The Annual SEPTA street fair is an event that has become one of our special traditions. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring the family to Seventh Street and enjoy the street fair, shop at local merchants and, at the same time, contribute to making this fundraiser 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 Friday, May 6, between 4 and 8 p.m. There is no rain date. I want to thank the many residents who over the years have donated trees and teak benches to the village as memorials to family members and friends. The trees and benches, which have been located throughout our community, have been well received and enjoyed by all. If anyone is interested in making a donation of a tree or bench they may do so by contacting Village Administrator Bob Schoelle (465-4051) at village hall. The current cost of a bench is $675 and depending on the species of the tree the cost is approximately $260. I have received a number of compliments from residents and visitors over the beautiful spring plantings on various village properties. The lovely tulips all throughout the village, as well as the daffodils that were planted to naturalize the village property on the corner of Stewart Avenue and Clinton Road, look magnificent. The credit goes to the talented members of our Civic Beautification Committee who, in concert with the village arborist, plan the type of plant, color bed layout appropriate design and plant selection for specific locations. The Parks Division of the Public Works Department follows through and plants these beds throughout the year to make our village the seasonal showplace that it is. We truly value and appreciate their efforts. Responding to the recommendation of the village's Civic Beautification Committee, the village board has designated the Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum) as Garden City's official tree. To mark this event, students from Locust School planted a sugar maple tree at village hall in conjunction with the village's Arbor Day celebration. 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 you to become familiar with our local merchants and businesses and to shop in Garden City. You will be pleased with the selection, quality and commitment to customer service. All residents are asked to assist in the task of cleaning up our community to make it look like a beautiful "Garden City." We can do that by picking up paper, cans, bottles and other debris that may have been deposited on the streets and other public areas near their homes. A few minutes of cooperative effort by all of us can make our village look 100 percent better. Residents are also reminded that rubbish should not be placed on the curb before the evening prior to the collection day. It is a detraction from the aesthetics of the village and poor treatment of one's neighbors to ignore the village law, which specifies that rubbish should not be deposited at curb side before the evening prior to collection.