HUDSON – Classmates of the late Vic Billings of Hudson High School 1969 have sponsored installation of a bench in his memory at the Riverwalk on the Assabet River. Billings, an outstanding student athlete and graduate of University of Notre Dame, died in May 2021. Sponsoring classmates are: David “Rocky” Zina, Pat “Rico” Muscati, Bob “Juice” Jusseaume and Dave “Deluge” Flood.
Hudson Recreation Dept. and Park Dept. personnel assisted in the installation. The Riverwalk extends along the Assabet River from Houghton Street to the South Street entrance near Horseshoe Pub.
Muscati said, “Vic could have been a doctor or a lawyer, but he was a private person who chose to be a carpenter, bartender, golfer and good friend.”
He would have marked his 72nd birthday on Oct. 30. Vic was a son of the late Hudson School Supt. Myron Billings and Marcella Billings.
13TH top award
Tom McAuliffe, Jr., has won “Radio Station of the Year” award for his FM station in Milford MYFM 1013, for the thirteenth time, from Mass. Broadcasters’ Association. The Milford station competed with close to 100 radio stations in Massachusetts, who could compete regardless of power or location. Television station recipient was WCVB-TV, Channel 5, Boston. Tom McAuliffe Jr. acquired the station many years ago when his father, Tom McAuliffe Sr. of Hudson, retired.
HHS ‘55 get together
Several members of Hudson High School Class of 1955 gathered for an informal “get-together” recently at the Bolton Street Tavern, near the Hudson-Marlborough line. Those attending were Veronica Despres and Joan (Thimot) Esche of Marlborough; Larry White, Holly and Nancy McAuliffe of Hudson, Dave and Pat Brown of Hudson, N.H., and Lee Courtemanche of Marietta, Ga. Courtemanche and his daughter, Renee Lake, were visiting his hometown.
Country Fair Dec. 2
Christmas Country Fair, featuring a visit from Santa, homemade goodies, affordable gifts and Silent Auction fare, will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 at First United Methodist Church, Felton and Pleasant streets, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit from Santa will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free small “art kit” for kids ages 3-12, and free hanging Peace Cranes for all. All are welcome.
Successful fundraiser
Friends of the Hudson Senior Center sponsored a successful annual Fall Fair in November. President Jackie Kapopolous said that Fair proceeds allow the Friends to support various programs and purchase necessary items.
“We are currently in the process of purchasing awnings for the handicap ramp, and in the past have purchased transport buses, professional printer and two pool tables,” she said. Local contributors to the event included: Brothers Pizza, Checkerboards, Mooyah, Mullahy’s Cheese Shop, Napa Auto Parts, “99” Restaurant, Robinson Hardware, Stop & Shop, Victor’s 50’s Diner, Vintage Café, Welly’s, SKHB INC, J & K Tire Co., 641 Café, Expo Nails, Nail Essence, All Occasions Florist, Bacon’s, Serendipity, Rail Trail, Micro Creamery, Beyond the Barn and Market Basket.
Of local interest
Word has been received of the death of former Hudson resident Raymond Wheeler, 80, on Nov. 12, at his home in Center Barnstead, N.H., following a long illness. A 1961 graduate of Hudson High School, he was a 22-year Air Force veteran, including two tours in Vietnam.
The funeral was held Nov. 17 from the Slattery Funeral Home, Marlborough. He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Wheeler of Hudson. His survivors include his wife, children and grandchildren, his sister Betty Correa of Gardner and brother, David Wheeler of Center Barnstead, N.H.
Stroll Dec. 2
Hudson 2023 Downtown Holiday Stroll is Saturday, Dec. 2 from 3-7 p.m., rain, snow or sunshine. Main Street businesses and eateries welcoming visits from Strollers.
BELATED BIRTHDAY GREETINGS on Nov. 25 to Kristin Braga.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Dec. 2 – Kevin Kittredge, Calleigh Walsh, Zachary Gay, Bella Bush, Harry Currier, Jayne Bearsto, Katie Boyle, Richard Kane and Gabriella Pimental
Dec. 3 – Steve Smith, Gina Davis, Ed Bridges and Emma Mattocks
Dec. 4 – “Tuck” Walsh, Randy Carter, Debbie Dietz, Carlo Sousa Jr., Emily Rooney, Harry Bouchard, Chris Bacon, Alicia Garcia, Cindy Geldart and Rev. John Kodera
Dec. 5 – Michelle Zakrzewski, Jonathan May and Michelle Fuller
Dec. 6 – Jason Cunha, Cameron Miele, Kenny Sullivan Jr., Angela Govatsos and Fran and Al Temple
Dec. 7 – Kevin Busch, Wayne Jenkins and Barry Brown
Dec. 8 – Joshua Gould, Sydney Provencher and John Shumski
Dec. 9 – Jan Taylor
Dec. 10 – MaryAnn Ethier, Janis Busch, Joe Cardoso, Dawn Capobianco, Matt O’Neil and twins Logan and Lenny Pote
Dec. 11 – Brian Fraser, Courtney Kent, Steve Huehmer, Marion Lawton and MaryEllen Percuoco
Dec. 12 – Sam Bouchard, Laura Cush, Chris Parker and Penny Moran
Dec. 13 – Tom Longtine, Karen Bigeau, Marcia Haley, Tom Sypherd and Cody Smith
Dec. 14 – Shawn Taylor, Adam Elder, Cindy White and Stephen Domenicucci
Dec. 15 – Joe Grimaldo, Relden Prince and Alex Johnson
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Dec. 3 – Dick and Pam Bushey
Dec. 7 – Al and Fran Temple
Dec. 13 – Mike and Terry Moran
LOOKING BACK TO 1973
MaryLou Kane, riding “Sir William’s Tomahawk” won reserve championship in the Marlboro- 4-H Club horse show at Pompositticut Farm. Hudson High senior Bill Hurley finished second in the Jaycees 7-mile marathon. Gaspar Rubino bought property on Hosmer St. from Richard Pockwince.
Thomas A. Walsh, retired Light & Power Dept. manager, received the Hudson Rotary Club “Service Above Self” award at the State Armory SAS Ball. Betty Archer (Mrs. John Irvine) was soloist with the Ray Leach Surburbanaires, Jack Prinsteiner, chef at Hellen’s Restaurant, was a judge at St. Michael Parish Bazaar “Bake-off.” Selectmen awarded the Christmas Lights contract to a Marblehead firm for $3,736.
Send items for Hudson Happ’nings to 18 Cottage St., Hudson, Ma 01749 or email [email protected].
