Those that gathered around the main entrance of Winthrop-University Hospital in the chilly December air couldn't help but get a sense of warmth when they heard the Mineola High School Chorus, under the direction of Vaughn Fritts, sing Christmas carols and they saw the 45-foot evergreen tree come alive with the lights that are symbolic of peace and hope.

The message of the 15th annual tree lighting was one of giving thanks. The tree acted as a reminder of the joy and caring that is a part of the holiday season. "This event has become a much beloved tradition at Winthrop, one we share with the entire community," said Winthrop President and CEO Daniel P. Walsh.

Although the tree is present all year on the hospital grounds, in this holiday season it has become a beacon of hope and peace, noted the president. "For 11 months of the year, most of us pass it by each day, barely paying any attention to it," he said. At this time, though, the tree is recognized for the spirit it brings to those who view its branches, each decorated with an array of lights that perhaps inspire some.

For Winthrop as with any hospital, hope is an important message. This past year, Winthrop has seen a number of significant accomplishments, which bring hope to thousands of patients each year, Walsh said.

It has been a memorable year for Winthrop. New programs were introduced at the hospital this year like Photodynamic Dye Therapy, a new technique that harnesses the healing power of light in the treatment of patients with esophageal cancer, according to Walsh.

Winthrop will also be celebrating the completion of its expanded ambulatory surgery unit with a capacity of eight operating suites instead of four, Walsh said.

However, the most gratifying events came this fall, according to Walsh. "Statistical rankings provided by the New York State Department of Health confirmed what we already knew - Winthrop's open-heart surgery team is the best on Long Island, bar none. In fact, our program ranked first in the entire downstate region, scoring even better than the New York City hospitals," he said.

A number of capital improvement projects were announced such as the renovation and expansion of our emergency department to help handle the increasing number of individuals who choose Winthrop for care, a new, expanded endoscopy suite will enable gastroenterologists to accommodate the large number of patients for digestive disorders and new electophysiology suites for physicians to treat life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances. In addition, it was announced that a new building will be erected to house the radiation therapy program and a more comfortable location will be established in Winthrop's institute for cancer care. Also, a planned opening of a neurosciences unit will provide care for those requiring hospitalization following a stroke or other neurological event.

Walsh then recognized the chairman of Winthrop's Board of Directors, Richard A. Newhouse, Jr.

The Mineola High School Chorus then filled the air with another holiday melody setting the stage for the lighting of Winthrop's tree. Some of those who were on hand for the event included Village of Mineola Mayor John P. Colbert, Deputy Mayor Lou Santosus, Trustees Elizabeth Conlon and Linda Fairgrieve as well as New York State Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell. Village trustee Maryanne Warnecke could not be at the event because of her work as a nurse in another hospital. Also in attendance were Mineola School District Director of Fine and Performing Arts Rob Ratner and Winthrop Vice President of External Affairs John Broder.

"It's never lost its ability to touch us all," said O'Connell, who grew up in Mineola, of the tree.

Mayor Colbert recalled the time when, about two months ago, he required care at Winthrop. He complimented and thanked the staff of the hospital.

In addition, Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta was on hand to witness the lighting of the tree. He, too, complimented the staff at Winthrop. "It is the members of the staff who perform miracles everyday that enable people to look to the future and live longer," he said.

Mayor Colbert said the lighting of the Winthrop tree was the official start of the holiday season in the Village of Mineola. For the 15th straight year, Winthrop's tree will stand as a reminder that hope and peace are two of the true virtues of the holiday season.