Southwest Illinois calendar: Virtual events, fish fries, farmers markets & performances

Noon Thursday, Sept. 17, is the deadline to appear in next week’s What’s Happening. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions. Due to the large number of submissions, events may run only one time in print, will be edited and appear in the week before the event date.

Email: lifestyle@bnd.com. Mail to: Lifestyle, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.

Events

▪ Dillard’s ‘Food for Fashion’ Collection Drive — Now through Sunday, Sept. 20. Dillard’s St. Clair Square, 275 St. Clair Square, Fairview Heights. In an effort to help feed more children, families and seniors in the area, Dillard’s and the St. Louis Area Foodbank ask participants to bring at least five non-perishable food items to receive a 25% discount on regular-priced handbags, wallets and watches.

▪ Madison County Catholic Charities Virtual Auction — Now through 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. Online fundraising event. Items available include Schwinn bicycles, Kindle Fire, Formea Animal Hospital package, golf packages, champagne and diamonds package, Aloft Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Med Resources Vionic Shoes, Frozen II filled toy box and more. To view the entire list of items or register for the auction, visit cc.dio.org and click “Event Tickets” where you will be taken to the auction page. Upon registering, you will be able to begin bidding on items. Minimum bids apply.

▪ Madison County Transit ‘School’s in Session’ Scavenger Hunt — Friday, Sept. 18, through October. Virtual event. The “School’s in Session” scavenger hunt will focus on encouraging trailgoers of all ages to venture out on the trails, while putting their knowledge to the test. The scavenger hunt will be facilitated through the free, interactive app GooseChase. Participants simply download the app and search for the game they wish to join. For details: mct.org

▪ Free COVID-19 Testing — 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 17. Korte Rec Center, 1 Nagel Drive, Highland. No appointment needed. Masks are required. Open to the public (adults and children over 6 months). Valid phone number required for results notification. madisonchd.org

▪ Play On! Playground Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony — Noon Friday, Sept. 18. Freeburg Recreation Park District, 300 E. Hill St., Freeburg. All are welcome to attend while minding the Illinois Department of Public Health’s recommendations to utilize facial coverings and engage in social distancing as COVID-19 mitigation measures. Freeburg Recreation Park will receive an award and be listed on the PlayCore National Demonstration Site Map as a project of excellence. Includes a fair food caravan 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. playcore.com

▪ It’s Hip to Chip Low-Cost Microchip Clinic — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Furchild, 105 E. First St., O’Fallon. On-site, low-cost micro-chipping. Cost: $10 per current pet (cat/dog) if spayed/neutered; $15 per pet if not spayed/neutered. Get $5 back if you spay or neuter pet withing 30 days of microchipping. Pets should weigh at least 1 pound. Price includes free lifetime registration. Administered by St. Clair County Animal Welfare Advocates trained personnel. No appointment needed. Cash only. facebook.com/events/325047595213103

▪ Belleville Historical Society 9th annual Paint Historic Belleville Art Auction — 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Outdoors at the historic Garfield Street Saloon Museum, corner of Mascoutah Ave. and E. Garfield St., Belleville. Paintings on display starting at 11:30 a.m. Social distancing will be practiced; masks are encouraged. Bidding will be in-person and online at bellevillehistoricalsociety.org. facebook.com/bellevillehistoricalsociety

▪ Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Virtual Madison County Expungement Week — Noon each day, Monday, Sept. 21, through Friday, Sept. 25. Online event. Each day, a different community partner will present online services they offer that could help individuals with criminal records obtain economic security. Online presentations accessible online at facebook.com/lincolnlegalaid. There will be a link to an online form that people can fill out to begin the expungement and sealing process.

▪ League of Women Voters Virtual Candidate Events — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, and Wednesday, Sept. 23. Live-streamed on the League of Women Voters for the Edwardsville Area Facebook page. The Sept. 22 event will include candidates for 112 District Illinois Representative, and the Madison County races for circuit clerk, state’s attorney, auditor, coroner, county board chairman and Madison County board members for districts 3, 18 and 26. The Sept. 23 event will include candidates from the 12th, 13th and 15th U.S. Congressional Districts, Illinois representative candidates for the 108th district and candidates for two circuit and appellate judge and Supreme Court judge candidates for the 5th Judicial District. Both events will air on local cable station 993 and on the League of Women Voters website.

