Gardner MA News November 2022

• GES Site (11/30/2022)

  

  Watch the meeting on YouTube, or listen here on any device. CLICK Play.

  Site Improvements Continue at Gardner MA Elementary School

  Two months after the new Gardner Elementary School opened to students, site improvements continue. At a meeting held in the middle of November 2022, the GES Building Committee went over various invoices and discussed progress.

  Ribbon Cutting – Public Tour in Spring

  Mayor Nicholson appeared at the meeting via voice and stated that a Ribbon Cutting would most likely take place in the spring. As he has had a boatload of people requesting a building walkthrough, he is recommending that a Public Tour take place at the same time, to tie both together in one after-hours event.

• ZBA 11-29-22 (11/30/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Zoning Board of Appeals

  In the matter of Harvard Classic Homes, Park Street – regarding an application for variance: The item was continued to the December meeting due to a communication breakdown as to whether the property was staked. A site visit is now scheduled for December 10^th at 9am. Listen on any device. Click Play.

• Festival of Trees (11/30/2022)

  

  Incredible Festival of Trees underway at Gardner Museum in Gardner MA

  The 17th Annual Festival of Trees concludes Saturday December 3, 2022. Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 1-4pm, Friday 1pm-7pm, and Saturday 10am to 4pm. Drawing for trees is after closing on Saturday. Complete Photo Gallery, CLICK HERE.

  Admission is only $3. But you get in FREE if you buy $5 worth of raffle tickets (sheet of 26) As the Gardner Museum says, “Don’t Miss the Magic.” 100+ trees and other items to view and possibly win! Children are FREE if accompanied by an adult and members are FREE.

  The Gardner Museum is located on Pearl Street in Gardner MA. For more information about the Gardner Museum, visit their website, CLICK HERE.

• FinCom 11-30-22 (11/30/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Finance Committee Meets November 30, 2022

  Listen to the Meeting on any device. CLICK Play.

  The Finance Committee recommended the following from free cash be approved by the Full City Council.

  

  Traffic Lights

  $57,485.00 to Traffic Lights Repairs and maintenance – The Committee heard from Building Commissioner Roland Jean and Inspector of Wires Darroll Sweeney. Also discussed was that the demolition of the Rome building across from the Gardner PD Headquarters may make a left turn from Willow Street safe.

  

  Mayor Nicholson told the Committee that when the Bathhouse is demolished and open-air Pavilion built, citizens will be left with a better view of Crystal Lake.

  Pool Pavilion Project

  $156,180.000 to the Pool Pavilion Project to fund the portion not covered by grants. The Committee heard from Mayor Michael Nicholson. The remainder of the cost of the Pavilion is covered by grant funding. The demolition of the existing structure, also covered by grant funding, is expected in the Spring/Summer 2023 time frame.

  

  

  

  Cloud Services for the City Assessor

  $6.000 to the City Assessor Department for cloud services. The committee heard from City Assessor Christine Kumar.

• Light Show – Toy Drive (11/29/2022)

  

  Holiday Light Show and Toy Drive in Gardner MA this Saturday December 3, 2022

  The Gardner Police and Fire Departments along with the Schotanus Family have invited the Public to a Holiday Show and Toy Drive at 250 Brookside Drive, Gardner this Saturday December 3, 2022 from 5pm to 8pm. Viewers are asked to bring a new unwrapped gift to donate to the Gardner CAC. Gardner PD and Fire personnel will be there to help collect toys.

  For more information, visit the Gardner PD Facebook page. CLICK HERE.

• Templeton Tree Lighting (11/29/2022)

  

  Templeton MA Tree Lighting on Sunday December 4, 2022

  The Town of Templeton is holding several events called “Tree Lighting of the Villages,” starting at 3:30pm on Sunday, December 4th with a performance in the Center of Templeton by the New Players Theatre Guild Singers. Parade featuring Santa, Elsa, and the Community starts at 4:10pm. Tree Lighting is at 4:30pm. Then at 5pm at the Scout Hall in East Templeton is a Sing Along. In Otter River at 5:30pm will be the Color Guard of the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. At 6pm, the Narragansett High School Band performs on the Baldwinville Common. And at 6:30pm, The Templeton Senior Center will feature a Movie and Snacks.

  For more information, visit the Templeton MA Recreation Facebook page.

• Winchendon Tree Lighting (11/29/2022)

  

  Winchendon MA Tree Lighting and More Saturday December 3, 2022

  The Annual Tree Lighting event in Winchendon MA is Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 5pm to 7pm at the Gazebo located at 52 Murdock Ave. Enjoy Christmas Carols along with FREE hot cocoa. Baked goods are also for sale and Santa & Mrs. Clause are making a special appearance. Actual Lighting occurs at 5:30pm.

  Other Winchendon Events on December 3, 2022: The Holiday Craft Fair at the Old Murdock Senior Center is 9am to 2pm, the Festival of Trees takes place at the Beal’s Memorial Library, and the Old Centre Church has a table setting event.

• Christmas – City (11/28/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson Shares Festive Photos of November 28, 2022

  The Mayor posted, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Even though Gardner Square Two Inc. and the City are still working on a new date for the Memorial Lights Ceremony, the lights are on! New this year are the wreaths in South Gardner, the new photo background prop in Orpheum Park, and the evergreen at the point of Monument Park! “Its Christmas Time in the City”

  

  

  

  The lights are on as Gardner MA awaits the rescheduling of the Lights Ceremony which was postponed Sunday November 27th due to rain.

  

• 100^th Christmas (11/27/2022)

  

  

  

  The Downtown Gardner Shopping Experience

  There are literally hundreds of cool gift ideas to be had in Downtown Gardner. From unique foods you can give anyone in your family, a gift certificate to one or more of a dozen places to eat, an article of clothing for that special person, a truly unique piece of jewelry from 1 of 2 jewelry stores, an assortment of another 10 places to get unique gifts, art including some from local artisans, small or large electronics, items for yourself, the car, or the home, or even activities. Enjoy a Downtown Christmas, it’s Gardner’s 100th as a City!

  Gardner MA 100^th Christmas as a City

  The Holiday Shopping season has begun. Gardner Magazine has found that more than 100 of the coolest gifts are available from businesses in Downtown Gardner MA.

  Whether it’s merchandise, a service, a favorite restaurant meal, or even a Charity. Let us know what’s cool by emailing News@GardnerMagazine.com . And of course, there’s FREE PARKING every day in December for Downtown Gardner.

  We’ve found one really cool gift: Holiballs available at the Velvet Goose. According to the store, “Loving these Holiball ornaments…. and our customers love them too. Such a fun, creative, and cute way to decorate the inside or outside of your home or business.”

