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Hull High named to Boston Magazine’s honor list
Posted on September 5, 2008 by cjeffrey
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I can always count on readers of this blog to give me a little nudge when I drop the ball — so with special thanks to Hull Video Blog reader Alan Belanger of Bradenton, Florida I am happy to report that Hull High School was recently named to Boston Magazine’s “Smartest Public High Schools” in Eastern Massachusetts.
Hull High came in at the Number 21 spot in terms of “cost efficiency” and Number 55 for overall academic performance.
– Cathleen Jeffrey
Former Hullonian discusses cancer concern
Posted on September 4, 2008 by cjeffrey
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After reading my previous commentary on the Hull Video Blog regarding The Boston Globe Magazine’s article concerning cancer statistics in Hull, former Hull resident Mary Nagle, who now lives in Florida, posted a response indicating her son was diagnosed with a brain tumor when they lived in Hull.
In this video you will hear a phone conversation between Mary and myself in which she expresses concern over many people in Hull being diagnosed with different forms of cancer, including her son, father, aunt, brother and friends she grew up with.
– Cathleen Jeffrey
Better batten down the hatches!
Posted on September 4, 2008 by cjeffrey
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According to a story on thebostonchannel.com, WCVB Meteorologist Mike Wankum is warning that Tropical Storm Hanna, which may have winds that could gust to 50 mph in our area, has a current path predicted to stretch from Providence, Rhode Island to Hull.
Wankum is predicting it will hit our area around 2 to 4 a.m. early Sunday morning.
South Shore Democrats get more excitement than they bargained for during DNC
Posted on September 2, 2008 by cjeffrey
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Democrats throughout the South Shore gathered at the Sons of Italy in Hingham last Thursday to hear Senator Barack Obama’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention on a big-screen TV.
The night brought a little more excitement than the local Democrats had been expecting when an over-cooked item in the ktichen set-off the fire alarms, causing the Hingham Fire Department to rush to the scene.
Though the fire officials assured those in attendance that there was no fire to worry about, they explained that it may be a while before someone qualified to turn off the alarm was able to get there.
While the alarms were too much for some to contend with and they instead chose to head home early in order to watch the convention, there were words of joy heard inside the hall when the alarms were turned off before Obama appeared at the podium.
– Cathleen Jeffrey
A tree and a squirrel behind recent Hull blackouts
Posted on September 2, 2008 by cjeffrey
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The entire town of Hull lost electricity for about an hour last Sunday around dusk.
Shortly thereafter the sound of fire engine sirens could be heard blaring throughout town, which the dispatcher on duty explained was the result of the need for the department to reset alarms that automatically go off when there are power outages.
According to Richard Miller, operations manager for the Hull Municipal Light Plant, an old tree on Hobart Street in Hingham fell onto the wires, which immediately triggered the electricity powered along the same lines leading into Hull to shut-off.
A portion of Hingham also lost electricity.
Miller said he was able to turn the power back on approximately an hour later.
When Miller was informed there was a need to turn the power off again that same night to perform additional repair work, Miller convinced Hingham to hold-off until 1 a.m., while most people would be sleeping and not miss the use of electricity.
The work was completed by 4 a.m.
Some Hull residents also experienced a couple of very short power outages on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 17.
Miller explained those incidents were just a matter of a squirrel getting a shock on a line near the WBZ building, which triggers the electricity to momentarily shut-off and then re-set itself.
– Cathleen Jeffrey
Tidbits of things to come
Posted on August 31, 2008 by cjeffrey
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Enjoy this video of Nantasket Beach that I shot around dusk last week.
Like many of you, I am enjoying the long holiday weekend. However, I wanted to give you some insight on upcoming videos to watch for next week.
On Thursday evening I filmed a video of the Hingham Fire Department responding to a gathering of South Shore Democrats at the Sons of Italy Hall. Evidently, someone was cooking something in the kitchen that set-off the fire alarm; and though there was no fire to put out, the fire department was unable to turn off the alarm.