Club News

▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern Illinois (NAMI SWI) — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Online via Zoom. Virtual support meetings for family members and other caregivers of individuals with mental illness. Meetings are peer-led and rely on the knowledge and experiences of the group to help one another. Registration is required in order to receive the link to these meetings. For more information or to register, contact Pat Rudloff at silverlining6@charter.net.

▪ Saint Louis Astronomical Society — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Online via Zoom. “Water From Beyond the Sky?”, an illustrated presentation by Dr. Lionel Vacher of Washington University, will be featured at the September meeting. The event, cosponsored by NASA's Missouri Space Grant Consortium, is open to the public free of charge. Zoom access information is posted on the Society’s website, www.slasonline.org.

▪ Knitting and Crochet Night Hosted by Millstadt Library — 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Online via Zoom. Catch up on your yarns and your yarns with this online event. If you need more yarn, contact the library for curbside delivery. Join Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84698279230. For information: facebook.com/events/599781260796263

▪ GriefShare Seminar/Support Group — 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 15. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Conference Room, lower level, 1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville. A helpful, encouraging seminar for people grieving the death of a loved one. For information or registration, 618-344-3151 or lcookparishnurse@charter.net.

▪ Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Online via Zoom. The PAL group provides education, support and hope to family members and loved ones of someone who has an addiction of substance use disorder. If you would like to join the teleconference, please call/text 618-567-6095 or email craigloddeke@yahoo.com. palgroup.org

▪ O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. Online via Zoom. See weekly email for link or email ofallonsunriserotary@gmail.com. 618-210-8156 or ofallonsunriserotary.org

▪ Bible Study Fellowship Belleville Women’s Class — 6-6:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Online via Zoom. The class will be studying Genesis, a recounting of humanity’s shared story and an exploration of life’s deepest questions. For information or to register, call Jane at 618-520-8357 or Paula at 618-593-4104.

▪ Our Lord’s Lutheran Church Fall Speaker Series — 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 21. Online via Zoom. A six-week series aimed at helping participants explore some of the most challenging issues facing our society and what they can do to make a marked difference. Series includes 75-minute talks with breakout sessions. Text 330-244-7963 to request the Zoom meeting ID and password or email love2haveu@ourlords.org. OurLords.org

Theater/Concerts

▪ The Chamber at Home: ‘Genuine Classics - No Fooling’ — 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. On the radio at Classic 107.3 FM or online at classic1073.org/listen. The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis has partnered with Classic 107.3 to broadcast a series of concerts performed by The Chamber in past seasons. This broadcast is from an April 1, 2014, performance. Mozart: “Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581”; Brahms: “Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34”.

▪ Blue Strawberry LiveStream Concert: Jeff Daniels — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Online event. Join Emmy award-winning actor, director, singer/songwriter Jeff Daniels for an intimate concert experience full of original songs, personal stories from his stage and movie career that only he can tell - and plenty of smiles. Stick around for a 15-30 min audience Q&A following the show. The questions submitted will be reviewed, with some then passed along to Daniels for reply. For tickets: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/jeffdanielsbluestrawsept18/register

▪ Something Spoken: Tennessee Williams On the Air – ‘Mister Paradise’ — 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. On the air on Classic 107.3 FM. Enjoy a fully produced Williams’ one-act play along with interviews with scholars, directors and actors. Broadway legend and St. Louisan Ken Page will narrate and noted Williams scholar Tom Mitchell will offer commentary. Broadcast will stream online at classic1073.org until Oct. 2. twstl.org/something-spoken

▪ The Samples: Then and Now — 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Blue Strawberry Showroom & Lounge, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. With a sound all their own, Sean Kelly and The Samples have made a lasting impression on a lot of people. Twenty-five years in, The Samples stay with you. What were you doing to The Samples? An intimate show with songwriter and lead singer Sean, bassist Jared Johnson, and percussionist Matt MacLean. Tickets are $40 each. For tickets and information: bluestrawberrystl.com

▪ The Hett Film Art Series: ‘Booksmart’ (2019) — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. On the eve of their high school graduation, two academic overachievers try to cram four years of fun into one chaotic, adventurous night. Rated R; 1 hour, 42 minutes. Screen Talk host: Dr. Jenny Mueller, professor of English. Free admission. For more information, visit theHett.com or call 618-537-6863.

