To our readers...

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Thank you to all of the Times readers who responded during the past two weeks to our request for feedback about the length of letters to the editor. As we mentioned, we want to reflect community sentiment and let people know what our readers are thinking, but we also don’t want long letters to crowd out other features or affect our readers’ overall enjoyment of the paper.

Some of the feedback was surprising. While we expected our readers to have a lot to say, we were pleasantly surprised at the depth and breadth of some of the comments. Some chose to add their thoughts to our social media posts, while others emailed directly, and a few sent texts or phoned in their opinions. Many readers used the opportunity to offer story ideas or suggestions about other parts of the paper, and we’re grateful for all of your feedback.

The majority of the responses favored a word limit of some kind. Here’s a sampling:

“I believe that a word limit encourages writers to think strategically about how they want to present their point without including too much superfluous information or repeating themselves…”

“As a reader, I completely lose interest when the letters are that long – make your point and land the plane…”

“It seems to me that your readers most likely enjoy reading what their neighbors thoughts are on Hull issues, but chances are that brevity scores more interest…”

“I confess to stopping reading when a letter continues to nearly a whole page, and the writer is a frequent contributor… No limitation at all does not encourage thoughtful, economical commentary…”

“I do feel that letters that exceed about half a column in length are excessive and limit the space for other topics. I also feel posting letters from the same writers repeatedly is unbalanced…”

“Open with main topic. Provide facts, statistics, history, and maybe personal opinion. Close repeating main topic. KISS = Keep It Short, Sweetie…”

A surprising number of correspondents favored a looser interpretation of our current guidelines, which encourage writers to express themselves in a couple hundred words. Those readers’ thoughts echoed these sentiments:

“Please continue to allow long letters to the editor. Every letter does not have to be a cheerleader for the town. I hope that you continue to allow free speech in every form, long or short…”
“Please, please, please allow for the length needed in the editorial section of the paper for the residents…”

“The length doesn’t trouble me as long as the letter stays on topic and is well written…”

“The letters to the editor is one of my favorite sections next to the police log. I very much appreciate hearing others’ thoughts on town issues and while some letters may be long, it is sometimes necessary to convey a point…”

“If they take the time to write a letter ... print it. I welcome others’ opinions and sometimes the letters to the editor are the only way we learn about an issue in town…”

“It truly depends on the subject …Some long ones are wholly necessary to get it all in. Others are not and get boring, but I like knowing other points of view…”

We’re encouraged by all of this feedback, which demonstrates that our readers are engaged and regard the Times – in print and online – as a place to learn about important issues. We always enjoy hearing from people who love Hull as much as we do.

In light of all of your feedback, we are revising the word limit of letters to the editor. Correspondents are asked to be economical in expressing themselves and respect the space limitations of the newspaper and the attention spans of readers. Letters of 300 words should provide ample opportunity for getting your point across; for more complex topics, we will, in special cases, extend this to 500 words. We trust that our correspondents will understand our thinking and respect our desire to include as many voices on as many topics as possible.

-- Christopher Haraden, Editor

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Open Studios this weekend to feature 32 local artists in their working environments

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This year’s Hull Artists Open Studios 2025 not only celebrates the organization’s 29th anniversary, but will feature 32 artists, plus the award-winning Gallery Nantasket at 121 Nantasket Ave., which showcases fine art and craft from 25 artists.

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., immerse yourself in the beauty of Hull’s neighborhoods, enjoy the scenic views, and meet our incredible artists. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler to Hull, we’re confident that you’ll be amazed by the exceptional quality and variety of creative work produced in our unique seaside area.

Visit https://hullartists.com/openstudios for in-depth information on all attending artists and their media; an interactive map of the event; the ability to print a listing of the artists and a map of each studio’s location. 

As you journey through, you’ll discover the work of welcoming artists using various media, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, photography, sculpture, basketry, fiber arts, paper, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and mixed media.

Open Studios weekend is open to the public and absolutely free and family-friendly. See you there!

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Start your engines! Annual Nantasket Beach Car Show hits the streets on Sunday

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The Annual Nantasket Beach Car Show will be held on Sunday, September 14, from 8 a.m. to noon along Nantasket Avenue, from approximately Park Avenue to the Mary Jeanette Murray Bathhouse.

A veterans resource fair will be held along with the display of antique and classic autos. Funds raised from the event will benefit Cops for Kids with Cancer and other local charitable organizations. The rain date is September 21.

