Meet live owls of the world on April 20

Posted on April 17, 2016 by Monica

Who! Who! Who’s Watching You?
A live owl program

Wednesday, April 20 at 1 PM
The Kennedy Center
440 E Squantum St, Quincy, MA 02171

Head to the Kennedy Center for a fascinating up-close encounter with owls. This intergenerational program hosted by the Quincy Council on Aging is open to grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and owl fans of all ages! Light refreshments will be available.

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Center, $3/senior, $3/child

A program for owl and bird enthusiasts
Everyone loves owls! Yet, how often do you get to see an owl up close? Perhaps you’ve glimpsed the shadowy form of a Great-horned Owl in the beam of your headlights as you traveled a back road at night. Have you ever scanned a frozen saltmarsh or hayfield in winter, hoping to find that arctic hunter, the Snowy Owl? How about that mob of noisy crows circling a white pine tree? Have they found an owl? Join teacher/naturalist Marcia Wilson and author/photographer/naturalist Mark Wilson in sharing their passion for owls.

In this program, Mark and Marcia Wilson will introduce you to the owls of New England and beyond. The Wilsons will share the field marks, signs, and naturalist’s skills that you can use to find wild owls without disturbing them.

Meet the owls
Attendees will actually get to meet six live owls (from small to huge) up close! The Wilsons will lead the group in a hooting lesson, and will share tips on how to attract and protect owls near you. We’re not sure which owls will be present, but chances are you’ll meet New England’s tiniest owl, the Northern Saw-Whet Owl (weighing in at 4 ounces) along with the world’s largest owl, the Eurasian Eagle Owl (check out that five foot wingspan!). Other species that figure prominently in the Wilson’s program can include Eastern Screech Owl, Barred Owl, Barn Owl, Great-horned Owl, Snowy Owl and Spectacled Owl. Owl pellets and white wash are topics of great interest and the Wilsons will spend time dissecting these fascinating aspects of owl biology. For many middle and elementary schools, this ties directly to the science curriculum of the students. Explore owls on the Wilson’s website.

About the Quincy Council on Aging
The Council on Aging supports elder members of the Quincy community with services to ensure a high quality of life. The Council provides services to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including hosting support groups to address specific needs, sponsoring fitness and sports events, and offers recreational and social gatherings. They also provide support around legal services, housing assistance, and referral services to elder care agencies.

See other upcoming events this month on our calendar page.

Sign the kiddies up for Youth Sports

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Monica

Big Papi and the Red Sox have set the season in motion, Squantumites, which means it’s time for our own little ball players to hit the field! Time to sign the kids up for Squantum Youth Sports. Squantum Youth Sports provides t-ball, instructional baseball, and softball to the children of Squantum and North Quincy.

This is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, and they are looking for a few good Squantumites to join their team!

Register the kids
The season begins April 25, 2016 and runs through Field Day, which is currently scheduled for Saturday, June 18.
Walk in registration will take place on Saturday, April 16, 10am-1pm. (location to follow)

Or register online at the Squantum Youth Sports page.
Download and fill out the Squantum Youth Sports Registration form.

Fees

Softball and Baseball: $75 per player, $50 for each additional family member

T-ball: $50 per player, $25 for each additional family member

Registration fees cover the cost of equipment (bats, balls, shirts) and Field Day events. Players provide their own gloves. While the league does provide batting helmets, it is recommended that players obtain their own batting helmets for sanitary reasons.

Seeking coaches and sponsors
Please consider coaching, assistant coaching, or sponsoring a team. Sign up online.

For more information
Email Squantum Youth Sports or visit the website.

What’s the buzz? Keeping bees with Noah Wilson-Rich

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Monica

Noah Wilson-Rich wasn’t the sort of kid who played in the dirt. He was terrified of insects, and never forgot his first run-in with a bee that stung him as a toddler. But Wilson-Rich believes that if you eat food and enjoy flowers…you need to pay attention to honey bees. He’s hit the TED stage in Boston to share his passion for beekeeping and bee health, and on March 9 he joined the Seaside Gardeners at the Nickerson Post to impart his wisdom on beekeeping with the hopes of encouraging bee love and bee health across our little peninsula.

Bees have been rapidly and mysteriously disappearing from rural areas, with grave implications for agriculture. No honey bee pollinators?…no fruit and veggies. But bees seem to flourish in urban environments — and cities need their help, too. Noah Wilson-Rich suggests that urban beekeeping might play a role in revitalizing both a city and a species.

