The annual West Peoria Memorial Day Celebration in honor of those who have served and are serving our country in the military is Saturday May 28. A memorial was built to replace one that had been at the firehouse and was dedicated to West Peoria veterans who served while living in West Peoria. The prior memorial was built to honor those who served in World Wars I and II and continued with those who served through Operation Desert Storm. It has since been expanded to include other veterans. West Peoria Township hosts this event and encourages attendance so that many have the opportunity to recognize our veterans. A short service begins at 10 a.m. with members of Troop and Pack 11 participating. Our observation is designed to encourage families to attend together.

The West Peoria Residents Association is hosting its annual community yard sale 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday May 21. Signage will be posted in the community. Check West Peoria Residents Association on its Facebook page.

The Franciscan Complex will also have a vendor and garage sale that day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, email: wpnewsadvertisements@westpeoriaresidents.org or call Maggie Moore at 673-0535.

The community-sponsored Jamboree Run is now partnering with Special Olympics Illinois. Jamie and April Silver are coordinating the June 4 event. More information is at the Jamboree Run site on Facebook. Entry forms are available in the WPRA newsletter or at City Hall. Three divisions are scheduled: 2-mile fitness walk, 4-mile run and the children’s fun run. Volunteers are truly needed:  Contact April Silver at 369-2104 or visit: www.facebook.com/jamboree run. In the evening of the Jamboree, Pack 11 will hold its Cub Scout Carnival with refreshments available by our various neighborhood organizations and live music. The Scout Carnival runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cosmic Dice, this year’s band, plays from 6 to 10 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, family and friends to the Franciscan Center.

Neighborhood Watch is meeting 6 p.m. May 11 in City Hall and will focus on criminal activity. Several projects are underway for the WPRA Beautification Committee. Remember the beauty of our city on July 4 when it is in full-bloom. As the Page Turns Book Club will meet on Monday May 16. For more information, contact Maggie Moore at 673-0535 or Loretta Fehl at 637-0326. Seniors on the Go will meet Thursday May 26 at the Township Office.

With spring comes home improvement. Before beginning your home improvement project, call City Hall to determine if a permit is needed. Permits are required for new or replacement sidewalks, fences, driveways, patios, decks, porches, sheds, garages, additions, structure demolition, swimming pools and home occupation. Most permits cost between $15 and $25. For more information check with City Hall, 674-1993 or the City Hall website.

The longest running July Fourth parade in central Illinois packs our streets. Anyone interested in participating, go to West Peoria information on Facebook. Now is the time to make our neighborhoods shine for our visitors. Get your homes and yards in order to show off that West Peoria truly is the best living west of Peoria. Invite families, friends and neighbors to your homes to once again enjoy this important date. The parade steps off at 10 a.m.  It is truly a special way to celebrate the birthday of our country.