The New Hyde Park Village Cultural Commission will hold its Annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6. Prior to the actual tree lighting, between 3:30 and 4 p.m. on the lawn, the village will hold a special program for the children, thanks to the generous sponsorship of State Bank of Long Island, at Marcus Christ Hall, corner of New Hyde Park Road and Jericho Turnpike.

Trustee Donald Barbieri as part of his report further stated, "This year, the State Bank of Long Island sponsored program will feature Chip Bryan, "The Silent Clown." The children will all gather at Marcus Christ from between 2:45 and 3 p.m. for the program. The ladies from the North New Hyde Park Elks, as usual, will be on hand to distribute the delicious chocolate Christmas trees and Santas to the children. The arrival of Santa will signal the beginning of the Christmas tree lighting festivities that include the wonderful singing of the New Hyde Park Memorial choir and music by the band. So, get the kids ready and come on down for this wonderful annual event."

Mayor Daniel Petruccio reported that the mayors of East Williston, Williston Park, New Hyde Park and Stewart Manor, all met to meet the new inspector of the 3rd Precinct Loreen Hannan. Mayor Petruccio said, "The meeting, called by East Williston Mayor Nancy Zolezzi, was very informative and gave all the mayors a chance to discuss the concerns of their particular village with Inspector Hannan, which was helpful to both Inspector Hannan and the other mayors."

Mayor Petruccio made note of the fact that this is the first time a female has been appointed as "Inspector" of the 3rd Precinct and that former Inspector Vincent Muscanera has been given a promotion and will now be associated with the Nassau County detectives in Mineola.

Trustee Coppola said that prior to the board meeting the Parks and Recreation board met to discuss the spring season and they are putting their heads together to come up with some new and innovative programs for next year.

Trustee Coppola also reported that the LIRR is moving ahead with the new fence. Then he announced that someone has already gone through the new fence and it has already been repaired. Mayor Petruccio said the likelihood of the fence being fixed, in the future, at such a rapid pace is not likely.

Coppola also announced that the New Hyde Park Little League is holding its spring registration and to obtain further information just call the New Hyde Park Little League.

Since both Deputy Mayor Robert Lofaro and trustee Lawrence Montreuil were both absent, the mayor gave their reports.

Trustee Lofaro asked the mayor to report that due to the extremely high winds there were many trees down in the village. In fact they were in the double digits and responded to by Village Office of Public Works, under the direction of Supervisor James McCloat who reported that the response time by his men was inspiring.

Mayor Petruccio said that many folks are availing themselves of the emergency number when the offices of both the DPW and the village are closed, especially pertaining to fallen trees. He said that in case of a fallen tree the homeowner should also call 911 as well as the village to alert them of the situation.

The mayor also announced that the sign in front of village hall was also a victim of the high winds and instead of putting that sign up, the village board is researching perhaps upgrading the sign and installing one that is nicer, but for the time being, the sign will remain down.

The mayor also said, "On a sad note, half of the bushes and the planters along Jericho Turnpike were once again vandalized. We have made a commitment to make sure that Jericho Turnpike is revitalized. So we are not going to give up on these planters, but we probably won't replace them until spring and then we will also replant them. But, we will not be deterred by these terrible acts of vandalism."

Trustee Barbieri also announced, "Hopefully, God willing, we will start the downtown revitalization project in the spring of 2004. That project will also include a lot of greenery. The medians on Jericho Turnpike will be planted, additional planters will be added and eventually there will be several pocket parks added. To the best of our ability as a community, we have to keep our eyes open. And, if we see anything or anybody that is disruptive in any way we have to call 911 and report it to the police. Many members of the Beautification Committee try to arrive on Jericho Turnpike at various times of the night to try to catch them, but all of us need to be aware.

Mayor Petruccio then reported for Trustee Montreuil that the next meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. He also said that $17,000, the largest amount so far, was collected from a landlord for violating the two-family zoning law in New Hyde Park.

Mayor Petruccio said that they are still working to put together a business directory and they plan to have it ready for distribution by the first of the year.

The meeting ended and Mayor Petruccio announced that the next meeting will be held on Dec. 1, the same night of The New Hyde Park Knights of Columbus tree lighting and in light of that fact, the mayor and the trustees had to decline the invitation from the knights to attend their ceremony.