The Metro East Messenger 10.16.20 Issue

What’s Inside…

Local Events

2-13

Coupons

7

Local Business Directory

8-10

Protect Yourself Against Financial Scammers

12-13

Pumpkin Loaf Recipe

Local Events Inside!

Protect Yourself Against Financial Scammers

By Denise Arendell, Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments Pages 12-13

Pumpkin Loaf Recipe Inside!

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Local Events

NOTE: Events are subject to change, cancel or be rescheduled due to Covid 19 restrictions.

Halloween Light Display, 6:30-10pm, nightly until 10/31/20 on Barbarotto Lane, Maryville, IL. Tune your radio to 93.3 FM to hear the music synced to lights. Please be courteous, stay on the road and do not block driveways.

SEXY Spooktacular Halloween Bash, Oct. 17th, 6-11pm at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Ctr, Edwardsville, IL. Join us on the patio for live music by Mike Sonderegger, Costume Contest, Palm & Tarot Card readings ($5 per person), seasonal food and drink specials, and more! Cash prizes to be won for scariest, sexiest, best couples and best group costumes. ALSO, the front parking lot will be the home base for all of the exotic cars for the Kicks on 66 Ultra Car Show & Cruise. For more info, go to https://visitexo.com/.

FLOW at EXO, Oct. 18th, 9am, 9:45am, 10:30am at EXO Lounge and Nail Bar, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. $30 includes spin class with an IO Fit + Flow instructor and complimentary mimosa. Join us for brunch on the Sexy EXO patio after class. Rudy’s flower truck on site with bouquet bar and Seams for the Soul apparel and jewelry pop up shop. Book class through iofitandflow.com.

2nd Annual Haunted Hayride, Oct. 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, Hosted by the Collinsville Recreational Club, 427 S. Mulberry, Collinsville, IL. Open to the Public. Spooky Family Fun Haunted Hayride. $10 per person (Ages 5 & under- Free). Snacks & Beverages Available to Purchase. Due to Current Guidelines & Safety Precautions; Masks are required-No Exceptions. We will be practicing social distancing too. Please look for banner signs on Lebanon Rd. pointing the correct way. For more info, go to https://bit.ly/2FrlaFY. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Local Events Pumpkin Art Contest at Vine Street Market, Oct. 17th, 8am-12pm at Vine Street Market, 212 E. 1st Street, O’Fallon, IL. It's pumpkin time! We're having a pumpkin art contest hosted at the Vine Street Market at O'Fallon Station on October 17. Grand Champion pumpkin will win a sweet bundle of gift cards from several the Downtown District-O’Fallon businesses! Registration is $10, deadline is Oct. 12th. To register, go to https://bit.ly/2FU4B5u.

Trick or Treat Delivery, Register by Oct. 19th, Hosted by Tri-Township Park District. Park staff will be dressing up and delivering trick or treat goodie bags to kids, ghouls, and goblins this Halloween! Bags will include candy, toys, and even some extra prizes for a lucky few! Registration is required by 10/19 to participate in this event. Deliveries will take place the week of October 26th between 12P & 4P each day.

Spots are limited. Time slots can be requested during registration but are not guaranteed. Registration is open to individuals with a Troy address. To register, go to https://tritownshippark.recdesk.com/Community/Program.

Halloween Costume Contest, going on Oct. 1st -31st , EXO Lounge and Nail Bar, WIN up to $1,000 in CASH PRIZES! To enter: book an appointment at EXO Nail Bar from Oct 1 - Oct 31, show up to your appointment in your Halloween costume, our staff will take your photo and enter you to win. To make an appointment go https://visitexo.com/ or call (618) 692-9696.

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Local Events Spook-A-Palooza, Oct. 23rd and 24th, 7:30-10pm at Tri-Township Park, 410 Wickliffe St, Troy, IL. Hosted

by Boy Scout Troup 8226. Guests will do a drive-thru and remain in their cars. Scouts and their families will remain on the grassy areas, away from the vehicles. The admittance will be food drop-off the Ministries unlimited and also any donation for the Troop. Baskets will be available during the event.

