Hull Public Schools Bus Routes - 2022-23

First day of school is Aug. 31

Here are the bus routes for the three hull schools.

Hull High School

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

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

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

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

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

Jacobs Elementary School

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memorial Middle School

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Christopher Haraden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Carol Britton Meyer

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

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

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

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

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

Town Manager Philip Lemnios explained the reasoning behind this decision.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reilly also shared his thoughts with the Times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early Voting for Sept. 6 State Primary Election

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, Sept. 2: The office will be closed

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

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

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

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

By Carol Britton Meyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Carol Britton Meyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She is also looking forward to working with Knybel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Carol Britton Meyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judge sets December date for closing arguments in Graves Light tax lawsuit

A GRAVES SITUATION. The lawsuit challenging the Town of Hull’s authority to levy property taxes on Graves Light continues to work its way through the courts. Last week, the Land Court judge presiding over the case delayed the presentation of closing arguments until December. [Jennifer Whelan photo]

By Christopher Haraden

After hearings in Land Court earlier this month, the trial to determine whether Graves Light is within the boundaries of Hull will not be resolved until at least December.

Judge Diane Rubin has scheduled closing arguments in her courtroom for Dec. 9 to allow the lawyers for both sides to file legal briefs and transcripts and to review the 151 exhibits presented during the trial.

The suit, filed in February 2020 by David Waller of Malden, disputes the Town of Hull’s claim that the lighthouse is within the town’s jurisdiction, and therefore subject to local property taxes.

Waller sued after the Town of Hull sent him a tax bill for $3,552.42 for FY20. He maintains that Graves Ledge, prior to his 2013 purchase of the property from the federal government for $933,888, was not previously included in the Hull assessors’ database like other public properties, but was arbitrarily added after he bought it.

“The judge made her decision on the date in response to a request from Hull’s town counsel and to accommodate post-trial briefing,” Waller’s attorney, Peter Biagetti, said this week. “Once those briefs are filed and the closing [arguments] take place, the case will be in the judge’s hands.”

Town Counsel James Lampke said the four-month period for post-trial work by the attorneys is typical in tax disputes like this one, which relies heavily on interpretations of documents and historic maps.

“I requested sufficient time to review the transcripts and research … and prepare the brief, taking into consideration the time of the year, schedules and other demands,” Lampke said.

He added that Rubin set a deadline of Aug. 31 for the filing of transcripts and Oct. 31 for attorneys to file briefs prior to the closing arguments in person on Dec. 9.

Waller said his deed from the federal government describes the property in terms of latitude and longitude, and references Broad Sound Channel, a shipping route in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. Documents provided by a US Coast Guard office in Virginia indicated that “the property is not located within the corporate limits of any municipality.” In court filings, Lampke disputed this characterization, noting that unlike other states, Massachusetts does not recognize unincorporated areas.

Lampke filed a counterclaim against Graves Light and Fog Station LLC, Waller’s corporate entity, in order to prevent further renovations of the 113-foot-tall lighthouse without permits from the town.

During the trial, Biagetti presented documents and maps dating as far back as the 1600s that he says indicate that Graves Light is not within Hull’s boundaries. Lampke, a lighthouse historian, has introduced other maps that show the opposite circumstance, as well as documents from the federal government that list Graves as part of Hull.

Graves Light has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1981. Graves Ledge was named for Thomas Graves, vice admiral of John Winthrop’s fleet and a resident of Lynn who became America’s first foreign trader.

Under the terms of the sale, the Coast Guard maintains the Graves fog horn and beacon, which began flashing its 2-2-2 signal in 1905. Waller and another family renovated the lighthouse and use it as a vacation home.

Waller said he is acting in good faith and the renovations to the property comply with regulations, and the attempts to collect property taxes are an example of “mistreatment” by the town. Lampke has framed the dispute as a town border protection issue, and asserts that the Town of Hull is not interested in preventing Waller from doing further work on the property, but is seeking clarity on the exact location of the town’s offshore boundaries.

