Hull Artists’ Open Studios offer a chance to enjoy the peninsula’s natural beauty

Text and Photo by Kevin Rush Locke

Open Studios, sponsored by Hull Artists, is back for its 28th year. On July 13 and 14, Open Studios takes the front stage in Hull, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. It’s always fun and always free. For an interactive map of studios open to the public throughout the town – 36 artists in 24 locations – visit hullartists.com/openstudios.

Even two artists in Cohasset will open their studios as part of the art festival. For 28 years, the artists of Hull have opened their hearts to encounter with you the transformative energy of the town’s 26 miles of coastline. Artists have engaged their craft and spirit to interpret the sandy, sometimes rocky and craggy, spit of land. You cannot miss Open Studios next weekend. The art is for sale!

What is the quiet side of Hull? The mystical aspect of Hull? Frederick Law Olmsted of Emerald Necklace, Central Park, and World’s End fame created lush gardens in the Nantasket Beach area more than 100 years ago. Think of it, the nation’s top landscape architect worked on the peninsula in concert with the natural environment. The father of landscape architecture who laid out the gardens of the U.S. Capitol in Washington labored to make Hull sing its song of peace and light. Those gardens are long gone, replaced by DCR’s reservation of asphalt and concrete. Soon, a building 47 feet tall, with 132 apartments and 7,000 square feet of commercial space will be erected to further erase the beauty that is ours to care for, and it will obstruct the iconic threshold to Hull – the sea. As the town takes on an urban look and feel, artists have an increasingly challenging time getting to nature. Have you ever seen a painting of the south end of town where the condominium buildings are? No, no would ever think of those buildings as belonging to a natural landscape by the sea in New England. These factors affect art in Hull.

Artists need a graceful palette with which to explore and be with the mystical side of Hull. Artists can even collaborate with a gritty subject. An artist must engage the colors, textures, shapes, and most of all, the light in a place like Hull.

Kristophe Green and Dacher Keltner of the University of California at Berkeley write in the university’s magazine on human flourishing: “A large body of research is documenting the positive impacts of nature on human flourishing – our social, psychological, and emotional life. Over 100 studies have shown that being in nature, living near nature, or even viewing nature in paintings and videos can have positive impacts on our brains, bodies, feelings, thought processes, and social interactions. Viewing nature seems to be inherently rewarding, producing a cascade of position emotions, and calming our nervous systems. These in turn help us to cultivate greater openness, creativity, connection, generosity, and resilience.”

Hullonians would do well to be intentional about acknowledging the full experience of nature and be strident in diminishing those obstacles to beauty. Thirty-six artists have been beguiled by the need to respond to the beauty of nature. You will be moved by what you see. I speak not only of painters and photographers. Artists of jewelry, fabric media, and ceramics also respond to the light that is Hull. Art is a compelling occupation. An artist is never satisfied.

Do not miss Open Studios 2024 on July 13 and 14.

Visit hullartists.com/openstudios. On August 24 and 25, Hull artists will again open their studios for you to enjoy. Remember, the art is for sale!

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‘Everything has settled down,’ but water company says it is prepared for summer surge

By Carol Britton Meyer 

ALL NON-ESSENTIAL OUTSIDE WATER USAGE IS PROHIBITED DURING A LEVEL 2 WATER RESTRICTION.

The Weir River Water System and Veolia, which operates the water company, said this week that they were prepared for the busy Fourth of July holiday and the expected additional usage following the widespread water discoloration that began on Juneteenth and continued for several days.

Staff was at heightened readiness during the holiday, Veolia Regional Vice President John Oatley told the board of water commissioners (the Hingham select board) at its July 2 meeting.

“Everything has settled down,” said WRWS Managing Director Russell Tierney. “Things are getting back to where they should be. Water usage is down a little bit but will ramp up with the holiday coming.”

Customers are asked to abide by the current Level 2 prohibition on outside watering through July 4 and to continue conservation efforts as a matter of course, even when a watering ban is not officially in place.