And making honey may not be the only role for bees in our future. How about beehive insulation for homes, or bomb-sniffing bees? Noah suggests bees might be put to work for all kinds of helpful tasks. And he and his team of researchers are up to the task of figuring this out while also playing the role of bee ambassadors. If a swarm of bees decides to land on a beautifully bright yellow car in Dorchester…who do the municipalities call? Noah and crew.

For a taste of his engaging talk, watch his Boston TedTalk. And for a taste of great programming like this, join the Seaside Gardeners of Squantum. Learn more about the Seaside Gardeners on their Scoop page.

TedTalk: Every city needs healthy honey bees
TEDxBoston 2012 · 12:43 · Filmed Jun 2012

About Noah Wilson-Rich
Noah Wilson-Rich is a biologist / professor / NYTimes contributor / two-time TEDx speaker / beekeeper / uncle who studies bees and bee diseases. He was born in Manhattan, grew up in Fairfield, CT, and moved to Boston for college in 2000 to attend Northeastern University, where he earned a B.S. in biology in 2005.

Noah’s book, The Bee: A Natural History was released in 2014 through Princeton University Press. He founded The Best Bees Company while in graduate school at Tufts University to support people who want to own and care for their own beehive. Proceeds from The Best Bees Company go toward research conducted at the Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary, based in Boston’s South End.

About the Seaside Gardeners
Founded in 1952, the Seaside Gardeners of Squantum are engaged in environmental conservation, beautification, and civic projects. Hosting a number of events throughout the year, the club welcomes all neighbors to attend. Examples of their programs include the Squantum School Junior Gardeners, Causeway beautification, the Christmas Tree Lighting, the Blue Star Memorial at the firehouse, a Scholarship Program, the Spring plant sale, and the Faire for All Seasons craft fair. Visit the Seaside Gardeners to learn more.

Meet Ward 6 City Council Candidates March 23

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Monica

Join the Squantum Community Association on March 23 to meet the candidates running for the Ward 6 seat on the Quincy City Council. Come meet our five neighbors interested in serving our community. At this informal gathering (not a debate) each candidate will share their thoughts in an opening statement and residents will be invited to pose questions. Please also consider sending your questions for the candidates to the SCA in advance and we will pose them to the candidates on your behalf.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 7 pm
First Church of Squantum (lower level)
164 Bellevue Rd, Squantum, MA (map)
Refreshments will be served.

About the special election
The council seat in Ward 6, which covers Squantum, Marina Bay, and parts of North Quincy, is open following the death of Brian McNamee in December. A special preliminary election is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 5, which will be followed by the special election on Tuesday, May 3.

For more information about this event, email or call Louise Grabowski at 617-851-1673.

The candidates
All five candidates running in the special election for the Ward 6 city council seat are planning to attend:

William Harris of Ashworth Road (QATV interview 2/10)
Nathan Knowles of Ocean Street (Knowles on Facebook, QATV interview 3/8)
Kevin Mock of Alstead Street (Mock website, Facebook)
Brian Radell of Standish Road (Radell website, Facebook, QATV interview 2/23)
Herbert “Alie” Shaughnessy of Essex Street (Shaughnessy website, Facebook, QATV interview 2/25)

News coverage
Candidates set for Ward 6 special election in Quincy. Patriot Ledger, February 16, 2016

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.

Vote for your candidate at Tuesday’s presidential primary

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Monica

Head out to the polls on Tuesday to vote for your candidates in the presidential primary.

Presidential primary
Tuesday, March 1
Polls open: 7 AM – 8 PM
Vote at Squantum Elementary School, 50 Huckins Ave

Learn more

Forget Powerball…go for one $5000 jackpot and support the parade!

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Monica

Has Powerball fever got you running to Tedeschi’s for a ticket? With the odds of winning at a remote one in 292 million – we have a much better way for you to spend your hard earned cash – hook yourself up with a chance to win the jackpot at the annual “One Road to $5000″ shindig at the Post and support the July Fourth Parade while you’re at it!

Odds of winning the “One Road” jackpot stack up at a healthy one in 150. On top of those fabulous odds, throw in great nosh, music, and an edge-of-your-seat countdown to the winner…now that’s a ticket we can get excited about! Come have a great time with your peeps and support a great Squantum tradition.

The July Fourth Parade Committee is hosting the annual “One Road to $5000″ shindig at the Post on April 2, and tickets are on sale now. Squantumites were on the edge of their seats last year waiting to see who would win the $5000 jackpot. Who will it be this year? Could be you! Mark your calendars and get your tickets now.

