Sprinkler testing turns water brown from Village to Kenberma

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By Christopher Haraden

Boston music fans are familiar with The Standells’ song about how much they “love that dirty water,” but many Hull residents were singing the blues this week when they unexpectedly encountered brown water flowing from their taps.

On Monday, a private contractor at the apartment building at 1 A Street conducted the annual test of the high-rise’s sprinkler system. The work caused a disturbance within the Weir River Water System that sent discolored water through the pipes and into homes from Hull Village to Kenberma.

“Typically these tests are performed in a controlled manner and have little, if any, adverse effect on the water system,” said WRWS Managing Director/Superintendent Russell Tierney. “In this case, we experienced discolored water in the area. Our crews responded immediately and worked through the day and into the night mitigating the issue.”

The testing firm, Encore Fire Protection, completed its work on Monday. Residents in most parts of town reported that the water had cleared up by Tuesday afternoon, but some areas still showed discoloration.

“As of early Tuesday morning the water mains in the affected areas were running clear and we were responding to individual homes as requested to assist in clearing their service lines,” the water company said in a statement issued Wednesday evening. 

On Monday, WRWS’s initial communication on Facebook indicated that the contractor had not given customary notification of the testing so that nearby customers could be alerted. On Wednesday, however, Tierney and Hull Fire Chief Chris Russo said the company did notify the Hull’s fire prevention office at town hall. WRWS later edited its social media post to remove the references to whether notice had been provided.

“Prior notice is not a requirement for private fire system testing; it is a courtesy for WRWS to know that these tests are being performed,” Tierney said. “The company did notify them [Hull Fire] but in the morning, and by the time the message was received by Hull FD, they were already performing the test.”

Tierney and Russo said the policy for private fire-flow tests is being revised to request 48 hours’ notice for future testing. This will allow the water company, fire department, and residents to be notified about the work and to prepare for potential disruptions.

“Letters will be sent to all customers who have fire services that require annual flow testing to ensure that they contact both the Weir River Water System and local fire departments 48 hours prior to conducting these tests,” according to the water company’s statement.

“It’s important to note that while this particular scenario was an absolute inconvenience for our residents, it has never happened prior with testing on any required location,” Russo said. “Response was immediate and communication was sent quickly as possible once the location was determined.”

Residents with complaints about damage to laundry or household fixtures should contact the water company, although Tierney said there is no compensation for having to keep the taps open to clear discoloration from the household pipes. Running the water for extended periods before use is the solution that the water company typically recommends to customers.

“Any potential claims can be submitted to the WRWS; however, we do not credit for water usage,” Tierney said.

Weir River Water also said the company is looking beyond Monday’s fire-flow test to determine if something else caused the discoloration.

“There are several factors that can lead to this type of event, and over the next few days we will investigate if there’s any other circumstances that contributed to this incident,” according to Wednesday’s statement.

Tierney said that residents still experiencing problems should email waterquality@weirriverwater.com.

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School committee once again receives no feedback on budget; introduces new athletic director

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The school committee addressed a full agenda this week, from holding a public hearing on the fiscal 2026 budget and further discussing the superintendent evaluation process to welcoming the new Hull Public Schools athletic director and responding to a request for a dog park near the high school.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL FY26 SCHOOL BUDGET PROPOSAL

For at least the third year in a row, there were no public comments during the hearing on the proposed $18.4-million budget, which represents a 3% – or $535,643 – increase over the fiscal 2025 budget figure.

During one of their occasional updates, state Sen. Patrick O’Connor and state Rep. Joan Meschino said that of the $58-billion state fiscal year 2025 budget, $7.01 million has been allocated to Hull and local organizations to date.

Chapter 70 education funding is at $4.08 million, with local aid totaling $2.6 million for the current year, with relatively small increases in both expected for fiscal 2026.

Local organizations benefitting from state funding include the Anchor of Hull and the Hull Lifesaving Museum, as well as the Hull Police Department.

Click here to read the full school budget proposal for FY26

Free school meal funding allocated to Hull was $241,683, along with funding for special education and special ed transportation, charter school reimbursement, and library aid.

