Everyone can make a difference Friday

Two community events on Friday give Poplar Bluff residents the chance to make the world a better place.

The Red Cross and Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center are holding a blood drive at the hospital’s main campus building in Classroom #3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There is a shortage of blood donations nationwide, but the need is particularly pronounced in Southeast Missouri. Organizers urge everyone to consider giving the gift of life. Signup is available at pbrmc.com.

The annual Art for Animals fundraiser wraps up its 12th year with a Tail End reception at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum from 6-8 p.m. Friday. The silent auction began July 1 and will wrap up at the end of the reception, so animal and art lovers alike need to hurry if they want to take home a piece of local art, as well as support the Animal Wellfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri. There are 98 artworks to choose from this year. Bid online through a link on the Facebook page of Artfully Framed, a sponsor, or at biddingowl.com by searching for the AWA. Artworks can be viewed at the museum during business hours this week, noon-4 p.m.

— Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 15. WHERE Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Main Campus, Classroom #3. COST Free. WHAT There are heavy shortages of blood donations both nationwide and in in Southeast Missouri. The Red Cross and PBRMC invite everyone to give the gift of life. Sign up at pbrmc.com.

— Yarnaholics, 1-3 p.m. July 15. WHERE Margaret Harwell Art Museum main building. COST Free. WHAT The Yarnaholics fiber arts and crafts group has moved from the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library to MHAM. Anyone who enjoys knitting, crocheting, embroidery, cross stitch or any other fiber art is welcome. All skill levels and ages are welcome and must bring their own supplies. The group meets every other Friday. For more information, contact Mairead Ryan-Anderson a maireadknits@gmail.com.

— 12th Annual Art for Animals Tail End reception, 6-8 p.m. July 15. WHERE Margaret Harwell Art Museum. COST Free admission. WHAT Enjoy the “Tail End” of the Art for Animals auction and view 98 pieces by local artists — some of whom have paws! The auction supports the Animal Wellfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri and is currently live online at biddingowl.com. Bidding ends at 8 p.m. sharp July 15. More information is available on the Facebook page for Artfully Framed, who donates their framing services to the auction.

— Teen Hangout Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 15. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library. COST Free. WHAT Teens ages 12-17 are invited to enjoy games, food and more with their friends at this after-hours party.

— Downtown Comedy Night with The Copenhagen Bandit, 9 p.m. July 15. WHERE Forum Fifty Fifty. COST Tickets $20 on Eventbrite and $25 at the door. WHAT The Copenhagen Bandit continues the “Community Standards Violated” tour, so get ready for a night of laughs when he hits Poplar Bluff! More information is available on the Forum Fifty Fifty Facebook page.

— Missouri Concealed Carry Permit Course, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. July 16. WHERE Black Belt Academy of Poplar Bluff COST $75 WHAT This course meets the requirements to apply for a Missouri Concealed Carry Permit. It will cover firearms safety, maintenance and storage. We will discuss the laws that pertain to the use of force and weapons. The class will conclude with a live fire practice and test. Students will need: a handgun, semi-automatic or revolver, at least 40 rounds of ammunition, eye protection, hearing protection and clothing appropriate for the weather as the shooting portion of the class is held outdoors. Register through the event’s Facebook page. For more information contact SEMO Shooting and Self Defense at 573-300-0138.

— Tai Chi, 10:30-11 a.m. July 16. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch, Theater Room. COST Free. WHAT Tai Chi for all skill levels welcome. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing. Presented by Judy Jackson.

— Drive In Movie Night, 7 p.m. July 16. WHERE The Lighthouse Church, Dexter. COST Free. WHAT Food, games and a movie in the parking lot at nightfall.

— GenX at The Camp, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. July 16. WHERE The Camp at Lake Wappapello. COST Free. WHAT Throwback band GenX performs live.

— Mad Science, July 20 at 2 p.m. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT Discover how an octopus’s ink helps it flee predators as our Mad Scientist uses chemistry to make ink suddenly appear. Experience the changing ocean as we investigate the states of matter. Hear how our Mad Scientist uses science and air pressure to create whale sounds and experience a whale sneeze.

— Willie’s Redneck Rodeo VBS, 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. July 21-23. WHERE First Baptist Church Poplar Bluff. COST Free. WHAT During this VBS adventure, children will learn about the love of Jesus Christ through bible study, music, missions, crafts, games and snacks. All children K-6th grade are invited. Register on FBCPB’s event page on Facebook.

— Teen Night swimming, 7-10 p.m. July 21. WHERE Black River Coliseum Aquatic and Fitness Center. COST $3 WHAT Teens 13-19 are invited to hang out and swim. They can purchase snacks and drinks from the lobby vending machines.

— Make DIY Dog Toys, 6 p.m. July 27. WHERE Downtown Dog Park. COST Free. WHAT Materials and demonstrations are provided to help you make a new toy for man’s best friend.

