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"Mayor Koch recently submitted the Fiscal Year 2012 budget to the Council for approval and I encourage you to review and contact me with any comments/questions." |
Greetings!
Thank you to the hundreds of Ward One residents who volunteered for Cleaner, Greener Quincy. Ward One had over 20 sites and is looking great thanks to your efforts. The City Council voted to support the Capital Improvement Plan submitted by Mayor Koch. There are many projects that will benefit Ward One including repairs to school roofs, Edgewater Drive Seawall repairs, seawall assessment and emergency repairs (including sections along Shelton Road), Broad Street Tide Gate and Tributary and repairs to roads and sidewalks. If you think you're sidewalk would qualify as one of the most in need of repair, please email me the address and I will add it to the list of sidewalks to be considered. Mayor Koch has submitted the Fiscal Year 2012 budget to the City Council for approval. I encourage you to review the budget and contact me with any questions or concerns. If you'd like to attend a presentation on the budget hosted by the Mayor, he will be at the Fore River Clubhouse on May 23rd at 7pm, at the Kennedy Center May 24th at 7pm and May 25th at 1:30pm and at the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School on May 26th at 7pm. I recently met with Mayor Koch, Police Chief Paul Keenan, Lt. Kevin Tobin - Traffic and Parking for QPD, and City Traffic Engineer Jack Gillon to discuss opportunities to improve conditions and slow down traffic on Sea Street. I appreciate the support of the Quincy Police Department and Mayor Koch for their increased presence on Sea Street. We are working on options and will be requesting business owners and residents join our Sea Street Committee as we progress. In the interim, PLEASE SLOW DOWN and increase your vigilance. While the weather hasn't allowed for much outdoor activity with sports practices and games being canceled this week, I'm glad to see the sun peeking out and hope to get the boat in the water this weekend. This year, anyone age sixteen and over is required to purchase a recreational salt water fishing license. For more information, visit www.takemefishing.org and purchase yours online for $11.85. This is a busy weekend for events in Houghs Neck and I hope to see you at one or all. I will also be attending the Urban Shield Training Events throughout the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region. As always, please contact me if I can be of any assistance. See you on the water, Margaret |
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Quincy hosts two Urban Shield Training Events,
May 21-22 at OLD Quincy High School & Shipyard |
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The next terror attack or natural disaster may occur within the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region. Even though the Federal government has bolstered its capacity to respond to such events, experience tells us that we, as first responders, will be required to immediately take charge of any situation to protect human life. The question is, ARE WE READY?
The Quincy Police and Fire Departments will be participating in a large scale first responder exercise titled Urban Shield which will take place from 8:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21 through 8 a.m. Sunday, May 22.
Urban shield is a cooperative effort between local first responders to promote preparedness in the event of terrorist attacks. Two Quincy locations are participating - Old Quincy High School and the Fore River Shipyard.
During this timeframe, high concentrations of emergency vehicle activity will be taking place.
This is a pre-planned event; residents should not be alarmed at the increased volume at these two sites. |
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Department of Public Works:
Recycling, Street Sweeping and Yard Waste |
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Ward One has seen an increase in our recycling rates as a result of our new large blue barrels. If you'd like more information on what can be recycled or have a question on how to dispose of anything from aluminum to yard waste, check out the DPW's recycle website. Also, the DPW has recently added a book bin in which proceeds from the donated books will benefit the Thomas Crane Public Library and a bin to dispose of electronics. If you need to dispose of medication, the Quincy Police Department has installed a drop off box inside their lobby and it's accessible 24/7.
While spending the day at home today, I noticed the street sweeper driving by and appreciate the efforts of the DPW to keep our neighborhoods looking good. Street Sweepers will be out in Ward One between May 20-25.
Every spring the DPW sends out a mailing letting us know the schedule for the Street Sweepers and YARD WASTE PICKUP. Most of my neighbors just look to see if someone else's barrel is out before putting theirs to the curb. If you'd like to confirm the yard waste pick up schedule it is posted online. Next yard waste pick up is the week of May 30-June 4.
