A Weekly Note from Mayor Gary L. Graham
“Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking”
May is an important month each year when numerous organizations and groups of people throughout our nation receive recognition for the vital work they perform. The City Council and I are proud of the contributions these groups of people make to our community and it is our pleasure to honor them with the presentation of proclamations. During the May 3 City Council Meeting proclamations were presented to the following groups.
A proclamation was issued declaring May as Building Safety Month. The Proclamation recognizes the diligent work of O’Fallon’s building safety officials, who enforce the codes that safeguard us in our homes, at school, and in the buildings in which we work. The importance of regulating and enforcing building codes is often overlooked until a catastrophic tragedy occurs. By inspecting buildings during and after construction, building, fire and other code officials help to ensure that buildings in the community are safe, sound and accessible places to work, play and live.
In recognition of National Emergency Medical Services Week, which is the week of May 16-22, our Emergency Medical Services personnel were honored for their superb service to our community. The members of our emergency medical services team are ready to provide professional lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has been proven time and time again that access to quality emergency medical care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury.
In celebration of EMS Week, an open house will be held at the Public Safety Building, 285 N. Seven Hills Road on Thursday, May 20 from 4-7 p.m. Blood pressure screenings and car seat checks will be available in addition to many fun activities for the children. The Air Medical Helicopter will land at approximately 5 p.m. and the Fire Department will perform a live extrication at 6 p.m. Free hot dogs, chips and soda will be served and tours of the Public Safety Building will be available.
A proclamation declaring May as National Historic Preservation Month will be issued at the May 17 City Council Meeting. It is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by many dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped O’Fallon, and I encourage residents to recognize and participate in this important celebration.
On Saturday, May 15 at 1 p.m. the O’Fallon Historic Preservation Commission will hold an award ceremony at the O’Fallon Historical Society Museum in downtown O’Fallon. The public is invited to attend the ceremony honoring two new local historic landmarks: 118 Ruth Drive and 305 North Cedar Street, which were given the City’s highest preservatioin honor and designated as Local Historic Landmarks by the City Council at the May 3 Council Meeting. Ceremony attendees will receive the latest addition to the popular O’Fallon Historic Landmarks postcard set. Following the award ceremony, there will be a guided walking tour of many local historic landmarks.
We are blessed to live in a great community with caring people and a wonderful quality of life. It is through the dedication and hard work of our citizens and employees that O’Fallon remains such a great community in which to live and work.
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