  Other Downtown Gardner Gift Ideas

  Food: Unique candy canes and chocolates from Priscilla’s Candy Shop, a delicious cake or pie from Hannaford Supermarket.

  Restaurant Gift Certificate: Choices include Blue Moon Diner, Paramount Cafe, the Hen House, Taco Rey Coliman, Garden Pizza, Parker House of Pizza, Gardner Ale House, Chair City Diner, Knight’s Nutrition or Kenny’s Chinese OR Food Trucks: Tu Antojo Boricua and Tata’s Fonda

  Fashions: new store Aleksa Fashions, Velvet Goose, Lakin’s Children’s Shop, Family Dollar, Anne’s Bridal & Tux, or John’s Sport Shop

  Jewelry and Watches: Tanguay Jewelers or Bruce’s Watch and Jewelry

  Gifts: Witches Wardrobe, Terrapin Traders, Parker Smoke Shop, Gardner Thrift Store, Chair City Pharmacy, Straightaway Records, Gardner Coins and Cards, Brazell’s Package Store, Beauregard Liquors and Happy Trails Natural Foods

  Art: Dotline Creations, Surroundings Gallery, or Studio 4 Potters Gallery Tattoo: Main Street Tattoo & Piercing Music: City Music

  Small Electronics: Walgreens or CVS, The Cellular Exchange

  Large Electronics/Appliances: Stasukelis Appliance/TV

  New Bike: O’Neill’s Bike Shop. Printing: White Dog Printing

  Auto Accessories: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, Fred’s Auto Body

  Personal Care: Nails 2000, Synergy Hair Salon, Prestige, The Buffering Zone, Turk’s Barber Shop, D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Upscale Barber Shop, Outback Laundry, Saged LLC Facials, Glow Room Tanning, The Color Bar, Hair Boutique of Beau Monde, New Image by Us, and Hometown Barbers

  For the Home: Shower Glass of Central Mass, Kitchens Plus

  Lottery Ticket: Cumberland Farms, Town Convenience, Shop Gas Station

  Activities: Bowlaway Candlepin Bowling, Gardner Veterans Skating Rink, Elks Club Bingo

  FREE GIFT: Bring a family member to get a library card at the Levi-Heywood Memorial Library. Email your Downtown Gardner Gift Ideas to News@GardnerMagazine.com – For fun, here’s the Downtown Christmas song. Play on Any device. Click Play.

• Postponement (11/26/2022)

  UPDATE: 11/26/22: Sunday 11/27 Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting is postponed – A new date will be announced early to mid week. From Mayor Michael Nicholson: “The event is postponed. We will have a new date announce either on Monday or Tuesday. We need to first check with everyone who is going to be performing and participating to check their availability, and once we know that a new date will be announced. However, no matter what tomorrow’s event will not be occurring tomorrow it is postponed. Thank you!”

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• Gardner “Hit” (11/26/2022)

  

  Gardner Elementary School Principal Earl Martin in Hit Music Video Promoting Values of the School

  The “At GES” Song Music Video reflects the positive values of the school. From the lyrics in the video: “At GES, we impress, we try until we find success, We Respect. We’re Kind. We’re Safe….We will reflect what our teachers expect when we listen to what our teachers say, or walk quietly as we move through the hallway, we show responsibility when we recognize our ability, to try our best to ace the test, and show how much we really have progressed, now I finally feel safe to say we’re learning about the rules of G.E.S., today.”

  Play the video at left right out of the page or listen to the AUDIO on any device. Click Play.

  “At G.E.S. ,we impress we try until we find success. We’re responsible, we respect ,we’re kind ,we’re safe at G.E.S., G.E.S. .We impress we try until we find success. We’re responsible, we respect,we’re kind,we’re safe at G.E.S.. “

• What’s Next Interview (11/26/2022)

  

  Entire Text of What’s Next Interview with Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson now available. CLICK HERE for page.

  Listen to entire interview or listen to separate questions, too.

• Mayor’s Update 11-25-22 (11/25/2022)

  

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson: “Gardner is a very special place and we’re very blessed to be here.”

  Watch the Mayor’s Updates on our Mayor’s Update page, all AUDIO and prior Update articles on our AUDIO page, or listen here on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  

  

  Listen to this week’s Mayor’s Update on any device. CLICK Play.

  Complete Article on City Council Meetings of November 21, 2022, CLICK HERE.

  With a Grateful Spirit, Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson Both Thanks and Updates the Chair City

  A Message of Gratitude

  No less than a dozen times in this week’s update, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson used the words Thank You. He thanked citizens for tuning in to the update, Lindsay Butler and Trevor Beauregard of Community Development, City Councillors for “your cooperation and partnership.”, department heads for their continued work, to GFA for sponsoring the horse-drawn carriage for the upcoming tree-lighting ceremony, Gardner Square Two for sponsoring additional Christmas decorations, to everyone who participated in the Memorial Lights campaign, to the members of the public for “all you do for the community….and staying involved,” to everyone who’s involved, and then a general “Thank You.” at the end.

  Reminders to the Chair City

  Salvation Army Kettle campaign underway. Most of funds collected go to Gardner CAC. – Volunteers still needed.

  Small Business Saturday is Saturday 11-26-22. However, it’s Small Business Month in Gardner with FREE Downtown parking entire month of December. (2 hr. parking limit still applies.)

  Congratulations to various Gardner Sports Teams. The Mayor mentioned the soccer teams, the Cross Country team, and that the Gardner Cheerleaders will be headed for the National Competition in Dallas in January. He said he was “very proud of all of our student athletes…”

  Sunday’s Christmas Parade – From City Hall setup at 4pm eventually to Monument Park for the tree lighting after 4:30pm.

  Festival of Trees – at Gardner Museum until December 3rd.

  City Council Approvals

  Community Development Block Grant 2 year plan approved. Funding to go to demolition of Greenwood Pool Building and construction of new Pavilion, demolition of Rome building at corner of Main and Willow Street, covering athletic fees for low to moderate income students, and to the Gardner Emergency Housing Mission.

  Tax Rate set at $16.16, down from $18.59. Next bills should go down. Public Hearing coming up 12-5-22 as to whether residential, business, and industrial properties will continue to be taxed at same rate. Mayor is in favor of a single tax rate to continue to encourage business.

  Supplemental Budget approved. Additional inspector to be added in Health Department, will help in keeping up with food inspections. Domestic Violence Advocate position reinstated at Gardner Police Department after a 15 year absence. “Positions to be posted shortly.”

