The balmy fall temperatures and a lack of wind and rain over the past few weeks have caused us to have a particularly late leaf drop in Garden City this year. Nonetheless, our Department of Public Works has begun the collection process in earnest and anticipates that it will complete its second pass through the entire village by week's end.

Please cooperate with the incorporated village by only placing leaves at the curbside for collection. Yard waste, potted plants, twigs and grass clippings are to be placed in the containers for curbside collection on Wednesdays.

It has been our experience that windy weather brings many more leaves down at one time. When the village streets are lined with leaves, comes the exposure to automobile fires and slippery road surfaces.

Residents are reminded not to park in areas where leaves have fallen or have been raked into piles. Each year the fire department responds to numerous vehicle fires in which the catalytic converter was in contact with the leaves and ignited them. Because of the high temperatures given off, these fires usually cause major damage.

Please use caution driving over the leaves that have fallen into the street, especially when it rains as the wet leaves can be very hazardous while driving.

Piles of leaves are very tempting play areas to young children. Parents should exercise caution and not allow children to jump into the piles of leaves that are raked into the street. Often there can be other debris mixed with the leaves that can cause injury.

Garden City Hotel Tree Lighting November 28

The Garden City Hotel's annual tree lighting ceremony is planned for Monday, Nov. 28, at 5:30 p.m. I encourage you to attend and to enjoy one of Garden City's traditions and the hospitality of our premier hotel. This year's guest of honor will be the Reverend Monsignor Thomas Hartman, known for his popular television show, God Squad, co-hosted by Rabbi Marc Gellman, which airs on Telecare, the television center for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Reverend Hartman organized and initiated the Thomas Hartman Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Inc. in November 2003. The highlight of the festivities will be the moment Reverend Hartman lights the tree, officially launching the holiday season.

The tree lighting ceremony will feature performances of holiday carols by the St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Choir. Following the lighting, all are invited into The Garden City Hotel for complimentary refreshments.

Traditional Christmas Tree Lighting December 4

On Sunday, Dec. 4, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its 50th annual village tree lighting ceremony, beginning promptly at 3:30 p.m. on the Village Green (corner of Stewart and Hilton Avenues). This year's program will feature the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Tom Wagner along with the Village Music Makers and thanks to the fire department, Santa Claus and hot chocolate. Please bring your entire family to welcome Santa and the holiday season.