By Tony Burkinshaw

Recreation Supervisor

Halloween window painting took place Oct. 28 in the village. Two hundred and fifty children participated in this annual decoration of businesses in B’ville’s main corridor. The parks department would like to thank the Baldwinsville Lions Club, Boy Scout Troop 71 and the Baldwinsville Fire Department for volunteering their time for this event.

With Halloween festivities come and gone, the Lysander Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for winter weather and the holidays.

Snowmobile safety course

This course covers snowmobile safety, common emergencies, dangers, appropriate dress, common maintenance, snowmobile laws, trail markers, signage and hand signals. In order to legally operate a snowmobile on public lands, youth ages 10 to 17 must take a snowmobile safety course, obtain a safety certificate, and be accompanied by a person over 18.

The safety course takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Belgium Cold Springs Fire Station No. 1. Bring a lunch for a short break. The course is open to those age 10 and older; children under 13 must have a guardian present. The course is free, but pre-registration is required.

Village tree lighting

Kick off the holiday season Saturday, Nov. 25, with festivities at the Baldwinsville Public Library and the Village Square.

The party begins with a holiday movie at 2 p.m. at BPL. Go caroling or visit local vendors in Village Square at 4:30. Don’t miss the Parade of Lights, which starts at 5:30 p.m. The annual tree lighting will take place immediately after the parade.

The fun continues at BPL’s after party, where you can meet Santa Claus.

Letters to Santa

Once the village tree is lit and you’ve met the man in red, it will be time to start working on your wish list. Have you been thinking about a special gift that you really want this Christmas? Make your list, and we’ll deliver your letter to Santa Claus.

Santa will respond to all of the letters before Christmas to let you know that he got your letter. Remember, he knows if you have been naughty or nice!

The parks department is accepting letters between Dec. 1 and 19. Include the name and address of your child. You can drop off letters in person at the parks office or mail them (see the end of this column for office hours and address).

Christmas tree recycling

Since Thanksgiving has yet to arrive, it’s hard to imagine the end of the holiday season. But you can plan ahead when it comes to disposing of your tree.

The Lysander Highway Department will accept Christmas trees for recycling starting Dec. 26. The highway garage is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located at 2730 W. Entry Road.

Please remove all bags, lights, decorations and stands — the tree must be in its natural state to be recycled.

The Lysander Parks and Recreation Department is located at Lysander Town Hall, 8220 Loop Road, Baldwinsville. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about current and upcoming programs, call (315) 635-5999 or email [email protected]. Visit the parks department online at townoflysander.org/departments/parks-and-recreation or facebook.com/lysanderparksandrec.