Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Parks Buildings, and Recreation Management (PBRM) Director Tom Ashe, and City Council Vice President Melvin Edwards joined with members of the The South End Citizens Council, Inc. (SECC) including SECC President Leo Florian and Shane Milette on Thursday evening for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Angelina Florian Park in the South End neighborhood.
The celebration also featured music, fun, and a visit from Santa next door at the Mt. Carmel Society. Members of the Springfield Police Department South End C3 police unit and Community Police Liaison Suehaley Arce, members the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, South End Middle School Principal Yara DePalma-Gonzalez and students and families, Italian Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts (ICCWM) President Charles Becker (Santa Claus), and Lisandra Rosario on behalf of State Representative Carlos Gonzalez attended.
Mayor Sarno stated, “Our neighborhoods are the lifeline of our city, providing much needed services, outreach and insight to the specific needs of our residents and business community. I want to thank the South End Citizens Council (SECC), especially SECC President Leo Florian, Shane Milette, and Sue Rueli Manchester, along with our C3 Police unit, South End Middle School, our Parks & Recreation team, the Sheriff’s Department, and all who continue to bring people together and shine a bright light for their neighborhood community. It was freezing outside last night as we lit the tree at Angelina Park, but our hearts were warmed by the great work and community spirit of all involved. ‘Boun Natale!’”