• Gardner City Council (11/23/2022)

  

  HAPPY THANKSGIVING

  Gardner MA City Council has 11 Working Members

  Top: Dana Heath, Elizabeth Kazinskas, Craig Cormier, George Tyros, and Karen Hardern. Bottom: James Boone, Alek Dernalowicz, Judy Mack, Ron Cormier, James Walsh, and Craig Cormier. Click Image for larger view.

  The Gardner City Council is the legislative body of the Chair City of Gardner, Massachusetts. They are tasked with representing the people of the City. 2022 has been a busy year for the Council. Happy Thanksgiving to all of its members. To listen to any Gardner City Council meeting on any device, CLICK HERE.

• Tree Lighting (11/23/2022)

  UPDATE: 11/26/22: Sunday 11/27 Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting is postponed – A new date will be announced early to mid week. From Mayor Michael Nicholson: “The event is postponed. We will have a new date announce either on Monday or Tuesday. We need to first check with everyone who is going to be performing and participating to check their availability, and once we know that a new date will be announced. However, no matter what tomorrow’s event will not be occurring tomorrow it is postponed. Thank you!”

  

  

  Gardner MA Lights a Taste of What’s to Come

  The spirit of the upcoming Christmas season is already alive in the Chair City as these lights from November 22nd show. Thursday is Thanksgiving, Friday is Black Friday, Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and Sunday November 27, 2022 is the Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

  Schedule of Events Tree Lighting on Sunday November 27th

  From the City of Gardner “Meet the Mayor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, GHS Band, and GHS Cheerleaders at City Hall on Pleasant Street. Join the Parade at 4:30 PM and march through Downtown to Monument Park for the Tree Lighting Ceremony! At Monument Park on Central Street –

  Enjoy performances by Gardner High School Band,  Gardner High School Cheerleaders, and Gardner Middle School Chorus. – Horse drawn carriage rides – Holy Family Academy will be selling hot coffee and cocoa to raise funds. Food Trucks will be set up. Presentations will be made to Gardner CAC and Gardner Music Boosters. Hear a few words from Mayor Nicholson, Patti Bergstrom for Gardner Square Two, Inc., and Santa!

  After the event, there is a FREE Christmas Party at Chair City Church. The entrance to use is at 112 Central Street, Gardner. In the large auditorium there will be seating and tables with Christmas cookies, baked Christmas goods, hot apple cider, and hot chocolate. A special attraction will be Santa and his Elves. All is FREE to the public. We spoke with Pastor Dave Tralongo. Listen here on any device. Click Play.

• Gardner City “All” (11/22/2022)

  

  Editorial: Thanks to All

  In our What’s Next interview, Mayor Nicholson tells a story about how a simple changing of light bulbs restored some lighting ,”is there actually a lot simpler resolution to the problem than we thought it was?.” So I decided to follow his example and let a simple picture tell me everything. Where it not for Gardner Square Two arranging for these lights and decorations, I would not have realized that Gardner City Hall is actually “Gardner City All”. The angle of the picture I needed to take to show the lights revealed everything about people working together in this great community.

  In this week of Thanksgiving, we thank all, including Almighty God for revealing life’s most important mysteries to us – sometimes it’s just that simple. Werner Poegel, Publisher.

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• What’s Next Interview with Michael Nicholson (11/21/2022)

  

  We have a dedicated page for the What’s Next Interview which shows all of the questions. CLICK HERE.

  Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson commits to running again and explains What’s Next in a fast-paced interview.

  On November 21, 2022 Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel interviewed the Chair City Mayor about What’s Next… The Mayor answered more than 40 questions. If you want to know what great things to look forward to in Gardner, give it a listen on any device. You’ll learn What’s Next… Click Play.

  We have a page dedicated to the interview and plan to transcribe it in its entirety. For now, you’ll see most of the questions and some of the answers. We’re releasing the interview prior to Thanksgiving because there is so much to be thankful for in the progress made due to the Mayor and his entire City Team, the support of the City Council, the proactive efforts of the Gardner School Committee, the cooperation of the State and Federal Government, and the valuable partnerships fostered with business leaders, industry, and developers willing to invest in Gardner. Gardner has so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and the good news is, more Good News is coming. Don’t miss, What’s Next.

  Interview Specifics

  We asked the Mayor if he was committed to running again and continuing the transformative work and he said yes. We asked the Mayor about plans for the Schools, Athletics, Recreation, Buildings, Projects, Keeping Gardner Beautiful, Public Safety, Transparency and Finances, Employment, Technology, Health, Music and the Arts, the Public Schools Curriculum, Climate Change, City Charter, Faith, Bugs, Covid, Business, Industry, Technology, Infrastructure, the South Main Street Bridge, City Needs and Facilities, and the Mayor’s daily priorities. It was as a state official recently addressed the Mayor, “Very Impressive.”

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• City Council 11-21-22 (11/20/2022)

  

  

  

  

  Here is a copy of the current Gardner MA City Charter. CLICK HERE.

  Watch Gardner City Council Meetings on our City Council page. Listen to Council meetings on our City Council Meetings AUDIO and article page. Listen to this meeting when available on any device. Click Play.

  Gardner MA City Council – 2 Meetings on November 21, 2022

  Informal Meeting 6:00pm

  In August 2022, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson communicated to the City Council his desire for them to approve an “Act Relative to Establish a Special Act Charter Drafting Committee.” It was discussed at two meetings in September, removed from the calendar in October and was back on the calendar for this meeting.

  Other matters before the Council included some routine financial matters and a Communication from the Mayor Regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 Supplemental Budget Proposal.

  The Agenda listed here is for the informal meeting, contains the Mayor’s suggestions on Charter modifications, various Money orders, the Fire Department Union Contract, includes the Fiscal 2023 City Budget and expenditures through 10/20/22, and communications from City Auditor John Richard. Complete Informal Meeting Agenda, click here. Listen to the Informal Meeting on any device, CLICK Play.

  Regular Meeting Items 7:30pm

  Free Parking: Whether there will be Free Parking at Downtown Gardner Parking meters for month of December 2022 APPROVED

  Tax Rate: Whether to accept a single tax rate for residential, business, and industrial property as recommended by the Finance Committee. Request to set the tax rate at $16.16, reflecting various required certifications regarding property in the City. This would be welcome news to residents expecting a reduction to offset the larger than expected 1st and 2nd quarter bills. It would be the lowest tax rate in a decade. Various information regarding property taxes in Gardner is included in the 432 page packet. Decision: A Public Meeting will be scheduled.

  Various money orders and notifications

  Taxis and Ride Share: The Ordinance to amend the Code of the City of Gardner entitled, “Hackney and Other Carriages.” This would affect taxis and ride share vehicles, specifically excluding ride share vehicles from the same regulations applied to taxi and livery vehicles and contains provisions regarding taxi companies. One of the provisions concerns junky taxis – The Chief of Police will have the power to take an unsafe taxi out of service immediately. This was approved and sent to first printing.

