Notes from the 'Nice List' - Hull kids' letters to Santa Claus

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For the full page of letters as a PDF file, click the image above or this link!

To celebrate the spirit of the holiday, we partnered with the Hull Lifesaving Museum to share letters that Hull families dropped into the special North Pole-bound mailbox during the museum’s events during the season. We have faith that all of these correspondents are on the “Nice List” and that Santa Claus will look favorably on these requests.

Dear Santa Claus…

How are you? I would like an American Girl doll’s bed, I also would like some big Legos, and, most of all, I would love to have some shoes with wheels. These shoes have a button that you press and a wheel, just one in the middle, comes out. I would love if they could be pink with a rainbow and size two. I have tried to be a good girl. Love, Khloe

My name is Grady; I’m 3 years old. I’ve been good this year! These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Red dino truck, NASCAR, Spiderman truck, dinos!

My name is Celia; I’m 36 years old. I’ve been mostly good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Gift cards for Disney, new hoodie, new black leggings, fuzzy socks.

My name is Maya; I’m 3 years old. I’ve been nice this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Toy train, toy pig.

Our names are Madeline and Declan; We are 7 and 4 years old. We’ve been great this year. These are the gifts we’d love to receive this Christmas: An American Girl doll and a G.I. Joe. We love you. Stay warm!

My name is Camden; I’m 5 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Josh Allen jersey, Michael Vick jersey, Eagles football.

My name is Izzy; I’m 3 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: A dollhouse, carriage for my babies, to find Dumbo.

My name is Kennedy; I’m 3 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Pink soccer ball, baby doll make-up table.

My name is Mal; I’m 4 years old. I’ve been very good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Toy elf.

Click here to download the full page as a PDF.

My name is Brooklyn G; I’m 3 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Toys, cookies, dog (real and fake!).

My name is Suzanne; I’m 65 years old. I’ve been very good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Win my lawsuit, lose weight, face lift, boyfriend, trip to Dubai. Thank you!

My name is Sawyer; I’m 8 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Sprunki Lego mini-figs, more drawing supplies.

My name is Everett; I’m 4 years old. I’ve been nice this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: 147 pillows, soccer net and ball.

My name is Ilise; I’m 5 years old. I’ve been nice this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Rainbow snake creature, hurt puppy toy, giant dragon Lego set.

My name is Liam; I’m 4 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: A surprise toy.

My name is Skylar; I’m 7 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Realistic baby named Lalla, Nintendo Switch 2, magnet tiles, Fortnite Nintendo game, size 5 soccer ball, a lot of Labubus, mini brand store, a kitten.

My name is Reya; I’m 8 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: A lot of Labubus and a lot of slime and some squishies.

Our names are Nelle and Shea; we are 5 and 8 years old. We’ve been very good this year. These are the gifts we’d love to receive this Christmas: Evie Bluey and Legos.

My name is Rory; I’m 6 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Barbie set, Red Descendant books, Scooter.

My name is Kai; I’m 5 years old. I’ve been nice this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Baby Yoshi, Randall, Chick.

My name is Hazel; I’m 6 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: iPad

My name is Iris; I’m 5 years old. I’ve been nice this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Fish tank, watch, cat pillow, bird stuff, ornament.

My name is Vivienne; I’m 6 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: American Girl doll.

My name is Emily; I’m 5 years old. I’ve been nice this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Norah.

My name is Freya; I’m 2 years old. I’ve been great this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Peppa Pig & Friends, number blocks, toys, lollipops.

My name is James; I’m 8 years old. I’ve been nice this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: A Star Wars Lego set and a glow-in-the-dark football and last race car.

My name is Ben; I’m 9 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Remote-control helicopter, Legos, building kits, 3D printer.

My name is Ayla; I’m 7 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: A shake stuffy, a bunch of Lafufus.

My name is Ella; I’m 5 1/2 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Rudolph toy, Barbie, Playdoh, hand sanitizer, Douglas.

My name is Charlie; I’m 8 years old. I’ve been good this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: Minecraft Lego sets, a fun blanket, Tonies.