WRWS serves customers in Hingham, Hull, and North Cohasset. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection rated the discoloration event a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the worst-case scenario, according to Tierney.

“We will provide MassDEP with the information they requested,” he said. “We need to do a report and provide a checklist to be sure everything is covered.”

Abatement requests accepted

In response to customer inquiries, abatement requests related to the duration of the water discoloration event are being accepted through a link on the WRWS website: https://www.weirriverwater.org/987/Contact-Us.

Oatley said a draft report with the findings and historical water system information is expected to be ready by July 25.

“It’s an ongoing investigation,” he said.

Contributing factors to recent events included the extreme heat leading to increased demand for water on June 19; the fact that many people were at home since it was a holiday — causing higher water usage; a break in a 76-year-old Leavitt Street water main between Main and Short streets in Hingham Center; the need for additional system maintenance and infrastructure upgrades; the need for better communication; as well as other factors “unknown at this time.”

Immediate actions in response to the water discoloration —  to help prevent repeats and to enhance customer communication — include adjusting the tank monitoring alarm set points and the timing and range of the tank recharge; updating the WRWS emergency response plan; improving community outreach; and the development of an enhanced flushing program that is expected to start around October.

“We are also continuing to explore and implement effective infrastructure improvements,” Oatley said.

Communication improvements in the works

Christopher Halleron, manager of communications and community relations at Veolia, is working with media outlets and the three communities to update its contact list. Engaging in “test” messaging to encourage customer participation and to evaluate the responses is in the works, but not yet ready for prime time.

Water quality remains an ongoing concern among the water commissioners and customers. Testing of the distribution system takes place five times during the summer and regularly at the treatment plant. More information will be available.

Customers with water quality concerns are encouraged to email waterquality@weirriverwater.com.

Citizens Advisory Board Chair Steven Weiss noted that “a lot of lessons have been learned at this point and how to move forward.” The CAB will meet in advance of the release of the July 25 draft report “to discuss the communications piece. Part of the messaging has to relate to from whom the messages are coming – WRWS or Veolia.” The CAB is comprised of members from the three towns.

Hingham Select Board Chair Joseph Fisher said he was pleased that “steps are being taken to minimize risks on July 4, and we’re looking forward to receiving and reviewing the report.”

For customer service inquiries, contact the Weir River Water System/Veolia 24 hours per day at (877) 253-6665 or wrcs@veolia.com.

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Shorelines - News about your neighbors

• James R. Mahoney received a bachelor of arts degree in environmental studies during the 2024 commencement ceremonies of Hobart and William Smith Colleges on Sunday, May 19. Mahoney studied in Costa Rica and is the son of Chad Mahoney and Lisa A. Mahoney.

COLD COMFORT. Quick Pick convenience store owner Bobby Patel and his son, Khush, recently helped make a hot night more bearable by donating hundreds of cups of slush – turning the Hull Junior Baseball championship game into a really cool event. The players and their fans were very grateful! [Courtesy photo]

• Amanda Lorusso graduated from Emmanuel College on Saturday, May 18, during the college's 102nd commencement exercises on its campus in Boston. Lorusso received a bachelor of science in biology with a concentration in health sciences during the ceremony. Lorusso, the daughter of Dolores and Anthony Lorusso, graduated summa cum laude and with distinction in the field of study.

• Emmanuel College in Boston has named Victoria Rosado to the Dean’s List for the spring semester. To earn a spot on the Dean’s List, Emmanuel students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher for a 16-credit semester.

• John Iversen graduated on June 22 from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a bachelor of science in international maritime business. While attending the academy, his activities included varsity lacrosse and serving as an orientation squad leader and as president of the Mass. Maritime Student Port of the Propeller Club. With his classmates in the international maritime business major, he participated in an experiential learning program in Durban, South Africa in 2022. He received the athletic director’s academic achievement award in 2024. In August, Jack will start as a demurrage analyst at Chevron Shipping in Houston. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a fully accredited, four-year, co-educational state university offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees that are highly regarded in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond.

