Just in case you missed it, here are photos from the tree lighting ceremony in Jamison Square on November 29. Our thanks to PDBA Executive Director Joshua Ryan for generously sharing these photos. We're happy to post any other photos of this event, so if you've got 'em send them to photos@neighborhoodnotes.com
5-year-old wish kid McKenna was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to visit Disneyland to see the Disney princesses. She “officiated” the tree lighting.
This season, Pearl retailers are participating in the A Season of Wishes Program. Participating retailers are donating a percentage of sales for the day, week or month to support A Season of Wishes. See the list of participating retailers.
The Oregon Repertory Singer's Brillante Choir sang festive tunes and ushered in the holiday season.
photos: Eugene Wong, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon
While we're in the spirit of the Holiday season, does anyone know where the Menorah is from last year ?
Are there plans to "light" the Menorah in Jamison Square this year ?
Here's the official word on the Menorah and other holiday decorations that were in Jamison Square last year, but are missing this year:
The Menorah and the two skaters are not going to be put up this year. In fact, the two skaters have been sold and Multi-Services is trying to sell the Menorah.
This was the direct result of input from neighborhood residents. Last year, there was a large response from neighborhood residents who did not feel the decorations were high quality. Additionally, at the annual meeting of the Hoyt Street Yards Community Association, there were a number of members present who asked not to have them put up again this year. This was followed by even more owner input at the HSYCA Board meeting where it was again requested that these decorations not go up. At every meeting where this topic was discussed, the conclusion of those present was to not have these decorations.
So this input, coupled with the increased cost of putting up the new LED lights led to the decision to not have these decorations this year or following years at this point.
I feel all religions should be represented...Chanukah and Kwanzaa too.
At these meetings, I believe that the emphasis was on the aesthetics of holiday decorations purchased on behalf of HSYCA. I'm not sure that community building or creating a sense of inclusion was part of the initial buying decision or in these particular discussions. Do any meeting attendee have any feedback?
Just let the tree represent all winter holidays-The Winter Season-includes everybody. Happy Holidays are all inclusive.
Thanks for your suggestion. How do you think this will go over with those who identify a holiday tree with Christianity?