Rotary Club seeks donations to sustain tradition of serving 800+ Thanksgiving meals

Volunteers from the Nantasket-Hull Rotary Club plan to maintain the fall tradition that grew out of the pandemic – serving up hot meals on Thanksgiving morning to residents up and down the peninsula.

Typically, 800 turkey dinners and bags of donated groceries are distributed by a growing network of volunteers. Participants can either pick up the food at Daddy’s Beach Club, 280 Nantasket Ave., eat on-site, or have it delivered to their homes.

“Every year our extended family comes together at Thanksgiving to make sure that everyone receives a hot meal,” said Craig Wolfe, one of the volunteer coordinators.

The only difference this year is that more help is needed, and the group asking the public for donations to keep the program going. Each meal costs about $25, and food donations are more difficult to obtain this year.

Volunteers arrive at Daddy’s at 7 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning to unload the supplies and prepare the kitchen for cooking. Plating of the food and filling of grocery bags begins around 9 a.m., so that meals are ready for pickup or delivery by 10 a.m. The assembly line puts together the food for each destination, whether an in-person pickup or a volunteer road trip through each of Hull’s neighborhoods.

Wolfe said volunteers are always welcome to assist, but the program needs monetary donations this year more than ever.
The Rotary Club will accept checks by mail at PO Box 38, Hull, MA 02045, or by Venmo using the QR code (earmark the donation for this program by noting “Thanksgiving”).

Anyone who would like to register for a meal or to volunteer to assist on Thanksgiving morning can contact Wolfe directly at 781-771-6416 or 89edge@comcast.net.

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You’ve got to go: Hull High troupe to stage ‘Urinetown: The Musical’ next weekend

By Victoria Dolan

This weekend, Hull High School Theatre Arts will present its funny, family-friendly fall musical, “Urinetown.”

“Urinetown” is a comedic musical set in a world where a drought forces inhabitants to “pay to pee” to conserve water. Against this backdrop, a love story and a tale of revolution unfolds. For theatre lovers, there’s another underlying theme: Urinetown is designed to parody classic Broadway tropes.

“This is just supposed to be a funny way of celebrating everything you see on Broadway,” said HHSTA and Urinetown Co-Director Erin O’Donnell.
Sister and Co-Director Emily O’Donnell noted that “this show is not supposed to be serious, and I think that’s what people need – to sit down and watch something that’s not serious.”

Above all else, Urinetown is a show for the family.

“Everyone, no matter what age, can enjoy the show,” said Emily. “Everyone can come and enjoy theatre as what it’s supposed to be, which is just a good time.”

However, while the main goal of the show may be to entertain, there’s an important underlying message.

“The show is mainly about love, but it’s also about fighting for what you believe is right,” which is “very relevant for today’s society,” said Emily.
This is Emily and Erin O’Donnell’s third year directing the school’s theater program, and it will be their second musical with HHSTA. After a long gap because of COVID19, this means it also many of the students’ second time participating in a musical. This provided a unique challenge, as there were “a lot of newbies who had to learn what it means to be in a ‘big-kid’ show,” explained Erin.

Another obstacle to overcome was “teaching kids it’s OK to embarrass themselves,” said Emily, who prioritized “getting everybody to let go, and not be so serious when they’re onstage.”

Hopefully, the hard work will pay off on opening night. Erin has already seen promising signs, such as at a strong sitzprobe, a rehearsal where students sang along with the orchestra providing live music.

“The most rewarding part will be seeing the audience laugh,” said Emily. “I’ve laughed [while watching the show], so hopefully they’ll laugh.”

HHSTA will perform “Urinetown: The Musical” at the high school on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door or online at www.showtix4u.com/event-details/76853.

Victoria Dolan is The Hull Times school correspondent. This column reflects her student viewpoint.

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‘More than a parking lot:’ HRA considers circus, movies, other short-term land uses

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

In addition to reviewing citizens’ proposals for uses of its property, during the past few weeks the Hull Redevelopment Authority has been exploring opportunities for the land in the short-term, including a circus, a pop-up movie screen, and an electrical utility skills demonstration.

PERFORMERS OF THE HIDEAWAY CIRCUS…

The HRA land also will host the traditional bonfire on Thanksgiving, with wood already being placed at the site.

On Oct. 30, HRA Chair Dennis Zaia made a motion to hold the Hideaway Circus in July, while filmmaker Ben Forman proposed an inflatable projection screen to hold drive-in or picnic-style movie nights. Representatives of the Hull Municipal Light Plant and Northeast Public Power Association attended the HRA meeting on Nov. 6 to share more details about the 2024 “RodE&O Conference” they would like to hold on the HRA land in May.

Zaia said he first encountered the “all-American” Hideaway Circus in August at Weir River Farm in Hingham, and he was “surprised at how amazing it was.”

