The board of directors of the Jamaica Plain Business and Professional Association (JPBAPA) offers thanks to the many individuals and businesses that contributed to recent holiday festivities and street decorations along Centre and South streets. Above all, the collaboration with JP Centre/South Main Streets on the Puppy Costume Parade and the Holiday Stroll assured two smooth-running events.
Local and some not-so-local merchants who contributed wonderful prizes and filled goodie bags for the Puppy Costume Parade include: Amy Johnson of JP Animal Clinic, Eder da Silva of JPuppy, Polka Dog Bakery, Skipton Kennels of the South End and Pet Cabaret of Roslindale. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the parade go to the Boston Animal Shelter, Angell Animal Medical Center Shelter and Animal Rescue League.
Over 20 local merchants donated merchandise and gift certificates to the tune of $700 to the Holiday Stroll. A thank-you nod to: Fire Opal, Ten Tables, The Goodwill Store, Mary Hannon, Prudential Unlimited Realty, Cobwebs, Serene Vibes, Same Old Place, Blue Frog Bakery, Classic Cleaners, Ace Hardware, Yumont Hardware, On Centre, Salmagundi, Ferris Wheels, 40 South Street, JP Seafood, Gadgets, Boing! JP’s Toy Shop, City Feed and Supply, Blanchard’s Wine and Spirits, Purple Cactus, Centre Street Café, Jamaicaway Books and Gifts, Petal and Leaf and Rhythm and Muse.
The tabulations from the Holiday Stroll “Best Holiday Window” display voting showed The Goodwill Store as winner.
The roofline lights installation and promotion along Centre and South streets, along with the festive bows on poles, were brought to the neighborhood by the business association, JPBAPA. John Douglass of Mechanical Solutions, Jeff Ferris of Ferris Wheels, Jude Hutchinson of Just Out Photography and Elizabeth Icaza deserve credit for being extra diligent lighting angels. Cindy Scheff of Earthly Arts nearly froze while putting up the pole decorations.
Many more contributed, including merchants who donated power for the lights and landlords who allowed the light installations. What a great tribute to JP that this was such a long list.
Carlos B. Icaza
President
Jamaica Plain Business and Professional Association