Twenty years ago, I, along with Phil Ruggerio and Charles Jenkins, started the Christmas Tree Lighting at the railroad station. There was a small tree right in the lot, and with the help of the Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department, it was decorated. We also put up speakers so we could play Christmas carols.

We chose the first Friday in December to light it up so as not to create too much congestion on Plandome Road ... what fun, no one ever complained. We continued in the lot for a few years, and when the gazebo was completed, moved up there so we could coordinate with the lighting of the beautiful tree in front of town hall.

Each year, we asked a different church to help us light the tree by saying a blessing and on one occasion I asked the local rabbi if he would participate, he laughed and said, "Mike, I can't because it's on a Friday, pick another day and I'll be there." There was a picture on the front page of the Manhasset Press with past Supervisor Ben Zwern leading the "Count Down" in lighting the tree.

I now live in Florida and miss the tree lighting and was saddened to read of the supervisor's remark. With all that's going on in the world, let's say a prayer, light the tree and wish each other peace for the new year!

Maybe I'll come next year for the ceremony ... have a very Merry Christmas!

Mike Adams

Former Park District Commissioner for 18 years