Both legislators encouraged not only the school committee with education-related issues and concerns but also residents to contact their office if in need of assistance.

Contact Meschino’s office at 617-722-2092 or O’Connor’s office at 617-722-1646, or by email at Joan.Meschino@MAHouse.gov or Patrick.O’Connor@masenate.gov.

The presentation is posted on the Hull Public Schools website.

In other business…

• Superintendent of Schools Michael Jette introduced new Athletic Director Benjamin Kistner “following an exhaustive search process. He’s now in week three, and we’re happy to have him onboard at the start of Spring sports,” he said.

The former athletic director for Holbrook Middle-High School, where he was also a teacher, Kistner said he will be able to focus solely on his new position as athletic director in Hull.

“Sixty-five percent of our student population are athletes,” Kistner noted. His first priority is to get to know them. He is also considering asking past and present student athletes to take a survey about their experiences, including asking former athletes why they are no longer on a team.

“I’m excited to be here,” Kistner said. “I’m a fireball of energy [and look forward] to getting started and figuring out what the successes and challenges will be.”

• Jette reported progress on exploring coastal partnerships in addition to current participation in the Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research in the summer months and in the Hull Lifesaving Museum/Hull High School boatbuilding program.

“Next steps include sitting down with curriculum leaders to discuss various possibilities and to explore whether there may be grant funding available,” he said.

• The committee and Jette also discussed the superintendent evaluation process that includes a progress report on his year-one goals. Each committee member will fill out an evaluation form and without sharing it with fellow members, submit the forms to Maggie Ollerhead in the superintendent’s office, who will compile the completed forms into one document.

Jette presented his entry plan for his first year on the job to the school committee last September, including a commitment to “looking, listening, and learning” to help set up HPS for “success for the next decade.”

Jette has a three-year contract, with an annual salary of $180,000. The public evaluation is scheduled for April 28.

• A letter signed by Jette was sent to resident David Irwin, who earlier floated the idea of locating a dog park on town-owned land between Finlayson Field at the high school and Hull Gut at the site of the former windmill, asking for answers to a number of questions before the school committee makes a final determination.

These included how the dog park would he contained and maintained; would new fencing be added parallel to the field fence or would the existing fence serve as containment for the park -- and if so, who would be responsible for repairs; would the park restrict potential travel outside the field from the Gut to the back of the high school; and who would mow and otherwise care for the dog park?

Other concerns were whether parking issues would “put pressure” on Shipwreck’d and the school and commuter lots and maintaining park cleanliness, including disposal of animal waste and other trash, since the field is used by students and the public throughout the year.

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Beautification Committee aims to make a ‘Hulluva’ difference with townwide cleanup effort

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By the Hull Beautification Committee

Mark your calendar and join your neighbors in a townwide Hulluva Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, April 27). If we all pitch in, we can make a Hulluva difference!

The Hull Beautification Committee will provide brightly colored trash bags and gloves – all we ask is that you bring your Hull spirit. The HBC has been canvassing the town and spreading the word to our neighbors, business owners, and various organizations asking for their participation. Earth Day is on April 22 and Hull can do its part by cleaning up around our neighborhoods and sweeping up in front of our businesses. Summer is around the corner, let’s make Hull shine, not only for our community, but for visitors to our seaside town.

CLEAN SWEEP. On Sunday, about a dozen volunteers descended on the Hull Redevelopment Authority property for a spring cleanup. It’s the first of several beautification efforts happening this month. Shown taking a break from the cleanup (and the elements) are, from left, Donna Applebaum, Judy Dorner, HRA member Adrienne Paquin, and Jean Paquin. [Skip Tull photo]

Stop by N Street on Saturday and pick up your colored trash bags and gloves. Hull’s DPW will gladly pick up the colored trash bags from designated areas later in the day. If you would like to organize a cleanup team, the Beautification Committee will suggest an area where you can roll up your sleeves and show some Hull pride!

It’s easy – clean up trash and debris around your neighborhood; sweep your sidewalk and clean out your pots and planter boxes in front of your business. We hope this event will be an incentive for our community to keep Hull looking beautiful throughout the year.

