Last night, the GEC Carolers performed at the NIA (Neighborhood Improvement Association) Christmas tree Lighting in Cannonball Park. The event was sponsored by Senator Chu, Senator Gounardes, and NYC Council Member Justin Brannan. The group was lead by Joe Riley, GEC's CEO, and accompanied by Paul Cassone and Anthony Weinberg on guitar and keyboard.
There were over 40 individuals from GEC residences and day programs attending, along with many staff including Francine Boyle, Sheila McQuade, Ellen Paternostro, and Emily Nieves, Rousing renditions of Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Jingle Bells, Feliz Navidad, and Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, were performed, along with a reverent version of Silent Night. The musical program ended with an energetic performance of We wish You a Merry Christmas. The enthusiasm and earnestness of the individuals helped make the evening beautiful! There were hundreds of happy & festive onlookers. A great time was had by all…’Tis the Season!