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News Around Greater Gardner MA
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Gardner November 7, 2023 Election: —- Candidates for Mayor – Michael Nicholson, Incumbent —- Kimberly Blake. —- Candidates for Councilor at Large (Voters will choose 6 from this list of 9) – Ron Cormier, Incumbent —- Jim Hunt —- Craig Cormier, Incumbent —- Calvin Brooks —- Brad Heglin —- Carolyn Kamuda —- Elizabeth Kazinskas, Incumbent —- Judy Mack, Incumbent —- George Tyros, Incumbent Ward One: David Thibault-Munoz —- James Wallgren —- Ward Two: Dana Heath Ward Three: Jeffrey M. Palmieri —- Paul Tassone, Incumbent Ward Four: Karen Hardern Ward Five: Aleksander Dernaldwicz School Committee: (Voters will choose 3 from this list of 6) —- Margaret Bissonnette —- Rachael Cormier, Incumbent —- Brandon Hughey —- John LaFrieniere, Incumbent — Stephen Sandoval —- Robert Swartz, Incumbent. Candidates who wish exposure to our 20,000+ unique circulation: Email News@GardnerMagazine.com.
Mayor’s Update Page – 2022 and 2023 Updates — Gardner City Council 2022 and 2023 Meetings —– Politics 2023 —- Editorials —- Environment —- Non-Profits —- Public Safety —- Fictional Fun —- DOZENS OF TOPICS IN DROP-DOWN MENU AND RIGHT COLUMN. —- Events: Centennial Page
- Public Service 5-6-24
Public Service Committee in Gardner Hears from Citizens and Department Heads
The Gardner Public Service Committee chaired by Councilor Paul Tassone hears water and sewer appeals by ratepayers in Gardner. It also hears reports from Conservation, DPW, and Engineering. Listen to the May 6, 2024 meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DPW Director Dane Arnold spoke once again of staffing shortages – department is down 14 out of 39 staff members. “We really hope something is done with salary of employees, we just can’t get help.” Staffing shortages will impact the ability to pave certain streets in 2024.
City Engineer Rob Ovila spoke of projects including the Uptown Rotary. Various streets will be impacted by detours.
The Sludge Landfill Project was discussed. As DPW Director Arnold stated, “Massachusetts does not have a plan.” Conservation Agent Doug Dillon gave an update.
- Transmission 5-8-24
Two years from now, it is expected the replacement of these structures will be well underway. They will not be taken down until new structures are put up to avoid any disruption in electric service.
Gardner MA Transmission Lines Await Replacement – Electrical Grid to be Upgraded
It’s hard to tell from the photos, but these structures are more than a century old. In fact, the electric grid across the United States is badly in need of upgrades because of age and the need for increased capacity to meet this century’s needs.
As we wrote in August 2023, “In 1909, the 69 kilovolt transmission lines were constructed and materials were brought in at the time by horse and buggy. Today, modern equipment will be used to bring this part of the grid up to date before there are problems due to the aging system.” Previous article, CLICK HERE.
Public Comment hearings were held in April 2024: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board hosted three hybrid public comment hearings for the A1/B2 Asset Condition Refurbishment Project. The hearings were held on different dates at the Athol Public Library, Mount Wachusett Community College, and Fitchburg State University.
Project progress: The A1/B2 ACR project team is continuing the permitting process and preparation for forestry work was done over the winter. Tree work began in March 2024 on the New Hampshire portion with Vermont and Massachusetts tree work and access road work to be done later. Massachusetts construction is expected to begin next Fall pending permit approvals. Actual line work is expected to begin in 2026. Bottom Line: This will take some time to complete. For updates about the project at any time, here’s the website, CLICK HERE.
This 61 mile project originates in Vernon, Vermont, travels through Hinsdale and Winchester, New Hampshire then continues through a number of towns within Northern Massachusetts including, Warwick, Royalston, Winchendon, Gardner, Westminster, Fitchburg, Leominster, and Sterling.
Coming off the mainline, this project also includes the Athol Tap and the Crystal Lake Tap. The Athol Tap runs from Royalston Substation to Chestnut Hill Ave Substation in Athol, Massachusetts. The Crystal Lake Tap runs from Gardner Switching Station to Crystal Lake Substation in Gardner, Massachusetts.
- Beautify Gardner
Beautification of Gardner is Underway – Difference is Easily Apparent
Top view is the fencing obscuring land which became the Park Street Park. Originally an electrical substation, the substation was abandoned in favor of another site, but the fence and barbed wire remained. Gardner Mayor Nicholson proposed the expenditure of $260k and got approval from the Gardner City Council to literally change the landscape.
Now, the beautiful view of Crystal Lake greets visitors and residents alike at Park Street Park. The beautification of Gardner is underway and the difference is easily apparent. Dozens of additional parking spaces are now available for events at Monument Park. And, Monument Park itself was upgraded with ADA compliant sidewalks and more.
- Maki Park 5-7-24
Construction Fencing Goes Up Around what will be Maki Park
From a grassy field of green at the location of the torn-down Maki Building to the promise of a new Maki Park in the near future, the next step was taken this week as temporary construction fencing surrounds the rectangular area.
The Concept Drawing shows a three-tier terraced park with each section fulfilling different recreational needs including plans for a Bandstand and cornhole play. Because the land is at more than a 15 degree angle, it could not be left flat due to ADA requirements.
More than one year ago, the Gardner City Council allocated almost $200,000 for the project. Another part of the plan is to put in electricity which would allow for electric vehicle charging in the nearby parking lot.
- Timpany 5-7-24
Progress at Gardner MA Timpany Plaza Continues
Grocery Store Aldi opened in Timpany Plaza in April 2024. The construction crew immediately moved over to its next project, the location leased by Five Below for its new Gardner MA location. Completion is projected to be within several months.
With the former Santander Bank building completely gone, the new Chiptotle Mexican Grill is well under way. Shown in the top photo is the start of the framing for the building. An interesting tidbit for those interested in Chipotle: They claim to use 53 ingredients you can actually pronounce. Visit their website, CLICK HERE.
Timpany Plaza still has room for other new tenants. It is home to some popular businesses including Gardner Cinemas which upgraded to luxury reclining seats over a year ago. Get your movie times right here, Website.
Previous article showing available locations in Timpany Plaza, CLICK HERE.
