O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Spring 2013 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Get the most out of Spring in O’Fallon parks City launches two new websites The City of O’Fallon recently launched two new websites which provide comprehensive news videos and information about City parks, facilities, events, programs, playing field status and much more. To see them, visit the O’Fallon Parks and Recreation website at www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec, and the Renaud Spirit Center website, www. renaudspiritcenter.com.
In this issue 2
Municipal Election
3
Tax Rebates
5
Construction Projects
6
Upcoming Events
8 Programs/Services 9
Roscoe’s Den
E
ach spring, I look forward to all the things there are to do outdoors in O’Fallon, like baseball, swimming, concerts, festivals and picnics. I especially enjoy sports, so for me, there’s no better way to spend a spring evening than watching our own River City Rascals at T.R. Hughes Ballpark. Opening night is May 21, and I can’t wait to hear the smack of the ball against the bat, and join in the roar of the crowd at a home game. The ballpark is a great place to bring your family, and the kids are sure to enjoy the new playground our Parks and Recreation Department is installing in time for the season. There is so much to do in O’Fallon this Spring. April offers a host of family volunteering events like park and creek cleanups that kids really enjoy. With so many people coming together to beautify the City, it’s amazing how much gets accomplished in just a couple of hours on a Saturday morning. In Fort Zumwalt Park, you can attend mini-festivals like the Garden Expo on April 20 and O’Fallon Founders’ Day on May 4. Also on May 4, the RSC Fitness Festival at the Renaud Spirit Center offers a free day of fun and exercise for both kids and adults. On Memorial Day, you’re invited to Veterans Memorial Walk for a ceremony honoring U.S. troops who gave their lives for our freedom. In Civic Park, summer gets underway at Alligator’s Creek May 25–27, followed on June 4 by free Jammin’ concerts on Tuesday nights through August. And there’s so much more. I invite you to check out the Events Calendar on O’Fallon’s homepage www.ofallon.mo.us for a full list of upcoming programs, and also to look over our Parks and Recreation Guide for programs and events that you’ll love. Just a reminder: one of our most important community events is coming up soon, the General Municipal Election on April 2. Voting is a privilege and a right, and I encourage you to cast your vote for the candidates who you feel will best represent our City and your ward.
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
Page Avenue-Highway 364 construction With construction of the final nine miles of Route 364 (the Page Avenue extension) getting underway, drivers can turn to page 5 of the City’s newsletter for a map showing what the new Route 364 will look like when it opens in 2014. For the latest construction news, check MoDOT’s website, www.modot.org/route364.
10 Police Bulletins 11 Senior Center Feature 12 City Calendar
See reverse for Spring Parks & Rec Guide
Elected Officials
Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us
Candidates to air their views at the Candidate Forum
Rick Lucas
The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council will host a Candidate Forum on Tuesday, March 19, for the Mayor and City Council candidates running in the City’s April 2 municipal election. The public is invited to attend the forum, which will begin at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers at O’Fallon City Hall. Or, residents can watch the forum, which will be broadcast live and ondemand on O’FallonTV. O’FallonTV is available on AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and Charter Channel 991, and both live and on-demand via the City’s website, www.ofallon.mo.us.
636-379-5582 rlucas@ofallon.mo.us
Remember to vote!
Ward 1 Councilmembers Bill Gardner 636-379-5581 bgardner@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
On Tuesday, April 2, O’Fallon residents will get a chance to cast their vote in the General Municipal Election for Mayor and for one City Council member to represent the ward in which they live. The polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. For more information about voting, including a list of polling places, visit the St. Charles County Election Authority website: http://election.sccmo.org/election. Or call the office at 636-949-7550, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The candidates for the offices of O’Fallon Mayor and City Council are as follows (candidates listed in order they will appear on the ballot):
636-379-5586 rbattelle@ofallon.mo.us
Mayor
Ward 3
636-379-5585 jhaman@ofallon.mo.us
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Ward 4 Councilmembers
Ward 1
Ward 4
Bob Howell
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John Haman, Jr.