• Catholic Charities’ leadership team gathered with Sunset Point Camp staff and members of the community recently for a special luncheon in memory of Lorraine Earle, a longtime member of the Friends of Sunset Point Camp who passed away this January. As stated in her obituary, one of Lorraine’s life mottos was “Being kind is free.” She brought her kind and charitable spirit to everything she did, whether it was helping facilitate treasure night at Sunset Point Camp or serving as the CFO for her son’s T-shirt company, Johnny Cupcakes. In recognition of her incredible impact on the camp here in Hull, longtime supporters Jeff and Petey Menice painted a beautiful mural on the lean-to at the beach, which was unveiled along with a plaque following lunch.

“One way or another, Lorraine and her family were always involved in Sunset Point Camp, during the summer with the kids and even in the off-season,” said Sunset Point Camp Program Director Ivana Correia-Veiga. “My favorite memory with Lorraine was when she organized a special day where she taught the kids about all kinds of seashells, and she brought an ice cream truck to the camp for them to enjoy as they all watched a movie together. With the love of the Earle family, we know her legacy will continue to live on forever here at Sunset Point Camp.”

Lorraine’s daughter, Linsay, son-in-law Nick, and grandson Hudson attended the special remembrance of Lorraine.

“Ever since we were little, my Mom just always saw the joy in life, and taught us that what it was about is helping people, and not material things, but giving people your time,” she said. “That’s what she always embodied in us. This camp has been so special to us for many years, and we would love to continue to stay involved.”

 THE ONE THAT DIDN’T GET AWAY – and we have the photo to prove it! Eve Cullerton shows off the fish she caught on Nantasket beach on Juneteenth. She is shown with Patrick Jackson. [Photo courtesy of Mary Jackson]

Several Friends of Sunset Point Camp also attended, including President and CEO Kelley Tuthill.

“Thank you for all you do, from fundraising to sharing the mission and organizing treasure nights,” Tuthill said. “Just seeing the children’s faces completely light up whenever they talk about treasure nights is a prize all in itself.”

• Nicholas Stettler Lord graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Clark University during the school’s 120th commencement exercises on Monday, May 20.

• State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership recently announced the graduation of 19 firefighters from the 50-day career recruit firefighting training program. Among them was Hull’s own Alyssa Basler, a new member of the Hull Fire Department.

• The Hull Artists organization recently announced that its Gallery Nantasket fine art and craft showcase has been honored with the Best Of the South Shore award for an art gallery for 2024-25. This is the third consecutive year that the gallery, at 121 Nantasket Ave., has been recognized by South Shore Home, Life & Style magazine readers.

• Hailey Gould has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester at the University of New England. Dean’s List students must have attained a grade-point average of 3.3 or better out of a possible 4.0 at the end of the semester.

• On June 14 at a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House, Hull’s Kim Greaves was honored by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women as a Commonwealth Heroine. She was nominated by state Rep. Joan Meschino for the award, which recognizes female leaders in industry, business, and community organizations who are making a difference. Kim is well-known throughout Hull for her work with veterans organizations, holiday food drives, and countless other activities that better the lives of her neighbors.

If you have news about Hull residents to share – birthdays, anniversaries, career and education achievements, weddings, births, and other milestones – send your information to us at news@hulltimes.com. If you include a photo, please be sure that everyone in the image is identified. Thank you!

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The circus came to town!

JENNIFER WHELAN PHOTO - JENNIFERLYNNEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

The Hideaway Circus performed twice this past week on the Hull Redevelopment Authority property, to enthusiastic crowds on July 2 & 3.

Check out this gallery of images from Jennifer Whelan of Jennifer Lynne Photography:

https://jenniferlynnephotography.pic-time.com/-hideawaycircus2024/gallery

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As new priests are ordained, Catholics celebrate changes in parish spiritual leadership

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

During the past month, parishioners of the Christ by the Sea Collaborative of St. Mary’s Parish of Hull and St. Anthony of Padua Parish of Cohasset have been celebrating those who have recently been ordained as priests and how they radiate the love of Christ to others with humility, joy, and conviction.

