O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Autumn 2017 • www.ofallon.mo.us
O’Fallon offers a wealth of Fall events O’Fallon’s Chamber of Commerce & Industries named “2017 Chamber of the Year” The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries earned national recognition as the country’s 2017 “Chamber of the Year.” The honor was given by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) for the O’Fallon Chamber’s organizational strength and for making an impact on key community priorities such as education, transportation, business development and quality of life.
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e are truly blessed to live in one of America's safest cities, and I am pleased to announce that we are very close to providing a new home for the men and women who keep us safe. Construction of the new state-of-the-art Justice Center on Bryan Road is almost complete, and our officers will be moving in just a few weeks. I hope to see everyone at the grand opening this fall! Watch the City's website for event details as they become available. Next, I’d like to congratulate our outstanding O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries for being named the nation’s “2017 Chamber of the Year.” On behalf of our entire community, I am grateful for the O’Fallon Chamber's leadership in fostering our City’s thriving businesses. Well done! With summer’s heat behind us, fall days will make a great backdrop for O’Fallon’s events and volunteering opportunities. We’ll kick off the season in Civic Park with a new date for the Fall Fest, September 9 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. October’s events have a Halloween theme, starting with free activities at the new “Rec-or-Treat” Anniversary Party at the Renaud Spirit Center on October 13. Kids can wear their Halloween costumes and meet Woody and Jessie from Disney Pixar’s Toy Story. Enjoy movie showings, games, prizes, treats and an open swim. On October 14, the O’Fallon Fall Run will be fun for both runners and spectators. Fall also brings patriotic events, starting with the Patriot Day Ceremony honoring first responders at 8:30 a.m. on September 11 at City Hall, and the candlelight POW/ MIA ceremony at 7 p.m. on September 15 at Veterans Memorial Walk. The Walk also will host our Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11. Please come celebrate our freedom and honor those who put their lives on the line to protect our country. The O’Fallon City Council and I wish you and your family all the fun and excitement that autumn has to offer.
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
In this issue 2 3 5 6 9 11
Grants & Assistance O’Fallon Fall Fest Renew O’Fallon Upcoming Events Roscoe’s Den Disaster Preparedness
O’Fallon named as one of the nation’s safest cities The National Council of Home Safety and Security listed O’Fallon, Missouri, as one of the “100 Safest Cities in America 2017.” The organization is made up of home safety and security industries. O’Fallon is the only Missouri city named on the report, which ranks O’Fallon as 43rd safest city. Read the report at www.alarms.org/top-100-safestcities-in-america-2017.
Fall Fest is September 9th. Turn to page 3.
Elected Officials
Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 1 Councilmembers Dave Hinman 636-379-5581 dhinman@ofallon.mo.us
Rick Lucas 636-379-5582 rlucas@ofallon.mo.us
O’Fallon’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is canceled; will return in 2018 The City of O’Fallon’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which typically takes place in mid-November, is has been canceled due to construction taking place inside City Hall and the resurfacing of the parking lot around the O’Fallon Municipal Centre. However, the ceremony will return next year in time to welcome the holidays. We appreciate everyone’s understanding, and we look forward to bringing back this popular, family-friendly event in 2018.
Ward 2 Councilmembers Tom “Duke” Herweck 636-379-5583 therweck@ofallon.mo.us
Rose Mack 636-379-5591 rmack@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 3 Councilmembers Reid Cranmer 636-379-5585 rcranmer@ofallon.mo.us
Dale Kling 636-379-5586 dkling@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 4 Councilmembers
O’Fallon Justice Center set to open this Fall – Watch for a grand opening announcement on the City's website and in the e-newsletter. The state-of-the-art facility will be home to the O’Fallon Police Department and Municipal Court.
Jeff Kuehn 636-379-5587 jkuehn@ofallon.mo.us
Jeff Schwentker 636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 5 Councilmembers Debbie Cook 636-379-5588 dcook@ofallon.mo.us
Mike Pheney 636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us
Grants and Assistance Home Improvement Loan Program helps with home repairs Keeping your home safe and in good repair is every homeowner’s responsibility. If you need to replace an aging heating/cooling unit, repair a roof or replace windows, find out if you can take advantage of O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Program. Funds are available for five-year forgivable loans of up to $5,000 to assist with maintenance issues and code violations. Applicants must meet certain requirements, including household income limits, owning and occupying the house for at least one year and be current on mortgage payments and real estate taxes. You can download an application at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants.
