Local Upcoming Events • May 16, 2023

The Ultimate Guide To Upcoming Events For May 18th – May 24th, 2023

by The Veliz-Vice Team of Century 21 Advantage

Check out these local events that are happening in the surrounding areas!

Thursday, May 18th

Columbia Farmers Market – Columbia Turner Hall

Columbia, IL – Catch up with your favorite local plant, produce, coffee, craft, and baked good vendors at the Monroe County Farmers Market!
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

RJ Mischo & Band – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – RJ Mischo and Band at Copper Fire! It’s going to be AMAZING! Grab some great food, drinks and people with this great music this Thursday!
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Lauren Ash – Bennie’s Pizza Pub

Belleville, IL – Lauren Ash back at Bennie’s Pizza Pub playing a diverse set list of tunes! You’re sure to hear songs you love! Come see the show!
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday, May 19th

Art on the Square – Belleville Public Square

Belleville, IL – Art on the Square is a juried fine art show located at the Veterans Memorial Fountain in beautiful downtown Belleville, Illinois. Since 2002 Art on the Square has been ranked #1 and #2 in the nation by Art Fair Source Book over 10 times. Featuring the original work of over 100 accomplished artists from over 30 states with over 50 new artists in 2023, Wine Court entertainment as well as delicious local food and drink. Art on the Square is a three-day sensation for the eyes, ears and palate!
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

P-Nut and The Shells – Sunset Overlook

Columbia, IL – Join us for a great evening of live music by P-Nut and The Shells at Sunset Overlook!
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Movie Night Trivia – The Weingarten

Belleville, IL – Admission is absolutely FREE! Bring your friends and test your knowledge on a variety of popular movie genres. Drink specials wil be offered and we will feature a special “late night” menu. (Outside food & beverage is not allowed). We hope to see you there!
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Twisted Trio – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – Join us this Friday night with John, Conner, and Tom opening our request line!

Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Saturday, May 20th

May Belleville Flea Market – Belle Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center

Belleville, IL – Southern Illinois’ Premier Indoor/Outdoor Market – Over 600 tables and 300-400 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, and merchandise – old and new. Indoor/ Outdoor Year Round. Admission: FREE
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Art on the Square – Belleville Public Square

Summer Kickoff Bash – Ace’s Wild Video Gaming Parlor

Columbia, IL – Lets get the summer ready with a good ol fashioned parking lot party! Live music from the GREAT Southside Johnny Band from 3-7 and then partying afterwards. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the spring weather for a fun filled day!
Start Time: 2:00 PM

Austin Jones – Bennie’s Pizza Pub

Belleville, IL – Austin Jones has some new music he is going to share with us, along with his usual repertoire of unique covers! Stop in during the Art on the Square event and give him a listen!
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Graduation Headshots – Larissa Photography

Belleville, IL – Cost is $10 per person. Optional $60 for full set of digital files. Prints start at $6. Sessions done in studio. 15-20 images created at the session. To book, click here.
Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Harmony Grits – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – One of our absolute FAVORITES! Don’t miss this high energy, every genre, gritty and super talented group!
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Sunday, May 21st

May Belleville Flea Market – Belle Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center

Sunday Boozy Brunch – Bennie’s Pizza Pub

Belleville, IL – Art of the Square is this weekend! It is an amazing local event that brings so many people to our little town! Stop in for breakfast pizzas and bloody mary’s before you start walking around, or make us your last stop before you head home! We will have live music from the Castaway Kids 10am-1pm and Hunter Peebles from 2pm-5pm! It’s going to be a great weekend to celebrate the Arts, make us part of your day!
Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Art on the Square – Belleville Public Square

Monday, May 22nd

Althoff Bingo – Tribout’s Belle Vegas Bingo Hall

Belleville, IL – Monday Night BINGO benefiting Althoff Catholic is back! Join our dedicated volunteer BINGO workers for a fun evening at Tribout’s Belle Vegas Bingo Hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and BINGO starts at 7:00 p.m. Bring a friend!
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Xtreme Bar Bingo – Silver Creek Saloon

Belleville, IL – Join us for a fun night of FREE bingo consisting of 9 games! Winners could win fantastic prizes such as cash prizes, TVs, gift cards, and more! Xtreme Bar Bingo has a progressive cash Jackpot that increases a ball every week until it’s hit!
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday, May 23rd

Crafternoon – Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Come craft and learn with us every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Library with Miss Penny! Children of ALL AGES are welcome!
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Knitting and Crochet Night – Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Knitting and Crochet, every Tuesday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Want to learn how to knit or crochet? Come to the library! Already know how but want to knit or crochet with others? Come to the library! Do other kinds of handicrafts, like cross stitch or embroidery? Come to the library! If you can’t make it in person, a knitting Zoom meeting can be set up upon request. Contact the library for more details.
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Xtreme Bar Bingo – 1428 Tap Haus

Belleville, IL – Xtreme Bar Bingo is a FREE to play bingo consisting of 9 games! Winners could win awesome prizes such as cash prizes, TVs, gift cards, and more! Xtreme Bar Bingo has a progressive cash Jackpot that increases a ball every week until it’s hit!
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Pop Culture Trivia – Silver Creek Saloon

