Hubbardston MA

Hubbardston MA Local News and Community Information

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• Fire 4-11-26

  

  Gardner Fire Department Provides Mutual Aid to Hubbardston Brush Fire – Highlights High Fire Risk

  Gardner’s Truck 5, Truck 10, and C1 responded to the Town of Hubbardston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The firefighters were there to put out a brush fire. GFD posted: “Please use extreme caution when burning outdoors.”

  As of early April 2026, the fire danger level in Greater Gardner and Worcester County is high, driven by an “elevated wildfire risk” from an extended dry spell, lack of significant spring rain, and dry, accumulated vegetation.

  Burn Restrictions: The annual open burning season in Massachusetts runs from January 15th to May 1st, but local fire departments often pause burning due to high fire danger. You must call the Gardner Fire Department to check if permits are activated for the day and to ensure burning is allowed.

  Dry Weather Alert: While some drought conditions in Worcester County improved in early April, the area saw one of its driest Februarys on record, creating a persistent, high-risk situation.

  Precaution: Any spark can trigger rapid spread of fire, so caution is advised when using machinery, cooking, or disposing of smoking materials.

  If you plan on any outdoor burning, please make sure to check the Gardner Fire Department’s burn permit status for that day.

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• Hubbardston MA Budget – Elections – Meetings

  

  Budget, Elections, and Meetings Hubbardston MA

  Several key town meetings and election events are scheduled in Hubbardston, MA, for April, May, and June 2026, including the Annual Town Election and preparation for the Annual Town Meeting.

  Key Upcoming Elections & Deadlines

  Annual Town Election: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Hubbardston Center School gymnasium.

  Nomination Papers Deadline: Nomination papers for open offices must be returned to the Town Clerk by April 21, 2026, by 5:00 PM.

  Voter Registration Deadline: The deadline to register to vote for the Annual Town Election is Saturday, May 30, 2026.

  Vote by Mail Deadline: Applications for a mail-in ballot for the Town Election must be received by 5:00 PM on June 2, 2026.

  State Primaries: September 1, 2026.

  State Election: November 3, 2026.

  Town Meetings & Budget Discussions

  Annual Town Meeting: While usually held the first Tuesday in June, the Annual Town Meeting is listed for June 1, 2026, though this is subject to change by the Select Board. This meeting is where the operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year is voted on.

  Quabbin Regional Agreement “Listening Session”: A session to discuss revisions to the regional agreement that will be voted on at town meetings was held on March 16, 2026, with further, as-yet-unscheduled meetings expected.

  Budgetary Planning: The Select Board approved moving toward a zero-based budget format for fiscal year 2027 to increase accountability.

  Upcoming Committee Meetings (April 2026)

  Municipal Complex Building Committee: April 14, 2026, 6:00 PM.

  Town Administrator Search Committee: April 15, 2026, 5:30 PM.

  Board of Assessors Meeting: April 15, 2026, 6:00 PM.

  Select Board Public Hearing (National Grid/Verizon): April 21, 2026, 6:30 PM.

  Agricultural Commission Meeting: April 22, 2026, 6:30 PM.

  Board of Health Meeting: April 28, 2026, 7:00 PM.

  Other Important Deadlines

  Town Census Return: Residents are urged to return the annual municipal census by April 15 to avoid voter inactivation.

  Country Hen Scholarship Deadline: April 26, 2026.

  Motor Vehicle Excise Tax: Bills were due on March 16, 2026.

  Note: Meetings are held at 48 Gardner Rd (Town Offices) unless otherwise noted. Always check the official Hubbardston Agenda Center for the most up-to-date information, as meeting dates can change.

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• Hubbardston – April 2026

  

  Hubbardston MA – April 2026

  For April 2026, Hubbardston, MA, features several community traditions, including the seasonal opening of the Rietta Flea Market and the annual Spring Clean Up Day. Residents can also participate in various town-led meetings and local scholarship opportunities.

  Community & Seasonal Events

  Rietta Flea Market Opening Day: The market is scheduled to open for its 60th season on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (weather permitting) off Route 68.

  Spring Clean Up Day: The Hubbardston Historical Society is hosting a cleanup event at Williamsville Chapel on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

  Keep Hubbardston Beautiful Day: This community-wide cleanup initiative is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026.

  Animal Adventures Story Time: Weekly story sessions are held at Animal Adventures on Burnshirt Rd, including:

  Toddler Story Time: Wednesdays (April 1 and April 8) at 10:00 AM.

  General Story Time (Ages 2-6): Thursdays (April 2) at 10:00 AM.

  Town Government & Public Meetings

  Most town meetings take place at the Main Conference Room at 48 Gardner Rd. —Town Administrator Search Committee: Wednesday, April 1 at 5:30 PM. — Board of Library Trustees: Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 PM. — Emergency Management Planning Committee: Tuesday, April 7 at 1:00 PM. — Conservation Commission: Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 PM. — Planning Board: Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 PM. — Board of Assessors: Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00 PM. — Board of Health: Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 PM.

  Deadlines & Important Notices

  Scholarship Application: The Country Hen Scholarship for graduating high school seniors from Hubbardston must be completed online by April 26, 2026.

