Get into the holiday spirit during Breakfast with Santa 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 5 at the Franciscan Recreation Complex. Enjoy a breakfast of donuts, pastries, waffles, hot chocolate and coffee. Kids, have your picture taken with Santa, enjoy the coloring contest, help decorate the Christmas tree, play a game or two and maybe win a prize. This will be fun for all ages and free. This event is co-sponsored by the West Peoria Residents Association and the Franciscan Recreation Center.
Judge Jodi Hoos, will be guest speaker at the West Peoria Neighborhood Watch meeting 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at West Peoria City Hall. Her topics will focus on media in the courtroom and the Nathan Leuthold case that was featured nationally on Dateline NBC. Deputy Middlemas encouraged attendees at the last Neighborhood Watch meeting to enroll in the free class “How Law enforcement Manages Dangerous Persons” scheduled for Dec. 3 at ICC-North in Hickory Hall 108. If interested, you must register for this class through the ICC.edu site: http://campusce.icc.edu/acp/course/course.aspx?c=1522.
Each December, Scouts, leaders and families in Troop and Pack 11 tour the community caroling on a holiday float accompanied by the West Peoria Fire Department. This is a special offering for us. Light your outdoor lights 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11.
Do you know a family in West Peoria in need of a little help with their Christmas meal? The Lions Club can help with a gift certificate to Haddad’s Market. Call Carolyn at (309) 673-6207. The West Peoria Lions Club thanks the West Peoria community for their support during this last year. If you would like to make a difference in lives of our neighbors call Carolyn.
The West Peoria Beautification Committee has wreaths, garland and Christmas lights up and ready for the holidays. The Beautification Committee will meet after the first of the year to plan the spring project and discuss new ideas to further enhance our City; new members are encouraged. If interested, call Maggie Moore at 673-0535.
Seniors on the Go had a fun-filled year and are making plans for 2016. The group meets the fourth Thursday of the month. Want more information about the group, contact Maggie Moore at 673-0535 or Loretta Fehl at 637-0326.
As the Page Turns book club finished the year with everyone reading their favorite poem and selecting books to read in 2016. The club meets the third Monday of the month, if interested, contact Maggie Moore at 673-0535 or Loretta Fehl at 637-0326. The West Peoria Residents Association’s next meeting will be 6 p.m. Jan. 21 in City Hall.
The City of West Peoria Public Safety committee reminds residents of the importance of house numbers. In addition to complying with city code, house numbers provide ease of identification for emergency management personnel. Houses should be identifiable from the front and rear of the properties. The International Property Maintenance Code identifies dimensions to ensure maximum visibility from the street. West Peoria City Hall has house numbers for residents available at no charge. Visit City Hall during business hours and get a set for the front and rear of your property.
The writer of this column wishes all a healthy and safe holiday season and a good new year.