GRAHAMSVILLE – On Saturday, December 6, amidst the previous day’s heavy snowfall and the freezing cold, starting around dusk, a large crowd of townsfolk, public officials, parents with kids all bundled up, and gathered around the Town of Neversink square for a magnificent colored electric lighting of the entire park and especially of the beautiful tall colorful bulb filled Christmas tree.

The large crowd cheered and sang Christmas songs, drank hot chocolate, apple cider and pumpkin donuts while the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department with all colorful lights flashing atop their cars slowed traffic through town. After the lighting ceremony, much of the crowd crossed Route 55 and went into the Town Hall to defrost and continue the celebration. Others went to the musical birthday party just down the street.

As the Town of Neversink Christmas lighting celebration was winding down, the humongous Heartbeat Music Hall’s wild celebration of proprietor David Trestyn's 75^th birthday was just beginning. Musicians and friends from all over Sullivan County and far beyond jam-packed the music hall to celebrate and pack the stage to perform. And, along with guitars, harmonicas, saxophones, etc., they brought tables full of hot food and cakes (including a large 75^th birthday cake) set up buffet-style.

Dave Trestyn, the creator of the Heartbeat Music Hall emotionally thanked all of the friends and all of the technicians and variety of musicians who contributed to the Heartbeat's successes.  

Aldo, Carol and Dave, known as The Little Sparrow Band, started the festivities with “The Robbery of the Glendale Train.” During the singing, Bill Brenner yelled from the stage: “Dammgumit! The Hole in the Wall Gang just robbed the Glendale Train! Tarnation! Call the Sheriff quick! Russell up a posse! Darn varmint critters!”

The lineup of performers included Debbie Fisher and Paul Kean; Cooper and Laura Greig; Jadetown Road, Jim McBride, and Edina (outrageous on drums).

Grahamsville's famous guitarist Albi cut his Monticello gig short to join and play at Trestyn's birthday party.

And interspaced throughout the evening was the Heartbeat Band with Latin Lover Rod Rigo, Eddie, and Dave himself. And, of course, as the size of the stage allows, the performers, and singers from the audience jammed together. Happy 75th Birthday to Dave Trestyn and his wife, Theresa, the Heartbeat Music Hall and Merry Christmas to the good folks of Grahamsville.     

Reported by William A. Brenner, Esq.