Lifesaving Museum to light up the night on July 29 with annual Harbor Illumination

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Continuing a tradition begun in 1881 along the town’s miles of shoreline, the Hull Lifesaving Museum will present its annual Harbor Illumination on Saturday night, July 29.

Volunteers will light flares that have been purchased to honor, remember, or celebrate loved ones along the two-mile stretch of the bay from A Street to Hull Village. Flares are still available on the museum website, www.hulllifesavingmuseum.org, or at the museum shop for those who have yet to reserve them, said museum Director of Development Maureen Gillis.

The collective celebration and personal remembrance event begins Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Hull Village Cemetery, where the legacy of Capt. Joshua James and the lifesavers who patrolled the shores in the late 1800s and early 1900s will be honored. Following that recognition, the Forever Flare memorial ceremony, sponsored by Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, will begin at 8 p.m. near the A Street Pier. The general lighting of the flares begins at 8:30 p.m., as the community and visitors gather along Hull Bay from the A Street Pier to James Avenue in the Village.

In Hull, lighting the harbor with candles and torches began as an end-of-summer celebration, with the first illumination organized by the yacht club in 1881. By the next year, The Boston Globe reported that the locals had ironed out any wrinkles, and the second annual event cast a bright glow from the verandas of local hotels and cottages along the shoreline.

“The residents of the charming village of Hull, as a rule, entered heart and soul into the preparation for the illumination… seen from the landing at the Hotel Pemberton, the many-colored lights decorating the cottages on the hill were mirrored in the surface of the water below, the twinkling lights reflected in the bay producing a most charming and delightful effect,” the Globe reported on the morning of Sept. 5, 1882.

This year, Hull Lifesaving Museum will celebrate Richard Boonisar with a Forever Flare as a thank-you for his continuous support of the Hull Lifesaving Museum. In addition, HLM will remember Brendan Geary, a longtime Hull resident and friend to the museum.

Individual flares can still be purchased for $10, while Forever Flares – which the museum will display every year to remember loved ones – are $300. Participants should contact the museum at info@hulllifesavingmuseum.org to buy flares or to purchase T-shirts and sweatshirts to support the museum’s diverse programming calendar throughout the year.

To prepare for the harbor illumination, staff members place the flares along the shoreline, and area captains are responsible for lighting them on cue.

“Volunteers are always needed to help the captains in each neighborhood ignite the flares to ensure a consistent glow, and residents interested in helping can approach the captains on the night of the event to assist,” Gillis said.

The Hull Harbor Illumination was an annual event in the late 1800s and early 1900s before being discontinued. The museum brought the tradition back for several years in 1989 as part of Joshua James Heritage Days, and in recent years the event has become part of the lifesaving museum’s annual fundraisers and community-building efforts.

Proceeds from the event support programs for children, adults, veterans, and underserved individuals throughout the year, including the new Maritime Apprentice Program, boat building and rowing programs. Gillis said that the museum values and is grateful for the support of its sponsors, including Pyne Keohane (memorial sponsor of Forever Flares), Save the Harbor Save the Bay, Woodard and Curran, Granite City Electric Company, Safe Harbor Sunset Bay, Local 02045, O’Donoghue Insurance Agency, Clean Harbors, Salt Water Club, Hingham Institution for Savings and the Rockland Trust bank.

The Illumination is a favorite event of photographers on land and sea throughout town, and with favorable weather in the forecast, the museum staff is looking forward to a repeat of the Globe’s assessment of the 1882 illumination: “The scene was one never before witnessed in this vicinity, and rarely surpassed by the display upon any similar occasion elsewhere. It was a picture of striking beauty, and one that, once seen, will not easily be forgotten.”

Developer drops request for Boardwalk variance; to ‘adjust concept’ in new plan

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By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

For the second time since 2021, plans to revitalize the Paragon Boardwalk property have been withdrawn by the developer.

In a June 29 letter to the zoning board of appeals, attorney Adam J. Brodsky, representing The Procopio Companies, requested to withdraw the application for a height variance “without prejudice,” meaning that the developer can reapply. If the variance had been approved, the 75-foot-high Paragon Dunes development at 183-197 Nantasket Ave. would have been 35 feet higher than the maximum 40 feet allowed in the Nantasket Beach Overlay District.

In response to a request for more information from the Times, Bryan Vitale, Procopio’s senior vice president, said the company wants to “adjust our concept” in response to “the changing economic landscape.”

