Hubbardston MA

Hubbardston MA Local News and Community Information

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• Phase 1

  

  Hubbardston MA Town Meeting Overwhelmingly Approves Phase 1 of Project

  According to the Town of Hubbardston website, “The 48 Gardner Road Phase 1 Proposal has officially passed, with strong support from the community—339 votes in favor to 33 against. This approval marks a critical milestone as we begin the much-needed renovations and upgrades to our public safety facilities, ensuring that Hubbardston remains a safe and thriving place for all residents.” Note that this vote was 91% YES and only 9% NO. Many supporters credited Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau for being completely transparent and detailed in presenting the idea which will have two more phases pending Town Meeting approval at future dates.

  The project will bring Police, Fire, Emergency Services, and Town Offices to one facility over time and allow for modernization to current standards. The YES vote allows Hubbardston to proceed with the purchase of the 48 Gardner Road property. It will immediately start saving money as Hubbardston is currently a tenant on the property. Lease payments from other tenants are expected to more than cover any monthly costs.

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• Always Ready

  

  Gardner Fire Department Always at the Ready – To Respond – To Serve – to Praise Others

  The Gardner Fire Department is always ready. “Always Ready” to respond to any of a number of emergencies throughout the year. On August 22, 2024 it honored two firefighters who work for the Town of Hubbardston but are often seen helping at fires in Gardner.

  The Gardner Fire Department posted, “Congratulations to Captain Troy Casey and Chief Robert Hayes on reaching 30 years of Service with Hubbardston Fire. An Engine company from Hubbardston Fire is called to the scene on every second alarm fire here in Gardner, and both Captain Casey and Chief Hayes have worked many, many fires in Gardner with us over their 30 year careers. “

  Just a few days ago, the Gardner Fire Department and so many individuals in the Chair City gave a send off to recently deceased Fire Department Chaplain Reverend David Cote who served for more than 30 years. The Gardner Fire Department makes frequent posts on Facebook. Here is their page.

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• 48 Gardner Road

  

  Hubbardston residents will gather at a Special Town Meeting, 7pm Thursday, August 22, 2024 at the Hubbardston Center School to decide on whether to proceed with Phase 1 of the project.

  A new facility was rejected in a previous vote. Town Leaders are hoping this creative idea will have support of the public. The interview with Boudreau and Couture explains more.

  Out-of-Box Thinking Yields Solution to Hubbardston Crisis of Facilities

  Gardner Magazine spoke with Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau and Hubbardston Police Chief Ryan Couture on August 14, 2024 about a 3 Phase Plan to Purchase and Utilize 48 Gardner Road, Hubbardston for Town Needs. It is the subject of a Special Town Meeting August 22nd at 7pm. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The Town Hall, Police Station, and town-owned Fire Department facilities have space and structural issues. Population of Hubbardston 50 years ago was about 1500, increasing to 2800 in 1990, 3900 in 2000, and leveling off to about 4300 today. Town Hall in the 1970s was supposed to be temporary. The police station is in the basement of the library. Fire stations are split up and town-owned locations have issues. A new structure would cost $15 to $20 million due to prevailing wage laws. Purchasing 48 Gardner Road for $700k and then spending money incrementally at the location would end up being half the cost. Potentially, cost could be substantially reduced through grants.

  Phase	Action Contemplated
  Phase 1	Initial Renovation and Preparation including building purchase, code compliance and plans, new roof, siding, and window. Total up to: $1.4 million
  Phase 2	Creation of space for Town Hall, Meeting, Public Safety and Training, Fire Department, Police Department, and various Storage. Total up to: $7.576 million
  Phase 3	Additional Apparatus Storage and Sally Port, and Emergency Generator. Total up to: $887,500

  The Town of Hubbardston Prepared Videos to Showcase the Issues to Residents. Have a look at the police and fire facilities and understand the need. Just CLICK PLAY.

• Dinghy 2024

  

  Cardboard and Duct Tape Utilized in Upcoming 7th Annual Hubbardston Dinghy Dash

  The 7th Annual Dinghy Dash is Saturday, August 24, 2024 on Brigham Pond starting at 10am. This year there are 3 categories: Single Occupant Adult, Single Occupant Youth, and Group Vessel. Entry deadline is August 19th.

