O'Fallon Update newsletter - Autumn 2013 by City of O'Fallon

O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Autumn 2013 • www.ofallon.mo.us

Make lasting family memories this fall New discount program for O’Fallon’s disabled veterans The O’Fallon City Council recently passed an ordinance that provides disabled veterans living in the City limits with a discount on their City of O’Fallon bills. The new program offers a 15% discount on the standard O’Fallon Water and Sewer and O’Fallon Environmental Services monthly charges to individual residential customers who are veterans of the U. S. Armed Forces with a service-connected disability of at least 25%. To be eligible, residents must be the account holder and have verification of their service disability from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To find out more about this program, please contact Utility Billing at 636-281-2858. *Residents who already qualify for O’Fallon’s Senior Citizen discounts already receive this benefit and need not apply.

on’t you enjoy reminiscing about the good old days and the great times you’ve had with friends and family? This past summer in O’Fallon rates as one to remember, as our parks got more use than ever. Thanks to great weather, we had record attendance at our Heritage & Freedom Fest and Jammin’ outdoor concerts. And more great times in City parks — festivals, sports, special events and winter holidays — are just ahead! There was a time when our parks were mostly used for family picnics, horseshoes and baseball games. Now, we also have outstanding soccer and football fields, a great skate park and unique special events every month. Coming up, the Fall Fest in Civic Park includes a tradition we’ve revived, the Friday night Street Dance featuring great dance music, food and a lot of fun. On Saturday, come on back to Civic Park for a relaxing day of acoustic music, family entertainment, and shopping for handmade items and great food at the Fall Fest. In November, please join me with your family at City Hall for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The kids can help me count down to the lighting of a huge Christmas tree. Next, after Thanksgiving, the Celebration of Lights will open in Fort Zumwalt Park. Cruise the display in your car. Or, check out page 7 to learn how you and your family can make the Celebration of Lights even more memorable. And each month, please join us as we hold patriotic events honoring those who have served us in the name of freedom. I can’t help but leave these ceremonies feeling humbled by the sacrifices shown by my fellow Americans. May this fall be a safe, happy and memorable one for you and your family!

Bill Hennessy, Mayor

In this issue 3 – 4 Fall Fest & Street Dance, Fall Fest 5K 5

Public Works

6 – 7 Upcoming Events 8

Public Asst./Seniors

Roscoe’s Den

10 Police Bulletins

Keep up-to-date with the City Administrator’s Report Learn about the latest news and happenings around O’Fallon in the new City Administrator’s Report, which is included as part of the weekly O’Fallon Update e-newsletter. Compiled by new City Administrator Bonnie Therrien, the report details many of the City’s projects and upcoming events and provides insight on many of the issues under consideration by the O’Fallon City Council. To receive the O’Fallon Update or to view the latest version of the City Administrator’s report, simply go to www.ofallon.mo.us/city-administrator. You also may register by emailing tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us. See page 2 for more on O’Fallon’s new City Administrator.

11 O’Fallon’s Olympic hopeful 12 City Calendar

See reverse for Autumn Parks & Rec Guide

Elected Officials

Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 1 Councilmembers Bill Gardner 636-379-5581 bgardner@ofallon.mo.us

Rick Lucas 636-379-5582 rlucas@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 2 Councilmembers Rose Mack 636-379-5591 rmack@ofallon.mo.us

Jim Pepper 636-379-5583 jpepper@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 3 Councilmembers Richard “Rick” Battelle 636-379-5586 rbattelle@ofallon.mo.us

John Haman, Jr. 636-379-5585 jhaman@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 4 Councilmembers Bob Howell 636-379-5587 bhowell@ofallon.mo.us

Jeff Schwentker 636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 5 Councilmember Mike Pheney 636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us

Citizens First Center

Helpful Numbers

636-379-5553

City Hall 636-240-2000

Police (Non-emergency)

Mayor Bill Hennessy and O’Fallon City Council appoint new City Administrator Earlier this summer, Mayor Bill Hennessy and the O’Fallon City Council approved the appointment of Bonnie Therrien as O’Fallon’s new City Administrator. The appointment of Therrien concluded a national search that began in May of this year. Therrien comes to O’Fallon from Connecticut, where she served in numerous roles in city management, most recently as the Interim Town Manager for North Branford, CT. She brings nearly 30 years of experience in city management to O’Fallon, having worked as a town manager and assistant town manager for cities ranging in population from 9,500 to more than 150,000. The position in O’Fallon brings Therrien to the Midwest for the first time in her career. Therrien was selected after a lengthy interview process that included candidates from throughout the country. The process was led by Mayor Bill Hennessy and a committee made up of staff and elected officials who volunteered their time to conduct the search. Therrien has a Master of Science in Public Administration, a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, all from American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. She officially began her tenure with Bonnie Therrien O’Fallon on August 5, 2013.

Adopt a stray dog or cat Take your pick of dogs, cats, kittens and puppies in need of homes at Animal Talk Medical Center, the veterinarian facility that houses strays and unwanted animals picked up by O’Fallon’s Animal Control. When strays are not claimed by their owners, they are put up for adoption for a limited time. To see photos of adoptable pets online, visit Animal Talk Medical Center on Facebook. Or, go to Craigslist at http://stlouis.craigslist.org/pet and then search for “Animal Talk.” The facility is located at 12678 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Wentzville. To visit one-onone with adoptable animals, call 636-332-5900. To adopt a pet, you must be at least 18, possess a valid driver’s license and pay a flat fee that covers spaying or neutering, all vaccinations and a microchip implant. Non-homeowners also need permission from their landlords or the home’s legal owner(s).

Free Bulk Waste drop-off dates in October, December O’Fallon residents are invited to bring acceptable items that are too large to fit into their trash containers, such as carpeting or furniture, to the City’s waste transfer station at 1572 Progress West Lane between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 19 and Saturday, December 21. The service is free to O’Fallon residents. Loads are limited to one 10-foot trailer per address, and residents are responsible for unloading their own items. Visit www.ofallon. mo.us for a list of acceptable and unacceptable items. Or, contact staff at ofallonrecycles@ ofallon.mo.us or 636-272-0477.

636-240-3200

O’Fallon Senior Center 636-272-4180

Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477

O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858

Have a question or concern for City of O'Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us. Use the tools to view our frequently asked questions, ask a question, make a service request or login to follow the status of your previous requests.

Fall Fest & Street Dance Civic Park – Free parking and admission

Get in the mood for fall with the annual Street Dance party on Friday night, and then shop the Fall Fest all day Saturday

elcome to the party! Dance to the music of Trixie Delight performing all your favorite rock and roll hits from today through the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s. The Street Dance will be held on the upper parking lot in Civic Park this year, where the band will play from 7 – 10 p.m. Festival-style concessions will be available for purchase. Then on Saturday, October 12, O’Fallon’s 29th Annual Fall Fest will get underway from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in beautiful Civic Park, featuring live acoustic music, family-style entertainment, festival food and beverages, and shopping at vendors’ booths. ‘Fall Fest & Street Dance’ continues on p. 4

www.ofallon.mo.us/FallFest

Friday, October 11 • Street Dance Food and beverages available 7 – 10 p.m.

Trixie Delight

Saturday, October 12 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Booths, entertainment, music

Free Fall Fest activities for Saturday, October 12 Main Stage Music • Civic Park Bandstand 10–11:30 a.m.

Acoustik Element – Latin guitar music featuring Aaron Burlbaw

Noon – 2 p.m.

Acoustic, bluegrass and country music by Johnny and Ethan from the Well Hungarians

2:30 – 5 p.m.

Old-time music by the Lodge Brothers

Trixie Delight

Family Entertainment • Near the Bandstand Noon, 1:30, 3:30 p.m.

The Chris Clark Bicycle Stunt Show

Gazebo • Upper Playground 11 a.m., 3 p.m.

Keith Leff’s Spooky Spectacular Stage Show

O'Fallon Historical Society Log Cabin Museum All day

Rope-maker and broom squire; archaeological demonstration; museum tours (free; donations are welcome)

www.ofallon.mo.us Autumn 2013

Fall Fest & Street Dance (cont.) New this year, the Chris Clark Bicycle Stunt Show offers a breathtaking display of balance and agility as Chris maneuvers over custom-built ramps and obstacles with skills acquired in more than 15 years of national and international competitions. Chris gets the audience involved by including volunteers from the crowd as part of the show, and he gladly signs autographs afterwards. Also new, the Spooky Spectacular Stage Show features magic by award-winning Keith Leff, who’s been voted “Best Magician in Kansas City” three years in a row. Keith has also been named “Magician of the Year” by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. If you’d like to learn about O’Fallon’s unique history, stop by the O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum for a tour, a demonstration of archaeology and stories about the town’s first mayor, Fred Jacoby. Mayor Jacoby owned a drugstore, repaired watches, directed the town band and installed O’Fallon’s first telephone system. Chris Clark Bicycle Stunt Show

Acoustik Element

Fall Fest 5K

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Saturday, October 12 7:30 a.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Get set to feel great all day by getting some great exercise in O’Fallon’s 11th Annual Fall Fest 5K. The 3.1-mile race, which has divisions for all ages and a free costume contest for race participants, will begin outside O’Fallon’s Municipal Centre (City Hall). Runners can set their own pace as they follow a marked circuit through the neighborhood, returning to the start/finish line at City Hall. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be served after the race, with the awards ceremony beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. Awards will be presented to the top three male and female runners overall, the top three male/female runners in each division, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for “Best Costume” worn throughout the race by participants. Then, at 10 a.m., the annual Fall Fest will open nearby in Civic Park. O’Fallon’s Fall Fest 5K is sponsored by local businesses and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. The Fall Fest 5K offers divisions for: 10-and-under, 11-14, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60+, the Baby Stroller Division (male and female), Athena (for females weighing 150 lbs. or more), and Clydesdale (for males weighing 205 lbs. or more). The costume contest is open to all race participants at no extra charge with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes awarded to the best family-friendly costumes worn throughout the race.

Registration:

Front and center to O’Fallon’s Fall Fest are vendors offering original art and gifts, trendy house and yard decorations, and stylish holiday-themed clothing, jewelry and accessories. Complete your day by picnicking on festival-style food and beverages while you listen to live music. Acoustik Element will open the festival with Latin guitar music, followed by country and bluegrass tunes by Johnny and Ethan of the Well Hungarians, and old-time music by the Lodge Brothers that will surely set your foot to tapping.

“Like” O'Fallon events on Facebook.

www.facebook.com/VisitOFallon

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Registration from September 7 to October 10 is $18 per person; October 10 also is the last day to pick up a race packet. Register online at www.ofallon.mo.us/FallFest5K through October 6.

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Or, register in-person through October 10 at O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Administrative Office, 400 Civic Park Drive; hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Call 636379-5606.

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Race day registration is $20 per person; registration will be held on site from 6 – 7:15 a.m.

For more information, email festivalassistant@ofallon. mo.us, call 636-379-5614, or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ FallFest5K. To be a part of the race as a volunteer, please contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5507.

Public Works City Infrastructure Updates O’Fallon’s Sewer Lateral Insurance Program offers residents funding for expensive repairs Did you know that lateral sewer line repairs typically cost thousands of dollars? The good news is that O’Fallon homeowners can get help through the City’s Sewer Lateral Insurance Program. Homeowners already have the insurance, which is funded by a $5 fee that is collected with annual property taxes. Lateral sewer lines connect your house to the public sewer main beneath the street. The line extends from your home’s foundation to the sewer main. Because lateral sewer lines belong to the property owner or homeowner, cleaning, repairing and replacing the lateral sewer line is an owner’s responsibility. The City’s lateral line insurance program provides up to $7,500 in coverage, should any repairs be needed. If you suspect that your sewer lateral could be the cause of sewage backup in your home, and a plumber cannot resolve the problem, the City’s lateral repair program may be able to help. To find out, take the following steps: Pick up a copy of the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Application at City Hall or download the application at www.ofallon.mo.us/sewer-lateralinsurance-program. You also need to obtain a copy of last year’s paid property tax receipt from St. Charles County and a $300 application fee. With that in hand, the City can authorize a video inspection of the sewer lateral to determine the nature and location of the problem. If the problem is covered by the Sewer Lateral Insurance Program, City staff will guide you through the entire process, and your application fee will be refunded once the repair process is complete. For more information, call 636-240-2000 or visit www. ofallon.mo.us and click on “Sewer Lateral Insurance.”

