The Metro East Messenger 2.21.22 Issue

Inside : It’s Playoff Season!

Game Day Tips Inside

Upcoming Local Events

Game Day Recipes

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Upcoming Local Events

NOTE: Events are subject to change, cancel or be rescheduled due to Covid.

Live Music Every Weekend at The Cabin at Judy Creek, 3730 S. State Rte. 157, Glen Carbon., 1/21- Lanny & Julie, 1/22Sweetbottom Band, 1/23- Steven Woolley, 1/28- Edwin Linson, 1/29- DoubleTap STL, 1/30- Ryan Hoelting. Follow their Facebook page for more updates!

Free Movie Event, Jan. 22nd, 1pm, Alton Square Mall. Hayner Library invites teens ages 12–18 to join us on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the new Alton Square Mall movie theater. We have rented one of the NCG Cinema theaters for a Saturday afternoon matinee of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Participants will enjoy popcorn and soda during the movie. For more information or to register, please call Sharon at (618) 433-2861.

Alton Eagle Watching Tour, Jan. 22nd, and 29th, Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St, Alton. Enjoy a guided tour of some of the best eagle watching hot spots in and around the Alton area. This 45-minute tour will highlight sites where wintering American Bald eagles are typically seen in the area. Sites may include: the Audubon Center at Riverlands; Great River Road; and National Great Rivers Museum/Melvin Price Locks & Dam. For tickets, go to riversandroutes.com/things-todo/buy-tickets/.

Discovery Day At Watershed Nature Center, Jan. 22nd, 10am-12pm, 1591 Tower Ave, Edwardsville. This free community event for families will feature hands-on activities, story time by local author Jennifer Ward, a bird feeder craft, eagle cam observation station, birding information from Wild Birds Unlimited, hot cocoa & cookies, and a scavenger hunt around the Watershed's trails. The first 100 children will receive a stuffed Eagle. Inclement weather date: Feb. 5th.

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Upcoming Local Events Cinema Day, Jan. 25th, 12pm. Granite City Township residents 55 & older: Enjoy a movie at the Granite City Cinema.

Admission is Free! Call Beth to sign up at (618)877-0513.

Movie Matinee Series for Adults, Jan. 27th, Feb. 24th, Mar 31st, 12-2pm, Edwardsville Public Library. Bring a brown bag lunch, and we'll provide drinks and popcorn. Call us for the movie title; we are unable to publish them due to our licensing agreement. (618)692-7556 Collinsville Community SnowFest '22, Jan. 29th, 8-11:30am, 1498 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL. 8:00-8:30am-Community Breakfast. Starting @ 8:30- Cardboard Sled Race. Put together a one-of-a-kind sled with a team of friends, family, or coworkers. Entry is $10.00 per sled with all proceeds going to Collinsville Parks. We will limit the number of entries per division so that everyone will get at least two runs. Awards ceremony from 11-11:30a.m. immediately after the last sled runs. Don't worry! We are providing the hill and all the snow! For rules and registration, go to bit.ly/3nUsuML. There will also be three virtual reality stations, a timed jigsaw puzzle competition, snowball fling and pinecone decorating contest.

Gateway Spring Home Show, Jan. 29th & 30th, Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Dr, Collinsville. Our events feature a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. After meeting with and comparing our expert exhibitors, we know you'll be inspired and motivated to start planning with confidence. Register online for your free passes at www.gatewaycenter.com/event/gateway-spring-home-show.

Discovery Sunday Series, Hosted by the Maryville Parks & Recreation. Every Sunday Jan 30th thru Feb. 27th, 1-3pm. In person and on Zoom. For more info about topics, go to bit.ly/3nENasO or email parksandrec@maryville-il.us. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Upcoming Local Events 2022 Onesie Bar Crawl for Charity, Jan. 29th, 2pm, Main Street, Belleville. This year the donations will be going towards the Belleville Schools in need. A $5 donation is all that we ask to participate in the bar crawl this year. That $5 will get you a ticket for multiple chances for different attendance prizes. There will be other raffles as well. Participating bars: The Office Lounge, Tavern on Main, Spaces, Copperfire, Bennies Pizza, The Quarter, Margaritas, Seven, Cigar and Jazz Inn, Escapades, Venue on Main. Send $5 to bit.ly/3tCpcSx.

