Join author and master gardener Thomas Mickey, Oct 9

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Monica

Join the Seaside Gardeners of Squantum as they host master gardener and communications professor Thomas Mickey who will share the story of how nineteenth century American seed and nursery catalogs sold us the English garden.

An Evening with author Thomas Mickey

Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
The Kennedy Center
440 East Squantum Street
Quincy MA

To reserve your seat email Sandi Sumner at jamsan18sum@yahoo.com

Join us for an author lecture about the story of the beginnings of the garden industry, which seduced the masses with its images and fixed the English garden in the minds of striving Americans.

The 1890s saw a revolution in advertising. Cheap paper, faster printing, rural delivery, and railroad shipping combined to pave the way for the first modern catalogs. The most prominent of these, reaching American households by the thousands, were seed and nursery catalogs with beautiful pictures of middle-class homes surrounded by sprawling lawns and the latest garden accessories — in other words, the quintessential English-style garden. Something to think about as you tend to those lawns!

Thomas J. Mickey is Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He is a graduate of Boston University, the University of Iowa, and the Landscape Institute at the Boston Architectural College, and has been a garden columnist for the Brockton Enterprise, Quincy Patriot Ledger, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s Seacoast Media.
Visit his blog, American Gardening.

Donate to Marathon Daffodils and bolster the spirit along the Marathon route

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Monica

The Seaside Gardeners of Squantum let us know about this wonderful opportunity to honor the spirit of the Boston Marathon and Boston Strong by donating to Marathon Daffodils.

As fall is knocking on our door, many gardeners are thinking about spring, and considering what bulbs to plant now for those beautiful spring blooms. And in Boston, the arrival of spring brings to mind the Boston Marathon. Some thoughtful gardening folks have a wonderful wish…they would like to plant a river of yellow daffodils along the Boston Marathon route to celebrate the arrival of spring 2014 and to honor the spirit of Boston Strong. “We want to do something to lift the spirits of the community, in support of Boston Marathon 2014 and Boston Strong,” said Diane Valle, volunteer and organizer.

To make this wish a reality, The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts (GCFM) is collaborating with Tower Hill Botanic Garden, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Charles River Conservancy and other groups to create “Marathon Daffodils” a planting of daffodils along the 26.5 mile Boston Marathon route. The goal is to raise $1,000 per mile for a total of $26,500 from Hopkinton to Boston. The GCFM, of which the Seaside Gardeners are members, will organize volunteers to plant the bulbs along the route beginning in October.

How to donate
If you would like to support this project, make your check payable to “Marathon Daffodils” and send it by October 1 to:
Marathon Daffodils, The Cooperative Bank, 201 Main Street, Charlestown, MA 02129.

About Marathon Daffodils
Marathon Daffodils is a collaboration of non-profit organizations, gardeners, cities and towns, businesses, and citizens interested in preserving the spirit of Boston Marathon and Boston Strong, while embracing the tradition of celebrating the arrival of Spring in Boston.

Many thanks to Sandi for letting us know about this great opportunity!

Join us 9/25 7pm to hear the Wisdom of Nature

Posted on September 12, 2013 by Monica

Got a tricky problem? Nature’s got the answer!

In Squantum we are immersed in the beauty of nature. According to our Squantum neighbor and UMass Boston professor Anamarija Frankić – that beauty has brains!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 7 pm
First Church of Squantum, 164 Bellevue Road, Squantum, MA

Join us as Anamarija shares the work being done to restore and clean our shorelines, and how the innovative approach of biomimicry can solve many problems we face today, from clean hospital surfaces, to clean water. By taking tips from nature’s 3.8 billion years of wisdom, we can create adaptable, locally tuned solutions for a myriad of sticky challenges.

Looking for bacteria free hospital surfaces?
Try on a shark suit!

Hospitals can now control the growth of bacteria on surfaces thanks to an innovative new material that mimics the shape and pattern of shark skin.

Looking for a non-toxic adhesive?
Ask a mussel!

Any Squantumite who has walked Orchard Beach is familiar with mussels. The blue mussel provides a model for adhesives that reduces emissions of hazardous air pollutants by 50-90%.

A passion for nature
When Anamarija was a girl, she imagined a way to avoid going home for dinner, which unnecessarily cut playtime short. If she could grow green hair like the plants around her – she too could convert sunlight into energy and avoid dinner altogether! Today, this creative thinking and love of nature has led Anamarija to UMass Boston, where she is a professor in the School for the Environment, and the director of the Green Harbors Project. Her interdisciplinary work is grounded in biology, ecology, and marine science, and is focused on coastal ecosystem stewardship. She initiated the Boston Green Harbors Project with the vision that any urban harbor, including the Neponset watershed and area salt marshes and tidal flats, can become green and sustainable.

All are invited! Bring friends.
Enjoy refreshments and conversation with your neighbors.
No charge to attend.

About 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.

