Templeton MA

Templeton MA Local News and Community Information

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

• Templeton – Phillipston

  

  Special District-Wide Meeting August 3^rd in Templeton

  The Narragansett Regional School District is holding a special district-wide meeting on Monday August 3^rd at 6pm to be held at the Narragansett Middle School Safka Auditorium at 460 Baldwinville Road in Baldwinville. The doors will open 1 hour earlier at 5pm for voter check-in.

  Up for consideration is the nearly 27 million dollar NRSD Budget. The Templeton Select Board put out this graphic communication stating that if the higher dollar amount requested by the School District passes, more cuts will be needed. The Select Board states that the additional $1,100,484 in cuts that would be needed would affect Police, Fire, the Senior Center, the Library, DPW, Building & Grounds, Development Services, and Town Hall. “More cuts mean fewer resources to keep Templeton safe, clean, and thriving.” The Templeton Select Board wrote that the information reflects the Town’s current budget projections.

  

  ---

• Play Outside Day

  

  National Play Outside Day and Craft Fair in Templeton

  
  The town of Templeton is hosting a National Play Outside Day Craft Fair at Gilman Waite Field on Saturday, August 1. This free community event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and features a variety of outdoor activities such as kickball, scavenger hunts, and water balloon tosses. Attendees can enjoy a dunk tank, a bouncy house, and various craft vendors throughout the day. Special programming provided by the Templeton Playgroup includes creative stations for face painting, tie-dye, and Lego challenges. This family-friendly gathering is designed for all ages to promote active recreation and local engagement.

  Listen to a short podcast discussion with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady. CLICK PLAY.

  ---

• MWCC Community Members Honored

  

  Pictured Top: Dan Hickey, District Director, Office of State Senator Peter J. Durant and MWCC Paramedicine Clinical Coordinator John Breshnahan, MPA, NRP, I/C

  Pictured Bottom: Dan Hickey, District Director, Office of State Senator Peter J. Durant and Officer Caleb Matson of the Templeton Police Department

  Mount Wachusett Community College Celebrates Two Members of Community Recognized by Central Mass EMS

  John Bresnahan, MPA, NRP, I/C, Paramedic Program Clinical Coordinator was named Central Mass EMS Educator of the Year, while Officer Caleb Matson (US Army ret.), a graduate of MWCC’s Criminal Justice program and now a Templeton Police Officer, received the First Responder of the Year Award.

  The EMS Educator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding contributions to paramedicine education and honors educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, mentorship, and professional leadership.

  “John has been vital to MWCC in the development and launch of our Associate Degree in Paramedicine program,” noted Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Kim Shea. “This recognition reflects his dedication, professionalism, and lasting impact on education and student success.”

  Adding to the celebration, Matson was honored as First Responder of the Year for his fast-acting, life-saving response at the scene of a motorcycle crash involving severe traumatic injuries to the driver. His quick assessment, decisive actions, and emergency care helped stabilize the victim during a critical situation.

  A graduate of MWCC’s Criminal Justice program, Matson exemplifies the dedication to public service fostered at the college. The son of Kathy Matson, MWCC’s Director of Student Life, he has built a career centered on protecting and serving his community. His recognition reflects the professionalism, courage, and commitment demonstrated by MWCC graduates working throughout the region.

  “These honors reflect the extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service that define the Mount Wachusett Community College community,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “John Bresnahan’s leadership in paramedicine education is helping prepare the next generation of paramedics, while Officer Matson’s life-saving actions demonstrate the profound impact our alumni have in the communities they serve. We are incredibly proud of both of them and grateful for the difference they make every day.”

  The honors highlight MWCC’s longstanding commitment to preparing highly skilled professionals who make a difference in their communities every day.

  ---

• Fire at Templeton Auto Auction Site

  

  Fire Destroys about 60 Vehicles in Templeton MA

  Multiple Fire Departments responded to an early morning fire Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 223 Baldwinville Road in Templeton, the location of Insurance Auto Auctions. 911 callers had reported hearing explosions around 2am. Fire crews found approximately 12 vehicles engulfed in flames upon arrival. According to the Gardner Fire Department, the incident escalated to three alarms, ultimately resulting in 60 vehicles being destroyed.