My name is Ella; I’m 12 years old. I’ve been nice this year. These are the gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas: I’d love a horse or pony cause my Dad and Mom have been good and hard-working. Love, Ella.

Click here to download the full page as a PDF.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Early deadline for New Year’s holiday

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Because next week’s New Year’s holiday falls on Thursday, we are moving our print deadline to Monday. This will accommodate an abbreviated pre-holiday schedule at our print shop and allow time for delivery and processing through the post office, so that print subscribers still will receive the Times in their mailbox on Friday, January 2.

Please submit all news, letters to the editor, press releases, advertisements, and other items to us at news@hulltimes.com by Monday, December 29 at 5 p.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation.

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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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ON TOP: The third-grade boys basketball team recently played the second game of the season and came away with a big 15–13 win over East Bridgewater. It was a true team effort from start to finish – hustle, teamwork, and nonstop energy. These boys know how to play as a team and support, encourage, and cheer each other on every step of the way. [Courtesy photo]

Compiled by Matt Haraden

• The Hull High Boys Basketball team’s next game is on the road against the Academy of the Pacific Rim in Boston at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 2, followed by a return to the home gym on Monday, January 5 against Falmouth Academy at 5 p.m.

• The Girls Varsity Basketball team is 0-3 on the season after falling to the Carver Crusaders, 59-29, on Friday, December 19. Gianna Thorne scored 10 points, while Addison Littlefield had 6 points and 5 rebounds, and Bella Walsh scored 6 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots. During the holiday break, the team will play in the Scituate Holiday Tournament on Tuesday, December 30 at 12:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 31 at 11 a.m., then travels to the New Heights Charter School in Brockton on Monday, January 5 at 4:30 p.m.

• The Cohasset-Hull Cooperative Hockey team’s next games will be on Saturday, January 3 against Boston Latin Academy. Puck drops at 4 p.m. The team then heads down the Cape to take on Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School at the Tony Kent Arena in South Dennis on Monday, January 5 at 6 p.m.

• The Hingham-Hull Cooperative Gymnastics squad is 1-0 on the season, winning its opening matchup over Marshfield, 130.4 to 121.3, on December 19. The next competition will be against Whitman-Hanson Regional High School at the Massachusetts Gymnastics Center in Hingham on Wednesday, January 7 at 8 p.m.

• The next meet for the Boys and Girls Indoor Track teams will be against Carver on Monday, January 5 at 4 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

• For the full schedule for each Hull High team, visit www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=10611.

• Registration is under way for Hull Pirates In-Town Youth Basketball. Programs include a skills and drills co-ed session for grades 1 and 2, a co-ed program for grades 3 and 4, as well as an open gym program (also co-ed) for grades 5-8. The season runs from January 10-March 14 on Saturdays at the Jacobs School gym. For more information, visit http://hullbasketball.leagueapps.com/camps.

• A combined Girls 3/4 travel basketball team is on the court this season, competing at the fourth-grade level, and has a record of 1-2. The team’s most recent game was a 36-5 loss to Weymouth on Saturday. Next up is Hingham on Sunday, January 4 at 3 p.m. All games are played at Indian Head Elementary School in Hanson, so fans have to travel to take in a game. The full schedule of game times and weekly opponents is at this link: www.oldcolonybasketball.org/team/hull/4/1.

• Registration is open for Hull Youth Lacrosse – two travel teams and the in-town programs – through January 22. For more information, visit www.hulllax.com or email hullyouthlax@gmail.com if you have any questions.

• 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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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Town hall relocation, additional firefighters among highlights of planning for next year’s budget

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Town Manager Jennifer Constable presented a fiscal 2027 budget overview this week to the select board during a meeting that was also attended by members of the advisory board.

Constable said there is some uncertainty in the budget due to the projected – but as yet unconfirmed – roughly 10% increase in health insurance costs, unknown level of state aid, and other considerations.

The town’s revenue comes mostly from property taxes (about 72%), as well as state aid (about 14%), with the other funds derived from and excise taxes, ambulance receipts, and building permit fees.