The HBC is not the only group making Hull beautiful. A recent article about the Lillian M. Jacobs School beach cleanup is what Hull beautification is all about. Under the direction of science teacher Heather Weber and parent volunteer and artist Jackie Kilroe Ranney, students collected more than 40 bags of trash stretching from A Street beach to XYZ beach. Once the trash was sorted and documented, it became art! Art teachers Emily Pestone and Kate Cicalese worked with fifth- and sixth-graders to create an art installation of sea creatures that hang in the school lobby. Beautifully done, Lillian Jacobs students!

We may not be making art on April 26, but we will be making the town’s first Hulluva Cleanup Day a community success. Please join in!

For more information and to register, please email: hullbeautificationcommittee@gmail.com. You can also visit us on Facebook.

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In the Sport-light - Roundup of news about Hull athletes

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Compiled by Matt Haraden

• The Boys 3/4 Soccer Team 2 won the first game of the spring season, 2-0, against Kingston. Andy Michaelides scored the first goal and Kai Funari scored a goal with the help of the opponent’s defender. The team battled through rainy conditions to get the victory. 5/6 Soccer beat Kingston Saturday, April 5 at home, 3-0. Goals were scored by Cody Calabria, Jacob Greenberg, and Finn Smith. Reefe Markowitz did an excellent job as goalie. The next game will be in Plymouth on Saturday, April 12 at 11 a.m.

• Girls 3/4 Soccer had a great start to the spring season with a 6-2 victory over Kingston. Willa Britton led the team with six goals, with assists from Addie Chalifoux, Ellie Caparrotta, Rae Rockett, Eleanor Reilly, and Laila Dolan. The team brought equally impressive defense to the match, led by goalkeepers Lydia Caparrotta and Thalita Nascimento, who delivered a shutout in the second half. The keepers were protected by a strong front, including Maisie Handrahan, Meara Gilroy, Cate Mulvihill, Viola Pearson, and Laila Dolan. 5/6 Soccer had an exciting 1-1 draw against Kingston in the first game of the spring season. With the rain falling and trailing with minutes left in the game, Hull tied the score. The goal was provided by Deirdre Flaherty, with the assist from Frankie Rockett. Sydney O’Brien and Ruby D’Errico covered duties in net.

• Girls 5/6 Lacrosse battled a tough Hingham squad on Sunday, April 6, losing 13-4. Molly McCarthy, Piper Yakubian, Sydney O’Brien, and Cordelia Hennessey led Hull’s scoring. Reese Irby, Deirdre Flaherty, and Frankie Rockett attacked the crease and opened up shooting lanes for Julianna Moore-DaSilva, who flew up and down the field. First-timer Addison Mahan, along with Hadley Dolan and Leah Dibley, held up on defense in response to Hingham’s offense, and the goalie duo of Josie Tyrrell and Ruby D’Errico did their best in the cage. The team is working well together and looking for its first win at home on Sunday, April 13, against Pembroke.

• Hull High Baseball improved to 2-0 on the season with a 10-5 win over Westport last Friday. Max MacEachern got the win on the mound, pitching five innings and striking out eight. Ken Autio got the save, going two innings, allowing no runs and striking out three. Luke Dunham and John Reynolds both went 2/4 batting, getting two RBIs each. Brayden Roberts went 3/4 with one RBI. On Wednesday, the Pirates scored another big victory, defeating Norfolk Agricultural High School, 14-0. Liam Conneely pitched five innings and struck out seven. Nate Tiani and Luke Dunham both went 3/4, while John Reynolds went 2/3 and Ted Hipp was 1/1. The team is scheduled to take on Cohasset on the road Thursday, April 10, and West Bridgewater at home at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. Norfolk Aggie gets its chance at a rematch on its home field on Monday, April 14 at 3:30 p.m.

