New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, in conjunction with Bridgefield Civic League Inc., hosted a Christmas Celebration at the league’s center at 3551 Laconia Avenue in Williamsbridge on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021.

 

The event featured a toy giveaway, food & drinks, games, story time and general entertainment for the local community. It was supported by NYC Health & Hospitals Test & Trace Corps, Metro Plus Health Plan, Gloria Bent, registered dietician and nutritionist, and author, Harlem Holiday, among other volunteers.

Speaking to Norwood News at the event, Bent said, “The holiday season is a season for giving, loving and sharing.” She added, “This event is all about giving, giving back to the community, giving back love, joy, peace and happiness by telling them [attendees] about healthy eating tips, giving them toys, just comfort…just everything.”

 

 

 

Bent said that along with Debra Harland Tirado, president of the civic league, the event comprised of simply a community who was giving back, and she thanked everyone for coming. “We have over 500 kids here today, along with Carl Heastie, the Speaker of the House [assembly]; he was here this afternoon, with [Assembly Member] Nathalia Fernández [A.D. 81],” she said. “All come together as a community in spirit, in joy, so Happy Holidays! Eat healthy and see you all next year!”

 

Meanwhile, Harland Tirado, said it was the second such annual festive celebration for the league. “It’s like a winter wonderland, and it’s for the community…..to give back, with toys, entertainment and just a nice atmosphere to let the people know that they are appreciated,” she said.

 

As people arrived for the celebration, they were greeted by Heastie who, along with Sinade Carpenters, were standing behind a table filled with toys. Children were able to pick whatever toy they wanted and take it home.

 

Kids were later seen happily tucking into spaghetti and meatballs, served up by Tirado, Aniah Johnson, and Kevin Lincoln.

 

Other attendees included Guerinos Against Graffitti* cofounder, Heather Guerino, and her son, both dressed in festive green and red costumes. As reported, together with her husband Sirio Guerino, Guerinos Against Graffitti* carry out a lot of community work to preserve the look and upkeep of local neighborhoods in the Northwest Bronx, not just by removing graffiti, but also by participating in various, local clean-up events.

 

Liz Singleton of Dream Balloon Decorators was also on hand to help create a festive environment for the kids and adults alike, as well as Jermaine Coore, community liaison worker at the Bridgefield Civic League Inc., and special guest, Santa Clause.

 

As the event was held amid the most recent rise in coronavirus cases, due to the highly transmissible omicron variant, masks were worn by attendees.

 

 

Summing up the day, Heastie later tweeted, “Had a great time tonight with everyone at the holiday toy giveaway!” He added, “Thank you to everyone who donated toys and made this possible.”

 

Had a great time tonight with everyone at the holiday toy giveaway! Thank you to everyone who donated toys and made this possible. pic.twitter.com/QRft7jcvwz

— Carl E. Heastie (@CarlHeastie) December 17, 2021