AROUND TOWN

Library happenings
The O’Fallon Public Library will wrap up its summer reading program “Get in the Game: READ” with several activities over the next few days.
• Author Howard Price will provide a stimulating discussion on science fiction series for young readers at 6:30 p.m., July 17. Students in fifth through eighth grade who are fascinated with all the imaginary worlds of science fiction will have an opportunity to discover some new literary works and have their questions answered by an expert.
• The energetic and ever-popular Rob Compton, also known as "Babaloo" will return on Friday, July 18, to present a musical interactive program for all ages. His show will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Katy Cavins Center. The hour-long presentation will feature not only his guitar playing, but also some unusual percussion instruments the audience can play as well.
• The Grand Finale of the reading program will be held on the library lawn from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 19, weather permitting. Carnival style games, such as “Sucker Pull” and “Book Walk,” will be offered along with many other activities. A colorful parachute to play with and snow cones will also be available. In case of rain, the outdoor games will be canceled, but all end-of-the-program prizes will still be awarded inside the Library’s meeting room.

Farmers Market
The O’Fallon Farmers Market will be open from 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 19, in the parking lot by the caboose on West First St. The market will return every Saturday until the end of October. For more information, call 632-3671.

Little Panthers
The final registration for Little Panthers football players and cheerleaders will be held at the northeast entrance of O'Fallon Township High School (by the soccer field) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Satuday, July 19. For information, call Al Lambaria at 632-4436.

Family Bowl
Friends of FASTT is sponsoring a Sunday Family Bowl at St. Clair Bowl, located at 5950 Old Collinsville Rd. on Sunday, July 20. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m., with bowling from 4 to 6 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and includes two games and shoe rental. Prize for high score and several drawings are featured. Friends of FASTT supports community education and legislative efforts for the benefit of the Foundation for Autism Services Today & Tomorrow (FASTT). FASTT is dedicated to providing services to persons with autism in Southwestern Illinois, and currently delivers day programming at Rock Springs Park. For more information call 660-5337.

Driving course
A two-day course designed to help older drivers improve driving skills will be offered at the Township Building, 801 E. State St., from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, and Wednesday, July 23. The course is the first comprehensive driver retraining course geared to the specific needs of older motorists and has been approved by the Secretary of State in compliance with a law passed for an insurance discount. Material cost is $10 and covers effects of aging and medication on driving, basic driving rules, local traffic hazards, adverse road conditions, energy saving and accident prevention measures. By completing this class, drivers may be eligible for a reduction on auto insurance. To preregister, call 632-3517.

Dance Camp
The OTHS Golden Girls dance team will host its annual kids dance camp Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, in the high school’s South Gym. The camp is open to kids from 4 year olds through high school. Register by July 22 and the cost is $50, after that the cost is $60. Dancers will receive t-shirts, awards, Poms and a CD. Register on line at www.oths.k12.il.us/sports or by contacting Coach Anne Brown by phone at 632-3507 or via email at Browna@oths.k12.il.us.

Cheer Clinic
The OTHS Cheerleaders will host a summer cheer clinic Thursday, July 31, in the Panther Dome. Prekindergarten through third grade boys and girls will attend from 9 a.m. to noon. Boys and girls in fourth through eighth grades attend from 1 to 4 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for the morning session and at 12:30 p.m. for the afternoon session. The cost is $30. Registration also is available online at www.oths.k12.il.us. For more information, check out www.ofalloncheerleading.com.

Senior Ball Game
The O’Fallon Township Senior Committee is sponsoring a trip to a 3 p.m. Cardinals-Phillies ball game on Saturday, Aug. 2. Plan to meet at the Township Building. Cost is $7 and includes transportation, buffet and ticket. Tickets available at the Township Office for O’Fallon residents only. For more information call 632-4415.

Recreation programs
• A Mighty Ball Soccer program will run from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays from Aug. 16 to Sept. 27, except Labor Day weekend, in 0’Fallon Community Park. Children ages 3 through 5 are eligible to participate, with the 3 year olds in one division and 4 and 5 years olds in another. The registration fee of $30 for O’Fallon/Shiloh residents and $40 for all others includes team shirt and soccer socks. Shin guards are required. Contact Keith Richter.
• O’Fallon and Shiloh K - 8th graders are eligible to participate in a youth soccer league that will start in August and run through October. The coed teams participate in the Tri-County League. The fee for K - 4th graders is $50 and for 5th - 8th graders, $55. The fee includes a team shirt and soccer socks. Shin guards are required. Contact Andrew Dallner at a dallner@ofallon.org or call 624-1039, ext. 5102.
Registrations for all programs are accepted between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month at the Parks and Rec office in the Cavins Center.

Together time
Discovery School is offering a new program this fall called “Together Time.” The weekly one-hour class for children ages 24 to 48 months and their parent or guardian is meant to be a bridge between life at home and their school years ahead. Led by an early-childhood educator, the program provides free-flowing play, singing, story time, and snacks in a warm, safe environment. For parents and caregivers, the program offers a place to carry on informal discussions about child development and parenting. Call 632-3670 for more information.

Shelter needs help
Spencer Pet Rescue, 1405 Highway 50, is asking for donations of money, old towels and blankets, and food for the no-kill animal shelter. Sponsors also are needed for individual animals. Spencer will send a picture and story about the animal chosen for sponsorship. Call 632-7387 for more information.

Monumental biographies
Biographies and a picture of any veteran currently inscribed on the pillars are now being accepted for inclusion on the Veterans’ Monument kiosk. If not previously submitted, please send the biography, not to exceed 500 words, and a picture to: O’Fallon Veterans’ Monument Association, P O Box 406, O’Fallon, IL 62269. If you wish to have your picture returned, which will appear in a 3" x 2" format on the site, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Any questions, please call Jo Smith at 628-0451.

VFW fish fry
O’Fallon VFW Post 805, 221 W. First Street, and its Ladies Auxiliary sponsor a fish fry from 4 to 9 p.m. every Friday. Dine in or call 624-2651 for carry out.

K of C fish fry
The O’Fallon Knights of Columbus and its Ladies Auxiliary sponsor a fish fry from 4 to 8 p.m. every Friday. Dine in the hall, located at 402 E. Hwy. 50, or call 632-6229 to order carry out.

The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic family fraternal service organization with nearly 1.7 million members in over 12,500 local councils. Last year, Knights donated 60 million volunteer hours and $130 million to charitable and benevolent causes, sponsoring projects to benefit their church, councils, communities, families, and youth.
The local O'Fallon council donated over $50,000 to charity last year supporting organizations such as Special Olympics, St. Clair Adult Vocational Enterprises (SAVE), the Illinois Center for Autism, Parents and Teachers of Exceptional Children (PTOEC), and the St. Clare, St. Nicholas, Corpus Christi, and St. Joseph parishes.
The council also sponsors local events for the community, such as an annual Halloween Party, spelling bee, soccer challenge, and free throw contest.