SHALOM!

Grant VanNoy Binkley

Professor Melinda Booze

COMM 314

11 April 2025

Helen Reddy’s famous 70’s hit “I am Woman” seems appropriate this week, as does the Jewish greeting “Shalom” as tomorrow the downtown area will be celebrating Women’s Day as well as the Jewish holiday Passover.

Let’s get started with the Women’s Day events this weekend. The Downtown area will be highlighting businesses owned and run by women here in Springfield. For a complete list and what they’ll be doing to celebrate visit the link https://www.itsalldowntown.com/womensday/

Another thing that will be happening this weekend regarding Women’s Day festivities is the GYN Cancer Alliance’s (GYNCA) thirteenth annual GoGirlRun. A two-day running/walking event benefitting gynecological cancer research here in the Ozarks. Women can choose either a half marathon or 5K race. There will also be a race for girls called the Little Miss full or half mile. There’s also a virtual option as well. For more information go to https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/Springfield/GoGirlRunSpringfield

Another important event coming up this week is the celebration of the Jewish holiday Passover, which commemorates the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. While Passover is a Jewish holiday, it also kicks off the Easter season. Easter is next Sunday. If you’re looking for a church event to go to in the Downtown area, Hammons Field and the Springfield Cardinals will be hosting a sunrise service at the ballpark on Easter morning from 6:20 AM to 7:20 AM. Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided.

Other Passover events will be going on Downtown such as the History Museum’s “Creating Community” Jews of Springfield event. For more information on this event visit https://www.itsalldowntown.com/calendar/history-museum-presents-creating-community-jews-of-springfield-2025-04-11/