Commack hit a milestone last Thursday as it held its first community tree lighting, a move to not only bring Christmas cheer to the neighborhood, but also to put the hamlet “on the map.”
For Suffolk County Legislator-elect Sal Formica (R-Commack), it’s one of his top priorities.
“One of my campaign promises was that I was going to help put Commack back on the map,” Formica told The Messenger. “Being a resident here for thirty-six years, this [tree lighting] was truly an honor to do this for our community. I’m hoping each year it grows and at some point, we have a thousand people here.”
Formica has extensive roots in Commack, not only as a member of the Commack Fire Department – an ex-chief to boot – but also his time coaching Little League. In November, Formica was elected to the open seat in the County Legislature’s Thirteenth District, which includes Fort Salonga, Head of the Harbor, Kings Park, Nissequogue, San Remo, St. James, and, of course, Commack.
The tree lighting was held in the Commack Shopping Center on Crooked Hill Road. The tree was donated by the property owners, the Cosentinos, and sits at the edge of the parking lot in front of Raymour & Flanigan.
“They’re tremendous friends to everyone; they give back to the community. They have a big heart,” said Formica of the Cosentino family, adding that next year, the family plans to plant a thirty-foot tree that will remain at the center of the plaza to be used for many Christmases to come.
Of the transition to his legislative office, Formica said he is “learning quickly” and is “looking forward” to getting to work come January 1.
Nothing short of celebratory was the mood last week, as roughly 200 residents braved the frigid temperatures and nasty wind chill to take part in the festivities, sponsored by the Commack Chamber of Commerce. Neighborhood vendors made sure to do their part as well, with Chick-fil-A, Bagel Boss, and Jersey Mike’s providing free food, the chamber providing free hot chocolate and giveaways, Girl Scouts distributing candy canes, and Stony Brook University supplying the night with cookies.
Mor Schwartz regaled attendees with stunning renditions of classic Christmas carols, while the Sawmill Intermediate School band chipped in with a few tunes of their own. Deacon Lou of Christ the King Church and Rabbi Nesenoff of Congregation Beth Sholom delivered invocations.
“I don’t know another person who’s going to do better for the community than Legislator Formica,” said Peter Cosentino. “Since day one, he had his clipboard out and was ready to go.”
Both Cosentino and Formica remarked that this tree lighting was assembled within a matter of weeks. The yield was clearly worth the undertaking, as all parties are eager to start planning the event much earlier next year.
“We had the vision for this tree lighting. We want it bigger and better next year – maybe we’ll double or triple the size,” said Commack Chamber of Commerce President Venise Mulé.
In attendance also were Smithtown Clerk Tom McCarthy (R-Smithtown) and Smithtown Highway Superintendent Bob Murphy (R-St. James), Commack Schools Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox, Commack School Board President Gus Hueber, Commack School District Clerk Debbie Virga, and Commack School District Music Director Mark Stuckey.
