Check out the 40 events on this week’s metro-east calendar and make some plans

Noon Friday, Feb. 9, 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.

Submitted event info will be edited and run the week before the event date.

Send event info via email to lifestyle@bnd.com. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.

Events

▪ HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland Auxiliary Used Book Sale — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital-Highland, 12866 Troxler Ave., Highland. For sale are an impressive selection of fiction and nonfiction books, children’s books, cookbooks, puzzles, DVDs, CDs and more. Friday’s afternoon’s sale is a $3 Bargain Bag Sale. For more information, call the St. Joseph’s Hospital Gift Shop at 618-651-2592. All proceeds from the Auxiliary benefit St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland.

▪ 2024 Orchid Show — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily thru Feb. 25 (Orchid Nights Feb 8 & 22). Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. The beloved Orchid Show returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden this winter featuring thousands of vibrant orchid blooms in nearly every color of the rainbow. The show is a once-a-year opportunity to see plants from the Garden’s impressive orchid collection, which includes more than 5,000 individual plants representing nearly 700 unique kinds of orchids. Nearly one in ten orchids in the collection is threatened or endangered. mobot.org

▪ Green Root Gallery: New Featured Artists Opening — 4-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. Green Root Gallery, 125 E. Main St., Belleville. Featuring works by Thomas Dailey, Debbie Williams, Dave Woesthaus and Kim Sampim. Snacks and refreshments provided. greenrootgallery.com

▪ Metro Transit Hiring Event — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Brentwood MetroBus Facility, 3000 S. Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis. Only applicants for Metro Call-A-Ride operator positions and experienced mechanics will be interviewed at this event, with qualified candidates receiving a job offer on the spot. Both of these essential positions qualify for a special $5,000 signing bonus. The signing bonus ends after March 31. Candidates are encouraged to learn more about the Metro Call-A-Ride and mechanics positions and to apply online in advance of the hiring event by visiting WorkAtMetroSTL.com. Applicants should bring their resumes with them on Saturday to make the on-site application process quicker and easier.

▪ 14th annual Chocolate Rendezvous — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. St. Louis Street, Lebanon. Chocolate treats, beverages, shopping, prize raffles and more.

▪ The East Saint Louis Arts and Culture Coalition Sounding Board Event — 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, Building D, Converse Avenue, East St. Louis. Hear feedback from stakeholders with their ideas and expectations about/from the arts and culture in ESL and how they can be used to promote economic and community development to transform these 89 blocks ... one neighborhood at a time. The event will be available via Zoom – the link can be found online at eslacc-esl.org the day of the event.

▪ Madison County Historical Society 2024 Speaker Series: Larry Kinsella — 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. Main Street Community Center, 1003 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Larry Kinsella will give an archaeology presentation and discuss last summer’s “Chip-a-Canoe” project, where volunteers spent 451 hours turning a felled tree into a canoe using only hand-made stone tools. Free and open to the public. madcohistory.org

▪ Black History Month at the Botanical Garden — 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. Missouri Botanical Garden, Lelia J. and David N. Farr Auditorium in the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. The Missouri Botanical Garden will honor Black History Month with special activities throughout February. This week, learn about Edmond Albius, who discovered the technique still used today to pollinate vanilla when he was 12 years old but was never compensated for his contribution to this multi-million-dollar industry. The Garden’s Education team will share his story with engaging activities and takeaways. mobot.org

▪ McKendree University annual Career Fair — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. This event will host 87 employers consisting of companies, organizations, school districts and graduate schools, and it is open to all students, alumni and job seekers. Attendees should wear business attire and can reach out to Career Services at careerservices@mckendree.edu to schedule an appointment for Bogey’s Career Closet so they may choose four free professional clothing items each year. Students should also introduce themselves and provide employers with information about their major, skills and experience. If students need assistance with their resumes, they may also reach out to Career Services. mckendree.edu

▪ 37th annual St. Louis Working Women’s Show — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. St. Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, Missouri. The show’s 2024 celebrity guest is actress and media personality Alison Arngrim, best known as mean girl Nellie Oleson from NBC’s iconic show, “Little House On The Prairie.” Special features include the Wine & Spirits Garden, Pampered in Paradise, Working Women’s Game Show, Maker’s Market and much more. wwssonline.com

Games

▪ 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.

▪ Troy Senior Center Bingo — 12:30 p.m. Mondays. Wiesemeyer Building, 410 Wickliffe, Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.