IN TRANSITION. The Christ by the Sea Catholic Collaborative bid farewell to Father Hein Vu, left, and welcomed Father Hung Tran during a recent transition in parish personnel. [Photo courtesy of Christ by the Sea Collaborative]

For many, attending the sacrament of ordination to the priesthood provides an opportunity to reflect on the question, “Who is a priest?” A priest is a man consecrated to God to act in service to the people of the church and exercise the priesthood of Christ sacramentally.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley, who ordained 11 men to the priesthood on May 25, including three with ties to the Christ by the Sea Collaborative, referred to the ordination as a celebration of the whole Catholic family because the whole church is involved, and everyone is affected by what takes place during ordination at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston.

“The Catholic priest is to manifest Christ, who is manifesting the merciful face of the father; God coming to love through us…the priesthood is understood wholly in terms of relationship of father, son, and brother,” O’Malley said.

“Every time I participate in a priesthood ordination Mass, it leads to me reflecting on my own priesthood ordination,” said the Rev. Scott Euvrard, pastor of the Christ by the Sea Collaborative. “The various parts of the ordination ritual remind me of the vocation of the priest, to which God has called me. The joy and zeal of the newly ordained priests enkindles in me that same joy and zeal.”

SPREADING THE WORD. Newly ordained Father Matthew Harrington gave a blessing to a friend, while his father, Frank Harrington, looked on. [Dolores Lorusso photo]

With nearly 2,500 attendees, some from different countries, O’Malley said the cathedral almost looked like the church of the Pentecost, with pilgrims from every nation.

“It is always a special blessing to witness the Sacrament of Holy Orders; however, today for me I particularly connected with the representation of different cultures during the ceremony…the Vietnamese, Hispanic, African; for instance, the gospel procession was the Cameroon Catholic community,” said Tina DelGuidice, Christ by the Sea parishioner and longtime volunteer leader.

“I loved all the cultural mixes…it is so great to see the church from different places,” said St. Mary’s parishioner and church bulletin editor Vanessa Lorusso.

Five of the new priests are from Massachusetts, and a sixth is from Connecticut; however, the remaining five are from Cameroon, Columbia, El Salvador, Mexico, and Vietnam, creating increased diversity within the archdiocese.

The parishioners of the Christ by the Sea Collaborative are especially appreciative of Father Scott and all three of the men with bonds to the collaborative who have recently been ordained — Father Matthew Harrington, Father Hung Tran, and Father Christopher Letizia — as well as those before them, such as Father Hein Vu, leaving their handprints on the hearts of those they served.

The collaborative said farewell to Father Hein, of the 2023 ordination class, who has served as parochial vicar at the parishes for the past year, as well as recently ordained Father Matthew, who served at the collaborative during the past two years for his pastoral formation and diaconal ministry.

Mary Jane Silva, recipient of the Cheverus Award for serving at St. Mary’s parish for many years in many capacities, read a poem at the Mass for Father Hein’s farewell and Father Hung’s welcome.

An excerpt from Silva’s poem captures the emotions of many: “He opens his heart; he was always there/He went above and beyond; we know we’re in his prayers. You can feel his faith coming from within his heart/I can’t help but hearing ‘How Great Thou Art’ …And to add our blessings, beautiful hymns will be sung/As we welcome our new vicar, an inspiring Father Hung. Our Lord took him by the hand and said, ‘Come with me’/St. Mary and St. Anthony Parish await you to show their love and faith in thee. Welcome Father Hung and to your wonderful parents, who made you what you are today.”

Parishioner Rob Mortel reflected on Father Matthew’s impact at the collaborative, noting that he got involved in whatever capacity he was needed, calling him a true example of a priest’s vocation.

Father Matthew, like at his ordination to the diaconate last year, was still highly moved by lying prostrate during the Litany of the Saints as the church is unified in prayer. Another moving part of the ceremony is the Laying on of Hands.

