HUDSON – Hudson’s favorite Santa Claus (Galen Isaacs) has received a citation from the Mass. State House of Representatives for over 25 years of “dedication to sharing the Magic and Spirit of Santa Claus, Christmas and Holiday Season.”
State Rep. Kate Hogan made the presentation at Hudson’s “Kith and Kin” Restaurant, marking one of more than 45 appearances by Santa this season.
Isaacs, who has said that he is “a distant relative of Santa,” took on the job 31 years ago at the suggestion of Hudson teacher Jan Taylor, who was directing a collection drive for needy local families, and thought the bearded Galen would be perfect for the job.
“I sprayed my red beard white, rented a Santa suit and rode around in a Hudson fire truck,” Isaacs recalled.
He has seen the children’s gift choices change since 1990 from trucks, dolls and coloring books to I-pads, Play Stations, Hot Wheels, etc.
“Although I noted this year that Cabbage Dolls are making a return,” he said.
“I enjoy the way the littlest ones look at me, and the things they say,” he added.
The 1971 Hudson High School graduate resides in Hudson with his wife Kate Soal. He has two grown children and one grandchild, Jack. He was one of nine children, all with the first letter “G,” of the late Harley Isaacs and Myrtle Isaacs.
“Santa” drives a propane truck for his “real job,” and looks forward to continuing his holiday role.
Home safe!
Charlie Groves’ miniature Arabian Theatre, circa 1960, has found a new home!
Hudson resident David Krongard has rescued it from the basement of Rob and Theresa Gorey in Andover, and it will be a highlight of Krongard’s collection of Hudson memorabilia at his Lake Boon home.
The 5 foot by 4 foot icon, the lifetime work of the late Charlie Groves of Hudson, had been located at the Andover home for about 20 years.
Lorene Jean of Hudson Art and Framingham was instrumental in alerting Krongard, a collector of Hudson ephemera for the past ten years.
Krongard says: “I started with collecting Hudson postcards, signs etc. and the amazing theater is a real find.”
A graduate of Holy Cross College, he is the son of Hudson residents Keith and Joan Krongard.
Best Christmas present
Armyman Andre Filippi and his wife, Sara, with their 5-month-old daughter Aurora Grace, recently came from Germany for a Christmas visit with Hudson relatives.
Filippi has been stationed with the Army in Vilsech, Germany, for the past two years, where they welcomed their first-born.
Aurora Grace is the granddaughter of Darryl and Paula Filippi and Cheryl Langill and the great-granddaughter of Sally Guidotti and Jean Langill.
Mullahy’s moves to 162 Main St.
Katie Mullahy Quinn has moved Mullahy’s Artisan Cheeses from 63a Main St. to new and expanded quarters at 162 Main St., across from Hudson Appliance Center.
The new site offers more space for her cheeses, wines and specialty foods, and there is street parking and limited onsite parking.
Devon See has opened the “Hushed Willow” Shop at the former Mullahy spot at 63a Main St., and offers specialty sandwiches and charcuterie boards as well as kitchen and home accents.
Looking back to 1966
Siger’s Sporting Goods at 127 Main St. offered skate sharpening for 50 cents per pair.
Sousa’s Turkey Farm, 133 Cox St. had 14 25 pound turkeys on sale.
Edmund Daigneault purchased property on Old Bolton Road.
George Garabedian of Computer Analysts purchased property at 10 Market St. from Boone Paulino.
A Centennial Parade film was shown at the Hudson Grange meeting.
Chuck Jacobs, standout on the Hudson High football team, was presented with trophy by Hudson Aerie of Eagles.
Hudson merchants launched a “Shop in Hudson” drive.
Hudson Catholic High School student Robert Waters was the winner of the third annual “Voice of Democracy” oratorical contest, sponsored by the Hudson VFW.
Happy Birthday
Belated greetings to Richard Charves, who observed his birthday on Dec. 23.
Dec. 31 – Lauren Walsh.
Jan. 1 – Shirley Ficco, John Scichilone and Brittany Beals.
Jan. 2 – Rachel Davis and Cathy Waugh.
Jan. 3 – Denise Chaisson Gouveia, Jaxon Capobianco, Tom Davis and Kristy Case.
Jan. 4 – Loraine Melewski, Terry Wood, Mia Willard.
Jan. 5 – Patty Gigliotti, Dan Sheehan, Natalie Crowley-Poirier.
Jan. 6 – Debbie Peltier, Keith Carter, Christine Nadeau, George McInness and Taylor Brennan.
Jan. 7 – Jim Blais, Mark Holllick, Donna DiPersio, Carl Leeber, Amber Powell, Chris Yates and Jak Armstrong.
Jan. 8 – Cheryl Monaghan, Janice Long.
Jan. 9 – Mike Tucker, Joyce Cloutier, Carol Lazzaro and Elliott Mason.
Jan. 10 – Cheryl Franke, Kristen Matthew, Tim Balthazar and Melissa Cronin.
Jan. 11 – Diane Smith, Kristen Downing, Caitlan McGowan, Aidan Micciche.
Jan. 12 – Alexis deCunha, Caitlin Budrewicz, Dianne Moore, Justin Bush, Debbie Lowe, Angela Crossman, Amy Morse, Tyler Martin.
Jan. 13 – Liz Sheldon, Lynne Micciche, Michelle Lapointe, Jen Wallingford, Diane White, Matt Jacobs, Connor Lambert and Tom Barry.
Jan. 14 – Sheldon Rockwell, Michael Janusis, Paul Figueiredo, Steve Lamontagne, Donna Shepard.
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