The Metro East Messenger 5.1.20 Issue

In This Issue

Find Out How You Can “Adopt A Senior” Page 3

Page 5-6

How To “Adopt A Senior”

3

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

5-6

Local Business Directory

7-9

Drive Thru Farmer’s Market Info

11

Easy Enchilada Casserole

13

Dear Metro East Messenger Readers, As we continue to shelter-in-place, we are doing our best at The Metro East Messenger to provide you with helpful resources to get you through this difficult time. We look forward to the future when businesses begin to open back up and we can give you info about fun and exciting local events. In the meantime, be well, thank you for reading our publication and please continue to support local businesses!

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Recipe On Page 13

Now Open For Grooming!

Make Your Appointments Now www.bennysbnb.com

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“Adopt A Senior”

Spring is usually a joyous time for high school seniors. But not this year.

No prom, no senior skip day, no walking across the stage to accept their diploma and no saying goodbye to their classmates and teachers. This is the reality for the graduating high school senior class of 2020 because of COVID-19. However, people in the Metro East community are showing support in a creative way through Facebook.

It all started with the “Adopt A Senior” Facebook group, a place of connection where members of the group could send something of encouragement to a local senior. How it works is a parent or student makes a post on the group and includes a short description of the senior, such as their name, where they go to school, where they're going to college, extracurricular activities, etc. Then the adopter sends them congratulatory cards or gifts, such as snacks or gift cards to cheer them up and put a smile on their face. The group also encourages people to support local businesses when purchasing presents for the students, such as gift cards from nearby establishments. This group grew to over 49,000 members across the country! Now local communities are creating their own “Adopt A Senior” Facebook groups to help locals connect with graduating seniors in their own community.

Want to adopt a local senior in your community?

Click on any of the Facebook group links below, ask to join the group and follow the instruction within the group. There are A LOT of similar Facebook groups currently out there, but here are a few local groups within the Metro East that we found at the time of this writing.

Adopt a Senior Graduate (St. Clair & Surrounding Counties) Adopt a Mascoutah High School Senior 2020 (Mascoutah)

The Kahok Adopt A Senior of 2020 (Collinsville) Triad Knights Adopt A Senior Group (Troy) 618 - Adopt a Senior 2020 (Midwest)

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We Are Open For Curbside Carry Out Orders!

Call Ahead At (618)344-9875 McDill’s Irish Pub 334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL Follow Us On Facebook For Updates and Specials!

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide Mother’s Day is almost here! This year will look a little bit different, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate and make Mom feel special! Here are some ideas that we put together that include local businesses that are open and eager to help you find the perfect gift for her. Be sure to contact each business for the most up to date hours and social distancing shopping procedures.

For The Mom Who Loves Gardening: Plants are great gift during this time while so many people have extra time on their hands. Treat her to some beautiful, fresh planting flowers that will brighten her days all summer long. Or give her plants for her vegetable garden so she will have fresh produce to look forward to. If you are not sure what she would like, these garden centers all offer gift cards.

Here are 3 locally owned garden centers that we love: Creekside Gardens, 721 Johnson Hill Rd, Collinsville, IL, (618) 345-7054. Visit their Facebook page.

Maryville Feed & Home-Garden Center, Pet & Gift Store, #1 Schiber Court, Maryville, IL, (618) 205-1112, Visit their Facebook page.

Effinger Garden Center, 720 South 11th St. Belleville, IL, (618) 234-4600. Visit their Facebook page.

For The Mom Who Loves Cooking: The Chef’s Shoppe Gourmet Kitchen Store offers thousands of different items perfect for all kitchens, whether it be cookware, gadgets, bakeware, cutlery and grilling. They also make personal, ready for pickup baskets that can be filled with anything in the shop including cards, sweet treats, popcorn, coffee and more! Visit their website to shop and place your curbside pick order. Chef Shoppe Gourmet Kitchen Store is located at 2320 Troy Road, Edwardsville, IL, (618) 659-9840. Visit their Facebook page!

Fezziwig’s Marketplace, in O’Fallon, IL, has over 100 exceptional premium loose-leaf teas, gourmet foods, the best selection of balsamic vinegars and extra virgin olive oils in the Metro East along with beautiful decor accessories. They even offer online classes (see their website for future class schedule).

You can also order a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine to go! (Call ahead.) They are located in 225 W 1st St, O'Fallon, IL, (618) 726-2230. Visit their Facebook page!

