The temperature was chilly with a spirit of warmth radiating from the crowd, the ritual solemn with a smattering of humor emanating from the clergy when Glen Covers gathered in Village Square for the second annual blessing of the crèche on Saturday, Dec. 9. More than 200 people were on hand, as Sgt. Jack McDougal presided over the event, speaking on behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Mike Moran Div. 8, the Knights of Columbus James Norton Council and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. The event was organized, according to Sgt. McDougal, because "with the commercialism that has become so much a part of the Christmas season, it was time to remember the true meaning of the holiday."

This was the second annual blessing of the crèche, said the sergeant, inspired in part by the overwhelming support from the local community to last year's effort to "keep Christ in Christmas."

The children's choir from St. Patrick's RC Church added a lovely touch, leading the audience in singing traditional Christmas carols and hymns and a number of members of the North Shore Clergy participated in the blessing.

Sgt. McDougal thanked the clergy, as well as Al Baker and Eddie Doohan, whom he called the "inspiration and motivators," Mao Chavez who appeared from nowhere with his sound system to offer his services as sound man, Michael Puntillo, Jr, who allowed the group to place the crèche on his property, Peter and Liz of GLY Books and Gifts for donating the statues, Norm Sorenson for donating the lumber, Ralph Pedone and Tony Capobianco for building the crèche, and Eric Sobek and members of Boy Scout Troop 6 who, along with members of the K of C provided the manpower to transport the piece. OD Stamps and Tom Glynn were thanked for their assistance, as was Chief Mike DiLeo and the Glen Cove Auxiliary Police for keeping the area safe and quiet. The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Patricia #346 and Jeanine DiMenna provided sustenance of hot chocolate, doughnuts and cookies.

"Also," said Sgt. McDougal, he wanted to thank the "most devoted men and women I will ever have the privilege of knowing...President John O'Connell and the members of the AOH; the K of C; and President Sheila Zenith and the membership of the LAOH. Without all of you, this idea would never have become a reality." He then introduced "a member of the Knight of Columbus who just happens to also be mayor of the City of Glen Cove, Mayor Ralph Suozzi."

The mayor welcomed all and remarked that he was very pleased to see such a large crowd assembled for the blessing. He, too, thanked those involved in all the hard work it took to make the evening the wonderful event it was adding Sgt. McDougal's name to the list.

The clergy then came to the forefront, with Fr. Thom and Fr. Marty of St. Patrick's Church reading the blessing and the gospel, and each of the other religious leaders participating and sprinkling the crèche and the crowd with holy water. In addition to Fr. Thom and Fr. Marty were Fr. Lally, Msgr. Richard Kapinski, Rev. Al Evans, Rev. Bill Wendler, Rev. Betsy Simpson, Rev. Gary Parker and Fr. Marion Bicz.

A sense of peace drifted through the crowd, which according to Sgt. McDougal, fulfilled the evening's purpose.