Hideawaycircus.com describes Stars Above, which has an approximate run time of 85 minutes, as “an outdoor, family-friendly circus, a modern take on the nostalgic small touring circuses from over 200 years ago. Featuring an all-star cast of circus performers and musicians, the show centers around a day in the life of a traveling family troupe... the all-ages production is performed outdoors, under the vast canopy of sky and stars, on a custom-built circular stage and aerial rig.”

“The Hideaway Circus will illuminate utilization of the HRA property while bringing in revenues of $39,000 to offset the $30,000 cost, while enhancing the Independence Day holiday in Hull,” said Zaia, saying the cost is $10,000 per show, along with $10,000 for police details, fencing, and other incidentals.

Another proposal would use the property to show movies.

“My ask is for a partnership with the HRA…my first stop was to see if we could use the land,” Forman said. “Whenever the land starts to transform to a permanent solution, I hope art and culture is part of that; until then I would like to do something meaningful, impactful, and uplifting.”

In contrast to a traditional movie screen, which is 40 feet, the inflatable screen could be as large as 52 feet.

“Part of the engagement factor and magic is for people to see it while driving by,” said Forman.

Zaia said he would like to see this happen for a designated number of days; HRA Clerk Adrienne Paquin agreed.

“I love the idea; this is the kind of use of the space a lot of us are talking about,” Paquin said. “Not sure how much financially the HRA can buy in, but as a pilot program you have a yes from me there.”

Newest HRA member Joan Senatore agreed with Paquin about considering a pilot program.

“I think this could fly down here very much,” she said. “We do not have a movie theater in town. Watching a movie as the sun goes down over World’s End would be pretty special.”

“The devil is in the details,” said longtime HRA member Bartley Kelly. “[It] wouldn’t be a bad idea to get legal counsel to be sure we are within guidelines of the HRA.”

Paquin also questioned whether it was within the HRA’s mandate to spend money on events such as the Hideaway Circus and the drive-in movies.

To address these concerns, Zaia invited commercial real estate and land-use attorney Paula Devereaux to Monday’s meeting to explain the parameters around these uses of the land.

“The power of the HRA is to eliminate blight and substandard conditions,” Devereaux said. “There is a little more leeway when it is for a project rather than the entire plan area… ‘demonstration projects’ are a way an urban renewal project can test projects.”

A demonstration project is defined as a relatively self-contained, small-scale capital investment or technical assistance project, the purpose of which is to “demonstrate” a particular approach.

Devereaux used the examples of the Cobble Hill Center LLC v. Somerville Redevelopment Authority decision by Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the Suffolk Superior Court’s Marchese v. Boston Redevelopment Authority decision to justify the HRA’s ability to conduct activities other than large-scale development under a formal urban renewal plan.

She said the court found that state law “clearly contemplates the development and testing of new or different projects that may lead to future use and improvement, which is consistent with the common understanding of a demonstration.”

“We have vetted it thorough legal counsel. The Hideaway Circus falls in the category of a demonstration project, and we have clear legal standing to do this and there may be other demonstration projects we wish to present,” Zaia said. “[A] demonstration project is a valuable tool for our authority as we move forward with citizens ideas.”

The motion by Zaia and approved by the board at the October 30 meeting – to “engage the Hideaway Circus for July 2 and July 3, 2024, for a full buyout not to exceed $30,000 contingent this is bona fide activity for the HRA to do in quest of economic improvement of our property for the community of Hull” – was reaffirmed by the board following clarification by Devereaux.

The Northeast Public Power Association and Hull Municipal Light Plant proposed holding the 2024 RodE&O Conference on the HRA land and at the nearby Nantasket Beach Resort. The conference and exposition consist of skilled competition, educational sessions, roundtables, networking, sponsor exhibits, and more.

“When they called out for a new location, I could not think of a better backdrop for the event which will bring business to Hull,” said Anne Finley of HMLP, who thanked the HRA for “embracing something good happening in Hull.”

Light plant Assistant Operations Manager Mike Schmitt said 10 telephone poles would be installed, and spectators are encouraged to watch the line workers compete in pole climbing, transformer change-outs, and cross-arm change-outs.

“The event is a great way for the public to learn how Hull’s utility does what they do for the community, and how they keep the lights on for people,” said Wendy Esche, NEPPA director of marketing, communications, and events.

The HRA approved the event, citing the revenues it would bring to town by filling the hotel for a few days and bringing business to local restaurants. However, some logistics need to be with the layout of parking and portable bathrooms for the event.

The NPPA event received tentative approval with submission of a revised event layout diagram.

“This event will put Hull Light on the map like Anne said, but will also give recognition to the whole town of Hull…great for our town to bring in some business,” said Senatore.

“The reality is we want to do more than a parking lot,” Vice Chair Dan Kernan said. “The process is more complicated to do this on the property, but we hope there will be more events like this in the future.”

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Board seeks more information on citizens’ ideas for long-term redevelopment projects

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

The Hull Redevelopment Authority this week continued discussing citizens’ proposals for long-term land uses and will ask some sponsors to present additional information in January.

