HRA to take a second look at nine citizens’ proposals for its property next month

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

On Monday night, the Hull Redevelopment Authority continued discussions begun on Nov. 6 to identify which citizens’ proposals for use of the land will be called back for second presentations.

Of the 21 submissions, nine groups will be asked to present again in January to answer additional questions or give more details. On December 11, HRA members decided they wanted to “dig deeper” into four proposals: Sarah Sullivan’s Sandcastles Childcare and Learning Center on the Beach, Samantha Mills Gaia’s Multi-use Community Space, Jody McHugh’s Flagpole Memorials, and Erin Swenson Gorrall’s Cultural Hub/Alternate Sports World.

Among the five groups the HRA already decided to ask back for a second look were Patrick Finn’s HRA Three Phases, Leonard Markowitz’s Mobile Stage/Open Space, and SOS Hull’s Open Space Revenue Generation/Long Term Vision, along with Jodi Lewis’s Community Space and Pam Wolfe’s Seaside Gateway Park.

The HRA will compile a list of questions by Dec. 22 for when the groups return in January. The questions will serve as a guide for the presentation, or if they choose not to present, sponsors can submit written answers. The presentations will begin on Jan. 8, but most likely, the groups will present over the course of two meetings.

Sullivan, whose proposal entails creating an extension of Sandcastles Childcare and Learning Center in Hingham, passed on the opportunity to present during the initial round, but indicated that if there was “any interest going forward, she would welcome another invitation to present.”

HRA Clerk Adrienne Paquin pointed out she once went to school on the land [at the South Shore Charter School] and highlighted it is “incredibly unique place to go to school” and she is not against the idea, but it is tricky in execution.

“If we plan it around the school and it does not work out, then what does that leave us with?” she said. “We need a way to test it over the summer with a temporary structure.”

HRA member Bartley Kelly said Sullivan “pointed out something I had not seen as part of the Urban Renewal Plan…it is worth a conversation.”

Gaia presented an idea for a multi-use community space. “She didn’t come present the first time, hopefully, she will accept the invite to come in and expand on her ideas,” state-appointed HRA member Joan Senatore said.

Vice Chair Dan Kernan pointed out the proposal’s “synergy” with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and its plans to relocate the Cook comfort station.

“We saw the vision in pencil, it would be great to hear it directly,” he said.

Kelly focused on Gaia’s idea to have an area for food trucks.

“Food trucks can be a double-edged sword,” Kelly said. “They can take business away from existing businesses in town that count on visitors.”

However, Chair Dennis Zaia pointed out that the food truck space could initiate opportunities for existing businesses with food trucks of their own.

“Who knows how it can be leveraged?” he said.

McHugh’s proposal expressed the desire to “see the HRA parcel developed as openly as possible. It is a centerpiece to Hull.” However, the proposal is “not so much for the space but for the road that runs through it.”

McHugh proposes using the large utility poles as flagpoles with solar lights mounted below the flags to illuminate them along the road between the pavilion and the war memorial.

Paquin clarified she named the proposal on the HRA’s website, hra02045.com, and inaccurately referred to this as a war memorial, but is more accurately described as “large open gallery using the telephone poles.”

“Jody mentioned the HRA parcel is the centerpiece of town, and I am on board with that part of it…anything that creates art and honors Hull heroes, I am down for,” said Paquin.

Kelly said he likes the idea of the flags because it “gives a sense of space and walkability,” but members are concerned about how the flags would withstand the wind.

Paquin and Kelly described Gorrall’s proposal as “very ambitious.”

“There are a lot of concepts I like in this plan, but the stairs are a lot to do, and a lot to permit,” said Kelly.

Kernan said he likes the idea of a surf village because Hull has “a tremendous surf community” and is one of the main surfing destinations in New England.

Zaia said the “fitness space tying into the DCR space is intriguing as all heck; the steps are less of a furniture fixture and more of a landscaping feature.”

According to the proposal, “the kinetic wind sculptures for sustainable landscape concept is an idea that aligns with open space principles, while offering an enriching experience to the community of Hull. Kinetic sculptures are not merely static artworks; they are dynamic, interactive, installations whose movement adds to the natural surroundings. These sculptures respond to environmental forces, adding a captivating element to Hull’s open areas and providing a dynamic platform for community engagement.”

Although the board unanimously felt the idea of kinetic wind sculptures could blend with many of the other citizens submissions, they did not feel the need to ask the proposer to come back because the submission was complete.

“It is brilliant, tons of funding sources and grant opportunities…gave a leg up on next steps,” said Zaia.

