Category Archives: Things to do

Head to the Quincy Lunar New Year Festival Feb 10

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Head over to North Quincy High School to usher in the Year of the Pig! Quincy Asian Resources hosts the 31st annual festival to celebrate the lunar new year with a day full of contests, culture, games, food, and music.

Sunday, February 10, 2019
Noon to 5 pm
North Quincy High School
316 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA [map]

Sample  delicious food from some of Quincy’s finest dining spots, including bubble tea, sushi and spring rolls from Fuji at WoC, Shabu Lee, Pho Linh, B Cafe Quincy, Yocha At Quincy and The Chicken & Rice Guys!

There will be plenty of dance performances, including the amazing Dragon Dance by Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy at noon, and a K-Pop demo By MIT’s Asian Dance Team.

Get your competition on…join the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament from 12-4:00 pm. Every half hour winners play for a shot at $100 cash prize. Or, if singing is your thing…head over to the Karaoke Contest for a chance to win $150!

Lots of crafts and fun for the kids who can make a firefly mask with Mass Audubon, or enjoy New Year arts and crafts with South Shore YMCA Quincy; or enjoy a magic show with Felice Ling.

Learn more on the Quincy Asian Resources site, or Facebook page.

Also a great overview in the Patriot Ledger article: Quincy Lunar New Year Festival returns Sunday; The annual cultural festival, now in its 31st year, will mark the start of the Year of the Pig in Quincy.

Quincy Lunar New year 2019 poster

Kickin’ off the season, Quincy style

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Santa Squantum Tree Lighting 2016Those chilly temps are bringing on the season! Get ready to kick it off Quincy style with parachuting elves, sing alongs, and two tree lightings! Here’s a roundup of Quincy and Squantum holiday festivities over Thanksgiving weekend. After you recover from the Turkey Trot and the feast…head out with your friends and family to celebrate the warmth of the season.

Squantum Tree Lighting
Sunday, November 25, 2018 at 4:30 pm
Gilbert Memorial Park, at the intersection of Huckins Avenue and East Squantum Street [map]
Join the festivities as we kick off the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting following the Quincy Christmas Parade. Head over to the triangle at Gilbert Memorial Park and join your neighbors for hot cocoa and delicious cookies provided by the Seaside Gardeners of Squantum. Join in on the carol singing as we welcome Santa Claus who will do the honors of lighting up the tree! Hope to see you and the whole family there!

Quincy holiday festivities 

View the flyer for the weekend festivities.

Quincy tree lighting celebration
Friday, November 23, 5 pm-7 pm
Hancock Adams Common
, 1305 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA [map]
Enjoy the newly opened Hancock-Adams Common, decked with twinkling lights and holiday displays. Mayor Koch and special guests – maybe one from the North Pole – will flip the switch to bring the holiday spirit to the Common. Heated tents will be set up for this event. Enjoy strolling Victorian carolers, ice sculptures, street performers, and costumed characters, as well as activities including letter writing to Santa. Enjoy free popcorn and hot chocolate, and check out holiday treats from local vendors.

Scheduled activities

  • 5:00 pm: Donna Marie Children’s Puppet Show
  • 5:45 pm: Children’s Christmas Chorus
  • 6:15 pm: Tree Lighting Ceremony hosted by Mayor Thomas P. Koch and a special guest

Santa and Elves arrival by parachute
Saturday, November 24 ~ 12:00 pm noon
Pageant Field,One Merrymount Parkway (up the road from Adams Field), Quincy, MA [map]
Santa and his elves arrive in Quincy by parachute, landing at Pageant Field, at this fun family event. While waiting for the touchdown of the Jolly Old Elf and friends, take a hayride around the field or “high-five” one of the visiting costumed characters!

Festive Fun on the Common
Saturday, November 24, 2:00 – 7:00 pm
Hancock Adams Common
, 1305 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA [map]
Jingle Bell rock your way around the bedecked Common and enjoy live music from local bands. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Heated tents will be set up for this event.

  • 2 – 4:00 PM: Munk Duane & Soul Jacker
  • 4 – 5:00 PM: DJ /House music Paul Duffley
  • 5 – 7:00 PM: Soul City Band

City of Quincy Christmas Parade
Sunday, November 25, 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
Hancock Street
Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas parade featuring high school and adult marching bands from around the state, Christmas themed floats, costumed characters, antique vehicles, and Santa in his traditional fire truck ride. The parade route begins at the intersection of Hancock Street and the Walter J. Hannon Parkway, continuing up Hancock Street to North Quincy High School. This is one of the largest parades in the Commonwealth.
The Ross Lot and Presidents’ Place Garage will be open. Ross Lot has a walkway from the lot to the parade route on Hancock Street.

