For more than 20 years, Garden City and the surrounding communities have ushered in the holiday season by joining together at The Garden City Hotel for a very special event - the annual tree lighting ceremony. This year's Garden City Hotel tree lighting promises to be the best so far and will take place Monday, Nov. 28, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Come prepared to enjoy holiday cheer, festive caroling, a winter wonderland complete with Santa Claus and his elves, and the ceremonial lighting of the hotel's spectacular holiday tree.

"Each year, we set aside one special evening to bring together families, friends, neighbors and valued business associates as we join in this heart-warming celebration," Cathy Nelkin Miller, president of The Garden City Hotel, said. "As with every year, the tree will be decorated from top to bottom and lit by an outstanding member of the Long Island community."

Serving as guest of honor at this year's ceremony will be the Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hartman, known for his popular television show, God Squad, co-hosted by Rabbi Marc Gellman, which airs on Telecare, the television center for the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

"Reverend Hartman is an inspiration to us all and an individual who has made significant contributions to the community. We are honored to have him take part in our tree lighting spectacular," Nelkin Miller added.

The highlight of the festivities will be the moment Rev. Hartman lights the tree, officially launching the holiday season and illuminating the decorations that will be admired by thousands through the New Year.

Reverend Hartman organized and initiated the Thomas Hartman Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Inc. in November 2003. He is also the founder and president emeritus of Telecare, and has been recognized for his professional and pastoral work, including four Emmy Awards, a Telly Award, numerous "Man of the Year" citations and honorary doctorates.

Ordained on May 29, 1971, Reverend Hartman holds an undergraduate degree in philosophy and a graduate degree in theology. In 1970, he received a master of divinity degree from Our Lady of Angels Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley in 1979.

"Rev. Hartman is a well-respected religious figure and spiritual leader, recognized for his ability to connect with and educate the public through his profession," Patrick Smalley, executive vice president of The Garden City Hotel, noted. "We are all looking forward to welcoming this esteemed guest of honor."

The tree lighting ceremony will feature performances of holiday carols by the St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Choir. Following the lighting, all are invited into The Garden City Hotel for complimentary refreshments. A private reception will be held in the hotel's Grand Ballroom to thank members of the business community for their ongoing support.

"This event gives us the opportunity to exchange holiday wishes and give thanks to our clients and community members for their valuable support throughout the year," Smalley concluded.