“The most touching moment for me during the ordination is when the bishop lays hands on the head of each one being ordained, praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This is central to the ordination ritual,” said Father Scott, who just celebrated the 30th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. “Then, all the priests who are present also lay hands on the head of each one being ordained.”

The new priests will serve within the archdiocese, and their first assignments will be associate pastors or parochial vicars to gain experience. Eventually, like Father Hein, they may move to another church based on need and on their abilities and interests.

Father Scott explained usually a priest stays at a church for at least two to three years, so Father Hein’s move after just one year did come as a surprise; however, St. Ambrose in Dorchester has a need for a second priest who speaks Vietnamese.

Father Hung Tran, also of the ordination class of 2024, will be joining the collaborative as parochial vicar. At Mass on Sunday, June 16, he was introduced by Father Hein, who passed the torch by saying he “fell in love with the parish and received a lot of love, joy, and peace over the past 11 months and 17 days,” and knows the parishioners in Hull and Cohasset will now share those blessings with Father Hung.

Father Hung says his mother is the first person who encouraged him to become a priest; in his ministry, he wants to be among his flock and help them as much as he can.

“I am happy to share with them, to help them, and pray for them,” said Father Hung.

Father Matthew, who has been assigned to St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Medfield and St. Jude in Norfolk, began serving his home parish in the second grade as an altar server because he was intrigued by the rituals of the Mass. For his Eagle Scout project, he built outdoor stations of the cross at St. Adelaide’s in Peabody, where he has lifelong connections.

“What stands out to me most is how humbling it is to become a priest and to be used by God, to say Mass, to hear confessions…it is not what I do, but what the Lord does,” said Father Matthew. “It was a blessing to grow closer to Christ while serving here [Hull and Cohasset], and hopefully, by God’s grace, he was able to draw you closer to himself through my ministry.”

Karen Harrington, Father Matthew’s mother, said she was honored when he sought her out so she could be the first family member to receive his blessing as a priest.

All of the priests asked parishioners to pray for them, especially prayers of thanksgiving to God that they have answered his call and are ready to serve. The parishioners will continue to pray, as Cardinal O’Malley directed them, that God who has begun a good work in each of these priests bring it to fulfillment and continue to cultivate pastoral charity within their hearts.

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‘Music by the Sea’ concert series at the Bernie King Pavilion

‘Music by the Sea’ concert series at the Bernie King Pavilion 

All concerts are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eclectic music allows your choice of dancing.

Sunday, July 7: Ray Cavicchio and the Fabulous Therese (vocalist and drummer)

Sunday, July 14: Play It Again Band

Sunday, July 21: Gina and The Jazz Notes

Sunday, July 28: John Anthony, straight from Vegas, with special guest

Amanda Carr, performing a tribute to Rod Stewart

Sunday, Aug. 4: Magic Moments Music from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s

Sunday, Aug. 11: Bob Sinicrope Swing Trio

Sunday, Aug. 18: Blue Moon Dance Orchestra

Sunday, Aug. 25: Magic Moments, music from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s

Sunday, Sept. 1: Play It Again Band

Monday, Sept. 2: Labor Day. Judy & Barry DeRossi, formerly Four Guys in Tuxes

Sunday, Sept. 8: Appreciation Day. The Defenders Concert Corps Band.

We express our thanks to everyone for their support with refreshments.

Check us out on Facebook: Music by The Sea at Nantasket.

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Surf camp partners with nonprofit to offer private lessons to kids with cancer

A collaboration between a nonprofit organization and a local surf camp brought the joy of surfing to 10 children facing cancer this week by offering introductory lessons to them and their siblings.