- School Update
School Committee OK doing Voice Vote on Budget
In our article about the last School Committee meeting, we questioned the vote as it was not a roll call vote as the Mayor did last year. However, Mayor Nicholson has kindly informed us that only a voice vote is actually required, “The General Laws of the Commonwealth only require roll call votes on specific votes- mainly on borrowing loans or on appropriations (the final vote to actually spend money on something). Since the vote of the School Committee is technically to send their final recommendation to the City Council for their vote on the appropriation, this could be done by a simple voice vote, but the City Council’s vote must be done via a roll call vote.” However, according to City Solicitor John Flick, a roll call vote can be requested at any time by 2/3 of the members of the committee.
- Council Results 5-6-24
Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE. – The discussions within this meeting are very informative. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Gardner MA City Council Makes Decisions in Informal and Regular Meeting
The Gardner MA City Council held an Informal meeting on: (1) Increasing room occupancy tax from 4 to 6 percent (2) adding Local .75% sales tax on meals and (3) resolving to review the Zoning Map. Listen to the combined AUDIO of both meetings on any device, CLICK PLAY.
It was noted that Leominster increased its room tax to 6% in 2017 and Fitchburg did so last month. Here’s how Gardner voted: At the regular City Council meeting, the room occupancy tax increase to 6% was approved unanimously. It is estimated this will bring in about $50k per year. The Sales Tax on meals at the rate of .75% was approved on a vote of 10 to 1. It is estimated this will bring in $500k per year. A resolution was adopted to review the Zoning Map. Mayor Nicholson earlier in the meeting had told the Council that grant funding was being sought as cost could be around $150,000 and given the time involved the State recommends an outside firm do the job.
In other matters, the Open Meeting Law finding was placed on file. Other items including the big budget items were referred to either subcommittees or the Council as a Committee of the whole.
Open Meeting Law Matter – Inaccurate Statements by Paul DeMeo
Listen to what was actually stated by Councilor Alek Dernalowicz at the City Council Meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY
Councilor Alek Dernalowicz actually stated, “I just wanted to quickly point out that the complaints, the items listed in the complaint were not found to be in violation. There was a finding that we failed to review the minutes in a reasonable interval, which is how it’s stated in the Mass General Laws. Even the Attorney General has difficulty, it seems, defining what a reasonable interval is in their ruling. At one point, they say it’s a certain set of months, and at another point, they say a different amount. I think, in reality, it could possibly turn on what the executive session was about, but that being said, we will follow the guidance from the Attorney General and do this as they prescribe going forward.” While Councilor Dernalowicz clearly states (words in bold) that the City Council will follow guidance of the Attorney General, Paul DeMeo in a post inaccurately states “he should have cautioned the city council to comply with the law.” – an inaccurate statement because that is exactly what he did do. Publisher’s Editorial Note: DeMeo also makes other disparaging remarks which we won’t dignify by repeating here. As Paul DeMeo had made the original complaint, we can understand why he reacted negatively, but that is no excuse for making inaccurate statements simply to disparage an effective, honest, and hard-working City Councilor. Once again, Pauly Potato is simply wrong and the AUDIO above proves it. Further comment regarding DeMeo: Gardner is not a dystopia. Gardner’s officials and employees are hard-working, honest people leading the Chair City on an effective trajectory of success. When a City like Gardner is held in high esteem by other municipalities often as the “Gold Standard” of how things should be done (including its transparency), it is very odd when negative comments often appear out of nowhere with no foundation in fact.
- City Council 5-6-24
Gardner Regular City Council Meeting for May 6, 2024
The regular City Council meeting on 5-6-24 will concern various aspects and complete details of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. Previous article with pdf of budget, CLICK HERE.
Other proposed items include an ordinance to change the fee for solid waste collection and an ordinance to increase the number of Zoning Board of Appeals members from 3 to 5. ZBA decisions now require a unanimous vote. With the change a majority vote would be the new threshold.
OPEN MEETING LAW. Once again, a ruling from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office regarding an Open Meeting Law complaint by Paul DeMeo resulted in a technical violation finding but no action. According to the Attorney General, the Gardner City Council is required to review Executive Session minutes at regular intervals to determine if secrecy is still needed, but they do not have to do so in a timely manner as was alleged by DeMeo – the “timely manner’ requirement is for the public portion of meetings only.
- Gardner Quarter
Informal City Council Agenda for May 6, 2024, CLICK HERE.
What Could a Quarter Mean in Gardner MA?
Gardner Mayor Nicholson is proposing the City adopt a .75% tax on lodging and meals. This would mean a $30.00 restaurant bill would increase by 23 cents to $31.23, a minimal increase of about a quarter. What does that mean in terms of revenue? In the United States, the average American spends $3639 eating out each year, roughly $300 each month. Therefore, The City of Gardner would collect about $2.30 per person per month. Multiply it out and you have a 5 figure sum in the course of a year. Add the amount Gardner would collect in lodging tax revenue and it really could add up to enough to restore a supplemental paving budget. Who says quarters here and there can’t add up to a bundle of money?
The Gardner City Council is having an informal meeting on these items on 5-6-24 as well as reviewing the Gardner Zoning map for accuracy.
- Beautiful 5-4-24
Keep Gardner Beautiful Cleans Up City
On Saturday May 4, 2024, Keep Gardner Beautiful Volunteers led by Diane “Neon” Leblanc cleaned up trash and collected nips in the Chair City. Citizens met at the Gardner Transfer station to begin the cleanup and again there at noon. Local participating officials included Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik, and City Councilor Calvin Brooks
According to Keep Gardner Beautiful, their were 70 bags of nips collected with 400 nips per bag. At 5 cents each for a total of 28,000 nips, a total of $1,400 was raised via a donation from Anthony’s Liquor Mart. The proceeds will benefit 2 year old Henry “Hank” Roy of Gardner who has a rare kidney disorder.
Diane Leblanc posted, “My profound gratitude for these incredible photos that captured the essence of the love and pride that these amazing volunteers spread throughout our community today – Neon”
Gardner Mayor Nicholson commented live from the transfer station on WGAW’s Saturday Hotline Radio program: “The Keep Gardner Beautiful Committee had a tremendous turnout at its new location over at the transfer station….almost a full dumpster of trash collected, several mattresses and other items of furniture that were left on the street.” The Mayor explained that a brand new storage container had been purchased to stay at the landfill. It will hold trash pickup devices and equipment.
