Black Rock Shines Bright for the Holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time of year for commercial districts to show off their stuff, and shine a little brighter. Coordinating decoration strategies can be difficult, because everyone’s busier than ever. That’s why I’m so happy to see that the Grant/Amherst business district in Black Rock is going all out to showcase their shops. A group of business owners has made a significant effort to decorate their shop windows, as well as the street, in order to show that the united spirit of the neighborhood is stronger than ever.

“For me, the reason I have always decorated my storefront windows for Christmas is the same reason as I landscape and plant flowers in front of our buildings,” said Mike Maywalt, owner and broker of Maywalt Realty Group. “It shows both the residents of Black Rock and passers by that we love and care about our neighborhood.”

“It gives a sense of community, and shows effort and care,” stated Joe Maniaci of Allentown Music, who is Vice President of the Grant/Amherst Business Association (GABA). “It helps to add a festive feeling to the air, regardless of what you celebrate or don’t celebrate. And it makes neighborhoods and business areas more inviting and welcoming.”

“I love Christmas decorations,” said Julie Wood, owner of Marigold Salon. “A business putting effort into making this time of year special is like any other decorating to me – it’s a given. You put effort into making your place look nice and your customers will appreciate it. I’m lucky to have big windows to decorate so I can make it more impactful. Every client that walks in comments on some part of the scene I set. I’ve even had neighbors pop their head in to compliment it. I take pride in making someone smile when they walk by.”

It might be 45 degrees out, and sunny, with no snow on the ground, but that doesn’t mean that people aren’t gearing up for the holidays. Decorating one’s home is a given for most people. Decorating a street however, is a whole other matter. For those business owners that make a concerted effort to spruce up their commercial districts, we should all be thankful. It’s something that takes a lot of thought, time, and energy. The end result, however, is nothing short of magical.

“The goal this season is for the Grant/Amherst Business Association to elevate the look of the Grant/ Amherst Street commercial district,” said Sue Cholewa, who owns a number of properties in Black Rock.

On December 22, Santa will arrive to Black Rock, to judge the winners of the shop decorating effort. Be sure to tune into GABA’s Facebook page for all of the seasonal surprises in store for residents and visitors alike.

Lead image: Joe Maniaci, vice president of GABA, hanging ornaments from the trees at Grant and Amherst