Pumpkin Painting for Kids, Oct. 23rd, 6-8pm. Tri-Township Park District, 410 Wickliffe St, Troy, IL. We'll be painting pumpkins for our kid's Halloween Craft. Please send kids in clothing you don't mind getting messy (just in case!) Parents are welcome to stay and join in on the fun. Ages: Up to 12. Cost: $10 includes pumpkin & supplies. Register Here: https://tritownshippark.recdesk.com/Community/Program.

Shades of Gray 5k & Fun Run (virtual), Oct. 24th 8am-12pm. Shades of Grey Virtual 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run benefits Main Street Community Center, Edwardsville, IL. The Community Center has been serving seniors and disabled adults in the Edwardsville area for over 45 years with vital programs like meals-onwheels, transportation, health screenings, assistance programs (food, utilities, paralegal, etc.) and recreational activities. Race packets should be picked up on Friday, October 9th 8:00am-4:00pm or Saturday, October 10th 10:00am-12:00pm at Main Street Community Center, 1003 N. Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Races need to be completed and recorded by 12 noon on Saturday, October 24th to qualify for prizes.

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Local Events Monster Mash Halloween Bash, Oct. 24th, 4-9pm. Come join us for the Monster Mash Halloween Bash at the Gateway Convention Center (in the back-parking lot), 1 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL. The Monster Mash Halloween Bash is a family and pet friendly event. The event will feature vendors, kids' activities, a trunk or treat, drive-in movie featuring Hotel Transylvania and a local band. Parking lot opens at 4 PM. Trunk or treat 5PM to 7PM. Masks are required when social distancing cannot be followed. Tickets are $20 per vehicle online. To register, go to https://monster_mash.eventbrite.com.

Inaugural Car Show, Oct. 24th, 8am-3pm. Tri-Township Park, 410 Wickliffe St, Troy, IL. Hosted by Triad Knights Hockey. We hope you will join us for our Inaugural Car Show on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Tri-Township Park in Troy, IL. Registration is from 8:00am - 10:00am. Car Show from 10:00am - 3:00pm.

Awards at 2:00pm. (We will have a random group of judges who will pick a Top 20). To pre-register, please email Sara at triadhockeyvp@google.com. Thank you for supporting the Knights Hockey Team!

Trunkie Trunkie, Oct. 25th, 3-5pm @ R-Church 3375 Fehling Rd, Granite City, IL. Come one come all to a fun afternoon of games, Bounce house, Food, and CANDY! Bring the kids and walk through our trunk of treats, stick around for some popcorn while the kiddos bounce around and play some games. It will be a fun afternoon can't wait to see you there! Wear your fun fall masks and we will wear masks and gloves passing out candy. Interested in Signing up for a Trunk? Do so Here. https://rgc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/13318 www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Local Events Trinity’s Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 25th, 3-5pm, Trinity Lutheran School, 600 Water St. Edwardsville, IL. A photographer will be on hand from 3:30-4:30 to get your FREE family Halloween Pictures. (Courtesy of Trinity's PTL) If you have any questions or would like to enter a trunk, please call the church office at 618656-2918.

YOGA FLOW at EXO, Oct. 25th 9:30am at EXO Lounge and Nail Bar, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. FREE YOGA CLASS with Master Yoga Instructor Jeremy Henkhaus. Brunch on the SEXY EXO patio after class.

For more info, go to https://visitexo.com/.

2nd Annual Spooktacular Walk In The Park, Oct. 25th, 1-5pm. Saint Jacob Township Park, 239 West Main St, Saint Jacob, IL. The Lions Club will be hosting the 2nd Annual Spooktacular Walk In The Park! The walk will be all outdoors and in open air! Come dressed and ready to enjoy the Halloween activities! The onemile walk will raise money and awareness for visual and hearing impaired. It’s free to come participate and have a booth at the walk! To register, go to https://bit.ly/342mmIr. Drive-Thru Trick or Treating, Oct. 30th, 6-7:30 pm, Plummer Family Park, Edwardsville, IL. Drive-Thru this community event and go trick-or-treating out the comfort of your car. Vendors will be handing out candy/treats as you pass by. All participating will be COVID compliant and wear masks and gloves. So experience a fun twist on our holiday and parade through Plummer Family Park for a sweet time!