“This is the time to make the comments on the submissions that have percolated up in our mind,” HRA Chair Dennis Zaia said, noting that it is “not meant to be ‘this is good or not good.’ For some we have more questions, others we need more meat.”

A total of 21 submissions were received; 11 were evaluated, and five groups will be asked to present in January. Another 10 will be discussed at the HRA meeting on Dec. 11 to determine if board members need more information and want to “dig deeper.”

Patrick Finn’s “HRA Three Phases,” Leonard Markowitz and Team’s “Mobile Stage/Open Space,” and SOS Hull’s “Open Space Revenue Generation/Long Term Vision” were the presenters asked to return. Jodi Lewis, who proposed community space, and Pam Wolfe, who suggested a seaside gateway park, decided not to give a formal presentation in the first round, but have been asked to present in January.

Zaia said he was wanted to hear more from Finn about adding a driveway to improve traffic flow. Joan Senatore, HRA treasurer, is interested in hearing more about how Finn would develop residences on the land.

“Like Dennis, I appreciated the traffic flow… understanding [a] better option for potentially dealing with traffic patterns, and how his [Finn’s] ideas could fit with the DCR if they did put in boardwalk,” said HRA Vice Chair Dan Kernan.

Zaia said Markowitz demonstrated a “flexibility that is enormously valuable, so the space could have the opportunity of many things happening there all the time.”

Hearing more about the concepts of the mobile stage and open space principles were at the core of why Senatore and Kernan wanted Markowitz to return for a follow-up presentation.

HRA members said the presentation by SOS Hull was “rich in lots of different areas” and warranted more exploration.

“There is a lot of connectivity” Zaia wishes to pursue further in the SOS Hull presentation, including connections with the Trustees of Reservations, Boston Harbor Islands, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Along with the other board members, Zaia said he wants to learn more about the short-term versus long-term options presented in the SOS Hull plan.

Zaia said Lewis’s proposal, which highlights the Tree House Tavern in Hanson as an example of community space, along with sunset events and small kiosk vendors, is a way to “make something ordinary a little more magical.”

Like Lewis, Wolfe chose not to present to the board, but her ideas still caught members’ attention.

“Verbiage is really good…could lift and put in our own Urban Renewal Plan,” said Senatore, who also would like to hear more about the seaside gateway park in the proposal.

Although the remaining six citizens were not asked to come back for a subsequent presentation, the board had positive comments about the ideas presented.

Senatore supported Shannon Chiba’s idea of the open space beach shell.

“People are very in favor of having some sort of event space,” she said, saying the board needs to “decide which shell suits the land.”

Kernan said he “appreciated the whole idea of environmental emphasis” in Chiba’s presentation and a lot of ideas could be incorporated from there.

Links to the DCR master plans, the concept of wide steps, and reference to the importance of a grant writer stood out to the board in reviewing Lepori’s “Beachside Park Walkways” proposal, inspired by a promenade in Tel Aviv.

“It is critical to leverage what the DCR is doing, and it is at the forefront of this proposal,” said Kernan.

During the meeting, members said resident Amy Joseph’s proposal was not posted with the others on hra02045.com, but Zaia said the concept, modeling the South Shore Conservatory in Hingham and an arts community building, stood out to him.

Ann Marie Papasodero proposed a musical festival, similar to Levitate, which is a three-day event with shops and entertainment in Marshfield.

“There is a lot of time to get to the Urban Renewal Plan,” Senatore said. “I like thinking out of the box of the carnival, bonfire, and parking… more events.”

Gert Warren proposed a Ferris Wheel, which other cities and states have used to bring in revenue.

Kernan said the idea of a wheel could be “a definable feature to define the town…not sure the Ferris wheel is the solution, but the idea is a beginning.”

Scott Plympton submitted a proposal for open space and a community center.

Zaia pointed out it was one of the few submissions that suggested putting a community building on the HRA land.

Kernan thanked all of the residents who took time to put together a presentation.

“Whether called back or not doesn’t mean the presentation wasn’t great,” he said. “We appreciate each one.”

To view the submissions for long-term use of the HRA property, visit www.hra02045.com.

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Pirates soccer, youth football teams continue winning ways in playoffs

By Matt Haraden

There’s lots of great news to report this week, as several of Hull’s teams have been winning in post-season playoff action.

SUPER WIN. The Hull Youth Football A Team defeated Lower Cape by the score of 28-8 last weekend and will face off against West Bridgewater at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday in the Super Bowl, which will be played at Hull High School. [Courtesy photo]

Hull High Girls Soccer is moving on to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Round of 8 after defeating Francis Parker Charter School in a great game on Wednesday night at home. The Pirates finished on top, 4-1. This came after a 3-0 victory over Holbrook on Sunday, in which senior Veronica Fleming opened the scoring unassisted, followed by a goal from senior Sarah Duran, assisted by Fleming. The game’s third goal came from Maeve White off a feed from junior Fallon Ryan. After this week’s latest win, the team will host Hopedale in the next round on Friday, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. at the high school field. Check our website, www.hulltimes.com and on social media for the results.

