Rimkus: Theater replica seeks new home; residents celebrate 50th anniversary 

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Rimkus Hudson Happ'ningsHUDSON – A miniature, meticulously detailed “Arabian Theater” created by the late Charlie Groves in the 1960’s is seeking a new home. 

Former Hudson resident Bob Gorey, who has “fostered” the theater in the basement of his Andover home for many years, said “It is time to return Charlie’s masterpiece to its hometown.” 

Hudson Public Library and Hudson Historical Society officials have said they do not have space to display the icon, although they wish they could. It is hoped that a local, private or public, pre-kindergarten or pre-school, or some other Hudson home, can be found to house and/or display the colorful theater, which harkens back to the days of  elegant “movie palaces.” 

Charles Groves (1905-2003), manager of the former Hudson Theater and custodian of  the Hudson Public Library, spent 20 years of research and construction on the miniature five foot by four foot icon, working in his shop at the rear of the Odd Fellows building, which is now occupied by Hudson Art & Framing. 

The creation was inspired, in part, by the 1942 movie “Arabian Nights.”

The screen in Grove’s creation features the skyline and desert of “Baghdad by Moonlight,” as well as over 300 tiny stones and 2,000 “diamonds” for ornamentation. There are two rows of 70 miniature seats.

Bob Gorey, and his brother, Chris Gorey recall an actual movie presentation by the Theater in the mid-1960’s in the Hudson Public Library.

Lorene Jean of Hudson Art & Framing, a longtime friend, recalled Charlie as a Hudson icon, walking daily until late in life and organizing a banjo band while managing the Hudson and Maynard theaters. 

In the late 1990s, before entering a local nursing home, Charlie requested that the Theatre be sent to the home of Bob Gorey, whose parents, the late Herb and Joy Gorey of Hudson, were among his biggest fans. 

Anyone with suggestions for a new home for the iconic Arabian Theater is invited to contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Residents celebrate 50th anniversary

Hudson residents William “Bill” and Diane Dexter observed their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 22. 

They were honored with a “COVID-crowd” party at the home of Diane’s niece, complete with an anniversary cake. Their son Andrew and his wife, Danielle, of Westborough, brought them an anniversary meal from the 110 Grille on Nov. 21. 

Diane, a retired Hudson teacher of 37 years and Bill, a Stow native, were married at First Federated Church in Hudson. 

A Navy veteran of the Vietnam War era, Bill retired after working for Digital Equipment Co. and Lifeline. Their son Michael resides in Florida. The couple has four grandchildren.

Claire Rimkus designs NYT crossword puzzle

The New York Times crossword puzzle on Dec. 3 was constructed by our granddaughter, Claire Rimkus, of North Grafton. This is her second NYT puzzle and she has also contributed several to USA-TODAY. A 31-year-old forensic scientist, she is a daughter of Hudson native Peter Rimkus of Coventry, Ct., and the late Dianne Rimkus. 

John P. Rio Jr., 90, Hudson

Word has been received of the death of  Hudson native John P. Rio Jr., 90 on Nov. 25, 2021 at his home in Tucson, Az. He was a member of the Hudson High class of 1949, and has many local survivors including his brother, Alfred Rio of Hudson.

Parishioners mourn passing of Rev. Antonio “Tony” Lalli

Rev. Antonio “Tony” Lalli, s.x., a member of  the Xavarian Missionary Fathers in Holliston, and frequent Mass celebrant at St. Michael’s Church, died on Dec. 3, 2021. A funeral mass was held on Dec. 13 at St. Mary’s Church in Holliston followed by burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield.

Hudson plans Winter Farmers’ Market 

The Hudson Winter Farmers’ Market will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 pm. at Hudson Town Hall on Saturday, Dec. 18, with many excellent choices of products from area vendors. 

Swap Shop scheduled for Dec. 18

A swap shop at the Recycling Centre at 300 Cox St., will be open on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for free items and also donations. The volunteer staff offers seasonal décor, toys, games, etc., all for free.  

All donations must be in working order. 

Looking back to 1966

Mrs. Veronica Eklund joined the staff of Linden Street School as first grade teacher.

Staff Sgt. Robert W. MacDonald was a jet aircraft mechanic in Vietnam with the U.S. Air Force.

The committee for the Rotary Club banquet to honor the Hudson High football team included Will Kirkpatrick, Al Harasko and David Lamson.

Federal mediators were called in when a general strike stopped production at all Raytheon Co. plants.

Army Sgt. Norman “Red” Taylor, back from Vietnam, was an honored guest in the Veterans Day parade.

Happy Birthday

Dec. 18 – Savannah Fillmore, Robert Simpson, Debbie Bryant, Deb Devereaux and Theresa Bryce.

Dec. 19 – Dick Bushey, Sarah Cressy, Samantha Santana.

Dec. 20 – Lexi Leandres.

Dec. 21 – Bill Bissett, Jim Gasek and Diane Durand.

Dec. 22 – Yvonne Bleiler, Travis King, Matthew Lenthal, Michael Chartrand and George Dunnells.

Dec. 23 – Mark O’Connell, Ellen Auger, Emily Larkins and Teresa Costa Figueiredo.

Dec. 24 – Hannah Knowles, Karlie Lazarus, Kristen Joyce and Holly Richardson.

Happy Christmas Birthday on Dec. 25 – Hudson Postmaster Chris Capobianco, Will Jackson and Patrick Moran. 

Dec. 26 – Jay  Murphy, Steve Falcone and Art Zina.

Dec. 27 – Ed Vorce, Kevin Appel, Margaret Fieldsend, Dick Tracy, Carolyn and Alyssa Downing.

Dec. 28 – Chris Francis, “Dee” Jordan, Elizabeth Hydro, Jim Toohey, Cara Sullivan, Michael Fernandes, Adelaide Saragian and Danielle Watson.

Dec. 29 – Kayleigh Darwin, Calleigh Walsh, Carol Sedam, Jonathan Woodford, Anthony Luongo and twins Ben and Sam Jackson.

Dec. 30 – Danny Lopez, Don Garcia, Rachel Sousa, Luis Macedo, Brian Blais, Gerry Gault and Dick Tombeno.

Happy Anniversary

Dec. 18 – Mark and Kristi Edwards

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all readers and contributors to Hudson Happ’nings!

Send items for Hudson Happ’nings to 18 Cottage St. Hudson MA 01749 or email [email protected]

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