Helpful Numbers
Protect your home with O’Fallon’s Siding Program Citizens First Center 636-379-5553
City Hall 636-240-2000
Police (Non-emergency) 636-240-3200
Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
If you’re a low-income resident homeowner, the Siding Program provides grants of up to $10,000 disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants. For more information about the program visit www.ofallon.mo.us/grants.
O’Fallon’s Down Payment Assistance Program Have a friend or family member who wants to move to O'Fallon? The Down Payment Assistance Program is for low-to-moderate income first-time homebuyers. Funded through the St. Louis County HOME Consortium, the Down Payment Assistance Program provides zero-interest, forgivable down payment loans of $5,000 to income-eligible, first-time buyers in O'Fallon. Pre-purchase housing counseling is required for eligibility. To apply, please visit www.ofallon. mo.us/grants. Questions? Call 636-379-5411 or email ajaegers@ofallon.mo.us.
Fall is almost here! Get outdoors with fun autumn activities
O’Fallon Fall Fest Saturday, September 9 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Civic Park On Saturday, September 9, celebrate the best of autumn at O’Fallon’s annual Fall Fest. Listen to live acoustic music; enjoy free country-style activities with your family; shop exciting booths stocked with trendy handcrafted gifts, décor and accessories; and picnic on festival food and beverages. Admission, parking and kids' activities are free. Food options include chicken and dumplings, chili, gyros, pulled pork, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, nachos, cotton candy, caramel apples, kettle corn, fruit smoothies, Hawaiian shaved ice and popular beverages. Back by popular demand, acoustic bluegrass music by award-winning musicians will enliven the festivities, starring National “Open” Fiddle Champion George Portz & the Friends of Bluegrass, the Moore Family Bluegrass Band, Missouri Bluegrass Harmonica Champion Eric Thompson, “Lit’l Miss Country” Ruby Pearson, Junior Fiddle champion Deven Mahale of St. Louis and the Bibb Family. And, you can step back to O’Fallon’s good ole days with a tour of the O’Fallon Historical Society Log Cabin Museum’s display of 19th Century items and many photos from O’Fallon’s small town beginnings. To get the latest event updates and directions to Civic Park, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/fall-fest.
www.ofallon.mo.us/events
Festival hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Artists and crafters • Bluegrass music Free kids’ activities • Free parking & admission
10:30–11:00 Moore Family Bluegrass Band 11:00–11:30 The Bibb Family 11:30–12:00
Eric Thompson – Harmonica Champion
12:00–1:00
National “Open” Fiddle Champion George Portz & the Friends of Bluegrass
1:00–1:15
Deven Mahale – Junior Fiddle Champion
1:15–1:45
Moore Family Bluegrass Band
1:45–2:15
Ruby Pearson, Lit’l Miss Country
2:00–2:30
Eric Thompson
2:30–3:00
The Bibb Family
3:00–3:30
George Portz & the Friends of Bluegrass
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O’Fallon Fall Run (5K and 10K) and Pirate Costume Contest Saturday, October 14 7–8:30 a.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre Get your day off to an energetic start with an early-morning walk, jog or run through O’Fallon's neighborhoods with this family-friendly race featuring a free runners’ costume contest. The event is for all ages.
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Early registration through September 11 is $15 for the 5K and $20 for the 10K
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Registration September 12 – October 13 is $18 per person for the 5K and $23 for the 10K
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Race Day registration (6–6:45 a.m.) is $20 for the 5K and $25 for the 10K
Online registration information can be found at www. ofallon.mo.us/fall-run. Or, register in person through October 13 at the O'Fallon Parks and Recreation Administration Office, 400 Civic Park Drive. The office is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Volunteer O’Fallon To register or support the events listed below, go to www. ofallon.mo.us/volunteer or contact Volunteer Services at 636379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
National Days of Service and Remembrance O'Fallon remembers the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, including the hundreds of first responders who lost their lives rescuing people trapped in the World Trade Center’s twin towers.
Patriot Day Blood Drive Friday, September 8 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Donate lifesaving blood in honor of those who selflessly helped others during the attacks of September 11.