All in the family: Grossmans provide stability to Temple Beth Sholom’s succession plan

DYNAMIC DUO. As part of a succession plan at Temple Beth Sholom, Rabbi David Grossman soon will be joined by his son, Joshua Grossman, as part of the temple’s spiritual leadership team. [Courtesy photo]

By Carol Britton Meyer

Temple Beth Sholom, which has been a pillar of the Hull community since 1938, is welcoming a second rabbi – current Rabbi David Grossman’s son – into its spiritual leadership team.

Joshua Grossman is joining his father as part of a succession plan for the future, with both serving in the dual role of cantor and rabbi.

Following an informal “meet and greet” on July 29 as part of its Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat service, a formal installation is planned for Sunday, Aug. 14, starting at 6 p.m., followed by a kosher catered barbecue.

“We’re excited about this unique experience [for our congregation], and we’re looking forward to what this will bring to our community,” Temple President Patrick Guiney told The Hull Times. “They make a dynamic team.”

Both rabbis are “fabulous singers,” he said. “It’s a true win-win with two rabbis working together as father and son and all that brings, and their singing abilities on top of that is like the icing on the cake. It will be a moving experience.”

Rabbi David is entering into his fourth year as spiritual and religious leader of Temple Beth Sholom.

His roots in Hull run deep, from the time he led Shabbat services at Temple Beth Sholom’s sister shul, Temple Israel of Nantasket, during the summer months from 1980 to 2010.

He began his career as a cantor at a Norwood temple, where he served for many years. Prior to stepping into his role with Temple Beth Sholom, he was the Rabbi of Temple B’Nai Tikvah in Canton, the congregation resulting from the merger of Temple Beth Am of Randolph and Temple Beth Abraham of Canton.  Previously, he served the Temple Beth Am community, first as cantor for eight years and as rabbi for five years.

During the time that father and son shared space in Canton under the two different congregations, Joshua began his studies to become a rabbi while serving as a cantor. He received his rabbinical ordination after his father had moved on to the Hull temple and was putting the wheels into motion for a long-term succession plan that would be in place after three years of sharing leadership.

“One of the biggest things is to have a mentor – someone to look up to and respect, and I’m looking forward to learning from my father,” Rabbi Joshua said.

Father and son are both pleased that the dual rabbi idea was well-received by the Beth Sholom congregation.

“We have their full support and cooperation, with a sense of excitement and optimism,” Rabbi Joshua said. “This will lead to a smooth and comfortable succession that can be put into place without too many obstacles [when the time comes].”

The two rabbis have often shared notes and studied together in the past, “so now we can do it more closely because we share a community,” Rabbi David said.

The words “Beth Sholom” mean “house of peace,” which both rabbis say truly describes the temple they serve. “One of the 613 commandments in the Torah relates to the pursuit of peace, and our temple is a house of peace. The aim of our services is for people to feel uplifted and filled with more peace than they felt when they walked in,” Rabbi David said.

The meaning of those words is also reflected in the kindnesses shown among members of the congregation that extend beyond the service in responding to the various needs of its members.

The word “rabbi” means teacher, “serving as a spiritual guide for the congregation in passing along knowledge, the exploration of traditions, and preparations for the high holidays,” Rabbi Joshua said.

His father explained the different roles of cantor and rabbi.

“A cantor mainly sings and interacts with the congregation, while a rabbi’s role goes beyond the service to pastoral duties that include weddings, bar mitzvahs, funerals, and interacting with people in the Beth Sholom community who are in need of care,” he said. “The gist of Judaism is to love your fellow person as yourself.”

The congregation has been hit hard by the pandemic, and the Grossmans are endeavoring to bridge that gap.

“I’m hoping we are approaching the end of that chapter,” Rabbi David said. “We’re looking forward to the high holidays that start in September. We’re planning to be on the ground, with safeguards in place, following a time of more Zoom rather than in-person participation. This will be a good transition for this coming fall.”

Both are looking forward to the unique experience of serving together as father and son.

“Having a succession plan in place offers some comfort to the congregation in the form of longevity,” Rabbi Joshua said. “We’re here to stay and glad for this to be so.”

Rabbi David is looking forward to introducing his son at the next Hingham-Hull Religious Leaders Association.

“This is a lovely group comprised of most of the clergy from the two towns, who meet monthly and support one another,” he said.

