HUDSON – Hudson’s “Buddy” Martin, 49 years a New England Patriots season ticket holder, received the “Bank of America 2021 Fan of the Year” award at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 2 from Patriots owner Bob Kraft.
The Patriots capped the day with a big win! Several family members attended the event. They were also there when he was announced as one of three finalists in November.
Martin bought his first season tickets in 1972 when they cost $100 per person.
“We bought 28 tickets for 14 couples in Section 141 when I was employed at Liquid Carbon Corp., in Slatersville, R.I., joining with co-workers,” he explained.
He said tickets are now $1,400 each. He missed the “no fans” games in 2020 but is happy to have been able to attend two Super Bowls in New Orleans.
His “Fan of the Year” award included the Joseph Mastrangelo Memorial Trophy and two season tickets.
Martin said he has already purchased his 2022 season tickets, so now he can bring more family or friends.
Martin said his interest in football goes back to the days in 1967 when he played for Coach Owen Kilcoyne at Hudson Catholic High School.
Among those attending the celebration at Gillette Stadium were Steve Martin and son, Tyler; Diane Martin; Jennifer Houle and son, Travis Garcia of Nashua, N.H.
Martin was nominated for the award by his daughter, Kelly (Martin) Dickinson of Hudson, N.H.
He said that the only “downside” to the day was that Kelly couldn’t attend the presentation as she was quarantined because of COVID-19.
New birds in count
Hudson resident Brian Parker, coordinator of the area Christmas Bird Count on Jan. 2, reported two birds seen in the area for the first time.
Those are the Gray Catbird at a Marlborough conservation area and the Orange-Crowned Warbler at a Hudson feeder.
Parker said that the Warbler is very unusual here, as almost all of them have migrated to Central or South America by this time of year.
Area counters registered 2,464 individual birds of 55 species, and the number of different species was close to record highs.
Parker said that the Bird Count began in 1979 and the area’s count of species is now 99 in total.
‘One book, one Hudson’
“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” will be explored with “One Book, One Hudson,” at the Hudson Public Library through Feb. 28.
Assistant librarian Lisa Aucoin invites all residents to explore this timeless tale through a classic story, “which will spark conversation.”
The event is open to all ages, with film series, book clubs, craft programs, etc.
Pick up a copy of the informational brochure or visit the library events calendar at hudsonpubliclibrary.com.
Looking back to 1966
Army PFC Warren Richards participated in “Operation Attleboro” in Vietnam.
Arthur Riley opened Hudson Esso Service Station on Route 62.
Selectmen awarded printing of annual Town Report to Hudson News Enterprise for $8.30 per page.
Saxophonist Paul Faria played at the Boston Globe Jazz Festival.
Andrew McConnell bought property on Avon Drive from Alana Construction.
”Bob Yesue Day” was held honoring the Hudson Catholic High School football player, who was the highest scorer in state.
McCarthy’s “Banjo Room” opened at 154 Main Street.
Edward Fowler was an NROTC student at Georgia Tech.
John Costedio was a soloist with Jimmy Garcia’s orchestra at the Marlborough Mayor’s inaugural ball.
Happy Birthday
Belated greetings to Pat Colaluca, who celebrated Jan. 8.
Jan. 15 – Ernest Sahlin and Cassia Monteiro.
Jan. 16 – David Gigliotti, Brittany Scerra and Sophia DiFonzo.
Jan. 17 – Karen Mayo, Mike Moran, Mark Lawton, Sue Underwood and Gary Collins.
Jan. 18 – Elvis Cabral, Michael Paquette and JoAnn Sedam.
Jan. 19 – Holly McAuliffe, Matthew Suprenant, Jessica Paige deBraga, Liz Patterson, MaryLou Kent and Lyle Alladen.
Jan 20 – Tom Bowen, Bob Anders, Peter VanBuskirk and Dennis Sherman.
Jan. 21 – Marissa Miele, Gavin Stead, Brian Smith, Sue Mungeam, Connie Palatino, Susan Donovan, Jared Jacobs.
Jan. 22 – Erin Jameson, Bill Larkin, Fran Wixon, Steve Geldart and Jimmy Hickey.
Jan. 23 – Kerri Snow, Stan Weinberg, Elizabeth Sousa, Jordyn Yates, Adelaide Wintringham and Pauline Leveille.
Jan. 24 – Kathleen LaPlante, Bob Case, Mark Greeno, Chris Sabourin and Brad Connor.
Jan. 25 – Nicole Somes, Stacey Davis, Doug Wolfe, Jackie Feltus, Nicholas Allen, Lynn Doucette and George Austin.
Jan 26 – Christine Crue, Mickey Davis, Kelly Coelho and Amanda Lynn Doucette.
Jan. 27 – Shirley Bausch, Jeff Harrington. Seth Lamburn, Mary Ines Cabral, Andrew Sousa and Angelina Percuoco.
Jan. 28 – David Paquette, Karen Rundlett, Linda Palmer.
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