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News Around Greater Gardner MA

• Commentary 7-21-24

  

  Making Sense of Information Swirling About – Horse Racetrack Commentary

  A Commentary on the Horse Racetrack with Werner Poegel. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Explaining the parties to the proposed transaction of land at 827 Green Street in Gardner. —- Putting Care of Horses Issue in perspective —- Putting watershed issue in perspective —- explaining informal meeting and public hearing scheduled for July 23rd —- Dispelling falsehoods about public hearing being one-sided. Truth: All sides of issue welcome.

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• Farmers 7-20-24

  

  

  For more information, website, CLICK HERE.

  Gardner Farmers Market draws almost 1000 people with 20 vendors

  Erica Bosse advised us that the total count of attendees on Saturday, July 20, 2024 was 845. Total number of vendors was 20. Last market in June drew well over 750. According to Bosse, “Multiple vendors sold out or were nearly sold out both June market and today even with bringing more products.”

  Erica Bosse released the following statement, “Neighbors who stopped by thanked us for having the event and we’re very happy with no complaints on traffic or parking or noise. A few vendors mentioned they have had record sales. Today we had many bring the senior coupons that were handed out at the SR center last week, as an approved market vendors who go through the training were eligible to accept and we had 3 vendors today who accepted.”

  “We also have one HIP approved vendor and 3 SNAP vendors. Total revenue across the market is well over the $10k (rounding up) of the Grant we received from MDAR. We are doing great at keeping locally grown and raised food and craft right here in our community. The 3 picnic tables that MAKIs donated have been highly used throughout thr events while people rest or hang out and listen to music.”

  “The farmers are showing up and the community for each other and it’s so great to see people getting out and seeing their neighbors and friends. One person who came up to me mentioned this was their first time exploring Gardner and they were incredibly impressed. The committee is putting a ton of volunteer time in and it’s showing. Next market is on Aug 17, followed by Sep 21. 9:30-1pm, 62 Waterford Street.”

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• Junior Police 2024

  

  Gardner Police Department Chronicles a Week of the Junior Police Academy

  The enthusiastic teenage Junior Police Cadets got the ultimate introductory experience to police work during an intense week. The academy was held the week of July 15, 2024 and the Gardner PD posted photos every day on their Facebook page. CLICK HERE. The cadets were given classroom instruction, fitness training, accident response training, impaired driving demonstration, and even visited the Gardner District Court.

  On Saturday, July 20, 2024 the Gardner Police Department posted, “Congratulations to the 2024 Junior Academy Class! We are incredibly proud of our cadets for their hard work, dedication and commitment over the past week. Your achievements and growth have been truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of you! A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors who made this possible- Fitness Concepts Health Club, Shut Out Screen Printing, and TimberFire Pizza. Your support has been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions. Be on the lookout for next year’s Junior Academy Enrollment in the spring of 2025!“

  On July 19th: “They gained valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of Animal Control. We also welcomed Officer Willis and his K9 partner, Rocky, who gave an impressive demonstration of their teamwork and skills.

  On July 18th: “Today, our cadets took their learned skills to the field and investigated an OUI crash. They practiced their report writing and showcased their attention to detail and professionalism.”

  On July 17th: “Today, our cadets tackled the critical topic of Operating Under the Influence (OUI). They learned about the dangers of impaired driving, investigative techniques, and the vital role police play in keeping our community safe….In the spirit of community policing, our cadets assisted Heywood Wakefield Commons by cleaning up the parking lot and serving ice cream to residents. This experience emphasized the importance of building positive relationships with the community and enjoying some ice cream.”

  On July 16th: “Today, our cadets had an action-packed day learning essential skills to keep our community safe. They tackled defensive tactics, mastered handcuffing techniques, delved into investigative methods, drug investigations, and searches. The cadets executed their new skills in various scenarios showing their full comprehension of police work.“

  On July 15th: “The Gardner PD Junior Academy is underway! Our cadets had a fantastic day learning CPR and First Aid, staying fit with Fitness Concepts, and touring an ambulance from Woods Ambulance!“

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• Blake 7-20-24

  

  Former Mayoral Candidate Kimberly Blake Comments on Proposed Racetrack

  Gardner Magazine received the following AUDIO statement from Kimberly Blake on July 20, 2024. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

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• Hotline 7-20-24

  

  Listen to Commentary from Publisher Werner Poegel regarding various aspects of the Racetrack proposal. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  

  Worldwide Audience Listens to WGAW Hotline Radio on Saturday July 20, 2024

  With millions of potential listeners throughout the world via live streaming and thousands of Greater Gardner area listeners via AM 1340 and 98.1 FM, WGAW Hotline Radio was heard from noon to 2pm on Saturday July 20, 2024. Listen to the program on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Mayor Michael Nicholson’s Weekly Update headlined the program. Hotline was in Downtown as U.S. Senator Ed Markey visited the Downtown. Hear various remarks from the Senator and Mayor Nicholson.