Gateway Spring Home Show, Jan. 29th & 30th, Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Dr, Collinsville. Our events feature a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. After meeting with and comparing our expert exhibitors, we know you'll be inspired and motivated to start planning with confidence. Register online for your free passes at www.gatewaycenter.com/event/gateway-spring-home-show.

Goat Yoga at Willoughby Farms, Jan. 30th, 10-11:30am, 631 Willoughby Lane, Collinsville. Start your morning off relaxing and refueling your body, mind, and spirit with Goat Yoga of Southern IL at the beautiful Willoughby Heritage Farms in the barn. ABSOLUTELY no yoga experience needed. Register at bit.ly/3qFovWY. 7th Annual Brewfest & Chicken Wing Fling, Feb. 2nd, 5pm at Millstadt VFW Post 7980, 200 Veterans Dr, Millstadt. $25 per person. Must be 21. Live music by Jason Garms. For more info, contact Mark Todd mark_todd25@yahoo.com. Event proceeds benefits Millstadt Parks.

Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga, Saturdays at 9:30am with Glen Carbon Library. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga. Must register.

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Upcoming Local Events Rock N Roll Bingo, Feb. 5th, 6pm at The Command Post at the American Legion, 104 N. Main St, Troy. Rock and Roll Bingo is 13 rounds of bingo, but with music clips! Don't worry if you're not a walking jukebox...you can use Shazam (or your tablemates) to help identify songs. Doors open at 6 pm. Bingo starts at 7 pm. All proceeds go toward supplying AEDs to our local first responders. For tickets, go to bit.ly/31sVdAS. Daddy Daughter Dance, Feb. 11th, 6:30-9pm, Regency Conference Center, 400 Regency Park, O’Fallon. Bring your special sweetheart out for a night of dinner and dancing. Flowers, formal picture, dinner, and a DJ are included in the fee. This event is for girls with their father or adult male chaperone. Price is $60.00 per couple (dad and one daughter). Each additional daughter is $20.00. Register with O’Fallon Parks and Rec at bit.ly/3q0gYBL. Galentine's Day Sip & Shop, Feb. 12th, 11am-4pm at The Ink House, 117 N. 2nd St, Edwardsville. Join us for a girl’s day out of pampering. This can be mommy & me or a day for you and your girlfriends. Perfect opportunity to get ready for your Valentine’s Day Date night! We are offering 25+ vendors, music, cash bar, mini–Valentine’s Day photo shoot, airbrush makeup w/lashes, eyebrow waxing/tints, and more. Presented by Opal & Lace Children’s Boutique.

Full Moon Hike, Dates: Feb. 16th, Mar. 18th, Apr. 16th, May 15th at The Nature Institute, 2212 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey. Join us on a night hike through the woods. You can expect the hike to be about 2 miles and will include stops along the way. Our moonlight hikes are Free for members and $5 per non-member adult, children 15 and under are free and advanced registration is required at thenatureinstitute.org/moonlighthike/. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Upcoming Local Events Daddy/Daughter Date Night @Mosaic, Feb. 18th, 6:30-8:30pm, Mosaic Church, 1317 Pestalozzi St, Highland. Bring your favorite princess out for an evening of dinner and dancing while meeting Princesses Rapunzel and Aurora! Cost is just $20/child (Dads are free!) Register at bit.ly/3GF61vb.

“Daddy Daughter” Dance, Feb. 18th, 19th, 20th, 6-8:30pm, Wildey Theatre Event Room, 252 N. Main St, Edwardsville.

Fathers and daughters (Boys & Girls, Moms & Dads, Steps & Grands, or Other Special Guest) are invited to put on their dancing shoes and step out together for a fun Valentine's event at this year's "Daddy Daughter Dance" at the Wildey Theatre. A special time full of sweet memories awaits participants along with dancing, dinner, photo booth, and crafts. The cost is $18 per person regardless of age. Limited space available. Sponsored by the Edwardsville Parks and Recreation.

