On Dec. 1 the village of Farmingdale conducted the holiday lighting of the Tricentennial Tree, an annual tradition which grew out of the Tricentennial of Settlement observance in 1987. As coordinator of this event, I would like to thank the many individuals and groups who assisted in making this joyous ceremony possible:

* Mayor Joe Trudden, the village board, John Giordano and the village staff, especially Jack Scherer and his DPW crew. The new lighting was a tremendous improvement in showcasing our chorus youngsters!

* Superintendent of Schools Jerry Dempsey and Rita Padden, director of fine arts of the Farmingdale Public Schools for their assistance, as in each year past. Judy Feuss, director of the Northside School Junior Chorus, and her youngsters who provided splendid choral selections under frigid conditions. Bob Hejl, audio-visual technician, was again vital in setting up and working the public address system.

* The Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society for funding the publicity ads and fliers.

* The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce for presenting the South Shore Brass Ensemble again this year. This group always adds instrumental sparkle to the program!

* The Kiwanis Club of Farmingdale for again providing refreshments, a welcome service on a frosty evening.

* The Village Beautification Committee, which this year has given our Tricentennial Tree a lighting and decorating makeover truly appropriate for this millennium holiday season. Sylvia Claase and her committee also decorated the front of Village Hall and the Village Green.

* Cub Scout Pack 57 for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

* My colleague Dan Looney, deputy historian, who did a splendid job in sharing the "emcee" role with me.

* The throng of Farmingdalers who endured the cold to participate so enthusiastically.

The annual lighting of the Tricentennial Tree is a brief but truly joyous occasion which unites Farmingdalers at the beginning of a special time of year for all. Many thanks to all who made this year's event possible. Happy Holidays!

Bill Johnston

Historian, Village of Farmingdale