Howard Beach ushers in the holidays

Howard Beach rang in the holiday season with the second annual lighting of the Christmas tree.
Over a thousand locals gathered outside the Starbucks on Cross Bay Boulevard on Friday, December 7, packing the parking lot and even the store’s roof to watch as the tree was lit.
The ceremony was hosted by Frank Gulluscio, Democratic Leader and member of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation, the group that sponsored the event. Nearly an hour of musical performances preceded the lighting, ripening the anticipation of parents and children alike.
Students from the Fazio Dance School opened the ceremony, wowing onlookers with moves to the classic holiday hit “Winter Wonderland.”
Two local youths also performed solo renditions of Christmas classics. Fifteen-year-old Joseph Spitaleri sang “Oh Holy Night,” and 12-year-old Dawnmarie followed with “Where Are You, Christmas?”
Only after their sets did Gulluscio announce the ages of the respective performers, drawing impressed cheers from the crowd.
“We’re gonna see a lot of these soon-to-be-famous kids in the future,” Gulluscio assured.
The evening may not have been complete without visits from two of Christmas’ most famous faces: the Grinch, played by St. Francis Prep student Robert Coccia, and Santa Claus, played by a member of the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Firefighters.
Mickey Mouse was also on hand, taking the stage with Santa, the Grinch, and each of the evening’s performers to lead the crowd in a countdown to the lighting of the tree.
Gulluscio said he was pleased with the result.
“The tree lit on schedule,” he said. “Last year, we had some problems with that. Overall, people had a great time, especially the kids, both the ones on the stage and off the stage.”
Councilmember Joseph Addabbo and Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer attended the lighting, while State Senator Serphin Maltese sent a representative. Jennifer Manley, a representative from the office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, was on hand as well.
All were filled with the spirit of the season.