Massapequa Park has turned the pages of the calendar to yet another end of the year. On November 26, Massapequa Park’s unofficial closing of 2011 took place once again in the heart of the town as friends and family gathered in the Massapequa Park Village for the annual Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony.

As always, the ceremony was a community effort brought by the town dignitaries, including Assemblyman Joe Saladino, Legislator Peter Schmitt, Councilmen Joe Pinto and Anthony Macagnone, Mayer James Altadonnam Deputy Mayor Jefferey Pravato, Trustees Harry Jacobson, Teresa Spinosa, and Tina Schiaffino, and the Village Justice Gerard Giannattasio.

Throughout the night, families and friends of all ages enjoyed the holiday cheer as the Massapequa Chiefettes and Cheerleaders performed alongside MHS American Sign Language students and the Park’s own Vicki Broadhurst, who sang the National Anthem prior to the lightings. This year, the Hepworth family – Robin, Andrew, Daniel and Matthew – lit the Menorah, while a new group of Massapequans lit the tree.

One special addition to the ceremony this year was the Brady Park Seniors, affectionately known as “the Brady Bunch” of Massapequa. Marianna DeMonte, Margo Moore, Liz Graudner, and Josie and Tony LoCastro graced the show mobile before doing the honors of lighting the Christmas tree.

“We help serve the Park breakfast, we conduct the annual children’s Christmas party, we collect for the Lady of Lord’s food pantry – we do as much as we can for the community, always,” Brady Park Senior Margo Moore said.

However, in spite of their endless community service, the “Bunch” agreed that the honor came as a surprise.

“It was definitely a surprise,” Moore said. “We were all humbled when they asked us, and it was such an honor and a blessing to stand before our community and start their holiday season.”

As the village was officially lit and decorated for the holiday season, many lingered throughout the town after the ceremony, enjoying their local shopping and the town’s annual addition of holiday-themed houses lining the sidewalks.

“It’s a wonderful night where family and friends can gather and celebrate the town’s timeless tradition,” Mayor Altadonna said. “It really is a community celebration that’s passed down from generation to generation.”