In This Issue
ISSUE
Local Events
3-10
Emotionally Preparing Your Children for Back-to-School Season
4-5
Simple Tips To Stay Organized For Back-To-School
11
Back To School Word Search
13
School-Night Meals that Deliver Taste at a Low Cost
15
Simple Tips To Stay Organized For Back-To-School 2020 Page 11
Emotionally Preparing Your Children For Back-to-School, Page 4-5
Special Thank You To…
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Local Events End of Summer Luau Bash! August 15th, 2020, 11am -12am @ Bella Vista Winer, 6633 E. Main St, IL. Join us for an end of Summer Luau Bash! Limited menu will be offered including a Hawaiian Pig Roast complete with a refreshing Pineapple Wine Slush! Live music from the talented ShortMist Duo from 1:30PM-5:30PM and Hunter Peeble from 7:00PM-11:00PM. So, bring your leis and put on your Hawaiian Shirts for a family friendly, fun-filled day to end the summer! For more info: https://bit.ly/37J1V4z. Blood Drive, Aug. 19th, 2020, 2-6pm @Tri Township Park Community Center Lower Level, 410 Wickcliffe, Troy, IL. Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or RedCrossBlood.org and enter TriTownship to schedule an appointment. 32nd Midwest Salute To The Arts, August 28th, 29th, and 30th, 2020. Each year Moody Park on Longacre Drive is abuzz with activity as it is transformed into the weekend home of award winning artists, musicians, culinary artists and local not-for-profits. This 3 day outdoor event featuring 100 juried artists exhibiting in watercolor, oil, wood, sculpture, drawing, mixed media, jewelry, glass, clay, photography and more! Update- Our Festival this year will be ONLINE! Stay tuned for ways to see our talented artists' work on our website - www.midwestsalute.com NOTE: We do our best to update you with the most current information, however, events are subject to change due to Covid 19. Please make sure events have not been rescheduled or cancelled before attending.
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Emotionally Preparing Your Children for Back-to-School Season Between sheltering-in-place, online learning and time away from friends, many children will need a little extra support as they head back to school this fall. Consider these tips from the experts at KinderCare to help you emotionally prepare your children to return to school with confidence, optimism and excitement. Address your feelings (and theirs) Children often take cues about how to react from their parents. Think about what it takes for you to feel calm and prepared (or even excited) for the start of a new school year. That could mean talking with your child’s teacher or school about the safety precautions they’re taking so you can feel more at ease, taking a few minutes to establish a morning routine or stepping away from news that makes you anxious. Focus instead on the positive aspects of school, like the opportunity your child will have to learn, make friends, interact with others and grow into his or her own person. “Children need a sense of belonging, and school provides an important connection point for them,” said Dr. Elanna Yalow, chief academic officer for KinderCare Learning Centers. “Nothing builds a sense of community like personal contact with friends and teachers. That connection is essential in supporting a child’s growth and development.” Set expectations about what to expect before the first day Some children may feel ready to go and eager to explore, while others can be more reserved or even fearful of new places, faces and routines. When your child knows what to expect, it can go a long way in soothing any worries he or she may have about leaving home and going to school. It’s also important to respect your child’s growing independence and empower him or her to help others. As you explain safety precautions like covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing, or proper hand washing, emphasize how your child’s actions can help keep family, friends and teachers safe. “Children may already be apprehensive about returning to school, let alone trying to cope with new safety practices,” said Dr. Joelle Simpson, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and medical director for emergency preparedness at Children’s National Hospital. “Explaining these precautions ahead of time can help your children see them as part of the school day routine instead of something to fear. For parents, remember that while children can get sick from this virus, it occurs less frequently than in adults and at lower rates than the flu.” (Continued) www.metroeastmessenger.com
