And what a wonderful and uplifting event it was! Writing on behalf of all of the residents of the village, I want to extend sincere gratitude to all for making this special event the extraordinary success that it was. I often have said that our village is a special place where people come together to help each other in their time of need. Such was the case once again Oct.26. To the many volunteers, the businesses, the restaurants, vineyards, the Hotel, New York Racing Association, Breeders' Cup, the Village Music Makers, Adelphi University, the school district, I salute you for your efforts and generosity. To the residents of Garden City, thank you for your support.

Looking ahead, I encourage everyone to show your support for those who were there for our neighbors. Please continue to shop locally and while you are there, extend a word of thanks to each of the participating business people.

Congratulations and a sincere word of thanks are due to the Chamber's Festival Committee and Garden City High School for the extraordinary effort that they expended to make the annual festival and street fair the success that it was.

As we move into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I encourage all residents to continue to shop in our village. Our merchants along Seventh Street, Franklin Avenue and New Hyde Park Road have quality merchandise, which is only exceeded by their willingness to accommodate their customers.

The Garden City Community is invited to join together on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 4 p.m. for a service of remembrance and hope held at the Cathedral of the Incarnation. Clergy from various houses of worship will lead the service as we remember those who lost their lives and gave their lives on the Sept. 11 tragedy and as we hope for the future. We will also lift in prayer our veterans and those who currently serve in our armed forces. All are welcome!

Village offices were closed Tuesday, Nov. 6 in observance of Election Day and will be closed Monday, Nov. 12 in observance of Veteran's Day. For your convenience, correspondence for the village may be placed in the "Letter" drop slot at the front door.

There will be no garbage or recycling pickup on Election Day. Residents scheduled for recycling on Election Day are asked to put their recyclables out Nov. 13. Residents scheduled for recycling on Veteran's Day are asked to put their recyclables out Nov. 17.

The Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs, in cooperation with the Winthrop-University Hospital, the Nassau County Department of Health and the Nassau County Medical Center, will again co-sponsor a free, countywide flu immunizations program for seniors.

The program for our area will be held at the Garden City Senior Recreation Center at 6 Golf Club Lane on Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents 60 years or older who are interested in receiving the vaccine should call the Garden City Recreation Department at 465-4075 to make an appointment. Residents should be prepared to indicate if they wish to receive just the flu immunization or if they would like the additional protection of the pneumonia immunization.

Garden City's Tree Management Program is used as a model by many universities. Under our program, village street and park trees are inspected annually. Those trees, which are in questionable condition, are monitored during both the growing and dormant seasons and, if necessary, treatment is performed. Only when in the judgment of our trained arborist, Michael Didyk, that a tree is dead, dying or hazardous, is it marked for removal.

Residents who wish to have a street tree planted by the village are encouraged to write to the Director of Public Works, Robert Mangan, P.E., with their request prior to Dec. 14. We will make every effort to accommodate your request.