Congratulations are due to Garden City High School for receiving, for the second year in a row, the School of Distinction Award for its academic performance during the 2003-2004 school year. To earn the second year award, all of the school's varsity teams must meet the criteria to be named a "state scholar-athlete team." The cumulative academic average of a starting line-up must be 90 or better. Thirty varsity boys' and girls' teams all met the challenge. Our high school was only one of three schools statewide to earn this honor. The Trojans also did well last year by having six Nassau championship teams.

Meeting academic and athletic standards requires a partnership between students and faculty. We are of course, very proud of our Garden City High School teams for demonstrating performance excellence on the field and most importantly in the classroom. Congratulations to the students on these teams and to the faculty who were a part of their academic and athletic education.

A chronic problem involving motorists in the village is the failure to safely yield the right of way to volunteer firefighters who are responding to a fire alarm.

Under state law, volunteer firefighters are permitted to display a flashing blue light in their vehicles as they are responding to fire emergencies. While this flashing blue light does not entitle the driver to violate any of the speed limits, traffic controls, etc., it does signify that the driver is responding to an emergency. All motorists seeing an approaching vehicle displaying this flashing light are encouraged to safely yield the right of way as they would were it an emergency vehicle displaying red flashing lights.

Since we are in the middle of the hurricane season here on Long Island, (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), I would like to give you a few more tips with regard to hurricanes: Frequently listen to radio and television for official bulletins of the storm's progress. Fuel and service family vehicles. Prepare to bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans, garden tools, etc. Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications. Prepare to cover all window and door openings with shutters or other shielding materials. Have on hand an extra supply of cash. Follow instructions issued by village and county officials.

After the storm: If your home is damaged, move carefully to get out. Do not return until officials have inspected it. Wait until an area is declared safe before re-entering. Locate a fire extinguisher before turning on the power. Roads may be closed for your protection. If you come upon a barricaded or a flooded road, turn around and go another way. Avoid using candles and other open flames indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Use the telephone only to report emergencies. Check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage.

Do not drink tap water until officials have announced it is safe. Use extreme caution if using a chainsaw to clear fallen trees. Do not pile debris in roadways or near utility poles. This may hinder rescue and repair efforts. Place household garbage in securely tied thick plastic bags (not paper) to prevent it from becoming a health hazard if there is a delay in garbage collection. Photograph or videotape any damage to your home before performing any repairs. Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible of an address and phone number where you can be reached.