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KEYNOTES: Library offers limited indoor browsing
Rosemary Rimkus
After more than a year of COVID-caused imperatives, the staff of the Hudson Public Library is welcoming limited patrons back to its stacks. Head librarian Aileen Sanchez-Himes said capacity of 12 patrons may visit for 20 minutes for general library business, or 30-minute access to the library computers, after they have contacted the library or registered online. Glass partitions are being installed at the service and reference desks.
With the recent closing of the children’s room due to steam pipe breakage, many of the children’s books and services have moved upstairs to the main library, according to children’s librarian Jillian Bennett. “Every one of the children’s room team has done a really incredible job bringing library services to families during this time,” said Bennett, “and I look forward to having patrons back here as soon as possible.”
KEYNOTES: COVID-19 food relief program to scale down
Rosemary Rimkus
Organized in March 2020, when COVID-19-related restrictions first appeared, the Food Relief program at First United Methodist Church continues to serve Hudson families. Hudson resident Stacey Hartford, who has spearheaded the yearlong program, said Food Relief began with two drive-up and delivery events weekly. As of April 16, food delivery will be curtailed to the third Friday of each month.
Hartford said the program was introduced for families who, under pandemic rules, could no longer go the store, and families whose income was reduced. She added that since many have received the COVID vaccine, and meals are available for children in school, the once-a-month delivery has been put in place.
Hudson programs awarded $14K in grants
Community Content
HUDSON Massachusetts state Rep. Kate Hogan and state Sen. James Eldridge along with Patricia Luoto and Donna Specian, co-chairs of the Hudson Cultural Council, recently announced the award of 10 grants totaling $14,300 for cultural programs in Hudson and the surrounding area. There were 16 grant application requests, totaling $16,305 to be considered.
Some of this year s grant recipients include The Discovery Museum, Assabet Valley Camera Club, Hudson Division of Recreation, Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce, Hudson Cultural Alliance, Symphony Pro Musica, Hudson Public Library, and River s Edge Arts Alliance.
The Hudson Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.
KEYNOTES: First responders vaccinated
Rosemary Rimkus
In one of the early rounds of vaccination against COVID-19, 380 Hudson and Marlborough firemen, policemen and other early responders received the first dose of the Moderna vaccine on Jan. 14 and 15 at the Marlborough High School gymnasium. Kelli Calo of the Hudson Health Board said the clinic was a collaboration between the Marlborough and Hudson Health departments. The voluntary clinic is part of the commonwealth s vaccination plan, according to Hudson Fire Chief Bryan Johannes.
Avidia Bank south branch to open April 5
Mark R. O’Connell, president and CEO of Avidia Bank, has informed its clients that the new Hudson South branch, located at 196 Washington St., will open April 5. The new building will replace the former Hudson South branch across the street at 221 Washington St. in the RK Plaza. In April 2019 the only remaining residence in the Washington Street commercial zone area was razed to accommodate the site, and fini