BOWL BOUND. Hull Youth Football’s C Team plays in the Old Colony Youth Football League’s Super Bowl this Sunday at Hull High, facing Sandwich at 10 a.m. [Courtesy photo]

The Hull High Boys Soccer team’s season ended on Thursday with a 7-0 loss to Westport, just days after upsetting #9 seed Hopedale on the road. In Monday’s game, the Pirates scored a goal 10 minutes from time, as Nick McDonald blasted a shot high into the net from a pass by Sean Walsh. Hull ended up on top with a 1-0 win and made local soccer history with this stellar tournament run. On Saturday, the Pirates defeated Holbrook, a 4-2 victory. The Pirates fell behind early, but were able to level the game on a nice shot from Thomas Brasil. Hull had a strong wind in the second half, with a shot from Jonah Whelan hitting the post. The Pirates were awarded a penalty kick and Nick McDonald stepped up to put the goal away and give Hull the lead. Holbrook bounced back quickly to tie it at two, but with 20 minutes left, McDonald scored a goal directly off a corner kick to give the Pirates the lead back. Max Day put away the insurance goal to seal the victory and put Hull into the next round. In addition to the players already mentioned, Teddy Hipp, Sam Tuchmann, Max Lofgren, Sean Walsh, Dillon Sliney Simpson, and Nate Tiani were outstanding on defense. Christian Truglia and Matt Angelis played strong in the midfield, and senior Robbie Casagrande led the team on the attacking side. JT Gould, Finn Walsh, Victor Healey, Jacob Freedman, and Patrick Hughes all had vital performances off the bench. Junior captain Oliver Szabo was injured for the game.

NETTING A WIN. The boys varsity soccer team continued its winning ways with a 1-0 win over Hopedale on the road this past Monday. Nick McDonald scored the game’s only goal, securing the win for the Pirates. [Jen Whelan photo]

In youth football news, the number-three ranked Hull Pirate Mites defeated number-two ranked West Bridgewater, 12-8, on Sunday, Nov. 5, clinching their spot in the Super Bowl. Chris Reilly scored two touchdowns, earning him the Old Colony Youth Football League game ball. John Dixon, Will McCarthy, Jordan Dunn, Zach Shea, and Juliano Andrade were strong on the defensive side of the ball, while Ada McMullen had the game-sealing interception. The Mites take on Sandwich at the high school field on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. The team’s coaches are Patrick McCarthy, Kevin Dunn, Eoin Kelly, and Steve Petrocelli.

Hull Pirates’ Midget Team also qualified for the Super Bowl with a 28-8 victory over Lower Cape on Sunday, Nov. 15. The Pirates scored 22 points in the first quarter, with Rocco Sestito breaking a 50-yard touchdown run on the second play of the game. Sestito also had a second touchdown and took home the game’s MVP award. The game’s second touchdown was scored by Ryan Delony and the third by PJ Rivieccio, with a successful two-point conversion attempt from Junior Conover. The game also saw strong play from Josh Gatto, Tom Blake, Harry Sestito, Jason Nguyen, Colby Lofgren, Bryce Preston, Luka Truglia, Iktan Mundo, and Declan Flaherty. This Sunday, Nov. 12, the Pirates will play West Bridgewater in the Super Bowl at Hull High School at 11:30 a.m. The team is coached by Domenico and Chico Sestito.

Thanksgiving tradition. All Hull High Pirates football alumni are invited to join the team on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 23, as the hometown team hosts the Cohasset Skippers for the annual Turkey Day game at Finlayson Field at Hull Gut 10 a.m. Alumni will lead the team onto the field to start this year’s installment of the annual rivalry off on the right foot.

Coaches and Super Fans! We can use your help to report the scores and results of the latest games in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Tuesday at 8 p.m. When providing details of the games or races, please be sure to include the sport/team, the players’ full names, and the final scores. When sending photos, names of those pictured are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help!

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Chamber sponsoring annual Holiday Showcase on Nov. 25

 With the holiday season fast approaching and inflation rising, the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to shop Small Business Saturday in Hull. Shop small, stay local, and gift creatively at the 2023 Hull Holiday Showcase. This in-person event is the best place to shop for unique and affordable holiday gifts, decorations, home decor, handmade items and local apparel, as well as coastal holiday arts and crafts created by local professional artisans.

This one-day event has a lot to offer and is free to attend. Help support local businesses and get a jump on holiday shopping by joining us at the Nantasket Beach Resort on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual Hull Holiday Showcase is proudly produced by the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce. For information, visit www.HullChamber.com.

