SHARON MCBRIDE

Although this is the November issue of Community Word, it will be available in late October. Here is a reminder for the Trunk ‘n Treat planned from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31 in Heddington Oaks parking lot for West Peoria youth.

Also starting in late October is the Boy Scout Troop 11 fund raiser, selling butter braids, Christmas wreaths and swags. Orders must be in by Nov. 6. You can order by calling Scoutmaster Robert DeSutter at 369-8078 or any Troop 11 boy scout. Delivery will be arranged when orders are placed. Cub Scout Pack 11 is selling cake rolls in six flavors through Nov. 3. This will also be handled by DeSutter at 369-8078; he is an excellent asset to our community.

Another new community ceremony is scheduled –– the third annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This ceremony is sponsored by the City and the Residents’ Association. Join your neighbors for a brief ceremony 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29 at City Hall.

Community Word managing editor Clare Howard is leaving following the December issue. A search committee has been started to fill that position. Contact communityword@yahoo.com to get more information or to apply.

Running now through Nov. 30 is the 34th Stuff-a-Bus food drive sponsored by CityLink with non-perishable food collected for Friendship House of Christian Services. This year, food is being collected with a goal of 10 tons to fill a CityLink bus. With many stores no longer in existence, donations are needed more than ever. So far in 2021, Friendship House has provided 400 families a week with meals. A drop off box will be located in West Peoria city hall for your kindness and generosity. Each year when I see a bus and some additional CityLink vehicles filled with donations of food I am moved by the generosity of the people of the Peoria community. I find it overwhelming. We are very fortunate to live here. More information can be found on the Stuff-a-Bus website.

The Neighborhood Watch next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 at City Hall.

A litter pick-up in Wards 1 and 2 was held Oct. 2 and involved volunteers who devoted their Saturday to cleaning our community. More clean ups are to follow.