The Metro East Messenger 10.7.22 Issue

Upcoming Local Events

Live Music Every Weekend at The Cabin at Judy Creek, 3730 S. State Rte. 157, Glen Carbon. Upcoming music: 10/7 Mid Life Duo, 10/8 The Shirts, 10/9 Hunter Peebles. Follow their Facebook page for more updates.

Marine City Wide Garage Sales, Oct. 6th 8th, 7am 2pm. Sponsored by the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce. For an interactive map of the garage sales, go to https://www.troymaryvillecoc.com/city wide garage sale.

“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” Free Movie, Oct. 6th, 7pm, Collins House, Collinsville. Bring your blankets, chairs, snacks, and drinks uptown for an outdoor movie night! No registration required. Sponsored by the Collinsville Parks and Rec.

Family Movie Night in the Park Showing “Sing 2”, Oct. 7th, 6pm, O’Fallon Community Park. Join O'Fallon Parks & Recreation for our Family Night In the Park! We will have yard games and activities starting at 6pm. The O'Fallon Public Library & Cornerstone Church will also be bringing fun activities for everyone.

Art in the Park, Oct. 7th 9th, Lindendale Park, Highland. Indoor and Outdoor Art in the Park is open to all to view and buy art. Kids Kreation area for kids to make art. Art Gallery...Just for Kids to buy art. There will also be live music and food.

O’Fest 2022, Oct. 7th 9th, Olde Wicks Factory, Highland. Hosted by the Olde Wicks Factory & Schlafly Brewery.It promises to be “The Wurst Party Ever!” Beer, food and lots of live music! Food by Korte Meet Processing and The Fainting Goat. Get $20 advanced tickets at bit.ly/3R2qqhZ. $25 ticket at the door. Ticket price includes all access pass for three days to 7 bands, souvenir beer stein, and $5 draft refills. Featuring music by Heartbreak Line, The Gusto, Alex & Jesse, Benders & Backroads, All Mixed Up, and Me ‘N D.

For as long as Lynsey Fuegner can remember, she has loved animals of all shapes, sizes, and species. She always knew she wanted a career doing something with animals. This passion led her to open Benny’s Bed and Biscuits, at 2330 South Center Street in Maryville, in 2019. But her “tail” with animals began long before that. We recently caught up with Lynsey to learn more about her story and everything there is to know about this popular grooming, boarding and training business.

Lynsey completed a trade school program for dog training in 2003 and soon after that began a career as a dog trainer. She worked for a few existing businesses, and with each company gained experience and insight on how she would do things if the business was her own. In 2011, she founded Infinite Pawsibilities, a dog training business in O’Fallon, MO. In 2014, she went in with a partner and opened a cageless boarding and daycare facility in St. Charles, MO. These experiences helped in her journey of owning her own business, Benny’s Bed and Biscuits, and being able to offer expertise services in pet lodging, day camp, grooming, and training.

Lynsey first purchased the Maryville property in February 2019. It was previously known as Cindy’s Critter Camp. The previous owner stayed on staff for a short time before retiring, but once the business became Benny’s Bed and Biscuits, there were quite a few changes and improvements that were implemented making it the successful business it is today.

We asked Lynsey what makes Benny’s different than other local grooming, boarding and training businesses? She said, “We keep our staff number small. This allows us to get to know and bond with all the animals in our care. We also have the facilities to offer dogs both inside and outside areas any time that they like. Our lodging accommodationsgive each pet their own private indoor condo with access to a partially covered private patio. Another difference is I also live onsite, which allows us to be staffed 24/7 so that the pets are never

without supervision and care.”

Lynsey only hires staff that are true animal lovers and have experience as pet owners. She said, “We pride ourselves in how we treat every pet in our care as if they were our own. All our staff members get to know the pets that come into our care. They continuously interact with every animal throughout the day to make sure that they are eating, drinking, and otherwise as comfortable as can be in our care.”