Please note: In the interest of public safety, all bags and backpacks are subject to public search.

 

Run out and support the parade at the Turkey Trot!

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Turkey TrotGrab your family and friends and get ready for the big feast with a fun run to support the Squantum July Fourth Parade!

Annual Turkey Trot 3 mile Fun Run/Walk
Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 22, 2018, 9:00 am
(Register in advance or day of starting at 8:00 am)
Nickerson Post, 20 Moon Island Road, Squantum MA

Entrance fee:
$20 fee includes long sleeved T-shirt (while supplies last) and refreshments.
$10 fee for ages 15 and under
Make checks payable to: Squantum 4th of July
All proceeds benefit the Squantum Fourth of July Parade.
(Note: chip timing not provided at this fun run. Just a fun run with friends and family.)

How to enter:
Mail a filled out entry form and check to:
Judi Smith, 289 Bellevue Road, Squantum, MA 02171
or
Sign up Thanksgiving morning at the Post starting at 8 am.

Questions? Email Judi

A Great Place to Start on Nov 7…hear stories and history of the Squantum School

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The Squantum Community Association hosts
An evening with author Rachel Bloom

Wednesday, November 7, 7:00 PM
First Church of Squantum, Fellowship Hall (lower level)
164 Bellevue Rd, Squantum, MA (map)
This is a free event.

Author Rachel Squires Bloom will join us to share stories and history of our own Squantum School, where she is not only a teacher, she is also assistant principal, and an alum! With firsthand knowledge of the school, Rachel set out to find and share the fascinating history of our elementary school, from the first principal, who rowed a boat to and from Squantum, to its most recent, who opened the school’s first full computer lab. We’ll hear some of the history, as well as experiences Rachel gathered from those who learned and worked at the school.

Share your own memories and stories over refreshments following the talk.

Rachel is currently researching and writing a book on the history of Squantum and invites you to connect with her to share your own stories and leads of the people, places, and stories of our seaside peninsula.

About the speaker
Rachel Squires Bloom is a teacher at and alumna of the Squantum School, where she also serves as assistant principal. She has published numerous poems and articles and is the author of A Great Place to Start: History of the Squantum School. She is currently researching and writing a book on the history of Squantum.

About the Squantum Community Association
The Squantum Community Association provides programming that fosters conversation and community with a focus on topics of interest to the Squantum and Quincy communities, highlighting local talent and history.

To subscribe to event notifications send us a note.

Faire For All Seasons, Nov 3 craft fair & lunch

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Join The Seaside Gardeners of Squantum for
A Faire For All Seasons
and pick up some fabulous treats!

Saturday, November 3,  10 am – 2 pm
Kennedy Center, 440 East Squantum St., Quincy [map]

Find a great selection of gifts and items for the upcoming holiday season, including crafts, handmade goods, homemade baked goods, and books, as well as items at the Second Hand Rose table.

Enjoy lunch at Pat’s Cafe.

Shop early for the best selection! There is a little something for everyone and plenty of free parking.

Questions?
For more information contact Faire chairperson Peggy Kelly at 617-471-3903.

A beautiful cause
All proceeds benefit garden club community activities such as Squantum School Junior Gardeners, Causeway Beautification Program, Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Annual Scholarship Fund, Marsh Restoration, and the Blue Star Memorial Program, which honors all men and women (past, present, and future) of the Armed Forces of America.

Learn more about the Seaside Gardeners.

Get ready to vote by Nov 6 – round up of voter information

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Time to exercise one of our most precious rights as citizens. Here’s a round up of voter information for the November 6 elections. This year early voting is available between October 22 — November 2. Unlike absentee voting, you don’t need a reason to vote early other than it is more convenient for you. So don’t worry about your work schedule or your childcare schedule…mark your calendars for the date you want to vote. Time to get out and vote, Squantumites!

Where to vote on November 6
Vote in person Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Polls open: 7 AM – 8 PM
Voting location for Squantum Ward 6 residents:
Squantum Elementary School, 50 Huckins Ave [map]
Not from Squantum? Find your voting location here.

You can also vote in advance at early voting locations, by mail, or via an absentee ballot. View early voting options below.

