Citizens rally to maintain tradition of Hull’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony

By Carol Britton Meyer

There will be a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Hull this year after all.

Following the recent decision to adjust the frequency of town-sponsored 9/11 events to an every-five-years schedule rather than annually as has been the case for nearly two decades, two Hull citizens are planning a ceremony on their own to carry on the tradition.

Former select board member John Reilly explained that when he talked with Mary Jane Silva, who has been involved with organizing the ceremony since 2002, after she first heard this news, she told him how disappointed she and a number of others who participated regularly in the annual event were when they heard it was canceled.

“I told Mary Jane that I would help if she and others who have been involved in the past wanted to organize a 9/11 ceremony as a private group, which they did,” Reilly told The Hull Times.

He will return in his former role as master of ceremonies and as the main event organizer, with assistance from Silva and others.

The remembrance was organized by Reilly and others since the 9/11 attacks in 2001, and most recently by select board member Domenico Sestito, Fire Chief Chris Russo, Silva, Town Manager Philip Lemnios, and other town officials and members of the community.

“Due to reasons within [rather than outside] our control, citizens of Hull have come together and planned an evening of honor and remembrance,” Silva said. “Rabbi David Grossman has graciously invited us to hold the event in the Boyer Auditorium at Temple Beth Sholom [600 Nantasket Ave.]. After a brief hiatus, John will resume his role as emcee for this event.”

The event is planned for Sunday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. and will feature music by the South Shore Men of Harmony, the Interfaith Choir, and Lily Sestito and her brother, Tony Carbone, performing the moving song, “The Prayer.”

Plans, which are still in the works, may also include a keynote speaker and a high school student doing a reading.

“I really think our youth should be involved,” Silva said.

The format will be similar to past ceremonies, with adjustments made according to participation of various groups, Reilly said. “All are welcome.”

 Local officials will be invited, along with the state Representative and Senator and Congressman Stephen Lynch, but there is no expectation of formal town involvement, according to Reilly.

Lemnios explained last week the reason behind planning a five-year remembrance moving forward.

“At the conclusion of last year’s event, it was observed by many in attendance that we should go on a five-year schedule to allow the event to be re-invigorated,” he said. “This event was becoming overly repetitive, with attendance diminishing in part because much of what can be said has been said over the years.”

At the same time, Lemnios noted there is nothing that would prevent Silva or another resident from hosting an event this year. “What occurred is important and will never be forgotten,” he said at the time.

Fire Chief Chris Russo, who participated in the recovery effort in the aftermath of the terror attacks in New York, said he agreed that large-scale ceremonies could be scaled back after the passage of time.

“I understand there is passion and respect that motivate residents to keep us all remembering our country’s history, especially tragic events, and we welcome the community’s help and support,” Russo said. “This doesn’t mean we will ever forget – trust me, many of us will never,  ever forget what we saw first-hand, nor will the families that lost loved ones.”

Russo said that this year and going forward, the fire department will host a small gathering at Central Fire Station on the morning of Sept. 11 and that the public will be invited.

In response to an email about the event that citizens are planning, Lemnios responded, “It is good to see that those who need to meet and observe the events of September 11 will have a venue to do so.”

Silva said there has been some very positive feedback about the upcoming 9/11 event and expressed appreciation for all those who showed support for holding a ceremony this year as usual.

“With their help and dedication, they have made this all possible again. We invite the community to join us for an evening that they will truly remember.”

Watch for updates in next week’s edition of The Hull Times.

‘It’s a real party!’ Endless Summer festival to showcase Hull’s appeal in all seasons

By Carol Britton Meyer

The 17th Endless Summer Waterfront Festival – considered by many to be “the best late summer beach party in New England” – will feature something for everyone, ranging from live music on Nantasket Avenue all day long to contests and fun-filled activities for kids, vendors, and a variety of food.

Organizers say this year’s celebration promises to top them all.

The date of the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce-hosted event is Saturday, Sept. 10, from noon to 5 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, Sept. 11. There’s no charge for admission, and there will be plenty of free parking. The trolley will run all weekend.

Endless Summer provides an opportunity to enjoy Nantasket Beach and to celebrate Hull’s “great community of people, businesses, schools, and town departments,” organizers say.

“Now that we’ve moved into the new normal following COVID, there seems to be a renewed enthusiasm for getting out and [enjoying more activities],” Chamber President and Shipwreck’d co-owner Adrian Muir told The Hull Times. “We have some exciting things planned.”

Performers include We’re Here for Now, Gracie Grace & All the Good Boys, and The Assisted Living Band as the closing act of the day. The three bands represent a wide range of musical interests and have different followings, Muir said.

This is the second time Assisted Living has played at this venue.

“It’s an absolute blast,” band member David Kellem told the Times. “The Endless Summer festival really showcases the best spirit of Nantasket Beach. September has become a great month weather-wise, though it can evoke some melancholy as the longer days and exciting feel of summer begin to wane.”

The Endless Summer festival is “perfectly timed to bring the beachfront feel alive one last time,” Kellem said. “It’s great to vibe to the dancing crowd under the bandstand, with the ocean waves providing some added percussion and rhythm. There are many children as well as seniors bopping their heads and jumping around to the music. It’s a real party!”

Endless Summer was created as a way to give Hull’s businesses one final boost before the end of the peak summer season. As the years went by, the opportunity to participate as vendors in the festival was opened up to outside businesses as well. Residents and visitors alike have a chance to enjoy the festival and all that Hull has to offer.

This year, sponsors and vendors come from further away than in the past, in addition to from Hull and other local communities. The Chamber has advertised more in Boston this summer, including details of Endless Summer, to help bring tourism back to Hull.

