As coordinator of the annual holiday lighting of the Village of Farmingdale's Tricentennial Tree, I would like to thank all those who contributed to this year's program on December 5. Although the tree-lighting is a rather brief event, there are nevertheless numerous individuals and several organizations who cooperate to make it possible.

Many thanks to:

* The Village of Farmingdale, including Mayor Joseph M. Trudden, Trustees Marialyce Denauski, Dr. Benjamin Giminaro, Mike Kelly and Vinny Sotis; Clerk/Treasurer John Giordano; and Superintendent of Public Works Jack Scherer and his staff for their invaluable service.

* The Farmingdale Public Schools, including Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta A. Gerold; Northside School Principal Liz Garavuso; Director of Fine Arts Rita Padden; Northside Junior Chorus Director Judy Feuss and her talented chorus members, and Bob Hejl, audio-visual technician who set up and manned the public address system.

* The Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society, Dr. Benjamin Giminaro, president, for funding advertising and printing of fliers on the tree-lighting.

* The Kiwanis Club of Farmingdale, John Mace, president, for again providing refreshments after the program in Village Hall.

* The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, Edwin J. Lucie, president, for once again providing the services of the South Shore Brass Ensemble, a superb group which adds instrumental sparkle each year.

* The Village Beautification Committee, Sylvia Claase, chairperson, for trimming not only the Tricentennial Tree, but also for decorating Village Hall and numerous other locations throughout the Village so festively.

* My colleague Dan Looney, deputy Village Historian, for assisting with the "emcee" role so capably.

* Finally, thanks to all those residents of Farmingdale who turned out in such a large number for the tree-lighting. Happy holidays to all!

Bill Johnston,

Historian, Village of Farmingdale