Beginning Sept. 1, the village will begin issuing railroad parking permits for the year 2002/03. Residents should be aware that the fee has been increased to $50.

Permits may be obtained at the Village Business Office, 351 Stewart Avenue. Those residents who already possess a 2001 permit will receive a renewal application by mail which may be returned to the village either by mail or in person. A photocopy of your registration must accompany your application and check. Current permits will be valid through Sept. 30.

Once again I appeal to residents, if you have recently had a tree planted in front of your home, please take the time to water it. The proper way to water is to first loosen the soil around the tree if it has become baked hard and then allow a hose to run at the base of the tree at a rate slow enough so that the water will be absorbed into the area around the tree trunk.

Watering hours are from 5 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days. As a reminder, July 31 and Aug. 1 resulted in two consecutive odd days. All residents with automatic sprinklers should remember to reset their clocks at these times to comply with the village lawn watering regulations.

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 our 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.