  City Charter; Discussion and possibly a decision on whether to establish a Special Act Charter Drafting Committee. More time was requested so no action was taken.

  Fire Equipment; Various communications concerned the costs of needed replacement fire trucks and various options.

  Veterans Treatment Court: Communication regarding a proposal for a Veterans Treatment Court in Gardner to serve surrounding communities and nearby Counties. Motion passed.

  Money for pumps at the landfill was approved and authorization was given to proceed with the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Mini-Entitlement Block Grant.

• Gardner C.A.C. 2022 (11/20/2022)

  

  Learn more at Gardner CAC website. CLICK HERE.

  Gardner CAC Needs You

  For decades, the Gardner Community Action Committee – Gardner CAC has served countless less fortunate individuals in the area. The CAC is focused on serving the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals throughout the Greater Gardner community. In addition to the City of Gardner, their service area includes the towns of Ashburnham, Baldwinville, Hubbardston, Otter River, Templeton, and Westminster.  Donations make a huge difference. You can donate securely with any debit or credit card. Here’s the link, CLICK HERE.

  

  Help Those Who Would Otherwise Be Forgotten

  The origin of the Salvation Army kettles dates back to the late 1890s in San Francisco and by 1900, the idea spread from the West Coast to the Boston area. Today, public contributions in the Greater Gardner MA area at Price Chopper and Walmart to the Kettle Campaign supports local charities. If you wish to sign up as a volunteer CLICK HERE.

  Public Service Organizations in the Greater Gardner area help throughout the year. For our page with a complete list of organizations in the Greater Gardner area. CLICK HERE.

  Is your organization, charity, or church having an event or doing something you wish the public to know about? Just email News@GardnerMagazine.com and we would be glad to include you in an article.

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• Thanksgiving Week (11/19/2022)

  

  Thanksgiving Week in Greater Gardner MA

  To conduct town business this week, check hours with your Town Hall. The City of Gardner will be open normal hours Monday and Tuesday, closed at noon on Wednesday, and closed Thursday and Friday. Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 24th.

  

  Black Friday

  Traditionally, Black Friday is a huge Shopping Day with consumers purchasing a wide variety of goods in-person and online.

  With the number of businesses increasing in Gardner during the past year, there are more places to shop local on Black Friday.

  

  Small Business Saturday

  Small Business Saturday is Saturday, November 26, 2022. Area residents are encouraged to SHOP LOCAL. A higher percentage of dollars spent locally stays in the community.

  

  

  For more information on the Christmas Tree Lighting from Gardner Square Two, CLICK HERE

  Gardner MA Tree Lighting – Sunday

  The 2022 Christmas Tree Lighting Event kicks off Gardner’s 100th Christmas as a City. It will consist of a parade from Gardner City Hall down Main Street and up Central Street to the Monument Park bandstand. The parade will consist of the Gardner Wildcat Marching Band, The Gardner Middle School Bobcat Chorus, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and Santa will be brought in on a team of Clydesdale horses. Eventually the tree will be lit and this year glow sticks will be handed out to the public as part of the celebration.

• Mayor’s Update 11-18-22 (11/18/2022)

  

  Watch the update on our Mayor’s Update page or listen here on any device. Click Play.

  

  You can listen to any Mayor’s Update from the past year on this page. It also has links to each article.

  For details on the other grants mentioned in this week’s update, please visit this article or the original Mayor’s Update during which they were announced.

  Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson speaks with Heart from the Vault

  Listen here on any device. Click Play.

  Mayor Nicholson spoke from the vault of the former BOA building on Parker Street which was purchased recently and might become a Steakhouse next year.

  Congratulates Gardner’s Sports Teams

  The Mayor stated, “I want to start off by giving a very special shout out to our sports teams at Gardner High School.” The Mayor spoke of the Soccer, Cross Country, and Cheerleading teams stating, “It’s really been a great year for Gardner High School Athletics.”

  Upcoming Thanksgiving

  Gardner City Hall is closing early Wednesday at noon, is closed on Thanksgiving, and closed on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The Mayor stated, “We are working to try to get as much a city hall online as possible so that you don’t have to wait for when we are open.” The Mayor reminded everyone about the Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting coming up on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Parade to go from City Hall to Monument Park. Santa will be lead in with a team of horses. “It’s gonna be a great time for all.” The Mayor also spoke about the upcoming Mayor’s Christmas video.

  Funding to Convert Waterford to Community Center

  City receiving $400,000 from Economic Development Bill to renovate Waterford and “fully implement our Community Center initiative that we announced earlier.” Here’s info from the State of MA on the bill.

• Safety 11-17-22 (11/18/2022)

  

  Ubers, Taxis, and Traffic Safety Discussed at Gardner MA Public Safety Meeting

  Councilors Karen Hardern, James Boone, and Craig Cormier plus Chief Eric McAvene had a discussion. Listen here on any device. CLICK Play.

• Formally Announced (11/17/2022)

  

  Event has interesting remarks from a number of people. Listen here on any device. Click Play.

  Community One Stop for Growth Grants Celebrated in Downtown Gardner on 11-17-22

  Various officials gathered to celebrate the 5 Community One Stop for Growth Grants received by Gardner and the Wachusett Business Incubator. Watch the Video, or listen here on any device.

  The Grants were announced in the Mayor’s Update of October 28, 2022. See complete details and hear Mayor Nicholson in our original article.

• Corner Office (11/17/2022)

  

  What Really Goes on in the Gardner MA Mayor’s Office?

  

  Printable PDF of all Slides

  We have it bugged with a comic strip camera which records some elements of reality. It’s a salute to the hustle and bustle and a Happy Thanksgiving wish to the Corner Office. Here’s our list of 50 specific thank yous.

  CLICK on any IMAGE for larger view.

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Chair City Radio (11/17/2022)

  

  Gardner Magazine’s Chair City Radio Running 24/7 with “Go Forward” through Thanksgiving

  All of the content can be found on this page, but through Thanksgiving, you can hear 14 important tracks running back-to-back 24 hours a day streaming live on any device. CLICK HERE

  Programming: Separate Accelerated Development Interviews with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, School Superintendent Mark Pellegrino, and Community Development Director Trevor Beauregard – Go Forward with Gardner Interviews with Councilors Dana Heath, Nate Boudreau, and Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas AND Community Leaders Carolyn Kamuda, Joshua Cormier, Mike Ellis, and Dianne Leblanc plus additional interviews with Mayor Nicholson including Projects, Citizen Concerns, and Go Forward. Plus, the Downtown Gardner Win Win Song.