Volunteers are still needed! They are asked to arrive by 6 a.m. in order to organize, get T-shirts, and receive their assignments, as cars will begin arriving at about 6:30 a.m. Volunteers can park in the DCR lot behind the Horizons condominiums. Vendors and sponsors will set up tables beginning at 6:30 a.m.

The show starts off with the singing of the National Anthem at 8 a.m., “Start your engines!” call at 9:30 a.m. and the Marilyn Monroe parade at 10 a.m. Live music begins at 10:30 a.m. Trophies by Kim’s Kreations are scheduled to be presented at 11:30 a.m. and the 50/50 raffle will be drawn at 11:55 a.m.  The show ends promptly at noon so that the road can be reopened to traffic as quickly as possible.

The show is sponsored by the Nantasket Hull Rotary Club, Hull Police, Town of Hull, and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

For more information, visit nantasketbeachcarshow.com or contact organizer Craig Wolfe, 89edge@comcast.net or 781-771-6416.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Hull PorchFest to feature 40+ bands throughout Kenberma during September 13 festival

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On Saturday, September 13 from 1 to 6 p.m., the streets of the Kenberma neighborhood will be transformed into a music festival featuring 40 bands from all over the Boston area, in genres including bluegrass, jazz, blues, and hip-hop, plus plenty of rock’n’roll.

Musicians will perform for attendees of all ages on donated porches and driveways that become stages for the one-day, once-a-year event that’s become a much-loved Hull tradition.

PorchFest is a highly walkable and bikeable event that takes place in the rectangle formed by Kenberma and Revere Streets and Nantasket and Beach Avenues. Free parking is available in the lot behind Richardson Insurance, thanks to the generosity of Bruce Minevitz.

The PorchFest tradition began in 2007 in Ithaca, N.Y., with neighbors teaming up to offer their porches as venues so that attendees could stroll the streets and experience local live music. Since then, the idea has taken hold and expanded across New England and throughout the U.S.

Hull’s PorchFest is unusual because it’s also a registered non-profit that raises funds for a rotating list of worthy causes through merchandise sales, plus fundraisers held throughout the year – including the very successful Rosie’s Rock Festival in March at Jo’s Nautical Bar. In the past, PorchFest has raised money for the Anne M. Scully Senior Center, the Hull High School band program, and the programs for veterans at the Hull Lifesaving Museum.

This year’s net proceeds will go toward the newly established Peter Coffman Music Scholarship Fund, in memory of beloved PorchFest founder and treasurer “Washboard Pete,” who was also the percussionist for local bands WSU and Seawitch. The scholarship will provide music lessons and instruments to Hull children.

MJ’s Food Truck, which supplies lobster sliders, healthy bowls, sweet treats, and more to beachgoers at the HRA lot, HYT Mobile Kitchen, run by Hy Tran of the former La Dalat, and Vitamin Sea Brewing will join the festivities this year. Trucks will be located at the business parking lot at Nantasket Avenue and Kenberma Street, where PorchFest organizers will sell merchandise and accept donations.

A PorchFest map, plus info on bands and more, will be available at hullporchfest.org, a few days before the event.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

In the Sport-light: Roundup of news from Hull's wide world of sports

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Compiled by Matt Haraden 

CATCHING THE BREEZE: Paul Paquin and his daughter, Adrienne, took full advantage of the favorable winds and high tides this past week as they sailed across the bay. [Skip Tull photo]

• At the Hull Yacht Club, heavy-air Thursdays returned as pre-race winds topped out with gusts just under 30 m.p.h. Relative calm was restored shortly after as the winds settled in at an average sporty pace of 15-20 m.p.h. The Hull Race Committee, along with Rob Evans in the mark boat, were able to get in three races on the final Combined Night of the season with 12 boats on the line, including Cool Breeze from Hingham in the mix. The fleet welcomed guest skipper Charlie Quigley sailing on Full Circle, and spouse Janet, to the evening's festivities. Other highlights included a second-place finish from Mermaid Hunter, two third-place finishes from Rhodeo, a bullet from Razzmatazz and two bullets from roger that!

• Hull High’s girls varsity soccer squad beat Carver at home, 5-0, on Wednesday, September 3. On Monday, the team heads to Cohasset for a 4 p.m. matchup (JV at 5:30 p.m.), followed by a home game on Wednesday, September 10 against Mashpee at 5:45 p.m. (JV at 4 p.m.)

• Boys varsity soccer defeated Carver, 2-1, on the road on September 3. The Pirates have a home game on Monday, September 8 at 5:30 p.m. against Cohasset and then hit the road to Mashpee to take on the Falcons on Wednesday, September 10 at 4 p.m. (JV at 5:30 p.m.).

