Hubbardston MA

Hubbardston MA Local News and Community Information

Jump to: Around the Community – Hubbardston Map – Hubbardston Photos – Service pages and outside links — View current Calendar (opens in new window)

• Hubbardston HubbConnect

  

  Town of Hubbardston MA Creates Groundbreaking Website platform for Residents

  The Town of Hubbardston officially launched its completely redesigned website and introduced HubbConnect “a groundbreaking, locally-built platform that modernizes how residents access town services while streamlining internal operations.” A Gardner Magazine “Deep Dive” podcast explains it all. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The Town of Hubbardston wrote this: “Developed entirely in-house by Town staff using Microsoft 365, CivicPlus, assisted digital coding, and Power Automate, HubbConnect represents a flexible, cost-saving solution created specifically to meet the needs of a small rural community. This innovative approach eliminates the need for multiple expensive off-the-shelf systems while delivering exceptional value to residents through enhanced access and transparency”. Hubbardston website, CLICK HERE.

  ---

• Hotline 6-7-25

  

  Gardner – Templeton – Hubbardston Featured on WGAW Hotline Radio

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

  The WGAW Hotline Radio Show of June 7, 2025 features a Huge Update with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson including the regular weekly update in the first hour and a more comprehensive half hour extended update in the second hour.

  Host Steve Wendell spoke with newly elected Templeton Select Board member Candy Graves on Templeton recreation and other items.

  Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau and Town Clerk Melody Green were on the Hotline speaking of what’s going on in the town of Hubbardston.

  There was a very interesting ABC Update on the Chinese Fungus Plot. As Host Steve Wendell put it “We are at war with China.”

  Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel provided details on the 3 Summer Concert series coming to Gardner this year including the concerts at Monument Park, Polish American Citizens Club, and the Lithuanian Beach Club.

  ---

• Hubbardston ATM 2025

  

  Hubbardston to Hold Town Meeting – Town Administrator and Town Clerk Review Articles

  Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau and Town Clerk Melody Green presented a video on the warrant articles for the upcoming Town Meeting to be held Monday June 2, 2025 at 7pm (Doors open at 6:30pm). Listen to the AUDIO on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Complete Final posted warrant, CLICK HERE. Complete information on Town of Hubbardston website, CLICK HERE:

  Some of the articles are usual housekeeping articles: To choose all necessary officers, to hear reports, agreements with DOT re public highways, acceptance of grants, the Holden Hospital account, revolving funds, paying invoices from past years, and the Monty Tech assessment.

  Other articles relate to expenditures for the School Boiler Project, the share of the Quabbin Regional School District budget and debt, landfill testing, securing grant services, the Hubbardston Cable Advisory Committee, relocating broadcast equipment to 48 Gardner Road, capital improvements, retiring the Rainbow’s End playground note, rehabilitation of the library basement, direct Community Preservation annual revenue, purchasing a new fire truck, purchasing a used plow truck, and purchasing a new brush mower.

  One article would expand the Town Treasurer’s options with regard to investing town funds. Limitations have resulted in approximately 25% being concentrated on pharmaceutical companies.

  One article would authorize the Select Board to acquire the First Parish Unitarian Church at 2 Main Street, Hubbardston for general municipal purposes.

  One article relates to Williamsville Road and acquiring land to accomplish any alterations.

  Several lengthy articles relate to adding a new article to the Zoning Bylaws relating to Battery Energy Storage systems, adopting a new article relating to accessory dwelling units, adopting a new flood plain bylaw, and changing zoning relating to site plan review.

  ---

• 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.

  ---

• 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.

  ---

• 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.

  ---

• 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.

  ---

• 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.”

  ---

• 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.

  ---

Around the Community of Hubbardston MA

• Please Patronize our Advertisers

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  In the Community

Other Helpful Resources on the WebTech Online Network