636-379-5587 bhowell@ofallon.mo.us
Jeff Schwentker
William “Bill” Hennessy Dave Goewert
AC–Arnie C. Dienoff Kevin Wattelet Rick Lucas
Richard “Rick” Battelle Carolyn Yelich
Jeff Schwentker Byron Ward
Ward 5
636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 2
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Ward 5 Councilmembers
Jim Pepper Mary Sue Laulo
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Michael Snowden Vicki Schneider Jeff Houston
Mike Pheney 636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us
Michael Snowden
Helpful Numbers
636-379-5588 msnowden@ofallon.mo.us
Citizens First Center 636-379-5553
City Hall 636-240-2000
Police (Non-emergency) 636-240-3200
O’Fallon Senior Center 636-272-4180
Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
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Get involved in the fun! – Make a difference in O’Fallon as a volunteer! Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5507.
Spring is in the air! Springtime News and Events
www.ofallon.mo.us/events
Residents with disabilities and seniors are encouraged to file for rebates on 2012 utility and phone taxes
O’Fallon Founders’ Day
Are you an O’Fallon resident who is age 65 or older or a City resident who has been determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration? If you meet age or disability requirements and income limits, you may qualify for rebates on taxes paid on your 2012 gas, electric and phone bills.
Enjoy an interactive day of old-fashioned fun with free admission and parking at the O’Fallon Founders’ Day celebration. Kids can ride a pony, and everyone can watch hands-on demonstrations of basket weaving, candle-making, ropemaking, broom-making, sheep-to-shawl wool spinning and more. The event includes live entertainment, with cowboy music, yodeling, rope tricks and western folklore by Cowboy Randy Erwin at 11 a.m. and noon. Pat McMenomy will play the hammer dulcimer and teach period dancing at 1:15 p.m. Larry Kinsella will demonstrate experimental archaeology and primitive tool use such as flint knapping, making cordage and throwing an atlatl at 10:15 and 11:45 a.m. The St. Charles Model Railroad Club exhibit will be open, free, and historic Heald Home tours will be available at $2 per person. Festival merchandise, food and beverages will be available. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ FoundersDay or contact the Tourism and Festivals Division at 636-379-5614 or jhoisington@ofallon.mo.us. Volunteers are needed! Please contact the Volunteer Services Division at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us, or call 636379-5507.
To qualify, residents must have an annual adjusted gross income that does not exceed: • $38,950 for a single person. • $44,500 for a married (two-person) household. • Please note: Social Security income is not counted. Utility tax rebate filing will begin on Monday, April 1, and continue through Friday, May 31, at O’Fallon City Hall. City staff will be on hand to assist residents during business hours, Monday through Friday. Residents seeking rebates must file in person and bring: • A photo ID with your O’Fallon address (driver’s license, state ID or passport). • Copies of 2011 bills for gas, electricity, and phone and cell phone service; bills must show an O’Fallon address. • A copy of your 2011 federal income tax return.
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Saturday, May 4 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
• Proof of Social Security disability, if you are disabled. You can help speed the filing process by picking up a rebate form at O’Fallon City Hall or online at www.ofallon.mo.us. For more information, call the Citizens First Center at 636-3795553, or email citizensfirst@ofallon.mo.us.
River City Rascals Baseball is back at T.R. Hughes Ballpark! To kick off the 2013 season, O’Fallon’s own River City Rascals take the field on May 21. See page 27 in the Parks & Rec Guide for a home schedule and directions to the ballpark.
“Like” O'Fallon events on Facebook.
www.facebook.com/VisitOFallon
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2013
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O’Fallon Jammin’ Outdoor Concerts
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June 4 – August 20 (Tuesdays) 6:30–9 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand Bring your family, friends and neighbors to free concerts in Civic Park on Tuesday evenings from 6:30–9 p.m. Genres include rock ‘n roll, country, rhythm and blues, Motown, oldies, pop, swing, big band and jazz. Admission and parking are free. Concessions will be available, and an ADA-accessible playground and path are near the bandstand. Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating. No glass containers are permitted in the park. Coolers are permitted, but they are subject to inspection by police officers, park rangers and Parks Department personnel. June 4
Well Hungarians Contemporary country
June 11
Ticket to The Beatles Beatles tribute band
June 18
Vote for Pedro Pop music
June 25
O’Fallon Community Concert and Jazz bands
July 2
No concert! O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest
July 9
Reverse Order Pop (former contestant on America’s Got Talent)
July 16
Plastic ’80s pop
July 23
Stray Bullet Rock ‘n’ roll
July 30
O’Fallon Community Concert and Jazz bands
August 6 Hillbilly Authority Country August 13 Power Play Dance music (R&B, disco, Motown) August 20 Contagious Rock ‘n’ roll See the complete band schedule at www.ofallon.mo.us/ Jammin. For more information, call 636-379-5614.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest 2013
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Tuesday, July 2, 5–10 p.m., Family Night! Wednesday, July 3, 5–11 p.m. Thursday, July 4, noon – 10 p.m. Ozzie Smith Sports Complex You’re invited to have a blast at O’Fallon’s biggest festival of the year! Celebrate America’s freedom with professional fireworks displays, nationally-known bands, thrilling carnival rides, family-friendly entertainment, free kids’ activities, and festival food and beverages. Festival admission and parking are free. Fees are charged for carnival rides, midway games, concessions and vendor merchandise. Visit www.heritageandfreedomfest.com for updates and more information, or call 636-379-5614.