Remembrance Walk Saturday, September 9 8:30–9:30 a.m., outside City Hall Meet at the 9-11 Memorial outside City Hall for a one-mile walk to reflect, honor, inspire and unite.
Citizens United in Service Saturday, September 9 9:30–11 a.m. You’re invited to lend a helping hand to service projects supporting our first responders and active military.
O’Fallon’s 17th Annual Make A Difference Day Saturday, October 28 9 a.m. – noon Families, organizations and individuals are encouraged to participate in community volunteering at roadside, creek, park and military appreciation projects. Help keep O'Fallon a clean environment where nature can thrive.
Youth Make A Difference Days Monday – Friday, October 30 – November 3 Students, make the most of your Fall Break by volunteering for an environmental project. School groups are welcome!
16th Annual National Family Volunteer Day Saturday, November 18 9–11 a.m.
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Bring joy to others this holiday season through volunteering! Families are invited to spend the morning working together to help strengthen our community by sorting, boxing and delivering food and personal care items donated through the Cornucopia of Care food drive. Families also can decorate Thanksgiving-themed placemats for citizens living in residential care facilities and Meals on Wheels recipients.
Renew O’Fallon Your Tax Dollars at Work
www.ofallon.mo.us/projects Bryan Road Pavement Repairs, Phase II Crews will replace damaged road slabs and curbs, upgrade ramps and install pedestrian improvements along Bryan Road between Sunview Drive and Norwood Hills Drive. Drivers can expect to see delays and possible detours due to this construction, so be sure to plan a few extra minutes for your commute.
Hawk Ridge Trail and Route N
Fall road construction With construction continuing through much of the season to renew the City’s aging infrastructure with an unprecedented level of investment, here’s the status of some of the City’s major projects:
Main Street Water Main This fall, crews will be working to replace the water main from the railroad crossing north to St. Joseph Street. Traffic signals on Main Street have been adjusted to allow for better traffic flow through this all-important project.
Improvements to this intersection will continue into fall as crews add turn lanes and install sidewalks and pedestrian facilities. The project is expected to wrap up in November.
Lake St. Louis Boulevard Extension Construction continues on the Lake St. Louis Boulevard extension between Highway N and Paul Renaud Boulevard. Weather permitting, the project will be complete and open to traffic by November.
Traffic Calming Installations O’Fallon’s Traffic Calming Program is designed to keep traffic speeds down through the installation of speed dips, chicanes and traffic circles. This fall areas that will see traffic calming measures are: Turtle Creek, Royall Springs, Deer Creek and Paul Renaud Boulevard near Diehr Road.
I-70 Corridor Improvement Project
2017 Concrete Program The replacement of aging, damaged concrete pavement is ongoing in various locations throughout the City. To date, the City has completed more than 75 percent of the repairs at planned locations. Weather permitting, crews are looking to complete all repairs ahead of schedule.
2017 Crack Seal Program As part of the annual maintenance required for keeping City streets in good condition, existing joints and cracks in pavement will be sealed to prevent further deterioration. Contractors will continue working in various areas of the City through fall, so be on the lookout for crews in your subdivision.
Construction of the I-70 Corridor Improvement Project from T.R. Hughes Boulevard to Woodlawn Avenue is slated to get underway in February 2018. The project is designed to relieve traffic congestion and make local businesses more accessible to drivers along the I-70 corridor. In general, project features include new interstate exits at Sonderen Drive and Woodlawn Avenue, revised signage to assist drivers, the construction of a new south outer road, designating outer roads as one-way, Texas U-turns to keep traffic on the go and fewer traffic signals for drivers to navigate. For a video of the project, maps and more complete information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/i70.
Sign up for project update notifications at www.ofallon.mo.us/projects.
www.ofallon.mo.us Autumn 2017
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events New, earlier date set for O’Fallon’s Fall Fest Saturday, September 9 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Civic Park The City’s annual fall festival features lively bluegrass tunes, free kids’ activities and Log Cabin Museum tours. Booths will be stocked with hand-made items, fall and holiday decorations, trendy accessories and tasty festival food. Kids can decorate a pumpkin and make-and-take a workshop project. Admission, parking, entertainment and kids’ activities are free. For festival updates, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/fall-fest.
