All residents who now possess a refuse (Village Yard) permit will be required to obtain a new permit prior to May 1, 2002. The village began issuing these new permits on Monday, March 18 at a cost of $5 each. Beginning May 1, 2002 no vehicles will be allowed in the yard without first obtaining the new sticker.

Those residents who wish to obtain a permit can do so by bringing a current vehicle registration to the Clerk's Office at Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

With spring just around the corner, plans are already under way for various events that are scheduled in Garden City. These events are designed for the entire family so be sure to mark your calendar. Some of these activities include:

March 31 - Chamber of Commerce Easter Festival and Antique Car Parade

April 13 - Annual Garden City Athletic Association Little League Parade

May 3 - SEPTA Street Fair

May 27 - Annual Memorial Day Parade and Fair

June 7 - Belmont Parade and Street Fair

While the drinking water supply on Long Island remains plentiful, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has declared a "drought watch" for Nassau, Suffolk and many other counties through the state due to low rainfall in recent months. At the present time, the Village of Garden City is recommending that customers stay conscious of ways to conserve water, a precious natural resource that we sometimes take for granted.

A drought watch is declared when a drought is in the developing stages, yet no mandatory restrictions are put into place. More aggressive measures can be taken by the state if the situation becomes worse. While New York City utilizes above-ground reservoirs, Long Island relies on deep underground aquifers for its public drinking water, so the likelihood of a drought emergency in Nassau and Suffolk is minimal.

Following these tips will help ensure an abundant supply of drinking water for all of Long Island in the near and distant future:

1. Install low-flow showerheads that use 2-3 gallons per minute. Conventional showerheads use 5-15 gallons per minute.

2. Check faucets for drips and repair them promptly. Turn faucets off tightly after each use.

3. Put a plastic bottle (quarter size) filled with water in the flush tank of older toilets to save one quart of water per flush. When buying a new toilet, look for a "low-flush" model that uses 1.6 gallons or less per flush.

4. Run the washing machine and dishwasher only with full loads.

5. Keep a pitcher of tap water in the refrigerator to avoid running the faucet when you want a cold drink.

6. Follow the guidelines established by the village when watering your lawn.

A household that follows a common sense water saving program will be helping to protect the public drinking water supply today and for many generations into the future.