Here’s a list of 30-plus things to do this week in southwestern Illinois
Noon Thursday, Jan. 27, 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. For the week’s full list of events, visit bnd.com.
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
▪ Buck-A-Bag Sale — 9-11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28. 1050 N. State, Freeburg. Featuring men’s, women’s and children’s clothing for $1 per bag. Toys, shoes, books, miscellaneous items also $1 per bag. Sponsored by the Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank. 618-539-5070.
▪ Caffeine and Chrome — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 29. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. Cruise in with your collectible car or daily driver and bring your appetite. Indulge in pastries and coffee while supplies last. All makes and models are welcome, with plenty of parking space. This is a family and pet friendly event. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/2744441025864959
▪ Saint Louis Zoo Job Fair — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 29, and Friday, Feb. 4. The Living World, North Entrance, St. Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis. For those interested in part-time work at the Zoo. In addition to spring, summer and fall employees, the Zoo also is seeking applicants who have immediate availability this winter. Energetic, responsible and service-oriented individuals are needed for part-time positions, including engineers and conductors for the Zooline Railroad, catering and food service personnel, groundskeepers, gardeners, retail and parking lot attendants, and more. Flexible weekday and weekend positions are available for ages 15 (work permit required at time of hire) and up. For more information: 314-646-4816 or stlzoo.org/employment.
▪ Eagle Watch 2022 — 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. Case-Halstead Public Library, 550 Sixth St., Carlyle. Presentations will last approximately 20 minutes. Tickets are limited to 50 people per presentation. Reserve tickets by calling 618-594-2484 or visiting https://carlylelakeusace.ticketleap.com/eagle-watch/.
▪ Caritas Family Solutions Foster Parent Recruitment Event — 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. The Post Commons, 300 Alby St., Alton, or online via Zoom. This open house event will provide an opportunity to learn more about becoming a foster parent, ask questions and connect with other foster parents and Caritas staff members. Parents need to be at least 21 years of age and can come from diverse backgrounds, cultures and points in life. Some may be grandparents, divorced, single without children or in a committed partnership. No registration is needed to attend this event. Zoom meeting ID 868 8918 4334, passcode 875989. caritasfamilysolutions.org
▪ Job Fair — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1. DraftKings at Casino Queen Hotel, Imperial Hall Ballroom. 200 S. Front St., East St. Louis. Holding open interviews for various positions. Interested applicants may also apply online at draftkingsatcasinoqueen.com/careers.
▪ Caritas Family Solutions 9th annual Heart & Soul Gala — 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5. Virtual event. The gala serves as the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event, supporting its mission of strengthening the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families in order to create healthy relationships, loving homes, and strong communities. The agency’s services include foster care, pregnancy care for women experiencing homelessness, adoption, counseling and independent living for adults with disabilities among other service lines. Free and open to the public. Register online: caritasfamilysolutions.org/gala
Games
▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 6 p.m. Thursdays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.
▪ Friends of Highland Area Scouts 8th annual ‘Know It All Trivia’ — 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. Knights of Columbus Hall, 12454 IL Route 243, Highland. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. Prizes for top three teams. Silent auction and raffles. Cost: $100 per table donation, eight players per table. Snacks welcome. Drinks can be purchased at the KC Hall bar. No coolers or outside beverages. To register: Tricia 618-593-1778 or mrs.stodd05@gmail.com; Sheryl 618-791-3154 or sheryl.hess3@hotmail.com.
▪ Friends of Belleville Public Library Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. Althoff High Heritage Hall, West Main Street and Frank Scott Parkway, Belleville. Doors open at 6 p.m. MC: Roger Schlueter. Cash prizes, mulligans. Bring your own snacks. Soda available for purchase. No alcohol will be sold. Masks will be required. For reservations: 618-304-3938 or mgmurf@yahoo.com; leave name and number for confirmation call-back. Benefits the Belleville Public Library Children’s Reading Program.
Theater/Concerts
▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Adams Conducts Adams — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, and 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. John Adams conjures the windswept landscapes of Jean Sibelius’ First Symphony. Jeremy Denk plays Adams’ funky piano concerto, and Gabriella Smith brings the sounds of the Pacific to Powell Hall. slso.org
▪ Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits - Terry Barber and Jonathan Cummings Perform the Entire Album — 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, and Saturday, Jan. 29. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $30. https://bluestrawberrystl.com/show/detail/738
▪ The Sheldon presents Las Cafeteras — 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. Las Cafeteras have taken the music scene by storm with their infectious live performances that cross genre and musical borders. Born and raised east of the Los Angeles River, Las Cafeteras are remixing roots music and telling modern-day stories of Latino and immigrant lives. For tickets and information: thesheldon.org.
▪ The Sheldon presents Mark Sparks, flute, with Peter Henderson, piano — 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2. The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. Recently retired St. Louis Symphony principal flute Mark Sparks performs Bohuslav Martinu’s first Sonata for flute and piano, and Robert Schumann’s Sonata in A Minor, originally for violin and piano, arranged by Sparks for flute and piano. Other works include Richard Strauss’ “Romanze,” Franz Doppler’s “Rondo” for Two Flutes and Piano, and a new work by Mizzou composer Robyne Sieh for flute and piano, performed by Peter Henderson and Isabella Saldaña, a student of Sparks’ from O’Fallon, Illinois and a member of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. For tickets and information: thesheldon.org.