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• Three Meetings (11/16/2022)

  

  Three Meetings Held in Gardner MA

  The Zoning Board of Appeals met on November 15, 2022. Listen here on any device. Click Play.

  On the agenda: Deck and porch construction on Yale Street, an inpatient care center at 205-213 School Street, conversion of an office building into apartments on Walnut Street, and operation of a wireless communication facility on West Broadway.

  

  The Conservation Commission met on November 14, 2022. Listen here on any device. Click Play.

  On the agenda: Installation of a gravel parking and recreation area by the City of Gardner, The Tighe and Bond findings regarding the proposed Sludge Landfill expansion, and the construction of a contractor’s building.

  

  The Council on Aging met on November 7, 2022. Listen here on any device. Click Play.

  On the agenda: The Treasurer’s Report, Bylaw Updates, Listening Sessions, the Director’s Report and Open Discussion.

• 5 and Below (11/16/2022)

  

  Inflation-Busting Event Sunday 11-20-22 at Gardner MA American Legion

  Gardner Magazine interviewed Kimberly Blake, the organizer behind the Big $5 and Below Bazaar taking place this Sunday November 20, 2022 from 10am to 3pm at the Gardner American Legion, 22 Elm Street, Gardner. Our curiosity was peaked because there’s FREE Admission, dozens of vendors with stuff under 5 bucks, food reportedly also under 5 bucks, a FREE treasure hunt of sorts, and 1 dollar holiday photos. Listen to the 6 minute interview on any device. CLICK Play.

• Music at GMS (11/15/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Middle School Readying for Beauty and the Beast Auditions

  Winter isn’t even here yet, but the Gardner Middle School music department is wasting no time planning for its spring musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. Showtimes are scheduled to be Friday March 30^th at 7pm and Saturday April 1^st at 2pm and 7pm.

  Auditions will be in January. Students will receive a full schedule of practices and information. GMS Music posted, “So exciting.” For more information on GMS Music, visit their Facebook page.

• Public Schools (11/15/2022)

  

  Editorial: Gardner MA Should be Very Proud of Its Public Schools and its Teachers

  From Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel: Residents of Gardner should be extremely proud of Gardner Public Schools. Included in our article of the November 14, 2022 School Committee Meeting is the complete packet featuring reports from each school. There was clearly good news to tell. Unknown to many was the progress made in the District on so many levels over the past few years. And even with the challenges of the pandemic, Gardner has made progress in its MCAS Scores. Now you know. Gardner has a School System which is the envy of others.

  At the end of October, we interviewed Superintendent Pellegrino. See complete article right here. We spoke at length and with specifics on how Gardner has managed to draw the attention of other Districts in the United States and abroad for its record of accelerated improvements to Education in Gardner. So when people ask you where your kids go to school you can proudly say, my kids go to Gardner Public Schools, and they are very lucky to be sure. CONGRATULATIONS to all who have made this extraordinary achievement possible.

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• School Committee 11-14-22 (11/13/2022)

  

  Watch the School Committee meetings on our School Committee page, or listen here on any device.

  Past Meetings AUDIO and articles, CLICK HERE.

  

  

  Guess who’s in the GardnerVerse? Visit the fun in the GardnerVerse, click here. Hint: All School Committee members are pictured too.

  The Gardner MA School Committee met on various items Monday November 14, 2022

  The School Committee took up a number of items including Various School Policies and had a number of presentations including GHS Youth Community Survey Data, School Improvement, District MCAS, College and Career Readiness, Curriculum, ELL, Grants Administrator, Special Education, SEPAC, and MSBA New Building Project Update. Complete Agenda, CLICK HERE.

  Complete School Committee Packet for 11-14-22 Meeting -103 pages

  Complete MCAS results for Gardner MA School District. Gardner made gains while other districts in the state went in the other direction.

  

  The School Committee will take up the matter of whether to approve a change in the contractual Substantial Completion Date of the new Gardner Elementary School to 9/12/22 from 7/15/22.

  Final Comments of the School Committee on November 14, 2022

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Shannon Ward-Leighton complimented the various efforts in the School District. There’s a reason why we’re getting noticed by the State. It’s because we have a great mindset as a community. We have great leaders, and we have great parents, and families. …We can do nothing but succeed…Just very inspired with everything I saw tonight.”

  Anne Hurst “I am extremely proud of this School District, and our city, and the community. And I’m just proud to be a part of it.

  Jennifer Pelavin, “There’s always activity happening at all the schools. There’s a lot of involvement. ….Everything is just really growing right now. The Athletics in every area is doing so well right now and it’s great to see.”

  Robert Schwartz “ I was at MASC conference….best conference in the 20 years I’ve been going.”

  John LaFreniere “I just wanted to thank the presenters. A lot of work goes into that…job well done.”

  Mayor Michael Nicholson: “want to congratulate our Sports Teams”. —- Tennis court refurbished project is complete. —- Rockwell Committee is opening applications by the end of this week. —-Gardner High School Band and Gardner Middle School Chorus will both be performing at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Sunday November 27, 2022. —– Saturday, September 19, 2023 will be the City of Gardner Centennial Parade. Umass Amherst and Umass Lowell will be sending their marching bands. —- State of the City address will be at a joint conference of the City Council and School Committee on January 10, 2023.

  Rachel Cormier was absent from the meeting.

  

  Earlier Meeting of GES Finance Committee

  At a meeting of the GES Finance Committee on 11-2-22, it was suggested by Dr. Steven Hemman to bring up the matter of whether to approve a change in the contractual Substantial Completion Date of the new Gardner Elementary School before the full School Committee. Change would prevent City of Gardner from getting liquidated damages and prevent the contractor for asking for additional funds for the added time required for completion. Was recommended to Full Committee. Listen to the full GES Finance Meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  
  

• AI Art (11/13/2022)

  

  

  Was Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson in a Genuine Van Gogh?

  As famous painter Van Gogh passed away more than 100 years ago, the real Van Gogh is Starry Night. The new Van Gogh is a deep fake created by Artificial Intelligence. See our Van Gogh page, right here.

  On the Van Gogh page, you’ll see three we created, At the Fields, At the Office, and the Big Chair. And of course, you’ll see the famous Starry Night by the real Van Gogh. CLICK HERE.

  AI has been used to create Deep Fake videos which have created problems. AI is used as voiceovers as some of the voices in TV ads and radio commercials. A question on one of the vendor’s sites asked, “Are the voices real.” The response, “Define real.” No matter whether you like it or not, Artificial Intelligence is already part of our present, never mind our future.