People strained over the sound of the loud alarm to hear the speakers on the big screen TV at the Democratic National Convention on the night that Senator Obama gave his acceptance speech. Fortunately, the alarm was turned off a good hour before Obama took the stage.
On Friday night, Charles Fruzzetti, co-owner of the C-Note in Hull, gave me a tour of his “new” business as the first patrons began trickling in on opening night. He explained that he purposely didn’t change much since buying the former Sea Note earlier this year. The pool table still sits by the front window, the large bar is still the main focus in the middle of the floor, the walls are still lined with photos of many famous acts who have appeared at the establishment under its former ownership — and even all the employees have stayed on.
I headed over to the Seaside Road Race that began and ended at the Hull High School this morning. Although I hate trying to estimate numbers, my best guess is that a few hundred took part. The winner of the race, who just graduated high school last year, told me he won the race in memory of his aunt, who had recently died.
I ran into a local official at the race and spoke briefly about The Globe Magazine story regarding elevated cancer statistics in Hull. He said it’s his understanding the Executive Office of Health and Human Services should be releasing the town-by-town statistics for more recent years sometime soon — quite possibly next week — so stay tuned.
In the meantime, have a fun and safe Labor Day Weekend!
– Cathleen Jeffrey
The word “cancer” is dramatic enough
Posted on August 28, 2008 by cjeffrey
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Just one person with cancer is one too many.
Cancer is the dirty six-letter word no one wants to hear, especially in conjunction with those we hold near and dear.
But that’s the word that screamed off the cover story of the Aug. 17 Sunday Boston Globe Magazine, sending chills down the spines of many Hullonians.
The magazine’s cover had a hunched-over, sad-looking man sitting all alone in a dramatic black and white setting, with a caption stating, “In Hull, where cancer lurks on almost every corner.”
The photo depicted an image of doom and gloom.
My mind instantly raced to the beautiful young Alison Hayes, whom I did a video interview with last year, who died earlier this year of cancer.
I wondered, was this brave young woman part of some sort of cancer cluster in the town?
My eyes were frozen over the “almost every corner” report on the cover.
I began figuring in my head that there had to literally be thousands of corners up and down all the hills and neighborhoods of Hull.
Was the town dealing with an epidemic of cancer in the thousands?
The story threw around percentages, and did nothing to allay fears caused by the grim cover.
So I headed over to the Web site for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and called up their Cancer Incidence in Massachusetts City/Town Supplement report for 2000-2004, which is the latest report they have available online.
At first look, I could see where the Globe felt it was appropriate to point out that Hull had higher reported incidents than the average in most categories — the numbers are right there in black and white.
But, as we all know, there are all kinds of ways of reporting facts — especially when the figures are reporting incidences that are almost four-to-eight years old.
For instance, it’s absolutely true that the chart indicates there were a total of 209 reported cases of cancer in males living in Hull during the 2000-2004 time period, versus the 167.9 the state deems the average should have been; and there were 204 reported cases of females from Hull in that same period, with the state expectancy of 153.5.
However, let’s take a closer look at those numbers.
When you do the math, you’ll discover Hull had 92 more people with reported incidences of various types of cancer over the state average during that four-year period.
Let’s break it down further:
Of the 92 more people with cancer, 27.2 were reported in the “lung and bronchus” category.
The American Lung Association reports that “smoking is directly responsible for approximately 90 percent of lung cancer deaths and approximately 80-90 percent of COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) deaths.”
Is it possible Hull simply has more smokers?
Heck, even the sad-looking John Trapp, depicted on the magazine’s front cover, states in the Globe story that the doctors told him his urinary cancer was a result of smoking — and he admits he smoked for 45 years — and is still smoking.
Breaking the 92 number down further, 7.9 people above the state average were reported to have Melanoma of skin over that same four-year period.
In a seaside community, where people are prone to have fun in the sun more than they probably should — I’m not surprised by this number.
Just those two numbers alone account for over one-third of the above-average discrepancy reported in the numbers.
Another factor that should be looked at is the amount of seniors per capita in the town versus the state average, which may account for a higher rate of incidences in certain categories.
