In This Issue Dear Metro East Messenger Readers, As we continue to shelter-in-place, we are doing our best at The Metro East Messenger to provide you with helpful resources to get you through this difficult time. We look forward to the future when things are back to normal and we can give you info about the fun and exciting local events. In the meantime, be well and thank you for supporting and reading our publication! How To Help Small Businesses Right Now
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Tips For Working At Home
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Tips For The Juiciest Baked Chicken
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Using Pantry Items For Cleaning Supplies
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Tips for Staying Healthy At Home
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Local Business Directory
8-10
Local Food Pantry Information
12-13
Easter Word Search Puzzle
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Classic Carrot Cake Recipe
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Classic Carrot Cake Recipe On Page 15
Learn How You Can Help Local Food Pantries Page 12-13
Resources, Restaurants List & Word Search Inside!
We Are Open For Curbside Carry Out Orders! Call Ahead At (618)344-9875 McDill’s Irish Pub 334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL Follow Us On Facebook For Updates and Specials!
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How To Help Small Businesses Right Now Buy Gift Cards, Shop Later- This dramatic drop in business can be devastating for small businesses especially. Think of a few of your favorite places, especially ones that you probably would have visited during this time anyway, like restaurants, nail and hair salons, etc, and purchase gift cards. The business will get the financial boost now, and you’ll have something to look forward to when activities resume. Order Takeout or Delivery- Restaurants are closed for dine-in services, but quite a few local spots are offering take-out and delivery options. Challenge your self to ordering take out or delivery at least once a week. You could even turn it into a fun activity with the kids (or a home date night) by making tweaks in your house to feel more restaurant-like. Change up your dinner routine by getting out the fancy dishes, playing background music, setting out coloring pages for the kids during appetizers, or getting dressed up for the meal. Make it a fun experience! Leave a Review- Show your favorite local spots some love with a positive review! This doesn’t cost you anything, is sure to make them smile, and it helps other people know of your great experience when things are open again. Here are a few places to leave reviews/comments: Facebook, Angie’s List, Foursquare, OpenTable and Yelp. www.metroeastmessenger.com
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Tips for Working From Home • “Go” to work. Try to keep the same routines you had before. If you have to be logged in to your computer at 8am, don’t wake up at 7:59. Give yourself time to wake up, shower and eat breakfast.
• The next rule of working from home: never wear pajamas or sweatpants. Putting comfortable work clothes on will help you maintain a sense of control and normality during these stressful times when we feel like things are not in our control. • If possible, designate an area for work, as opposed to using your kitchen table or bed. Pick a place that’s well-lit with a decent chair (preferably not a couch). And don’t forget the little things like getting a real mouse. Laptop trackpads just don’t cut it and could lead to mistakes. An external keyboard is a great idea also. • If you have trouble focusing or blocking out background noises, try using headphones with a white noise app or try this listening to this white noise video on YouTube https://bit.ly/3bP55Vm. • Set boundaries with work. It’s important to completely log off when your workday is over. Then put your laptop and materials away, if possible. Otherwise, work life bleeds into home life physically and mentally. www.metroeastmessenger.com
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Tips For The Juiciest Baked Chicken The try these tried and true 4 tips to make sure your chicken comes out juicy and flavorful every time! Instructions: 1. Brine the chicken. Place 4 chicken breasts in a large bowl. Pour 4 cups lukewarm water in a separate large cup or bowl and add 1/4 cup salt; stir to dissolve. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts and set aside for 20 to 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. 2. Rinse off the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish, coat with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. 3. Bake the chicken uncovered at 425˚F until internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Thinner breasts will need less time, thicker breasts might need a little more time in the oven. Start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the drippings from the pan. 4. When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and baste it again with the drippings. Cover and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. Slice, serve and enjoy! Pro Tip! Bake a batch early in the week to help with meal prep. Dice the chicken to add it to chef salads, sandwich wraps or a creamy chicken salad. You can also season half (before baking) with chili powder and cumin and make quick tacos and chicken quesadillas. Season the other half with basil and oregano and toss with cooked pasta and jarred sauce for a quick Italian pasta lunch. Either way, it’s a great protein to keep ready to go in the fridge! www.metroeastmessenger.com
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Using Pantry Items For Cleaning Supplies Coronavirus stockpiling has made it very difficult to find our usual cleaning products lately. Here are some ways to clean your home with staples you probably already have in your pantry. (Note: These are not tested for killing viruses.)
