I want to thank our residents and merchants for their cooperation this past week in shoveling walks within 24 hours following the snow fall. The following suggestions are offered in an effort to reduce inconvenience to residents and to assist the village in serving your needs.

-If possibly wait until the village plows the street to clear the snow from your driveway entrance. If you can't wait, shovel to the right onto your curbside, since most snow plows push to the right. Do not shovel snow back into the cleared street. This will reduce the accumulation of snow which will be pushed back into your driveway. This is a chronic problem. Plow operators have been reminded to reduce the speed of their vehicles in order to lessen the amount of snow that is pushed back into driveways. Please be aware that the Department of Public Works cannot shovel out driveway entrances nor can it plow any private property.

-When you hear that a storm is expected, move your car off the street into your driveway. This will speed up the plowing operation.

-Park your car or cars as close to the end of the driveway as is safely possible. This eliminates the need for shoveling the entire driveway to free your car when the storm has ended and the roads are safe to travel.

-If you are unable to shovel snow or are going to be away, make arrangements to have the snow cleared from your sidewalk. One source of assistance is to contact PAVES to obtain the help of our village youth who are looking for employment - telephone number is 248-0390. Please remember that you are responsible for shoveling you walk within 24 hours after the storm. The police department will enforce this. This is also applicable to the business community.

-When using power equipment to blow snow please do not blow the snow into the street.

-Please clear snow away from all hydrants so that the fire department can reach them without delay. Also, make sure that the snow is not blocking the address to your house.

-To facilitate safe garbage collections, a walk should be made from the sidewalk to where the garbage is kept. If this is not possible, it is suggested that the garbage be carried to the curb for pickup.

Again thank you for you cooperation.

The 48th annual holiday tree lighting ceremony took place on the Village Green Dec. 8. 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 Chamber of Commerce, Tom Wagner and the Village Music Makers, the Garden City Fire Department, the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble and their members for participation once again in this annual village event.

Residents are reminded that there will be no garbage or recycling pickup Wednesday, Christmas Day, Dec. 25. The holiday collection schedule will be as follows:

Garbage Rubbish

Western half of village Monday, Friday Thursday

Eastern half of village Tuesday, Saturday Thursday

Residents scheduled for recycling on Wednesday, Christmas Day, Dec. 25, are asked to put their recyclables out on Wednesday, Jan. 8.