www.gardencityny.net By Barbara K. Miller The 8th annual SEPTA Street Fair is a multi-prong event that has become one of our special traditions. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring the family downtown to Seventh Street and enjoy the street fair, shop your local merchants and at the same time contribute to making this event a great success for SEPTA. It also is a reminder to us that strolling along Seventh Street is a really nice thing to do any day or evening, especially during good weather, and is one of the many features that makes Garden City such a special village. The street fair will be held this Friday, May 7, from 4-8 p.m. There is no rain date. In honor of Garden City's 135th year, the Garden City Community Fund is having a community celebration on May 8, from 7-11 p.m., at the St. Paul's Field House. There will be dining, dancing and refreshments. The cost is $100 (made payable to Garden City Community Fund) per person. You may RSVP by mail or telephone to Garden City Community Fund, P.O. Box 235, Garden City, NY 11530 or 747-4603.

It is with great pleasure that I announce that Garden City has once again been awarded the designation of Tree City, USA.

This award, granted by the National Arbor Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes communities that meet detailed, objective standards applied to trees on public property. These standards involve ongoing tree planting, maintenance and preservation of trees and the number and variety of trees planted per year in the community. Evaluations are made on the basis of four standards: a legally constituted municipal tree body, the adoption of tree ordinances, a comprehensive Community Forestry Program and the observance of Arbor Day.

I have received a number of compliments from residents and visitors over the beautiful spring plantings on various village properties. The credit goes to the talented members of our Civic Beautification Committee who plan the type of plant, color bed layout, appropriate design and plants for specific locations. The Parks Division of the Public Works Department follows through, planting the beds throughout the year to make our village the showplace that it is. We truly value and appreciate their efforts.

Working in cooperation with the village, merchants have placed tables and chairs outside their shops and restaurants for our enjoyment. Please stop by to let the merchants know that you appreciate their efforts.

I urge our residents to become familiar with their local merchants and businesses and to shop in Garden City. You will be pleased with the selection, quality and commitment to customer service.