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Ground Beef, 81% Lean 10 lb Bulk Bag for

$2.99 per LB 804 S. Main St. Troy, IL (618) 667-6268

CHELSEY REED

10% Off Any Merchandise In Our Store!

Hair Designer & Makeup Artist 2400 N. Center St, Maryville, IL (618) 410-0882

25% Off New Client Cut & Color Service *Must mention ad when booking

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

www.Code3BBQSupply.com

Save 10% On Grooming, 1 Day of Lodging Or Day Camp !

Want To Advertise?

Call (618) 407-3097 metroeastmessenger@gmail.com www.metroeastmessenger.com

Limit one per customer.

Must present coupon.

Expires 11/8/20

www.bennysbnb.com (618) 344-4096

2330 South Center St. Maryville, IL

Local Events SLASHFEST at Skyview Drive-in Movie Theater, Oct. 30th and 31st, 5700 N Belt W, Belleville, IL. For more information go to http://www.skyview-drive-in.com/.

Screen 1 - Hocus Pocus PG 8:00, Nightmare Before Christmas PG 9:45, and Critters PG13 11:10.

Screen 2 - Halloween 4 R 8:00, Trick 'r Treat R 9:40, and Elvira: Mistress of the Dark PG13 11:10 Family Drive-In Movie Night, Oct. 30th, 6:30pm at Grace Church, 4701 State Route 111, Granite City, IL. Join us on the Grace Church East Campus parking lot for a Fall Family Drive-In featuring Disney Pixar's Toy Story 4! The lot opens at 6:00 pm, and the movie begins at 6:30 pm. This event is for the entire family!

Some snacks will be provided but feel free to bring your favorite treats. We're excited to watch with you and your family on the big screen! Audio will be broadcasted with our FM transmitter and our sound system for easy listening! Guests are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and warm blankets for outdoor, socially distanced viewing! Pro Tip: Bring a battery-powered radio for viewing inside your car to save your battery! For more info, go to https://graceeast.org/.

Skyview Craft Fair, Oct. 31st, 10am-3pm at The Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater, 5700 N. Belt W, Belleville, IL. Open air, socially distant craft fair and food truck event. Come out and support local vendors and businesses while doing some shopping! Spots for a food truck are $100 and spots for vendors are $50. For vendor registration form, email: skyviewdriveincrafts@gmail.com. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Restaurant Directory Restaurant Name

Address

Other Features

Website

American/Bar & Grill 1) 27 Jct Dr W, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, (618)659-1922 Classic American comfort food, Open 24 Denny's 2) 522 Ramada Blvd, Collinsville, IL 62234, www.dennys.com Hours (618) 345-8995 3) 737 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 622-0471 Cajun Comfort Food/Fresh Gulf Shores Restaurant www.gulfshoresrestaura 215 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville, IL, (618) 650-9109 Seafood/Daily Specials/Weekly Live & Grill ntandgrill.com Music (see website for dates and times) IHOP

Kool Beanz Café

Lottie's Café

1028 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)632-5400

212 E State St, O Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 589-3843

Wide variety of pancakes, American breakfast and diner fare.

www.ihop.com

Specialty Coffee, Gourmet Tea, Handcrafted Smoothies, Breakfast and https://koolbeanzlife.co Lunch Served, Vegan/Vegetarian m/ Options Available. Baked Goods

1099 Belt Line Road, Suite D, Collinsville, IL 62234, Carryout/Catering/Daily www.facebook.com/Lotti (618) 223-8253 Specials/Gaming/Occasional Live Music es-Cafe

