Thursday, Dec. 18
Blood drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Legion Post 253, 849 American Legion Drive, Festus. Sponsor: American Red Cross. Donors need to bring ID. Call 1-800-733-2767.
Line and swing dance, lessons 6-7 p.m., dancing 7-10 p.m., Arnold VFW, 2301 Church Road. Admission: $8. No meeting on Dec. 25 due to the holidays. Sponsor: Jefferson County Swing Dance Club. Call 636-296-6702.
Bingo, 10:30 a.m., Arnold Eagles, 1725 Jeffco Blvd. Doors open 8 a.m. Call 636-282-0415.
Teen Book Club, 6:45 p.m., Arnold Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 1701 Missouri State Road. Register at jeffcolib.org or call 636-296-2204.
Bingo, 10-11 a.m., Quad Cities Senior Center at the Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. Sponsored by Hillsboro Estate Group. For info, call 636-937-8333 or 386-208-5052.
Gardening Club, 1-3 p.m., Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St. Families with children welcome.
Job preparedness and recovery groups, 10 a.m., the Collective, 924 Jeffco Executive Drive, Imperial. Every Tuesday and Thursday. These groups are open to all community members. At the meetings, attendees will learn valuable job skills, build confidence and find ongoing support. For more info, call Leisa at 1-636-214-5780 or Breanna at 1-636-214-5781.
Free English conversation classes, 7 p.m., Spring Hills Presbyterian Church, 6247 Upper Byrnes Mill Road, House Springs. Those who wish to participate can register any Thursday. Call 636-677-0409.
Preschool storytime, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St. For ages 2-6. Call 636-937-2017.
Pay It Forward Baby Ministry, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., De Soto Community Center, 400 Boyd St. Free diapers, clothes, supplies for any child in need. Donations welcome. Call 314-779-4351.
Minecraft open play, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Cedar Hill Satellite Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 6780 Mall Drive. Ages 7-14. Call 636-551-1020 or visit jeffcolib.org.
Toddler Thursday, 10 a.m. Mastodon State Historic Site, 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive, Imperial. Activities and crafts for toddlers and their parents. To register: icampmo.com.
Jefferson County Heritage and Historical Society Museum, 6-7:30 p.m. every Thursday, 5321 Chouteau Ave., Victoria. Contact Bernard Laiben at blaiben@outlook.com for more information.
Bingo, 12:30-2 p.m., Northwest Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 5680 Hwy. PP, High Ridge. Suggested donation of $2 to cover the cost of prizes. Cold catered lunch is by reservation a week in advance. Call 636-677-4578. $5 suggested donation. Organizer: Aging Ahead.
Friday, Dec. 19
Karaoke, 7 p.m., VFW Post 3777, 900 VFW Drive, Festus. Guests welcome.
Blood drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gold Star Harley-Davidson, 2435 Hwy. 67, Festus area. Sponsor: American Red Cross. Donors need to bring ID. Call 1-800-733-2767.
Harbor thrift store, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, The Harbor Community Church, 1645 Marriott Lane, Barnhart. Cash only; no refunds. New items weekly. Funds sponsor community outreach programs. Call 636-223-2106.
Fish fry, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 253, 849 American Legion Drive, Festus. Catfish plate: $14. Cod plate: $16. Shrimp plate: $14. Jack salmon: $14. Sides: coleslaw, baked beans and potato salad. Call 636-933-3981.
Hooks and Needles Club, noon to 3:30 p.m., Arnold Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 1701 Missouri State Road. Call 636-296-2204.
Fish fry, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., VFW Post 1831, 1651 Veterans Drive, De Soto. Two pieces of fish and two sides for $11. Dine-in or carry out. For questions, call 636-586-9765.
Fish fry, 3-7 p.m., American Legion Post 400, 2 Gravois Road, Fenton. Menu: crispy cod, catfish fillets, shrimp and chicken fingers, all served with your choice of two sides. Choose from fries, green beans, baked beans, coleslaw or hush puppies. Come early as meals sell out quickly. Dine in or grab your meal to go. Bar is open until 11 p.m. To place your order, call 636-343-7330. Cash and credit accepted. Everyone is welcome.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Kimmswick Elf Hunt, participating businesses on Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21. Tickets may be purchased for $10 at gokimmswick.com or the Visitor Center. Participants receive a story book, elf guide and gift bag. Santa Claus at the Santa House located near corner of Front and Market streets from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For information, call 636-464-6464.