Belleville, IL – Join us for Free Bar Trivia courtesy of Chill Trivia Company! Five rounds of trivia covering all things movies, music, television, sports, and much, much more! No need to reserve a table, just come out with your friends or family and be ready to enjoy great food and drink at Silver Creek while answering fun questions for gift cards and prizes.
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday, May 24th

Youth Story Time – Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Join us for Story Time with Miss Penny every Wednesday! We’ll read a few books and then complete a fun craft. All ages welcome
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Pop Culture Trivia – 1428 Tap Haus

Belleville, IL – Join us every Tuesday at 7pm for Free Bar Trivia courtesy of Chill Trivia Company! Five rounds of trivia covering all things movies, music, television, sports and much, much more! No need to reserve a table, just come out with your friends or family and be ready to enjoy great food and drink at 1428 Tap Haus while answering fun questions for gift cards and prizes.
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

A Night at the Movies – Lincoln Theatre

Belleville, IL – Join the Philharmonic Orchestra for fun night of your favorite music from the movies…including scores for Superman, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, That’s Entertainment and more! Guest Soprano Amy Friedl-Stoner joins us and will be singing loved songs from The Sound of Music, Titanic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Skyfall, and the Wizard of Oz. For tickets, click here.
Start Time: 7:30 PM

Local Upcoming Events • May 9, 2023

The Ultimate Guide To Upcoming Events For May 11th – May 17th, 2023

by The Veliz-Vice Team of Century 21 Advantage

Check out these local events that are happening in the surrounding areas!

Thursday, May 11th

Columbia Farmers Market – Columbia Turner Hall

Columbia, IL – Catch up with your favorite local plant, produce, coffee, craft, and baked good vendors at the Monroe County Farmers Market!
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Cody Phillips – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – Come and listen to some amazing music, grab a cold beer or specialty cocktail or slushie, and eat some great food! Cody comes highly recommended and has an amazing voice! You will not be disappointed and he is sure to be a new favorite!
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Danny Kalaher Acoustic – Sunset Overlook

Columbia, IL – Join us for live acoustic music by Danny Kalaher while enjoying the sunset.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday, May 12th

WHS Athletic Booster Club – Sugar Spring South

Waterloo, IL – Join the Waterloo Athletic Booster Club in this fun event! There will be live music, a silent auction, a cash bar, and fresh in-house pizza. For tickets, click here.
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Hollywood5 – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – Come dance to your favorite pop and rock classics with Hollywood5!
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Saturday, May 13th

Smithton Village Yard Sale – Smithton

Smithton, IL – As a courtesy to the Smithton Village Hall and those in the community wanting to participate in the Village-Wide Yard Sale, this is to serve as a central hub. Feel free to share your yard sale location, categories of goods for sale, and hours your yard sale will be open. If you want to be on the map, be sure to contact Village Hall to sign up. 618-233-4180 https://smithton-village.com/
Start Time: 7:00 AM

Spring Celebration – Steinberg Ice Rink

St. Louis, MO – Steinberg Rink will have outdoor roller skating, kids’ activities, vendors, a make Mom a Mother’s Day card station, music, contests, and more at our beautiful setting in Forest Park! Starlight Café will be open with snacks, salads, and burgers. Local vendors will be set up, as well! Our Spring Celebration is weather permitting and we will reschedule for Saturday, May 20 if the event is canceled due to weather.
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Bennie’s 5th Anniversary Block Party – Bennie’s Pizza Pub

Belleville, IL – We are ready to celebrate 5 years of being in business in downtown Belleville, with all of you!! We have a huge Block Party planned to treat you all for being such amazing patrons over the years and supporting us in our move and our growth! This will be a FREE family friendly event with fun activities for the kids as well as the adults. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all!
Time: 2:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Ashan & Grotsky – Bennie’s Pizza Pub

Belleville, IL – We’ll be jammin at the pub! Be sure to come and hang out, listen to great tunes, & eat some delicious pizza!
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Eric Prewitt Band – Sunset Overlook

Columbia, IL – Come out and enjoy the sunset while listening to live music by the Eric Prewitt Band.
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Dazed n Confused STL – Cutter’s

Belleville, IL – It’s our first time at Cutter’s!! Lets party!
Start Time: 8:00 PM

Sunday, May 14th

Mother’s Day Breakfast Buffet – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – Looking for a Mother’s Day Breakfast Buffet? Copper Fire has it! Come and enjoy our bar with good food and good people! Reservations encouraged! Message us through Facebook or Google, text us at 618-795-3686 or email us at info@thecopperfire.com! Walk-ins may have a wait. Reservations will get served first priority. Thank you for choosing us for Mother’s Day! ❤️ Hope you have a great day! And we hope to see you!
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Rock Solid – Triple Lakes Tavern

Dupo, IL – Come join us for our first visit to Triple Lakes Tavern. Bring mom and treat her to some live music and food.
Start Time: 1:00 PM

Gordon & Whitlow – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – Welcome Back Gordon & Whitlow! They are excited to be back and will be playing some awesome rock and folk! Grab a bite to eat, a cold beer or a specialty cocktail and chill while listening to some great music!
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Monday, May 15th

Althoff Bingo – Tribout’s Belle Vegas Bingo Hall

Xtreme Bar Bingo – Silver Creek Saloon

A Night at the Opera – Belleville Union Methodist Church

Belleville, IL – Join the SWIC Community Choir and special guest soloists for a celebration of the beauty, drama, and excitement of the opera!
Start Time: 8:00 PM

