The Metro East Messenger 9.18.20 Issue

In This Issue

Special Thank You To Lottie’s Cafe Open For Carryout and Outside Dining!

1099 Beltline Road, Ste. D, Collinsville, IL (618) 223-8253

Local Apple Orchard Info Inside

Local Events

3-7

Local Business Directory

8-10

Weekly Reoccurring Events

11-13

Autumn Word Search

14

Local Apple Farm Info

14

Walnut Apple Pear Crisp Recipe

15

Walnut Apple Pear Crisp Recipe Inside

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Local Events

NOTE: Events are subject to change due to Covid 19 restrictions.

Please make sure events have not been rescheduled or cancelled before attending.

Fall Vintage Market-Belle-Clair Fairgrounds 2020 Powered by Fall Vintage Market, Sept. 25- 27th, at 200 S. Belt E, Belleville, IL. Forever Vintage Market is an event for collectors, treasure seekers and hunters of one of a kind vintage finds. No matter if your interest lies in Vintage, Antiques, Handmade, Furniture, Boutique, A Variety of Tasty Foods, Live Music, Handcrafted Cocktails or just spending the afternoon hunting for the perfect find, we look forward to seeing you! Tickets can be purchased at the door. 12 and under are free. For more info, go to http://www.forevervintagemarket.com/.

Summer Send Off Tailgate Party, Sept. 26th 4-8:30pm, Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL. Join us in the back-parking lot of Gateway Convention Center for the Summer Send Off Tailgate Party! The parking lot opens at 4:00PM, with the event from 5:00PM to 8:30PM. There will be a food truck and beer distributor available to purchase items. As well as performances by 2 bands throughout the evening. Tickets are $15.00 - online or day of the event. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-send-off-tailgate-party-tickets-120200186995 Virtual Evening Flow Yoga, Sept. 30th, 5:30-6:15pm, virtual event through Glen Carbon Library.

Instructed by Anne Hughes. Classes are suitable for those newer to yoga or those wanting a basic flow class. This class introduces traditional yoga postures, teaches you how to breathe, and helps you feel more comfortable in the yoga practice. To register, go to https://bit.ly/3brY4ux.

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Local Events Willoughby Farm Fall Festivities, Oct. 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 4:30-7:30pm. Willoughby Farm, 631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville, IL. We will be hosting 4 Thursday nights in October, only 10 tables available with a max of 8 people at each table for each night. $30 per table (for a group of 8 or less).

Family style picnic, bonfire, wagon rides, roasting marshmallows, “seek-a-treat” scavenger hunt & pumpkin carving! You’re welcome to bring your own food and beverages, lawn chairs and pumpkin decorating supplies. Available to purchase: additional pumpkins, mums, sodas, chips, graham crackers and chocolate bars. You must register to attend this is not a drop-in event. To register, call (618)977-0941 or visit www.willoughbfarm.org. Sponsored by City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation.

Egg-tober! Low-Contact Halloween Fun, begins Oct. 10th. Here is your chance to have your own Halloween Egg Hunt in your front yard. Collinsville Parks and Recreation will fill two dozen (24) orange eggs and hide them in your front yard! Participants should live in Collinsville/Maryville boundaries. Eggs will be filled with peanut allergy-friendly candy. Price: $15 for 24 delivered eggs.

More information will be emailed out one week before the egg delivery. Visit www.collinsvilleil.org or call 618-346-7529 to register.

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Local Events Chili Chase Virtual 5k, Oct. 10th, 9-11am. Join us for the 8th annual Chili Chase 5k, VIRTUALLY! This event is normally part of the annual Chili Cook-off in Belleville, IL. We had to cancel the cook-off, but there is no reason we can't still run together from the comfort of wherever we are! Run (or walk) wherever you want. Registration Fee: $25 for all participants and includes a t-shirt and commemorative chili bowl! Registration must be completed by 11:59pm on September 18, 2020.

Register online at https://bit.ly/3eJr54T. Proceeds benefit the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce. www.bellevillechamber.org Troy City Wide Garage Sales, Oct. 16 & 17th @Troy, IL. The Troy City Wide Garage sales are set for October 16th and 17th. Sign-ups will begin on September 7th. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/SIGNUPCWGS 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.

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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. 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.

2nd Annual Spooktacular Walk In The Park, Oct. 25th, 1-5pm. Saint Jacob Township Park, 239 West Main St, Saint Jacob, IL. Hosted by the Lions Club The walk will be all outdoors and in open air! Come dressed and ready to enjoy the Halloween activities! The 1-mile walk will raise money and awareness for visual and hearing impaired. It’s free to come participate and have a booth at the walk! The walk registration forms and shirt order forms will be available online. To register, go to https://bit.ly/342mmIr.

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Local Events 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 prepackaged candy.

Fall Craft Fair, 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. For more info and registrations, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Edwardsville/TurkeyTrot2020.