O’Fallon’s Independence Day Parade
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Be a part of O’Fallon’s patriotic Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade! The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, and thousands of people will line the parade route to cheer for the entries. The theme for this year’s parade is, “Made in America.” Prizes of $200 for first place and $100 for second place will be awarded to the “Best Musical Float” and “Most Patriotic Float,” with trophies for “Best Color Guard.” “Best Overall” entries will be awarded $500, $400 and $300 for first, second and third place. Originality, music and mechanical movement earn extra points. A complete list of rules and requirements are listed on the applications, which are available beginning April 10 at www. heritageandfreedomfest.com. Entrants may also pick up an entry form at the Renaud Spirit Center, City Hall or the Parks and Recreation Office. Mailed applications must be submitted or postmarked by noon on Friday, May 24. For questions, please contact mseymour@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5502.
Construction Projects Summer road projects improve traffic flow, add sidewalks and bike paths With the arrival of good weather, drivers will see a number of road construction and street maintenance projects in progress. The improvements are designed to keep streets in overall good repair, promote traffic flow and bolster bike and pedestrian access throughout the City. Some of the major projects that drivers may encounter are:
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Street maintenance – The 2013 Crack Seal Program to clean and seal cracks and joints on asphalt and concrete streets will soon get underway, along with the 2013 Concrete Program, which calls for concrete slab replacement for concrete streets in need of repair. Right turn lanes will be installed at several intersections:
Westbound Mexico Road at Sonderen, northbound Knaust Road at Mexico Road, and southbound Belleau Creek Road at Mexico Road
Bryan Road at Mexico Road, Feise Road, and WingHaven Boulevard at Highway N
Veterans Memorial Parkway at Woodlawn Avenue (all four corners)
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Elaine Drive improvements will include center turn lanes, sidewalks and enclosed drainage.
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Crusher Drive will be extended toward Technology Drive, reconnecting near Corporate Centre Drive.
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West Terra Lane from Hoff to Guthrie roads will be resurfaced and widened to accommodate shoulders and bicycle paths on both sides of the road.
For detailed updates on these and other City projects, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/projects.
New playground at T.R. Hughes Ballpark Families, take note: a new playground for kids and a picnic pavilion will be installed at T.R. Hughes Ballpark just in time for the season opener on May 21.
Page Avenue-Highway 364 construction gets a green light Drivers throughout the area are hailing the news that the construction of the final nine miles of Route 364 (also known as the Page Avenue extension) to I-64 will be completed by the end of 2014. A map provided by MoDOT shows the path and timetable for the construction, which will start this summer. To view the map, visit the City’s website and click on the “Highway 364 Upgrade” link on the home page. Or, go directly to MoDOT’s website, www.modot.org/route364.
Highway 364 Phase III Preliminary Corridor Map Provided by MoDOT
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events O’Fallon Garden Expo
Visit the O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum
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Saturday, April 20 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Get ready for outdoor living by shopping for live plants and yard and garden accessories at the Garden Expo. Talk to experts on rain gardening and recycling, get answers to questions about lawn and garden issues, chat with local garden club members, and listen to master gardeners discuss the latest topics and trends. Free tree saplings will be given away, and an Arbor Day ceremony will begin at 9:15 a.m. Expo admission is free; Heald Home tours are $2. For more information, please contact jhoisington@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5605.
