Quincy 365 - Issue #0023

In This Issue of Quincy 365…

☁️ Today’s Weather

📝 PorchFest Quincy 2024: Where Porches Turn Into Stages for a Day of Music

📝 "In Her Own Key": A Duo Amie Concert Celebrating Women in Music at ENC

📝 Quincy Man Faces Justice for Hate-Fueled Assault on Vietnamese Family

🔦 Community Spotlight 

🤑 Deals

PorchFest Quincy 2024: Where Porches Turn Into Stages for a Day of Music

PorchFest Quincy is gearing up for its 2024 edition, promising an afternoon filled with music, community, and celebration. Set for Saturday, June 29th, from 3 PM to 9 PM, this unique event invites musicians and residents to come together in a day-long festival that transforms the porches of Merrymount, Wollaston Hill, and Squantum into vibrant stages for live performances.

Participation is open to all, with registrations for performers and porch hosts now live on their website until June 10th.

The festival, initiated by Ian Cain and Wally Hubley in 2016, has grown into a cherished city-wide event, aiming to foster community bonds through the universal language of music. For those looking to be a part of this year's festivities, whether by hosting a performance, volunteering as a band, or simply enjoying the day, detailed information is available at www.PorchfestQuincy.org.

"In Her Own Key": A Duo Amie Concert Celebrating Women in Music at ENC

Duo Amie, comprising Ellyses Kuan and Julie Reimann, is set to grace the Cameron Auditorium at Eastern Nazarene College with their captivating concert, "In Her Own Key," on April 11, 2024, at 7:00 PM. This special event, which celebrates the dedication of the Cameron Auditorium, promises a unique and inspiring evening dedicated entirely to the works of female composers.

Ellyses Kuan (founder and music director of EKS Music School in Quincy), a pianist whose early start in music led her from Hong Kong to international stages, pairs her profound musicality with Julie Reimann, a cellist with a rich background in both performance and medicine, to explore the depths of compositions by some of the most influential women in music. The concert features pieces by Florence Price, including her dramatic Fantasie in G minor, and Amy Beach's popular Opus 23 Romance, alongside works by Rebecca Clarke, Clara Schumann, and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel. Each piece has been carefully selected to showcase not only the technical prowess of the performers but also the rich, emotional landscapes crafted by these pioneering composers.

"In Her Own Key" highlights Duo Amie's dedication to celebrating the achievements of women in music but also provides a platform for audiences to experience the profound and often underrepresented works of female composers. Held in the Mann Student Center at Eastern Nazarene College, located at 23 E. Elm Ave., Quincy, MA, this free concert invites music lovers to delve into the stories and sounds crafted by women who have shaped the classical music landscape.

For those interested in attending this celebration of music and dedication, further details can be obtained by contacting 617-745-3526.

Quincy Man Faces Justice for Hate-Fueled Assault on Vietnamese Family

78-year-old Quincy resident John Sullivan pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

On Dec. 2, 2022, Sullivan confronted a family, which included young children, outside a post office, delivering threats and racial slurs before physically assaulting one family member with his vehicle, leading to significant injury. This act, driven by racial and national origin bias, has Sullivan facing a potential maximum sentence of 10 years, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Scheduled for sentencing on June 26, 2024, Sullivan's conviction under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act illustrates a commitment from federal and local authorities to address and penalize acts of hate-fueled violence. The incident, which not only caused physical harm but also psychological trauma, especially to the children present, is being prosecuted with the full force of the law.

Events this week in Quincy

4/4/24

• Acoustic Song Circle with Mike Delaney 6pm-8pm @ Thomas Crane Public Library

• Trivia @ Cagney’s 7pm

4/5/24

• Lenny Clarke by Steve Sweeney’s Comedy Den at Fox and Hound Tickets

• Disney's Moana Jr. by Atlantic Players 7pm Tickets

• Trouble @ Pete's Bar and Grille 9pm

4/6/24

• Taylor Swift Brunch 10am-3pm @ Liberty Tavern Reservations

• Disney's Moana Jr. by Atlantic Players 2pm & 7pm Tickets

• New England Free Jacks 4:30pm @ Veterans Memorial Stadium Tickets

• Dave Try @ Paddy Barry’s 9:40pm

4/7/24

• Marina Bay Spring Market 12pm-4pm @ Marina Bay Quincy

• Sarah Martin (Live Music) @ Liberty Tavern 4pm-7pm

• Concert at the Crane @ Main Library 3pm-4pm

• Irish Band, the Old Brigade with Danny Gill, @ Fox and Hound 5pm -8pm. No cover.