For The Mom Who Loves Fitness: Even if she isn’t a huge “fan” of fitness, most Moms love an afternoon of quality time and fresh air with family (and change of scenery!) These two picturesque trails promise beautiful scenery and a fun, memorable day. (Continued) 5 www.metroeastmessenger.com

If you are looking for an easy, relaxing walk, visit the trails at the Watershed Nature Center, located at 1591 Tower Avenue, Edwardsville, IL. There you will find scenic, paved walking trails and a raised walk through marsh lands with lots of wildlife.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, head over to trails at Willoughby Heritage Farm & Conservation Reserve, located at 631 Willoughby Lane, Collinsville, IL. The farm is closed, but the trails are open. These trails weave thru the forest behind the farm and across several bridges through a stream valley. The trails are well maintained, some are wood chipped, and are much hillier than the Watershed.

Visit their Facebook page!

For The Creative Mom: Book a virtual paint party with your mom! With Painted Lace Creative Studio, you can book the party online, pick the supplies curbside in Maryville (no contact) before the party and enjoy a fun creative activity with her online. If you would like to just give her a fun, relaxing painting project to do on her own, you can purchase the projects on their website and pick it up curbside. Another reason we love Painted Lace Creative Studio is because $5 of each project is donated to Anderson Hospital. Browse their painting projects on their website, https://www.paintedlacecreativestudio.com/, and be sure to follow their Facebook page for updates. Their studio is located at 27 Executive Plaza Drive, Maryville, IL, (618) 205-9066.

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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

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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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Drive Thru Farmers’ Market System Wondering how to get fresh, farmers’ market items during lockdown? Local communities have recently created a whole new drive thru market system! The new system allows customers to place their orders and prepay online. On pick up days, customers drive to the designated pick up area, remain in their vehicles and their orders are placed inside their car. For the most up to date drive thru procedures, be sure to check each market’s Facebook page or website.

Maryville Farmer’s Market (Maryville) Drive-thru market customers can place orders through the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MaryvilleILFarmersMarket/) before noon on Thursday and pay online. Pickups are on Thursdays, from 5 pm to 6 pm in the parking lot of the Maryville Village Hall, 2520 N Center Street.

The Land of Goshen Community Market (Edwardsville) The Land of Goshen Community Market is running an online market for the next few weeks to support local farmers, bakers and vendors. Place orders online at https://www.goshenmarket.org/shop/. Pick up orders curbside at 222 Artisan Bakery (222 N Main St, Edwardsville) on Thursdays between 11am and 3pm.

Vine Street Drive Thru Market (O’Fallon) Place orders at https://ofallonstation.com/vendors-vine-street-market-drive-thru/. Drive Thru Market pick ups are held at the Vine Street Station on Tuesday's from 5-6pm in the O'Fallon Station parking lot (behind the building, 105-111 S Vine St, O'Fallon). www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Easy Enchilada Casserole If your family is looking for a simple way to serve up a Mexican dish for Cinco de Mayo, this Easy Enchilada Casserole can be your ticket to a warm, filling meal.

Easy Enchilada Casserole Nonstick cooking spray 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 12 ounces ground beef 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin 15 ounces pinto beans, drained 20 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained 1 1/2 cups sour cream 3 tablespoons flour 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 12 corn tortillas, 6 inches 20 ounces enchilada sauce 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup green onions, chopped • • • • • • •

Heat oven to 350 F. Spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In large skillet, cook onion and ground beef until cooked through. Drain, if necessary.

Stir in chili powder and cumin. Stir in pinto beans and diced tomatoes; set aside.

In small bowl, combine sour cream, flour and garlic powder.

Place six tortillas in bottom of baking dish, overlapping as needed. Top tortillas with beef mixture and sour cream mixture. Top with 10 ounces enchilada sauce. Repeat layers.

Bake 35-40 minutes. Sprinkle shredded cheese and green onion over casserole. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese melts. Find more meal ideas at Culinary.net.

Did you try this recipe?

Post a picture on our Facebook page! www.metroeastmessenger.com

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How You Can Help Small Businesses Right Now Buy Gift Cards, Shop Later- This dramatic drop in business can be devastating for small businesses especially. Think of a few of your favorite places, especially ones that you probably would have visited during this time anyway, like restaurants, nail and hair salons, etc, and purchase gift cards.

The business will get the financial boost now, and you’ll have something to look forward to when activities resume.

Order Takeout or Delivery- Restaurants are closed for dine-in services, but quite a few local spots are offering take-out and delivery options. Challenge your self to ordering take out or delivery at least once a week. You could even turn it into a fun activity with the kids (or a home date night) by making tweaks in your house to feel more restaurant-like. Change up your dinner routine by getting out the fancy dishes, playing background music, setting out coloring pages for the kids during appetizers, or getting dressed up for the meal. Make it a fun experience!

Leave a Review- Show your favorite local spots some love with a positive review! This doesn’t cost you anything, is sure to make them smile, and it helps other people know of your great experience when things are open again. Here are a few places to leave reviews/comments: Facebook, Angie’s List, Foursquare, OpenTable and Yelp.

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