Residents come out in force to celebrate
18 DECEMBER 2017 | WWW.QNS.COM | LEFRAK CITY COURIER
LeFrak City residents turned
out in force to usher in the
holiday season on December
6, thronging the Central Quad for a
tree-lighting party featuring cocoa,
train rides, Christmas carols and a
visit from Santa.
A wintry chill didn’t cool the spirits
of the partygoers, an estimated
crowd of over 1,500 who lined up by
the score for rides on a pair of tinselstrewn
trains that circled the Great
Lawn, and a chance to climb onto
Santa’s lap for a word and a photo op.
Saint Nick perched by the Christmas
tree in his customary red suit,
fl anked by Rosie the security robot,
who was festively attired for the season
in a snow-woman getup featuring
a carrot nose and a green and
red scarf (or a sticker approximating
one).
Roaming carolers in top hats and
other Victorian garb serenaded the
crowd, Christmas songs played
over the sound system, State Senator
Jose Peralta and a representative
from State Assemblyman Jeffrion
L. Aubry’s office communed with
residents, and helpers in Santa hats
handed out sugar cookies and hot
cocoa donated by the Silver Spoon
Diner, as well as gift bags.
Checking out the action with her
9-year-old grandson, Shirley Williams,
a 43-year resident of LeFrak
City, had a word for the celebratory
scene.
“It’s a wonderland,” she said. It’s
also, she said, a marker of how much
things have changed in the community
in recent years.
“It’s amazing what’s been done to
this community. You couldn’t have
a nicer place,” she said, noting the
orderliness of the festive gathering.
“Everything is under control, and
you can come out and see neighbors
you haven’t seen for a while.”
“It’s more family oriented now,”
agreed her friend Jorge Rodriguez,
a 37-year resident, referencing the
games, the basketball court, the
playgrounds. “It’s a lot better for the
kids. Th ey have places to run around
and play instead of being out in the
street.”
Mr. Williams’ grandson Masaiha
Cover Story