  Candy Graves provided details and updates about the Gardner Wildcat 5K to be held on Sunday July 21, 2024.

  Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas spoke about the upcoming public hearing on July 23, 2024 regarding the Racetrack issue. Everyone who shows up will be allowed to speak. People can sign up beginning at 5:30pm. Public Hearing begins at 7:30pm. At 6pm, the City Council in an informal meeting will get a presentation from BayState Racing LLC on the particulars of the proposal. A straw vote may be taken that night to get a sense of the Council, but no official vote will be taken and no decision will be made. First opportunity to vote on the matter will be at the regular meeting on Monday August 5^th.

  Host Steve Wendell spoke about the many inaccuracies being spread on Facebook. Wendell stated he receives screenshots from 10 to 15 group members who are embedded and monitor the group.

  Werner Poegel’s commentary covered various aspects of the Racetrack proposal.

  Steve Wendell spoke with Jack McGrath of the Gardner Fish and Game Club regarding the Sunday July 21, 2024 Patriot Riders Chapter 3 Event.

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• Airport 7-17-24

  

  More Updates on Airport Progress in this week’s Meeting

  The Gardner Airport Commission had a lengthy meeting on July 17, 2024. Discussions revolved around a Runway Update, Master Plan Update, and Ramp Repaving. The Airport Manager presented information on Guard System Counts, gave a facility update, went over the budget, and reviewed certain policies and procedures. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Currently there are 4 chapters of the Master Plan available for the public to view. There may be as many as approximately 3 more chapters when the plan is complete. Unclear when more material will be available online for the public to see.

  Airport Commission page on the City of Gardner website, CLICK HERE.

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• Update 7-19-24

  

  U.S. Senator Ed Markey closed the update stating, “I’m Senator Ed Markey. I’m here with Mayor Nicholson, all the leaders of the City of Gardner. This city has a beat in its step. It’s receiving a disproportionate amount of federal funding than other communities. It’s size in our country, and it’s for transportation. It’s for small business. It’s to create a vision of Gardner for the 21st century that’s even better than any of the preceding centuries. And that’s what I feel walking around, just a community that has come together to really just transform this community and to make everyone proud but prosperous at the same time.”

  Downtown Gardner MA and Markey Visit Highlight Mayor’s Update of July 19, 2024

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson speaks of U.S. Senator Ed Markey’s visit to Downtown Gardner on July 18th and also talks about various Gardner events. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY

  Mayor Nicholson stated, “Senator Markey came to tour the downtown, visited with the owners of Bria Coffee and toured their future site over at 25 Main Street. Construction is starting to move along there, too. They’ll be getting their demolition of the interior soon and start their build out of the inside. The Senator then joined us through a walk of the downtown to talk about some of the different projects that are planned through the downtown area that we’ve received Federal funding for….”

  The Mayor spoke of the vinyl wraps going around the trash cans in the Downtown. Some of the vinyl is backordered so the rest will be covered by the end of the summer when received. — The front nine of the new Disc Golf Course at Bailey Brook Park has been completed. —

  Events: Farmer’s Market July 20th 9:30am to1pm at Waterford. Household Hazardous Waste Day is Saturday, July 20th — Patriot Riders America Day in the Park Sunday July 21st. — Wildcat 5k is Sunday July 21st. —- National Night Out is Thursday, August 8th at Gardner High School. —- Night of Hope is August 28th.

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• Markey Visit

  

  U.S. Senator Ed Markey Tours Downtown Gardner and Sees Growth

  U.S. Senator Ed Markey is the latest in a series of regional, State, and Federal officials to visit Downtown Gardner and view ongoing projects.

