The Pelham Bay Merchants Association held its annual tree lighting.
The merchants association had already completed stringing holiday lights along the shopping strip when the tree lighting occurred in Keane Square on Wednesday, December 14.
PBMA president Sherry Scanlon was joined by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto to light the tree at the Square’s war memorial. The tree lighting and the lighting of the shopping strip with Christmas lights is a wonderful accomplishment that will brighten the holiday spirits of all those in Pelham Bay, Benedetto said.
After the lighting, Benedetto said that they had brightened another corner of the community.
Donations for the tree’s ornaments and lights were made by Lehigh Wines and Liquors at 2929 Westchester Avenue and Carpet Liquidators at 3042 Westchester Avenue, while the tree itself was donated by Pruzzo’s Stop One Deli at 2937 Westchester Avenue, Scanlon said. She also collected from merchants for the holiday lights, she said.
“I want to say a special thank you to Pruzzo’s Deli for donating the Christmas tree this year,” Scanlon said, “and also to Carpet Liquidators and Lehigh Liquors for their donation of lights and ornaments.”
It is regrettable that the merchants association was unable to hold its annual toy giveaway with Santa this year, which in previous years took place during the tree lighting, Scanlon said.
“We apologize that we will be unable to have our visit from Santa Claus and gift giveaway this year because of lack of funding,” Scanlon said. “Last year, we had hot chocolate and donuts with Santa Claus, and gave away 500 presents, but we were unable to do that this year.”
The ongoing economic issues affecting the world are no stranger to Pelham Bay. Many of the merchants are struggling, Scanlon said.
The tree was decorated by Scanlon, her sister Sonia Cancel, and her daughter Megan Scanlon, along with help from an employee from Scanlon’s business, Pelham Bay Home Center at 3073 Westchester Avenue.
Patrick Rocchio can be reach via e-mail at procchio@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3393©2011 Community Newspaper Group
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