This end of May Update from Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson covers various milestones, community growth, and a list of events which we are showing in a table below and also in the infographic. For more information at any time about the City of Gardner visit the official website at Gardner-MA.gov
Milestones – Community Growth – Community Events – Focus of an end of May Update with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson
Listen to the update on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The May 29, 2026, update from Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson highlights a period of significant transition and high community activity. The report focuses on three primary pillars: the conclusion of the academic year through numerous graduation ceremonies, a burgeoning local economy characterized by culinary diversification and retail expansion, and a robust schedule of summer community events.
Key takeaways include:
- Educational Milestones: A wide range of graduations, from elementary programs like DARE to higher education institutions, are being celebrated across the city.
- Economic Growth: The city is seeing a shift toward a more diverse business landscape with the opening of international markets and the expansion of local furniture retail.
- Community Engagement: A dense calendar of events—including the Relay for Life, farmers markets, and youth academies—aims to foster community connection and support local veterans and nonprofits.
- Administrative Notices: Essential service updates include yard waste collection schedules and City Hall closures for the Juneteenth holiday.
Academic Milestones and Graduations
The city is currently in a “jam-packed” season of celebrating student achievements across various levels of education. Mayor Nicholson expressed gratitude to faculty, administration, and Gardner Educational Television (GET) for documenting these events for those unable to attend in person.
Recognized Institutions and Programs
- Elementary: Fifth-grade students recently completed the DARE program, conducted by Officer Spain and Lieutenant Chisnowski of the community policing department.
- Secondary and Vocational: Gardner High School, Gardner Academy, Monty Tech, and Holy Family Academy.
- Higher Education and Early College: Fitchburg State University, Mount Wachusett Community College, and the Gateway and Pathway Early College Programs.
Economic Development and Business Openings
Gardner is experiencing a notable trend in diversifying its local cuisine and revitalizing vacant commercial spaces.
New and Expanding Businesses
- Joy Market and Bakery: Located at the former Taylor Rental site on Union Square (near Pearson Boulevard), this Guatemalan market and restaurant officially opened on Memorial Day.
- Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday (Closed Sundays).
- Services: Full-service menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a small grocery market and baked goods.
- Gardner Outlet Furniture: Held a grand reopening at Timpany Plaza in the former Big Lots site. The move has reportedly resulted in “skyrocketing” sales due to improved visibility and parking.
- Future Prospects: The city is in conversations regarding a Brazilian market expected to open within the next 18 months, and Bria Coffee, which will feature Nicaraguan cuisine, is slated to open later this year.
Community Events and Summer Programming
The city has scheduled an extensive array of events to promote health, local agriculture, and veteran appreciation. Event Schedule and Details:
| Event | Date(s) | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoga in the Park | Mondays (June 1–Aug 31) | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Park Street Park | Donation-based; benefits local nonprofits. Bring own mat. |
| Kids Safety Day | Saturday, June 6 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Gardner Lodge of Elks | Free food and bicycle door prize. |
| Firefighters Memorial | Sunday, June 7 | 9:00 AM | N/A | Assembly for current/retired firefighters at 8:30 AM. |
| Relay for Life | June 12 – June 13 | Starts 6:00 PM (Fri) | MWCC Track | One of the largest relays in the country. |
| Farmers Market | Saturday, June 20 | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Waterford Community Center | Theme: “Berries and Bloom.” |
| Bandstand Concert | Saturday, June 20 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Monument Park | Featuring “True Diamond.” Bring chairs/blankets. |
| Library Reading Kickoff | Wednesday, June 24 | 4:00 PM | Levi Heywood Memorial Library | Summer reading program launch on front lawn. |
| Food Truck Festival | Saturday, July 11 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM | To be announced | Preliminary save-the-date. |
| Junior Police Academy | July 13 – July 18 | Multi-day | Gardner Police Station | For ages 14–17; includes physical fitness and mock trials. |
| All-American Day | Sunday, July 19 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Fish and Gun Club | Free event for veterans and their families. |
Youth Opportunities: Junior Police Academy
This free, interactive program for teenagers (ages 14–17) provides insight into local law enforcement. Curriculum highlights include:
- Physical fitness training.
- Mock traffic stops and investigative techniques.
- Defensive tactics. Applications are available at the Gardner Police Station or via the department’s Facebook page. Space is limited.
Public Works and Administrative Notices
- Yard Waste Collection: Pickup is scheduled for June 2 through June 5. Residents should put out yard waste on their regular trash day.
- Juneteenth Observance: City Hall will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of the federal holiday.
- Greenwood Pool: The facility is scheduled to open on the final day of the Gardner Public Schools academic year.
- Municipal Budgeting: The Mayor and City Council are currently engaged in budget meetings to finalize the city’s financial planning.
Greater Gardner Relay for Life Contact Information
For information regarding the Greater Gardner Relay for Life, residents may contact regional organizer Gina Betetti at 267-817-7292 or via email at gina.betetti@cancer.org. General inquiries regarding city updates can be directed to the Mayor’s Office.
