Infographics below provide additional detail.
The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of scheduling, public services, and civic observances.
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the City
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Key updates, community events, and infrastructure developments for the City of Gardner, as outlined by Mayor Michael Nicholson in his update.
As the city transitions into the fall season, the administration is prioritizing public infrastructure upgrades, community safety, and a robust calendar of seasonal events. Significant capital improvements to City Hall and the Perry Auditorium are nearing completion, funded largely by budget surpluses from the new elementary school project. Additionally, the city is undergoing a major electrical infrastructure upgrade supported by a $750,000 state grant. Residents are encouraged to remain informed via the Code Red emergency alert system, particularly as the city enters winter prep mode and undergoes a temporary, standard water disinfection process.
Seasonal Events and Public Holidays
Holiday Observances
- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day: City Hall will be closed on Monday, October 12. Regular business hours (8:00 a.m.) will resume on Tuesday, October 13.
Halloween and Trick-or-Treating: The city maintains a consistent schedule for Halloween activities to minimize confusion:
- Official Trick-or-Treating: Saturday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- City Hall Preschool Trick-or-Treat: Friday, October 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This event is specifically for preschool-aged children and under. Additional participating locations will be announced on the city’s website.
Farmers Markets: The market is expanding its offerings, recently adding a beer garden, craft vendors, and interactive activities like alpacas.
- October 17: “Fiberfest” theme at the Waterford Community Center front lawn (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.). This is the final outdoor market of the season.
- November 21: “Fill Your Pantry” theme at Perry Auditorium. This market focuses on Thanksgiving preparations.
- December (TBD): A holiday-themed market is currently under consideration.
Cultural and Museum Highlights:
Gardner Museum:
- Toys Past and Present: A winter exhibit featuring vintage toys and artifacts, running through the end of the year.
- Silvermith Presentation (Oct 1, 7:00 p.m.): Featuring Peter Erickson, the city’s last hand-wrought silversmith, and his successor Aaron Cule. Registration is required due to limited seating.
- Festival of Trees: The 21st annual event begins November 11 (Veterans Day).
- Oktoberfest: Hosted by Moon Hill Brewing and the Gardner Festival Committee, this year’s theme is the 1970s. Taking place Saturday, September 26, 2026
Infrastructure and Capital Projects
City Hall Renovations: Extensive work on the exterior of City Hall is nearing completion. These projects were funded by reassigning funds that remained after the new elementary school project came in under budget.
- Exterior Improvements: Repointing of the front steps, redoing the sidewalk, and painting the pillars and portico.
- Perry Auditorium: Installation of new windows is expected to be finished within two weeks.
Electrical and EV Infrastructure: A major project is underway in the Knowlton Street parking lot behind City Hall to modernize the building’s electrical capacity.
- Capacity Doubling: The installation of a new transformer will replace the 1930s-era canister style transformers, allowing City Hall to meet the electrical demands of a modern office environment.
- Grant Funding: The transformer is funded by a $750,000 grant from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers: The project includes upgrading two existing chargers at Perry Auditorium and adding five new chargers to the Knowlton Street lot.
Public Services and Safety
Waste Management
- Yard Waste Collection: Residents should place bags or bundles at the curb on their regular trash pickup day during the week of October 6 through October 9.
- Hazardous Waste Collection Day: Scheduled for November 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the West Street Transfer Station. Accepted items are listed on the Health Department’s website.
Water System Refresh: The city is conducting a periodically required water disinfection refresh as mandated by the EPA and DEP.
- Process: The disinfectant is temporarily changed from chloramines to chlorine.
- Impact: Residents may notice a slight chlorine smell (similar to a swimming pool). The water remains safe for drinking, bathing, and general household use.
Emergency Communications: Mayor Mike Nicholson emphasized the importance of the Code Red system as the primary method for notifying residents of:
- Parking bans during snowstorms.
- Emergency alerts.
- Critical city updates. Registration is available via the city’s website or by contacting the Mayor’s office or the Police Department.
Community and Healthcare Updates
Heywood Hospital
A recent visit from the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, highlighted the hospital’s dual role as a healthcare provider and a primary economic driver. Haywood Hospital is the largest employer in the North Central and Northwin region. Ongoing discussions with the governor’s cabinet are focused on securing state funding to maintain the facility’s operations.
Public Awareness and Proclamations: September marked several official observances in Gardner:
- Health Awareness: Alzheimer’s and Brain Health (noting Gardner’s high rate of cases due to its numerous healthcare facilities), Prostate Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, and Childhood Cancer.
- Mental Health and Recovery: Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Month.
- Heritage: Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), recognizing the independence days of various Latin American nations.
- Domestic Violence Vigil: The annual Greater Gardner community vigil will be held October 5 at 6:00 p.m. in Monument Park.
Education – Sports: The Mayor acknowledged the Gardner Wildcats sports teams and marching band for a successful start to the fall semester.
