Local couple plans to launch Doctor’s Island Brewing at former Hull’s Kitchen site

Anyone driving by the former Hull’s Kitchen on Hull Shore Drive has noticed that something is new is brewing – literally – as a local couple plans to launch Doctor’s Island Brewing Company at the location this summer.

GREG AND MICHELLE HOFFMEISTER ARE TRANSFORMING THE FORMER HULL’S KITCHEN INTO DOCTOR’S ISLAND BREWING CO. They plan to open this summer.

After years of home brewing in Hull for their friends, family, and early adopters, founders Greg and Michelle Hoffmeister plan to launch the taproom that looks out at the actual Doctor’s Island – the more common name of Black Rock Island, just off Black Rock Beach at the Hull-Cohasset line.

“Greg and I have exercised patience in trying to find the perfect location, and I think we really

landed on something special here,” Michelle Hoffmeister said. “The former owners of the space had spent many summers in the restaurant industry and were looking to move on to different ventures, which opened up the perfect opportunity for us to continue operating the building as a fun destination for locals and beachgoers alike.”

The new owners bought the site on Dec. 22 for $825,000 from Jeffrey and Jane Wicks, who had owned the property since 2007.

The Hoffmeister family owns Black Rock Island, and said the Doctor’s Island name came from it being the stomping grounds of resident Horace Cook and his doctor pals, who drank whiskey, played games, fished, and unwound with the medicinal quality of the fresh sea air. For nearly a century, the family has made it the setting for some of their best summer memories, and they say they’re looking to bring that same laid-back vibe to the mainland at their Nantasket outpost for the next century to come.

“Finding the right space was a key component to what we envisioned creating,” Greg Hoffmeister said. “With that piece of the puzzle found, we’re rolling up our sleeves and moving on to the next step of planning so we can get brewing as soon as possible.”

The Hoffmeisters’ plans include live music, beach yoga, support for local events, and the ability to accept Bitcoin as payment in the taproom.

HRA’s filing of preliminary subdivision starts clock on eight-year ‘zoning freeze’

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

The Hull Redevelopment Authority has filed a preliminary subdivision application with the planning board, which starts the clock on an eight-year “zoning freeze” on the 13-acre property.

ONE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS BEING CONSIDERED BY THE HRA. THE LATEST PROPOSAL ELIMINATES THE HOUSING SHOWIN HERE ON THE LEFT (NORTH) END OF THE 13-ACRE SITE.

The procedure allows the authority the option to continue its ongoing review of development options under its draft Urban Renewal Plan, regardless of whether voters approve an article on the May 1 town meeting warrant to rezone the HRA property as open space.

The planning board will review the HRA’s subdivision plan on Wednesday, March 29, along with a similar request by the developer of the former Atlantic Aquarium to protect the existing zoning on his property.

“The biggest concern of the HRA and the town meeting warrant is [the article] in relation to open space,” said planning board Chair Harry Hibbard at the March 8 meeting. “It is on record they [HRA] will provide 15% affordable housing.”

Hibbard said the board consulted with Town Counsel James Lampke about the preliminary subdivision procedure. Under the state’s Subdivision Control Law, the filing of the plan does not necessarily mean that the land would be separated beyond having revised lot lines on paper.

“Bottom line it is a solid law and it has a long history,” said Hibbard. “It doesn’t even have to be a subdivision; it can be a complete sham, but it is still protected, and the protection runs with the land.”

Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio confirmed that “the eight-year zoning freeze starts on the filing date of the preliminary subdivision, provided the definitive [plan] is filed within seven months.”

Prior to the March 8 meeting, Jonathan Leavitt, principal at 120 Nantasket Avenue LLC, asked for a continuance for the request for approval of the preliminary subdivision to be heard in conjunction with the site plan and special permit review for the Residences at the Aquarium, a 21-unit development.

