Quincy 365 - Issue #0030

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In This Issue of Quincy 365…

📝 End of an Era: Wheelhouse Diner to Close After 77 Years

📝Quincy Art Association Hosts Annual ArtsFest at QArts Gallery

📝 Quincy Man Charged with Firearms Trafficking

📝 Widowmaker Brewing Kicks Off Sixth Beer Garden Season at Kilroy Square in Quincy

📝 Morrisette Post 294 to Honor Captain Guy Ferris at Memorial Day Ceremony

End of an Era: Wheelhouse Diner to Close After 77 Years

After a long-standing legal battle with the property's new owner, LeeAnn Vieira McDonough, the owner of the iconic Wheelhouse Diner in North Quincy, has announced that the restaurant will close its doors on June 30th, 2024. The decision comes after a settlement was reached with the landlord, Ciahua Chen, who had been trying to evict McDonough since October 2023.

In an emotional Facebook post, McDonough expressed her love for the 77-year-old diner, which has been a significant part of her life and her children's lives, who grew up and now work alongside her at the restaurant. She also acknowledged the overwhelming support she has received from the community during this challenging time.

"The Wheelhouse is more than just a job. It is more than just a restaurant. It is an extension of my kitchen and my living room as it has been for previous owners before me," McDonough wrote.

Despite the desire to continue fighting to keep the diner open, McDonough recognized that the building's deteriorating condition and the mounting debt from necessary repairs made it unsustainable to continue operating without a long-term lease. Under the settlement terms, McDonough has until July 15th to vacate the premises, giving her approximately two weeks after the diner's closure to move out.

In the coming weeks, the Wheelhouse Diner plans to slim down its menu while still offering customer favorites until the very last day. McDonough expressed her excitement for the future and hinted at possibly reopening the diner at a new location.

The Wheelhouse Diner has been a beloved institution in North Quincy for over seven decades, serving as a gathering place for families, friends, and the local community. Its closure marks the end of an era, but McDonough remains optimistic about the future and grateful for the unforgettable 13 years she has spent as the diner's owner.

Quincy Art Association Hosts Annual ArtsFest at QArts Gallery

The Quincy Art Association is hosting ArtsFest 2024 at the QArts Gallery from May 11 to June 16. The event features four distinct exhibitions showcasing the works of local artists: a Juried Exhibition, a Members' Exhibition, a Photography Exhibition, and a special "Celebrate Quincy" exhibit.

With more than 160 works on display, visitors can explore various mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, drawing, pastel, mixed media, and sculpture. All pieces are available for purchase, providing an excellent opportunity to support local artists while acquiring unique artwork.

This year's ArtsFest introduces two new awards: the Marilyn Reisberg Award for mixed media and the People's Choice Award, which will be revealed at the end of the exhibition. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to participate in kids and adult mural-making activities, contributing to a community-based project.

An Awards Presentation and Reception is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. The public is cordially invited to this free event, where light refreshments will be served. All works on display are available for purchase.

The QArts Gallery Gift Shop offers a unique selection of hand-made items, including jewelry, ceramics, note cards, original art, matted prints, and other creations by talented Quincy Art Association vendor members.

The QArts Gallery, located at 1229 Hancock St. in Quincy, is managed and operated by volunteer members of the Quincy Art Association. Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday from Noon-5PM, with potential pop-up hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 2-5 PM, depending on volunteer availability.

For more information about the gallery, classes, events, and other news, please visit www.quincyartma.org.

Quincy Man Charged with Firearms Trafficking for Allegedly Trading Fentanyl for Guns

Caesar Ross, a 40-year-old convicted felon from Quincy, Massachusetts, has been charged in federal court for allegedly distributing fentanyl in exchange for four firearms. Ross was arrested in September 2023 and has remained in federal custody since then.

According to court documents, an investigation into Ross and others began in 2022 for alleged involvement in firearms trafficking and other violations of federal firearms and drug laws. In September 2023, Ross allegedly met with a cooperating witness in Quincy and provided 60 grams of fentanyl in exchange for four firearms, each lacking a visible serial number: a Beretta 92F, 9 parabellum pistol, Beretta 96 Brigadier elite IA, .40 S&W pistol, Glock 22, .40 S&W pistol, and an FN Herstal 5.7, 5.7x28 pistol. Ross was immediately taken into custody following the exchange.

As a convicted felon, Ross is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He now faces one count of firearms trafficking and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

The firearms trafficking charge carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The drug charge could result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.

Widowmaker Brewing Kicks Off Sixth Beer Garden Season at Kilroy Square in Quincy

Widowmaker Brewing, in partnership with the City of Quincy and The Quincy Chamber, is excited to announce the opening of its sixth Beer Garden Season at Kilroy Square. Starting this week, the beer garden will be open weekly on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 4 PM to 9 PM.

