Lenten fish fries, beer festival, games & candidate forums highlight this week’s calendar
Noon Friday, March 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. Submitted event info will be edited and run 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.
Highlighted Events
▪ Pack the House! Without Limits SO Cheer Team Fundraiser — 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 21., The Edge, 701 South Belt West, Belleville. Help send the local team to Germany as they represent the U.S. at the Special Olympics. Pay $30 for a Laser Tag wristband, go-karts and bumper cars, and $14 goes back to Without Limits SO Cheer Squad. Plus, 10% of food and drink tabs. In addition, for every ticket sold to the movie “Champions,” The EDGE will donate $1.
Events
▪ Candidate Forum — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16. City Council Chambers, 255 S. Lincoln, O’Fallon. Aldermanic candidates for Wards 2, 3, 4 invited. A Forum Moderator will introduce all candidates, ask questions, manage time, and maintain proper decorum. The public is invited to attend the Forum; seating will be limited. O’Fallon Broadcast details coming soon. Please feel free to contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 618-632-3377 with any questions.
▪ Fairview Heights Library Book Sale — 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18 and Monday, March 20. Basement of the Fairview Heights Library, 10017 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Items individually priced on Friday, $5 bag sale on Saturday and $1 bag sale on Monday. Sponsored by the Friends of the Fairview Heights Library.
▪ Carlyle Lake Christmas Tree Recycling/Fish Habitat Improvement Project — 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18. Allen Branch Boat Ramp, Eldon Hazlet State Park, Carlyle. Volunteers needed to assist with the annual spring Christmas tree recycling/fish habitat improvement project. The trees will be used to form fish reef structures in Carlyle Lake, which will provide breeding areas and protection for young fish. Volunteers are needed to assist with the placement of the trees, helping Park Rangers build tree reefs, or by supplying boats to place the trees in the lake. 618-594-2484, ext. 2 or carlylelake@usace.army.mil.
▪ Metals & Electronics Recycle Drive — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 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.
▪ Metro East Model Railroad Club Spring Open House — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18. 180 Summit St., Glen Carbon. Visitors are welcome to view trains running on the Club’s 18x27-foot HO scale model railroad. Admission is free. For more information, please call Bob at 618-476-9228, or Bill at 618-531-1589, or check the web site at trainweb.org/memrc.
▪ Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 19. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Doors open at 9 a.m. Book donations accepted 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and during the book sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.
▪ Buzz’d Beer Festival 2023 — 1-5 p.m. Sunday, March 19. The Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton. Celebrate the 8th Anniversary of The Old Bakery Beer Company at the Buzz’d Beer Festival. Tickets provide samples of over 50 different beers (and ciders and seltzers) from over a dozen different local breweries, a commemorative glass, live music and an overall good time. Each brewery will have one offering that features flowers, honey or fruit in part of our effort to educate about and celebrate the importance of insect pollinators. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Ten percent of ticket sales will be donated to the Piasa Palisades Sierra Club. Food in line with the theme will be available for purchase, and live music will set the mood for the day. https://bit.ly/3F32MyT
▪ Polka Dance — 2-5 p.m. Sunday, March 19. Highland Knights of Columbus, 12454 IL Route 143, Highland. Doors open at 1 p.m. Live music by Josef Polach and the St. Louis Express. Cash bar, kitchen open. No carry-ins. Admission: $10.
▪ East St. Louis Candidate Forum — 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21. Macedonia Baptist Church of East St. Louis, 1400 E. Broadway, East St. Louis. Get answers to your questions from your future public officials: mayor, councilman, school board and treasurer. Registration and questions for public officials: https://bit.ly/3F42LL5.
▪ Belleville City Council Ward 7 Candidate Forum — 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 21. Douglas Elementary School, 125 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. Hosted by the Highland Neighborhood Association. The candidates are Phil Elmore, the incumbent, and Kristen Crockett. The election is April 4.
Worth the Drive
▪ Dr. Frank Brecht Buggy on Display at the Edward Amburg History Museum — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays and holiday Mondays. Edward Amburg History Museum, 950 E. Main St., Grafton. Dr. Brecht was educated in Chicago public schools before attending St. Louis University in St. Louis. He received his Doctor of Medicine in 1895. He and his family resided in Brussels and Grafton for most of his professional career. Dr. Brecht used the buggy as he visited his patients in Jersey and Calhoun Counties. He died in 1942 and is buried in Scenic Hills Cemetery in Grafton.
