The Connolly Branch Library and the Hyde Square community celebrated their 7th annual Halloween Party and Parade on Oct. 31. Over 100 children and adults enjoyed a costume party with food and fun activities at the library, before parading through Hyde Square and ending at the Blessed Sacrament Plaza. There, the Hyde Square Task Force hosted a Halloween Festival with music, games and treats. In two parades, children trick-or-treated at 36 local businesses and organizations: Volunteers of America; Guardian Healthcare; El Oriental de Cuba; Jamaica Plain Laundry Centre; Tails, Inc.; Brendan Behan Pub; Fat Ram’s Pumpkin Tattoo; La Casa de los Regalos; Centre Tailor; Mr. V. Auto; Del Valle’s Children’s Shop; Alex’s Chimis; Pimentel Market; Batista & Associates; Rent-a-Center, Inc.; Old Havana Restaurant; Whole Foods Market; Caffè Aromi; Ultra Beauty Salon; Centre Liquor Store; Food Wall Restaurant; Julio’s Barber Shop; Miami Restaurant; Atlantic Travel Agency; Centre Street Dental Care; Aurum Restaurant; Hyde Square Task Force; Revolution Bicycle; El Patio Market; Captain Nemo’s Restaurant; Centre Street Sanctuary; Veterans Outreach Center; and Re/Max Destiny.
This event would not have been possible without our outstanding volunteers: Maria Nuñez and the WIC program; Mia Diers; Martha Matlaw; David Weinstein; Joanie Parker; Maureen O’Connor; Fran Perkins; Enid Eckstein; Lisa Ganak; Amy Snell; Woody and Fran Streeter; Matthew Hincman; Alysha Robinson; Peter Negri; Connie Wang; Kara Hunersen; Carlos Mendoza; Nick Martin; and Christina Sun. A special thanks to Abigail Ortiz from the Southern JP Health Center and Emma Blaxter from the Hyde Square Task Force.
Thanks to our elected officials who participated: State Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez, City Councilor Matt O’Malley and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. And thanks to the officers from District E-13/Boston Police Department for helping keep everyone safe.
Our vibrant partnerships with all the volunteers, local businesses and organizations help make our community thrive. The staff and Friends of the Connolly Branch Library welcome the opportunity to continue building these strong relationships into the future.
Laura Foner, Friends of the Connolly Branch Library
Jane Bickford, Branch Librarian, Connolly Branch Library
Jamaica Plain