The Jerome Gun Hill BID, in partnership with District 11 City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, hosted a holiday tree-lighting event on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Jerome-Mosholu Plaza in Norwood.

 

Despite the rain, dozens of community members gathered to join in the family friendly festivities, which included activities like face painting, writing letters to Santa Claus, hot chocolate, a basketball hoop, and arts and crafts. There was also a live DJ and Christmas caroling.

 

Representatives from health insurance provider Metro Plus tabled at the event, handing out information on their services, as health officials warned of rising flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases.

 

To prevent the spread of RSV, flu, and COVID-19, health officials recommend that New Yorkers mask up in crowded indoor settings, wash hands often, and stay home if sick.

 

They said those who are 60 years of age or older or who are pregnant should ask their healthcare provider about RSV vaccinations. See more at http://nyc.gov/rsv.

 

Meanwhile, organizers of the tree-lighting event at Jerome-Mosholu Plaza said it has been a tradition for about a decade and the tree will remain lit until shortly after the beginning of January.

 

While the councilman was a hosting partner for the event, he was not actually present on the night.

 

Gloria, who was in attendance with her two kids, said, “My daughters are having fun. It’s nice to have to do these kinds of things for the community and give the kids something to do.”

Elsewhere, the 52nd Precinct Community Affairs team hosted its annual toy giveaway outside the stationhouse on Dec. 22.

 

As reported, less than a week earlier, the area in front of the precinct and surrounding streets had been severely flooded due to a burst water mains on Monday, Dec. 16, causing major disruption to residents and local businesses in the lead up to the holiday season.

“A little bit of snow didn’t stop us from having our annual 52 Precinct Toy Giveaway event,” precinct officials later said of the giveaway. “Santa Claus, The Grinch and our Officers were out there spreading Christmas cheer. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible.”

After being postponed at least once due to inclement weather, the Precinct’s annual holiday float had to be cancelled this year in the end. However, the community affairs team promises it will return next year.

 

NYPD Communty Affairs Officer Stephen Echevarria also assisted Santa in delivering more toys to Bailey Houses, the NYCHA complex located at West 193rd Street and Heath Avenue in Fordham Manor, on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.

 

“Santa made one last stop with our NYPD Community Affairs Officer over at the Bailey houses, making sure the kids had some toys and lots of Holiday Cheer,” precinct officials said. “Wishing all the families in our community a safe and Happy Holiday. ”