Patriot Day Ceremony Monday, September 11 8:30 a.m., 9-11 First Responders Memorial outside O'Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
RSC’s “Rec-or-Treat” Halloween Movie & Anniversary Party Friday, October 13 5–8 p.m., Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle Kids, bring your swimsuit, but come dressed for Halloween. Meet Toy Story characters Woody and Jessie, and watch Disney’s Pixar’s Halloween special, Toy Story of Terror! (TV-G). Free admission, parking, activities and movie showings! Party highlights include a scavenger hunt that includes free Halloween treats, crafts, games, prizes, slime-making, a balloon artist, inflatables and ends with free pool admission! Free ZUMBA classes, raffles and giveaways will add to the fun. All weekend receive a 10 percent discount off a new RSC annual membership. Get more details at www.renaudspiritcenter. com or pages 27–30 in the Parks & Rec Guide.
Please join in this moving ceremony on behalf of our first responders and victims of the September 11th attacks.
O’Fallon Fall Run (5K and 10K) and Pirate Costume Contest
POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony
Saturday, October 14 7–8:30 a.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre
Friday, September 15 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Walk Come and light a candle on behalf of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or imprisoned on foreign soil, and support the families who are waiting to welcome them home again.
Fort Zumwalt Park temporarily closing to traffic and disc golf Monday, October 9, through January 2018 With the City’s annual Celebration of Lights opening just months away, crews will begin installing holiday lights and scenes for the display. So this can be done safely, Fort Zumwalt Park is closing to vehicles, but pedestrians are welcome to walk or jog on the paved drive through the park during daylight hours. The park’s disc golf course, “The Fort,” also will be closed. Everyone is invited to come see the Celebration of Lights opening on Friday, November 24, at 6 p.m.
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Online registration and a form for paper registration can be found at www.ofallon.mo.us/fall-run. Go to page 4 for more race details.
Cornucopia of Care food drive Monday, November 6 – Friday, December 15 Right in time for the holiday season, donations of nonperishable food and personal care items will help area food pantries support local families in need. For more information on how you can support this year’s Cornucopia of Care food drive, contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5417. Drop-off locations include:
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O’Fallon Municipal Centre, 100 North Main Street Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle Additional sites are listed at www.ofallon.mo.us/COC
Would you like to assist with events as a City of O’Fallon volunteer? Contact O’Fallon’s Volunteer Services Department at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Veterans Day Ceremony Saturday, November 11 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk America has an estimated 20,000,000 veterans, and we owe each of them a “thank you” for our country’s freedom. Please join in honoring our veterans at this ceremony.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony Sunday, December 3 1 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Everyone is welcome at this ceremony hosted by the O’Fallon Veterans Commission in memory of the victims and survivors of the bombing of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Celebration of Lights November 24 – December 30 (closed December 25) Nightly, Fort Zumwalt Park For a wonderful holiday tradition, bring your family to O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights for a drive through the park in your own vehicle. Or, book a specialty ride in advance. No reservations are needed for the drive-through, but the specialty rides require reservations to be made at least two weeks in advance. To get the date you want, book soon! See more details, including pricing, at www.ofallon.mo.us/COL.
City Train – Available Mondays (except December 11). The cost is $10 each for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 1–11 and free for infants. Reservations for half-hour time slots are available from 5:45–8:45 p.m. Rides last approximately 20 minutes. Call 636-379-5606 or email cdera@ofallon.mo.us. Sleigh-hayride – The cost is $100 per group of 20 people, including children on laps. Bookings are available for 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesdays (except December 12), Wednesdays and Thursdays. Rides last approximately 20 minutes. To book a sleigh-hayride call 636-379-5606 or email cdera@ofallon.mo.us.
Cancellation policy
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No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations made less than 7 days before the scheduled specialty ride
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A $5 service fee or 10% (whichever is greater) will apply to refunds initiated by customers
See page 42 in the Park and Rec Guide for additional Refund Policy information 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 is given to locallybased charities. For more information, visit www.ofallon. mo.us/COL.
Drive-through days, times and costs
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6–9 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday – Thursday (except 12/12) 6-10 p.m. Friday – Saturday
Admission
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$10/car, $15/commercial van, $1/person on tour buses ($25 minimum).
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Tuesday Night Discount – $7 for all non-commercial vehicles (no other discounts apply)
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Wednesday – Sunday – Bring a food pantry donation of canned or boxed goods and get a $1 discount per vehicle.