- Airport 5-1-24
Gardner Airport Commission Holds Wingy Meeting
Various discussions were conducted in a sit-anywhere format with a huge amount of interesting information about significant airport progress. See Photo. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Some of the matters which came up at the meeting included: MassDOT offered to do a reconstruction of the main apron…”there’s no local share, no cost to the airport, no cost to the city.” Underruns from the runway project will be used to fund the AT&T survey. Fence repairs will be done by Rainmaker.
Various other aspects of ongoing airport work were discussed including requirements of the FAA with respect to the Gardner Airport Master Plan.
Recommendation was to maintain the runway length of 3,000 feet. It was stated that 3,400 feet is approximate for small aircraft. However, it was stated, “Just really achieving what you would need to achieve between actual pavement, runway safety areas, acquisition of easements, airspace easements, tree clearing, everything that would go along with that. There’s a lot of terrain issues already, you know, as far as instructions are concerned. So, it just, you know, it just doesn’t seem like feasible. It doesn’t seem feasible to recommend adding runway length.” Many other items related to the airport were discussed at the lengthy meeting.
- Gunshots 5-3-24
Gunshots on Sherman Street
In a Press Release from the Gardner Police Department on May 3, 2024, the Gardner PD referenced an incident on Sherman Street in Gardner which discovered bullet holes in a vehicle and a house. “Approximately 7 am this morning, the Gardner Police Department received 911 calls for what was believed to be gunshots in the area of 102 Sherman St. Officers were dispatched and located a total of 3 bullet holes in a nearby vehicle and siding of an adjacent house. There were no injuries involved in this incident and it is currently being investigated by the Gardner Police Department.” Press Release, CLICK HERE.
- Handle with Care
Handle with Care Conference in Gardner a Successful Cooperative Effort
May began with the 1st Annual Handle with Care Conference held at Gardner City Hall. Gardner PD stated, “Proud to say the 1st Annual Handle with Care Conference was a success! Our partnership with Heywood Hospital, the Montachusett Suicide Prevention Task Force, and our other collaborators helped promote this important school-community-based effort to support children exposed to trauma.” If you would like to learn more about the Handle with Care Initiative, click this link.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early’s office provided further information, “It was an honor to attend the North Central – North Quabbin 1st Annual Handle with Care Conference yesterday at Gardner City Hall, hosted by Gardner Police Department, Heywood Hospital and the Montachusett Suicide Prevention Task Force. This event featured Keynote Speaker Professor Heather C. Forkey of UMass Chan Medical School, Sue from our Outreach Team, JBS International, Inc.’s Edward Jacoubs, Anna Maria College Professor Tara Rivera, Fitchburg State University Professor Kyle Moody and special guest Bill Gardiner of L.O.V.E Is The Answer. Thank you for a fantastic conference!”
The Handle with Care Collaborative Partners of North Central and North Quabbin Massachusetts is a lengthy list of schools, agencies, government, and non-profit including: Ashburnham-Westminster School District, Ashburnham Police Department, Athol Area YMCA, Athol Police Department, Athol-Royalston School District, Barre Police Department, Boys & Girls Club – Gardner, Leominster/Fitchburg, CAPS Collaborative (Ashburnham, Orange, Westminster), Clinical Support & Options, Gardner Police Department, Gardner Public Schools, Heywood Healthcare, Holy Family Academy, Mahar Regional School District, MOC Early Education, Mount Wachusett Community College, Narragansett Regional School District, North Quabbin Community Coalition, Northwestern County District Attorney, David E. Sullivan’s Office, Parent Professional Advocacy League, Petersham Police Department, Phillipston Police Department,Quabbin Regional School District, Royalston Police Department, Templeton Police Department, Orange Police Department, Westminster Police Department, Winchendon Police Department, Winchendon Public Schools, and Worcester County District Attorney, Joseph Early’s Office
- Update 5-3-24
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Informs the Chair City in his Weekly Update
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson presented his update from the GETV studios this week. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
May 7-10 is May Yard Waste Pickup (Mailer had a typo)
Events: Keep Gardner Beautiful Nip Hunt and Litter Cleanup is Saturday May 4th —- First Responder Day Saturday May 18th from 9am to 11am at Levi Heywood Memorial Library. —– 20th Annual Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ride Sunday May 26th —- Citywide Yard Sale is June 1st —- Gardner Relay for Life is June 7th and 8th.
FREE WI-fi is coming to Monument Park – goal is to have it up and running by Memorial Day.
There’s so much information in this week’s update it is best to listen to the entire update to get all the details.
- Facebook Commentary
Civil and Criminal Penalties – Commentary on Problem Facebook Posts
Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel with a commentary on problem Facebook posts. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
In my opinion, if there are local Facebook posts which make false allegations or harmful statements without evidence it may cost admins or members civil liability. However, it doesn’t stop there. If you use social media platforms to track, monitor, or harass individuals causing them significant emotional distress that’s called cyberstalking, and that’s a crime. If you intentionally and repeatedly make posts aimed at causing distress or fear to another person including threats, abusive messages, making derogatory comments, or spreading false information with the intention of harm, that’s criminal harassment. If you conspire with others to do this and have discussions about how to “get this guy”, that’s a criminal conspiracy. And if you go after people who object to your posts or comments or perhaps as an admin suspend or remove a group member, that could be criminal witness intimidation. Think before you post.
- Budget FY25
$13,088,995.23 was cut from department requests. Proposal has a buffer of $4,284.51 between anticipated revenue and budgetary expenses. Otherwise, it is balanced.
It’s Only May First – And Gardner Mayor Nicholson Releases Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Last December, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson informed the City Council that he would be providing much more detailed information for the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and he has delivered with over 500 pages of detailed explanation. View the entire document in PDF format, CLICK HERE.
In a statement the Mayor said, “The goal of this format is to provide the most transparent information on the City’s current financial standing. I believe this new format will help provide the clearest pictures as to how the budget was constructed, where the money is coming from, and how it is being spent, both for your deliberations, as well as for our constituents to understand and see. Also included this year is a breakdown of the impact that each department has on the average tax bill for a single- family home in the City.”
The Mayor wrote, “The total of the FY2025 Budget as a balance of $88,013,663.74 (the money orders associated with the budget add up to $86,103,997.00 because they do not include the impact of the Cherry Sheet from the Commonwealth in the votes). This is inclusive of all General Fund, Cable, School, and Enterprise Funds.”