• Hull High Lacrosse won a thriller in overtime against Middleboro, with Henry Buchlietner netting the game winner off an assist from Matt Thomas. Six of the 11 goals scored by Hull came off assists from four different players. Freshman Josh Gatto scored two goals, junior Henry Buchlietner had two goals and two assists, junior Matt Thomas netted five goals and one assist, junior Max Lofgren had a goal and an assist and sophomore Christian Truglia had a goal and an assist. The team fought hard in its next game, but fell, 17-4, to Norwell. Thomas scored a hat trick with Buchlietner scoring the Pirates’ fourth goal in the game. The 2-1 team travels to East Bridgewater on Friday, April 11 at 4 p.m. and Cohasset on Monday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m.

• Hull High Girls Lacrosse took care of business at home on Thursday, April 3, beating Middleborough, 13-5. Erin Walsh scored five goals, Elly Thomas had three goals and four assists, Georgia White had two goals, an assist, and seven draw controls. Sophia Grosso had a goal and Emma Lees scored her first varsity goal. Libby Harper had six caused turnovers and goalkeeper Jillian McDonough had 16 saves. The Pirates suffered their first loss of the year, falling 14-1 to Norwell on Monday, April 7 in the cold and rain. Elly Thomas scored the lone goal. Meghan Duran and Libby Harper shone on defense. Jillian McDonough was great in net, despite the score, with 10 saves. On Wednesday, the 4-1 team defeated the East  Bridgewater Vikings at home, 14-2. The Pirates played great full-field defense, led by team hardhat winner Meghan Duran. Georgia White had four goals, an assist, three caused turnovers, two ground balls, and six draw controls. Libby Harper had an assist, four caused turnovers and two ground balls. Elly Thomas had three goals, an assist, and two ground balls. Meghan Duran had a goal. Erin Walsh three goals, two assists, two ground balls and draw controls. Maggie Mullen had two goals and a ground ball. Tessa Schultz had a goal, a caused turnover, two ground balls and a draw control. Goalkeeper Jillian McDonough had four saves and a ground ball. Cassady Reilly, Ava Palermo, Evelyn Concannon, Olivia Michaelides, and Juliet Bellew all logged their first varsity minutes for the Lady Pirates! The team takes on Pembroke at home on Friday, April 11 at 4 p.m. (JV at 5:15 p.m.) and Cohasset (also at home) on Tuesday, April 15 at 4 p.m. (JV at 5:30 p.m.)

• On Wednesday, April 9, both the boys and girls track teams came up short against Abington on the road. The boys’ score was 83-53, with Michael Cimetti winning the triple jump and Lawrence Bodley winning the high jump, long jump, and 100 meters. State qualifiers were Lawrence Bodley in the high jump, 100 meters, and 200 meters; Christopher Resnick in the 110 hurdles and 100 meters; and Iktan Guzman in the 400 hurdles. The girls’ score was 81-35. Elsie Harper won the shot put, long jump, 100 hurdles, and 400 hurdles, while Bree Simpson-Sliney came out on top in the high jump. Both athletes qualified for the states – Elsie Harper in the 100 and 400 hurdles, and Bree Simpson-Sliney in the high jump and 100 hurdles. Both teams travel to Mashpee on Monday, April 14 at 4:30 p.m.

Watch the Times in print and online for details, or for more information, visit www.hullpublicschools.org/athletics.

• Coaches and Super Fans – We need your help to report the scores and results of the latest events in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Tuesday at midnight. When providing details of the games or races, please be sure to include the sport/team, the players’ full names, and the final scores. When sending photos, names of those pictured are greatly appreciated, as well as who should get credit for taking the photo.

Thank you for your help!

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Light board to gauge interest in continuing to rent generators; no decision yet on 4.2% rate hike

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Hull Municipal Lighting Plant customers will be asked to fill out a survey the next time they pay their bills to gauge their interest in continued use of wintertime generators as a backup should a National Grid power outage occur.

Temporary generators have been rented for the past several years following numerous National Grid outages, However, during the years they have been installed, they have only been needed for a total of 3-1/2 hours – at an annual cost of $114 to the average homeowner paying the $9.52 a month fixed surcharge.

THE LIGHT PLANT’S TOWNWIDE GENERATORS ARE FOR WINTER POWER OUTAGES. [RICHARD W. GREEN FILE PHOTO]

“The light board is split on whether to bring the generators back again next year,” Town Manager Jennifer Constable, who also serves as light plant manager, told The Hull Times. “The results of the survey will provide information about how the community feels about [this issue].” The survey will be available whether paying a paper bill or online, with a submission deadline of May 30.

