In This Issue 100 Things To Do While Your Stuck At Home (With Links)
3-12
Local Business Directory
7-9
Drive Thru Farmer’s Market Info
14
Super Snacking Recipes
13
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 businesses begin to open back up and we can give you info about fun and exciting local events. In the meantime, be well, thank you for reading our publication and please continue to support local businesses!
www.metroeastmessenger.com
2
100 Things To Do List 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29.
Did you overstock on food? Donate to your local food pantry. Learn a new language on Duolingo. It’s free! Support a local restaurant business by ordering carryout. Craving an awesome burger? Check out L.C.’s Pub! Try a new recipe. Do you have a vegetable or a pantry item that you need to use up? Plug it into the Allrecipe ingredient search and pick a recipe to try. Take a walk through the trails of The Watershed Nature Center. Buy a gift card at your favorite local business and use it when they open back up. Declutter your home and list things to sell. Fill out your census. It’s not too late. Visit 2020census.gov. Visit your local library online and check out items digitally. Give the dog a bath, or better yet, take them to Benny’s Bed and Biscuits to get pampered! Listen to a podcast. Here a few to get you started. Organize that junk drawer. It’s not exciting but you’ll more productive afterwards. Start a gratitude journal and write down 3 things your thankful for each day. Buy and pre-address birthday cards for the year. It will save you time and help you to be more organized. Take an Enneagram personality test. Clean and disinfect your phone. Take it out of the case and wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe. Do the same with the case. Clean up the inside of your phone, too. Delete those bad photos, videos, and unused apps. Organize your apps and photos into files. You’ll be glad you did! Missing your gym? Download a free (or free trial) workout app. Learn a new card game. Just google how to play Euchre, Hearts or Spades. Play it with the family. Leave a Facebook review for a small local business that you love. Get crafty! Order a painting project from Painted Lace Creative Studio and pick it up curbside. Create a meal plan for the week. Look through old photos and smile. Step up your grilling game! Code 3 BBQ Supply has everything you need to take it to the next level. Be sure to try their new Top Gun Rub! Move your furniture around for a new layout. Sometimes a change of scenery helps change your attitude. Plan your next vacation. You might not be going for a while, but half the fun is in the planning and anticipation. Take a free online class. Sign up for a free two month trial on Skillshare. Update your resume. Start a virtual book club. Organize a meeting on Zoom. www.metroeastmessenger.com
3
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!
www.metroeastmessenger.com
4
100 Things To Do List (continued) 30. Go for a walk. Try a new route or street. 31. Make a vision board. You can even make a digital vision board online with an app. 32. Write a letter or send a card to a loved one, a friend you haven’t talked to in a while or someone who is having a rough time with quarantine. 33. Learn how to bake bread. Here’s a great recipe to get you started. 34. Watch a documentary. Here’s a good list! 35. Do a full body scrub and get your skin ready for summer. You can make your own by mixing 2 cups brown sugar, ¼ cup olive oil or coconut oil and ¼ cup honey. Store in an airtight container. 36. Put all your favorite recipes into a binder and make your own family cookbook. 37. Learn to play an instrument. Check out the Swing City Music website for instruments and online lessons. 38. Take care of your spine and your overall health by making an appointment with Chiropractic Works. 39. Learn to paint with watercolors. 40. Make a list to do before your next milestone birthday. 41. Create a future vision of yourself and write down what that person has accomplished. Take action today on one goal to help you get closer to that person. 42. Learn how to knit. 43. Take a virtual Disney theme park ride from the comfort of your own home.
www.metroeastmessenger.com
5
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
Go to www.metroeastmessenger.com for coupons! 6
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
www.metroeastmessenger.com
www.mikesautomotive.net
www.xgreensynthetic.com 7
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
www.metroeastmessenger.com
8
100 Things To Do List (continued) 44. Learn woodworking. Here are some easy projects. 45. Learn how to arrange flowers. 46. Organize a space in your house. Having trouble getting started? Set a time e for 10 minutes and move quickly. It will trick your brain to start fast and want to finish as soon as possible. 47. Beat the Christmas rush and start making your shopping and to do lists now. 48. Use your fancy dishes for your next dinner. 49. Eat by candlelight. 50. Make a photo album with all those pictures on your phone. 51. Create a movie night experience with your family. Have everyone’s favorite candy, snacks, drinks, and popcorn ready. Put all the pillows and blankets out in the middle of the floor. 52. Watch a classic movie. Here’s a list to get you started. 53. Give your car some TLC. Are you due for an oil change or new tires? Take it to a local business you can trust like Mike’s Automotive. 54. 55. 56. 57.
Listen to the “100 Songs To Help Lift Your Spirits During A Pandemic” playlist. Print out some coloring pages for adults. Get a free trial to streaming service and binge watch as much as possible before it expires. Download the TikTok app for some good laughs. (Feeling brave? Make a TikTok video!)