Tuesday, May 16th

Crafternoon – Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Come craft and learn with us every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Library with Miss Penny! Children of ALL AGES are welcome!
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Knitting and Crochet Night – Millstadt Library

Xtreme Bar Bingo – 1428 Tap Haus

Pop Culture Trivia – Silver Creek Saloon

Wednesday, May 17th

Youth Story Time- Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Join us for Story Time with Miss Penny every Wednesday! We’ll read a few books and then complete a fun craft. All ages welcome
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Pop Culture Trivia – 1428 Tap Haus

Local Upcoming Events • May 2, 2023

The Ultimate Guide To Upcoming Events For May 4th – May 10th, 2023

by The Veliz-Vice Team of Century 21 Advantage

Check out these local events that are happening in the surrounding areas!

Thursday, May 4th

NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Muscle Car Drag Racing – World Wide Technology Raceway

Madison, IL – Come out to see NMCA join NMRA next to the St. Louis Arch for the Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing, an insane, horsepower-infused special event with everything from Xtreme Pro Mods & Renegades to Nostalgia Super Stockers & wheels-up Coyote madness! With over 20 race categories & loaded with extra special events, the Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing is southern Illinois’ #1 muscle car motorsport extravaganza! For tickets, click here.
Time: 2:30 PM – 12:00 AM
This event is from May 4th – May 7th

Columbia Farmers Market – Columbia Turner Hall

Columbia, IL – NEW TIME AND LOCATION! Our first Columbia Farmers Market kicks off at 4pm at our new location at Turner Hall at 211 E. Cherry St. Come see some of your favorite vendors, in addition to new ones joining us this year
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Tim and Lisa Albert – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – We have the talented musicians Tim & Lisa bringing some Blues Roots! If you’ve heard them before, you know what we’re talking about. If you haven’t heard them, you should try to catch them here! Make plans this Thirsty Thursday and get some great food, cold beer, and a specialty cocktail or slushie while listening to some awesome music!
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The Simpletons – Venue on Main

Belleville, IL – The Simpletons are back for another First Thursday show. This feisty vocal trio of background singers gone rogue aim to please with their versions of the best rock, blues, and country from the 60s – 80s, with some self-made music thrown in for good measure. Let yourself go and remember — the hard part is gettin’ out the door.
Start Time: 7:00 PM

Friday, May 5th

Spud Shack Food Truck – Venue on Main

Belleville, IL – Come see us for Cinco de Mayo and enjoy the food truck!
Start Time: 6:00 PM

Cinco De Mayo with Hubb & Eddie – Bennie’s Pizza Pub

Belleville, IL – Come celebrate Cinco with some delicious pizza, cold beer, and your favorite acoustic music with Hubb & Eddie! We’ll be getting funky all night so stop on in!
Start Time: 6:00 PM

Cree Rider – Seven Belleville

Belleville, IL – Come enjoy your Friday with solo live music by Cree Rider!
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Saturday, May 6th

19th Annual Village Wide Yard Sale – Millstadt

Millstadt, IL – Millstadt Historical Society will sponsor its 19th Annual Village-Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, May 6, 2023 rain or shine. For a $10.00 fee, each participant will benefit from event advertising and receive a yard sale indicator and a location mark on our map indicating where all participants will be located. We will post the map and ads on our website beginning 5/4/23 at millstadthistoricalsociety.org. A limited number are also available at the Millstadt Community Center. All participants will have the opportunity to advertise specific items to sell (i.e., baby clothes, sports equipment, furniture, plants, etc.) at no additional cost. 100 characters for advertising, plus an address will be provided. Download the registration form here.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Melting Pot Market Vendor Fair – Civic Park

Granite City, IL – Bring your family and friends to the first Melting Pot Market of the season! The market will feature a variety of craft & artisan vendors and will be located at The Civic Park across from the City’s’ very own beautiful state of the art cinema in The District, Downtown Granite City – “Where Art & Industry Meet”
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Kentucky Derby Day – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – We will have the Derby on our TVs, ice cold Kentucky Mules, and some great live music 2-5! Dress up or not, we don’t care but if you do, there are some prizes for best dressed!
Start Time: 12:00 PM

Ahna – Seven Belleville

Belleville, IL – Stop by for an afternoon full of live music by Ahna.
Start Time: 3:00 PM

Dazed n Confused STL – Tiny’s Pub & Grill

Columbia, IL – Join us for a fun night of live music performed by Dazed n Confused!
Start Time: 5:00 PM

Logan Chapman – Venue on Main

Belleville, IL – Come out for Logan Chapman’s debut and some live music!
Start Time: 7:30 PM

Sunday, May 7th

Lil’ Sister Band – Spaces

Belleville, IL – Stop by for Sunday Funday! – Lil Sister Band will be playing outside!
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The John and Dave Duo – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – We just love John and Dave and know you do too! They are FANTASTIC and so talented! If you like old and new Country Rock, you will love them! They take requests too! Come and listen to some amazing music, grab a cold beer or specialty cocktail or slushee and eat some great food! They are amazing and if you’ve missed them on the past, they are worth checking out this afternoon.
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Monday, May 8th

