Salisbury Township knows how to throw a party! The township’s Nov. 29 annual Light up the Night was a huge success with a much larger than expected crowd of enthusiastic revelers.

An atmosphere reminiscent of a Hallmark Christmas movie or the fictional town of Stars Hollow from the popular show “Gilmore Girls” was created on a crisp winter’s night. The work of many, spearheaded by Lisa Casey and assisted by municipal workers and community partners brought reindeer, s’mores, music, Santa and Mrs. Claus to Franko Park as the switch was flipped to light the tree and kickoff the holiday season. Hopefully, this tradition continues!

In keeping with the spirit of the holiday, Salisbury Township School District will host several winter concerts. Salisbury Middle School will host a concert in the auditorium 7 p.m. Dec. 11.

On Dec. 15, Salisbury Elementary School kindergarten students will host a winter concert 9:15 a.m. followed by first grade students 10:15 a.m.

On Dec. 16, second grade students will entertain guests with a concert starting 9:15 a.m. followed by third and fourth grade students 10:15 a.m.

Biology Keystone tests will be administered at Salisbury High School Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 12 is T-shirt day at SES.

If you need a little help wrapping holiday gifts, the SHS National Honor Society is here to help you cross the job off your list. Just drop off your gifts and wrapping paper at the high school between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 21 and Santa’s helpers will wrap them for you free of charge. You can even pick them up the same day! Donations for local food shelters would be greatly appreciated.

Wildland’s Conservancy is hosting two winter hiking opportunities this December at the Black River Sanctuary. The Welcome Winter Wildlife Hike will take place 1 p.m. Dec. 21 and is a 1.5 mile family friendly hike. Discover how wildlife adapts as you explore animal tracks, look for signs of hibernation and learn how birds and mammals survive the winter months.

A 3 mile end-of-year hike at Black River Sanctuary – Get out For Wellness will take place 10 a.m. Dec. 27. This rigorous hike promises to be scenic and invigorating offering panoramic views of the Lehigh Valley.

Register for both hikes at www.wildlandspa.org under the News/Events tab.

The township recycling drop off sites will be closing soon. The last Saturday for the Devonshire site will be Dec. 13 and the last day at the Franko site will be Dec. 20. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Whoever said that money can’t buy happiness, simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” Bo Derek