Paquin said the sculptures can act as a “focal point to draw people to come to Nantasket…people come from miles around to take a picture with a unique piece of art.”

Kernan applauded the proposal because it is “integrated around a concept with a defined identity.”

“What we do must also provide economic development for the town and provide tax base,” said Kelly. “It is food for thought for the open space portion of the urban renewal area.”

Wolf suggested a replica of the Fort Revere water tower, as well as art and community space. Wolf said she “did so like many of the other suggestions and believe[s] that a consolidation of those is what would work so well for the HRA land…picnic tables, trees, walkways, bike paths, a Hatch shell, food trucks…”

Wolf also outlined she would “love to see a combined art space, both for work and teaching and display/exhibits, a music venue space/theater, a museum space, an environmental informational educational space, and a tourist information center.”

Paquin said she would “love to support a tribute to Hull icons like the water tower and roller coaster, as well as an artist space.”

Kernan agreed that “it is a good list of ideas and suggestions which broadened our thinking.”

On behalf of SOS Hull, Susan Vermilya proposed what the HRA agreed is a “much-needed” dog park; a study is currently under way to determine the best location for a park.

Resident Gisela Voss suggested that instead of spending the funds on a feasibility study, a pilot program for a dog park on the land near the gazebo or at the far end of the Hampton Circle Playground could be undertaken.

C. Anne Murray said in the meeting’s Zoom chat that as a former dog owner, she understands the need for such spaces, but suggested a “complete vetting of the pros and cons.”

Regarding Judeth Van Hamm’s proposal for solar rapid transit, HRA members said it was something that should be decided by the town.

“If the town supports rapid transit, then we would support it on our land,” said Paquin.

Van Hamm also proposed the idea of a Miyawaki forest, which involves determining the plant species native to a given area, improving the soil by mixing in organic material, and planting seedlings of native trees and plants.

Zaia found the idea of the Miyawaki forest “fascinating” and said it provided him with ideas he plans to incorporate into his own presentation. On Monday, Jan. 22, each member of the HRA will present their own ideas about what to include in the Urban Renewal Plan.

“We received a smorgasbord of ideas…we appreciate and will consider each one…whether you were called back or not,” said Zaia.

To review all of the citizen submissions for the HRA property, visit www.hra02045.com.

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‘Libraries are my kind of thing:’ New director shares plans to engage Hull’s reading public

By Carol Britton Meyer

Hull Public Library Director Brian DeFelice, who started in his new role on Nov. 20, brings his unique experiences in the library world and “a great deal of passion” to the position.

BOOK MAN. Hull Public Library Director Brian DeFelice started his new position last month.

“I’ve worked in public libraries full-time for many years – this year is my 20th – and I really love working in this setting, supporting literacy and getting the technology libraries offer and related skills out to the public,” the former assistant director of the Scituate Town  Library told The Hull Times.

“I’m happy to help out on a one-to-one basis any of our patrons who would like to learn more about eBooks, audiobooks, the Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla apps, and the other services we offer, or who are in need of a little help with basic technology issues,” DeFelice said.

One of the reasons DeFelice was attracted to the Hull library is the beautiful historic building, proximity to the ocean, and the friendly and supportive staff and community.

“It has a welcoming feel while also offering the latest technology,” he said. “It’s a jewel of the community, with so much history.”

He also has fond memories of spending time at Nantasket Beach with his family when he was a boy.

“Hull has always been on my map,” he said.

DeFelice replaced Diane Costagliola, with whom he worked for a number of years at the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy before she accepted the library director position in Hull. They continued to stay connected at professional conferences and as a friend of his family.

After Costagliola made the decision to leave Hull to become the library director in Sandwich, she encouraged DeFelice to apply.

“Diane always had nothing but great things to say about the Hull library and the community,” he said. “Her praise caught my attention and spurred me to stand up and say, ‘I would love to work there!’”

‘Best fit to lead Hull library forward’

Library Trustee Curt Miller, who served on the library director search committee with select board member Jason McCann and Town Manager Jennifer Constable, said that after holding interviews with each of the four “very qualified candidates” culled from more than a dozen applications, “the committee unanimously agreed that Brian is the best fit to lead the Hull library forward.”

With his skills, experience, and “warm personality, he demonstrated his ability to lead Hull’s superb library staff by encouraging professional growth and a commitment to outstanding service, to responsibly manage the library’s appropriated budget, to enhance the technology of the library through new hardware and software solutions,” Miller said, in addition to “improving digital literacy in the community, and to develop and sustain collaborative relationships with schools, local organizations, and other municipal departments – all of which precisely match what the committee was seeking in the next library director. We are thrilled to welcome him to Hull.”