• The Hull High Pirates Varsity Football team plays its first game under the home lights on Friday, September 5, against Wareham at 7 p.m. The following week, the Pirates travel to Hanover to play the South Shore Vo-Tech Vikings on Friday, September 12 at 7 p.m.

• The football team’s September 5 game will be prefaced by a pep rally hosted by Hull Youth Football and Cheer at L Street at 5:30 p.m. A fun night is planned with football introductions, cheerleading performances, and pizza. At 7 p.m., everyone is planning to head to Hull High to cheer on the varsity team in its game against Wareham. The youth team begins its season on September 7 on the road against Sandwich, followed by three home games – September 14 against Hanson, September 21 against Dennis-Yarmouth, and September 28 vs. West Bridgewater. Mites play at 10 a.m., Midgets at 11:30 a.m., and PeeWees at 1 p.m.

• The Hull Boosters Club will begin its fall sticker fundraiser on Saturday, September 6. Watch for athletes selling the Pirate stickers this weekend all around town. The club, which supports Hull’s students throughout the year, is always looking for new members. Visit www.hullboosters.org or email hullboosters@gmail.com.

For the full schedules of Hull High’s athletic teams – as well as a season-long scoreboard – visit www.hullpublicschools.org/athletics.

• Hull Youth Soccer’s travel season begins this Saturday, September 6, with home games to be played at Hull High. Girls 3/4 take on Carver at 12:30 p.m., while Boys 5/6 will play at 2 p.m., also against Carver.

In-town fall programs begin on Saturday, September 13. Sessions are held on Saturdays at the Dust Bowl field in Hull Village and teams have the same schedule each week for convenient planning. It’s a great way for kids to learn soccer skills, build confidence, and play with friends in a fun and supportive environment.

Visit www.hullyouthsoccer.com for more information.

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

Thank you for your help!

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Do you have an opinion to share? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Revised policy would put PILOT payments solely under light board control

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The light board will vote on a process for making payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOTs, at a meeting on Monday, September 15, after reviewing a policy proposed by the board and recently approved by the light plant’s attorney.

The policy calls for light board authority over any PILOT payments made to the town, with the amount and authorization to be determined solely by the elected light board.

“The light plant manager shall not independently set or schedule PILOT payments,” the policy states. PILOT payments are not required under the new policy.

This issue has been the subject of much discussion between the board and Town Manager/Light Plant Manager Jennifer Constable, who presented a proposed formula at the August 21 meeting.

Other stipulations include that PILOT payments must be clearly documented as a one-time annual disbursement, “ensuring transparency in the amount and timing of any funds transferred to the town.”

The amount of any such PILOT payment would be determined after the light board reviews the financial position of the Hull Municipal Light Plant for that year – including review of audited year-ending December 31 financial statements, the annual financial report to the board, and after submitting all required returns to the Department of Public Utilities. This review would typically occur in the first quarter of the ensuing fiscal year. Any PILOT payment becomes part of the town’s operating budget.

Following its review, the board “may vote to make a PILOT for a given year, which payment, if approved shall be made as one lump-sum transfer for that year from unappropriated earned surplus,” the policy further states.

The word “surplus” means any amounts in excess of operating revenues recorded as unappropriated earned surplus after covering all operating expenses, debt service, required or determined reserves, such as the statutory depreciation fund, capital improvements, reliability projects, rate stabilization, emergency reserves, or paying down debt, and other HMLP expenses for the year.

Under this policy, the board would be required to vote in an open meeting on whether to make a PILOT payment, stating its reason either way – and if approved, the amount of such payment.

“Such payments shall be recorded as a transfer from HMLP to the town with appropriate documentation,” according to the policy. “If the board vote is in the negative, no PILOT payment shall be made.”

If approved by the light board at its next meeting, the policy would be effective immediately and would apply to the current fiscal year and all future years unless amended by the board.

The policy, if it passes, would supersede “any previous practices or arrangements that conflict with the intent of this vote – including, but not limited to, termination of any monthly PILOT payment practices.”

In addition, the light plant manager would be directed to implement any procedural changes necessary to comply with the intent of the vote, the policy concludes.

In other business…

ª Chair Tom Burns provided an update on an Open Meeting Law-related issue that surfaced during the board’s early August meeting.