Head out to the Family Fun Day and Softball Game Aug 24

Posted on August 17, 2013 by Monica

Join us for our 6th Annual
Friends Fighting Autism
Softball Tournament and Family Fun Day!

Saturday, August 24, 2013, Noon to 6pm
(rain date Sun Aug 25)

Wendall Moses Park, Squantum
(behind Squantum School)

12:30pm Fun Day events start
1:30pm Softball Game

This is a citywide event with tons of fun for the whole family!
Dunk tanks, popcorn, food, face painting, kids’ games, raffles and more!

Come watch Montclair, Malachy’s, Squantum and Houghs Neck face off for some bragging rights while they battle for the 2013 baseball championship.

Admission is $10/person, or $25/family

All proceeds to benefit Quincy Public Schools special education programs and families struggling on all autism spectrum disorders.

Friends Fighting Autism is dedicated to increasing autism awareness and services for Quincy schools and families struggling with all Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Fishing Tourney and Beach Party July 26-27

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Monica

Hey all you Squantum fisher-folk…it’s time for the annual Fishing Tourney and Beach Party at Orchard Beach!
The 8^th Annual tournament will be celebrated in honor of our friend Pat Walsh.

Causeway Classic Fishing Tournament & Beach Party
July 26-27
Orchard Beach, Squantum

24-hour Fishing Tournament
The tournament starts Friday, July 26, 3:00 pm
and ends Saturday, July 27, 3:00 pm

Fish caught during the tournament will be measured on Saturday.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the longest fish.

Tournament entrance fee:
includes lunch served at Orchard Beach and a Causeway Classic T-Shirt
$25 per fisherman
$10 for 13 years and under
$15 for Pier fisherman

To register for the tournament:
Complete a Causeway Classic Registration Form 2013 and mail it along with your check made payable to “Squantum 4th of July” to:
14 Aberdeen Rd, Quincy, MA 01271

Beach Party
Saturday, July 27, 2pm

Join the festivities as we celebrate the fish and the fishers,
with music provided by D.J. Keith

Beach Party donation:
$10 per person
$5 kids under 12

Beach Party donation covers:
Hamburgers, hot dogs, and summertime BBQ favorites
B.Y.O.C. (cooler)

To purchase Beach Party tickets:
Contact Sue Gillespie at 617-786-9545 or ranceandsue@aol.com

Proceeds support the Squantum July Fourth Parade

Squantum’s 104th July 4th Parade!

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Monica

Squantumites showed their fabulous spirit at the 104th marching of the Squantum July Fourth parade.

Visit the photo gallery and enjoy the parade and bonfire festivities all over again!

Congratulations to all of the floats and marchers for such a great show!

Floats
First place: Kingdom Rock
Second place: Surf’s Up Squantum!
Third place: Squantum Sports
Honorable mention: Catch of the Day

Marchers
First place: The Fourth has been Flocked!
Second place: Deadliest Catch

Single marchers
First place: Great Debate
Second place: Stars & Stripes
Third place: Army Boy

Donations
Your donations are still welcome by the July 4^th Committee. Suggested donation per family is $20, but any donation is very much appreciated.
Checks can be made payable to: Squantum July 4^th Committee
Mail or drop off to: Judi Smith, 289 Bellevue Road, Squantum, MA 02171

Join fun at FOX25 Zip Trip live broadcast in Quincy, Fri 6-10am

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Monica

Your moment of fame is here!…or at least a chance to show your Quincy Spirit on live TV and enjoy games and activities! Head out to Merrymount Park on Friday morning to join The FOX25 Morning News team as they make a Zip Trip stop in our own Quincy.

Friday, July 12, 6-10 a.m.
Merrymount Park fountain, across from 839 Hancock Street.

The live FOX25 Morning News broadcast from 6-10 a.m. will feature Co-hosts Shannon Mulaire and Gene Lavanchy, Anchor Sorboni Banerjee, Meteorologist Shiri Spear, News Commentator Doug “VB” Goudie and Reporter Elizabeth Hopkins. There will be special guests and features that celebrate the unique qualities of Quincy, as well as specialty food demonstrations, and games. Kick-off the weekend and show your Quincy Spirit!

Activities include:

Taste of the Town: Local restaurants, cafés or bakeries demonstrate savory dishes and sweet treats!
Home Town Team: A salute to a youth or senior team ranging from football and soccer to the local running club!
Zip Trip Trivia: VB tries to stump a special guest with Quincy trivia.
Home Town Hero: Meet the local hero who helps out whenever needed!
Firehouse Fridays: Quincy’s finest will be honored for all they do.
Zip Trip Fan of the Week: They’ll pick someone from the crowd with true Zip Trip Spirit as the Fan of the Week.
Healthy Kids: Join in Boston Children’s Hospital’s mission of improving health for all kids everywhere.
High Speed Deal: On-site scavenger hunt game for Zip Trip attendees.
Zip Trip Jr. Reporter: FOX25 will select a young viewer from the crowd to help with a few reporter duties.
Town Tour: The FOX25 Morning News team will explore the best eats, must-see attractions, hidden gems, and little known landmarks in Quincy.
Children’s Book Drive: Donate a new children’s book to benefit Reach Out and Read.
Wellness Check: Wellness tips and a chance to win a trip to Canyon Ranch Spa.

