"Oh, the weather outside is frightful" - and it was, all day, but not during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 1 at the gazebo on the Mary Jane Davies Green. It was blustery, threatening rain and unseasonably warm, but the crowd gathered as it does every year. The Manhasset Park District in partnership with the Town of North Hempstead, Americana Manhasset and Laffey Associates hosted the annual ceremony.

Pat Roberts, park district commissioner, had nerves of steel that day, and proved herself someone you don't play poker with. "It started Friday morning," she recounted, "when the 6th Precinct called assuming the event was cancelled. I informed them 'We're a go for tonight.'" Shortly thereafter the schools called, not sure if they would come or not, and told Roberts, "We'll let you know." They, too, were informed the event was not cancelled. By noon, the park district had to commit to gallons of hot chocolate and Roberts convinced them the best approach was to hold off on the usual 60 gallons of hot chocolate and go with bottled water and 20 gallons because the weather was so unseasonably warm, close to 70 degrees that day. When the Town of North Hempstead called they offered to put a street sign on the lawn of the park informing the public the event was cancelled, they just needed to know the rescheduled date. They were surprised when Roberts said the event was a go in spite of the predicted rain and 60 mph winds. The popular ceremony proceeded beautifully, the rain held off-Santa even arrived 10 minutes ahead of schedule.

Under the direction of Commander John Keitz, all pledged allegiance to the flag. The Reverend Jimmy Only, Congregational Church, gave the blessing. The Manhasset Chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, under the direction of Eileen Murphy, led the community in a sing-a-long and the Manhasset High School Brass Choir, conducted by Sandra Baskin, delighted the audience with their seasonal selections.

Next, Supervisor Jon Kaiman stood at the podium and what a difference a year makes. His greeting was brief, and, it was agreed, struck just the right chord with the crowd. Kaiman said:

"Welcome. As the town supervisor and a leader in government, I have often had the opportunity to share the diverse experiences of so many others. I have also been able to learn from my own experiences and my own mistakes.

"I stand here today a little wiser, a little more humble, and with a greater appreciation of how important it is that we celebrate the language of faith not only in our private lives, but together in the public square. And so, I would simply like to say on this occasion to all who are here and throughout the town - Merry Christmas.

"I would also like to acknowledge the Park District, the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Parks and Administrative Services employees who put up the wonderful lights on our gazebo and Christmas tree."

After dignitaries were introduced and the winners of the poster awards acknowledged-grand prize winner was sixth-grader Ryan Ross-dusk had arrived, and the simultaneous lighting of the two trees, one in front of the North Hempstead Town Hall and one on the Mary Jane Davis Green, thrilled the crowd. Soon after that, Santa arrived on the Manhasset-Lakeville fire truck and waved to all the excited children.

Thank you Commissioner Roberts for not canceling the event!

1. Allison Cooney

2. Kristen Byrne

3. J.P. Aliprantis

1. Katie Barnes

2. Christian Gibbons

3. Griffen Catallo

1. Alexis Papadopoulos

2. George Theodosopoulos

3. Christopher Nishimura

1. Katie Hannon

2. Jack Harmeyer

3. Elizabeth Boyle

1. Emma Hanley

2. Caitlin McCormick

3. Allison Lee

1. Kelly Anne Doherty

2. Christopher Johnston

3. Angela Shapiro

1. Ryan Ross

2. Serena Gibbons

3. Kayla Feeney

Grand Prize Winner - Ryan Ross