HUDSON – Hudson native Loreen Jean, founder of Hudson Arts and Framing at 18 Main St., on the rotary, has sold the business to Brian and Liz Dean of Bolton, effective Jan. 30, 2025. Dean is an accomplished picture framer.
Jean recalls that she actually started her framing business in 1992 in a former jewelry store “across from the rotary and next to the alley.” She moved to 18 Main St., former Odd Fellows building in 1994, occupying a former antique shop.
After 32 years of ownership, the always affable Jean calls the store “her work of art.” She says that the store will continue its legacy of custom framing, high end pottery, art, jewelry, blown glass and stained glass, and other exclusive items.
She said: “We like to be known as the framing studio and art gallery with a sense of humor.”
Current employees Margaret Chiatiarelli and Joanie Bergen will continue to staff the shop, and Ruth Hanlon, 28-year employee, drops in regularly.
Noting the changes on Main Street, Jean notes that there are more vendors etc., but she always thought the downtown was “special.”
“New blood brings new customers” she noted.
She wants to say a sincere thank you to all her clients and friends for their “forever support.”
Happy retirement, Loreen!
HHS Class of ‘94 reunites
Hudson High School Class of 1994 celebrated the 30th anniversary of their graduation with a reunion Nov. 30 at Clover Road Brewery, Hudson. Twenty-three classmates attended. The class raised $405 for the Hudson High Boosters Club selling a celebratory sweat-shirt bearing the names of Hudson sites named in honor of local residents, re Morgan Bowl named for Edward F. Morgan, Supt. of Public Works in the 40s and 50s.
Mizzou graduation
Hudson residents Tom and Maryann Ethier have returned from Missouri where they attended the graduation of their granddaughter, Olivia Gyapong, from the University of Missouri. Olivia received bachelor degrees in political science and in journalism, and was student speaker at the journalism school graduation. Also among those attending were her parents Ohene and Nicole (Ethier) Gyapong and daughter, Fallon, of Silver Springs, Md., and her uncle and aunt, Steve and Michelle (Ethier) Kouba, and sons, Steve and “R.T.” of Chicago. Ill.
Kids celebrate
Hudson Public Library Children’s Room will sponsor a New Year’s Eve/Day party for young people on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 11 a.m. at the children’s room. Children of all ages invited! For more information contact Rachel Marroquin, youth services librarian at the library, 978-568-9634 x 420.
Ireland to Hudson
Claire Gurnett, native of Ireland, has opened “Arthru Designs” at 22 Main St., opposite the Rail Trail.
Gurnett said that “Arthru” in Gaelic, means “change or new beginnings.” She is offering products made by local artists: pottery, jewelry, tableware, soaps, lotions and other local gift items. She previously operated a shop in Southborough, where she resides.
“I looked for a location in Hudson for a long time, and I am thrilled to be here,” Gurnett said.
Of local interest
Mrs. Ellen (Atchue) Sweet, 87, former Cottage St. resident, died Dec. 12, 2024, at The Villages, Florida. She was the widow of Robert R. Sweet. Her survivors include one son, three daughters, and several grandchildren. Services and burial were at Notre Dame Cemetery, Southbridge.
Armory on the Assabet
A landmark moment for Metrowest’s cultural scene is the branding of “Armory on the Assabet,” a new development in the fund-raising for the Hudson Armory. This initiative, supported by a $200,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and music icon and Hudson native Nuno Bettencourt, represents a renewed commitment to fostering arts and culture in Hudson. Committee member Tom Desmond said a 2025 fund raiser is organized to match the MCC grant.
Built in 1910, the landmark Armory housed the National Guard and was the scene of innumerable high school proms and celebratory events, including Hudson Rotary Club auto shows and the Hudson Centennial Ball. For more information, visit armoryontheassabet.org.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Dec. 28 – Dee Jordan, Elizabeth Hydro, Ron Hellen, Jim Toohey, Cara Sullivan, Michael Fernandes and Danielle Watson
Dec. 29 – twins Ben and Sam Jackson, Kayleigh Darwin, Carol Sedam and Anthony Luongo
Dec. 30 – Danny Lopez, Don Garceau, Rachel Sousa, Luis Macedo, Brian Blais, Gerry Gault, Joanne Rossley and Dick Tombeno
Dec. 31 – Garrett Sullivan, Natalie Rivera, Bob Wood, Drew Bartolane, Dave Geary, Bill Rivers Jr. and Lauren Walsh
Jan. 1 – John Scichilone and Brittany Beals
Jan. 2 – Rachel Davis and Cathy Waugh
Jan. 3 – Kristy Case, Tom Davis, Jaxon Capobianco and Denise Chaisson Gouveia
Jan. 4 – Loraine Milewski, Terry Wood and Mia Willard
Jan. 5 – Patty Gigliotti, Dan Sheehan and Natalie Crowley-Poirier
Jan. 6 – Debbie Peltier, Keith Carter, Christine Nadeau and George McInness
Jan. 7 – Mark Hollick, Carl Leeber, Chris Yates, Amber Powell and Jak Armstrong
Jan. 8 – Janice Long, Cheryl Monaghan;
Jan. 9 – Mike Tucker, Joyce Cloutier, Carol Lazzaro and Elliott Mason
Jan. 10 – Cheryl Franke, Kristen Matthew and Melissa Cronin
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Dec. 30 – James and Shirley Ficco
Jan. 3 – Don and Jane Morgan
Jan. 4 – Stan and Ada Arenstrup
Jan. 8 – John and Linda Palmer
Jan. 10 – George and Pat Luoto
LOOKING BACK TO 1973
Funeral services were held for Frank J. Braga, 77, head of Braga Shoe Co. until his retirement. Chuck Jacobs was winner of the News Enterprise Football Contest. Planning Board Chairman John Tierney requested a policy for the numbering of houses, to prevent slowdowns in emergency care. Wheeler Pharmacy, 18 Main St., was selling “Zenith hearing aids.” Dolores Paquette presided at the Apple Valley Young Women’s Club meeting. Joseph Gill Jr., a senior at Worcester College, was named to “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. “Together Drop-In Center” for teens was located next to the Sherman House, Main St. State Senator Chet Atkins attended a meeting of the Hudson Bi-Centennial committee.
Send items for Hudson Happ’nings to 18 Cottage St., Hudson MA 01749 or email [email protected].