  Bridge Closure: The Burnshirt River Bridge on Williamsville Rd remains closed for replacement. Travelers should follow detours via Burnshirt Road and Kruse Road

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• Hubbardston – March 2026

  

  An Overview of Upcoming Events in Hubbardston MA for March 2026

  Listen to a “Deep Dive” going over all the details on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Our infographic provides details for Hubbardston Massachusetts with various municipal updates and community services. This year, Hubbardston saw the appointment of an interim Town Administrator and the opening of several employment opportunities within local government. Key public notices include upcoming town elections, scholarship applications for students, and workshops regarding local land use. We also mention once again the HubbConnect digital platform and updated accessibility plans to comply with the ADA. Keep Hubbardston Beautiful Day is April 19th, the 10th Annual Hubbardston Fair is June 6th, the annual town election is June 9th, and of course, Rietta Flea Market opens for the season Sunday, April 5th. Excise taxes were due March 16th – Pay now to avoid the headache of a penalty letter in the mail

  

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• Rietta opening April 5th

  

  Rietta Flea Market, off Route 68 in Hubbardston, Massachusetts is opening for the season on April 5, 2026.

  Rietta Flea Market Readies for April 5th Opening

  2026 is Rietta’s 60^th year. The vendor fee is still $40 per table, a price that Rietta Flea Market has held for 7 years. Listen to this “Deep Dive” podcast about Rietta on any device.

  View this short Video about Rietta:

  Rietta Flea Market is located off Route 68 in Hubbardston,MA and is opening for the season on April 5, 2026 (weather permitting) Whether you’re a vendor looking for the thousands of customers or a customer visiting for the possible bargains or the great food, Rietta Flea Market is what a great Sunday is all about. Visit the website: RiettaFleaMarket.com

  

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• Hubbardston Bridge Closure

  Work is beginning on the Burnshirt River Bridge in Hubbardston and the bridge is closed. The construction project to replace the inferior bridge will last for over a year. Detour will utilize Burnshirt Road, Thompson Road, and Kruse Road. Expect delays.

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• Wachusett MRC

  

  The 22 Communities served by the Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps

  

  Here is a PDF from the Wachusett MRC featuring photos of them in action, CLICK HERE.

  FOCUS on NON-PROFIT – Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps

  The Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer organization based in Hubbardston, MA and established 20 years ago on March 11, 2006. They cover 22 communities in North Central Massachusetts. It is part of a national network of 800 units which integrates medical professional and community volunteers to bolster local emergency response, public health initiatives, and community resilience. We have a complete page of reports on the organization covering every aspect, CLICK HERE.

  Jump to a section on the page:

  CLICK LINK: Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps: Twenty Years of Community Resilience — Two Decades of Community Resilience: Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps 20-Year Impact Report (2006–2026) —-Understanding the Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps (MRC): A Guide to Local Resilience —-Operations Guide: Strategic Integration of the Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps — Impact in Action: A Guide to Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps Activities

  Listen to this “Deep Dive” podcast explaining it all on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Watch this short video about the organization and how you can be involved:

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• Hubbardston 2-9-26

  

  Hubbardston Select Board Meeting of February 9, 2025 Addressed Financial and Administrative Transitions

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

  
  At the Hubbardston Select Board meeting of February 9, 2026 officials addressed significant financial and administrative transitions for the town. Key discussions centered on reconciling past fiscal years with the help of a specialized CPA to improve internal controls. The board officially approved moving toward a zero-based budget format for the 2027 fiscal year to increase transparency and departmental accountability.

  Additionally, the town administrator shared concerns regarding a projected 7.5% increase in the regional school district budget, suggesting a collaborative strategy with neighboring towns to manage costs. Local announcements featured community events like a senior center breakfast and a fishing derby, while personnel updates confirmed the appointment of a new building commissioner and progress in hiring an executive assistant.

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• Hubbardston History

  

  Hubbardston – Legacy of Industry and Independence

  Gardner Magazine has a special History page covering the Town of Hubbardston with extensive narrative, infographics, and a “Deep Dive”

  For the complete page, CLICK HERE.

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• Hubbardston Interim

  

  For more information about the Town of Hubbardston, please visit the website,, CLICK HERE

  Hubbardston Chooses Interim Town Administrator

  The Select Board vote is in and so is Sean Fitzgerald as the Interim Town Administrator for the Town of Hubbardston. At its first January meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve Fitzgerald’s appointment. Fitzgerald had previously served as the Town Administrator in Swampscott for 8 years, leaving there at end of 2024 his contract ended early. Fitzgerald’s first day was Tuesday, January 6^th.. Fitzgerald will hold the post until a permanent Town Administrator is hired, or until June 30^th unless his current agreement is extended. Pay rate is $70 per hour for 20-30 hours per week.

  Selection Process: According to a Press Release by the Town of Hubbardston, the appointment followed a competitive recruitment process in which nine applicants submitted materials for consideration. After an initial review, four candidates were selected for interviews conducted by two Select Board members and two senior staff members. Based on those interviews, the panel recommended one finalist to the full Select Board. The Select Board expressed confidence that Mr. Fitzgerald’s experience and leadership will provide continuity and stability for town operations during the interim period.

  Next Steps: As part of the permanent Town Administrator search process, applications for the Town Administrator Search Committee are due January 15th. Appointments to the committee are expected to be reviewed and voted on at the Select Board meeting scheduled for January 19th.

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Around the Community of Hubbardston MA

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  In the Community

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

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