It is with great pleasure that I announce that Garden City has once again been awarded the designation of Tree City, USA.

This award, granted by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the US Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes communities that meet detailed, objective standards applied to trees on public property. These standards involve ongoing tree planting, maintenance and preservation of trees and the number of variety of trees planted per year in the community. Evaluations are made on the basis of four standards: a legally constituted municipal tree body, the adoption of tree ordinances, a comprehensive Community Forestry Program and the observance of Arbor Day.

I have recently received inquiries from several residents asking how they can donate a bench, tree, shrub, etc. to the incorporated village as a lasting memorial to a friend or family member. Prior to answering this question, I want to thank the many residents who have made contributions toward the purchase and installation of trees, benches, etc. They have been located throughout the village and have been enjoyed by residents and visitors to our beautiful community.

Those interested in making a donation of a bench or tree may do so by contacting the village administrator's office at Village Hall (465-4051). The current price of a bench is approximately $675 and depending on the species of the tree the cost is $275.

Thank you for your generosity and for adding attractive accessories to our community.

Storm water pollution is anything that gets in the path of a raindrop. Every time it rains storm water is carried directly to our surface waters. That means that storm water pollution can have detrimental effects to creeks, lakes, rivers and the oceans into which it drains. Storm water can carry sediment, trash, automotive fluids such as used oil and antifreeze, grass clippings, leaves, yard waste, excess fertilizers, animal waste, pesticides and anything else that gets in its way.

Some things that we can do as citizens to prevent storm water pollution are: Never dump anything down a storm drain. All storm drains flow directly to creeks and lakes. Take used oil, paint and other household hazardous waste to recycling centers. Check your car for oil and/or other leaks. Pick up after your pets. Dispose of animal waste properly in a trash receptacle or flush it down the toilet. Apply fertilizers and pesticides exactly where you want them. Avoid overspraying them onto sidewalks, driveways or streets. Reduce the amount of fertilizers you need to apply by testing the soil in your yard first. Adjust sprinklers so that you're not watering the street or sidewalk. Redirect roof gutters to lawns, natural areas or rain gardens. Take your car to a car wash instead of washing it on the driveway. Sweep up yard debris instead of washing it away. Bundle yard waste at the curb for pick-up. Blow leaves and grass clippings back into your yard instead of leaving them in the street to wash down the storm drain. Use a compost bin to turn yard waste into a useful gardening product. Replant bare areas to avoid soil erosion. Keep invasive plants from growing in your yard. Remove them before they have a chance to grow and spread. Avoid planting exotic plants. Select only plants that are native to this area. Report spills, dumping or suspected water pollution to the village. Clear clogged storm drains as blocked drains cause drainage problems. Participate in community-wide clean up days and other events and alert neighbors to the storm water pollution problem.