Dec. 2, 2024 By Ramy Mahmoud and QNS News Team
Dozens of residents from Whitestone and surrounding neighborhoods gathered on Sunday evening for the annual Paul A. Vallone Community Christmas Tree Lighting, honoring the late Council Member Paul A. Vallone.
The Friends of Francis Lewis Park, in partnership with the Landrum School of Performing Arts, hosted the event, which started at 5 p.m. at Francis Lewis Park, 3rd Ave. and 147th St. in Whitestone.
Vallone was a dedicated public servant and a prominent figure in the Queens community. Serving as a Council Member for District 19, his political career was marked by his commitment to local development, community engagement, and his efforts to improve the quality of life for residents in Bayside, Flushing, and surrounding neighborhoods. His untimely death earlier this year at the age of 56 left a lasting impact on the community he served, with many remembering him as a passionate advocate for his neighbors, a devoted family man, and a man who celebrated the values of togetherness and service.