One Road Leads to $5,000
A fundraiser for the July Fourth Parade

Saturday, April 2, 2016, 7p.m.
Nickerson Post, 20 Moon Island Road, Squantum, MA

Tickets
$100, includes two guests, two drink tickets, hors d’oeuvres, DJ, and prizes.
Buyer does not have to be present to win, and you do not have to live in Squantum to purchase a ticket.

Last number called wins $5,000!

To purchase tickets via credit card, debit card, cash, or check:

contact Paula Glynn via NextDoor Squantum or 617-834-9996
Checks: mail to 3 Waumbeck St, Squantum, MA;
make payable to: Squantum July 4th Parade Committee
For credit/debit card purchases, contact Paula

About the July Fourth Parade Committee
The Squantum Parade Committee runs Squantum’s longest tradition, the annual Squantum 4th of July Parade. Fundraisers are held throughout the year to fund the event. Learn more on the Parade page.

Kick off the season at the Squantum Tree Lighting Nov 29

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Monica

Don’t let these balmy temps get you off your game, Squantumites…Thanksgiving is this Thursday!! And you know what that means — Quincy and Squantum are kicking off the holidays next weekend. Here’s a roundup of fun for the gang.

Squantum Tree Lighting
Sunday, November 29, 2015,
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
Friday, November 27, 5 pm-7 pm
Lawn of Thomas Crane Library, 40 Washington Street, Quincy, MA
Drop off your letters to Santa and enjoy free popcorn, hot chocolate, and candy canes. Enjoy Donna Marie Children’s Puppet Show, strolling Victorian Christmas Carolers, street performers, and the youthful voices of the Quincy/North Quincy Choir. Performances will be held inside of a heated tent set up on the lawn of the library. At approximately at 6pm, 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.

Santa and his Elves arrival by parachute
Saturday, November 28 ~ 12:30 pm
Pageant Field,One Merrymount Parkway (up the road from Adams Field), Quincy, MA
Meet Santa and his elves along with costumed characters at Quincy’s unique Christmas tradition.

City of Quincy Christmas Parade
Sunday, November 29, 12:30 pm-3 pm
The Annual City of Quincy Christmas Parade route begins at the intersection of Hancock Street and Walter J. Hannon Parkway, continuing up Hancock Street to North Quincy High School. Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas parade featuring high school and adult marching bands from around the state, and Christmas themed floats.

Learn more about the Seaside Gardeners.

t-day + you + fun run = the Turkey Trot!

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Monica

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

14th Annual Turkey Trot 3 mile Fun Run/Walk
Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 26, 2015, 9:00 am
Nickerson Post, 20 Moon Island Road, Squantum MA

Entrance fee:
$20 fee includes long sleeved T-shirt (first 100 entrants) and refreshments.
$10 fee for ages 15 and under
Please 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

Head out for a Squantumite meet and mingle 10/14

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Monica

What a beautiful summer we’ve enjoyed in Squantum! As we head into the fall and enjoy crisper nights, join us in the warmth of our neighbor’s company! Meet and mingle at an informal gathering, enjoy some light refreshments, and celebrate great neighbors and our beautiful seaside community.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 7 pm
First Church of Squantum (lower level)
164 Bellevue Road, Squantum, MA

Discover a new neighbor or group
We’ve invited several Squantumites to share mini stories and updates about groups and activities happening in our neighborhood. We’ll hear from community group hosts, some volunteers with a taste for farm-fresh eats, a neighbor spotlighted for award-winning skills, and from a favorite shop owner and now neighbor who puts a smile on our faces with a friendly “ciao!”

Share your group information
We’d love to hear from you, too! Do you host a community group or activity in Squantum? Come along and let your neighbors know how to participate or join.

We hope to see you there!

Faire For All Seasons craft fair & lunch 10/24

Posted on October 4, 2015 by Monica

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

When: Saturday, October 24, 2015, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Kennedy Center, 440 East Squantum St., Quincy

Find a great selection of gifts and items for the upcoming holiday season, including handmade crafts and baked goods. Take a chance on some fabulous drawings…including paintings by local artists, gift baskets, and gift certificates for dining, beauty, and fashion.

Enjoy lunch, served from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Warm up with a bowl of Pat’s clam chowder, a variety of soups, or hot dogs. Top it off with a cup of coffee or tea and a yummy baked dessert.

Shop early for the best selection! Purchases can be made with cash, checks, or credit card. 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.