 By Carol Britton Meyer
While this is a different holiday season from the usual -- whether you and your family celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or another special day or days -- we can still enjoy all the good that surrounds us. Gatherings may be smaller than usual, and we might think twice before traveling over the state border, but we can experience and appreciate all the holiday cheer that surrounds us despite the challenges. Downtown Hingham and other shopping areas are merry and bright, and the traditional white lights on Main Street -- with some colored ones mixed in! -- add a festive touch. It's been a year like no other, for sure, so let's make it the best holiday season ever -- sharing joy wherever we go; feeling and expressing gratitude for all the good in our lives; taking time just to be still and savor the moment; donating to a local gift/food drive for those who are struggling -- especially this year -- sending a holiday card to a friend we haven't talked with for awhile; and much more. Wishing peace, harmony, and joy to you all during this very different time.  By Carol Britton Meyer
Three cheers for those Hingham businesses -- retail, restaurants, and everything in-between -- that have made it through this challenging year. Some didn't and are missed. Property taxes may seem like a boring subject, but the Selectmen's recent decision to follow tradition by maintaining a single tax rate for all town properties -- residential and commercial -- was a show of support for all Hingham businesses, especially those who are struggling during this time of economic uncertainty. A split tax rate would shift some of the tax burden from residential to commercial property. However, with commercial properties comprising only a small portion of the town's total valuation, any shift of the tax burden in that direction would be detrimental to the town's businesses, especially during these times. "Local business owners have expressed gratitude to the town for keeping the same tax rate. Many of the businesses, especially in downtown Hingham, are smaller stores and would have difficulty paying a higher tax rate," Hingham Director of Assessing Erin Walsh said recently. "Many of these local businesses contribute generously to our students by donating to various fundraising efforts benefitting many sports, theater, and other programs." It's been a difficult year for Hingham businesses -- and heading into winter poses its own challenges -- so let's support our local retail shops, restaurants, and other services throughout the holiday season and beyond. By Carol Britton Meyer By a narrow margin, Special Town Meeting voters supported the $5.5 million purchase of a parcel of land on Lincoln Street for potential use as a combined Hingham Police and Fire Department public safety building. This paves the way for a possible much-needed expansion of the senior center to serve the town's growing older population -- into the space currently occupied by the police station -- if the project moves to completion. Because a borrowing is involved, a two-thirds vote was required. Of the 453 voters present, 314 supported the purchase, while 139 did not. The socially-distanced meeting was held outside on the Hingham High School multi-purpose athletic field due to COVID-19. The weather was unseasonably mild, with temperatures in the mid- to high-50s and some sunshine. The total cost of the proposed public safety facility project -- with the most recent estimate at about $35 million -- was not the subject of this Special Town Meeting vote -- nor were voters asked to approve or to fund the building of the facility at this time. The cost would be lower if the scope and size of the project changes. More details will be available as the process unfolds.  By Carol Britton Meyer
Thanksgiving continues to be a once-a-year opportunity to express gratitude for all that we have and to share a delicious dinner -- for some, turkey with all the fixings and for others, like my niece, a variety of vegan dishes -- and good times with family and friends, even if in a smaller group than usual. This year's celebrations will be different because of COVID-19, but nothing can stop the usual expressions of love, generosity, and goodwill -- sending a card to a friend who doesn't get out a whole lot, telling him or her how much they mean to us; donating a variety of items to the local food pantry; and spreading a little cheer wherever we go, regardless of the circumstances. The fact that these are strange times indeed somehow makes me more grateful than usual for things we otherwise might take for granted -- driving to the grocery store or to do errands on a sunny day, grateful to have a car and for the well-stocked shops; raking colorful leaves and taking a moment to breathe in the fresh air; enjoying the holiday flower arrangements that are available in a wide variety of styles and Fall hues; bringing a home-baked pecan or pumpkin pie to a neighbor; and taking the time to appreciate all the beauty that surrounds us. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the holiday, Happy Thanksgiving!  By Carol Meyer
When my younger son, Marc, was in Boston a while ago, he saw a homeless man with a bouquet of beautiful tulips. Thinking that maybe the man was selling them to earn a little money, my son asked if he could buy one of the flowers. The man politely refused. Instead, he offered this beautiful tulip to my son to give to someone he loved. There are so many kind souls who are struggling -- whether from joblessness, homelessness, or a lack of food and other resources -- or all three -- the list goes on and on. In addition to helping when we can, let's remember that a few friendly words can give people who are struggling a little hope and lift their spirits. And in this case, a thoughtful homeless man touched my son's heart with a small but meaningful act of kindness.  By Carol Britton Meyer