Register at bit.ly/3qOOcmH. Wildey $3 Movie Tuesdays, every Tuesday, 7pm at Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main St, Edwardsville. Tickets only available the day of the show at 3pm. Lobby opens at 6pm. For titles, go to wildeytheatre.com. Rock The Legion, Feb. 19th, 7pm at The Command Post at the American Legion 104 N. Main St, Troy. “618 Youth All Stars Concert.” Doors open at 7pm. Star Killers 7:30pm, Yikes 8:45pm, Merge V 10:00pm, Electrik Baby Powder 11:15pm. This is an All-Ages Concert. $5 Cover Donation taken at the door is split amongst the bands so the more people the show up the more the bands get paid (tips are also welcome). Kitchen open until 11pm.

Outdoor Goshen Winter Market, Feb. 19th, Mar. 19th, Apr. 16th, 100 St. Louis St, Edwardsville. Join us, and some of your favorite vendors, the third Saturday of each month, 10am till noon, in the expansion parking lot downtown.

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Upcoming Local Events

NOTE: Events are subject to change, cancel or be rescheduled due to Covid.

Fire & Ice 5/10K, Feb. 26th at 9am, 6161 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville. The Junior Service Club of Edwardsville Glen Carbon is excited to bring to you a local 5/10K and Fun Run to support “The Teen Center," a part of the RP Lumber Center.

Our event will take off from Edwardsville High School following the MCT trails. To register, go to bit.ly/3Kz2fGf. Farm Animal Petting Zoo, Feb. 26th, 9am-Noon at Hamel Co-op Grain Company, 121 N Old US Rte. 66, Hamel. To celebrate National FFA Week, we are working with Highland and Staunton FFA chapters to host a Farm Animal Petting Zoo from 9 am -12 noon. There will be pigs, sheep, goats. cows, as well as refreshments, farm animal trivia and prizes, and attendance prizes.

Designer Handbag Bingo, Feb. 27th, doors open at 1pm, Tribout’s Bingo Hall, 517 S. Illinois St, Belleville. $35 per person includes: 10 rounds of bingo, prizes, and entertainment. Hosted by Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois.

Daddy-Daughter Dance, Mar. 12th, 6-9pm, Tri-Township Park Activity Center. For girls ages 3-16 and their dads (this includes grandpas, uncles, or any other significant male role model.) $25 per couple, $6 for each additional daughter.

Included dinner, photo booth and dancing. Register at bit.ly/3GIIGc7.

GYSSD Annual Trivia Night, Mar. 12th, 6pm, Madison County Fireman’s Hall, 9510 Collinsville Rd, Collinsville. Join us for a night of fund at our annual Trivia Night. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and Trivia will begin at 7:00 p.m. Start putting together your team now you won't want to miss this! If you have any questions, contact Amanda at amanda@gyssd.org.

Learn more about GYSSD at gotyoursixsupportdogs.org. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Upcoming Local Events Micro Market, Mar. 12th & 26th, April 9th & 30th, 9am-12pm at Vine Street Market, O’Fallon. We are kicking the season off with Micro Markets, an abbreviated version of the regular season farmer's market. Micro Markets will be held indoors unless Mother Nature decides to play nice on this day, allowing us to expand outdoors. Expect your favorite food vendors with artisans dabbled throughout. A great way to get back into eating fresh and local from farmers and producers you know!

Spring Vintage Market Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Mar. 25-27th, 3pm, Belle Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center, 200 S. Belt East, Belleville. A Weekend of Shopping for Vintage Finds, Industrial, Garden, Repurposed, Boutique, Jewelry, Gourmet Foods & More! Live Music. An event for the entire Family. Children 12 and Under are Free. 1st Pick Friday is $10 and Sat, Sun $5.

Tickets Can Be Purchased at the Door.

Yoga at the Wildey Theatre, Every Tuesday in January, 7pm, 252 N. Main, Edwardsville. Enjoy and experience yoga at the Wildey Theatre with Donna Bartley and the City of Edwardsville Parks and Recreation. Yoga will be the third Tuesday of the month from November to May except for January. January will have Yoga at the Wildey every single Tuesday. Arrive 15 minutes early to get set up and bring your yoga mat and water bottle. Free. Masks required.

Memory Café Groups, St. John’s Community Care is hosting an online monthly Memory Café for individuals who are living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), early-stage Alzheimer’s or other dementia, and their care partners. They meet several times per month via Zoom, no charge. For more info, go to https://stjohnscc.org/memory-cafe/ , call (618) 2988077 or email gshaw@stjohnscc.org.

