It was an honor to administer the oath of office to Trustees Peter Bee, John Mauk and Peter Negri at the board's organizational meeting April 15. Trustee Watras was unable to attend due to another responsibility. My congratulations to all. I also appointed at that meeting, which did not require ratification by trustees, Trustee Gerry Lundquist as deputy mayor and Trustee Peter Bee as second deputy mayor. The board of trustees ratified all other trustee, staff and resident appointments to boards and commissions.

I sincerely hope that the board you elected will work together to bring some major issues to fruition - in particular 1) establishing zoning for the public "P" Zone, which is needed in order to protect the residential integrity of that area and 2) bringing forth the binding bond resolution for public use of the first two floors of St. Paul's (library/community center) with private tenant space for the third and fourth floors - so that residents can decide if this is what they want.

The village will celebrate Arbor Day Thursday, April 29 at 10 a.m. opposite The Garden City Hotel, adjacent to the entrance of the railroad station on Seventh Street and Hubbell Plaza. I look forward to joining the members of the Civic Beautification Committee and classes from Locust School who will assist Village Arborist Michael Didyk in planting a beautiful Sugar Maple.

With spring here, plans are already under way for various events scheduled in Garden City. These events are designed for the entire family so be sure to mark your calendar. Some of these activities include:

Friday, May 7

SEPTA Street Fair on Seventh Street (2-9 p.m.)

Saturday, May 8

GCCF "A Celebration of Generations" Call 747-4603

Monday, May 31

Annual Memorial Day Parade and Fair

Friday, June 4

Belmont Parade and Street Fair - parade begins at 7 p.m. (Franklin Avenue to Seventh Street from 6-10 p.m.)