Mady's

623 Edwardsville Road, Troy, Illinois (618) 505-7188

Bar/Casino

Mady's Facebook Page

McDill's Irish Pub

334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL, 62234 (618) 344-9875

Daily Food Specials/Dine in or Carry Out/Pool Table/Gaming/UFC Fight Viewing

https://www.facebook.c om/McDills

Peel Wood Fired Pizza

The Command Post Bar and Grill The Wooden Nickel Pub & Grill

1) 921 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Order (618)659-856 Online/Carryout/Patio/Brewery/Seasona www.peelpizza.com 2) 1104 S. Cherry St., O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)726l Specials 2244 Video Gaming/Pool/Dart Leagues/Draft https://www.facebook.c and Craft Beer Selections/Daily 104 N Main St, Troy, IL 62294(618) 667-9892 om/TheCommandPost70 Specials/Children welcome with an 8/ adult. 18+ https://www.facebook.c 171 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL Patio/Carryout/Happy Hour/Daily om/WoodenNickelGlenC (618) 288-2141 Specials/Occasional Live Music arbon/

Time Out Sports Bar & Grill

111 W Market St, Troy, IL 62294 (618) 667-2221

Carryout/Daily Specials/Happy Hour/Gaming/Occasional Live Music

China King (Edwardsville)

1063 S State Rt. 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025, (618) 692-1888

Dine in/Carry Out/Order Online/Delivery

www.edwardsvillechinaki ng.com

China King (Troy)

535 Troy Ave #537, Troy, IL 62294, (618) 667-8886

Dine in/Carry Out

See Menu

www.timeoutsportsbargr ill.com

Asian

Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant

Zapata's Mexican Restaurant

Mexican 1) 400 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220, (618) 236-9492 2) 2922 N Center St, Maryville, IL 62062, (618) 288-6300 3) 717 W Washington St, Millstadt, IL 62260, (618) 476-6223 1) 8 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL, (618) 343-1337 2) 4660 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL, (618) 277-5474

Carryout/Order Online/Catering/Daily www.mariachismexfood.

Specials/Gaming/Party Room com

Lunch Buffet/Carry Out/Catering/Daily www.zapatasmexican.co Specials/Party Room/Karaoke Every m Other Friday

Go to www.metroeastmessenger.com for coupons!

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Business Directory Gas & Convenience 7900 N Illinois St, Caseyville, IL 62232

(618) 344-1286

2233 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 344-1352

301 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 624-6013

6559 IL-162, Maryville, IL 62062 826 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 1242 Thouvenot Ln, Shiloh, IL 62269 536 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 288-7920 (618) 632-2177 (618) 622-2220 (618) 667-4581

Handee Mart

411 N Main St, Caseyville, IL 62232

(618) 344-3667

https://www.facebook.com/ handeemartcaseyville/

Huck's Convenient Food Store

1029 Lincoln Hwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 632-4807

www.hucks.com

702 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-9777

Pilot Travel Center Shell

970 US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 820 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294 1011 W US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-0630 (618) 667-0946 (618) 632-2787

