I was saddened to learn of the passing of Myron Nelkin, the owner of The Garden City Hotel. Mr. Nelkin is credited with rebuilding and restoring the unofficial landmark to prominence after he purchased it in 1978. The village is saddened by this loss and on behalf of the village and the village board of trustees, I have expressed my sympathies to his family. I know that he will be missed but I am - we are - pleased that the hotel, his legacy, is part of our village. Residents will be pleased to know that there is a video clip of Garden City on Newsday's website (www.newsday.com/gardencity). I was interviewed by Newsday a few weeks ago and I am happy to report that the video captures our village and all of its charm. If you have access to a computer and have a moment, please visit their website and enjoy the tour that they have made of our village.

We are all interested in physical fitness. Please walk and jog safely. Rule number one: obey the rules of the road, specifically for pedestrians. Jog facing traffic using sidewalks when possible. Obey traffic signals and signs. And remember, while every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian, no pedestrian should suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impractical for the driver to stop. The rest is common sense, things we have all been told all our lives but perhaps tend to forget. Wear light colors and reflective material at night. Most running shoes are made with reflective material. Check yours. They are especially effective because the running shoes are always in motion. Pay attention, look where you're going, and if you're using your walkman, make sure you can still hear what's going on. Above all remember, the human body is no match for the automobile. In addition, when walking to a destination after dark, walk along the illuminated sidewalk. Never take a shortcut that could bring you into a darkened area away from the view of other pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

Please share this information with your children.

It is wonderful to see so many Garden City residents as well as visitors to our village enjoying alfresco dining on New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Avenue and Seventh Street. The village piloted alfresco dining in the summer of 1996. The Garden City Chamber of Commerce supported outdoor dining as a strategy to encourage shopping in Garden City. They asked the village to change its code to allow outdoor dining by permit, which the village did May 15, 1997. For the past nine seasons the number of businesses providing this feature continues to grow. This year there are over 25 businesses that have permits. There is no doubt that alfresco dining is an overwhelming success. I encourage residents to come early and combine shopping with dining outside at their favorite place.

Once again, compliments are due to 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, Aug. 9, and will feature Six Gun. 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.

I encourage residents to periodically utilize the village's website for information regarding the village's operations, as well as items of seasonal and special interest. The address is www.gardencityny.net. Also please be aware that I have a village email address and would be delighted to hear from village residents about their concerns. It is as follows: MayorPBee@gardencityny.net.