Tree Restoration Plan Begins This Fall
It has been a year since the Village lost nearly 700 mature street trees from its inventory due to Hurricane Sandy. While the village has been reimbursed from the federal government for clean up costs, new trees are not reimbursable. In collaboration with the Urban Horticultural Institute at Cornell University, an arbor restoration plan has been developed and Phase I will begin this week with the planting of over 200 new trees in areas throughout the village that suffered the most tree losses. All tree planting will be performed by contract as a result of a competitive bid process requiring a one-year guarantee and the supply of over 30 new cultivars recommended by Cornell University. Phase II planting will follow in Spring 2014, using the remainder of the capital funds appropriated in the 2013-14 fiscal plan.
Traditional Christmas Tree Lighting—Sunday, Dec. 8
On Sunday, Dec 8, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its 59th Village Tree Lighting Ceremony, beginning promptly at 3:30 p.m. on the village green (corner of Stewart and Hilton Avenues).
This year’s program once again is sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings and will feature the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Stephen Mayo, playing a medley of holiday music. Also featured will be the Fivestone Band well known for their performances at past spring Belmont Festivals and Chamber Fall Festival Street Fairs. They will be performing special renditions of familiar holiday tunes. An added attraction this year will be the young Garden City Recreation Dancers. As always, “Kingsley Bear”, King’s Supermarket mascot, will be on hand to pose with the little ones. The Garden City Volunteer Fire Department will deliver Santa Claus and hot chocolate will be provided to everyone. Please bring your entire family to welcome Santa and the Holiday Season. I look forward to seeing you all there!
Christmas Angel
I have been asked by Johanna Sofield, president of Long Beach Christmas Angel to reach out the residents and businesses in Garden City to support their efforts to assist families in the Long Beach School District affected by Hurricane Sandy. Although our village suffered damages from Hurricane Sandy, we were fortunate not to have the devastation that Long Beach endured.
The Long Beach Christmas Angel, Inc., Holiday Fundraiser Party will take place on Friday, Dec. 6 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight at the Bridgeview Yacht Club in Island Park. Individual tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door. There will be music by JahStix, Ground Swell alonge with a DJ. The proceeds of this event will benefit families who are in financial crisis within the Long Beach School District. For more information please visit www.longbeachchristmasangel.com or contact Johanna at lbca@optonline.net or 516-697-4551.
Board Of Trustees Meeting Schedule
The next regularly scheduled board of trustees meetings that will be held in December are on Dec. 5 and Dec. 19. I encourage all residents to attend board of trustees meetings so as to be thoroughly informed of village issues from a first-hand perspective.