Althoff Bingo – Tribout’s Belle Vegas Bingo Hall

Xtreme Bar Bingo – Silver Creek Saloon

Tuesday, May 9th

Crafternoon – Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Come craft and learn with us every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Library with Miss Penny! Children of ALL AGES are welcome!
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Knitting and Crochet Night – Millstadt Library

Xtreme Bar Bingo – 1428 Tap Haus

Pop Culture Trivia – Silver Creek Saloon

Wednesday, May 10th

Youth Story Time- Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Join us for Story Time with Miss Penny every Wednesday! We’ll read a few books and then complete a fun craft. All ages welcome
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Pop Culture Trivia – 1428 Tap Haus

Home Sellers • May 2, 2023

Seven Costly Mistakes Sellers Make

by The Veliz-Vice Team of Century 21 Advantage

There are many good ways to invest in real estate. Hopefully you got some of your insight from us.

There are a lot of mistakes sellers can get into when they put up their house for sale. There was a seller in Virginia who had a half bath that was originally placed at the front of his house. He thought that it would be better if it was moved to the back of the main level. All the other similar models had the powder room in the same place for the past 20 years. It cost him thousands of dollars to move it, thinking it will get his house off the market sooner, but it didn’t. It became an expensive mistake.

Sid Davis, a real estate broker and author of “A Survival Guide to Selling a Home,” points out seven costly mistakes that sellers often make with regards to selling their home. In my business, I’ve seen each one of these mistakes played out and it just makes me shake my head as to why, sellers forge ahead with unwise strategies, instead of listening to the voice of an experienced professional, he says.

Sid Davis, real estate broker and author of the book “A Survival Guide to Selling a Home,” points out seven costly mistkaes that sellers make with regards to selling their home. In my business, I’ve seen each one of these mistakes played out and it just makes me shake my head as to why, sellers forge ahead with unwise strategies, instead of listening to the voice of an experienced professional, he said.

Mistake 1: Putting your home on the market before it’s ready. This usually happens because the seller is in a hurry to sell the house or the seller did not prepare early. And so, repainting is done while the house is shown. Or possible buyers view the house with a carpet that obviously needs to be replaced already. Presentation is vital. Prepare the home before putting it up for sale.
Mistake 2: Over-improving the house for the neighborhood. Don’t make additions, bump-outs and upgrades that will make the house stand out from among its competition in a way that it becomes an anomaly rather than a good addition to the community.
Mistake 3: Pricing the home based on what the seller wants to earn net. This is a bad pricing motivation. The sale price is dependent on the market climate and not on what the seller wants. Sellers can control the asking price but not the sales price.
Mistake 4: Choosing an agent based on non-business factors. If you want to sell your house fast and with good terms, choose an agent because of their good track record, not because they’re your relative or friend.
Mistake 5: Getting emotionallhy involved in the sale of the house. This is one of the biggest challenges that sellers face. When you decide to sell your home, you’ll need to think of your home as a commodity – prepare it as a commodity, market it as a commodity, and price it as a commodity. Many potential buyers will go to your house and scrutinize it. Don’t feel bad, they are only judging it based on their preferences.
Mistake 6: Covering up or not disclosing problems. Most states have a property disclosure/disclaimer form. You can be sued for a leaky basement or wiring problems discovered 30 days after settlement.
Mistake 7: Not getting your ducks lined up before you sell. This means getting your financing ready, making sure there’s no pre-payment penalties on your mortgage, monitoring your local market. If according to local market, you sell first before buying or vice vers, do the same.

Don’t fear making these mistakes. There are actually things you can do to avoid them. Learn from professionals who made resources like this for you to learn from.

Local Upcoming Events • April 25, 2023

The Ultimate Guide To Upcoming Events For April 27th – May 3rd, 2023

by The Veliz-Vice Team of Century 21 Advantage

Check out these local events that are happening in the surrounding areas!

Thursday, April 27th

Story Hour – Creation Clubhouse

Fairview Heights, IL – Join us for a story, crafts, fun activities, and worship time!
For tickets, click here.
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Array Trio – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – Array Trio returns to Copper Fire for a fun night of music! Great food, drinks, service and an awesome atmosphere awaits you!
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Open Mic – Venue on Main

Belleville, IL – Show us your stuff! Come in and sign up! Open mic is hosted by JAMS Occasional Friend!!
Start Time: 7:00 PM

Skyline Dinner Cruise – Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

St. Louis, MO – Our flagship evening cruise features live music, a chef-inspired menu and captivating views of the St. Louis skyline. This two-hour cruise is perfect for celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic night out or just relaxing on the water. Take a stroll around the top deck to see the city from brand new angles as it lights up the night sky. For tickets, click here.
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday, April 28th

Food Truck Friday – The Weingarten

Belleville, IL – We are so excited to introduce our 1st Food Truck Friday of the season! Food Truck Friday will run the last Friday of each month from April-August. Join us as we welcome Takozz Mexican Street Food, Sweet Side, and Dynamic Dishes. Live Music performed by Todd Pierson. Kay’s Caricatures will also be on-site for this fun-filled evening. We’ll see you there!
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

The Blue Roots – Triple Lakes Tavern

Dupo, IL – Come join us for a fun night of live music by The Blue Roots!
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