Constable explained the fiscal calendar and process, and discussed the budget assumptions for the coming year; highlights of the current fiscal year; fiscal 2027 operational and capital expenditure updates – such as the closure of town hall, relocation of the senior center, and establishment of a capital stabilization fund –  and the next steps, all leading up to the May annual town meeting, where voters will have the final say.

The fiscal 2027 process began with a tax rate classification hearing and a request for departmental budgets and capital proposals in November, followed by the beginning of budget and capital request meetings with department heads and capital improvement planning this month.

Constable will present the proposed fiscal 2027 municipal budget in January. 

Fiscal 2027 expenses in addition to debt and increased health insurance costs relate to pension liabilities, one collective bargaining agreement, MBTA, charter school, and South Shore Regional Emergency Communications Center assessments, and capital projects.

Next year’s operational and capital expense expectations relate in part to staff increases – including two firefighter and also paramedic/EMT positions and an increase in staff hours for some departments on the operational side – and under “capital,” the closure of town hall for the most part, with some maintenance required – including a new roof; general government software; seawall repair and maintenance at Crescent Beach; public safety equipment and design for a proposed new public safety facility; relocation of the senior center; and increases to the general stabilization fund and establishing one for capital projects.

Next steps include continuing to refine the fiscal 2027 budget; development of a five-year capital improvement plan; department budget meetings with the advisory board and capital planning committee; and finalization of the budget request that will be presented to town meeting.

Fiscal 2026 highlights include capital improvement planning; work on a master plan for Hull; integrated town goals and objectives; infrastructure work; implementation of online permitting; successful completion of two collective bargaining agreements; and staff increases for the police department and library.

Advisory Board Chair Jason Frady, member David Clinton, and Constable encouraged widespread citizen participation in the budget process at the meeting.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

‘There Is No Place Like Hull’ adopted as new slogan to promote town to visitors

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The Economic Development Committee earlier this month reviewed a presentation by a consultant who created a volunteer marketing and branding task force that has been working on a townwide campaign during the past year – and unanimously approved her strategy, branding, and creative direction with the slogan “There Is No Place Like Hull.”

“The Chamber is embarking on [an effort] to focus on a 2025-2026 Hull brand campaign to promote Hull and to invite new guests to experience more of [what the town has to offer],” resident Erin Swenson Gorrall said of her work with the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce. “This is where the project started.”

The task force is comprised of members of the EDC and the Chamber of Commerce. Hannah Campbell, an intern, assisted Gorrall with the project.

On Wednesday night, the EDC received the select board’s unanimous approval for the campaign and the “There Is No Place Like Hull” slogan. These elements will be incorporated into the existing “wave” wayfinding signage design, and grant funding will be sought to help launch the marketing campaign next spring in conjunction with the town’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a nationwide commemoration.

Gorrall said the marketing and branding strategy was a collaborative effort involving many people and that there is a wide representation of the Hull community on the task force.

“That’s what makes Hull so awesome – that there are so many great people willing to share their ideas,” she said.

The purpose of the campaign is to bring more dollars into Hull – including local businesses – and to “instill a new perception of Hull to locals and tourists as America turns 250,” she said.

Goal is to promote Hull

This has been “a year in the works, and we’re hoping to get it off the ground and get more people to come into Hull to utilize our businesses and services and to help promote Hull more,” EDC Chair Susan Vermilya said. “This is an opportunity for feedback from the committee – to wrap it up and get [the campaign] ready for prime time.”

Other goals include increasing foot traffic on non-beach days and exploration of the town by those who visit Hull on beach days, increasing pride among Hullonians, connecting summer residents year-round, and “getting on the list” of Boston day and weekend travelers.

Targeted audiences include “urban tourists/Boston visitors;” business travelers tacking on personal vacation time (in a practice known as “bleisure” travel), and local day-trippers who love history, water, and culture as well as wellness and pet travelers. Hull’s proximity to the ferry makes it easy for tourists to get there.

The campaign focuses on “connecting to the positive and ownable attributes of Hull: one-of-a-kind views, quirky beach vibe, interesting people, surprising history, and ownable location … something to set us apart from our South Shore neighbors in a friendly way.”

