38 The Courier sun • holiday • DECEMBER 12, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com s holiday guide THE COURIER/Photo by Liam La Guerre Christ the King kicked off the Christmas season with its annual tree lighting ceremony. CK’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ BY LIAM LA GUERRE lguerre@queenscourier.com More than 200 people joined in the festivities at the Christ the King High School tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, December 5. There was a Winter Wonderland, filled with bouncy houses, games, activities, hot chocolate and cookies and Santa Claus greeted little boys and girls. The CK Musical Theatre Club along with the Middle Village Preparatory’s Drama Club also performed a preview of their rendition of “A Christmas Carol, the Musical.” Photos courtesy of J.P. Di Troia The US Columbarium in Middle Village hosted its annual memorial tree lighting service. Memorial tree lighting BY LIAM LA GUERRE lguerre@queenscourier.com The United States Columbarium in Middle Village hosted its annual memorial tree lighting service on Saturday, December 7. Commemorative paper doves were given to people attending, so they could write a personal message to remember those loved ones they’ve lost. Christian Di Troia, 11, grandson of J.P. Di Troia, president of the U.S. Columbarium, performed at the service. Bill Risbrook, former governor of the NY State Kiwanis, attended the event and Reverend Joseph Palackal of St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church talked to families about the importance of memorials. Glendale all aglow BY LIAM LA GUERRE Hundreds of Glendale residents enjoyed the annual tree lighting on Saturday, December 7. Elected officials and members of the Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village Lions Club hosted the fourth annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday celebration at Fred Haller Jr. Triangle on Myrtle Avenue and Union Turnpike. The event was special, because it was a “green-tree” lighting. The Christmas tree, an evergreen which has been near the center of the triangle for more than a decade, was lit up with lights powered by solar panels, and had handmade recycled decorations designed by students at P.S./I.S. 113. The celebration also saw performances by the Sacred Heart children’s choir and the Queens Metropolitan High School Chorus, which sang Christmas classics. The caroling was followed by a doggy dressup contest. Aside from the tree lighting ceremony, Santa Claus appeared to give presents to all the good boys and girls in attendance. “It’s important for the community to get together and celebrate the holiday season,” said Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley. “Small town Glendale in the big city. That’s what it feels like when we all get together.” THE COURIER/Photo by Liam La Guerre Hundreds of residents came together for the fourth annual Glendale tree lighting ceremony.
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