HUDSON – The 49th annual celebration of the Holy Ghost Society was held the weekend of June 24-25, including a celebratory Mass at St. Michael’s Church and procession to Hudson Portuguese Club on June 25.
During the Mass, Jill McCloud of Marlborough was crowned with Holy Ghost Crown, and it was transferred to Jose M. and Elita Costa during festivities at the Club. The Costa family will keep the crown in their home until next year.
Highlights of the procession included the Portuguese Band and the annual appearance of a pair of oxen from Manny’s Dairy Farm in Lancaster, shepherded by Joe Cabral of Hudson. At the Portuguese Club festivities, Portuguese sweet bread and soup were specialties, and music was provided by “Journey” on Saturday and Nadia Pavao on Sunday.
The Holy Ghost Feast began here in 1974 by descendants from the island of Santa Maria, Portugal, and has been continued annually by their families (except in COVID years). Paul Freitas, head of the Society, said a special celebration of the Society’s 50th anniversary is planned for next year. Freitas said that the “Imperio Mariense” celebration dates back to the 14th century in Portugal.
Garden Club awards scholarship
Hudson Garden Club presented its annual scholarship to Isabella Flint of Mansfield, granddaughter of club treasurer Pat Main. Presentation was made by Mrs. Main on June 24.
A graduate of Mansfield High School, Ms. Flint will attend Pennsylvania State University College of Health and Human Development, where she will major in behavioral health. Announcement was made by Marianne Vergano-Laughton, scholarship chairman: “For many years the club has provided scholarships to motivated students in pursuit of post-secondary education, and we are honored to support their educational journeys.”
“Off the police blotter”
Police Chief Richard DiPersio reports that the summer Youth Police Academy, held annually, made history this 18th year when there were more boys than girls cadets. Also, for over three decades, DiPersio said the department had only one female police officer. Since being removed from Civil Service in 2021, he reports that the department has three female police officers, and is in the process of hiring their fourth!
Four graduations
Hudson residents Phil and Sue Ricciuti happily attended four high school and college graduations of grandchildren in recent weeks. Kelly Clougherty graduated from Bryant University, R.I.; Alyssa Clougherty graduated from Quinnipiac University, Conn., Rebecca Collester graduated from Butler University, Ind. and Kristen Clougherty graduated from Scituate High School.
Local roots
Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, recently named adjutant archbishop of Hartford, Conn., has local roots. The Woburn native is the son of the late William and Rita (Kelleher) Coyne; his mother was a Hudson native. Bishop Coyne was ordained in 1986 and served as Bishop of Burlington, Vt. from 2015 to the present.
Of local interest
Former Hudson resident Daniel F. Clifford, 74, longtime Newton resident, commercial real estate consultant, appraiser and political activist, died June 25 at his home. He leaves his wife Margi Butler, daughter, son, stepsons, and sons Doug and Robert Clifford. They were sons of the late Mrs. Irene Clifford of Hudson. Dan Clifford was a graduate of Hudson High School and Belmont, Abbey College, N.C. Burial services were private and a Memorial Celebration of Dan’s life was held July 9, 2023 at the family home in Newton.
Lobster Shoot
Hudson High School Fall Sports will sponsor a “Build Your own Theme” Lobster Theme Friday evening, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at Hudson Lodge of Elks, Park Street. Theme grand prize is $1,000. Tickets are $10 each. For more information email [email protected].
Brewfest
Hudson Rotary Club is planning its 8th annual “Spirit of Hudson Brewfest,” on Saturday, Aug. 5 in the South Street area.
SPECIAL GREETINGS to Hudson resident Mary Millett, who marks her 100th birthday on July 21!
CONGRATULATIONS to Hudson residents John and Lee Scichilone who observed their 60th wedding anniversary on June 23!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
July 15 – Chris Afonso, Ann McPartlen, Jim Dunnell, Edward Koczur II, Austin Bruneau and Brianna Serio
July 16 – Corinne Ethier, Rebecca Drouin, Ryan Waingortin, Rosella Bradley and Kathryn Mattocks
July 17 – Don Quinn and Bill Percuoco
July 18 – Mary Rubino, Drew Holden, Paula Davis, Sharon Evans and Dave Doucette
July 19 – MaryAnn Wilbur, Mark Gillespie and Ann Marie Parness
July 20 – Paul Veo, Ellen Cunningham, Don Gellenthien and Jack McGuiness
July 21 – Ed Karvoski, Jr., Joanna Hickey, Helen Roach and Alison Hazel Vickery
July 22 – Chandler Goodwin, Julie Hussian, Jennifer Lepire and Dave Alberghini
July 23 – Caitlin Lowe, Judy Parsons, Laura Waingortin, Sharon Larson and Olivia Rose Smith
July 24 – Greg Newton, Ian Campbell, Rickie Higgins, Regan Quimby; twins Ian Joseph and Jillian Marie Vickery
July 25 – Chris Bissett and Rachel May Ewing Merrill
July 26 – Diane Reynard Ghikas, Justin Macedo, Zachary Smith, Richard Harrity and Erin Bratica
July 27 – Riley Nanartowich, Dick Kerdok and Jeremy Dusseault
July 28 – “R.J.” Bushey and Brian McPhee
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
July 16 – Bert and Marsha Beals
July 17 – Rich and Mary Harrity
July 18 – Rocky and Nancy Zina, Michael and Cheryl Murphy
July 19 – John and Dawn Rich
July 23 – Jack and Kathy Kittredge
July 25 – Dan and Barbara Siktberg
LOOKING BACK TO 1972
Miller Jamrog was head of the music department at Hudson High School. The Hudson Royal Jades program included performances in Arlington, Beverly, Saugus, Somerville, Salem and Woonsocket, R.I. Webster’s Shoes, 1 Houghton St., was selling pro-shop model golf rubbers for $1.98.
Lou Ghiloni organized the gathering of the Marlborough Shamrocks football team at the Hudson Lithuanian Club, School St. Theodore Verdone, Sr. was chairman of the fund drive to benefit Hudson Institute, Hosmer St. Work was progressing on the Trout Pond at Riverside Gun Club. Hudson National Bank of Hudson and Stow continued its program of free checking accounts.
Send items for Hudson Happ’nings to 18 Cottage St., Hudson MA 01749 or [email protected]
