This Sunday, June 29, marks the graduation of the Garden City High School Class of 2008. On behalf of the village board of trustees and the residents we extend our very best wishes and congratulations to the Class of 2008. They are an outstanding group of young people who are a credit to our community and I know that they will be ambassadors in their "homes away from home" during their college years. We urge them to keep listening, learning, and to seek knowledge so that they can make a difference. Kevin Ocker, chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs, and his team had many visitors to the first rate pool for its 52nd season opening day. I think that members will agree that the plantings are noteworthy. Congratulations to all! Any questions with regard to application forms/procedures, etc. should be directed to the Garden City Pool at 483-1714, between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m, Monday through Friday.

The Water Department mailed the 2008 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 2008, 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 5 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).

At the close of Adelphi University's 2007/2008 academic year, I want to acknowledge and compliment President Robert A. Scott on the many contributions that he and his administration have made during this past year. While Adelphi University has always been a hospitable neighbor, President Scott has made a special effort to not only attend village functions he has been invited to but also open the Adelphi campus to the entire Garden City community. This has ranged from hosting an outstanding cultural lecture series, welcoming youth athletic teams onto their playing fields, providing a tour of the campus to the village trustees as well as conducting a study on the needs of seniors in Garden City.

On behalf of the board of trustees I look forward to continuing our relationship with Dr. Scott and to partnering with him by sharing resources that all sectors of the village can benefit from. We wish him a smooth and successful opening of the Fall 2008/Spring 2009 academic year.

Once again, compliments are due to the Recreation Department for arranging the 2008 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, June 26, and will feature the band, Time Was.

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 St. Paul's School. Please contact the Recreation Program Line (742-5888) with questions pertaining to the concert.

During July and August the board of trustees will meet once a month. The dates are Thursday, July 17, and Thursday, Aug. 21, at 8 p.m. 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.