The gazebo on the Village Green was the site of the Chamber’s 50th annual Village Tree Lighting Ceremony. Mother Nature provided mild temperatures and perfect weather for the several hundred residents and visitors who turned out to launch the holiday season at the Chamber of Commerce’s 50th Village Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 5. Spectators were treated to entertainment provided by the renowned Village Music Makers big band and the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, both of which offered a repertoire of cheery holiday tunes. Santa Claus arrived on the fire department’s huge pumper truck/sleigh to the delight of hordes of children who received coloring books and crayons from Astoria Federal Savings, a contributing sponsor. “Kingsley Bear” from Kings Supermarket distributed candy canes and a multi-entertainer provided fun for all. The Chamber of Commerce thanks Astoria Federal, the Village Departments of Public Works, Parks and Recreation for coordination and decorative effects; the police, special police and especially the fire department for providing and serving hot chocolate; Bagelman, Baskin Robbins/Dunkin Donuts, Gift Baskets Delights, Manor Delicatessen and Riesterer’s, who donated hundreds of crowd-pleasing refreshments.

Among the officials, L-R were: George Engelke, Chairman & CEO, Astoria Federal Savings, sponsor, Dr. Anthony Libertella, Chamber executive vice president; George Nigohosian, Chamber director; Robert Rothschild, Village trustee liaison to the business community; Althea Robinson, Chamber executive director; John Mauk, Village trustee; Mayor Barbara Miller in front of Santa; Kharla Daly, Chamber assistant director; Chris Smalley, Chamber director and Jon Segerdahl, Village trustee.

Throwing the switch which lit three Village trees L-R were: Santa; Mayor Barbara Miller; George Engle, chairman & CEO, Astoria Federal, sponsor; and Dr. Anthony Libertella, Chamber executive vice president. Hundreds of spectators gathered on the village green to usher in the Holiday Season. Little Casey Nedelka greeted the crowds with Santa Claus (actually Casey’s Dad, Larry Nedelka, past Fire Chief). Fire department helpers distributed the hot chocolate, courtesy of Manor Deli, and cookies provided by Bagelman, Gift Baskets Delights, Basken Robbins/Dunkin’ Donuts and Riesterer’s Bakery. Tom Wagner, director of the Village Music Makers, with Alexa Grant, vocalist. Santa waved to the crowd with a “Merry Christmas to all - and to all a good night!” Photos by John Ellis Kordis Twenty members of Garden City High School’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble presented a magnificent performance of holiday tunes directed by Robert Ludwig, top row, center. Enjoying the festivities were L-R: John Collins; Eileen Collins, former Village trustee; Bob Schoelle, Village administrator, and Detective Richard Pedone. Members of the fire department escorted Santa to the gazebo. Officials L-R were: Chris Smalley, Chamber director; Robert Rothschild, Jon Segerdahl and John Mauk, Village trustees; Mayor Barbara Miller, George Engelke, Chairman & CEO, Astoria Federal Savings, sponsor; Jerome D’Antone, Astoria regional manager, Dr. Anthony Libertella, Chamber executive vice president; Althea Robinson, Chamber executive director; Eric Bartolomey and Vincent Muscarella, Nassau County legislator. L-R: Robert Rothschild, Jon Segerdahl and John Mauk, Village trustees; Mayor Barbara Miller; George Engelke, chairman and CEO, Astoria Federal, sponsor; Eric Bartolomey, Garden City branch manager; Gerard D’Antone, regional manager; and Vincent Muscarella, Nassau County legislator. In addition to crayons and coloring books, the crew from Astoria Federal distributed souvenir ice scrapers. Pictured L-R are: Jon Duade, Michelle Paul, Eric Bartolomey and Jerome D’Antone. Serving refreshments were members of the Garden City Fire Department. The 19-piece Village Music Makers entertained (as they have for more than 20 years) with their repertoire of holiday tunes. A real crowd-pleaser was Kingsley Bear with candycanes for the kids (courtesy of King’s Supermarket). A multi-entertainer pleased the crowd with stilt walking and ribbon twirling. George Engelke, chairman and CEO, Astoria Federal Savings, event sponsor for the past 10 years, offered a holiday greeting. Dr. Anthony Libertella, Chamber executive vice president, greeted the crowd on behalf of the Chamber.