  No injuries have been reported. According to the company website, there was an auction scheduled for 8:30am this morning. Cause of fire is unknown at this time.

  Gardner Magazine will provide further details as they become available.

  UPDATE: July 3 2026 – Templeton Fire Department Press Release

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 3, 2026

  Templeton Fire Department Responds to Large Vehicle Fire on Baldwinville Road – At approximately 2:06 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, the Templeton Fire Department was dispatched to 223 Baldwinville Road following reports of a large column of smoke. Upon arrival, the first-due engine company and Fire Chief David Dickie found a significant fire involving more than 15 vehicles. Due to the limited on-site water supply and the immediate threat of the fire spreading to additional vehicles, a second alarm was requested. As the incident continued to escalate, a third alarm was struck to provide additional firefighting personnel. Mutual aid departments worked together to establish a reliable water supply, requiring the deployment of more than 2,000 feet of large-diameter supply hose. Once a sustained water supply was established, crews continued suppression operations and successfully brought the fire under control. In total, 57 vehicles sustained fire damage during the incident. No firefighter injuries were reported. The Templeton Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to our mutual aid partners from the Barre, Gardner, Phillipston, Hubbardston, Westminster, and Winchendon Fire Departments for their rapid response and assistance. We also thank the Templeton Communications Center (Dispatch) and the Templeton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for their invaluable support throughout the incident. The Templeton Fire Department is grateful for the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved. Their teamwork, professionalism, and commitment were instrumental in the successful management of this challenging incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No additional information is being released at this time, and no further statements will be made while the investigation is ongoing.

  David Dickie Fire Chief Templeton Fire Department

  ---

• Templeton MA June 2026 News

  

  Templeton MA June 2026 News

  Templeton is navigating a “financial stress test” after the rejection of two major overrides, forcing the town to choose between essential services and fiscal solvency.

  Austerity and Public Safety

  The town has implemented a severe austerity package to address a $3.5 million deficit:

  • Police/Fire: Elimination of two full-time police positions, a total hiring freeze, and a 50% cut to fire vehicle maintenance and training.
  • Recreation: Seasonal maintenance staff have been eliminated, and program fees have been increased by up to 65%.

  Infrastructure and Environment

  The town has secured a critical intermunicipal agreement with Winchendon, ensuring residents can access the Winchendon Transfer Station through 2029 for a $95 fee. Environmentally, the town remains under a Level 2 Significant Drought status, with open burning strictly prohibited.

  Community Events and Luck

  Providing a rare moment of levity, the “Concerts on the Common” launched this month. Additionally, resident Steven Laprise won a $1 million grand prize in the “Extreme Cash” lottery game, a high-profile win that provided a brief distraction from the town’s fiscal woes.

  ---

• First Responder of the Year

  

  Templeton Police Officer Selected First Responder of the Year

  Templeton Police Officer Caleb Matson was recently selected as the First Responder of the Year. View official Newsletter for Central Mass EMS on pdf, CLICK HERE.

  PRESS RELEASE: “Templeton Police would like to formally recognize Officer Caleb Matson, who was recently selected as the First Responder of the Year by the Central Mass EMS Corporation.

  Officer Matson was recognized for his extraordinary medical care provided to a seriously injured party involved in a late-night motor vehicle accident. Through his quick recognition of critical injuries, calm actions under pressure, and immediate life-saving treatment, Officer Matson made a tremendous difference during a critical moment.

  It is our belief that without Officer Matson’s rapid assessment and decisive care, a life may have been lost.We are extremely proud of Officer Matson and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition. His actions reflect the highest standards of professionalism, dedication, and service to our community.”

