶 MSSU Choral Concert: Haunted Harmonies: Step into a spine-tingling evening of music where shadows sing and voices echo through the dark. The Missouri Southern Choirs will perform eerie classics and hauntingly beautiful melodies that promise no tricks—just musical treats.

🎨 Paint & Sip at Vino Noir: Halloween Dogs: Enjoy a creative evening at Vino Noir as you paint a Halloween-themed dog design while sipping your favorite wine. All supplies are provided, and drinks are available for purchase. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned painters looking for a fun night out.

Friday

🍝 Murder Al Dente: Dine, laugh, and sleuth your way through an evening of mystery at The Mollie in Galena, KS. Step into Politana’s Italian restaurant, where homemade pasta and passion set the scene for a shocking crime of love and betrayal. Guests will enjoy a delicious meal, dessert, and a thrilling interactive performance — can you solve the murder before dessert is served?

🚴 Critical Mass Group Ride: Join Bike Walk Joplin for their monthly group ride on the last Friday of each month! Meet at 6:00 PM at 4th & Joplin and roll out at 6:15. This easy-paced 5–6 mile ride is open to all ages and abilities—come take the streets, reclaim the road, and enjoy the power of community on two wheels.

Saturday

🕵️‍♀️ Lady Whiskerbottom Mystery Dinner Theatre Fundraiser: Step into an evening of intrigue, elegance, and goodwill at A Lady Whiskerbottom Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, hosted by Foster Adopt Connect. Enjoy a full buffet, decadent desserts, and a chance to solve a thrilling whodunnit — all while supporting local foster care and adoption efforts.

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