Celebrate 20 years of JP Centre/South Main Streets' supporting businesses and the community at a party on Nov. 3. JP Centre/South Main Streets began when Thomas Menino was mayor, and has gone on to work businesses and residents to build a strong retail district along Centre Street. The JP Centre/South Main Streets 20th Anniversary Celebration will be a laid-back and festive event, with a focus on friendly mingling. There will be beer, wine, refreshments, and a live auction, as they celebrate 20 years of building relationships with our Jamaica Plain community.
Ruth Barker Ginsberg, dogs dressed as bumblebees, Harry Potter, and so many more awesome dog costumes have strutted the red carpet at the annual JP Canine Costume Parade through the years. Who knows what the dogs will be wearing this Saturday! Dogs and their owners are invited to wear costumes starting at the First Baptist Church and down Centre Street parade route to the Loring-Greenough House. Then the dogs (and their people) will walk the red carpet as judges decide the top three participants who receive prizes. The event is helmed and emceed by Blue Frog Bakery owner Brad Brown.
The following letter is by Ginger Brown, Executive Director of JP Centre/South Main Streets, on behalf of the Board of Directors, JP Centre/South Main Streets:
JP Centre/South Main Streets urges the city of Boston to review their application process for outdoor seating for restaurants and examine how the process perpetuates racial disparities and inequities for small business owners. This includes both the current temporary 2022 Temporary Outdoor Dining Program and the permanent application process. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, our city rallied quickly to help our small businesses pivot and survive. In particular, the outdoor seating application process was simplified and expedited, and city employees went above and beyond to assist applicants and mediate requirements as needed. More restaurants than ever, particularly those owned by people of color, were able to provide outdoor seating, and the city saw revived business for our food establishments, as well as real enjoyment from customers.
The following is an open letter to the Jamaica Plain community written by Ginger Brown, Executive Director of JP Centre/South Main Streets on behalf of the Board of Directors, JP Centre/South Main Streets. Dear neighbors, allies, friends, and family:
JP Centre/South Main Streets stands with Black communities nationwide. We join, support, and amplify efforts against injustice and racism. In particular, we stand with the people of color who live, work, and/or own businesses in our community of Jamaica Plain. Join us on Saturday, March 19, 2022, from noon to 2 pm at 7 Burroughs Street as part of our “JP Business Uplift” to show your support.
The JP Centre/South Main Streets winter light show is happening every night on the front of JP Licks from 5 to 9 pm through Jan. 9. So check it out if you're walking by, or park the car, and bring the kids, your parents, in-laws, friends, dogs, or whomever else you want to do so. And stop in for some ice cream, hot cocoa, or another delicious dessert or beverage. JP Winter Light Show happening now and every night, 5-9pm, until Jan 9!
Shoppers who live in Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill, Roslindale, parts of West Roxbury, and Brookline are getting an early present for the holidays this year: free delivery. Residents of these areas (see full list of zip codes below) can get free delivery from participating JP Centre/South Main Streets shops from Dec. 1 through Dec. 21. There is no minimum order required.
Calling all doggie dinosaurs, puppy pirates and woofing wallabies -- the 17th Annual Dog Parade Costume & Fashion Show is on October 30. The costume parade is organized by JP Centre/South Main Streets, and this year they're hosting the first (and hopefully annual) cornhole tournament on the same day. For the Canine Costume Parade participants need to register in-person at the First Baptist Church (633 Centre St.) between noon and 12:30 pm on Saturday, Oct. 30. There is a $10 registration fee to enter the costume contest to be eligible for prizes, and 100% of registration fees will benefit the City of Boston Animal Shelter.
If you like jazz then you're going to want to check out the Jazz in Jamaica Plain concert series happening Thursdays for the next 12 weeks. The series is a partnership between JP Centre/South Main Streets and New England Jazz Connections that will feature musicians from the Jamaica Plain and Roxbury area. A grant from the Boston Main Streets Foundation to make it happen, and make sure the performers are paid. Any donations collected will go to the JP/Roxbury Mutual Aid which has a purpose to provide food security for low-income, disabled, elderly and single-parent family residents of Jamaica Plain. Performances start at 6 pm.
Two Jamaica Plain organizations are teaming up to present a free Juneteenth concert with all donations going to the Black Umbrella Project. New England Jazz Connections, which was created by JP resident Greg Loughman, is partnering with JP Centre/South Main Streets, to present the Fred Woodard Jazz Collective on June 19 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church (633 Centre St.). "New England Jazz Connections is excited to present Fred Woodard and his group, and to support the Black Umbrella Project. The combination of good music, community building, and raising up folk who are making a positive change in the world is what our organization is all about," said Loughman. "JP Centre/South Main Streets is excited to partner with New England Jazz Connections to present this concert.
ocal businesses invite the neighborhood to an outdoor fair on Saturday, May 8, from 12 noon until 4:00 PM at the South Street Mall and Tennis Courts, located at the corner of South Street and Carolina Ave in Jamaica Plain. Organized by Sazama Real Estate and Ferris Wheels Bike Shop, in partnership with JP Centre/South Main Streets and other local businesses, the South Street Spring Fair aims to bring together neighbors and local businesses for outdoor, socially distanced fun. Ferris has invited local musicians to play on the roof of the South Street building where his bike shop has operated for 39 years. Corey Stallings, Program Director at South Street Youth Center and a Real Estate Professional with Sazama, will host basketball shootouts and other games for kids during the event. Right now, participating South Street businesses include:
Ferris Wheels Bike Shop
Sazama Real Estate
Fiore’s Bakery
Juicygreens
Miss Laura’s
Papercuts JP
Fresh Copy
FOCUS Real Estate
40 South
Monumental Market
Polkadog Bakery
McCormack & Scanlan Real Estate
Neighboring bookstore Papercuts JP, owned by Kate Layte, is the newest addition to the corner.
