On Dec. 6 the Village of Farmingdale conducted the 12th annual holiday lighting of the Tricentennial Tree, a 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, and especially Jack Scherer and his DPW crew. The role of all these individuals is most vital to the program.

* 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. Michelle Lindsley, director of the Farmingdale High School Mixed Chorus, and her talented students who provided splendid choral selections under frigid conditions. Bob Jejl, district 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.

* Sylvia Claase and the members of the Village Beautification Committee, who again this year has given our village a festive appearance for the holiday season.

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

* The throng of Farmingdale residents 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. Hope you all had a happy holiday and happy new year.

-Bill Johnston

Historian, Village of Farmingdale