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Pickleball upgrades, dog park study, historic church repairs considered for CPC funding

By Carol Britton Meyer

Among the eight final applications for the current round of Community Preservation Act funding – totaling roughly $200,000 – are requests for repairs to the steeple of the historic Saint Nicholas United Methodist Church on Spring Street, a dog park feasibility study, Mariners Park enhancements, shade structures at several locations, and Hull Lifesaving Museum boathouse improvements.

A preliminary application requesting $100,000 to fund a Habitat for Humanity workforce homeownership opportunity proposed by the Affordable Housing Committee was withdrawn, pending completion of a grant-funded feasibility study to identify a suitable location for affordable housing in town.

Resurfacing of the pickleball courts at Kenberma, veterans grave markers at Hull Village Cemetery, and replacement of the Paragon Carousel incandescent light bulbs with LEDs are among the other proposals considered by the Community Preservation Committee this week.

Prior to the 2024 annual town meeting, the CPC will recommend some or all of these projects for voter consideration.

CPA funds, which come from a tax surcharge approved by Hull voters several years ago, may only be used for historic preservation, open space, community housing, and certain recreation projects.

The deadline for preliminary applications was Sept. 28 and the final deadline was Oct. 31.

If all the projects are approved, there will be a balance of about $400,000 in the town’s CPA fund, which Chair Rachel Kelly suggested might be used to help reduce the bond payments for the $1 million Village Fire Station restoration debt, and possibly other CPA-funded projects.

The funding for the eight proposals includes:

⦁ Pickleball courts resurfacing, $20,000: Proponent Paul Newman recommended taking a proactive approach, resurfacing the entire pickleball area rather than just the outside part, which is in rough shape, noting that it’s used by a “huge group” of people and that this would “protect this asset for the long-term.” The proposal was tabled temporarily until committee members visit the site.

• Dog park feasibility study ($10,000), since dogs aren’t allowed on Nantasket Beach for a good part of the year and people need a place to walk their pets. The study would gauge community interest in a dog park, identify the key elements of a park, review and recommend possible sites, and provide a cost assessment of construction and yearly maintenance.

⦁ St. Nicholas United Methodist Church steeple repairs, $27,000: Project proponent James Pitrolo explained that damage to the steeple was just recently discovered and that the church “has had no luck finding other funding for this work.”

⦁ Mariners Park enhancements, $20,000: This is a follow-up on resident Susan Short Green’s earlier proposal, “to add a little more color to the area and to provide people with a place to sit,” Director of Community Development & Planning Chris DiIorio explained. This proposal would provide funds to improve landscaping, install resin outdoor furniture such as benches and tables, and generally improve the user experience of the park.

The park was dedicated in 1967 to the memory of those in Hull whose occupations were connected to ships that sailed the seas, and then in 1991, members of the Nantasket Beach Salt Water Club added a bandstand.

⦁ Shade structures, $20,000: The town is seeking funding to install new shade structures around town next spring or new trees in several parks or other town-owned areas, such as the pickleball courts, Sullivan Field (also known as the Dust Bowl), James Avenue Wharf, and Mariners Park, among other sites. “We would like to improve the park and make it more comfortable for people to enjoy,” DiIorio said.

• Paragon Carousel lightbulbs, $25,000: Historical commission input will be sought about the proposal to replace the light bulbs on the Paragon Carousel structure with LED bulbs that are historically consistent but more energy efficient.

⦁ Grave markers at Hull Cemetery to commemorate Hull’s veterans, $7,700.

⦁ Boathouse restoration, $72,130: including upgrading the electrical service and completing the installation of a bathroom, with more information to come about which parts of the proposal are eligible for possible CPA funding.

As part of the St. Nicholas application, Hull Pride Co-Presidents Scott Helms and Dan Ambrose said, “This restoration project is meaningful to our LGBTQ+ community. St. Nicholas has been a welcoming and inclusive place for all residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By contributing CPA funds to this project, we [would] not only preserve a historic icon but also send a powerful message of support to our LGBTQ+ community, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive and diverse town.”

Project proponents intend to consult with the historical commission about the project.

CPC discussions of these proposals will continue in the months leading up to town meeting, where voters will have the final say.

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Residents propose solar-powered rapid transit, ‘eco-village,’ and dog park for HRA property

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

On Monday Oct. 30, the Hull Redevelopment Authority heard the final three presentations from citizens outlining possible uses of its land. Of the 20 citizen submissions, 10 pitches were given.

Judeth Van Hamm’s suggestion for the HRA property includes a solar-powered personal rapid transit system like this one…

Although the citizens who offered the other 10 proposals did not choose to give a formal presentation with a question-and-answer session, their ideas will still be considered by the HRA as members determine which options may become part of the Urban Renewal Plan.

The final three presentations included Judeth Van Hamm’ s proposal for solar-powered personal rapid transit and a Miyawaki Forest, Erin Swenson Gorrall’s Waterside Culture Hub, and Susan Vermilya’ s dog park proposal.

