Our Christmas Tree Lighting was a heartwarming event as it is every year. Santa arriving on his horse drawn carriage and the children wide eyed with wonderment made you feel as if you traveled back in time to an old fashioned Christmas. People gathering to talk to their neighbors while sipping hot chocolate, children singing carols as the crowd waited for Santa, – what a great event for a wonderful community!
Of course, events such as this could not happen if it weren’t for the generous friends of the Waterbury LaSalle Community Association. We have so many wonderful people to thank. The horse and carriage were provided through the generosity of Gloria McGill, owner of Chateau Stables. We are so thankful to Mrs. McGill because being able to have Santa arrive in such style makes this an event to remember.
The coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies were graciously donated by Ciro and Tony of International Caterers of Distinction. Ciro and Tony are always ready to help out. They are truly community minded and we greatly appreciate their generosity. You can call Tony at (718) 518-1381 or Ciro at (718) 892-2989 if you’d like to cater a holiday party. You can also spend New Year’s Eve at the Guiding Star for $75 per person. Call for details.
Thanks to Assemblyman Michael Benedetto who took time out of his busy schedule to greet the crowd and wish everyone a merry Christmas.
Tony Ferrara was our wonderful Santa. He is patient, loving and compassionate and the children love him! Tony takes time with each child and enjoys every minute of it. We are lucky to have him! This year Maria Sclafani played Santa’s helper. She did a great job organizing gifts and the children as well!
We also want to thank the children and their parents who waited so patiently to see Santa. The kids in our neighborhood are great and it is probably because their parents see to it that they do the right things. So many remembered their manners and said thank you to Santa and to others that offered them treats.
Of course, a big thank you goes out to all board members who worked so hard to make this a truly wonderful event.
This year we asked the Calandra Chorus of P.S. 14, under the direction of James Irsay, to sing Christmas Carols at our Tree Lighting. Mr. Irsay works with the Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program, which allows the children to do projects such as this. They did a fantasic job! What a heartwarming sight—the children with voices like angels, donning their cute red hats brought a smile to our faces! We’d like to thank each child and their chorus director for adding a special touch to our Tree Lighting event.
Meeting
There will be no membership meeting in January. Please keep reading our column to find out when we will meet next.
Happy New Year to all. May this year be filled with good health, happiness and peace for all of us!