In other business, the board approved the site plan for the redevelopment at 248 Atlantic Ave., proposed by local businessman Robert Patel. The new building would remove the former Marylou’s building and replace it with a two-story structure, with a store on the first level and an apartment upstairs. Hibbard said the newly named Atlantic Hill Market is a “fairly standard project with a fairly standard condition table.”

The remainder of the March 8 meeting contained a discussion of proposed zoning bylaw changes to be heard at a public hearing later this month.

The Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) bylaw allows homeowners to add rentable space to their houses “as of right,” or without a special permit. The bylaw proposal says it provides for a “more efficient and economic use of existing housing stock by enabling homeowners of single-family dwellings larger than required for their present needs to share space and the burdens of homeownership, while also protecting the stability, property values, and residential character of the neighborhood.”

Planning Board Vice Chair Jeanne Paquin said she has “concerns about who will review it and enforce it,” explaining that “other towns do it by special permit and require it to be used for caretakers or family members.”

Hibbard said he believes the bylaw would be “heaven-sent if restricted to income eligible seniors… [as] a tool to help elders age in place.”

Paquin said “she is not against something like this,” but hopes ADUs can be allowed by special permit.

“Certainly, in a town as densely populated as ours, neighbors know what is going on,” she said.

Another bylaw, a citizen’s petition sponsored by George Boylen, would require developers of more than 10 units to designate a minimum of 10% of the total units as affordable housing.

Hibbard, who is also a member of the Affordable Housing Committee, is “concerned” that Article 20 relies on the Affordable Housing Committee to administer the program.

“The whole impetus behind it is a volunteer committee is going to administer it is a fatal flaw,” he said.

The board will discuss these and other proposed bylaws at the public hearing, which begins at 7:30 p.m. on March 22 at town hall.

Crowded field taking shape for 3 Select Board seats; some candidates unopposed

With about two weeks left for candidates to declare their intentions to run for office, nine people are running for three available seats on the select board. Nearly all other candidates are unopposed – except for one race for redevelopment authority – and two seats on the planning board have yet to attract any contenders.

A total of 19 positions will be on the May 15 ballot. Nomination papers must be returned with the signatures of at least 50 registered voters by March 27 in order for candidates to qualify for inclusion on the ballot.

On Tuesday, Town Clerk Lori West said there are seven running for two three-year terms on the select board: Incumbent Donna Pursel, Jason McCann, Moraiba J. Reyes, David Gibbons, Kathleen Barclay, Erin Swenson Gorall, and Philip J. Bellone. Current member Domenico Sestito said last week he is not seeking re-election.

A two-year term on the board, created by the resignation of Jennifer Constable, has two candidates: Steven M. Greenberg and James M. Ianiri.

On the Hull Redevelopment Authority, Daniel Kernan has drawn nomination papers for the five-year term now held by Henry Dunn. Edwin Parsons and Adrienne Paquin are running for the three-year seat now held by Max Walder, who was appointed in the past year.

On the planning board, the five-year terms of Joseph Duffy and Harry Hibbard are available, as well as the two-year term of Jim Pitrolo, who was appointed to fill a vacancy. Only Pitrolo had taken out nomination papers to run again as of Tuesday.

School Committee Chair Stephanie Peters is not seeking re-election; her colleague, Ernest Minelli IV, is running for another term. Colby Mahoney has taken out nomination papers for one of the two available three-year seats.

Unopposed races – so far – include a five-year term on the Hull Housing Authority now held by Jim Richman; Pamela Sinton-Coffman and Mario Peter Grieco’s three-year terms on the board of assessors, and the three-year terms of light commissioners Patrick Cannon and Jake Vaillancourt. For library trustee, Celia G. Nolan and Duncan Stone are running for the two three-year terms; Emily R. Garr is seeking the two-year term, and J. Curtis Miller has taken out nomination papers for the one-year term on that board.

Candidates may obtain nomination papers from Town Clerk Lori West at town hall between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or call the office at 781-925-2000.