O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Faith County
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Fridays and Saturdays, April 19–20 and April 26–27, 8 p.m. Sundays, April 21 and April 28, 2 p.m. O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Support live theater right here in O’Fallon with tickets to the comedy, Faith County, written by Mark Langdon Smith. Set in a small southern town where the beehive hairdo is still the rage and Saturday nights are reserved for the tractor pull, the story unfolds at the Faith County Fairgrounds, where a colorful collection of town and country folk exchange insider gossip about one another and show off their handiwork. Order tickets in advance and save $2 each off the cost of tickets at the box office; tickets in advance are $10 for general admission (ages 18–54), and $8 for students (ages 6–17) and seniors (age 55 and up). Ages 5 and under are admitted, free. To order tickets in advance, call 636-474-2732, or come to the Renaud Spirit Center.
2nd and 4th Sundays, May – September Open May 12 and 26, June 9 and 23, July 14 and 28, August 11 and 25, and September 15 and 29. 12–3 p.m., Civic Park Would you like to know more about the people who built O’Fallon? Meet and chat with the people who know O’Fallon’s history best and tour this historic log cabin. Admission is free; donations are welcome. The museum’s collection of O’Fallon artifacts includes a doll-house-sized replica of Zumwalt’s Fort, Wabash Railroad items, 19th Century clothing, an immigrant’s trunk, a folding bed for covered wagon travel, small town business items and more. A history book, O’Fallon, Missouri: A Good Place to Live, is available for purchase. Tours are available by appointment, too; just email your request to info@ofallonmohistory.org. For more information, visit www.ofallonmohistory.org.
Patriotic Ceremonies Armed Forces Day Ceremony Saturday, May 18 11 a.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk You and your family are invited to join in this annual ceremony honoring the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 27 11 a.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, please join in paying tribute to U.S. soldiers who gave their lives in time of war.
“Like” O'Fallon events on Facebook.
www.facebook.com/VisitOFallon
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Springtime volunteers, we need you!
Global Youth Service Week V+
Enjoy Spring! Get outdoors with projects that beautify City parks, tidy roadsides and protect our creeks and lakes from pollution. To volunteer, contact O’Fallon’s Volunteer Services at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5507. Or visit, www. ofallon.mo.us/volunteer.
Energetic teens are invited to bring friends and join in hands-on projects developed with them in mind. Schools, homeschoolers, scouts and youth groups are encouraged to contact us for meaningful service projects.
Alternative Spring Break V+ March – April For a stay-cation with impact, students, faculty and families are invited to participate in eco-friendly activities planned at multiple City parks.
Monday – Saturday, April 22–27
National Join Hands Day
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Saturday, May 4 9–11 a.m. Get family and friends involved and join others from around the community in an environmentally-friendly project on this nationwide day of volunteering.
Parks Day V+ Saturday, April 6 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Civic Park We’ll have a great time getting this pretty, popular family park ready for picnicking, games, festivals and concerts.
Mission: Clean Stream V+ Saturday, April 6 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Help protect our creeks and wildlife! Volunteers will collect trash, keeping it from washing into local creeks and rivers. Fun for kids!
Celebrate National Public Works Week at O’Fallon’s Public Works Fair! V+ Wednesday, May 22 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., T.R. Hughes Ballpark parking lot Kids love this family-oriented fair, where big equipment takes center stage — and they get to sit in the driver’s seat. See snow plows, a paint striper, backhoes, a radar trailer, street sweeper, water main break service truck and more. Admission is free, and activities include:
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Free train rides for all ages. Giveaways, free hot dogs, chips, soda and water. Safety awareness games and activities for kids, and educational material for adults.
Betsy Ross Sunday, June 9 Shows at 1:30 and 3 p.m., Heald Home Cost: $2 per person at the door; includes house tour
National Volunteer Week
Get ready for Flag Day with Daughters of the American Revolution Regent Susan Russ by learning the story of Betsy Ross and the American flag, and life during the Revolutionary War era, which left Betsy Ross a widow. Each show is 30 minutes.
Sunday – Saturday, April 21–27 Join in thanking the volunteers who help O’Fallon provide a “community of service.” And consider becoming a muchappreciated O’Fallon volunteer yourself!
The City of O’Fallon is on Twitter!
@cityofofallon
Earth Day V+ Saturday, April 20 9–11 a.m. You’re invited to help with local creek cleanups, planting flowers, sprucing up parks, and getting playgrounds ready for fun.
