Carolers filled the air with holiday cheer at the Tompkins Square Park Christmas tree lighting on Sunday. Albert Fabozzi, below right, the founder of the annual event and a former Community Board 3 chairperson, received a certificate of appreciation from Bill Castro, the Manhattan borough Parks commissioner. Contributions for the event and a donation made on behalf of the community to Carmen’s Place, a shelter providing protection and assistance to homeless gay and transgender youth, was provided by Lon Ballinger, owner of Webster Hall; East Village Books and Records; Life Cafe; Odessa restaurant; Saifee Hardware and Third Street Music Settlement.
