 By: Carol Meyer
Be sure to stop by to see for yourself the recently-completed historically-themed mural on the side and back of the Hennessy News Building on North Street -- a true work of art and labor of love! Well-known Hingham artist Susan Kilmartin designed the mural, and she and and talented art students from Hingham High School and the South Shore Charter School in Norwell -- with guidance from their art teachers -- brought the project to reality. Special thanks goes to Hennessy News owner Joe Ierardi for his willingness to allow the artists to paint the historic scenes on the building. The mural depicts colonial life circa 1840 on Hersey Farm in Hingham. The toy and box factory -- which had been locked up and hidden by vines and vegetation -- was recently uncovered and found to be completely intact by members of the Hersey family (still in residence on the farm). The toys and tools inside were also intact after 100 years. The cost of the paint and other supplies the students used throughout the project was covered by Greenbush Historic Preservation Trust grants. The purpose of this fund is to preserve and maintain historic assets and streetscapes along the Greenbush commuter rail right-of way and the surrounding area to enhance downtown Hingham. (The back of Hennessy's News abuts the tunnel cap.) "I'm very grateful for this grant," said Kilmartin, who donated her time to the project. Have you seen the mural yet? What do you think it adds to downtown Hingham?  By Carol Meyer There are plenty of fun summertime activities to enjoy right here in Hingham without having to travel far at all. There's golfing and swimming at South Shore Country Club; sailing and rowing at Hingham Maritime Center; swimming and picnicking at the Bathing Beach; experiencing farm life at the 75-acre Weir River Farm on Turkey Hill; and learning more about the town's history at The Heritage Museum at 34 Main Street; among dozens of other activities. The Hingham Farmers Market at the Bathing Beach is the place to go Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lots of summertime activities for all ages are also offered at Hingham Rec, Hingham Community Center, and South Shore Conservatory. You might also want to add the Bare Cove Fire Museum and the nearby South Shore Model Railway Club to your summer "to do" list. And to top off a summer filled with fun activities, the Launch at Hingham Shipyard is hosting free live outdoor concerts and movies Thursday and Friday evenings in July and August, weather permitting, in the amphitheater behind Hingham Beer Works at 18 Shipyard Drive. Bring lawn chairs and blankets! Movies are shown on Thursdays and start at dusk. Musical performances begin at 7 p.m. Friday evenings. Do you spend a lot of time in Hingham during the summer? What's your favorite summertime activity? 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?   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? |
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