The City of Merriam will be closed on the following dates for holiday observation:
  - Monday, December 24, 2007 (Christmas Eve)
  - Tuesday, December 25, 2007 (Christmas)
  - Tuesday, January 1, 2008 (New Year's Day)
With the exception of these dates, city offices will be open during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM).

The Irene B. French Community Center will be closed December 24th, 25th. The center will close at 5PM on Monday, December 31st, and be closed on Tuesday, January 1st. Effective January 2, 2008, the community center will be closed on Friday evenings except for after hours rentals and special events.

The City of Merriam will conduct its annual pickup to assist citizens and businesses in the disposal/recycling of holiday trees. There will be a one-time pickup as outlined in the schedule below. Trees are to be placed curbside by 7AM on the scheduled day of pickup. Should snowfall occur, the alternative dates for the pickup will be January 14th - 18th.

This special curb-side pickup is only for the recycling of Christmas Trees. Other waste, including routine trash, tree branches, brush, and yard waste from the recent ice storm, will not be collected. In most cases, tree limbs and debris can be placed at curbside with regular trash pickup. Please contact your regular trash provider to find out their policy and bundling requirements for limb and debris pickup. (Deffenbaugh Industries - 913-631-3300; A1 Disposal - 913-441-5400).

If you have questions regarding the tree recycling program, please call the Public Works Department at (913) 322-5570.

For millions of Americans, candles symbolize the joy and warmth of the holiday season – adding a unique sparkle to holiday decor, gift selections and religious celebrations.

There's a special beauty and tranquility to candles, but a lighted candle is also an open flame, and a potential fire hazard if not carefully monitored. In fact, accidental candle fires account for approximately 5 percent of all U.S. residential fires.

A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that 85 percent of candle fires could be avoided if consumers followed three basic safety rules:

- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

The Merriam Parks, Recreation and Community Center Foundation will present The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra in concert on Saturday, March 1. The event will include a buffet dinner and will be held at Irene B. French Community Center, 5701 Merriam Drive. Event proceeds benefit foundation efforts to upgrade the community center gymnasium.

The 20-piece orchestra and vocalists will play the hits reminiscent of great stage bands such as Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, and Benny Goodman. Dance to favorites such as “In the Mood” or just sit back and enjoy the music. For a sample of the music, visit www.moonlightserenaders.com.

Reserved seat tickets go on sale Monday, January 7 at the Irene B. French Community Center, and are $30.00 per person. Phone orders are accepted with payment by credit card. The ticket price includes a catered dinner, dessert, and beverages. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible as allowed by law. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM; the music begins at 8:00 PM.

Event sponsors include: AT&T, Barr-Thorp Electric Company, Consolidated Mailing Corporation, Creative Printing Company, Downtown Merriam Partnership, Kansas Gas Service, Morrill and Janes Bank, Peckham Guyton Albers and Viets Architects, Seaboard Corporation, Shawnee Steel and Welding, Suburban Rod and Custom Classics, The Peterson Companies, True Auto Parts and Paint, US Bank, and Senator David Wysong

For further information call the Merriam Parks and Recreation office at (913) 322-5550.