▪ Friends of the Belleville Public Library Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. 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, silent auction and more. BYO snacks. Soda available for purchase; no alcohol will be sold. Cost: $15 per person with 6-10 players per table. Proceeds will be used to support the Belleville Public Library Children’s reading programs. For reservations: friendsofthebellevillelibrary@gmail.com (confirmation by return email).

Theater/Concerts

▪ St. Paul UCC Fine Arts Series: The Greenleaf Singers — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 W. B St., Belleville. The Greenleaf Singers share a Valentine concert, in costume, of Renaissance music. A light reception will follow the concert. A free-will offering is appreciated.

▪ YWCA Enchanting Winter Movie Night: ‘Sneakerella’ — 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. YWCA, 304 E. Third St., Alton. This modern twist on a classic fairy tale is sure to bring smiles and laughter to every member of the family. Admission: One pair of socks donation for Socks for Tots. Free popcorn and drink, raffle to win diverstory prize. 618-465-7774.

▪ Carmina Burana — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., St. Louis. “O fortuna!” Right from its famous opening notes, Carmina Burana shakes the Stifel to its foundation. These songs of joy, love, and celebration, are sure to give goosebumps. Stéphane’s trilogy of fate features evocative music by Arvo Pärt, Lera Auerbach, and Richard Wagner. slso.org

▪ The Traveling Salvation Show — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. Neil Diamond rocks, and The Traveling Salvation Show will prove it to you. This up-tempo, rock-oriented tribute to the legendary Neil Diamond will have you dancing and singing along to all of the classic hits. The hard-driving band recreates the energy of Neil Diamond’s live arena performances with its own rock flair. Wearing sequins is not required but highly encouraged. For tickets and info: thehett.com.

▪ Saint Louis Chamber Chorus presents ‘The Austro-Hungarian Empire’ — 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. The Shrine of St. Joseph, 1220 N. 11th St., St. Louis. The grandeur that this empire cultivated extended from architecture to music, and included such geniuses as Mozart, Haydn and Johann Strauss. Their motets punctuate the complete Missa Choralis of Franz Liszt, performed in the opulent sanctuary of this historic St. Louis landmark. chamberchorus.org

Clubs & Support Groups

▪ Garden Club of Lebanon — 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12. Horner Park Hall, Lebanon. Learn about different succulent varieties and how to care for them. Meetings are open to all. Additional information available at gardencluboflebanon.org or follow on Facebook.

▪ 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 618-566-8574 or email RLCearnal@gmail.com.

▪ Griefshare Weekly Grief Support Group — 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays thru April 23. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 304 South St., Collinsville. Register at griefshare.org/groups/176845 or by calling 618-344-3145. There are no fees to participate. Childcare is available.

▪ National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Alvin G. Bohley Chapter 1019 — 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. O’Town Food Hall and Tap House, 1214 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. Speaker at noon from Sister Thea Bowman School. All active and retired federal and postal employees are welcome. Meetings held the second Wednesday of each month except for May and December socials. NARFE remains the go-to resource for the federal community. For information, contact James at jbflat2021@gmail.com or call 618-795-5174.

Food

▪ 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.

▪ O’Fallon Knights of Columbus & Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod, tilapia, catfish, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks (Friday only) and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229. facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239

▪ Smoke & Kettle at the KC Club and Event Center — Noon to 8 p.m. KC Club and Event Center, 5420 Old Collinsville Road, O’Fallon. Catfish, cod, shrimp, barbecue and more. Dine in or carryout. facebook.com/KCClubEastStLouis

▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14 and every Friday. 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

▪ New Athens Knights of Columbus Steak Dinner — 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. St. Agatha’s Parish Center, 205 S. Market St., New Athens. Menu consists of grilled ribeye steak, jumbo shrimp, or marinated chicken breasts, baked potatoes or fries, salad bar, coffee or tea. Also available are hamburgers and cheeseburgers. All are welcome.

▪ St. Mary’s Wing Fest — 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. St. Mary’s Church, 1706 W. Main St., Belleville. Pre-orders or carryout orders only. To pre-order, call Ann at 618-910-9850 on or before Saturday, Feb. 10, to receive your pickup time. Eight wings, $12. Flavors: Plain, Buffalo, BBQ, garlic parm, sweet Thai chili and honey hot. Sides: fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings and hush puppies, $3.50 each. Jalapeno poppers, $5.50.

