Bernice Sachs, organizer of the 14th annual East Norwich interfaith creche blessing and Menorah lighting remembered the first menorah lighting when the Rev. Clint Lunt arrived on crutches, after an accident. The East Norwich Chamber of Commerce sold Christmas trees to fund their organization and bought the menorah which has been used since then. Three years after the event began, Ms. Sachs received a call from the Boy Scout Troop 253, asking if they could participate and have since then provided hot chocolate and cookies for the combined Creche Blessing and Menorah Lighting.

"Only in East Norwich, only in America," said Ms. Sachs.

She thanked Mr. Sommerhalter for "schlepping" the menorah and helping put it up.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto spoke and commented, "Our future is only as bright as our young people. Based on the young people and the way they conduct themselves, our future is very bright."

Everyone kept commenting on how well the Boy Scout band played. Mr. Stephen Walker, the band director said, "It's a big group. They are experienced and have been playing for many years. Bobby Stainkamp has been playing his instrument for seven years and taking part in this ceremony for the past four years. He also plays with the Oyster Bay Community Band during the summer concerts." Mr. Walker too, plays with the OB Community Band and is their historian.

The Scout Troop 253 band members were: Trevor and Tyler Collins, Edward Demaria, Alex Maccaro, Matthew and Sean Manning, Keaton and Quaid Marotti, Andrew and Michael Palczewski, Jonathan Shoemaker, Christian Sipie, Matthew Sommerhalter and Bobby Stainkamp. Stephen Walker, Oyster Bay Band teacher is the Scout band director. The Scout leaders of Troop 253 are Bob Manning and Fred Marotti.

Bernice Sachs said the evening had another distinction, it drew in members of the three branches of local government: Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto represented the executive branch, New York State Senator Carl Marcellino represented the legislative branch and District Judge Randy Sue Marber represented the judicial branch.

The Community United Methodist Church of East Norwich Pastor Rev. Louise Stowe-Johns officiated at both sites. Karl Gallmeyer, music director, brought his choir members to sing, including: Bill Kahn, Lorriane DeBellis, Kathy Nastri, Linda Gier.

Kathy Nastri and Lorraine DeBellis prepared the latkes for the reception following at the East Norwich Inn, courtesy of manager Irma Ricci. It was truly an interfaith event.