Monday, May 19 was the graduation of Adelphi University's Class of 2008. My colleagues on the village board of trustees and I join all of the residents of our village in extending congratulations to these outstanding young people. They have been a credit to our community and I am sure they will continue to reflect well on Garden City as Adelphi University's alumni. We wish the Class of 2008 the very best and congratulate you on your many accomplishments and contributions.

Village offices will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day and will reopen Tuesday, May 27, at 8:30 a.m. For your convenience, correspondence for the village may be placed in the "Letter" drop slot at the front door.

Residents are reminded that there will be no garbage or recycling pickup Monday, May 26. Garbage will be collected Tuesday and Friday for the western half and Wednesday and Saturday for the eastern half of the village. Those scheduled for recycling are asked to put their recyclables out Monday, June 2.

The Belmont Stakes Festival Committee has advised me that this year's festival, the village's 11th, is going to be better and more exciting than ever before. The parade and street fair will be held Friday, June 6. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. starting at Tenth Street and Franklin Avenue and continue onto Seventh Street. Seventh Street will be closed from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bring your family and join your friends and neighbors along Franklin Avenue and Seventh Street for the parade and festivities.

Working under a special permit from the village, food establishments on Seventh Street, New Hyde Park Road and Franklin Avenue have placed tables and chairs outside their shops and restaurants for your convenience and enjoyment. Please stop by to let the merchants know that you appreciate their efforts and enjoy the many fine tastes of Garden City. The next board of trustees meetings will be held Thursday, May 22 and Thursday, June 5. The meetings will be held in the Board Room at Village Hall and will begin 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.