The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri
Autumn 2022 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Lasting family memories await you this fall The Shape of Community rotating sculpture series brings public art to O’Fallon The Shape of Community is a citywide, temporary sculpture exhibition. For the next 18 months, ten exciting new sculptures will call our community home. For a map with photos showing the location of the sculptures and information about each piece, turn to pages 6–7.
In this issue 3
A
ll good things must come to an end, and now we must wave “farewell” to another wonderful summer season. From record attendance at Heritage & Freedom Fest and our ever-popular Jammin’ concerts in Civic Park, to incredible family fun in every O’Fallon park, this was certainly a summer to remember. But as the leaves begin to change and the weather turns brisk, we enter what’s truly one of my favorite seasons, and dozens of festivals, sports, special events and winter holidays await you and your families as we “fall” into autumn fun! It feels like just yesterday that I attended O’Fallon’s first-ever Fall into the Arts festival, and your family is invited to join me on Sunday, September 25, as this perennial favorite returns to beautiful O’Day Park. There’s truly no better way to spend a Sunday shopping for fine art and gifts while enjoying live music and tasty food truck treats. Other returning favorites include the Food Truck Fright and Egg-tober Glow Hunt on October 14, and it just wouldn’t feel like fall without a charming tractor ride through Fort Zumwalt Park. Our O’FallonTheatreWorks performers are putting the finishing touches on their next play, and audiences can enjoy a hilarious stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning movie Shakespeare in Love October 14–16 and 21–23. In November, please join me with your family outside City Hall for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The kids can help me count down to the lighting of our huge Christmas Tree, and I’ve been told Santa might just stop by to visit with all the good girls and boys! And, after we all enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends, we can make plans for a memorable trip through this year’s Celebration of Lights. You can learn all about this holiday tradition on page 4. As we celebrate the season, I would ask that we also keep in mind those who have served us in the name of freedom. Please join us as we hold patriotic events throughout the year. I know I can’t help but be humbled by the sacrifices of our fellow Americans. May this fall be a safe, happy and memorable one for you and your family! Sincerely,
Volunteer Opportunities
4–5 Upcoming Events Patriotic Events 6–7 Shape of Community Sculpture Series 8
Roscoe’s Den
9
Renew O’Fallon
10 Veterans Report
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
A helping hand for our community O’Fallon’s Public Assistance department offers multiple programs to help families throughout O’Fallon. From resources to assist residents impacted by COVID-19 to programs that help residents make much-needed repairs to their homes, this department is here to help. Explore available forgivable-loan and grant programs at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants.
10–11 Special Feature 12 Calendar
What’s killing our region’s trees? Turn to page 11 for info.