Ashburnham MA

Ashburnham MA Local News and Community Information

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• Michael Nicholson 4-22-26 Interview

  

  INTERVIEW: Candidate for State Representative Michael Nicholson

  Listen to the entire interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson is a candidate for the State Representative seat in the 2nd Worcester district, aiming to succeed the long-serving Jon Zlotnik.

  • Motivation for Candidacy: Nicholson cites a record number of communities facing Proposition 2 ½ overrides and making “bone-deep” budget cuts rather than just “cutting fat.” He argues that Beacon Hill requires voices with direct local municipal experience to hit the ground running.
  • Endorsement and Succession: Outgoing Representative Jonathan Zlotnik has endorsed Nicholson. The two share a long history; Nicholson previously interned for Zlotnik’s office ten years ago and spoke at Zlotnik’s 2020 campaign launch.
  • District Focus: While currently Mayor of Gardner, Nicholson emphasizes his past role as Town Administrator in Rutland as evidence that he understands the unique challenges of smaller, rural communities within the Second Worcester District.

  Michael Nicholson defines his approach to governance through the lens of human impact rather than abstract data.

  • Human-Centric Legislation: Nicholson asserts that behind every dollar sign and decimal point in a bill is a person waiting for a better quality of life. He argues that housing, infrastructure, and economic development must be viewed as tools to help families decide to stay in the region.
  • Regional Collaboration: He rejects the idea that communities exist in a vacuum. Under his philosophy, a new business in Templeton or a playground upgrade in Winchendon provides a “rising tide” that helps the entire North Central Massachusetts region by drawing in residents and boosting the collective economy.
  • Boots-on-the-Ground Perspective: He intends to maintain active engagement with the district by attending selectmen and school committee meetings in all constituent communities to ensure state support aligns with local needs

  The infographic below provides further details on key policy initiatives such as infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, housing, and economic development. Gardner Mayor Nicholson presents a background characterized by high academic achievement and diverse municipal experience.

  

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• Nathan Boudreau Interview

  

  For more information on candidate Nathan Boudreau, visit his website, CLICK HERE.

  INTERVIEW: Candidate for State Representative Nate Boudreau

  Listen to the entire interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Nathan Boudreau is a candidate for the State Representative seat in the 2nd Worcester district, aiming to succeed the long-serving Jon Zlotnik. Boudreau’s platform is centered on his identity as a “systems thinker” and reform-based leader with nearly 20 years of experience in municipal government and consulting. His primary objective is to address the misalignment between state funding formulas (specifically Chapter 90 for roads and Chapter 70 for schools) and the actual needs of local municipalities.

  Boudreau advocates for a data-driven, transparent approach to governance, emphasizing the use of technology and AI to streamline administrative processes and reinvest resources into constituent services. He argues that rural and regional communities—specifically Gardner, Templeton, Ashburnham, and Winchendon—are often marginalized by state mandates that lack corresponding financial support. His strategy involves moving beyond “speeches” to achieve measurable results in budgets, focusing on grant-writing assistance for smaller towns, infrastructure modernization, and human-centric approaches to mental health and public safety.

  

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• Reilly for State Rep

  

  Ashburnham Resident John Reilly Jr. Announces Run for State Representative

  John Reilly Jr. had decided to run for State Representative prior to Jonathan Zlotnik’s recent decision not to seek reelection. Reilly registered the domain name, reillyformass.com on March 9, 2026, CLICK HERE and has a Facebook page, CLICK HERE. Reilly released this statement on April 17, 2026. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Reilly’s website identifies a clear set of priorities for his tenure in the State House: Restoring Opportunity: Creating pathways for economic and personal growth within the district. Strengthening opportunity: Enhancing local ties and collective resilience. Increasing Affordability: A vow to “make things more affordable for everyone” addressing the economic pressures facing residents. Constituent Representation: A commitment to providing a “stronger voice” for the people of District 2.

  Gardner Magazine has reached out to John Reilly Jr. offering an opportunity for an interview. We have not yet heard back from the candidate.

