To the Editor:
In a year when just about every event and tradition had been cancelled due to the need for COVID-19 social distancing, I was so pleased that the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce could continue with the construction and display of the Lobster Trap Tree at the Carousel for the third year. It truly served as a beacon of hope for a healthier and happier 2021. I would like to thank the dedicated setup and takedown crew that made this all possible.
First of all, it wouldn’t be possible without Capt. Peter Mahoney loaning us 100 traps with which to build the tree. Peter, his wife Diane, his daughter Heather McDonnell, Heather’s husband Matt, and their son Luke are all instrumental in transporting and building this wonderful display.
Original lobster tree architect Jay Fleck and his son, Owen, were there to help again this year, along with Chad Wolf.
The Hull Nantasket Chamber Board of Directors and family members showed up to make this happen: Neil Wood, Jim Pitrolo, Renee Kiley, Katy Abatuno, Patricia Donovan, David Donovan, Kat Wasabi, Randy Veraguas, Haven Veraguas, and Corrine Leung.
Thank you to ShipWreck’d Restaurant at Pemberton for donating delicious muffins to feed the volunteers.
Thank you to the Friends of the Carousel and Jim Callahan for providing the prominent location for the Lobster Trap Tree.
We look forward to this November/December 2021 to bring back a “Home for the Hullidays” celebration (Patti Abbate, creator) at the carousel – with hot chocolate, delicious chowder from Schooners, music from the Hull High School band, led by Ian Barkon, free carousel rides, and caroling from our Hull Girl Scout troop.
Our last message from the chamber: “Shop local. Support local businesses.” This pandemic has been really hard on all our local businesses.
-Mark Abatuno
Project coordinator
