The Water Department mailed the 2007 Drinking Water Quality Report. This report demonstrates that our water is safe and meets all federal and state requirements. All results were excellent indicating that the village's corrosion control treatment program was effective in preventing the leaching of lead and copper from your home's plumbing into your drinking water.

During 2007, the village implemented a water conservation program in order to minimize unnecessary water use. I am pleased to announce that the interventions of this program resulted in an approximate five percent lower usage this past year.

Residents are encouraged to implement their own water conservation measures, such as retrofitting plumbing fixtures with flow restrictors, modifying automatic lawn sprinklers to include rain sensors, repairing leaks in the home, installing water conservation fixtures/appliances and maintaining a daily awareness of water conservation in their personal habits including following the Village Lawn Sprinkler Regulations (sprinkling is permitted between 5 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. - odd numbered addresses on odd numbered days of the month, even numbers on even numbered days of the month). Don't forget that the village trees along curbsides, especially those newly planted this past fall require tender watering from residents. In addition to protecting our precious underground water supply, water conservation will produce a cost savings to the consumer in terms of both water and energy bills (hot water).

As adults we know that it is illegal to possess and/or use fireworks. The main reason they became illegal is because they cause injury. Residents are reminded that the Police Department will be on alert to interdict illegal fireworks use to prevent community disruption and often needless injury. I strongly urge parents, who are the ultimate and most effective preventers, to ban the use of fireworks.

Retail sales will be prohibited in the village between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. Certain exceptions are restaurants, delicatessen items, and alcoholic beverages.

In observance of the holiday, municipal offices will be closed Wednesday, July 4 and will reopen Thursday, July 5.

There will be no garbage and recycling pickup on Wednesday, July 4, 2007. The western half of the village (west of Rockaway Avenue) will have garbage pickup on Monday and Friday and the eastern half of the village (east of Rockaway Avenue) will have garbage pickup on Tuesday and Saturday. There will be rubbish pickup on Thursday for the entire village. Residents scheduled for recycling July 4 are asked to put their recyclables out Wednesday, July 11. All other recycling days remain the same.

Once again, compliments are due the Recreation Department for arranging the 2007 season's outstanding Concert Series at the Village Gazebo, located on the Village Green at the corner of Stewart and Hilton Avenues.

This week's program is scheduled for Thursday, July 5, and will feature Linda Ipenema and the Dixie Cats. The program will begin at 7:15 and admission is free. Please bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a very pleasant evening. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cluett Hall at the St. Paul's School. Please contact the Recreation Program Line (742-5888) with questions pertaining to the concert.