“Procopio remains committed to bringing a project to life at the current Paragon Boardwalk site, and while we have withdrawn the current plan, we are continuing to adjust our concept while accounting for the changing economic landscape,” Vitale said. “We are excited about this opportunity in Hull and look forward to presenting a revised plan in coming months.”

The latest withdrawal is the second time a potential development plan has been voluntarily halted. In 2021, Boardwalk property owner Chris Reale withdrew his application for a smaller Dunes project that was to include 116 residential units in a five-story building adjacent to the Boardwalk, along with limited commercial space. Procopio proposed a six-story building with 142 residential units, as well as a three-story commercial structure and an attached one-story deck.

Previously, Brodsky had said that “anything below 142 residential units makes the project financially unviable as currently designed.”

The developer had presented the plans to the select board in January and was scheduled to go before the ZBA on June 6, but requested a postponement until July 18. ZBA Chair Patrick Finn said the Paragon Dunes project will remain on the board’s Tuesday agenda as “a matter of formality because they [Procopio] are not coming… I think the withdrawal will be a non-issue.”

Sue Vermilya, founding member of SOS (Save Our Space) Hull, a group that advocated for a delay in the Hull Redevelopment Authority’s development process, said she was concerned about the developer’s request to extend far beyond the height limit of the overlay district, which was established by town meeting in 2013.

“The town voted for NBOD zoning for our town. This included heights of no more than three stories,” she said. “The Paragon Boardwalk project was and continues to be out of touch with what was established with the NBOD. Additionally, their design is out of character with the Hull downtown area. If the town were to accept anything other than what's been defined in the NBOD, it could set a precedent for other town developments including any proposals for the HRA land.”

“It's refreshing to hear that members of our town boards are stepping forward and voicing concern over their proposal. It is my hope that they can find a new proposal that complies with our NBOD zoning and is a positive improvement to our town; a win-win for everyone involved,” Vermilya said.

“I can just say that I am happy that the application was withdrawn,” said resident Cindy Borges, who also had advocated for a slower approach to the HRA development. “In my opinion, there should be no reason for any building to be 75 feet tall.”

Other residents submitted comments to the ZBA in anticipation of the July 18 hearing. Many focused on the overlay district, which was adopted to express the community’s expectations of development in that area.

“The [NBOD] article was submitted by the planning board and went through considerable input and vetting from citizens in a process that included 21 public meetings,” said Susan Green of B Street. “My sense from what I have read and heard the majority did not want any more tall buildings on the beachfront of our beautiful town… I believe this zoning bylaw to be well thought out and one that its essence should not be compromised.”

The commercial building would be on the site currently occupied by Dalat restaurant and contain 25,762 square feet in three stories. The six-story residential structure is proposed for the area now containing the arcade building and miniature golf course, and would contain 141,145 square feet.

“It seems incomprehensible to develop a commercial building with three levels of business space when we have so many vacant business spaces in the community,” Helen and Richard Gould wrote to the ZBA. “A landowner or developer seeking to maximize his profits does not seem to meet the qualifications of the zoning laws. In addition, the scope of the project seems totally out of character with what is best for the NBOD.”

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‘Seaside Celebration’ to salute community members who rallied to create Hull Medical Center

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Decades after Hull residents from all walks of life banded together to create a community medical center, Manet Community Health will mark the occasion with a celebration to honor the late Larry Kellem and other founders of the Hull Medical Center.

“Larry was always benevolent and a supportive champion for Manet’s progress,” Manet Community Health CEO Cynthia Sierra told The Hull Times. “He kept a loving and supportive eye on us throughout the years.”

The planning for this celebration began last year, and with the passing of Kellem in January, event organizers decided this would be a way to honor his memory “and to reflect on his and the other founders’ commitment to ensuring that the residents of Hull would have access to quality health care in their community, thus laying the groundwork for Manet’s existence in Hull,” Sierra said.

“Attorney Kellem’s legacy and impact has been, and will continue to be, felt for years and generations to come by the residents, families, business owners and employees, guests to Hull, and imperatively, by patients in need of local access to quality, welcoming health care with integrated mental health and recovery services,” Sierra said. “We are humbled to live a life with the community knowing that residents from Hull and the surrounding area have access to care each day at Manet. We honor Attorney Kellem as he encouraged, trusted and made this possible, thus leaving Hull a healthier place than when he first encountered it. We’re looking forward to celebrating this wonderful legacy.”

