Resident councilors roll up their sleeves
Snow-emergency parking rules are still in effect as of this (Friday, Feb. 27) morning. I’ll send out a note when they are removed!
On Wednesday, we had a wonderful meeting of “resident councilors” – folks who want to work together to research topics of local interest and then advocate for them at city council open forums. At the meeting, we did a short round of introductions, then John F did an engaging presentation on the online platform Discord, where resident councilors will coordinate their work, and finally, we broke into two discussion groups. The meeting left me uplifted and inspired – we have such smart, passionate, generous folks in the city!
That feeling was deepened yesterday, when I got a message from a resident councilor named Stuart who had used the Discord channel to see if any other resident councilors wanted to go out and help shovel snow from sidewalks with heavy foot traffic. He got some interest, and five folks went out and widened walkways on Newport Avenue. This is community in action! This is love. My heart is bursting with gratitude for this group and for the selfless actions of so many folks across the city.
Look at these cuties!
If you or other Quincy residents you know would like to join a resident council, please fill out this form and John F will send you an invitation to the Discord channel. Residents will lead the work, but I’m happy to provide meeting space in person or on Zoom!
Upcoming events and reminders
Next few weeks: Fill out and mail back the 2026 City Census form that arrives in your mailbox! From the City: “Compliance with the City Census is a state requirement, which provides proof of address for school age children, voting rights, veteran’s bonus, housing and related benefits – as well as to ensure voters remain on the active voting list. For assistance, please call the City Clerk’s Election Department Office at 617-376-1144.”
Monday, March 2: Community Preservation Committee application deadline for private citizens or groups submitting applications for projects on city property.
Monday, March 2, 5:30 pm @ 100 Merrymount Parkway: Park and rec public board meetings.
Monday, March 2, 6:30 pm @ Old City Hall, second floor (1305 Hancock Street), or on QATV: City council meeting. Agenda is nearly the same as last week’s canceled meeting (though the previously scheduled utility public hearings will be postponed until March 16). There will be a public comment period starting at 7:30 pm, and after that the council will hear from City departments about snow protocols.
Wednesday, March 4, 7:30 pm @ Old City Hall, first floor (1305 Hancock Street): Conservation Commission meeting.
Wednesday, March 5, 5:30 pm: Cemetery Board meeting (details not online)
Thursday, March 5, 6:30 pm @ Bernazzani School (701 Furnace Brook Parkway): Community meeting to discuss proposed renovations at 18 Douse Road.
Friday, March 6, 9 am – 3:30 pm @ Quincy Health Department (440 East Squantum Street): Blood drive. Each donor will receive a $15 Target or Amazon gift card.
Tuesday, March 10 (details not yet online):
4 pm: License board hearing
5 pm: Commission on Disabilities
6 pm: Zoning Board of Appeals meeting
Wednesday, March 11, 6 pm @ Old City Hall, first floor (1305 Hancock Street): Planning Board meeting.
Thursday, March 12, 7 am – 3:15 pm @ 440 East Squantum Street: Dana Farber’s Mammography Van on site. Pre-register for a mammogram in the van (insurance required) by calling 617-632-1974 or emailing mammo_van@dfci.harvard.edu. A mammogram saved my life – anyone 40 or over should consider taking advantage of this local opportunity for a screening!
Before March 15: Free Trees for Kids registration. Kids (or their caretakers) can register for a free tree, through a partnership between the library, Neighborhood Forest, and the Quincy Tree Alliance.
Wednesday, April 1: Deadline to apply for a property tax exemption.
Recent local news
Quincy boys basketball's turnaround season now includes a playoff win
PHOTOS: Quincy boys basketball beats Hopkinton in D1 playoff opener
How Quincy is faring after historic blizzard pummels the region
Watch Quincy basketball stars talk about playoff win over Hopkinton
Plea hearing in Quincy official's federal fraud case postponed again
Latest South Shore snow totals: We finally have Quincy's real number
Resources and ways to plug in
Anyone interested in serving as a volunteer on a city board or commission can send a note with your interest and background to the mayor’s chief of staff, Chris Walker, at cwalker@quincyma.gov. Please cc me at mmckee@quincyma.gov if you’d like me to follow up on your application.
To receive future newsletters by email, please sign up here.
To sign up for a resident council, fill out this form.
To learn about local organizations you can join and volunteer with, go here (and feel free to add any that are missing!).
If you see federal agents in Quincy, please stay a safe distance away and call LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts with as much information as you can so they can verify the sightings: (617) 370-5023.
The City’s Department of Elder Services offers FREE transportation to medical appointments for Quincy adults aged 60 and over. Call 617-376-1242 to register and schedule rides.
The City’s Department of Elder Services is aiming to connect adults aged 60 and over who require assistance shoveling snow from their front stairs, walkway, and sidewalk with high school students interested in community service. To apply to get paired up, call 617-376-1239.
