For the past 10 years Dave McCoart has been a part of the reason that residents of the Hill/City Point neighborhood are able to come together as a family. Ken Harlan sees it that way, at least.
Harlan (pictured with family) was at the 10th annual City Point Christmas tree lighting at Sage American Bar & Grill Sunday evening
McCoart owns Sage — and supports events like this one that bring together people in City Point. Sunday night he provided space, food and beverages for almost 200 guests.
It “keeps the residents involved,” Harlan said. “It keeps them happy.”
Harlan was there with his wife Nazareth and their children.
7‑year-old Iyanna (left in photo) had a chance to chat with Santa Claus. Then Santa’s helper elf, Allie Hermann, handed her a gift bag.
The annual event, like others during the year on City Point, was as much about building community as about a particular holiday or milestone.
Carl Sampson, who has lived in City Point for 23 years, has been attending the tree lighting for the past six years with his three sons. He said that during a recession and at a time where people don’t seem to care about one another, it’s nice to see the people from his neighborhood come together.
“There are still people who are trying to make a difference in their community. This is a great thing (the party),” said he said. “Always has been.”
Sampson (picturd) won a Godiva Chocolate gift basket in a raffle at the event, to cheers from the crowd. He said he will put the chocolate on display at work to show that “good things do happen to good people.”
Dave McCoart said he appreciates City Point’s support of his business. So he doesn’t mind throwing a party to show his appreciation.
“My community supports me,” said McCoart (pictured with neighborhood organizer Kris Sainsbury and city Chief Administrative Officer Rob Smuts to his right, and to his left Lou Mangini, a representative from U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s office). “When Kris Sainsbury approached me 10 years ago” for help with the tree lighting, “I said, ‘Of course.’”
Sainsbury, a prime mover of the Hill/City Point Neighborhood Action Group said she wanted to get word out about the party to as many people out as she could.
“We put out 400 flyers, and it’s a good turnout,” said Sainsbury. “This is our neighborhood, this is our community, our friends, our neighbors, and our families — and this is really the start of the holidays for us.”
Paul Larrivee, president of the Hill/City Point Neighborhood Action Group, called McCoart the nicest man around.
“He really is,” said Larrivee as he munched on a pizza slice at the Sage American Bar & Grill Sunday night for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. “He’s trying to get people involved; we’re all in this together.”
One difference with this year’s ceremony: The dedication of the tree. The dedication is to Carol Kasper, a local active volunteer who passed away this year.
Angela Hatley read “The Night Before Christmas” to kids at the event. She read at last year’s event, too. Tghis year’s drew more kids, she said. The former army sergeant and cancer survivor said she appreciates life and will do all she can to give back to her community.
The event “really shows an organized, strong neighborhood,” observed Lou Mangini. “It’s great to see everyone come out and have a good time for the holidays.”
A very special thanks to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. Sainsbury (a.k.a. Miss Kris) and all of Santa's helpers for arranging this get-together yet again - - it seems as though this event gets better & better every year!
As 'Team Rivera' has expanded, I anticipate this gathering to become a family tradition. It's great to see a crowd of people join together to celebrate peacefully!
Peace, love & blessings to you & yours this holiday season!