Througout the next two to three weeks, many of our young people will be leaving for college. Some for the first time; others to conclude course requirements, which will lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees. My associates on the Village Board join me in wishing them a safe journey and a most productive year. We are very proud of the accomplishments of our young people and look to them as our ambassadors to the many cities, towns, and villages throughout the country, which will be their temporary homes.

Next Wednesday's (Aug. 19) musical entertainment for the Garden City Chamber of Commerce's "Wednesdays on Franklin" project will be provided by Something Special Big Band. The activities are scheduled to begin at noon through 2 p.m. at The Plaza, 1001 Franklin Avenue at East Tenth Street.

Please take the time to enjoy these fun-filled activities, which will be exciting for residents and local businesses alike.

On Thursday, Aug. 13 the Recreation Department will be presenting The Rick Mango Orchestra -- Top Forty and more, from this former member of Jay and the Americans.

The program, which will be held at the Garden City Gazebo, located at the corner of Hilton and Stewart Avenues, will begin at 7:15 and admission is free. Please bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a very pleasant evening. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cluett Hall at the St. Paul's School. Please contact the Recreation Program Line (742-5888) with questions pertaining to the concert.

The Town of Hempstead Sanitation Department will conduct its monthly S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) program on Saturday, Aug. 15. The program will be held at Greenfield Cemetary Garage, Milburn Avenue, Uniondale. The hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Under the S.T.O.P. program, residents are able to take polluting materials to the facility and have them disposed of by a registered professional disposal company, free of charge. The facility will not accept the following materials: ammunition, explosives, radioactives, infectious waste, gas cylinders, and barbecue tanks.