The annual village election will be held Tuesday, March 16 from 12-9 p.m. at village hall, located at 351 Stewart Avenue. At this time, village residents will be voting for the following candidates:

Peter A. Bee Trustee - two-year term

John L. Mauk Trustee - two-year term

Peter Negri Trustee - two-year term

John J. Watras Trustee - two-year term

Since the incorporation of the village in 1919, members of the board of trustees in Garden City have been elected by a non-partisan vote of residents in accordance with the policies of the Community Agreement.

Absentee ballot applications to be used in conjunction with the general village election March 16 are available at village hall, 351 Stewart Avenue. The village clerk must receive applications by March 9 if the ballot is to be mailed. For personal application, the deadline is March 15.

With more winter days ahead and the possibility for more snowstorms, village residents are asked to clear snow around fire hydrants located in the neighborhood after the snow falls. The fire department will appreciate this in the event of a fire emergency where every minute is essential.

In an effort to continue to reduce auto accidents, injuries and fatalities at grade crossings, the MTA has reminded us of the following simple but critical rules at railroad grade crossings:

-Always stop and wait when crossing gates are down and red lights are flashing. Proceed only when the gates are up and the lights have stopped flashing.

-Remember trains may be moving on any track in any direction at any time. When one train passes through a crossing, a second may be approaching.

-Be especially careful at night and during poor weather.

-Cross tracks only at designated crossings and never in front of or behind a waiting train.

-If your view is blocked or limited at a crossing, reduce speed, check conditions and proceed with caution.

-It is against state law for any person to drive through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or being opened or closed. Significant penalties can be imposed.

The Long Island Rail Road offers a series of free safety education programs. For more information about the T.R.A.C.K.S. (Together Railroads and Communities Keeping Safe) program, call 718-558-3028.