Bayside Hills Civic Kicks Off Holiday Season with Tree Lighting

About 50 people braved frigid temperatures and icy winds to join in a warm welcome to the holiday season at a ceremony held by the Bayside Hills Civic Association Sunday night.

The event, which was emceed by civic president Michael Feiner, represented the diversity of Queens.

Rabbi Michael Ehrlich of the Oakland Jewish Center presided over the lighting of the fifth candle to celebrate Chanukah and sang a traditional Hebrew song.

The performances continued with the Gloria Choir of the Korean Community of St. Robert Bellarmine Roman Catholic Church, which was joined by Msgr. Martin Geraghty,  who sang ecclesiastical music.

But the real attraction for children was a visit by Santa Claus, who dropped in just in time for the lighting and decoration of the Christmas tree.

The jolly old elf's visit was serenaded with a community sing-along, which kicked off with the nonsectarian "Jingle Bells" and several other traditional carols. It also included a chorus of "The Dreidel Song," which was followed by hot chocolate.

Husband and wife performing duo Michael and Cathy Chimenti provided this year's tunes.

"It's an honor to participate because it gives us the chance to give something back to the community and a chance to perform in our neighborhood," Michael Chimenti said.

No such event would be complete without a few words from local officials. State Senator-elect Tony Avella, Assemblyman David Weprin, D- Little Neck, City Councilman Mark Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens, Community Board 11 Chairman Jerry Iannece and a representative for Mayor Michael Bloomberg made brief comments account of the freezing weather.

Attendees agree that no matter how cold, it was better than last year when the ceremony took place in the pouring rain.