“Ferry ridership has dramatically increased on weekends, which means our Boston ads promoting local businesses are working. This past Sunday, one of the ferries was filled to capacity, which means some riders had to wait for the next one,” Muir said. “Residents of Boston and travelers are hearing about Hull. I haven’t seen a ferry actually have to leave people behind since before COVID. We’re seeing many more people getting on and off the ferry, and the trolley is bridging the gap [in helping people to get around town].”

Vendors and other participants will include Baystate Boutique & Consignment, Boston Irish Apparel, Buddy & Friends Animal Rescue, Caryn’s Corner, ELJ Collective, Friends of Nantasket Beach, Hull Board of Health, Hull Garden Club, Hull Pride, Hull Seaside Animal Rescue, Hull Youth Soccer, Jack Conway & Co, Inc., JKL Jewelry Designs, and KWC Marketing/Innseason Resorts.

Hull Seaside Animal Rescue Manager Ellen Whitney said the shelter is excited about being part of the event.

“We will be selling our apparel as well as offering information about our organization,” she said.

HSAR’s annual yard sale will take place on the same day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., “which leaves plenty of time for people to buy some wonderful items and treasures at our event and then take a stroll down to Endless Summer and check out all the great tables, food offerings, and my favorite – live music,” Whitney said.

During Endless Summer and at the yard sale, HSAR will be selling tickets to its bigger fundraiser on Oct. 13 at The Parrot, featuring a fun-filled night with musical guest Aldous Collins, a silent auction “and some pretty great items as well as food, because we all have to eat!” Whitney said.

Manet Community Health Center, Massachusetts Teachers Association, M&M Links Jewelry, Nantasket Hull Rotary, Owens Corning/Lux Renovations, Pasquale’s Historical & Nautical Gifts, Sassy Brunette Designs Glassware, Shipwreck’d at Pemberton Point, Sportobin Apparel, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, St. Nicholas United Methodist Church, Surfside Dental Studio, The Anchor of Hull, The Bead’s Sting, Tourist Trap Gift Shop, and William Hoyte Artwork also will participate.

Anchor of Hull, which has participated in Endless Summer for several years, will share promotional materials, resources, and information about the role of the organization – which provides a safe, sober, and supportive environment for building community, wellness, and recovery – as well as sell merchandise at its booth. “We also hand out free cotton candy, which is always a hit!” Program Director Emily Ludwig said.

Those who plan to spend time at Endless Summer are reminded to bring address labels for the 50/50 raffle that helps support the Chamber’s annual scholarship program that benefits students graduating from Hull High School.

“Using labels is easier than scribbling your name and phone number on the raffle stubs,” Muir explained. “Some people buy 50 tickets at a time.”

Food vendors include Aahhh-Roma LLC Wood Fired Pizza and Daddy’s Dogs. The festival will also feature a hotdog-eating contest sponsored by Shipwreck’d.

“Summer-experience towns such as Hull are at their best when throwing festivals and special events,” Kellem said. “The Assisted Living Band loves being a part of the good time.”

Muir and other event organizers are expecting a large and enthusiastic turnout from near and far for the celebration. He noted that more people from far outside the area are visiting Hull.

“We’ve met people from Connecticut, Australia, and Japan at our restaurant recently, in one instance the customers heard about us by word of mouth, while others read about Hull after traveling to Boston and came here for that reason,” he said.

Endless Summer is made possible with the support of grants from the Save the Harbor Save the Bay, Massachusetts Department of Conservation, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and Hull Cultural Council.

Visit www.hullchamber.com or the Endless Summer Facebook page for information on the event and to participate as a vendor or sponsor.

Individual and family sponsorships, which start at only $100, can be made as a tribute to, or in memory of, a loved one, an organization, or an experience enjoyed in Hull.

With start of school quickly approaching, Hull Public Schools welcome new teachers

NEW KIDS IN TOWN. Hull Public Schools administrators and Jake’s Seafood Restaurant hosted a luncheon for teachers who are new to the district this year. From left, Theodora [Teddi] Cowden, Brian Getchell, Memorial School Principal Anthony Hrivnak, Marina Labreux, Jacobs School Interim Assistant Principal Elaine Menice, Kelsey Quinn, Samantha Leary, School Business Administrator Diane Saniuk, Hull High School Principal Michael Knybel, Daniel O’Donnell, Superintendent Judy Kuehn, Jacob Dibley, Derek Skapars, Jacobs School Principal Kyle Shaw, Hannah Hutchinson, Nancy LeBlanc, Anthony Massari, Hull High School Assistant Principal Julie Burke, Director of Curriculum and Assessment Christine Cappadona, and Director of Student Services Kristen Ryan. [Skip Tull photo]

As the school district prepares for the start of the new year on Aug. 31, Jake’s Seafood Restaurant continued its tradition of hosting a luncheon to welcome new teachers to Hull as they become familiar with the town and their new roles. Superintendent Judith Kuehn and administrators provided these profiles of teachers who will be joining the Hull Public Schools this year.

Theodora (Teddi) Cowden taught fourth grade for two years at Saint Joseph School in Needham. Before having her own classroom, she was a teaching assistant and student teacher on Nantucket. This year, Ms. Cowden will be a long-term substitute grade four teacher at the Jacobs Elementary School. Ms. Cowden received her bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University and her master’s degree from Merrimack College. She lives in Weymouth and is happy to be a part of the Hull community and to continue her teaching career here.

