On behalf of my fellow trustees, I want to thank those individuals who took the time to vote in our village election. We look forward to the privilege of serving you in the upcoming year.

To the residents of Garden City I welcome the honor and challenge of being mayor. I will strive to do my best as a leader, homeowner, taxpayer and neighbor. I believe the board will be able to accomplish much over the next couple of years working together with residents, village staff and the business community.

It is only the individuals who volunteer and their families who truly understand the time and sacrifice that is required to be part of our unique form of community government. I encourage others to volunteer and be a part of what makes Garden City such a great place to live. I thank all the families for allowing the members of the collective boards, committees and commissions the time away from home to participate.

I also want to thank our outgoing mayor, Barbara Miller, for her years of service to our village as mayor, trustee and CPOA representative.

It is a pleasure to welcome Thomas Lamberti and Nicholas Episcopia to the village board of trustees and to extend congratulations to them on their election as village trustees. I look forward to working with them and our returning trustees. I will soon be interviewing and selecting a trustee from the CPOA to complete the board.

Saturday, April 9 marked the opening of the 2005 Little League baseball/softball season. The annual Little League parade stepped off promptly at 9 a.m. from Village Parking Field 9E, onto Tenth Street and proceeded south on Franklin Avenue to Seventh Street, west on Seventh Street to Hilton Avenue, north on Hilton to Stewart Avenue for ceremonies at the Village Green.

With the opening of Little League, parents are especially encouraged to pay particular attention to driving safely in the area of village athletic fields. As youngsters are on their way to and from their scheduled games, many of them will dart between parked cars and will fail to look while crossing the street. Let's make this season not only a happy one but also a safe one in our village.

I would like to take this time to congratulate the Garden City Athletic Association on their 50th year and thank their officers, directors, managers, coaches and all who are involved in such a wonderful organization. Not only do they touch the lives of so many youngsters they have been a valuable asset to our community.

Working under a special permit from the village, food establishments on Seventh Street, New Hyde Park Road and Franklin Avenue have placed tables and chairs outside their shops and restaurants for your convenience and enjoyment. Please stop by to let the merchants know that you appreciate their efforts and enjoy the many fine tastes of Garden City. Residents in the Village of Garden City are very fortunate in having a vital business community comprised of merchants who are committed to serve us from their shops along Franklin Avenue, Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road. I urge each of you to continue to patronize these local businesses throughout the year. Also while you are in their store, take a minute to comment on their selection and quality and where appropriate compliment them on their attention to customer service.