The survey includes three questions about whether ratepayers support the standby generators being brought back for the next winter season; if so, would they support a 10% to 15% increase in the current surcharge to cover generator-related costs; and do they currently own a home generator.

“It’s a year-by-year decision as to whether we will rent generators due to permitting requirements and the need to find a location to install them if they were to become permanent,” Constable said. “We’re still trying to find a long-term solution, working with National Grid.”

Deciding to rent the generators without knowing if they will actually be needed that season is “akin to an insurance policy,” she said. “It may not be necessary to use them, but they are there if it is, and it’s up to the ratepayers if they want them to return year after year.”

In other business…

No decision has yet been made about a rate increase, Constable confirmed. The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company performed a financial review of the light plant earlier this year to assess the overall financial health of the light plant, with a specific focus on financial and operational indicators.

As a result, MMWEC recommended that the light board consider a rate increase due in part to the need for the light plant to replenish its cash reserves.

MMWEC, through an energy partnership established in 1969, assists Massachusetts municipal light departments such as Hull’s with their needs to contract for energy.

A rate study has been under way for a number of months that takes into consideration the light plant’s operating budget for the next three to five years, the cost of electricity, and the costs associated with the line crews, office staff, equipment, and other expenses.

The 4.2% rate increase suggested by the MMWEC study would amount to about an additional $6.51 a month, or a $78.12 annual increase, for the average residential ratepayer.

The light board will ultimately vote on whether to support a rate increase, which Constable said would be “the first one in a number of years.”

The cost of business “goes up annually, and an increase would help us have more cash on hand and would give us the ability to borrow at lower interest rates [as the cash reserve increases] looking ahead to long-term projects, facility [upkeep and necessary upgrades], the feeder line, possible permanent generators,” and other considerations, according to Constable.

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Public invited to League of Women Voters’ election forum to hear directly from candidates

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By Celia Nolan, Director

League of Women Voters of Massachusetts

The Hull members of the League of Women Voters invite the public to this year’s Hull Candidates Night on Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in the Exhibition Room of Hull High School, 180 Main St.

All candidates on the ballot are invited to participate and will be contacted individually with details on the format. There is no charge to attend or participate.
The format follows the standard set by the League of Women Voters, designed to give candidates equal time and an opportunity to present themselves, while giving the public substantive information, and in the case of contested seats, direct comparisons.
At the forum, each candidate is invited to make a two-minute statement, beginning with
candidates for offices that are uncontested. Candidates in contested races will have the additional opportunity to answer questions posed by the moderator, so long as at least two candidates in the race appear at the forum. All candidates for a contested seat will be asked the same questions, rotating turns and limited to one minute. Questions are vetted and selected by a League-trained moderator who is not a resident of the town. Our moderator this year is Elizabeth Foster-Nolan, immediate past president of the LWV of Massachusetts (no relation to the author of this article). Send your questions by April 22 to HullCandidatesNight2025@gmail.com.
The forum will be livestreamed and rebroadcast on HullTV and available for on-demand viewing at https://hulltv.net.
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization; it does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. The League encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Through study and consensus around issues, we advocate for change. Our core mission is to empower voters and defend democracy.
We are a three-tier organization, National, State, and our local League, which serves Hull and other South Shore towns under the name the LWV of Hingham. We hold candidate forums, town meeting warrant reviews, register voters, meet with our legislators, and hold a variety of public education forums as well as member events, to encourage all to have a voice in their government. For more information, visit https://my.lwv.org/massachusetts/hingham.

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May 19 ballot finalized; how to get your ads and position statements into The Hull Times

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Now that the ballot has been set (see above), candidates can get ready to hit the campaign trail.

The Hull Times will print free announcements of candidacy for the May 19 town election through our May 8 issue. Final copy deadline is Tuesday, May 6, at 5 p.m. Please note that no late announcements will be printed.