Each City Councilor is getting a copy of the following per the Mayor: “By Monday evening’s Council Meeting, every councilor will receive 1) a purple folder that has a copy of the budget in the previous format for ease of transition between formats, 2) a large white binder with the full information included on the website, 3) a large binder containing all of the City’s collective bargaining agreements and non-union personnel policies, and 4) a smaller binder color-coded per committee with the budget information for the departments for which each committee has oversight.”
- First Responders
For more about the following, click the respective links: Gardner Fire Department —- Gardner Police Department —– Levi Heywood Memorial Library.
First Responder Day Cooperative Effort Among Gardner Fire Department, Gardner Police Department, and the Levi Heywood Memorial Library
Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with 3 key individuals about this FREE event. First Responder Day at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, Saturday May 18th from 9am to 11am. You can hear it all on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Gardner PD Lieutenant John Czasnowski, , Firefighter and S.A.F.E. Program Coordinator Sean Kelley, and Library Director Stephanie Young all spoke about the event.
Lieutenant Czasnowski let us know the plan is to have cruisers, a drone demonstration, the School Resource officer and an opportunity to see K-9 Rocky. There will be stickers for the kids.
Firefighter Sean Kelley spoke of the touch-a- truck event, the appearance of Sully the therapy dog, various vendors and games for the kids to play.
Library Director Stephanie Young was excited about the event and stated, “It’s so important that our community members, children and families get to meet our emergency personnel in a non-emergency situation. They can build connections and, you know, if there is an incident that people are involved in, they already have a connection and it helps during an emergency time.”
- Lithuanian 2024
2024 Saturday Night – 7-11pm Concerts at the Lithuanian Outing Association, 23 Airport Road, Gardner run from May through September.
Lithuanian Outing Association Concerts – 2024
Date: Band(s): May 25 AK Cody and the Wicked Northmen June 8 Dank Sinatra June 15 Mid Life Crisis June 29 Whiskey Johnson (Fireworks) July 13 The Angry Debutantes / Point the Finger July 20 Litz Blitz July 27 Matt Callahan / Sufferin Bastards August 10 The Boogie Brown Band August 24 Danny LeBlanc September 7 Lacquerhead September 28 Plead the 5th
- Relay Interview
Details on the Gardner Relay for Life – Interview with Sandra Long
Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with Relay for Life Committee member Sandra Long on April 30, 2024 about the upcoming June event. Listen on any Device, CLICK PLAY.
Sandra Long gave us a brief history of the Relay for Life and told us that this year’s goal is $185,000. Teams have already raised over $40,000. In our interview, Long explained what the Relay for Life is all about. For the 2024 Gardner Relay for Life official event page with all information, CLICK HERE.
Previous articles: Cancer Research —- First Lap 2024. —- 2023 Event —– 2022 Event
Relay for Life is June 7-8, 2024 at Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner MA
- Yard 2024
Spring Yard Sale in Gardner MA
The date for the Spring City-Wide Yard Sale in Gardner MA has been announced as Saturday, June 1, 2024. More details as they become available.
- Disc Golf
Disc Golf Growing in Popularity Throughout the Commonwealth of MA – now at Bailey Brook Park
Gardner’s Bailey Brook Disc Golf Course is under construction and is described on Udisc.com as eventually having 8(9) holes. Gardner Firefighter Benjamin Tucker has uploaded photos of his projected design layout The complete layout is profiled here:
As the map in the graphic shows, Disc Golf is growing in popularity throughout the entire state. Darker pushpins are existing and lighter pushpins are courses under construction. So how do you play Disc Golf and what are the rules? DGA which claims to be the first in Disc Golf has a list of game Objectives and Disc Golf Rules. CLICK HERE.
There are some course protocols to know about such as remaining quiet while others are throwing and standing behind the player who is throwing. And just like regular golf, you should sometimes allow faster groups to play through. The course at Bailey Brook Park should be completed in plenty of time for many to enjoy it this Summer and Fall.
- Gardens 2024
Community Garden at St. Paul’s in Gardner MA Now has 27 Beds
Originally established 2 years ago with a $3000 grant from the Diocese, the Community Garden located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Cross Street in Gardner almost doubled its capacity in 2023 and now has more than 2 dozen beds. Mayor Michael Nicholson posted on April 28th,”Big shout out to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Gardner MA for starting up their community gardens again this year to support the Gardner CAC! They are adding even more raised beds to bring the total to 27! Thanks for all you do for the City and it’s residents! “. Fresh produce grown on the property is distributed to area families by the CAC.
The sign states “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat” – Matthew 25:35. Distribution of food grown will occur through the Food Pantry of the Community Action Committee. The CAC serves disadvantaged individuals in Gardner, Ashburnham, Baldwinville, Hubbardston, Otter River, Templeton, and Westminster. Gardner CAC website, CLICK HERE. To donate to the CAC securely click here. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church website, CLICK HERE.
According to the Church, “”Many faces, one faith. We are a diverse group of believers – bankers, musicians, social workers, teachers, public servants, business owners, parents – united by our shared faith in a loving God.” Sunday services are at 10am
- PACC 2024
PACC Friday Cruise Nights – Bands for 2024
The PACC Cruise Nights on Fridays precede the 4 hour concerts which occur from 7pm to 11pm. Upcoming this season beginning on May 24th are Danny Leblanc, Whiskey Johnson, the Wingmen, The Big RanDom, Mr. Strickland, Gale County, Plead the Fifth, Ben Cote, Drama Queen, Barbwire Lace, a Night of Zeppelin, Dave Malouin, Mid Life Crisis, Boogie Brown Band, and more. Admission is FREE.
The Gardner Polish American Citizens Club is located at 171 Kendall Pond Road in Gardner. These FREE Concerts are open to the public.
The Lithuanian Outing Association will also have some FREE Concerts in 2024. We have a preliminary schedule which was posted in February 2024 and will update with the official schedule when it is available.
- Editorial – Facebook
Facebook Postings Can Lead to Huge Damage Awards – Even Loss of House
The hypothetical situation: A local Facebook Group makes egregious false statements suggesting falsely that individuals have committed crimes, even repeating similar false statements over a period of months in an attempt to make false claims sound legit. When confronted, it doubles down on the postings which only provides further evidence of actionable malice.
HUGE Awards for damages: The law does not look fondly on actions like this. The offense is Facebook defamation and it can lead to some huge jury awards or large settlements. A post made about a woman got her a settlement of $500,000. Details here: In another case, “venting” on Facebook led to a $65,000 defamation judgment and liability for 3rd party comments. Details Here: A $75,000 defamation award for false allegations against a female prison officer: Details Here. Many more examples are out there. It is not an amusing situation at all as unfortunately there are some who believe false accusations. However, it is clear, in the end it could cost a Facebook Admin his/her house and those who chime in might have to shell out thousands.
