Today the Houghs Neck Community Council is an all volunteer, nonprofit corporation that has, for fifty-four years offered programs and events to Houghs Neck residents. We publish the oldest commnuity newsletter in Quincy. Sponsor events for children, families and adults. Oversee the operation of the Houghs Neck Community Center. Assist families in need during the holidays with gift cards to a local supermarket. Houghs Neck Scholarship Fund to help students continue their education. Recognize our Good Neighbors and sponsor a life giving Blood Drive.
In order to continue to offer these and other services we need your assistance. Membership in the Houghs Neck Community Council is $5.00 per family. Only five dollars helps bring the Bulletin to your door every month with your name listed on the membership page. The Houghs Neck Community Council is a 501-c3 nonprofit organization and 100% volunteer so your tax-deductable donation & membership dues goes directly back into the community.
"The Houghs Neck Community Council"
was organized by a group of far-sighted citizens whose hopes and purpose were to unite every resident of Houghs Neck on a common resolve to improve our community, to make it a source of pride and pleasure both to ourselves and our children. That statement is as suitable now as it was when written by Myra Kateon in March of 1956 .
Easter Bunny Fun Day
Held the Sunday before Easter this children’s event is a favorite among the smaller kids. Have a photo taken with the Easter Bunny, an Egg Hunt, arts & crafts and much more fun.
Dot Laing Memorial Plant Sale
Held the Saturday between Mothers Day and Memorial Day, this annual event brings the spring season to full bloom.
Mayor of Houghs Neck Contest
Started in 2008 the Mayor of Houghs Neck contest is a fun and easy way to assist the Council to raise funds to run their programs. Anyone from the community can be a “candidate”, just start by hosting a fund raiser in their name and donate the proceeds to the council. The candidate that raises the most will be presented with a special Flounder trophy and be introduced at various functions. It is only a “Name” and those elected will not hold an official office, just the honor of being the “Mayor of Houghs Neck”. The 2009 Campaign starts Memorial Day and runs till Labor Day, the winner will be introduced during the Annual ChowdaFest at the Maritime Center.
Houghs Neck Illumination Night
On the evening of July 2nd a committee drives around the Neck to see which house is “best illuminated” with a patriotic theme. The winner is presented with a banner to hang and show the rest of the community they are the winners.
July 3rd Family Fun Day
This Edgewater Beach family friendly event is open to everyone. Held during the day the fun includes face painting, music, beach games, races, basketball tournament, even a dunk tank, tee-shirts and prizes.
Annual Blood Drive in Memory of Chris & Trudy Peter.
After the passing of Trudy Peter the Houghs Neck Community Council chose to carry on a great tradition the “Chris Peter Memorial Blood Drive”. It is held the third week in July, in the Air Conditioned St.. Thomas Aquinas Hall. For the past four years the blood drive has drawn over 100 donors each year. This is a great testament to our community and we plan to continue this life giving event for many years to come, in Chris and Trudy’s memory.
Houghs Neck ChowdaFest
A competition for the BEST CHOWDA is a must attend event. With two competitions, one for restaurants and the other for the home-chef. The ChowdaFest is held the second Saturday in September at the Houghs Neck Maritime Center. Breakout your favorite recipe and sign up to see if yours is the BEST. Contact Jim McCarthy for info to register your chowda or tickets e-mail jdnavy@aol.com
Good Neighbor Awards Banquet
A night to meet our special neighbors, this event is held in October, at the St. Thomas Aquinas Hall and it is when Houghs Neck shines. A committee ponders over nominations submitted by the members of the community, and during the banquet we honor Houghs Neck’s “Good Neighbors” Know a Good Neighbor? send in your nomination TODAY! (See the Sept. Bulletin for details).
Christmas Tree Lighting at the Fire Station
On the first Sunday in December at 5:00pm the community gathers to ring in the holiday season with song and bright lights. The Houghs Neck American Legion co-sponsors this annual tradition. We also honor Houghs Neck’s veterans by placing a wreath at the War Memorial across the street. All are invited to the legion post for hot chocolate and goodies. If everyone sings loud enough we just might have a visit from Santa.
Houghs Neck Bulletin
Published monthly from Sept. to June, The Bulletin has been mailed to every Houghs Neck family for over fifty years. Local news and activities are listed along with ads from local merchants. It is published and distributed free to all Houghs Neck. Your membership dues, donations and advertizing help us bring this informative community publication to you.
Open Meetings
When an important discussion needs to be addressed the council may sponsor an open meeting, in the past topics have ranged from political debates, to discussions on the marshes, development, drugs and the cities role in making our community a safe an enjoyable place to live.