During my administration I hope to not only maintain the village's residential integrity but enhance it as well. One approach is to build a stronger relationship with the Chamber of Commerce. To begin the process of balancing the needs between the residents and the business sector I scheduled a meeting with the Chamber's executive committee. The purpose of this first meeting is to share goals and agree upon those that will enhance the vitality of our business sector and make Franklin Avenue, Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road even more attractive to residents and those from other communities who shop in the village.

I am sure everyone is waiting for spring to blossom -- it will be especially wonderful to see the thousands of bulbs that the village planted in bloom. However, the business district over the past few months has already had a number of "bloomings" and it seems more are to come. Although it is sad to see Best Ever Cleaners leave we welcome Adelphi Cleaners in its place. Garden City Spirits on Seventh Street will open soon, taking the place of McMahon Realty, which has moved to Franklin Avenue. We also welcome the addition of the Viking store on Franklin Avenue.

Many compliments to Bernie and Patty Del Bello for their renovation of the now Walk Street formerly Newport Grill. Napa & Sonoma and Calagero's restaurants are also welcomed additions to Franklin Avenue. I encourage residents to patronize these wonderful restaurants and establishments. Remember it takes a village - so shop Garden City.

I look forward to my second special board of trustees' work session on May 1 at 7:30 p.m. It will be held just prior to the regularly scheduled board of trustees meeting that evening. The work session is a meeting in public; all are welcome to come. Special thanks to George Nigohosian and representatives from the chamber of commerce, police, special police and department of public works for making the Easter parade the success that it was. It was most gratifying to see all the smiles on the faces of all those in attendance. The Garden City Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) is hosting its "Spring Festival" on Friday, May 2, with a rain date of Sunday, May 4. The day's activities will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. on Seventh Street. This year's festival will include musical groups from the middle school, including jazz band, stage band, keyboards and from the high school, the concert orchestra and the concert band. In addition to two obstacle courses, spaceball, rock 'n sock 'em, reality auto racing, dance revolution, carnival games, dunk tank, recording booth ball pit there will be two moon bounces and radar pitching. Plan to bring your family out to enjoy a full-filled event.

The Town of Hempstead Sanitation Department will conduct the third of its monthly S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) program Sunday, May 4. The program, which is being held at various locations throughout the Town of Hempstead, will make hazardous waste facilities accessible to as many residents as possible.

The May 4th program will be held in South Bellmore at the Newbridge Road Park Garage, 2600 Newbridge Road. The hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Under the S.T.O.P. program, residents are able to take polluting materials to the facility and have them disposed of by a registered professional disposal company, free of charge. The facility will not accept the following materials: ammunition, explosives, fireworks, infectious or medical waste, propane or oxygen tanks, radioactive materials, unlabeled materials and fire extinguishers.