The Metro East Messenger 3.5.21 Issue

What’s Inside Local Events

3-13

Local Business Directory

7-9

Adoptable Pets of the Week

11

Ongoing Events

13-14

Coupons

14

Mint Brownie Recipe

15

804 S. Main St, Troy, IL

See Coupon Inside

Mint Brownie Recipe Page 15

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Local Events

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

LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND at EXO Lounge, 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.

EXO Lounge’s March Events: Friday 3/5- Mike Sonderegger Music 7pm - 11pm Saturday 3/6- Jimmy the Hat and Justin 6pm-10pm Friday 3/12 - Mike Sonderegger Music 7pm-11pm Saturday 3/13 - Ethan Jones 6pm- 10pm Wed 3/17 - St Patrick’s Day at EXO, Live music by Riley Holtz Friday 3/19 - Mike Sonderegger Music 7pm-11pm Saturday 3/20 - Shenanigan’s Throwback Night at EXO! DJ Micro will be spinning all your favorite 90’s tunes and 90’s attire is encouraged! We’re bringing back the Shot ski and Irish Wake shots!

Friday 3/26 - Mike Sonderegger Music 7pm-11pm Saturday 3/27 - The Charles Glenn Duo 6pm-10pm

Place Your Upcoming Events Here! (It’s Free!)

Email: metroeastmessenger@gmail.com

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Local Events St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 14th, 3pm in St. Jacob, IL. Join us Sunday March 14th for our first St. Patrick’s Day parade! All cars, trucks, floats, side by sides, and golf carts welcome! Come and watch the parade OR contact Jamie Runion to enter your group into the parade! The more the merrier!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, March 17th, All Day at Exo Lounge, 2 157 Ctr, Edwardsville, IL. Join us at EXO Lounge for our St. Patrick's Day celebration. Featuring live music from Riley Holtz. Remember, on this day; you can always say, 'The leprechaun made me do it’.

St. Patrick’s Day Party, March 17th at Edison’s Entertainment Complex (The Outlet), 2477 S. State Rt, 157, Edwardsville, IL. It's a family-friendly St. Patrick's Day Party in The Outlet! Purchase a t-shirt and get a FREE meal of Corned Beef & Cabbage or Shepherd's Pie. We will have great raffle prizes, and proceeds from the t-shirt sales will benefit Partners for Pets! 11a-2p; 5p-9p with DJ Groob. $15 advance purchase, $17 at the door. For advanced tickets, call (618)307-9020.

Glen Carbon Quarter Auction @American Legion, March 18th, 6:30-9:30pm, 190 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL. It’s a little bit, bingo, little bit auction, a little bit raffle, a lotta bit prizes! We have lots of ways to win prizes, lotto boards, gift card giveaways, basket raffles, the main attraction (bid to win great prizes for a quarter). Doors open to customers at 6:30, auctions starts at 7pm, bring quarters but we will have some for sale if you run out, food & drinks available for purchase.

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Local Events The Adult "Egged" Scramble, Mar. 19th and 26th. The City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department is ready to egg your house! Registrants (ages 21+) will receive 24 colorful eggs in their front yard filled with Easter candy and other fun "adult" prizes. Price is $20. Eggs will be delivered between 5-9pm to make them EGG-STRA difficult to find. Sponsored by 1st National Bank of Waterloo. To register, go to http://bit.ly/37m1T3q.

Bunny Boxes- Delivered by the Easter Bunny! Mar. 27th, Mar. 28th, Apr. 3rd. Don't miss the opportunity for the Easter Bunny to come to your house and bring a very special Bunny Box! Boxes will include materials for your special Bunny Breakfast: pancake mix and fixings to make Bunny Face Pancakes for four, crafts for two children and other bunny favorites! Plus, pictures with the Easter Bunny! Register for a delivery by visiting http://bit.ly/3agaG65 or calling the City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department at 618-346-7529.

Drive-Thru Easter Event, Mar. 27th, 1-3pm, hosted by Tri-Township District. This free event is open to children 12 and under. One registration required per car, not attendee. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance to wave hi! Attendees will receive a bag full of Easter eggs. Several golden eggs will be placed in bags at random for a chance to win one of our varied prizes. Prizes can be picked up at the time of the drive-thru or during office hours. Registration is required. Go to https://tritownshippark.recdesk.com/Community/Program.