Mexico Road and Bryan Road intersection improvement projects coming to an end This summer’s projects to improve the intersections along Mexico Road and Bryan Road are nearing completion. The projects, which added turning lanes at several major interchanges along both the Mexico and Bryan corridors, already have improved traffic flow on two of O’Fallon’s most popular thoroughfares. On behalf of our contractors and crews, thank you to the residents who live along these corridors for your support and patience and for driving safely in these work zones. For the latest updates on all City projects, visit www.ofallon.mo.us and click on the “City Projects” link.

www.ofallon.mo.us

Improving traffic flow through St. Charles County is the focus for proposed I-70 corridor improvements A project to reduce traffic congestion and improve access and safety may soon be coming to O’Fallon. The I-70 Traffic Flow Improvements Project extends from Route 79 on the east to Bryan Road on the west. It includes plans for improvements to the I-70 and T.R. Hughes Blvd. and I-70 and Route K/M interchanges. The project continues a St. Charles County initiative to improve access and traffic flow throughout the County’s most traveled corridor. Currently, more than 115,000 vehicles travel I-70 between Route 79 and Bryan Road daily. During morning and afternoon rush hours, traffic starts and stops, particularly along Route K and Bryan Road. Route K currently has four signalized intersections within 1,100 feet forcing motorists to sit at signals for multiple cycles before clearing the interchange area. In addition, Bryan Road is home to numerous residents whose main access to I-70 includes several congested areas. The I-70 Traffic Flow Improvements Project is looking at: removing traffic signals; improving intersections; increasing access to Woodlawn Avenue and Sonderen Lane; converting two-way outer roads to one way; relocating/adding ramps to and from I-70; and eliminating roadway bottlenecks. The goal is to get motorists to their destinations faster and safer. The project also will examine infrastructure improvements for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Later this fall, the City of O’Fallon will host a public open house to present proposed improvements. The exact date has not yet been determined, but the meeting will be at O’Fallon City Hall, 100 North Main Street, in the multi-purpose room. All residents and business owners are encouraged to attend and to give their input. Please stay tuned to the City’s website and e-newsletter for more updates and for the exact date and time of the public open house.

www.ofallon.mo.us Autumn 2013

Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events

Patriotic Ceremonies Patriot Day Ceremony

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Wednesday, September 11 8:30 a.m., 9-11 Memorial: A Tribute to First Responders outside the O’Fallon Police Department Everyone is invited to assemble in the parking lot outside the O’Fallon Police Department where the City’s 9-11 memorial honors first responders and the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony Friday, September 20 7 p.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk Join in a candlelight ceremony honoring and remembering the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or imprisoned on foreign soil. The “Airlifter Brass” of the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America will perform during the ceremony.

Veterans Day Ceremony

Fort Zumwalt Park temporarily closing to traffic Monday, October 14 – January 20 In preparation for the Celebration of Lights, Fort Zumwalt Park will close to vehicles on Monday, October 14. Pedestrians are welcome to use the walking path along the drive during daylight hours, and all are invited to see the Celebration of Lights display, which opens at 6 p.m., Friday, November 29.

O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Please Remain Calm Friday – Sunday, October 25 – 27, and November 1 – 3 7 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Tickets purchased in advance are $10 for general admission and $8 for students (ages 6–17) and seniors (ages 55+). Purchase tickets by phone (credit cards only; call 636-4742732) or in person at the Renaud Spirit Center or the Parks and Recreation Office. For more details, please see page 33 in the Parks & Rec Guide.

Make A Difference Day

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Saturday, October 26 9–11 a.m., throughout O’Fallon

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Monday, November 11 11 a.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk Everyone is invited to honor and thank our community’s veterans at O’Fallon’s Veterans Memorial Walk. City Hall will be closed in observance of the day.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony Saturday, December 7 1 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)

Everyone is invited to make a difference in our community by helping with projects that will enhance O’Fallon’s parks, creeks, roadsides and veterans memorials. Pre-registration is required at www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer.

Pumpkin Carving Exhibit Sunday, October 27 1–4 p.m., Heald Home, Fort Zumwalt Park

All are welcome to attend a ceremony honoring those who were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Watch artist Marion Nichols carve an intricate pumpkin masterpiece, and enjoy a display of her carved pumpkins throughout the historic Heald Home. The cost is $2 at the door, which includes a tour of the home. For more information, call 636-379-5614, or email jhoisington@ofallon.mo.us.

