On an evening that spoke more of spring than of December, the Manhasset Park District and the Town of North Hempstead celebrated Manhasset's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 7. The Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post #304 led off with the Pledge of Allegiance under the direction of Commander Edward J. Gaus. Rev. James Brown Only, senior minister of The Congregational Church of Manhasset gave the invocation, remembering especially those who perished on Sept. 11.

A variety of music was supplied by the Manhasset High School Select Ensemble under the direction of Mark van Schenkhof; the Manhasset High School Brass Choir under the direction of Randy Knudsen and the St. Mary's Elementary School Band. They played traditional Christmas carols, popular seasonal songs and old favorites.

Manhasset Park District Commissioner Edward Winrow then introduced Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger, who, in turn, introduced Councilman Tony D'Urso, Councilwoman Doreen Banks, Receiver of Taxes Ann Galante and Town Clerk Michelle Schimel. Supervisor Newburger thanked Americana Manhasset for underwriting the events of the evening and introduced Deirdre Costa Major, vice president of Americana who brought greetings from Frank and Rita Castagna, owners of Americana.

Representing the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Morris presented awards to the students whose posters announcing the event had been judged winners. Winners, beginning with the youngest, were: Nursery-Kindergarten, Aaron Dario Hurez, Liam Whelan and Cara Depippo; Grade One and Two: Annie Hull, Caroline Boylan, Victoria Brancato; Grade Three and Four: Brian Petracca, Alison Conte, Chelsea Lavian; Grade Five: Jacqueline Fini, Matt Goldstein, Stacey LaValle; Grade Six: Kevin Law, Ryan Conway, Hilary Quinn; Grade Seven to 12: Nick Vlahos, Michele Gabroe, Joanna Trigg. The overall trophy winner was Kevin Law, sixth grader at Munsey Park, a student of Mark Fay.

Precisely at 5 p.m. Commissioner Winrow began the countdown and the trees came to glorious life. A few minutes later, courtesy of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, Santa Claus arrived on a shiny red truck adorned with the Stars and Stripes and the evening came to an end.