The other night, along with thousands of Long Islanders, I watched the tree lighting ceremony at EAB Plaza on News 12. The tree, sponsored by EAB and the DeMatteis Organization, has become an annual ritual for Long Islanders. But, without the spotlight of News 12 Long Island, the tree would have only been a nice sight for people traveling on Hempstead Turnpike or working at the EAB twin towers. Because of the focus by News 12 on the tree lighting, it has become, with increasing importance, a true symbol of Long Island's identity. And Long Islanders have, for years, tried to come to grips with an identity.

With 40,000 lights, Ed Travaglianti, the CEO of EAB reminded the television audience that this year's celebration is the 15th annual tree lighting. Along with the arrival of Santa Claus, the Huntington High School Band and the Freeport High School Chorus, Long Islanders can be very proud of this event. Clearly it rivals the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center in terms of tree sizes and the excellence of the program. And again, the focus of News 12 made it an island wide happening.

It is easy to cover bad news -- bad news does seem to travel faster than good news. For that reason, I have to give News 12 and the sponsors of the tree lighting a great deal of credit. It was an interesting half hour interlude and was repeated throughout the weekend. Sandwiched between scandal and sports, the tree lighting was a calming respite.

If you have not seen the tree, I highly recommend a visit anytime over the next few weeks. Weather permitting, there can even be ice skating alongside the beautiful tree. It is easy to get there. Take Meadowbrook Parkway to Hempstead Turnpike -- west. You cannot miss the twin towers of EAB Plaza with the tree located on the south side of the buildings. It will be well worth the time for you and your family.