Bottom Line: Unless someone has actually been arrested for a crime and you have an official law enforcement Press Release to prove it, it’s never a good idea to use Facebook to accuse anyone of anything illegal. Gardner Magazine, for example, does not customarily publish the names of those arrested, the names of crime victims, or the names of accident victims. That way, for example, an innocent person is not victimized by an internet article which never goes away and a family does not have to relive a tragedy which keeps coming up with an internet search. We will publish an official Press Release as appropriate. Maintaining the dignity of individuals is important. Unfortunately today, many people are victimized by those getting a thrill out of getting the reactions of others by simply making things up. Fortunately, that thrill eventually costs them – big time!
- Fire 4-27-24
Gardner MA Fire Department Responds to Multi-acre Brush Fire
The Gardner Fire Department assisted with a 9+ acre brush fire in Ashburnham and a smaller brush fire on Acadia Road in Gardner, posting, “Group 3 Recall Off Route 12 in Ashburnham. Engine 3 and 11C1 responded to assist with a 9+ acre brush fire. Gardner Firefighters worked to contain the perimeter of the fire. While at this fire, other Gardner crews responded to a 1/2 acre brush fire on Acadia Rd. A full department recall was sounded for that fire.”
Readers please note: The Open Burn Season in the State of Massachusetts will end on April 30th.
- Purple Paws 4-27-24
Important Contact Information Telephone: (978) 699-0203 Website: Gardnerdvtaskforce.org Facebook Page, CLICK HERE Purple Paws Event Sheds Light on Domestic Violence
The Purple Paw Walk Held on April 27, 2024 was held to raise funds to support victims of domestic violence and their pets. Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson read a Proclamation at the beginning of the event.
The Gardner Community Action Team posted, “We take great pride in supporting many local organizations that provide crucial services to Gardner residents. Voices of Truth, The Gardner Domestic Violence Taskforce, The Gardner Community Action Team and the City of Gardner worked together on putting this fundraiser on.”
Area residents brought their dogs and some were outfitted with costumes. The Gardner Police Department made a strong showing of support. K-9 Rocky was on hand. Various vendors displayed their wares. GCAT also posted, “We are happy that we had more participants than last year and hoping to grow this event next year.”
Bernice Richard previously stated The Purple Paws event is intended “to bring the understanding that we have a foster program called Purple Paws that we have developed in ways that we can help a victim when she is leaving her unsafe environment and she has pets.” Previous interview article with resource information, CLICK HERE.
- Gardner Music
2024 Gardner Summer Concert Series at Monument Park
The Season of music starts on Saturday June 22nd with Holdin’ Back and continues through August 24th. Admission is FREE for all concerts. Donations are accepted and sponsors are welcomed to help fund the fun.
All concerts are at Monument Park except for July 13th which will be at the Food Truck Festival near Gardner City Hall.
More information on the scheduled bands – Facebook or website links: Holdin’ Back (The 60’s) —- Mr. Strickland (Classic Rock) —- The Boothill Express Band (Country That Rocks!) —- Dave Malouin (Country, Oldies, Rock) —- Ashbrook Haynes (American Roots) —- Gold Dust Refugee (Tom Petty/Fleetwood Mac) —- The Remedy (“Music Cures All”) —- 4EverFab (Beatles) —- Jumpin’ Juba (Blues & Roots – Rock) —- The BIG RanDom (Classic Rock)
- Update 4-26-24
With May fast approaching Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City of Gardner
Mayor Nicholson spoke of amenities, construction, reminders, and events. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Gardner’s Outdoor Amenities: Mayor Nicholson spoke of the Bike Trail, Dunn Park, different parks and playgrounds, and walking trails. He announced that the disc golf at Bailey Brook Park has a couple pins in. The Mayor let everyone know that an insurance claim was filed after a tree fell on $75,000 worth of new playground equipment at Ovila Case. “It is something that’s on our radar to try to fix as quickly as those claims go through…”
Construction Begins: Beginning Monday April 29th construction resumes at Uptown Rotary. “Right now, it looks like traffic will be diverted down Cherry Street from Pearl Street into Central Street.“
Reminders: Downtown Banner and flower pot sponsorships still available. —- National Small Business Week is April 28th through May 4th, “Please be sure to support your local businesses.” — Registrations are now open for the Summer Recreation Program. —- Gardner Municipal Golf Course is now open. “Daily rates for weekdays for nine holes is $20, and 18 holes $37. Weekend rates for nine holes are $24, and 18 holes $42. Rates are for walking, and carts require an additional charge on top of that. Memberships are also open at this time for applications.”
Events: May 2nd at noon is the National Day of Prayer event over at Higher Ground Ministries —Keep Gardner Beautiful Saturday May 4th. —- Introduction to Beekeeping at Levi Heywood Memorial Library on May 4th —-AED Foundation Recovery Comedy Night May 16th at 7pm at Perry Auditorium, Gardner City Hall —- Greater Gardner Community Choir Spring Concert Sunday May 19th at 3pm at Bethany Baptist Church —- Greater Gardner Relay for Life June 7th and June 8th. —- Light the Town Purple Event is May 6th at 6:30pm
- Health 4-22-24
Board of Health Receives Updates and Discusses Local Health Issues
Health Director Micah Blondeau updated the Gardner Board of Health on April 22, 2024. Board of Health consists of Susan Avalone, RN, Chair and members Michele C. Parker, MD and Attorney Geoffrey Tobia. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The Gardner Health and Wellness Fair had hundreds of attendees with about 70 participating vendors. The Purple Paw Walk is taking place on Saturday April 27th.
Health Director Micah Blondeau stated that areas needing repair at the transfer station will cost more than expected. “Looks like it’s going to be a lot more than what I requested in the budget….And there’s actually one area that wasn’t included in the report to repair, but it is going to be a problem down the line.” The Keep Gardner Beautiful Trash Cleanup and Nip Hunt is May 4th “So they have a little area up there now with a container of their supplies, and we’re going to have an extra container delivered for any trash items that they find. We’re going to have a way to take care of that without causing any problems with the normal transfer operation.” Blondeau also stated that “We will be applying for some small grants to add some structures to the transfer station. They’re mainly for increasing recycling capacity.”
