The 26th annual Merrill Lynch Turkey Trot held on Thanksgiving morning was a spectacular success. On behalf of the board of trustees and the residents I want to thank Race Director Roger Eltringham and all the volunteers for making this event a special tradition of Garden City. I am sure that this year's donations will exceed last year's $50,000 to the research and aid program of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Our village is blessed with many traditions, which warm the hearts and memories of all who live and have lived here. One of these is the annual tree lighting at The Garden City Hotel.

On behalf of all the village residents I want to thank the Nelkin family and their Garden City Hotel family for the warm hospitality that was extended to the Garden City community Dec. 1 at their tree lighting ceremony.

I encourage residents to stop in and visit the hotel; it is particularly beautiful during the holiday season.

Once again, homes in Garden City are decorated with wreaths and garlands reflecting the holiday season. Our police and fire departments are urging homeowners to take particular care in their decorating so as not to impair the visibility of their house numbers. A properly displayed house numeral will save precious minutes when our emergency services are responding to your home. Please cooperate and help us to help you.