WAVES OF FUN. South Shore Surf Camp instructors Henry Buchleitner, Mattie Tuchmann, Sam Tuchmann, and Tallula Clancy [shown at left] participated in a special event with Lucy’s Love Bus, helping participants like Chloe Tierney and Burhan Ayubali learn to surf at Nantasket Beach. Others enjoying the private event for the charitable organization that benefits families dealing with cancer were Nar Lee with her daughter, Hannah. [Skip Tull photos]

Lucy’s Love Bus, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free, integrative therapies to children with cancer and their family members, partnered with South Shore Surf Camp of Hull. The lessons are designed to be accessible and fun, ensuring that each child can safely enjoy the waves regardless of their skill level.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with South Shore Surf Camp,” said Jackie Walker, executive director of Lucy’s Love Bus. “We’re based on the North Shore but serve a large number of families in the South Shore, and we are finally able to answer the call to bring some fun to childhood cancer families south of Boston.”

Founded in 2006, Lucy’s Love Bus provides therapies including massage, acupuncture, and music therapy to improve the quality of life for children and their families both during cancer treatment and beyond.

This private event took place at Nantasket Beach on Monday, July 1. All necessary equipment, including surfboards and wetsuits, was provided by South Shore Surf Camp, which is known for its inclusive and supportive environment. The camp’s instructors are dedicated to providing a safe and exhilarating experience, ensuring that every participant feels confident and supported in the water.

“We are honored to shine some light on this partnership with Lucy’s Love Bus, and to welcome

these brave children and their siblings to our camp,” said Greg Jenkins, camp director and owner. “I have had the great opportunity to grow up in Hull and learn to surf from some of the best, and I look forward to sharing my love for the ocean and its waves with anyone that is willing to try. Surfing is more than just a sport. It helps to build confidence, awareness, and lasting memories and friendships. We’re excited to share this experience and provide this opportunity to these kids and their families.”

This program is possible thanks to fundraising efforts by Boston Irish band Devri and lead singer Declan Houton, who have supported the organization for more than a decade.

“Declan and Devri have really helped spread the word about Love Bus in the South Shore. Bringing Love Bus group programs to the area allows us to work with amazing local organizations to create fun bonding experiences for childhood cancer families outside of the hospital environment,” Walker said.

Lucy’s Love Bus continues to seek innovative ways to support children with cancer and their families, providing enriching experiences that foster joy and resilience. For more information, visit https://lucyslovebus.org.

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Family’s Pan-Mass Challenge bike ride will again honor the memory of Times’ Patti Abbate

Cancer touches so many lives and motivates so many to raise money for research to prevent and cure it. Our own Patti Abbate, the late publisher of The Hull Times, died of pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2022. Since then, the Patterson family of Hull, who lived across the street from Patti and her husband, Tom Foye, have included her in their dedications of their annual Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), and this year is no different.

BIG WHEELS. Hull’s Patterson family is once again leading the Pan-Mass Challenge Team PopSciCycles to ride in the fundraising bicycle race in memory of late Times Publisher Patti Abbate. Some team members are shown with Graham Mattison of Atlantic Cycles as they prepare for the August event. [Courtesy photo]

The PMC is a Massachusetts bike-a-thon that raises tens of millions of dollars each year for cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Having started in 1980, the PMC will this year surpass the $1B mark for the total funds raised. And this year, Lisa, Stu, Brad, and Julia Patterson will ride 165 miles, from Wellesley to Provincetown, on August 3 and 4 while their daughter, KK, will volunteer at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne, where the PMC ends on the first day of riding.

Two years ago, the Pattersons organized Team PopSciCycles, named after the McGraw/Patterson Division of Population Sciences that Stu’s father, Dr. Bradford Patterson, founded and led in the 1970s. This year, they’re excited to team up with Atlantic Cycles, a full-service bike shop at 163 Nantasket Ave., owned and operated by father and son, Graham and George Mattison, that opened in 2023.

Graham and George have registered as PMC Virtual Riders in order to raise money for the PMC. Atlantic Cycles is also offering a 10% discount on any services they provide to registered PMC riders.

 “We are thrilled to support the PMC and Team PopSciCycles,” Graham Mattison said “Dana Farber provided wonderful care for my mother when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. My wife is also a breast cancer survivor, so the fight against cancer is something that is close to our hearts.”