  ---

• Boudreau not on ballot

  

  Nathan Boudreau will not be on the ballot – Not Enough Eligible Signatures

  Nathan Boudreau’s campaign for State Representative for the 2nd Worcester District has come across a major setback which was explained to Gardner Magazine in a statement from the candidate: “I’m continuing my campaign for State Representative as a write-in candidate in September’s Republican primary. When the incumbent announced he would not seek re-election, the window to act became extremely short, and enough of mine were ruled ineligible to keep my name off the printed Republican primary ballot. But the issues facing voters in Gardner, Ashburnham, Templeton, and Winchendon are too important to walk away from. Voters deserve a real choice for State Representative this fall, and I intend to continue earning their support.”

  This week Gardner Mayor Nicholson announced that he is officially on the ballot. The Mayor obtained over 500 eligible signatures.

  ---

• Nicholson for State Rep 5-27-26

  

  Nicholson Announces he is Officially on the Ballot in State Representative Race

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson thanked supporters on May 27, 2026 stating: “Thank you to everyone who signed my nomination papers for my run to be our next State Representative! We collected well over the required amount and I am officially on the ballot!
  
  It was so great to meet so many individuals across Gardner, Ashburnham, Templeton, and Winchendon and I look forward to seeing more of you over the course of the next few months. Especially those of you who requested to sign but due to time constraints I wasn’t able to get to!”

  The Mayor is running for State Representative in the 2nd Worcester District which is comprised of Gardner, Ashburnham, Templeton, and Precincts 2 and 3 of Winchendon.

  Nicholson posted this collage of photos which has has views of each town in the 2nd Worcester District and links for those who wish to get involved in his campaign: Donations —- Lawn Sign Requests — Campaign Volunteer Form — Email Sign Up.

  Michael Nicholson also stated: “Thank you also to those who volunteered to help collect signatures from your family and friends. I’ve truly been blown away and humbled by the amount of support I’ve received since announcing. I’m asking for you vote this year to move the 2nd Worcester District forward and make our region stronger.”
  
  

  ---

• Templeton MA – May 2026

  

  Templeton MA – May 2026

  The top news story in Templeton, MA this month is the town’s major fiscal crisis triggered by the rejection of Proposition 2½ operational overrides during the annual town election.

  Major Local Stories

  Voters Reject Tax Overrides: On May 18, 2026, Templeton residents overwhelmingly voted down proposed $2 million and $4 million operational overrides aimed at closing a looming $3.5 million budget deficit. The failed vote forces the town into severe austerity measures for Fiscal Year 2027. These include a $1.3 million funding cut to the Narragansett Regional School District, a complete hiring freeze, laying off police and fire personnel, and entirely closing non-mandated hubs like the town library and senior center.

  Annual Town Meeting Decisions: Held on May 13, 2026, at the Narragansett Regional Middle School, residents finalized town warrants ahead of the election. Due to the budget shortfalls, areas like Parks and Recreation have discussed imposing drastic 65% fee increases on programs just to stay operational.

  Baldwinville Community Fundraiser: Local residents are rallying around the Lemieux family from the Baldwinville village. The family launched a community shoe drive to collect 2,500 pairs of gently used shoes to fund critical medical care and therapy for their 3-year-old daughter, who battles a rare genetic disorder called Pitt Hopkins Syndrome.

  Gilman Waite Park Upgrades: The Parks and Recreation Commission initiated a safety upgrade project at Gilman Waite Park. Funded entirely via a Community Preservation Act (CPA) grant, contractors began replacing the outdated and damaged fencing and dugouts across three softball fields.

