Hardware store owner lights tree for a decade

For nearly 10 years, Steve Druek, owner of Druek True Value, has volunteered his time and services to decorate and light the Christmas tree in the Center Moriches Square Shopping Center for the annual tree lighting in Center Moriches.

He and his father have owned the hardware store for 23 years. As a member of the chamber, he said, he offered to do the tree during Julie Pratt’s time as president.

“I always just enjoyed Christmas and when they asked me if I wanted to become in charge of the tree, I just said I would do it,” he said, noting it’s become a fond tradition for him. “I do it every year by myself.”

He always decorates it around his birthday, which is Dec. 8, just in time for the ceremony, a process which takes about four hours. The larger the tree, which was originally donated by Eberhard Nurseries, the longer it takes, requiring a 10-foot ladder.

Plus, he admitted, every year he can’t help but add more—now up to about 2,000 feet of multicolored lighting, even decorating the surrounding area and bushes, too.

“I always tweak it a little every year,” he said.

The annual tree lighting and menorah lighting will take place on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. on Main Street, in Center Moriches, at the Center Moriches Square Shopping Center.

“There is not enough we can say about Steve; he has taken on such a project with dedication,” said Moriches chamber member Gerry Sapanaro. “He always improves on it from year to year, making it better and better.”

As part of their holiday decorating, the chamber also encourages Moriches, Center Moriches, and East Moriches businesses to dress their storefronts for the season. The holiday decorating contest is currently underway.

“The chamber wishes to recognize their efforts and to encourage others to display the spirit of the holidays,” said chamber representatives. “The decorations in our business districts bring attention to the array of our shops and businesses, and provides enjoyment to the community during the holiday season.”

The chamber will recognize, with a certificate, businesses that extend the extra effort decorating. During the second week of December, a panel of judges will review the decorated building fronts and select a business that is “The Most Holiday Decorated Business of the Year.”

This business will earn the William A. Savino Award; the business will have their name engraved onto a perpetual plaque and will have the plaque to display during the following year. 

The business will relinquish the plaque the following holiday season when it is presented to the following year’s winner. 

Participation is open to both chamber members and non-members.  Judging will take into consideration theme, originality, lighting, creativity and the overall impression of the display.   

Photos of your decorated business may be e-mailed to info@moricheschamber.org.  The photos will be displayed on both the chamber website and Facebook page.  Please include a caption if you wish one to accompany the photo.  Judging will not be based upon any submitted photos.

If you want your business to be recognized and considered for the award and for questions or comments regarding the above, contact Gerry Sapanaro at 631-878-0003.