DeFelice is looking forward to working with Constable and hearing her ideas for the library.

“I think I came here at a good time, and it’s a nice community,” he said.

He left his position as assistant library director of the Scituate library in November to accept the Hull position. DeFelice also served as information technology librarian for the Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood and as senior library assistant/information technology at the Thomas Crane library for nearly seven years after serving as interlibrary loan assistant.

DeFelice holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Southern New Hampshire University and a master’s of library and information science from San Jose State University. He has nearly completed a master’s in public administration from Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School.

He has also earned certificates in advanced leadership, strategic performance management, local government leadership and management, and professional librarianship from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

‘A unique perspective’

“I believe my background gives me a unique perspective on how the library can partner with other municipal departments and how it fits into the broader community,” he said.

In addition to his goal of helping patrons feel comfortable with the technology the library offers, DeFelice would like to start offering services outside of the building, such as pop-ups in areas such as the commuter boat dock, where people can check out books and learn about the services and programs the library offers.

“The library has also connected with the senior center and will be starting a book group there,” he said. “We’re also thinking of other ways to reach out to the community to get more people engaged with the library.”

As part of the effort to create more programming, DeFelice would like to find ways to attract more teenagers, especially since the high school is close by.

“We have programs for children and adults, and we’d like to see more teenage engagement and programming, which we plan to offer.”

DeFelice has always enjoyed reading, especially when he began working in libraries.

“I listen to a lot of audiobooks during my commute from Braintree, when I’m doing chores, or mowing the lawn,” he said. “I have two young kids, and my time is limited, so this is an opportunity to stay connected to reading. Audiobooks are a great alternative to physical books, and I would love to spread the word to others who enjoy reading.”

Books will continue to be the main attraction

That said, “Physical books will absolutely continue to have a major role,” DeFelice explained. “They are in my opinion still are, and always will be, the main attraction the library offers, as they should be. People can take out either physical or audio books, which increases literacy overall.”

In addition to the library’s mission of being a repository for historical and new materials, the Hull library also plans to add unique services and programs that patrons can learn from and be entertained by, according to DeFelice.

As he stated in his letter to the committee, “My experience working in Scituate gives me an understanding of the seasonal nature of Hull’s population and an understanding of Hull’s open town meeting form of government, a government structure Scituate shares. I am excited by the prospect of leading a talented team in a beautiful and historic building and creating an environment where every member of the community feels welcome and inspired.”

In his rare free time, he enjoys spending time with his 10-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son and his wife, Theresa, who works for the Thomas Crane library as head of information and outreach services.

“Libraries are kind of my thing!” he quipped. “I’m a lifelong learner, always trying to learn something new.”

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‘Not evocative of Nantasket’ – Residents critique latest plans for Boardwalk site

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

A standing-room-only crowd packed the meeting room at Hull High School Wednesday night and criticized the latest proposal to build a 40-foot-tall, 132-unit building at the Paragon Boardwalk property across from Nantasket Beach.

Residents told the planning board that they wanted to make sure that the “large-scale” development reflects the “unique character” of a seaside community while creating a welcoming entrance into town.

“It is not evocative of Nantasket; doesn’t feel like a New England beach design…the buildings are cold and sterile and could be anywhere,” said planning board member Jeanne Paquin, adding that the site is an important property because it serves as the “gateway” to town.

The Procopio Companies is seeking a special permit for the project, which would be called Paragon Dunes and include almost 7,000 square feet of retail space on the first floor of the building. The structure would contain 81 one-bedroom units, 44 two-bedrooms, six studios, and one three-bedroom unit, along with 177 parking spaces under the building and along the former railroad bed that runs behind the property.

Four months ago, the developer withdrew a request for a variance to build a 75-foot building at 183-197 Nantasket Ave. The Nantasket Beach Overlay District limits building heights to 40 feet.

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Click below to read developer’s documents submitted to the planning board:

Project Narrative

Site plans and renderings of the proposed building (split into two files because of large file size): Pages 1 - 19 and Pages 20 - 43

Nantasket Beach Overlay District Application

Traffic Study and Appendix (two separate links/documents)

Stormwater Management Report

If you have any trouble with the above links, try clicking here.

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This time, the developer’s special permit seeks approval of the mixed uses (required under the overlay district bylaw), permission to build the new building as close to the sidewalk as the current structure, and approval for a flat roof, which is allowed but “discouraged” under the bylaw.

Procopio Director of Development David Roache acknowledged that the standing-room-only attendance demonstrated the “obvious passion” the people of the town have for this project. He said his understanding of the “significance” of the property because “the majority of residents of Hull pass by this project every day.”

