It is wonderful to see so many Garden City residents, as well as visitors to our village, enjoying alfresco dining on New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Avenue and Seventh Street. The village piloted alfresco dining in the summer of 1996. The Chamber of Commerce supported outdoor dining as a strategy to encourage shopping in Garden City. They asked the village to change its code to allow outdoor dining by permit, which the village did May 15, 1997. For the past nine seasons the number of businesses providing this feature continues to grow. This year there are more than 20 businesses that have permits. There is no doubt that alfresco dining is an overwhelming success. I encourage residents to come early and combine shopping with dining outside at their favorite place. As a reminder, July 31 and Aug. 1 result in two consecutive odd days. All residents with automatic sprinklers should remember to reset their clocks at this time to comply with the village lawn watering regulations. The hours of permitted lawn watering are between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

This week's program (at the Village Gazebo, located on the Village Green) Thursday, July 28, will feature Paula Atherton & Interplay - cool jazz for your enjoyment.

The program will begin at 7:15 and admission is free. Please bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a very pleasant evening. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cluett Hall at St. Paul's. Please contact the Recreation Program Line (742-5888) with questions pertaining to the concert.