▪ Kim Fuller and Carolbeth True: Torchy and Hot — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. Blue Strawberry Showroom & Lounge, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Cool jazz torchbearer Kim Fuller teams up with jazz pianist and bandleader Carolbeth True, and her band. Two of our very best. Tickets are $15 each. For tickets and information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Reservations Required

▪ SIUE Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center ‘So You Want To Be An Anti-Racist?’ Workshop: ‘The Language of Anti-Racism 101’ — 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17. Online via Zoom. The first of three workshops will offer an overview of terms that one commonly hears in anti-racist discussions, such as oppression and privilege. Registration is free. To register: siue.zoom.us/j/92877724651.

▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Online via Zoom. Start your weekend with an energizing session of yoga with instructor Sarah Hartwig. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org/calendar.

▪ HOP in the City — 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust St., St. Louis. An opportunity for the brewery to showcase their passion for a wide range of beer styles. This year, the HOP at Home Mixed Case was created to celebrate the festival’s experience and feature beers including Schlafly’s traditional beers such as Pale Ale, IPA, and Oktoberfest to experimental brews like Dortmunder, Side Work, as well as the exclusive HOP 2020 Festival Beer: Hazy Pineapple Double IPA. Limited reserved seating. Tickets are $250 for a group of up to six people. Includes reserved table, a bucket of Schlafly Beer, a family-style meal with table service, Schlafly swag and a trivia game with prizes. schlafly.com/events/hopinthecity

▪ Girl Scouts Together Virtual Benefit — 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Online via Zoom. Girl Scouts of all ages will sing, tell stories and dream big at this live event. Proceeds from the event will fund the increasing demand for STEM programs throughout the council. Donations also will provide financial assistance to families for whom the $25 registration fee for Girl Scouts is more than they can afford. Tickets to the Virtual Benefit are available for a suggested donation of $25, the cost of one Girl Scout registration. For tickets and information: gsofsi.org/virtualbenefit.

▪ Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 2:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. Collinsville Community, Gateway Convention Center - Center Hall AB, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville. Appointments are required. 866-448-3253 or bloodcenterimpact.org.

▪ Farm Update Program on Cover Crops — Noon Thursday, Sept. 24. Online via Zoom. The presentation will be a 20-30 minute discussion led by Nathan Johanning, Commercial Agriculture Educator, followed by a time for questions from attendees. The goal of this program is to share timely, applied information and provide local farmers the opportunity to interact and ask questions over the lunch hour. Additional topics will be added in the coming weeks. To register: https://go.illinois.edu/farmupdate.

▪ Virtual Beer Tasting: German Oktoberfest Biers — 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. Virtual event. In this tasting, get a closer look at authentic, Munich-made brews. And this time, Certified Cicerones Mick O’Halloran and Robb Jeffrey will be joined by a special guest: Anheuser-Busch’s very own Master Cicerone Max Bakker. Tickets are $11. For tickets and information, visit budweisertours.com.

▪ Sankofa Lecture Series: ‘Monuments in the Age of Black Lives Matter: The View from St. Louis’ — 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. Online via Zoom. The first of a series of robust conversations surrounding the history of slavery and its lasting legacies will explore the difference between memorial and monuments, the current public discourse regarding Confederate monuments, and the goals and purposes of monuments and memorialization. Presenters from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville include Katie Poole-Jones, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Art and Design; and Erik Alexander, PhD, and Jeff Manuel, PhD, both associate professors in the Department of Historical Studies. Anyone interested in this important subject is encouraged to attend. Registration is available at https://siue.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fGLYYaT0Tr6bHEHgWW9Zpg. For information about the program, visit https://www.siue.edu/provost/trht/.

▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30-6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. Online via Zoom. Instructor: Anne Highes. 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. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org/calendar.

