 By Carol Britton Meyer
Hingham Harbormaster Kenneth Corson predicts that this will be an especially busy boating season! While boating is always popular, it's never been more so than during the pandemic in 2020 and also this year, when individuals and families have been taking to their boats in record numbers to "get away from it all." Even with the lifting of most COVID-19 restrictions by Gov. Charlie Baker recently, there's still no better place than to be on the water on a hot summer day, enjoying the company of family and friends and spectacular views of Boston Harbor. Eighty-percent of the town's mooring permits had already been issued by early May, and boats were starting to go into the water -- an indication that there will be lots of activity this season in the harbor and beyond! Corson recently postponed plans to increase the number of moorings at World's End by up to 13 for at least this year. The only proposed change for this boating season is to limit the number of boats that can raft off each mooring to a maximum of five without prior harbormaster approval for more. After the Select Board recently supported this change, Chair Joseph Fisher went on to say that the board "recognizes the importance of boating, and our goal is to make [the harbor, including the World's End mooring field] a safe and fun place that we can all enjoy!" Whether or not you are a boater, Happy Summer!  By Carol Britton Meyer
Hingham developer D. J. MacKinnon is seeking community input about potential ways the historic Old Ship Parish House property in downtown Hingham could be redeveloped in a way that is appropriate for the surrounding neighborhood. The idea is to generate enough value to build a new Parish House across the street near the Old Ship Meeting House, at an estimated cost of $4 million, through a potential sale agreement with MacKinnon's company, Atlantic Development. Another component of the proposal is to use a small portion of the land to expand the town-owned Lincoln School Apartments located behind the existing Parish House in order to increase the town's stock of much-needed affordable housing for seniors. The first in a series of community Zoom meetings was held recently, with a public site visit planned for Tuesday, June 22, at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Another remote meeting will be scheduled in July to present and discuss various options for the property, including ideas suggested by members of the community. MacKinnon, who is committed to an open process, said he is looking forward to working with neighbors and others who are interested in this multi-faceted potential project. Any ideas?????!!!!!  By Carol Britton Meyer
After cancellation of the popular event in 2020 due to the pandemic, there will be an in-person "Feel the Freedom" race this year now that most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted -- great news for runners and also for the many spectators who enjoy watching the event! This is one of the region's oldest foot races, offering a 4.47-mile, runner-friendly course down historic Main Street, ending under the huge flag in downtown Hingham. "We're really excited. Hingham's Fourth is back!" Rec Commission Chair Vicki Donlan said recently. "We're expecting a great turnout!" Visit hinghamrec.com for further details and to register!  By Carol Britton Meyer
To help support students' social and emotional well-being during these challenging times, an affectionate chocolate lab therapy dog named "Taco" has been visiting Hingham High School under the volunteer Dog B.O.N.E.S. program. Dog B.O.N.E.S. is an acronym for "Dogs Building Opportunities for Nurturing and Emotional Support." HHS Adjustment Counselor Kevin Lalli said these visits are "a big stress reliever and an opportunity for kids who might not otherwise have a conversation to connect with one another when visiting with Taco." This friendly visitor greets students as they enter the school, in-between classes, and during mask breaks. From 8 to 10 a.m. Taco is available to visit classrooms as requested by various teachers. Lalli and fellow adjustment counselor Jessica Hoguet are working with Michelle Grady, Taco's handler, to schedule the visits. The mission of this non-profit is to provide well-trained, affectionate, obedient dogs that are registered and insured for visits to schools, hospitals, nursing facilities, and other locations to provide therapeutic contact with children, the disabled, and senior citizens and "to bring a little fun into someone's day." The overall feedback from students, parents, and teachers has been positive. So far Taco has visited dozens of classrooms. "The positive impact she had was immediate," Hoguet said. "We heard students making comments such as: 'My day just got infinitely better'; 'I NEED to see this dog'; and 'I've been looking for her all morning.'" Taco's visits will continue until the end of the school year, subject to her availability. For more information, visit https://www.therapydog.info/ |
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March 2024
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