Calendar - This week's events

Items for the Community Calendar may be e-mailed to jill.ritchie@examiner.net or mailed to: The Examiner, P.O. Box 459, Independence, Mo. 64051, attention Jill Ritchie. Also, check the calendar online at examiner.net.


TUESDAY

• BLUE SPRINGS MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS TREE lighting, activities begin at 5:30, with the tree lighting and fireworks taking place between 6:15 and 6:20 p.m., outside City Hall, 903 W. Main St. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fire truck after the tree lighting. Hot dogs, cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes will be provide, all donated by the Blue Springs Price Chopper stores. 228-0110.
• GATHER INN for retired people, 9:30 a.m., Community of Christ Stone Church, Partridge Hall, Independence. A Burr Oaks Woods representative will speak on Mammals of Missouri. Cost, $3.50 for lunch. Call 254-2211 or Lois Sloan at 254-3139.
• MANAGED MUZZLELOADER DEER HUNT, Burr Oak Woods, Blue Springs. All trails, roadway and general area will be closed to all public walking, hiking, jogging and bicycling. The nature center will be open normal hours of operation. 228-3766.
• CREATE A WREATH – for ages 18 and older, 10 a.m. to noon, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, Blue Springs. Bring the sweet smell of pine into your home for the holidays. Call 228-3766 to register.
• HOLIDAY PRAIRIE GRASS DOLL making class – for ages 18 and older, 1 to 3 p.m., Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, Blue Springs. Call 228-3766 to register.

WEDNESDAY

• MANAGED MUZZLELOADER DEER HUNT, Burr Oak Woods, Blue Springs. All trails, roadway and general area will be closed to all public walking, hiking, jogging and bicycling. The nature center will be open normal hours of operation. 228-3766.
• CREATE A WREATH – for ages 18 and older, 10 a.m. to noon, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, Blue Springs. Bring the sweet smell of pine into your home for the holidays. Call 228-3766 to register.
• TODDLER TOWN for ages 1 to 5, 10 a.m. to noon, Sermon Center, Independence. Cost, $1. Closed when public schools are closed. For activities and information, call 325-7370.

THURSDAY

• HOLLY & MISTLETOE HOMES TOUR, presented by the Independence Young Matrons, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Four Eastern Jackson County homes and Christ United Methodist Church will be featured on the tour. The Sweet Shop at the church will be open with holiday treats, specialty baskets, IYM cookies and handcrafted historic houses. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door. For information and tickets, 373-8558.
• INDEPENDENCE SQUARE TOWNHOMES open house, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1360 Baker Drive, Independence. There will be food, hats, scarves, origami gift boxes and cloth gift bags for sale.

FRIDAY

• FOOD SHARE AMERICA, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., St. Paul United Methodist Church, 3601 S. Sterling Ave., Independence. The $27 cost includes a 5 pound boneless ham, corn bread mix, yams, potatoes, apple pie and more. Bring cash or EBT card. Order online at www.foodshareamerica.com or by phone at 800-933-7427.
• “THE NUTCRACKER,” presented by the Children’s Performing Theater, 7:30 p.m., Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads, Independence. Cost, $5; $4 for seniors; $3 for ages 10 and under. For reservations, 325-7367.
• HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR is planned for Dec. 12, sponsored by Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Board a motor coach and travel to Longview Farm, Country Club Plaza, Crown Center and the Chicago Street display in Blue Springs. Registration deadline: Dec. 5. The $18 fee includes beverages and snacks. To register, 228-0137.
• INDEPENDENCE SQUARE TOWNHOMES open house, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1360 Baker Drive, Independence. There will be food, hats, scarves, origami gift boxes and cloth gift bags for sale.