-- Christopher Haraden

Board approves job description, $185K salary as town manager search launches

By Carol Britton Meyer

The select board this week reviewed and approved a job description and “position statement” that will be used to advertise the town manager position that will be vacated by Philip Lemnios at the end of June, including a salary range of around $185,000, depending on qualifications. The position will be posted this week.

Give Your Feedback!

WHAT DO YOU THINK? GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK ABOUT THE SEARCH FOR HULL’S NEXT TOWN MANAGER.

Lemnios will retire after more than 25 years of service to the town. Community Paradigm Associates, a consulting firm hired by the town, is leading the search.

Acting select board Chair Donna Pursel noted that she has heard comments that the town manager search process isn’t “transparent” since the deadline of the related online survey isn’t until later this month and the position statement has already been crafted.

However, Pursel said that input from department heads, the select board, and the survey results so far were considered when the consultant developed the statement, and that the survey responses will be used to develop interview questions.

The position statement describes Hull as one of the most densely populated communities in Massachusetts with a large influx of seasonal residents and visitors in the summer, a town with “stable finances,” and a total FY23 budget of about $45.5 million.

Hull is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable leader “with superior communication and leadership skills and a team-focused approach, demonstrated financial acumen, and a demonstrable understanding of the issues coastal communities face related to climate resiliency,” according to the statement.

Other qualities the town is looking for in candidates is the ability to be a strategic thinker, to set and prioritize goals, and to secure state and federal funding for town projects, and someone with experience working with municipal unions.

Candidates are also expected to have experience as a town administrator/manager, assistant town administrator/manager, or in positions that have equivalent responsibilities and to hold a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred), preferably in public administration or a related field, along with demonstrable knowledge in financial management, project management, community planning, economic development, and personnel management and administration.

The town is also looking for candidates who are highly motivated, patient, and diplomatic, with the ability to build consensus and collaborative relationships with town boards and committees, as well as to manage conflict and diversity of opinion.

The individual named to the position will be offered “an attractive compensation package, including health and retirement plans, commensurate with his or her qualifications and experience.”

The position statement describes Hull’s form of government and what will be expected of the new town manager, including overseeing the daily operations of the town, advising and administering the policies and procedures of the select board, and enforcing town bylaws and actions that are approved at town meeting.

Hull’s town manager is also responsible for proposing the annual budget and works with the senior management team to coordinate the budget development process; the management of all town departments (excluding the school department) and all town funds; providing support to the volunteer committee system; working with other levels of government; and managing special projects for the select board.

The town manager’s office is also responsible for the continual review of policies and programs in an effort to provide improved service and for the coordination of activities leading up to the annual town meeting and other public hearings and forums.

There are also sections related to climate resiliency, open space and recreation, economic/community development, and ongoing/upcoming projects and issues.

Retaining hybrid meetings will protect the public’s voice in local government

Op/Ed by Justin Silverman

During the early months of COVID19, governors in New England states issued executive orders allowing municipalities to meet online, as long as the public could attend remotely. The democratic benefits of this arrangement quickly became evident.

According to a public official quoted in a 2020 study, the changes “made it a lot easier for residents who have other things to do, to be heard. People with family obligations, elder care, or child-care issues.”

The executive orders that prompted these changes, however, have long since expired. New England states have resorted to a patchwork of live streams, short-term remote meeting requirements, and in some cases, reverted back to pre-COVID policies and in-person meetings only.

There’s a better way forward.

Permanent changes need to be made to state laws to require both in-person and remote access to government meetings. People with young children, health issues, disabilities, work commitments, or other circumstances that prevent in-person attendance at these meetings are at risk of again being shut out of the democratic process. At the same time, there are benefits to in-person meetings that must continue along with this expanded access.

Now is an ideal time to contact your state representatives and make this need known. Sunshine Week is March 12-18 and is a celebration of open government and freedom of information. The sunshine reference is attributed to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, who famously wrote that “sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” In other words, an informed citizenry is the best check against government corruption. We should use the occasion to demand the permanent changes necessary for all members of the public to effectively engage with the government and stay informed.

