This weekend: Fish fries, art and artifact shows, lectures & more are on the calendar
Noon Friday, Feb. 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 number of submissions received, events may run only one time in print, will be edited and appear 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
▪ Home Instead Hiring Open House — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Belleville Home Instead office, 2321 Country Road, Belleville. To help solve the need for care professionals locally, Home Instead, a leading provider of in-home care for older adults, is hosting a hiring open house to fill permanent part-time and full-time in-home care professional positions in the metro-east area. Interested applicants can find additional information online at homeinstead.com/home-care-jobs.
▪ St. Louis Working Women’s Show — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. St. Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, Missouri. The show returns for its 36th year with a focus on food, fashion, fitness and fun. Fun and informative presentations take place all weekend on the Main Stage, the Inspired Cooking Stage and the Fitness Stage. For tickets and info: wwssonline.com
▪ 36th annual Collinsville Prehistoric Artifact Show — 3-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. Gateway Convention Center, One Gateway Drive, Collinsville. Featuring authentic prehistoric or pre-1900 historic Native North American artifacts. Admission: $5 daily. gatewaycenter.com
▪ Edwardsville Arts Center Weave, Coil, Twine, Plait Know: Traditional and Contemporary Basketry Exhibition Opening Reception — 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Edwardsville Arts Center, 6165 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville. The basketry exhibition is co-curated by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University Museum Executive Curator, Erin Vigneau-Dimick and artist, Sun Smith-Foret. Open through Friday, March 24. edwardsvilleartscenter.com
▪ Gretchen Brigham Gallery ‘Fresh Air Exhibition’ Opening Reception — 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Gretchen Brigham Gallery, 733 N. Union Blvd., St. Louis. Paintings by Doug Weaver, Susan Rogers, Sarah Lorentz, Deborah A. Williams, Michael Anderson, and Annie Kostecki. Many of the pieces are plein air paintings and were created outdoors. To visit the gallery, go to union-avenue.org/agua to plan a Private View appointment, which must be done at least 24 hours ahead of your visit. Exhibit open through March 30.
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 18. St. Clair Township Building, 107 Service St., Swansea. Accepting office equipment, vehicles, electronics, batteries, appliances, machinery. Fees for TV/Monitor, CRT. No paper, glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or tires. 618-344-7232 or powerrecycling.com.
▪ Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 18. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted during the sale and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.
▪ Lewis & Clark Community College Discover Day — 3-5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20. Lewis & Clark Community College, The Commons, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. Discover Day gives future Trailblazers the chance to tour campus, meet with academic and financial aid advisors, learn about our programs and career opportunities, and get a taste of student life with free food, music and fun. This open-house style event gives prospective students and parents the chance to interact with other students, as well as L&C faculty and staff. Pre-registration is encouraged so the college can better serve the needs of its guests but is not required. The registration link can be found at lc.edu/DiscoverDays. For more information, call or text the Enrollment Center at 618-468-2222 or email at enroll@lc.edu.
▪ O’Fallon Woman’s Club annual Empty Bowl Luncheon Fundraiser — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. The need in our community is greater than ever. The rising cost of groceries and inflation have impacted so many more than in years past, and many of our neighbors need assistance. This year, all event proceeds will go to the O’Fallon Food Pantry. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Wolfersberger Funeral Home. Furchild, Carrollton Bank, or from any Woman’s Club member. Tickets can also be purchased online at ofallonwomansclub.org and facebook.com/OFallonWomansClubInc. These tickets will be available for pick up at the “will call” desk at the event.
▪ Aviston American Legion Rummage Sale — 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, and Friday, Feb. 24; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 25. Aviston American Legion, 601 S. Clinton St., Aviston. Includes bake sales on Thursday and Friday. Brown bag sale Saturday. Quilt raffle, attendance prizes. Dates to bring donations: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17; 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 18; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19; and noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20. Please no mattresses or televisions. 618-228-7311.
