The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition.

 

Smiles and laughter were seen and heard in abundance during a fun-filled, joyous gathering on Mosholu Parkway lawn on Thursday, Dec. 8, for the annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony, hosted by Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7) and Friends of Mosholu Parkland (FOMP).

 

Families and residents gathered at the usual location at the intersection of Mosholu Parkway and Bainbridge Avenue on the Norwood/Bedford Park border and were treated to snacks, hot chocolate, hot cider, peppermints and goodie bags as they mingled through stands, Santa’s workshop, while kids participated in various holiday activities and games.

 

There were musical performances, including holiday carols, and of course the highlight, a visit from Santa Claus, and the countdown to the annual holiday tree-lighting, itself. With traffic blocked off on the lawn, a large stage was erected for the hosts, performers, and other participants, including a DJ who got everyone dancing towards the end of the evening to “All I Want for Christmas Is You!” by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff.

 

Meanwhile, volunteers, some dressed as snowflakes, holiday trees, and in other festive costumes, served snacks and drinks and added to the fun atmosphere! CB7 deputy district manager, Karla Cabrera Carrera, newly elected CB7 chairperson, Yahaira Arias, and other members of the CB7 board welcomed those gathered, while CB7 Parks committee chair, Barbara Stronczer, acted as MC. “Just to give you a little bit of history – our first tree-lighting on Mosholu Parkway started back in 1978, and it was not a big spectacle like this,” said Stronczer.

 

“It started with a 5-foot-high tree that residents tied to a streetlight on Decatur and Mosholu Parkway South,” she continued. “One of our members came out and they hooked up the lights on the tree and we had our first celebration, and here we are today! It’s been a great celebration each year!”

 

District 11 City Councilman Eric Dinowitz was also in attendance with his children and wished everyone a Happy Christmas. “I see a couple of menorahs, so I’ll say Happy Hanukah too!” he said, giving a shout out to his predecessor, former District 11 City Council Member Andy Cohen, now a judge at Bronx County Court, who he spotted in the crowd.

“It’s always so great to see the community coming together having fun, especially our children, coming together, back in school,” Dinowitz added. The former teacher continued, “But don’t worry kids! You’re going to have your Christmas break soon, right? You’re most excited for that, right?” Amid cheers of “Yay!” he added, “I know, I know!” The councilman concluded, saying in part, “I know there’s lots of activities for kids. We’re going to be here having some fun. You guys, enjoy the holiday season, and I look forward to seeing all of you. Thank you!”

 

Also present on the mild winter’s evening were Frederic Klein, representing Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81), and George Cooke and Esperanza Diaz, representing District 15 City Council Member Oswald Feliz. Klein wished everyone happy holidays, thanked residents for coming out, said how much the assemblyman loves representing Norwood, and that he and his team are excited to continue doing so in January.

Co-sponsors of the event included Montefiore Einstein, Verilife Dispensary, the 52^nd Precinct, and Part of the Solution (POTS), a nonprofit catering for those experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, performances were given by students from P.S. / M.S. 20, located on Webster Avenue in Norwood, who sang “Christmas Time,” “Here Comes the Snow” and “Light Up the World.”

Community members join Bronx Community Board 7, Friends of Mosholu Parkland and other elected officials, members of the NYPD to sing together during the Annual Tree-Lighting event hosted by CB7 and Friends of Mosholu Parkland on Mosholu Parkway and Bainbridge Avenue in the Bedford Park section of The Bronx on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. Video courtesy of David Rosas

 

Students from Academy of Mount St. Ursula, located on Bedford Park Boulevard in Bedford Park, also performed, singing, “Winter Wonderland” and “Jingle Bell Rock,” while the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center Dancers, in conjunction with NYC Parks, gave a performance to “Father, Can you Hear Me?” by Tyler Perry.

Other participants at the ceremony included the 52^nd Precinct Explorers and the group, “Spontaneous Entertainment,” while ornaments were provided by P.S. 8, located on Briggs Avenue in Bedford Park, P.S. 54, located on Webster Avenue in Bedford Park, and P.S. 77, also located on Webster Avenue in Bedford Park.

 

Jade Foster, community relations manager at Montefiore’s Office of Community Affairs, who recently succeeded Jason Caraballo in the role, introduced herself to those gathered. Foster congratulated both the student performers and Bronx CB7 for the great turn-out. She said Montefiore was, once again, happy to co-sponsor the annual event.

“Bronx CB7 is home to two of our campuses within the [Montefiore] health system, and we are excited to continue to improve the health of the community by working together on these events with CB7 and other local organizations,” she said.

 

Foster wrapped up by wising everyone happy holidays.

Community members join members of Bronx Community Board 7 for the countdown of the Annual Tree-Lighting event hosted by CB7 and Friends of Mosholu Parkland on Mosholu Parkway and Bainbridge Avenue in the Bedford Park section of The Bronx on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. Video courtesy of David Rosas

 

Elizabeth Quaranta, executive director of FOMP, thanked everyone for coming on behalf of all the FOMP members, many of whom were also in attendance and who had worked hard to put the event together. “It’s great to see familiar faces, some getting older and wiser!” Quaranta said. “But it’s also nice to see new faces from neighbors who have moved into the community – welcome! Together, we continue to care and to fight for this quality of life and onto the new year 2023! Happy New Year!”

Departing CB7 district manager, Ischia Bravo, was not present for the ceremony as she is currently on leave from Dec. 5 to Dec. 28 and will briefly return to the office from Dec. 28 to Dec. 30. She had received many well wishes from elected officials and community members alike during the November CB7 general board meeting, her last meeting.

 

Her resignation takes effect at close of business on Dec. 30. As of Jan. 3, 2023, Bravo will take up a new position as the commissioner of jurors/Bronx county clerk, based at 851 Grand Concourse, Room 118.

 

Bravo told Norwood News, “I would like to thank the members of Bronx Community Board 7 for the opportunity to serve the community I was born and raised in; and all of the community partners who have made this an experience of a lifetime. These past 5 years have been truly an experience that has helped me grow professionally and emotionally.”

 

She added, “For the last 18 years, I have served my borough in many different roles, and I will continue to do so for years to come. I love The Bronx, its people, its diversity, and more importantly, the strength Bronxites have to thrive. So, I won’t be going too far because there is still lots of work to be done.”

 

She concluded, “I believe my role in the Courthouse will be yet another opportunity to provide a positive experience and quality services to all Bronxites. The journey to a better today, tomorrow, and always for The Bronx and its residents will always be my priority.”

 

Local resident, Emma, 5, attended the event with her parents. Asked what the best thing about the holidays was, she said, “I love having presents! I love getting candy! I love everything about the holidays! You get toys!”

Asked what kind of toys she liked, she said, “I like every kind of toy but not boy’s toys…girl’s toys.” Asked what the best part of the tree-lighting ceremony was, Emma said, “Everything,” before wishing everyone Happy Holidays!

 

We also spoke with attendee, Mario Rodriguez, who was present with his 3-year-old daughter, Carla. They were attending the event for the first time. Asked for his reaction, speaking in Spanish, Rodriguez replied, “It’s very good!” Asked, in his opinion, what was the best part about the Christmas season, he replied, “Sharing with family, and nothing else.”