RSC Family Fun Fair & Art Expo

Cornucopia of Care Food Drive

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Saturday, September 28 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Renaud Spirit Center All ages are invited to come dressed for exercise, swimming, kids’ activities and art. See page 8 in the Parks & Rec Guide.

O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

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Monday, November 4 – Saturday, December 14 Drop off canned and boxed food and personal care items for local food pantries. For more information, call 636-379-5507.

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O’Fallon Municipal Centre, 100 North Main Street Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle Lindell Bank O’Fallon, 4521 Highway K Fox’s Pizza Den, 1120 Technology Drive, Ste. 119 New Frontier Bank, 5000 WingHaven Boulevard

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Veterans Exhibit

Celebration of Lights

Sunday, November 10 1–4 p.m., Heald Home, Fort Zumwalt Park

November 29 – December 30 (Closed December 25) Nightly, Fort Zumwalt Park, 1000 Jessup Drive

In recognition of Veterans Day, a special veterans exhibit showcasing memorabilia, medals, uniforms, and related items will be displayed at the Heald Home. Visit with our veterans and thank them for serving our country! For more information, call 636-379-5614. $2 admission includes a tour of the home.

Treat your friends and loved ones to a tour through O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park. Visitors will find the park magically transformed by millions of twinkling lights and holiday scenes into a winter wonderland offering surprises around every corner. The Celebration of Lights will be open nightly through December 30, except for Christmas, December 25. Cruise through the park in your vehicle. (No vehicles are allowed on Mondays or during the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll on December 10.) Or, book a train ride, Segway ride or sleigh hayride at least two weeks in advance.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

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Wednesday, November 20 6 – 8 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Ring in the official start of the holiday season at this free family-oriented event. Join the Mayor in counting down to the lighting of a huge tree in the City Hall Rotunda, listen to live choral music, let kids visit with Santa (be sure to bring your camera and capture the moment), play holiday games and make holiday crafts with your kids, ride the City Train (weather permitting) and more. Vendors will offer holiday-themed decorations and hand-made gifts for sale. Concessions will be available for purchase. Admission and parking are free, but in the spirit of the season, donations of canned or boxed goods and personal care items are requested for local food pantries. A limited number of commemorative City of O’Fallon ornaments will be given to families who donate. For more information, call 636-379-5614.

Holiday Tea

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Sunday, December 8 2:30 – 4:30 p.m., Heald Home, Fort Zumwalt Park Registration is required: Call 636-379-5606 by November 22. Enjoy a relaxing, elegant afternoon tea served with an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones with butter and jam and finger desserts provided by Aggie’s Closet & Tea Room. The $20 per resident or $23 per non-resident cost includes a tour of the home and small favor. Seating is limited.

Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll

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Tuesday, December 10 6 – 9 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park, Admission is $2 for ages 3 and older; younger children are free. Free parking with admission. Walk through the Celebration of Lights display with sparkling holiday scenes throughout the park. Enjoy watching fireworks (7:25 p.m.) with your family, holiday caroling, a visit with Santa and shopping at vendors’ booths for holiday crafts, unique gifts, and food and beverages. Watch for signs to parking and complimentary shuttle service. No vehicles or carriage rides will be allowed in the park on this special night. For more information, call 636-379-5614 or visit www. ofallon.mo.us/COL.

Drive-through (no reservations needed):

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6 – 9 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday (except Tuesday, December 10)

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6 – 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

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Tuesday night special: $7 for all non-commercial vehicles

Admission: $9 cars, $15 commercial vans, $1 per person in tour buses ($25 minimum) Bring a food pantry donation for $1 off admission (except Tuesdays)

Segway rides – Provided by Glide St. Louis at $30 per person; reservations are required; call 314-868-7386. Horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides – Rides must be reserved in advance. Contact the Carousel Farms and Carriage Company at info@cfcarriage.com or 636-390-4403. Rides are approximately 30 minutes.

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Private carriages are $75, 4–6 passengers.

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Children age 4 and under ride free if seated on a paying adult’s lap.

Private wagons are $150 for up to 12 passengers. Community wagons are $10 per passenger; passengers will be seated with other parties; limit 12 passengers.

