Amityville Village officially welcomes the holiday season
by Carolyn James

Following an enthusiastic countdown, the lights on the Christmas tree in the Village Triangle broke the darkness of the cold night sky and officially welcomed in the holiday season in Amityville.

“It’s a wonderful night and a wonderful celebration,” Amityville Village Mayor Peter T. Imbert told a cold but happy crowd that had gathered to be with friends and family on this occasion. “This is a celebration that has taken place for more than 200 years in towns and villages throughout this country and, no place is better than right here in Amityville.”

The event, sponsored by the Village and the Amityville Chamber of Commerce was held Saturday December 2. As dusk fell, the crowd began to gather and the temperatures dipped. There was hot chocolate to warm the body, and friendship and community spirit to warm the heart.

There was also music provided by Alan Lush and the Girl Scouts Junior Troop 532 and the Brownies of Troop 1010. The South Shore Brass Ensemble played, and Christmas selections were sung by the St. Paul’s Choir. The presentation of the Color Guard was by the U.S. Marine Corps League and the blessing of the tree was by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Pastor, Rev. David Anglin.

Children, dressed in colorful scarves and gloves, anxiously awaited the arrival of ole’ St. Nick who was heralded into the Village Triangle to take his appointed place in front of the Gazebo courtesy of the Amityville Fire Department. They lined up for a few moments with Santa Claus, going over their lists and walking away with dreams of Christmas morning and a candy cane. Santa’s helpers, Julia Imbert, Maddie Barrasso and Jules Barrasso were on hand to greet visitors.

The official lighting of the Christmas tree took place following the annual Junior League Holiday Homes Tour. With unseasonably dry and warm temperatures during the day, the event drew a large crowd.

The tour goers were invited into the home of Ann and Edward Tringo at 49 Bennett Place, this year’s tea house. Many enjoyed sipping tea by the crackling fire in the living room or soaking up some of the day’s sunlight by stepping through French doors into the enclosed porch.

Junior League president Ann Marie Noone helped pour the tea and coffee from the traditional silver tea set, while Junior League members kept an abundant supply of cookies on silver trays in the dining room.

The tour enjoyed the hospitality of the other hosts and hostesses, Joan and Neal LaBarbera of 43 Richmond Avenue, Linda and Michael Graziano of 350 Grand Central, Michelle and Joseph Diesso of 228 Richmond Avenue and Patrice and Tim Distler of 61 Bennett Place.

One group said they make the holiday home tour a regular event.

“It’s a good way to start the holiday,” said Maryanne Sullivan, who sat sipping tea by the Chrismas tree in the tea house with Susan Graham, Doris Reynolds and Barbara Strick. “It’s a way to get the into the real spirit of the season.”

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