With the arrival of Labor Day and the anticipation of school reopening comes the third harbinger of autumn - the closing of the Garden City Swimming Pool. Much to the credit of the pool staff, village residents experienced another safe and enjoyable pool season. My compliments to Mr. Kevin Ocker and his recreation staff!

All motorists are reminded that this week marks the opening of the 2005/2006 school term in Garden City. Hundreds of youngsters are walking to and from school, many for the first time. Please pay particular attention when driving in the area of recommended pedestrian routes and schoolyards, while the number of students who will be walking to school will be dramatically increased. This will not be any different than prior years in that a few preoccupied young people will inevitably dart out from in between parked cars or fail to look for oncoming traffic when crossing the street.

While the police and crossing guards are on duty at school crossing zones, many children will be crossing at unprotected areas. Parents are urged to discuss safe practices with their children and to remind them that it is very difficult for passing motorists to see them and effect a stop.

A reminder to motorists that the posted speed limit in the area of schools is 20 miles per hour.

The Garden City Volunteer Fire Department is conducting a donation drive for troops overseas Sunday, Sept. 11, at fire department headquarters (Stewart and Hilton Avenues) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please give a little in conjunction with Give 2 the Troops, Inc. All members of our community are also welcome to join the fire department for a remembrance service beginning at 5 p.m. at the village 9/11 Monument on the Village Green.

Some items that are requested by our troops are: Beef Jerky/Slim Jims, Gatorade/Crystal Light, electronic games, music CDs/DVDs, white socks, pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds, tuna in pouches, miniboard games, prepaid phone cards (AT&T), generic sunglasses and the following toiletries in travel size only, baby wipes, toothpaste, sun block SPF 45, nasal spray, breath mints, razors, mouthwash and Advil/Tylenol. For a complete list of requested items, visit www.gcfdny.com.

Please park within the employee parking field (between fire headquarters and the Village Green). Do not park in the fire department driveway.

In an earlier column, I shared some suggestions on how to secure your property in preparation for a hurricane. The following are additional recommendations on what you can do now to be prepared in the event that a major storm hits Long Island.

Most importantly, advise the police department (465-4100) now if someone in your family uses life support equipment. Put together a family hurricane kit. Have a battery powered radio or television available (check the batteries). Keep a flashlight handy for each member of the family with plenty of extra batteries. Store a supply of canned food with a manual can opener. Don't forget about your pets. Keep a non-electric telephone in your home - the phone lines often times remain operational even during power outages.

Residents may have noticed that several of the village's kiosks have been removed from the business district and all that remains is a wooden base. The kiosks have been removed for refurbishing and will be returned shortly.