Benny’s uses a closed network company digital message board, called Slack, to communicate everything going on throughout the facility to make sure that everyone is up to date on any matter concerning the animals and for communication with their owners. They also have a secure client portal on their website to manage reservations, customer and pet info, payment and additional communication.

Lynsey and her staff also support the local community by working directly with the City of Maryville as a drop off point for stray and lost animals that are picked up by the Maryville Police Department. Lynsey stated, “These pets are usually someone’s pet, so we make sure that they are cared for until their owners can be found. In the rare chance that any of the strays brought to us are homeless, we work with a few local rescues to make sure that a good home is found.”

In addition to helping lost pets and strays in the community, Lynsey and her staff also work closely with a few rescues (Mastino, Pound Pets Inc, Metro East

Society, Found a Hound, and a few others) by lodging, grooming, and training the animals to help them find forever homes.

We asked Lynsey about the biggest challenge of being in the pet care industry. She said the biggest hurdle is helping pet owners overcome their fear of leaving their pets with others. Lynsey stated, “Many people avoid lodging their pets because they fear that they will be locked up all day and not interacted with, but this is far from the case. All our staff members are animal lovers and do the best that we can to make sure that the pets in our care are spoiled as if they were our own. They are given full access to their indoor condos and outdoor patios. And we only close them during inclement weather. We also do additional group and one on one playtimes, as well as enrichment activities for every pet that stay with us.“

Lynsey also said, “Our DayCamp program is unique to this area because it follows the standards for behavioral wellness. All our DayCamp staff are trained to read and understand canine body language. DayCamp groups are assigned based on age, size, and play style to make sure that all the dogs in our care get the most out of their DayCamp experience.” Benny’s also has a new “Perfect Puppy” training program coming out soon that will encompass all the services that they offer. Be sure to follow their social media pages about the “Perfect Puppy” program and everything that’s going on at Benny’s Bed and Biscuits!

Want to learn more about Benny’s Bed and Biscuits? Call today to schedule a tour of the facility and meet the staff!

Upcoming Local Events

38th Annual Chili Cook Off,Oct. 7th & 8th, Main St, Belleville. Hosted by the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, the Annual Chili Cook off has featured the culinary creations of individuals, local organizations, and area businesses for more than 39 years! For more info, go to bit.ly/bvillechili.

9th Annual Chili Chase 5K Run/Walk & Kids Pepper Dash, Oct. 8th, 9 11am, Belleville. The Kid's Pepper Dash is open to all kids 12 and under who are just not quite ready to run/walk a full 5K. They will dash down Main Street from Church Street to Charles and back. All participants will receive a medal. Registration Fee: Adults $25. Kids Pepper Dash $5 (13 &under). Register at bit.ly/3xZP6Ad.

Fall Festival, Oct. 8th, 4 8pm, Rock Springs Park, O’Fallon. Sponsored by the O’Fallon Parks & Recreation. Live music, games, prizes, hayride, maze, bonfire, smores, hot cocoa. Hi Point food for sale.

Witches & Wizards Festival, Oct. 8th, 4 9pm, Downtown District, O’Fallon. Witches and Wizards ages 21 and up will gather to shop at our Witches Market as well as witness all kinds of entertaining performances and happenings. There will be food vendors, entertainers and much more. Get your tickets at refinerysalon1.com/event details/witches wizards festival 2022.

VFW Post 976 1st Annual Oktoberfest! Oct. 8th, 12 10:30pm, west side of Tri Township Park District. This open to the community event is a family friendly, free to enter celebration to bring our communities together and raise money for a great cause. Events include live music, free games and bounce house, stein hoisting competition, keg toss challenge, bags tournament, vendors, and food.

Upcoming Local Events

Fall Craft Fair, Oct. 15th, 8am 2pm, Tri Township Activity Center, 410 Wickliffe St, Troy. Hand crafted items, antiques, and yard sale booths.

