Select Board accepts $1 million in estate gifts

Select Board · Meeting of August 11, 2026

HINGHAM — The Hingham Select Board accepted two $500,000 gifts from Barbara Hood's estate for the Conservation and Historic Commissions. Assistant Town Administrator for Finance Katie Dugan and Town Administrator Tom Mayo detailed the bequests from the Barbara L. Hood Revocable Trust, with spending still subject to commission and board approval.

The board also authorized a $169,900 contract with Bright Light Electric Co. Inc. for electrical relocation work ahead of the South Shore Country Club pool demolition, after Procurement and Contracts official David Sequeira said "the bowling alley may be closed for a couple of days" during the work. Members approved a sewer-encroachment permit for 155 Otis Street and licenses for Break Rock Brewing's World's End event, the Hingham Historical Society's Tavern Night, and Comella's Restaurant.

William Ramsey read a certificate marking former Town Moderator Thomas O'Donnell's 100th birthday, calling him "an absolute genius in the way he ran town meeting." Resident Sandra Owens told the board the senior center is "disappointing" for lacking adequate parking and accessibility.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,049 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of August 11, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.