• Winter Ready (11/13/2022)

  

  NOAA issued a Precipitation Outlook for the entire country. According to NOAA, it doesn’t look like anything extreme is in the future for Greater Gardner MA. But as Accuweather meterologists pointed out, this winter will be “most complicated and dynamic.” Time will tell.

  

  What will winter in Greater Gardner MA look like this year?

  It’s not expected to be a big storm, but this week could see the first snowflakes of the 2022 to 2023 winter season, or it could just be a rain event. Just what will this winter look like? According to AccuWeather, “it will shape up much differently that last winter in part due to a volcano that erupted on the other side of the globe.” And this is the third year in a row that La Nina will affect weather patterns with meteorologist Paul Pastelok stating, “The weather setup will be one of the most complicated and dynamic in recent memory due to all of the weather factors in play over the upcoming months.” Accuweather is predicting the amount of snowfall could be above normal, going so far as to predict nor’easters in January and March. For details on the Accuweather winter predictions for the entire country, CLICK HERE.

  City of Gardner is Ready

  The City of Gardner is ready for snow with 5 rounds of salt in stock, according to Mayor Michael Nicholson. The City even got a new vendor this year in an effort not to run out of salt which was a potential problem last winter. While the City of Gardner is short on personnel in the DPW Department, it plans to utilize third party contractors to bolster plowing efforts.

  Weather Anytime 24/7

  For weather anytime, visit the Gardner Magazine Greater Gardner Weather Center, CLICK HERE.

• School Street Art (11/13/2022)

  

  Gardner MA School Street Artists to Hold Open Studios on Small Business Saturday

  The artists are inviting the public to an OPEN STUDIOS event on Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 10am to 5pm at 205 & 213 School Street, Gardner MA. Directions. Some of the artists include Norm Eggert Photography, Freeze Frame Photography Studio, Doreen LaScola, Mark Lore Fine Art, LN Equineart with Ellen Lydon Oliveira, Lori MacDonald Fine Art, Scott Niemi, Louise Parmenter Hammerman, Jan Puccelli, Christine Regan Davi, Ellen Schneeflock, and Wanderful Creations with Nicol Wander.

  Visit The School Street Artists Facebook page, CLICK HERE.

• Veterans Honored (11/11/2022)

  

  

  Ceremony in Gardner MA Honors All Area Veterans

  On Veterans Day, November 11, 2022, Veterans were honored in a ceremony in Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall. The exercises included a number of speakers including local Government leaders and Veterans. 99 year old World War II veteran Ernie Richard was present. Mayor Nicholson sang “God Bless America”.

  In the video there are extended periods of silence while preparations are made and some of the sound is hard to hear. We have corrected that in the AUDIO version. We think you’ll find it is an enjoyable, inspiring, and reverent program. Listen on any device. CLICK Play.

  Thank you to all of our Veterans!

  

  

• M.A.R.T. FREE (11/11/2022)

  

  

  All MART Bus Rides are Fare-FREE in Greater Gardner MA this Holiday Season

  The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority has announced , “For this upcoming holiday season, all MART bus rides will be FARE-FREE! Running from November 21st to December 31st, 2022. Please visit our website www.mrta.us for any information regarding scheduling, bus routes, and all additional services that may fit your needs.”

  And it’s not the only thing which is FREE. In September MART announced that there’s free Wi-Fi on board all fixed-route buses. In 2022, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson and Councilor Alek Dernalowicz lobbied to increase MART services to the Chair City. One new bus shelter was erected in front of the old Prospect Street School and is among several to be added. Nicholson was elected this year to the Chair of MART’s Advisory Board. View Article from July 2022 on additional stops.

  This latest announcement is expected to help Greater Gardner residents whose budgets have all been affected by rising costs due to inflation.

• Mayor’s Update 11-11-22 (11/11/2022)

  

  Watch the Mayor’s Update on our Mayor’s Update page or listen here on any device. CLICK Play.

  

  Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson thanks voters – “A government of the people and for the people”

  The Mayor thanked Election workers and voters who showed up in substantial numbers to cast ballots in the November 8th election.

  Nicholson has reached out to the new and returning state constitutional officers to offer congratulations and to continue partnerships and start new ones. “We’ll continue to do everything we can to advocate for the people of our City.”

  Mayor Nicholson congratulated Boucher Funeral Home on its 75th anniversary, stating that they were the first recipient of the facade improvement program and “We do still have money left over in our facade program and in our sign replacement and installation program” City contact is Jessica DeRoy, City Economic Development Coordinator. Website Link

  To celebrate Gardner’s 100th Christmas as a City, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Sunday November 27, 2022 and feature Santa Claus on a horse-drawn sleigh with a team of horses for the Holiday stroll ending at Monument Park this year.

  Gardner Mayor Nicholson spoke of veterans, “ We’ll never really be able to repay the debt that our veterans have paid for this country…. we owe them a a very deep and special thank you…”

• Veterans 2022 (11/10/2022)

  

  We interviewed Lynette Grabila, Veterans Agent and Director of Veterans Services for the City of Gardner. Listen on any device, Click Play.

  Greater Gardner MA Original Veterans Day Poem

  Freedom has a shelf life others wish to shorten, Sometimes its fragility is wantonly forgotten. Trappings of daily life so actively pursued, While warriors keep nation’s liberty renewed.

  Remembering one hundred and four years ago Hostilities did cease with a World War One foe. Eleven hours, eleventh day, eleventh month. Armistice replaced the ugly war’s labyrinth.

  A day observed each year honors our veterans Who proudly served to protect all Americans. From the perilous threats of a dangerous world, While carrying the Star Spangled Banner unfurled.

  Support all our men and women in uniform, Who stand in guard of world peace from a perfect storm. Many wounds of war often run more than skin deep. Affecting the families, friends and even their sleep.

  Thank you for your service because it is so true, We owe a big debt which we can’t repay to you. For the lives we have because of freedoms you save. Thank you our veterans who are certainly brave.

  By Werner Poegel November 5, 2022

• Planning 11-9-22 (11/10/2022)

  

  

  Gardner MA Planning Board Took up and APPROVES Two Projects on November 9, 2022

  Discussion at the meeting centered around the Park Street Park which would also contain about 48 parking spaces. Tighe and Bond made a presentation, noting that the site is restricted to be at grade or above.

  After a recess, the Park Street Park plan was approved. In other action, the West Broadway Condo Project was recommended to be approved by the City Council . Watch on YouTube or listen here on any device. Click Play.

• GardnerVerse (11/10/2022)

  

  Just for Fun – Enter the GardnerVerse of the Chair City of Gardner MA

  Visit the GardnerVerse page and see some more of your local favorites including the Gardner City Council. CLICK HERE.

  

• Election Results (11/8/2022)

  

  Nationwide as of 6:10am on 11-8-22, control of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate has not yet been decided.

