The Men's Association of Garden City High School presented its annual fall sports festival on the Warren King Field at the Garden City High School Saturday, Sept. 17. The day began at 10:30 a.m. with varsity and junior varsity soccer and field hockey hosting teams from Jericho, East Meadow and Smithtown. At 2 p.m. the varsity football team kicked off against Lawrence in pursuit of the Trojans' third consecutive Nassau County title. The Unsung Hero Award was presented at half time of the football game. This is a very special award of The Men's Association that is given to a member who has worked tirelessly for the organization with little public recognition or fanfare. The day also marked the official opening of the newly refurbished field turf football/field hockey, women's lacrosse field.

I would like to remind residents that it is their responsibility to water village trees planted in front of their homes. If you recently had a tree planted in front of your home, please take the time to water it. The proper way to water is to first loosen the soil around the tree if it has become baked hard and then allow a hose to run at the base of the tree at a rate slow enough so that the water will be absorbed into the area around the tree trunk.

A number of young village trees that were planted in the utility strip between the sidewalk and curb have been damaged unwittingly by homeowners and landscapers' use of string trimming equipment. Once the bark is girdled water and nutrients are unable to transfer up the trunk to feed the tree and it dies. Please become aware of this problem and take steps to prevent it.

Watering hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Odd-numbered house addresses should water on odd-numbered days and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days. Be sure that sprinkler timers are adjusted for the correct dates and times. Thank you for your cooperation.

In previous columns I have shared information on hurricane preparedness with you. Since we are in the middle of the hurricane season here on Long Island, (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), I would like to give you a few more tips with regard to hurricanes: frequently listen to radio and television for official bulletins of the storm's progress. Fuel and service family vehicles. Prepare to bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans, garden tools, etc. Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications. Prepare to cover all window and door openings with shutters or other shielding materials. Have on hand an extra supply of cash. Follow instructions issued by village and county officials.

After the storm: If your home is damaged, move carefully to get out. Do not return until officials have inspected it. Wait until an area is declared safe before re-entering. Locate a fire extinguisher before turning on the power. Roads may be closed for your protection. If you come upon a barricaded or flooded road, turn around and go another way. Avoid using candles and other open flames indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Use the telephone only to report emergencies. Check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage. Do not drink tap water until officials have announced it is safe. Use extreme caution if using a chainsaw to clear fallen trees. Do not pile debris in roadways or near utility poles. This may hinder rescue and repair efforts. Place household garbage in securely tied thick plastic bags (not paper) to prevent it from becoming a health hazard if there is a delay in garbage collection. Photograph or videotape any damage to your home before performing any repairs. Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible of an address and phone number where you can be reached.

The Colonel Aaron Ogden chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has asked me to proclaim this week of Sept. 17-23 as "Constitution Week" in Garden City.

Our nation's Constitution, adopted September 17, 1787, provided a fundamental document for freedom and independence, which has become a way of life in our great nation. All of us have cause to pause and reflect on our heritage. Residents are urged to fly the flag all week in observance.