The Seaside Summer Celebration fundraiser will take place at Local 02045, 2 A St., on Thursday, July 20, at 5:30 p.m. The event will be an opportunity “to re-engage with longstanding Manet friends and supporters and to introduce ourselves to folks who may not be aware of the quality health care, programs, and services that Manet offers right here in Hull,” Sierra said.

Kellem’s son, Hull attorney David Kellem, recounted how the medical center came into existence in the late 1960s and the early 1970s, and will also offer his reflections at the event.

“It’s easy to take for granted that this community health center sits on George Washington Boulevard and just does its thing day in and day out – providing high-quality medical care and on-target health programs to our community,” Kellem told the Times. “If you live in Hull, even if you don’t have insurance, you have medical care available down the street. But this was not always so.”

A tragic incident that occurred almost 60 years ago highlighted the need for a local medical center.

In October 1966, 15-year-old student Diane Christopher died in her classroom at Hull High School because local medical care was not available to come quickly to her aid, Kellem recalled. The community launched into action and formed a non-profit charitable organization, Hull Medical Center, Inc., with the mission of bringing doctors and a modern medical facility to town.

“It was a full-on community effort involving town officials, local clergy, the business community, volunteer fundraising committees, and many individual citizens who donated $25 each to reach the goal of $50,000 in seed money,” according to Kellem. “Even the Sears Roebuck corporation got involved in the mission!”

Generous donations from the Hull community and a federal grant provided the seed money to hire a doctor.

“The initial facility, if one can use that term loosely, was the basement office of Dr. John Silva, Hull’s only dentist at the time, located at the corner of B Street and Nantasket Avenue,” Kellem said.

Following a search for a permanent location, the land on George Washington Boulevard where Manet now sits was chosen as the best site, and the Hull Redevelopment Authority donated the former Casa de Joseph building, which had been taken by eminent domain as part of the urban renewal project.

Matthew Muncy of the Hull Highway Department supervised initial site work by the town, and foundation work was performed by Joseph DiVito and Richard Delmonico. Gordon Building Movers literally rolled the building from the HRA property to the Boulevard site. The Hull Cooperative Bank provided the initial mortgage funding, with the Rockland Trust Company later financing an extensive remodeling and buildout of the facility.

Hull Medical Center Inc., a non-profit, ran the operations for many years, hiring and managing doctors, nurses, an executive director, administrative staff, and purchasing all of the equipment needed to treat patients.

“The facility thrived and was dedicated to serving everyone regardless of their ability to pay,” Kellem recalled. “This was a community medical facility in every sense.”

His father performed all the legal work to establish the new medical center. Other civic-minded Hull residents, most of whom had no medical background but supported the idea of a community health center, volunteered their expertise and rallied their neighbors to lend a hand.

“Other people who catalyzed the creation of the facility included Lenny Colten, Frank Kerr, Larry Stone, Albert Minevitz, Wally Richardson, Paul Dunn, Ernie Minelli, Simmy Hartstone, Bill Spence, Carl O’Donnell, Mary Morrissey, Martin Fallon, Sam Garr, Hilda Mahoney, and numerous others, including Hull Public School officials and local clergy,” he said. “It was a true mission for all of the founders. My Dad continued as president of the Hull Medical Center board for decades, and Lenny Colten as vice president.”

In the late 1980s, the original HMC board was ready to pass on responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the medical center and entered into a contract with Manet Health to run the facility under a long-term lease with the non-profit, which still owns the property. 

“Manet has been a tremendous steward of the original mission and has the specialized expertise and resources to provide full-time, full-service medical care to the Hull community and beyond,” Kellem said. “Manet, like Hull Medical Center, Inc., is a non-profit charitable organization. It’s legal and philosophical mission is to serve the full local population, regardless of socioeconomic status, ability to pay, insurance status, or health needs.”

Although it might seem as though the earlier Hull Medical Center and the current Manet Community Health Center have always been in Hull, Kellem noted, “It is here only because the community rallied to fill a deep void in available medical care. The story of HMC is the story of so many organizations and institutions in Hull [who supported the effort] and because the people of Hull have a peculiar collective power to rally in times of need, and to take care of each other in the most heroic and meaningful ways.”

Seaside Summer Celebration tickets are $40 each or $75 for a pair. To purchase tickets, make a donation, and for other information, visit www.manetchc.org/hullseaside by July 17.

Funds raised will directly benefit the programs and services at Manet-Hull, including strengthening adolescent health services and behavioral health for children and families, as well as physical improvements for the site.

