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By Carol Meyer Last year The Trustees of Reservations were granted permission to make changes to the World's End parking and circulation pattern and to add a not-yet-completed Visitors Center. A large group of World's End-area residents attended a recent joint Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board hearing to review the current situation -- including parking -- following the above changes as part of a required look-back. A tiered approach to programming was also part of the approval to prevent overlapping of events in response to some residents' continuing concerns about on-street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods, especially during high attendance events. Another public meeting will be held next fall, when more information about visitor- and associated traffic-count statistics during peak visitor times will be presented. Some residents say despite the changes there are still times when visitors park in their neighborhoods instead of inside the park and question the number of events that have been held there since the changes. Despite the challenges, World's End offers many recreational opportunities -- including walking along the peninsula’s miles of trails or just relaxing and reading a book with views of spectacular vistas. Whatever you decide to do, please consider the surrounding neighborhood when finding a parking space! Do you visit World's End? What's your favorite activity to do there? 
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 Are you finding it a challenge to get your kids to pick up a book this summer? Hingham Public Library can help!
There's still plenty of time for kids and teens of all ages to get onboard with the library's summer reading program, designed to have fun while reading. "A Universe of Stories!" is a great way to keep younger kids motivated to read during the summer months, with fun prizes in the offing. Families are invited to stop by the library to register, pick up a copy of the summer program booklet, and stock up on books. Sixth-graders and above have their own exciting summer reading program. No sign-up necessary -- just pick up a pamphlet at the Children's Desk, check out the "rules," and start reading. Teens can earn a variety of prizes by doing simple things -- checking out a book, writing a short book review, or attending a fun library program. Don't miss out! What was your favorite summertime reading book when you were a child? Are your kids participating in the library's summer reading program this year?  By Carol Meyer
Hingham celebrates the Fourth of July in a big way! The traditional Fourth of July parade, which attracts thousands of spectators from Hingham and far beyond, will step out as usual from Hingham High School -- rain or shine --July 4 at 10 a.m. Let's hope for sunny weather, or at least no rain! The parade, with a "Celebrate Hingham's Natural Beauty" theme, will feature Hingham's own Uncle Sam, colorful floats, marching bands, Scouts, more stilt-walkers than ever before!, and various organizations and youth groups. However, the Hingham Lions Club annual spectacular fireworks display and family celebration at the harbor were canceled due to the need for more volunteers. It's hoped that members of the community will step up and offer their assistance so the fireworks can continue in 2020 and in years to come. The Hingham Rec Road Race from the Hingham Middle School and the Hingham Lions/Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast on Hingham Centre Common before the parade draw large numbers of runners and pancake lovers and are both happening as usual this year. Check out the Hingham town website’s (hingham-ma.gov) July 4th link for more details. What is your favorite part of Hingham's Fourth of July celebration? Are you participating this year?  By Carol Meyer
A developer is proposing a three-story commercial/residential building at 25 and 33 Central Street behind the Hingham Community Center that will include eight condos, a business use on the ground floor, and a 23-car garage within the ground level of the building. The popular Krigsman Yoga studio has the option to continue to operate at this site. The developer, Respond Ventures, LLC, is expected to go before the Historic Districts Commission sometime in July to present the plan for an advisory design review "to help maintain the flavor and character of the downtown area," HDC Administrator Andrea Young said. In a brief written description of the work provided to the HDC, the developer said the condos will provide "an attractive alternative" for empty-nesters who wish to live in downtown Hingham. The development will incorporate "green" building features. The Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals will also hold a hearing(s) about the proposal. What do you think? By Carol Britton Meyer The Hingham Bathing Beach is a great place for summer fun! While the projected opening day for the new multi-purpose bathhouse -- which includes a snack shop and a maritime-themed community room -- has been delayed from early summer to around Labor Day, there's still plenty to enjoy at this beautiful location. The Hingham Farmers Market operates from the parking lot Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There's also a new brick walkway and the usual spectacular views of the harbor. The Bathing Beach is also a great place for boating, swimming, relaxing in the sunshine, having a picnic, or running along the harborfront. The end result for the bathhouse will be worth the wait, those overseeing the project say, complete with cedar shingles, a cupola, and a deck. The site work began some time ago. Once the modulars arrive -- hopefully in late June or the first week of July -- construction will take place during the rest of that month and into the first half of August. When all the work is completed, there will be an additional 34 parking spaces. The concession stand, which will be operated by Greg Acerra d.b.a. Fireking Baking Company, will be a big draw. "It will be a high-class operation," Bathing Beach Trustee Chair Alan Perrault said. What's your favorite activity at the Bathing Beach? Do you think the new bathhouse/concession stand/community room will be a big draw?  