Highland Around Town — Feb. 26 edition

Noon Wednesday, Feb. 26, 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. 26:

▪ 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 Monday, 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.

▪ Edwardsville School District #7 Kindergarten Parent Information Night — 6:30-7:30 p.m. LeClaire Elementary, 801 Franklin Ave., Edwardsville. The second 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. 27:

▪ Highland Garden Club — 7 p.m. Korte Recreation Center, 1 Nagel Drive, Highland. Dr. Laura Shipley, D.C., will present “Tips for Pain Free Gardening.” Visitors always welcome.

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

▪ 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.

▪ 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 March 9, 16, 23 and 30. 615-654-4145.

▪ Plethora of Pens — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. Facilitated by Susan Carsell. This writing group encourages each other’s creativity and gives support to one another’s work. Registration required. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org

Tuesday, March 3:

▪ Grief Support Group — 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays through April 21. St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, St. Francis Conference Room, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. An eight-week support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one. There is a $10 fee to cover the cost of materials. To learn more or to register, 618-651-2980 or jean.korte@hshs.org.

▪ Swing Dancing Lessons — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. Taught by David and Tammy of the Midwestern United States Imperial Club. No experience necessary. Ages 18 and older. No partner needed. Partners rotates frequently in class. Progressive format classes so you can get better each class. Registration required. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org

▪ Winter Instrumental Concert — 7:30 p.m. Kaskaskia College Jane Knight Auditorium, 27210 College Road, Centralia. Featuring the Kaskaskia College Concert and Jazz Bands under the direction of Professor Cliff Jourdan. Concert Band Highlights include “The Circus Bee” by Henry Fillmore; “Allegro Barbaro” by Béla Bartok; “Seńor, Seńor (Spanish March) and “Strike Up the Band” by George and Ira Gershwin arranged by Warren Barker; and “The Witch and the Saint” by Steven Reineke. Jazz Band Highlights include “I Get a Kick Out of You” arranged by Dave Wolpe; John Coltrane’s “Blue Train” arranged by Kris Berg; “Mack the Knife (from ‘The Three Penny Opera’) arranged by Mark Taylor; “Basically Blues” by Phil Wilson; and Count Basie’s “April In Paris.” The concert is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, March 4:

▪ Mayhem in the National Parks — 6:30 p.m. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. Enjoy the scenery and general chaos during a 600-mile photo adventure on a mountain bike ride and camping trip from Jackson Hold, Wyoming, to West Glacier, Montana, through Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier national parks, as well as a big chunk of Big Sky Country. See the cycle of life become a cycle of death as nature turns on man and beast alike and eats them for breakfast. Registration required. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org

Saturday, March 7

▪ Heartland Community Chorus First Annual Spring Fling — 5:30 p.m. Lindendale Park ballroom, Highland. Entertainment by the Silver Creek Bluegrass Band. Fund the Need appeal to raise funds for a 2020 Christmas Concert chamber orchestra. Admission is $25. Reservations can be made at www.heartlandcommunitychorus.org.

Tuesday, March 10:

▪ Annual Cleaning of Buck Road Cemetery — Buck Road Cemetery, Maryville. The annual cleaning will begin March 10. Any decorations people want to keep need to be removed by this date.

Thursday, March 12:

▪ New to You Accessory Sale — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. A wide variety of gently used purses, wallets, scarves, gloves and jewelry will be available in brand names such as Coach, Michael Kors, Talbots, Vera Wang, Banana Republic and many more. Net proceeds from sale are donated to the HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation to further support health initiatives and purchase equipment for a variety of patient care departments in the hospital. stjosephshighland.org

Friday, March 13:

▪ HSHS Holy Family Hospital Health Fair — 7:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. First Christian Church, 1100 Killarney Drive, Greenville. The Health Fair is open to the public, and the hospital advises people to sign up to reserve a time slot for their tests and screenings. Online registration is now open and will close March 11. Access the registration page by visiting hshsholyfamily.org/healthfair. Walk-ins will also be welcomed from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on the event day.

Saturday, March 14:

▪ Edwardsville FFA Dinner & Auction — 6 p.m. Edwardsville Moose Lodge, 7371 Marine Road, Edwardsville. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. Event includes live auction, silent auction, various raffles. Proceeds support the Edwardsville High School and Middle School FFA programs. FFA members are able to receive scholarships, attend state and national conventions, and participate in educational contests, awards and more. Advanced bidding on specific auction items can be made online by texting the word AUCTION to 210-321-9710. Cost: $25 for adults, $12.50 for children age 5-12. To order tickets, contact FFA Adviser Jaci Jenkins, jjenkins@ecusd7.org or call 618-656-7100 Ext. 20680.

Thursday, March 19:

▪ Celebration of Diversity — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Kaskaskia College, Lifelong Learning Center, 27210 College Road, Centralia. Participants will be treated to a chef’s tasting featuring foods from around the world provided by the KC Culinary Arts students. Also included will be a performance by the KC Concert Choir and a regional arts show in the Dr. Dee and Sue Boswell Art Gallery entitled “Finding Culture through Awareness.” Tickets: $15 adults, $10 children under 12. Tickets limited to 225 people. For information or tickets, please contact Cathy Karrick at 618-545-3182 or ckarrick@kaskaskia.edu. Tickets also available online at tix5.centerstageticketing.com/sites/kaskaskia6

Saturday, March 28:

▪ Center Schools PTO Jukebox Bingo — 7-10 p.m. Firemen’s Hall, Township Park, 610 W. Main, Alhambra. Tickets bought before March 13 will cost $20 each or a table of eight will cost $140. After March 13, cost will be $25 per person and a table of eight will be $150. Free babysitting will be available at the school with ticket purchase if registered by March 20. Contact Megan 618-779-1010 to register. Proceeds to go to Center Schools PTO.

Saturday, April 4, & Sunday, April 5:

▪ ‘Lock in to Stay Out’ — 8 p.m. Saturday to 7:30 a.m. Sunday. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center, Edwardsville. The SIUE School of Pharmacy will engage fifth through eighth grade students in discussions about prescription drug abuse, vaping and the associated dangers in this free overnight education event. Registration forms are available through March 2 at http://siue.edu/pharmacy/about/news/pharmacy-calendar.shtml

This story was originally published February 20, 2020 at 9:50 AM.