R5 – Columbia City Saloon

Columbia, IL – R5 Band is coming back to Columbia City Saloon to rock the house! Playing classic rock, 80s dance, current hits, and everything in between, our high-energy band will have you dancing all night long.
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Saturday, April 29th

Flea Market – American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1255

Belleville, IL – Join us for craft vendors, flea market vendors, garage/yard sale vendors, handmade crafts, antiques, pickers, woodwork, furniture, signs, wreaths, flower arrangements, soaps, beauty products, gardening, home decor, clothing, jewelry, canned/jarred products, sewing, crocheted…. and much, much more!!!
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Caffeine and Chrome Spark Plug Spectacular – Gateway Classic Cars

O’Fallon, IL – Calling all car enthusiasts! Join us for the best day of the month. This fun event is open to the public and has NO admission fee. Cruise in with your collectible car or daily driver and bring your appetite. Indulge in pastries and coffee* (while supplies last). All makes and models are welcome, with plenty of parking space. This is a family and pet friendly event! See you there!
Start Time: 9:00 AM

Pamela & a Piano – Bennie’s Pizza Pub

Belleville, IL – Come have some great pizza and listen to the tunes from Pamela & a Piano!
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Dark Horse – Columbia City Saloon

Columbia, IL – Come out and listen to some classic rock and roll!
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Jonathan Baker – The Office Lounge

Belleville, IL – Join us for a solo performance featuring some of the greatest rock hits.
Start Time: 8:00 PM

Lower The Bar – The Corner Chill and Grill

Belleville, IL – Come out and have a good time listening to local live music by Lower The Bar.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM

Sunday, April 30th

Pups, Poses & Pints – Eckert’s Cider Shed

Belleville, IL – Celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day with us on Sunday, April 30 in our NEW Cider Shed. Enjoy a 45 minute yoga class taught by an instructor from Go Yoga Express in Swansea, IL and then stick around while you sip on a pint of hard or sweet cider while playing with puppies that are adoptable through the Belleville Humane Society. The puppies will be available for playing with from 12pm – 2pm, with yoga starting promptly at noon. Live music by Andrew Dahle will be available from 1pm – 4pm. Come out to meet the puppies and support the Belleville Humane Society. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Belleville Humane Society.
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Spring/Mother’s Day Wood Craft – Fletcher’s Kitchen and Tap

Swansea, IL – Let’s spring out of winter! Come join us for a Spring/Mother’s day wood craft. This would make for a great mother’s day gift or make me for a fun mom’s day out! It is $40.00 a person which Includes : All painting supplies, greenery, ribbon & your stenciled out wood door hanger! Sign-up: Venmo: Ashley-Ford-52! Include: Fletchers Kitchen & Tap, your name & the number of the wood design you would like. You can also have the option to use any and all supplies provided to design your own. If you chose that option in your venmo payment description use “Create my own”. Cash payments can be made to the restaurant or the day of the event. Send in your Venmo payment by or on April 28th! We are so very excited to be expanding with our business! Invite your moms, grandmas, soon to be mama’s & girlfriends! We can’t wait to see you all!
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Monday, May 1st

Xtreme Bar Bingo – Silver Creek Saloon

Tuesday, May 2nd

Crafternoon – Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Come craft and learn with us every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Library with Miss Penny! Children of ALL AGES are welcome!
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Knitting and Crochet Night – Millstadt Library

Xtreme Bar Bingo – 1428 Tap Haus

Pop Culture Trivia – Silver Creek Saloon

Wednesday, May 3rd

Youth Story Time – Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Join us for Story Time with Miss Penny every Wednesday! We’ll read a few books and then complete a fun craft. All ages welcome
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Plant Swap – Columbia Public Library

Columbia, IL – Bring in a healthy and pest-free plant or cuttings to swap, or just come adopt a new plant. Make sure you bring plants in pots you are willing to part with. Please bring your own bags and/or containers to carry your new green friends’ home. Have information about your plant such as its’ name and its’ light, soil, and water preferences. Meet new plant friends, both human and vegetation!
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Local Upcoming Events • April 19, 2023

The Ultimate Guide To Upcoming Events For April 20th – 26th, 2023

by The Veliz-Vice Team of Century 21 Advantage

Check out these local events that are happening in the surrounding areas!

Thursday 4/20

Story Hour – Creation Clubhouse

Fairview Heights, IL – Join us for a story, crafts, fun activities, and worship time! For tickets, click here.
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Sunflower Smiles Gnome – The Weingarten

Belleville, IL – Grab a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or family member and join us for an evening of paint fun! A glass of Sangria/beer/soda is included in your ticket! All supplies needed will be provided, along with 2 hours of step-by-step instruction as the artist paints along with the group. This is a canvas painting class. BY POPULAR DEMAND…THE DESIGN WILL BE PREDRAWN ON CANVAS FOR YOU. You are welcome to customize or start with a blank canvas if you prefer. Additional color options will be available. For tickets, click here.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Kara and Scott Band – Bennie’s Pizza Pub

Belleville, IL – Come join us for yummy pizza, drinks, and live music!
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Kevin Babb – Shoehorn Brewing

Belleville, IL – Join us for a fun night of live music by Kevin Babb
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday 4/21

R&N – Spaces

Belleville, IL – Bring your friends and have a fun night with R&N!
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Midwest Avenue – Bennie’s Pizza Pub