Housing and Nuisance complaints are coming in a a pretty increasing rate, “We’ve had 20 of those complaints since the last Board of Health meeting.” Blondeau had some specifics: “We do have some cases that are pretty difficult to resolve and aren’t really going away. Nobody specific is working on any particular repeat problems. We are working on that along with any kind of property that has a lot of junk and trash. So we’re going to start hitting those harder and trying to get more traction on those.“
The Health Department has a new food inspector and inspections will increase.” He’s still in the training process, but we’ve gone out and taken him on several food inspections. He’s been doing a lot of online training. Pretty soon we’re going to transition him to where he takes the lead on the inspection that we observe, and if that goes well, we’ll cut him loose and put him on his own routine. So we are actually currently inspecting food establishments on a minimal scale, which is twice a year, and we’re going to be moving towards more of a risk-based category. So every place will be inspected two, three, or four times a year, depending on past performance, population surge, complexity of menu, all that kind of stuff. So there will be some places that will be getting four or more inspections a year, depending on how they do, and we’ll adjust that as we move along.”
Regarding regulations on paint: “So the goal is that they can get more municipalities to support it. And we hope we can get more attention in the legislature, just because there’s so many bills they’re looking at. o they’re just looking to get more support for basically a program that’s going to charge a fee, $25 a piece, less than $1 a gallon, and then that money would be used to set up a system to recycle the paint or at least collect the paint and recycle what can be recycled and dispose of the rest kind of on a universal level, kind of like the topics we were talking about. They were at the Household Hazardous Waste Day last fall, I think.” It was explained further, ” So I know that there’s a communication here from here about recycling the paint right now with what it’s costing the municipality. So my understanding from reading it is that passed in this legislation, the municipality will have to have different types of recycling processes for the paint, and that’s going to be costly. And so by having that deposit or stewardship amount attached to it, increasing it when it’s at sale would supplement some of those costs.” By collecting paint and recycling it, other states have saved taxpayers money, “So you have a lot less trucking and everything, and you have a lot less, hopefully, disposal in landfills and places where it should be going. So they’re doing it in Maine, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and it’s saving taxpayers nearly $300 million to date. So it saves the town a lot of money because they’re paying them to buy the paint and not paying it for the disposal.”
- Monument Park 24
Monument Park Summer Concert Series Back for 2024
The Gardner Bandstand Committee met at 3pm on April 25, 2024 to finalize the 2024 Gardner Summer Concert Series at Monument Park. Gardner Magazine has received a preliminary list which was released prior to the meeting. However, with the first concert slated to be on June 22nd, we will wait to publish the list until it is finalized and confirmed.
We can tell you that Viva Las Elvis is being removed from the calendar as the artist has asked for more money than what is feasible. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY
The 2023 Concert Series was successful due to the positive reception to the quality of the performances and to the cooperation of Mother Nature who provided good weather on some occasions. We will also be publishing the schedule of the Lithuanian Outing Association and the PACC.
Meeting of April 25, 2024 Details
Gardner Magazine got an inside look at the hard work put in by the Bandstand Committee. For those attending the fabulous Summer Concerts, its a FREE concert. For the Bandstand Committee, the reality is a juggling of funds and the search for sponsors and donations to make each year’s series of concerts happen. Sponsors are always welcome. Donations are always welcome. The deadline to get sponsor info to the printer is sometime in May so there’s still time to come on board. Contact Marry Rojas, the DPW Administrator Coordinator at (978) 630-8195 or email: marryrojas@gardner-ma.gov. And note there are 2r’s in her first name just like we have it here.
The meeting opened with a discussion of the artist, Mr. Fontaine who was asking for more money. First year was 800, last year was 1200, and the request was for 3500 for this year. The committee decided to go with Holdin’ Back the 60’s which has offered to do the same date for $599. Members of the committee discussed the status of various sponsors. It is very clear that sponsor support and donations are crucial. As one of the committee members stated, “I think what people don’t realize is, you know, the city doesn’t…Well, no. The city doesn’t supply any money. The city doesn’t give us anything. We have to do this on sponsors.” Donations and sponsorships are critical as bands keep raising prices.
- Winchendon Project
Winchendon Receives Low Interest Loan for Water Main Project
Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney told us the State of Massachusetts has approved a low interest loan so that the Town of Winchendon can proceed with the $9.5 million water main project. Interest rate is low at about 2 percent and 17-19 percent of the loan is subject to forgiveness. (It is not a complete grant as a report published in another local publication suggests.) Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Wyndonshire Renaissance Fair is this weekend Saturday April 27th and Sunday April 28th. Bill McKinney says a big crowd is expected. More information from the town of Winchendon website on the Wyndonshire Renaissance Fair
In other Winchendon News: In our last interview with Bill McKinney, he told us that the Carriage House Restaurant property had been sold and another restaurant was coming in. That restaurant will be El Toro, currently located in Fitchburg. Rather than adding Winchendon, they are actually moving their restaurant to Winchendon.
- Empire Purchase
Empire Management Starts Next 30 Years with Purchase of Iconic Gardner Building
Gardner Magazine spoke with both Operations Manager Gabrielle Surette and Empire President Jenna Hartman regarding the purchase of the Bank of America Building at 29 Parker Street, Gardner. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Empire Management was founded in 1994 and has been in the building at 14-24 Parker Street for over a decade, purchasing the building last year. This new acquisition is right across the street. Surette spoke of plans for the building. “So the first floor, we are looking to have a family upscale restaurant.” Surette confirmed a lease has been signed with a tenant. Jenna Hartman said the restaurant itself would make an announcement in Spring or Summer this year. With respect to the other floors, Surette stated, “We are looking for medical arts offices is what we’re planning.”
Planned updates may include windows purchased locally stated Surette, “We’re at Maki’s almost every other day picking up supplies for any of the things that we need to do, so we’ll definitely reach out to them and see what they have in stock.” And Jenna Hartman said they may even restore the clock on the front and they did just put the flag back up which people have noticed.
What would Jenna Hartman like to see in the restaurant and invite everybody down to eat? “You know, I got to say steak. That would be my favorite thing.” Does that mean Gardner is getting a steakhouse? Ah, the mystery… Empire Website, CLICK HERE.
- Nearby Towns
Gardner Magazine has articles about interviews with Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen, Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau, Templeton Town Administrator Adam Lamontagne, and Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney. Complete AUDIO included. Jump to Nearby Communities section below.
