HUDSON – Hudson resident Andrea M. Erickson’s first novel, “Black Boots, A Journey of Resilience and Love,” was released by Xlibris publishers earlier this month.
The semi-autographical novel “is actually a road trip of my life,” said Ms. Erickson, who was first diagnosed with a crippling illness at 14 years of age, and more recently with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Previously, Ms. Erickson wrote extensively in the corporate and non-profit arena. She hopes her first novel’s message “will help every person battling a chronic disease.” “Black Boots” chronicles the journey, thoughts and fears of a young woman amid the lurking presence of illness, she said.
“My faith, relationships with family and friends have been vital,” she said.
The book is available in hard cover, soft cover and as an e-book. The whimsical cover design is by a friend, Hudson resident Mary Whitters.
A native of Milford, the debuting author graduated from Cathedral High School in Springfield. She holds degrees from Westfield State College (now University) and Anna Maria College in Paxton.
She is the chairman of Hudson’s Commission on Disabilities. Ms. Erickson and her husband, Anthony Smith, moved to Hudson several years ago.
Vintage Valentines
Vintage Valentines collected by the late Marion Phaneuf are on display on a “Valentine Tree” at the Hudson Historical Society museum at The Landing at the Hudson Mills at 43 Broad Street in Room B 406.
Mrs. Phaneuf often displayed her Valentines annually at the landmark barbershop of her husband, the late Arthur Phaneuf, on Main Street.
Other vintage collections are on display at the museum entrance. The museum welcomes visitors every Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m., on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and on Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m. The displays were arranged by Museum staffers Peggi Sullivan, Barbara Nahoumi and Carmen Giombetti.
Mailman retires
Hudson U.S. Post Office Mailman John Correa retired on Jan. 31 after more than 20 years on the job. He was honored on his last day with a celebratory cake and cards by his co-workers.
The popular mail carrier is an accomplished photographer, and often chronicled local events on his route and nearby.
Postmaster Chris Capobianco said that Correa’s daily walking route entailed a 12-mile stretch from the Forestvale Cemetery area on Broad Street to Cox and Elm streets. We wish John and his wife, Marilyn, a happy and healthy retirement!
Enjoying retirement
Hudson native Mark Ahearn retired Dec. 10 after 20 years’ employment at Framingham State University.
He was previously employed by GenRad in Concord for 21 years.
At FSU Mark served in the Athletics and Facilities departments. He celebrated with a party at “Tony’s Garage,” hosted by Tony Albertini and Dan Ahearn. A family dinner was held at “Frank’s” in Cambridge to mark the event.
Mark and his wife, Debby, have three children and five grandchildren: Kelli Jones and daughters Kennedy and Taylor; Elizabeth Schaefer, husband, Andrew and children, Matthew, Lily and Ben; and son, Dan Ahearn.
Mark is a son of Mrs. Nathalie Ahearn.
New Latina Market
One of the latest and most welcome additions to downtown Hudson is Latina Market, located at 20 Washington Street. Latina Market offers fresh vegetables and fruits and other groceries. Latina Market is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
‘Midnight riders’ here
“The Midnight Riders” will be playing in the members lounge of the Hudson/Concord Lodge of Elks, Park Street from 7-10 p.m on Friday, Feb. 11.
Members are free while a $5 donation is asked for non-members.
The Grille Room will be open with a menu variety.
Looking back to 1967
Anthony Bairos was elected Good Government Representative by the students at Hudson High School.
The Hudson Dress Shoppe on Main Street advertised fur-trimmed coats on sale for prices ranging from $35 to $89.
In the Hudson pee-wee hockey league, Cal Eddy coached the pee wees and Bill Bisset coached the Bantams.
Ben Benedetti announced that the new bocci courts were nearly completed at the Buonavia Club.
Army Reserve Pvt. Kenneth Jameson was stationed at Fort Knox, Ky.
The cast of the Hudson High School Junior play “Onions in the Stew” included Ron Jacobs, Janet Garnett, Cynthia Thomes, Kathy Butland, Betsy Ross and Jimmy Hickey.
Entwistle Co. leased an additional 25,000 feet of space at the former Hudson Worsted Co. Mill on Broad Street.
Selectmen granted a Class 2 dealer’s license to Don Colleton of Don’s Gulf Service.
Happy birthday
Feb. 12 – Ryan Brennan, Tiffany James and Shawn Powell.
Feb. 13 – Velma Rocheleau, Jennifer Torres, Beth Bertonassi, Tara Bauer, twins Robbie and Liam Zina.
Feb. 14 – Arthur Balthazar, Gary Gannon, Greg Waterhouse, Michelle Correa and Jean Luther.
Feb. 15 – Mark Johnson, Michel Cabral, Bill Hopkins and Pam Bushey; Feb. 16 to Kenny Durkin, Dennis Pierozzi and Cheryl O’Leary.
Feb. 17 – Shelby Searles, Nina Smith, Duane Homer and Kaleigh Brennan.
Feb. 18 – Jeannette Pauplis, Mike Kauffman, Kimberly Kearney, “D.J.” Johnson, Loretta Cunha and Evan Bushey.
Feb. 19 – Nelson Sousa, Scott Campbell, Mecia Wright, Sue Gird, Kathleen Domenicucci and Nicolas Caramanica.
Feb. 20 – Lynn Kerner, George Lawton, Karen Michaud and Benjamin Wilson-Chase
Feb. 21 – Jackie Hester, David Wilkinson, Alyson Siniawski, Sue Albertini, Sara Siktberg, Jack Ryan Yates.
Feb. 22 – Emily Pollard, Cheryl Santos and Mason Holyoke.
Feb. 23 – Helen Trumpolt, Tracy Cunha, Tammie Teabo, Joe Bairos and Katie Krasinski.
Feb. 24 – Peggi Sullivan, Katie DeRusha, Tammy Loring, Ralph Davis.
Feb. 25 – Grace Masciarelli, George Sousa, Barbara Mungeam, ZoeAnn Leipens, Aimie Chaves, Martin Miller, Tom Boudreau, Haley Donahue, Joan Vincent and Bob Berube.
Happy Anniversary
Feb. 14 – John and Trina Zompetti, Mario and Christine DeMare.
Feb. 15 – Dave and Ellen DiLauro.
Feb. 17 – Stan and Kathy Kielbowitz.
Feb. 19 – Bryan and Brenda Quinn, Al and Peggy Yesue.
Feb. 20 – Bob and Eileen Sullivan.
Feb. 23 – Phil and Trudy Durand.
Feb. 24 – Allen and Laurie Brown.
Send items for Hudson Happ’nings to Rosemary Rimkus, 18 Cottage St., Hudson MA 01749 or email [email protected].
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