Don’t forget to vote on November 6th, 2012. West Peoria polling places are: Ward 1 and Ward 2 at the City Garage, 1322 Hillside Avenue; Ward 3 and Ward 4 at the Franciscan Recreation Center, 908 N. Sterling Avenue.
The West Peoria Neighborhood Watch will meet Wednesday, November 14th, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Mr. John Deal, from John Deal Insurance, will speak and answer questions on Disaster Coverage. Deputy Vissering will give an update on any criminal activity in the West Peoria area. Plan to attend and bring a friend. The West Peoria Residents’ Association will meet on Thursday,, November 15th, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The public is welcome.
Do you know of a West Peoria family in need of a Christmas food basket? Call the West Peoria Lions @ 673-6207 for information. Check out their fundraisers at Haddad’s Market: Really Large Coloring Books & the Greater Peoria Dining Tour books. They make excellent Christmas gifts. Remember to recycle, old keys, glasses, hearing aids, cell phones, & ink cartridges. Drop off is at Haddad’s Market or call 673-6207
Election for the following West Peoria officials will take place April 9th, 2013; one alderman from each ward: Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, and Ward 4. Anyone interested in running for one of these positions should contact the City Clerk for a nominating packet.
The packets will be available for pickup at West Peoria City Hall now through December 17th 2012. If you have any questions, call West Peoria City Clerk Carole Stephens at West Peoria City Hall 674-1993.
FALL IS HERE: Please do not rake or blow leaves or grass clippings into the street as it causes the storm sewers to back up. All residents are required to sign up for garbage service with Waste Management – 1-800-796-9696. You will be charged for this service. Landscape Waste Pick Up is included. Residents are responsible for keeping their section of the alleyway free of weeds, debris, etc. No Open Burning of trash or landscape waste is permitted. Small recreational fires are permitted in an approved burn pit. To report a violation of this policy, please call: Peoria County Sheriff at; 672-6011. For more information visit the City website:www.cityofwestpeoria.com. Inoperable Vehicles – All vehicles without an up-to-date license sticker are considered inoperable and are in violation of City Code. Any vehicle without said sticker must be stored in a garage. Garage Sales are permitted once each quarter for no more than three days. Permits are required for new or replacement fences, new or replacement sidewalks or driveways or patios, new or replacement decks & porches, sheds, garages, additions, structure demolition, swimming pools & home occupation. Most permits are $15.00 to $25.00. Please call City Hall to determine if a permit is needed. Winter is on its way.
All streets in the City of West Peoria are emergency snow routes. Make your plans now for parking your car off the street if two or more inches of snow is predicted. All vehicles must be moved or it could result in a fine. For more information visit the City website:
Boy Scout Troop 11 scouts are fund raising again with Christmas wreath and Butterbraid sales. They are trying to earn money to go to Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico next summer. The scouts will be set-up in various locations during November to sell and take orders or you can call Robert DeSutter at 674-6668 to place your order.
The West Peoria Lions Club recently elected new officers for the 2012/2013 year. They are: President, Ann Masters: Vice-President: Maggie Moore, Secretary: Jim McCarter and Treasurer: Terry Masters. The Lions are now meeting at Courtyard Estates on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 673-6207.
The West Peoria Garden Club will meet November 19th at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall to make fleece lap robes for nursing home patients. All residents are welcome to join the group.
You are invited to the West Peoria Residents’ Association’s annual Christmas Party on Friday, December 7 from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. at the Franciscan Complex. Santa plans to arrive at 6:00 p.m. Don’t get on his “bad” list by missing his arrival! Activities include a coloring contest for children, pictures with Santa, and a brain-teaser contest for the adults. Entertainment includes Nut-N-Honey, Flynn’s Irish Dancers and a sing-along with the Mayor and Council members.
As mandated by law, each township must host caucuses before their upcoming elections. West Peoria Township will hold its Township Caucus on Tues. Dec. 4, 2012. Anyone interested in being a township should contact the West Peoria Township Office on W. Rohmann Ave. The office is open Tues, Wed., and Thurs. 9:00 am to noon. Or you can call 674- 0462. More information on the upcoming elections will be available in the upcoming Community Word columns. Bicycles can always be registered at West Peoria Township.
Being fortunate enough to edit this column for a while now, I am again taking the opportunity to wish you all a good Thanksgiving. Enjoy the day and all its accompanying traditions. We have much to be thankful for in West Peoria.