Distilled Vinegar-Get an empty spray bottle and fill it with a ratio of two parts vinegar to one-part water. Shake and use like you would any multi-purpose spray (do not use on marble, granite or soapstone surfaces). Cleaning vinegar can also be used on floors, including hardwood floors and laminate wood floors. Fill a bucket with one gallon of water and one-half cup of cleaning vinegar to clean most floors.
Baking Soda- Baking soda has an abrasive property and can be used instead of dishwashing detergents, oven cleaners, bathroom, and even carpet cleaners. Try shaking a thin layer of baking soda on a dirty carpet, wait an hour, then vacuum to freshen and deodorize your carpeted floors. It can also be used to make veggie wash: Mix water, baking soda and lemon juice and wipe fruits and veggies to remove wax and dirt. Lemon- Lemon juice not only cleans, but also disinfects. It also resists mold and is a natural aromatizer. Skip the chemicals, and instead combine water and lemon juice in a spray bottle to clean glass windows, mirrors and doors. (Using newspaper rather than paper towels is another economical trick for a streakfree shine!) Use fresh lemon juice mixed with baking soda to brighten white tiles, the sink or bathtub. You can also make natural wood polish for floors by mixing a little fresh lemon juice with olive oil.
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Tips for Staying Healthy At Home Stay Hydrated. Everyone knows that they need to drink more water, however it’s more important now than ever. Adequate water and fluid intake help keep your body strong and have the ability to fight off viruses and infection. Make it a point to measure your water intake during this time by: • Tracking fluid intake through various phone apps that are available. • Drinking a glass of water before every meal. • Adding natural flavor to water through fruit infusion. • Utilizing a large reusable water bottle. • Replacing other drinks like soda or coffee with water.
Try To Stick To A Meal Schedule. If you have stocked up the kitchen in preparation of being quarantined, you or your family member may be finding it difficult to follow a regimented meal plan and feel inclined to reach into the cabinets for extra snacks throughout the day. Meal preparation and designated mealtimes will help to: • Regulate consumption and prevent overindulgence. • Ensure a well-balanced diet. • Avoid the temptation of ordering take-out foods that can be highly processed or packed with more saturated or trans fats.
Keep Your Workouts Going Virtually. Although the state has mandated closures on public gym facilities, there are still plenty of exercises that can be done at home with little or no equipment, such as: • Take a long walk around the neighborhood. • Search YouTube for exercise routines that fit your interest and experience level. Fitness Blender is a great place to find various types of workout routines. https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender. Ever want to try yoga? Check out Yoga with Adriene at https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene. • Performing bodyweight exercises, such as push-ups, pull-ups, wall squats and sit-ups. Download the free 7 Minute Workout app for more bodyweight exercise ideas https://apps.apple.com/us/app/7-minute-workout-fitness-app/id806995720.