You are always welcome to drop off recyclables, electronics, books and yard waste at the DPW Monday through Friday 7:30am to 3:00pm and on Saturdays, April to December, from 7:30am to 2:30pm. |
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Houghs Neck Plant Sale, Saturday, May 21 |
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Annual Dorothy Laing Memorial Spring Flower Sale
Saturday, May 21st, 10am - 2pm
LaBreque Field, corner of Sea and Rockland Streets
Flats of Annuals (pansies, petunias, inpatients, zinnias, dahlias. cosmos, snap dragons, marigolds, and much more), Perennials, Tomatoes, Geraniums, Hanging Plants and Hanging Pouches
Plants will also be available at the Mayor of Houghs Neck Breakfast on Sunday or stop by E & T Ceramics & Printing during the week at 367 Billings Road, Wollaston from 9am -2pm. Call Eileen for more info 617-479-4107. |
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Mayor of Houghs Neck Breakfast, Sunday, May 21 |
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The Houghs Neck Community Council will have a "Meet the Candidates" breakfast on Sunday May 22nd from 8-11am (stop by anytime) at the St. Thomas Aquinas Hall. A $5.00 donation in honor of the candidate who's ballot you'll select at the door will help them get underway with their fundraising.
The candidate who raises the most money between now and Labor day earns the privilege and bragging rights to be called "Mayor of Houghs Neck" and will be awarded the perpetual Houghs Neck flounder Trophy. We will announce the new mayor at the ChowdaFest in September.
JOANNE BYTHROW; Though Joanne is the mother of 4 and grandmother of 4 she has always been community minded and found time to participate in things related to her kids, church, and neighborhood. Her past activities include: CCD teacher, Cub Scout Leader, Adviser of Pilgrim Fellowship Youth Group, Prefect of Our Lady's Solidarity, President of the Houghs Neck Community Council and all around good sport. She spent 3 years in the Quincy After School Program at Atherton Hough and is known by the name "Miss Joanne" Presently she is serving on the HN Community Council Executive Board as Corresponding Secretary, and on the Executive Board of the HN Garden Club.. Joanne wants to assure everyone that she can do just as good a job as the previous Mayors of Houghs Neck, (and without the help of a wife). Look for further information next month.
STEVE HOLLER of Rockland Street, husband of Nancy (McDonald), and father of Brendan, Courtney and Shelagh. Steve is the Captain of the lobster boat November Gale and can be found at the PL on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer selling his lobsters "fresh from my pots to yours". Steve and Nancy are lifelong Neckers. Steve is involved with EDAN - End Drug Abuse Now, a pro-active task force working with the City of Quincy to tackle this problem in our communities. Steve will be collecting donations aboard the November Gale starting, Friday June 5th. Email Steve necka30@gmail.com, visit his website or follow him on Facebook for more information.
TROOP 6: In following with the tradition that started with Ralph Jacobs and then Mike Berry and Marty Gordon, Troop 6 has, after much deliberation, decided to nominate our official Blue & Gold Dinner Food Taster as our candidate for Mayor of Houghs Neck. While this candidate is not a native 'Necker, he has endeared himself to our community with his friendliness and his brogue for many years, centered first at his home on our end of Sea Street and later farther up the street in Merrymount. His health took an unexpected turn this past year and as a result has retired and taken up residence a hour from here. As we are sure he would say, "It isn't the Neck but it's home for me for the time being!!" Few people in our community have had a more positive impact. A leader. A friend to all. He will certainly become a legend in the fabric of the Neck. It is our pleasure and honor to nominate William English to be the NEXT Mayor of Houghs Neck.
Four years ago, I brought this idea to the Houghs Neck Community Council as a fundraiser and thought bragging rights alone would entice people to campaign for mayor, well no one was interested in putting their names in, and NO ONE would run against Father English. The Mayor of Houghs Neck campaigns aren't about winning a title, but of having fun attending neighborhood events and building community spirit. I want to personally thank Joanne Bythrow and Steve Holler for being GOOD SPORTS and letting us entice them into "campaigning". ALL PROCEEDS benefit the Houghs Neck Community Council and allows us to host events throughout the year. |
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Just Because Cancer Walk, Sunday, 11am |
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Please join us for our 2nd Annual "JUST BECAUSE ... Cancer Walk". A three-mile walk, rain or shine, from LaBrecque Field to Ginger Betty's and back to LeBrecque Field. Water stations along the way. Immediately following the walk there will be refreshments and raffles at Quincy Yacht Club, 1310 Sea Street. Entry fee $20.00 per person. T-shirt provided to all participants who pre-register on or before May 1st. Everyone knows someone who has suffered from cancer. This walk is for victims of all types of cancer. Walk for your Mother, walk for your Grandfather, Walk for your friend, and walk for your friend's daughter. Just walk! Everyone welcome. Last year we raised over $20,000. We can do better this year. All proceeds to benefit Commonwealth Hematology - Oncology. For more information visit www.justbecausewalk.com |
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Quincy Animal Shelter at Fenway Bark, Sunday |
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Fenway Bark is happy to announce the beginning of what they hope is a weekly Sunday event at Fenway Bark (holidays excluded). Every Sunday from Noon to 3:00 pm they are inviting one Rescue Group or Shelter to showcase their organization and the animals they have for adoption at Fenway Bark.Their first participant will be Quincy Animal Shelter! Come out and show your support and thank Fenway Bark for their generosity! Location: Fenway Bark, 88 Black Falcon Ave, #188, Boston, MA 02210 - Created By Fenway Bark - Information on QAS and Dogs and Cats up for adoption will be available. 10% of all sales from the retail store during the event will be donated to the rescue.