Jacob Dibley will be teaching mathematics at Memorial School. Mr. Dibley received his bachelor’s degree from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota. He has taught in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District in Kotzebue, Alaska, overseas at the Banjul American Embassy School in The Gambia (a small country in western Africa), Wagner Public Schools in South Dakota, and for the Federal Way and Seattle school districts in Washington State. Mr. Dibley and his family have lived in Hull since 2019. His wife is a scientist who works on cancer research, and his two children will be in first and third grades in the upcoming school year at the Jacobs School.

Brian Getchell, who lives in Scituate, will be a science teacher at Memorial School this year. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program at Fitchburg State. Mr. Getchell has worked in Brockton and was a substitute teacher in Cohasset prior to that. He was a youth soccer and baseball coach and taught at a marine science camp on Catalina Island in California.

Hannah Hutchinson will be teaching social studies at Hull High School. A Quincy resident, MS. Hutchinson received her bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State University and has worked in Abington and summer school in Brockton, and has coached flag football and cheerleading. In her spare time, she is a drummer and enjoys playing punk rock music.

Samantha Leary will be joining the Jacobs School as a special education teacher. Ms. Leary is a recent graduate from Assumption University where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During her undergraduate studies, she student-taught in a second grade classroom at Heard Street Discovery Academy in Worcester. Additionally, while earning her master’s degree, Ms. Leary student-taught in a sixth grade special education classroom at Mill Pond School in Westborough. At Assumption, she played Division II golf for five years and was a two-year captain. Additionally, for the last eight years, she has worked as a golf instructor at South Shore Country Club in her hometown of Hingham. Teaching is Ms. Leary’s passion and she is excited to work alongside the wonderful staff and students at Jacobs Elementary.

Nancy LeBlanc has already started working at Hull High School as the lead guidance counselor. Ms. LeBlanc comes to Hull from Foxborough Regional Charter School. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and her master’s degree from Assumption University. A Mansfield resident, Ms. LeBlanc is the mother of three boys – two are in college and the third is a rising sophomore in high school. She has been a National Junior Honor Society advisor, School Council advisor, and running club coach.

Marina Lebreux will be joining the Jacobs School staff as an occupational therapist. She was an occupational therapist for three years at Noble School District in North Berwick, Maine, working with students in grades K-5 and 8-12. She also worked per-diem as an occupational therapist at a skilled nursing home for three years. Ms. Lebreux received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of New England. While in undergrad, she coached junior varsity cheerleading for her high school. Ms. Lebreux lives in Weymouth and is very excited to be working with preschool and kindergarten-age students in Hull.

Anthony Massari lives in Cohasset and received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. He taught at Abigail Adams Middle School in Weymouth before coming to Hull as a Memorial School social studies teacher. This is Mr. Massari’s third career; he left the mutual fund industry to start his Boston Common Coffee Company in 2004. In addition to a love of history, he can brew a great cup of coffee and bake a delicious chocolate-chip cookie. Mr. Massari’s wife, a third grade teacher, is one of his inspirations to enter the teaching profession.

Daniel O’Donnell will be a guidance counselor at Hull High School. Mr. O’Donnell completed his student teaching at Canton High School, was a middle school counselor at Archbishop Williams High School, and a 7-12 guidance counselor at Avon Middle-High School. Mr. O’Donnell received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his master’s degree from Bridgewater State University. While at AWHS, he facilitated the after-school homework club. Last summer, Mr. O’Donnell worked in the transition program with Eddie Cameron at the high school. Mr. O’Donnell lives in Braintree.

Kelsey Quinn lives in Hanover. She received her bachelor’s degree from Endicott College and her master’s degree from American International College. This will be her seventh year teaching in the classroom. Ms. Quinn started as a fourth and fifth grade special education teacher in Medfield, and then taught second and third grade for two years in Lakeville. Before coming to Hull, Ms. Quinn taught third grade for the last three years in Groton. She will join the Jacobs Elementary School as a grade four teacher and is excited to settle down on the South Shore and become a part of the Hull Public Schools community.

Derek Skapars will be joining the high school staff as a woodshop teacher. He currently lives in Framingham. Mr. Skapars received his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and previously taught in Leominster and Barre. He also taught Adirondack chair-making at Mount Wachusett Community College. Mr. Skapars is the proud father of a baby boy named Beau who was born in July.

Hull Public Schools Bus Routes - 2022-23

First day of school is Aug. 31

Here are the bus routes for the three hull schools.

Hull High School

Bus A: Starting time is 6:40 a.m.  Hull Bus Garage; Nantasket Ave. @ Shore Garden Rd.; Nantasket Ave. @ Avalon Dr.; Nantasket Ave. @ School St.; Atlantic Ave. @Montana Ave.; 82 Atlantic Ave.; 244 Atlantic Ave.; Atlantic Ave. @ Valley Beach Ave.; Rockland House Rd. @ Park Ave.; George Washington Blvd @ Salisbury St.; George Washington Blvd @ Gosnold St.; George Washington Blvd @ Rockaway Ave.; Nantasket Ave. @ Revere St.; Nantasket Ave. @ Draper Ave.; Nantasket Ave. @ Coburn St.; Hull High School

Bus D: Starting time is 6:49 a.m. Hull Bus Garage; Samoset Ave. @ Adams St.; Samoset Ave. @ Kenberma St.; Samoset Ave. @ Malta St.; Edgewater Rd. @ 1st St.; Nantasket Rd. @ Whitehead Ave.; Nantasket Rd. @ 3rd St.; Newport Rd. @ Belmont St.; Newport Rd. @ Revere St.; Newport Rd. @Bates St.; Newport Rd. @ Warfield Ave.; Newport Rd. @ Vernon Ave.; Newport Rd. @ Coburn St.; Hull High School     