Specialty rides Horse-drawn rides – For a memorable evening with a nostalgic touch, contact Carousel Farms & Carriage Company at 636-390-4403 or info@cfcarriage.com.
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Private carriages are $75 for 4–6 passengers
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Kids age four 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, and passengers may be seated with other parties
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Celebration of Lights’ Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll is a family favorite Monday and Tuesday, December 11–12 6–8:30 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park, rain or shine Admission is $3 for ages 3 and older; free parking On this Celebration of Lights walk-through, you’ll hear holiday music and follow an illuminated path past holiday scenes that are merry and bright. At 7:25 p.m., fireworks bursting over Lake Whetsel will add wonder and excitement to this magical walkthrough. Along the way you can purchase refreshments, then stop to visit Santa. Sorry, no pets are allowed and no horsedrawn carriage rides will be available on these two special nights for pedestrians, only. Park free and ride a shuttle from the First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway, and the O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway.
Avoid the line at the Holiday Stroll by pre-purchasing admission wristbands for $3 No reservations are needed for the Holiday Stroll, but you can avoid the line at the gate by pre-purchasing admission wristbands. Starting November 13 through December 8, wristbands will be sold at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office, 400 Civic Park Drive, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sorry, wristbands are non-refundable.
Police Bulletins Protect your family with the O’Fallon Police Department’s free disaster preparedness workshop Friday – Sunday, September 22–24 Street Maintenance Facility, 1089 Public Works Drive Adults from all walks of life are invited to learn basic disaster response skills, free, through O’Fallon’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The O’Fallon Police Department’s 20-hour course will cover disaster preparation and survival, disaster psychology, basic medical treatment, terrorism, fire safety and light search and rescue. The session meets from 6–10 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Participants completing the course will be able to keep valuable training materials for reference and participate in additional free training each month. Visit www.ofallon. mo.us/PD/CERT to get more information and to register. For additional questions, call 636-379-3816 or email Officer Pat Helton at phelton@ofallon. mo.us.
Lost a pet or found a stray? If your pet is missing or you’ve found a stray, contact the O’Fallon Police Department’s Animal Control Division by calling 636-240-3200 and then press 1 to leave a message describing the problem (lost pet, animal complaint, animal welfare issue, etc.). If you lose a pet, you should be sure to post your pet’s information on www.facebook.com/ofallonanimalcontrol. To reclaim your impounded animal, please make sure to follow the procedures listed on www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/ animal-control. If your pet has been picked up it will be housed at the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center, 4850 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters 63376. Contact the Adoption Center at 636949-PETS (7387) or visit the website at www.sccmo.org/824/ animal-control.
The O’Fallon Police Department utilizes social media to share news and seek tips. Follow us!
Like “Visit O’Fallon” on Facebook to see more festivals and events.
Facebook: Search for “O'Fallon Missouri Police Department” Twitter: @OFallonPolice YouTube: youtube.com/OFallonTV
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Roscoe’s Den Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Announcements Fall and winter holiday trash collection schedule •
Veterans Day (Observed), Friday, November 10 No change in service
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Thanksgiving holiday, November 23–24 Thursday’s service moves to Friday; Friday’s service moves to Saturday
•
Christmas Eve (Observed), Friday, December 22 No change in service
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Christmas Day, Monday, December 25 No change in service
Free bulky item drop-off for residents If you’re an O’Fallon trash customer, on select days you can drop off certain items that are too large to fit in your trash container, such as carpeting or furniture, at the City’s waste transfer station. The service is free. Fall’s bulk-waste dropoffs are scheduled for 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, and December 16. The transfer station is located at 1572 Progress West Lane, O’Fallon 63366. For a list of acceptable items, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/bulk-waste. Curbside collection also is an option for bulky items. To schedule a pick-up, call 636-272-0477 or email ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.
Trash and recycling etiquette: Cut down on litter in your neighborhood by bagging your trash. And, when leaving carts at the curb, help the driver by keeping carts 4 feet away from everything else, including other carts. That way, the automatic arm on the truck can safely empty the carts.