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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

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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.mikesautomotive.net

www.xgreensynthetic.com 9

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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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Weekly Reoccurring Events Monday’s Baby Lapsit and Parent Chat on Zoom, Mondays at 10am, with Glen Carbon Library. Build your baby’s literacy foundations with skills, stories, songs, and sign language in a 15-minute session. Time will be available after the program for a parent’s group conversation. Planned for ages birth to 2. To register: https://bit.ly/3lThrBq. O’Fallon Library Book Club (virtual), We meet at 7:00pm on the 4th Monday of each month. We have a round table discussion sharing views and insights about the book for the first 30 minutes or so, with a discussion on next month's pick following. September - A Woman is No Man: A Novel by Etaf Rum, October - Finding Dorothy: A Novel by Elizabeth Letts, November - American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. You do not have to be an O’Fallon Public Library card holder to attend. For questions, please contact Ryan at ryan@ofpl.info or 618-2064342.

Books & Brew Book Club (virtual), 4th Monday of every month, 7-8pm (O’Fallon Public Library). This is a fun, nontraditional book club that meets at a local tap house. It's a great way to meet new people, discover amazing titles, and simply relax. We mix in both fiction and nonfiction titles, with all suggestions coming from you, the attendees! This is a no-pressure book club, meaning that you won't be scolded for not finishing any particular title. Upcoming titles: September- "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" by Robert Heinlein, October-"So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo. For questions, contact Ryan at ryan@ofpl.info or 618-206-4342.

Tuesday’s Storytime Live (Zoom) with Glen Carbon Library, Tuesdays at 10 am and Wednesdays at 10am. To view dates and register for Tuesdays: https://bit.ly/3lQcmKi for Wednesdays: https://bit.ly/2F6remZ. Just Unwind Yarn Club (virtual) 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. Questions? Email research@smrld.org 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. September 29: The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher, Tuesday, October 27: The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo, Tuesday, November 24: Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel. Copies are available at both libraries. Questions? Email research@smrld.org or Call 618-452-6238 ext.

755 Story Time at Home (virtual), starting Sept. 15th, every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am with Edwardsville Public Library. Fun stories, songs, and rhymes each on week on Facebook! Join us live at 10am: https://www.facebook.com/edwardsvillelibrary/ or watch the video later at your convenience. Baby & Toddler Time - Tuesdays at 10 AM, Preschooler Story Time - Thursdays at 10 AM. Dungeons and Dragons (online), Tuesdays (starting 9/15) at 6:30pm, grades 6-12th. Using Discord and Roll20, you will be able to talk to other players and see the quest unfold. Registering once will sign you up for all future game night sessions for the Fall. On game day, the library will email you the details to get set up. To register, go to https://bit.ly/3i1qXQN. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Weekly Reoccurring Events (cont.)

Books with Bacon Book Club, with the Caseyville Public Library, meets at the South Main Diner in Caseyville on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 9:00AM. Bring the book you are reading now and tell us all about it! FREE coffee for those who order a breakfast!

Puentes at the Library, 3-5pm, 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Caseyville Public Library District.

Puentes Programs: - Spanish Interpretation and Translation Services - Bilingual Therapists to Support Individuals and Families - Immigrant and Refugee Services to help with Community Integration - Assistance to Access Public Benefits.

Mother Goose Storytime (virtual), 10-10:30am, every Tuesday with Belleville Public Library. Perfect for children ages 0-3. Join Miss Becky every Tuesday for stories, nursery rhymes and songs! Go to: https://s.kast.live/g/dcs609onpzo.

Wednesday’s Storytime Live (Zoom) with Glen Carbon Library, Tuesdays at 10 am and Wednesdays at 10am. To view dates and register for Tuesdays: https://bit.ly/3lQcmKi for Wednesdays: https://bit.ly/2F6remZ. What’s Brewin’-A Conversation Café (virtual), 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 9-10am, with Caseyville Public Library. Join us in conversation from the comfort of your home. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and chat with your community. Each session will feature a different theme or topic. Participants are invited to join the conversation, and speakers will be available to answer questions. Upcoming Scheduled Topics: 9/16 Hispanic Heritage Month, 10/7 Emotional Wellness, 10/21 Domestic Violence Awareness.

Preschool Storytime (virtual), 10-10:30am, every Wednesday with Miss Becky at the Belleville Public Library. To join, go to https://s.kast.live/g/65jxxpu2qq2.

Thursday’s Pajama Storytimes (virtual), 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 6:30-6pm with Glen Carbon Library. Visit our Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/glencarboncentenniallibrary/, for storytimes with Miss Becky!

She’ll be reading stories to help get you ready for bed. We encourage you to watch in your pajamas!