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(Continued)
Celebrate the start of a new school year Try to plan a special activity or some extra family time the week before school starts and encourage your child to participate in the planning. “Remember, children didn’t have time for a clean break and celebration at the end of the last school year, and this can help your child mentally adjust to a new routine and schedule,” Yalow said. Let your child know how proud you are to see him or her growing up, learning how to be a good friend and exploring and learning about the world. Be sure to talk with your child each school day – what was learned, funny things friends said, the things that seem little but are important to your child. For more tips about how to help your child prepare for the new school year, visit kindercare.com
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Local Events Live Stand Up Comedy, August 29th, 2020 8-10pm @ The Command Post at the American Legion, 104 N. Main St, Troy, IL. The perfect date night or night out with friends, LIVE STAND UP COMEDY! We've got the NUMBER ONE COMEDIAN FROM BRANSON, Derik Zoo, coming to Troy, IL! Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more info, go to https://bit.ly/30A9B7a. Kentucky Derby Watch Party, Sept. 5th, 2020, 2:30-7pm @Bella Vista Winery, 6633 E. Main St. Maryville, IL. Calling all big hats and dapper duds- join us for "The Greatest Two-Minutes in Sports!" Your ticket includes a $5.00 donation to the Happy Hooves Equine Rescue in Edwardsville, IL. You will also receive a complimentary Mint Julep, Glass of Wine, or Beer and a Southern-Inspired hors d'oeuvres buffet. Weather permitting, the event will be held outside with a live viewing of the race at approximately 6:00PM. Every guest will also receive 3, 1oz. tastings of high-end Bourbons. There will be live music for you to enjoy throughout the event. The Jazz Troubadours will be playing from 3PM-7PM and Hunter Peebles from 7PM11PM. Come decked out in your biggest hat or best vest/bowtie combo for a chance to win a wine basket or a free stay at the Hidden Lake Winery cabins in Aviston, IL! You can purchase your ticket at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/108036867178.
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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
www.mikesautomotive.net
www.xgreensynthetic.com 8
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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 Events Labor Day Fireworks Celebration, Sept. 6th, 2-9pm. City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation, 10 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL. Featuring food, drinks, live music, children’s activities, and more! Fireworks start at 8:30 pm. Interested in being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer? Contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 618-346-7529. Autumn in the Vines Fall Festival, Sept. 19th at 11am- Sept. 20th at 12am @ Bella Vista Winery, 6633 E. Main St. Maryville, IL. Join us for a Fall Festival at Bella Vista Winery! We will be having fun Fall drinks & a special food menu! From 12-5:00PM, we will be hosting a Vendor Fair in our Grand Ball Room and Lawn Games out in our back lawn! Live music from 1-5 by Raquel Rae and 7-11 by Hunter Peebles! For more info, go to https://bit.ly/2PuHmk6.
Fall Vintage Market-Belle-Clair Fairgrounds 2020 Powered by Fall Vintage Market, Sept. 25- 27th, 200 S. Belt E, Belleville, IL. Forever Vintage Market is an event for collectors, treasure seekers and hunters of one of a kind vintage finds. We are a destination for decorators, designers, boutique owners, families, and weekend fun seekers of all ages. No matter if your interest lies in Vintage, Antiques, Handmade, Furniture, Boutique, A Variety of Tasty Foods, Live Music, Handcrafted Cocktails or just spending the afternoon hunting for the perfect find, we look forward to seeing you! Tickets can be purchased at the door. 12 and under are free. For more info, go to http://www.forevervintagemarket.com/.