Or how about the number of Hullonians who worked at blue collar jobs at factories and shipyards over the years, and might have had close contact with asbestos or chemicals known to cause various types of cancer?
I’m in no way saying we should all start throwing out excuses to rationalize statistics we may not be comfortable with — as this matter is simply too important to start burying our heads in the sand.
Instead, let’s have level heads prevail.
Cancer is a very serious issue, and reporting on it should be presented in a very straightforward manner.
While the same report indicated the neighboring community of Hingham had reported cases below the state average, someone wishing to sensationalize a headline could have accurately — yet, misleadingly — reported that Hull had 168 fewer cases of cancer during 2000-2004 than Hingham.
But sensational headlines and skewed reporting will get us nowhere.
The Hull Board of Selectmen spent some 45 minutes kicking around The Boston Globe’s report at Tuesday’s meeting, with selectmen mentioning everything from their own quick research not finding the statistics as dire as the tone of the story would lead one to suggest, to a heavy concentration of concern over having the reporter for the story reveal his sources for the statistics and the board’s focus on insuring the town manager’s letter to the editor gets published by the Globe.
That’s all well and good — but none of it will change the statistics we all have access to on the Web site for the EOHHS, where we can read the numbers for ourselves; as the Globe story did state it used figures from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Instead of pointing the finger at the bearer of the bad news, selectmen and other town officials should give more attention on a passing comment by Town Manager Phil Lemnios, and have a state health official, with knowledge of the meaning behind the statistics, come to a public forum in the town to address the concerns of residents.
In fact, I plan to place a call to the EOHHS myself to see if I can get some answers to questions I have including:
– Why does the EOHHS warn people not to compare town-to-town numbers?
– What variables need to be looked at that could skew facts?
– Do their records indicate if there are any cancer clusters in the town; i.e. a certain area with high incidences of cancer — and if so — pinpoint the neighborhood and tell us what type of cancer it is.
– The latest report available online is from 2000 to 2004; do they have any figures from more current years — and if so — what do those figures show?
– And what do they suggest the town or state do to take a harder look at the reasoning behind the elevated numbers in Hull?
If I’m able to get these answers, I promise to deliver them to you in a straightforward manner.
The word “cancer” is dramatic enough.
– Cathleen Jeffrey
Secret Treasures In Hull: Edgewater Road
Posted on August 26, 2008 by cjeffrey
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As an occasional feature on this site showcasing some of the secret treasures in Hull, I bring you video from Edgewater Road last weekend, where residents enjoy spectacular views of World’s End — and wake-up watching yachts and boats sailing by their back yards.
An added bonus is the ability to moor boats behind their homes and, on the spur of the moment, jump-in for a cruise around the bay on a hot summer day.
– By Cathleen Jeffrey
Steven Tyler gets “Back In The Saddle” to help “Boston For Africa”
Posted on August 25, 2008 by cjeffrey
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Steven Tyler was “Back In The Saddle” yesterday afternoon, only instead of telling hundreds of people following him to “Walk This Way,” he was showing them how to “ride this way.”
The saddle Tyler was straddling was affixed to his custom-made yellow Red Wing motorcycle, and the ride was a two-hour motorcycle trek that began in Waltham and ended at the Bank of America Pavillion in Boston.
This was all part of the first of a two-day series of events to benefit Boston For Africa.
The event was sponsored by Red Wing Motorcycles, with proceeds supporting groups such as FORGE, which assists impoverished communities in Africa by helping to lead them into prosperity.
Much more than just a fan of the Red Wing bike he rode during the trek, Tyler is the artistic designer for the company that makes them. He personally autographs each bike and maintains a blog on Red Wing Motorcycle’s Web site.
While many chowed down on pizza in the backstage area with the Red Sox game playing on a flat screen TV, car dealer Ernie Boch’s band, Ernie & The Automatics, was being introduced on the stage by Steven Talarico, the event organizer and president of Red Wing Motorcycles.