Story Time at Home (virtual), starting Sept. 15th, every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am with Edwardsville Public Library. Fun stories, songs, and rhymes each on week on Facebook! Join us live at 10am: https://www.facebook.com/edwardsvillelibrary/ or watch the video later at your convenience. Baby & Toddler Time - Tuesdays at 10 AM, Preschooler Story Time - Thursdays at 10 AM.

Saturday’s Saturday Science Lab-At Home, hosted by Six Mile Regional Library District. For Grades 2-6.

Pick up an experiment kit with instructions, available at either library location starting the Thursday before. We will post a demonstration video to the library's social media, https://www.facebook.com/smrld.org. Dates and experiments: Oct. 10th Inflatable Ghost & Nov. 14th Straw Airplanes. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Weekly Reoccurring Events (cont.)

Yoga in the Park, at Leclaire Lake Park, 900 Hale Ave, Edwardsville, IL. Hosted by the Edwardsville Parks and Recreation. The class is open to all levels and best of all it is completely free. Arrive 15 minutes early to register and set up your mat.

Reading Relay (virtual), Saturdays at 3pm with Glen Carbon Library. Join Miss Aimee and Miss Becky as we read from chapters in “From the Desk of Zoe Washington” by Bahni Turpin (available on Hoopla)! We would love for you to read aloud from some pages, or simply enjoy listening to others read to you. We will spend about 45 minutes reading and another 10 minutes discussing the book. “Registration required: https://bit.ly/3534y1P. 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: https://bit.ly/3i1hTeJ STEM Activities (virtual), 9/12, 10/10 and 11/7, 2-2:30pm with Glen Carbon Library. Join us once a month as we dive deep into a STEM project for the whole family. Videos will be posted on our Facebook (https://bit.ly/3lL756C) and YouTube (https://bit.ly/32XSCf8) pages.

Let’s Get Crafty (virtual) with Glen Carbon Library. Join us one Saturday a month through November on our Facebook or YouTube page for virtual craft time! Reserve a bag of craft supplies to pick up from the library or use items you have at home. Follow along with the tutorial so we can create something wonderful together! To register: https://bit.ly/2Zaxm4F.

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“AUTUMN” WORD SEARCH

Acorn Apple Autumn Chestnuts Chilly Cider Corn

Cranberry Deciduous Harvest Hayride Leaf Maize November

Nuts October Raincoat Reap September Sleet Squash

Local Apple Farms Liberty Apply Orchard, 8308 Kuhn Station Rd, Edwardsville, IL. (618) 659-9217 www.libertyappleorchard.com Currently picking five varieties of beautiful apples: Liberty, Fuji, Empire, Cortland and Jonathan. In late September, Enterprise, Braeburn, and Candycrisp will ripen, followed by Goldrush and Granny Smith varieties in October.

Mills Apple Farm, 11477 Pocahontas Rd, Marine, IL. (618) 887-4732 www.millsapplefarm.com Mills Apple Farm grows 15 varieties of apples. Currently picking Jonathans, Golden Delicious will be ready soon. Go to the “Orchard Update” link on their website to see what’s currently ripe for picking.

Braeutigam Orchards, 2795 Turkey Hill Lane, Belleville, IL. (618)233-4059 www.braeutigamorchards.com. The Golden Delicious, Empire, Jon-a-gold and Red Delicious are ripe for picking.

Eckert’s Farm, Belleville, Millstadt and Grafton, IL. (800)745-0513 www.eckerts.com Currently picking Jonathan and Red and Golden Delicious. Check their website for crop updates.

Also, you must purchase a field access ticket to pick apples. Prices vary depending on location and day of the week. For more information go to www.eckerts.com/pick-your-own-summer-crops. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Walnut Apple Pear Crisp Warm fruits baked into a crisp dessert provide an easy, heartwarming option for putting a smile on loved ones faces when the weather turns cooler. This Walnut Apple Pear Crisp combines two fall favorite fruits in a sweet and simple yet flavorful nibble. Find more comforting dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Walnut Apple Pear Crisp Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes Servings: 4 Walnut Crisp Topping: 1 1/2 cups California walnuts, divided 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup butter, chilled and sliced into pieces Apple Pear Filling: 4 apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices 3 pears, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon lemon juice ice cream (optional) caramel sauce (optional) Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. To make walnut crisp topping: In food processor, pulse 1 cup walnuts until finely ground. Set aside in separate bowl. In food processor, pulse remaining 1/2 cup walnuts until chopped. Set aside.

In medium bowl, combine ground walnuts, flour, brown sugar, oats and cinnamon. Cut butter into mixture until coarse crumb forms.

To make apple pear filling: In large bowl, toss apples, pears, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice. Pour fruit mixture in bottom of 12-inch cast-iron pan. Layer walnut crisp topping mixture over fruit. Bake 45 minutes, or until fruit mixture is hot and bubbly and topping is golden brown.

Top with ice cream and caramel sauce, if desired.

If you tried this recipe, let us know!

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