- Maki Rentals
To find out more about this 75 year old Gardner company, please visit the MAKI website, CLICK HERE.
Locations: 513 Betty Spring Rd • Gardner,160 Mass. Ave (Rt. 2A) • Lunenburg, and 36 Worcester Rd (Rt. 12) • Sterling —- (978) 632-5354
They Make A lot – Now They’ll Rent A lot – New Rental Business is Born at MAKI.
Host of the Hit Hotline Radio Show on WGAW, Steve Wendell and Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel spoke with Jim Leblanc, COO of Gardner MA Maki Corp. and the Rental Team of MAKI veteran Jeff Cossette and the addition of Greg Tardiff who worked for Taylor Rental for 37 years. It was a fascinating conversation with some great people with a few surprises. The wind you hear is because we were outside near this new $65,000 piece of equipment they’ll be renting. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
MAKI is taking over the various equipment rentals where Taylor Rental left off. Should you have any questions about what they rent, just call the store at (978) 632-5354. MAKI has experience in rentals having operated a location in Lunenburg for many years. They chose not to compete with Taylor while they were in business. We also spoke about many of the things MAKI makes in Gardner including windows, doors, trusses, steel fabrication etc. – Many of the windows recently put in at Downtown Gardner buildings came from MAKI. Jim says they make it local and cut out the middleman, “go above and beyond because we’re a smaller company.” Speaking of which while we were there we snuck a picture of the MAKI built picnic tables. Direct price only $179.99. Looks like they might have one in stock for you.
- Gardner Rainbow
The beauty of a rainbow in Gardner, MA on April 18, 2024.
Mother Nature’s Rainbow captured in Gardner MA
There was no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but there was beauty in the sky on April 18, 2024 in Gardner MA as a beautiful rainbow was observed by many from different vantage points. Marion Knoll captured an image in South Gardner. Jezrielle Grace captured a photo near Aldi. And a photo captured by a member of the Lehoux Family showed the rainbow over houses. It was a gift from Mother Nature – a beautiful rainbow. And it happened on one day in Gardner MA.
- Homeless – Nicholson
Taking the lead is something Mayor Nicholson does by meeting with the private sector and encouraging housing development, by meeting with officials and agencies to help with affordable housing, by being at the forefront of the homeless crisis, and by being proactive with respect to needed parking.
How Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Has Taken the Lead on Housing & Homeless Issues
Himself a Staunch Housing for the Homeless Advocate, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson recently highlighted a meeting of the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance. The 29th Annual meeting held earlier in April brought many together and the Mayor posted, “Congratulations to the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance on a great annual meeting earlier this month. Great to hear about the work they’re doing to combat issues of homelessness across Worcester County.”
Nicholson has created a “People are Policy” initiative since he took over as Mayor and often gets in the trenches himself. He has help hand out food at the CAC Food Pantry, supported grant funding for the Gardner Emergency Housing Mission, and he previously expressed a desire to take the lead against homelessness, even being open to the idea of a Tiny House Village for the homeless in Gardner to be a model for helping others in the State and the country. We spoke with the Mayor last month and he detailed his thoughts about housing and needed parking in Gardner. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The Mayor said he would be in favor of Gardner being the first city to come up with a tiny housing village or something similar for the homeless, but he didn’t stop there focusing also on the general housing crisis in the state, “I think anything we can do to help one, the homeless situation that we have right now,but also just the general housing crisis that we have, not only in Gardner, not only in Worcester County, but in Massachusetts. The housing production report from the state let us know that we’re short about 250,000 housing units in Massachusetts right now to meet the population we currently have. If we can set that example and move forward with that, I think it’s all for the better. Whether it’s tiny houses, which I think would be great to start that example.”
Mayor Nicholson indicated he would be in favor of looking at whether multi-family units should be allowed by right in Gardner instead of needing a special permit – as a way to add more needed housing.” The only thing we can do here on the city’s end is try to find ways to increase our housing stock so that demand goes up, prices tend to go down. Find ways for all people to live here. Seniors need to find a place to go, and if that means they need to downsize instead of mothballing floors in their houses, as I’ve said in several of our interviews before, that’s something that we need to find ways to make more senior housing available, more housing available for people who are my age and younger who are just getting out of college, looking to start something new, get on their own two feet, and a single-family home may not be the right fit for that type of a person. It may be an apartment. It may be sharing a multifamily unit with someone else, just things like that. One of the things that the state and I have also been talking about is do we need to look at ways to make accessory dwelling units easier, so in-law apartments, so that if seniors are looking to downsize, maybe they put an addition onto their home and have an in-law apartment there while their younger generation of their family moves into the regular house, and you keep things in the family and you keep the family close together. Housing is something that we’ve been working on consistently since I got sworn in on July 14, 2020, and it’s something we will consistently work on.”
We spoke with Mayor Nicholson about a grant application for a four story parking garage in Gardner. Initially, the grant would fund a study to see what would be appropriate but the Mayor does have his eye on one particular location stating, “Right now, the current location that’s theorized is the West Street parking lot.” He explained what a feasibility study would help determine, “This is the first feasibility study to see, can that parking garage go there? If so, what does it need to look like? What features does it have to have? Does it have to have an elevator? Does it have to have so many spots reserved for bicycles? And if it does, how many spots? Does it have to have motorcycle parking? Does it have to have electric vehicle parking? All of this stuff goes into studies like this when you work with the federal government. And it may seem over the top, but that’s just the requirements there to make sure you have the fullest picture that’s there. And then if we get that study done this year, we can apply next year for construction of that parking garage.”
- Update 4-19-24
Events: Book Sale at library is Friday and Saturday —- Keep Gardner Beautiful Cleanup event is May 4th — AED Comedy Night is May 18th at Perry Auditorium —-Kindergarten registration has started for Fall 2024
Mayor Speaks of Gardner PD Fraud Alert in Weekly Update
Due to an increase in reported scam activity, the Gardner Police Department has issued a fraud alert. Mayor Nicholson speaks about it along with his usual update. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The Mayor spoke of available Flower Pot and Banner sponsorships. Flower pots are actually being handled by City Councilor Judy Mack and a crew this year. The Mayor stated, “We are using a different vendor this year, so I know some people had concerns with the size of the flowers that were in the pots last year“. —- The Monument Park Concert Series has been announced (Gardner Magazine will publish the list once we have confirmed accuracy) first concert is on June 22nd —- Uptown Rotary construction starting soon with paving to be completed sometime in November and streets ancillary will be paved next year. —- Mayor Nicholson gave a special thank you to City Dispatches and Animal Control officers. —- The Mayor spoke of the recent survey regarding transportation to the Wachusett train station. There were 257 responses and the Mayor detailed some facts and figures.
from the Gardner PD: ***FRAUD ALERT***
“The Gardner Police Department wants to inform everyone that we have seen an increase in reported scam activity. As technology grows, so must our knowledge of how scammers operate. Here are four signs of a scam and ways to avoid it. For more information and resources see the FBI and Federal Trade Commission listed below:” From the FBI CLICK HERE. From the Federal Trade Commission, CLICK HERE.