Kellsie's Hope Foundation 5k Race and Kids' Dashes ~11th Annual~, Oct. 15th, 8:30am, Drost Park, Maryville. All proceeds benefit Kellsie’s Hope Foundation. Giving hope to families suffering from childhood cancer through wish granting and supporting childhood cancer research. Timing by Toolen’s Running Start. We are excited for the debut of the 200 Meter Kids’ Dashes for children ages 10 and under! After the race, join us at the Kiwanis Fall Festival at Fireman’s Park, featuring food, fun, and more! For more info, go to bit.ly/3RGr2dA.

2022 Mascoutah Fall Festival/Chili Cook Off/CarShow, Oct. 15th. The Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Fall Fest, Chili Cook off & Car Show on Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 10am 4pm on Main Street in downtown Mascoutah. The chili cook off will be from 11am 3:00pm. Howl-o-ween Open House & Adoption Event, Oct. 15th, 10am 1pm, Partner 4 Pets. Bring the kids and the pets. No Tricks, Just Treats. Trick or Treating Map, Crafts & Games, Balloon Artist, Face Painter, DJ, Costumes Encouraged, Facility Tours. Eat , Drink & Be Scary, Hot dogs & chips, Popcorn, Vampire Donuts & Ice Cold Beer from Recess Brewing. Thanks to Sponsors, Pet adoptions for event will be reduced to $25.00! 100% of event proceeds to Partners for Pets.

Spooky Scavenger Haunt, The Great Inflatable Race, Annual Chili Cook Off, Oct. 15th, 11 3pm, Civic Park, downtown Granite city in “The District.” No registration required. Just show up and have fun! Brought to you by the City of Granite City. For more info, contact bwhitaker@granitecity.illinois.gof

Upcoming Local Events

Downtown Alton Chili Cook Off,Oct. 15th, 12 3pm. Rain or shine on the Riverfront in Argosy Casino’s Valet Parking Lot on Piasa St. Tickets will only be available at the door: $10.00 for adults & $5.00 for kids 12 & under. Your ticket gains you a sample of chili from each team. LIVE MUSIC from Big George Jr. and the NGK Band!

Bark In The Park At Kiwanis Fall Festival, Oct. 15th, 1 3pm Firemen's Park, 300 N. Donk Ave, Maryville. Family friendly event. Food Trucks on site, Cindy’s petting zoo, pony rides, bounce house, pumpkin painting, face painting, firefighter's obstacle course, games, crafts, dog costume contest.

Harry Potter Party, Oct. 15th, 1 3pm, Glen Carbon Library. Get ready for a magical time at Hogwarts! We’ll have activities and treats to excite every witch and wizard, as well as a performance from the talented Edwardsville High School Drama Club! Registration is required for supplies. Please register each attendee as we do have room limits. Register at bit.ly/3QYdvxJ

Family Campout 2022, Oct. 15th, Joe Glik Park, Edwardsville. Come join the Edwardsville Parks and Recreation Department for the 8th Annual Family Camp Out this October 2022. Enjoy a rare opportunity to sleep under the stars at Joe Glik Park and take part in other outdoor activities. Whether you are an experienced camper or are looking for an activity to share with your family, this is your opportunity to camp in one of Edwardsville's great parks. Each family must pre register by October 8th. Call (618) 692 7539 for more information.

30th Annual Leclaire Parkfest, Oct. 16th, 12 5pm, 900 Hale Ave, Edwardsville. Each year, Leclaire Parkfest attracts approximately 5,000 people to enjoy live music, festival food, a beer and wine garden, craft booths, a used book sale benefiting the American Cancer Society, children’s activities, a vintage vehicle exhibit and trolley tours of the Leclaire National Historic District. Proceeds help fund planning, promotion and execution of the festival and the preservation and beautification of public spaces in Leclaire, including the park grounds and the Edwardsville Children’s Museum.

Halloween Dog Costume Contest/Craft & Car Show, Oct. 16th, 11am, Collinsville American Legion Post 365. Join us for a great day of cars, crafts, concessions, and costumed dogs! For more info, go to their Facebook page.