O’Fallon’s Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling events Bring your unwanted, outdated or broken electronics and appliances to O’Fallon’s Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling events from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 7, and December 9. The drop-off will be held in the west parking lot at CarShield Field, located at the corner of Tom Ginnever Avenue and T.R. Hughes Boulevard. There’s no charge except for CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions and computer monitors. The fees for CRT drop-offs are:
• • • •
CRT monitors, $5 CRT TVs 26” or less, $30 CRT TVs 27” or greater, $50 Wood console and true big screen/projection TVs, $50
For a detailed list of which items can be accepted for recycling, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/electronics-recycling. Or, call Environmental Services at 636-272-0477.
Yard waste update for residential customers The final day for weekly yard waste service is Friday, December. 8. However, monthly yard waste service will still be available by request on the fourth Wednesday of the month, December 27, January 24 and February 28. To arrange for your yard waste to be picked up, be sure to contact Environmental Services in advance by calling 636-272-0477, or by email at ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.
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Veterans Report
Seniors Corner O’Fallon’s Senior Center welcomes ages 60+
O’Fallon’s Veterans Affairs Office
If you’re a senior, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere at O’Fallon’s Senior Center, 106 North Main Street, located on the east end of the O’Fallon Municipal Centre parking lot, and just off Sonderen Drive. Admission is free and the center is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. except for major holidays. The center is a great place to join in a game of Bingo, billiards, card games like pinochle and bridge, and activities such as Wii, computer learning and fitness sessions. For a donation of $4 per meal, you can get a delicious hot lunch. The menu changes daily.
Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except major holidays), third floor at O'Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall). Contact the office at 636-379-5577 or veteransaffairs@ofallon. mo.us.
Check out the Seniors Information page on O’Fallon’s website Whether you’re a senior or have a family member who’s a senior, the City of O’Fallon’s webpage dedicated to seniors offers a list of programs, resources and links to City services at www.ofallon.mo.us/seniors-information. For assistance, call O’Fallon’s Citizens First Center at 636-379-5553.
Veterans, you can request "Veteran" status for your driver's license or non-driver’s license ID Many O’Fallon businesses offer discounts to veterans who have identification showing they have been in the service. If you’re a Missouri veteran, you can easily show your status by requesting a “Veteran” designation on your Missouri driver’s license or non-driver’s license ID. To make the request, go to your local Missouri license bureau and present your U.S. Department of Defense discharge document or DD214 (showing your honorable, general or under honorable conditions discharge), or present your U.S. Uniformed Services I.D. Card (or DD Form 2). (For more information about this process, go to dor.mo.gov/faq/drivers/veterans.php.) If you do not have these items, you can request them by sending a copy of your service documentation or records to: The Missouri Veterans Commission ATTN: Veteran’s Driver’s License Designation 205 Jefferson Street PO Drawer 147 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0147 After reviewing your documentation, the Commission will determine if the documents you submitted meet the criteria as an equivalent for the DD214 or DD Form 2. If so, the Commission will issue a DD214 or DD Form 2 equivalency letter to you. If you have questions, you can check with the O'Fallon's Veterans Affairs Office in City Hall. The office is staffed by volunteers who are U.S. military veterans dedicated to assisting fellow veterans and their families.
Register for Junior Renegades football and cheerleading at Dames Park New player registration is open for O’Fallon Junior Renegades football, flag football and cheerleading. Programs are available for children ages 6 to 14. The non-profit organization’s teams meet for practice in O'Fallon's Dames Park. For more information about the Junior Renegades, including player registration, go to the team’s website, jr-renegades.org.
Communications Director • Tom Drabelle
tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us
Staff Writer • Peggy Bradbury • pbradbury@ofallon.mo.us
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek
bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us
O'FALLON UPDATE SPECIAL FEATURE
TAKE STEPS TODAY TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES IT’S SMART TO BE PREPARED, AND YOU COULD THANK YOURSELF LATER.