Belleville, IL – Nashville recording artist Midwest Avenue bringing you a special acoustic show at the world famous Bennies Pizza Pub
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Boot Scootin’ Boogie Spring Fling – Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve

Collinsville, IL – Come on out and enjoy some great country music, line dancing, bonfire, cash bar, and a great menu provided by Cafe Agape.
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Saloonatics – Venue on Main

Belleville, IL – 70’s, 80’s and 90’s band!! Come early and have dinner with the Soul Burgers Food Truck!
Start Time: 7:00 PM

Party on the Patio – Reifschneider’s Grill and Grape

Columbia, IL – Stay Tuned for Real Rock Classics on the patio, weather permitting otherwise inside. Come out early to enjoy dinner and some of Columbia’s finest cocktails
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Saturday 4/22

The Riverside Flea Market – The Loading Dock Bar & Grill

Grafton, IL – The Riverside Flea Market is host to over 60 vendors and features a variety of goods including antiques, collectibles, crafts, clothing, decor, and more. The market is held on the 4th Saturday & Sunday, April through October.
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Village of Shiloh Carnival – Yorktown Golf Course

Shiloh, IL – Bring the family and enjoy the Village of Shiloh Carnival all day at Yorktown Golf Course. Get a picture with the Budweiser Clydesdale’s, enjoy food/ drinks, and live music!
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Come Read to a Therapy Dog – Smithton Public Library District

Smithton, IL – The Smithton Public Library is teaming up with Got Your Six to bring a new kind of reading program to you! Kids can read to a therapy dog from Got Your Six at the Smithton Public Library. Watch as their reading confidence soars! Families (6 people maximum) can sign up for a ten-minute reading session with a therapy dog. Adults must sign a waiver on the day of the event for the family to participate. Families must preregister by calling (618) 233- 8057 to reserve a time slot.
Start Time: 10:00 AM

Duke Oursler – Venue on Main

Belleville, IL – Stop by for live music by Duke Oursler. Duke has been writing and playing his original music for the past two decades in Illinois and Iowa. He has shared the stage with many regional and national acts such as Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts, Chicago Farmer, Joe Stamm, Them Coulee Boys, Hello Dave, and others.
Start Time: 7:00 PM

Array Band – Columbia City Saloon

Columbia, IL – Array Band is excited to return to West Park Bowl Saloon! Great food, drinks, and atmosphere! Hang out with us for the night in Columbia, IL!
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

AmberFade – Copper Fire

Belleville, IL – We are back in Belleville!! Let’s fill the place!! Come early and grab a bite and a cold one!
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Sunday 4/23

Spring Painting Event – The Corner Chill and Grill

Belleville, IL – Let’s spring out of winter! This would make for a fun mom’s day out! Invite your moms, grandmas, soon to be mamas & girlfriends! We can’t wait to see you all! It is $25.00 a person which includes: all painting supplies & your stenciled out canvas! Venmo: Ashley-Ford-52! Include The Corner Chill & Grill, Your name & the picture # you would like to paint! You can also pay cash as well at the restaurant or on the day of. Send in your Venmo payment by May 5th!
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Groove and Spin – Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

St.Louis, MO – Get in the groove with a night of old-school R&B. This evening cruise is the perfect getaway for those who miss that classic beat. Enjoy a cocktail on the top deck overlooking the St. Louis skyline, or tear up the dance floor below. However you like to get down, you’ll find something to love on this exclusive cruise. For tickets, click here.
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Monday 4/24

Story Hour – Columbia Public Library

Columbia, IL – Come join us where children build early literacy skills in a themed story time with songs, stories, crafts, and free play with new friends. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. To register, click here.
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Xtreme Bar Bingo – Silver Creek Saloon

Tuesday 4/25

Crafternoon – Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Come craft and learn with us every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Library with Miss Penny! Children of ALL AGES are welcome!
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Knitting and Crochet Night – Millstadt Library

Xtreme Bar Bingo – 1428 Tap Haus

Pop Culture Trivia – Silver Creek Saloon

Belleville, IL – Join us for Free Bar Trivia courtesy of Chill Trivia Company! Five rounds of trivia covering all things movies, music, television, sports, and much more! No need to reserve a table, just come out with your friends or family and be ready to enjoy great food and drink at Silver Creek while answering fun questions for gift cards and prizes.
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday 4/26

Youth Story Time- Millstadt Library

Millstadt, IL – Join us for Story Time with Miss Penny every Wednesday! We’ll read a few books and then complete a fun craft. All ages welcome
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Pop Culture Trivia – 1428 Tap Haus

Belleville, IL – Join us every Tuesday at 7 pm for Free Bar Trivia courtesy of Chill Trivia Company! Five rounds of trivia covering all things movies, music, television, sports, and much, much more! No need to reserve a table, just come out with your friends or family and be ready to enjoy great food and drink at 1428 Tap Haus while answering fun questions for gift cards and prizes.
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Home Buyers • April 19, 2023

Buyers, Get an Edge During the Busy Season

by The Veliz-Vice Team of Century 21 Advantage

Usually, spring and summer is the busiest time in residential real estate. Most families want to take advantage of the good weather and the children’s summer break. However in most regions, spring is also when houses are most expensive. During this time, there are a lot of buyers and competition is tough.

