For the 15th year, the Sunset Park Business Improvement District (BID) held its Christmas Tree Lighting outside Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (OLPH), on the corner of 60th Street and Fifth Avenue. On Thursday, December 4, families, BID members, local businesses and schools gathered outside despite the chilly evening to spread holiday cheer in the community.
“It went really well,” said Executive Director of the Sunset BID Renée Giordano. “We had a good number of community groups like we usually do. The Brooklyn Chinese American Association, P.S. 105, the Saint Agatha Youth Chorus, the OLPH Choir and Twirlers performed as well as the Regina Opera. There were soloists too. We had a nice mix of all different types of music.”
In addition to the holiday performances, Santa Claus made an appearance, not only to take photos with the children, but to also give out over 350 bags of goodies. Pictures of the kids and Saint Nick were posted on the Sunset Park BID Facebook page so that parents could revisit one the kids’ favorite part of the festivities.
“They really like to sit with Santa and also sing along to the songs. We also give out candy canes. Adults got reusable shopping bags from the BID and t-shirts,” Giordano said. “For children, one of the best things is seeing their friends performing. It’s nice to see kids on stage outdoors singing for friends. It’s great to do for the schools. The performers get a nice taste of being in a different venue.”
Father Joseph Tizio of OLPH was also in attendance to bless the tree and help count down the lighting of it. “He’s great about letting us put the tree up,” Giordano said.
The tradition of the BID tree lighting, only broken one year due to a snow storm, means a great deal to Sunset Park. “One of the reasons (it’s special) is that businesses like to do something special for customers and give back to the community,” Giordano added. “It’s mostly for the kids as far as we’re concerned. We like providing local community performances for each other and bringing in the New Year being together.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