Roache outlined some of the goals of the project as “maintaining the commercial draw, continuing the regional draw, a walkable and pedestrian friendly, [and to] activate sidewalks, complement the beach, and create economic benefit for the community.”

Residents agreed that this stretch of Nantasket Avenue and George Washington Boulevard is passed by almost every citizen of the town each day, and creates the first impression for visitors. They urged Procopio to keep in mind the “legacy” the project will create.

Town Planner Chris DiIorio said he had to “express how important the site is in the bigger picture of Nantasket Beach because it acts as a center for the whole neighborhood…more attention needs to be paid to the back of the building because that is the first thing people see when coming into town.”

Paquin said driving into town on her way home she tried to envision the Paragon Dunes building and it did not just block the clock tower and the carousel nearby, it “dwarfed them.”

“The buildings will cast a shadow of darkness on the Art Walk, as well as the comfort station and carousel,” said Peter Joyce of Park Avenue.

Resident Suzy Cosgrove said the designs of the many historical buildings in Hull should be “celebrated and replicated” by new projects. She pointed out the architectural design of the library, Fort Revere Park, and Art Deco bathhouse are “great examples to take a look at and appreciate.”

The Design Review Board submitted comments to the planning board, building department, and the applicant regarding the project, based upon a review of the plans submitted to the building department on Oct. 10 and discussed at the DRB meeting on Oct. 19.

The key findings of the DRB were that the site lacks adequate public open space, parking is not reasonably functional or practical in “strip,” and building scale overshadows the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s comfort station and Paragon Carousel complex.

The DRB said the goal of the Procopio Companies should be “to create buildings specific to their context, architecturally significant, and respectful of the beach front location.” Members suggested the Procopio Companies “modify building massing adjacent to the comfort station to be more in keeping with scale or provide a greater buffer between existing buildings and new … highlight the tower building and carousel as significant architectural features at the entry to town.”

In addition to a private pool and two private courtyards, the Paragon Dunes proposal includes publicly accessible open space to comply with the NBOD requirements – two pocket parks facing Nantasket Avenue of 1,600 square feet and 2,500 square feet, as well as an open corridor that connects to the Art Walk that runs behind the site on land owned by the neighboring Horizons condominium complex.

Although in a letter to the planning board, dated Oct. 11, the Procopio said the project “achieves the underlying purpose of the NBOD to preserve and expand commercial uses in the NBOD,” a planning board member questioned that assertion.

“The purpose of the NBOD from day one was mixed use development; going from 60,000 square feet of commercial space to 7,000 square feet in this plan…and, to me, the building looks like an office building on 128,” said planning board member Harry Hibbard, adding that the project’s plan for commercial space directly contradicts the intent for the NBOD area.

“That is a non-starter for me; never get my vote…go back to the drawing board and do some work,” he said.

Dianne Acerra of Rockland Terrace said the design looks like it should be in Boston’s Seaport District, where “all the glass buildings look alike; we are not the Seaport.”

Jim Murphy of Park Avenue said when he comes into town, he thinks about the old roller coaster and suggested Procopio could have the heights of the buildings go up and down to simulate the dips and rises of the coaster.

Nancy Boyce, the newest member of the planning board, said she is “not pleased with the overall design, and there must be a lot of cooperation with the boards on what is created so you can be proud to say you were the developer…I know you can do it.”

Residents also expressed concern that parking is inadequate, but Adam Brodsky, the developer’s attorney, said the design complies with town regulations, with some parking under the building and in the former railroad bed property, which stretches behind the neighboring Horizons and Sunset Place condominiums to Rockland Circle.

“I don’t care if it conforms, we all know it is too little parking and won’t be enough for guests… just because we can doesn’t mean we should,” said C. Anne Murray of Summit Avenue.

“Happy to hear they are taking DRB (Design Review Board) comments to heart…I hope to improve on this; one slide showed more architectural elements I want to see,” added Hibbard.

Procopio’s Roache said “with good dialogue we can work together to get to a better project.”

The planning board hearing on the Paragon Dunes project’s special permit application was continued to Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

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Winter parking regulations in effect until March 31

The Town of Hull’s seasonal parking regulations for the winter months took effect on Dec. 1 and will last through March 31.

On-street parking is prohibited on Nantasket Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, Spring Street, and Main Street between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 7 a.m.

On all other streets, during inclement weather, parking will be allowed on the odd-numbered side of each street, except in areas where such parking is always prohibited. This will provide for orderly snow removal, sanding, salting operations, as well as the free flow of traffic, especially emergency vehicles.