At that time, Vice Chair Patrick Cannon raised a potential violation related to an op/ed that appeared in the July 31 edition of The Hull Times submitted by Burns and two other light board members – Dan Ciccariello and Jacob Vaillancourt – in support of carrying out the wishes of the 116 voters who supported the town meeting warrant article to change the light’s plant’s management structure by removing the town manager as light plant manager. Members Stephanie Landry and Patrick Cannon’s names were not on the letter. Vaillancourt proposed the town meeting warrant article as a citizens’ petition.

At that time, Town Manager Jennifer Constable also questioned the op/ed piece being signed by three of the five members, which constitutes a quorum. The submission was not discussed in open session and “is in fact a direct violation of the Open Meeting Law,” Constable said.

While no formal complaint was filed, Cannon’s and Constable’s concerns were taken seriously, followed by Burns and Vaillancourt completing the attorney general’s 90-minute Open Meeting Law training to address any perceived misgovernance, Burns confirmed in response to an inquiry from The Hull Times.

At the August 21 meeting, the board addressed the matter in open session to ensure transparency, with every board member given the opportunity to “sign” the op/ed or decline. The board voted unanimously to attach the op-ed and the August 21 discussion to the meeting minutes so the record would be clear.

The purpose was to take corrective action to ensure public disclosure and re-deliberation in open session, Vaillancourt told The Times in response to a follow-up inquiry.

There was no vote to adopt the op/ed as a board position, so it remained an individual letter, signed by Burns, Vaillancourt, and Ciccariello.

“The complaint didn’t go unheard,” Burns said at the meeting.

• The board talked about electrical capacity planning, which Cannon called “a gigantic problem for the light plant and its customers” based on Hull Wind I being taken down more than a year ago, Hull Wind II due to be taken down in the next couple of months, and the fact that the main feeder lines owned by National Grid that run through a heavily wooded area in Hingham were built in the 1930s and have not been properly maintained and upgraded, according to town officials.

Cannon also noted that the 21 new condominiums at the former Aquarium site and the Paragon Dunes/Wayfarer development on Nantasket Avenue – among other units elsewhere in town that have been converted – are all electric, which increases the demand.

“Electric car chargers and HVAC systems all add to the overall load, with capacity issues staring at us down the road,” Cannon said. “We need to find a way to solve this problem.”

Cannon noted that the electrical infrastructure under the light plant’s control “is doing great.”

At Ciccariello’s suggestion, and with his agreement, the board appointed Cannon the “point person” to investigate alternatives as part of a related electrical capacity planning task force and also appointed Vaillancourt – who offered to serve in this capacity “to pursue big picture strategy.”

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

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

20th Endless Summer kicks off at noon on Saturday; will feature food, fun, and music

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The 20th Endless Summer Waterfront Festival kicks off this Saturday, September 6 at noon, and promises to be the biggest and best event yet!

With free admission, free parking, and lots of entertainment, there’s no excuse for not attending. If the weather is an issue on Saturday, the Hull-Nantasket Chamber of Commerce has set Sunday, September 7 as a rain date.

Endless Summer was created to give Hull’s businesses one final boost before the end of the season. It has grown in size and popularity as the years have passed.

Dozens of vendors and other participants will line Nantasket Avenue under tents, including Hull Pride, Hull Artists, the town’s master plan steering committee, Hull Garden Club, the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll drive, MBTA representatives to discuss local bus service, and many other community groups.

A special event planned for this year’s festival is a “Mrs. Roper Romp” – a fun activity where participants dress in the colorful caftan style of the Helen Roper character from the 1970s television show “Three’s Company.” For details and to register, visit “The Helens Invade Hull” event listing on Facebook.

Music at the Bernie King Pavilion includes Assisted Living kicking off the festival at noon, Nantasket Beach Drummers from 1:15-1:35 p.m., Anna Daley Young from 1:45-3:00 p.m., and Gracie Gracie & All The Good Boys from 3:30-4:45 p.m. The Paragon Carousel will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Endless Summer is supported by grants from the Save the Harbor Save the Bay, Massachusetts Department of Conservation, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and Hull Cultural Council.

Visit www.hullchamber.com for the full schedule of events and additional information.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

In the Sport-light: Roundup of news from Hull's wide world of sports

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EARLY BIRDS: To celebrate the first day of classes of their senior year, members of Hull High’s Class of 2026 greeted the break of day on Wednesday morning on Nantasket Beach. The ‘Senior Sunrise’ has become a tradition for Hull’s students as they embark on their last year in the Hull Public Schools.