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Simple Tips To Stay Organized For Back-To-School 2020 (BPT) - Whether it's the first day of middle school or the first day away at college, students of all ages are preparing for a new school year. Students might be learning at home, in the classroom or a combination of both, so now is the time to get organized and prepared to help you tackle the year ahead. Here are some useful tips and tricks to help you succeed this school year. 1. Designate a study space Whether it's used for homeschooling or homework after school, a dedicated study space helps you stay organized and focused on learning. Once you have your desk area decided, add your go-to essentials for easy studying, including pencils, erasers and a Post-itÂŽ Pop-up Note Vertical Dispenser. Need to jot down a quick reminder for an upcoming assignment? The easy one-handed note dispensing has you covered for all your study sessions. 2. Add some fun personality Make a study space you'll want to be in by adding personalized touches throughout. Pictures of friends and family are always a fun way to make a space feel like your own. Adding favorite colors or designs can help as well, such as colorful folders, bright accessories and fun notes to easily jot down reminders or even affirmations to keep yourself motivated. 3. Create mobile study bins When the kitchen table or shared desk are being used, mobile study bins can make moving around hassle-free. Personalize a plastic bin for each student in your home and fill them with grade-appropriate essentials. Give your kindergartner their favorite box of crayons and your high school senior some flags and tabs for easy note taking. That way when space is at a premium, they can grab a bin and head to a quiet corner, their bedroom or even outdoors to study. 4. Use a "do not disturb" system Studying at home can be full of distractions. Consider adopting a system that indicates if you are busy or not. For example, use Super Sticky notes to create door tags in different colors. Green can mean, "come on in." Yellow can mean, "knock first." Red can mean, "do not disturb." (Continued) No matter what the new school year has in store for your family, with a positive attitude and an organized approach, you'll be sure to have a successful and productive school year packed with learning and fun. For more information, tips and organization ideas for how to Think Loud this school year, visit www.post-it.com/study. 11 www.metroeastmessenger.com
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BACK TO SCHOOL WORD SEARCH
BACKPACK PENCILS HAIRCUT PENS OPEN HOUSE SCHOOL BUS MIDDLE SCHOOL
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TEXTBOOK NOTEBOOKS FRIENDS CLASSES SEPTEMBER SCHEDULES ELEMENTARY
END OF SUMMER PAPER NEW SHOES ORIENTATION REGISTRATION HIGH SCHOOL FIRST WEEK
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School-Night Meals That Deliver Taste at a Low Cost Regardless of what back to school looks like this year, preparing family meals throughout the week does not have to be a challenge. Shopping at a store like ALDI can stretch your budget and help you make five different meals over five days for about $5 a meal pretax for a family of four. Grilled chicken breasts are ideal for on-the-go lunches or weekday dinners. Busy parents can get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes with an easy Chicken Cacciatore in the pressure cooker or simple prep-ahead Chicken Enchiladas. These convenient dishes make it a snap to add variety by substituting chicken with shrimp, beans or vegetables. Find more family meal solutions at aldi.us.
Pressure Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe courtesy of “Pinch of Yum” on behalf of ALDI Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients: 1-1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or chicken thighs Flour 1 pinch salt, plus 2 teaspoons, divided 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion, diced 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup chicken broth
1 bell pepper, diced 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes 4 tablespoons butter Capers (optional) Parsley, plus additional for topping (optional) Lemon Preferred pasta Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions: Dredge chicken in flour and pinch of salt. Turn on sauté function on pressure cooker. Add oil; sauté chicken 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside (chicken will finish cooking later). Add onion, mushrooms and garlic. Sauté until softened. Add broth and let sizzle out. Add chicken, bell pepper, tomatoes and remaining salt to pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure 15 minutes. Release pressure. Shred chicken. Stir in butter, capers, parsley and lemon. Serve with preferred pasta and top with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Black Beans Recipe courtesy of “Wellness for the Win� on behalf of ALDI Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 10
Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 1 medium onion, chopped Chicken: 1 pound chicken breasts 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon cumin salt, to taste pepper, to taste
Enchiladas: 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained Optional Toppings: 2 cups shredded Mexican diced avocado cheese, divided plain Greek yogurt 16 ounces restaurant-style cilantro salsa, divided 10 whole-wheat tortillas
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. In medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook onion until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and set aside. To make chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin and salt and pepper, to taste. Add chicken to same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Use fork and knife to shred chicken. To make enchiladas: In large bowl with cooked onion, add shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies and 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese. Use spoon to mix well. Pour 1 cup salsa on bottom of greased pan and use spatula to spread evenly. Scoop about 1/2 cup chicken and veggie mixture into each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam side down in pan. Top enchiladas with 3/4 cup salsa and remaining shredded cheese; use spatula to spread evenly. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven; serve hot. Add avocado, yogurt and cilantro, if desired. If you tried this recipe, let us know! Share a picture on our Facebook page! www.metroeastmessenger.com
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