 By Carol Meyer
The harbor-front Town Pier by the Iron Horse Statue, Barnes Wharf where Hingham Maritime Center is based, and the one at Veterans Park near Whitney Wharf top the list of town wharves that need attention. There are others, but these are the lowest wharves -- and the most vulnerable. Raising each one by 3-1/2 feet will help protect the town from expected future sea-level rise and storm events and will also reduce risks to public health and safety, although this project won't solve all of Hingham's potential flooding issues. The goal is to make the town better able to ward off future flooding similar to or worse than the significant harbor inundation that occurred in March 2018. In the meantime, let's hope for mild winters! What's your favorite part of Hingham Harbor? Does expected higher sea-level rise in the future concern you?
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 By Carol Meyer
Hingham Community Center’s popular "Cabaret" fundraiser is returning this month after a five-year hiatus -- exciting news for longtime fans. Show dates for this event -- which helps chase away the wintertime blues and is sometimes referred to as a "winter picnic" because spectators bring their own refreshments -- are Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb 1. The venue is the spacious Hingham Armory on Central Street. This fun-packed variety show features lively chorus and dance numbers and everything in-between -- plus local talent from Hingham, Hull, and surrounding communities. Many performers return year after year and become audience favorites. Newcomers also add their energy to the mix. For more information contact General Chairman Lorri Costello (781-254-5450) or Jinnie Walsh (781-635-6855) or join the HCC Cabaret Facebook page. Have you ever attended? If so, what is your favorite type of act?  By Carol Meyer
The 2020 town election season could be an exciting one! Looking toward the May 2 annual Town Election a little early, 11 incumbents have terms expiring this year, including the town moderator, a selectman, and two school committee members. Selectmen Chair Karen Johnson announced recently that she does not plan to run for reelection. If you've ever considered running for a town office, here's an opportunity to do so! Nomination papers are available in the Town Clerk's office through March 3 for citizens interested in running for one of the positions listed below, including those seeking re-election. Completed papers are due back Thursday, March 5 no later than 5 p.m. Town Clerk Eileen McCracken is hoping for an active election season. "It would be nice to have some races," she said. The following elected officials have terms expiring in 2020: Town Moderator Michael Puzo; Selectman Karen Johnson; Stuart Greg Hall, Board of Assessors; Board of Health member Elizabeth Eldredge; Municipal Light Board member John Ryan; School Committe members Michelle Ayer and Edward Schreier; Planning Board member William Ramsey; Sewer Commissioner Stephen Harold; Housing Authority member Megan Buhr; and Recreation Commissioner Adrienne Ramsey. For more info, call the Town Clerk's Office at (781) 741-1410.  By Carol Meyer
I'm not big on New Year's resolutions -- I guess it's because I don't want to set myself up for failure or have them hanging over my head. But I do admire those who do make resolutions at the start of every year, and especially those who keep them! That said, I have set a few simple "goals" -- a more encouraging word, in my mind, to start off 2020. These include being more patient with others and myself; taking more time to relax; getting back on the exercise bike that has been buried behind Christmas gifts and wrappings in my office-turned- "Santa's Workshop"; trying not to dread winter storms and to instead enjoy the beauty of fresh-fallen snow; and others I'm sure I will think of as the new year progresses. I like what Author Edith Lovejoy Pierce says about the new year -- "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." In the meantime, Happy New Year! Wishing everyone progress, good health, happiness, and that you have everything you need in the coming year. Do you make New Year's resolutions? Want to share any?  By Carol Meyer
Hingham Public Schools officials received the good news Dec. 11 when, following the submission of a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the third time last April seeking partial state reimbursement for what they say is a much-needed major renovation -- or an entirely new building -- for Foster School, the Town of Hingham was invited into the MSBA's Eligibility Period. That's a lot of words, but this essentially means that during this period, the MSBA will work with Hingham school and other town officials to determine the town's financial and community readiness to enter what is called the MSBA Capital Pipeline. This is the first of a number of steps required before a final decision will be made by the MSBA as to whether to grant significant partial funding for a Foster School project. Ultimately, the town would not be committed to filing for an application for funding with the MSBA unless through an affirmative Town Meeting vote. Do you think a major renovation or a new school is needed?  By Carol Meyer
