A Tree Glows on Beach 116th

Story and Photos
By Katie McFadden

Beach 116th is looking bright! On Monday, December 1, the Beach 116th Street Merchants Association held the annual Christmas tree lighting to kick off the holiday season on the commercial block.

The evening, made possible with the help of Councilwoman Joann Ariola, the Rockaway Civic Association, House on the Rock Church, Queens Chamber of Commerce, Madelaine Chocolate and more, included photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookies, hot chocolate and other giveaways, a video game truck, a snow globe ride, a performance by the P.S. 114 Glee Club, who sang holiday hits like “Run, Run Rudolph” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and more.

Before lighting the tree, Councilwoman Ariola thanked all of those who contributed to making the event a success, including her Chief of Staff Phyllis Inserillo, Matt Mazzone of Mazzone Ace Hardware, who helped set up the tree, Harold Paez of the Rockaway Civic Association and Denise Diehm of The Gift is Love, who helped decorate the tree, and more. And she took time to acknowledge the reason for the season. “Remember one thing kids, the main thing about Christmas is it’s not about the gifts, the toys, it’s about Jesus. He’s the reason for the season, so God bless all of you and Merry Christmas to all,” Ariola said before inviting House on the Rock Pastor Levi Gaska to lead a prayer.

As everyone gathered around, with a countdown from 10, the Beach 116th Christmas tree was illuminated for the season.