pilotflyingj.com https://find.shell.com

TA

819 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-9931

www.ta-petro.com

Circle K

Moto Mart

www.circlek.com

www.shell.com

Retail & Services Bike Surgeon

201 E State St, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-1693

https://bikesurgeon.com/

Chelsey Reed-Hair Designer & Makeup Artist

2400 N Center St Maryville, IL, 62062

(618) 410-0882

www.facebook.com/chereed hairstylist

Chiropractic Works

410 Regency Ctr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 477-8364

www.chiropracticworkscollin sville.com

Code 3 Spices

302 E. Main St. Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 855-8855

https://code3spices.com/

DogWatch Hidden Fences

Email: Alan@dogwatchofillinois.com

(618) 692-9131

www.dogwatchofillinois.com

Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Denise Arendell

303 Fountains Parkway, Suite 210 Fairview Heights, Il 62208 denise.arendell@edwardjones.com

(618) 622-4977

www.edwardjones.com/deni se-arendell

Kelly's Butcher Shop & Deli

804 South Main St., Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-6268

https://www.facebook.com/ KellysButcherShopDeli/

Lonnie's Liquors

2004 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 344-3430

1150 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-0611

25 Commercial St, Millstadt, IL 62260

(618) 476-7490

7835 Ivory Ave. St. Louis, MO 63111

(314) 638-2710

Email: Alan@xgreensynthetic.com

(314) 241-8873

Mike's Automotive

Xtreme Green Synthetic Turf

www.metroeastmessenger.com

www.mikesautomotive.net

www.xgreensynthetic.com 9

Hotels Comfort Inn Collinsville

8 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(480) 725-1637

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Days Inn Collinsville

12 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 803-4032

www.wyndhamhotels.com

4 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 346-0607

www.marriott.com

Fairfield Inn by Marriott St. LouisCollinsville La Quinta Inn & Suites Collinsville

6 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 855-8400

www.laquintacollinsville.com

(618) 223-5383

www.wyndhamhotels.com

(618) 624-3636

www.choicehotels.com

(618) 212-1300

www.ihg.com

(618) 688-2526

www.wyndhamhotels.com

(618) 398-7124

www.radisonhotels.com

Best Western- Troy

2 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 305 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 313 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 45 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 140 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 2020 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-9200

www.bestwestern.com

Red Roof Inn

2030 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-2222

www.redroof.com

Super 8-Troy

910 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 505-1189

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Super 8-Collinsville Econo Lodge Holiday Inn Super 8 by Wyndham Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Best Western

116 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-8600

www.bestwestern.com

Extended Stay America

154 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 624-1757

www.extendedstayamerica.com

La Quinta Inn & Suites

136 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 726-2323

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Sleep Inn

140 Venita Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 589-3999

www.choicehotels.com

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

445 Regency Park Drive, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 624-4900

www.marriott.com

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Local Events Halloween Trunk or Treat, Oct. 31st, 2-5pm, East Alton Ice Arena, 631 Lewis and Clark Blvd, East Alton, IL. To kickoff the Halloween Party @ the Plaza, the East Alton Ice Arena will be hosting a Trunk or Treat in the rink parking lot! This event is FREE for both "trunkers" and "treaters". Please be mindful of social distancing during the event, as we wish to keep everyone as safe as possible, while having some Halloween fun! There will be a public session 1-2:45p ($6 admission & $3 skater rental) also! Bring the family, a truck, some candy... and have fun treating with the East Alton Ice Arena! Following be sure to attend the Halloween Party @ the Plaza with the Blue Ice Creamery! For more info, or to register your vehicle, go to https://bit.ly/3iWv8Na. Drive-Thru TrunkFest, Oct. 31st, 2-4pm. First Baptist Church Maryville, 7110 State Route 162, Maryville, IL. What is better than going from house to house collecting candy? Getting loads of candy, all in one stop!

Bring your kids, family, and neighbors to our Drive Thru TrunkFest! Our parking lot will be full of decorated vehicles and smiling faces, excited to embrace this season. This year will be a drive thru event. Families will be asked to stay in their vehicles as they drive through the parking lot to see all the decorated cars.

Then, at the end of the line, we will give each car pre-packaged candy.

Downtown Edwardsville Trick or Treating, Oct. 31st, 12-2pm. Enjoy the holiday downtown Edwardsville on Vandalia and Main Street. Trick-or-treat outside the great shops, restaurants and offices as they greet the little ones with candy and goodies.

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Protect Yourself Against Financial Scammers

by Denise Arendell

It’s unfortunate, but true: During this period of economic uncertainty, one of the busiest “industries” has been financial scamming. But it goes on even during normal times, too, so you’ll want to know what to look for, and how to defend yourself.

For starters, just how widespread is financial fraud? Consider this: In 2019, more than 3.2 million fraud cases were reported to the Federal Trade Commission, with identity theft being the most common type of fraud, accounting for about one-fifth of the overall cases. And fraudulent new accounts (mortgages, student loans, car loans and credit cards) amounted to about $3.4 billion in 2018, according to a study by Javelin Strategy & Research.