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson stated, “Thank you to US Senator Ed Markey for joining us downtown today to discuss ways Gardner has used federal funds to further our economic development, housing production, and infrastructure improvement goals. Thank you to all of our community partners who joined us for the event and for the work we’ve been able to do as a team to move Gardner forward. In the last 4 years, over $15 million in federal grant funding has come to Gardner, and we’re going after every grant available to continue the progress we’ve made.”

  Previous visits have been made to Gardner by Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus, both Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.

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• Racetrack Page

  

  Horse Racetrack Page on Gardner Magazine

  Our Horse Racetrack page attempts to have all the information in one place. Gardner Magazine Interviews and Articles —- WGAW Hotline Radio Interviews —- Mayor’s Updates —- City Council Meetings —- Committee Meetings. —- Supporting Documents and Resource Materials. Website links We will continue to add to the page as we go along. It will continue to be a work in progress with more information as it is available. CLICK for PAGE

  Gardner Magazine Horse Racetrack page, CLICK HERE.

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• Nicholson Speaks – D.C.

  

  The Complete Press Release, CLICK HERE, details various projects to include Solar Initiative, EV Chargers, Water Transmission Line Replacement, James Street Pump Station Replacement, Uptown Rotary, Waterford Street Community Center, Maki Park, Orpheum Park, Park Street Park, Greenwood Pool Indoor Facility Demolition, Rear Main Street Revitalization, Downtown Infrastructure Improvement, Rome Square Revitalization, Airport Revitalization, and North Central Pathway Bike Trail Pedestrian Bridge.

  Why Mayor Nicholson Visited D.C. on the last Wednesday of June, 2024

  Gardner Magazine has received information about Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson’s visit to the nation’s capitol on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Both the Mayor and Congresswoman Lori Trahan presented to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on the ways Gardner has utilized Federal funding for infrastructure improvements. Complete Press Release, CLICK HERE.

  The roundtable focused on the ways that federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and other pieces of federal legislation were being implemented around the United States.

  Gardner Mayor Nicholson stated“ It was an honor to represent Gardner at the Nation’s capital and speak of the ways that Gardner has been able to utilize federal funding to help move the City forward. Our infrastructure impacts the daily lives of our residents – from our roads, sidewalks, and bridges to our water system, economic development, and more – that’s why the projects these funds area available for is so important. …. It’s now our job to go after every federal dollar we can so that we can continue the progress we’ve made and bring Gardner into a stronger tomorrow…”

  
  Congresswoman Lori Trahan stated, “I’m proud of the work my team and I have done with Mayor Nicholson to identify federal infrastructure grants Gardner is eligible for, submit competitive applications, and secure significant investments for families and small businesses.  That’s why the Mayor was the perfect guest to invite to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s roundtable on the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” 
  

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• Storm 7-16-24

  

  

  Fireman and Storm Enthusiast Captures the Storm

  Lieutenant Eric Hulette of the Gardner Fire Department is also the EMS Coordinator and Sully the Comfort Dog’s Caretaker as well as a storm enthusiast and watchful eye, often posting information on the Gardner Fire Department Facebook page about potentially dangerous weather. He warned of “very strong storms heading our way” and that’s exactly what we got on July 16, 2024 with thousands of customers losing power in Greater Gardner MA communities.

  About Hulette’s storm photos we show here he posted, “Finally got a few decent pics of a Mesocyclone (space ship) with a little rotation right over Crystal Lake when the first line of storms came through. Storm Radar is amazing and shows you exactly where the good storms are at!”

  at 2am on July 17^th, there were still 152 power outages in Massachusetts affecting 10,758 customers. At that time, 3774 customers in the Athol area were without power. Current map, CLICK HERE

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• Fix it 2024

  

  Gardner MA Still Has “Fix It Fever”

  In July 2022, we first reported on this contagious condition and are pleased to report that there has been no cure. Show your support and post this on your wall. “I Caught Fix It Fever Gardner MA” Printable pdf. “Fix It Fever” reportedly started shortly after Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson took office 4 years ago. This week, Nicholson started YEAR FIVE.

  Positive Consequences of the “Fix It Fever” Phenomenon in the Chair City.
  A growing list of Completed, Ongoing, Contemplated, or Proposed Projects utilizing funds from the City of Gardner, State and Federal Government, Investors, and Private businesses.
  25% of all Gardner roads have been paved in the last 4 years.
  New businesses opening in Timpany Plaza, Timpany Crossroads, Downtown Gardner and other parts of the City.
  Maki Park in Downtown Gardner is under construction right now and completion is expected by sometime in the Fall.
  There is a continued proactive effort being made to improve various life issues in tangible ways.

