Highland Around Town — Feb. 19 edition
Noon Wednesday, Feb. 19, is the deadline to appear in next week’s “Around Town” listing. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions. Due to the 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: Highland News Leader Around Town, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.
Wednesday, Feb. 19:
▪ 6th annual Cram the Cars Donation Drive — Through Friday, Feb. 28. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. Drop off canned or non-perishable food items at St. Joseph’s or one of the following locations: Steve Schmitt Inc. GMC, Buick and Chevrolet, 12631 IL-143, Highland; Faith Countryside Homes, 100 Faith Drive, Highland; Highland Health Care Center, 1450 26th St., Highland; San Gabriel Memory Care, 2509 Frank Watson Parkway, Highland. 217-994-3919 or 217-994-4072 for information.
▪ Highland Lions Club Scholarship Applications — Through Friday, April 6. The Highland Lions Club announces two $1,500 scholarships. As part of Lions Club International, the world’s largest service club, the Highland Lions Club will recognize graduating seniors who balance academic achievement with community service. One scholarship is available only to senior students attending Highland High School. The second scholarship is open to all high school seniors who reside in Highland School District #5 (Highland High School senior students plus those students who reside in the Highland School District but attend a school other than Highland High School). Application forms are available at the Highland High School Counseling Center. Other eligible students should contact the counseling center at their high school. For questions, please contact Jan G. Kreutzberg, Highland Lions Club Scholarship Chair at 1-618-675-3307 or via email kreutzberggj@agtelco.com. Deadline for applications is April 6.
▪ Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 3-6:30 p.m. Edwardsville Knights of Columbus, 7132 Marine Road, Edwardsville. bloodcenterimpact.org
▪ Health Career Open House — 6-8 p.m. Kaskaskia College Lifelong Learning Center, 27210 College Road, Centralia. Hosted by the Kaskaskia College Allied Health programs, the event will highlight the nursing, dental assisting, paramedicine, sonography, physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, respiratory therapist, health information technology and certified nurse assistant programs. For information: 618-545-3331.
▪ Edwardsville School District #7 Kindergarten Parent Information Night — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nelson Elementary, 1225 E. High St., Edwardsville. The first of six information meetings for parents/guardians of incoming kindergarten students. Students do not need to attend. Presentation to include overview of kindergarten experience, explanation of policies regarding half-day enrollment, general information about the school district, child’s kindergarten orientation and more. For additional meeting dates and locations (choose one that is convenient; all meetings are identical): http://ecusd7.org/district-information/registration
Thursday, Feb. 20:
▪ Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 8-11 a.m. Madison County Administration Building, 157 N. Main St., Edwardsville. bloodcenterimpact.org
▪ American Red Cross Blood Drive — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Gori Law Firm, 156 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Blood supplies become critical in the winter as inclement weather and illness during flu season can prevent people from donating. The Red Cross put out an urgent call for donors of all blood types, particularly for Type O. To be eligible to donate blood, donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. A driver’s license or blood donor’s card or two other forms of identification are required to check in. To schedule an appointment: 800-733-2767 or RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: GoriJAssociates.
▪ Walk With a Doc — 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Greenville University, Crum Recreation Center, 401 N. Elm St., Greenville. Walk with Prairie Cardiologist Scott Marrus, M.D. Topic: Heart Health. Walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this free program. No registration required.
▪ Chicks with Sticks — 3-4:30 p.m. Troy United Methodist Church, Room 241, 407 Edwardsville Road, Troy. Knit and crochet items for different charities and for fellowship. 618-667-7501.
▪ Highland Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours — 5-7 p.m. Cedarhurst of Highland, 220 Field Crossing Drive, Highland. An evening of networking, appetizers and drinks. 618-654-3737.
▪ I-Cash Event — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. To help connect local residents and business with cash or property held by the state, State Rep. Katie Stuart is partnering with the Illinois State Treasurer’s office for this ree I-Cash event. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Greater Highland Area Stuck on Earth Book Club — 6:30-7:50 p.m. Latzer Library, 1001 9th St., Highland. Topic: Solar for All: How Illinois Communities Are Moving Forward. With Dr. Bill Rau, Professor Emeritus in Sociology, University of Illinois, Normal. All are welcome.