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Shorelines: Good news about your neighbors

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- University of Massachusetts students Aidan Moran and Melissa Rymaszewski recently were initiated into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

- Kelsey Rose Bannen earned a bachelor of science degree, summa cum laude, in early childhood education and psychology from Bridgewater State University during graduation ceremonies on May 13 at Gillette Stadium. 

- Patrick Lynch recently was honored at Stonehill College’s 2023 Student Life Awards. This ceremony celebrates students, faculty, and staff who have made outstanding contributions to student life at Stonehill and to the communities surrounding the college. Helena Lynch, a member of the Class of 2024, was named to the spring Dean’s List at Stonehill.

- Bella Rinaldi has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s winter President’s List. The winter terms run from January to May.

- Stephen Fanning, a member of the class of 2024 majoring in computer science and robotics engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, was a member of a student team that recently completed an intense research project titled Heat & Biodiversity Tracking through Automated Technologies. At WPI, all undergraduates are required to complete a research-driven, professional-level project that applies science and technology that addresses an important societal need or issue. About two-thirds of students complete a project at one of the university’s 50-plus off-campus project centers, which are located around the world. A signature element of the innovative undergraduate experience at WPI, the project-based curriculum offers students the opportunity to apply their scientific and technical knowledge to develop thoughtful solutions to real problems that affect the quality of people’s lives-and make a difference before they graduate. Stephen was also named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the spring semester.

- Marilyn Hewett graduated with a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Regis College during the May 6 commencement exercises. She was among more than 1,300 students who received degrees ranging from associate to doctoral levels.

- Congratulations to Jill Larsen, who earned her BFA in painting from Mass Art, pictured here at graduation last week with her five-year-old daughter, Reya, and the Mass Art mascot. 

- Congratulations to Jaren Minucci, who received a bachelor of arts degree summa cum laude from the College of the Holy Cross.

- Springfield College has named Faye Lofgren to the Dean’s List for academic excellence for the spring semester. Lofgren has a primary major of health sci/pre-PT.

- Grace Holden, a Lasell University student, participated in the institution’s annual Connected Learning Symposium in April. Each presentation demonstrates a particular set of core career competencies listed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers as being in high demand in the workforce. Grace received the Diane M. Donatio writing award (second place), which is selected by a faculty committee and announced at a special session of the symposium. She has was named to Lasell’s Dean’s List for the spring semester.

- On May 24 at a hooding ceremony at The University of Massachusetts Boston, Hannah Taverna received the degree of doctor of philosophy, global inclusion and social development. She is currently employed by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Congratulations, Dr. Taverna!

- Lilly Patterson, majoring in management and organizations and a member of the class of 2023, has been named to the Dean’s List at Bucknell University for the spring semester.

- The South Shore Conservatory congratulates piano student Jinny Hayes of Hull for having received special recognition in the eight-and-under age division of SSC’s recent piano competition. Three-year-old Jinny is a student of SSC piano instructor Mijin Choi.

- Congratulations to Siobhan Burke, who was named to the University of Alabama Dean’s List for the fall semester.

- On the morning of July 4, Hull’s Tim Haraden carried out the 247-year-old tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House in Boston. As Captain Commanding of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, Haraden participated in the longest-running reading of the Declaration in the United States; it began in 1776 when a member of the Ancients announced the colonies’ intentions to separate from Great Britain. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was among those joining in the celebration, one of the largest Independence Day ceremonies in Massachusetts.
- Carly Donovan and 2023 graduate Griffin Doherty received Dean’s List honors for the spring semester at Fairfield University.

- Isabella McLellan, who is studying biological neuroscience, has made the Dean’s Honor List for the spring semester at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y.

- Katherine Seabury has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester at the University of New England. Dean’s List students have attained a grade point average of 3.3 or better out of a possible 4.0 at the end of the semester.

- On May 26, Jackson Sordillo and Aryana Gagne graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Jackson received a BS in civil engineering and also graduated from the Commonwealth Honors College. Aryana completed her degree in three years and received a BS in psychology. The photo is by Jenna Gagne. 

- On June 6, Tyler Sordillo, 2023 graduate of Hull High School, was the Massachusetts recipient NFHS Spirit of Sport award. He was presented the award by Richard Pearson, associate executive director of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. The award is given “for exemplifying the positive ideals of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics.” Photo is by Hull High Athletic Director Connor Duhaime.

- Aiden Houlihan and Ciara Redfearn have been named to the spring Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are recognized on the Dean’s List.

- Alexandra Hendrickson of the Class of 2023 was named to the spring Honors List at Pomfret School. To achieve this level of distinction, Alexandra earned a grade point average of at least 3.330 and received no grade lower than a B.

