A Word From Mayor John Watras

Inauguration: On behalf of my fellow trustees, I want to thank those residents who took the time to vote in our village election. We look forward to the privilege of serving you in the upcoming year and I welcome the honor and challenge of being mayor. I believe the board will be able to accomplish much over the next years by working together and with residents, village staff and the business community. I also want to thank our outgoing mayor, Donald Brudie, for his years of service to our village as mayor, trustee and CPOA  representative and to his gracious wife, Barbara, for sharing him with us. It is my pleasure to welcome Robert Bolebruch and Richard Silver to the Village Board of Trustees and to extend congratulations to them on their election as village trustees. I look forward to working with them and our returning trustees.

Little League Parade: Saturday, April 6, marks the opening of the 2013 Little League baseball/softball season. The annual Little League parade will step off promptly at 9 a.m from Village Parking Field 9E onto Tenth Street and proceed south on Franklin Avenue to Seventh Street, west on Seventh Street to Hilton Avenue, north on Hilton Avenue to Stewart Avenue for ceremonies at the Village Green.

With the opening of Little League, parents are especially encouraged to pay particular attention to driving safely in the area of village athletic fields. As youngsters are on their way to and from their scheduled games, many of them will dart between parked cars and will fail to look while crossing the street. Let’s make this season not only a happy one but also a safe one in our village.

I would like to take this time to congratulate the Garden City Athletic Association on their 57th year and thank their officers, directors, managers, coaches and all that are involved in this wonderful organization. Not only do they touch the lives of so many youngsters, they have been a valuable asset to our community.  Please plan to attend the parade and give them and the players your support.

Shop and Dine in Garden City: I would like to ask you to do your part to support all businesses within Garden City which includes Seventh Street, Franklin Avenue and New Hyde Park Road. I would also like to encourage all residents and professionals within Garden City to shop locally. Your patronage will be appreciated and is needed.

Many residents consider shopping and dining in our business districts as “experience shopping” because they meet friends and neighbors along the way and have an opportunity to interact with them. This is in stark contrast to frantically dashing through the crowds in the mall or the big box retailers.
I encourage residents to make a conscious effort to choose Garden City as the place to shop and dine. Customer service, selection and quality are outstanding.  While shopping or dining let the merchant know that you appreciate them and all that they offer. I hope to see you one day in one of the village’s many wonderful shops and/or restaurants.

Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule: The next board of trustees meeting will be on Thursday, April 18, at 8 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Board Room at Village Hall.