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Restaurant Directory Restaurant Name
Address
Other Features
Website
American/Bar & Grill 1) 27 Jct Dr W, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, (618)659-1922 Classic American comfort food, Open 24 Denny's 2) 522 Ramada Blvd, Collinsville, IL 62234, www.dennys.com Hours (618) 345-8995 3) 737 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 622-0471 Cajun Comfort Food/Fresh Gulf Shores Restaurant www.gulfshoresrestaura 215 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville, IL, (618) 650-9109 Seafood/Daily Specials/Weekly Live & Grill ntandgrill.com Music (see website for dates and times) IHOP
Kool Beanz Café
Lottie's Café
1028 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)632-5400
212 E State St, O Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 589-3843
Wide variety of pancakes, American breakfast and diner fare.
www.ihop.com
Specialty Coffee, Gourmet Tea, Handcrafted Smoothies, Breakfast and https://koolbeanzlife.co Lunch Served, Vegan/Vegetarian m/ Options Available. Baked Goods
1099 Belt Line Road, Suite D, Collinsville, IL 62234, Carryout/Catering/Daily www.facebook.com/Lotti (618) 223-8253 Specials/Gaming/Occasional Live Music es-Cafe
Mady's
623 Edwardsville Road, Troy, Illinois (618) 505-7188
Bar/Casino
Mady's Facebook Page
McDill's Irish Pub
334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL, 62234 (618) 344-9875
Daily Food Specials/Dine in or Carry Out/Pool Table/Gaming/UFC Fight Viewing
https://www.facebook.c om/McDills
Peel Wood Fired Pizza
The Command Post Bar and Grill The Wooden Nickel Pub & Grill
1) 921 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Order (618)659-856 Online/Carryout/Patio/Brewery/Seasona www.peelpizza.com 2) 1104 S. Cherry St., O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)726l Specials 2244 Video Gaming/Pool/Dart Leagues/Draft https://www.facebook.c and Craft Beer Selections/Daily 104 N Main St, Troy, IL 62294(618) 667-9892 om/TheCommandPost70 Specials/Children welcome with an 8/ adult. 18+ https://www.facebook.c 171 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL Patio/Carryout/Happy Hour/Daily om/WoodenNickelGlenC (618) 288-2141 Specials/Occasional Live Music arbon/
Time Out Sports Bar & Grill
111 W Market St, Troy, IL 62294 (618) 667-2221
Carryout/Daily Specials/Happy Hour/Gaming/Occasional Live Music
China King (Edwardsville)
1063 S State Rt. 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025, (618) 692-1888
Dine in/Carry Out/Order Online/Delivery
www.edwardsvillechinaki ng.com
China King (Troy)
535 Troy Ave #537, Troy, IL 62294, (618) 667-8886
Dine in/Carry Out
See Menu
www.timeoutsportsbargr ill.com
Asian
Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant
Zapata's Mexican Restaurant
Mexican 1) 400 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220, (618) 236-9492 2) 2922 N Center St, Maryville, IL 62062, (618) 288-6300 3) 717 W Washington St, Millstadt, IL 62260, (618) 476-6223 1) 8 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL, (618) 343-1337 2) 4660 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL, (618) 277-5474
Carryout/Order Online/Catering/Daily www.mariachismexfood. Specials/Gaming/Party Room com
Lunch Buffet/Carry Out/Catering/Daily www.zapatasmexican.co Specials/Party Room/Karaoke Every m Other Friday
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Business Directory Gas & Convenience 7900 N Illinois St, Caseyville, IL 62232
(618) 344-1286
2233 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 344-1352
301 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
(618) 624-6013
6559 IL-162, Maryville, IL 62062 826 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 1242 Thouvenot Ln, Shiloh, IL 62269 536 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 288-7920 (618) 632-2177 (618) 622-2220 (618) 667-4581
Handee Mart
411 N Main St, Caseyville, IL 62232
(618) 344-3667
https://www.facebook.com/ handeemartcaseyville/
Huck's Convenient Food Store
1029 Lincoln Hwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
(618) 632-4807
www.hucks.com
702 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 345-9777
Pilot Travel Center Shell
970 US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 820 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294 1011 W US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 622-0630 (618) 667-0946 (618) 632-2787
pilotflyingj.com https://find.shell.com
TA
819 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-9931
www.ta-petro.com
Circle K
Moto Mart
www.circlek.com
www.shell.com
Retail & Services Bike Surgeon
201 E State St, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 622-1693
https://bikesurgeon.com/
Chelsey Reed-Hair Designer & Makeup Artist
2400 N Center St Maryville, IL, 62062
(618) 410-0882
www.facebook.com/chereed hairstylist
Chiropractic Works
410 Regency Ctr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 477-8364
www.chiropracticworkscollin sville.com
Code 3 Spices