▪ Local History Series: ‘3 Black Lives: Lydia Titus, Richmond Freeman, and Priscilla Baltimore’ — 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. Belleville Public Main Library, 121 E. Washington St., Belleville. Presenter: William P. Shannon IV, Executive Director of the St. Clair County Historical Society and Curator of the Society’s museums. Register at the main circulation desk or call 618-234-0441.
▪ Lewis & Clark Community College Visiting Artist Lecture Series: Victor Wang — 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. Lewis & Clark Community College, Ahlemeyer Atrium, Trimpe 141, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. Victor Wang, a professor at Fontbonne University, has exhibited internationally and has been recognized with several awards for excellence in both painting and instruction. Wang is known for the way he conveys the human experience by representing the emotional tension and psychological drama of life’s turning points. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main St., Smithton. Doors open at 6 p.m. Partner night. Snacks welcome. Water, soda and coffee will be available for purchase. Masks not required. 618-791-8769 or 618-698-3785.
▪ Friends of the Belleville Public Library Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Althoff High School Heritage Hall, 5401 W. Main St., Belleville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Great trivia questions – read by MC Roger Schlueter – cash prizes, mulligans, attendance prizes from various Belleville businesses and more. BYO snacks. Soda available for purchase; no alcohol will be sold. Cost: $12 per person with 6-8 players per table. For reservations: friendsofthebellevillelibrary@gmail.com (confirmation by return email).
▪ Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge Sunday Night Bingo — 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Early Bird at 6:15 p.m. Cards sold at 5 p.m. Open to the public. Bring a canned good for one free card.
▪ Metro Cribbage Club — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. For more information, contact Yvonne Bright, 618-344-1521 or ybrightmail@gmail.com.
▪ Chamber Music Society of St. Louis: ‘Guess Who? The Return’ — 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20. 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., University City, St. Louis. Bringing back our musical game show “Guess Who - The Return” where the audience vies for prizes by guessing the composers. chambermusicstl.org
▪ Nine-Pin No Tap Bowling Tournament — 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Hi-Top Bowl, 212 Walnut St., Highland. Adults invited to participate in this bowling fundraiser. Event includes silent auction, 50/50 drawing, strike pot, door prizes, a raffle drawing for a cooler of adult beverages and a full cash bar. Tickets are $30 and include three games, shoes, all-you-can-eat food. Sixteen lanes with five bowlers per lane. Teams of five recommended, singles welcome. Proceeds will be split between the local 9U Illinois Gators and the 12U Mallards baseball teams for their upcoming seasons. To register or for more info, call Alicia 618-792-0004.
▪ Damiansville PTO Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Damiansville Elementary School, 101 E. Main St., Damiansville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Grab some friends and get ready for this holiday-themed event. The best decorated table will have a chance to win a cash prize. BYO snacks and drinks. Silent auction and 50/50 drawing. Cost: $100 per table, 8-10 players. To reserve a table: pto@dville62.com or text 618-314-3352.
▪ Child Advocacy Center Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Madison County Fireman’s Hall, 9510 Collinsville Road, Collinsville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Silent auction, cash prizes, liquor raffle, 50/50, drinks and popcorn provided, outside snacks welcome. No outside beverages. For more info or to register, visit madco-cac-org and click the Events tab.
▪ Jukebox Bingo - BASSC Autism Program — 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. KC Hall, 5420 Old Collinsville Road, O’Fallon. Cost: $25 per person.
