The 49th annual holiday tree lighting ceremony took place on the Village Green Dec. 7.

On behalf of the board of trustees, I want to thank everyone for their efforts in making it such a joyous occasion. I especially want to thank our village employees who decorate our village each year for the holiday season. They especially did a great job clearing paths on the Village Green to accommodate our residents who were in attendance at the tree lighting.

Overall, this is another example of a collaborative event that makes Garden City such a special place. In addition, special thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for coordinating this event each year and, of course, an extra special thank you to the Garden City Fire Department for bringing Santa Claus to help me and Olivia and Matt Duffy light the tree and also to the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble whose holiday carols made it a very festive event. I also want to thank all the residents who braved the snow and cold for their participation in this annual village event.

The weather service indicated that approximately 10 to 14 inches of snow fell in Garden City during this season's first snowstorm. Village forces worked throughout the night and day from Friday through Sunday to assure that village roads were open and that the 48 acres of village parking fields were cleared to accommodate holiday shoppers.

Clearing the accumulation of drifting snow from the 75 miles of village roads was made more difficult because some areas still had leaves in the gutter waiting for collection by the village. I do want to compliment village personnel from all departments, as well as the Volunteer Fire Department, also Special Police, for the outstanding job that they did in keeping the storm's impact to minimal levels. I personally noted a number of motorists being helped by village personnel.

Compliments are also due to residents and businesses in having shoveled their sidewalks within 24 hours following the snow fall. On the other hand I understand the frustration of those residents who finish shoveling their driveway entrance and then their street is plowed and hope that you understand that this is unavoidable in most cases.

The following suggestions are offered in an effort to reduce inconvenience to residents and to assist the village in serving your needs.

* If possible, wait until the village plows the street to clear the snow from your driveway entrance. If you can't wait, shovel to the right onto your curbside since most snow plows push to the right. Do not shovel snow back into the cleared street. This will reduce the accumulation of snow which will be pushed back into your driveway. This is a chronic problem. Plow operators have been instructed to reduce the speed of their vehicles in order to lessen the amount of snow that is pushed back into driveways, but some accumulation is inevitable. Please be aware that the Department of Public Works cannot shovel out driveway entrances or plow any private property.

* When you hear that a storm is expected, move your car off the street into your driveway. This will speed up the plowing operation. Keep a shovel at your back door and, if you are fortunate enough to have a snow blower, check for gas and make sure it works.

* Park your car, or cars, as close to the end of the driveway as is safely possible. This eliminates the need for shoveling the entire driveway to free your car when the storm has ended and the roads are safe to travel.

* If you are unable to shovel snow or are going to be away, make arrangements to have the snow cleared from your sidewalk. One source of assistance is to contact PAVES to obtain the help of our village youth who are looking for employment - telephone number 248-0390. Please remember that you are responsible to shovel your walk within 24 hours after the storm. The police department will enforce this. This is also applicable to the business community.

* When using power equipment to blow snow please do not blow the snow into the street.

* Please clear snow away from all hydrants so that the fire department can reach them without delay. Also, make sure that the snow is not blocking the address to your house.

* To facilitate safe garbage collections, a walk should be made from the sidewalk to where the garbage is kept. If this is not possible, it is suggested that the garbage be carried to the curb for pickup.

Again, thank you for your cooperation. Let us know how you are doing.

I know that I often mention "Shop Garden City" and there is no better time than now to mention it again. Residents in the Village of Garden City are very fortunate in having a vital business community comprised of merchants who are committed to serve us from their shops along Franklin Avenue, Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road. I urge each of you to continue to patronize these local businesses during the holiday season and throughout the year. Our business community wants to know how they are doing, so take a minute the next time you are shopping and let them know what you think about the quality of their products and attention to customer service.