Good morning, Columbia.

Mizzou Hillel today named Scott Gerstel as its new executive director to improve alumni relations and grow Columbia’s tight-knit community.

Gerstel will focus on outreach and planning to strengthen local connections + foster engagement among members.

Columbia Jazz Orchestra will kick off a summer concert series today at 6:30 p.m. at Stephens Lake Park, giving locals a chance to enjoy live jazz.

On Wednesday, gas prices in Columbia climbed to $4.06 a gallon, 10 cents higher than Tuesday’s average, according to AAA, with some fuel retailers offering rewards programs like Hy-Vee & Shell to help locals save.

Rising fertilizer prices from Operation Epic Fury have affected Columbia gardeners as local nurseries like Helmi’s Gardens pass on higher costs to customers (linked to the war in Iran), while some residents are turning to kitchen scraps for natural alternatives.

Columbia Public Schools has formed a new committee of educators, administrators and community members to set its facility agenda until 2037, planning improvements across the district over the next ten years.

Missouri’s Department of Transportation has opened its statewide Sponsor-A-Highway program today, allowing businesses, groups, and individuals to sponsor one-mile highway sections with monthly cleanups by Adopt-A-Highway Litter Removal Service of America Inc. Sponsors will receive signage with their names to help offset litter-removal costs.

MU Health Care warns that mini-strokes can quickly develop into full-blown strokes — immediate care is essential if symptoms appear.

Boone Health will open its new cardiology clinic at 1605 East Broadway Monday following its split with Missouri Heart Center.

The facility will transfer all records and serve roughly 20,000 patients while hiring additional providers to expand full cardiology services.

The American Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri showcased its new headquarters during a media event on Wednesday.

Located on the 4600 block of Stellar Drive, the facility in southern Columbia will support 300 staff and volunteers and hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony in July.

Intro to Vinyl Cutting Workshop

6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee applies — Explore vinyl cutting techniques while creating custom tote bags and signs.

All Your Friends

9:06 PM – 12:30 AM — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Enjoy a lively evening with friends at this late-night event.

Intro to Machine Embroidery Workshop

6-8:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes all materials — Learn to use the Melco Bravo embroidery machine and create your own embroidered item.

The Lorax Movie Screening

8-10 a.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars with The Lorax.

Big (1988) Movie Screening

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No entry fee — Enjoy a classic film under the stars with family and friends.

Kris Lager Band Performance

10:30 a.m. — Katy Trail - Rocheport Trailhead — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Kris Lager as he brings a spirited performance outdoors.

Atomic Returns to Dive Bar

8 PM – 12 AM — Dive Bar — Cost details not provided — Experience the gritty blend of Midwest rock, country, and blues from Atomic Junction.

Apollo 13 Movie Night

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Celebrate cinematic history with the thrilling Apollo 13 on a Saturday night under the stars.

Sporting KC Summer Soccer Camp

5-8 p.m. — Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area — $130-$225 — Young soccer enthusiasts can improve their skills under professional coaching in a fun and engaging environment.

Arts Fishing Club Performance

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of captivating live music at Rose Music Hall.