The Belmont Stakes Festival Committee has advised me that this year's festival, the village's seventh, is going to be better and more exciting than ever before. The parade and street fair will be held Friday, June 10. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. Franklin Avenue to Seventh Street will be closed from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bring your family and join your friends and neighbors along Franklin Avenue and Seventh Street for the parade and festivities.

As the weather begins to get warmer, take time to think about your lawn and garden. Planning is the key to successful water conservation. Select plants and trees that are drought tolerant. Some examples are crape myrtle, oleander, wild lilac and rosemary.

To increase plant health and conserve water, add organic matter, such as mulch, to the soil of shrub and flowerbed areas. This increases the soil's ability to absorb and store water in a form available to the plant. Composting not only removes waste from landfills, but also provides rich organic planting material. Consider using drip irrigation, where the water gets directly to the plants' roots.

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. Village offices will be closed Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day and will reopen Tuesday, May 31, at 8:30 a.m. For your convenience, correspondence for the village may be placed in the "letter" drop slot at the front door. Residents are reminded that there will be no garbage or recycling pickup Monday, May 30. Those scheduled for recycling are asked to put their recyclables out Monday, June 6.