The Second Half of Village Taxes which were due and payable on Dec. 1 are normally subject to penalty if payment is not made within a 30 day grace period. Because the 30th day falls during the observance of the New Year holiday, tax payments will be accepted without penalty until the close of business on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Please return the "second half" bill stub with your payment. For your convenience, correspondence may be placed in the "Letter" drop slot at the easterly entrance to Village Hall.

Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption. The deadline for applications for veteran's tax exemptions is Dec. 29. Unlike taxes, no application can be accepted after the close of business on Dec. 29.

Village offices will also be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, in observance of New Year's Day and will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2. For your convenience, correspondence 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 Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1. Residents scheduled for recycling on Monday, Dec. 25, are asked to put their recyclables out on Monday, Jan. 8.

Residents in the Village of Garden City are very fortunate in having a vital business community comprised of merchants who are committed to serve us from their shops along Franklin Avenue, Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road. I urge each of you to continue to patronize these local businesses for the holiday and throughout the year.

You will be pleased with their selection and quality, as well as their attention to customer service.

At this time of year, there are many opportunities for families, 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 while 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 the life of one of the many innocent victims of drunk drivers.