Failure to comply with the parking bylaw (Chapter 155 Section 19) regarding impeding snow removal will result in parking violation fines and potential towing of the offending vehicles at the owner’s expense, after due prior notice to owners when it is practicable to do so.

For more information, visit the town’s website, www.town.hull.ma.us.

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HRA approves utility association’s plans for skills competition on its property next spring

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

Weeks after approving the use of its property to host a circus next summer, the Hull Redevelopment Authority this week agreed to allow the light plant to host a lineworkers rodeo at the site in May.

NEPPA PHOTO FROM A PREVIOUs apprentice skills assessment rodeo. this type of event will be held on the hra property next year.

At a rare in-person meeting at the Memorial Middle School, the HRA unanimously approved the Hull Municipal Light Plant’s proposal to hold the North East Public Power Association’s 15th annual lineworkers rodeo event and skills competition Tuesday - Thursday, May 7- 9.

NEPPA is the regional trade association representing the interests of 78 not-for-profit community-owned electric utilities that \ provide electricity to approximately two million people across New England. Nationally, one customer in four is served by a public power company that is owned and operated by local or state governments or rural cooperatives.

HMLP Assistant Operations Manager Mike Schmitt said the light plant is “excited” about the joint venture with NEPPA to host the rodeo on the HRA land to support NEPPA’s work to train line workers, offer safety classes, and lobby for municipal light plants.

In a letter to the HRA, the light plant’s Anne Finley said “approval on use of the HRA land for this event will bring attention to community initiatives in our beloved town, and centrally located, will be a fun event for citizens, especially the children in the community, to watch from spectator stands.”

According to Finley, when Hull’s light department learned that the association was looking for a new location to host the 2024 rodeo, staff thought of the land adjacent to plant, which “offers a unique and memorable location for the annual event.”

Combining hands-on and formal classroom training, NEPPA offers a four-year curriculum of the Northwest Lineman College’s Lineworker Certification Program. Each year, students participate in the two-day skills assessment rodeo designed to “showcase the apprentices’ developing technical and climbing skills, and to reinforce the program’s focus on professionalism, safety, and proper technique.”

Ten poles will be installed on the HRA land for climbing, “hurt worker” rescue, and transformer change-out competitions that all will be open for viewing by the public.

Some citizens at the meeting were concerned about the digging required to install the poles for the competition, saying that when the bayside gazebo was installed, workers found asphalt underground.

Bartley Kelly, longtime HRA member and Hull’s building commissioner, said with the width of the poles he does not think it will be a problem, but stressed “if they find anything, they take it and get rid of it.”

Schmitt concurred. “We will not leave debris; if we find anything we dispose of it…we will return the gravel area to better than we found it condition.” For setup and breakdown, the one HRA lot being used for the event will be blocked off from April 29 to May 17.

NEPPA has contracted with the Nantasket Beach Resort for the week of May 6 for hotel rooms and to host the indoor portion of the event, which will include educational sessions, networking, and exhibits.

“Sounds like it is the perfect small-scale event,” said select board member Jerry Taverna.

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Select Board to finalize policy on installing memorial benches, approves new taco shop

By Carol Britton Meyer 

There are more than 25 requests pending to install memorial benches around town, which sparked a discussion among the select board this week about the creation of a bench donation policy. 

A moratorium on new installations has been in place for two years due to the great interest in the community and the need to find appropriate locations for the benches. Requests go through either the town manager’s office or the parks and recreation department.

THe South shore taco guy’s shop at 165 nantasket avenue is scheduled to open next month.

During the earlier discussion, the board talked about the considerations to include in a contract with those whose bench requests are approved, with the development of a policy as the next step.

These factors include deciding whether there is a public need for a particular bench, determining whether there are public safety or other concerns about proposed locations, and only considering requests made by current or former residents.

The full cost of a bench and installation will be borne by the donor, the town maintains the right to relocate or remove a bench, and is not obligated to repair or replace a bench if it is no longer sound. The DPW installs the benches at no charge to the donors. Also, the town has final editorial control over any plaque or engraving on the donated benches.

The goal is to create a policy so that requests are treated consistently and to do so before the spring, which would start the season when benches would normally be installed.

Following this week’s discussion, Town Manager Jennifer Constable will draft a policy for the board’s review at an upcoming meeting.

“We’ll talk about it and get it done,” Select Board Chair Greg Grey said.

Constable noted that the former beautification committee was involved with the installation of benches several decades ago.

Resident Steven Greenberg encouraged the board to ask for input from the Hull Garden Club and the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce.