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Hosting a playoff party or looking for a place to watch the big game?

We have you covered with the best tips!

The Cabin At Judy Creek is a great place to meet up with friends.

The relaxed "cabin-like” atmosphere, combined with great food and large screen TVs make it a great place to watch the game.

They are even dog-friendly! We recommend you order “The Frank,” pictured above. 3730 S. State Rt. 157, Glen Carbon.

Hosting your own party? Stop by Code 3 BBQ Supply for all your spice rub and grilling needs. These guys know it all when it comes to cooking meat the right way. They even donate a portion of their sales back to first responders. Visit their location in downtown Collinsville at 302 E. Main Street. Or order online at code3bbqsupply.com

Lottie’s Café, Collinsville’s hidden gem, is another great place to watch the big game. We recommend them for their food and drink specials and cozy atmosphere. Also, the staff is the friendliest in town and their food is always fresh and made to order. Be sure to follow their Facebook page for the daily specials! If you get bored with the game, you can try your luck in the private gaming room. They also cater and do carryout if you want to enjoy your food at home. Lottie’s Café is at 1099 Beltline Road #D in Collinsville. For carryout, call (618)223-8526. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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So, you’re hosting a playoff party? It’s time to plan a menu and stock up on food. Now’s not the time for healthy food. You need REAL food to keep your guests happy and filled up. Kelly’s Butcher Shop & Deli is you one stop shop for everything you need!

They can help you with all the meats, fried chicken, as well as sides and desserts. They also have 2 locations to serve you! Their new second location at Pete’s Market in Troy has Boar’s Head Deli products.

Need a party platter? Call ahead, and they can put together a platter of your choice of meats, cheeses and sandwich rolls and sliders.

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Their original location, at 4-0 Quick Shop, is at 804 S. Main St, Troy. (618) 667-6268 Their new location, at Pete’s Market, is at 523 Troy Plaza, Troy. (618) 414-5060

L.C.’s Pub is a great neighborhood bar with friendly bartenders and awesome food. We love the wings and their Angus burgers.

They also have an outside patio, pool table, darts and gaming room. Multiple TV screens and a fun sports atmosphere make it a great place to watch football with your family and friends. They also do carryout orders. L.C.s Pub is also a huge supporter of our high school sports teams. So, if you want to support the businesses that support our community, check out L.C.s Pub! They are located at 605 N. Main St, Caseyville, near the Collinsville Highschool football field.

For carryout, call (618)855-9007. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Smoked Pork Chops

$3.99 per lb 804 S. Main St. Troy, IL (618) 667-6268

302 E. Main St, Collinsville, IL (618) 855-8855

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2400 N. Center St, Maryville, IL (618) 410-0882

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*Must mention ad when booking

(618) 344-4096

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2330 South Center St. Maryville, IL

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Game Day Chicken Wings Total time: 50 minutes Servings: 4 1/2 cup butter, cubed 1/3 cup flour 2 teaspoons paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 10 chicken wingettes, thawed dipping sauces (optional) fresh parsley (optional)

Marbled Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Yield: 24 brownies Chocolate Brownies: 1/2 cup (1/4 pound) butter 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped 1 cup Domino Golden Sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Peanut Butter Marble: 1/4 cup natural (no added sugar) peanut butter 4 tablespoons butter, softened 1/2 cup Domino Golden Sugar 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder powdered sugar, for topping (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil.

Arrange butter cubes on foil. In medium bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Coat both sides of wings in flour mixture then evenly space among butter cubes on baking sheet. Bake wings 30 minutes.

Turn wings over and bake 15 minutes, or until crispy and fully cooked. Serve with dipping sauces and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.

Heat oven to 350 F. To make chocolate brownies: In medium saucepot over low heat, melt butter and chocolate. Remove pot from heat; stir in sugar and vanilla until blended. In small mixing bowl, whisk eggs until frothy then stir into chocolate mixture. Sift flour into batter and stir just until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing to edges. To make peanut butter marble: In mixing bowl, cream peanut butter, butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat just until blended.

In separate bowl, sift or whisk flour and baking powder then stir into batter just until combined. Carefully spread peanut butter marble over chocolate batter. Use knife to swirl batters together, first horizontally then diagonally. Bake 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool completely on wire rack before cutting. Top with powdered sugar before serving.

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