— Intro to Fly Fishing July 22 at 2 p.m. and July 23 at 11 a.m. the Main Branch. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT Learn hands on basics for Fly Fishing from Sam Stewart with the Missouri Conservation Department. Designed for ages 6-12. Register at poplarbluff.org/classes

— Babysitting and Child Care Training, 8 a.m.-noon July 25-28. WHERE R.W. Huntington Municipal Pool. COST $50, or $125 to combine with Junior Lifeguard Course. WHAT This program teaches youth to care for children of all ages. It will help participants develop leadership skills, keep themselves and others safe, learn basic child care and first aid, and more! Registration forms are available at pbparks.org on the “The Pool” page under the “Aquatics” tab, and at the Parks & Recreation office at 430 N. Second St.

— Junior Lifeguard Course, 1-5 p.m. July 25-28. WHERE R.W. Huntington Municipal Pool. COST $50, or $125 to combine with Babysitting and Child Care Training. WHAT The course builds the knowledge, attitudes and skills of future lifeguards. Participants learn first aid, CPR, AED and in-water skills. Registration forms are available at pbparks.org on the “The Pool” page under the “Aquatics” tab, and at the Parks & Recreation office at 430 N. Second St.

— OB Health Lunch & Learn, 11:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. July 27. WHERE Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Main Campus, Classroom #3. COST Free. WHAT Join PBRMC for a free lunch and presentations by OB/GYN experts. The hospital’s own Farrah McSpadden, MD, FACOG, and Jenna Buchanan, RN, will be presenting wellness education and tips for OB health, the importance of prenatal care and overall women’s wellness.

— 7th Grade Mule Camp, 10 a.m.-noon July 29. WHERE Upper Gym, Poplar Bluff Junior High. COST Free. WHAT All incoming 7th graders are inviting to get their schedule, tour the school learn what house they’ll be in and participate in the the first house games of the year. The event is organized by PBJHS counselors.

— Yarnaholics, 1-3 p.m. July 29. WHERE Margaret Harwell Art Museum main building. COST Free. WHAT The Yarnaholics fiber arts and crafts group has moved from the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library to MHAM. Anyone who enjoys knitting, crocheting, embroidery, cross stitch or any other fiber art is welcome. All skill levels and ages are welcome and must bring their own supplies. The group meets every other Friday. For more information, contact Mairead Ryan-Anderson a maireadknits@gmail.com.

— Monster Truckz Mayhem Tour, 7 p.m. July 29, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. July 30, 2 p.m. July 31. WHERE Poplar Bluff Motorsports Park. COST First 100 Adult Tickets online are only $16.50. Children 3-13 years old can receive a free ticket if accompanied by a paying adult. Children 2 and under are free. WHAT The Mayhem Tour brings the adrenaline with motocross, stunts and (of course) monster trucks. Doors open two hours before the show for kids’ attractions and a driver meet-and-greet. Tickets are required, but seating is on first come, first served.

— Princess Makeovers, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 30. WHERE The Discovery Playhouse, Cape Girardeau. COST $40, including hair, makeup, nail polish, photo ops and family admission. WHAT Make little ones feel magical and enjoy a day at the Disovery Playhouse children’s museum. RSVP on the Discovery Playhouse Facebook page.

— Bootheel Battleground 2, pre-registration for contestants 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., show runs 3:30-8 p.m. July 30. WHERE Black River Coliseum. COST $20 entry fee, kids 10 and under are free. Show dog entry is $50 per dog plus a $15 registration fee. WHAT Dog show for bully breeds including standard, Olde English Bulldogge, American Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terriers. For more information contact Lamondra Newson on Facebook or at 573-838-3442.

— Back to School Bash, 3-5 p.m. July 30. WHERE The Kindergarten Center. COST Free. WHAT Find free backpacks, kids haircuts, face painting, resources for parents and much more at this back-to-school event for ages PreK-12th grade. No registration required. Contact Rosa Johnson for more information at 573-200-5926.

— Fundraising Mini Sessions by Briana Feverston Photography, 6-8 p.m. July 30. WHERE Hendrickson Park. COST $30. WHAT $10 of the proceeds from each photo session benefits the Foundation or Children’s Performing Arts of Southeast Missouri and their upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Sessions can be booked through Briana Feverston Photography on Facebook or brianafeverston@gmail.com.

—Urban Cowboy Throwback, 5 p.m. July 30. WHERE Southern Barrel, Puxico. COST No admission fees disclosed. WHAT Music, mechanical bull rides and a Dolly Parton lookalike contest.

— Ripley County Fair, Aug. 3-6. WHERE Ripley County Fairgrounds. COST No entree fee reported. WHAT Demolition derby, bull riding, pageants and more.

— Butler County WIC’s Family Day Out, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 5. WHERE Hendrickson Park. COST Free. WHAT A celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. For more information, contact the WIC office at 573-785-7044.

Don’t see your event? Let us know what you’ve got coming up and we’ll add it. Just email dailyamericanrepublic@gmail.com.