Just a reminder for those getting live Christmas trees: Please wrap your tree in a sheet or tarp when bringing it through the common areas to avoid leaving a trail of needles—this is particularly important later on when taking the tree out for disposal. I actually find the tree easier to carry if I place it on an old sheet and then knot the corners together to make a convenient handle. And please use the freight elevator for trees rather than the front one!

Once the City of Lowell has this year’s information posted for dropping off used trees, and Boy Scout Troop #23 starts advertising their usual tree pickup fundraiser, I’ll post that info here.

And for anyone who missed Cathy’s e-mail about boxes, here’s that information again:

It’s that time of year again – holidays, gifts —– and BOXES and BOXES and BOXES! Please help out to keep our trash and recycling costs down during this season.

As usual, all boxes should be taken down to the CARDBOARD ONLY bin in the basement near the front elevator. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take the time to break down (i.e. FLATTEN) boxes you are discarding – that way more will fit in the bin and the cost to us to have them discarded lessens (and also make life easier on our Service Staff!)

Also, please be sure to put ONLY cardboard in the CARDBOARD ONLY bin; all other rubbish should be placed in plastic bags (no larger than Kitchen-sized bags) and either thrown down the chute or placed in the other bin that sits next to the CARDBOARD ONLY bin.

Thanks so much for your help in keeping the season jolly!