Among those who are onboard to help create the campaign are HullNext, KLC Communications, Joe Berkeley (an experienced independent marketer who also manages the Humans of Nantasket Facebook page), and Sara Ventetuolo, as producer/campaign organizer.

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

The proposed strategy and planning around the 250th celebration includes organizing events and cultural programs, a branding campaign, targeted advertising, and collaboration with influencers and travel bloggers as well as enhancing the visitor experience by promoting local businesses and improving public transportation and shuttles from nearby cities.

Gorrall noted that in Boston Magazine’s ranking of the best and worst places to live in Greater Boston based on eight criteria – including housing, mobility, health care, diversity, education, and employment – the highest-ranking South Shore community was Hingham at 25th, while Hull ranked near the bottom at 136th.

Perception that Hull is “not as much of a gem as it really is’

“We live in the ironic reality that there’s a perception that Hull is not as much of a gem as it really is,” she said.

It was noted in Gorrall’s presentation that no South Shore town or city placed in the top 10. “The highest score went to Hingham, which ranked 25th overall – a judgment sure to have neighboring Hullonians in a rage, especially when they see their own proud peninsula ranked 136, only five spots from the bottom.”

Gorrall also talked about the results of the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis that reflects the opinions of many Hull residents – including those who summer in town – and business owners that are included in the presentation – “not just mine.”

Among Hull’s strengths mentioned in the presentation were its coastal and natural assets (unrivaled ocean beauty, views of Boston skyline, abundant beaches and water access, Fort Revere, Hull Lifesaving Museum), community and culture (including its caring and accepting residents, quirky and artsy vibe, and charming, diverse neighborhoods), attractions and lifestyle (its unique local businesses, the Paragon Carousel and Department of Conservation and Recreation property, vibrant events (bonfire, carnival), and its museums and rich history, and connectivity and growth (proximity to Boston through ferry and MBTA access, its walkability, and beautification and open space projects).

‘‘Hull has some incredible strengths’

“It’s important to remember that Hull has some incredible strengths not ownable by other communities in the South Shore area,” Gorrall said.

She also outlined some of Hull’s weaknesses as described by people she talked with – including the “weak” nature of some of its businesses such as smoke shops and convenience shops, the lack of businesses for shopping, and a “negative business attitude.”

Another weakness, she said, is the perception of Hull and its reputation – “bad perceptions such as being referred to as ‘Brockton by the Sea’ – I had never heard that before and I don’t personally feel that” – “there’s also a bad perception around the schools and school offerings;” and the perception that Hull is a “ far-off” location and perceived as “not for anyone 10 months of the year.”

Gorrall also listed “town management and governance” in the “weaknesses” category as described to her by some residents – “poor stewardship and decisions affecting today; town in-fighting; paralysis on decisions; funding is mismanaged” – and “marketing and experience – “disjointed offering/messaging not cohesive; off-season is too quiet; lack of promotion.”

Gorrall also listed in the “threats” category parking and traffic flow issues; corporate development, and under “community and culture,” “negative attitudes, that the new population is different than the old population; families [are] leaving.”

On the opportunities offered by Hull, she included the town’s heritage and nature, events and activities, community connection, and business promotion.

Visitors’ guide a key part

Vermilya noted that the planned visitors’ guide will be a key part of the campaign, as will a website identifying different events around town and other information.

She also asked Gorrall about her reference to attempting to attract visitors on non-beach days rather than using the term, “off-season,” which has a more year-round connotation.

In response, Gorrall suggested first making a choice on “which non-beach days to focus on.”

“We need more customers here for all the businesses. That needs to be our focus,” Chamber President Steven Greenberg said.

He also noted that one of the select board’s goals and objectives is for the town to offer more “year-round activities, and this strategy relates to that,” he said.

Greenberg also said he doesn’t feel comfortable “opening the town of Hull to the world unless the [residents] want us to do that.”

