South Beach Civic Association members party heartily for the holidays

New York’s Staten Island. Staten Islanders are celebrating in style as holiday get-togethers get underway.

At the 23rd annual holiday party held at the Crystal Room in South Beach, where 175 people gathered to celebrate, members of the South Beach Civic Association did just that.

Louis Antonelli Jr., Joseph McAllister, RoseAnn McAllister, Jean Tarantino, Susan Hansen and Dave Hansen, Sitting, and other SBCA officers and board members. Dianne Romano, Pat Venezia, Jerry and Karen Logan, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. (Images provided by Steve White)White, Steve

The association’s president, Joseph McAllister, wished everyone a good day and thanked the officers, committee members, members, and retailers that donated gift vouchers.

McAllister said, “The annual event allows us to give back to the community and also serves as a way for everyone to enjoy the holiday and Christmas spirit.”

Bravo to photographer Steve White, deejay Tim Turbiack and assistant Tom Kafkalas, and event coordinators RoseAnn McAllister and Diane Romano.

Throughout the evening, Joe and RoseAnn McAllister host a party with their guests. (Images provided by Steve White)White, Steve

As is typical, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus (Karen Logan and Jerry, a veteran and member of the Cespino-Russo American Legion Post) enhanced the enjoyable event while revelers enjoyed a sumptuous buffet that included carving stations.

The holiday get-together is enjoyable for Tania and Howard Ehrlich. (Images provided by Steve White)White, Steve

Susan Hansen and RoseAnn McAllister organized the raffle prizes, while Linda Sollazzo created the centerpieces.

During the holiday get-together, friends snap a selfie. (Images provided by Steve White)White, Steve

The tradition is still being carried out by Jennifer Antonelli, who sang her version of God Bless America, and her son, Louis Antonelli Jr., who was just 5 years old when he cut the civic association’s cake in 2005 and is currently the Sergeant of Arms.

Jennifer Antonelli performs the song “God Bless America.” (Images provided by Steve White)White, Steve

Joseph and RoseAnn McAllister join Louis Antonelli Jr. in cutting the festive cake. (Images provided by Steve White)White, Steve

Revelers enjoy themselves while celebrating the holidays. (Images provided by Steve White)White, Steve

Friends and members of the South Beach Civic Association. (Images provided by Steve White)White, Steve

The Civil Association of South Beach

After bringing up the notion of creating a local group with the late Lou Caravone, chairman of Community Board 2, the McAllisters established the South Beach Civic Association 25 years ago. In order to enforce quality of life issues, the association was established.

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