Standing in front of Village Hall surrounded by trustees, town politicians and religious leaders, Mayor Jim Avena flicked a switch, illuminating hundreds of holiday lights, a Christmas tree and a menorah, declaring “the start of the holiday season in Manorhaven.”
Residents gathered last Wednesday for the Christmas tree and menorah lighting, which was followed by a reception that included a band playing holiday music and pictures with Santa.
“I’m very happy that residents and elected officials came out tonight,” Avena said. This is a great night for the Manorhaven community, and like always, residents are here to support the village.”
“This just shows once again that Port Washington residents come together during the holidays,” Avena said. “I’m really happy everyone gets to share this with the village of Manorhaven and I wish everyone the best holiday wishes.’’
Avena was joined by Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf of the Port Washington Jewish Center, who said “Christmas brings light and Hanukkah brings light, too, so it’s so great that we are able to celebrate them both.”
“It’s a time of never giving up,” Graf said. “We need to all believe and find a way to add light to the world.”
North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth commended Manorhaven for being “a village that always comes together.”
“During the holiday season, everyone has so much to be grateful for,” she said. “And this is so great to see happening in Port Washington.”
Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton praised Manorhaven for celebrating often.
“I love Manorhaven and every celebration you guys do is done in a gracious way,” she said.
Residents filed into Village Hall after the lighting to listen to a three-piece band perform holiday songs and to take pictures with Santa.
While drinking hot cocoa and eating holiday cookies, families lined up to take pictures — children sitting on Santa’s lap and parents gathered around for a holiday shot.
“This really is a great night for the village,” Avena said.