Voter information: who and what are on the Nov 6 ballot
The state Elections Division website provides everything you need to know about voting—including how and where to vote, how to vote early or via absentee ballot, a list of candidates, and a review of the ballot questions. A few highlights from the site:

Your voting options
Vote when and how it is convenient for you—you have the option to cast your ballot at any early voting location in our community October 22 – Nov 2, to vote by mail, or to vote at your designated polling place on Election Day, November 6.

View information on how to vote early on the state elections site.

  • Early voting is available October 22 – November 2: Unlike absentee voting, no reason is required to vote early. So beat the crowds on election day, and put your worries about your work or childcare schedule conflicts aside. The early voting period will begin on October 22 and end on November 2 with extended hours available on Saturday, October 27.
  • Quincy early voting hours and locations (on the City of Quincy site)
    • October 22 to November 2, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
      at Park and Recreation Department, Richard J. Koch Complex,
      1 Merrymount Parkway, Quincy, MA [map]
    • Extended hours: Saturday, October 27, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
      at North Quincy High School, 316 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA [map]
      (use Hunt Street Entrance)
  • If you choose to vote early by mail, send in your application to receive the ballot by mail.
  • Absentee voting: learn how to apply for absentee voting.

Deadline to register to vote: October 17
The last day to register to vote in the November 6 elections is Wednesday, October 17. Not sure if you are registered? Check your status here.

  • Register to vote online by 11:59 pm on October 17
  • In person: by 8 pm, Quincy City Clerk’s Office, 1305 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169, 617-376-1131 (call to check hours)
  • By mail: registration form must be postmarked by October 17 and mailed to City Hall

Seaside Gardeners host Annual Plant Sale May 19

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Saturday, May 19
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Kennedy Center
440 E. Squantum Street, N. Quincy, MA [map]

The Seaside Gardeners Club of Squantum invite you to the Annual Plant Sale and Luncheon. Come shop a fabulous selection of flowering plants, herbs, succulents, and greens to inspire your garden this season. Select from lush hanging baskets, pretty annuals in an assortment of colors to match your garden color scheme, and beautiful perennials nurtured by garden club members and featured garden centers.

Garden Club members are on hand to provide tips and advice.

Yummy treats at Pat’s Cafe
Don’t miss the delicious selection of home baked goods, including breads, cookies, and pies! Lunch at Pat’s Cafe includes hot dogs, subs, salad and beverages available for purchase.

A beautiful cause
All proceeds benefit garden club community activities, including the Annual Scholarship Fund (the winner is featured in the Fourth of July Parade), Annual Christmas Tree Lighting (with carolers and cocoa), the Causeway Beautification Program (flower beds along the causeway are kept up by the Seaside Gardeners), Kids Gardening Program, Marsh Restoration (a program restoring the marsh for future generations), and the Blue Star Memorial Program, which honors all men and women (past, present, and future) of the Armed Forces of America.

Shop early for the best selection! Credit cards, cash, and checks accepted.

Learn more about the Seaside Gardeners.

 

Explore Quincy’s Rich Cultural Heritage… 4/11 New date

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Squaw Rock

Squaw Rock

Join the Squantum Community Association for a chat with historian Bob Damon, who will share highlights from a heritage study he is conducting for the City of Quincy in advance of the Quincy 400 celebrations. Quincy has an incredibly rich stock of historical cultural capital, and Mr. Damon has been taking a closer look at the Quincy buildings, structures, and sites that have been identified as having importance at a national level, including sites in Squantum such as Squaw Rock. Mr. Damon will share with us the details of this exciting project and will lead a discussion about cultural capital, the ‘historical ecosystem,’ and the ways in which we value heritage here in Quincy.

New date: Wednesday, April 11
First Church of Squantum
164 Bellevue Rd, Squantum, MA (map)

Quincy is a city with a long and significant history. That history has been accumulated in layers over the centuries as the city has evolved from a colonial town to a center of American revolutionary thought and action, to a thriving shipbuilding and granite quarrying center, and now into a thriving suburban center. Throughout these eras, diverse groups of people have left a vibrant cultural, economic, and historical legacy, the remains of which can be found in the many physical structures and sites that connect us to these rich layers of the past. Examples include the remains of the Winthrop Iron Furnace, the Adams houses, the granite quarries, remaining structures from the era of the Fore River Shipyard, and the native American sites Moswetuset Hummock and Passanagesset.

Long-term care, management, and use are important parts of the larger heritage ecosystem surrounding any historic asset. By taking a careful look at the current preservation and management contexts of the City’s most prominent sites, we have the opportunity to learn how those sites are doing, what we can do to support them more effectively, and how to support the City’s historic heritage more broadly in the future.