  What’s happening in Gardner in 2024? “Fix It Fever” is more contagious than ever. Everybody’s noticing it and everybody likes it. Gardner MA doesn’t need a cure for “Fix it Fever.” The blessings it brings continue to improve Gardner as a great place to Live, Work, Play, and Visit.

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• August Mosquitos 24

  

  

  Mosquito Control Project on the Attack in Gardner MA during August 2024

  The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project plans to spray in the Gardner – Fitchburg – Leominster area on every Thursday in August which is August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. indicating that all of the dates are tentative and “subject to change due to weather conditions, mosquito populations, mosquito virus activity, and/or special event spraying.” And the program will shut down when cool night time temperatures become predominant in the area.

  Getting on the List for Service and More Information on Mosquitos

  Requests for service may be recorded by calling the CMMCP office at (508) 393-3055 between 7am to 3:30pm Monday through Friday or on the website, CLICK HERE, where there is complete information. There is also a YouTube video which explains the program, CLICK HERE. Frequently asked questions are answered here.

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• Beaches 7-16-24

  

  OPEN: Greenwood Pool in Gardner and Lake Dennison in Winchendon.

  MA Water Quality Dashboard Shows Beach Closures in Greater Gardner MA

  The MA Map shows about 3 dozen beach closures in the entire state of Massachusetts. Most are closed because allowable bacteria levels have been exceeded. For the current map and list of beach closures, CLICK HERE.

  Beaches in the area closed for Bacterial Exceedance include Ayer Town Beach in Ayer, Beamans Pond Campground and Day Use in Templeton, Damon Pond Beach in Ashby, Dunn Pond in Gardner, Lake Quinsigamond-Regatta Point Teach in Worcester, Lunenburg Town Beach in Lunenburg, Whitehall Pond Beach in Rutland.

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• Racing 7-15-24

  

  A Candid Interview with John Stefanini of BayState Racing LLC

  We go round the track with John Stefanini on July 15, 2024 and cover all the bases regarding the proposed facility at 827 Green Street, Gardner. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Sometimes through ridiculous analogies we reveal just how hyperbolic and misleading some opposition statements have been about this proposed project. We thank John Stefanini for being a good sport as we asked him some silly questions along the way. But, the result was that we cut through the clutter regarding the environmental concerns, speak of animal safety, and get real on traffic and other issues. It’s a good interview to help you assess what your actual, valid concerns are and what items are non-issues or have already been addressed. The Gardner City Council will hear a presentation from BayState Racing LLC on July 23, 2024 and hold a public hearing the same evening.

  Some key takeaway quotes from this interview:
  We would instantly be the largest taxpayer in Gardner, paying $500,000 approximately a year. The next closest taxpayer pays $173,000. And to put that in perspective, the site, if it were to pay taxes today because it’s by a not-for-profit, would pay $15,000.
  Whether you think we’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do, which I hope you do, or whether we’re required to do it, it matters not. We are going to do what we say we’re going to do.
  We will improve the manure management on this site because we will collect the manure, we will store it properly, and then we will truck it off of and dispose of it off-site. We will be required to do that.
  We have some of the best engineers in the state who’ve done large and small projects for the state and municipalities, and we will have a system designed that directs and improves the storm water management on this site
  Massachusetts horse owners and horse breeders have been leaders in the nation for decades in terms of care and treatment of animals. Massachusetts was among the first to have anti-slaughter, anti-doping regulations, which Congress has now adopted in something called the Horse Integrity Security Authority, HISA, which we will have to follow their strict adherence to.
  You can expect one, two, three weekends a year, but never more than 20 days a year. We don’t think we have the purse money or the horses to do more than one or two weekends a year, and that’s what we’ve said. And we’ll work with the community on a traffic plan.
  The wagering on this site will happen one, two, three weekends a year and we will have all kinds of safeguards put in because the gaming commission will require us to do that. In addition to that, we will be required to fund local addiction and other prevention related measures. We’ll do self-exclusion lists on the site. We’ll monitor if there’s a problem or someone has an issue. We’re aware of the concerns just like a tavern that sells alcohol. You need to be a responsible server and you need to understand the rules and you need to be trained.
  We also know we know how to care for horses. Our owners, our 350 horse farms from around the Commonwealth love their horses, just as you love your pet.
  We’re going to renovate one or both of the barns. Maybe, I don’t know if there’s a need for that addition or not, we’re going to renovate and improve the houses there, we’re going to build a pad for food trucks and other temporary facilities, we’re going to build a gazebo. So the only new structure we’re really talking about building is a gazebo and we’re talking about constructing a track, which is a one mile strip that’s 70 feet wide. So that would go through the woods around that hill that’s there and we would construct into the hill, we would terrace it, which takes advantage of the natural topography
  You don’t need to take my word for any of these things. We need to go before the Conservation Commission and work through the rules and regulations which are considerable for the site, with our engineers, for the waste water management and storm water management of this site and that will take six to nine months to go through a process to figure that out and all those meetings will be in the public and all those meetings will follow rules and regulations. In addition to that, we will go to the planning board with a full traffic study and we’ve agreed to pay for whatever peer review they need to review those traffic studies
  Website: BayStateRacingLLC.com Questions? Call (978) 277-3382