City train – Available on Mondays in December, only; rides must be reserved in advance; call 636-379-5502 or email mseymour@ofallon.mo.us. The cost is $7 per person for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 1-11, and free for infants 0 – 11 months. Rides leave every half hour. Sleigh-hayrides – Tuesdays (except Dec. 10), Wednesdays, and Thursdays; cost is $100 per group of 25 people including children on laps; advance reservations required; 636-379-5502 or mseymour@ofallon.mo.us. The Celebration of Lights is sponsored by the City of O’Fallon with participation by local businesses and civic organizations. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/COL.

www.ofallon.mo.us Autumn 2013

Public Assistance

Senior Corner

2013 Home Improvement Loan Program funds are now available

Fall Vendor and Craft Fair: Meals on Wheels Fundraiser

The City of O’Fallon is now accepting applications for its 2013 Home Improvement Loan Program of forgivable loans for eligible O’Fallon homeowners who are in need of home repairs. The program is funded by a Community Development Block Grant provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. With these forgivable loans, O’Fallon homeowners can address code violations and many major repairs such as the repair and replacement of air conditioning and furnace units, water heaters, sump pumps, windows, siding, roofs and other improvements. The loans of up to $5,000 will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all loans are filled. Space is limited, so don’t miss this opportunity! To qualify for a loan, applicants must:

Saturday, October 5 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., O’Fallon Senior Center, 106 North Main Street

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Have owned and occupied the house to be improved for at least one year

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Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien (but not newly-legalized) Meet Federal income limits Be current on mortgage payments and real estate taxes, and have no pending bankruptcies or outstanding federal, state or city tax liens

More information about the loans and who may apply is available at www.ofallon.mo.us, or by calling 636-379-5411.

To raise funds to continue the Meals on Wheels program, St. Charles County senior centers are teaming up to host the Fall Vendor and Craft Fair at the O’Fallon Senior Center. Everyone is welcome to come and shop at the fair! Vendors who are interested in booth space may contact Teri at 636-2782410 to find out about availability.

St. Charles County Senior Fair Saturday, November 9 9 a.m. – noon, St. Peters City Hall, One Centre Drive, St. Peters The City of O’Fallon’s Senior Resident Advisory Committee and the St. Peters Senior Advisory Committee are jointly hosting the 5th Annual St. Charles County Senior Fair. Admission is free. In addition to having fun, seniors can learn about specialty services geared to their needs such as home health care, navigating the aging process, non-emergency medical transportation, veterans’ assistance, elder law, educational seminars, and helpful municipal programs.

Assistance with Medicare Open Enrollment With Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug coverage (or Medicare Part D) taking place from October 15 to December 7, are you wondering which plan best fits your needs and budget? If you have a stand-alone Part D plan, you are encouraged to have someone review your prescriptions to determine what plan will be the most economical for you in 2014. Please contact the Mid East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA) at 636-579-0555 to find Open Enrollment Events in O’Fallon.

Senior Transportation and Rides (STAR) Program accepting volunteers Volunteer drivers are needed to help support the Senior Transportation and Rides (STAR) Program. This program provides transportation to senior residents living in O’Fallon who need rides to medical services within St. Louis and St. Charles counties, including hospitals, doctors’ offices and other medical facilities. Please call Sarah McDonald at 636978-3306 if you are interested in volunteering.

The City of O’Fallon is on Twitter!

O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

@CityofOFallon

Roscoe’s Den Trash and Recycling Announcements

www.ofallon.mo.us

O’Fallon’s Computer & Electronic Recycling Event

Thanksgiving refuse collection

Saturday, October 12 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., West parking lot, T.R. Hughes Ballpark

Thanksgiving Day trash, recycling and yard waste collection will move to the next day, Friday, November 29, and Friday’s collection will move to Saturday, November 30.

O’Fallon residents are invited to drop off unwanted computers, electronic devices, appliances and more at this event. The site is located at the corner of Tom Ginnever Avenue and T.R. Hughes Boulevard. To hold the new event, the City of O’Fallon is partnering with RNA Worldwide and Didion Orf Recycling. RNA Worldwide is registered with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as a Level 3 Electronics Recycling Business and with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, with R2 Certification pending. The event will accept nearly every electronic item. The simple explanation is: if it plugs into the wall or runs on a battery, it will be accepted! Examples include:

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All computer equipment, accessories and cables

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AV equipment, speakers, etc.