By Carol Meyer In response to a growing number of reports about the presence of coyotes in Hingham neighborhoods, town officials are taking steps to address what some residents say has become a crisis. Animal Control Officer Leslie Badger is working with schools, neighborhood groups, and individual families to schedule educational sessions about coyotes and has been involved with coming up with an action plan for Foster School to deal with coyotes that live in the woods surrounding the school. Coyote mating season was earlier this year, so young pups are around as well as adult coyotes. The increasing amount of development also plays a role. Town officials have discussed possible solutions and have also contacted state agencies asking for information about pre-existing wildlife studies and the Environmental Police requesting a meeting with Hingham officials. "At that time, among other discussion topics, we plan to evaluate existing legislation and the pros and cons of any potential legislation [addressing this issue]," Assistant Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur said. There are specific laws relating to trapping and also to shooting coyotes in the most extreme situations, thereby tying the hands of local animal control officers in how they are able to handle the overall situation and individual incidents. Additional information about coyotes and also an online coyote sighting form are posted on the Hingham Police Department website at https://hpd.org/241/Coyotes. A coyote presentation and other details are available on the Animal Control Officer website. DO NOT call 911 or the police station business line to report seeing a coyote unless there is an emergency or immediate threat to humans. Have you seen any coyotes? Why do you think there are so many around lately? By Carol Meyer There are a couple of changes in store for the Hingham High School Class of 2019 -- the ceremony will start at 10 a.m. rather than the usual 5 p.m., and all 279 graduates will wear red robes rather than the traditional red for boys and white for girls. The time of the event was changed to avoid conflicts with the girls' and boys' track teams state championship meets. The decision to go to all red robes was to promote inclusiveness among the graduating class and to do away with gender-based graduation robe colors in compliance with Massachusetts Department of Education directives. Students had a say in the final decision. Some students and parents were unhappy with the change while others thought it was a good idea. "The most inspiring thing about our class is our togetherness in spite of all of our individual differences," said Class President Billy Johnston. Principal Rick Swanson had this to say about the graduating class: "You have already made big contributions to our school, and I’m sure you’ll continue to do so during your final time here at HHS. This entire community (not just your friends, classmates and parents, but your whole school, including your principal) is proud of you, and we’re all eager to support you as you move forward." The ceremony will take place Saturday, June 1, at 10 a.m. on the turf field, weather permitting. Otherwise, it will be held indoors in the gym. What is your favorite part of HHS graduation ceremonies? The band music, the student speeches, seeing the graduates march across the field, or watching them accept their diplomas?   By Carol Meyer
The entire community is invited to attend Hingham's May 27 Memorial Day Observance, hosted by the Department of Veterans' Services and the Veterans' Council. This is a way to show respect for those who have sacrificed their lives for their country before we head off for traditional family and neighborhood gatherings. Town Moderator Michael Puzo will begin the ceremony promptly at 11 a.m. outside Town Hall or inside Sanborn Auditorium if it rains. This annual event is well-attended, with many families waving flags and dressed in patriotic colors. The Principal Speaker will be Hingham resident, SFC Roger Knight, U.S. Army. The Hingham High School Band will perform patriotic music, and Student Athlete Nick Capodilupo will sing the National Anthem. Town Clerk Eileen McCracken will read the names of those Hingham veterans who have passed since Memorial Day 2018. Wreaths will be laid in honor of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice as the Bugler sounds Taps. For full details visit the town website at hingham-ma.gov. How do you celebrate Memorial Day? What's your favorite part of these annual ceremonies? By Carol Meyer There are two big changes to the Board of Selectmen -- new Chairman Karen Johnson and newly-elected board member Joseph Fisher, who are both excited about their new roles. Fisher fills the seat formerly occupied by Selectmen Chairman Paul Healey, who did not run for re-election. Fisher admits he has big shoes to fill! Johnson points to his experience on the Conservation Commission and most recently the Zoning Board of Appeals as a benefit to the town as Fisher assumes his new position. In the recent town election, Janine Suchecki upseated longtime Housing Authority member Robert Keyes; Town Moderator Michael Puzo was relected after being challenged by Megan Burr; and School Committee incumbents Liza O'Reilly and Carlos DaSilva and Nancy "Nes" Correnti were also elected -- out of four candidates who ran for three seats on that committee. Joshua Ross was the other candidate. What issues would you like to see the Selectmen, School Committee, and the Hingham Housing Authority -- which is overseen by the state but is based in the town -- address in the upcoming fiscal year? What in your opinion is going well and what issues need more attention? This is your town government, so let your voice be heard!   By Carol Meyer It's finally spring, and Hingham Farmers Market organizers, vendors, and patrons are enjoying the new market season. The 2019 market continues to operate from the Bathing Beach parking lot off Rte. 3A Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May 4 through part of November. Offerings include seasonal plants, flowers, fresh produce, bakery, cheese, poultry, beef, seafood, eggs, honey, artisan wares, and more. "We're looking forward to another successful season," Market Manager Bill Marshall said. "We have some new vendors, plus our regulars will be back." The volunteer Friends of the Hingham Farmers Market are always onhand to welcome patrons, answer questions, and to assist those who wish to participate in the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly referred to as food stamps) program, in which the market participates. New volunteers are welcome. Just stop by the Friends table at the market for more info or to sign up. What is your favorite part of the market? Do you go there often with family and friends? See you there! Visit www.hinghamfarmersmarket.org for more information. |
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