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• After Trucks 2024

  

  Food Truck Festival Held in Gardner

  The Gardner Food Truck Festival was held on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Our photos do not show anywhere close to the 22 Food Trucks announced prior to the event. However, there were over 20 separate food vendors, some with smaller than a Food Truck presentation, further towards the Colonial Hotel and on City Hall Avenue. There appeared to be a couple of carnival trucks, a few merchandise vendors, and a beer tent. Gardner Magazine reached out to Woo Trucks for comment but have not heard back as of 9:42pm on Sunday July 14^th when we posted this article.

  For the first 6 years, the Gardner Food Truck Festival was managed by the City of Gardner. This is the first year the event was managed by WooTrucks. Last year, social media comments included requests for more seating including tables and chairs, and some form of shade from the sun. This year when we spent about 20 minutes at the event, we observed no provided seating (last year there was some near entertainment by City Hall). We did not see any provided shade for the public such as a tent. At just after 3pm, there was no music playing at the event.

  Wootrucks Events Manager Robert Ziedelis responded with some information: “There is a “core attendance” that shows up with lawn chairs, picnic blankets and coolers and spend the day enjoying the festival with family and friends. Many stay until the Trucks stop serving and the band plays its last note….As far as seating goes, it was discussed with the City. They have not had chairs or seating in the 7 years that they have held the event. Regarding a tent/tents.. This was also discussed in initial planning of the event with the City….Wootrucks provided the 24 “Hi-Top” tables that were spread throughout the event….I was also curious about the entertainment schedule. The talent was contracted/provided by and paid for by by the City of Gardner. The singer/songwriter played from 3:45 PM to 7:00 PM with one brief break….22 Food Trucks were scheduled to attend. 20 actually attended.”

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• Heat Advisory – Watch

  UPDATE: Heat Advisory extended through Wednesday, July 17th at 8pm. TAKE PRECAUTIONS.

  

  Visit our Greater Gardner Weather Center, CLICK HERE.

  National Weather Service Warns of Heat in Greater Gardner MA and Beyond

  Heat Advisory (heat index values up to 102) is in effect from 8am to 8pm Monday July 15th and an Excessive Heat Watch (heat index values up to 107) is in effect from Tuesday July 16th morning through Tuesday Evening. Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

  Actions to Take: Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.

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• Shooting at Trump Rally

  Shooting at Trump Rally on July 13, 2024. For Live Coverage, we have provided this LIVE embedded YouTube news from FOX. Simply CLICK PLAY.

  Update: The shooter was killed by the Secret Service. One innocent bystander was killed. 2 other bystanders were in critical condition as of the morning of 7-14-24. Former President Trump was injured by a shot to his right ear but it otherwise reported to be OK.

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• Hotline Radio 7-13-24

  

  WGAW Radio Focuses on Racetrack Proposal on Saturday, July 13, 2024

  Listen to the entire program on any device. It will stream instantly from the WGAW website. CLICK PLAY

  Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke LIVE from the Gardner Food Truck Festival and also on the subject of proposed Racetrack. Host Steve Wendell spoke with John Stefanini of BayState Racing LLC. Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas spoke about the upcoming informal meeting featuring a presentation by Baystate and the Public Hearing on July 23rd. Carolyn Kamuda spoke about the Racetrack proposal. Werner Poegel provided a commentary on the Racetrack proposal. Hotline ran overtime because the show was so busy and ended with an interview with Candy Graves regarding the Wildcat 5K.