Community Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 20th, 5 7pm, Glidden Park, Collinsville. Bring your little ghouls and goblins to a special trunk or treat! If your business or organization is interested in having a spot, please call the activity center at (618) 346 7529.

Haunted Corn Maze, Oct. 21st & 22nd, 7 10pm, Rinkel Pumpkin Farm.

Recommended for ages 12 & up due to the attractions. Price $6 a person. Randy’s BBQ and kettle corn for sale.

Upcoming Local Events

YMCA Fall Festival, Oct. 21st, 6 8pm, O’Fallon YMCA. Join us for our annual YMCA Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat! This event is fun for the whole family! We will have Trunk or Treating, games, food trucks, inflatables, and more. This is a FREE* community event. *Food Trucks do have fees associated with purchases.

Edwardsville Que & Brew Festival, Oct. 22nd & 23rd. The inaugural Edwardsville Que & Brew Festival will take place in City Park in downtown Edwardsville,IL. The festival will feature a Pro Series & Backyard BBQ competition sanctioned by the St. Louis BBQ Society as well as a craft beer festival! Proceeds from the event will benefit the Que & Brew Festival Fund at the Edwardsville Community Foundation. Additional information at www.edwqueandbrew.com.

Witches Night Out, Oct. 22nd, 4 9pm, Miner Park, Glen Carbon. Calling all Witches! Grab your broomsticks and fly on over to Glen Carbon, IL for a night full of dancing, shopping, eating, and, of course, MAGIC! This is a ticketed fundraiser for those 21 and over. We're popping up with lots of new goodies this year purchased specifically to release at this event! Several wonderful local vendors and handmade artisans, as well as delicious food and drinks, will be setting up shop for this event. For tickets, go to www.edglenjuniorservice.org/witches night out 2022.

Adventure Night, Oct. 22nd, 5 8pm, Pavilion 6, Tri Township Park District, Troy. Face painter, balloon artist, games, food, hayrides, and much more. Come dressed in your spookiest costumes and join the fun. Hosted by the Tri Township Park District.

The Ghouls Night Out! Oct. 22nd, 6 10pm, Downtown District, Granite City. Have a ghoulish good time! Rocket Ride “Kiss Tribute” band takes stage at 7pm. Food and drinks available. Sponsored by the City of Granite City.

Upcoming Local Events

Boot Scootin’ Barn Dance, Oct. 22nd, 6-10pm, Willoughby Farms, Collinsville. Come visit the Farm and dance in the barn ya'll for a fun fall family night! Line Dance Lessons at 7:00 and line dance DJ Mike from Dancing Boots Line Dance Group will play your favorite line dance music! Bonfire, food truck and cash bar. $10 at the door (cash only).

Family Movie Night on EAWR Football Field, Oct. 22nd, 7pm, East Alton Wood River High School football field. Join us for a season favorite, Disney's “Hocus Pocus!” The movie is sponsored by Mason Mansion & Wood River Enrichment Network in memory of Harry & Nick Mason. Gates will open at 6pm and movie will start at 7pm. We encourage all joining us for the evening to bring a canned good that will be placed in the Blessing Boxes at Wood River Public Library and in East Alton's Community Garden.

Chamber’s Got Talent, Oct. 28th, 5pm, Gateway Convention Center. TMSM Chamber's Got Talent is open to the public and is the Chamber's first Fundraiser since 2019! We will have Live Auctions, Silent Auctions, Raffles, & Community Awards. Catering by Cygan Delaney Catering. Bar provided by Old Herald Brewery. Tickets include attendance, dinner & dessert, entertainment, auctions and group photos. $60/Individual, $270/Private table of 6. For tickets, go to troymaryvillecoc.com/chambers got talent.

Downtown Trick or Treat, Oct. 28th, 5:30 7:30pm. Free hot dogs, treats and drinks throughout the designated downtown Belleville area. For children 12 and under, wearing a costume and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Sponsored by the City of Belleville.

