For a number of reasons, the dates for the April board of trustees' (BOT) meetings have changed. Please take note of the following meeting dates for the month of April:

Thursday, April 1 - 7:30 p.m.

BOT Work Session Regarding P-Zone

Thursday, April 15 - 8 p.m.

Organizational Meeting/Budget Hearing

Thursday, April 22 - 8 p.m.

BOT Meeting/Presentation on P-Zone for Residents

With the arrival of spring, it is great to see increased pedestrian activity along Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road. It brings into focus just how great a place our business community is and raises expectations over how great our village will be this summer with the spring plantings and the beginning of our outdoor dining on April 1.

Please show your support for our merchants and continue to shop in Garden City. Let business owners know how they can better serve your needs. You will be pleasantly surprised with how quickly they will accommodate.

I would like to thank the residents and employees who donated blood Tuesday, March 23. I am pleased to report that over 30 pints of blood were collected. You can feel proud of your personal involvement in helping those who depend on blood for life giving support.

Since there is no substitute for human blood, and no way of knowing when it may be needed to save or sustain the life of a family member, a co-worker, a friend or other members of the community, we must be sure that enough blood is available at all times to meet the needs of our area's hospitals and their patients.

Again, thank you and we look forward to your participation in our next blood drive in October 2004.