▪ River-to-River Trail Society Free Guided Hike: Benham Ridge to One Horse Gap (Pope County) — 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25. Shelter #2, Dixon Springs State Park, 982 IL-146, Golconda. Led by Shawn Gossman, 618-694-7034. These hikes are of at least moderate difficulty, and are intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Boots or sturdy shoes and a walking stick are recommended for all hikes. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please. Free and open to the public. No reservations required. rivertorivertrail.net
Games
▪ Euchre — 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 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.
▪ 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. Tri-Township Park, Wiesemeyer Building, 410 Wickliffe St., Troy. Includes light snack, cash prizes. No cost to play, no RSVP required. 618-667-2022.
▪ Bunco Party — 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23. St. James Parish Center, 405 Madison St., Millstadt. Registration at 6:30 p.m. Includes 50/50 drawing, homemade dessert buffet. Everyone wins a prize. Tickets are $10 and available at the door. Proceeds benefit the Meal Program at Millstadt Township Senior Center. 618-476-3731.
▪ Scotch Doubles Bowling Fundraiser — 9 p.m. Saturday, March 25. Camelot Bowl, 801 Beltline Road, Collinsville. Prizes for top three games and top three series. Every bowler receives an attendance prize. Cost: $32 per couple. Sponsored by Diamond Cats Ladies Softball Team. 618-345-1239 or sportyone58@yahoo.com.
▪ Belleville Historical Society Trivia Night — 7 p.m. Friday, March 31. Union United Methodist Church, 721 E. Main St., Belleville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Silent auction, 50/50 raffle, alive-or-dead and heads-tails contests, survivor round. Soda available and free water but no alcohol. Former BND Answer Man Roger Schlueter will emcee. Cost: $20 per person, tables up to eight players. For reservations: Larry Betz, 618-531-7753. Sponsored by Belleville Historical Society.
Theater/Concerts
▪ Belleville West Little Theatre: ‘Over the Tavern’ — 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16. Belleville West Performing Arts Center, 4063 Frank Scott Parkway West. Belleville West Little Theatre presents “Over the Tavern” by Tom Dudzock for this year’s annual contest drama. Tickets are $5 for students, $7 for adults. facebook.com/BellevilleWestLittleTheatre
▪ Hard Road Theatre Productions: ‘Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville’ — 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 19. The Olde Wicks Factory, 1100 Fifth St., Highland. A musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, this hilarious, heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for. Tickets available at hardroad.org or at the Louis Latzer Library.
▪ Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock and Roll, Part 2 — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll uses fascinating stories and groundbreaking music to pay tribute to iconic rock stars and groups. With a cast consisting of stars from Broadway’s greatest rock musicals and incredible rock singers, Berg shares the often-unknown stories from the 50-year history of the music that changed the world forever. thehett.com
Clubs & Support Groups
▪ 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.
▪ 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
▪ O’Fallon Fish K of C 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 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 8 p.m. Fridays. 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. 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. 618-632-5222 or facebook.com/KCClubEastStLouis.
▪ St. Mary’s St. Patrick’s Day Dinner — 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, March 17. St. Mary’s Church, 1706 W. Main St., Belleville. Corned beef dinner and reuben sandwiches. Drive-thru - dinners only. Indoor - full menu, desserts, beer. Cash and credit cards accepted.
▪ Highland Knights of Columbus Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Highland Knights of Columbus, 12454 IL Route 143, Highland. Fried and baked fish, fried shrimp, chicken strip dinners, two sides from fries, cole slaw, macaroni salad, applesauce, plus hush puppies, bread, iced tea, coffee. Cash bar. facebook.com/HighlandKnightsofColumbusCouncil1580
▪ Maryville MPH Church Knights of Columbus Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. MPH Parish Center, 200 N. Lange, Maryville. Costs: $12 for two pieces of cod fish, choice of fries or onion rings, cole slaw (homemade), bread, two hush puppies (homemade) and a drink; $8 for one piece of cod fish, fries or onion rings, cole slaw, bread, two hush puppies and a drink. mph.dio.org
▪ St. Joseph Church Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays through March 31. St. Joseph’s Parish Center, 6 N. Alton St., Freeburg. Fried cod loins (plate, sandwich or pound), baked cod, shrimp, green beans, fries, homemade slaw, stewed tomatoes, mac and cheese. Orders taken in person or by calling 618-539-4720. Sponsored by the Support Committee.