Compiled by Matt Haraden

• School started this week, but Hull High’s fall athletic season has already been under way. The girls varsity soccer squad had a two-game home stand to open this year’s play, and travels to Marshfield on Friday, August 29 at 10 a.m. and comes back home to host Carver on Wednesday, September 3 at 5 p.m. The JV team’s next game is on Monday, September 8 against Cohasset at 5:30 p.m. (varsity at 4 p.m.) The boys varsity soccer team kicked off on Saturday, August 23 at home and hits the road for Carver to play at 4 p.m. on September 3 (JV game at 5:30 p.m.)

• The Hull High Pirates Varsity Football team’s first home game is against East Boston High School on Saturday, August 30 at 10 a.m., followed by another home stand on Friday, September 5, against Wareham under the lights at 7 p.m.

• The September 5 game will be prefaced by a pep rally hosted by Hull Youth Football and Cheer at L Street at 5:30 p.m. A fun night is planned with football introductions, cheerleading performances, and pizza. At 7 p.m., everyone is planning to head to Hull High to cheer on the varsity team in its game against Wareham. The youth team begins its season on September 7 on the road against Sandwich, followed by three home games – September 14 against Hanson, September 21 against Dennis-Yarmouth, and September 28 vs. West Bridgewater. Mites play at 10 a.m., Midgets at 11:30 a.m., and PeeWees at 1 p.m.

• Registration is open for Hull Youth Soccer – boys and girls in grades Pre-K through second grade. Registration includes both the fall 2025 and spring 2026 seasons. Fall programs begin on Saturday, September 13; spring play will begin in April. Sessions are held on Saturdays at the Dust Bowl field in Hull Village and teams have the same schedule each week for convenient planning. It’s a great way for kids to learn soccer skills, build confidence, and play with friends in a fun and supportive environment. Registration closes on September 3. Visit www.hullyouthsoccer.com for more information.

For the full schedules of Hull High’s athletic teams – as well as a season-long scoreboard – visit www.hullpublicschools.org/athletics.

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

Thank you for your help!

HRA to conduct townwide opinion survey as it maps future for 13-acre property

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Redevelopment Authority is planning to conduct a townwide survey as it prepares plans for future use of its 13-acre property.

The HRA is requesting the submission of applications to provide services for the design of a survey with the goal of encouraging as many people as possible to respond.

Whatever company is hired to perform this service will also analyze public responses to the survey questions, “which will help in the creation of the HRA’s future draft Urban Renewal Plan,” HRA Technical Operations Manager Mark Hamin told the board at its most recent meeting on August 18.

Requested services include working with HRA members on the design of effective survey questions and creating a format that will optimize response rates, survey platform features, response data analysis, and submission of a survey report that integrates the survey results and findings.

The HRA will be responsible for the time, labor, and costs of printing and sending out and collecting survey mailings.

Applicants are required to document that they have completed at least three survey projects in the past five years similar to what is being requested in the HRA solicitation.

The board authorized Hamin to reach out to potential bidders and to post the solicitation of services on various listservs and other outreach.

Applications are due Tuesday, October 14, at 5 p.m. Bids for services must be less than $50,000 to qualify.

The solicitation of services is posted on the HRA website, www.hra02045.com. The HRA is expected to make a selection by Monday, October 27, with a meeting scheduled for that evening.

A more detailed description of the project scope provided in the full solicitation document is available by contacting Hamin at mark.hamin@hra02045.com.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Interested in local government? Deadline approaching to apply for vacant seats on town boards

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Residents looking to get involved in Hull’s town government have a unique opportunity to apply for appointment to three town boards – there are open seats on the elected school committee and redevelopment authority and the appointed Design Review Board.

The deadline to apply for appointment is September 8 for all three vacancies. Residents should send letters of interest and resumes to Town Clerk Lori West at town hall, 253 Atlantic Avenue, or lwest@town.hull.ma.us.

Appointments for the elected seats will be made by a joint vote of the select board and the remaining members of the relevant board. Successful candidates will need to run for the office in next spring’s annual town election to keep the seat.

The DRB is appointed by representatives of the select board, beautification committee, conservation commission, historical commission, and the planning board.

More information, including the specific responsibilities of each of the boards and committees, can be found at www.town.hull.ma.us/home/pages/volunteer-opportunities.

The Times will publish statements of candidates seeking appointment to these positions through our September 11 edition. Weekly deadline for a submitting statement of goals and qualifications, as well as a photo, is Tuesday at 5 p.m. Send your information to news@hulltimes.com or drop at our office, 412 Nantasket Ave.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.