“Benches are part of the beauty of this town,” he said. “It’s a design choice. Hull is working on looking better, and the benches are a distinct [part of] how we as a community look.”

Select board member Brian McCarthy suggested a cap on the number of benches that could be installed per year in particular parts of town.

In other business…

The select board approved a new common victualer license for Taco Guy Corp. at 165 Nantasket Ave., the first floor of the Sandpiper Inn, with Clint Smith as manager.

Smith explained that this request resulted from the need for a commercial kitchen due to the popularity of his South Shore Taco Guy food truck business.

“Because the food truck is so busy, I decided to open a taqueria,” he said. “This is a great way to keep my current employees fully employed year-round.” The food truck will continue to operate as usual.

The new business is expected to open the second week in January, seven days a week, offering breakfast burritos Sunday mornings at the request of customers, Smith said.

The board also approved the change of manager on the wine and malt package store license for Quick Pick Food Shop, 261 Nantasket Ave., to Malissa Blossom, as well as the renewal of the license for 2024.

Also approved were the renewal of the wine and malt package store license for EZ Smoke Shop, 527A Nantasket Ave.; the common victualer license for Scoops Ice Cream Co., 540 Nantasket Ave.; the Class II wholesale license for Nantasket Auto Sales and Repair, LLC, 410 Nantasket Ave.; and the lodging house licenses of the Bermaken Hotel, 102 Revere St. and Easy Living Lodging, 24 Park Ave.

Under correspondence, Grey read a letter from Robert Neal announcing his resignation from the war memorial commission. He will continue to serve on the veterans’ council.

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Flying Santa visit, Festival of Trees among highlights of Lifesaving Museum’s holidays

By Carol Britton Meyer 

The Hull Lifesaving Museum is celebrating the holiday season with a Winter Wonderland featuring a Festival of Trees, an Audubon Christmas Bird Count, a visit by Flying Santa, and an opportunity for children to drop off letters to the jolly fellow in a special mailbox.

LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT. The Hull Lifesaving Museum is a beacon in the night this holiday season, thanks to a donated exterior lighting display from Wonderly Lights of the South Shore. [Courtesy photo]

To kick off the festivities, Wonderly Lights of the South Shore “very graciously professionally decorated the outside of the museum,” Museum Director of Development Maureen Gillis told The Hull Times.

Wonderly Lights reached out to the museum in support of its “saving lives then, changing lives now” mission and offered to install white lights on the outside of the building to help attract more visitors during the winter months. The official lighting of the exterior display occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

“The whole place is lit up,” Gillis said. “From there, the museum decided to host the Festival of Trees. This is the first time we’ve had such a big holiday event.”

The display, which will include 11 Christmas trees sponsored and decorated by 11 local businesses and individuals, is an opportunity for friends and families to gather to share the joy of the season with the \ community.

On Dec. 8, those sponsoring a tree will gather at the museum, their arms full of holiday lights and decorations, for a fun time decorating the trees.

“These individuals and organizations realize there’s something for everyone at the museum, and that it is an inclusive and accepting place for all,” Gillis said.

The trees were donated by Lowe’s and the tree stands by Home Depot.

LIGHT WORK. The crew from Wonderly Lights of the South Shore flipped the switch on the Hull Lifesaving Museum’s holiday season exterior lighting on Nov. 15. Wonderly owner Jodi Elliott and Museum Development Director Maureen Gillis [center] thanked crew members Zach Jones, Jess Whitcomb, Hudson Sestito, and Cristian Amador. [Courtesy photo]

Following the festival, the trees will be donated to Wellspring Multi-Service Center to help spread holiday magic among families who wouldn’t otherwise have Christmas trees “to pay it forward,” according to Gillis. “We are so appreciative of the community’s support for the Winter Wonderland festivities. We’re open year-round, but it’s the slow season, and these events will definitely attract a lot of people.”

The Festival of Trees will be on display from December 10 to 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The suggested donation is $10 per person and $20 per family. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the calendar of events at www.hulllifesavingmuseum.org. Proceeds will support the museum’s many programs throughout the year.

The free Flying Santa event, a tradition in Hull for many years, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9 [time to be announced and subject to weather conditions] in a return of what Gillis called “a wonderful New England tradition.”

“Flying Santa, a New England-wide program, has been celebrating those who guard our shores, first by dropping gifts for lightkeepers and now by visiting Coast Guard families with a gift for every Coast Guard child at the Point Allerton station,” Gillis explained. “The Hull Lifesaving Museum is proud to have been a ‘Candy Cane Stop’ on Flying Santa’s voyage for all those years, and again this year.”

