A Christmas gift to the Village of Garden City was announced with the Dec. 18 notification to the Garden City Bird Sanctuary of a grant of $7,500 in funding in response to the Bird Sanctuary's successful application for an Urban and Community Forestry Project. Denise M. Sheehan, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, notified Rob Alvey: "On behalf of Governor Pataki, I want to congratulate you on your successful application to receive funding for your Urban and Community Forestry Project. Your tree planting project has been approved for a total state share of $7,500 ... You are to be commended for your success in this grant process. I am pleased to support your effort at improving your urban tree cover. Together we are helping to enhance natural resources for all New Yorkers for generations to come ... Across the state, it is heartening to see the initiative of municipalities, grassroots organizations and volunteers working in partnership to further improve New York's urban forests. Again, my congratulations on your successful proposal." FULL STORY

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce's Shop Window Competition, a 28-year tradition, began following the "energy crunch" of the late '70s to encourage renewed interest in decorating the business districts and to attract shoppers for the holiday season. FULL STORY

The Garden City Recreation Department is proud to announce it will once again offer a 30 and over adult roller hockey pick up game program Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. This 12-week program will begin Sunday, Jan. 28, at the roller hockey rinks located at Community Park. Cost of the program will be $50. The games are just for fun and will be supervised by members of the hockey staff. Please be advised all players must reside in Garden City. To register for this program, visit the recreation office in village hall. Questions? Contact Andrew at gcrechockey@aol.com. FULL STORY

All tennis and platform players using Community Park's facilities are requested to park in the north parking lot of Community Park. Construction is beginning on the mini golf area and the entire area south of the courts will be fenced off, with no access from the south to reach the courts. Thank you for your patience. FULL STORY