One of the traditions of Troop 11 Boy Scouts in West Peoria is the commitment of leaders for the boys to become Eagle Scouts. On June 1, Alex DeSutter became the troop’s 73rd Eagle. His Eagle project was the landscaping of Serenity Park on Jefferson Street in Peoria. Being an Eagle brings a “leadership” stature to the youths in their future because of the hard work, leadership, effort and commitment it commands.

Troop 11 members have been busy selling trash bags for their annual fund raiser. Each box contains 100 30-gallon bags and costs $17. If interested in purchasing trash bags, contact Bob DeSutter at 369-8078.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed added demands on our fire department and added work keeping themselves and their families safe. All those who have assisted members deserve extra thanks for keeping all West Peorians safe. The Department continues to need volunteers but current restrictions prevent recruiting and training. Anyone wishing to volunteer may contact Fire Chief Schadt at 674-6616.

The West Peoria Neighborhood Watch has cancelled all meetings until 6 p.m. Aug. 12 when a regular schedule is expected to resume. The National Town Watch has rescheduled Night Against Crime to Oct. 6 for the annual event. The Beautification Committee is asking you to look for the most improved lawn as you are out in our community. The Beauty Award will be presented at the September Residents Association meeting. Forms for nominations are located at City Hall and Haddad’s.

The pandemic restrictions have made West Peoria more like a large neighborhood with young families walking and biking together and owners walking their pets. It is comforting to see this multiple times daily.

Volunteers prepared the soil for the Calvin Coolidge Prairie Garden Outdoor Classroom. Early May saw seven volunteers planting over 400 prairie plants. This garden, dedicated to James Flynn and sponsored by our township, will be monitored over the growing season.

CityLink allows all riders to ride free during this restricted time. Passengers enter from the rear door of the bus and are required to wear facial masks to minimize danger to the drivers. They are required to use the busses for essential trips only. Ridership during this period of time has dropped 48%, considerably less than many transit districts.

I recently heard questions about the green area along Western Avenue from Main to Calendar avenues. This linear parkway was created about 30 years ago, replacing homes that were in poor and crumbling condition. It is maintained by private citizens from both Peoria and West Peoria and is known as The Western Avenue Greenway. This private organization raises money through fund raisers and donations. It operates with volunteer labor. Take some time and visit the Greenway. While walking there, pick up any trash. Volunteers are a definite need for this asset for our community. Visit facebook.com/westernavenuegreenway

This will be the first time in 50 years West Peoria has not enjoyed and hosted a Fourth of July parade and flag raising. The event will return in 2021. Do celebrate the founding of our country in these difficult times. Help West Peoria again be a prime example of “grass roots” America.