Hubbardston Cultural Council funds 16 arts projects, defers letters over ADA venue dispute

HUBBARDSTON — November 11, 2025 — Hubbardston Cultural Council votes to fund 16 arts projects from a $7,717 budget but stalls on award letters over an ADA accessibility concern. The council, receiving a record 36 applications this year, worked through a member-scored ranked list to allocate funds ranging from $100 for a first-time senior center performer to $1,317 for the Hubbardston Summer Social, while leaving the $2,000 Memorial Day parade band request unfunded due to budget constraints and the absence of an active Memorial Day planning committee. Near the close of the meeting, members identified that the First Parish Meeting House — listed as the venue for three funded events totaling up to $1,600 in grants — is not ADA compliant, halting the denial and award letter process. A council member identified as Jonathan will contact the applicant by November 19 to determine whether an alternate venue is available; if no resolution is reached, the council will reconvene November 20 to reallocate funds, with award letters now tentatively scheduled for December 3.