Santa arrives by helicopter, which lands nearby, offering candy canes to all the kids. There will also be an opportunity for children to have a quick visit with him and to have their photos taken.

In addition to dropping off letters for Santa at the museum, children can also share their wish lists at the HLM table at the Nov. 25 Hull Holiday Showcase at Nantasket Beach Resort in a special mailbox.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count, planned for Saturday, Dec. 16, is an all-day “as much or as little as you like” event.

“This will be an exciting day for anyone who loves the outdoors and nature,” Gillis said. “We suggest dressing warmly and bringing a camera and binoculars if possible.”

There will be a midday break at the museum for coffee, tea, cookies, and for participants to use the restrooms. If interested in participating, email info@hulllifesavingmuseum.org or call 781-925-5433 with a rough estimate of the hours you would like to participate. The museum will provide information on where to meet up with the group at different locations throughout the day and send updates along the way.

For those interested in participating, but another South Shore town is more convenient, let HLM know and a staff member will send word to the South Shore Bird Club. While this event is free, donations are encouraged.

Gillis expressed appreciation for the generosity shown by Winter Wonderland sponsors and supporters, who made the event possible, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wonderly Lights South Shore, Jake’s Seafood Restaurant, The O’Brien Family, Julie and Robbie Littlefield, Proving Ground Studio, Jason McCann and Chad Wolfe, Pasquale’s Prints, Dennis Zaia and Donald Kimball, The Garden Club, Helen and Richard Gould, Lisa Mahoney, Katie Goble, Kristen Evans, The Crest Road Crew, and Seaside Floral Design.

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Latest MCAS results show both progress toward goals and challenges to be addressed

By Carol Britton Meyer

While Hull Public Schools is making significant progress toward achieving its improvement goals – as evidenced by the results of the 2023 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exam administered to students in grades 3 to 8 and 10 – there is room for improvement, administrators told the school committee this week

Overall, students’ post-pandemic performance is showing signs of recovery, with further work needed to accelerate their progress, according to Director of Curriculum and Assessment Christine Cappadona.

The year 2023 represents a return to the full state accountability system aimed at improving student performance at all levels since 2019, due to learning losses from the COVID19 pandemic restrictions and school closures.

“The HPS district does not require assistance or intervention, since it is making substantial progress toward meeting its improvement goals,” Cappadona said.

Participation in MCAS exams has increased, and the percentage of students scoring in the Meeting or Exceeding Expectations categories in math increased by 2 points in grades 3 to 8, compared to 2022. The percentage of students who scored Meeting or Exceeding Expectations in Grade 10 math decreased by 6 points, but is still above the state results by 21 percentage points.

Compared to 2022, the percentage of students scoring Meeting or Exceeding Expectations in ELA increased by 7 percentage points in grades 3 to 8. The percentage of students who scored Meeting or Exceeding Expectations in Grade 10 decreased by 8 points, but is still above the state results by 24 percentage points.

According to the state, Grade 3 data results were flat due to developmental reading and math time lost during the pandemic. That said, Hull third-grade students scored 18% above the state in English Language Arts and 19% above the state in math.

Districtwide, ELA performance in general increased over 2022 levels and exceeded the state accountability targets. Math performance increased across several grades, but continues to fall below the state’s accountability targets. In general, science exam achievement also increased over 2022 performance levels.

At the same time, while scores on the Grades 3 to 8 ELA and math exams increased above, or met, respectively, the district’s accountability target, they are still below the proficiency level.

While grade 10 ELA performance increased and exceeded the district’s accountability target, Grade 10 math performance decreased and fell below the accountability target.

“Our students are working their way back, and what we are putting in place [to improve scores]” will make an impact,” Hull High School Principal Michael Knybel said. “Our target is for 75% of our students to be enrolled in an AP [Advanced Placement] course.”

Memorial School Principal Anthony Hrivnak said MCAS results for middle school students showed improvement in six out of seven subjects.

Jacobs Principal Kyle Shaw said there are reasons for both celebration – including higher attendance rates among elementary students – and improvement in response to the MCAS results, noting, however, that they don’t represent the efforts and hard work put in by staff and students every day.

“There is greatness going on here. We’re just missing an ingredient that we need to uncover leading to better exam results,” Shaw said. He described planned action steps and said he is optimistic scores will improve in the next round of MCAS exams.

In response to the overall results, each school has strategies and action steps for improvement, as is also the case district-wide, including providing MCAS tutoring.

“As you can see, we’ve made progress. There are also challenges in all three buildings that we are addressing,” Cappadona said. “We’re going to stay the course and continue with what we are doing and looking at the data to help support our students. The principals are taking a proactive approach and looking at MCAS as the baseline. We realize the critical need for collaborative efforts among our teachers.”

