The 47th annual holiday tree lighting ceremony took place on the Village Green Dec. 2.

On behalf of the board of trustees, I want to thank everyone for their efforts in making this day so special for us all to enjoy. I especially want to thank our village employees who decorate our village each year for the holiday season.

They have done an outstanding job once again. In addition, a special thank you to the Garden City Fire Department, the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Chamber of Commerce and their members for participation once again in this annual village event.

Residents in the Village of Garden City are very fortunate in having a vital business community comprised of merchants who are committed to serving 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 stores, take a minute to comment on their selection and quality and where appropriate compliment them on their attention to customer service. Once again, homes in Garden City are decorated with wreaths and garlands reflecting the holiday season. Our police and fire departments are urging homeowners to take particular care in their decorating so as not to impair the visibility of their house numbers. A properly displayed house numeral will save precious minutes when our emergency services are responding to your home. Please cooperate and help us to help you. The last day for placing leaves in the street for the season was Dec. 1. Please advise your landscaper not to place the leaves into the street but to remove them. The Public Works Department will be removing leaves from village properties this week. Equipment will then be retrofitted for ice and snow removal. Your cooperation is appreciated.