The Hingham Select Board’s first meeting of the new year on Tuesday night was dominated by a detailed update on the proposed Center for Active Living and a presentation on the town’s solid financial standing, sparking considerable public debate. The board also presided over a touching proclamation, naming January 7th as "Adelia the Wonder Girl Day" to honor the memory of a young resident who bravely battled a rare brain cancer. Board member Julie M. Straley read the proclamation, which urged citizens "to observe this day by emulating the spirit and attitude of Adelia. We honor her memory, celebrate her life, and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family."

The main event of the evening was an update from the project team for the Center for Active Living. Presenter Chris Wanty revealed that the estimated project cost has been reduced to $29.9 million. He explained that the team achieved savings by "simplifying the structural systems" and refining site components like storm water management and parking. When asked by board member Elizabeth F. Klene to highlight some changes, Wanty noted, "We reduced a lot of the foundation requirements... these are all design development of the systems." The update prompted a lengthy public comment period, revealing a community divided on the project's necessity and cost. Resident Virginia Blue spoke in favor, stating, "The senior citizens need a home in this town... The senior center will be used. It won't be underutilized." Conversely, Peter Goldstein expressed his opposition, arguing, "I think it's a want and not a justified need. I think there are a lot of other things that are higher priority that the town should be spending money on."

Financially, the town appears to be in a strong position. Assistant Town Administrator for Finance Katie Dugan presented two key reports. The FY25 Fund Balance Memo revealed an $11.3 million excess unassigned fund balance, which Dugan called "great news for the town of Hingham. This is the amount of funds that are available to further appropriate and invest strategically in the community." A preliminary FY27 Financial Forecast showed a projected $1.1 million shortfall, a figure Chair William C. Ramsey noted was "a pretty strong position" for this early stage of the budget process. Ramsey added his own optimism, saying, "I spoke with Senator O'Connor a couple weeks ago. He told me to anticipate an increase in state aid, maybe a percent or two. That's going to help us."

In other business, the board unanimously approved multiple license requests and an administrative designation. Following the proclamation for Adelia Day, a motion was made by Julie M. Straley to proclaim January 7th, 2026 as Adelia Day in the town of Hingham. Motion Passed 3-0. The board also considered a request for the annual New Year's Bonfire. A motion was made by William C. Ramsey to approve the issuance of a special 1-day wine and malt beverages license to Vitamin C Brewing for the New Year's Bonfire at Weir River Farm to be held on Saturday, January 10th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Motion Passed 3-0. An ownership change for a local store was also finalized. A motion was made by William C. Ramsey to approve the request of Amelia Ruth Corporation doing business as Main Street Market and Spirits, 484 Main Street, Hingham, for a change of manager, change of officers, directors, change of ownership interest, change of stock interest, and pledge of license in accordance with the application for multiple amendments filed on November 17, 2025, subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Motion Passed 3-0. Finally, an administrative task was completed. A motion was made by William C. Ramsey to authorize assistant town administrator for finance Katie Dugan to prepare and enter information into the Plymouth County American Rescue Plan portal in support of one or more applications to Plymouth County for grants, ARPA grants to be funded from a grant received by Plymouth County under the American Rescue Plan Act. Motion Passed 3-0.