I am pleased to announce that the "Horse of a Different Color" that was on display will be back in its spot on the Village Green this week. This was made possible through the generosity of village resident John Miller and the Albanese Organization, who purchased the horse and donated it to the village. We thank them for their donation and for the enjoyment that the horse will continue to bring to all the village residents and people who visit our village everyday.

Senator Charles Schumer advised me that there is money due to over 12,000 New Yorkers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Over $8.5 million in refunds are owed to taxpayers in every county in New York State, which represents either unclaimed income tax refunds or advance child tax credit checks, most of which were not claimed because the taxpayer did not file a specific change of address form with the IRS.

To make it easier for New Yorkers to find out if they are owed money, the US Senate has posted a list of unclaimed/undeliverable tax refunds at www.schumer.senate.gov. For taxpayers who do not have access to the Internet, you may contact Senator Schumer's New York City office at (212) 486-4430 for assistance. Taxpayers who are owed money may claim it by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

The rainy and windy weather has brought many more leaves down at one time than usual. With the village streets lined with leaves comes the exposure to automobile fires, slippery roads and high leaf piles that can be dangerous.

Residents are reminded not to park in areas where leaves have fallen or have been raked into piles. Each year the fire department responds to numerous vehicle fires in which the catalytic converter was in contact with the leaves and ignited them. Because of the high temperatures given off, these fires usually cause major damage.

Please use caution driving over the leaves that have fallen into the street, especially when it rains as the wet leaves can be very hazardous while driving.

Piles of leaves are very tempting play areas to young children. Parents should exercise caution and not allow children to jump into the piles of leaves that are raked into the street. Often there can be other debris mixed with the leaves that can cause injury.

The Garden City Hotel's annual tree lighting ceremony is planned for Monday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m. I encourage you to attend and to enjoy one of Garden City's traditions and the hospitality of our premier hotel. The honoree this year is John Kanas, chairman, president and CEO of North Fork Bank.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its 48th annual village tree lighting ceremony, beginning promptly at 3:30 p.m. on the Village Green (corner of Stewart and Hilton Avenues).

This year's program will feature the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Robert Ludwig and Tom Wagner and the Village Music Makers with vocalist Alexa Grant.

Please bring your entire family to welcome Santa and the holiday season.