- Congratulations to John Clougherty, who received a bachelor of arts degree from Hamilton College on Sunday, May 21. Clougherty majored in economics.

- Hull cyclist Gary Kimball will participate in his 10th Pan-Mass Challenge in support of patients battling cancer. On Aug. 5 and 6, Kimball will ride the road as part of Team South Shore Health, fulfilling his promise to fundraise for cancer care services and programs on the South Shore. If you are interested in supporting and learning more about Team South Shore Health, visit www.SouthShoreHealth.org/PanMassChallenge.

- Sophia Tremblay has been named to the Plymouth State University President’s List for the spring semester. To be named to the President’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.7 or better and must have attempted at least 12 credit hours. Tremblay is majoring in psychology.

- Terri White of Hull participated in the Dragon Boat race at the Asian festival June 11. She was in a boat representing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mass Blue Dragons. Their team captured a gold medal in the healthcare division, and silver in Division D.

• Another good turn. Lisa Patterson and her family have once again decided to dedicate their ride in the Pan-Mass Challenge to their neighbor and friend, late Hull Times Publisher Patti Abbate, who died of pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2022. This is Patterson’s 18th year in the PMC, a Massachusetts bike-a-thon that raises tens of millions of dollars for cancer research each year for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This is the third year Patterson has dedicated her PMC ride to Abbate to remember her and honor her. Lisa and her husband, Stu, will ride 85 miles on Aug. 5, Wellesley to Bourne, while Julia and Brad are riding virtually, where they live, in Denver and Washington, D.C. respectively, and their younger daughter, KK, is volunteering in Bourne. You can learn more about the Pattersons’ ride and donate to the PMC at https://profile.pmc.org/LP0071.

• Greg McQuade just earned another eight Emmy Awards for stories he produced for WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia in 2022. The 2023 Capital Emmy Awards ceremony was held in Bethesda, Maryland, on June 24. This latest win makes 64 Emmy Awards in total for his storytelling.Greg’s mom, Anne, and stepdad, Charlie, watched the Emmy Awards ceremony and were cheering him on from Hull. Helping him take home his many trophies is his girlfriend, Melissa Golden.

If you have news about Hull residents to share – birthdays, anniversaries, career and education achievements, weddings, births, and other milestones – send your information to us at news@hulltimes.com. If you include a photo, please be sure that everyone in the image is identified. Thank you!

Carousel to celebrate 95th year with birthday cake, music, and fun on Saturday

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Five generations have cared for the Paragon Carousel and visited this treasure to experience the joy, to preserve memories, and to appreciate the artistry of a magical place on Nantasket Beach.

Our vintage 1928 carousel has been recognized as a tourism jewel on the state’s South Shore by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and named the “Best Historic Carousel” in New England by Yankee Magazine. It is a living museum whose horses, chariots, and scalloped canopy were created and carved by the greatest artisans of any age. These master carvers and sculptors came to America to escape persecution and poverty in Germany and Italy. Three thousand hand carved carousels were built from 1870-1930, the Golden Age of Carousels, and fewer than 150 operate in the world today. Only 19 truly vintage Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousels remain intact, in their original state, and operate today. The National Carousel Association has recently awarded an historic designation to Hull’s carousel.

Across the world, carousels were lost to fires, auctions, and amusement park closings. Individual horses were sold off to collectors. PTC #85 exists today because people cared. The passionate dedication of many people has made the 95th birthday possible. During the past 25 years, people have cared and supported the work of the Friends of the Paragon Carousel, a volunteer group that strives to continue to restore and preserve this piece of the American landscape.

Come celebrate with us on Saturday, July 15! Enjoy a piece of birthday cake and festive activities at 11 a.m., but stay the day. Nonagenarians, or those close to it, will be treated to an ice cream and a ride on the carousel. Come see and hear the magnificent Gavioli Fairground Organ. Built in England in 1897, it is the largest touring antique fairground organ in North America. Restored by American Roger Wiegand, it was dedicated to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Come meet the new executive team taking care of our beloved carousel: Director Jon Erickson; President Marge West; Vice President Jason McCann; Treasurer Bob Foster; Clerk Chris Lofgren; and Museum Curator Steve Greenberg. They volunteer because they care. We know that this place on Nantasket Beach is more than a merry-go-round. Come join us and celebrate because you care!

Please see the carousel’s website, www.paragoncarousel.com, and Facebook page for a schedule of events.

