Residents are encouraged to make our business districts both safe and pedestrian friendly.

Early one morning last week while I was seated at one of the alfresco dining tables on Seventh Street I was distressed to observe a number of vehicles fail to stop for pedestrians who were waiting in the crosswalk to cross the street. Please become aware that under the State Law motorists are required to stop for pedestrians who are in their side of the crosswalk.

If you have recently had a tree planted in front of your home, please take the time to water it. The proper way to water is to first loosen the soil around the tree if it has become baked hard and then allow a hose to run at the base of the tree at a rate slow enough so that the water will be absorbed into the area around the tree trunk.

Watering hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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. The next program is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 14.

The program will begin at 7:15 p.m. 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 the St. Paul's School. Please contact the Recreation Program Line (742-5888) with questions pertaining to the concert.

During August the Board of Trustees will meet once a month. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. The Mayor's Committee Report on St. Paul's which was presented at the July 17 Board of Trustees Meeting has been posted on the website along with three appraisal reports. There is also a link that can be accessed in which you can write a comment to the Mayor and Board of Trustees with regard to the report. The village website address is www.gardencityny.net. Copies of the report are also available at the Reference Desk of the Library and at the Business Office at Village Hall. 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. 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.