One and all invited to tree lightings on Friday

West Side residents are invited to two Christmas tree lightings on Dec. 1. The first will take place after the Austin parade, which starts at 5 p.m. at the 15th Police District. The other tree lighting – sponsored by Austin Coming Together and the 600 block of Lorel Block Club, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

Holiday tree recycling begins Saturday

Residents will be able to drop off live holiday trees through Jan. 18th inside tree corrals set up at 25 designated Chicago Park District sites, including Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave., and Riis Park, 6201 W. Wrightwood Ave.