Theater/Concerts
▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents Crafted: Debussy and Ravel — 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. In this happy hour concert, Stéphane Denève invites us to travel with him through music. Debussy’s “Ibéria” transports us to coastal Spain and Ravel transforms a Viennese waltz into a spinning top. Enjoy drink samples and complimentary snacks from local vendors including Doggie Mac’s, New York Tom’s, Perennial Artisan Ales and more for only $30. Mingle with SLSO musicians after the concert. slso.org
▪ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Debussy and Ravel — 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Grab your passport for a program with Stéphane Denève that crosses borders and travels to new places, thanks to a trio of French composers. Debussy looks to coastal Scotland and Spain, while Ravel transforms a Viennese waltz into a spinning top. Grammy Award-nominated violinist Tessa Lark makes her SLSO debut on works by Chausson and Ravel. slso.org
▪ Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents ‘Songs We Love’ — 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. “Songs We Love” takes the listener on a journey through the first 50 years of jazz! Under the musical direction of Riley Mulherkar, three guest vocalists join an all-star band made up of New York’s rising stars to sing their way through four decades of music, beginning with the early blues and jazz of the 1920s and ending in the early 1950s. Part of The Sheldon’s Rhythm & Jazz series. thesheldon.org
▪ Saint Louis Chamber Chorus: ‘Depth to Height’ — 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. Third Baptist Church, 620 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. A new song cycle from Kerensa Briggs introduces a program of extremes, from the depth of despondency evoked by Carl Rütti to the highest praise aroused by Magnus Williamson. Much of this music is dedicated to the late Sarah Bryan Miller, music critic and friend. chamberchorus.org
▪ St. Louis Speakers Series: Scott Kelly — 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. Kelly made history as the first American astronaut to complete a record-breaking year-long mission aboard the International Space Station. slso.org
▪ A Masterworks Weekend with Christine Brewer — 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. For tickets and info about each event date: thehett.com or singmasterworks.org.
▪ The Philharmonic Society of Belleville presents ‘Nordic Legends’ — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Featuring the music of Sibelius, Grieg and Borodin with the Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale. Guest piano soloist Isaac Fogel, music director Robert Hart Baker. bellevillephilharmonic.org
Clubs & Support Groups
▪
▪ Grief Share Seminar/Group — 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through April 4. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, lower level, 1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville. Weekly seminar and support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. Featuring practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts and others who experienced the death of a loved one. There will be 13 sessions that can be started any session. Fee: $20 for the workbook. For info or to register: 618-344-3151 or bklee54@yahoo.com.
▪ Belleville ‘Sounds of Harmony’ Barbershop Chorus — 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Men of all ages who like to sing are encouraged to attend. For info: Bob at 618-566-8674 or email RLCearnal@gmail.com.
▪ Marine Unit of Home and Community Education — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. Marine Activity Center, 101 W. Silver St., Marine. The Lesson for Living entitled “Lesson from Cereal Boxes” will be given by Maxine Hurst and Shirley Dietz. Visitors are welcome.
▪ 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. Free and open to all. For info or to join the Zoom meeting, contact Craig at 618-567-6095. palgroup.org
▪ O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. 618-210-8156 or ofallonsunriserotary.org
▪ Granite City Senior Social Club Spring Dance — Sunday, March 26. Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City. Featuring: Frankie and the Houseshakers. Refreshments included. Advance tickets available now through March 19. Cost: $8 per person, $15 per couple or $10 per person at the door. For tickets and info: Diana, 618-444-6771; Marty, 618-797-6749; Granite City Township Office, 618-877-0513.
Food
▪ New Shining Light Free Hot Chili and Polish Sausage — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (until sold out) Tuesdays and Thursdays in February. 740 Broadway, Venice. Enjoy a hot meal, dine in or carryout, of hot chili and Polish sausage during the cold winter days. 618-530-2347, 618-541-2354 or 618-558-6143.
▪ Millstadt Township Senior Services BBQ — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Millstadt Township Senior Services, 102 S. Jefferson, Millstadt. Pork steaks, brats, pulled pork, chicken, homemade German potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, macaroni and cheese. 618-476-3731.
▪ 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. Traditional menu of cod, tilapia, catfish, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229. facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239
▪ Waterloo VFW Post #6504 Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. Waterloo VFW Post #6504, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. Traditional Menu of cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp, chicken, chicken strips, hamburgers, fries, slaw, hush puppies, onion rings, fried green beans and fried mushrooms. Cash bar available. Dine-in or carryout. Credit/debit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-939-7999.