Aim for the Stars, sunset, Jefferson College Observatory, Farm Road on north entrance of Hillsboro campus. Telescope open for public viewing; visitors may bring their own telescopes and binoculars. Volunteers from the St. Louis Astronomical Society will assist beginners. Postponed for inclement weather. Call 636-481-3318.
St. Vincent de Paul clothing shop, 9 a.m. to noon, 200 Brierton Lane, Crystal City. Every Tuesday and Saturday. All proceeds go to help those in need in our area.
Indoor pickleball, 9-11 a.m., Central Baptist Church gym, 601 N. Central Ave., Eureka. Recreational games for all ages. Instructors, equipment will be on hand. To register, visit cbcserves.org/pball.
Harbor thrift store, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, The Harbor Community Church, 1645 Marriott Lane, Barnhart. Cash only; no refunds. New items weekly. Funds sponsor community outreach programs. Call 636-223-2106.
Ozark Food Pantry, 8:30-10:45 a.m., No. 1 Sunset Park, Festus. Call 636-933-9974.
Bingo, 5:45 p.m., Fenton American Legion, 2 Gravois Road. Kitchen serves at 4 p.m., special bingo at 5:45 p.m., regular bingo at 6:15 p.m. No checks or outside food, drinks.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Hoofprints On My Heart Cookie Class, 1-2:30 p.m., Festus-Crystal City Elks Lodge, 4 Elks Club, Festus. Join Elks Lodge 1721 and Rosie’s Bake Shoppe for a Christmas cookie decorating class benefiting Hoofprints On My Heart, a non-profit organization that uses miniature horse encounters to enhance quality of life. Tickets are $50. Attendees will learn the basics of decorating sugar cookies with royal icing while creating edible art. The class is for ages 8 and older. All children ages 8-16 must be accompanied by an adult with a purchased ticket. Supplies for the class will be provided. Concessions will be open for purchase during the event. For tickets, visit rosiesbakeshoppe.com/classes.
Meat shoot, 10 a.m., Meramec-Arnold Elks Lodge 2372, 1515 Miller Road, Imperial. Every third week is stock chokes-no scopes, all other weeks are modified chokes-with scopes. Chokes will be randomly checked. All judges' decisions are final. For more information, call 636-464-8960.
Bingo, 5 p.m., Meramec Arnold Elks, 1515 Miller Road, Imperial. No smoking. Call 636-464-8960.
Shooting match competition, noon, Amvets Post 48, 1075 Amvets Drive, De Soto. Every Sunday. Practice opens at 11 a.m. and the match begins at noon. Food available for purchase. For more info, call 636-586-1750.
Monday, Dec. 22
Blood drive, 1-5 p.m., Festus Public Library, 406 W. Main St. Sponsor: American Red Cross. Donors need to bring ID. Call 1-800-733-2767.
Community game night, 5-8 p.m., St. Martin’s United Church of Christ, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Road, Dittmer. Free for all ages.
Blood drive, 1:30-5:30 p.m., Windsor Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 7479 Metropolitan Blvd., Barnhart. Sponsor: American Red Cross. Donors need to bring ID. Call 1-800-733-2767.
Bingo, 10-11 a.m., Quad Cities Senior Center at the Summit Building in Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. A $3 donation or 2 prizes to play. Call for the theme of the week and prizes. 636-937-8333.
Senior lunch, 12:15-2 p.m., Aging Ahead Center at Jefferson College Arnold, 1687 Missouri State Road. Free lunch for adults 60 years or older. Must register 72 hours in advance. Call Jessica at 314-413-1240.
Bingo, 6:30 p.m., Arnold Eagles, 1725 Jeffco Blvd. Doors open 3 p.m. Call 636-282-0415.
Preschool story hour, 10:30 a.m., De Soto Public Library, 712 S. Main St. Call 636-586-3858.
Story time, 10 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, Windsor Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 7479 Metropolitan Blvd., Barnhart. Call 636-461-1914.
Story hour, 10-10:30 a.m., Cedar Hill Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 6780 Mall Drive. Reading and crafts.
Games for seniors, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Martin UCC Church, 3229 High Ridge Blvd. High Ridge. Every Monday. Cards and games. Cold catered lunch is by reservation a week in advance. Call 636-677-4578. $5 suggested donation. Organizer: Aging Ahead.
