A Tree Glows on Beach 116th Street

Story and Photos
By Katie McFadden

Beach 116th Street is looking a little brighter. On Monday, December 2, Councilwoman Joann Ariola’s office held the annual Beach 116th Street Christmas Tree Lighting.

Part of the block was closed to traffic on the chilly evening as families enjoyed hot cocoa provided by House on the Rock Church, cookies provided by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, popcorn from Mazzone Ace Hardware, Madeleine’s Chocolate provided by the Rockaway Civic Association, a winter wonderland balloon ride and a photo session with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus themselves. St. John’s Episcopal Hospital also had a van on hand to provide free flu shots and hand warmers to keep folks warm. Everyone was then treated to a performance by Waterside’s Millennium All Stars dance team and the P.S. 114 Choir who sang songs like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Pastor Garry Patrylo and members of House on the Rock Church sang religious Christmas songs.

As the night was feeling like winter, the tree was lit a bit ahead of schedule. Pastor Garry emceed the evening and announced that it may be his last time as he and his wife will soon be overseeing another church in Bellmore on Long Island, and a youth pastor will be heading Rockaway’s House on the Rock Church. He also reminded people about the reason for the season. “We’re so thankful that with all of the lights and cookies and hot chocolate and Santa Claus and all of the music, we still remember that Jesus is the true season for the season,” he said before leading a prayer. It was a message reiterated by a wooden manger in front of the tree, provided by the Knights of Columbus.

Councilwoman Joann Ariola then spoke, thanking all of her partners who helped make the lighting possible, in addition to the 100th Precinct’s Captain Carol Hamilton and Community Affairs Officer Victor Boamah, Matt Mazzone, who donated this year’s tree, which was decorated by Richie Keane, Harold Paez of the Rockaway Civic Association and others, and she reiterated Pastor Garry’s message. “This is one of the most wonderful nights. I want to thank each and every one of you for being here, sharing this night with us. It really is a blessed night and it’s a night we memorialize and think about the reason for the season. It’s not the toys, it’s not the getting, it’s the giving and it’s what we’ve gotten from Jesus,” she said. Ariola then led the countdown to illuminate the tree.