The 2020 study – published in the Journal of Civic Information and authored by Jodie Gil and Jonathan L. Wharton – involved nearly 100 municipalities in Connecticut following the state’s COVID19 emergency orders. It found that the majority of these municipalities experienced the same or increased participation during their public budget deliberations as they had previously. While these towns also experienced learning curves and other unexpected challenges, the authors’ findings reinforce what many of us have come to believe during the last three years: the public is more likely to participate in meetings when given multiple ways to do so.

Massachusetts lawmakers recently recognized this reality with legislation (HD3261/SD2017) that could serve as a model for other states. The bill would apply to all executive branch agencies and municipal bodies subject to the state’s Open Meeting Law. It phases in over seven years a requirement that they meet in person and also provide remote access and participation, but demands swift compliance by state agencies and elected municipal bodies. Non-elected municipal bodies with logistical or budgetary concerns can apply for hardship waivers. The legislation even creates a trust fund that will financially support those needing assistance. The waivers, however, are available only until 2030. There must be universal compliance by that time.

Remote meeting technology is becoming more prevalent, less expensive, and greatly needed by citizens unable to attend in person. At the very least, open meeting laws should be changed to incorporate the following:

Hybrid Access. The public needs in-person access to government meetings along with the ability to attend and participate remotely. Both forms of access are critical. While remote meetings will make government accessible to those who cannot otherwise attend, citizens still need face-to-face time with their representatives without their commentary being muted or disconnected from a Zoom line.

Hard Deadline. The ultimate goal is to have all public bodies meeting in a hybrid form. The ease of reaching this goal will vary from one government agency to the next. States should set a clear and hard deadline for all government bodies to comply, taking into consideration challenges such as staffing, funding, and logistics.

Funding. A common argument against hybrid meetings is the cost of the required equipment and technology. While these costs have decreased significantly, they can still impose a burden on small towns with limited funding and staffing. States should earmark funding specifically for the purpose of hybrid meetings and help those municipalities that genuinely need the assistance. Consider it an investment in democracy.

There have been few silver linings to emerge from COVID19. Remote access to government meetings is one of them. It provides equity and engagement in our democracy that many members of our communities would not otherwise enjoy. We need to change our open meeting laws now to make sure this access is available long after the pandemic has run its course.

Justin Silverman is the executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization is the region’s leading advocate for First Amendment freedoms and the public’s right to know about government. Learn more at nefac.org.

Schools planning for grade reconfiguration, hiring of Jacobs assistant principal

By Carol Britton Meyer

The school committee this week discussed the process for the hiring of an assistant principal at the Jacobs Elementary School, which will include a recommendation from a search committee.

Jacobs Elementary school

Last summer, Assistant Principal Kyle Shaw was named principal, replacing Christine Cappadona when she moved out of that role to become director of curriculum and assessment districtwide. He will remain in that position during both phases. Jacobs’ Interim Assistant Principal Elaine Menice will stay until the end of the school year, and the new assistant principal will start July 1, and will be in place as the school district begins consolidating the structure of grades from three buildings into two.

The school committee previously voted 4 to 1 to take the first step, housing pre-K through 6 at Jacobs Elementary School, grades 7 and 8 at Memorial Middle School, and grades 9 through 12 at the high school, for the 2023-24 school year.

This means that for that school year, fifth-graders who would normally move on to the middle school will remain at the Jacobs. The final reconfiguration will have the Jacobs School housing grades preK to 7 and the high school grades 8 to 12, starting with the 2024-25 school year.

“During phase one, the 2023-24 school year, there will be one assistant principal,” Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn explained. “During phase two, from the 2024-25 school year and the years going forward, there will be two assistant principals, one upper school assistant principal and one lower school assistant principal.”

The new Jacobs assistant principal is expected to be appointed by April 14.

