RVC rocks around the Christmas tree

Christmas came to Rockville Centre on Dec. 3 in a burst of light. The village lit up its tree in a ceremony on the Village Green.

Hundreds of people came out to celebrate the holiday season. They drank hot chocolate provided by Busco’s Catering and the Vineyard Church and listened to holiday songs performed by the South Side High School Chorus and Band. Doreen Fryling, who conducted the Chorus, sent regards from Brian Zuar, who was in Rochester with three students at the All-State Chorus Festival.

Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman visited during their respective songs. Santa even made an appearance on a fire truck, much to the delight of many children.

Mayor Francis X. Murray spoke about wishing for peace this holiday season, even in the face of tragic world events. “The instability in the world makes us all realize that ‘Peace on Earth – Goodwill to All Men’ takes on new meaning and is more important than ever,” he said. “We need to pray and work for these things not only around the holidays, but every day of our lives.”

Father Ryan Creamer of St. Agnes Cathedral said a blessing before the tree was lit. “Grant us your light, grant us your peace,” he said. “That we may be instruments of your goodness as we go forward.”

Rabbi Howard Diamond of Temple B’Nai Sholom Beth David spoke of how the tree stood as a bright symbol against the conflicts in the world, especially those in Israel. “It should be a blessing for all of us here in this town,” he said. “For a year that’s coming of peace, of understanding, of common sense, lots and lots of prosperity and good things for a wonderful year.”

After a countdown, Bianca Onorato helped flip the switch, and residents joyously gathered around the tree. The SSHS Chorus sang “God Bless America,” as their last song of the night, and the SSHS Band played “O Christmas Tree.”