Go-getter Briony Rutzinski inspired by strong sense of community in O’Fallon
Briony Rutzinski discovered what community meant while studying sociology in college and now puts it into practice daily in O’Fallon.
“It changed my life. When I was studying at SWIC, I thought: ‘There’s a tight-knit community right here outside.’ It struck a chord with me. You can change the world in the community you live in,” she said.
As the special events coordinator for the Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station, her job has evolved and adapted during the coronavirus pandemic. And it has made her even more aware of the city’s sense of community.
Rutzinski said this quote by legendary anthropologist Margaret Mead is what guides her daily: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Rutzinski, 26, has lived in O’Fallon since she was 18. Her dad, Paul, is retired Air Force, now a civilian contractor. She grew up mostly in Belleville and Breese, graduating from Central Community High School in 2013.
She enjoys learning about O’Fallon.
“The growth of the city is incredible,” she said. “This is a privilege to be a part of it.”
Her background includes customer service and food service, which she feels prepared her for the job.
“I am getting to know people in the community. There is so much opportunity for growth. To see it from the inside changes your whole perspective,” she said.
Overflowing with ideas, she views the possibilities of what lies ahead with enthusiasm.
“I’ve got a lot of them. Everything really interests me, to do what I can by bringing people together,” she said.
Vine Street Market Coordinator Sarah Burton said she is excited to have Briony as a team member.
“She brought a lot of great ideas and energy to the table right out of the gate in her interview. She has a passion for community and service, and likes to dig in and get work done,” Burton said.
“If we return to ‘normal,’ part of her involvement will be implementing programs that benefit the community during the market. There are so many things that we would like to add and she has her own ideas for that too. Having another person to help implement those ideas is a huge help,” she said.
Rutzinski said she is eager to be the liaison for people wanting to hold events at O’Fallon Station.
Assisting with Drive-Through Market
In the meantime, Rutzinski is helping with the successful Drive-Through Market that has been ongoing because the indoor Vine Street Market can’t open yet. She has been directing traffic in recent weeks.
“We’ve had to move it to O’Fallon Family Sports Park because it got so big. I’m really excited about the bigger venue, which starts May 30,” she said.
One thing she created on social media was a “Meet the Market” series that can be viewed on Instagram.
“The vendors are just the best people. Some are full-time, but many do this on the side. It’s their passion, and I want to support that,” she said.
Rutzinski’s goal is to pursue her passion in city administration, planning to get a master’s degree in community development and organization.
“I still hope to do it,” she said.
Working and living in the city fuels her excitement, and her family is here too.
Family life, seeking input from O’Fallon residents
Her mom, Lorna, lives in O’Fallon. Her older brother, Danny, works for the Department of Parks and Recreation. She has a younger sister, Hannah, and a younger brother, Naseem.
She is eager to hear from residents on what they would like to see develop at Vine Street Market and O’Fallon Station.
“I welcome any and all suggestions,” she said.
Meet Briony Rutzinski
Q: Do you have words to live by?
A: “It’s later than you think”; a reminder to be mindful of the present (good or bad), and fully experience life as its thrown at you before it passes you by.
Q: Whom do you most admire?
A: My parents for putting up with me growing up. I was very angsty. Thanks for loving me all the same, Mom and Dad!
Q: If you could spend time with a famous person, past or present, whom would it be?
A: Robin Williams.
Q: What is the last book that you read?
A: “Don’t Be A Jerk: And Other Practical Advice from Dogen, Japan’s Greatest Zen Master” by Brad Warner
Q: What do you do for fun and relaxation?
A: Anything to do with plants and flowers! The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places in the world. But I also cannot deny how much I enjoy an episode of trash reality TV at the end of a long day.
Q: What is the usual state of your desktop?
A: If by desktop, you mean my computer: Besides work-related stuff, you can expect to see at least 6 tabs open (Horrible, I know) on Reddit, YouTube, and Google to check the definition of word to make sure I’m using it correctly.
If by desktop, you mean an actual desk: Its barely accessible because one of my cats are usually lying across the keyboard. You’ll always find coffee and multiple cans of sparkling water.
Q: What did you want to do career wise when you were growing up?
A: When I was younger, all I wanted was to win “American Idol.” I can’t even sing well, I just really wanted to be on TV.
Q: What do you think is your most outstanding characteristic?
A: I think I’m pretty funny! I like to make others’ laugh.
Q: What irritates you most?
A: Slow drivers in the passing lane and littering.
Q: What type of music do you listen to?
A: I’ve always loved the early 90’s era of music: Wu-Tang Clan, The Smashing Pumpkins, Pixies, Outkast. I also LOVE Diana Ross and Cher.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The fact that I am servicing my community in some form. Once I discovered how important being active on a local level was, it became the only thing I wanted to do. And now I am doing it! It is very rewarding and very cool.
Q: If you were independently wealthy, what would you be doing?
A: I would probably be sitting in one of those insanely expensive treehouse Airbnb’s in the Rocky Mountains, with all my student loans paid off and a new Subaru Forester.
Q: When they make a movie of your life, who would play you?
A: Either Julia Louis-Dreyfus or Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I’m sure they would both politely decline, though.
Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what would you have with you?
A: My dog, Ralph! And an unlimited supply of Salsa Rose by Reinneck Ranch from Mascoutah and tortilla chips! If the Reinnecks are reading this; I go through one of your big jars of mild salsa once a week. I am your biggest fan!