Our new playground at the St. Paul's Recreational Complex is nearing completion. Last week the safety surfacing was installed under the new playground equipment and had not had time to cure when several young people found their way into the playground, compromising both the temporary exterior security fence as well as the interior playground fence. Unfortunately, the surfacing sustained significant damage. The surface has since been repaired, but at additional expense to the village. As we put the finishing touches on this great new addition to St. Paul's, please understand that the playground is closed and secured with a fence to prevent entry. Next week we will announce when the playground will be opened to the public. Monday, May 22, was the graduation of Adelphi University's Class of 2006. My colleagues on the village board of trustees and I join all of the residents of our village in extending congratulations to these outstanding young people. They have been a credit to our community and I am sure they will continue to reflect well on Garden City as Adelphi University's alumni. We wish the Class of 2006 the very best and congratulate you on your many accomplishments and contributions.

Village offices will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day and will reopen Tuesday, May 30, at 8:30 a.m. For your convenience, correspondence for the village may be placed in the "Letter" drop slot at the front door.

Residents are reminded that there will be no garbage or recycling pickup on Monday, May 29. Those scheduled for recycling are asked to put their recyclables out Monday, June 6.

The Belmont Stakes Festival Committee has advised me that this year's festival, the village's eighth, is going to be better and more exciting than ever before. The parade and street fair will be held Friday, June 9. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. Franklin Avenue to Seventh Street will be closed from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Bring your family and join your friends and neighbors along Franklin Avenue and Seventh Street for the parade and festivities.

Working under a special permit from the village, food establishments on Seventh Street, New Hyde Park Road and Franklin Avenue have placed tables and chairs outside their shops and restaurants for your convenience and enjoyment. Please stop by to let the merchants know that you appreciate their efforts and enjoy the many fine tastes of Garden City.

For the second time in three years, the Adelphi women's lacrosse team has been crowned NCAA Division II National Champions. In almost a carbon copy of the 2004 season, the Panthers were undefeated until their regular season finale against cross-county foe, C.W. Post. It took the Pioneers double overtime to top the Panthers, 14-13, and claim the NYCAC regular season title. Both teams were guaranteed an NCAA berth by virtue of their overall ranking and records, setting up a rematch in the first game of the Final Four at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.

As in 2004, Adelphi was victorious, defeating 9-8 to advance to the championship game against West Chester State University of Pennsylvania. The Panthers dominated the Golden Rams throughout the contest, cruising to a 16-8 win for the title. Seven players were named to the all-tournament team, led by junior mid-fielder Meghan Blume (Bel Air, MD) who was voted "Most Outstanding Player." A total of 10 players were named All-NYCAC, with freshman Rachel Ray (Rocky Point, NY) named NYCAC Rookie of the Year. Eight players were named to the First Team and two players were named to the Second Team. The Panthers set a new school record for most wins in a season (16) and most consecutive wins (14). All-Region and All-America honors are forthcoming.