John F. Collins, President & CEO of Winthrop, gets help lighting the Hospital’s majestic Christmas Tree from local resident Holly Robertson.


Pictured at Winthrop’s 25th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony were (l.-r.) Donald Brudie, Trustee of the Village of Garden City; Edward Travaglianti, Winthrop-University Hospital Board Member; Palmira Cataliotti, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Winthrop; Jack Martins, State Senator Elect; Rich Nicolello, Nassau County Legislator; Charles M. Strain, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Winthrop; John F. Collins, President & CEO of Winthrop; Richard A. Newhouse, Jr., Winthrop-University Hospital Board Member; Town of North Hempstead Officials Thomas K. Dwyer, Councilman; Charles Berman, Receiver of Taxes and Jon Kaiman, Town Supervisor; Garry J. Schwall, Chief Operating Officer of Winthrop; George Pappas, Winthrop-University Hospital Board Member; and Veronica Renken, Winthrop-University Hospital Board Member and President of the Winthrop Auxiliary.

The chill in the air didn’t stop the Mineola High School Concert Singers, who have become part of the Hospital’s great holiday tradition under the direction of Meg Messina, Director of the Mineola High School Concert Singers, from giving a spectacular musical performance. Also part of the evening’s festivities were presentations by John F. Collins, Winthrop’s President & CEO, and Charles M. Strain, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Winthrop.

“At Winthrop-University Hospital, we pride ourselves on fostering a family environment for our employees and our patients, so that in your time of need you can rely on Winthrop to be at your side,” said Mr. Collins.

As the countdown to the tree lighting began, special guest and local resident, Holly Robertson, the granddaughter of a devoted Winthrop volunteer, had the very important job of turning on the switch to illuminate the magnificent Christmas Tree. Following the ceremony, guests had the opportunity to enjoy an array of refreshments in the Hospital’s Main Lobby as the Mineola High School Concert Singers continued to spread holiday joy by singing in various areas of the Hospital for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy.