Arbor Day is said to date back to antiquity when forests and their trees were venerated during religious rites. Today it is observed in many countries of the world. It was first celebrated in this country in 1872 in Nebraska, where trees were planted to counteract deforestation.

The village will celebrate Arbor Day Thursday, April 26, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Fire Headquarters at Village Hall. I look forward to joining the members of the Civic Beautification Committee and classes from Locust Street School who will assist Village Arborist Michael Didyk in planting a beautiful Sugar Maple. Within the next weeks the Parks Division of the Department of Public Works will be planting approximately 350 new trees at locations throughout the village.

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 4

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

Monday, May 28

Memorial Day Parade and Fair - service at 9 a.m.

Parade begins at 10 a.m.

Friday, June 8

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 the 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 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. 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 and 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 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.

I would like to make a correction to last week's column with reference to the Garden City Chamber of Commerce's Easter Auto Parade. Thanks should have been extended to Roger Eltringham and Althea Robinson as well as the Easter Parade Committee and all the people who worked hard behind the scenes along with Kiwanis, 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.