‘Tireless’ cleanup launching. Peoria’s Tireless Committee, established with a $5,000 grant from Leaders Change Peoria to address tire abandonment in Peoria’s neighborhoods, is finalizing plans to recycle up to 22,000 tires per year and hopes to hold events on the fourth Saturday of each month.

The group’s Julie Ryan Eliathamby said she plans to collaborate with other neighborhood and community groups, including Keep Peoria Beautiful for an April activity.

Peoria’s Neighborhood Alliance will oversee the committee’s funds, and volunteers are needed for the committee and events.

Contact Eliathamby at 363-3200 for details.

Neighborhoods awards banquet this month. The deadline to register for the annual Neighborhood Leadership Awards Banquet is March 13, and nominations for six honors are being accepted, too. The event is scheduled for March 26 at the Marriott Pere Marquette Ball Room and will feature remarks from Kim Keenan from the Gifts in the Moment Foundation, plus music from the Manual Academy Peoria All-Stars. Its theme is “Growing Great Neighborhoods.” After cocktails and seating from 6-6:30 p.m., the banquet will feature dinner, Keenan’s keynote presentation, and the awards ceremony.

The awards are:

• Mayor’s Award, recognizing someone whose tireless efforts over years has resulted in a positive change physically or socially in the quality of life in their neighborhood and the City of Peoria;
• Ted Bannon “Brick” Award, recognizing a person who engages civic leaders (officials, businesses and community stakeholders) in the completion of specific neighborhood improvement projects;
• Richard “Fuzzy” Lenz Award, recognizing a quiet, behind-the-scenes person who personally assists the needs of neighbors with no expectation of recognition or reward;
• Business Award, recognizing a business that’s demonstrated a commitment to improving the community.;
• Youth Award, recognizing someone younger than 18 who’s worked to improve his or her community;
• Pride in Peoria Award, recognizing individuals, groups or organizations that have made a significant contribution to improve the Peoria environment.

Tickets are $25. To register or nominate someone, go to www.peoriagov.org/neighborhoodbanquet. For more information, contact Alicia Stetler, Community Development Department, 419 Fulton St., Peoria, IL 61602; (309) 494-8655; email AStetler@peoriagov.org.