Bus E: Starting time is 6:55 a.m. Hull Bus Garage; Nantasket Ave. @ Bay Ave. East; Nantasket Ave. @ Brewster St.; Nantasket Ave. @ A St.; Nantasket Ave. @ B St.; Nantasket Ave. @ C St.; Nantasket Ave. @ D St.; Nantasket Ave. @ E St.; Nantasket Ave. @ F St.; Nantasket Ave. @ N St.; Hull High School

Bus F: Starting time is 6:46 a.m. Hull Bus Garage; Bay St. @ Eastern Ave.; Bay St. @ Fairmount Way; Bay St. @ Marginal Rd.; Bay St. @ Island View Rd.; Bay St.@ Nantasket Ave. Crosswalk on Bay St.; Nantasket Ave. @ Mountford Rd.; Nantasket Ave. @ Kenberma St.; Nantasket Ave. @ Webster St.; Nantasket Ave. @ H St. ; Nantasket Ave. @ L St.; Hull High School                            

Bus I: Starting time is 6:53 a.m. Hull Bus Garage; Nantasket Ave. @ P St.; Nantasket Ave. @ Q St.; Nantasket Ave. @ S St.; Nantasket Ave. @ Beacon Rd.; Nantasket Ave. @ Point Allerton Ave.; 1083 Nantasket Ave.; Spring St. @ Spinnaker Island Cswy; Spring St. @ Gallops Hill Rd.; Main St. @ Highland Ave.; Main St. @ Nantasket Ave.; Main St. @ Highland Ave.; Hull High School

Jacobs Elementary School

Bus A: Starting time is 8:09 a.m. Hull Bus Garage; Nantasket Ave. @ Brewster St.; 619 Nantasket Ave.; Nantasket Ave. @ Webster St.; Malta St. @ Samoset Ave.; Revere St. @ Samoset Ave.; Samoset Ave. @ Kenberma St.; Samoset Ave. @ Warren St.; Samoset Ave. @ Adams St.; Samoset Ave. @ A St.; Nantasket Ave. @ C St.; Y St. @ Mayflower Rd.; Jacobs Elementary School                          

Bus B: Starting time is 8:13 a.m. Memorial Middle School; Nantasket Ave. @ Bay Ave. East; Kingsley Rd. @ Brookline Ave.; Kingsley Rd. @ Lynn Ave.; Kingsley Rd. @ Touraine Ave.; Kingsley Rd. @ Packard Ave.; Kingsley Rd. @ Draper Ave.; Kingsley Rd. @ Kenberma St.; Kingsley Rd. @ Revere St.; Kingsley Rd. @ Waltham St.; Kingsley Rd. @ Sumner St. ; 52 Sumner St.; Nantasket Ave. @ Coburn St.; Nantasket Ave. @ Brewster St.; Nantasket Ave. @ Adams St.; Jacobs Elementary School                             

Bus D: Starting time is 8:12 a.m. Hull Bus Garage; Nantasket Ave. @ Revere St.; Newport Rd. @ Revere St.; Newport Rd. @ Guild St.; Newport Rd. @Bates St.; Newport Rd. @ Warfield Ave.; Newport Rd. @ Vernon Ave.; Newport Rd. @ Packard Ave.; Newport Rd. @ Touraine Ave.; Newport Rd. @ Brookline Ave.; Newport Rd. @ Coburn St.; Jacobs Elementary School

Bus E: Starting time is 7:51 a.m. Hull High School; Nantasket Ave. @ Bay St.; Nantasket Ave. @ Rockland House Rd.; Nantasket Ave. No Intersection; Nantasket Ave. @ Shore Garden Rd.; Nantasket Ave. @ Avalon Dr.; Nantasket Ave. @ Estate Dr.; Atlantic Ave. @ School St.; 155 Atlantic Ave.; 143 Atlantic Ave.; 129 Atlantic Ave.; 117 Atlantic Ave.; 82 Atlantic Ave.; 208 Atlantic Ave.; Atlantic Ave. @ Atlantic House Rd.; Rockland House Rd. @ Park Ave.; 9 Park Ave. Apartments; Jacobs Elementary School                              

Bus F: Starting time is 8:10 a.m. Hull High School; Nantasket Ave. @ Standish Ave.; Nantasket Ave. @ Tierney Ave.; Nantasket Ave. @ Point Allerton Ave.; Spring St. @ Gallops Hill Rd.; Main St. @ Western Ave.; Main St. @ Willow St.; Main St. @ Ocean Ave.; Main St. @ Highland Ave.; Main St. @ Nantasket Ave.; Main St. @ Highland Ave.; Main St. @ Spring St.; Spring St. @ Spinnaker Island Cswy           ; Nantasket Ave. @ Harborview Rd.; Nantasket Ave. @ Ripley Rd.; Ripley Rd. @ Harborview Rd.; 15 Harborview Rd.; Jacobs Elementary School

Bus J: Starting time is 8:03 a.m. Memorial Middle School; George Washington Blvd @ Salisbury St.; George Washington Blvd @ Rockaway Ave.; Bay St. @ Fairmount Way      ; Hampton Cir @ Marginal Rd.; Bay St. @ Island View Rd.; Bay St. @ Porrazzo Rd.; 362 Nantasket Ave.; 400 Nantasket Ave.; Nantasket Ave. @ E St.; Nantasket Ave. @ G St.; Ave. @ H St.; Jacobs Elementary School                                  

Bus K: Starting time is 8:11 a.m. Memorial Middle School; Nantasket Ave. @ Whitehead Ave.; Edgewater Rd. @ 2nd St.; Edgewater Rd. @ 6th St.; Nantasket Rd. @ Mountford Rd.; Nantasket Rd. @ Kingsley Rd.; Nantasket Ave. @ K St.; Nantasket Ave. @ Q St.; Nantasket Ave. @ R St.; Nantasket Ave. @ S St.; Nantasket Ave. @ U St.; Jacobs Elementary School

