Village Offices will close at noon on Thursday, Dec. 31 in observance of New Year's Day and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 4. For your convenience, correspondance for the Village may be placed in the Letter Drop Slot at the front door.

Residents are reminded that there will be no garbage or recycling pickup on New Year's Day, Friday, Jan. 1. Those scheduled for recycling on that day are asked to put their recyclables out on Friday, Jan. 8.

The second half of Village taxes, which were due and payable on Dec. 1, will be subject to penalty if payment is not made before close of business on Dec. 31. Please return the second half bill stub with your payment. For your convenience, correspondence may be placed in the "Letter" drop slot at Village Hall.

The deadline for application for veteran's tax exemptions is Dec. 31. No application will be accepted after the close of business on Dec. 31.

At this time of year, there are many opportunities for family, friends, and co-workers to get together in the holiday spirit. Please don't make these gatherings a prelude to tragedy. That extra drink - the one for the road - could be the worst decision of your life.

Concerned for the safety of our residents and the motorists passing through the Village, the Garden City Police Department has stepped up its enforcement geared to crack down on drunk drivers. Some of these people will be stopped, tested and arrested before they are involved in accidents. If you are apprehended and convicted, you will pay a heavy fine, you may spend time in jail and you will lose your license to drive. The fine and license suspension are mandatory.

Don't push alcoholic beverages on your friends and don't let anyone drive under the influence of alcohol. Remember, enforcement is strong, penalties are severe and tragedy is too often the result. Your good judgment may save your life or one of the many innocent victims of drunk drivers.