From The Mayor’s Office

Mayor@gardencityny.net

GO RED FOR WOMEN

Today, February 5, 2010 marks the seventh annual American Heart Association National Wear Red Day for Women to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 health threat facing women today. Unfortunately, most people still do not know that heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for women. These two diseases kill more than 480,000 women in the United States every year; more than the next five causes of death combined, including all cancers. On Long Island, more than 5,600 women die of heart disease and stroke each year.

One of the components of Go Red for Women will be National “Wear Red Day for Women” on February 5, 2010. Today, Friday, February 5th, wear something red — a red dress, tie, jacket, scarf, hat, blouse or shirt. Go Red For Women and show your commitment to reducing risk, improving health and saving women’s lives.

Please show your support for women and join the American Heart Association as they “Paint Long Island Red”. Some of the activities planned can be viewed on their web site www.americanheart.org.

SAFE DISPOSAL OF REFUSE

A reminder to residents that the following guidelines are to be used in the disposition of refuse in order to protect our employees:

1. Sharp objects, such as broken glass, sharp pieces of metal and knives should not be placed loosely in plastic or paper bags. Proper precaution should be taken, such as placing them in cardboard boxes tied with string or tape.

2. All hypodermic needles should be bent and the point blunted.

3. Dust from vacuum cleaners, barbecue pits and sandings from wooden floors should not be placed loosely in a trash barrel. They should be placed in a paper bag or plastic container for disposal.

4. Dangerous objects, such as acid, gasoline and explosives, should not be placed in garbage or rubbish. If you have any questions concerning the disposal of dangerous items, please call the Sanitation Department.

5. Do not overload containers. The maximum weight per container is 40 lbs. Overloading containers with heavy objects, such as broken concrete, has resulted in back injuries to our personnel.

BARKING DOGS

We all know barking dogs can be a helpful security device and vandalism deterrent. But recently several residents have mentioned that neighbors are leaving barking dogs outside for extended periods of time and it is having an impact on their quality of quiet enjoyment in their homes. I ask that as a courtesy to all, please monitor dogs that are left outside for extended periods of time and be aware how this may be affecting your neighbors and friends.

WINTER WATER FACTS AND TIPS

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some winter water facts and tips that were recently sent to me.

• Outside water faucets have a valve inside which can be shut off during winter months. Purchasing an insulated hose faucet cover will also help protect the valve from freezing.

• Frozen pipes can result in damage to your home, and repairs can be costly. If you have experienced freeze-up problems in the past, it is suggested that a faucet be allowed to flow with a steady drip which will help prevent the recurrence of a freeze-up.

• To prevent pipes from freezing, you can insulate them and keep your thermostat set at no less than 60 degrees.

BUDGET WORK SESSIONS

I would like to remind you that the Board of Trustees will be conducting work sessions to review the proposed 2010/11 Operating/ Capital Budgets on:

Saturday, February 6, 2010 - 8:30 a.m.

(Capital Budget and Tour of Facilities)

Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.

(Budget Work Session 1 - Board Review)

Saturday, February 27, 2010 - 8:30 a.m.

(Budget Work Session 2 - Board Review)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.

(Final Budget Work Session)

These sessions are currently scheduled to be held in the Board Room at Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES’

MEETING SCHEDULE

The next regularly scheduled Board of Trustees’ meeting will be on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.

VILLAGE’S WEB SITE

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. For your convenience, listed on the Village’s home page under the Heading of Administration is information listing the Village Boards and Commissions along with their agendas.