JP Centre/South Main Streets recognized Adam Grenier as 2021 Volunteer of the Year and Happy Market & Spirits as the 2021 Business of the Year, in honor of their outstanding contributions to the community this year. Adam Grenier was recognized at the Annual Canine Costume Parade on October 31, 2021, at Loring Greenough House, and Francisco Fernandez, owner of Happy Market & Spirits, was recognized December 8, 2021, at the debut of the JP Winter Light Show at J.P. Licks in Jamaica Plain. Both went above and beyond to sustain the community through the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we wished to thank them for their support.
Adam Grenier is a long-time volunteer for JP Centre/South Main Streets, whose work on our Economic Vitality committee addresses commercial vacancies and financial hardships for our small, local businesses. Midway through the pandemic, Adam approached JPCSMS to start the JP Relief Fund and seeded the fund with $5000. This launched a crowdfunding campaign in partnership with Three Squares Main Street and Egleston Square Main Street, and grew to over $15,000. These funds were used to award $500 grants to Jamaica Plain residents and employees who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and were unable to receive public assistance.
Happy Market & Spirits was one of the few businesses in Jamaica Plain who was able to stay open and stocked throughout the pandemic. Francisco and his family worked tirelessly to keep their inventory full and meet the needs of desperate customers. They worked as front-line workers while dealing with the uncertainties and risks of possible COVID infections. Happy Market became a beacon to the local community during a tough time. Happy Market has long been a generous contributor to our local organizations and events, including National Night Out, the Galantine’s Wine & Chocolate Tour, and our Screen on the Green outdoor movies.