To help yourself from being victimized, consider the following suggestions. They are certainly not an exhaustive list, but they should prove useful.

Watch out for unsecure websites. Make sure a website is secure before entering any payment or personal information. Look for sites that start with HTTPS, rather than those with just HTTP, which are not secure and can be hacked. But even a site with HTTPS can still be used by scammers, so, if you don’t recognize the name of the company or group that’s requesting your information, do some research to make sure it’s legitimate.

Review your credit reports. As mentioned above, the fraudulent opening of new accounts is a big source of financial scams. To be sure nobody has opened new accounts under your name, try to review your credit reports at least once a year. You can get them for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Follow up on fraud. If you’ve already been victimized by having new accounts opened in your name, contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax or TransUnion) and place a 90day fraud alert on your credit file. You might also want to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, print it out and file it with your local law enforcement agency. And it’s also a good idea to contact the fraud department of the financial companies where the thief has opened a fraudulent account in your name.

Be alert for suspicious links. “Phishers” have gotten quite good at sending out messages that look like they’re from reputable businesses. But if you examine these messages carefully, you can usually determine if there’s something off about them. For example, no legitimate business will tell you, via this type of message, that you have to “correct your account” by providing additional information. And if you do hit the link provided, and it takes you to a third-party site, you can be pretty sure it’s bogus. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Resist “act now” offers. If you get an offer, via phone or online, urging you to “act immediately” on an investment opportunity, discontinue the communication. No reputable financial advisor will ever try to force you to take such swift action, and if an investment is legitimate, it will be available tomorrow, next week and next year.

Use your shredder. You probably have the option to “go paperless” with all your banks and financial services providers, but, if you still do receive paper documents, be sure to shred them when they’re no longer needed.

You save and invest for years to help achieve your long-term goals. Don’t let any of your efforts be undone by financial fraudsters.

Denise Arendell, Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 303 Fountains Parkway, Suite 210 Fairview Heights, IL 62208 (618) 622-4977

Local Events LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND, 7pm on Fridays, 6pm on Saturdays at EXO Lounge @ 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. For more info and updates, follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EXOLounge.

Fall Craft Fair and Yard Sale, Nov. 14th, 8am-2pm. Tri-Township Park Activity Center, 410 Wickliffe St, Troy, IL. Mark your calendars, more details coming soon. If you are interested in being a vendor at our Fall Craft Fair, you can register here: https://tritownshippark.recdesk.com/Community/Home.

Edwardsville Turkey Trot Virtual 5k, Nov. 22nd-29th. In keeping with the recommendations of health experts and local government leaders, the 11th Annual Edwardsville Turkey Trot 5k and Kids Fun Run, hosted by Edwardsville Neighbors will be a Virtual Run. The 2020 Turkey Trot starts Sunday, November 22, and finishes Sunday, November 29. Distances include a 5K and 1/2 Mile Kids Fun Run. A drive-thru packet pick up will be held on Saturday, November 21 from 8:00 am to 12 Noon, and on Wednesday, November 25 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Weinheimer Opel Law Firm in Edwardsville, IL. To register, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Edwardsville/TurkeyTrot2020.

Want your local event published in The Metro East Messenger? IT’S FREE. Email us at metroeastmessenger@gmail.com. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Pumpkin Loaf The temperatures are starting to drop and it’s time to fill your home with the aromas of warm fall spices!

You won’t need to light a scented candle after you pull this Pumpkin Loaf out of your oven. Just add a dollop of butter and enjoy. Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Pumpkin Loaf Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 4 eggs 3 ½ cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon salt 2 sticks butter 2 cups sugar 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree 1 cup chocolate chips 1 cup walnuts, chopped Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare loaf and muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.

In bowl, whisk eggs. Set aside.

In separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt together. Set aside.

In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add whisked eggs and mix until blended.

Alternately add flour mixture and pumpkin puree to egg mixture, beating until blended. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.

Pour batter into loaf and muffin pans. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans.

If you tried this recipe, let us know!

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