www.gardencityny.net Special thanks to parade directors George Nigohosian and Chris Smalley, along with representatives from the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanas, Police, Special Police and Department of Public Works for making the Easter Auto Parade the success that it was. It was most gratifying to see all of the smiles on the faces of all of those in attendance.

The board of trustees join me in extending our sincere gratitude to former Chief Edward S. Moran for the dedicated and professional level of service that he rendered to our village during his tenure as chief of the Garden City Fire Department. Special thanks is also due to his wife, Karen, for having shared Ed with us.

As a result of the fire department election held, the new chief is John P. Casey. 1st Assistant Chief James J. Meehan, 2nd Assistant Chief William J. Graham and 3rd Assistant Chief Charles S. Cavarra will aid him during the coming year. We wish them well and thank them for their involvement.

We were pleased to learn from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada that the village's Comprehensive Annual Finance Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2004 earned a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and its accomplishment by the village. This is the 10th consecutive year that the village has received this national recognition. Special thanks are due to Village Auditor James Olivo and Village Assessor Frank Kelly.

With spring here, plans are already under way for various events that are scheduled in Garden City. These events are designed for the entire family so be sure to mark your calendar. Some of these activities include:

Friday, May 5

SEPTA Street Fair on Seventh Street (2 to 9 p.m.)

Monday, May 29

Annual Memorial Day Parade and Fair - service at 9 p.m.

Parade begins at 10 a.m.

Friday, June 9

Belmont Parade and Street Fair - Parade begins at 7 p.m.

Franklin Avenue to Seventh Street (6 to 10 p.m.)

We all want to keep the environment clean and green. However, I would like to remind village residents that although we want to have beautiful lawns and flowers, we must keep in mind the village's law with regard to water conservation (Local Law 3-1987) is now in effect. The restrictions are:

Lawn sprinkling and garden irrigation:

Only from April 16 to Nov. 30 of each year and only during the hours of 5 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.

The days a person may water are:

Odd numbered properties on odd numbered days

Even numbered properties on even numbered days

Properties with no numbers on even numbered days

Automatic sprinkler systems:

All newly installed systems must have moisture sensors approved by the Department of Public Works. For more information please call 465-4012 regarding sprinkler systems.

Miscellaneous:

All home car washing must be done with hoses fitted with spray nozzles with automatic shut-off. Use of water for washing down driveways or walkways is prohibited.

Please cooperate by observing these restrictions. The police department has been requested to issue appearance tickets to those persons found to be in violation of this law.