The West Peoria Residents’ Association invites everyone to join them in kicking off the Christmas Season at the annual Christmas Party, Sunday, December 5th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Franciscan Recreation Center. Bring your family and enjoy entertainment provided by the Flynn Irish Dancers and the “Nine to Five” singers followed by a “special” sing-a-long. The evening is sure to delight all ages with entertainment, refreshments, visiting with friends & neighbors and a special appearance from SANTA CLAUS.
The West Peoria Neighborhood Watch will not meet in December. The next Neighborhood Watch meeting is January 12, 2011, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The topic is “Street Drugs.” Deputy Middlemas will give an up-date on any criminal activity in the area.
The holiday season is just around the corner! The West Peoria Lions Club wants to make sure that everyone has a happy holiday season. They will again be giving back to the community by having their Annual Christmas Food Basket Program for families or individuals who could use a little extra help during this special time of year. If you know of someone in the West Peoria, Bellevue, or the Norwood area, please contact Lion Erika by December 10th at 453-4274 or email her at eboundy2002@yahoo.com. Please provide the name and addresses of those families, also include if children are in the home as the Club likes to do a little something extra in for them.
Illinois American Water is partnering with West Peoria to provide water service to the Stever District Improvement Association. The plans for transferring water service from the Stever District to Illinois American Water began many years ago. As of November 1st, the project was completed. The project involved the installation of 400 feet of new 8-inch water main, installing meters and transferring water service to approximately 62 customers. Mayor Dillon said, “This project will provide the residents in this neighborhood with better water quality, water pressure and water service.” He acknowledged several individuals for their commitment to the project: Karla Teasley, Chris Johnson, Senator Koehler, and Rick Earley. The Mayor and Rick Early both made a special comment about Pat Roedell. They wished that she had been able to see the transfer completed. Rick Early also noted the contributions of Don Neill, Gene Cooper, Bill Board and Sharon Woiwode. When asked about the start of the Stever District, Rick mentioned that he had a copy of bylaws for the District dated August 8, 1944. According to Mike Moler, operations manager for Illinois American Water, the project was necessary due to the age and condition.
Daryl Klusendorf, owner of Sky Harbor Steakhouse, came up with the idea for FRED, Farmington Road Entertainment District. FRED is being formed to remind our neighbors, newcomers and guests to the area of the many entertainment opportunities along the two mile stretch of Farmington Road. The goals for FRED are to enhance and maximize the business we already have by working together and to invite and welcome new customers to the area. The first order of business for FRED is the creation of a logo. Again, Daryl notes that all great ideas begin on a cocktail napkin. So, all logo suggestions for FRED have been submitted on cocktail napkins.
A new business has opened in West Peoria. The business is Karma – the Hookah Lounge. Hookah lounges are mostly found in college towns and urban areas and are a great way to socialize and embrace multiculturalism. The lounge does not serve alcohol, instead serves flavored tobacco and offers about 50 different flavors of tobacco. To comply with the state’s smoking ban, the business must derive 80 percent of its income from the sale of tobacco products.
Road construction is complete on Ashland Avenue. Thank you to everyone for your patience and cooperation during this project.
West Peoria City Hall will be closed for the Christmas and New Year Holidays on: Friday, December 24th and Friday, December 31st.
Waste Management is the trash pickup provider for the City of West Peoria. Residents are responsible for establishing an account with them. Please call them at 1-800-796-9696 to set up your account. You will be billed for this service. Landscape Waste Pickup ends on the last Friday in December. It will begin again on the first Friday in April. This service is included in your Waste Management bill.
A Parking Ban on all West Peoria streets will be issued whenever two or more inches of snow is predicted, according to City Ordinance # 2006-17. All vehicles must be moved or it could result in a fine. The following information is provided regarding snow routes and right-of-way obstructions. The Street Department Manager asks that you please not shovel the end of your driveway until the plows have been down your street. This will save you the trouble of having to shovel again. It is against City Code to shovel your snow into the street.because this only slows the process of clearing the streets.This City Code also applies to raking leaves or landscape debris into the street; when it rains because this causes the storm sewers to back up. Winter storm damage limb pickup information can be learned at the City website or by contacting City Hall.
My sincere wishes for a healthy, happy, productive 2011 following a happy holiday season. Take care.