Trunk or Treat, Oct. 28th, 6 8:30pm, St. Jacob Elementary School. Join us for games, food, treats, prizes and more. Want to have a Trunk? Email stj.pto@tcusd2.org.

Upcoming Local Events

Halloween Party In The Park, Oct. 29th, City Park, Edwardsville. 10am: Community Candy Walk, trick or treat around City Park. 12pm: Costume Contest (all age groups, pets and groups). 12:30 2:30pm: Downtowntrick or treating.

Halloween Festival, Oct. 29th, 4 9pm, Wilson Park, Granite City. Mark your calendars! Different community groups will be set up throughout the Park to pass out candy and there will be different activities along the way!

Nightmare on Niedringhaus, Oct 29th, 11am 3pm, The Downtown District, Granite City. A kid's costume parade, contest, prizes, candy, games and a DJ. Sponsored by the City of Granite City.

Halloween Hunt Pub Crawl, Oct. 29th, 5 8pm, Downtown O’Fallon. Solve puzzles, riddles & find hidden clues while bar hopping with your friends for a chance to win The Halloween Hunt! Sign up your team at bit.ly/3BVBPMj. $100 per team.

Lebanon’s annual Witches Night Out 2022, Oct. 30th, 5 9pm, W. St. Louis St, Lebanon. Grab your Ghoul and Boil friends and head to historic Lebanon for a night of dining, drinks, entertainment and shopping on The Brick Street. Dance your cares away with our DJ Chris. Get a Tarot card reading or Reiki Session in with Riv. Do some yoga before the fun begins with your witch crew. We have restaurants, bars, and food trucks so there will be plenty to eat. We also host a killer costume contest that has a cackle category that anyone can enter.

Edwardsville Halloween Parade, Oct. 31st, 6:30pm, Downtown Edwardsville. This year’s theme is “Back to the 80’s”.

Alton Halloween Parade 2022, Oct. 31st, 7pm, BroadwaySt, Alton. The parade will begin at the corner of Washington Avenue and Broadway and continues Broadway to Piasa Street. The parade will then turn right onto Piasa to 9th Street.

Spooky Popcorn Spider Web

(Family Features) From watching scary movies to dressing up as ghouls and goblins, spooky season means it’s time to pop up your loved ones’ favorite snacks for a ghostly good time. Before heading out to trick or treat, gather your minions in the kitchen for some family friendly fun crafting these haunting yet tasty treats. Find more Halloween treats at popcorn.org.

Spooky Popcorn Spider Web

Yield: 1 spider web

¼ cup butter

8 cups mini marshmallows, divided

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

9 cups popped popcorn, divided

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided black string licorice candy eyes

Line round pizza pan with parchment paper; set aside. In large saucepan over low heat, melt butter; stir in 5 cups marshmallows, stirring constantly, 3 4 minutes, or until completely melted. Stir in vanilla. Remove from heat. Stir in 8 cups popcorn until coated. Spread onto prepared pizza pan in irregular round shape, about 1 inch thick, to resemble spider web. Refrigerate about 15 minutes, or until firm.

In microwave,melt remaining marshmallows about 20 seconds, or until melted. Using spatula, string strands of melted marshmallowover popcorn spider web to create cobweb effect.

In heatproof bowl set over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt 3/4 cup chocolate chips; cool slightly. In large bowl of remaining popcorn, pour chocolate over popcorn, folding gently to coat. Spread mixture on waxed paper lined baking sheet, separating into eight small clusters. Affix two candy eyes to each popcorn cluster. Refrigerate 10 15 minutes, or until set.

Melt remaining chocolate chips. Cut licorice into 1 inch lengths. Using small spoon, dab circles of chocolate onto spider web. Affix chocolate coated popcorn onto chocolate circles. Affix licorice lengths to chocolate popcorn clusters to resemble spider legs. Refrigerate 15 minutes, or until set. To serve, cut into smaller pieces.