The village board of trustees and I extend to all residents of the village a happy New Year, one blessed with good health, much happiness and well-being for all of our families.

-The second half of village taxes, which were due and payable on Dec. 1, 2002, are normally subject to penalty if payment is not made within a 30-day grace period. This year's grace period ended Dec. 31, 2002 so any payments received now are subject to a penalty. Please return the "second half" bill stub with your payment. For your convenience, correspondence may be placed in the letter slot at the easterly entrance to village hall.

-The deadline for applications for veteran's tax exemptions was Dec. 31. Applications can no longer be accepted.

-Village offices reopen Thursday, Jan. 2.

-Since there was no garbage or recycling pickup on Wednesday, Jan. 1, residents should put their recyclables out on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

If you have a live Christmas tree or wreath to dispose of, please leave them at the curb on your regularly scheduled recycling collection day. They will be collected by the Department of Public Works and offered to other agencies for beach erosion control or rendered at the village yard for use around trees and shrubs as mulch. Please assist the village by removing tree stands from the discarded trees and cooperate with your neighbors by disposing of them only on the scheduled recycling collection days. This collection of trees will continue for the next several weeks.