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 Dec. 3. 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. Without the village and the DPW staff, this annual event would not take place; in addition to all their customary assistance, this year they also set up and manned the public address system.

* The Farmingdale Public Schools, including Superintendent Dr. Roberta A. Gerold; Saltzman-East Memorial Principal Eve Dieringer; Director of Fine Arts Rita Padden; Director of Library/Audio-Visual Services Barbara Pandolfo; and most especially Jennifer Olster, director of the fourth-grade chorus at Saltzman-East Memorial, and her talented chorus members for their lovely seasonal selections; Fayaka Hanada, Yuri Hanada, and Maureen Pye, violinists with the Farmingdale High School Orchestra for accompanying the Saltzman-East Memorial youngsters. All three students are Tri-M Honor Society members!

* Marta Kane, editor of the Farmingdale Observer, for the articles promoting the tree-lighting in the two issues just before the event.

* The Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society, Larry Jorgensen, president, for funding advertising and printing of fliers on the tree-lighting. Thanks also to FBHS member Arthur Kranz for distributing the fliers to local businesses.

* The Kiwanis Club of Farmingdale, George Valente, president, for once again providing refreshments after the program in village hall.

* The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, Pete Yovine, president, for once again providing the services of the South Shore Brass Ensemble, a superb group which adds instrumental color each year. I am especially appreciative of the role of chamber members Charles Federlin and Ralph Ekstrand with this program.

* The Village Beautification Committee, Karen Bensen, chairperson, for decorating village hall and numerous other locations throughout the village so festively, to reflect this joyous season.

* The Village of Amityville for their assistance in decorating the tricentennial tree for the fourth year. This tree has outgrown the stepladder stage, and the Amityville DPW's staff and equipment are most appreciated.

* The enthusiastic youngsters who helped Mayor Trudden light the tree. Their eagerness reminds all of us to savor the joy and magic of the holidays, whatever our age.

* My colleague Dan Looney, deputy village historian, for his counsel and assistance in coordinating the program.

* Finally, to all those residents of Farmingdale who came out on a frosty evening for this 15th annual tree-lighting, a sincere thank you.

Happy holidays to all

Bill Johnston

Historian, Village of Farmingdale