4/8/24

• Solar Eclipse Viewing @ Main Library 2pm-4pm

• Family Feud Pub Quiz @ Cronin's Publick House 7pm-9pm

• Open Mic Night @ Cagney's Restaurant & Pub 7pm

4/9/24

• Great Quincy Bake-Off @ North Quincy Library 7pm-8pm

4/10/24

• Chunky Knit Blanket Party @ Break Rock 6pm-8pm Tickets

4/11/24

• Duo Amie Concert: In Her Own Key @ Eastern Nazarene 7pm

4/13/24

• Spring Sip and Shop @ Waterclub Marina Bay 12pm-4pm

• Quincycles Bike Maintenance Event @ Central Middle School 1pm-4pm

• Syd Slacks @ Fox and Hound 8pm

Blessing Bags: A Beacon of Hope and Generosity in Quincy

Three years ago, spurred by the visible struggle of individuals on the streets of Quincy, Olivia King initiated the Blessing Bag outreach, a heartfelt project designed to extend a helping hand to those in need. Initially fueled by personal encounters and the simple act of sharing water and cash, the initiative evolved into providing Blessing Bags filled with essential items and a touch of kindness in the form of Dunkin' Donuts gift cards. Inspired by a profound sense of duty instilled by a wise aunt and driven by Christian values, the founder views the act of giving as both a mission and a source of joy.

The Blessing Bags are thoughtfully packed with toiletries, snacks, and small comforts like gum, a favorite among recipients. These bags, often complemented by seasonal items such as hand-knitted winter gear, offer practical support and a gesture of humanity to those facing the harsh realities of street life. Funded initially by the founder and her partner, the project's reach expanded significantly with the support of the Quincy community, transforming the founder's dining room into a makeshift supply depot.

An Interview with the Heart Behind the Blessing Bag Outreach

Quincy 365: Can you share what inspired you to start the Blessing Bag outreach three years ago?

Olivia: As I would walk or drive around the Q, the overwhelming amount of folks on the streets made my heart sick. I always carried some $5s and a case of waters in my car, handing them out as I ran into folks. My daughter suggested a gift card rather than cash, and what's better than Dunkin'? They're everywhere and also offer a place to sit as a customer.

Quincy 365: It sounds like you've always had a strong desire to help others. Where does this compassion come from?

Olivia: I have a very wise aunt who taught me the art of giving unconditionally, of yourself and whatever you've been blessed with, at a very young age. If someone is in need and there is any way I can fill that need, I make it my mission.

Quincy 365: How do you stay motivated, especially when facing challenges or skepticism?

Olivia: I've definitely been made the sucker a few times, but as I have been so blessed with so much in my life, I feel it deeply important to pay those blessings forward. I'm a Christian, and my Lord compels me to take care of those who need me. I've been shown much mercy and grace throughout my years, even when I definitely didn't deserve it. Others deserve that mercy and grace as well. As Jesus thought in Matthew 5:39-42 "If they ask for your cloak, give them your tunic also."

Quincy 365: Can you describe what goes into a Blessing Bag and how you choose the items?

Olivia: The Blessing Bags are stuffed with much-needed, daily-use toiletries like toothbrushes, paste, body wipes, deodorant, lotion, aspirin, and GUM, which is always a fan favorite. We also add water, snacks, and a $5 Dunkin' gift card. Depending on the weather, we include winter gear as well. We try to put in what someone could readily use out on the street.

Quincy 365: How has the community responded to your outreach?

Olivia: The need for these bags was so great that I contacted the community through Facebook for their help. The outpouring of support and donations was amazing! My dining room looked like CVS had exploded in it. This community truly rocks. Without the backing and support of this amazing community, we could never be able to bless all we have. Two women in particular, Melissa Irwin and Kelli Langille, have been my angels!

Quincy 365: How important is their support to your mission?

Olivia: I have met some of the kindest, most genuine people over these last few years. Melissa and Kelli help with distribution, pickups, deliveries, anything I can't get done, they're on it, no questions asked. They, along with so many generous, selfless people, have been instrumental in our efforts.

Quincy 365: The Blessing Box in front of your house is a unique idea. Can you talk more about that?

Olivia: We host a Blessing Box in front of our house, keeping non-perishable foods and some toiletries in the box. It's for the community, available 24/7. Despite living in a high rent district, there are still some struggling just to get food on the table. Our motto is "take what you need and leave what you can." It's been heartening to see the community support and the direct impact it has on people's lives.

Quincy 365: Finally, what message do you want to share with others who might want to help their communities?

Olivia: It's amazing to me that some people just don't get it; some of us are just a couple of paychecks away from homelessness. My message would be, "C'mon people now, smile on your brother. Everybody get together, gotta love one another right now." If you see a need and you can help, don't hesitate. The impact is more profound than you might realize.

If you would like to help, you can direct message Olivia on Facebook here