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Food pantry, 4-6 p.m., Redemption Church, 7301 Metropolitan Blvd., Barnhart. Information: redemptionchurchstl.com.
Spiritual discussion, 1-2 p.m., Crystal City Library, 736 Mississippi Ave. Explore the reality of spiritual experiences. Sponsor: ECKANKAR, The Path of Spiritual Freedom. Call 1-800-591-0694 or visit eckankar.org.
Job preparedness and recovery groups, 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Collective, 924 Jeffco Executive Drive, Imperial. These groups are open to all community members. At the meetings, attendees will learn valuable job skills, build confidence and find ongoing support. For more info, call Leisa at 1-636-214-5780 or Breanna at 1-636-214-5781.
Stretch exercise, 10:30 -11:30 a.m., Quad Cities Senior Center at the Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. 636-937-8333.
St. Vincent de Paul clothing shop, 9 a.m. to noon, 200 Brierton Lane, Crystal City. Every Tuesday and Saturday. All proceeds go to help those in need in our area.
Show and tell story time, 10 a.m., Jefferson County Library-Cedar Hill Satellite Branch, 6780 Mall Drive, Cedar Hill. Join Ms. Sofia for show and tell story time. Read a book or two and share show and tell items in the children's area of the library. No registration is required. For ages 2-6. Check the website for the monthly theme at jeffcolib.org.
Chess club, 3 p.m., Crystal City Public Library meeting room, 736 Mississippi Ave. For information, call Amy at 636-937-7166.
Pickleball, 10-11:30 a.m. Quad Cities Senior Center at the Summit Building at the Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. For more info, call 636-937-8333.
Bingo, 6:15 p.m., Meramec Arnold Elks. 1515 Miller Road, Imperial. No smoking. Call 636-464-8960.
Line dancing lessons, 7-9:30 p.m., High Ridge Elks, 2808 Old Hunning Road. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Cost: $5. Soda and water available; dancers can bring snacks. Call Carol Smith at 314-609-8610.
Food pantry, 8:30-11:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 113 Grand Ave., Festus. For residents of 63028, 63019, 63047 and 63048 ZIP codes. Call 636-937-6205.
Bingo, 12:30-2 p.m., Northwest Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 5680 Hwy. PP, High Ridge. Suggested donation of $2 to cover the cost of prizes. Cold catered lunch is by reservation a week in advance. Call 636-677-4578. $5 suggested donation. Organizer: Aging Ahead.
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Bunco, 7 p.m., De Soto Amvets, 1075 Amvets Drive at Hwy. 21. Doors open 6 p.m. Maximum four per table. Admission: $10; benefits Ladies Auxiliary hospital programs. Call 314-401-7781.
Senior lunch, 12:15-2 p.m., Aging Ahead Center at Jefferson College Arnold, 1687 Missouri State Road. Free lunch for adults 60 years or older. Must register 72 hours in advance. Call Jessica at 314-413-1240.
Harbor thrift store, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, The Harbor Community Church, 1645 Marriott Lane, Barnhart. Cash only; no refunds. New items weekly. Funds sponsor community outreach programs. Call 636-223-2106.
Chess Open Play, 3:30-5:30 p.m., De Soto Public Library, 712 S. Main St. Call 636-586-3858 for any questions.
Nondenominational Bible study, 10-11 a.m. Quad Cities Senior Center at the Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. For more info, call 636-937-8333.
Bingo, 6 p.m., De Soto KC, 13225 Hwy. E. Doors open 4 p.m. Door prizes, two progressive games. Call 636-586-2594.
Therapy dog at library, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St. Children may read to therapy dog Maddie. Call 636-937-2017.
Line dancing, 6:30 p.m., Arnold VFW, 2301 Church Road. Sponsor: Midwest Club Dance. Call 314-972-4094.
Activities for seniors, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Martin UCC Church, 3229 High Ridge Blvd. High Ridge. Every Wednesday. Cards and games. Line dancing for beginners from 11 a.m. to noon. Intermediate line dancing noon to 2 p.m. Cold catered lunch is by reservation a week in advance. Call 636-677-4578. $5 suggested donation. Organizer: Aging Ahead.
Thursday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day
Free Christmas meal, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., The Salvation Army, 3740 Telegraph Road, Arnold. For questions, call 314-620-8365.
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