Also this week, committee members Liliana Hedrick and Kyle Conley suggested this week the formation of a subcommittee of the school committee to be involved with how the middle school will be repurposed, as outlined in the MARS Best Educational Use of School Facilities report.

However, committee member David Twombly recalled Town Manager Philip Lemnios mentioning earlier that a subcommittee or an ad hoc committee would be formed to include school committee, advisory board, and select board members and others. Kuehn also recalled that conversation.

“It’s important to maintain a connection between the school committee and the final decisions that will be made across the town regarding how the space will be used,” Conley said. “I don’t anticipate this being a heavy lift, but there needs to be somebody keeping an eye on the use of that space.”

If it’s decided to move some town services to the middle school, a memorandum of understanding would be crafted between the Hull Public Schools and the town, which is a key component of the final outcome.

Kuehn recently spoke with Lemnios about creating a draft agreement, but there are no details yet to share, she told the school committee Monday night.

While understanding of Conley and Hedrick’s intent, Chair Stephanie Peters expressed concern about creating such a subcommittee with the planned retirement of Lemnios at the end of June and a number of seats to be decided on both the school committee and select board in the May town election.

“This is kind of a weird time,” she said.

It was decided after some back and forth that the school committee would ask the advisory board for its thoughts when the two committees meet to discuss the proposed FY24 school budget on March 27.

“That will be the first step,” Peters said.

School committee member Ernest Minelli said that while the “dynamics are unique,” this is an opportunity “to continue the progress we have made as a committee in taking the lead and making this an affirmative process for student learning. If we can keep that momentum going throughout all the different decisions that will be made, we will be in great shape.”

Mitigation efforts result in 15% discount on federal flood insurance

There’s good news for most Hull residents who have flood insurance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently determined that Hull property owners will qualify for a 15% discount for most National Flood Insurance Program policies issued or renewed on or after Oct. 1, 2023.

A recent letter from William Lesser of the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration said the results of the NFIP Community Rating System field verification allow Hull to retain its current CRS rating.

“This savings is a tangible result of the flood mitigation activities your community implements to protect lives and reduce property damage,” Lesser wrote.

Hull’s CRS rating will be renewed automatically on an annual basis as long as there are no NFIP non-compliance actions.

Lesser commended the town for its “determination to lead your community to be more disaster resistant,” noting that this commitment “enhances public safety and property protection, protects the natural functions of floodplains, and reduces flood insurance premiums.”

-- Carol Britton Meyer

Musicians to honor memory of late performer with shows benefiting HHS music program

Two nights of music will celebrate the life and legacy of Michael Weddle, a well-known and well-loved icon of the local music scene who died October 17, with proceeds benefitting the Hull High School music department.

On Friday, April 7, an all-ages night at the C-Note will feature six performers, and the 21+ show on Saturday, April 8 has a lineup that includes at least eight bands.

“Michael Weddle was a legend around here. I don’t think there was a person who stepped into the C-Note who hadn’t heard his name,” said club manager Barbara Rhind. “He was a quiet, soulful, kind, and generous human being who relentlessly and enthusiastically supported countless charities over the years – all through his love of music and his enormous support of the youth movement of music.”

The all-ages show, an event that Weddle began on the first Friday of each month with a different charitable beneficiary, is organized by Lily Andrey, who is continuing the tradition.

“Michael shaped me not only as a musician I am today, but he also shaped me as a person. He had a wonderful superpower of always seeing potential in young people when others had yet to discover it,” Andrey said. “This quality is what created and drove the all-ages shows. He made the C-Note a home to explore a passion for music and a wonderful venue to find like-minded musicians. He taught me how loving a musical community can be, and I will forever miss his kind spirit and generosity.”

Performers on April 7 include Eye Socket, Jess Caso, AV Club, Jack Holland, Round Trip, and Learn To Speak (Andrey’s own band). Doors will open at 7 p.m. with a donation of $10 at the door that will go to the Hull High music program.