Bus L: Starting time is 8:18 a.m. Memorial Middle School; Bay Ave. East no Intersection; 19 Bay Ave. East; Bay Ave. East @ Milford St.; Central Ave. @ B St.; Central Ave. @ C St.; Central Ave. @ G St.; Central Ave. @ H St.; Central Ave. @ K St.; Central Ave. @ N St.; Central Ave. @ O St.; Central Ave. @ P St.; Jacobs Elementary School                               

Memorial Middle School

Bus B: Starting time is 7:40 a.m. 18 Edgewater Rd.; Edgewater Rd. @ 1st St.; Edgewater Rd. @ 2nd St.; Edgewater Rd. @ 7th St.; Nantasket Rd. @ 5th St.; Nantasket Rd. @ 3rd St.; Newport Rd. @ Revere St.; Newport Rd. @ Bates St.; Newport Rd. @ Draper Ave.; Newport Rd. @ Vernon Ave.; Newport Rd. @ Coburn St.; Memorial Middle School

Bus I: Starting time is 7:35 a.m. George Washington Blvd @ Rockaway Ave.; Rockland Cir @ Park Ave.; Rockland House Rd. @ Nantasket Ave.; Nantasket Ave. @ Avalon Dr.; Nantasket Ave. @ Estate Dr.; Nantasket Ave. @ School St.; School St. @ Damon Pl.; Atlantic Ave. @ Richards Rd.; Atlantic Ave. @ Gunrock Ave.; Atlantic Ave. @ Valley Beach Ave.; 418 Nantasket Ave.; 469 Nantasket Ave.; Memorial Middle School

Bus J: Starting time is 7:39 a.m. Nantasket Ave. @ Beacon Rd.; Nantasket Ave. @ Standish Ave.; Nantasket Ave. @ Winthrop Ave.; 1166 Nantasket Ave.; Nantasket Ave. @ Ripley Rd.; Nantasket Ave. @ Main St.; Main St. @ Western Ave.; Main St. @ Newton St.; 88 Main St.; Main St. @ Vautrinot Ave.; Main St. @ Highland Ave.; St. @ Gallops Hill Rd.; Spring St. @ Spinnaker Island Cswy.; Memorial Middle School

Bus K: Starting time is 7:39 a.m. Newport Rd. @ Kingsley Rd.; Kingsley Rd. @ Lynn Ave.; Kingsley Rd. @ Touraine Ave.; Kingsley Rd. @ Packard Ave.; Kingsley Rd. @ Kenberma St.; Kingsley Rd. @ Revere St.; Kingsley Rd. @ Sumner St.; Malta St. @ Samoset Ave.; Revere St. @ Samoset Ave.; Samoset Ave. @ Adams St.; Memorial Middle School

Bus L: Starting time is 7:44 a.m. Nantasket Ave. @ Bay Ave. East; Bay St. @ Eastern Ave.; Bay St. @ Fairmount Way; Bay St. @ Marginal Rd.; Bay St. @ Porrazzo Rd.; Nantasket Ave. @ Brewster St.; Memorial Middle School

Former aquarium building sold for $1.45M; buyer plans 21-unit residential project

NEW PLAN FOR AN OLD BUILDING. A Brookline developer has purchased the former Atlantic Aquarium building and proposes tearing down the current building and constructing a 21-unit residential project on the same foundation. [File photo]

By Christopher Haraden

A Brookline architect and developer has purchased the former Atlantic Aquarium building and is planning to build a 21-unit residential development on the site.

Jonathan Leavitt, a principal of 120 Nantasket Avenue LLC, paid $1,450,000 for the two-story, concrete-block building on Aug. 19. He said this week that he would like to begin work on the new project – which would involve tearing down the existing structure and erecting a four-story building on the same foundation – as soon as this fall.

Curious about the history of the Atlantic Aquarium? Click here for the full story - a Hull Times exclusive!

The property was built as an aquarium in 1972 and most recently was to be the site of a marijuana cultivation and dispensary operation. Hull residents Sean Power and Jeffrey Shaheen outlined the plan after Latitude 42 Real Estate LLC purchased the long-vacant building in 2019 for $900,000. In June 2021, after significant opposition from neighbors and an apparent change in business focus, Power dropped the plan and put the building on the market.

The large “for sale” sign across the facade of the building caught the attention of Leavitt, who visited friends living in the Atlantic Hill Condominiums “and I couldn’t help but notice this big for sale sign” at the bottom of the hill, he said.

“I thought it would be a place for some very good housing,” Leavitt said. “This is a beautiful place to have a home.”

The aquarium project is not the only real estate redevelopment activity in that section of the beachfront. In November, developer Douglas George of Dorchester purchased 42A State Park Road, the former Beachfire restaurant property, on Nov. 16 for $1.3 million. Multiple attempts to contact George about his plans for the property since his purchase have been unsuccessful, and he has not filed yet filed plans with town hall that would outline his intentions.

The restaurant has been closed for several years after suffering heavy damage in a storm. The property has been known by numerous names over the years but originated as a food stand and adjacent hotel known as The Ledges.

With his architectural background, Leavitt said he appreciated the design of the Atlantic Hill project – known locally as “the pyramid” due to its shape and integration into the hillside – and plans to incorporate similar elements into his project at the aquarium. The Atlantic Hill condominium building, which was built in the 1980s and is currently undergoing a substantial renovation project, was inspired by the design of Habitat 67, an architectural landmark built for the 1967 Montreal World’s Fair by innovative architect Moshe Safdie.