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Select Board to begin process of reviewing applications to sell retail marijuana in town

By Carol Britton Meyer 

The select board soon will begin the process of reviewing proposals by as many as three businesses for approval to sell retail marijuana in Hull.

The Alternative Compassion Services medical marijuana dispensary on George Washington Boulevard and another Hull business – Skarr Inc., owned by Mambo’s restaurant’s Anthony Ghosn – have submitted applications requesting a Host Community Agreement with the town to sell retail marijuana. According to Town Counsel James Lampke, a third application also may be submitted.

Hull will have the ability to issue two recreational marijuana licenses following special town meeting approval this past summer to allow the sale of recreational marijuana in Hull – subject to approval by the Attorney General within 90 days, or Dec. 18, unless an extension is requested pending receipt of further information.

Following a lengthy discussion at this week’s select board meeting, the decision was made to schedule a meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at which time Lampke will bring the board up to date on the current status of Hull’s marijuana regulations and provide a brief history of the process and for the board to begin an initial review of these rules and regulations. The meeting will be open for public comment.

Irwin Nesoff, who led the meeting as chair in Greg Grey’s absence, said ACS submitted its application to the select board but members haven’t yet seen the other application.

At a future date, the select board will review the applications in public session to ensure they have received all required information.

“We wouldn’t be approving anything at that time,” Nesoff said.

Concerns were expressed by some board members that they don’t yet have enough information to respond to questions from the applicants and the public. The Dec. 13 meeting is a step in that direction.

“This is a highly regulated industry, and we have to be careful during this transitional period, because there are so many open questions and we don’t want any information to be [unintentionally] miscommunicated,” select board member Jason McCann said.

“We expect to be fully involved in the process from beginning to end,” said select board member Jerry Taverna.

At one point, there was a discussion about possibly limiting public comment – as allowed under certain circumstances in the select board’s new policy – until the board is thoroughly prepared to answer questions in order to allow a basic review of the applications in public to ensure they are complete, but the Dec. 13 meeting was scheduled instead for that purpose.

“We shouldn’t cut off public discussion at any point,” Taverna said. “If that were to happen, I might decide to join the public [in the audience] as a protest.”

Because the discussion took place under select board updates and was not referenced on the meeting’s published agenda, Lampke advised the board that the conversation should continue in a separate meeting as a posted agenda item.

He also noted that the board “has to be careful to not give any appearance of favoring one business over the other, because full presentations [by the applicants] haven’t been made yet.”

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Superintendent screening committee to begin review of at least 15 applications

By Carol Britton Meyer

At least 15 applicants are in the running to become Hull’s next superintendent of schools. Following Monday’s deadline for submitting applications for the position, the newly-created screening committee is scheduled to meet for the first time tonight [Thursday] to begin its work.

Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn is retiring at the end of the current school year. The final selection is expected to be made by Jan. 22, with an anticipated start date of July 1.

“There’s been a huge response – it’s very positive,” school committee member Kyle Conley reported this week. “The screening committee, comprised of volunteers, will have a heavy lift sifting through all the applications and doing the initial interviews. They will use the candidate profile resulting from input provided from the Oct. 19 focus groups as the criteria to move forward with certain [ones].”

At least 15 completed applications had been received before Thanksgiving, with several other candidates who needed to submit additional information by this week’s deadline in order to be considered.

Conley said she’s “very confident we will find a very great next superintendent” and in moving forward with the process under the leadership of the New England School Development Council, which was hired to facilitate the search. NESDEC consultant Dr. Margaret Frieswyk will provide the screening committee with an orientation to start off the process at the first meeting.

After NESDEC reviews the applications that have been received, the screening committee will conduct preliminary interviews of the selected candidates between Dec. 11 and 15. The finalists are expected to be announced at the Dec. 18 school committee meeting. (The committee’s planned Dec. 11 meeting has been canceled.) The school committee will conduct the finalist interviews between Jan. 10 and 19.

NESDEC will set up the interviews and notify candidates of the status for both the screening committee and school committee interviews.

In other business at the meeting, Kuehn said a draft memorandum of understanding between the school department and the town for use of the Memorial Middle School after the school consolidation process is complete is “in progress,” and that the process has been “very successful” so far. An agreement would be required to move some municipal services into that building, which will remain under the control of the schools.

At the conclusion of Monday’s meeting, the school committee met in executive session to prepare for negotiations with the superintendent, and held a joint executive session with the select board to discuss legal strategy related to former Superintendent Michael Devine’s wrongful termination lawsuit.

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