S
tart preparing right now by signing up for O'Fallon's Emergency Notification System and get texts, emails or phone calls about emergencies and weather-related events. The service is free to all O'Fallon residents. Sign up easily via O’Fallon’s homepage at www. ofallon.mo.us. If you’ve already signed up, check to see if your information is current. In Missouri, severe weather can occur at any time. For example, tornadoes, strong winds, hail, severe thunderstorms, flash floods, extreme temperatures, and snow and ice storms are not uncommon. Luckily, there are several ways to get important information about threatening weather. If you hear the outdoor warning sirens sounding an emergency such as severe weather, go inside to take cover and tune to local news. And, invest in a NOAA weather radio so you can listen to the National Weather Service forecast. Always have several ways to get critical information. Here in Missouri, we also are near the New Madrid Fault, meaning earthquakes are possible in this area. Remember, earthquakes occur without warning. React quickly by dropping to the ground and taking cover beneath a table or other sturdy furniture, and hold on; it can save your life.
When catastrophe strikes a community, fire, police, medical, utility and relief services are stretched. Getting help might take hours or even days, so consider getting “CERT-ified” in emergency preparedness. Sign up today for O’Fallon’s free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which is coming up the weekend of September 22–24. Turn to page 8 for program information or go to www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/CERT.
TIPS FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS Bookmark the O’Fallon Police Department’s Emergency Management webpage (www. ofallon.mo.us/PD/emergency-management) and use the right hand menu to quickly locate information on dealing with a variety of situations. In the event of a large-scale disaster, there could be a call for evacuation of an area. If you are instructed to evacuate: ☐☐ Listen to the radio or television for the location of emergency shelters and for instructions from local emergency officials. ☐☐ Find out if you must leave immediately or if you should secure your home by unplugging appliances and shutting off main utility valves. ☐☐ Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes. ☐☐ Gather your household and disaster supplies kit in one vehicle to keep the family together and avoid traffic congestion. ☐☐ Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Don’t use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous. After a disaster, many wonder what they can do to help others or get help themselves. If you are injured or feel unsafe, seek help immediately by calling 9-1-1 or reaching out to emergency personnel. However, if you are safe following a disaster, often the best thing to do is stay away from impacted areas. Remain in your safe area and allow emergency professionals to do what they need to do. Additionally, listen to local radio and TV for information about where you can get disaster relief assistance. If you need to inspect an impacted area, use a flashlight rather than electricity or Candles until it is safe to use the utilities.
www.ofallon.mo.us Autumn 2017
Calendar September 8
Patriot Day Blood Drive, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
9
O’Fallon Fall Fest, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Civic Park
National Day of Service & Remembrance Walk, 8:30 a.m.
Citizens United in Service, 9:30–11 a.m.
10 Historic tours in Fort Zumwalt and Civic parks, noon – 3 p.m.
18
All events, public meetings and Municipal Court proceedings are held at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, unless otherwise noted. Meeting times and dates are subject to change; for the most current information, check www.ofallon.mo.us/events.
Public Works Advisory Commission, 7 p.m.
25 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
26 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 28
National Make A Difference Day, 9 a.m. – noon
30
Youth Make A Difference Days, through November 3
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
11 Patriot Day Ceremony, outside City Hall, 8:30 a.m.
November
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
12
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
1
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
13
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
2
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
14
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
6
Cornucopia of Care food drive, through December 15
15
POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony, 7 p.m.
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
18
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
7
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
19
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
8
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
20
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
9
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
Public Works Advisory Commission, 7 p.m.
10 Veterans Day (Observed), City Hall CLOSED
22-24 CERT training, Street Maintenance Facility
11
24 Historic tours in Fort Zumwalt and Civic parks, noon – 3 p.m.
14 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
25
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
27
Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
Public Works Advisory Commission, 7 p.m.
28
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
18 National Family Volunteer Day, 9–11a.m.
October 3
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
4
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
5
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
7
Free electronics and appliance recycling 8 a.m. – noon, CarShield Field parking lot west
9
Fort Zumwalt Park closes to vehicles until Jan. 2018
10
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
11
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
12 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 13 RSC Rec-or-Treat, 5 – 8 p.m. 14 Fall Run (5K/10K), City Hall, 7–8:30 a.m.
Bulk-waste drop off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 a.m.
15 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
20 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
21 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m. 23 Thanksgiving; City Hall, RSC CLOSED 24 City Hall CLOSED
Celebration of Lights opens, through December 30
December 3
Pearl Harbor Day ceremony, 1 p.m.
4
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
5
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
7
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
9
Free electronics, appliance recycling 8 a.m. – noon, CarShield Field parking lot
16 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
11-12 Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll, 6–8:30 p.m.
16
13 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
17 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
18 Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
14 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
12
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
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.