  Rules specify that these boats can be made of nothing but cardboard and duct tape. Registration is $20 per dinghy. The fastest race time without sinking wins in each category. $750 in gift cards are awarded with a 1st prize of $150 and a 2nd prize of $100 in each category. Complete rules, CLICK HERE for printable pdf. Additional trophies will also be awarded.

  The dinghy boats can have up to 4 occupants and all must wear life vests. Store-bought paddles are allowed. Captain and crew must still be in the boat when crossing the finish line to qualify as non-sinking. Rain date is the following day, August 25th.

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• Hubbardston Concerts

  

  Hubbardston Concerts for Summer 2024

  The Summer Concert Series has been announced: July 13^th: High Powered Mutants, July 27^th: The Big RanDom, August 10^th: Ambient Sojourn Band.

  Each concert is scheduled from 5-8pm with a rain date the next night.

  Food vendors will be there. Fun Entertainment for kids, too.

  Concerts are at Curtis Recreation Field at 24 Gardner Road in Hubbardston. Admission and parking is FREE.

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• Hubbardston Truck

  

  The Big Custom Brush Trucks In Hubbardston

  from the Hubbardston Fire Department, “Truck 4 doing Truck 4 things yesterday in Ashburnham. We take great pride in our brush units here in Hubbardston. All of our brush trucks were custom built with the unique needs of our geography in mind, with the majority of the build work being done in house by our own members. Truck 4 is a government surplus military dump truck that we converted into an 800 gallon brush fighting machine that can go pretty much anywhere.”

  The day before on April 27^th, Hubbardston Fire posted, “A busy afternoon for north central MA Fire Departments. In the span of 30 minutes HFD responded to 3 emergencies. The on duty firefighters responded to a serious medical call requiring transport to UMass, Truck 4 was requested mutual aid to Winchendon Road in Ashburnham for a large brush fire and Engine 2 responded to Acadia Road in Gardner for a brush fire.”

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• Rietta Open

  With almost 6 decades being open Sundays from April to November, Rietta Flea market opened for the season on Sunday April 14, 2024.

  Hundreds of vendors treated thousands of bargain hunters to a huge vista of merchandise. The popular snack bar was open for reasonably priced delicious food and beverages. Smiles were abundant. Admission is FREE. Parking is FREE. And next Sunday (weather permitting) they do it all again.

  

  For more information about Rietta Flea Market visit RiettaFleaMarket.com CLICK HERE.

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• Boudreau 4-11-24

  

  Nate Boudreau Speaks About Budget, Town Meeting Review, and Upcoming Town Meeting.

  We spoke with Hubbardston Town Administrator Nate Boudreau on April 11, 2024, regarding the 2024 Hybrid Annual Town Meeting Review and Public Hearing April 16, 2024 at 6:30pm and the upcoming Town Meeting which will occur on June 4, 2024. We went over all of the items on the draft Town Meeting warrant and Boudreau spoke about this year’s budget challenges and challenges coming for the next fiscal year. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  View Working Draft of Town Meeting Warrant. Get more information on the Town of Hubbardston website, CLICK HERE. There is also a special Town Meeting information page, CLICK HERE.

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• Rietta Opening

  

  Visit the Rietta Flea Market website, CLICK HERE.

  Rietta Flea Market Opening delayed due to storm

  Due to the early April storm, Rietta Flea Market has announced that the first day of the 2024 season will be Sunday, April 14, 2024.

  Rietta Flea Market is located off Route 68 in Hubbardston, Massachusetts where it has operated successfully for many decades, celebrating a 50th anniversary in 2016.

  Visit the Rietta Flea Market website, CLICK HERE.

  

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• Hubbardston FY25

  The Town of Hubbardston Fiscal Year 2025 Budget is available for review here. CLICK HERE.

  From the Town of Hubbardston “Developing an annual budget is a complex process that involves making difficult tradeoffs and prioritizing competing needs with limited resources. Hubbardston is fortunate to have an Open Town Meeting governance system that empowers all registered voters to directly participate in this process and exercise their decision-making authority. By engaging in the budget development process, citizens can help shape the future of their community and ensure that tax dollars are spent in a manner that aligns with the communities values and goals.”

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Around the Community of Hubbardston MA

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