Rockville Centre spreads cheer at tree lighting

The crowd began gathering early at the Village Green on Dec. 8 in anticipation of the evening’s festivities. The excitement was palpable as young children ran around, playing tag and tossing footballs, while their parents sipped hot chocolate provided by Busco’s Gourmet Kitchen and the Vineyard Church.

At 7:30 p.m., the festivities began, culminating in the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

According to Parks and Recreation Superintendant Tony Brunetta, the tree, which was transplanted from behind the Rec Center years ago, is 63 feet tall.

Despite the chill, hundreds of residents turned out, a few sporting Christmas-themed costumes. After a short introduction from Mayor Francis Murray, the South Side High School chorus singing carols, accompanied by the school band.

“The holiday season is a joyous time of year, so please enjoy it with your friends, family and loved ones,” Murray said. “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and best wishes for the holiday season from the entire village family.”

The crowd joined in as the students sang “Joy to the World” and “Deck the Halls.”

Also in attendance at the lighting were Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino, State Assemblyman Brian Curran and village trustees.

Murray invited Rabbi Howard Diamond onto the stage to offer a blessing for the holidays. “It’s a time of the year when good people rise to the occasion and put extra effort into doing good things,” Diamond said. “May God grant all the people in the community in Rockville Centre and the neighboring communities a happy holiday season filled with good health, peace and prosperity and, most importantly, with love.”

After an a cappella rendition of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” by the chorus, the band joined in for “Jingle Bells.” And then Murray began a countdown from 10 to the tree lighting.

The crowd cheered as the countdown ended and the tree, which Brunetta estimates has 2,000 lights, illuminated the otherwise dark Village Green.

As the crowd admired the tree, sirens began to wail as a fire truck, flashing red, white and green lights, carried Santa Claus down Lee Avenue. Children ran to get a better view of Santa, while the mayor danced on stage with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Mr. Snowman.

The festivities ended with “God Bless America,” and Murray announced that the Phillips House would be serving mulled cider and other assorted desserts, at no charge.

According to Frank Seipp, president of Phillips House, nearly 75 residents stopped in at the museum, where they listened to a guitarist playing Christmas songs and viewed a collection of more than 50 blue Santa Clauses.