Business

Coronavirus Collateral Damage: Funerals, Animal Vets, Art Schools, Wake Up The Earth Festival, All Affected

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The damage wrought by COVID-19 is permeating all aspects of society. Our funerals are being affected, our woodworking classes are being cancelled, and our beloved Wake Up The Earth Festival is not happening May 2. The Forest Hills Cemetery was consecrated in 1848, and it's not clear if there's ever been restrictions placed on the number of attendees allowed at funerals. But now there are -- in accordance with Governor Charlie Baker's executive order, burials are now limited to 25 people, according to Forest Hills Cemetery's website. Along with the 25 person limit, there are other new protocols:
We are requesting that all family members remain in their cars until the casket has been placed at the gravesite and the Cemetery personnel have left the area.

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Arts
The Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade, a tradition hosted by community group Spontaneous Celebrations since 1984, attracts thousands of local residents and visitors from outside the neighborhood every year for a weekend of beautiful lights. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Oct. 18 and 19 at the Jamaica Pond Boat House.

36th Annual Jamaica Pond Lantern Parades on Oct. 19 & 20

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If you're new to Jamaica Plain you're going to want to check out this weekend's Jamaica Pond Lantern Parades. Hundreds of people of all ages (and dogs), some costumed and some not, will gather for pre-Halloween fun in the annual presented by Spontaneous Celebrations and the Friends of Jamaica Pond. This year marks the 36th year of the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parades that happen on both Saturday and Sunday. Before the parade, people gather by the Jamaica Pond Boat House, and hang their lanterns to display for all to enjoy the varied designs. The parades start at dusk on both Saturday and Sunday, as people walk around the pond holding their lanterns.

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Arts
The Wake Up The Earth Parade (Egleston Square branch) makes its way to the festival.

Let’s Wake Up the Earth! WUTE Festival and Parades on May 4

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The annual Wake Up the Earth Festival and Parades are one of the best days of the year in Jamaica Plain -- and the festival is this Saturday. This year is the 41st Wake Up the Earth Festival! The festival has a fascinating creation story. It began in 1979 when a group of local neighbors and activists came together to stop the Interstate 95 expansion into Jamaica Plain -- and won their fight! Organized by Spontaneous Celebrations, the parades are boisterous, creative, with bands, stilt walkers, dancing, giant puppets, and of course, dogs in costumes!

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From the Community

JP Event to Reclaim Inauguration Anniversary for Inclusion, Immigrant Rights

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It’s been nearly two years since the inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the United States and January 20 is the actual anniversary – and it’s when local activist group Boston For All is “reclaiming this day in the spirit of goodwill, community, and inclusion.”

With District 6 City Councilor Matt O’Malley, Boston For All is inviting the community to join them at ‘Fun For All,’ a completely free community fun fair that will include a professional storyteller, a singalong, activist art activities facilitated by local artists and circus arts training with teachers from the Commonwealth Circus Center. There will also be opportunities for participants to write and draw messages for those held in detention centers. While this event is about enjoyment and fun, it does have a serious side, as it will also serve as a fundraiser for Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), a national organization providing free legal services for immigrant children. KIND has been at the forefront of efforts to assist migrant children separated from their parents. Representatives from KIND will be on hand to provide information about their work. “I am thrilled to be partnering with Boston For All for their first Fun For All event which promotes fun, kindness and inclusion while contributing to an important cause,” said O’Malley.

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Arts

Photos: 35th Annual Jamaica Plain Lantern Parades

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The cold arrived just in time for Jamaica Plain's annual Lantern Parades this past weekend. Participants, some donning costumes, met at Jamaica Pond's Boat House on Saturday and Sunday, and paraded around the pond with lanterns in tow at dusk. You don't have to be young, or with a youngster (at least in a photo) to enjoy Jamaica Plain's lantern parades. This is the 35th year for the annual tradition presented by Spontaneous Celebrations and the Friends of Jamaica Pond. Some participants wore scary costumes, and the classic skeleton outfit never goes out of style.

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