Pound Ridge Community Lights Up Its Holiday Tree

POUND RIDGE, N.Y. – The rainy weather didn’t deter more than 100 Pound Ridge residents from turning out for the annual community holiday tree-lighting ceremony Sunday evening at the firehouse in Scotts Corners.

The crowd gathers at the Pound Ridge holiday tree lighting in front of the firehouse on Sunday evening.
Photo Credit: *Bob Dumas*

Santa Claus pays a visit to the Pound Ridge youngsters during the tree-lighting ceremony.
Photo Credit: *Bob Dumas*

Pound Ridge Community Church Music Director Pete Malinverni, far right, plays the melodica and the leads the crowd in the singing of Christmas carols.
Photo Credit: *Bob Dumas*

Middle school friends enjoy Sunday night's tree-lighting festivities. From left, Alexandra Colonna, Bella Vasillopulos, Emily Zullo, and Rebecca Kornblau. All are students at Fox Lane Middle School, except Alexandra, who attends school in Ridgefield.
Photo Credit: *Bob Dumas*

by Bob Dumas

12/10/2012 12:00 p.m.

Those who did attend the event, which was sponsored by Pound Ridge Fire Department and the Pound Ridge Business Association, were treated to a visit from the big guy himself – Santa Claus – and a community sing-along led by the Pound Ridge Community Church choir and its musical director, Pete Malinverni.

“It’s a wonderful turnout,” said Anna DiPace-Zullo, who chaired the event for the Business Association. “We were concerned about the weather, but it turned out great. It’s really special to have the Community Choir here, along with Pete Malinverni.”

There were plenty of hot beverages and baked treats on hand, including warm zeppoles provided by Pinocchio’s Pizza.

“The zeppoles were great – delicious and festive,” DiPace-Zullo said. “This has been a great way to start the season in a non-commercial way.”

This year, the tree-lighting honors went to Pound Ridge youngsters Nellie Reid and Ameila Ruch, both four-years-old.

“This is our first year here, so it was pretty special for Nellie,” said Ellen Christian-Reid, Nellie’s mom. “She got to light the tree, plus she got to meet Santa.”

Malinverni, who accompanied the choir and attendees on the melodica as they sang an array of Christmas carol classics, said that he was thrilled he was able to help provide the music for the event.

“It’s another opportunity to share music with the choir and the community,” he said. “It’s a blessing to be able to do it.”

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