Best Wishes to Our College Bound Students
Many of our young people are leaving for college. Some for the first time; others to conclude course requirements that will lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees. My associates on the village board join me in wishing them a safe journey and a most productive year. We are very proud of the accomplishments of our young people and look to them as our ambassadors to the many cities, towns and villages throughout the country, which will be their temporary homes.
Welcome Adelphi Students
This week marks the arrival of Adelphi’s Class of 2013 onto the Garden City campus. It gives me pleasure to welcome the students and to compliment them on choosing Adelphi. The board of trustees and I wish President Scott, his faculty and staff as well as the Class of 2013 and all students a most productive year.
The village wants you to consider Garden City your home away from home during the next four years. Don’t forget to visit our shopping areas and many fine restaurants on Seventh Street, Franklin Avenue and New Hyde Park Road; bring your friends and family, all are welcome.
In Preparation for Hurricane Season
I was recently reviewing a publication by the American Red Cross on the subject of hurricane activity. It was interesting to note that many Long Islanders don’t believe our area is in danger of being hit by a major hurricane. Although there have been other hurricanes as recent as 1991 that have struck Long Island, two stand out as pivotal storms that affected many Long Island communities. The devastation from the 1938 hurricane – dubbed the “Long Island Express” was enormous. The storm reshaped the shoreline of Long Island and created great economic and human loss. In 1985 Hurricane Gloria hit one September day and nearly leveled portions of central and eastern Long Island. The Island’s east end is on the list of the top 10 most vulnerable mainland United States areas prone to hurricanes.
While the Incorporated Village of Garden City subscribes to an emergency weather service and carefully monitors regional storm activity, in preparation for implementing its storm emergency plan, there is a lot that residents can and should do to make preparations for the upcoming hurricane season. In this and succeeding columns I will share information so that you can be prepared in the event that a major storm hits Long Island.
The following are just a few important ways we can all prepare for a hurricane:
Stock up – What you have on hand before a hurricane hits can make a big difference as to how well your family handles it.
Create your own disaster preparedness kits – one for home and one to take with you as a “Go Bag” in case you need to evacuate – with enough supplies for everyone in your household.
Include in your disaster preparedness kit:
Water – at least one gallon per person per day.
Food – Non- perishable items you’d want to eat – such as canned food (and a manual can opener), energy bars peanut butter and other nutritious foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
First Aid Kit – Pack a “how to” guide as well. Medications – Essential prescription and non-prescription items and medical information.
Crank radio and flashlight, or batter-powered radio and flashlight (with extra batteries), and a 12-hour glow stick.
Clothing – A change of clothes, rain wear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone. Personal items – Remember specific items such as eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution, personal care and hygiene items, extra (charged) cell phone batteries and comfort items such as toys or books.
Money – Have cash. ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out. Important family documents in a waterproof, portable container – Copies of drivers’ licenses, wills, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, proof of residence (deed or lease), recent tax returns, credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security cards, passport numbers, home inventory list. Special items for infants, elderly, pets or loved ones with special needs. Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
Board of Trustees Summer Meeting
During September, the board of trustees meets once. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m.
Village’s Website
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. A topic of interest that is listed on the village’s website within the Justice Court section is information regarding the Justice Court including their hours of operation, schedule and their location. There is some construction going on at Village Hall, therefore, the usual entrance to the court has been temporarily changed. The court can be entered by walking along the sidewalk into the Police Department into the Justice Court. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.