Paws in the Park - Dog Easter Egg Hunt, March 28th, 2pm at Edwardsville City Park. Free Event! Dog Easter Egg Hunt starts at 3:00 PM. Check-in desk opens at 2:00 PM The first 50 pups receive a goodie-bag.

LOTS of eggs to sniff out and scoop up. Four-Legged themed vendor area. Easter Bunny will be there for photos. Pets in costume are welcome! Bring a basket! Dogs MUST remain on a leash. No retractable leashes, please. Owners must clean up after their own dog. Eggs filled dog treats. Eggs will be collected at the end of the event and bag for treats given out so they can go with the dog home. Depending on the number of registrations, we may divide into sections by size of dogs. PRE-REGISTER at http://bit.ly/3kJxAtf. Skyview Drive-In Spring Craft Fair, Apr. 3rd, 9am-3pm at Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater, 5700 N. Belt W. Belleville, IL. We're doing it again! Come out to Skyview Drive-In in Belleville, IL. We will have crafters, vendors, and food trucks. Masks are required for all customers and vendors. The event has no entry fee.

Adult Easter Egg Hunt, April 3rd, 11am at The Weingarten, 1780 E. State Rt. 15, Belleville, IL. This year’s hunt will be hosted all day with rolling starts beginning at 11:30a to allow groups to remain socially distant during their time at The Weingarten. Each group will be limited to 50 people and will be allowed 2 hours on the property for hunting and dining. Each ticket will be assigned to a start and end time. Guests must leave by their end time even if they arrive late. Upon arrival, guests will need to register where they will be provided with the information and details for a successful hunt. This is a rain or shine event. For more info and registration, go to http://bit.ly/3bViWLu. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Local Events Glo Bingo, Apr. 16th, 6pm at the Edwardsville Moose Lodge, 7371 Marine Rd, Edwardsville, IL. Come join us for an evening of fun! It’s not your Grandmother’s Bingo, it’s Glo-Bingo! Grab your friends, bring some snacks and help us raise money for Backstoppers, a SIUE student scholarship fund, & to allow us to continue in the future giving back to our community! Tickets can be bought online at glo-Bingo.com or by emailing siuepdlodge328@gmail.com! Want to help sponsor or donate? Please contact us via email!

City Wide Garage Sales, Hosted by TroyMaryvilleCOC.com. Save the date for these upcoming garage sales! Troy, IL-May 14th and 15th, Maryville, IL-April 16th and 17th, St. Jacob, IL- May 6th, 7th, and 8th. To have yours listed in the online search, go to https://garagesale.troycoc.com/garagesalesignup.php.

Princess Tea Party, April 17th, 12-2pm at Bella Vista Winery, 6633 E. Main St, Maryville, IL. A proper tea with Beauty & the Beast (Dream Time Princess Events). Goodies, cookie decorating, and fun. $15 adults, $20 children. Five dollars of every child ticket will be donated to Kelsie's Hope Foundation. Reserve tickets at https://bit.ly/3qeurCE or call 618-365-6280. Children must be accompanied by an adult and adults must purchase a ticket.

Want to Advertise?

For Rates, Call (618)407-3097 or Email: metroeastmessenger@gmail.com www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Restaurant Directory Restaurant Name

Address

Other Features

Website

American/Bar & Grill

Denny's

1) 27 Jct Dr W, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, (618)659-1922 Classic American comfort food, Open 24 2) 522 Ramada Blvd, Collinsville, IL 62234, Hours (618) 345-8995 3) 737 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 622-0471

Gulf Shores Restaurant 215 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville, IL, (618) 650-9109 & Grill

IHOP

Lottie's Café

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

www.dennys.com

Cajun Comfort Food/Fresh www.gulfshoresrestaura Seafood/Daily Specials/Weekly Live ntandgrill.com Music (see website for dates and times)

Wide variety of pancakes, American breakfast and diner fare.

www.ihop.com

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

1) 921 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Order (618)659-856 Online/Carryout/Patio/Brewery/Seasona 2) 1104 S. Cherry St., O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)726l Specials 2244

www.peelpizza.com

Video Gaming/Pool/Dart Leagues/Draft https://www.facebook.c and Craft Beer Selections/Daily om/TheCommandPost70 Specials/Children welcome with an 8/ adult. 18+