On April 8, the show organized by Rhind and Joe Viglione includes the bands Blacking Out, Mad Painters, Tokyo Tramps, Tsunami of Sound, Kenne Highland’s Airforce, Count Joe Viglione, Climate Change (Michael Weddle’s bandmates) and 1.4.5, among others. Saturday night will wrap up with a Johnny Thunders Jam tribute. Doors open at 2 p.m., with the music starting at 3 p.m. and a suggested donation of $20. As with the all-ages show, donations from Saturday’s admission, as well as 50/50 raffles on both days, will be donated to the Hull High School Music Department in Weddle’s name.

Weddle considered himself a “child of the American Dream.” He was an A+ student of counterculture who believed he would have played professional baseball. He was a former state Representative in New Hampshire, and was a U.S. Army veteran who taught himself guitar and thought himself a “back-bench folk singer.” For many years, he organized numerous charitable concerts for local causes, such as fire victims, veterans, opiate awareness, animal shelters, and school music department. He was a fixture at the Rathskeller in Kenmore Square and organized the annual C-Note Rat Beach Party every Labor Day weekend with four nights of more than 50 bands.

“Michael Weddle was the last of the age of Aquarius/smile on your brother/good vibrations. He was always smiling, doing good for others, turning the annual Rat Beach Party at the C-Note into a Woodstockian gathering of tribes,” said Highland, of Airforce & Mad Painter. “Even his own music was late ’60s San Francisco. He will be missed by us all; but now he is Saint Michael.”

Viglione said Weddle was “a kind, gentle soul who cared about people.

“He loved the Boston music scene and had a vast musical vocabulary which will be missed by all,” Viglione said. “We all lost a very dear friend.”

Two members of the Tokyo Tramps remembered Weddle as passionate about music and about promoting local talent.

“Michael was a grassroots movement leader. We were moved by his passion and selfless dedication to bringing the community together and offering the platform for the youth to learn and perform music,” said Satoru Nakagawa. “He was a man of determination and action. He got my respect. We were honored to be a part of his project.”

“Michael Weddle was a man with a big heart,” Yukiko Fujii added. “He invited us to play for several charity events, and although Tokyo Tramps was not an official ‘Rathskeller veteran,’ he always fit us in to his Rat Beach Party as an ‘international host performer.’ He brought in the youth bands and has kept the Rat’s legacy alive and helped the community to thrive – so creative, so generous and so supportive.”

In Weddle’s own words, “There will come a time when I no longer cast a shadow upon Earth; when my smile becomes unseen and when the goodness in my heart has quivered. My hope is to fade into a memory which will sometimes awaken among those who have known me and also in those I have touched but have never known.”

The musicians whose lives and careers he touched will be keeping his memory alive with the shows on April 7 and 8, and will be sure that his legacy is secured with the support of youth music education in the Hull Public Schools.

As they prepare for the upcoming shows, the performers added as a postscript: “This time the shows are for you, Michael. We will do all the work and you just rest easy, put your feet up and listen. Godspeed.”

Temple’s March programs include sharing meaningful experiences in song, film, and the printed word

By Carol Britton Meyer

Temple Beth Sholom’s efforts to expand its programming and invite the community to participate in a variety of experiences include a performance by a Jewish singer-songwriter, a discussion with the author of a new novel (and former Hingham rabbi) about embracing the supernatural, and the showing of a film on His Majesty’s Jewish Brigade.

On Saturday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m., during Shabbat HaChodesh, Jewish singer-songwriter Sue Horowitz will add another level to the service with her guitar skills and vocal interpretations, followed by a luncheon.

Horowitz has a successful career as a spiritual artist and has appeared at numerous congregations, conferences, music venues, and homes throughout North America. Her music has been published in many compilations, including the Ruach Series, CCAR Haggadah, Kol Isha, and Jewish Songs of Protest and Hope. Horowitz is also the founder and creator of the Jewish Songwriting Cooperative retreat and enjoys leading songwriting workshops.

