The West Peoria Residents Association and co-host Franciscan Recreation Complex invites the community of West Peoria to kick off the Christmas season at the Annual Christmas Party on Sunday, December 1st from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Franciscan Recreation Complex. Santa will arrive aboard a shiny West Peoria fire truck and start the festivities by lighting the Christmas tree. Hot chocolate, cookies, and punch will be there for all to enjoy. A coloring contest for all the kids to enjoy while the adults enjoy/tackle Christmas word games. There will be music by Nut & Honey, the Flynn Irish Dancers and Christmas Carols sung by the St. Mark’s Children’s Choir. The evening will close with the Mayor and Council leading a community sing.

The Neighborhood Watch meeting is Wednesday, December 11th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. You are all encouraged to come and say farewell to Sheriff’s Deputy Vissering, our community police officer for the last two years. Say hello to Deputy Jessie Lanphear, our new community officer. The Neighborhood Watch wishes Deputy Vissering the very best and looks forward to working with Deputy Lanphear. Remember it takes all of us working together in keeping our community safe where the Living is Good to the West of Peoria. 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.”

It is also time to decorate 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 event.

CityLink adjusted 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.

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 details.

I wish all of you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season and an enjoyable end to 2013. We are most fortunate to live in our community of neighborhoods and friends. To quote Tiny Tim, “God bless us all, everyone.”