Night Out Against Crime will be hosted by the West Peoria Neighborhood Watch, City of West Peoria, West Peoria Township, Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, Peoria Park District/Franciscan Complex and the Travelers Protective Association from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Franciscan Park. Special events include a bicycle rodeo featuring a drawing for a bicycle for children ages 4 to 12 who have completed the bicycle rodeo course, canine demonstrations by the Peoria County Sheriff’s Canine Unit and displays including a bearcat armored vehicle, fire trucks and more. Music will be by Nut & Honey; face painting, gate prizes, hot dogs, sno-cones and a dunk tank. All West Peorians are encouraged to attend and show their support for a safe community.

Remember lights on mean lights out for crime. Residents are encouraged to burn their porch lights in support of the Night Out on Sept. 5. The next Neighborhood Watch meeting will feature the new West Peoria deputy for you to meet at 6 p.m. in City Hall.

Dan Kerns, West Peoria Fire Department, will be the guest speaker emphasizing the importance of safety in the home at the West Peoria Residents Association meeting 6 p.m. Sept. 17 in City Hall. The Beautification Committee will also present the West Peoria Beautiful Award to the neighbor nominated with the most improved and landscaped yard in 2015. The public is welcome.

The West Peoria Lions Club thanks the many people who shopped at Haddad’s and donated money to Camp Lions. Total collection was $440 and was raised by donations of a dollar or more on the Camp Lions cards which were displayed in the windows of Haddad’s. Mark and Ericka Wrhel donated $85 bringing the total to $525, the cost to send one child to camp. West Peoria Lions Club also sponsored one camper.

The City of West Peoria reports an update on the TIF I 2015 Residential Redevelopment Program which offers reimbursements up to $1,000 or 75 percent of the improvements for a residence and covers demolition of garages, sheds, fences, etc.; windows, siding, roof, steps, tree trimming and tree removal. City Hall has accepted 17 qualified applicants for the pilot program using the TIF funds. So far, 12 applications have been completed that add to curb appeal as well as value to the property. The area involved can be viewed at http://www.cityofwestpeoria.com/index.php/development/west-peoria-maps. Residents can also call City Hall at 674-1993 and ask for Diana Jarboe to learn if they are in the TIF District.

Residents must make special arrangements with Waste Management for furniture to be picked up and taken to the land fill. There is a fee for this service. You will need to contact Waste Management at 1-800-796-9696.

There were two recent personnel changes in the West Peoria City Council. John Venzon left his position in Ward 3 with Margie Barnes elected to fill that position. Tom Dwyer left his position in Ward 4 with Keith Lang now in that position. Many thanks and respect to both former aldermen Venzon and Dwyer for their service and commitment to the community.

The West Peoria Garden Club returns to its regular meetings at City Hall beginning 7 p.m. Sept. 21. Meetings are also planned for 7 p.m. Oct. 19 and Nov. 16 at City Hall. For more information about the club, contact Donna Schwab at 256-8233.

Mark your calendars now to attend the family-friendly fundraiser for the West Peoria Fire Department on Oct. 25 at Crusen’s on Farmington Road. Tickets will be on sale after Sept. 20 when firefighters in uniform go door-to-door to sell the tickets. This is the single largest fundraiser for the department each year and the volunteers appreciate and need your support. These volunteers are part of what makes West Peoria such a strong community.

The West Peoria Senior Citizens/Retiree Group meets the fourth Thursday of the month. The September meeting will be held at the Flanagan House Museum with a tour and refreshments for those attending. Interested, contact Maggie Moore at 673-0535 or Loretta Fehl at 637-0326.

Condolences to Township Supervisor Robert DeSutter on the passing of his mother. Bob and Sandy traveled to California to be with her and have been away from their home and community for some weeks. Bob also serves as Scout Master to Troop 11. He is a fine example of what makes West Peoria so special.

West Peoria Lions Club is hosting a bus trip to Catfish Casino on Oct. 25. It is planned to be a day of fun, door prizes, and raffles for those attending. The bus will leave Haddad’s Market at 8 a.m. and return between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Cost is $25 which includes $10 free play and $2 discount on the buffet. Proceeds go towards the Lions Eye Glass program and their Christmas food program. Call for reservations at 673-6207.