O’Fallon Around Town - Aug. 24 edition
Noon Friday, Aug. 25, is the deadline to appear in next week’s “Around Town” listing. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions. Submissions will be edited and appear in the week before the event date.
Email: lifestyle@bnd.com. Mail to: O’Fallon Around Town, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.
Thursday, Aug. 24
▪ Metro-East Women’s Cancer Support Group — 5:30 p.m. The Rec Complex, 9950 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. The intent is to build a supportive community for local women affected by any type of cancer. Through education, advocacy, and empowerment, the care team aims to improve the quality of life for those who are facing the challenges of cancer, during or post treatments. It will be a safe and inclusive space where women can find comfort, resources, and inspiration, as well as the opportunity to connect with others who understand what they are going through. Sessions will be facilitated by Kareen Egerson, RN, and Dr. Camille Williams, medical director of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Radiation Oncology Services. Fourth Thursday of the month (excluding July and December). There is no charge to attend. RSVPs are not required but are helpful. Click here to RSVP.
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Online via Zoom. These support meetings are for family members, significant others and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. Facilitators: Pat Rudloff and Beverly Churchill. Held the fourth Thursday of the month. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
Friday, Aug. 25
▪ O’Fallon Knights of Columbus & Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Traditional menu of cod, tilapia, catfish, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks and several side dishes. Dine-in and carryout. Credit cards accepted. Orders can be called in at 618-632-6229. facebook.com/KnightsOfColumbus4239
▪ Swansea Fish Stand - New Location – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. KC Club & Event Center, 5420 Old Collinsville Road, O’Fallon. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Open for carryout, call-in and dine-in orders. 618-222-7171. facebook.com/KCClubEastStLouis
▪ Shiloh Eagles Fish Fry — 5-7 p.m. Shiloh Eagles 545, 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and sides. Full menu. Dine-in or carryout available. For carryout, call 618-624-5412. facebook.com/shiloheagles545 or shiloheagles545.com
Friday, Aug. 25 thru Sunday, Aug. 27
▪ 35th Midwest Salute to the Arts — 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27. Moody Park on Longacre, Fairview Heights. Featuring up to 100 award-winning national and local artists and providing something for everyone. Live artist demonstrations, live entertainment, interactive Children’s Creation Station and kids-only art gallery, and more. midwestsalute.com
Saturday, Aug. 26
▪ Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station — 8 a.m. to noon. O’Fallon Station, 212 E. 1st St., O’Fallon. Locally grown vegetables, flowers, fruits, eggs, cheese and meats. A selection of bakers and sweet treats along with coffee, craft brew beverages and artisans. Live music, patio seating, food truck on site. Bicycle and pet friendly. 618-624-0139 or ofallonvinestreetmarket.com.
▪ Caffeine and Chrome — 9 a.m. to noon. Gateway Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Drive #1, O’Fallon. Cruise in with your collectible car or daily driver and bring your appetite. Indulge in pastries and coffee (while supplies last). All makes and models are welcome, with plenty of parking space. This is a family and pet friendly event. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/1467388670415073
▪ Belleville Black Knights Drum & Bugle Corps 70th Anniversary Reunion — 2 p.m. to midnight. Catholic War Veterans Post 370, 3535 State Route 159, Belleville. Performances by Ainad Shrine Drum & Bugle Corps, The Ancient & Honorable Drummers of the Black Knights, Alumni Color Guard Ensemble. Guest speaker: Belleville Black Knights Alumnus Major General Jeffrey Pennington, USAF. Open to the public. Admission $5 per person. For info, visit the Black Knights Facebook page or bellevilleblackkni.wixsite.com/blackknights or email bellevilleblackknights@gmail.com.
Saturday, Aug. 26 & Sunday, Aug. 27
▪ Festival of Nations — 10 a.m to 9 p.m. both days. Tower Grove Park, St. Louis. A celebration of music, flavors, art and culture from around the world. When people from different cultures gather to share music, food, art, and traditions, we get to know each other on a deeper and more personal level. We create a spirit of unity where every culture is seen as unique and special, and no culture is truly foreign. Together, we’ll highlight the vibrancy of multiculturalism, celebrate our unique identities, and create community impact, cultivating a more prosperous region for all. festofnations.com
Wednesday, Aug. 30
▪ National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group — 6:30-8 p.m. Online via Zoom. Free peer-to-peer support group for adults with a mental health condition working towards recovery. Every Wednesday. Open the Zoom app and enter 3914844542. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.