▪ FORE! The Foundation Golf Fundraiser — 7 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2. Oak Brook Golf Club, 9157 Fruit Road, Edwardsville. Tee time: 8 a.m. Four-person scramble hosted by the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds go to high school senior scholarships. Cost: $70 per player or $250 per foursome. 618-667-8769 or troycoc.com.

▪ Virtual Conference: ‘Immigrants in Our Midst’ — 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 2. Online via Zoom. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Latino Roundtable of Southwestern Illinois, sponsor Busey Bank and additional partners will host a conference “Immigrants in Our Midst,” that focuses on how to better serve U.S. immigrants’ financial, legal and social needs. The event includes presentations by regional specialists in the fields of banking, immigration law, Latino outreach, employment services and more. Registration fee: $20. A link to access the Zoom session will be emailed one week prior to the course beginning. If you are a student who need to register for free, please send an email with name and 800 number to outreach@siue.edu. An email with further instructions will be sent. enrole.com/siue/jsp/course.jsp?categoryId=668074B0&courseId=IMCO

▪ Belleville Chamber of Commerce Virtual Chili Chase 5K — Saturday, Oct. 10. Virtual event. This event is normally part of the annual Belleville Chili Cook-off. While the cook-off is canceled, there is no reason we can’t still run together from the comfort of wherever we are. Run (or walk) your distance wherever you want. The goodie bag will be shipped right to you. Registration fee: $25, includes a T-shirt and commemorative bowl. Registration deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 18. Event takes place rain or shine. No refunds. For information: Wendy Pfeil at wpfeil@bellevillechamber.org or call 618-233-2015. To register: bellevillechili.com/chili-chase-5k-kids-pepper-dash

▪ University of Illinois Fall Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series: Creating a Bottle Terrarium — 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. Online via Zoom. Explore the enclosed world of bottle terrariums, the self-contained plant environments within glass. Join Horticulture Educator Bruce Black to explore terrariums, their needs, and how to create a bottle version of a terrarium Register online at https://extension.illinois.edu/global/four-seasons-gardening-webinar-series

Food

▪ Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge Wings & Things — 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays. Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Carry-out only. Must call to order. 618-233-2600 or 618-233-1450. facebook.com/BellevilleSwanseaMooseLodge1221

▪ O’Fallon Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Carry-out/call-in. Credit cards accepted. 618-632-6229.

▪ Swansea Fish Stand – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Saturday: fried chicken. Open for carry-out and call-in orders. Swansea Improvement Hall and Bar are open. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/swanseafishstand

▪ Millstadt Fish Fry and Jam Session — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW Post, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Carry-out only. 618-476-1180.

▪ Collinsville American Legion Fish Fry — 3-8 p.m. Fridays. Collinsville American Legion, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. Curbside delivery only. Cash only. Place an order by calling 618-345-2508.

▪ Highland Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Fish, chicken, shrimp, sides. Carry-out only. Masks required for customers going through the serving line. No call-in orders. facebook.com/vfwpost5694

▪ Collinsville Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Plaza, Collinsville. Limited menu. Drive-thru only. No call-in orders. Cash only. facebook.com/KC1712

▪ Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge Fish Fry — 4:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays. Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Call in an order at 618-233-1450 or 618-233-2600 to pick up or to eat in the Beer Garden. facebook.com/BellevilleSwanseaMooseLodge1221

▪ Glen Carbon American Legion Post 435 Fish Fry — 4:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 435, 190 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Limited menu of dinners and sandwiches, catfish, cod, Alaskan white fish and chicken strips, slaw and fries. Dinners: $11, sandwiches: $8, sides: $2.50 each. Curbside/Carry-out service. 618-288-7119.

▪ St. Michael, Paderborn Chicken Dinner — Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. St. Michael’s Church, Paderborn, 4576 Buss Branch Road, Waterloo. Meal includes half a chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans. Cost: $11.