▪ Swansea Fish Stand – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays. 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
▪ KC Club and Event Center Fish Fry — 3-7 p.m. Fridays. 5420 Old Collinsville Road, O’Fallon. Catfish plates, cod plates, barbecue chicken, fries, cole slaw, hush puppies, baked beans, potato salad. Dine in or carryout and drink specials. facebook.com/KCClubEastStLouis
▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays and Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Cod (baked or fried), catfish, shrimp, hush puppies, chicken strips, fries, baked potato, slaw, applesauce. Dine-in and carryout. 618-228-7311. avistonlegion.com
▪ Okawville American Legion Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Dine in or carryout. Also serving lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday with a salad bar. Pizza made fresh and served every day. facebook.com/OkawvilleLegion
▪ St. Michael’s annual Pancake & Sausage Dinner — 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 111 O’Fallon Troy Road, O’Fallon. Dine in or carryout. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children 6 and older, free for 5 and under. Handicapped accessible. For preorders and tickets: saint-michaels-episcopal-church.square.site. 618-632-6168.
▪ Queen of Peace Fish Fry — 4:30-7:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22 and Fridays, March 3 & 24. Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 5915 North Belt West, Belleville. Enjoy cod, fish (baked) tacos, peel-and-eat shrimp, salad, homemade sides – French fries, QP slaw, mac & cheese, potato salad. Dine in/carryout. facebook.com/QPRaiders
▪ Smithton Turner Hall Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22 and Fridays during Lent. Turner Hall, 115 N. Julia, Smithton. Baked and fried cod loins in both plates and by the pound, grilled cheese, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, fries, baked potato, cole slaw, stewed tomatoes, mac and cheese and hush puppies. Plus desserts provided by the Smithton Turner Ladies. Dine in with plenty of seating or call in a carryout. 618-277-9690.
Reservations Required
▪ AARP Tax Aide — 9-11:30 a.m. Fridays, Feb. 17 & 24 (by appointment). Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program provides free tax preparation assistance to anyone. IRS-certified volunteers make filing taxes easy for you. Call 618-288-1212 to schedule an appointment during library hours. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Medicare Q&A with Jon Bergmann — 6-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main St., Glen Carbon. Bring your questions on how to register and what is covered when you sign up for Medicare. Registration required. glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. Online via Zoom. A Slow Flow mixed levels practice that will lead you through a series of yoga poses that focus on strengthening, lengthening, and stretching. Requires registration. Instructed by Anne Hughes. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga with instructor Sarah Hartwig. Space is limited. Registration required. Register at glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ 7th annual Prairie State of the Heart: Care Across the Heartland — 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. 6th St., Springfield. This evening will celebrate innovation and advancement at Prairie, as well as honor the 2022 Prairie Heart of the Community Award and Prairie Heart of Innovation Award recipients. The keynote speaker will be “The Healthy Humorist” Dr. Brad Nieder. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be provided by Cured Catering. Music will be provided by Square of the Roots, the father and son duo, Mike (The Rev.) and Brian Steinhauer. Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased online at prairieheart.org/events.
▪ Beginning Strings — 4-5:15 p.m. Tuesdays starting Feb. 28. Belleville Philharmonic Hall, 116 N. Jackson St., Belleville. Registration is open for the Beginning Strings program. Students who have some bowed stringed instrument experience or would like to learn are welcome to join. There are two levels offered: A beginning level that meets on Tuesdays from 5:00-5:45 p.m. There is also a Level 2 group for those with some experience but may not be ready for the challenge of the Youth Orchestra. It meets on Tuesdays from 5:45-6:30 p.m. For information: byo@bellevillephilharmonic.org or bellevillephilharmonic.org/beginning-strings.html.
Tryouts
Soccer Tryouts — Ehtar Belleville F.C. Soccer Club will hold open tryouts at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the former Belleville West High School and Belleville-Lindenwood Campus, 2300 W. Main St., Belleville. No cost to tryout. Registration is required to participate. ehtarfc.com/tryouts. Also, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ehtarfc.
This story was originally published February 15, 2023 at 12:30 PM.