Though running in a hundred different directions, constantly on his cell trying to make sure the event went off without a hitch, he obliged me in finding the quietest spot available in the backstage area to shoot this video
For those die-hard fans of Aerosmith, who enjoy small tidbits about the lanky lead singer — Tyler’s original name was Stephen Tallarico, and the Steven Talarico in this video — who spells his last name with just one “l” — is the singer’s “distant” cousin.
Before pondering too long over which side of the family changed the spelling of their last name — if you’ve got deep pockets, you may wish to first check out ticketweb.com to see if tickets are still available for tonight’s benefit with Tyler and Aero drummer Joey Kramer at the Hard Rock Cafe in Quincy Market, which will also benefit Boston For Africa. I’m told some other celebs are also expected to attend, but I’m sworn to secrecy.
Just be warned that if tickets are still available at Ticketweb – they’re going for $250 a pop with a limit of 600 being sold.
Maybe I’ll see you there!
– Cathleen Jeffrey
A night with the Ghost Hunters aboard the USS Salem
Posted on August 25, 2008 by cjeffrey
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Note: From time-to-time I will share additional videos I shoot for PatriotLedger.com that I think you may enjoy on this site, as well.
If there’s something strange in your neighborhood — who ya gonna call?
Well, don’t even think of calling me.
But Mass Paranormal may be able to give you a hand.
Last Saturday evening I joined the paranormal investigation team from Quincy, along with their honorary member, Sharon Sylvia, whom many may have seen on the Sci Fi Channel’s Ghost Hunters International show, for an investigation aboard the USS Salem, located in Quincy’s Fore River Shipyard.
The evening began in the mess hall of the ship, where people were given tips, such as not to antagonize or harass any ghosts…
While Shannon autographed items, I spoke with other members of the public who had paid $85 to tag along during the investigation.
Some said it was their first time going on a hunt for paranormal activity, but many said they had extensive background in the hunt to explain things that go bump in the night… as well as in the light of day.
Like the investigators on the popular ghost-hunting shows, everyone said they first try to find a more human element to explain reported happenings.
I must admit that despite my pronounced stance to the ghost hunters that I don’t really believe in the paranormal — which I’m sure they’ve heard from many skeptics before — when the lights went out and we began walking the dark hallways, passing by the eerie quarantine room where cot-like beds were stacked in a bunkbed type fashion with their sheets and blankets tightly tucked in, then further down the hall peering in at the birthing room with all the operating equipment on display as if readying for a procedure, and then entering the large three-room kitchen area, where we were told a ghost named John has been known to “hang-out” — I could feel the sensation of goosebumps appear on my arms, despite the very warm conditions below the ship’s deck.
Besides Shannon and her husband, Jeff, whom were celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary on Saturday, four paying members of the public were part of our investigation team.
At first we split-up to conduct our own research, although I chose to tag along with Shannon to listen to her trying to communicate with the beyond.
We then regrouped and sat in a somewhat circular manner in a dark room to conduct EVP work, which is when we each asked a question directed at any ghosts, then allowed time to elapse in case our digital recorders picked up a response, which our human ears couldn’t hear at the moment.
Though we did hear a faint, unexplainable sound coming from the far wall, much of this session was tainted by the dim roar of cars passing over the nearby Fore River Bridge.
However, a few things from my investigation should be noted:
When I asked if John was in the room, a person with a heat sensor said it immediately spiked up. I didn’t mention at the time that it felt like something warm was over my shoulder — like someone was holding a hot curling iron an inch away from me; however, shortly thereafter, Jeff asked me to snap a photo over his shoulder, saying he felt like something was there.
As we headed back to the mess hall, I thought I heard a noise come from a room that had photos of crewmen on the wall. I didn’t see anything, but felt that same light burn. As I got closer to the doorway, I snapped a photo in the room, and it came out with a misty haze on the bottom, which you will see in the video.
I later learned that others who took part in different investigations around the ship thought they saw a woman, but she wasn’t there when they walked up to the wall to try to touch her.
Was it paranormal activity, or our minds playing tricks on us being on a big metal ship in the middle of the night in the dark?
I’ll let you decide.
– Cathleen Jeffrey
keep looking »