Thursday, Aug. 31
▪ Free Class: Ask a Techie — 1-2:30 p.m. AgeSmart, 801 W. State St., O’Fallon. Get Free help with technology such as Android and iPhone Smartphones, PC and Apple computers, iPad and Android tablets, WIFI, email, software updates, one-on-one problem solving and training. For ages 60+. To register or for more info: st-louis.oasiseverywhere.org.
Other area happenings
▪ Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois 5th annual United We Lead Gala — 5 p.m. (doors open) Saturday, Sept. 9. Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville. Let’s celebrate Girl Scouts together! Join us for drinks, dinner and entertainment. Bid in our live and silent auctions, or enjoy many other ways to share your support. Share an evening filled with fun and inspiration with people who care so much about our mission. Tickets must be purchased online at gsofsi.org or by contacting the Fund Development team at 800-345-6858.
▪ 28th annual Camp Ondessonk Golf Benefit — 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course, 1501 N. Waterworks Road, Okawville. Funds raised during this annual event help sustain and enhance camp programs, fund scholarships allowing children of all income levels to experience camp, and fund new initiatives to fulfill our mission to provide exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages. Cost: $115 per player or $460 per foursome. Hosted by Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. of Highland. For info or to register, 618-695-2489 or ondessonk.com.
▪ Second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk — 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 14. Moody Park, Fairview Heights. The event honors and celebrates the brave patients of the oncology center, as well as the supporters who have provided invaluable aid and assistance during these difficult times. This event is free for everyone. It is a 1.5-mile walk through the park (rain or shine). Participants will receive an event bag and other health information. Visit steliz.org/funwalk to register and purchase a shirt. Shirt orders must be placed by Sept. 7, 2023. Registration will not be available the day of the event.
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Veterans Day Dedication
The deadline for submission of applications for inclusion on the O’Fallon Veterans’ Monument for the Veterans Day dedication on Saturday, Nov. 11, is Friday, Sept. 1.
All honorably discharged veterans who lived in O’Fallon School District #203 at any point in their life are eligible.
Applications are available at O’Fallon City Hall, O’Fallon Public Library, at The Monument at 737 East Wesley, O’Fallon, or visit ofallonveteransmonument.org. For more information, call 618-632-9826.
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Missing a bicycle?
The O’Fallon Police Department says officers pick up 30 abandoned bicycles every year and store them for six months before donating any unclaimed bikes to charity.
If you have had a bicycle go missing this year, they may have it.
To check, contact evidence technician Clara Harrison at 618-624-9515. You may be required to provide an accurate description or serial number to claim a bicycle.
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O’Fallon Family Dental Care to Host Free Dentistry Day Sept. 8
Residents in the O’Fallon community and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to receive free dental services at O’Fallon Family Dental Care on Friday, Sept. 8.
Dr. Jason Harrison and team at O’Fallon Family Dental Care will be improving the oral health of the community as part of Free Dentistry Day, a day dedicated to providing free dental care to the growing number of Americans without dental insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 108 million Americans are living without dental insurance.
“We understand that many people in our community and across the nation haven’t been to the dentist for a long period of time. Some don’t understand the importance of dental health, but more often than not, they don’t have the financial means,” said Dr. Harrison. “This event is a great opportunity for us to share our time and resources with those less fortunate and give back to the community.”
There is increasing evidence that links oral health to overall health and well-being. The signs and symptoms of over 100 medical conditions, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Lou Gehrig’s disease and oral cancer may first be detected through traditional oral examinations.
“Dental health is a vital part of a person’s overall health,” said Dr. Harrison. “Through this event, we hope to educate patients on the importance of dental health and encourage them to adopt an ongoing oral care regimen.”
During Free Dentistry Day, cleanings, fillings and extractions will be provided to patients on Friday, Sept. 8, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. at 105 Regency Park, Suite 2 in O’Fallon. Patients will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please call 618-628-1646 or visit FreeDentistryDay.org.
“It’s very gratifying to see the impact that events like Free Dentistry Day can have on the life of a person. While we’re changing their life, they’re changing ours,” said Dr. Harrison.