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Hull attorney elected president of Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Hull’s Karis North isn’t only an attorney who represents several communities in the state, she’s also the newly elected president of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association.

North, a lawyer with Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP in Braintree, recently assumed the top leadership role in the trade association, which was formed in 1946 and includes hundreds of members who provide legal services to cities, towns, and for-profit and non-profit organizations.

North’s election to this role recognizes her “longstanding commitment to local governmental law and the distinction she enjoys among her peers,” according to an announcement on the MHTL website. An MMLA member since 2010, she has served on the board of directors since 2018.

In her role as president, she is “the face of the organization in the community, and CEO of the association, overseeing all of its activities,” she told The Hull Times.

Typically, attorneys who are elected president have already served a term as the elected vice president after being on the board for several years, demonstrating a commitment to, and ability to lead, the organization.

“That was the path I took,” North said. “I am thrilled and honored to be in this position. It means a lot to me that my colleagues and peers in the profession have entrusted me with this role.”

Attorneys who are members of the association represent local governments or other municipal or local entities, such as a school committee, a fire district, or a particular local board or committee in a specific legal action. Some communities contract a large firm with multiple attorneys to provide counsel, unlike Hull, which appoints an individual to the position annually.

North is the latest in a long line of MHTL attorneys to serve as president of the MMLA, and its predecessor, the City Solicitor and Town Counsel Association, which reflects the firm’s commitment to public service and public law.

In her role with MHTL, North advises and represents municipal clients with all facets of their legal affairs. She wears a number of hats, currently serving as town counsel for Natick and Mendon and as Newburyport’s city solicitor.

North also represents the town of Dartmouth on 40B comprehensive permit applications, advising the select board and zoning board of appeals throughout the process. In addition, she represents municipalities in land-use and environmental litigation, civil rights, and licensing, among other areas.

“It’s important for local governments and boards to have proper representation, because it’s at the town and city level where local government impacts citizens the most directly,” she explained. “It’s how their roads get repaired, their water is provided, their children are educated, and to whom they pay property taxes. There’s a lot of responsibility on municipal governments, and they need good legal representation to ensure they are acting consistent with the law, and when challenged, that they are appropriately represented and defended.”

Local government is a “very specialized area,” North said, “and I think it’s important to assist them in doing their job well and to be part of the team that helps provide services to the community.”

When asked how she keeps it all straight, North said she has “been doing this for a while now, and I have a lot of lists! I also have a terrific team – it’s not just me providing these services.

“Over time you come to know your clients and how they operate so that you can anticipate things,” she said. “You can also learn from work done for other clients, which could be useful in figuring out an answer to a question relating to a different client.”

North moved to Hull in late summer 1999, attracted by the beach and desiring to be on the South Shore so she would be close to Boston, where she worked at the time.

“I took the ferry to work for a number of years and fell in love with the community,” she said. “I love it here – the people, the neighborhoods, the great friends I have made, and the number of citizens who volunteer.”

While North said her neighbors “would tell you that they don’t see me around much during the week because I’m usually out with clients or at my office,” she has found time in the past to serve as a library trustee, on the bylaw review committee, and as the Hull representative serving on the board of the Straits Pond Watershed Association.

“I’m very committed to local government and advocacy in both my professional and personal life,” she said.

After growing up in Maryland, North graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor’s of science degree in animal science and worked for the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C.

“However, I found I was better at reading, writing, and arguing that I was at being a scientist, so I decided to attend Vermont Law School, where I got my juris doctorate,” North said.

After practicing law at a large firm in D.C. for three years, she worked for a number of firms in Boston before joining Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, one of the 50 largest law firms in Massachusetts, in 2006.

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HRA elects officers, delays Urban Renewal Plan hearings until September

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By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

At its first meeting since the annual town election results were finalized, the Hull Redevelopment Authority elected new officers and agreed to wait until September to schedule additional public forums on its draft Urban Renewal Plan.

On Wednesday, June 28, longtime chair Bartley Kelly nominated Dennis Zaia to become chair; Zaia nominated newly elected member Daniel Kernan to be vice chair. Adrienne Paquin, also elected this spring, is now the clerk, and Kelly was named treasurer. That position previously was held by state appointee James Tobin, whose recent death has created a vacancy on the five-member board.

Earlier this year, the HRA held public hearings to solicit comments on options for developing the property. Kernan suggested that the authority members reposition the workshops going forward.

“Right now, is an opportunity to pivot…let the community know there is not just one plan anymore, we will come up with alternatives,” Kernan said.

