I would like to offer congratulations on behalf of the board of trustees to the Garden City Girls Field Hockey team for winning its first Class A title in school history with a win over defending champion Mamaroneck. The Trojans completed a perfect season. It is truly a testament to the team for all their hard work and dedication this season. The mayor of the Inc. Village of Floral Park, Phil Guarnieri, will be present at the next board of trustees' meeting, scheduled for this Thursday, Dec. 1, to update the board on issues relating to the proposed MTA/LIRR proposed Main Line Corridor Improvements Project. Residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinion and to ask questions relating to the project.

This Sunday, Dec. 4, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its 51st annual village tree lighting ceremony, beginning promptly at 3:30 p.m. on the Village Green (corner of Stewart and Hilton Avenues).

Santa will arrive on a Garden City fire truck to assist in the lighting of the three village trees - one at the gazebo, one in front of village hall and the third at the mall at Franklin and Stewart Avenues. The renowned Village Music Makers big band will ring in the sounds of the season and holiday music will be performed by the award-winning Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Robert Ludwig. There will be entertainment for the youngsters and the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department will provide hot chocolate while Bagelman and Riesterer's Bake Shop will provide holiday cookies.

We would like to thank the chamber of commerce, along with Astoria Federal Savings. Thank you also to the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department, the Garden City Police Department, the Garden City Recreation Department and the Garden City Department of Public Works for their efforts in making this such a wonderful event. Please bring your entire family to welcome Santa and the holiday season.

Please Note: Stewart Avenue, between Franklin and Hilton Avenues will be closed between 3 to 4:45 p.m.

Residents in the Village of Garden City are very fortunate in having a vital business community comprised of merchants who are committed to serve us from their shops along Franklin Avenue, Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road. I urge each of you to continue to patronize these local businesses during the holiday and throughout the year. Our business community wants to know how they are doing, so take a minute the next time you are shopping and let them know what you think about the quality of their products and their attention to customer service. As the temperature dips, it is difficult to focus on lawn sprinkling, however, I would like to remind residents that the last day for lawn sprinkling was Nov. 30. The board of trustees join me in expressing appreciation for the cooperation exhibited by residents in water conservation this past year.