by Dick Matulis

The 2006-2007 Board of Trade year was officially kicked off at Doyle's Pub in Jamaica Plain where a joint meeting was held with the members of the Jamaica Plain Board of Trade. Joe Portelecki of Roslindale Hardware and his son were instrumental in the design of a logo to be displayed. It emphasizes the advantage of shopping locally and of supporting small businesses in our area.

An October meeting followed at the Sons of Italy Hall in Roslindale. Cathy Slade made a presentation on the merits of Voting No on Question 1, which dealt with the expansion of existing wine licenses to food markets that presently didn't have them. A motion was made that in keeping with supporting small local businesses, as well as many law enforcement agencies, the Board support voting "No" on this ballot question. The motion carried unanimously.

Despite the inclement weather, the Annual Roslindale Parade was once again a great success (see article on page 7). This year's edition featured longtime Board of Trade member Judie Leon who had been elected Honorary Mayor of Roslindale for the occasion. Judie and her husband Joseph rode on the beautiful float commemorating the Board's 80th Anniversary.

We already miss Blooms and Greens whose building was sold to a restaurant entrepreneur. For years, this floral shop had generously donated a portion of its Christmas tree sales to the Board's Charity Account. We thank owners Jeff Marguiles and June Alexander for their past generosity.

A discussion was held on a possible fundraiser to supplement the Board's treasury. In fact, any fundraiser could be celebrated in conjunction with the Board's 80th birthday. The concept of a raffle was heartily endorsed by past president Bob Norberg. John Sullivan, Board member and president of Kiwanis, suggested a possible theater night at a Milton playhouse while a third suggestion was a ticket sale with one or two large cash prizes. Paramount to a decision would be the time and effort expanded in relation to the anticipated bottom-line return.

The Board anticipates involvement with ABCD's Annual Christmas Party for Tots. Treasurer Kristin Clark encouraged prompt payment of dues to fund day-to-day administrative expenses. Members were encouraged by the news of the former Ashmont Discount's sale to local businessmen, although plans are still sketchy on the eventual use of the property. A survey team was spotted inside the Power Plant abutting Higgins Funeral Home. Rumor has it that the Boston Redevelopment Authority ("BRA") might become involved in the eventual use of this prime property which has remained dormant for years.

Board of Trade officers for the coming year are Lisa Modecker, president, David Gladstone, Vice President, Kristin Clark, Treasurer and Lauren Monahan, Secretary.

Mayor Thomas Menino and City Councilor Rob Consalvo officiated at ribbon-cutting ceremonies at NuVo Kitchen & Wine Bar, formerly Gusto's on Washington Street, at Dandelions, a floral shop on Birch Street (see article below), and at the Tremont Credit Union on Corinth Street. The store 18 Birch has relocated to South Street where Donna Cabral's Photo Image Plus used to be. Benefiting from additional space, the store is now called House and Garden. A very nice emporium called New Dollar Store has opened on Poplar Street. It stocks many unusual low-cost items, all sold by a friendly staff. A shop called the Boston Cheese Store, a wine and cheese emporium, is scheduled to open on Birch Street in the near future.

Special awards were presented at the "Raise the Roof" celebration sponsored by Sacred Heart Parish and held at Lombardo's (see article on page 7). Recipients were Pat and Barbara Roche. Acceptance was made by Pat and his lovely wife Barbara who were born and brought up in the area. The Cooperative Bank received an award for its generosity and accepting that award was bank administrator Luke Moran, a Board of Trade member. Greg Tobin, community activist and member of the Friends of the Roslindale Library, also received an award which Greg himself accepted.

An excellent article written by Paul Feeney, publisher of the Boston City Paper, extolled the merits of shopping at small local businesses within the immediate geographic area. The Board of Trade usually meets on the first Tuesday of the month, but due to Election Day, the November meeting was delayed until November 14. The Trick or Treat Trot was held in the pouring rain with over sixty hearty racers showing up to run in the annual event (see article on page 15).

It bears repeating that the upcoming holiday season is a good time to remember the many businesses represented on the Board of Trade and to shop locally. We guarantee that you'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality and quantity of distinctive gifts you'll garner in our local stores.