302 E. Main St. Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 855-8855
https://code3spices.com/
DogWatch Hidden Fences
Email: Alan@dogwatchofillinois.com
(618) 692-9131
www.dogwatchofillinois.com
Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Denise Arendell
303 Fountains Parkway, Suite 210 Fairview Heights, Il 62208 denise.arendell@edwardjones.com
(618) 622-4977
www.edwardjones.com/deni se-arendell
Kelly's Butcher Shop & Deli
804 South Main St., Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-6268
https://www.facebook.com/ KellysButcherShopDeli/
Lonnie's Liquors
2004 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 344-3430
1150 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 345-0611
25 Commercial St, Millstadt, IL 62260
(618) 476-7490
7835 Ivory Ave. St. Louis, MO 63111
(314) 638-2710
Email: Alan@xgreensynthetic.com
(314) 241-8873
Mike's Automotive
Xtreme Green Synthetic Turf
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www.mikesautomotive.net
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Hotels Comfort Inn Collinsville
8 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(480) 725-1637
www.wyndhamhotels.com
Days Inn Collinsville
12 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 803-4032
www.wyndhamhotels.com
4 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 346-0607
www.marriott.com
Fairfield Inn by Marriott St. LouisCollinsville La Quinta Inn & Suites Collinsville
6 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 855-8400
www.laquintacollinsville.com
(618) 223-5383
www.wyndhamhotels.com
(618) 624-3636
www.choicehotels.com
(618) 212-1300
www.ihg.com
(618) 688-2526
www.wyndhamhotels.com
(618) 398-7124
www.radisonhotels.com
Best Western- Troy
2 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 305 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 313 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 45 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 140 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 2020 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-9200
www.bestwestern.com
Red Roof Inn
2030 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-2222
www.redroof.com
Super 8-Troy
910 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 505-1189
www.wyndhamhotels.com
Super 8-Collinsville Econo Lodge Holiday Inn Super 8 by Wyndham Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Best Western
116 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 622-8600
www.bestwestern.com
Extended Stay America
154 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 624-1757
www.extendedstayamerica.com
La Quinta Inn & Suites
136 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 726-2323
www.wyndhamhotels.com
Sleep Inn
140 Venita Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 589-3999
www.choicehotels.com
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
445 Regency Park Drive, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 624-4900
www.marriott.com
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Local Food Pantry Info As expected, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people needing services from food pantries across the Metro East. Many pantries are running dangerously low on supplies; some have been forced to close temporarily. Read below to see how you can support a local pantry and please consider giving, if you are able. If you’re in need, contact the pantry for an update on their current procedures. Collinsville Food Pantry 201 East Church Street, Collinsville, Micaela: manager@collinsvillefp.org, (618) 346-1861 If you’re in need: Contact the pantry at (618)346-1861 for arrangements. For donations: Please make financial donations so we can keep the depleted items stocked and we can buy what we need in bulk. Financial donations can be made at GlobalGiving.org (https://bit.ly/2X0HgWn) or PayPal at www.collinsvillefoodpantry.org. Maryville Outreach Center 504 East Division Street in Maryville, IL (618) 345-9693 If you’re in need: If you're a food pantry client or a Maryville family who's been impacted by schools being closed, please call the Center (345-9693) and leave a message. They will make arrangements to meet with you and help with food (curbside pickup). If you need assistance with rent, utilities, etc., leave a message and they will contact you. The Blessing Box (at the corner of the Maryville police dept. parking lot) is stocked on a daily basis and is open to anyone who needs food or personal hygiene items. To Donate: For all donations, contact the center at (618)345-9693. For more info, go to https://fbmaryville.org/maryville-outreach-center. Salvation Army 3007 E. 23rd St., Granite City, (618) 451-7957 If you’re in need: The Salvation Army is not impacted by the COVID-19 shelter in place order. They are considered essential services and will continue to serve the public while implementing social distancing. For more information on food pantry, hours of operation and donations to, go to https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/midland/.
