Your Village has spent a good deal of time and money to beautify the central business district in order to make it appealing to residents and businesses. Local food markets on Seventh Street have also made a significant investment in purchasing high quality shopping carts for the use and convenience while shopping in their stores. Regrettably, these carts are not being returned to the prescribed areas by the shops and are being left within the parking fields and in the areas of the apartment houses.

In consideration of your neighbors, merchants and community, I urge residents to return these carts to their respective stores. The additional effort will go a long way to keeping the Village the beautiful place that we all want it to be.

During the past few weeks we have seen some media coverage on the regional threat of the West Nile Virus, a disease transmitted by the common house mosquito, Culex pipiens.

The key to controlling mosquitoes is to remove the standing water in which they breed before they become flying, biting adults. The County Department of Health recommends that we take the following steps:

* Remove or empty standing water from old tires, tin cans, rain gutters, garbage cans, pails, children's toys, birdbaths or any object that collects rainwater.

* Keep grass trimmed - weeds, tall grass and shrubbery provide a home for adult mosquitoes to rest.

* Keep swimming pools chlorinated and their covers free of stagnant water.

* Clean and unclog rain gutters to keep them draining properly.

* Change the water in bird baths every two or three days.

* Install window and door screens and keep them in good repair.

* Avoid using bug zappers since they also kill beneficial insects.

* Replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights.

* Avoid mosquito populated areas if possible.

* Report mosquito complaints or dead birds to the Nassau County Mosquito Control, 571-8707.

On Thursday, July 26, the Recreation Department will be presenting Billy J. Kramer - the British invasion hits Garden City! Performing his hits Little Children, Bad to Me and many more 60s favorites.

The program, which will be held at the Garden City Village Gazebo located at the corner of Hilton and Stewart Avenues, will begin at 7:15. Admission is free. Please bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a 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. Call the Recreation Program line at 742-5888 with questions pertaining to the concert.