MUTUAL CONCERNS' CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER SPREADING TWO DECADES OF HOLIDAY CHEER 

December 30, 2014 -- The Sea Cliff-based charity Mutual Concerns hosted its annual holiday dinner at the Sea Cliff Methodist Church this past Christmas Day.  More than 50 guests, ranging in age from young teens to senior citizens, some from nearby and others from as far away as Long Beach, stopped by for good company, festive holiday entertainment and a turkey meal with all the trimmings.

 Begun 20 years ago by Sea Cliff resident Terry Sciubba, the event has not only attracted guests, but also many volunteers who have helped to prepare and serve meals, provide entertainment, operate a shuttle service bringing guests to the Church, and clean up.  Some of those volunteers, like resident and Village Trustee Ed Lieberman have lent a hand each year since the dinner's origins, while others, such as Sea Cliff residents Carol Berkeley and Saul Schachter were newcomers to this past Thursday's effort.

Ms. Sciubba said that the idea for the dinner developed out of concern that there are many who do not have an opportunity to gather or visit with family and friends on Christmas, and out of the recognition that there's a lot more to the holiday than opening presents.  She has been the leader and mainstay of this Mutual Concerns operation ever since.  

Sea Cliff resident John Canning emceed the event, reading "T'was the Night Before Christmas" and other short Christmas classics, and along with Sea Cliff resident Sue Giordano, led in the singing of carols, while Paul Basserman accompanied on piano. Towards the conclusion, all volunteers and guests came together in a rousing rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Local businesses also contributed greatly to the effort.  Still Partners and K.C. Gallagher donated cooked turkeys while the Metropolitan Bistro and Oak Room Tavern prepared the trimmings and side dishes. Glen Cove Beer and Wine donated the beverages, and the Sea Cliff - Glen Head Lions Club contributed funds for the desserts and coffee.  Additionally an anonymous donor contributed two large trays of cookies.

In addition to Ms. Sciubba, Ms. Giordano, Mr. Canning, Mr. Basserman,  Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Schachter, and Ms. Berkeley, volunteers included Mutual Concerns President Peggy Como, Peter Fleischman, Theo Fleischman, Linda Maxey, Stuart Rodel, Barbara Sinenberg, and John Lauterer.

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