O’Fallon Around Town - Oct. 5 edition

Noon Friday, Oct. 6, 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.

Send event info via email to lifestyle@bnd.com. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.

Thursday, Oct. 5

National Alliance on Mental Illness: Family Support Group — 7-8:30 p.m. Online via Zoom. The Family Support Meetings are for family members, significant others, and/or friends of persons with a mental health condition. First Thursday of every month. Facilitators will vary. For information: kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788.

Friday, Oct. 6

Tri Township Library Book Sale — 9 a.m. to noon. Tri Township Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy. Book donations accepted during the sale and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 618-667-2133.

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 — 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

‘Stuff the Truck’ Event — 1-6 p.m. Ruler Foods, 10850 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights. Ruler Foods partners with USO (United Service Organizations) to host a ‘Stuff the Truck’ event. Fairview Heights customers and associates are all invited to join in and help reach the goal of stuffing the truck with much-needed supplies for service member care packs. Donations will help fill each truck on site, which will then be packaged into care packages for military members and their families. Each service member care package will include food, drinks, hygiene products, and toys. After the event, the care packages will be delivered to Scott Air Force Base.

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, Oct. 6 & Saturday, Oct. 7

39th annual Belleville Chili Cook-Off — 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Downtown Belleville. One of Belleville’s largest events, the Chili Cook-Off features culinary creations from more than 40 vendors representing individuals, local organizations and area businesses. There will be great chili, entertainment and other festivities. bellevillechili.com

Friday, Oct. 6 thru Sunday, Oct. 8

Best of Missouri Market — Noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 7-8. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis. The Best of Missouri Market returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden this fall with more than 120 vendors offering handcrafted items, locally produced food, and much more. Featuring food, crafts, native plants, herbs, custom jewelry, handcrafted items and more. A kids’ corner will feature face painting, a petting zoo, pot-a-plant, crafts, and a “pumpkin patch” with sustainable pumpkin decorating, and circus performers. mobot.org/market

Saturday, Oct. 7

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.

Saturday, Oct. 7 & Sunday, Oct. 8

Zootoberfest at the Saint Louis Zoo — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis. Enjoy a Zoo-themed, family-friendly Oktoberfest. Take advantage of the cooler weather and visit the Zoo’s animals, exhibits and attractions. Kids can participate in fun activities, including an obstacle course and arts and crafts. German-inspired food, including beer brats, giant Bavarian pretzels, turkey legs and more, is available for purchase, along with apple cider, root beer and other soft drinks. Beer trailers throughout the Zoo offer a variety of local and craft brews (ages 21 and older) for purchase. An exclusive Zootoberfest beer stein with discounts for refills is available for purchase (while supplies last). Free admission. stlzoo.org/zootoberfest

Zootoberfest takes place at the Saint Louis Zoo Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 7-8, and features fun activities for both kids and adults. For more information, visit stlzoo.org/zootoberfest.
Zootoberfest takes place at the Saint Louis Zoo Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 7-8, and features fun activities for both kids and adults. For more information, visit stlzoo.org/zootoberfest.

Sunday, Oct. 8

‘A Serenade to Music: Masterworks Reunion Concert’ — 3 p.m. Saint Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon. Masterworks Chorale presents the opening concert of our 50th Anniversary Jubilee Season. We invite back our founder, Dr. Dennis Sparger, and Masterworks alums to join us for this “Serenade to Music,” featuring Ralph Vaughan Williams’s masterwork by that name; also featuring the world premiere of a new choral composition, based on Psalm 150, by current Masterworks Artistic Director Dr. Stephen Mager. Tickets available at the door or online at singmasterworks.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 10

Distinguished Speaker Series: ‘The Science of Stuck’ with Britt Frank — 7 p.m. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. We all experience stuckness in our lives—in our relationships, careers, our bodies, habits, and more. We know we need to move forward, but don’t know how, creating a loop of self-doubt that goes nowhere. The problem has been exacerbated by the isolation and setbacks of the pandemic, resulting in unprecedented levels of dissatisfaction, and life questions. As a sought-after psychotherapist, Britt’s work focuses on the mental health myths that keep us stuck, stressed, and burned out. With just a few key pieces of information about the brain, the capacity for choice returns and we can get back into the driver’s seat of our lives. 618-537-6863 or thehett.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 11

National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Alvin G. Bohley Chapter 1019 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. O’Town Food Hall and Tap House, 1214 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon. Speaker on anxiety/stress at noon, followed by meeting. All active and retired federal and postal employees are welcome. Meetings held the second Wednesday of each month except for May and December socials. NARFE remains the go-to resource for the federal community. For information, contact James at jbflat2021@gmail.com or call 618-795-5174.

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, Oct. 12

Arts Education: The Music of Lewis & Clark — 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 400 N. Alton St., Lebanon. Follow the amazing adventures of Lewis and Clark, with a musical journey from St. Louis, up the Missouri River, across the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Recommended for K-8. Presented in partnership with The Sheldon. 618-537-6863 or thehett.com.