Zaia said “pivot potential is an opportunity to learn more,” adding the board needs to “further distill” what was captured at the previous public forums.  

“We don’t want to lose the information; they were great public sessions” said Kernan. “But we weren’t asking the right question; we were asking about the current plan… [We] needed to ask what they would like to see on the land.”

Zaia agreed. “We may have asked one question predicated on the fact the draft plan was the draft plan and we wanted feedback; the question might have been: What can we do, even if not on the plan?”

The HRA will use its next two meetings on Monday, July 10, and Monday, July 17, as working sessions.

“Many alternatives were presented…we need to take the list of ideas from the breakout sessions at the high school and consolidate into categories,” Zaia said. “Then we will start to see which ideas have greatest viability.”

Paquin agreed about consolidating the list based on the feedback the board has received so far. “There is no point in more meetings until we have options to bring to the town, and we need more time to research and explore other options,” she said. “Two working sessions are a great start; there are so many options that haven’t been looked into.”

Consultant Steven Cecil updated the group, which included more than 25 residents attending the Zoom meeting, that Keller Williams is using the draft ideas as a starting point to complete a financial feasibility study to provide some “solid financial information” in the next few weeks.  “In the midst of the ongoing community participation effort, it came out that the fiscal impacts of whatever is involved is key,” said Cecil, adding the group has been keeping residents informed via the website, a page in The Hull Times Summer Guide, and biweekly information boxes in the newspaper.

“A lot of ideas and information has been put on the table; now we are validating from a dollars -and-cents standpoint…then [we] need to vet ideas and strike a balance to find something that fits and accomplishes the goals at hand,” said Kelly.

The HRA encourages citizens to submit their “pitches” for the HRA land to its website, hra02045.com.

“The avenue to public input is the HRA website; we encourage people to do research and submit ideas there…the public forums will help prioritize what works,” said Kelly.

Paquin will coordinate the addition of functionality to the site so that images will also be able to be uploaded.

“As the plan advances, there will be opportunity for community input at each stage,” said Cecil. “[We] invite citizens in the meeting today to think about the ideas robustly…you all came to the meeting, so you must have ideas.”

Pamela Marlowe of Old Colony Road said she agrees the HRA should collect additional “pitches” from the public. She said that when the forums were held in February and April, a lot of citizens were “not informed and some didn’t even know what the HRA was. We had a lot less information…now that we are more informed, ideas may be different than what people had back then.”

Kevin Locke of Nantasket Avenue said he was “flummoxed” because there are a lot of projects in town and there “does not seem there is a clear strategy…Paragon Dunes, HRA plans and aquarium; can’t build without first looking at how it fits the plan. What do we want to accomplish?”

Kelly described the master plan as one giving an overall view of the town; however, it was narrowed to the beachfront because those areas needed the most planning. He added to make a “better development process,” the Nantasket Beach Overlay District was created.

“Zoning dictates what is developed, and the town can’t compel private property owners to do anything with their property…Paragon Dunes is going through the process allowed by law,” Kelly said.

Cecil further explained the master plan for a town creates infrastructure to set an overall framework, but it “doesn’t compel the town to comply; it is just there to provide guidance.”

Paquin pointed out that the link Town Planner Chris DiIorio posted in the Zoom meeting chat went to a Community Development Plan document dated 2004, making it nearly 20 years old.

“The master plan needs updating, and it is what provides the identity of a town, what we want it to look like,” said Susan Mann. “How can the HRA move forward without the identity of the town? There are frustrated citizens who do not know what direction the town is going in.”

Zaia agreed the town needs a “well composed” master plan to direct how the town can move itself forward. However, he made it clear the “master plan is not in our realm of purview.”

“The town has suffered and identity crisis for 30 years since we tore down Paragon [Park],” said Kelly. “If the town wants to update the master plan, it should do it, but it shouldn’t sideline what we [the HRA] are doing…we are working our part of the puzzle, and we will help with other pieces of that puzzle as we always have.”

One piece of that puzzle is the plan for a two-way road system, which will restore the flow of traffic to nearly what existed before the HRA land was taken by eminent domain.  

“Anything with roads is a town project…the two-way roads are an integral part of the HRA because it improves traffic flow; diffusing the traffic instead of funneling it to one bottleneck,” said Kelly.

In response to a desire by new HRA board members and citizens alike to understand the full scope of the two-way roads and how they are linked to the HRA land, a presentation by consultant Kevin Dandrade of TEC will be arranged for an upcoming HRA board meeting.

