The Board of Trustees joins me in extending our sincere gratitude to former Chief Lawrence Nedelka for the dedicated and professional level of service that he rendered to our village during his tenure as chief of the Garden City Fire Department. Our special thanks are also due his wife, Kim, for having shared Larry with us.

As a result of the election held last week, the new chief is Leonard Rivera. First Assistant Chief Thomas Foley, Second Assistant Chief Edward Moran and Third Assistant Chief John Casey will aid him during the coming year. We wish them well and thank them for their involvement.

National Volunteer Week officially began Sunday, April 21. In our village the spirit of volunteerism is very much alive and well. From the annual GCAA Little League Parade to the upcoming SEPTA Street Fair, to our special police, volunteer firefighters, our Girl and Boy Scout organizations to the wide range of sports related volunteers and to the village boards and commissions, these are only a few of the various groups and events that are run by fellow residents as volunteers for the benefit and enjoyment of others.

President Bush in his State of the Union address asked Americans to commit themselves to volunteer work for the "service of your neighbors and your nation." We in Garden City have always been on the leading edge of volunteerism. Therefore, I join my fellow board of trustees and thank all the volunteers for your time and talents.

The village will celebrate Arbor Day on Thursday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m. in front of village hall. I look forward to joining members of the Civic Beautification Committee and classes from Locust School, who will assist Village Arborist Michael Didyk, in planting a beautiful Sugar Maple. The Garden City Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) is hosting its spring festival on Friday, May 3 with a rain date of Sunday, May 5. The day's activities will begin at 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Seventh Street. This year's festival will include musical groups from the middle and high school, the Banjo Rascals, balloon clowns and radar pitching. "Sponge Bob Square Pants" will make a special guest appearance. In addition to face painting, a dunking booth, a variety of amusement games and the ever-popular moon walk, giant orbitron and giant slide will be offered. Plan to bring your family out to enjoy a fun-filled event. Working in cooperation with the village, merchants have placed tables and chairs outside their shops and restaurants for our enjoyment. Please stop by to let the merchants know that you appreciate their efforts. I urge residents to become familiar with their local merchants and businesses and to shop in Garden City. You will be pleased with the selection, quality and commitment to customer service.