“Sue is an international recording star in her genre of modern liturgical music and a wonderful interpreter of the prayers,” Rabbi David Grossman, who serves Temple Beth Sholom as joint rabbi with his son, Joshua, told The Hull Times.

The following day, Sunday, March 19 at 2 p.m., there will be a showing of the documentary “In Our Own Hands: The Hidden Story of the Jewish Brigade in WWII,” followed by a discussion.

The film tells the story of His Majesty’s Jewish Brigade, the only all-Jewish fighting unit in World War II. Amidst the chaos of post-war Europe, the young Jewish soldiers mastermind one clandestine operation after the next. “In our Own Hands” unravels the thrilling tale of young Jewish soldiers who carried the weight of a people on their shoulders.

Guest speakers from Friends of the March of the Living will introduce this program. The mission of the Friends is to ensure the perpetuation of this effort through an endowment fund that supports the March of the Living’s goals of educating Jewish teenagers about the dangers of assimilation, hatred and intolerance, instilling in them the necessity to “never forget” and the importance of continuing to share the stories of Holocaust survivors for generations to come.

During the event, candles will be distributed to the congregation in remembrance of those whose lives were lost as they learn about The Shoah Yellow Candle Holocaust Remembrance Program.

Rabbi Stephen Karol, who served Congregation Sha’aray Shalom in Hingham for a number of years, will talk about his new book, “Embracing the Supernatural in Judaism: Signs from Our Deceased Loved Ones and Stories About The World-to-Come” during the Friday, March 24, evening service at 6:30 p.m., followed by a community dinner. A social hour with appetizers will be held an hour before the service. Those planning to attend are asked to sign up through the Temple Beth Sholom office or website.

This book is about the afterlife and is presented in three ways: first, what the Hebrew Bible and later Jewish writings have to say about what happens after death; second, the beliefs and customs that recognize God’s “supernatural” power to connect in people’s daily lives; and, third, what experiences some people have had with communication from the deceased through what are called “signs,” and which Karol refers to as “blessings.”

The book includes numerous quotations from religious sources, as well as contemporary views on the undying love that is felt by the living for those who have died.

In Judaism, God is recognized as having unlimited powers that can be defined as “supernatural” and that are called “signs” – not just in Judaism, but in general, according to Karol. “There are about 70 personal accounts in the book that attest to a variety of ways in which the living have felt the presence of loved ones who have died and regard it as comforting and joyful.”

Through Karol’s talks in public and on Zoom, he has found that there is “considerable and enthusiastic interest” in this topic. “There is a ‘domino effect’ – the more that people hear about ‘signs,’ the more likely they are to share their experiences and to buy books on the subject. And they are fascinated to learn about beliefs regarding the afterlife.”

Grossman said Karol seemed like a good choice because he continues to have a following from his time at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom.

“He still has a connection with this area, and people appreciate his wisdom,” he said. “He did an event on Zoom for us a couple of years ago that was interesting, and people want to hear him speak about his new book.”

Outpouring of support cheers Hull man seriously injured in Utah ski accident

By Carol Britton Meyer

Northeast Surfing founder Ronnie Lees, who was seriously injured in an accident while skiing the back-country in the Utah mountains on Feb. 20, is the embodiment of the well-known saying “You can’t keep a good man down.”

RONNIE LEES OF NORTHEAST SURFING FACES A LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY AFTER BREAKING BOTH HIS LEGS IN A SKIING ACCIDENT IN UTAH. [COURTESY PHOTO]

While skiing at 10,200 feet with his daughter Emma and other experienced skiers, high winds and fog rolled in suddenly, obscuring their view.

After the group tried unsuccessfully to head back down and get underneath the fog and winds, Emma managed to ski to safety, but Lees suffered a bout of vertigo as he was trying to slow down and was blown off the trail, sustaining severe injuries to his lower body, including two broken legs and a broken kneecap.