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2013
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Public Assistance Programs to benefit low-income O’Fallon residents Home Improvement Loan Program Could you use an extra $5,000 to help with home repairs? Projects like replacing an aging heating/cooling unit, repairing a roof or replacing windows are a few of the eligible repairs for O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Loan Program. Why not find out if you qualify? The City has funds for five-year forgivable loans of up to $5,000 to help low- to moderate-income O’Fallon homeowners who meet income and other guidelines, and the funds can be used to address City code violations. More information about O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Loan Program is available at www.ofallon. mo.us. Or, contact 636-379-5411 or jhawkins@ofallon.mo.us.
Senior Transportation and Rides (STAR) Program 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 to destinations for 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.
Emergency Homeless Prevention Program The City of O’Fallon has contracted with the Salvation Army and Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service to administer the Emergency Homeless Prevention Program. The program helps O’Fallon residents on the verge of homelessness remain in their homes through financial assistance with mortgage, rent and utilities assistance. For more information, contact the Salvation Army at 636-240-4969 or Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service at 636-441-1302.
Fun is par for the course at the annual Project HOME Golf Tournament Help a great cause, the annual Project HOME Golf Tournament, by registering for an 18-hole round of golf that includes lunch and dinner, beverages, contests, games, raffles, prizes and a silent auction. The fun begins on Friday, May 17, with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. at The Falls Golf Club, 1170 Turtle Creek Drive, O’Fallon 63366. Registration is $100 per golfer, with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to eligible, low-income homeowners and low-income residents with disabilities who need help with home repair. To register for the tournament, to be a sponsor or donate funds and supplies for Project HOME, please call 636-3795411, or email jhawkins@ofallon.mo.us.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Senior Corner SilverSneakers Fitness Program offers free Renaud Spirit Center memberships Are you age 55 or older? If so, find out if your health insurance company participates in the SilverSneakers Fitness Program. If it does, you may qualify for a free Renaud Spirit Center membership, which includes free use of the facilities (the natatorium, gym, walking and jogging track, fitness equipment, etc.) along with perks such as reduced rates for “Plus” classes and, for only $10, senior-friendly Aqua Aerobics sessions. If you’re eligible for SilverSneakers, there’s no fee to register, and no limit to the number of visits you can make to the RSC. To find out if you are eligible for the free SilverSneakers Fitness Program, call the RSC front desk at 636474-2REC (2732) or ask your health insurance provider.
Enjoy lunch and learn about services for seniors at the O’Fallon Older Active Adults Club meeting Seniors, do you need help with issues related to aging? Find out more about programs that are available to help you at the O’Fallon Active Older Adults meeting, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC). Guest speaker Sarah McDonald of the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging will provide information about programs and services to eligible seniors offered through the agency, including counseling, benefits check, rides, meals, minor home modification to accommodate disabilities, and more. To attend, register no later than Tuesday, May 21, by calling the RSC at 636-474-2732. The cost for the luncheon is $10 for O’Fallon residents and $12 for non-residents.
Roscoe’s Den Trash and Recycling Announcements
www.ofallon.mo.us
Keep our water healthy and wildlife safe
Schedule for large item or bulk-waste drop-off
Clean water is vital to our good health. That’s why an important goal for O’Fallon’s Stormwater Management Division is encouraging residents to protect our local creeks, streams and rivers from urban pollution. As part of that effort, volunteers of all ages are needed to participate in creek clean-ups and storm drain markings. These events are fun, educational and make a great teambuilding experience. They are open to individuals, groups, clubs and subdivisions. Upcoming dates are:
Cleaning house? If you’re an O’Fallon resident, you’re invited to bring items that are too large to fit into trash containers to the City’s waste transfer station at 1572 Progress West Lane. This year, the service will be held every other month and only on Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. The dates are:
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Mission Clean Stream, April 6 Earth Day, April 20 Make-A-Difference Day, October 26
Besides picking up litter along our creeks, volunteers will mark storm drains with the message, “Dump No Waste, Drains to Stream,” to remind people not to dump trash, yard waste, automotive fluids, or treated swimming pool water in City storm drains. Chemicals and other pollutants that wash down storm drains go straight into creeks and streams without any type of treatment, directly affecting water resources and wildlife. To participate in the events listed above, contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5408 or go to www.ofallon.mo.us/ volunteer and register online. If these three dates do not work for your group, please feel free to email micheleg@ofallon. mo.us or call 636-379-7632 to arrange for an event date that meets your group’s needs.