Leavitt’s current plan for his four-story, 21-unit project calls for a parking garage on the first level, he said. Each unit will have an open-air balcony as the design “steps back” toward the Atlantic Hill cliff, and the complex will include a swimming pool. He anticipates the units to be condominiums, although the final decision on whether to sell or rent will depend on market conditions.

“There will be no commercial there. I don’t see that as a commercial location,” he said, noting that other projects he has built in Cambridge, Newton, and Brookline have been a mix of sales and rentals. “We have found that permanent residents don’t always want commercial on the first level.”

Leavitt said he is finalizing the building plans and intends to begin the local permitting process soon. The property is within the Nantasket Beach Overlay District, and as currently envisioned, Leavitt said the building is “staying within the regulations and not going over the height limit.” This circumstance, coupled with the property’s status outside the flood zone, allows him to be more aggressive with his timeline.

“After all due deliberation … we hope to be in a position to start construction this year,” Leavitt said. “I think it will be a nice project. I think Hull is ready for something that there.”

Town’s decision to cancel 9/11 ceremony disappoints many longtime participants

By Carol Britton Meyer

The Town of Hull won’t be hosting a 9/11 remembrance ceremony this year, disappointing many of those who have participated in the annual event for the past two decades.

NO LONGER STANDING ON CEREMONY. The town of Hull has announced that it will not sponsor a 9/11 remembrance ceremony next month, disappointing longtime participants like Mary Jane Silva, shown here during the 2015 event. [File photo]

Resident Mary Jane Silva, who has been involved with the event for 18 years, was among those disappointed when she recently heard that Hull’s tradition of marking the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks would not happen in 2022.

Townspeople and residents of the surrounding area have attended “because they know Hull is the only [community in the area] that takes the time to show its respect and give thanks to those whose lives were lost on that horrific day 21 years ago,” Silva wrote in a letter to the editor to The Hull Times, which can be found on page 2 of this week’s edition. “It is disheartening to see it all come to an end. Not to mention what our youth learn from it all … as it becomes history.”

Silva told The Hull Times in a telephone interview that she is aware of others who share her concerns and sadness that the event isn’t taking place this year and are making their views known, including several who also contributed letters to the newspaper.

Town Manager Philip Lemnios explained the reasoning behind this decision.

“Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attack, and the town has hosted a formal recognition for 18 years,” Lemnios said in an email response to the Times. “At the conclusion of last year’s event, it was observed by many in attendance that we should go on a five-year schedule to allow the event to be reinvigorated. This event was becoming overly repetitive, with attendance diminishing in part because much of what can be said has been said over the years.”

Lemnios noted that at different times, annual recognitions for a variety of other events have also been curtailed, including the World War II remembrances of Pearl Harbor Day, Victory in Europe (VE Day), Victory Over Japan (VJ Day) and others that “no longer have official local annual events associated with their occurrence. The lack of an annual event does not diminish their importance in our history. There is no doubt that people will pause and reflect on the significance of 9/11 without a formal event each year.”

Lemnios said he told Silva that nothing would prevent her from hosting her own event if she felt it was important to do so and “to invite those who are seeking companionship on 9/11. What occurred is important and will never be forgotten.”

The remembrance was organized from its beginning by former Select Board member John Reilly as master of ceremonies, and most recently Select Board member Domenico Sestito in that role, Fire Chief Christopher Russo, Silva as a citizen, Town Manager Philip Lemnios, and other town officials and members of the community.

The role of the master of ceremonies is to be involved with planning the event “to create an environment that honors the memory of the victims of 9/11 and that also educates our youth,” Sestito told the Times.

The Hull Police Department has always participated, along with scouts, religious leaders, the state Representative and Senator, musicians, and members of the U.S. Coast Guard in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation for use of the Bernie King Pavilion.

Sestito called cancellation of the event this year “unfortunate” but understands the circumstances that led to the decision.

“For 18 years we’ve been very dedicated to this event,” he said. “We haven’t forgotten [the events of 9/11], but we are changing how the remembrance will evolve moving forward.”

Reilly also shared his thoughts with the Times.

“It is my understanding that nothing would prevent a group from gathering and holding a ceremony without ‘official’ town participation, including the fire and police honor guards,” Reilly said.

The history of the ceremony goes back to 2001, shortly after the attacks. “Many people were anxious to do ‘something’ to help our country and to how support for those who lost their lives, their families, first responders, and our military,” Reilly said.

As a result, a group of people got together and planned a ceremony to “reflect, pray, and rally,” he recalled. The first event included a parade of red, white, and blue construction trucks representing the many trades that assisted in the recovery of victims and the clearing of the rubble.

In 2002, with the assistance of Silva and Nancy Allen, Reilly began the observance that was to become a tradition.

“The annual event evolved into a diverse group of people from all walks of life, ages, and religious beliefs,” he said. “The common bond was being an American.”

Time was taken during every ceremony to “reflect and remember while listening to the Temple Beth Sholom-St. Ann’s-St. Nicholas choir, the South Shore Men of Harmony, and Lily Sestito joining voices to salute our country,” according to Reilly. “Mary Jane shared our collective anger, sadness, and inspiration for ‘stars to rise from the ashes’ through her poetry, and her husband, John ‘Doc’ Silva, read the police officer and firefighter prayers.

“The most poignant moments of the ceremony were the police ‘End of Watch,’ and the fire bell tolling 5-5-5, followed by the playing of ‘Amazing Grace’ on bagpipes,” he said.

What stands out to Reilly the most is, “We are all Americans first. We will always remember the events and victims of 9/11, and the importance of teaching the younger generation about 9/11.”