  Return of a Historic Tradition: Looking ahead to summer, the Templeton Cultural Council announced that it is bringing back the Reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Templeton Common this July. The historical multi-generation picnic and reading tradition has been on hiatus since 2019

  ---

• Templeton – Declaration Reading 2026

  

  

  Reading of the Declaration of Independence – July 4, 2026 from noon to 4pm on the Templeton MA Town Common

  Thirteen Voices, One Common: Templeton’s Old-Fashioned Path to 2026

  The squeak of a bicycle wheel, the rhythmic tap of a walker on the pavement, and the clear resonance of a neighbor’s voice carrying across the grass—these are the sounds of democracy in its most intimate form. As the United States prepares for its “Semiquincentennial,” the landmark 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is easy to get lost in the grand scale of national monuments and massive fireworks displays. Yet, the true pulse of American heritage isn’t found in marble statues; it beats within the heart of small-town centers like Templeton, where the weight of history is grounded in the familiar soil of the town common where a reading will take place this Independence Day. Listen to the Chair Man and the Chair Lady discuss it. CLICK PLAY.

  The Power of Thirteen

  On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the centerpiece of this historic milestone will be a rhythmic, shared recitation of the Declaration of Independence. In a deliberate nod to the nation’s origins, thirteen townspeople and local officials will take turns reading portions of the document. This choice is profoundly symbolic, with each reader standing as a living surrogate for one of the thirteen original colonies. By distributing Thomas Jefferson’s words among the community, the town transforms a static, 250-year-old text into a vibrant performance. It is a reminder that the document does not belong to the archives in Washington, but to the people gathered on the grass in the afternoon sun.

  Here’s a short video about this occasion:

  A Long-Awaited Return to the Common

  This performance marks a poignant homecoming for a community that cherishes its rituals. The annual reading was last held in 2019, hosted by the First Church of Templeton, before the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic forced a multi-year silence. Now, the Templeton Cultural Council is bringing the tradition back with renewed vigor, shifting the stage from the church steps directly onto the Templeton Common. Scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. on that historic Saturday, the event is built around the simple, restorative atmosphere of an “old-fashioned picnic.” The resilience of this tradition, returning just in time for the national anniversary, underscores how local social fabrics are mended through shared presence and public celebration.

  Continuity in Motion: From Doll Carriages to Senior Walkers

  History is often viewed as a look backward, but Templeton’s celebration ensures the entire timeline of the town is in motion. One of the day’s most evocative features is the parade of decorated doll carriages, bicycles, and senior walkers. This is inclusivity in its most radical, heartfelt form. When a toddler on a tricycle follows a senior citizen with a decorated walker, the “low-barrier” nature of the event creates a bridge across generations. It is a visual representation of the continuity of the American experiment—showing that the responsibility of carrying our shared history passes seamlessly from the eldest residents to the very youngest, all marching together on the same path.

  A Sacred Training Ground

  The choice of the Templeton Common as the venue adds a profound layer of gravity to the day’s festivities. This is not merely a public park; it is a “historic spot” where the town’s militia once stood in formation, training for the very conflict that the Declaration of Independence set in motion. To hear the grievances against the Crown read aloud on the same ground where local defenders prepared for war creates a “layered history” that a modern stadium could never replicate. With the Narragansett Historical Society open to the public and a genealogist from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) on hand, attendees are invited to dig into their own roots while standing on the literal foundation of the town’s revolutionary past.

  The Old-Fashioned Community Ecosystem

  The celebration thrives on a diverse ecosystem of local contributions that make the day feel like a town-wide embrace. From the ice cream social hosted by the First Church to the presence of colonial re-enactors and the hum of live music, the event is a tapestry of local flavor. There are raffles to enter and archives to explore at the historical society, yet the overarching spirit is one of accessibility and open invitation. “Bring your lunch and enjoy an old-fashioned picnic on the common! All welcome. FREE.”

  Preserving History on a Human Scale

  As we look toward the 250th anniversary of the United States, Templeton’s planned celebration serves as a vital reminder: national identity is most effectively preserved at the local level. While massive monuments provide a sense of scale, it is these small-scale, “old-fashioned” traditions that provide a sense of belonging. As the voices of thirteen neighbors echo across the common where the militia once marched, we must ask ourselves: could the simple act of reading our founding document together, under the shade of our own town trees, be a more powerful way to safeguard our history than any monument ever built?

  ---

• 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  In the Community

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Around the Templeton MA Community

Other Helpful Resources on the WebTech Online Network