Our village is blessed with many traditions that warm the hearts and memories of all who live and have lived here. One of these is the annual tree lighting at the Garden City Hotel. On behalf of all village residents, I want to thank the Nelkin family and their Garden City Hotel family for the warm hospitality that was extended to the Garden City community last Monday evening at their tree lighting ceremony. I encourage residents to stop in and visit the hotel; it is particularly beautiful during the holiday season. 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 during the holiday and throughout the year. Also while you are in their store, take a minute to comment on their selection and quality and where appropriate compliment them on their attention to customer service.