▪ Life’s July - Renae Adams and Final Pollution - Derek Randall — 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets start at $12. bluestrawberrystl.com
▪ Monroe Actors State Company presents ‘Footlight Frenzy’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. Capitol Theater, 202 S. Main St., Waterloo. Directed by MASC veteran Warren Frank, “Footlight Frenzy” is a play within a play. A school fundraising performance of “Tarnished Silver,” a searing tragedy in four acts, turns into hilarity and laughter for all. For additional performance dates and ticket information: 618-939-7469 or masctheatre.org.
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ 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. A Zoom meeting may also be in-person. Registration is required in order to receive the link or location for these meetings. For more information or to register, contact Pat Rudloff at silverlining6@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
▪ Bible Study Fellowship — 9:30-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. St. Matthew Methodist Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville. Morning class includes classes for newborn through Pre-K. We will be studying the gospel of Matthew through April. 618-520-8357 or 618-593-4104.
Food
▪ O’Fallon K of C 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. Traditional menu of cod available along with hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and additional side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 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 carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/swanseafishstand
▪ Collinsville American Legion Fish Fry — 3-7:45 p.m. Fridays. Collinsville American Legion, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. Curbside delivery and dine-in. Cash or check only. Place a curbside order by calling 618-345-2508. facebook.com/legionpst365
▪ Highland Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays. VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Fish, chicken, shrimp, sides. Carryout and limited indoor dining. Masks required for customers going through the serving line. No call-in orders. facebook.com/vfwpost5694
▪ Millstadt Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt VFW Post, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Eat in or carryout. Call ahead for carryout. 618-476-1180.
▪ Shiloh Eagles Fish Fry — 5-7 p.m. Fridays. Shiloh Eagles 545, 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and sides. Full menu. Dine-in or carryout available. For carryout, call 618-624-5412.
▪ Mascoutah Fish Fry — 5-11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28. Mascoutah VFW Post 7682, 620 Donaphan St., Mascoutah. Call 618-566-2288 to order.
▪ 42nd annual Wurstmart — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30. Christ United Church of Christ, 26 N. 14th St., Belleville. Pork sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, applesauce, dessert. All plates $12. Drive-thru or carryout only.
Reservations Required
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga with instructor Sarah Hartwig. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ St. Clair County Office on Aging Exercise Classes — 10:30-11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Tracie Renschen, who has a Masters in Kinesiology, (the study of mechanics of body movement) leads this exercise class to focus on strengthening the various muscles of the body, helping with balance and arthritis. Cost: $3 per class. Call 618-234-4410, Mary (ext. 7034) or Susan (ext. 7044) if you will be attending the class.
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2. Online via Zoom. 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. Instructed by Anne Hughes. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Adult Zumba w/ Aimee — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Join us for an evening workout with our very own Zumba Fitness instructor. Come in comfortable exercise clothing and bring a water bottle. Masks required. Requires registration. glencarbonlibrary.org.
Blood Drives
▪ ImpactLife Blood Drive — 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28. Freeburg Community High School, 401 S. Monroe St., Freeburg. Appointments are required. 800-747-5401 or bloodcenterimpact.org.
▪ ImpactLife Blood Drive — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. Bradford National Bank Platelet Drive, 102 N. Duncan St., Marine. Appointments are required. 800-747-5401 or bloodcenterimpact.org.
▪ ImpactLife Blood Drive — 3-6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31. Faith Lutheran Church, 6809 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. Appointments are required. 800-747-5401 or bloodcenterimpact.org.
▪ ImpactLife Blood Drive — 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1. HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, 3 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., SLU Conference Room, O’Fallon. Appointments are required. 800-747-5401 or bloodcenter.org/group and use code 10155.
▪ ImpactLife Blood Drive — 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1. St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church and School, Fellowship Hall, 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon. Donors will receive a St. Patrick’s Day shirt or gift card. Appointments are required. 800-747-5401 or bloodcenter.org/group and use code 10841.
▪ ImpactLife Blood Drive — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2. Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Road, Centralia. Appointments are required. 800-747-5401 or bloodcenterimpact.org.
▪ ImpactLife Blood Drive — 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. Appointments are required. 800-747-5401 or bloodcenterimpact.org.
▪ ImpactLife Blood Drive — 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, and Thursday, Feb. 3. Anderson Rehabilitation Institute, 3402 Anderson Healthcare Drive, Edwardsville. Appointments are required. 800-747-5401 or bloodcenterimpact.org.
Worth the Drive
▪ The King’s Ball — 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5. Ste. Genevieve VFW Hall, 852 Memorial Drive, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. The annual King’s Ball (or Queen’s Ball on a leap year) is a French-inspired celebration of music and dancing that has been held in historic Ste. Genevieve for more than 50 years. Just as in years gone by, guests of all ages are invited to join in the merriment of the annual King’s Ball. Everyone is encouraged, but not required, to dress in French Colonial costume. For tickets and information: 800-373-7007 or historicstegen.org.