Talk of the Town

The leaves are falling, and the air is crisper. Fall is here. We are all bundling up and getting ready for Thanksgiving. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Here is some good news!

A group of Landsberg, Germany citizens spent time in Hudson in September as part of a regular cultural exchange trip. Photo submitted.

The Hudson Landsberg Sister City organization hosted a group from Landsberg, Germany. This nonprofit works to strengthen the bond between our two sister cities via community exchange, travel for citizens and hosting German community events. The two biggest events are the summer Hudson Biergarten and the much-anticipated December Hudson Christkindlmarkt.

The visitors stayed with host families and were treated to a historical tour led by Destination Hudson. The group also visited the WRA Loomis Observatory, Hale Farm and Village, Niagara Falls, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and hiked the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. One of the biggest highlights for the group was cheering the Hudson High School football team to a home victory. HLSC is now planning a summer trip for interested Hudsonites to travel to Landsburg on an organized tour next July. This connection has led to a lifetime of friendships and is a unique opportunity to experience the culture that each community has to offer. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Christkindlmarkt on Dec. 9-11. If you would like to volunteer for the event or are interested in the programs, email hudsonlandsberg@gmail.

Elise Miklos is currently the National Champion for Irish Dancing in her age group, having placed first at a competition over the summer. Photo submitted.

Hudsonite and Walsh Jesuit High School sophomore Elise Miklos has a lot to be proud of. Her hard work and dedication has paid off. In July, Elise competed against 145 dancers around the world at the 2022 North American Irish Dancing Championships in Montreal and placed first in her competition category. She is currently the national champion for her age! Elise has been dancing for 10 years and started studying Irish dance here in Hudson. This year alone, she has placed 11th in the world at the Belfast World Irish Dancing Championships, ninth in the All Scotland Championships and was set to complete in London last month. You are quite a talented young lady, Elise!

HHS graduate of ’94, Hudsonite and auctioneer of Thrillbilly Auctioneering, Thomas Wagner has been racing BMX bikes for over 31 years and has no thoughts of stopping. His parents bought him his first BMX bike at the age of 15. Tom recently advanced to state finals in September for his age bracket and finished fourth in the Gold Cup Championship.

All of this is quite an accomplishment as Tom was hit by a drunk driver in 2003 and broke every bone in his face except for his nose. His recovery was brutal, but he came back. He has also suffered multiple injuries to his spleen, liver and other body parts during his BMX career.

“It’s not in me to retire, there is currently a rider in his 80s, and I plan on doing just that. … I still have some gas left in me,” he quipped.

Congratulations on your wins, Tom, and showing that anyone can compete at any age.

Resident Katie Gallagher is giving back with her Cuddle Bear Drive. When one of her three children was diagnosed with Kawasaki’s disease, Katie she spent many hours at Akron Children’s Hospital. She noticed how some children were incredibly lonely when visitors were not there to see them. Her employer offers opportunities, and one of them was the Cuddle Bear Drive. For a donation, a book and a bear are donated to Akron Children’s Hospital to support and comfort those in need. Many of these gifts go to pediatric cancer patients. Katie’s Cuddle Bear Drive is in its third year and is exciting as she has surpassed her goal and now has over 300 bears and books to contribute. Thank you, Katie, for your beautiful gifts to children. If you would like to donate to the Cuddle Bear Drive, email Katie at kgallagher121@gmail.com.

When Hudsonite Traci Rabb’s 4-year-old nephew Jarrett Turner was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer, the news was devastating. She wanted to do anything to support her brother and sister-in-law in Pennsylvania. Jarrett had four brain and spinal surgeries from January to March to clear the cancer in his brain. The complications from the surgeries left him bedridden for weeks at a time. Traci turned to several Hudson Facebook sources and individuals in our community and saw to it that over 40 cards, gift cards, gift baskets and boxes were sent to this family. Kim and Troy Turner are incredibly grateful.

“We were surrounded with love and support from the Hudson community,” Kims aid. “It was amazing to see people who did not even know us care and give support to our family. It was especially encouraging for Jarrett.

Jarrett is now five and is cancer free. He has one surgery in December that will reconstruct the hole left in his head. Kim said he is running around and has regained his motor and neurological functions. Thank you, Traci and the citizens of Hudson, for having such a positive impact on this family.

Congratulations to 2021 HHS graduate Adam Ocarson on making the dean’s list at Mercyhurst University. This successful sophomore is rocking the lacrosse field as a midfielder and is majoring in business intelligence. Way to go, Adam!

If you would like to share your good, email me at dianedemuynck@scriptype.com, and make it a great day! ∞