As a community, Reilly supports finding an appropriate location in town to place a 9/11 memorial at which individuals and groups can gather and “renew our pledge to ‘never forget.’”

In-person early voting for Massachusetts State Primary Election begins Saturday

Early Voting for Sept. 6 State Primary Election

In-person voting for the Massachusetts State Primary Election begins at Hull Town Hall on Aug. 27

Town Clerk Lori West has announced early voting hours for the Massachusetts State Primary Election beginning this weekend.

Voters may cast their votes in person at town hall, 253 Atlantic Ave., at these times:

Saturday, Aug. 27: 8:00 a.m. to  2:00 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 29: 8:30 a.m. to  4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 30: 8:30 a.m. to  4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 31: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 1: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 2: The office will be closed

The State Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Hull High School, 180 Main St., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This Saturday, Aug. 27, will be the last day to register to vote for this election. For more information on this process, as well as links to sample ballots listing all the candidates running for office, visit www.town.hull.ma.us/town-clerk or call 781-925-2262.

Atlantic Avenue drainage, utility work under way; sidewalks and paving slated for 2023

A HARD ROAD. Residents of Gunrock, Green Hill, and Atlantic Hill are dealing with detours and construction noise as the long-awaited reconstruction of the Atlantic Avenue continues. Here, crews replace old drainage piping near the beach. The town manager said Samoset and Manomet avenues will be addressed beginning in 2023. Regular road paving updates – including recent projects on Park Avenue and Bay Street – are available through a link on the home page of the town’s website, www.town.hull.ma.us. [Tom Foye photos]

By Carol Britton Meyer

Work on the long-awaited and much-anticipated roughly $8 million, 1.3-mile Atlantic Avenue rehabilitation project, involving the complete reconstruction of Atlantic Avenue from Nantasket Avenue to the Cohasset town line, is well under way.

In an update this week, Town Manager Philip Lemnios reported to The Hull Times that through this November, the contractor, P.A. Landers, will be completing work on all the drainage structures. That work began in April.

Hull Municipal Lighting Plant’s contractor has completed the necessary utility pole relocations along Atlantic Avenue and is now installing the overhead wires on the new utility poles.

“The retaining wall at Gunrock Beach was recently substantially completed, including new access stairs to the beach,” Lemnios said. “Next spring, the roadway will be ground down to a gravel base and the installation of a new surface and sidewalks will be substantially completed during the period of April 2023 to November 2023, with final ‘punch list’ items to be finished in the spring of 2024.”

With regard to addressing paving/roadway reconstruction needs in other parts of Hull, Lemnios said the town expects “to look at the design services for Samoset and Manomet in the spring of 2023” to help resolve issues on these low-lying roads. Regular road paving updates – including recent projects on Park Avenue and Bay Street – are available through a link on the home page of the town’s website, www.town.hull.ma.us.

On Atlantic Avenue, most recently, portions of the new underground stormwater drainage system between Gunrock and Montana avenues were installed, as well as between Summit Avenue and the Cohasset town line.

During the next two weeks, work on the underground drainage system will continue between 103 and 123 Atlantic Ave., with crews also working on the drainage in the area of the Summit Avenue intersection.

HMLP will continue to work on transferring power to the new wires. Most residents and businesses on Atlantic Avenue between Nantasket and Gunrock avenues will be contacted by the light plant to coordinate brief power outages that are necessary to complete the transfer.

Through traffic will be detoured between School Street and Jerusalem Road during the daytime for the foreseeable future, with one lane open on Atlantic to accommodate local traffic.

Pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency vehicles will continue to be able to travel through the construction area, with access to residences, businesses, and town hall maintained during this time. Trenches will be restored with asphalt patching at the end of each week.

Residents and visitors are advised to travel through the construction area with caution and that noise disruptions may occur between the work hours of 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

As background, the Town of Hull, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Highway Division, is working to achieve the overall goals of improving pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle safety, access, and drainage along Atlantic Avenue.

The project involves reconstructing sidewalks and installing bike lanes, paving, replacing guardrails, making the street compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, enhancing drainage, and improving side-street intersections.

The construction is being paid with state and federal dollars, with the town responsible for costs associated with the design, environmental permitting, and right-of-way acquisition for the project.

For more information, click here (the link also is visible from the town’s home page).

HHS assistant principal looking forward to ‘building relationships’ in new role

SCHOOL’S IN. Hull High’s new assistant principal, has already begun working in her new role. Hull students return to school on Aug. 31. [Courtesy photo]

By Carol Britton Meyer

Hull High School will welcome Julie Burke as the new assistant principal at the start of the new school year under a three-year contract with the Hull Public Schools.

She will join newly-appointed Principal Michael Knybel at the helm. Both were chosen following “a rigorous selection process” that included feedback from a wide variety of HPS stakeholders, according to Superintendent Judith Kuehn.

Since 2018, Burke served in administrative roles in the Randolph Public Schools, including as Dean of Climate and Culture – which oversaw disciplinary actions, Advanced Placement coordinator, mentor program coordinator, ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) school team leader, and summer school coordinator for Randolph High School.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Julie to Hull High School for the upcoming school year,” Knybel said. “As both she and I are new to the district, we are looking forward to meeting as many of the staff, students, and families as we can to learn more about what makes Hull such a terrific place to live and learn. Julie’s unique experiences and lifelong passion for education make her an ideal choice for the role of HHS’s new assistant principal.”

Kuehn added her own accolades. “We are so fortunate to hire such a highly-qualified candidate, especially with the shortage of administrators,” she told The Hull Times.  “I am so excited about our new high school team.”