Announcements should be no more than 500 words. Clear photographs will also be accepted. The Times will dedicate a special section of our website, www.hulltimes.com, for election-related news and information about candidates.

We will also accept press releases about campaign issues, but not fundraisers, which are the stuff of paid advertisements. Press releases may be published, online and if space is available in print, right up until the May 19 election. We reserve the right to edit or reject any submissions.

During the campaign, the Times may solicit candidates’ views on the issues. Priority will be given to those responses.

Letters to the editor will not be accepted from candidates, and letters for or against candidates for office will also be rejected. All material published in our May 15 issue – the week before the election – will be subject to closer scrutiny because of the lack of opponents’ response time.

Political ads, in print and online, should be factual and in good taste. We reserve the right to reject advertising that makes assertions that cannot be verified. All political advertising must be paid for in advance of publication. Contact our office as soon as possible to reserve space on a first-come, first-served basis.

For information about advertising, call 781-925-9266.

Press releases and announcements can be emailed to news@hulltimes.com.

Deadline is Tuesday at 5 p.m. each week.

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‘I feel we’re being mistreated’ – Rockaway Annex developer objects to town’s fire sprinkler mandate

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The seventh zoning board of appeals hearing on the proposal to build a four-story, 12-unit condominium development under the comprehensive permit process at 25 Ipswich St. in the Rockaway Annex neighborhood ended with a unanimous vote to continue the hearing until April 15.

At that time, the board will deliberate on a draft decision that will be written by Town Counsel Brian Winner and a consultant who has provided guidance and assistance to the ZBA throughout the process. Members also will discuss associated conditions to attach to the decision. Chair Patrick Finn said he expects that the hearing will be closed following the April 15 meeting; the board will then have 40 days to render its decision.

Fire Chief Chris Russo’s request for the developer to fully sprinkler the buildings and a dispute over a utility access easement that could end up in Land Court are the remaining issues to be resolved. Neighbor Derek Paris of 20 Ipswich St. objects to the developer’s plan to install utilities in the easement across his property and says the access rights were not properly documented. Paris said that while he objects to utility installation and any other improvements or alterations, he has no issue with allowing access to his land for emergency vehicles.

The proposed Residences at Rockaway plan includes six modular, townhouse-style buildings with two units each set on a .63-acre, single-family-zoned lot. Three units would be affordable. Parking would be in garages under the units and in the driveways.

Click here for project plans, studies, reports, and other details

The comprehensive permit process, more commonly known as Chapter 40B, allows developers to circumvent most local regulations in exchange for an affordable housing component if the town has less than 10% of its housing units designated affordable. Hull’s current percentage of affordable units is 1.6%, according to the state’s formula.

The site is located in the Rockaway Annex neighborhood behind the former Veterans of Foreign Wars post off Salisbury Street near the Hull Community Garden and the Manet Community Health Center.

Sprinkler system not required under building code

Housing consultant Dean Harrison, representing developer Alan Mckenzie, a Hull resident, continues to object to the sprinkler system request because it is not required under the building code, but is amenable to other requests from the chief related to fire safety measures, including installing additional hydrants.

“With a condition like this, we could appeal to the housing appeals committee,” Harrison said. “A sprinkler system for each unit is not necessary considering the other accommodations we’ve made.”

Nevertheless, the ZBA may include a sprinkler in the conditions if the board decides to approve the project out of respect for the chief’s request.

Harrison also emphasized that Chapter 40B projects must be treated similar to other developments when it comes to setting certain requirements, such as a sprinkler system.

Russo – who attended Tuesday’s ZBA meeting – did not back down but agreed to meet with Harrison between now and the April 15 hearing to discuss alternatives to sprinklers, at Harrison’s request. In the meantime, he plans to do some research.

‘If we don’t set a precedent now, shame on us’

“This may not be the last 40B presented to the town,” Russo said. “If we don’t set a precedent now on the first one, shame on us.”

The developer wants to provide “the high-quality development we’ve agreed upon,” Harrison said. “This issue is causing us a lot of anxiety, and I feel we’re being mistreated. … If this goes to the housing appeals committee, it will cost the developer and the town money, and everyone comes out with a bad taste in their mouth.

