Photos Melissa Mennona The United Community Civic Association (UCCA) held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in McManus Memorial Park (81st Street and Grand Central Service Rd., East Elmhurst). Many neighborhood residents attended the December 3 event and enjoyed Christmas carols sung beautifully by the choir of the St. Nicholas William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day

The United Community Civic Association (UCCA) held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in McManus Memorial Park (81st Street and Grand Central Service Rd., East Elmhurst). Many neighborhood residents attended the December 3 event and enjoyed Christmas carols sung beautifully by the choir of the St. Nicholas William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School. Blessings were given by Father Anastasios Pourakis from St. Demetrios Cathedral and Father Liju Augustine of Immaculate Conception Church.

United Community Civic Association’s Christmas Tree. Photos Melissa Mennona The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration was co-hosted by NYC Council Member Costa Constantinides, as well as the Port Authority of NY & NJ. In attendance were NYS Senator-elect Jessica Ramos and CB 1 District Manager Florence Koulouris, as well as LaGuardia Airport General Manager Tony Vero.

“We were very pleased that this annual tradition was a special event and that the tree lighting went so well,” said United Community Civic Association President RoseMarie Poveromo. “The choir was excellent and everyone had a wonderful time. Delicious hot chocolate and cookies were hosted by Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company. It was a really wonderful event. Thanks to Joe DiPietro for adding to the music.”

The tree will remain lit past New Year’s Day.

St. Nicholas William Spyropoulos School Children’s Choir

(L. to r., seated): Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens President Joe DiPietro, Father Liju Augustine of Immaculate Conception Church, Father Anastasios Pourakis from St. Demetrios Cathedral; (standing): St. Nicholas William Spyropoulos School Children’s Choir Director Areti Giovanou, LaGuardia Airport General Manager Tony Vero, and United Community Civic Association President RoseMarie Poveromo.

NYC Council Member Costa Constantinides.

NYS Senator-elect Jessica Ramos.