The Connolly Branch Library and the Hyde Square community celebrated their 5th annual Halloween Party and Parade on Oct. 31. Hundreds of children and adults enjoyed a costume party with food and activities before parading through Hyde/Jackson Squares, stopping at 34 local businesses and organizations: Volunteers of America; Peter J. Hanley, DMD; Guardian Health Care; 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; Vasallo’s Fashion for Men and Women; Romance Boutique; Alex Chimis; Del Valle’s Children’s Shop; Mr. V. Auto; Batista and Associates; Rent-A-Center, Inc.; Tacos El Charro; Sonia’s Bridal & Quinceañera; Captain Nemo’s Restaurant; El Patio Market; Revolution Bicycle Repair Shop; Hyde Square Task Force; Centre Street Dental Care; Atlantic Travel Agency; The Video Underground; Soranlly Unisex Salon; Food Wall Restaurant; Centre Liquor Store; Beauty Master Salon; Ultra Beauty Salon; Caffè Aromi; JP for Elizabeth Warren; and Whole Foods Market JP.
Thanks also to the following businesses and organizations for providing food, goody bags, and discount coupons and special deals: Sorella’s Restaurant; Southern JP Health Center; Quisqueya Bakery; When Pigs Fly Breads; Allandale Farm; Vasquez Insurance Agency; Mann-Rodgers and Commonwealth Funeral and Cremation Services; WIC; Boston Red Sox Ambassador Program; Massachusetts Dental Society; New England Aquarium; WGBH Boston; Museum of Science; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; J.P. Licks; The Blue Nile; Miami Restaurant; City Mart; Home Basix; Latino Restaurant; and Tostado. Halloween deals were coordinated by Gerald Robbins, Hyde Jackson Square Main Street.
Once again, our outstanding volunteers helped make the event possible: Maria Nuñez, Lisa Ganak, Adam Frawley, Janine Casapulla, Jane Hans, Amy Stoffelmayr, Kalina Black, Jasmine Corona, Michael Malloy, Cherlianny Arias, Frances Streeter, Woody Streeter, David Weinstein, Sarah Hoff, Delores Holley and Demaris Smith.
Thanks to our elected officials who participated: State Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez and family, state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz (who helped face-paint), and City Councilor Matt O’Malley. And for helping keep everyone safe, we thank Jullieanne Doherty, JP Coordinator/Mayor’s Office, and Sgt. Eric Krause and officers from District E-13/Boston Police Department.
We are extremely excited to see how this event has grown over the last five years and the role it plays in strengthening our community. See you around at the Connolly Branch Library!
Laura Foner, Connolly Branch Children’s Librarian
Sylvia Velez, Friends of the Connolly Branch Library
Jamaica Plain