“We would look at all the conditions in total to see which we would or would not appeal,” he said. “I hope it doesn’t go that way.”

Russo, on the other hand, disagreed with Harrison’s mistreatment characterization.

“Sprinkler systems save lives,” he said. “I’m not trying to stall the plan, but I don’t want people to die in these buildings [should a serious fire occur].”

Finn told Harrison that the sprinkler system request has nothing to do with the project being proposed under Chapter 40B.

Finding of fact presented

Near the end of the hearing, Finn read a lengthy “finding of fact” detailing the process to date and various documents submitted, along with proposed conditions, a request for local preference for the affordable units, landscaping, conditions related to individual waivers, ornamental versus chain link fencing, concerns about blasting, the noise and vibration plan, fire hydrants, and improved access to Ipswich Street requested by the fire department, along with other considerations. He passed out copies to fellow board members and the development team.

On a unanimous vote, the board approved a motion related to the finding of fact that the ZBA “has enough preliminary information and plans in order to render a potentially favorable decision” to issue a comprehensive permit for the project. This is not a commitment to a favorable decision, but as Finn pointed out, there would be no conditions to draft or consider if the ZBA were to outright deny the permit.

A replay of the meeting will be available on demand on Hull Community Television’s website, www.hulltv.net.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

‘Catch the Spirit of ’76’ – committee planning celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The town is working on big plans for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as part of a nationwide commemoration spanning this year and next.

Hull’s newly created 250th Anniversary Committee – or the USA Semiquincentennial Anniversary Committee – is charged with planning townwide activities focusing on remembrances, coordinating events related to the founding of the country, and aligning Hull’s activities with other local, state, regional, and national commemorations.

The committee, chaired by former select board member John Reilly, met formally for the first time on Tuesday.

Other members, who were sworn in by Town Clerk Lori West, who also sits on the committee as vice chair, are Hull Lifesaving Museum Director of Development Maureen Gillis; Peter Preble, pastor of St. Nicholas United Methodist Church; former town counsel James Lampke; and Notre Dame Academy Principal (and Hull resident) Mary Merrigan, who is serving as clerk.

Select board member Greg Grey, who also served on the 375th committee, was appointed earlier as the board’s liaison to the committee, and this week the select board added Hull Animal Control Officer Michael Sampson. There is still one opening on the committee.

“A majority of the time was spent completing a rough draft of an application for a $100,000 state grant that has to be submitted by April 11,” Reilly told The Hull Times about the committee’s work.

The committee will meet again April 8 to vote on a finished application. If the grant is awarded to the town, the funds would be spent on various celebrations in 2026, including a parade and field day, Fort Revere/Bastille Day observances, dances, theater productions, Revolutionary War re-enactments and encampments, and fireworks, among other events.

A national committee is organizing commemoration events in all 50 states, similar to the 1976 Bicentennial celebration.

Committee meetings are open to the public and there will be numerous volunteer engagement opportunities for interested residents with an interest local history.

“All citizens are encouraged to participate in upcoming USA 250th activities and to catch the ‘Spirit of 76’ on the town, state, and national level,” Reilly said.

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In the Sport-light: Roundup of news about Hull's athletes

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Compiled by Matt Haraden

• Hull Youth Soccer’s in-town spring soccer season kicks off this Saturday, April 5. The season will run for six Saturdays – April 5, April 12, April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17. (No games on April 19) at James P. Sullivan Field (the Dust Bowl) in Hull Village.

Guppies (co-ed, must be 3 years old by September 1): 9 – 10 a.m.

Kindergarten (co-ed) & girls (grades 1 & 2) – 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Boys (grades 1 & 2) – 11 a.m. to noon.

Players should arrive on time and be dressed appropriately for the weather. Shin guards are mandatory, and don’t forget to bring a water bottle. Hull Youth Soccer is designed for players who are interested in learning how to play the game as well as developing their skills. Newly registered players should check in at the soccer shed on April 5 upon arrival.

In-town registration is open through Friday, April 4, so there are still opportunities to participate. Visit www.hullyouthsoccer.com for more details.