▪ Taco Tuesday at the Millstadt VFW — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Millstadt VFW Post 7980, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Serving up tacos, burritos and taco salads. Carry-out only. 618-476-1180. facebook.com/events/630200151044016

Farmers Markets

▪ F.R.E.S.H. Farmers Market — 8:30 a.m. to noon Thursdays. East Side Health District, 638 N. 20th St., East St. Louis. Fresh local produce, spices and more. Social distancing and face mask guidelines will be in place. Customers can drive by, walk up or call in orders. Cash, credit, debit and EBT accepted. 618-271-8722, ext. 102.

▪ Swansea Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Behind Burger King. Fresh local produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, honey and more. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. Signs will be posted. Have monetary denominations of $10s, $5s and $1s available; no change will be given. Wear masks, keep your distance. facebook.com/SwanseaFarmersMarketInc

▪ Monroe County Farmers Market, Columbia — 3-6 p.m. Thursdays. Schnucks parking lot, 1000 Columbia Center, behind McDonald’s and Taco Bell, Columbia. Cash sales. Items available include bedding plants, bread, jams and much more. Social distancing practices will be present to keep both vendor and customer safe. Vendors will be wearing masks and sanitizing hands and surfaces frequently. Vendors will be handling their produce for customers. facebook.com/Monroe-County-IL-Farmers-Market-316315321779010

▪ Sparta Farmers Market — 2-5 p.m. Fridays. Corner of Broadway and St. Louis streets, Sparta. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. facebook.com/farmersmarketspartail

▪ Millstadt Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW Post 7980, 200 S. Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Featuring produce, plants, baked goods, kettle korn, jam, jewelry, honey, Avon and much more. Directed by St. Clair County Health guidelines. 618-476-3037 or facebook.com/MillstadtFarmersMarket

▪ The Ste. Genevieve Farmers Market — 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays. 600 Market St., Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. A weekly fresh selection of locally-produced vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, canned goods, vinegar, jams, jellies and freshly baked goods. facebook.com/SteGenevieveFarmersMarket

▪ Monroe County Farmers Market, Waterloo — 7:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays. The Family Video parking lot, 100 Plaza Drive, Waterloo. Cash sales. Items available include bedding plants, bread, jams and much more. Social distancing practices will be present to keep both vendor and customer safe. Vendors will be wearing masks and sanitizing hands and surfaces frequently. Vendors will be handling their produce for customers. facebook.com/Monroe-County-IL-Farmers-Market-316315321779010

▪ Belleville’s Old Town Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. First block of South Charles Street between East Main and East Washington streets, Belleville. Food and agricultural products only at this point. Do not attend if sick. Only one family member should attend. Let vendors select and bag goods. Masks and six feet of social distancing required by all. Exact change requested; no change will be offered. Link/SNAP/EBT accepted. facebook.com/Belleville-Old-Town-Farmers-Market-930383016993451

▪ Alton Farmers & Artisans Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Blvd. and Henry St., Alton. Fresh produce, plants, meat, cheese, eggs, honey, baked goods and other edible products will be available. Social distancing measures will be in place. Pre-ordering is encouraged. Electronic payment preferred. Cash accepted; bring small bills. Vendors advised not to give change. facebook.com/AltonFarmersMarket

▪ Land of Goshen Community Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Downtown Edwardsville, St. Louis St., Edwardsville. Open rain or shine. Social distancing measures will be in place. The Market will only include sales of food and hygiene items to limit the number of vendors and allow for at least 10 feet of space between all stalls. The Market asks customers to send only one shopper per family/household. Customers are asked to wear masks. facebook.com/goshenmarket

▪ Vine Street Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. O’Fallon Station 212 E. First St., O’Fallon. Online pre-orders and pre-pay still available. Orders can be placed with individual vendors online. Vendor availability and order deadlines vary. Market guidelines for onsite shopping include masks, social distancing, not touching products at vendor stands. For details and information: ofallonstation.com/vine-street-market or facebook.com/vinestreetmarketofallon

▪ Drive-Thru Vine Street Market — 5:30-6 p.m. Tuesdays. O’Fallon Station 212 E. First St., O’Fallon. Online pre-orders and pre-pay only, no walk-ups. Orders can be placed with individual vendors on Facebook. Vendor availability and order deadlines vary. For details and information: facebook.com/vinestreetmarketofallon

This story was originally published September 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM.