News Around Greater Gardner MA

Local News by Topic: Arts & Entertainment – Business & Growth – Covid – Geography – Government – Health – Holidays – Life – Money & Finance – Musings – Non-profits – Public Safety – Schools – Weather. Looking for specific Greater Gardner MA News content? Then, Search this site Email story ideas and Press Releases to News@GardnerMagazine.com —-

Stories on this page:  Oppressive Heat —- Maestro’s Men Polka —- Mayor’s Update 8-5-22 —- Education Puzzle —- Music Dream Job —- TerrapinFest ’22 —- Cooling Down —  No Sales Tax 8/13 and 8/14 —- Nicholson Citizen Concerns and City Departments Interview —-  City Council August 1, 22 Meeting –— Gardner MA School Delay  —- Gardner Magazine Readership —- Parker House of Pizza Reopening and Pizza Polka —- Puddling Water at Dog Park –— Hardern and Boone in Hot Seat —-  Mayor’s Update 7-29-22 —– Ideas>Concepts>Planning>Construction>Successful Conclusions in Gardner MA —- Junior Police Academy —- National Night Out —- K9 Frankie —- Mosquito Control —- Housing Market, Gardner —- Eating Eaton —- Action on Greenwood —- Chair City Centennial —- Genuine Gardner, Piece on Earth —- Fix It Fever —- Critical Drought –   Mayor’s Update 7-22-22  –— Publishing AUDIO —- Chair City Chair Bear —- Chair City Café —-  Ryan Building Parker Street, Gardner  —-FREE Career Training —- Satellite Internet —- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline —- Fall City-Wide Yard Sale —- Elementary School Gallery —- Gardner MA Super Heroes —- Real Estate Taxes —- PACC Bands —- MART Expansion —- Dog Park Improvements —- Locally-owned Heart and Soul —- No Twiddling Thumbs —- Landfill Expansion —- Municipal Lower Power FM —- Project Bread —- Food Truck Festival Photos —- Tax Inversion —- WGAW 76th —- Projects Interview with Mayor Nicholson —-  And in other communities: Hubbardston Chief Retires —- Ashburnham Chief Retires —- Ashburnham Concerts —- Barre Summer Concerts —- Blueberry Picking in Templeton —- Winchendon Results —–Winchendon Board of Selectmen

• Gardner Business

  

  Businesses are Opening in Gardner MA, and There’s room for you too in 2022!

  September 2nd: Chris Guerra Production Studio – website – 215 School Street, Suite 115, Gardner, September 7th: Grand Opening Celebration Wireless Zone – website – 308 West Broadway Unit 5. September 21st: Edward Jones – 380 West Broadway Unit2 – Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening.

  Chamber Event September 14th: Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce – website – Business After Hours at Southside Margarita Factory.

  Locations for Your Business

  

  

  

  

  Just a Sampling of great spots for your business. Contact your Realtor for info or they are always helpful at Gardner Community Development and Planning, CLICK HERE.

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• Great Place

  

  Gardner MA is a great place to Build, to Innovate, To Be a Brother, to Study Music, to Bring new Ideas, to Do Business, for Great Pizza, to Get in Shape, to Grow Industry, to be a Teen, and a great place to be a puppy. Great Place!

  Gardner MA, Is a Great Place to be

  For the complete Gardner is a Great Place to be page, CLICK HERE.

  

  

• Building Inspector

  

  City of Gardner MA Looking for Full-time Building Inspector 

  An opportunity to work for the Chair City. Only catch: You must apply by Friday August 12, 2022 at 1:00PM. Details, CLICK HERE.

• Traveling Jones

  

  Country/Rock Outfit “The Traveling Jones” Playing at Monument Park, Gardner MA August 13, 2022

  Saturday August 13, 2022 at Monument Park the start time switches to 5pm.   This week it’s the Classic Country and Rock Outfit “The Traveling Jones”  Nick Langlois – Vocals/Guitar, Bobby Blue – Guitar/vocals, Corey Laine – Bass, Jimmy Bairos – Drums, and vocalist Sarah Louise French.

  From the band: “Hi there! We are comprised of 5 members. Lead guitarist and vocalist, Nick Langlois, guitarist and vocalist Robert Winter (Bobby Blue) bassist Corey Laine, drummer Jimmy Bairos and vocalist Sarah Louise French. We perform classic country, rock and original material. We have been performing together for about 5 or 6 years now and have been friends for longer performing together In various side projects and each other’s backyards for fun. We draw inspiration from Waylon Jennings, the Grateful Dead, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Pink Floyd, The Beatles and Bonnie Raitt. We are very much looking forward to performing for everyone this Saturday!”

  Upcoming August 20, 2022 – Fellowship of the King, CLICK HERE.

  Upcoming August 27, 2022 – the Big Random, CLICK HERE.

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• OML Complaints

  

  Gardner Magazine has an Open Meeting Law Training page with AUDIO, VIDEO, and Written Materials. CLICK HERE.

  Scott Graves Sends Gardner MA City Council Back to School

  Despite Gardner MA City Council Having Good Intentions, Scott Graves Sends City Council Back to School on Technical Violations of Open Meeting Law.

  One allegation concerned an email sent by Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas in which she communicated to the  full City Council on December 30, 2021 informing them of her proposal to add an appointments committee because there would be 300 appointments expiring over the next 2 years.  Apparently by giving her opinion via this method, she technically violated the Open Meeting Law.   Another violation concerned the Council’s oversight in not approving 8/2/21 meeting minutes until April 19, 2022 which wasn’t considered timely.  And, yet another violation was found in which the Council President circulated via email a proposed response to a Scott Graves lawsuit – the AG’s office considered this transparency to be a technical violation, calling it a deliberation. Finding: Each member of the Gardner City Council needs to attend Open Meeting Law Training, which is offered monthly via webinar.   They must do so within 90 days of 8/1/22. 

  We are including the actual email from City Clerk to City Councilors and the full letters sent to Gardner by the Attorney General’s office.     First AG Letter    Second AG Letter    Email from City Clerk to Councilors. 

  Publisher’s Editorial Note:  Here’s my opinion of this nonsense with an analogy – If you inspect any sterile hospital room, you are bound to find a spec of dust.   All of the City Council’s actions were in doing good for the City despite the technical infractions, and the irony is not lost that one of the matters concerned Graves lawsuits, somewhat like getting caught in an endless loop of nonsense.  Our advice to City Council: From now on, dot the I’s and cross the t’s because this was an unneeded waste of City resources.  And to Scott Graves: You can always find a spec of dust in a sterile room, but is this litigation good for Gardner?  To City Councilors:  Pack a nutritious lunch, because you’re going back to School!

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• Growing Places

  

  Growing Places is in different communities on a daily basis. If you need food now, view the calendar. CLICK HERE.

  Growing Places Pop-Up Market Stretches Gardner MA Food Budgets

  This Summer and Fall, the Growing Places Refrigerated Van Pop-up Market brings fresh local produce to 74 West Street Gardner (across from the Gardner Ale House) every Friday from 10:00am to 11:00am.   You can pay with cash, credit/debit, Farmers Market Coupons, or SNAP/HIP dollars.   In fact if you have SNAP, you can get extra benefits for local produce.   Complete flyer, CLICK HERE.   Growing Places website, CLICK HERE.

• Oppressive Heat

  

  Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Issues Statement on Oppressive Heat and Fire Danger

  The statement was issued just before noon on August 4, 2022 because of heat indices of from 95 to 105 degrees Thursday and Friday AND, from 95 to 100 degrees Saturday through Monday.

  There is a potential impact of heat-related issues for at risk populations and those doing outdoor physical activities AND the ongoing drought conditions may increase risk of wildfires.

• Mayor’s Update 8-5-22

  

  View the weekly Mayor’s Update on the City of Gardner’s YouTube page, or on our Mayor’s Update page. CLICK HERE.

  Listen to the Mayor’s Update on any device. CLICK Play button below. Note that AUDIO starts after about 7 seconds. AUDIO of past updates, CLICK HERE.

  

  

  Cheerful Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson speaks of Events and Various Local Issues

  In his Weekly Update of August 5, 2022, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke of past and future events and various local matters.

  National Night Out: The Mayor thanked Veronica Patty for Coordinating the National Night Out.  He also thanked others who helped.  Dunk Tank raised almost $300, (Mayor’s dunkers contributed $94).  He thanked the Massachusetts State Police for a helicopter flyover.  Nicholson noted that Dan Forte was named community hero.

  Dogs: The Mayor spoke of dogs: If questions on Dog Licenses, contact the City Clerk’s office. Nicholson also spoke proudly of Rocky: Police K-9 Rocky was barked in to office after completing about 3 months of training.  Rocky has already proven useful, tracking down perpetrators of a recent robbery.   The Mayor also thanked the town of Westminster for various donations including a bullet proof vest for Rocky.

  School Delay: Mayor Nicholson spoke of the delay in the start of Gardner Public Schools due to construction delay of new Elementary School.   If there are any questions, please contact the Superintendent’s office.

  September Events: Events coming up in September.  The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center is having their summer speaker series September 15^th at Monument Park.   The Fabulous Fall Festival and Octoberfest is taking place Saturday, September 24, 2022.  Fall Festival is 10am to 4pm and Octoberfest is 11am to 8pm. The famous Gardner Chair Luge is back this year!

  Scooters Soon Available: The Mayor announced that Bird Scooters will be opening up in 2 weeks in the City of Gardner.  Bird is a private company opening a brand-new business. 

  Skateboard Issues: The City has been notified of issues with skateboards in the Pleasant Plaza seating area.  In response, the DPW has installed No Skateboard signs.

  Early Voting: The Mayor reminded citizens that the City Clerk’s office has already mailed out early voting applications, and even some ballots.  State has also mailed applications out.  You only need to fill out one application to be eligible. 

  

  

  Listen to the Mayor’s Update on any Device. Just click Play.

• School Puzzle

  

  Gardner MA Successfully Tackling Education Puzzle in Gardner Public Schools

  Employees of the Gardner School District have received praise from Administrators, Public Officials, and School Committee members for their work during the pandemic. However, much of the superior work done to improve the learning experience in Gardner Public Schools has gone unreported.

  Gardner MA Public School Ratings should now be listed as Good to Excellent. Gardner has significantly updated its curriculum in the last couple of years or so for every grade level from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Measurable Statistics show that Gardner Public Schools are increasingly becoming EDOCs, (Education Destinations of Choice). Gardner Superintendent Mark Pellegrino will be interviewing with us soon to go over details of Gardner successes.

  Gardner publishes its Curriculum Guide for each grade and exceeds State of MA requirements. Gardner has a system in place for ongoing Curriculum review. It even has a Social/Emotional Learning Framework. There’s a renewed focus on the Arts. Student Indoctrination is specifically prohibited as students are taught how to think, but not what to think. And there’s a responsible technology policy in place for students, teachers, and staff. For our complete article on Gardner Public Schools, please CLICK HERE.

  Summer Vacation has been extended as the opening of the new Gardner Elementary School has been delayed. For the complete article, CLICK HERE.

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• Music Job

  

  Gardner MA Has Opening for Dream Job

  As of August 4, 2022, Gardner needs a Gardner Middle School Band Director and a Marching Percussion Instructor at Gardner High School.  Doesn’t have to be the same person.    The Middle School Band Director is a full teacher position.  The High School Percussion Instructor is part-time throughout the marching band season.

  The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in one of the Commonwealth’s most wonderful School Districts – The Chair City.  

  These are highly prestigious jobs in this sought-after School District so the positions are expected to be filled rapidly. Here is a link to the General Employment Application. CLICK HERE.

  The City of Gardner MA has other positions available. For more information, CLICK HERE – For private sector jobs available within 5 miles of Gardner MA and listed on Indeed, CLICK HERE

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• No Tax

  

  No Sales Tax in Greater Gardner MA on Saturday August 13 and Sunday August 14

  The Massachusetts State Legislature approved the break from state sales tax on most retail items less than $2,500.     If  you can wait for that $200 air conditioner, you save $12.50.   If you can wait to buy that $1500 washer/dryer combo, you’ll save close to a hundred bucks!  Schedule a purchase of that furniture you’ve been wanting which costs 2 grand, and you’ll save a whopping $125.   Wait a few days to buy that $500 laptop for school, and you save over 30 bucks.

  The Sales Tax Holiday in Greater Gardner MA will give you just a little bit more money in  your pocket for those school supplies, that brand new toaster, or even a TV!

• Departments Interview

  

  City of Gardner Department Links:

  Departments A to G, CLICK HERE

  Departments H to Z CLICK HERE.

  City Transparency, CLICK HERE

  City of Gardner website, CLICK HERE

  City of Gardner Facebook, CLICK HERE.

  Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson Interviewed on Citizen Concerns and City Departments

  On August 3, 2022, Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson answered our questions regarding Citizen Concerns and the Interaction of City Departments with Community Members.   We present the AUDIO of the complete interview in mp3 format. Listen on any device.   

  Subjects covered included National Night Out, the Timeline of Gardner Public Schools, Social Media Posts, Water Pooling Issues at the Dog Park, the DPW, Addressing Citizen Concerns and needs, Parks and Recreation, Job Openings with the City, DPW Vacancies, Gardner Housing Authority, Department Heads and the Press, the Building Department, Animal Control, Reappointment of City Treasurer, Assessor/Tax Collector and Taxes, City Clerk, Various Departments working together, Public Safety, Health Department, Funding for positions, Purchasing Department, Human Resources, School Staffing, Gardner Sludge, and Praise for Departments.

  Complete Article with text of entire interview, CLICK HERE.

• City Council 8-1-22

  

  Watch Gardner MA City Council Meetings on the City of Gardner YouTube Channel, or on our City Council page, CLICK HERE.

  You can also listen to this meeting as we publish the AUDIO. Click Play below. AUDIO and articles on older meetings, CLICK HERE.

  Meeting starts at 1:27 in. You can move slider to advance. There is a recess a few minutes in to swear in Rocky. Meeting is called back to order at 10:25 in.

  Transfer Station Trends

  

  Free Cash 2022

  

  Gardner MA City Council has Meeting on First Day of August

  The Complete Agenda, CLICK HERE

  The Highlight of the meeting occurred at the beginning as Rocky was confirmed unanimously to a permanent appointment at a Police K-9. Interim Police Chief Philip Kearns was recognized at the podium to speak about Rocky.  He spoke of Rocky’s successful first day in aiding the capture of 4 suspects charged with theft of property from an apartment.  Rocky barked loudly to the City Clerk to confirm the acceptance of his permanent appointment.

  

  Mayor Nicholson stated, “looking forward to seeing him to continue the good work that he has already done.”

  The agenda references the following items the Council considered at the meeting: Various routine money transfers, 14 different communications to the Council, 6 appointment items, the State Primary, and the reports of standing committees.

  Efficiencies at the Transfer Station.

  Mayor Nicholson reports success in staffing and procedure adjustments made to try to increase efficiencies in operations and better monitor what is being dropped off.    The average is approximately $50,000 more a year in revenue at the transfer station. (see chart at left)

  Free Cash Expenditures for Fiscal Year 2022 shown at left.

  Ambulance Reimbursement

  In another communication, Mayor Nicholson informed the Council the state had reimbursed the City $255,573.00 for the Commonwealth’s Fiscal Year 2021 Ambulance Certified Public Expenditure cost Settlement program.  Last year, the city received 230,000.  The MA program is in place to offset the low patient transport rates paid by Medicaid.

  Open Meeting Law Complaints

  An open Meeting law complaint filed by Gregory Deehan (covered in previous article), Letter from Mayor on matter -pdf. Letter from Attorney General on matter -pdf and a Ruling from the Attorney General relative to an Open Meeting Law complaint (finding in favor of City)

  City Treasurer Re-elected

  Current City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes Jennifer Dymek was elected  unanimously to a 3 year term to commence August 19, 2022. She was praised for the City’s recent perfect audit.  Letter to City Council from Jennifer Dymek.

  Dead people can vote in MA

  As ballots are processed before Election Day, the law against counting the ballot of someone who dies before Election Day has been repealed.  Ballot can be counted as long as the voter was alive when it was cast, which means as of the postmark date or when it was hand-delivered or deposited into a drop box. This is from an election advisory of June 23, 2022 from William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

  The Next Meeting of the Gardner City Council will be on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 due to Labor Day being on Monday 9/6 and Election Day being on Tuesday 9/7.

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• School Delay

  

  

  

  Summer Vacation Extended as Supply Chain Issues Delay NEW Gardner MA Elementary School Opening

  Two weeks ago on July 15, 2022 Gardner Magazine published an article quoting the Project Supervisor at the NEW Gardner Elementary School. At the time he stated that “They hoped to be ready for the start of school with 6 weeks left to go.”, implying that the start of school might be delayed. Our 7/15 story. Today, August 1, 2022 apparently Bacon Construction assured the Gardner School System that they can get everything done in just 2 more weeks. As a result, the opening of Gardner Schools will be delayed according to the timeline at left. (CLICK IMAGE for larger view.)

  Update: 8/2/22: 9:10am – We are awaiting a call from Superintendent Pellegrino regarding the timeline, AND a call back from Project Manager Joe McDonald of Agostini/Bacon Construction regarding the reality of the timeline. We’ll update you as we have further information.

  Superintendent Dr. Mark Pellegrino wrote the following to the Gardner School Committee in an email 8/1/22: “Hi folks, Bacon Construction has said they will need two more weeks to finish the project.  I have been assured that it will ONLY BE TWO WEEKS. I explained that I am willing to break the bad news of the delay ONCE, but they cannot come back and asked for more time. I have been assured that it won’t happen. The attached letter explains the reasons for the delay.  So three things: 1. The elementary school will be delayed two weeks (8 school days) with a new start date of 9/15 for grades 1-4, 9/15 for kindergarten, and 9/19 for preschool. (All of these dates are two weeks later.  I will be requesting a waiver for 4 of the 8 days. 2. The middle school, high school and Gardner Academy will only be starting one week late (9/6).  3. We will need to vote on a new calendar at our first meeting.  Call or email me if you have any questions or concerns. Mark.”

  Dr. Pellegrino provided the following for the Media. 8/1/22 “Here is a quote from me about the delay: ‘We are disappointed that the construction was delayed due to incomplete deliveries resulting from the same supply-chain issues that have plagued the entire nation, and understand how difficult this is for families. However, this decision balanced the importance of getting students in school right away, with the challenge of unpacking, starting the school year in our old schools, repacking, and moving to the new school.  This seems to be the best option considering all factors.

  I have been assured that this delay will only be two weeks, and no more. Although this poses a great difficulty for my families and staff, I am thrilled that children will be able to start school in our brand new facility!’”

  A letter was prepared for Gardner School Families. 8/1/22 Read the entire letter in PDF Format. CLICK HERE.

  The letter to Gardner Public School Families contains the following information:  Since we began construction of our new school, the building committee, business office, maintenance department, and outside contractors have overcome many obstacles to keep us on-time and on-budget while COVID continues to impact staffing and our supply-chain significantly. This past Friday, during our weekly scheduled check-in meeting, we learned that two supply-chain issues will require us to delay the opening of Gardner Elementary School by two weeks. This change requires that we also delay the opening of Gardner Middle School, Gardner High School, and Gardner Academy by only one week. Specifically: The elevator team had to stop work because part of a shipment of electrical fuses, elevator buttons, and some electrical panel boards was incomplete, and Our order of electrical panel boards (part of the main power distribution equipment) did not contain all of the necessary panels to power the building. Both of these recent issues were a direct result of supply-chain issues and caused subsequent delays in the project’s overall timeline. Until Friday, our expectation was to move in on time. Fortunately, we have been proactively planning for this situation. The following schedule considered: ● Balancing the importance of getting students in as soon as possible and providing teachers with the time they need to prepare for the opening of a new school; ● The impact on our sports programs and MCAS curriculum timelines; and ● Allowing the bus company to settle issues caused by having entirely new bus routes and start times. We apologize for this significant inconvenience. Please contact your school if you have questions or concerns. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we finish the lengthy, exciting process of building a new school for our children.   Sincerely, Mark J. Pellegrino, Superintendent of Schools. PDF format, CLICK HERE.

  Publisher’s Note: Parents should have a contingency plan for a longer delay, just in case it is necessary. As we stated in the opening to the story, we were advised on July 15, 2022 that 6 more weeks was needed as of that date and we fully expected to publish a story such as this at some point. While it is believed that both the construction company and School District are acting in good faith, neither has complete control over the Supply Chain which they both hope will cooperate with their needed timeline.

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• Gardner Magazine

  

  

  

  Links to our AUDIO pages: Mayor’s Updates, City Council, School Committee, Special Events. We also feature other AUDIO pages of historical value: Historical AUDIO, Vintage Radio.

  Thank you for your readership to GardnerMagazine.com for Greater Gardner MA

  As promised, we are releasing Statistics related to GardnerMagazine.com for July 2022.  Unique households (Circulation) 16,538.   Pageviews 131,783.   Files served (Hits) 534,794.  Gardner Magazine has consistently averaged 12,000  unique households.  June jumped to 14,000.  July jumped to over 16,000.  We thank you for your readership and we will continue to cover as much as we can. Gardner Magazine is unique in that we try to provide additional resources in our articles such as web links, document links, and even AUDIO. We are pleased these efforts have been well received.

  The addition of AUDIO

  After the July 6, 2022 Projects Interview with Mayor Nicholson, we posted the entire interview in mp3 format so all could listen to it.   It has thus far received in July 2022, 3,245 listeners. On July 22, 2022 we made all Mayor’s Updates, City Council Meetings, School Committee Meetings, and various Special Events available in mp3 format:  Here are the listener totals for the Mayor’s Updates: 7/29/22: 523, 7/22/22: 3,385, 7/15/22: 2,064, 7/8/22: 43.   All of the updates from 12/24/21 to date have been published and the older updates have received between 41 to 50 listeners.

  Other Meetings

  Here are the total July 2022 listeners for other Meetings:  Public Safety 7/29/22: 373, Zoning Board of Appeals 7/19/22: 1,163, City Council Meeting 7/5/22: 65, most other older City Council meetings in single or low 2 digits, School Committee 6-16-22: 50, most other older School Committee meetings in single digits.

  Other Items and July Numbers

  Pizza Polka (put on site 7/31/22): 94, We Have No Bananas: 870, Bye Bye Blackbird: 892, Gardner Spring Yard Sale PSA: 309, Poem, Sentient Soul of American Freedom: 1,419, Gardner Brand intro: 90, Abbott and Costello; 58.    Dozens of other audio files have from single to low double digit listeners.

  July 2022 Handout Standouts in pdf format:  Gardner Food Truck Festival: 1013, Annual School Calendar: 104, Vacant Storefronts: 82, Monument Park Concerts: 123.   Dozens of other handouts in pdf format have double digit downloads.

  Conclusion

  on AUDIO: Gardner Magazine will continue to publish AUDIO files of Mayor’s Updates, City Council Meetings, School Committee meetings, various events, and topical novelty items.   Listenership is obviously greatest when the event is current, however we will maintain the archive in the public interest.   We have begun to add Winchendon meetings – their AUDIO is OK, but they have significant challenges with the quality of their video and have negligible viewership.     Let us know if there are meetings from your community you would like to listen to and we’ll see if we can make AUDIO available.  If there’s a YouTube file, our software can make an easy conversion.   Otherwise, it depends if the community has made a recording and will release it to us. on Documents: Gardner Magazine will continue to publish Agendas, complete Press Releases, booklets, publications, photos, and links to as many resources as possible to make your readership of our publication valuable. Reach us at anytime via News@GardnerMagazine.com or use our News tip line at (978) 632-6324.

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• Pizza Polka

  

  Parker House of Pizza of Gardner MA Reopens in time for Polka, offers $3 Discount on every order….

  On Thursday, August 4, 2022 the Parker House of Pizza may just be the most popular pizza place in town. That’s the day they reopen after vacation. In a radio ad run on WGAW, the restaurant is offering a $3 discount on any order for a whole week.  That’s just in time for the Monument Park Polka Concert on Saturday August 6, 2022 at 6pm so patrons can literally have pizza and polka. 

  To put you in the Pizza and Polka spirit, we are featuring the Pizza Polka right here.   Just click play.    And so you can take advantage of getting your pizza whether you take out or eat at the outdoor dining area at Pleasant Plaza, here’s a link to their site.   CLICK HERE.   FREE Concert info here.

• Terrapinfest

  

  TerrapinFest ’22 Saturday August 6 2022 at PACC in Gardner MA

  Tickets are $30, kids free 12 and under.

  Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance down at Terrapin Traders or any of the bands. Music starts at noon. Lots of vendors. More info, CLICK HERE.

  Bands are playing inside and outside. Updated schedule: Inside: 12:00 The Swaying Trees, 1:30 The Ruthless Poe, 3:00 Nikki Howard, 4:30 Secret Sage, 6:00 The Quarry, 8:00 A Phine Connection – Outside: 12:00 Jared Moore & Ira Kittrell, 1:00 Klumpty Dumpty, 2:30 The Brü, 4:00 The Traveling Jones. 5:30 The Knot, 8:00 Way Up South

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• Maestro’s Men

  

  Maestro’s Men Playing Polka at Monument Park on Saturday August 6, 2022 at 6pm

  This Polka concert by this Grammy nominated band will be the last of the summer starting at 6pm. Subsequent weeks, the concerts will be at 5pm. Complete schedule, CLICK HERE.

  According to their website, “Each member of our band has added their own style and musical influences that together makes our unique blend. We are proud to be able to entertain many audiences over the years with our own style and presentation of Polka music. Together, it’s all about our love of the music. Thank you for all your support we appreciate it”..Dennis Polisky – for the Maestro’s Men website, CLICK HERE.

• Dog Park Problems

  

  

  

  Photos at Gardner Dog Park taken Friday, July 29, 2022 show persistent drainage and water puddling issues.

  Puddling Water Persistent Problem at Gardner MA Pulaski Dog Park

  For a couple years now, puddles of water, sometimes muddy, have been problematic at the Gardner Dog Park. Owners have consistently complained to the DPW, but nothing has been done. Recently, park visitors were hopeful as new mulch was spread in the agility area. However, as is now apparent, no drainage work was done ahead of time, so the rainstorm of July 28, 2022 created a stream across the section and the pond of water is back. Gardner Magazine has reached out to Mayor Nicholson, seeking comment.

  In the other section of the large dog area near the water station, pooling water has continued to be a problem and has never been addressed, despite dog owners reporting calls to DPW. We have attempted to reach out to the DPW Director for over a year now and have yet to receive a return call. Dog owners report high vet bills due to Guardia transmitted by bacteria in the standing water, and some have openly stated they have avoided coming to the Gardner Dog Park as a result of the unresolved issue.

  In an interview on August 3, 2022, Mayor Nicholson responded to our questions regarding these issues. The text of the Dog Park portion is below. Complete Interview, CLICK HERE.

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  Poegel:  Mayor Nicholson, as you are aware, citizens have raised concerns about continued water pooling issues at the Dog Park.  Did it rattle your Nicholson that you were not fully informed about continued challenges of water issues at the Gardner Dog Park? Nicholson: You know it is something that we are going to continue looking at.  I think it was just an oversight that was done on the construction work there.  We do have some money that’s left over in the grant that we can certainly put towards addressing those drainage issues that are there.  We did receive more from the Stanton Foundation than the cost came in under for those Shade Pavilions that  you have there.  So we’ll certainly be taking a look at it, and, be sure to make sure that those issues get fully addressed that’s over there. Poegel:  So aside from grant funding in these types of situations, does the City have its own funds to, for example, buy crushed stone for drainage, repair a fence at one of the other parks… Nicholson: Yep. Poegel: Or could the City for example, ask Heywood Hospital, can we have some of that crushed stone from all that stuff you blew up and can we use it at the Dog Park? Nicholson: I mean, all the above.  We always accept donations from different people, especially if there is you know, surplus items, like we just talked about with Heywood Hospital. Whenever we go out and we repair a road, we dig up something up or something like that, we save all of that over at the City’s gravel mine that we have. So all of that we have in house too, on hand, and if we need to pay for a fix, we certainly can use money in our own budget, but if we can get someone else to pay for a project that we have going on, …that’s always certainly the best option. But we won’t have to wait and rely on that for something like this.

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• Public Safety

  

  Watch the meeting on YouTube, CLICK HERE or listen to this meeting by clicking PLAY below.

  Gardner MA Councilors Hardern and Boone in Hot Seat After Admitted Open Meeting Law Violation

  An Open Meeting Law Violation was filed regarding a conversation Councilor James Boone had with Councilor Karen Hardern outside of a Public Safety Committee meeting. The conversation concerned scooters, a subject which came before the committee.   Both Councilors admitted to the violation and were asked to recreate the contents of the discussion for the public.

• Mayor’s Update 7-29-22

  

  Watch the Mayor’s Update on the City of Gardner YouTube page or on our Mayor’s Update page, CLICK HERE.

  Listen to the Update on any device by clicking Play below. (Audio starts after 8 second delay)

  Listen to previous Mayor’s Updates on our AUDIO page. CLICK HERE

  

  Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson Speaks Paw -sitively about the Chair City from Gardner Dog Park

  Nicholson speaks Paw-sitively about a busy week in the City of Gardner and about growth in the Chair City in general.

  He spoke about a letter taxpayers should have received explaining recent real estate tax bills. The Mayor spoke about Paving Updates including the expectation that Parker Street should be paved sometime within the next 3 weeks as the concrete sidewalks have been fully poured.  Nicholson spoke of the opportunity of open storefronts and the increased amount of apartment  units.

  The Mayor talked about the critical drought condition in Gardner and Worcester County.   Stated Crystal Lake and Snake Pond are doing quite well.   Advised residents to do their part to conserve water.

  National Night out is coming Tuesday August 2, 2022 at Gardner High School.  Wachusett Mountain has agreed to sponsor bus transportation from Monument Park.  Event 5:30pm to 9:00pm.

  Mayor Nicholson announced that the update was being done from Gardner Dog Park and spoke of the mulch at the Dog Park which was made by DPW from trees and of the construction of concrete pads which will soon be covered. He referenced that the puddling situation had been fully resolved. However, Dog Park users report that a dangerous situation still exists on the large dog side with standing water and mud. Despite repeated requests to DPW, the issue has not been resolved even though dog owners have reported illnesses and resulting vet bills over the past two years. Update 7/29/22 5pm: Issue worse than first thought, warranted a separate article. CLICK HERE.

  
  

• Progress

  

  

  Ideas > Concepts > Planning > Construction > Successful Conclusions in Gardner MA

  There’s pent-up impatience in Gardner MA for approved projects to be completed. At left we show the results of a completed construction project started in 2021 at the Gardner/Templeton line. First, there was land, which was subsequently cleared. Now, there are families living in these homes, adding to Gardner’s “New Growth.” All projects take time and when successful, they are a beautiful thing. Patience is too.

  

  

  In the next couple of years, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised as already approved projects get underway or reach completed status, additional projects get approved, and new project ideas are revealed for the very first time. It’s an exciting time for PROGRESS in the Chair City and its citizens are living witnesses to it. Note that in an interview with Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson on July 6, 2022, he told us that he has 5 to 6 ideas in his head he hasn’t told anybody about – we’ll keep you posted…

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  Want to hear exactly what the Mayor said about projects? Drag the slider to 45 minutes in. Click the Play Button.

• Junior Police Academy

  

  

  

  Gardner PD – Junior Police Academy – Why It’s Such a Big Deal

  20 students have been congratulated for completing the Gardner Police Department Junior Police Academy and the officers have been thanked for putting it on.  This is the third year the Gardner PD has run the program and its largest class to date.  The Academy was fully funded from the Commonwealth’s Shannon Grants, which totaled $11.2 million dollars across the State of Massachusetts.

  Community Safety Initiative Grant

  In February, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative Grant (CSI) would fund 15 municipal grants consisting of 27 cities and 14 research partners.  Governor Baker in February 2022 stated,” “The long-term positive impacts of the programs funded by Shannon grants demonstrate the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing youth violence and improving the safety of our communities.” And Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito stated, “Shannon grants support the collaborative spirit and vital teamwork that achieves safer communities, violence reduction, and sustained positive life decisions for at-risk youth.”  The 2022 award for Fitchburg with Gardner as a partner community was $416,812.00  More details, CLICK HERE.

  Why Demographics Prove it is so Important to Engage Youth

  The percentage of the population which lives in poverty in Massachusetts is: 9.4%, Fitchburg: 15.7%, Gardner: 13.9%.    There have been changes in crime for young people ages 10 to 24 from 2017 to 2021.  Simple assaults in Massachusetts decreased 25%, but in Fitchburg/Gardner decreased 37%.    Aggravated assaults in Massachusetts decreased 20%, but in Fitchburg/Gardner decreased 61%.   It’s important to productively engage youth as the High School Dropout Rate in Massachusetts was 1.6%, Fitchburg 3.7%, and Gardner 3.6%.     Details in pdf, CLICK HERE.

  Core Strategies

  The OJJDP Comprehensive Gang Model is “a set of five core strategies—community mobilization, opportunities provision, social intervention, suppression, and organizational change and development—that offer a comprehensive, collaborative approach designed to prevent and reduce gang violence.”

  Overview

  Here’s an overview of the Five Core strategies, CLICK HERE.   And here is a Law Enforcement Guide, CLICK HERE.   Fortunately, Gardner is blessed with a community not filled with all of the negative experiences of elsewhere, and even discussing it may come as a surprise to some, but as much as Gardner would wish it, it’s not totally crime free.    That’s why efforts like the Junior Police Academy are such a Big Deal – Gardner wants the character of the Chair City to continue moving in a positive direction and for there never to be a huge gang problem.

  Cadet Training

  Handouts for Cadets from the Junior Police Academy are intense and include many aspects of law enforcement training. CLICK HERE.    Graduates certainly have an appreciation for the rules of society and perhaps some will decide to become Greater Gardner MA Police Officers as adults.

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• Night Out

  

  Greater Gardner MA National Night Out 2022 Taking Place at Gardner High School Tuesday August 2, 2022

  The Greater Gardner National Night Out is being held  Tuesday August 2, 2022 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm with a rain date of August 9th.   The event is a cooperative effort among the Gardner Community Action Committee, the Gardner Police and Fire Departments, and the City of Gardner.

  The event has been held nationally since 1984 and is aimed at heightening crime and drug prevention awareness in the community.  This will be Gardner’s 9^th year participating.  It’s slated to be an evening of fun for the entire family.  There will be a live band, resource tables, a pizza contest, raffles, kids games, an obstacle course, a climbing wall, helicopter landing, touch a truck and more. —- Printable poster pdf, CLICK HERE.

  Wachusett Mountain has agreed to sponsor bus transportation from Monument Park to Gardner High School.

  National Night Out is meant to increase awareness about police programs in communities such as drug prevention and other anti-crime efforts.  According to the National Night Out website, “National Night Out culminates annually on the first Tuesday in August. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.”  For the website, CLICK HERE   To support the national effort, there’s even official merchandise.  CLICK HERE.

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• K-9 Death

  

  

  K9 Frankie Killed in Line of Duty – Massachusetts State Police

  Statement of Massachusetts State Police Colonel Christopher Mason on the July 26, 2022 K9 Line-of-Duty Death of MSP K9 Frankie: “It is with tremendous sadness that I announce that a Massachusetts State Police K9 was killed in the line of duty today. K9 Frankie was fatally shot during an attempt to apprehend a wanted fugitive who had barricaded himself inside at residence. Frankie’s handler, Sergeant David Stucenski, was not physically injured.

  Sequence of Events

  The sequence of events that led to this tragic line of duty loss of a member of the Massachusetts State Police family began this morning. Shortly before 9 a.m. today members of the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section established surveillance of a three-story multi-family house at 40 Oliver St., Fitchburg after developing information that fugitive suspect MATTHEW MACK, 38, was at that location. MACK was wanted on warrants charging him with firearms offenses and accessory after the fact stemming from a shooting incident July 21 in Fitchburg. State Police fugitive unit Troopers joined the investigation to assist Fitchburg Police locate MACK.

  Fugitive Unit Troopers made verbal contact with MACK, who refused to exit the house. Based on information developed by Troopers indicating that MACK was currently armed, as well as current intelligence that indicated a propensity for violence, the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations responded to the scene at approximately noon and established tactical positions. Negotiators from the State Police Crisis Negotiation Unit also responded to the scene and established communication with MACK via telephone. Negotiators had multiple conversations with MACK, as well as with members of his family whom they contacted, in an attempt to persuade him to surrender peacefully.

  At approximately 2:48 p.m., MACK was observed at a rear exit of the residence and a decision was made to try to apprehend him. Sergeant Stucenski and K9 Frankie, who are assigned to the STOP Team, approached the area where MACK was observed. During the attempt to apprehend him, MACK fired multiple shots toward team members and struck Frankie. The suspect then retreated back into the residence. STOP Team members immediately picked up Frankie and evacuated him from the scene to an ambulance, at which point he was transported to Wachusett Animal Hospital in Westminster, where he was pronounced deceased.

  Meanwhile, negotiators were not able to establish further contact with the suspect. At approximately 5:20 p.m., while the STOP Team was planning further operations to resolve the situation, the State Police Drone Unit deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle on the exterior of the building at 40 Oliver St. The drone made visual observation of the suspect deceased inside the house from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. No police officers fired their weapons during this incident.

  About Frankie

  Frankie was a Belgian Malinois. He would have turned 11 years old next month. He was a member of our Department for about nine years. Frankie was a highly decorated member of the Massachusetts State Police. In 2017, he and Sergeant Stucenski were awarded the Medal of Valor at the state’s annual George L. Hanna Awards for Bravery, the state’s top law enforcement award ceremony. They were honored for apprehending a hit-and-run suspect who, during a foot chase, turned and fired a shot at Sergeant Stucenski and Frankie as they pursued him on a Springfield street. The shot missed the Sergeant and Frankie and Frankie apprehended him. Sergeant Stucenski and Frankie won the State Police Medal of Merit for that same incident.

  In 2014, then Trooper Stucenski and Frankie won three awards from the United States Police Canine Association for evidence recovery, agility, and other law enforcement skills. And only last month, our Department honored Sergeant Stucenski and Frankie and other members of the Special Tactical Operations Team for apprehending an armed child pornography suspect who had opened fire on them when they went to arrest him at a West Springfield motel in 2019.

  When Frankie was transported by Fitchburg EMS via ambulance to an animal hospital this afternoon, it was the first instance of such emergency care made possible by Nero’s Law, which was passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Baker last year. Frankie is the first Massachusetts State Police canine killed in the line of duty. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. Frankie had every trait we seek in a good law enforcement officer, canine or human: intelligence, immense courage, and dedication to protecting the public. He was as loyal a partner as any Trooper ever had. He was a beloved member of the Massachusetts State Police family and the Stucenski family. He was, as much as any human of the member of the Department, one of us and part of us.

  When one of our K9s pass – until today, never in the line of duty – our K9 handlers have a saying. “Free Time.” It means that these brave dogs who work so hard to protect the rest of us have earned their eternal peace. Free time and Godspeed, Frankie.”

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• Mosquitos

  

  Mosquito Control Team Back Again to Greater Gardner MA

  The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project is sending its team to the area on August 4, 11, 18, 25, and September 1.  Dates are tentative and weather permitting.   Requests for service may be recorded by calling  the CMMCP office at (508) 393-3055 between 7am and 3:30pm weekdays.   For more info visit the website.  CLICK  HERE.

• Housing Market

  

  

  Housing Market Stats Show Wide Appeal of Gardner MA

  According to Redfin: “In June 2022, Gardner home prices were up 12.4% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $340K. On average, homes in Gardner sell after 20 days on the market compared to 11 days last year. There were 33 homes sold in June this year, up from 26 last year.”

  Redfin rated the Gardner Housing Market as 85/100 or Very Competitive, a higher score than Fitchburg and just 1 point behind Leominster.  Here’s why:  Many homes get multiple offers, some with waived contingencies.   The average homes sell for about 8% above list price and go pending in around 18 days. Hot homes can sell for about 13% above list price and go pending in around 8 days.

  Gardner is hotter than Fitchburg, with Fitchburg home prices up 7.7% in June 2022, selling for a median price a little lower than Gardner at $334k.   50 homes sold in Fitchburg this June, down from 51 last year. Score 81/100.  Gardner home prices went up slightly more than Leominster with Leominster home prices up 12.1% compared to last year.  However, the Leominster median home price is higher at $380k. Score 86/100

  Nearby Communities: Winchendon, up 1%, Ashburnham up 0%, Templeton up 9.1% with a median home price of $450k, Westminster up 24.2% with a median price of $655k, Hubbardston up 27% with a median price of $463k.   Athol, up 2% with a median price of $260k.  In Phillipston with a total of 5 homes sold, the home prices were down 15.9% with a median price of $290k, however it’s still considered very competitive with a score of 81/100.

  Future Not as Rosy

  However, not all is rosy when it comes to the future housing market, due to market uncertainty.  Business Insider reports that since mortgage interest rates began rising, the nation’s largest homebuilder. D.R. Horton says more buyers are cancelling deals amid growing real-estate market pessimism. The builder says a growing number of would-be homebuyers are backing out of deals for newly constructed  homes as they confront higher mortgage rates and an  uncertain future for the housing market, stating that in its recent quarter, 24% of its contracts fell through – up 7 percentage points from a year prior.  

  Mortgage Rates Up

  According to Freddie Mac, the average US fixed rate for a 30  year mortgage came in at 5.54% this week, notably higher than the pandemic low of 2.68% in December 2020.  See our graphic of today’s mortgage rates. June’s inflation report shows 9.1% inflation, the highest level in 40 years.  The Federal Reserve increased its benchmark short-term interest rate by 50 basis points in May, 75 basis points in June, and is expected to raise them again by 75 basis points in late July.   Mortgage rates went up as a result.

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• Eaton Street Paving

  

  

  

  

  

  Eating Eaton: The Challenge of Paving – Battling Stubborn Trees in Gardner MA

  Sometimes when trees put down their roots, they’re not ready to leave without a fight.  Such is the case on Eaton Street in Gardner.   The street near the Gardner Municipal Golf Course was paved 5 years ago, but according to Mayor Nicholson, “right now it looks like the surface of the moon.”   Stubborn tree roots near the road push up the pavement causing potholes.  However, these trouble-making trees are still taking in carbon dioxide and producing oxygen for us to breathe.   

  Mayor Nicholson says they’ve actually had the pothole issue studied, “…we had an environmental consultant come out and the number of trees that line that street, the way that the roots have grown, has pushed the soil out of the way, that have artificially created potholes there, brings the pothole situation that we have there.  So I could go back and have them pave that road again this  year, but then in two year’s time we’re going have the same situation , because the roots are still there.  So we have to come up with a longer plan solution there. “

  Paving in Gardner – Interview with Mayor Michael Nicholson.

  Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel asked Mayor Nicholson on 7-6-22 about paving in Gardner:

  Poegel: One of the complaints that residents constantly come out with is about paving.  And of course, that’s been a challenge with the budget.  It’s been a challenge getting the product.  How many miles of roads does Gardner have, and realistically, how many miles of roads can Gardner pave every year?

  Nicholson:  We have 101 miles of roads and we can probably do, if we’re lucky ,3 ½ miles per year, because it does cost us about a million dollars per mile to pave.  And that covers all the costs of police detail, that’s the trucks, equipment, and labor, to put the pavement down, pull the old pavement up, haulaway costs, the cost of asphalt.  It costs about a million dollars per mile.  We can probably do about 3 ½ miles a year, of that 101 miles that we have.

  Paving It All More Than a Year’s Budget

  Poegel: So the total City Budget is what $74 million?  Nicholson: Yes.  Poegel:  So you’re telling me that you’d have to spend the equivalent of more than a  year’s city budget to do all the roads, like instantly. Nicholson: Yup.  Poegel:  You’d have to more than double everybody’s taxes to do all the roads all at once.  Nicholson:  That’s 100 percent true. Poegel:  So, obviously, you can’t do that.  Nicholson: Yeah, that’s it.  Would we love to have all the roads done in one year, it would be a great two year project.  In the year, everyone would  be complaining about the traffic detours that come from it.  But, we’d like to get all the roads done, it’s just cost prohibitive. We do what we can, every year since 2012, Gardner has received $600,000 from Chapter 90 State funding for road surfacing.  Well, $600,000 in 2012 is probably half the purchasing price of what it is in 2022.  But, we’ve received the same flat line amount every year for that decade. Poegel:  So that’s basically a half a mile.  Nicholson: It is, it is.  And so we’ve lost that purchasing power, while our costs have just continued to go up.  We do what we can with what we can.  I was happy to see Governor Baker put in the winter recovery funding this year which added an additional $313,000 to what we’re able to do, but we will never be able to fully catch up to what we need to. 

  Photos at left show the challenge of having mature trees near a road with a root structure extending underneath.

  How Roads Get Prioritized

  Poegel:  So how does it work. Obviously you interact with the DPW.  How do roads get prioritized?  Is there some sort of system in place?  Nicholson:  There is.  It’s a formula that the DPW Director and the City Engineer go through, it’s based off of the number of houses on a street, average number of cars that drive over that road, that’s why we have those ticker lines that we count those, the number of cars that go over a road, and the length of the road itself as well.  So all of those are compiled into priority lists that we have.  I receive an updated version from the DPW and City Engineer’s office every July, around July 15th.  When we get that this  year, I can certainly send that to you. … The number of businesses on a street, the number of houses on a street, the number of cars that travel that street, and then the length in miles of that street.  So those are the different factors in the formula that determine the priority list the we have. And then, the final factor of that is: when was the last time that we paved that road? “   Gardner Magazine will publish the Gardner MA Paving Priority List as soon as it is released.   

  The Cost of Paving

  Curious about the cost of paving various types of roads and highways?  The U.S. Department of Transportation has a dedicated page.  CLICK HERE.

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• Greenwood Action

  

  

  

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson was interviewed July 6, 2022 about various topics including Greenwood.

  “It’s Embarrassing to call a Memorial.” Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson calls for action on Greenwood.

  The Greenwood Pool is popular and the Swim Meets draw people to Gardner. But the old Greenwood Bathhouse looks bad, really bad. And Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson wants something done about it.

  Regarding blighted properties in other sections of the Chair City besides Downtown, Nicholson stated,” “….There’s buildings in there that are safety hazards that we need to look at as well. And I think we need to not just look at those that are privately owned, but we need to start  holding the City to the same standard that we’re holding the private sector.  That’s one of the reasons that I’ve looked at the Greenwood Pool, we have a building where the roof is quite literally caving in on itself.  If that was owned by a private citizen, we’d be fining every week for the nuisance code.  But, because it’s us, we’ve let it sit in the background.  We need to hold ourselves to the same standard we are holding the private sector.  Because if I tell someone else that their lawn needs to be mowed, their property needs to be kept to a safe standard and things like that, I should be doing the same for my own property here.”

  When asked what the Mayor suggests the City Council approve as far as the Greenwood Bathhouse, he stated, “We’re working on a plan utilizing Community Development Block Grant funding.  To put that in the plan there too, so we are making a least a good faith effort that we go forward with the bathhouse.  And it’ll involve the demolition of the building and the installation of a pavilion in the area, that utilizes portions of the existing building in the construction of that pavilion, the cupola, the signs. Having it be over the body of where the pool is and filling it with a blue-dyed concrete so you can see where the pool itself was, and finding ways to make a new memorial , not one that is quite frankly embarrassing to call a memorial.” We are told that a decision on grant funding may be months away.

  A study done in 2018 for the City of Gardner showed that restoring the indoor facility to complete functionality would cost millions. SEE STUDY.

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• Song of ’23

  

  Here’s an online link to a list of other hit songs from 1923. CLICK HERE.

  Hit Song in Gardner MA in 1923: Yes, We Have No Bananas

  Gardner MA celebrates its Centennial as a City on January 1, 2023. One of the hit songs 100 years ago was “We Have No Bananas”. We found the original song, digitized it, and you can play it right here.

  Another song enjoyed in the period was Bye Bye Blackbird, and here is the original.

• Circulation

  

  Gardner Magazine was first established as GreaterGardner.net August, 4, 2000.

  Gardner Magazine Circulation at All time High in Gardner MA

  In the first 23 days of July, Gardner Magazine eclipsed its Unique Households record achieved in June 2022 which was 14,000 unique households.   We will report this month’s total when the month is concluded.  We also report that our readers like to use the new AUDIO features.  Total downloads so far in July up to July 23, 2022 are: Mayor Nicholson Projects Interview – 2,586 —- Weekly Mayor’s Update July 15, 2022: 1,241 —- Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals July 19, 2022: 229 —- Weekly Mayor’s Update July 22, 2022: 632 —- City Council Meeting July 5, 2022: 30 —-Many early Mayor’s updates have gotten 20 or more downloads.    We have separate pages of  AUDIO for Mayor’s Updates, City Council Meetings, School Committee Meetings, and Special Events.  

• Peace on Earth

  

  Genuine Gardner MA – Church Bells Play “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

  At around 10:15am on Sunday July 24, 2022, Church Bells at Mission of Grace Church at 358 Pleasant Street, Gardner captured the moment with “Let There Be Peace on Earth”.   This is Genuine Gardner and qualifies for our theme of positivity as it matches well with Gardner’s History of faith-based life since 1785.   We missed recording this beautiful rendition, but we have the song from Church Bells elsewhere.  Just click PLAY.  And may peace be with you…

• Gardner Fix It

  

  

  I CAUGHT FIX IT Fever Gardner MA printable pdf.

  Gardner MA Hit with “Fix It Fever”

  The condition is highly contagious and is prevalent throughout the Chair City.   Grant money, Investor money, Taxpayer City money – it’s being spent.   First it’s the roads and the sidewalks.  Then entire buildings are getting complete overhauls.   New buildings are being built.   Parks are being constructed.   Lighting is being enhanced.  Even fire hydrants are being repurposed.  Building Permit Applications –  setting records. It’s all at a fever pitch.   What’s happening in Gardner?   Everybody’s noticing it and everybody likes it. Gardner MA doesn’t need a cure for “Fix it Fever.”   This contagion is actually a blessing.

  

  

  

  

• Critical Drought

  

  Current Drought Status from the State of MA, CLICK HERE.

  Greater Gardner MA now in Critical Drought – Non essential water use banned July 23, 2022

  From the State of MA, “With the majority of the state currently experiencing elevated temperatures and forecasts predicting little to no meaningful precipitation, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today declared a Level 3-Critical Drought in the Northeast and Central Regions of the state. The Southeast, and Connecticut River Valley Regions will remain at a Level 2-Significant Drought, and the Cape Cod Region will join the Islands and Western Regions at Level 1-Mild Drought.”

  Non-essential Water Use is Completely Halted

  What this means is people who were watering their plants or lawns after 5pm or before 9am have to stop that too. No non-essential water use is advisable during a Critical Drought. Water Restrictions Map from 7-6-22

• Mayor’s Update 7-22-22

  

  Watch the Mayor’s Update on the City of Gardner’s YouTube page or on our Mayor’s Update page, CLICK HERE. Listen to the update by clicking play below. Playable on any device. There is about a 6 second delay before sound starts. AUDIO of all updates, 2022, CLICK HERE.

  

  

  Gardner MA Mayor speaks of Issues, Voting, Events, and Applicants in Info-packed Update.

  Spray Park: In his weekly update of Friday, July 22, 2022, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson explained the issues with the Spray Park at Greenwood Pool.

  Dog Licenses: Nicholson reminded residents over 70 that Dog registration is still required even though the license is now free for those over 70.

  Voting: The Mayor explained that citizens may be receiving mail-in ballot info both from State and the City. Fill out one and you’ll be set for the State Primary in early September and General election in November.

  Academy: Mayor Nicholson related that the Junior Police Academy was very successful with various officers involved in helping students.

  Police Chief: 2 applications slid in at the last minute to increase the total to 12 applicants for the Chief of Police job. Search Committee of the Panel of Five will meet next week, decide on first round of interviews and eventually send top two choices to the Mayor who will interview further. Then comes a 60 day temporary appointment for his choice, later approval by Appointments Committee, and confirmation for 3 year term by City Council.

  National Night Out: The Mayor announced that buses will be available to help transport people to Gardner High School for this year’s National Night Out which is Tuesday August 2nd starting at 5;30pm. Our Article, click here.

Looking for an older story? Or just want to read them? CLICK HERE for more Greater Gardner MA Local News Stories.

News Around Massachusetts – New England – Nation

• Shop Rietta
  

More News Around Gardner MA

• Business Card

  

  Gardner MA Business Card

  Each person in Gardner doesn’t really have a paper business card of course, but each citizen of Gardner represents the Chair City every day. Share the Chair City, you’ll be glad you did.

• Community Spotlight

  

  Gardner Magazine has a dedicated page for each community we cover including LOCAL NEWS and COMMUNITY INFORMATION, Community Facts, Government, Schools, Organizations, Interactive Map, Town Photos, Service pages, and Outside Links.

  Spotlight on Communities Greater Gardner MA

  Gardner MA is known as the Chair City, and the other communities covered by Gardner Magazine all have something special: Ashburnham– Town of Lakes, Ashby – smallest town, Athol-the Tool Town, Barre – Town of Patriots, Gardner – The Chair City, Hardwick – Oldest Fair, Hubbardston -1015 above sea level, New Salem – Home of Quabbin Reservoir, Oakham – Coldbrook Springs, Orange – Home of Peace Statue, Petersham – Conservation, Phillipston – Historic Town Center, Princeton – Mt. Wachusett, Royalston – Forests and Falls, Rutland – Geographic Center of MA, Templeton – Town of 4 Villages, Warwick – Mt. Grace & Forest, Westminster – Historic Places, Winchendon – the Toy Town.
• Check It out

  

  Check It Out!

  Check out the pages on Gardner Magazine including Local Area Attractions, the Moving to the Area page, and Fun Photo Galleries. Kiddingly we say, ,Don’t play the fun games too long. Let us know what you like and what you’d like to see on Gardner Magazine.

• Public Meetings

  

  Public Meetings Calendars

  Gardner Magazine has a new page highlighting Public Meetings Calendars. Most communities list all upcoming meetings in handy formats. Some communities either have few meetings or are not as comprehensive. Being aware of Public Meetings is a great way to be involved in your community.

• Event Machine

  

  Easily find Greater Gardner Events

  Click on the name of a town for an EASY Google Events Search for events taking place in that community. ASHBURNHAM – ASHBY – ATHOL – BARRE – GARDNER – HARDWICK – HUBBARDSTON – NEW SALEM – OAKHAM – ORANGE – PETERSHAM – PHILLIPSTON – PRINCETON – ROYALSTON – RUTLAND – TEMPLETON – WARWICK – WESTMINSTER – WINCHENDON. A great tool to quickly find out what’s going on in the Greater Gardner region.

Massachusetts News This Week

• Please Patronize our Advertisers

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Greater Gardner MA News Extras

• Gardner Tops 21K

  

  Gardner MA Population Statistics

  According to the U.S. Census, Gardner has a population of 21,287.    Median Household Income is about $50,000.   Those with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher is close to 1 in 5.   More than half of the population is employed.  98% have health care coverage.   There’s 9,411 total housing units with 691 vacant according to the Census Bureau.  Gardner’s median estimated age of 41 is slightly above the median age in Massachusetts.  One statistic to note: Average Gardner commute time is just under ½ hr. so there’s room for more local employers.  For the complete census data, click here.

• Visit Gardner

  

  Visit Downtown Gardner Video Released

  To celebrate a great place to shop, Gardner Magazine has released a Downtown Gardner MA video. Watch it in full HD. CLICK HERE.

• Shop Local

  

  Save GAS, Shop LOCAL

  Shopping Locally in the Greater Gardner area is the new vision for the 2020’s. It’s a way to support the local economy and another way to LOVE Your Neighbor. Start shopping locally now, well before Small Business Saturday.   We have a great list of reviewed local businesses for you to shop. (Hint: Most of downtown and most of the city!)  Save GAS, Shop LOCAL. Sure, online can be easy, but shopping at a store in  your community is much more thrilling.  For a list of reviewed businesses in Gardner, CLICK HERE.
• Open Business in Gardner

  Want to open a business in Gardner? Here’s what you need to know.

  

  

  

  

  Gardner Massachusetts is a city in Massachusetts with a population of 21,287 as of the 2020 census. Gardner was incorporated as a town in 1785 and became a city in 1923. Gardner is known as the Chair City. People really love businesses in Gardner. Here’s proof.

  Gardner Magazine spoke with Jessica DeRoy, the Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Gardner MA. Jessica tells us Gardner is poised for a period of growth based on the desirability of bringing a business to Gardner and she has some suggestions on where to start.

  The Economic Development team maintains a list of available rentals and properties for sale and will release the current list upon request. Under Mayor Nicholson’s leadership, Gardner is continuing efforts to help facilitate the sale of properties in need of repair to new owners who may have the desire and/or resources to improve the buildings, thus making them more appealing to potential renters. In addition, Jessica says, the Gardner Building Department can assist people in obtaining information on what to do in constructing a new business building.

  Reach the Economic Development Coordinator Jessica DeRoy at (978) 630-4074 ext. 1 or via email at jderoy@gardner-ma.gov. The Building Department suggests a phone call to them is a great place to start. They suggest calling them before buying a property. Roland Jean Jr., the Building Commissioner, can be reached at (978) 630-4007, via email at rjean@gardner-ma.gov, or via fax at (978) 632-3313. You can send a fax without a fax machine by using gotfreefax.com Visit the Gardner MA Building Dept. official page. Visit the Gardner MA Starting a Business page.

• Expanded News

  

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