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• Ashburnham Budgets, Elections, and Meetings

  

  Budget, Elections, and Meetings Ashburnham MA

  Upcoming key meetings in Ashburnham, MA, in April 2026 include a Capital Planning Committee meeting (April 13, 6 PM), Select Board meeting (April 13, 6 PM), and a Celebrate Ashburnham Committee meeting (April 14, 6 PM), mostly held at the Public Safety Building or Town Hall. The Annual Town Election is scheduled for April 28, 2026, with the Annual Town Meeting typically in early May.

  Key Upcoming Meetings & Events (April 2026):

  Capital Planning Committee: April 13, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT – Public Safety Building Lower Meeting Room.

  Select Board Meeting: April 13, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT – Public Safety Building Lower Meeting Room.

  Advisory Board: April 13, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT – Public Safety Building Lower Meeting Room.

  Council on Aging: April 14, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT – Town Hall Council on Aging.

  Celebrate Ashburnham Committee: April 14, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT – Town Hall Upper Meeting Room – Senior Center.

  Select Board Meeting: April 21, 2026, 6:30 PM EDT – Public Safety Building.

  Annual Town Election: April 28, 2026.

  Important Election/Budget Information: Town Caucus: Held March 9, 2026. — Annual Town Election Deadlines: Various deadlines leading up to April 28, 2026. Annual Town Meeting: While usually the first Tuesday in May, residents should check for final April/May dates set by the Select Board.

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• Ashburnham – April 2026

  

  Ashburnham MA – April 2026

  April 2026 in Ashburnham features a mix of live music, spiritual retreats, and local community meetings. Highlights include performances at the New Dawn Arts Center and several programs at the Stevens Memorial Library.

  Live Music & Performances

  The Music of McCartney: On Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM, the Stevens Memorial Library will host a program about the music of Paul McCartney, supported by the Ashburnham Cultural Council.

  The 4th Annual David A. Needham Homecoming Concert: A family-friendly music event scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM at People’s Congregational Church.

  Ben Cosgrove: Performing at the New Dawn Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

  Russell Watts & The Atlantic Avenue Band: A night of R&B, soul, rock, and country dance tunes at The Tavern on Central on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM (No cover charge).

  Community & Special Events

  Spring Spiritual Revival Retreat: Held at Camp Winnekeag from Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 5, 2026. This retreat includes lodging and commuter options.

  Library Matineé: The Stevens Memorial Library will screen Steel Magnolias on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM.

  321-26 Checking Clinic: A sports clinic for youth hockey at the Theodore Iorio Arena on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

  Local Government Meetings

  Town Hall Public Hearing: The Planning Board will hold a hearing on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Upper Meeting Room of Town Hall regarding proposed Zoning Bylaw amendments.

  Select Board Regular Meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Public Safety Building (Lower Meeting Room)

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• Ashburnham March 2026

  

  Spotlight on Ashburnham MA – March 2026

  The Town of Ashburnham is currently navigating a period characterized by significant environmental challenges, cybersecurity threats, and upcoming legislative adjustments. As of early 2026, the primary concerns for the municipality include a Level 3 – Critical Drought affecting Millers Basin and a rise in fraudulent phishing activities targeting residents.

  Key administrative priorities focus on governance and public participation, specifically through a public hearing regarding zoning bylaw amendments and the urgent need to fill various town board vacancies. Community engagement remains a pillar of town operations, evidenced by the upcoming Annual Egg Hunt and the continued promotion of digital notification systems to keep the populace informed.

  Upcoming Event: Annual Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 29, 2026 taking place from 11am to 12:30pm at Winchester Park

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• Ashburnham History Page

  

  Ashburnham History Page

  Gardner Magazine has created a complete Ashburnham History page with infographics, textural history, and a “Deep Dive.” CLICK HERE for this exciting page.

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• Year Ahead – Zlotnik 2026

  

  The Year Ahead –2026 – A Comprehensive Interview with Jonathan Zlotnik

  Gardner Magazine spoke with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik on January 8, 2026. We review 2025 and we speak about the year ahead, 2026. Listen to the entire interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel and Jonathan Zlotnik took a look back at 2025 with some key achievements being a savings of $100,000 annually simply by effectuating the merger of the Winchendon and Gardner District Courts into the Winchendon-Gardner District Court, securing $10 million in infrastructure funding, and being involved in an important Veterans Housing project in Winchendon. 2026 Top priorities include education, the housing crisis, and infrastructure as is detailed more fully below and in a detailed infographic.

