The Hudson Board of Selectmen received an update at its most recent meeting on one of the community’s most visible and longstanding charitable traditions: the Hudson Fire Department’s annual Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Boot Drive. The fundraiser, run by members of IAFF Local 3154, has become a familiar sight at key intersections throughout town each summer, drawing strong support from residents and motorists alike.
Town Administrator Roy Sorenson informed the Board that firefighter Elias Brodeur has taken over coordination of the event.
“I have been contacted by Elias Brodeur of the Hudson Fire Department, IAFF Local 3154, regarding the Muscular Dystrophy Association Boot Drive. He has since taken over the logistics from Adam Lebor,” Sorenson said.
This year’s Boot Drive will take place on four dates: May 22; June 23; July 27,; and Aug. 19, all at 2 – 6 p.m.
Brodeur told Selectmen he hopes to build on the success of past years.
“It will be super similar to last year’s proceedings,” he said. “We’ll be doing it over a course of several months, with the first one being upcoming April 21st, with the rest of the dates and times listed in the package we were given.”
The collection effort will again take place at the intersections and medians surrounding the Town Common near Veterans Bridge, a location that has proven both safe and highly visible for volunteers and drivers.
“All the volunteers, like always, will be members of the fire department, or sometimes members of their family,” Brodeur said. “All the proceeds, as before, will 100% be going toward charity. We won’t be taking any of the funds ourselves.”
Brodeur noted that last year’s Boot Drive was one of the most successful in New Hampshire.
“We placed first in the state, and we grossed around $16,000, which is pretty awesome,” he said, adding that the department hopes to match or exceed that total this year.
Selectmen Chair Dillon Dumont praised the department for its continued dedication to the cause.
“It’s always nice to see you guys out there and do this,” Dumont said. “It’s a great thing for the community.”
During the non-public portion of the meeting, the Board approved several personnel changes across town departments.
- Master Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan DiFranza was promoted to Lieutenant/ Paramedic at an hourly rate of $41.16.
- Heather Celeste was appointed Deputy Tax Collector, effective April 15, following the recommendation of the Tax Collector.
- The Board accepted the resignation of Senior Accountant Clerk Magdalena Whitmore, effective July 10, and voted to begin advertising for her replacement.