The next EDC meeting is January 6.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Neighbors seeking town’s help to resolve long-running dispute over James Avenue beach access

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Text and Photos Submitted by Kelly Reilly and Kathleen Wolf

On the bay side of Hull, at the end of the peninsula in the Village, sits a small rocky beach area that has been in use for hundreds of years. The town bought land here at James Beach, created a parking lot, lighting, and a small pier for boat launches. Water testing is performed regularly during the summer to insure safety for swimmers. Many Hullonians remember taking swim lessons at this beach in their youth. The beach is a precious community space and has always been used for swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, rock skipping, sitting, walking, sunning.

JUST BEACHY: In years past, neighborhood families had unrestricted access to the beach at the end of James Avenue.

This beach area is now blocked by wires and a “no trespassing” sign that warns of 24/7 video surveillance. A homeowner in the area has created this blockage so people cannot access the rest of the area. The blockage has been an issue in the past as well. Other homeowners in the area state that they support protecting community access and sharing the beach with the public, as has always been done.

At a town meeting in 2017, the blockage was discussed at length and the citizens voted to authorize the select board to take necessary measures to protect access to this area. Unfortunately, the town has not followed through on this important decision. Now that the blockage is back in place, citizens have been trying to get this issue on the select board’s agenda without any response.

BLOCKED: A neighbor whose property boundary stretches across the traditional beach entrance at James Avenue has posted signs and a wire barrier to prevent access to the area.

Interestingly, there are already 14 easements in Hull Village. A new protective easement would fit right into our cultural dynamic and reestablish access to this wonderful beach.

To view the town meeting discussion, visit Hull Community Television’s website, www.HullTV.net, click on video on demand, type in town meeting, scroll to 5.1.17. The presentation of Article 15 starts at 2:38 and ends at 3:39.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Donations sought to help Hull families stretch their food budget all year long

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Stretch Your Food Budget (SYFB) is a year-round service project of the Nantasket-Hull Rotary Club dedicated to ensuring that our neighbors in Hull have access to nutritious, home-cooked meals.

Founded in 2020 by Rotary charter member Dennis Zaia, SYFB was created in response to growing food insecurity – an issue made more urgent by reductions in SNAP benefits and limited food pantry resources. Today, many Hull families continue to struggle, and the need for support is steadily increasing.

SYFB helps residents stretch their food dollars while still enjoying healthy, satisfying meals. Each week, families receive thoughtfully prepared meal kits that include all the ingredients needed for easy-to-make, delicious recipes, along with simple instructions. Each kit provides 4–6 servings, enough to feed an entire family, and is supplemented with additional food items such as canned vegetables, soups, stews, and specialty goods.

There are no prequalification requirements. Food is ordered online, carefully packed, and delivered weekly at no cost by dedicated Rotary volunteers.

As economic pressures continue to rise, so do the demands for this vital program. Your donation can make an immediate difference for Hull residents facing food insecurity.

If you are in Hull and would like to receive free meals from the program, visit www.syfb.space to fill out an order form and make your selections by 5 p.m. on Friday for delivery on Tuesdays.

Please consider supporting SYFB with a donation:

• By check: Make payable to The Nantasket-Hull Rotary Club (write SYFB in the memo) and mail to PO Box 38, Hull, MA 02045

• By Venmo: @Nantasket-Hull Rotary Club

You may also receive an appeal from Givebutter, a partner of our Rotary Foundation. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an appeal, please contact us at nantaskethullrotary@gmail.com.

Together, we can ensure that no family in Hull has to choose between nutrition and necessity. Thank you for your generosity and support.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Fore River Bridge openings now available here for you!

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The Fore River Bridge on Route 3A, connecting Weymouth and Quincy, is one of Hull’s main links to Boston and communities to the north.

The bridge is raised when tankers and other ships need to pass through – there is no set schedule, but Citgo, which controls maritime traffic in the area, will provide alerts on expected disruptions.

The Hull Times posts information on scheduled bridge openings on our web page to help you plan your commute on Route 3A.

Visit https://www.hulltimes.com/fore-river-bridge-openings or just click on the bridge image in the left-hand column of our home page.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Early-morning demolition brings down Hull’s last wind turbine at former town dump

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DOWNWIND: Shortly after sunrise on Wednesday morning, crews toppled Hull Wind II, which had stood atop the former landfill since 2006. The 200-foot-tall wind turbine had been offline for several years after replacement parts could not be found to make the needed repairs. [Skip Tull photo]

With a loud crash that reverberated through the Rockaway neighborhood, Hull’s last remaining wind turbine was toppled by crews early Wednesday morning, officially ending the town’s decades-old foray into wind-generated electricity.