  

  Gardner Magazine has prepared a briefing document with key themes and priorities from State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik. CLICK HERE for PDF and a Report entitled: “the $100,000 Hyphen: 5 Lessons from Local Government, CLICK HERE for PDF — or — CLICK HERE to view the text in a separate page.

  
  In 2025, significant achievements included securing over $10 million for water and sewer infrastructure in the district, championing a revised road funding formula that benefits rural communities, and advancing major youth service initiatives like “The Hub” in Winchendon and the Gardner Community Youth Center. A cornerstone project, the redevelopment of two Winchendon schools into 44 units of veterans’ housing, moved forward with approximately 90% state funding.

  
  Looking ahead to 2026, Representative Zlotnik’s top priorities are twofold: ensuring the full and continued funding of the Student Opportunity Act to provide stable support for K-12 education, and aggressively addressing the regional housing crisis through state investment in redevelopment projects. Supporting priorities include ensuring the financial sustainability of Heywood Healthcare, continuing investment in youth services and infrastructure, and strengthening local food security systems. Throughout, Zlotnik contrasts the Massachusetts legislature’s track record of consensus-building with federal-level gridlock, underscoring a pragmatic approach to governance.

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• Zlotnik Interview 9-20-24

  

  2nd Worcester District – Consisting of the town of Ashburnham, the city of Gardner, and the towns of Templeton and Precincts 2, and 3, of the town of Winchendon, all in the county of Worcester.

  
  “I’d say the top-driving thing that got me into public office all those years ago was that I felt this community and the communities in this district, the ones I grew up in, needed help. They needed additional investment opportunities. They needed things to be built, quite frankly. And the state is the best entity positioned to do that” – Jon Zlotnik

  We have reached out to his opponent and offered a similar opportunity to do an interview.

  Exploring the 12 Year Record of Zlotnik’s Greatest Hits

  Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik about his record. Voters are being asked to rehire Zlotnik in this Fall’s election. We spoke with Zlotnik about education, training, business, housing, veterans, local projects, infrastructure, recreation, civics and literacy, food insecurity, the homeless, and help for the disadvantaged. Representative Zlotnik had a few interesting stories to tell along the way including how the need for a stool helped get a new school.

  Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  The job pays less than private industry, but Zlotnik does it to help the communities he represents. The State Representative interned at the State House both in high school and college.

  Interestingly, one of the first bills Zlotnik filed was to re-institute a Civics curriculum as well as a financial literacy curriculum at the high school level. Eventually, the legislature did take up the civics portion, providing incentives for schools.

  Zlotnik spoke about his involvement in the expansion of Mount Wachusett Community College. He spoke of fighting to get state funding for the On-Site Academy which provides for post-traumatic stress treatment for first responders and told a heartwarming story about it. Zlotnik explained his efforts on behalf of veterans in the area. The State Representative detailed and discussed the Wachusett Business Incubator program.

  With respect to area development, Jonathan Zlotnik provided some background on the Rear Main Street Project and the Underutilized Properties grants which affects Downtown Gardner. We spoke at length about the Gardner Elementary School and Zlotnik related a story about the hearing on the school when the State Treasurer heard enough to say the project was clearly needed.

  Zlotnik spoke of initiatives with respect to recreation including the bike path and the upcoming bridge across Route 140. He also spoke of the importance of actually getting out and talking with people. And, he detailed various projects which have brought in jobs.

  Representative Zlotnik spoke of big projects like the one affecting the water main of Winchendon and Ashburnham. He spoke of pulling communities together to better utilize Opioid settlement funds.

  Reach State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik via the following email: Jon.Zlotnik@mahouse.gov

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• Ashburnham Rescue

  

  Ashburnham Fire Department Trains with new Rescue Boat

  On August 11, 2024, The Ashburnham Fire Department posted pictures and this statement online, “AFD’s new rescue boat (2B1) on its maiden training run. Crews practiced navigation and multiple water rescues utilizing new equipment including throw ropes, flotation devices and onboarding victims from the water. More training to come to be able to deliver appropriate resources to Ashburnham and surrounding towns. Shout out to FF/Medic Mark Vitale for managing the purchase and leading the training for this new resource.”

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Around the Community of Ashburnham MA

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  In the Community

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

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