John Ruch
Courtesy Photo
Gazette founder Sandra Storey
Gazette founder Sandra “Sandee” Storey was honored by the Boston City Council for her service to the community in a resolution passed on April 27. She will formally receive the honor on April 30 at an event at Doyle’s Café.
Storey retired in February after serving as the publisher and editor of the Jamaica Plain Gazette for 20 years. She also founded the Mission Hill Gazette in 1993.
“She’s such an institution, not only in JP but in Mission Hill as well,” said JP-area City Councilor Matt O’Malley, who co-sponsored the resolution with City Councilor Felix Arroyo. “We’re sad to hear of her retiring, but we know she’ll continue playing such a role in the community.”
“It’s nice to recognize people who put in the [community] work,” said Arroyo, a JP resident. “If you look at the JP Gazette over the years, I think all Gazette readers would agree, it’s a vital part of Jamaica Plain now.”
“Sandee herself was also a community activist and organizer, and started that way,” Arroyo noted. “She knew the importance of getting people information.”
“Jamaica Plain and Mission Hill are wonderful neighborhoods, with fascinating people and important issues to follow,” Storey said in an e-mail to the Gazette. “I enjoyed all 20 years of working at the JP and Mission Hill Gazettes.”
Even before founding the Gazettes, Storey was active in the community as a local journalist and as a member of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council, among other work. She is also well-known in the arts scene as a poet.
The council resolution will be presented at “A Tribute to Sandee Storey,” a casual party on Sat., April 30, 2-4 p.m. at Doyle’s Café.