Van Hamm’s primary suggestion is that the HRA include a proposal for solar personal rapid transit as an “integral part” of the URP because it can reduce the parking needed for the HRA area, provide views of the ocean and bay, transportation to serve residents, businesses, and visitors, cut traffic congestion and carbon emissions, and generate income for the town.

According to Energy5.com, solar-powered personal rapid transit, commonly known as Solar PRT, is an eco-friendly, personalized, and efficient transportation system that relies on renewable solar energy to power lightweight vehicles consisting of small, driverless pods that navigate a network of elevated tracks or tunnels.

“If we didn’t have so many cars coming here, there would be more land use for economic development… there is economic importance to having a place be walkable. In addition, it makes it more enjoyable,” said Van Hamm, suggesting those in attendance read the book “Walkable City” by Jeff Speck.

She recommended locating the Solar PRT line on Nantasket Avenue, along the edge of the HRA land. It would include a station, likely on the corner of the HRA land at Water Street/Bay Street and Nantasket Avenue.

Van Hamm said the Solar PRT line could first connect to places within Hull, perhaps initially as far as the carousel, then further within and beyond Hull, such as to Quincy Center, and eventually connect to a Boston metropolitan network.

“Hull had the first railroad, first steamboat, and the first electric railroad; let’s be the first to have solar rapid transit,” she said. “It is fast, affordable, cutting-edge, electric, computer controlled. People will come to town to ride it because it is fun.”

Van Hamm also proposed a Miyawaki forest, a method for cultivating native vegetation, which could be part of open space on the property. The placement would depend on the layout of the other uses within the HRA area.

“It could be a focal point to the open space using species native to Hull, which can support biodiversity, cooling air temperature, buffering against flooding and erosion, and sequestering carbon,” she said, urging HRA members to visit the Northeast’ s first Miyawaki forest in Cambridge.

“Dealing with flooding and erosion are super important to me,” HRA Clerk Adrienne Paquin said. “Hull has to deal with getting people to the beach without cars.”

Community Preservation Committee member James Ianiri commented on Van Hamm’ s presentation in the meeting’s Zoom chat: “I love your forward thinking; Hull has to own its own future.”

Erin Swenson Gorrall, a business strategist, yogi, runner, and metaphysical enthusiast, proposed what she calls the Waterside Culture Hub.

She described the concept as “a historic skate, BMX, living, performing, and commerce hub by the water. A space for local Hullonians to use, build community, and prosper economically and culturally while also inviting the South Shore as well as lifestyle and culture enthusiasts a chance to visit Hull, spend money, and experience the amazing land we love.”

Gorrall’s proposal is for a surfing eco-village, an X-Games style BMX and skate park, pop up retail, walk loop and fitness path, small stage, outdoor agora-style seating, fire pit, and dog park. 

“The way to grow culture is to look at culture that is already growing in an area,” said Gorrall, citing surfing, skateboarding, and BMX as some with rapid growth during the past four years.

“Hull fosters culture in a way no other town has…this place has a magical connection and I want to honor that,” said Gorrall, who grew up in the Midwest.

Joan Senatore, the HRA’ s state-appointed board member and newly appointed treasurer, said she learned a lot from Gorrall’s presentation and had never heard of an eco-village before this presentation.

“An eco-village is an intentional, community consciously designed for regeneration and sustainability in four areas: social, cultural, ecological, and economic,” Gorrall said.

The surf eco-village would have rentable spaces for two to four weeks, allowing families and individuals to learn about communal living, sustainable living, and caring for the land. Grants for Hull residents would be given to teach the skills of a commune-style life.

in this screenshot from the proposal, an ECO-Village that provides temporary housing is part of one concept for the plan, which also includes a skate park, concert venue, popup retail and a dog park.

“Surfing is a skill that betters communities and would give a hook to the Hull eco-village that showcases our amazing waves,” said Gorrall.

“I love the fire pit…it can be a great addition to the bonfire or, hate to say it, replace the bonfire and start a new tradition in Hull,” said Senatore.

“So many plans in here, even at piecemeal. I would love to support the surf community,” Paquin said. “Agora seating is super interesting, wonder how to work it in.”

“Agora seating and the fire pit sound like a beautiful idea,” said HRA Vice Chair Dan Kernan.

SOS Hull founding member Susan Vermilya said that during the COVID19 pandemic, many more people adopted dogs, and per town hall records, there are 990 registered dogs in town.

Vermilya said there is a lot of interest in a dog park in Hull, and the Community Preservation Committee awarded $10,000 for a feasibility study for a site search.

Vermilya said the town is “running out of places for dogs to go.”

The park would include a five-foot-tall chain-link fence with double doors for safety and a large door opening for mowing; privacy fencing along the side of property abutting a home on Bay St.; an irrigation system to keep grass watered and minimize odors; pea stone in certain areas to help with drainage; a bag dispenser and barrel for dog waste; a dog water bubbler to ensure hydration; and benches where owners can sit.

Vermilya proposed parking for the dog park in the current residential lot at the end of HRA parcel 4.

