APRIL SILVER

By the time this hits your porch, May is usually in full swing, and West Peoria is finally shaking off the last of the winter quiet. While we’ve spent plenty of time lately talking about detours and construction, this month is really about the local traditions that actually can bring us together at City Hall.

The building at 2421 W. Rohmann has officially lost its new status and is now just our regular home base. Between the solar panels and the geothermal setup, it’s a modern workspace, but for most of us, the real value is the community room. It’s been busy lately with neighborhood meetings, and the parking lot is an easy place to get in and out of. If you haven’t stopped by City Hall lately, take a minute to check out the Veterans’ Memorial; it’s a solid daily reminder of the local heroes who grew up on these same streets.

Looking at the calendar, there are a few dates you’ll want to circle for the next few weeks:

• Memorial Day Service: At 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23rd, we’ll gather at City Hall for our Memorial Day ceremony. It’s always a moving event and a meaningful way to start the holiday weekend by honoring our local veterans. It’s one of those annual gatherings that really defines what West Peoria is about.
• Neighborhood Watch: The next meeting is 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13th at City Hall. This month’s focus is Home Fire Safety — specifically, where to put your smoke detectors and how to actually get out if something happens. It’s practical stuff that every household needs.
• Seniors’ Afternoon: Our seniors are meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 28th for activities and conversation. If you haven’t been lately, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon in the new community room.

Further out, it’s time to start the annual basement sort. The West Peoria Community Yard Sales are set for Friday and Saturday, June 12th and 13th. The West Peoria Residents Association has timed these to hit the same weekend as the Madison Manor and Moss Avenue sales, so the foot traffic should be high. Whether you’re trying to clear out a decade of treasures or you’re on the hunt for a specific piece of vintage lawn art, it’s the best weekend of the year to catch up with neighbors you haven’t seen since the first frost. Consider this your official notice to start digging out the pricing stickers.

LAWNWORK: Yard waste pickup started April 3 and continues every Friday through the spring, summer, and fall, until the last Friday in December. Make sure you’re following the usual city guidelines so the trucks can keep things moving on schedule.

Between the meetings and the upcoming sales, there’s plenty to keep us busy. We’re moving forward one project and one tradition at a time. See you around the neighborhood.