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All types of batteries, including truck and car batteries

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Clothing

Weekly yard waste collection changes to monthly in December Weekly yard waste collection for the year ends Friday, December 13. Weekly service will resume on the second Monday in March 2014. Once-a-month yard waste collection will be available on the fourth Wednesday of the month in December, January and February. It is free by request to residents currently enrolled in O’Fallon’s optional yard waste program. Just be sure to call 636-272-0477 in advance each month to have your address listed on the collection route. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-272-0477.

Televisions and monitors, with a limit of two old-fashioned tube-style TVs All phones, cell-phone related items, PDAs and digital cameras All scrap metal and metal-containing items

Please recycle all electronics! Recycling just one million laptops saves energy equivalent to the electricity used by 3,657 U.S. homes in a year.

All appliances large and small Metal office furniture and equipment Medical, dental and laboratory equipment; no biohazards, please!

The following items cannot be accepted: paint, household or industrial chemicals or cleaners, items deemed as hazardous waste, bedding and mattresses, standard wood or non-metal furniture, 100% plastic items (including bottles), Styrofoam and newspapers. Plastic bottles and newspapers can be recycled through residents’ curbside recycling collection. For more information, contact O’Fallon’s Environmental Services Department at 636-272-0477, or email ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.

Police Bulletins O'Fallon Police Department Briefs

www.ofallon.mo.us/PD

Police Alert: Stop thieves from helping themselves to your valuables

With thefts of money, electronics and high-dollar items from unlocked vehicles on the rise, the O’Fallon Police Department reminds citizens to always lock their vehicles. When parking your car or truck, remember to:

What would you do if an earthquake or tornado struck and City services were down? Find out how to help your family, neighbors and yourself by learning a spectrum of basic disaster response skills through the O’Fallon Police Department’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Everyone can benefit from this free course, which will be taught September 27 – 29. The hours are:

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Never leave vehicle doors unlocked even for a short period of time.

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Keep windows rolled up and sun roofs closed, even if the car is parked at home.

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Never leave purses, electronics, keys or any valuables in plain sight. Bring them inside when you park the car.

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Be sure to close your garage door when you are not using the garage, and take your garage door opener in the house if your car is parked outside. Never leave unsecured tools, bicycles or anything of value in your truck bed.

Safely deposit unwanted medications in O’Fallon’s Prescription Drop Box If you have expired or unwanted prescription medications, you can drop them off, free of charge, at the O’Fallon Police Department’s Prescription Drop Box from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Disposing of unwanted medications is a safe way to keep medications out of the hands of those who could abuse them. The box is designed to accept small quantities of drugs from individuals but not from businesses. The box is not equipped to handle sharps, glass, radioactive or biohazardous materials. For more information or assistance, call Sgt. Robert Kendall at 636-379-5680.

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6 –10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday

The course covers:

• • • • •

Extinguishing small fires

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Triage and working as a team to help victims and survivors

Basic medical treatment for injuries Home preparation for emergencies and disasters Conducting light search and rescue Communicating effectively with public safety organizations during a disaster

Those who complete the course will be eligible to participate in monthly follow-up drills and training. For information and to register, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/ CERT. For questions, contact Officer Andy Stowers at 636-3793816 or astowers@ofallon.mo.us.

Free gun locks help keep your family safe O’Fallon gun owners are invited to keep guns out of the hands of children by taking advantage of the O’Fallon Police Department’s no-charge gun lock program. The gun locks are available, free, from the O’Fallon Police Department’s Records Division, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 636-379-5678.

O’Fallon Police Department is on Twitter!

@OFallonPolice

O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

Communications Director • Tom Drabelle • tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us Staff Writer • Peggy Whetzel • pwhetzel@ofallon.mo.us Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek • bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us