  WGAW’s Hotline Radio is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and Streaming Everywhere. To access the 24/7 Live Stream, CLICK HERE.

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• Streaming 2024

  

  Streaming Services Wipe Out Red Box – Doing a Job on Cable Too

  This appeared today on wikipedia regarding the Redbox parent company, “On July 10, 2024, a bankruptcy judge ordered to convert Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy into a Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation after accusing the company’s previous CEO of misusing the business and failing to pay employees or support healthcare. With the Chapter 7 conversion, the company’s assets will be liquidated, resulting in the cessation of its subsidiaries, including Redbox. In addition, over 1,000 employees will be laid off and over 26,000 Redbox kiosks will shut down permanently.” There were a number of Redbox kiosks in the Greater Gardner area.

  Cable TV companies have increasingly been impacted by customers switching services to less expensive streaming companies. From Sling TV at $40 per month to more expensive services such Hulu Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV, customers get some or all of the channels previously available on cable.

  FREE SERVICES – Hundreds of channels are available at no cost at all. For those wishing to save money or simply access TV on a computer or laptop, we have some suggestions. —- Pluto.TV – Hundreds of free channels. CBS News, CBS News Boston, Pluto News, ABC News Live, CNN Headlines, NBC News Now, BBC News, Sky News, Bloomberg, Scripps, Newsmax 2, America’s Voice, Entertainment, Sci-Fi, Reality, Movies, History and Science. cwtv.com – Many interesting tv series – home of Police 24/7, a new reality tv series. Crackle.com – movies and tv shows, lots of British TV tubitv.com – movies, tv shows, and live tv. FreeStream: Link – Many free channels. Amazon Freevee Link – Many free channels. The Roku Channel Link —- Xumo, Link

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• Council 7-23-24

  

  Gardner City Council Schedules Public Hearing on Bay State Racing LLC Proposal

  The Public Hearing regarding whether 827 Green Street can be used as a horse racing track will be held on July 23, 2024 at 7:30pm. Overflow if the City Hall Chamber reaches capacity will be Perry Auditorium. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes. Notice contains other parameters. For the hearing notice, CLICK HERE.

  Prior to the public hearing, an informal meeting of the Gardner City Council will take place at 6pm. Information is contained in the complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.

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• Commentary 7-12-24

  

  Common Sense on the Racetrack – Commentary by Werner Poegel

  Putting a little perspective back in to the discussion. Exploring the Emotional, Ideological, and Objective reasons for and against. Encouraging treating all involved with respect. We go over the various particulars with an honest assessment of the road forward. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

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• Update 7-12-24

  

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Maps Out Update on July 12, 2024

  Mayor Nicholson Focused on Upcoming Events and MART in Weekly Update. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Upcoming Events: Food Truck Festival – Saturday, July 13 2024 noon to 7pm in front of Gardner City Hall The Mayor stated, “This year’s event promises to be bigger than ever, with 22 participating food trucks. Also new this year is an addition of carnival games. Bay State Amusements will be offering games this year in addition to the food trucks. There will also be vendors, artists, beer and wine, live entertainment brought to you by Dave Malouin, who plays a variety of country, oldies, and rock music,” —- Hazardous Waste Day, Saturday July 20th at Transfer Stat5ion on West Street, Gardner —- Farmer’s Market July 20th at Waterford 9:30am to 1:30pm —- American Day in the Park Sunday July 21st 11am to 4pm at Gardner Fish and Gun Club —- Wildcat 5k Sunday July 21st beginning at 9am. — 11th Annual Greater Gardner Night Out Thursday August 8th from 5:30 to 8:30pm —

  MART Routes: Gardner Mayor Nicholson explained that proposed changes will reduce travel time “What MART is proposing is to take route one and two, which currently run in the same location, just one clockwise and one counterclockwise, and cut them in half so we have a north loop and a south loop on top of the loop three. What this will do is take the average loop time, so from a bus to get from Haywood Hospital back to Haywood Hospital right now, from an hour and 10 minutes down to 40 minutes.” He explains much more in the update. Here is the complete proposed Route information from MART, CLICK HERE.

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• Hotline 7-13-24

  

  WGAW’s Hotline Radio Set for Full Gallop on Saturday, July 13, 2024

  The first guest out of the gate every Saturday is usually Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. And, this Saturday is a special show featuring at least one interview specifically about the proposed Racetrack. For all the non-stop interview action, tune in Saturdays at 12:10pm to WGAW AM 1340, 98.1 FM, or grab the stream to anywhere in the world.