Whether you and your family celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or another holiday in December, let's wish happiness, peace, and a wonderful time for all. We deserve it! It's been a tough year, with political strife, the rough patches some among us are experiencing, and the busy schedules we all juggle. Let's set all that aside for awhile and smile at the next person we meet on the street -- whether we know them or not; stop when it is safe to do so to allow another car to pass by; give a friend or family member an extra-big hug; lend a listening ear to someone who is feeling troubled; or make a contribution to the local food pantry or gift drive or volunteer at a local shelter during the holidays. I love this saying: "Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons," by Ruth Ann Schabacker. What gifts can we untie each day leading up to our own celebrations that will add to someone else's holiday cheer?!  By Carol Meyer
While Hingham is considered to be an affluent town, that's not true for some of its residents. During a recent financial snapshop leading into the new budget season, Selectman Chairman Karen Johnson emphasized the board’s goal of “preserving the financial diversity of Hingham’s population.” That said, the $841,276 average assessed home value and accompanying $10,000-plus annual tax bill make meeting that objective more challenging than ever. Fifty percent of Hingham households have an annual income of less than $100,000. By 2020, 47 percent of the households will have members age 65 and over -- with many of those on fixed incomes. Selectman Mary Power noted that the board has heard from Hingham seniors (and some other residents) of limited means who are finding it more and more difficult to remain in town. Efforts have been successful in increasing the town's "affordable" housing stock, but there's not enough to meet the need. Among the Selectmen's top priorities are providing some tax relief, exploring public/private partnerships for some of the costly capital projects on the radar screen, pursuing grant and other funding opportunities, and working toward more development in South Hingham that’s appropriate for the area to help decrease the tax burden on residential property owners, who shoulder most of the tax burden. Can you think of other ways to help maintain diversity in Hingham, including residents of different backgrounds and financial means?  By Carol Meyer
Downtown Hingham will be merry and bright this holiday season! There's the annual Christmas in the Square celebration December 6 -- hosted by the Hingham Downtown Association -- featuring local musicians playing holiday favorites, giant candy canes, the second annual Luminaria Festival lighting up the Square, a visit from Santa, and other festivities. Leading up to this event and kicking off the excitement surrounding the holidays will be the Dec. 5 Miracle on Main Street, the primary Christmas in the Square fundraiser. With the help of many generous businesses and individuals, all 80 of the downtown lampposts will be decorated, each bearing the name of its sponsor. In the spirit of inclusiveness, eight of the lampposts will be decorated in observance of Hanukkah. Thanks goes to Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant and the Hingham Police Department, who will decorate the lampposts in time for the Christmas in the Square celebration. And if you can't get enough of that holiday spirit, you can enjoy the Holly Jolly Hingham month-long celebration while doing your holiday shopping in downtown Hingham. For full details about all these events and activities visit discoverhingham.com. What's your favorite part of the Christmas in the Square celebration?! How many years have you and your family enjoyed this event?!  By Carol Meyer
The Swap Shop at the Hingham transfer station is popular for a reason -- the variety of offerings seems nearly endless! From good-quality furniture and lamps to sporting goods and really cool, gently-used kids' stuff, there's something for everyone -- really! And it's all free! You can drop off or pick up items most days the transfer station is open -- Thursday through Sunday -- from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., depending on the weather. An enthusiastic Swap Shop regular had this to say: "There's wonderful stuff here. This is recycling at its best, and it's a lot of fun!" The message shared by Swap Shop Coordinator Bill Marshall is, "Always shop here first!" That's not surprising when you hear stories of people furnishing their offices, dorm rooms, kitchens, and even a new home with dishes, furniture, and other high-quality items from the Swap Shop. New volunteers are welcome. For more information check out the Public Works/Swap Shop link at hingham-ma.gov (https://www.hingham-ma.gov/272/SWAP-Shop). Have you ever stopped by the Swap Shop? If not, what are you waiting for?!!!  By: Carol Meyer
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I decided to take some time to think about, and show appreciation for, the many blessings in my life. As Thornton Wilder said, "We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." I'm grateful for our warm and comfortable home, beautiful seasonal flowers and plants, our three pets -- two Maine Coon cats and one much smaller Chihuahua who is constantly trying to hold his own! -- a job I love, my next-door neighbor and good friend who always comes to our rescue when we get locked out of our one bathroom -- last time a credit card did the trick! -- many kind and caring friendships and family relationships, including my two wonderful sons, Chris and Marc -- and newly-arrived this year, my beautiful granddaughter, Aida, who lives close by. (I'm Nan, NOT Grandma!) These are only a few of the blessings that come to mind -- I could barely name them all if I had the space. What blessings are you most grateful for in YOUR life?! Happy Thanksgiving! |
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