Community Care Center 1818 Cleveland Blvd in Granite City, (618) 876-8770 If you’re in need: If you’re a resident of Granite City, Madison, Mitchell, Pontoon Beach or Venice, call the Community Care Center to make arrangements. To donate: email to mlwilliams911@gmail.com, or go to http://www.gccommunitycarecenter.org/donate/ Twigs for Kids 2450 Stratford Lane, Granite City (distribution center), (618)973-1627 If you’re in need: Twigs is distributing lunches to kids in the Granite City area. See their Facebook page for times and locations: https://www.facebook.com/TwigsTheFamilyTreeHouse/ To donate: go to http://www.twigsforkids.com/. www.metroeastmessenger.com
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Local Food Pantry Info Ministries Unlimited 310 Collinsville Rd., Troy, Illinois, (618) 505-5053 Notice: This pantry is currently closed but will be offering services again soon. Go to http://www.ministriesunlimited.org/ or call for more info. To donate: Mail monetary donations to Ministries Unlimited, 310 Collinsville Road, Troy, IL 62294. Community Interfaith Food Pantry 1218 W. Main St., Belleville, (618) 355-9199 If you’re in need: For Belleville and Swansea residents, they offer a week of food (based on your family’s size) to you once every 30 days. Must provide proof of residency and income on your first visit. For donations: They are requesting donations of food and personal hygiene items. For more information about donating or volunteering, call (618)355-9199 or go to www.feedbelleville.org. Edwardsville Community Foundation 125 5th Ave, Edwardsville, (618) 656-7506 If you’re in need: If you are a current client or a resident of Edwardsville District #7 who needs food due to the current COVID-19 emergency, please call 656-7506 to make an appointment. To donate: Donate online at http://www.glenedpantry.org/content/donate.
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RABBIT MARCH SPRING CANDY SUNDAY
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CHOCOLATE EGGS FIND HUNT HOLIDAY
BUNNY BASKET HOP EASTER 13
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Classic Carrot Cake Nothing says “Spring” more than a classic Carrot Cake. This recipe, courtesy of Chef Kevin from ALDI Test Kitchen, is a great way usher in the new season, all while saving you money.
Carrot Cake Prep time: 35 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 8 Ingredients: 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, Carlini Vegetable Oil 1 1/4 cups Baker’s Corner Granulated Sugar 3 Goldhen Large Eggs 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots 1 cup Sweet Harvest Crushed Pineapple, with juice 1 teaspoon Baker’s Corner Baking Soda 1 teaspoon Stonemill Ground Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Iodized Salt 1/2 teaspoon Baker’s Corner Baking Powder 2 1/4 cups Baker’s Corner All-Purpose Flour 2/3 cup Southern Grove Chopped Walnuts, divided
Frosting: 3/4 cup Countryside Creamery Butter, softened 1 1/2 cups Happy Farms Cream Cheese, softened 1 teaspoon Stonemill Pure Vanilla 5 1/2 cups Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar
Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. In mixing bowl, cream together oil and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Slowly add in carrots and pineapple. In separate mixing bowl, sift together baking soda, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and flour. Add dry mixture to wet mixture and beat until smooth. Fold in 1/3 cup walnuts. Pour batter into two lightly greased 8-inch round cake pans and bake 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely; remove from pans. To make frosting: In mixing bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese and vanilla. Slowly add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Trim and level cakes. Spread 1 1/2 cups frosting over one cake and stack second cake on top. Carefully frost entire cake with remaining frosting and garnish with remaining chopped walnuts.
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