Tree lightings spark holiday spirit

Richard Tedesco

The spirit of the holiday season was kindled in tree lighting events in Williston Park and Mineola over the weekend, with special appearances by Santa Claus adding to the thrill of the sparkling lights for the children attending both events.

On Sunday night in Williston Park, fourth and fifth graders from the Searingtown School string ensemble did a masterful job of performing a sequence of Christmas tunes under the baton of their teacher, Andrea Somma, on the steps of Williston Park Village Hall.

St. Aidan School Girls Scouts, third graders from Brownie Troop 1832 and first grade Daisies, made the atmosphere more festive with their own creative renditions of “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Jingle Bells,” “Let It Snow” and “Silent Night” accompanied by the young Searingtown musicians.

Excited children joined in the countdown for the colored bulbs that flashed on, transforming the evergreen on the Village Hall lawn to something magical in their eyes. The countdown dissolved into a chorus of excited squeals, and they immediately scattered as Santa Claus showed up with Rudolf riding up to the nearby Williston Park Fire Department substation in a convoy of traditional red fire trucks.

Some lined up to sit on Santa’s lap or commune with Rudolf, as their parents preserved the moments by taking pictures with digital cameras and cell phones. Others made a bee-line for the hot chocolate and cookies being served up, but everyone was visibly exited by the festivities.

“I just hope everybody enjoys a safe, happy and health Christmas and Hanukah season,” Village of Williston Park Mayor Paul Ehrbar said.

Williston Park Deputy Mayor William Darmstadt and trustees Teresa Thomann and Kevin Rynne, sporting a Santa Claus cap, also participated in the annual seasonal observance.

In Mineola on Friday night, local residents gathered in the parking lot between the Mineola Fire Department headquarters and Piccola Bussola, as the popular Italian restaurant’s owner Tony Lubrano carried a tray of hot chocolate in the prelude to the Christmas tree lighting.

No one really needed the sweet treat at either event, as the unseasonably mild weather seemed to help buoy spirits for the main event.

The Chaminade Jazz Band played “Rudolf” in the run-up to the tree lighting in Mineola as well as spirited renditions of “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “My Favorite Things.”

The highlight of the musical prelude was an a cappella performance by nine-year-old tenor Ben Truncale Jr., who held most of the crowd spellbound with simple, sterling versions of “Silent Night” and “Ave Maria” as he provided his own special illumination for the event in a well-lit space in front of the Chaminade bandstand.

Village of Mineola Scott Strauss, Deputy Mayor Paul Pereira and Trustee Paul Cusato stood in the spotlight with the young vocalist, transfixed by his performance along with the other onlookers.

Strauss offered his wishes for a happy holiday season and led the countdown for the tree lighting. He also announced the imminent arrival of Santa Claus, who showed the same preference for traveling by fire truck – rather than reindeer-powered sleigh – that he demonstrated in Williston Park two nights later.

State Sen. Jack Martins joined his former board of trustee colleagues in observing Truncale’s performance after he was initially observed standing unobtrusively on the periphery of the crowd with his family dog in tow.

Asked what was at the top of his Christmas wish list, Martins smiled and said, “Long Island Bus for all.”

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