• Girls 5/6 Lacrosse kicked off the season with a thrilling opening game against a powerhouse Cohasset squad, losing 13-5 on Sunday, March 30. Molly McCarthy, Piper Yakubian, Peyton Dunn, and Cordelia Hennessey moved the ball around to take an early 2-0 lead. Solid defensive play from Abby Donovan, Bianka Truglia, and Olivia Picewick befuddled Cohasset’s offense, while goalkeepers Ruby D’Errico and Josie Tyrell kept the score close. Stella Palermo, Leah Dibley, Frankie Rockett, and Natalie Tiani roamed the field, helping out on both sides of the ball. The team plays Hingham in its next game on Sunday, April 6.

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. As the Hull Pirates girls lacrosse team edged out a 7-6 victory over Plymouth South on Tuesday – improving to 2-0 on the season – Elly Thomas had an even more special reason to celebrate, as she scored her 200th goal. In addition, she notched three assists in the game. Congratulations! [Courtesy photo]

• The Hull High Girls Lacrosse team opened its season with a 13-4 victory over Stoughton on Monday, March 31. The Pirates revamped defense featured excellent work by Libby Harper causing five turnovers, Meghan Duran with three caused turnovers and three ground balls, Allison Leary, Lily Nunes, Gwen Lofgren, and Bridgett Stamatouras. Jillian McDonough was outstanding in goal. Midfielders Elly Thomas, Erin Walsh, Georgia White all had four points each. Tessa Schultz and Emily Hughes scored their first varsity goals. Maggie Mullen led the attack with four goals. Sophia Grosso pitched in a goal. The Pirates moved to 2-0 with a close 7-6 win over Plymouth South on Tuesday, April 1. Goalkeeper Jillian McDonough had a great save in the waning seconds to secure the win. Elly Thomas recorded her 200th goal, along with three assists in the game. Erin Walsh had four goals, Georgia White and Maggie Mullen each contributed a score. The defense worked as a unit and cleared the ball well under great pressure. The JV team also won its game over Plymouth South, 5-3. Next up are games against Middleborough at home on Thursday, April 3 at 5 p.m. (JV at 6:30 p.m.) and at Norwell on Monday, April 7 at 4 p.m. (JV at 5:30 pm.)

• Hull High Baseball started the season with a commanding 22-4 win over West Bridgewater. Ted Hipp got the win on the mound, throwing for five innings and recording four strikeouts. Luke Dunham and Tristan Lofgren both went two for two from the plate, with Dunham drawing three walks and Lofgren drawing two. Brayden Robert also went 2/3 batting on the day. The team plays Westport in its next game at home on Friday, April 4 at 4 p.m., then travels to Cohasset on Monday, April 7 at 4 p.m. before coming back home on Wednesday to face Norfolk County Agricultural High School at 3:30 p.m.

• JV Softball posted a win over Cardinal Spellman, 31-12, on Wednesday. McKenzie Neal registered four strikeouts from the mound; Rachel Timmins hit two back-to-back homeruns with three RBIs. Chloe Hutcheson and Sophia Provost also turned in strong performances on offense and defense. The team is set to face Hingham on Thursday, April 3 at 4 p.m. and then travel to Carver for a game against the Crusaders on Wednesday, April 9 at 4 p.m. The next day, April 10, the Pirates face Scituate at home at 4 p.m.

• Boys varsity lacrosse started the season with an 8-4 win over Taunton on Friday, March 28, and plays at Middleboro on Thursday, April 3 at 4 p.m. Next week, the Pirates face Norwell at home on Monday, April 7 at 4 p.m.

• The outdoor track and field teams will travel to Abington on Wednesday, April 9 at 4 p.m. and Mashpee on Monday, April 14 at 4:30 p.m.

Watch the Times in print and on this site for details, or for more information, visit www.hullpublicschools.org/athletics.

• Coaches and Super Fans – We need your help to report the scores and results of the latest events in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Tuesday at midnight. When providing details of the games or races, please be sure to include the sport/team, the players’ full names, and the final scores. When sending photos, names of those pictured are greatly appreciated, as well as who should get credit for taking the photo.

Thank you for your help!

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