Last Sunday, May 15, was the graduation of Adelphi University's Class of 2005. My colleagues on the village board of trustees and I join all of the residents of our village in extending congratulations to these outstanding young people. They have been a credit to our community and I am sure they will continue to reflect well on Garden City as Adelphi University's alumni. We wish the Class of 2005 the very best and congratulate you on your many accomplishments and contributions. It was wonderful to see everyone, young and old, enjoy the Street Fair. The children seemed to have a wonderful time on the many rides that were available. I would like to thank SEPTA's president, Linda LaGueux, and her leadership team, including Event Chairperson Sue Sheh, for implementing once again an event that not only was a fund-raiser but brought all sectors of the community together; residents, businesses and education. Of course, my compliments to the Garden City Police Department for keeping it an "uneventful" event and to the members of the village's Public Works Department for the excellent clean up they did after the Street Fair.

Over the years my predecessors have used this column to encourage residents and those who work in Garden City to shop in our local stores and shops and to dine in our restaurants. Choice, quality and attention to customer service is the norm.

I was pleased to learn that Kings Super Markets has named Pete Gardner, general manager of the Garden City Kings Market, as Kings "General Manager of the Year." Congratulations to Mr. Gardner as well as a word of appreciation for all that Kings contributes to the Garden City community.

In 1989 the village board of trustees adopted a local law entitled "Tree Preservation and Protection." The purpose of the law is to prevent the indiscriminate destruction or removal of trees within Garden City and to provide for the relocation or replacement of trees that may be destroyed. Residents are reminded that they, or their contractor, must obtain a permit from the Department of Public Works to remove two or more private trees from a property within a 12-month period. Notwithstanding the above, it is unlawful to destroy or remove any tree on village property. Permits can be obtained from the Department of Public Works. Please refer your questions to the department at 465-4003.