A Word From Mayor John Watras

Youth-Related Activity: Police Commissioner Jackson has asked me to inform residents that with the warmer weather upon us, there has been an increase in youth-related activities that have had a negative impact on the community such as, but not limited to, criminal mischief, harassment and alcohol use. This type of behavior could result in tragic consequences.

Parents are urged to speak with their children and stress the importance of making smart decisions, refraining from destructive behavior and respecting others who live in their community. This is particularly true concerning alcohol use. Parents should be aware of the activities their children are involved in, as well as their whereabouts, especially during evening and overnight hours.  Alcohol use poses a serious threat to children, as well as the community; it often leads to irrational behavior such as property destruction, or driving under the influence.

Pool Opening Day, Open House: This past Saturday was the opening of the Garden City swimming pool. Mr. Kevin Ocker, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs and his team had many visitors to the pool for its 57th season opening day. This Sunday, June 16, at noon, will be “Open House” at the pool and if you are not a member you can enjoy the benefits of the pool at this open house for the modest guest fee of $11 for adults and $9 for children under 12 years of age and senior citizens over 65 years of age. Whether you are presently a member or not, please come for the day and see and feel the benefits of this wonderful village asset. 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.

Congratulations to the Class of 2013: Next Saturday, June 22, marks the graduation of the Garden City High School Class of 2013. On behalf of the village board of trustees and the residents we extend our very best wishes and congratulations to the Class of 2013. They are an outstanding group of young people who are a credit to our community and I know that they will be ambassadors of Garden City 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. We also wish them success with their college studies and safe journeys to and from college. Keep in mind that your parents are always concerned about your well-being.

Adelphi University: At the close of Adelphi University’s 2012/2013 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 to which he has been invited but he has also opened 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, I look forward to continuing our relationship with Dr. Scott and to partnering with him by sharing resources that will benefit all sectors of the village. We wish him continued success in opening the fall 2013/spring 2014 academic year.

Belmont Festival Rescheduled to Friday, June 28: Due to last Friday’s inclement weather, the 16th annual Belmont Festival at Garden City has been rescheduled to Friday, June 28. Entertainment, live music and plenty of activities for the youngsters are planned and as always, great food. The festival's five great bands include the Fivestone Rock Band, Jerry & the Newcomers, the New Vintage Orchestra, Nor Easter Band (formerly Speak Easy) and the Village Music Makers, as well as, back  by popular demand, young dancers from Garden City’s Broadway Bound Dance. There will also be pony rides, face painters and carnival booths with prizes.

Restaurants will compete for the best wings in the Wing-Off Competition. The proceeds of this contest will directly benefit the Long Island Red Cross for their efforts in the Sandy recovery.

As of this writing, contributing event sponsors include the New York Racing Association and Stifel Investment Services Group.

In order to accommodate the event as safely as possible, Seventh Street will be cleared of parked vehicles starting at 4 p.m. and will be closed to all traffic at that time. Parking fields to the rear of the stores (7S and 7N) will remain open. If your car is parked on Seventh Street, please make sure that it is removed prior to 4 p.m.

Please mark your calendar and make it a point to attend this annual family event. I hope to see you and your families there.

Special Thanks to Our School Crossing Guards: Regardless of the weather conditions during each school day for the past nine months, our school crossing guards have been at their designated posts to watch over our children. Please take a minute during the next few weeks to thank them for doing such a fine job to protect our young people.

Shop Locally: Please continue to support the local merchants and I look forward to seeing everyone in town.

Board of Trustees Meetings: The next board of trustees meeting will be held on Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. This meeting is held in the boardroom at Village Hall. I encourage all residents to attend board of trustees meetings so as to be thoroughly informed of village issues from a first-hand perspective.