  Popcorn is optional but sometimes boosts the experience.

  WGAW’s host for the 2 hour Hotline Radio Show is Steve Wendell.

  More details as they become available.

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• Gardner Jobs 7-9-24

  

  Great Jobs Available in the City of Gardner

  Positions open include: Assistant Director of Veteran’s Services, Conservation and Planning Agent, DPW Mechanic, Financial Clerk, DPW Laborer, and DPW Truck Driver.

  Complete List of Current positions with links to full descriptions and how to apply, CLICK HERE.

  About 200 people work in municipal positions with hundreds more working for the School Department.

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• MART Hearing

  

  The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority, MART, is proposing to amend Gardner’s bus routes to shorten the full loop time from about 1 hour 10 minutes to approximately 35 to 40 minutes.

  Hearing Reminder: MART Proposing Shortening Route Travel Time by About Half

  Gardner Mayor Nicholson reminded residents, “MART Montachusett Regional Transit Authority will be having a public meeting at City Hall tomorrow to discuss updates to their bus routes and service to Gardner! (Zoom in option available for those who can’t make it in person)

  These updates are sure to make things easier for our residents and will cut down commute times in half. Come provide your input on the changes, MART’s services, and learn about ways to get around Gardner though our public bus system.”

  How Would This Be Accomplished?

  Current Routes 1 and 2 would be split in half and a NEW north loop and NEW south loop would be created.

  Public Input Needed First

  In order for such change to occur, a public meeting must first be held to obtain public input. That public meeting regarding proposed service changes will be held July 10, 2024 from 6pm to 7pm at the Gardner City Hall Council Chamber, 95 Pleasant Street, Gardner.

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• Poll 7-9-24

  

  Poll Regarding Racetrack Reveals Wide Differences of Opinion

  A poll on Gardner Facebook Group “Gardner MA: Uncensored” received responses from 68 members, or 1 percent of membership in about a day. As most Facebook Groups are visited by about 3 percent of members in a day, it is reasonable to state about 1/3 of those who saw the poll actually had interest in it. Therefore, the results must be used with caution. Poll results: YES, I support the proposal 30%, NO I oppose the proposal 43%, and “I have not made a decision as I want more facts” 27%.

  What is clear is the future of the Racetrack at 827 Green Street in Gardner is far from decided. A public hearing is likely to attract more opposition than proponents as is the norm. It appears getting more factual information out to the public about all factors involved in the project would be a sensible choice. Given differences in public opinion, the Gardner City Council’s decision on July 1st to have a public hearing and gather more information for all concerned appears to be a very helpful development and displays fairness to all.

  UPDATE July 10, 2024: On Gardner, Ma – #1 What’s going on Page! – 194 votes were cast in the same poll with the following results: YES: 20%, NO: 72%, UNDECIDED: 8%

  Update July 13, 2024 12:06AM – On Gardner, Ma – #1 What’s going on Page! – 270 votes have been cast in the same poll with the following results: YES: 22%, NO: 67%, UNDECIDED: 11%

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• Food 7-13-24

  

  The cliche is “Bigger and Better Than Ever” – but that’s the best way to describe the expansion of this year’s event with an expanded variety of food trucks, a large amount of vendors, and the 3 massive Carnival Game trailers.

  Details on Gardner Food Truck Festival Saturday July 13th

  Gardner Magazine spoke with Mark Gallant, the Founder of WooTrucks which is coordinating this year’s event located right in front of Gardner City Hall.. For all the details, listen to the interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Admission is FREE and includes much more than food:

  Food Truck Festival at a Glance
  Saturday, July 13, 2024 from noon to 7pm
  Many more vendors than ever before “You can shop til you drop.”
  New this year: 3 massive Carnival Game trailers, “It’ll be a lot of fun with that.”
  New this year: Mac Daddy, entire truck dedicated to macaroni and cheese with different toppings
  Musical Entertainment including live bands
  All 22 TRUCKS ALSO HAVE TAKEOUT CONTAINERS

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• Hotline 7-6-24

  

  WGAW Hotline Radio Delayed for a Day by Power Outage

  A power outage disrupted equipment at the WGAW Studios so Hotline Radio did not make its usual airing on Saturday, July 6th. However the show is available on the WGAW website, CLICK HERE. (Past shows also available) You can also play it seamlessly here on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Hotline Radio Show of July 6, 2024: Interviews with Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas, Mayor Michael Nicholson, GAAMHA President/CEO Shawn Hayden, Highlights of Bay State Racing June 27th Presentation, and highlights of July 1st City Council meeting.