The decision was made to take Lees down the mountain by sled because it was too foggy for a helicopter rescue.

Lees was rushed to a Salt Lake City hospital, where he underwent two successful operations. Now he and his family are trying to find a way to install a ramp, bring him home to Hull, and get him into the house while also tracking expenses and paying insurance deductibles.

“We’re working on the transportation part now,” he told The Hull Times.

“I’m grateful to be alive,” said Lees, who has been skiing roughly 60 days per season for 40 years. “It was a close call.”

His cousin, Chris Lees, with whom he has shared many adventures and is like a brother to him, remained by his side during the first several days, which were the toughest.

“When I thought I was losing hope, he would be sitting on the couch in my room, silhouetted against the beautiful sunny view of a mountain range through the window, and just knowing he was there got me through another day,” Lees said. “He is a big skier, too, and worked on YouTube skiing videos of New Hampshire and Maine in 1998, which started off the film production part of Northeast Surfing.”

In addition to the physical injuries, which portend a long road to recovery, the accident is also causing emotional strain on Lees and his family.

Lees, who is known as a lover of extreme sports, has received “thousands of messages from the surf and ski communities” wishing him well in his recovery, his son, Matt, told The Hull Times.

HULL’S RONNIE LEES IS KNOWN AS A SURF INSTRUCTOR AROUND HERE, BUT IS ALSO WELL-KNOWN AS AN ACCOMPLISHED SKIIER. [Courtesy photo]

An avid surfer and skier who is well-known in both the ski and surf sports industries worldwide, Lees has been in the news over the years.

Off-season, once summer activities wrap up, Lees usually travels far and wide, skiing different resorts in Utah and other locations. Another facet of the business is filming ski resorts all over the country for TikTok.

“It’s a big profit-maker, because we get millions of views,” he said. “Emma is an expert skier who is well-known on TikTok.”

The business has operated in Hull since 2001 and has given back to the community in many ways, from sponsoring sports teams to donating to various causes in the community. Lees even operated an ice cream shop at one point.

“In 2013, my father filmed a television show episode for the Lifetime network promoting our beautiful town,” Matt said.

“I’ve given my life savings and my heart to the Town of Hull, and now the community is giving back to me through a show of support following my accident,” Lees said. “While I battle my injuries, I’m feeling the love I’ve given to the town returned.”

One Hull resident, who has never met Lees but has seen him around town and, along with her kids, follows his adventures online and enjoys the Northeast Surfing production company’s videos even though they don’t surf or ski, sent him an email message when she heard of his injuries, saying she was thinking of him and all the things he has down for the town and that he is loved.

“It was pretty amazing,” Lees said.

Lees has been advised by his medical team not to walk for the next three months, and will undergo physical therapy.

Despite recent challenges, Northeast Surfing’s popular surf camps at Nantasket Beach will be offered as usual this summer. The available spots, mainly filled by Hingham and Cohasset residents and a few Hull kids, are already nearly 80 percent sold out.

Lees’ daughter Hannah will run the camp as usual, while Lees – who expects to be fully walking again by that time following two months on crutches – will be on the beach every day as camp director.

“I will be forgoing my salary this summer to allow us to create more instructor jobs,” he said. “It’s important to have enough staff on the beach so our customers get the very best we have to offer, even though I will still be on the mend.”

Matt will also be involved three days a week as a lifeguard.

“We hire surf instructors from Hull, Cohasset, and Hingham,” he explained.

In addition to offering the surf camp, Northeast Surfing rents bikes, paddleboards, and surfboards and offers online surf education, surf sports information, 24/7 surf cams so people all over the world can see conditions at Nantasket Beach in real time.

“This helps promote our local businesses by giving viewers a glimpse of our beautiful beaches to people all over the world,” Matt said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Lees with his medical bills. For information and to make a donation, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p895kvp.