Here are some measures you can take that can give you an advantage over other buyers:

If you plan to work with a real estate agent, start early. Interview three to four agents and talk to their references as well. Once you have chosen, let the agent know exactly what you’re looking for. Be specific and detailed.
Get your loan pre-approved. By doing this early, you have one less task to think about. You’ll also know how much you can borrow. This will save you from looking at houses you can’t afford. And when you make an offer with a pre-approved loan, the sellers know that you’re serious.
Determine how much you can afford for downpayment. According to NAR, first-time buyers usually make a down payment of 6 percent on a home purchase, and 24 percent of down payment funds were gifts from relatives or friends. If you don’t have this option, you can turn to loan programs that accept 5-3 percent downpayment. Closing costs typically range from 2-7 percent of the property cost.
Always be ready for your agent’s call. If the competition is tight, as soon as your realtor finds a good deal that is up to your criteria, they’ll notify you. Be ready to visit the house and once you determine that it’s going to be a good buy, make an offer.
When you look at houses, consider the potential. There are some things you cannot change like the neighborhood, proximity to job centers and schools, the basic floorplan of the house, and size of the back yard. But don’t turn your back on a house because you don’t like the color of the paint, the design of the carpet or wallpaper. These are things you can change according to your taste. Try to imagine the house with the furniture and carpet which you think goes best with the house. Do you ike it now?
If you’re in a seller’s market consut your real estate agent on how much you should offer. If there’s competition, consider offering more than the listing price. Avoid asking for a long closing date or extras like carpet allowances.
Start thinking about home insurance now. Start by checking that your credit report is accurate. The accuracy of your credit repor is very important. It will determine if a company will cover you and for how much. According to the Insurance Information Institute, you should get a copy of your loss history report like a CLUE report from ChoicePoint or an A-PLUS report from Insurance Services Office. They record home insurance claims. If you weren’t able to file a claim in the past five years, you won’t have a loss history report. This gives you a better report and a lower premium. If you previously rented, you should have renter’s insurance. Your insurance history will be helpful when you apply for insurance for your new home.

Home Sellers • April 19, 2023

Home Staging Helps Bring Top Dollar Sale

by The Veliz-Vice Team of Century 21 Advantage

If you sell your house looking like a model home, chances are you’ll sell it for a good price. This technique is called home staging. Sellers acknowledge the importance of home staging that it has become a fast-growing profession.

“Staging is not decorating. Decorating is optional, staging is mandatory in order to sell the house for the most possible money in the shortest amount of time,” says home staging instructor Joanne O’Donnell. She has been teaching home staging courses for several years.

The concept was started by Barb Schwarz in 1972 who was then a realtor. She realized that houses that were prepared to be sold prior to putting it up in the market, sold better than those that were not. Today thousands of real estate professionals understand the importance of home staging.

“When we put your home on the market it is no longer your home; it is a product and we’re marketing it,” O’Donnell tells her students.

Home stagers start by taking a close look at the house inside and out. O’Donnell encourages her students to go around the house with the seller. As they go through the house, they should take notes of the things that need to be moved or taken out.

Even though home staging is about improving the appearance of the house, O’Donnell emphasizes that it’s different from interior decorating. “You can’t go out and buy new things for every problem that you have with a house,” she says. Home staging is about decluttering in a way that it looks attractive to the masses. “Clutter eats up equity”, O’Donnell often reminds her students. “The whole idea of staging is that you want to market to the largest number of people to get as many offers as possible,” says O’Donnell.

There are five important points to remember in home staging. O’Donnell refers to them as the Five C’s of staging – clean, clutter-free, color, creatively staged, compromise with the sellers.

Gerin Canin, a lawyer from New York is transitioning into a home stager. She says, “People don’t see that a lot of things that are in their houses are part of themselves and when you try to sell a house you want to make it as neutral as possible, not necessarily in the colors, but in the way it’s presented.”

“I think that when people sell their homes they don’t necessarily see their house as a potential buyer would see their house. They become attached to things. [The seller] doesn’t notice things that other people would notice. So I do think it’s important to have an opinion from someone else,” explains Canin.

Here are some tips from professional home stagers:

Inside the house :

Clear the clutter
Remove from sight extra appliances and wirings
Put away family pictures
Do what you can to give a lot of open space

Outside the house:

Paint/Power wash
Put shutters
Plants, high, medium, low — with lots of color
Add decks to improve the look

Home Buyers • April 19, 2023

Am I Ready To Buy?

by The Veliz-Vice Team of Century 21 Advantage

Readines when it comes to buying a home takes more than just money. There are other factors involved – factors not involoving money but can be as important. People make decisions not just based on financial issues but on other things as well like your personality, abilities and values.

Probably one of the most important consideration you’ll have is the environment. What kind of place or neighborhood do I want to live in?