  For links to the websites of various candidates, click here.

  Greater Gardner MA Election Results 2022

  Results for various races are in.

  Office
  State Senate	Gobi – Winner	Amorello
  State Representative	Zlotnik – Winner	Chester
  State Representative	Whipps – Winner	Raymond
  State Representative	Berthiaume -unopposed
  Governor	Healey – Winner	Diehl
  Attorney General	Campbell – Winner	McMahon
  Secretary of State	Galvin – Winner	Campbell
  2nd Congressional	McGovern – Winner	Sossa-Paquette
  3rd Congressional	Trahan – Winner	Tran

• City Council Meeting 11-7-22 (11/7/2022)

  

  

  For our original article published prior to the meeting, click here. – Watch the 2 City Council meetings of this date on our City Council page or listen here on any device. Click Play.

  Joint Meeting with Planning Board

  Regular Meeting

  Readers Please note: This article contains a huge amount of referenced information. The links go to a pdf file on the subject matter which opens in a new window for convenience.

  

  

  Councilors Nathan Boudreau and Alek Dernalowicz were critical of Councilor James Boone using new business to bring up certain issues. Dernalowicz stated that he had pertinent information on the bridge item Boone had brought up during new business at the last meeting, but was unable to speak on it as his turn had already passed. Despite the objections of his fellow councilors, Councilor Boone used New Business time at this meeting of 11-7-22 to bring up matters which could have been put on the Council calendar.

  The Gardner City Council considered various matters at its two meetings on Monday November 7, 2022

  The joint meeting of the City Council and the Planning Board at 6:30pm related to proposed changes in zoning for a proposed condominium development on West Broadway. Various recommendations in the packet favored approval. Complete packet click here. In the Regular meeting, the Gardner City Council did not take action, allowing for more time on the issue.

  The Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30pm had an agenda packed full of items to be considered and the packet was almost 500 pages. Complete packet click here.

  Councilor James Boone Issue

  

  One of the items concerned a communication regarding the conduct of Councilor James Boone and the documents regarding the issue took up 89 pages, CLICK HERE. –

  Gardner Magazine had corresponded with Councilor Boone prior to the meeting, offering him various ways to respond and asking him if he was going to resign as former Councilor Scott Graves had suggested in an email to Boone on 10-24-22. Here is Councilor Boone’s response in its entirety. At the City Council meeting of November 7, 2022, Councilor Boone had a lengthy statement on this topic and other councilors spoke about it. Play on any device, Click Play.

  During the New Business time, Councilor Boone brought up additional items including complaining about electrical rates and complaining about the City’s electronic payment system.. He was criticized by Councilor Nathan Boudreau for doing, “what your fellow councilors just asked you not to do.” He suggested that Councilor Boone should place matters for consideration by the Council on the Council calendar.

  Financial Orders

  In financial orders, the Mayor proposed expenditures from free cash: $300,000 towards paving, $200,000 towards a ladder truck for the Fire Department which will eventually cost over $1.6million, $35,000 to a School Improvement project for the purpose of re-keying the doors at Gardner High School to allay potential safety concerns including special locks on classroom doors to assist in the event of an incident, $35,000 towards the City taking ownership of the former Gardner Visitors’ Center building, and other expected requests. The packet once again included the complete Fire Department Audit wherein the need for equipment is stipulated. Items were referred to various committees.

  Complete Meetings

  Joint Meeting of Planning Board and City Council

  Regular City Council Meeting

  At the Landfill

  The packet included communications regarding the Leachate Collection system at the landfill including 6 pumps, buried piping, power, and control wiring with a cost estimate in total of $145,000. Mayor is requesting an initial $72,500 from free cash to landfill repair and maintenance.

  Various Communications

  Communications included notification of the SK Pierce Mansion application to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, certification of property values, new growth, free cash, and fiscal year 2022 retained earnings, PD appointments and staffing, Animal Shelter staffing to include the addition of a full time Administrative Coordinator position, Recent Grant Awards from the Commonwealth, Block Grant Mini Entitlement Plan, Supplemental Budget, Comments on Electrical rates, comments on the South Main Street bridge including 89 pages of documentation regarding Councilor Boone. The Mayor included a letter regarding the total valuation of all taxable real and personal property in the City which is just under 2 billion dollars, New Growth Certification, and Free Cash Certification, and a request for the City Council to ratify the Community Development Block Grant Plan. Block Grant project details. Block Grant Plan, click here. The proposal is to build a 60×40 Wood pavilion with Shingle roofing after the existing Greenwood Pool building is demolished. Think your vehicle fuel bill is high? – See this communication from DPW Director Arnold, CLICK HERE.

  Taxis and Ride Sharing

  Ordinance proposal to amend the City of Gardner Code which governs taxis and ride-sharing services. CLICK HERE

  …

• Aleksa Fashion (11/6/2022)

  

  Aleksa Fashion Boutique Opens in Downtown Gardner MA

  Located right next to the Blue Moon Diner at 96 Main Street, the new store has opened to the public. From the business,”Aleksa Fashion Boutique offers pants for men and women brought directly from Colombia. We offer clothes for girls, adults, young men and women. We also offer footwear and jewelry only for women. We deliver your orders nationwide.”

• Mayor’s Update 11-4-22 (11/4/2022)

  

  Watch the Mayor’s Update on our Mayor’s Update page or listen here on any device. Click Play.

  Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson speaks of Appointments, Budgets, Grants, and Leaves in Weekly Update

  Mayor Nicholson spoke of acting appointments needed to fill lieutenant and sergeant positions in the Gardner PD now that lieutenants have recently become Chief McAvene and Deputy Chief Maroni, explaining that the City’s shift away from Civil Service still awaits MA legislative action.

  The Gardner Mayor touched on the upcoming Monday November 7th City Council meeting during which the supplemental budget will be taken up. (Entire packet posted in separate article, click here) He reflected on property valuations and certifications.

  The Mayor also spoke of an additional inspector for the Health Department to better handle the volume of food and housing inspections and a part-time domestic violence advocate for the Gardner Police Department.

  Mayor Nicholson explained that the Community Block Grant funding will be lumped together as a two year sum of $1.6 million for 3 projects and expects to use part of the money for the demolition of the Greenwood Indoor pool building and construction of a pavilion in its place.

  The Gardner Mayor asked citizens, “if you are removing leaves from your lawn, make sure you don’t move your leaves into the road, especially in a catch basin.” Apparently this has been a problem with the Mayor stating, “The last rainstorm we had a couple streets get a little flooded…. because people had blown their leaves out into the street rather than collecting them the proper way.”

• Opioid Settlement (11/4/2022)

  

  Listen on any device. CLICK Play.