SATURDAY

• MAYOR’S HOLIDAY CARNIVAL, 10 a.m. to noon, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads, Independence. There will be clowns, carnival games, face painting and more. No admission fee. 325-7370.
• BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, 9 a.m., Vesper Hall, Blue Springs. Enjoy a home-cooked meal, and after breakfast, the youngsters can take a turn visiting with Santa. Create a simple craft and receive a goodie bag to take home. Parents, bring a wrapped $2-$5 gift for your child from Santa. Cost, $8 per person. Registration deadline: Dec. 4. To register, 228-0181.
• “CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY” homes tour, presented by the Grain Valley Historical Society. The tour features three homes, Faith United Methodist Church and the Historical Society’s museum. Tickets are $10. Purchase tickets at the Bank of Grain Valley in Grain Valley or the Independence branch, 14801 East U.S. 40. For information, call Jan Reding at 650-5192.
• “THE NUTCRACKER,” presented by the Children’s Performing Theater, 7:30 p.m., Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads, Independence. Cost, $5; $4 for seniors; $3 for ages 10 and under. For reservations, 325-7367.
• HOLIDAY HARMONY SPECTACULAR, 2 and 7:30 p.m., Unity Village, 1901 N.W. Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit. Enjoy the Heart of America Barbershop Chorus and the Kansas City Chorus of Sweet Adelines. Tickets range from $12 to $22. For tickets, call 437-7365.
• HOLIDAY CHEER AT TRAILS MUSEUM, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave., Independence. Enjoy free wagon rides, music, cider and cookies. Free with regular museum admission, $5; $4.50 for seniors, $3.50 for age 6 to 17. 325-7575.
• REMEMBERING CHRISTMASES PAST with Laura Ingalls Wilder, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave., Independence. Tickets are $7, $5 for ages 6 to 17, and includes museum admission and wagon ride. Reservations strongly recommended. 325-7575.
• FOOD SHARE AMERICA, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., St. Paul United Methodist Church, 3601 S. Sterling Ave., Independence. The $27 cost includes a 5 pound boneless ham, corn bread mix, yams, potatoes, apple pie and more. Bring cash or EBT card. Order online at www.foodshareamerica.com or by phone at 800-933-7427.
• FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, 9 a.m. to noon, Colonial Hills Community of Christ, 3539 S. Missouri 7, Blue Springs. Have your picture taken with Santa for $1 (or bring your own camera). There will also be a Kids’ Christmas Shoppe for children to shop for their loved ones. There are lots of choices for $1.50 each. Free gift wrapping. 229-9344.
• NEW DOCENT AND MUSEUM GUIDE informational session, 2 p.m., Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art auditorium, Kansas City. Call 751-1278 to register.
• WILD HOLIDAY BREAKFAST, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Kansas City Zoo. In addition to breakfast, meet Zoo friends, participate in Zoo-riffic activities and experience animal encounters. Cost, $10 for FOTZ members, $15 for non-members, free for ages 2 and under. To register, call 513-5801.
• BISCUIT/GRAVY BREAKFAST, 8 to 11 a.m., St. Paul United Methodist Church, 3601 Sterling Ave., Independence. Enjoy all-you-can-eat biscuits and gravy, coffee and juice for a free will donation. There will also be a cookie walk.
• INDEPENDENCE SQUARE TOWNHOMES open house, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1360 Baker Drive, Independence. There will be food, hats, scarves, origami gift boxes and cloth gift bags for sale.
• BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, 9 a.m. to noon, Cafe Thyme at Powell Gardens, Kingsville. After breakfast, visit with Santa, hear stories from Mrs. Claus and take a barrel train ride on the Holiday Express (weather permitting), plus make a take-home craft. There is a fee. For reservations, call 697-2600, Ext. 307.
• DECORATE YOUR DOOR, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Powell Gardens, Kingsville. Make a fragrant wreath using fresh evergreen materials provided by the Gardens. Cost, $55, $49 for Garden members. Call 697-2600, Ext. 307 to register.
• NATURAL HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE AND SWAG, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Powell Gardens, Kingsville. All materials provided. Cost, $49, $44 for Garden members. Call 697-2600, Ext. 307 to register.
• BIRD HIKE – for ages 18 and older, 9 to 10 a.m., Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, Blue Springs. All bird levels welcome. Explore the area around the Missouri Tree Trail. Call 228-3766 to register.
• BURR IT’S COLD – for families, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, Blue Springs. Learn some techniques that critters use to survive the winter. Call 228-3766 to register.

SUNDAY

• HOLIDAY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE, to honor departed family members and friends, 2 p.m., Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence. Bring an ornament that represents your loved one to place on a special Christmas tree; ornaments will be provided for those who want to participate, but do not bring one. Reservations are not required, but families should call 252-7900 if you plan to attend.
• TWILIGHT TOURS, 4 to 7 p.m., Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty St., Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave., and Marshal’s Home, 217 N. Main St., Independence. Tickets, $12 for all three sites. 325-7111.
• ADVENT CONCERT, 7 p.m., Community of Christ Auditorium, 1001 W. Walnut Ave., Independence. Enjoy sacred music and beloved Christmas carols in a special musical concert presented by the Graceland University Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, University Chorus and Orchestra. No admission fee. 521-3030.
• “THE NUTCRACKER,” presented by the Children’s Performing Theater, 2 p.m., Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads, Independence. Cost, $5; $4 for seniors; $3 for ages 10 and under. For reservations, 325-7367.
• WILD HOLIDAY BREAKFAST, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Kansas City Zoo. In addition to breakfast, meet Zoo friends, participate in Zoo-riffic activities and experience animal encounters. Cost, $10 for FOTZ members, $15 for non-members, free for ages 2 and under. To register, call 513-5801.
• OWLS – for families with children 4 and older, 1 to 2 p.m., Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, Blue Springs. Learn the natural history of owls and what they are doing in nature. Call 228-3766 to register.
• “SOUNDS OF THE SEASON,” 5 p.m., Community School of the Arts at Kansas City Young Audiences, 5601 Wyandotte St., Kansas City. Tickets are a $15 donation. For ticket information, 474-SING.

ONGOING EVENTS

• “MEMORIES OF WORLD WAR II exhibit,” through Jan. 11, Truman Library, 500 West U.S. 24, Independence. Exhibit features more than 100 photos from all theaters of the war. Free with regular museum admission. Call 816-268-8200.
• “SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PAST” Independence homes tours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 28-Dec. 30, Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty; Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave.; Marshal’s Home, 217 N. Main St. Closed Dec. 23-25. Cost, $12 for all three sites or $5 per home. 325-7111.
• “NATIVITIES AROUND THE WORLD,” 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 27-Jan. 4, Mormon Visitors Center, Independence. Free. 836-3466.
• 1827 LOG COURTHOUSE CHRISTMAS, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, Dec. 1-30, Independence. Enjoy cookies and spiced cider while touring. Free. 325-7111.
• CHRISTMAS at CHICAGO & ALTON DEPOT, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 21, 318 W. Pacific Ave., Independence. Donations accepted. 325-7955.
• HELP FILL THE FOOD PANTRY at Community Services League, The Angels are asking for your help. Bring macaroni/cheese, cereal and canned soup, meat, ravioli and vegetables to Third Street and Maple Avenue, Independence. Call 350-7066.
• Independence recycling, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays at 13600 East 35th St.; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays at 875 Vista Drive. Sites accept newspaper, cardboard, magazines, office paper, junk mail, steel and aluminum cans, flashlight-type batteries, and No. 1 and 2 plastic bottles. 325-7605.
• FILM AND CRITTER FEEDING. Free nature films will be shown at 3:30 p.m. Sundays, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, Blue Springs. Critters on exhibit will be fed at 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. 228-3766.

Compiled by Jillayne Ritchie