The Command Post Bar and Grill

104 N Main St, Troy, IL 62294(618) 667-9892

The Wooden Nickel Pub & Grill

171 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL (618) 288-2141

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

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

https://www.facebook.c om/WoodenNickelGlenC arbon/ www.timeoutsportsbargr ill.com

Asian

Mexican Zapata's Mexican Restaurant

1) 8 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL, (618) 343-1337 2) 4660 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL, (618) 277-5474

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

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

536 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-4581

1029 Lincoln Hwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 632-4807

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

Huck's Convenient Food Store Moto Mart

www.circlek.com

www.hucks.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 8

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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2 Year Anniversary Giveaway!

We Are Celebrating Our Two Year Anniversary!

Subscribe to our free digital subscription for your chance to win a $25 gift card to any local business advertised in The Metro East Messenger!

To subscribe, go to www.metroeastmessenger.com.

Already subscribed? Share our “Giveaway” post on Facebook or Instagram to enter!

Winner will be drawn on March 19th, 2021 and announced on Facebook and Instagram! *Some Restrictions Apply.

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Local Events Parking Lot BINGO, Apr. 17, 1-2:30pm, hosted by City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation. Join us at the Activity Center (10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville) for some old-fashioned BINGO...from the comfort of your car! We'll provide the dabbers and BINGO cards for eight rounds of BINGO! Each person in the car gets to play along. Price: $10 per car. To register, call the City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department at (618) 346-7529 or visit http://bit.ly/3rj4kf6.

Collinsville City-Wide Garage Sale, April 23rd-24th. Shop 'til you drop during the Collinsville City-Wide Garage Sale! No permit needed if registered through Collinsville's Parks and Recreation Department by calling 618-346-7529. Register by April 12 to be listed in a Garage Sale Guide on the City's website. Please note, registering for the City-Wide Garage Sale WILL NOT count against residents' two allowed Yard Sales per year.

Welcome Spring Craft Fair, May 1st, 9am-4pm at the grounds of Anderson Hospital, 6800 State Rd 162, Maryville, IL. Huge Spring Craft Fair with over 30 crafters!! Come shop with one of your favorite vendors for that special gift or something for your home! Free event.

Save the Date for The Empty Bowl, May 12th, 11am-2pm at the Gateway Convention Center. This year will feature a drive-thru lunch. More information to come. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Local Events Yard Sale & Craft Fair, May 14th & 15th, Tri-Township Park Activity Center, 284 Riggin Rd, Troy, IL. While you're out looking for deals during the Troy City Wide Garage Sale, don't forget to stop by the Activity Center and Tri-Township Park. We'll have a variety of crafters and yard sale booths all in one place!

Vendor Info: We'll be offering indoor and outdoor spaces at the skating rink & park! Crafters & yard sale booths are welcome. Indoor Spots: $30. Outdoor Spots: $20. To register, go to http://bit.ly/3bSdadr.

"Parks" & Rec Escape Room, May 25th-30th, Hosted by Collinsville Parks and Recreation, 10 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL. Can your team (of up-to-four players) decipher the clues and escape the room before time runs out?! The team that escapes the room with the most time to spare will win an awesome prize basket! Price: $20 per team. Your Team Captain is the only one who needs to register for your team. To register, go to http://bit.ly/3sLnGKq. Looking For A Venue To Host A Private Event? EXO Lounge has a new 40’x40” event tent! Inside your find a well-heated lounge setting with TVs, high top seating, standing tables, turf, up lighting, string lighting, ceiling draping, and chandeliers. For more info, go to https://visitexo.com/ or email events@visitexo.com.

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Ongoing Events 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) 344-5008 or email gshaw@stjohnscc.org.

O’Fallon Library Book Club (via Zoom), The O'Fallon Library Book Club meets at 7:00pm on the fourth Monday of each month. March 22 - When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole, April 26 - Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. You do not have to be an O’Fallon Public Library card holder to attend. For info, go to https://ofpl.info/events/bookclub, contact Ryan at ryan@ofpl.info or 618-206-4342.