City Versus SuburbsYour personality influences your choice of where to live. Do you want to live in a quite neighborhood? Or do you prefer livnig in a busy city? Are you looking for a place near malls, the night life or are you looking for a place away from all these? Do you want to live within walking distance from your office or your children’s school? or you prefer to take the subway or ride the train? The environment you choose, spells the quality of life you will have. If your preferences go with properties that are too mch for your budget, consider these options: postpone buying a house until you can afford your dream house in your ideal neighborhood or pursue having your own home now and just compromise on your preferences?
Amenities Versus CustomizationIf you buy a home with amenities like a tennis court, basketball court, gym, olympic-sized swimming pool, you’ll be paying a lot for it. Your mortgage rate will be very expensive compared to renting a house with these amenities. There are many apartments in cities that have these amenities available but you don’t have to pay as much. Another option you could consider is to find an affordable house and just customize it according to your preference.
Flexibility Versus StabilityRenting allows you to leave anytime without much ado. Of course there is a contract but the problem can be fixed by paying up to what is agreed. But as a homeowner, if you want to move, you’ll need to face the hassle of selling your house and finding a good buyer. And while you are waiting for a buyer, you need to continue paying your mortgage and keep the house well-maintained. This process will take months or even years. Unless money is not an issue and you could afford to move without having to sell your old house. However as a tenenant, there is always the possibility that your landlord will raise your rental fee or ask you to move anytime even when you don’t plan to move anytime soon. As a homeowner, you can live in your house for as long as you want.
Personalized Aesthetics Versus Less WorkOwning a house gives you the freedom to customize the look of the house according to your liking. But this privilege also comes with the responsibility of takiing care of maintenance and repairs. If you think you are not the type to spend time and effort into fixing a leaky faucet or cutting grass, you might not be ready to own a home yet. Unless you can afford to simply pay someone to take care of this for you.A tenant on the other hand, does not have control over the aestheitcs of the place but you also have liberty from dealing with maintenance or damages from poor construction. What you can do though is change the furniture and interior decorations to suit your liking. If there is a leaky faucet, just call your landlord.
Emotional Satisfaction Versus Less WorryHaving your very own home is considered the “American dream”. This means growing roots and being involved in the community. If you’re the kind of person who only wants a place to stay and is out most of the time, renting may be a better choice for you.

Deliberating about your readiness to own a home is something that only you can answer. What you can afford to buy can be done by online calculators but when it comes to intangible things like your personality, values and priorities can only be determined by you. Take time to think about considerations listed above before you make any decision regarding home ownership.

Home Sellers • April 19, 2023

A House That Looks Good Will Sell

by The Veliz-Vice Team of Century 21 Advantage

They say that if you want to sell a house, it should have curb appeal. What it means is that you chould make your house look captivating enough that homebuyers who drive by your house should be compelled to stop and take down the contact information for your agent.

According to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal is the reason for the sale of 49% of houses.

However, there are some things that you can’t control such as your neighbor’s houses and yards. You can do everything to make hour home and lawn tidy and beautiful but what if the other houses in the neighborhood are not as attractive as yours? Don’t worry. In fact you can use it to your advantage. This means your house will standout. If the other houses look as good as yours, they might be more interested in those houses or think that yours look inferior. If the houses are sprawling with toys, it gives the homebuyers an idea that there are many kids in the neighborhood. If they have children, they’ll be happy about it. Their children will have playmates. If however the neighborhood has a lot of junk, then it’s a problem.

Based on my experience on curb appeal, this is how you can beautify city and suburban (or semi-suburban) houses:

In the case of a yardless townhouse1987. A time when the real estate business is taking a downturn. There are many other townhouses for sale downtown. The house is located near a public-housing project which gives an impression of the area being high-risk for crime. On the other hand, it is home to beautiful townhouses, a school around the corner, streets with many trees and a close-knit neighborhood. Since their are many children playing in the street, crimes are prevented. There are no abandoned cars in the street.
What I did to prep it upI repainted the blue paint on the trim and on the front door. To give a feel of warmth and privacy, I added shutters to the windows in the living room. Then I set up a flower box on the window ledge. I also added a filled half-barrel on the side of the two marble steps up to the front door as well as the small area around the tree in front of the house. The front steps were bleached and scrubbed.To deal with the children, I treated them with ice cream so they’d be less rowdy on open house days.All my efforts yielded a favorable outcome. The succesful buyer was at the first open house. Prior to this, the house was on the market for five months with two real estate brokerages.
Golden rule: Give all the neighborhood kids ice cream. Unfortunately, I missed one kid who announced to everyone on open house that someone stole her bike. (It wasn’t true though)
In the case of a city house with front yardJune 2001. The real estate market is booming. Houses in the $150,000-to-$300,000 range are a hot item. The house is located at a semi-suburban neighborhood. The flowers are in bloom; there are plenty of trees; and the street has reopened after a year of railroad-bridge replacement.On the downside, there’s a beer ditributor at the corner and they cause a lot of trash. And the street is busy since it’s a main route between two major city avenues.
What to do to prep it upClean the facade of the house. Clean the porch columns and rails carefully to get rid of the mildew. Repaint the porch floor. Trim the hedges regularly and plant lots of pretty flowers. Touch up on the paint of the concrete bench under the dogwood. Repaint the stairs on the porch. Fix the sidewalk. Wash the windows.Water the lawn regularly and mow it once a week. When you pick up trash in front of your house, do the same with nearby houses.

Outcome: It only took one weekend to get the house off the market. As early as day 2, eighteen couples were scheduled for appointments.

Golden rule: Don’t risk selling your house at an ugly state. Do what you can to make it attractive. But don’t overdo it. Don’t spend so much to beautify the house. Your main goal is to get their attention, make them stop and give your house a good look. But keep their interest by making the inside of the house desirable as well.