A Weekly Note from Mayor Gary L. Graham
“Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking”
The beginning of the new year is a perfect time for us to reflect back on 2006 and to determine our new year’s resolutions for 2007. The City of O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Department is offering numerous programs and activities throughout 2007 that will assist you and your family in keeping those resolutions.
If your resolution is to spend more time outdoors, the new Rotary Nature Center is the place to be. Beginning in February, a variety of classes and programs will be offered that will provide participants with the opportunity to learn about, and interact with nature.
· Animal Survival: Join us as we take a look at the various methods animals use to survive in the wild. From natural camouflage to the tools they use to find food, this class will teach you all about the secret world of animal survival.
· Backyard Birding: Learn how to turn your backyard into a bird sanctuary. The different types of bird feeders, seed and plants will be discussed and participants will learn how to identify the different types of birds.
· Backyard Astronomy: Come to Rock Springs Park and learn how to get started in this rewarding hobby. We’ll take a brief look at the history of astronomy, our solar system, the galaxy we live in, and the universe beyond. Participants will learn how to explore the night sky from their own backyard.
· Mushroom ID and Hunting 101: Learn how to identify edible and poisoness mushrooms in the Southern Illinois area. Find out when and where they grow and learn ways to cook the edible variety. The class involves a field trip to Carlyle Lake to practice your new mushroom hunting skills.
· Rock Springs Nature Walk: If you are interested in learning about your local environment or just want to go for a nice winter walk through grasslands and woodlands, this will be great for you, family, and friends.
If your resolution is to learn a new skill such as ice skating, bowling, or ballroom and swing dance, the Parks and Recreation Department is your ticket to obtaining those skills. If it is relaxation that you are in search of, Tai Chi is offered.
If you have always wanted to take a CPR training course, but just never got around to signing up, the O’Fallon Emergency Medical Services Department will be offering HeartSaver CPR classes.
Our Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs and activities for the entire family and I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. Programs and activities for winter and spring include:
· Parent ’N’ Tot Tumbling and Kinder Gym/Tumbling
· Gooey Goo Gala
· Art Basics
· Cookie Bookie
· Mighty Ball Basketball, Baseball and Soccer
· Karate and Tae Kwon Do
· Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
· Stained Glass for beginners, intermediate and advanced
· Hooked on Fishing Rodeo
· Trip to a St. Louis Blue Hockey Game
· Babysitting Clinic
· Missoula Children’s Theatre
· Backyard Playhouse Summer Theatre Camp
· Paintball for Teens
· Camp Choo-Choo Preschool Camp
· Camp Cavins Summer Camp
· O’Fallon Teen Camp
· Illinois Caverns Tour
· Let’s Play Sports Summer Enrichment Camp
· Babe Ruth League Baseball/Softball
I am certain that you and your family will find our Parks programs both educational and very enjoyable. The opportunity to participate in high quality and fun leisure activities such as these is yet another example of why O’Fallon is such a great community in which to live.
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