We hope you can join us to learn more about this project.

Get a preview of Bob’s chat in this QATV interview.

About the speaker
Bob Damon is a public historian and independent museum professional. As a former public high school history teacher and non-profit manager, Bob is passionate about the role that historical, cultural and educational institutions play in shaping our understanding of ourselves and of important places in our communities.  His work is focused on historic heritage programming and heritage resource management that integrates museum-based best practices with educational and psychological research about learning, meaning-making, and historical thinking.

Bob is the Director of the History and Visitors Program at the Church of the Presidents, United First Parish Church in Quincy Center, and runs The PastWorks, a consulting firm working with clients inside and outside of the traditional museum field who are passionate about their histories and cultural assets.

About the Squantum Community Association
The Squantum Community Association provides programming that fosters conversation and community with a focus on topics of interest to the Squantum and Quincy communities, highlighting local talent and history.

To subscribe to event notifications send us a note.

Get your twinkle on! Tree lighting and festivities

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Santa Squantum Tree Lighting 2016Time to pack away the shorts and dig out your scarves and hats, Squantumites…those balmy breezes have finally given way to crisp morning air! And just in time for us to kick off the season. From parachuting Santa and elves, to sing alongs, and two tree lightings…it’s time to get your twinkle on peeps! Here’s a roundup of Quincy and Squantum holiday festivities over Thanksgiving weekend. After you recover from the Turkey Trot and the feast…head out with your friends and fam to celebrate the warmth of the season.

Squantum Tree Lighting
Sunday, November 26, 2017
4:30 pm
Gilbert Memorial Park, at the intersection of Huckins Avenue and East Squantum Street

Join the festivities as we kick off the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting following the Quincy Christmas Parade. Head over to the triangle at Gilbert Memorial Park and join your neighbors for hot cocoa and delicious cookies provided by the Seaside Gardeners of Squantum. Join in on the carol singing as we welcome Santa Claus who will do the honors of lighting up the tree! Hope to see you and the whole family there!

Quincy holiday festivities 

Quincy tree lighting celebration (note new location this year)
Friday, November 24, 5 pm-7 pm
Thomas Crane Public Library lawn, 40 Washington Street, Quincy, MA
Drop off your letters to Santa and enjoy free popcorn, hot chocolate, and candy canes, as well as food trucks food trucks and a gingerbread competition. Enjoy Donna Marie Children’s Puppet Show (5pm), strolling Victorian Christmas Carolers, street performers, and the youthful voices of the Quincy/North Quincy Choir. At approximately at 6:15pm, Mayor Thomas P. Koch will turn on the Christmas lights at the library and throughout Quincy Center to mark the beginning of our holiday season.

City of Quincy Christmas Parade
Sunday, November 26, 12:30 pm-3 pm
Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas parade featuring high school and adult marching bands from around the state, Christmas themed floats, costumed characters, antique vehicles, and Santa in his traditional fire truck ride. The parade route begins at the intersection of Hancock Street and the Walter J. Hannon Parkway, continuing up Hancock Street to North Quincy High School. This is one of the largest parades in the Commonwealth.

Santa and his Elves arrival by parachute – new date
Saturday, December 2 (postponed form November 25) ~ 12:30 pm
Pageant Field,One Merrymount Parkway (up the road from Adams Field), Quincy, MA
Costumed characters from the parade greet children as they await the arrival of Santa Claus and his elves by parachute at Quincy’s unique Christmas tradition. Take a Holiday Wagon Ride with a costumed character.

Please note: In the interest of public safety, all bags and backpacks are subject to public search.

Quincy Holiday Flyer 2017

It’s Turkey Trot time! Support the parade at the Fun Run

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Turkey TrotGrab your family and friends and get ready for the big feast with a fun run to support the Squantum July Fourth Parade!

16th Annual Turkey Trot 3 mile Fun Run/Walk
Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 23, 2017, 9:00 am
(Register in advance or day of starting at 8:00 am)
Nickerson Post, 20 Moon Island Road, Squantum MA

Entrance fee:
$20 fee includes long sleeved T-shirt (while supplies last) and refreshments.
$10 fee for ages 15 and under
Make checks payable to: Squantum 4th of July
All proceeds benefit the Squantum Fourth of July Parade.
(Note: chip timing not provided at this fun run. Just a fun run with friends and family.)

How to enter:
Mail a filled out entry form and check to:
Judi Smith, 289 Bellevue Road, Squantum, MA 02171
or
Sign up Thanksgiving morning at the Post starting at 8 am.

Questions? Email Judi