▪ Queen of Peace Fish Fry — 4:30-7:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, and Fridays, March 1 & 15. 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. Desserts and drinks. Dine in/carryout. facebook.com/QPRaiders

Reservation/Registration Required

▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Online via Zoom. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga. Registration required. glencarbonlibrary.org

▪ Paint Your Power Animal — 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. Green Root Gallery, 125 E. Main St., Belleville. Artist Greta Pastorello will help you explore your inner potential and enjoy the process of creative imagination in this painting workshop. Cost: $60. For more info: 618-416-1505. greenrootgallery.com

▪ Meaning: Exploring the Big Questions of the Cosmos with a Vatican Scientist — 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Feb. 13, 20, 27 and March 5. Shrine Visitors Center, King’s House at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 451 S. DeMazenod Drive, Belleville. Explore the big questions of science and religion with a Jesuit astronomer. Br. Guy Consolmagno, SJ, will be our guide in the 12 lectures which constitute this Video Study series, three lectures per session. Cost: $5 per session or $20 for the entire series. Register: https://kh.snows.org/events/2024winter-videostudy-markdean/. Call 618-397-0584 or 618-394-6463 for more info.

▪ AARP Tax Aide — 9-11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16. 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. The volunteers of the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program provide free tax preparation help to anyone. They are especially focused on helping those that are age 50+ and can’t afford a tax preparation service. There is no fee, no sales pitch for other services, and AARP membership is not required. Registration required. Call 618-288-1212 to schedule an appointment during library hours.

▪ Author Talk: ‘The Last Children of Mill Creek’ — 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, St. Louis. Vivian Gibson, author of the book “The Last Children of Mill Creek,” chronicles the everyday lived experiences of her large family and the friends, shop owners, church ladies, teachers, and others who made Mill Creek into a warm, tight-knit African-American community. In her own words, “This memoir is about survival, as told from the viewpoint of a watchful young girl―a collection of decidedly universal stories that chronicle the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.” This program is free with limited availability in person and on Zoom. Reservations must be made in advance at fieldhousemuseum.org.

▪ Grow Native! Native by Design: Landscape Challenges and Native Plant Solutions Workshop — 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 23. LeClaire Room, Lewis and Clark Community College, NO Nelson Campus, 600 Troy Road, Edwardsville. Featured speakers will explore how native plants can be used to address a myriad of landscape challenges. Cost: $30 (for non-members); $25 (for members), $15 for students with valid ID. All levels include breakfast. Register by Feb. 9 at https://bit.ly/3w3m7OJ.

▪ The Power, Presence and Provision of Black Spirituality in a Time of Reflection and Discernment — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S. DeMazenod Drive, Belleville. Join Danielle Harrison as she explores the richness and giftedness of Black Spirituality, and how its embrace of Scripture, Ritual, Community and Justice serves as a refreshing catalyst for experiencing the time of lent. We will spend time reading God’s Word, singing God’s Praises, and responding to God’s call on our life. Cost: $50, includes lunch. To register: 618-397-0584 or snows.org.

▪ 7Hills Student Conference — Friday-Saturday, March 1-2. First Baptist Church O’Fallon, 1111 E. U.S. Highway 50, O’Fallon. Doors open 5:45 p.m. March 1 and 12:45 p.m. March 2. The 7Hills Student Conference seeks to bring together students from the metro east for a weekend filled with the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Over the course of two days, participants will engage in dynamic preaching, authentic worship, challenging breakout sessions, and meaningful community building. This weekend promises to be a unique opportunity for encounter, equipping, and empowerment. Cost: $39/person; $59/person with a conference shirt. For more info: fbcofallon.org/shsc.

▪ Southwestern Illinois College Health Science Day — Friday, March 22. SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. High school students can explore some of the exciting educational and career opportunities offered in the first responder and health science fields. High school students from surrounding areas are invited to the Belleville campus to get a chance to meet SWIC faculty and staff, and learn about the college’s Health Science, Homeland Security, and Business programs. The day will feature a staged car accident that will demonstrate how each profession has an integral part to play in everyday emergencies. Students will get a chance to watch the accident scene unfold, as well as experience what happens to critical patients in a mock Emergency Room. Not only will students get to experience what it is like working in the field, they will also have an opportunity to speak with potential employers and work with college faculty performing hands-on activities in Health Science disciplines in SWIC’s state-of-the-art labs. To register for this free event, visit https://swic.tfaforms.net/217806.