WGAW Hotline Radio Mid-November Broadcast
Listen to the entire show of November 14, 2026 on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The vintage song: Yankee Doodle Dandy kicked off the broadcast.
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson: Host Steve Wendell spoke with the Mayor about how things work when a Mayor resigns during the 2nd year of a term. The person becomes Mayor in all respects. — On another matter, Wendell asked the Mayor about Dan Forte’s departure and Nicholson confirmed that Forte had resigned, the position is now open and school principals are coordinating things in the meantime. — Wendell asked the Mayor about the 6 employee layoffs in Gardner. Mayor Nicholson stated that the cost of health insurance is the biggest cost issue impacting the City’s finances, stating, “We are protecting and insulating the City now”. Layoffs were made as a “full team effort” in consultation with others including the City Council President and the City Auditor…
The Mayor has been working on a 5 year financial plan. — Nicholson spoke about the desire to get more state funding for all 351 Massachusetts communities. — Good news: Nolan King will be staying on as an aide to incoming State Representative Michael Nicholson, King has served Jonathan Zlotnik for a number of years. — The Mayor reviewed some of the Holiday events in the City of Gardner including the Festival of Trees at the Gardner Museum, the Memorial Lights campaign and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Videos are being accepted for the Caroling with the Mayor video and may be submitted through Rachael Roberts at the Mayor’s office.
A Commentary by Werner Poegel on Gardner Public Schools – 100% of students feeling safe, the upward positive trajectory in academic growth, and the various infrastructure and construction issues.
Gardner Veterans Day Ceremony from November 11, 2026 – Steve Wendell was the Master of Ceremonies. Gardner Veterans Day Ceremony – November 11, 2026. The City of Gardner honored America’s military veterans during a patriotic Veterans Day ceremony at Perry Auditorium on November 11, 2026, featuring speeches, musical performances, and solemn military traditions. Veteran Services Director Nikki Laviolette welcomed attendees, with Steve Wendell serving as Master of Ceremonies. State Representative John Zlotnik led the Pledge of Allegiance, while former Mayor Dan Kelly performed the traditional ringing of the bells.
Mayor Michael Nicholson emphasized that everyday freedoms are made possible by military sacrifice and remembered the 21 Gardner-area service members lost during World War I. City Councilor Brad Heglin reaffirmed Gardner’s commitment to supporting veterans. Keynote speaker Lindsey Graciani, a Marine Corps veteran and Assistant Director of Veteran Services, encouraged residents to honor veterans year-round through personal outreach, listening, and support for military families. The Gardner High School Band performed patriotic selections, while student Keenan LeBlanc recited In Flanders Fields.The ceremony concluded with the traditional placing of poppies, remembrance of Gardner’s fallen service members, a rifle salute by VFW Post 1905, the playing of Taps, and a closing benediction. The observance reinforced a powerful message: honoring veterans requires gratitude, remembrance, and community support throughout the year.
An ABC update regarding the Microsoft Outage
A Commentary with Mike Urban “What’s Next after the Mid-terms”