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• Councilor Comics

  

  Gardner City Councilor Comic Characters Released

  All of your 11 favorite Gardner City Councilors and the Mayor are honored with Comic Book versions. Here’s the complete page, CLICK HERE.

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• Outage 7-5-24

  

  Power Outage Affects 500 Customers in Gardner, Winchendon

  Hundreds of customers are affected by a power outage late on July 5, 2024. According to National Grid, crews are already assigned to the issue and power is expected to be restored after 1am on July 6th.

  Social Media posts reference a downed tree as the cause of the outage, but Gardner Magazine has not confirmed this information.

  Update: Power Restored. However, power outage affected radio station WGAW which was off the air this morning July 6th – broadcast programming on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and streaming will be restored as soon as possible.

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• Update 7-5-24

  

  Gardner Magazine Updates the Chair City

  The Gardner Magazine AUDIO news magazine covers what happened in the City of Gardner this week and and info on some future events. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

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• Biden Interview

  

  President Joe Biden interviewed by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos

  Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  We have also published the AUDIO of the first Biden-Trump Debate, CLICK HERE.

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• 7% Tax

  

  Which Cities and Towns Have Opted for Local .75% Option

  In the City of Gardner as of July 1, 2024, here is the accurate information regarding how your cost of a meal and/or takeout has been impacted by the adoption of the .75% option. A $40.00 tab used to cost $42.50 total with the 6.25% MA tax. Now with the added .75%, the total is $42.80, a difference of 30 cents. However, during the course of a year, even a seemingly tiny amount can help the City of Gardner’s budget. For example, if 10,000 residents had a $40 tab each week for a year, the total amount spent before taxes would be $20,800,000. State of MA would collect 6.25% meals sales tax of $1,300,000 and City of Gardner would receive .75% meals tax of $156,000.

  Other communities which had already adopted the option to tax meals at 7% instead of 6.25% are:Athol, Orange, Phillipston, Rutland, Templeton, and Winchendon

  The nearby cities of Fitchburg and Leominster have not adopted the .75% option on meals. Boston has had the added amount in place since 2009, Framingham since 2010, Springfield since 2009, and Worcester since 2009. A total of 257 out of 352 cities and towns have the added tax in place. Current List, CLICK HERE.

  Change in Meals Tax Reporting July 1, 2024

  Under the new title of “Meals, Food & Beverage”, multiple locations may be combined on one return. Details from State of MA, CLICK HERE.

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• Nation 248

  

  With July 4, 2024, Nation 2 years away from 250th Birthday

  July 4th, Independence Day is celebrated as the day the United States of America was born. In just 2 years, July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the big 250.

  Happy July 4th to each and every one of you.

  Read the Declaration of Independence on pdf, CLICK HERE.

  Listen to a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Share the Fireworks – Best American Fireworks Shows

  Gardner Magazine produced this 18 minute Fireworks program from licensed footage of the best American Fireworks Shows. Best to watch on an HD Television or full-screen.

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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

  Rietta Flea Market is now open Sundays beginning at 7AM. Last day of 2022 season is October 30^th Rietta is opening Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 and plans to serve you as a Flea Market for the next year and the next one and the next one….. Thank you for your patronage now and in the many years to come.. Website

  

More News Around Gardner MA

• Community Spotlight

  

  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

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  In the Community

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.

• Expanded News

  

  Gardner Magazine news pages are generally updated twice per day and contain about 10 news stories per page. Let us know how we are doing. Contact Us.

  Announcing Expanded NEWS Coverage

  Added News pages include: About the U.S.: Breaking, FDA, Top Showbiz Stories, Top U.S. Stories, U.S. Economy News, U.S. News Alternate Sources: CNN, Fox, BBC. Countries of Interest: Australia, Canada, China, European Union, Mexico. Health: Health, Cancer, CDC, Climate, Covid. Neighboring States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York. Politicians and Politics: Bernie Sanders, Capitol Hill, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, U.S. Politics. Topics: Aliens, Money, Science, Travel, UFOs.

  All News pages are listed under the tab LOCAL-STATE-U.S.-WORLD NEWS

News around Boston MA