Rabbi David shared his thoughts about what makes the Beth Sholom community special, from the congregation’s commitment to one another to the tremendous amount of volunteerism.

Rabbi Joshua explained the qualities he believes are best-suited to being a rabbi, including dedication, honesty, caring, and compassion.

Rabbi David said his son brings new energy to the congregation and that he will be developing new programs to engage the members of the congregation.

“Our programs are open to everyone, and we welcome questions,” he said.

In his spare time, Rabbi David enjoys spending time with his family, including his grandchildren.

“Hull has such beautiful views of the ocean, and some of the references to ‘ocean’ in our hymns relate,” he said. “The people of Hull really care for each other, and that’s what Temple Beth Sholom endeavors to foster in our community.”

Rabbi David is also a member of the South Shore Men of Harmony a cappella group, which has performed at numerous functions in Hull and adjacent towns.

Rabbi Joshua said the people of Hull make the town special.

“I have been welcomed wholeheartedly by the Beth Sholom and the overall community, and Hull already feels like home after a mere few weeks of being here,” he said. In his spare time, he enjoys taking day trips and spending time outdoors.

During the summer months, Beth Sholom’s services are held at Temple Israel at 9 Hadassah Way. Everyone is welcome. 

Celebrating Charlie Gould as he turns 90

Hull’s Charlie Gould and Larry Kellem each are celebrating their 90th birthdays!

Submitted by Caitlin Gould

My Uncle Charlie, Charles E. Gould, Esq. was born on Aug. 8, 1932 to John F. Gould and Anne V. (McGinn) Gould. Recently he shared some of his many accomplishments that he achieved in his 90 years – yes, 90!

I’ll begin with the date of Dec. 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor. My Uncle Charlie was with his Dad, my grandfather, who was a permanent Hull Firefighter at the Hull Village Fire Station and would end up providing coverage to Fort Revere during this time of war. From Feb. 9, 1951 to Feb. 8, 1954, he served two combat tours in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division and the 1st Calvary Division. When he returned to the States, he was assigned as an instructor to the first-year cadets at West Point.

Back in Hull, he was active in local politics. During the 1956 Democratic campaign for state Representative, he shared the speaker’s platform with former Boston Mayor James Michael Curley at a large public gathering at Hingham High School. In 1958, he introduced Massachusetts Senator and future President John F. Kennedy to the people of Hull in the parking lot of what was Tedeschi’s and the Surf Ballroom.

In 1965, he became chairman of the Hull Redevelopment Authority, which at that time hadn’t had a meeting in five months, helping to take the authority through the important steps of planning and staffing, where only Hull residents were put in positions. During the largest town meeting in Hull’s history the urban renewal program was approved with 1,645 votes, a 90% approval rating. To fund this program, he was able to acquire millions from the federal and state governments.

In 1971, the process began to acquire 76 buildings that had been ruled substandard, the relocation of 125 people and numerous businesses, and the demolition of 75 buildings. One building was rehabilitated to become the Hull Medical Center, the state built the TOPICS Road, and community development was made available for the whole town by the federal government.

As part of the program, the chairman of the HRA requested that the town make the building department a full-time position. Separately, he recalled a proposal at a town meeting to make the office of town clerk an appointed one rather than an elective one. This office is responsible for the supervision of elections and the official in charge of records of births, marriages, deaths, etc., and Charles fought this proposal on the town meeting floor and was successful in defeating it.

After the Blizzard of 1978, he was the government official that was in charge of the insurance team that helped almost 1,000 families in Hull with their insurance claims. As a state examiner with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, he represented that organization at a U.S. Senate hearing led by Senator Nunn of Georgia and Senator Percy of Illinois, where he wrote a report on those proceedings.

Recently, my cousin Nicholas Torre (my uncle’s look-alike), the U.S. Army historian, came up from the Pentagon to interview his granduncle about his military service to be sure it is preserved. He also interviewed my Mom, Marilyn Gould, the widow of Thomas G. Gould about his military record. My Dad, Charlie’s youngest brother, was a 100% disabled veteran of the Vietnam War.

Please join our family in wishing Charlie Gould a Happy 90th Birthday!