▪ 8th annual Art of Soul — 7-9 p.m. Evangelical Church of Christ, Social Hall, 2520 Poplar St., Highland. Five-week event. Each workshop will offer instruction in a specific artistic medium. Cost: $40 for all five weeks, includes all materials. Presented by the Highland Arts Council. 618-558-0054 or highlandartscouncil.org/art-of-soul
Friday, Feb. 21:
▪ AARP Taxaide — 9 a.m. to noon. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. Appointments required. Call or come in to schedule. This service is intended for low- to moderate-income taxpayers of any age. You do not have to be a member of AARP. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Stitchin’ in the Stacks — 2-4 p.m. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. If you like to knit, crochet or embroider, gather and socialize with others who share your interest and pick up a few tips and tricks as you work your own creations. Bring your supplies. Self-directed program; no instructor. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Highland Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Eat in or carry out. 618-654-6367.
Sunday, Feb. 23:
▪ Maryville Parks & Recreation Discovery Series: Wreath Making Basics — 1-3 p.m. Maryville Community Center, 500 E. Division St., Maryville. Presented by Scott Waterman, Waterman’s Loft, Maryville. Learn how to put your ideas into a welcoming door wreath and different techniques and materials to use to make it. Free. 618-772-8555 or vil.maryville.il.us
Tuesday, Feb. 25:
▪ Gardening for the Birds — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. Presented by Mitch Leachman, St. Louis Audubon Society, who will discuss how to create a bird sanctuary of your own. Registration required. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ Cookbook Club — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. Presented by Ellora Ladd. Choose a cookbook, read it. Pick a dish, make it. Enjoy trying a variety of dishes as we discuss how we made them. Theme: Mardi Gras. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org
▪ $2 Movies at the Wildey: ‘On the Town’ — 7 p.m. Wildey Theatre, 252 North Main St., Edwardsville. Lobby opens at 6 p.m. Tickets only available the day of the show starting at 5 p.m. Cash or check only. (Charge/Debit cards accepted for concessions) All seats general admission.
Friday, Feb. 28:
▪ Madison County Mass Transit District Board of Trustees Meeting — 9 a.m. Transit Facility, One Transit Way, Granite City. Meetings typically held the last Thursday of each month. mct.org
▪ Artrageous Live Interactive ‘All Arts’ Show — 7:30 p.m. Jane Knight Auditorium, Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Road, Centralia. A one-of-a-kind, interactive art and music experience where audiences interact with delight as a team of accomplished, multi-talented artists paint at electric speed, creating giant works of art, right before their eyes – all the while accompanied by live musical performances, powerful vocals and high-energy creative photography. And that’s just part of the experience. It’s a unique visual journey of wild inspiration, creativity and fun for the entire family. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by phone at 618-545-3223, online at kaskaskia.edu/kcffa or in person at the KC Bookstore.
Saturday, Feb. 29:
▪ Boating Safety Class — 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lake Lou Yaeger’s Milnot Beach House, 4932 Beach House Trail, Litchfield. The class will cover the following topics: Introduction to Boating, Boating Law, Boat Safety Equipment, Safe Boating, Navigation, Boating Problems, Trailering, Storing, and Protecting Your Boat. This course is a beginning boating class that will give students the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in the State of Illinois and many others. Cost: $25. To register: 217-324-5832 or elamb@cityoflitchfieldil.com
▪ Take a Leap with Us: Leaps of Love 10-Year Anniversary Event — 7 p.m. Copper Dock Winery, 498 White Oaks Lane, Pocahontas. Doors open at 6 p.m. Ages 21 and older. Drinks available for purchase; appetizers provided. Silent auction, all-request Dueling Pianos. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at LeapsOfLove.org
Monday, March 2:
▪ Kaskaskia Watershed Association 20th annual Summit — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mariner’s Village Resort Conference Center, 1 Resort Drive, Carlyle. Theme: Efforts and Needs for Continued Watershed Progress. Nationally there is a demand to document conservation sustainability on the farm. The S.T.A.R. program is a tool that meets the demands of the public and provides for farmers to document their conservation and sustainability efforts. Hear from the leaders in this area. The Summit will also have the U of I Research Team report on their progress and their next steps. There will also be time to visit with elected officials. Learn about the infrastructure improvements that have been made at Carlyle Lake. Cost: $15, includes noon meal and refreshments. RSVP by Thursday, Feb. 27. 618-910-2164 or kaskaskiawatershed.org
▪ JOY Singers Rehearsal — 1:30 p.m. First Baptist Church of Highland, 2709 Poplar St., Highland. A light salad and sandwich luncheon will start at noon. The JOY Singers are a dedicated and enthusiastic group of older adults who love to sing and spread the joy of music to residents of senior living centers in and around Highland, as well as to the occasional civic group that extends us an invitation. Those, age 55 or above, who would like to join us, as well as current members, are invited to attend. Additional rehearsals will be held Monday March 9, 16, 23 and 30. 615-654-4145.