The assistant principal will be paid $107,000 in her first year, pro-rated to reflect her Aug. 15 start date, under her three-year agreement.

Burke told The Hull Times that when she was exploring assistant principal openings, the one at HHS “jumped out” at her.

“I hadn’t worked in a suburban school system in a while, my best friend lives here with my two ‘nephews’ who attend Jacobs School, the town is beautiful, and it’s a great community,” she said. “The ride to my interview for the position was so serene.”

In her new role, Burke will be working with HPS School Resource Officer Joe DelVecchio to continue the ALICE training that was recently introduced into school system. This program helps schools prevent, respond to, and recover from a violent critical incident.

Burke also plans to implement a “buy back” program that she utilized in Randolph in which students can earn back time for classes for which they lost credit due to absenteeism.

“As an example, they could stay at school during professional development half days and work on homework as an opportunity to get their credits back while being monitored by adults,” she explained.

Prior to holding administrative roles, Burke was a teacher at Randolph High School from 2013-2018, serving as a grade 9-12 English teacher as well as New England Association of Schools and Colleges Committee Chair, summer school teacher, and in other capacities.

Burke has additional teaching experience at Weymouth High School, Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, the Fort Greene Prep Academy in Brooklyn, and as a teaching assistant at UMass-Boston.

Her experience working in the diverse Randolph school system, which has a majority of minority students, will provide an opportunity to help students in Hull understand the importance of everyone’s voice being heard – “how representation of diverse voices and cultures matters. It’s important for all students to be exposed to as many different cultures and worlds as possible,” according to Burke.

She believes that the opportunities that are available when working in a smaller school district are many. For one, “the smaller class sizes are fantastic, providing teachers with an opportunity to really get to know their students and to spend time with each one,” she said.

Burke’s love of literature began at a very early age and is something she has held onto ever since and something that she has always shared with her students. She is also an advocate for not simply teaching students what to think, but how to think.

“It’s important for kids to see themselves and other voices and cultures in literature,” she said. “This is how they learn to live in a world that is diverse and interesting. A diverse curriculum is one way to accomplish that.”

As a result of her 16 years of experience in various academic settings, Burke said she is “confident that I am both fully capable and prepared to make the transition to becoming an impactful assistant principal for the Hull High School community,” Burke said. “I look forward to working with the teachers and staff to best equip students with the tools they will need to become critical thinkers and curious, independent learners, and I am very excited to begin the new school year.”

While there will be a learning curve, she is more than ready.

“I adjust well to new environments and think this new position will be a lot of fun,” Burke said.

Like Knybel, Burke is looking forward to getting to know the school community and “really listening” to what the students, teachers and staff, and parents/guardians have to say.

“Building relationships is my strongest suit,” she said. “It’s really important for administrators to be visible and to be seen talking with the kids and introducing themselves – not just remaining in their offices.”

Burke noted the high percentage of administrators, teachers, and staff who have continued to work for the Hull Public Schools over the years, which she said speaks highly for the district.

She is also looking forward to working with Knybel.

“It seems as though we complement each other well. He seems very enthusiastic, and I respond well to that,” Burke said. “He has a lot of experience as a principal, so hopefully I will learn a lot from him.”

She considers the “kids” to be the best part of her new job.

“I’m excited about getting to know them, some of whom I have already met. They are really friendly,” she said. “The whole reason this building exists is because of the kids.”

Burke received her bachelor’s degree in English from St. Anselm College, her master’s in English Literature from UMass Boston, and her Educational Leadership and Social Justice Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) from UMass-Boston. She also recently completed the Accelerated Post Baccalaureate Program in Secondary Education from Bridgewater State University.

In her spare time, Burke enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

“I like to be around people!” Burke said.

Friends of the Paragon Carousel heads ‘back to the races’ for annual fundraiser

By Carol Britton Meyer

The Friends of the Paragon Carousel are going “back to the races” with this year’s Derby Day fundraiser following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID19 pandemic.

Proceeds from the Aug. 20 event, now in its 11th year, will benefit the restoration and preservation of the historical Paragon Carousel.

“There’s no need to travel to Saratoga for the August races,” Carousel board of directors President Marie Schleiff told The Hull Times. “We’re hoping for a good turnout.”

Derby Day will take place at the Paragon Carousel from 7 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 20. Tickets are $50 each and may be reserved at www.paragoncarousel.com. In past years, the fundraiser was held on the same weekend as the Kentucky Derby in May.

Participants – dressed up as if they are “going to the races” – will enjoy an evening of simulated “derby” races among the carousel’s 66 carved horses, featuring prizes, raffles, silent auctions, gourmet finger foods, and a Derby Hat Contest. There will also be a cash bar.

Local businesses have an opportunity to sponsor a Paragon Carousel horse or chariot, Schleiff said. The $500 sponsorship for a chariot includes four event tickets, the corporate banner of the business on the chariot, and the company’s logo on the cover of the Paragon Carousel Derby Day Race Program.

Businesses that choose to sponsor a horse will have the opportunity to enter it into the Derby. All horse entrants are listed in the race program with the name of the horse and owner, and a name tag is placed on each horse. Those who sponsor horses are also invited to provide a decorated “Derby Hat” for their horse to wear for good luck.

Sponsorships include outside row horse, $300; first row jumper horse, $200; second row jumper horse, $150; and inside row jumper horse, $150. For information, call 781-925-0472 or contact Kim James at events@paragoncarousel.com.

Raffle donations are welcome as well, Schleiff said. After each race, all bets placed on the winning horse are included in a race raffle for the five top prizes. There also are advertising opportunities throughout the event to help the Friends build a stable foundation for the winter months, when the carousel operations are closed but the monthly bills continue to accumulate.