APRIL SILVER
As summer fades and autumn approaches, the trees in West Peoria transform into a breathtaking display of red, orange, and yellow.
Rocky Glen Park provides an ideal opportunity to experience the vibrant fall foliage without traveling far. Known as a “Miniature Starved Rock,” the park offers rugged terrain and a picturesque waterfall, as well as rock-climbing opportunities for all levels of adventurers. You can start your independent hiking expedition from the trailhead parking lot found at 525 N. Kickapoo Creek Rd. If you prefer a guided tour, The Friends of Rocky Glen offer monthly walks through the park. Contact President David Pittman at (309) 573-2354 or email dvdgpittman@gmail.com. Visit friendsofrockyglen.org to learn more.
TROOP 11: Boy Scout Troop 11 has been providing scouting opportunities to the West Peoria community for the last 80 years. Scouts can earn a variety of merit badges in activities such as hiking, family life, first aid, boating, swimming, robotics, music, and golf. From October to May, monthly camping trips are scheduled.
Scouts can work towards reaching the highest rank of Eagle Scout through service, community engagement, and leadership development. Troop 11 has produced 76 Eagle Scouts since its start. The troop is currently selling Christmas wreaths and butter braids from Oct. 17-31. Delivery of the products will be made in November before Thanksgiving. To get involved in scouting or support the fundraiser, reach out to any Boy Scout from Troop 11, contact Mary Menke at 657-0309 or Bob De Sutter at 369-8078.
PEORIA MAYOR, POLICE CHIEF TO SPEAK: Peoria County TRIAD will host an open discussion for neighbors and community leaders at Let’s Talk: Reducing Violence in 61603 on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the East Bluff Community Center (512 E Kansas). The program will feature guest speakers Peoria Mayor Dr. Rita Ali, Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria, and City of Peoria 3rd District Councilman Tim Riggenbach. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and lunch is free to registered attendees. Contact the East Bluff Community Center at (309) 839-0781 to register by Oct. 5.
Peoria County Triad is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit coalition of businesses, law enforcement, community leaders, and local seniors’ groups which supplies health, safety, and welfare resources to seniors in Peoria County. It aims to promote working relationships between seniors, law enforcement, and civic and business leaders and to supply educational and training venues that address the crime, health, and safety issues affecting senior citizens and their communities. For more information visit triadpeoria.com.
CITYLINKS WITH CAT: CityLink and the Caterpillar Visitors Center are teaming up to offer a special deal for CityLink, CityLift, and CountyLink passengers during October. Passengers can gain free general entry to the Caterpillar Visitors Center and its exhibits by presenting a bus pass or ticket for one of these services. One bus pass or ticket is required per adult.
‘TRUNK ’N TREAT’: The City of West Peoria and the West Peoria Residents Association are hosting a ‘Trunk ’n Treat’ from 5-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 31 at City Hall. West Peoria residents who want to participate in the distribution of candy from the trunk of their vehicle must register with the City Hall Office at (309) 674-1993 by Monday, Oct. 30.