Several hundred residents and visitors turned out for the 48th annual village tree lighting ceremony Sunday, Dec. 8. It was the first to be celebrated amidst a blanket of snow - resembling a Norman Rockwell painting. Entertainment included the Village Music Makers and the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble's presentation of a repertoire of holiday tunes. Santa Claus arrived on the fire department's pumper truck turned sleigh to the delight of the hordes of children who received coloring books and crayons from Astoria Federal Savings, a contributing sponsor. FULL STORY

Almost 8,000 local families have voiced strong opposition to a possible New York City commuter tax and want what's been described as the city's "revenue scheme" derailed as soon as possible, Hempstead Town Supervisor Rich Guardino and Councilman Jim Darcy said during a Dec. 10 press conference. FULL STORY

For the first time in its nearly 80-year history, three of Buckley Country Day School's soccer teams were undefeated in the same season: the boys 7th and 8th grade "A" team and both the boys and the girls' 5th and 6th grade "A" teams. Several players reside in Garden City, including William Chu, Maggie Law and Jeffrey and Alex Giocondi. FULL STORY

On Tuesday, Dec. 31, St. Paul's Field House will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for "open gym time." The field house will be supervised but no organized activities will take place. FULL STORY