 “You have done a lot of legwork,” said Chair Dennis Zaia. “If the dog park is already in process, that is incredible.”

“All the neighbors already use the spot as a dog park,” Kernan said. “A fence will make it safer for people already using the space.”

“Something to look at; there is a need for it,” said HRA member Bartley Kelly. “Interested to hear neighbors’ concerns about a dog park there.”

“A whole series of opportunities reinforce what we have heard before, but also new ideas,” said Zaia.

Comparing the “ideation process” going forward to the distillation procedure of making maple syrup to “collect liquid nutrient,” Zaia said, “now we have to refine and distill all we have heard into a new draft Urban Renewal Plan … [it] takes time, conversation, listening, and understanding where people are coming from.”

For all the details about these proposals, and the others that were submitted, visit the submissions tab at HRA02045.com. To watch the presentations, check Hull Community television online at hulltv.net and on either Comcast or Verizon.

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Hampton Circle neighbors still concerned about new playground’s effect on drainage

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

Residents who live near the Hampton Circle Playground remain concerned about longstanding problems with flooding, rain pooling, and poor drainage, problems that they say have been made worse by the town’s addition of fill during the reconstruction of the site.

Construction on the Hampton Circle Playground includes adding fill around the play structures. [Richard W. Green photo]

During a Zoom meeting among residents, town officials, and engineers last week, Director of Community Development & Planning Chris DiIorio assured the group that Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements are followed in all floodplain development projects in town. He added the playground was designed with the knowledge that this area experiences substantial flooding from the ocean, and that a portion of that ocean water – as well as water from rain events – is drained by the existing system.

“The playground is designed to work with that existing system. Drainage in that area is the subject of an upcoming study, which will start soon, that will develop recommendations for a more robust drainage system regarding rainwater to improve conditions at the site,” said DiIorio. “Drainage needs to be addressed beyond this project; the town realizes it and is taking it on. Any work we can do to help alleviate ponding and puddling, we will do that.”

Engineers from the Beta Group, an engineering firm, explained that the Hampton Circle area is in a floodplain, but is not considered a “floodway” because this term is used to describe systems that convey flood waters in a one-direction flow.

“The land is subject to coastal storm flowage, but is not a floodway,” Director of Climate Adaptation and Conservation Chris Krahforst said.

Liz Kay of Hampton Circle said it is difficult for many residents to follow the technical terminology and suggested that visuals may help to “communicate the process, especially issues of elevation, flood areas, and storm drains.”

“In the event of coastal flooding, it is not like the mound is a brick wall. When water hits , it will disperse,” Town Manager Jennifer Constable said. “The top 18 inches are permeable; water goes in the ground.”

Constable also highlighted the outreach to the neighborhood and responsiveness by town staff to concerns about the project.

“People feel there has been a lot of pushback at us, and we live here, dealing with the issues,” Hampton Circle resident Valerie Carlson said. “Really want to hear the town also wishes they had dealt with the drainage issues before building the playground.”

“It appears to me a dam has been created,” said Jen Romeo Picaro of Moreland Avenue. “When water floods, it won’t be able to go through the playground… I would like assurance from the engineers, because multiple properties are at stake of being ruined.”

Dave McKinley, landscape engineer from the Beta Group, said the playground work “did lift areas, but did not create a physical dam all the way around to prevent water from getting across; water can move around it.” He said the project “added a mound, but didn’t add grades around the mound so natural drainage should happen. However, if the drainage system is not working, then it will not take water off the road correctly and it will seek another way.”

“We don’t have to be an engineer or scientist; a mound of material was placed there,” Carlson said. “Water that is displaced has to go somewhere else. Doesn’t matter coastal flooding or rain, water that used to flow through has to flow around.”

The engineers said they did not do a drainage plan on site; they were hired to reconstruct the playground with the existing drainage.

“Drainage was not in the scope of the project,” said McKinley.

“If the stormwater system is working, the playground mass will not raise the storm water,” Beta Group civil engineer Gary James said. “[It] doesn’t take very much change in grade to change the drainage.”

Bryan Fenelon of Hampton Circle said the drainage is not working properly; water runs along the wall and into yards.

“I am talking about rain effect, not just coastal flooding,” he said.

“As Bryan explained, the drainage wasn’t working before, and now with the new playground there, it is working worse…changes need to be made soon,” said Deidre Murphy of Hampton Circle.

Krahforst reminded the group the playground was installed in one of the worst rainfall years of recent times, and the rainfall needs to be mapped to what is typical.

“Torrential downpours are part of the change in environment going forward; there is concern about absorbing this rainwater,” Kay said. “There are still many concerns about the known storm drain issues within the area, as well as along Moreland and Marginal, all which have been known culprits to severe drainage issues.”

When the project started, Eileen Weisslinger of Hampton Circle remembers asking if a drainage study had been done, and being told it was not required.