“It’s not a rush to get someplace,” Zaia said. “We are trying to do something that works for the community as a whole.”

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In response to complaint, Select Board loosens some limits on public comment

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The select board last week adopted a temporary policy to allow public comment on individual agenda items, and members of the public wishing to speak on a particular item may do so after being recognized by the chair.

The temporary policy is based on guidelines provided by Town Counsel James Lampke and developed with input from retiring Town Manager Philip Lemnios. It is a work in progress that Lampke will revise prior to the board’s July 19 meeting.

The general consensus is that all board members support allowing public comment on specific agenda items rather than having a public comment period at either the beginning or end of each meeting.

The discussion was prompted by a complaint from Atlantic Avenue resident Christopher Sweeney about board’s disallowance of resident participation at meetings other than public hearings. The policy is being drafted in response to a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case that determined that municipalities could not prohibit “rude” public commentary at meetings.

In July, the subject will be addressed again and new Town Manager Jennifer Constable will be asked for her perspective. Under the policy, all public remarks must be addressed through the select board chair, and not all matters presented by members of the public speaking on an agenda item may be debated or acted on by the board at the time they are presented.

Under the temporary policy, members of the public wishing to speak would be encouraged to maintain order and civility and respect the views and opinions of others in making their remarks. This language will be reviewed and revised by Lampke as well.

“Jim will create a clean document that we will review at our next meeting in three weeks,” Chair Greg Grey said. The select board will go over the revised document at that time and take whatever action its members deem appropriate.

A member of the audience indicated an interest in speaking, but Grey said no public comment will be allowed until the temporary policy is crafted and approved.

In other business at the meeting, Hull Police Sgt. Stephen Glavin was appointed lieutenant upon the recommendation of Police Chief John Dunn.

Glavin, a Hull High School graduate, holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and according to Dunn is “a very capable officer who has taken on added responsibilities with a great attitude. He’s well respected by his peers and has been the officer in charge for a number of assignments.”

Glavin was promoted to sergeant in 2021 and has been awarded two lifesaving medals, among other recognitions.

The select board also approved a new library contract with the Hull Library Staff Association Local 4928 for the period of July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026.

The contract calls for an annual salary increase of 3% and an evening differential beginning at 5 p.m. and on Saturdays of 20% of the hourly wage, effective July 1, 2024. In addition, $100 was added to each longevity category.

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Fresh from successful En Plein Air event, Hull Artists to host Open Studios July 8 & 9

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This weekend, you have the opportunity to visit 30 artists showing their work during the 2023 self-guided Open Studios weekend!

The event takes place on July 8 and 9, from 10 a.m.  to 4 p.m., with free admission and parking.  A self-guided map guides you to 30 artists at 22 locations throughout Hull and neighboring towns. Featured media include painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor), mixed media, photography, fiber arts, encaustic, jewelry, drawing, collage, and more.

Since 1995, Open Studios has invited visitors into artists’ homes where you can chat with the artists, meet other art lovers, learn about art-making, get a unique perspective on Hull’s fascinating neighborhoods and remarkable natural beauty, and acquire art treasures along the way.

Details about each artist, and a downloadable map and guide, are available at Hull Artists/Open Studios. Also, be sure to visit Gallery Nantasket, the Open Studios headquarters, across from the beach – always free and always fun!

Last Saturday, despite potentially discouraging weather, 21 hardy artists painted “en plein air” (French for out-of-doors) throughout Hull. They stretched from the Weir River bridge overlooking the estuary up to Pemberton Point and the Gut.

Painting locations also included three private homes that provided excellent subjects to paint including, a “secret garden” recommended by the Hull Garden Club. The painting was concluded by 1:30 p.m. when artists turned in their “wet paint” art to be hung in the Hull Public Library’s upstairs gallery room. The public reception for the exhibition and sale was from 2:30-4:30 p.m., and quickly filled up the room with approximately 80 attendees viewing and purchasing the art. In the end, unsold art went home with the artists.

Cash awards were provided for the first, second, and third-place winners: Nensi Karanxha, Shannon Chiba, and Tina Watson, respectively. Additionally, honorable mention awards were given to Morgan Davis, Klarens Karanxha, and Susan Kerrigan. The show was judged by Kathy Mogayzel.

“From what I saw and heard, all the artists and the viewing public were thrilled with the event and everyone is looking forward to next year's event,” said Hull Artists President Bart Blumberg.

For photos of the event, painters on location, the art, and attendees visit the website: hullartists.com/pleinair2023.