O’Fallon’s convenient yard waste disposal With lawns and shrubs greening up and growing, spring is a great time to sign up for the convenience of curbside yard waste service. You can enroll at any time by contacting the Environmental Services Department at ofallonrecycles@ ofallon.mo.us or 636-272-0477. The cost for weekly yard waste service is only $7.50 per month, or $22 per quarter. Aside from convenience, a good reason to sign up for yard waste is that is it illegal to dump leaves and grass into City storm sewers, where it pollutes waterways. It’s also illegal to discard yard waste in the trash. Are you already enrolled? O’Fallon’s weekly yard waste collection resumed on Monday, March 11, and will continue through Friday, December 13.
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April 20 June 15 August 17 October 19 December 21
Be sure to bring a photo ID with your O’Fallon address. Residents must unload their own items. Please note that some items cannot be legally accepted, such as yard waste. For a list of acceptable and unacceptable bulk waste items, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us.
Memorial Day trash, recycling schedule Due to the holiday on Monday, May 27, all trash and recycling collection will move to the next day, with Monday’s service moving to Tuesday, and so forth through the week. For more information about O’Fallon’s refuse and recycling program, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-272-0477.
Cleaning up litter, especially plastic litter, helps protect wildlife from serious harm. Each year, tons of plastic bags, bottles, straws and other items wash downstream, ending up in the ocean where birds and sea turtles can mistake them for food, and die.
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Police Bulletins O'Fallon Police Department Briefs
www.ofallon.mo.us/PD
O’Fallon Safety Town registration opens April 3
O’Fallon Police Officers honored by VFW
Give kids a first-class course in safety by enrolling them in O’Fallon’s 27th Annual Safety Town. O’Fallon Safety Town is a nationally-accredited program that uses a simulated town layout to teach children ages 4½ through 6½ how to stay safe. The two-week sessions will be held at a local school. Cost of the program is $60 per child, and $40 for each additional child in the same family. Costs must be paid in full when children are enrolled. Space is limited, so early enrollment is encouraged. Only parents or legal guardians may enroll children. Parents can select morning or afternoon classes. Safety Town course dates are:
Two O’Fallon police officers were honored at the annual VFW Post 5077 Community Appreciation Awards banquet. The awards are given to recognize public servants who go above and beyond the call of duty in their professions. For his key role in solving several crimes, O’Fallon Police Detective Matthew Myers was named “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.” For saving the life of an infant who had stopped breathing, O’Fallon Police Office Holly Milatovic received the “Line of Duty Life Saving Certification.”
Session I: June 3 –14 33103 33106
M-F M-F
9:00-11:30A Morning class 12:30-3:00P Afternoon class
Session II: June 17–28 33104 33107
M-F M-F
9:00-11:30A Morning class 12:30-3:00P Afternoon class
Session III: July 8 –19 33105 33108
M-F M-F
9:00-11:30A Morning class 12:30-3:00P Afternoon class
Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3.
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To register in person, come to the Renaud Spirit Center during normal business hours, and pay with cash, check or a credit card.
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To register online, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec and click on “Register Online.” Enter the 5-digit course code listed above to choose your class.
For more information about O’Fallon Safety Town, visit http://www.ofallon.mo.us/PD.
O’Fallon Police Department is on Twitter!
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 Division. 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-on-one 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. Nonhomeowners also need permission from their landlords or the home’s legal owner(s).
Keep your family safe with free gun locks O’Fallon residents who own guns are invited to take advantage of the O’Fallon Police Department’s free gun lock program. The gun locks are available from the O’Fallon Police Department’s Records Division, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free locks also are available on Municipal Court nights. Call 636-379-5678.