Books & Brew Book Club (virtual), 4th Monday of every month, 7-8pm. is a fun, nontraditional book club that normally meets at a local tap house (currently via Zoom). It's a great way to meet new people, discover amazing titles, and simply relax. This is a no-pressure book club, meaning that you won't be scolded for not finishing any particular title. Upcoming titles: March-“One by One" by Ruth Ware. For info, go to https://ofpl.info/brew, contact Ryan at ryan@ofpl.info or 618-206-4342.

Winter Wonderland Hike, by The Nature Institute, 2213 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey, IL. Winter provides a unique opportunity to observe things like nests and other animal homes, tracks, geology, topography, and more, in a way that just isn't possible during the hustle and bustle of the warmer months. This is a 1-1.5 hour long guided hike, led by our educators. Free, no registration required. For more info and other events, go to https://www.thenatureinstitute.org/.

Just Unwind Yarn Club (Online via Zoom) with Six Mile Library District. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month to knit, socialize, and share your techniques with fellow yarn crafters. Online via Zoom. Questions?

Email research@smrld.org with your name, telephone number, and question.

Six Mile Regional Library Book Club (virtual). Join us at 6:30 PM on the last Tuesday of the month for an Online discussion of the following books. Tuesday, March 30: Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson.

Tuesday, April 27: The Bad Ass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer. Tuesday, May 25: The Turner House by Angela Flournoy. Copies of the book are available at both libraries. Questions?

Email research@smrld.org or call 618-452-6238 ext. 755.

The Alzheimer’s Group Support, Hosted by St. John’s Community Care. Meets via Zoom on the 2 nd Tuesday of each month, 1:30-3:30. This group is intended for family caregivers with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s. This group is facilitated by experienced leaders specially trained in issues of dementia and aging.

There is no charge to attend. For more info, go to https://stjohnscc.org/alzheimers-support-group/ or email gshaw@stjohnscc.org.

Book Club & Chat with Glen Carbon Library (Zoom), Limited copies of each book will be available at the help desk or they can be immediately downloaded from Hoopla. Some selections may also be available on cloudLibrary. For more info and upcoming titles, go to https://glencarbonlibrary.org/. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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4 Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon 804 S. Main St. Troy, IL (618) 667-6268

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

$9.99/LB Must present coupon.

Expires 3/28/21

10% Off Any Merchandise In Our Store! www.Code3BBQSupply.com

CHELSEY REED

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

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

25% Off New Client Cut & Color Service

www.bennysbnb.com

*Must mention ad when booking

(618) 344-4096

2330 South Center St. Maryville, IL

Ongoing Events Family Care Giver Support Group, Hosted by St. John Community Care. Intended for family caregivers caring for loved ones with any type of disability, this group is held the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 6pm via Zoom.

There is no charge to attend. For more info, go to https://stjohnscc.org/family-support-group/ or email srhodes@stjohnscc.org.

Wellness & Spay/Neuter Clinics, by Partners 4 Pets, 9136 Lower Marine Rd, Troy, IL. Partners for Pets is now offering public Wellness and Spay/Neuter Clinics! Appointments are necessary in order to have your pet seen.

Please call 618-540-7387 to schedule your pet’s appointment! Prepayment is needed to schedule your appointment. For more info, go to https://www.partnersforpetsil.org/.

Vine Street Market-Micro Market Season, hosted by Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station and Downtown District, O’Fallon, 212 E. 1st St, O’Fallon, IL. The 2021 Vine Street Market season is kicking off with a once-amonth micro market series! Upcoming dates: Mar. 13 & Apr. 10th, 9am-Noon. Regular market season opens on May 8th-Oct. 16th, 8am-Noon.

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. Registration required: http://bit.ly/2Lc9r0R. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Mint Brownies How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.”

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Mint Brownies Servings: 9-12 1 box supreme brownie mix with chocolate syrup pouch 3 tablespoons water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 egg Nonstick cooking spray Filling: 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup whipping cream 5 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 5 drops green food color Topping: 1/2 cup whipping cream 1 bag (12 ounces) chocolate chips 1/2 cup butter Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-by-8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In large bowl, mix brownie mix, water, oil and egg until combined. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 35 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

To make filling: In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, cream cheese, peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until set.

To make topping: In saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Cool until lukewarm, about 10 minutes. Pour over filling; spread to cover. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until set.

Before serving, let brownies set 10 minutes at room temperature.

Tip: Cut brownies with wet knife for cleaner cuts. Store covered in refrigerator.

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