Boo at the Zoo takes place at the Saint Louis Zoo every night from Friday, Oct. 13, through Sunday, Oct. 29. For tickets and information, visit www.stlzoo.org/boo.
Boo at the Zoo takes place at the Saint Louis Zoo every night from Friday, Oct. 13, through Sunday, Oct. 29. For tickets and information, visit www.stlzoo.org/boo.

Other area happenings

Boo at the Zoo — 5-8:30 p.m. every night Oct. 13-29. Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis. Families can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, special food and drink menus and more at the Saint Louis Zoo’s nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience, Boo at the Zoo presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Please note, this is not a trick-or-treating event. Tickets must be purchased in advance. stlzoo.org/boo

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and Brahms — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis. The Philadelphia Inquirer calls young violinist Benjamin Beilman “monstrously talented.” He brings an engaging stage presence and effortless technique to the SLSO for the first time with Mozart’s playful Fifth Violin Concerto. Cristian Măcelaru, a St. Louis favorite, brings a study in contrasts. We feel the heat in Hannah Eisendle’s virtuosic heliosis, then warm ourselves by the autumnal glow and golden hue of Brahms’ richly pastoral Second Symphony. For tickets and info: slso.org.

O’Fallon Township Rummage Sale — 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 14. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, plus household items will be available.

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 or call Karen Egerson at 618-607-5545 for info. Registration will not be available the day of the event.

Scott AFB 35th annual Retiree Appreciation Day — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 14. Scott Event Center, Paegelow Street, Scott AFB. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. The event is open to all military retirees, immediate family members and surviving spouses from all branches. There will be more than 30 informational booths covering a wide array of services available for retirees. Some of them include ID card appointment scheduling, Military and Family Readiness Center help, Scott Pass registration (must have valid ID) among many more. The Army and Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) team at Scott will also be raffling off door prizes at the event. Colonel John Poole, who took command of the 375th Air Mobility Wing in July, will give a speech to open the event. https://bit.ly/48xsTex

BeastFest (formerly Wild Game Dinner) — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, North Gym, 1111 E. U.S. Highway 50, O’Fallon. Come get your fill of a variety of different meats at this fantastic dinner. This year’s guest speaker is Dr. Heath Peloquin, who served as the Senior Pastor at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, since 2018. Peloquin previously served as the Associational Strategist of the North Texas Baptist Association, and Director of Pastor/Church Relations at the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. Cost: $25 for men, $15 for boys 12 and under. Registration closes 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20.For tickets and information: fbcofallon.churchcenter.com.

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Robert Thain, M.D.
Robert Thain, M.D.

HSHS Medical Group Welcomes Robert Thain, MD, Family Medicine

HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Robert Thain, M.D., to our medical team. Specializing in family medicine, Dr. Thain is now scheduling patients at HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine O’Fallon - Springfield Court (100 Springfield Court, O’Fallon, Illinois).

As a primarycare physician, Dr. Thain cares for patients over the age of 2 and offers a variety of services, including general wellness care, well-child exams and chronic illness management.

Dr. Thain earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, Illinois. He received his medical degree and completed a family medicine residency at University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, Illinois. Dr. Thain is board certified in family practice.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Thain, please call 618-632-3565. If you’re a new HSHS Medical Group patient, call Kim Schneider, our patient advocate, at 844-520-8897, to help set up your first appointment.

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Albert Kombe, M.D.
Albert Kombe, M.D.

HSHS Medical Group Welcomes Albert Kombe, MD, Family Medicine

HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Albert Kombe, M.D., to our medical team. Specializing in family medicine, Dr. Kombe is now scheduling patients at HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine - Shiloh, located at 1116 Hartman Lane in Shiloh, Illinois.

As a primary care physician, Dr. Kombe cares for patients of all ages and offers a variety of services, including minor procedures, general wellness care, well-child exams and chronic illness management.

Dr. Kombe earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He received his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Kombe completed his family medicine residency at Saint Louis University (Southwest Illinois) in O’Fallon, Illinois.

“I want my patients to know that I care about more than just their health, I care about their overall well-being,” Dr. Kombe said. “And I will make myself available as much as possible to support them.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kombe, please call Kim Schneider, our patient advocate, at 833-973-0343.

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O’Fallon District 90 Board of Education Member Honored by State School Board Association for Continued Learning

Becky Drury and Rebecca Huller, members of the O’Fallon District 90 Board of Education, have been recognized by the Illinois Association of School Boards for their participation in a number of professional development and leadership activities during their service as school board members.

IASB recognizes school board members who show a dedication and desire to learn more about local school governance, adding to their leadership skills, knowledge of state and national educational issues, and commitment to serving in trust of their community and their students. IASB initiated the Board Leader Recognition Program both to honor the dedicated work of school board members and call public attention to the many responsibilities placed on local school boards.

Because of Drury and Huller’s ongoing commitment to continued learning and participation in leadership activities, they have earned the designation as IASB Established Board Leaders.