MayorPBee@gardencityny.net

www.gardencityny.net

With the arrival of Labor Day and the anticipation of school reopening, comes the third harbinger of autumn - the closing of the Garden City Swimming Pool. Much to the credit of the pool staff, village residents experienced another safe and enjoyable pool season. My compliments to Mr. Kevin Ocker, Ed Fronckwicz and the entire Recreation Staff.

Due to the observance of Labor Day, there will be no garbage or recycling pickup Monday, Sept. 3. Residences west of Rockaway Avenue will have their garbage collected on Tuesday and Friday and those east of Rockaway will be collected on Wednesday and Saturday. Rubbish will be collected on Thursday. Those residents scheduled for recycling pickup Monday, Sept. 3, should place recyclables out Monday, Sept. 10. All other recycling days remain the same.

All motorists are reminded that this week marks the opening of the 2007/08 school term in Garden City. Hundreds of youngsters are walking to and from school, many for the first time. Please pay particular attention when driving in the area of recommended pedestrian routes and schoolyards, while the number of students who will be walking to school will be dramatically increased. This will not be any different than prior years in that a few preoccupied young people will inevitably dart out from in between parked cars or fail to look for oncoming traffic when crossing the street.

While the police and crossing guards are on duty at school crossing zones, many children will be crossing at unprotected areas. Parents are urged to discuss safe practices with their children and to remind them that it is very difficult for passing motorists to see them and effect a stop. A reminder to motorists that the posted speed limit in the area of schools is 20 miles per hour.

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.