One-hundred percent of every dollar raised by riders goes to Dana Farber for cancer care and research.

Stop by Atlantic Cycles if you would like to donate or visit https://profile.pmc.org/GM0246. You can also learn more about the Pattersons’ ride and donate to their team at https://profile.pmc.org/LP0071.

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Hull resident hopes her kidney donation to a stranger inspires others

By Carol Britton Meyer

Hull native Jodi Cowen-Elliott’s donation of a kidney to a stranger in February didn’t stop at that unselfish deed.

This life-changing experience led her to become an advocate for potential “End Kidney Deaths Act” legislation – a proposed 10-year pilot program that would provide a $50,000 refundable tax credit allocated equally over five years for Americans who donate their kidneys to a stranger who is at the top of the kidney waitlist. The goal is to greatly increase the supply of living-donor kidney transplants.

Proponents estimate that if the legislation is approved, by year 10 the lives of 100,000 people could be saved.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE. Hull’s Jodi Cowen-Elliott, who owns a local Mosquito Joe franchise, recently donated a kidney to a stranger and is encouraging efforts to increase organ donation. [Courtesy photo]

Cowen-Elliott got the idea of donating a kidney after watching a segment of NBC’s Today show in April 2023 about a couple who were donating kidneys, which raised her awareness of the great need for donors.

Desire to make a difference

“I had been drinking coffee and feeling helpless following a news story about the 2024 election and was wondering what one person could do to make a difference [in the world],” she told The Hull Times. “Then the segment about kidney donations came on following a commercial. A little boy named Cooper was mentioned, and my dog with the same name had just passed away, so this seemed to be the answer to my wondering. I literally asked the universe in a moment of reflection what I could do as an individual, and then the segment came on with the tie to my dog’s name.”

Cowen-Elliott got off of the couch and contacted the National Kidney Foundation immediately to explore the process of donating a kidney.

In the meantime, she talked with a Hull resident who had donated a kidney to her father and who encouraged her to also donate one because of the positive impact on both the donor’s and recipient’s lives.

There were multiple tests, PET scans, and X-rays to determine if she was healthy enough to donate a kidney, “and I got a thumbs up,” she recalled.

Positive impact on another’s life

Considering that the person receiving the kidney would be off dialysis after the transplant and could then lead a normal life was enough to convince Cowen-Elliott that she had made the right decision.

“Police, doctors, and firefighters save lives, but those of us not in those fields don’t often have a chance to make such a positive impact on another person’s life,” she said.

While she doesn’t know who the recipient is, she’s aware that donating a kidney to a stranger is not very common. Statistics show that only about 300 people donate to strangers a year, while there are 90,000 people on a waiting list to receive a kidney.

“I wanted to make a difference. It was such a gift to me being able to do this,” she said. “I was back to normal quickly, and the inconvenience and pain were balanced by the positive impact I was able to make on somebody’s life.”

Initially, members of her family had objections to her donating a kidney due to the potential risks. Still, she went ahead with the process with the conviction that she was doing the right thing.

“My hope is to inspire others to consider also donating,” Cowen-Elliott said.

As a result, she received several vouchers that could be used by members of her family should any of them ever need a liver transplant.

Owner of two local businesses

After graduating from Hull High School in 1984, Cowen-Elliott left town for a while but eventually returned. She is the owner of Mosquito Joe and the Wonderly Lights of the South Shore holiday decorating company, which festively decorated the Hull Lifesaving Museum and the Paragon Boardwalk last year. Both businesses employ the same Hull kids, she said.

Maureen Gillis, director of development for the Hull Lifesaving Museum, said the staff at the historic site were “not entirely” surprised by Cowen-Elliott’s good deed.

“Jodi’s generosity has been a cornerstone for the Hull Lifesaving Museum for many years,” Gillis said this week. “Along with her team from Mosquito Joe of Weymouth, Jodi has ensured our outdoor space remains safe and enjoyable for our visitors and Summer Adventure kids, free from mosquitoes and ticks.”