▪ St. Henry Lenten Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. Fridays through April 7. Msgr. Voss Parish, 5303 W. Main St., Belleville. Fried cod, baked salmon, fried shrimp, cole slaw, French fries, onion rings, mac n’ cheese, hush puppies, spaghetti, soup, dessert. Cash or credit cards accepted. Dine in and carryout. No call-in orders. 618-233-2423.
▪ Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. 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
▪ Friday Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Fridays. Millstadt Sportsmen’s Club, 4915 Schmidt Lane, Belleville. Cod, shrimp, walleye, salmon patties. Carryouts available. 618-476-1891.
▪ St. Joseph Lenten Fish Fry — 5-7 p.m. Fridays through March 31. 901 N. Alton St., Lebanon. Fried cod, catfish, shrimp, French fries, cole slaw, potato salad, applesauce and desserts. Dine in or carry out.
▪ 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
▪ Quail Club Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays through April 7. Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Church Road, Belleville. Cod cut-ups, walleye, shrimp, burgers. Sides and desserts available. Carryout available. No phone orders. quailclub.com/fish-fry
▪ Smithton Turner Hall Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. 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.
▪ O’Fallon Moose Lodge 2608 BBQ — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18. American Legion Post, 109 N. Penn St., O’Fallon. Dine in or carryout. Proceeds will be donated to Without Limits Dance Company, an inclusive group for special needs individuals through dance–cheer–sports. 618-632-8879.
▪ Pancake & Sausage Brunch — 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 19. St. John United Church of Christ, 55 W. Church, Mascoutah. Cost: $8 adults, $5 kids 4-10. Proceeds to benefit local charities.
▪ Aviston American Legion Spring Pork Sausage & Roast Beef Dinner — 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 19. Aviston American Legion, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Menu: Whole-hog pork sausage, roast beef, mashed potatoes/gravy, sauerkraut, green beans, applesauce, dessert. Carryouts made to order, sitdown dining available. 618-228-7311.
▪ Immanuel United Church of Christ-Hamel Chicken Dinner — 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 19. Immanuel United Church of Christ-Hamel, 5838 Staunton Road, Edwardsville. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, slaw and applesauce. Drive-thru and carryout only. Cost: $12 per meal. Raffle: queen-size quilt, 32-inch TV, Easter table runner, $50 gift card. 618-633-2277.
Reservations Required
▪ AARP Tax Aide — 9-11:30 a.m. Fridays, March 17, 24 & 31 (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
▪ Holly’s House of Hope presents An Evening of Hope — 3-6 p.m. Saturday, March 18. Fox Creek Golf Course, 6555 Fox Creek Drive, Edwardsville. Holly’s House of Hope, a non-profit organization focused on helping uniquely abled young adults build skills and find apprenticeship opportunities in the community, hosts its inaugural “An Evening of Hope” gala. Attendees will be served food and can participate in a silent auction, network, attend client-based fashion show and hear inspiring stories from clients of the organization. Tickets for the event can be purchased on Eventbrite and start at $50 for a single ticket and $350 for tables of eight. hollyshouseofhope.org
▪ Medicare Q&A with Jon Bergmann — 6-7 p.m. Monday, March 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. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org.
▪ Virtual Evening Flow Yoga — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 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.
▪ Memorial Foundation’s Un!que Spirits & Sweets — 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23. Spaces, 207 E. Main St., Belleville. Enjoy various spirit samples, sweets and heavy hor d’oeuvres. Cash bar. Tickets are $75 per person. https://bit.ly/3ZNqBmO
▪ Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga — 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 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.
▪ Community Link Run for Possibilities Gala — 5 p.m. Saturday, April 1. American Legion, 575 N. Main St., Breese. The evening will kick off with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. The silent auction, photo booth, and horse wheel will be available. Dinner, catered by Cygan and Delaney, will begin at 6 p.m. with the games and celebration commencing about 7:15 p.m. The night will round out with a live auction followed by the drawings for the race winners at 10:15 p.m. For tickets and info: commlink.org/gala.
▪ The Nature Institute Discovery Day Camp — Monday, June 5 through Friday, Aug. 4. The Nature Institute, 2213 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey. A premier nature camp experience for children in the riverbend area. Children hike the trails, play in the creek, and search for native plants and animals. This year TNI is making camp better than ever with more spots for our most popular age groups, a return of the long night, and a camp out option for middle schoolers. 618-466-9930 or thenatureinstitute.org/camp23.