Zip Trip attendees will also have the chance to register to win an all-new 2014 Mazda6! Other prizes, games, children’s story time and free product sampling (while supplies last) will be part of the fun provided by Zip Trip partners.

Learn more at the City of Quincy site.

FOX25 Anchorwoman and neighbor Sorboni Banerjee, along with husband and FOX25 reporter Jarrod Holbrook, and family friend Zoe Grossfeld (center) celebrate the Squantum July 4th parade and promote the upcoming Quincy Zip Trip. (Photo by Lisa Aimola)

Join the race Sunday June 30 to support the parade

Posted on June 29, 2013 by Monica

Strap on those running shoes, Squantumites!

Squantum 2.5 mile Road Race: Sunday, June 30

Meet at the Squantum Community Center, 50 Huckins Avenue, Squantum, MA
Register at 10:30am; Run starts 11am
Entry fee to support the parade: $20/adult, kids under 10 free
Trophies and T-shirts provided
For more information, contact Representative Bruce Ayers 617-472-9877

Garden surprises for Junior Gardeners

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Monica

The Junior Gardeners of Squantum recently took a field trip to the home of Donna Richardson and Ed Swartz, where these blossoming gardeners learned how to plant sunflower seeds in peat pots, and received guidance for how and when to transplant the sunflowers to their own home gardens. As these young green thumbs toured Donna and Ed’s garden, they asked fabulous questions about the variety of plants, the years of work to create the garden, and they applied those math skills considering the square footage of the garden. The children enjoyed a contest to search for and locate the many animal characters in the garden, and in the midst of the visit discovered evidence of a slithery garden visitor…the shed skin of a garter snake, which provided a bonus learning opportunity.

Donna and Ed report that, “everyone enjoyed the experience and we are delighted to add they are a great group of kids and we thoroughly enjoyed their visit.”

About the Squantum School Junior Gardeners Club
The Squantum School Junior Gardeners Club is organized by the Seaside Gardeners of Squantum to encourage the appreciation of gardening, landscape and floral design, and awareness of environmental concerns. Amongst other activities, the Club works with the students to plant gardens at the school. In the past the Club has received the Junior Gardening Award from the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts and the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. in recognition of distinguished service, youth activities, and junior work.

Learn more about the Seaside Gardeners of Squantum.

Calling July 4th Parade marchers and float makers!

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Monica

Dear Squantumites…it’s coming to that time of year…time for our cherished July 4th Parade! And the fabulous Parade Committee is eager to hear from all you marchers and float makers!

This year will mark the 104th marching of the parade, which will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 10:00 am. The Squantum Road Race planning is also in the works, so stay tuned for details on the date and time.

Consider making a donation
Keep an eye out for flyers being distributed by the July 4^th Committee to raise funds to keep this fabulous tradition alive in Squantum. Donations in any amount are welcome and will help fund the expenses of assembling and supporting the talented groups who participate in the parade. Suggested donation per family is $20, but any donation is very much appreciated.
Checks can be made payable to: Squantum July 4^th Committee
Mail or drop off to: Judi Smith, 289 Bellevue Road, Squantum, MA 02171

Join the Parade – email the Committee

Floats Have a great idea for a foat? Get the neighbors and kids together and start trimming and festooning! And while we know the pride of being named the best in this annual fiesta is all a Squantumite needs…the committee will be awarding cash prizes. In addition, the hood of the winning float will have a sign posted on their street announcing the great news for a week. Good luck!

Marchers of all kinds are welcome to join the parade! Individual or group marchers, marchers in costumes, as well as Local Youth Sports are welcome to march.
Decorate your baby carriages and wagons and join the festivities!

Honoring our heroes. If you know a police officer, firefighter, doctor, nurse, teacher, or anyone in the Armed Forces and would like to see them honored and marching in the parade, call Paula at 617-834-9996.

Sign me up!
Deadline for all parade entry submissions has been extended!
Simply email: SquantumParade@yahoo.com to let the Committee know. They’ll provide trucks for the floats and give you the 411 on parade logistics.

Visit the July 4th Parade page to keep up to date!

Feeling nostalgic? Check out photos from the 2012 parade in the Scoop photo gallery.

Dust off those reds, whites, and blues, Squantumites! The Parade is coming!

Got a tricky problem? Nature’s got the answer!

Looking for bacteria free hospital surfaces? Try on a shark suit!

Looking for a non-toxic adhesive? Ask a mussel!

Looking for bacteria free hospital surfaces?
Try on a shark suit!

Looking for a non-toxic adhesive?
Ask a mussel!