The purpose of this letter is twofold and has been a long time coming.

First, let me extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to those friends, neighbors, politicians and those in the Girl Scout community for their support and good wishes extended to my daughter Sara Sylvester during the March 7 opening reception of her Garden City Bird Sanctuary photo exhibit at the Garden City library (lower level).

The culmination and completion of this project represent literally years of work and earned Sara a much-deserved Girl Scout Gold Award.

While I'm at it, I'd like to point out that over the years I've read many negative letters to the editor about issues in this town ranging from parking lots to school budgets to beautification projects. Well, I'd like to point out a few positives ... Rob Alvey (Garden City Bird Sanctuary), Mike Didyk (Garden City's town arborist), Joanne Meyer-Jendras (CAV Garden City Girl Scouts), Sandra Young (Garden City Recreation), Liz Colontonio (Garden City Girl Scouts), every man and woman who have donated their free time and weekends to coach Little League, soccer or lacrosse, every woman or man that has spent countless nights sleeping on the floor, trekking through the woods or running food drives for the less fortunate with a Scout troop. The ladies and gentlemen who are committed to bringing religious education to any child who desires it and any other person who has thought beyond the four walls of their own house and extended their time and talents in an effort to raise not only successful young adults but caring, giving and sharing young adults. I don't think I need to point out all the trouble brewing in our society concerning the youths. I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have in the past and who will in the future impact my children in a positive way.

In closing I would like to encourage any and all parents who have not yet involved themselves (and I mean really involve themselves not just driving them from activity to activity) to do so.

Our village offers plenty of outlets in which you could lend a hand. Boy/Girl Scouts, religious youth groups or education, Bird Sanctuary, sports programs, community theater, etc., etc.

Teaching by example. I highly recommend it; you'll be amazed at the results!