During the outdoor regular Town Meeting in June, efforts were made to keep participants cool. For the Nov. 21 Special Town Meeting, that shouldn't be an issue. The meeting will take place on the multi-purpose field at the high school -- with social distancing in place and face make requirements -- featuring a warrant article asking voters to allow the town to move forward with the $5.5 million purchase of a parcel of land at 335 Lincoln St. for potential use as a new combined Hingham Police and Fire Department public safety building. A two-thirds vote is required for the article to pass because a borrowing is involved. The cost of the project will not be the subject of a vote at this Special Town Meeting, although the most recent estimate is about $40 million -- nor will voters be asked to fund the building of the facility this time around. The cost would go down if the scope and the size of the project were to change. The police department -- located at Town Hall -- and the North Street fire station have outgrown their current locations and both chiefs and the public safety facility building committee have outlined in detail the buildings' shortcomings and looking toward the future. If the project becomes a reality, the Senior Center will be able to expand into the police department space. The meeting will begin at noon on the 21st, with a rain date of the following day at the same time. if it rains then as well, the meeting will be held inside.  By Carol Britton Meyer
Attention, ferry and commuter rail fans -- it's time to take action! Due to a COVID-19-related reduction in ridership and the accompanying loss of revenue, the MBTA is proposing major Greenbush commuter rail service cuts and possible elimination of Hingham/Hull ferry service. About 50 percent of Hingham and Cohasset commuters normally take public transportation. Town officials and local legislators are urging residents of Hingham and surrounding communities to rally around the effort to prevent these what many call "devastating" cutbacks to happen. Not only will riders be affected, but also Smart Growth developments that have marketed their close proximity to public transportation as a big plus. The MBTA is expected to make a decision about which services to cut on Dec. 7. For more details and to find out how to make your voice heard and/or to join the effort, visit the https://www.savetheferry.org/ website.  By Carol Britton Meyer
For those who have been wondering what Halloween will be like this year, or whether trick-or-treating will be discouraged in Hingham, here's the scoop. Even though this Halloween will be very different from ones in the past, your children may go trick-or-treating even during a pandemic "to the extent that individuals and families feel it is safe to participate in Halloween activities this year," in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines outlined in the "COVID-19 Halloween Guidance" post on the Hingham town website. It's important for everyone to follow these guidelines to help ensure a safe and healthy Halloween for your and other families. "The question [of whether to 'cancel' trick-or-treating] has arisen in past years when Halloween weather forecasts were poor," Selectmen Chair Mary Power said recently. "The Town of Hingham hasn't made decisions about Halloween in past years, and we are not inclined to do so this year. We do encourage residents to follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines, particularly with respect to gatherings." Visit https://www.hingham-ma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=879 for Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommendations and for CDC guidance. A few examples of CDC advice that really stand out are:
Trick-or-treaters are also urged to avoid singing, chanting, or shouting, especially when not wearing a face mask and when they are within six feet of other children or adults. Have a happy, safe Halloween!  By Carol Britton Meyer
There's no time like the present to support our local restaurants! Brian Houlihan, owner of the Trident Galley & Raw Bar at the Hingham Shipyard, The Parrot in Hull, and three other South Shore restaurants, is among the many independent restaurant owners and other Massachusetts Restaurants United members who recently advocated at the State House for proposed legislation geared toward helping local restaurants struggling to stay in business during the pandemic. Stephanie Burke -- who owns Lenny's Hideaway in Cohasset with her husband, Derek -- and Houlihan are leading the MRU's South Shore effort. "We need numbers," Houlihan said recently. "Together we can make a difference." Now that Fall has arrived, the outdoor dining season will soon come to an end, and much-reduced inside seating due to state COVID-19 regulations will continue to add to restaurant owners' woes. The proposed economic aid package includes a Distressed Restaurant Relief Fund that would offer one-time grants to restaurant owners that could be used to cover rent, payroll, insurance, and other expenses, but that proposed bill is still pending. Now that the number of restaurants involved is growing, "the next step is spreading the word so Gov. Charlie Baker will take us more seriously and listen to our issues. We were all shut down by the government, and we need to get some kind of relief," Houlihan said. According to the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, 20 percent of eateries have closed permanently due to COVID-19 impacts. Let's continue to support our local restaurants! For further information or to join the MRU, email jbrianhoulihan@gmail.com.  By Carol Meyer
School officials remain committed to developing an equity and inclusion plan for the Hingham Public Schools, despite delays from having to shift their focus to COVID-19-related issues to help ensure the health and safety of students and staff. Asst. Supt. of Schools Jamie LaBillois provided an update on the Equity Task Force to the School Committee recently. He was pleased to report that 46 educators participated in five separate book groups this summer, reading books related to educational equity. Among the many initiatives is ensuring that each classroom library includes a variety of stories representing people of different cultures. The HPS vision of equity developed by the task force states that "regardless of student background, experience, and knowledge, Hingham Public Schools students will be provided with opportunities and resources to develop socially, emotionally, and academically in a safe, supportive, enriching, and bias-free environment." The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) faculty analysis is expected to be ready by late October, and a report on the task force's findings and work at an as-yet-undetermined time. "Our equity team is incredibly engaged," LaBillois said. |
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