The 1.8-megawatt turbine, which was about 200 feet tall, was installed at the former town landfill in May 2006 and generated enough energy to power 800 homes each year. It had been offline since 2023 and was declared beyond repair less than a year later when replacement parts could not be located.

Crews cut into the tower at the base and the turbine crashed to the ground shortly after sunrise on Wednesday. Some neighborhood residents expressed surprise that the light plant kept them in the dark about the demolition. The removal also was not discussed with light commissioners at the board’s meeting on Tuesday night.

“Due to the timing and location of Hull Wind II, and for safety reasons, the date and time of demolition was not publicized prior to removal,” according to a statement issued by the light plant Wednesday evening.

GROUNDED: The demolition crew made quick work of taking down Hull Wind II at the former town dump on Wednesday morning. After they cut into the base, the 200-foot tower crashed to the ground shortly after sunrise. [Richard W. Green photo]

The removal of Hull Wind II comes after Hull Wind I at Pemberton was taken down in February 2024. That turbine also was deemed beyond repair. The light plant estimated that Hull Wind II generated 7% of the energy needs of customers, while the smaller Hull Wind I provided 4% of the town’s electricity.

“In the wake of decommissioning both Hull Wind I and II, Hull Municipal Light Plant and the light board look forward to developing new initiatives and partnerships to enhance energy services,” the light plant’s statement concluded.

– Christopher Haraden

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‘Team effort’ rescues rare sea turtle from freezing ocean water at Hull Gut

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By Carol Britton Meyer

What started out last Tuesday, December 2 as a normal morning at work loading lobster traps onto the Acushnet Marine truck at Hull Gut turned out to be anything but when the four crew members ended up rescuing a critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle from the water.

RESCUE ME: Kelly MacKenzie holds the rare sea turtle named ‘Tugboat’ that was rescued from the cold water at Hull Gut last week. The turtle was brought to the New England Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, where it is recovering from exposure to the cold. [Courtesy photo]

Kelly MacKenzie, owner Mike McDevitt, and co-workers Liam Borza and Jodi Clefstad were going about their business at Pemberton when they spotted a sea turtle – whom they later named “Tugboat” – in distress close to shore.

“At first I thought it was a fish,” MacKenzie told The Hull Times. “However, Mike recognized right away that it was a sea turtle and knew that it wasn’t supposed to be around this time of year.”

They immediately contacted Hull Harbormaster Kurt Bornheim, who told them to call the New England Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy.

“That’s what we did, and we were told to try to get the turtle out of the water and that an animal ambulance would soon be on its way,” MacKenzie recalled.

She and the others were able to gently lift the sea turtle out of the water and place him in a bin with seaweed.

“It was a team effort,” she said. “We were all really excited and started taking photos.”

The ambulance arrived within 30 minutes. Tugboat is continuing his recovery in the Sea Turtle Hospital after the staff there kept him in a heated environment for three days to slowly raise his body temperature.

“We were told that he’ll be there for about a month,” MacKenzie said. “We get regular updates by email.”

Kemp’s ridley is a small sea turtle species that is rare and endangered and frequently is cold-stunned in New England’s waters. The hospital rehabilitates hundreds of injured turtles annually before returning them to the ocean.

MacKenzie is asking Hull residents to be on high alert because sea turtles are showing up lately and getting beached at the high-tide mark in Hull and the surrounding area.

“When the temperatures are low, they only have about two hours out of the water to survive,” she explained. “Sea turtles usually would have migrated by now, but they are getting turned around by high winds and other conditions” and losing their way.

MacKenzie was “super excited” about seeing a sea turtle because she has always loved them but had never seen one in real life until Tugboat’s rescue.

“I come from a Hull lobstering family and always heard stories about how there used to be a lot of them around, but not in recent years,” MacKenzie said.

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