The crew also painted the kids’ loft at the museum, and Gillis said that for the first time this year, the building’s exterior was decorated with lights during the holiday season by the Wonderly Lights crew.

“Jodi’s unwavering support has truly brightened our museum, both literally and figuratively. The festive decorations brought a new level of joy and holiday spirit to our community, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all our visitors.”

Cowen-Elliott decided that the break between the seasons for each business early this year was the perfect time to donate her kidney.

If you are thinking about the possibility of donating, she is willing to help potential donors learn more. Contact her at jelliott@mosquitojoe.com or visit the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-new-england.

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‘Everything has settled down,’ but water company says it is prepared for summer surge

By Carol Britton Meyer 

ALL NON-ESSENTIAL OUTSIDE WATER USAGE IS PROHIBITED DURING A LEVEL 2 WATER RESTRICTION.

The Weir River Water System and Veolia, which operates the water company, said this week that they were prepared for the busy Fourth of July holiday and the expected additional usage following the widespread water discoloration that began on Juneteenth and continued for several days.

Staff was at heightened readiness during the holiday, Veolia Regional Vice President John Oatley told the board of water commissioners (the Hingham select board) at its July 2 meeting.

“Everything has settled down,” said WRWS Managing Director Russell Tierney. “Things are getting back to where they should be. Water usage is down a little bit but will ramp up with the holiday coming.”

Customers are asked to abide by the current Level 2 prohibition on outside watering through July 4 and to continue conservation efforts as a matter of course, even when a watering ban is not officially in place.

WRWS serves customers in Hingham, Hull, and North Cohasset. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection rated the discoloration event a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the worst-case scenario, according to Tierney.

“We will provide MassDEP with the information they requested,” he said. “We need to do a report and provide a checklist to be sure everything is covered.”

Abatement requests accepted

In response to customer inquiries, abatement requests related to the duration of the water discoloration event are being accepted through a link on the WRWS website: https://www.weirriverwater.org/987/Contact-Us.

Oatley said a draft report with the findings and historical water system information is expected to be ready by July 25.

“It’s an ongoing investigation,” he said.

Contributing factors to recent events included the extreme heat leading to increased demand for water on June 19; the fact that many people were at home since it was a holiday — causing higher water usage; a break in a 76-year-old Leavitt Street water main between Main and Short streets in Hingham Center; the need for additional system maintenance and infrastructure upgrades; the need for better communication; as well as other factors “unknown at this time.”

Immediate actions in response to the water discoloration —  to help prevent repeats and to enhance customer communication — include adjusting the tank monitoring alarm set points and the timing and range of the tank recharge; updating the WRWS emergency response plan; improving community outreach; and the development of an enhanced flushing program that is expected to start around October.

“We are also continuing to explore and implement effective infrastructure improvements,” Oatley said.

Communication improvements in the works

Christopher Halleron, manager of communications and community relations at Veolia, is working with media outlets and the three communities to update its contact list. Engaging in “test” messaging to encourage customer participation and to evaluate the responses is in the works, but not yet ready for prime time.

Water quality remains an ongoing concern among the water commissioners and customers. Testing of the distribution system takes place five times during the summer and regularly at the treatment plant. More information will be available.

Customers with water quality concerns are encouraged to email waterquality@weirriverwater.com.

Citizens Advisory Board Chair Steven Weiss noted that “a lot of lessons have been learned at this point and how to move forward.” The CAB will meet in advance of the release of the July 25 draft report “to discuss the communications piece. Part of the messaging has to relate to from whom the messages are coming – WRWS or Veolia.” The CAB is comprised of members from the three towns.

Hingham Select Board Chair Joseph Fisher said he was pleased that “steps are being taken to minimize risks on July 4, and we’re looking forward to receiving and reviewing the report.”

For customer service inquiries, contact the Weir River Water System/Veolia 24 hours per day at (877) 253-6665 or wrcs@veolia.com.

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