Scout Troop 11 is selling fresh holiday wreaths again this year starting October 28th with a delivery date starting November 16th. Call Scoutmaster Bob DeSutter at 674-6668 with your order in that time frame. Cub Scout Pack 11 is selling popcorn. You may order yours by calling Bob DeSutter at 674-6668.
Two important city committees are in need of one new citizen to serve on each one. The Zoning Board of Appeals is short one member. They meet on an as-need basis to approve or deny zoning requests. The Plan Commission is in need of another member. They meet monthly on the third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Carole Stephens, city clerk, at either City Hall or 674-1993. These are important components to our city and are part of what makes “Living Best to the West of Peoria.”
Matt Maher, Crime Scene Investigator, Peoria County Lab, is the scheduled speaker for the Neighborhood Watch meeting Wednesday, November 13th at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. He will be speaking about his experiences at crime scenes and investigation procedures. The next West Peoria Residents Association meeting will be Thursday, November 21st at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. You are invited to attend either or both of these meetings. The December meeting will be the Annual Association Christmas Party on December 1st from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Franciscan Center. Make it a family and/or neighborhood outing.
It is also time to think about decorating your home for the holidays. The Annual Holiday Decorating contest is fast approaching. Check those lights and other decorations you already have on hand. Judging begins December 6th. Categories to be judged include: Simplicity, Religious, Holiday and Vegas style. The holiday lighting nomination form will be in the December issue of the West Peoria News that is delivered to all the residences in the community. Thanks go to Haddad’s Market for sponsoring this annual event.
Do you enjoy BINGO? Want to start a weekend with it? Courtyard Estates, 117 N. Western, is hosting bingo and a light breakfast from 9:30 – 11:00 on the first Friday of every month for people 65 and better. For more details, call (309) 674-2400. They invite their West Peoria neighbors to many of their events. Go enjoy and possibly, you will be calling “b-i-n-g-o.”
The 17th Congressional District Congresswoman Cherie Bustos visited Heddington Oaks to speak to the residents and tour the new facility. It was a successful visit with lots of interaction between her and the residents. City Link is adjusting their West Peoria routes so that Heddington Oaks employees and visitors have more opportunities to ride with them. The #11 Western bus route ends at 6:00 p.m. Then the #5 Main bus will deviate from Main and Western, go to the facility, and return to its regular route with service ending at midnight at the Transit Center. A shelter has been placed at the main entrance. You can check the service by going to ridecitylink.org or getting a riders guide at either city hall, the township building or Heddington Oaks.
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. Landscape Waste Pick Up is available until the last Friday in December.
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 is included with your service. 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 get more information.
November is the month that transitions from fall to the colder winter temperatures. It is also the traditional time for Americans to celebrate Thanksgiving and to take the time to be thankful for many things. 2013 has been a traumatic year for most but it also allows us to reflect on the many marvelous things we enjoy and each other. Let me take this time to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and close with the thought that “Living is Best to the West of Peoria”.