Located at 25 Cottage St. in Quincy, the Widowmaker Brewing Beer Garden at Kilroy Square is a family-friendly event that welcomes both children and leashed pets. Guests can enjoy a variety of Widowmaker Brewing's craft beers while savoring delicious food from local vendors and listening to live music.

This week's lineup includes:

Thursday: Cousins Maine Lobster food truck

Friday: Al's BBQ and DJ Nothing Means Nothing

Saturday: Live music performance by Will McLennan

Parking is available on the street and in the Kilroy Square Parking Garage, which offers a rate of $1 per hour.

For weekly updates and more information, follow @widowmakerbeergarden on social media.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy great beer, food, and entertainment in the heart of Quincy. Join Widowmaker Brewing at Kilroy Square for their sixth Beer Garden Season every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4 PM to 9 PM.

Morrisette Post 294 to Honor Captain Guy Ferris at Memorial Day Ceremony

Morrisette Post 294 will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday, May 19th, at 1:00 pm at Flag Island in Fort Square, Quincy, Massachusetts. The event will feature a special guest speaker and will be dedicated to the memory of Captain Guy Ferris, with a granite plaque placed at the walkway of the island in his honor. The ceremony serves as a tribute to fallen service members, and the community is invited to attend. Refreshments will be provided at the Morrisette Post following the ceremony.

Events this week in Quincy

5/18/24

• ROBOTICS CHALLENGE @ Quincy High 9am-2pm

• Wollaston Garden Club Spring Sale -Wollaston Cong 9am-12pm

• Community Yoga Class @ Main Library 9:30am-10:30am

• 88th Annual Montclair May Festival @ Montclair School 10am-4pm

• QFD Hockey's 2nd Annual Fundraiser @ Pageant Field 11am

• Music of the 40’s & 50’s @ Hancock Adams Common 1pm-7pm

• 13th Annual Yard Sale and Craft Show! 3pm-5pm @ Bethany Congregational

• Section 8 @ Malachy's Saloon 8pm

5/19/24

• ArtsFest 2024 3pm-5pm @ QArts Gallery

5/20/24

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

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

5/21/24

• Adult Board Game Night @ North Quincy Library 7-8:30pm

• AAPI Heritage Month Trivia Night @ Main Library 7-8pm

5/22/24

• Picnic at The Dorothy Quincy Homestead 4pm-7pm RSVP

• Craft & Snack for Adults @ Wollaston Library 6pm-8pm

• The U.S.S. Bunker Hill at Okinawa: One Pilot's Remembrance 7pm @ Quincy Historical Society & Museum

5/23/24

• Annual All-City Jazz Concert @ North Quincy High 6pm $5 suggested donation

5/25/24

• Christine Hurley @ Fox and Hound 7pm Tickets 9:30pm Tickets

• Silver City Band @ Pete's Bar and Grille

5/27/24

• Memorial Day Parade 10:30am

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

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

5/28/24

• Reel Talk: Celebrating AAPI Cinema @ Main Library 7pm-8pm

• Annual All-City Pops Concert @ Quincy High 6pm $5 suggested donation

6/1/24

• Estuary Expedition: Walk, Talk, & Explore the Neponset Estuary! Event Info

• Lyons Turning Mill and Quarry Museum @ Quarry Hills Drive 11am-3pm Free Admission

• Colonial Printing Demo @ Quincy Homestead 1680 11am-2pm

6/2/24

• LES VINS DE FRANCE - WINE DINNER @ Rozafa Tickets

• 2024 Quincy Pride @ The Ross Lot - 37R Parkingway 12pm-5pm

• Lyons Turning Mill and Quarry Museum @ Quarry Hills Drive 11am-3pm Free Admission

6/3/24

• 2024 Quincy Chamber Golf Tournament at Presidents Golf Course Registration

6/7/24

• Porchfest Quincy Beer Release @ Break Rock Brewing 6pm-9pm

• Paint Your Pride - Pottery Event @ Break Rock Brewing 6-8pm Tickets

6/8/24

• Steve Sweeney @Fox and Hound 8pm Tickets

• Stand up Comedy @ Squantum Yacht Club 7:30pm Tickets

• Squirrel Run XXVI @ Pageant Field Event Info

• 3nd Annual Flounder Round-Up & Block Party @ Off the Hook

• KRUSH @ Pete's Grill 9pm-1am

6/9/24

• Luna Foundation Aruba’s Spring fundraising @ The Pour Yard Event Info

6/12/24

• Beer Mug Painting @ Break Rock 6pm-9pm Tickets

6/15/24

• Quincy Flag Day Parade

6/18/24

• Eat, Drink, Model Fashion Show Fundraiser @ Marina Bay Boardwalk 5pm Tickets