9 www.metroeastmessenger.com
100 Things To Do List (continued) 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72.
Apply for a new work from home job. Have breakfast for dinner. YouTube about a new hobby you want to try. Take a nap. You have permission. Start that project that you pinned months ago on Pinterest. Learn how to do an at home manicure and pedicure. Take 10 deep breathes. Play with the virtual Google AR animals on your phone. Create an indoor scavenger hunt for the family. Learn the KonMari Fold method. Organize your bathroom. Check the expiration dates on medicines, sunscreens and makeup and toss out the old ones. Read the Harry Potter series (again). Work on your financial planning with an experienced professional. Set up a virtual appointment with Denise Arendell with Edward Jones and get expert advice. Ever thought of running (or walking) a 5k? Now is the time to train! Download the Couch to 5K App and get started today. Clean your gutters. I know, it’s not exciting but you’ll be glad you did.
www.metroeastmessenger.com
10
100 Things To Do List (continued) 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87.
Watch all the Oscar winning films of 2020. (And then the runner ups!) Plan a date night. Have a picnic in the back yard. Make a backup plan in case you ever lose your phone. This printable will help. Forgive someone. Why? Studies have shown it’s good for your health. Prepare your taxes. Do some star gazing with the family. Don’t forget to look for the Strawberry Moon on June 5th! Write a thank you note to someone who has influenced your life recently. Learn how to take better pictures on your phone. YouTube has hundreds of videos to show you how. Stretch. Write a book. Here are some tips to get you started. Try a new vegetable. Ever tried jicama, tomatillo, or a purple sweet potato? You might like it. Plan a post quarantine party. Make a list of people you want to hug when quarantine is over. Learn a new language with Duolingo. www.metroeastmessenger.com
11
100 Things To Do List (continued) 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98.
Take a bubble bath. Buy a gift card online to your favorite local business. Make a bucket list of things to do during quarantine. Download this printable. Organize your fridge. (Have you checked the dates on your condiments lately?) Rotate your mattress. Better yet, give it good cleaning. Here’s how. Check your credit report. Hair salons will be opening soon! Make your appointment with Chelsey Reed now! Watch a TED talk. Let yourself go down a Wikipedia rabbit hole. Ever wonder where did the “Ok” gesture originate? Try meditation for relaxation. Try a free trial of the Headspace app. Create a steak house meal at home. Stop by Kelly’s Butcher Shop and Deli for fresh steaks and sides. 99. Have your kids or grandkids teach you something. 100.Think about the good things that have come out of this time in quarantine (more time with family, less hectic schedules, more home cooked meals, etc.) Make a list of things you want to keep doing after things go back to “normal.” www.metroeastmessenger.com
12
How You Can 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
13
Drive Thru Farmers’ Market System Wondering how to get fresh, farmers’ market items during lockdown? Local communities have recently created a whole new drive thru market system! The new system allows customers to place their orders and prepay online. On pick up days, customers drive to the designated pick up area, remain in their vehicles and their orders are placed inside their car. For the most up to date drive thru procedures, be sure to check each market’s Facebook page or website. Maryville Farmer’s Market (Maryville) Drive-thru market customers can place orders through the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MaryvilleILFarmersMarket/) before noon on Thursday and pay online. Pickups are on Thursdays, from 5 pm to 6 pm in the parking lot of the Maryville Village Hall, 2520 N Center Street. The Land of Goshen Community Market (Edwardsville) The Land of Goshen Community Market is running an online market for the next few weeks to support local farmers, bakers and vendors. Place orders online at https://www.goshenmarket.org/shop/. Pick up orders curbside at 222 Artisan Bakery (222 N Main St, Edwardsville) on Thursdays between 11am and 3pm. Vine Street Drive Thru Market (O’Fallon) Temporarily moving to the O'Fallon Family Sports Park on Saturdays beginning May 30th at 301 Obernuefemann Rd. O'Fallon, IL. Hours are 10a – Noon. Pre-order from vendors at the O’Fallon Station Website and pickup on Saturday. You will also be able to shop a section of vendors from your car! www.metroeastmessenger.com
14
(Family Features) Snacks
are a way of life for people of all ages, but especially children, who consume about 25% of their daily calories from snacks, according to research published in the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.� Giving kids a role in the preparation can give them added incentive to enjoy healthy treats, and these recipes are all easy enough that kids can make them on their own (or with minimal assistance). Giving your kids the ability to play a role in the kitchen and create is a gift that can last a lifetime. The culinary skills they develop early in life can give them the confidence and know-how to cook nutritious meals for themselves as teens and adults. Red, White and Blue Greek Yogurt Bark Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 12 3 1/3 1 1/2 1/2 1/2
cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt cup honey, plus additional for drizzling (optional) teaspoon vanilla cup strawberries, sliced into rounds cup blueberries cup raspberries, halved
In medium mixing bowl combine Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup honey and vanilla. On parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spread Greek yogurt mixture to 1/4inch thickness. Press strawberries, blueberries and raspberries into yogurt. Freeze at least 3 hours. Break into pieces upon removing from freezer. Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 4 3/4 1/4 1
cup vanilla Greek yogurt cup peanut butter dash cinnamon apples, graham crackers or other dipper of choice
In bowl, six Greek yogurt, peanut butter and cinnamon until smooth. Serve with apples, graham crackers or another dipper of choice.
Did you try this recipe? Post a picture on our Facebook page! www.metroeastmessenger.com
15
www.metroeastmessenger.com