“I am not against the playground, but I believe the cart was put before the horse…drainage studies should have been done first,” said Weisslinger, adding she is “astounded how it all played out.”

DiIorio said a drainage study was not needed at the time of constructing the new playground because the project did change the drainage, and the ground was graded to work with the existing system. Abutters disagreed, and believe the drainage system was impacted because fill was added to change the elevation.

“MEPA didn’t think we needed a written report,” said McKinley.

Krahforst said he doesn’t want to “promise putting in a drainage system will solve flooding in the area. The drainage system will only work as well as the groundwater table and tides will let it. [It is] going to function as well as it can in an area that used to be wetlands.”

Krahforst said the town next will “need to look at cost and how to move forward” with potential solutions to the issues raised by the neighbors.

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Band’s performance to raise funds for Rotary’s ‘Stretch Your Food Budget’ program

By Carol Britton Meyer

An upcoming fundraiser for a program that combats food insecurity in Hull will help residents stretch their food budgets as the holiday season approaches.

The Assisted Living band will play at the C Note on Friday, Nov. 17, as a fundraiser for the Nantasket-Hull Rotary Club’s Stretch Your Food Budget program, which provides many Hull seniors and families with free meal kits during these challenging times.

In addition to donating the proceeds from the concert, raffles and prizes will add to the fun and support SYFB at the same time. Tickets are $15 at the door, with no advance sales. The doors will open at 7 p.m., with the music beginning at 8 p.m.

SYFB was created by Rotarian Dennis Zaia during the height of the COVID19 pandemic with the goal of providing nutritious, protein-laden meals at a time of widespread food insecurity, and has continued ever since.

“There’s a real need in Hull for people of all ages,” SYFB program coordinator Jeff Thiebauth told The Hull Times. “We have about 100 different clients.”

The lively six-member Assisted Living band – which plays favorites from the ’80s and ’90s, with some contemporary tunes mixed in – is pleased to be able to support this effort.

“We had a very busy year playing paid gigs at local clubs, private parties, and even at a wedding on the Cape,” Hull’s David Kellem, who formed the band with two of his “buddies” to beat the middle-age blues more than 10 years ago, told The Hull Times. “We have so much fun playing but individually have been feeling somewhat despondent about the state of humanity and the world, so we wanted to ‘play’ a part in helping people in need. Everyone in the band is very charitable, caring, and giving.”

Included with the SYFB meal kits – which contain all the necessary ingredients for a particular meal – are easy-to-follow directions with a preparation time of fewer that 30 minutes that serve four to five people. The Parrot owner Brian Houlihan helped the SYFB team develop the recipes for the meal kits when the program started.

The support of Hull’s Volunteer Emergency Response Coordinator Craig Wolfe, The Village Market, the South Shore Community Action Council, and other volunteers who are concerned about food insecurity in town are key to this effort. New volunteers are welcome.

The Village Market is the primary source of the non-perishable staples that are used in the meal kits, according to Zaia.

“They have been a valuable contributor to the SYFB program from its inception, allowing us to purchase products at a special rate in a convenient and accessible location,” he said. “The Village Market has demonstrated strong support for the Hull community, and especially for the SYFB program.”

For more details about the SYFB program, including the seven meal kits to choose from, additional weekly items that are available upon request (from hand sanitizer, cereal, and pasta sauce to soup, peanut butter, and canned pumpkin), and how to order meals for delivery, visit https://www.syfb.space. There’s even a box to check off if any dogs are part of clients’ households.

Meal kits are also available at the Ann Scully Senior Center, 197A Samoset Ave., and the Hull Public Library, 9 Main St.

At the fundraiser, silent auction items will include framed prints from Boston-area concerts shot by Thiebauth, who was a freelance photographer for The Boston Phoenix from 1978-1990.

For Assisted Living, the key to holding this event was being able to support a cause where a small amount of money would go a long way.

“The Stretch Your Food Budget program goes right to the heart of food insecurity issues, as well as the human heart,” Kellem said. “The Rotary Club has operated this program somewhat under the radar, so it was a great opportunity to shine some light and help people very directly and impactfully.”

Assisted Living got its start at the C Note when they performed three songs at the 50th birthday party of one of the band member’s wives. At that time, the owner told them if they got better and learned more songs, they could be one of the opening acts.

After practicing and “getting good” at performing 10 songs, the band developed a following.

Assisted Living will perform a fundraising show for a local food program later this month.

“Speaking of under the radar, the C Note has quietly been a major resource for charitable giving in Hull,” Kellem noted. “They have supported fundraisers for a broad range of causes: disabled veterans, the Hull High School band, cancer research, Hull Pride, the Hull and Scituate animal shelters, Rolling Wave Foundation, New England MS Society, the Anne Scully Senior Center, and so many more.”

In addition, on the first Friday of every month, the C Note hosts an all-ages concert series that benefits local charities.  For more information about Assisted Living, visit www.assistedlivingtheband.com.

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