Quincy Animal Shelter is an all-volunteer organization and is actively working in our pet-friendly city. Check them out on Facebook for updated information. |
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Discover Quincy - Hancock Cemetery |
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Quincy's Hancock Cemetery dates from the earliest years of European settlement (1630's) and was the community' main burial ground until 1854. Early Puritans took a pragmatic attitude towards death and burial: grave markers were often impermanent or non-existent and the cattle roamed freely here. Consequently, many more people are buried here than there are existing markers. Only in 1809 did a group of citizens, including John Adams, purchase the lot and officially donate it to the town. The handsome iron fencing is from 1844. |
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"150 Years Ago: Quincy Enters the Civil War"
Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 PM, Adams Academy |
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As part of Quincy Historical Society's Civil War project, Executive Director Edward Fitzgerald will present a talk on Wednesday, May 25th at 7pm at the Quincy Historical Society/Adams Academy on Quincy in the years leading up to the war and the first months of the war. This program will set the stage for the Historical Society's exhibit, "Quincy and the Civil War," opening in June. Everyone is welcome. There is no admission fee.
The talk will look at members of the Adams and Quincy families as spokesmen for the anti-slavery cause, the various public reactions to the 1860 presidential campaign and the secession crisis, the first stages of Charles Francis Adams' diplomatic mission in England, and the initial wartime experiences of both servicemen and those at home. |
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Summer Camp at the Germantown Neighborhood Center |
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As school winds down and parents look for plans for kids for the summer, I encourage you to look into the Summer Camp program at the Germantown Neighborhood Center. All camp staff participate in a comprehensive training program. Prior to hiring, reference checks, including CORI and SORI, are completed. Snacks and lunch are provided at all of our summer camps.
Camp programs include:
Boys Group - A complement to the teen boys' group at the Neighborhood Center, this four-week program serves boys ages 9-14. Activities include swimming, sports, outdoor fun, water games and field trips.
Girl Power - Serving girls ages 9-14, this popular camp program is a complement to the Girls to Women Program for teenage females. The primary focus is on goal setting, learning how to make healthy choices, empowerment, team building, and journaling. Field trips are included, as well as a Women's Career Day. Girl Power meets from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm each weekday for four weeks during the summer.
Peer Leaders - The goal of this program is to develop leadership skills and role modeling techniques. We train youth in grades six to nine to be able to assist our camp counselors with activities, including arts, games, teambuilding, swimming, water fun, cooking, sports, dance, drama, and field trips. Activities and training also includes CPR/First Aid, hiking, intergenerational program, low and high ropes course, summer day camp, and service-related activities such as holiday food assistance. Peer Leader Camp runs for six weeks in the summer and includes at least two field trips during the school year.
Grades K-3 - Children in grades K-3 are invited to enjoy two weeks of safe, fun activities. Some of the excitement may include swimming, arts & crafts, cooking, outdoor games, swings, slides, and field trips.
Grades 4 and 5 - Boys and girls are invited to enjoy two weeks of safe, fun activities, including arts, games, swimming, water fun, cooking, sports, dance, drama, and field trips.
For information on camp or summer employment at our GNC camp, please call (617) 376-1384. No one is turned away from our GNC programs based on inability to pay. Financial assistance is available for all our YMCA camps. |
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Margaret Laforest
Ward One Councilor, Quincy
236 Rock Island Road
Quincy, MA 02169
(home) 617-471-1806 (office) 617-376-1351
P Please consider the environment before printing this email. |
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