  Regional Collaborative Announced for Opioid Settlement

  On November 3, 2022, Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson, Gardner City Council President Kazinskas, State Representatives Jon Zlotnik and Susannah Whipps, Winchendon Town Manager Justin Sultzbach, and others announced plans for a regional collaborative to utilize the funds received from the recent Opioid Manufacturer Lawsuit Settlement.

  The reason given to combine forces is to make the relatively small amounts to be distributed to each community go farther and yield better results for all. View the Press Conference on YouTube, view the printed Press Release, or listen to the Press Conference on any device by clicking Play above..

  .

• Public Service Committee 11-2-22 (11/3/2022)

  

  Listen to the meeting on any device. Click Play.

  Note: If you find the first 40 minutes of back and forth on water and sewer bills boring, you can use the slider above to forward to a later point in the meeting when other items of interest are discussed

  Public Service Committee Hears Water & Sewer Bill Appeals – Hears From DPW, Engineering, and Conservation

  The Committee heard the water and sewer bill appeals on a case by case basis. If there is no cause found for excess water usage, they will often abate a portion of the bill. If there is a cause found which is the fault of the property owner, the committee approves up to a year to pay the bill as long as the account remains current on other billing. In one case where a tenant let a toilet run, a credit was given for half the difference in the sewer portion between what was charged and average usage. Conclusion: If you get a huge bill, appeal it. You might get money off or more time to pay, entirely dependent on circumstances.

  DPW Director Dane Arnold went over the final paving plans for the season. He also stated that the Sewer Department needs roughly $850,000 to replace a Pump Station at the landfill. And the Board of Health has to replace some failing pumps. While the sewer department already has a design ready and could go out to bid, they will wait for the Board of Health plans so that a combined bid can be sought to save the City money. Health Director Lauren Saunders has previously stated that costs could be up to $200,000, but no further details are yet available from the BOH.

  ..

• Appointments 11-3-22 (11/3/2022)

  

  Listen here on any device. Click Play.

  Gardner MA Appointments Committee Meets with Joshua Cormier and Nicholas Maroni – Hears from PD Chief and the Mayor

  Appointments Committee recommended Joshua Cormier for another 3 year appointment and Deputy Chief Nicholas Maroni for his first full 3 year appointment..

  Acting Lieutenants and Acting Sergeants have been appointed. Gardner is awaiting MA Legislative approval of its removal from Civil Service along over 30 other municipalities.

• Single Rate (11/3/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Board of Assessors Recommends Single Tax Rate

  Assessor reported the 5 year reval has been completed. Assessor stated that DOR rep told her Gardner was the first to have 5 year reval done, ever. Website will soon be updated with new property record cards and the various forms. “make sure everything’s ship shape.”

  The assessor stated she thought the Board of Assessors should recommend a single tax rate to the City Council as “stick with a single tax rate, we really are trying to attract business in to the City.” “We’re still in a state of revitalization and trying to attract business.” Listen to the meeting on any device, Click Play

• Years of Song (11/3/2022)

  

  

  Gardner MA Magazine Releases a Song from Every Year Gardner has been a City.

  It was a task, but we did it. A top song from every year, 1923 to 2022, 100 years of the changing music scene.

  Some of the music was originally listened to on Victrolas, record players, stereos, cassette and 8 track players, cd players, mp3 players, phones, and of course the RADIO – AM for half the period until FM became more popular for music, and modern streaming.

  We present each song for review purposes in high quality mp3 format which you can listen to on any device. For all the songs, CLICK HERE.

  Gardner MA was incorporated as a town in 1785 and became a City in 1923. This year will be Gardner’s 100th Christmas as a City.

• Civility Lessons (11/2/2022)

  

  

  Man’s Best Friend Teaches Civility at the Gardner MA Dog Park

  In this time of heightened political rhetoric where sometimes common civility is thrown out the window, the dogs at the Dog Park have some lessons to share. Most come from varied backgrounds. Some have even suffered significant trauma prior to being adopted by their owners. But for the most part, these canine friends share the joy of play with each other. While their conversations are clearly different from ours, the communication is most often very civil.

  Who would have thought that man’s best friend often trained by a human could impart such valuable knowledge to us?

  The Gardner Dog Park is located at Pulaski Playground which can be accessed via Wright Street or Charbonneau Streets in Gardner. There is a section for large dogs and small dog section.

  

  

• GHS Soccer (11/1/2022)

  

  Gardner MA High School Soccer

  The team has become the Central Mass State Tournament Champions.

  For more, visit the Gardner High School Soccer Facebook page, CLICK HERE

• Textiles (11/1/2022)

  

  More information: City of Gardner Donation Locations — State of MA Guide — DEP Textile Facts — All MA Waste Bans

  Gardner MA Board of Health with Information on Waste Disposal Bans Now in Effect

  On November 1, 2022 it became illegal in Massachusetts to dispose of or transport textiles and mattresses, for the purpose of disposal. Definition of textiles in the law is bedding, clothing, curtains, fabric, footwear, towels, and even shoes. Contaminated items are exempt. In a social media post from a citizen concerned about what to do with a mattress, the Board of Health responded, “recycle them at the Transfer Station or at Raw Material Recovery Center on W Broadway…like Gardner has done for years ahead of the ban.” To get rid of textiles you can donate them. The City of Gardner has posted a list of locations, CLICK HERE The State of MA has a guide to the law, CLICK HERE.

  

  Expansion of Mass DEP Waste Disposal Bans

  To be completely clear for our readers: MassDEP has expanded its waste disposal bans by adding textiles and mattresses to the list of materials banned from disposal or transport for disposal in Massachusetts. See details in graphic at left. Click image for larger view.

• Trevor Beauregard (11/1/2022)

  

  

  City of Gardner MA Director of Community Development and Planning Speaks on Gardner’s past, present, and future.

  We were pleased to interview Director Trevor Beauregard on the Accelerated Development in Gardner on November 1, 2022 and how this success has come to be. Beauregard has a unique perspective as he has been with the Chair City for well over a decade and has followed certain projects from conception, planning, execution, and completion. The Director spoke about housing, public facilities, business, and industrial development. He explained how things are coordinated and how Gardner’s proactive and organized effort has led to the awarding of many recent grants to benefit the City.

  Beauregard laid out a vision for various Gardner MA priorities including the study of whether to build a new Industrial Park on Mathews Street due to the need for room for more manufacturers who want to come to Gardner. He spoke of challenges and functions of his Department. And he stressed that the support of the Mayor, City Council, and residents is essential for success. City of Gardner Community Development and Planning page, CLICK HERE.

  Listen to the interview on any device. Just click Play.

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