Officially Christmas in Neponsit
By Katie McFadden
It’s looking a little brighter in Neponsit. Joe Mure’s Little North Pole is officially lit for the season!
Just after Thanksgiving, on Saturday, November 25, Joe Mure and his wife, Jodi Tucci, welcomed neighbors near and far to their home at 144-03 Neponsit Avenue for the annual lighting ceremony for The Little North Pole, a fantastically festive home that gives Dyker Heights a run for its money.
The lighting began with a stage full of talented singers, dancers, and even a magician to entertain throughout the night. Crowds got to hear the voices of Justin Gummerman, Scholars’ Academy Chorus, Patti Blue, Sunshine Studios, AnnaClare DelVechio, Jolie Rose, Angelo Venuto, Maria Venuto, Vinnie Medungo, Danielle Dante, Reina, tenor singer Christopher Macchio, who’s sung at the White House and now appearing on just about every TV station, 7-year-old Marcello DiGregorio and his sister Ariana, plus more! The Millennium Dance Team, Fazio Dance and the Xaverian Dance Team pulled out some impressive moves. And for the first time, magician, Adam Cardone defied logic, making his lovely assistant Lilin disappear as part of his magic act. Also another first was the Department of Sanitation Pipe Band, which marched in and played a few tunes. The whole show was emceed by radio personalities Joe Causi, Goumba Johnny and local resident Sid Rosenberg.
Some special guests were invited to say a few words including Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, Senator Joe Addabbo, Councilwoman Joann Ariola, plus the honorees of the evening.
As Joe Mure said, “There’s two reasons why we light the Little North Pole. One, to put a smile on every child’s face and two, to help some children that need our help. Tonight, we’re raising money for not only JDRF, but Rocco and Siobhan for blood cancers and Anthony Filippazzo, who’s dealing with Williams Syndrome. Tonight, every penny we raise is going toward the three charities.”
Mimi Crabtree, executive director of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the greater New York area, said, “Besides the fun night, the fun food, the fun music, you’re raising incredible amounts of money to help fund research. The only way we can do it is with Joe and Jodi. So we’re proud to have angels amongst us.”
Anthony and Rocco were also welcomed to say a few words. Rocco Pisani talked about his journey with leukemia to now being cancer free. “Ever since I started my treatment, I wanted to help kids like me, so it would be so awesome if you guys can raise some money to help kids going through similar things so they can have a better life and live happier and healthier,” Pisani said.
Rocco was then given the important job of pushing the magic button to illuminate The Little North Pole, much to the amazement of the crowd, especially with its new features like a Minion Ferris wheel and M&M carousel.
To help raise money for the causes, several local businesses donated food, that was available with a donation. A 50/50 raffle was also held and winner, Chris Gatto, donated his winnings right back. A Breitling watch was also up for auction.
After the home was lit, the biggest star of all arrived in style on a Jets Towing truck, led by a procession of firetrucks, after a flight on an NYPD helicopter. Every child in attendance received a toy from Santa.
The Little North Pole, located at 144-03 Neponsit Avenue, will stay lit every evening through early January. To help support the charities, please visit: http://littlenorthpole.org
