New Hyde Park Village
In the first real cold snap of the season, last Saturday and Sunday, both the New Hyde Park Village and the Village of Williston Park held tree lighting ceremonies on their front lawns to herald the start of the Christmas holidays.
The Village of New Hyde Park started off their ceremonies, under the direction of Lisa Miranda, the head of the Cultural Commission with a visit from magician The Magic of Amore. He thoroughly delighted the children with all of his many tricks as he pulled things from his sleeve and behind his ear. The children loved every minute of it.
This year, Kathy Richards of Little Treasures Pre-School donated Christmas decorated stockings to each child and Pea Pod of Stop & Shop handed out chances to receive two $25 gift certificates. State Bank of Long Island sponsored the Magic of Amore and representing them at the event was New Hyde Park manager Rich DeMartino and vice-president Mary Durkin.
The children also received hot chocolate and cookies and they all bundled up to go out in the cold to greet Santa who was transported to the village lawn by one of the New Hyde Park Fire Department trucks.
Once everyone was outside and Santa was busy handing out candy canes, Deputy Mayor Robert Lofaro, with the help of trustees Lawrence Montreuil, Richard Coppola and Donald Barbieri and his trusted dog Hailey, because Mayor Daniel Petruccio had to leave for another event, pulled the lever and the Christmas tree on the lawn of New Hyde Park Village Hall was awash in brilliant multi-colored lights, thanks to the hard work of Rich Pallisco and his committee.
Williston Park Village
On Sunday evening, as the temperature took another dip, the members of the South Street Brass, Williston Park Daisy Troop No. 1591 and Brownie Scout Troop No. 1832 played and sang Christmas Carols as they patiently awaited for Santa and his “friends” to arrive atop the Williston Park fire truck.
In the meantime, due to the extreme cold, Williston Park Mayor Paul Ehrbar pulled the lever that lit the beautiful tree on the lawn of the Williston Park Village Hall and it, too, was awash with brilliant glowing lights.
All the children went around the corner as they visited with Santa and then were treated to hot chocolate and cookies to try to thaw out their very cold hands and feet.
In spite of all the frigid temperatures, everyone in both villages had a marvelous time.