An O’Fallon teen looks to make her mark in Sochi

hile most 16-year-olds spent the month of August getting ready for their junior year of high school, O’Fallon resident Jincy Dunne set a course that she hopes will take her to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Dunne left her home in WingHaven and headed to Boston to be one of 25 women competing to represent the USA on the United States Olympic Hockey Team. In December, USA Coach Katey Stone will choose the final 21-woman team that will head to Russia. If Dunne makes the team, she will be only the second 16-year-old ever to play on a US Olympic Hockey Team. Dunne, who plays for the St. Louis Lady Blues, the Westminster High School Boys Hockey team and the U.S. Under-18 women’s hockey team, learned hockey by playing with her brothers and sister. Now, she’s grown into one of the country’s top defenders. If she makes the team, she will be called on to stop some of the world’s top scorers, but she says her favorite part of the game is driving the attack. “Shutting people down is good,” said Dunne. “But I like seeing the ice and being able to make the first pass in a break-out. That’s my favorite part.” It’s this team-first mentality that guides Dunne in everything she does. It’s a trait she credits her parents for instilling in her and she says it keeps her balanced and focused on the right things, even while she’s travelling the world for hockey. “My family is great about helping me; my parents are really good,” said Dunne. “If I’ve been on the road for a while, they’ll encourage me to call up some friends and go out to lunch or just schedule a family dinner. They definitely taught me priorities, and that’s God first, family second, school and then hockey.” A self-described bookworm, Dunne will be trying to make the Olympic team while continuing her schooling. With that kind of schedule, it’s hard to believe that she has time for anything else. But she loves to bake and cook and she is an avid volunteer. “Volunteer work is really big for me. Because in life that’s when you get the biggest joy is when you go out and do something for somebody else,” she said. No matter what she’s doing, Dunne wants to make a difference and give it her all.

Scan the QR Code to watch more of Jincy’s story, or visit www.ofallon.mo.us

“My parents, they always taught me that in everything you do, do the best you can for it,” said Dunne. “If you do the best you can in the little things, in the big things, it’s going to be a habit.” It’s that kind of drive that has her on the verge of being an Olympian. “That would be a dream come true!” she said. “To be able to represent my country and see all the hard work pay off. And, it would be something that I get to share with my family and everybody. It would be an absolute dream!”

www.ofallon.mo.us Autumn 2013

Calendar

All events, public meetings and Municipal Court proceedings are held at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, unless otherwise noted.

www.ofallon.mo.us/events

September

Senior Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.

Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.

Haunted Park Hunt, Dames Park, 7-10 p.m.

Bulk-waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Waste transfer station, free to residents

Pumpkin Picnic, Fort Zumwalt Park, 4-5:30 p.m.

Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

Parks Board, 7 p.m.

Patriot Day Ceremony, 8:30 a.m. O’Fallon Municipal Centre, 9-11 First Responders Memorial

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.

Mike Phelps paintings, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Cultural Arts Center Gallery at the RSC through Oct. 25

O’Fallon Historical Society Log Cabin Museum tours, noon – 3 p.m., Civic Park, free (donations accepted)

O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 5 p.m.

City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop 5:30 p.m.

Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.

25-27 O’FallonTheatreWorks’ Please Remain Calm, 7 p.m. O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)

Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.

Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.

POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony, 7 p.m. O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk

Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 5 p.m.

City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.

27-29 CERT disaster response training, free 28

RSC Family Fun Fair & Art Expo, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Renaud Spirit Center, free

O’Fallon Historical Society Log Cabin Museum tours, noon – 3 p.m., Civic Park, free (donations accepted)

October

21-25 National Make Your Mark Week

National Make A Difference Day, 9–11 a.m.

Pumpkin Carving Exhibit, 1-4 p.m. Heald Home, Fort Zumwalt Park

Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

November 1-3 O’FallonTheatreWorks’ Please Remain Calm, 7 p.m. 4

Cornucopia of Care Food Drive through December 14

Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.

Advisory Green Council, 5 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

Veterans Exhibit, 1-4 p.m. Heald Home

Veterans Day observed; City Hall closed

Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk

Parks Board, 7 p.m.

Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.

Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

Parks Board, 7 p.m.

City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop 5:30 p.m.

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

National Family Volunteer Day, 9–11 a.m.

City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop 5:30 p.m.

Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

Fall Fest Street Dance, 7– 10 p.m. Civic Park, free

Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.

Fall Fest 5K, City Hall, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Senior Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.

Electronics Recycling Drop-Off, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. T.R. Hughes west parking lot, free

Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall, 6 – 8 p.m.

City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop 5:30 p.m.

Fall Fest, Civic Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

28-29 Thanksgiving; City Hall closed

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.

Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

29-30 Celebration of Lights opens; nightly, through Dec. 30 Fort Zumwalt Park

9 10

Visit the City of O’Fallon’s website, www.ofallon.mo.us, for the latest news and meeting agendas. Most meetings are broadcast live and on demand at www.ofallon.mo.us/OFallonTV.