Welcome to this inaugural message from Richwoods Township and Peoria Heights. The mantra has begun: “In Richwoods Township and Peoria Heights, we are eventful.”
Richwoods Township, as a government entity, is building partnerships with community-based organizations including Peoria Heights Village, Peoria Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Peoria Heights Public Library. Each of these partnerships are woven into the fabric of an

PHOTO BY ROGER LARSON
A close-up examination of a worm is the highlight of “Worm Day” for 10 children at the Peoria Heights Public Library garden project.

“eventful” community.
The Peoria Heights Chamber of Commerce is gearing-up to provide an eventful holiday experience. Opportunities such as the Halloween Costume Parade on Oct. 31, Small Business Saturday in November and, of course, the holiday sounds and flavors including strolling carolers and chocolate sampling invite individuals to experience that which makes Peoria Heights businesses “eventful.” For further information regarding the Peoria Heights Chamber of Commerce, go to their Facebook page or www.peoriaheightschamber.com.
The Village of Peoria Heights is being proactive in developing opportunities for business development and efficient transit within the Village. Recently, two new TIF (tax increment financing) districts have been established, one along War Memorial Drive and the other in the central business district. To maintain “eventful” status, requires diligent planning. Consequently, the Village applied for and received a $45,000 “Corridor Planning Grant” to consider effective transit in and through the Village. For further information on these directions, go to www.peoriaheights.org.
Richwoods Township has the privilege of engaging with community leaders, determining needs and then developing programs to address those needs. One such program, which lends to our being “eventful,” is the Richwoods Township/Peoria Heights High School Leadership Academy. Presently there are 14 juniors and seniors who, for the coming six weeks, will experience the lessons of leadership from those involved in local government, state government, community organizations and business. Culminating this learning, the academicians will have the opportunity to exercise this information by developing an “eventful” project. Richwoods Township is impacting community life. Another inaugural project is the Richwoods Township/Peoria Heights Public Library Garden Project. Ten young people spent six weeks learning and experiencing the joy of gardening. For further information, on these two projects and the impact of Richwoods Township, go to the Township website at http://townships.toi.org/RICHWOODSTOWNSHIP/.