@OFallonPolice
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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
O’Fallon’s Senior Center S
hooting pool, chatting with friends over lunch, playing farkle and bingo or getting in a game of Wii bowling – all sounds like fun, doesn’t it? The regulars at the O’Fallon Senior Center think so. “Some people might think we’re old,” said Mary Bohrer, “but we still have fun.” Bohrer enjoys playing dominoes, cards and dice with friends at the center. Her specialty is assembling puzzles, and her expertise is evident in the 3-D puzzle of the White House in Washington, D.C., on display in the lobby. Bill, her husband, comes along twice a week to shoot pool. The Bohrers are among the 200–300 seniors ages 60 and up who gather at the O’Fallon Senior Center each week. The center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and except for lunch, the activities are free. Lunch is served to seniors, only, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. for a donation of $3.25. Those who plan to eat must reserve a meal by notifying staff the day before. “I come here to eat and mix with people,” said Harold Seward, who is soon to celebrate his 86th birthday. “The food here is good, and they give you plenty of it.” Besides enjoying the camaraderie and doing lunch, Seward plays pool and works out on the center’s exercise machines. “I really enjoy the fellowship,” said Ray Maxeiner, 85, a retired cabinet maker and Korean War veteran who
typically shoots pool when he’s at the Senior Center. The game is easily the most popular activity with the men. But O’Fallon’s Senior Center is more than lunch and games. Birthdays and holidays are celebrated and singalongs with piano accompaniment invite everyone to join in. A library includes senior-friendly books in large print and offers a comfy couch to relax on. A variety of exercise machines fill the Fitness Room, and a weekly “Walk off the Pounds” class meets on Wednesdays. On Friday mornings, Computer Lab patrons are coached on surfing the Internet and using email by John Palczynski, 80, a senior center regular and volunteer. Another feature of the center, the Resale Shop, occupies a nook and coat closet off the lobby. The shop is a fundraiser for the Senior Center, turning donations of costume jewelry, knick knacks, books and clothing into petty cash for prizes, party items and other needs. Whatever their interests, Senior Center newcomers will find themselves welcomed and introduced. When she first came to the center three years ago, “It didn’t take long to get acquainted,” said Mary Bohrer. “At lunch, we seat new people next to somebody so they’re not alone,” said Jean Hancock. Hancock, an 18-year regular, comes almost daily. But she’s not usually there to play games. “I don’t have time,” she said. She volunteers at the reception desk three times a week, keeps the Resale Shop clothes closet in order, announces lunch, conducts the Pledge of Allegiance and recites the before-meal prayer. She’s also the treasurer for the center’s Site Council. “The Senior Center is the best kept secret in town,” said Mary Bohrer. “We have a good time.”
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2013
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Calendar
All 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
March
20 Bulk Waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Waste transfer station, 1572 Progress Lane
1–31 Oak Leaf Artist Guild exhibit, “Treasures” Cultural Arts Gallery in the Renaud Spirit Center, free
20 Garden Expo, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park, free
O’Fallon Earth Day, 9 – 11 a.m.
13 Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
Faith County, 8 p.m.
14 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
21 Faith County, 2 p.m.
16 Heald Home tours, 1– 4 p.m. Historic Heald Home, Ft. Zumwalt Park
22 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
18 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m. 19 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
Candidate Forum, 7 p.m.
20 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
25 Municipal Court, 6 p.m. 27 O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 5 p.m. 28 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 31 Easter; RSC CLOSED
April
25 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 26 Faith County, 8 p.m., O’Fallon City Hall 27 Faith County, 8 p.m. 28 Faith County, 2 p.m.
May 1
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
2
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
4
Founders’ Day, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park, free
RSC Fitness Festival and 5K Fiesta Fun Run/Walk, 7 a.m.
National Join Hands Day, 9 – 11 a.m.
1
Utility tax rebate filing opens, 8 a.m. at City Hall Continuing weekdays through May 31
6
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
8
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
2
General municipal election, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
9
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
3
Safety Town registration opens, 8 a.m.
14 Parks Board, 7 p.m.
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
15 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
4
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
6
Parks Partners Day, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Civic Park
Mission: Clean Stream, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
8
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
9
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
10 Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m. 11 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 12 Rebecca Bourne exhibit through May 24 Cultural Arts Gallery in the RSC, free
Senior Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
17 Project HOME Golf Tournament, 11:30 a.m. 18 Armed Forces Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk 20 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m. 21 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
Rascals’ Season Opener at T.R. Hughes Ballpark, 3 p.m.
22 Public Works Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
15 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 5 p.m.
16 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
23
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
17 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
25 Alligator’s Creek opens for the season, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.
27 Memorial Day, City Hall CLOSED
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
19 Comedy, Faith County, 8 p.m., O’Fallon City Hall
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Memorial Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk
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.