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By Carol Meyer Congratulations to the Hingham High School Class of 2020 for waiting patiently following the disappointing postponement of original graduation plans to allow time to find a way to have an in-person ceremony. The long wait paid off, because on this coming Saturday, Aug. 1, at 5 p.m., the graduating class will celebrate with a live ceremony on the high school field, albeit it in a different way from the norm, due to COVID-19 requirements. The seniors will wear face masks and remain socially-distanced from one another throughout the event. There will be no tossing of caps at the end of the ceremony, and each senior may only invite two members of their immediate family to attend. Despite the challenges, all those involved -- especially the students -- are excited to have their wish for a live ceremony become a reality. "Thank you for your patience in waiting for the details of this event, as we worked with local officials to make it as fun and memorable as possible," HHS Principal Rick Swanson wrote in a letter to seniors and their parents recently. "We can't wait to see all of our seniors on August 1!" In accordance with state guidelines, the ceremony will be as brief as possible. The tradition of the graduates coming forward when their names are called to receive their diplomas will continue -- in a different format -- with the diplomas placed on a table rather than handed to them in person by a school official. For those unable to be there in person due to the guest limit, Harbor Media and Hingham Public Schools will be collaborating in order to provide a live stream. The stream will be available on Harbor Media's Facebook page and on Hingham Public School's Youtube Channel so everyone who is interested may enjoy the ceremony. "We're grateful for Harbor Media's partnership in memorializing all of our major senior events," Swanson said. The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 2, at 5 p.m. By Carol Meyer A bright new logo will be displayed on Weir River Water System trucks, letterhead, and signs once the transition from Aquarion Water Company to Town of Hingham ownership is completed by the end of July. The Hingham Selectmen charged the Water Transition and Evaluation Committee with developing a logo for the newly-named system. "We wanted a professionally-designed, identifiable logo that captured its essence," said Committee Chair James Taylor. The committee interviewed many experienced designers, including Will Uronis of Hull and Steve Pratt of Hingham, who were ultimately hired to design the logo, working as a team. "The Water Transition and Evaluation Committee believes the new logo represents the quality, cleanliness, and reliability that all customers expect from their water company," Taylor said. "The logo itself is made up of two water droplets which form a portion of the Weir River, a primary source of our water and the basis for the name of the system. Customers will begin seeing this logo used in many ways as the transition to municipal ownership occurs."   By Carol Meyer
The waterfront, and Hingham Square and the surrounding area, have a lot to offer -- whether boating and swimming at Hingham Harbor or shopping and dining in downtown Hingham. Thanks for the most part to a grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the town is embarking on a "Hingham Harbor and Downtown Sustainable Vision Study," and input from the community is a key part of that process. A main component is to help bring to reality the long-held goal of connecting the harbor and downtown Hingham according to a vision that will be developed through the study. Possibilities include enhancing walkability and accessibility to the harbor and the downtown area to create the feel of one walkable district for residents and visitors alike. The study will also identify potential new uses for the harbor and a diverse mix of businesses to attract more visitors. An added and important benefit is that a coordinated plan of this kind will help to advance climate resiliency measures to ensure the sustainable protection of the harbor for years to come. You can be part of the process and share YOUR ideas by participating in the next remote meeting, to be announced. Check the town website, hingham-ma.gov, for the date, time, and details.  By Carol Meyer
With the "official" long-awaited arrival of summer a couple of weeks ago, there are around 70 days remaining until the Sept. 22 end of the season. So there are that many days to enjoy -- whether gardening, listening to birdsong, observing the abundant brightly-colored flowers and butterflies -- which have been making more of an appearance lately -- stopping by to pick up your pre-ordered fruits and veggies from the Hingham Farmers Market, boating and soaking up the sun at Hingham Harbor -- with social distancing in mind -- and on and on the list goes. Although the winter was fairly mild, the spring was ushered in with joy -- providing a welcome relief during the COVID-19 challenge. And now it's summer! As far as the current high temperatures, I'll take them any day to the freezing cold. For that reason, I promise not to complain when the thermometer rises! I haven't yet! There's just something about summertime that lifts the spirits -- perhaps a carefree feeling reminiscent of when we were children and simply enjoyed all the beauty and fun opportunities surrounding us. I believe that we can still feel that way, at least to a degree -- even during a pandemic. By Carol Meyer The Town of Hingham could have a new, much-needed public safety facility in the not-too-distant future if all goes as planned. As a follow-up to Town Meeting's support for funding a feasibility study and conceptual design plans for this proposed project, the Selectmen voted recently to enter into a purchase and sale agreement on a three-acre parcel at 335 Lincoln Street, where Russo Marine is now located, for that purpose. The town has until Nov. 30 as a due diligence period. If the proposal moves forward as the board and public safety officials hope, voters will decide whether to purchase the property for $5.475 million at a Special Town Meeting this fall. "The police department has definitely outgrown its current headquarters at Town Hall since moving there in the late 1990s," Chief Glenn Olsson said recently. Such a facility would include a satellite fire station and a new police station -- which would free up about 40 parking spaces at Town Hall currently used by police department personnel and allow for a potential expansion and renovation of the adjacent senior center -- which has outgrown its current space -- into the area now occupied by the police department.  |
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October 2023
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