- Zoning 4-16-24
The Farmer’s Market is planned at the site of the former Waterford Street School which is slated to become Gardner’s Community Center. Gardner Farmer’s Market website, CLICK HERE.
The Doucets get their chickens, the Fosters have some work to do, and the Farmer’s Market needs some planning in Gardner MA.
This was the result of a lengthy Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on April 16, 2024 held in Perry Auditorium because the City Council meeting was delayed by a day due to the Patriot’s Day holiday. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Oscar & Joshua Doucet – 185 South Main Street – Chickens – Approval given to have 4 hens, but no roosters. Donald S. Foster – 0 Talcott Avenue – Single Family Dwelling – more work needed before approval. — Flicker Hill Homestead, LLC – 62 Waterford Street – Outside Farmer’s Market will appear in May again with the complete plan requested by the Board. They must do this and get approval so the first Farmer’s Market can be held as proposed on June 15, 2024 with up to 30 total vendors. A number of people showed up in support. Here are their comments, CLICK PLAY.
The Farmers Market is to be run by Flicker Hill Homestead, LLC whose Manager is Erica Faughnan Bosse of 435 Partridge Street, Gardner where the Bosse’s have a flower and veggie farm. Their annual report for 2023 was timely filed the day after this meeting on April 17, 2024. Report, CLICK HERE.
- Trout Released
State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik Snapped a Fishy Picture in Gardner MA
Gardner Magazine grabbed a screenshot from Zlotnik’s short video to show the trout flowing into Kendall Pond. Zlotnik stated, “After a few year hiatus, it only took about 15 seconds for 300 trout to move into Kendall Pond. Thanks to Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife for working with us to make this happen. Special thanks to Lizzy Kazinskas for her work to get the public dock for the City that allows for greater access and also gave me the perfect angle for this video!”
The State of Massachusetts has a website with details on where and when it stocks trout. Many areas of note on the list include Middle and West Branch of the Swift River in New Salem, Otter River in Gardner and Templeton, East Branch Ware River in Hubbardston, Princeton and Rutland, Stillwater River in Princeton, Dunn Pond in Gardner, Ware and Prince River in Barre, Parkers Brook in Oakham, at least 5 locations in Ashby, Asnacomet Pond in Hubbardston, Long Pond in Rutland, and the list goes on. MassWildlife will stock about 455,000 trout this spring.
- Health Fair 4-17-24
2nd Annual Health and Wellness Fair held at Perry Auditorium, Gardner City Hall.
Health and Wellness Fair in Gardner Draws Hundreds
In a radio interview with Steve Wendell of WGAW, Veronica Patty confirmed that the turnout to the 2nd Annual Health and Wellness Fair held April 17th was double that in 2023. Hundreds were able to interact with more than 70 vendors. There was no charge for each of the vendor spaces, but each was asked to provide something for the FREE raffles which were held every half hour during the event.
We spoke with Veronica Patty before the event. COMPLETE ARTICLE, CLICK HERE. There were resources for adults and young people on the subjects of mental health, substance use, healthy relationships, wellness, nutrition, services, and programs. Veronica Patty is already thinking about next year.
Nearby Communities
Templeton – Phillipston – Winchendon – Ashburnham – Westminster – Hubbardston
Most recent stories of nearby communities will be shown here. For more info, visit individual town page.
Templeton MA
- Templeton Rotary Update
The Templeton Police Department released this statement:“-EAST TEMPLETON ROTARY UPDATE 05/06/2024- Starting on 5/6 and through 5/10 the milling will begin in East Templeton at the rotary project. There will be significant delays in traffic for Patriots Road (Route 2A), North Main Street, South Main Street and Gardner Road (Route 101). Closures/delays could be over ten minutes at a time. PLEASE AVOID AREA. PLEASE SHARE.”
Phillipston MA
- Durant – Phillipston
Senator Peter Durant is having office hours at the Phillipston Town Hall on Monday, February 12th starting at 10am.
From town of Phillipston website: “MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is inviting the public to a virtual informational meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 7:30PM to 8:10 PM, which will be held via Zoom (link below). The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the proposed Thousand Acre Reservoir Dam Removal project in the Millers River Wildlife Management Area. The Project Team will be available to answer questions and to seek input on the project. Please contact Todd Olanyk (todd.olanyk@mass.gov) with questions or requests for accommodations.”
Winchendon MA
- Winchendon 4-29
The Winchendon Board of Selectmen met on April 29, 2024. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Ashburnham MA
- Ashburnham Election 2024
Winning election were: Moderator: Richard Cook Jr., Select Board 3 year: Phil Papoojian, Select Board 1 year: Leo Janssens, Planning Board 3 year: Marshall Dennis, Board of Health 3 year: Thomas Flanagan. Complete List of all results, CLICK HERE.
Westminster MA
- Westminster 2024
Results of May 2024 Westminster Elections
Complete Election Results, CLICK HERE.
Elected were: Michael Cooley, Select Board , Michael Popik – Board of Health, Donald Frigoletto – Board of Assessors 3 years, Caroline Albert – Board of Assessors 2 years, Tiffany Davis and Neepa Shah, Library Trustees 2 years, Michelle Miller Library Trustee 1 year, Christopher Mossman – Hager Park Commission 3 years, Amy Fantoni – Planning Board 3 years, Derrick Andrews – Planning Board 1 year, Brian Vincent – Cemetery Commission 3 years, Courtney Rose McGee – Regional School Committee 3 years,
May 2024 Westminster Sentinel Publication, CLICK HERE. Includes a huge amount of information about what’s going on in Westminster MA including the Westminster Farmers’ Market which starts up on May 10th. It will be every Friday from 3-6pm on Academy Hill.
Hubbardston MA
- Hubbardston Concerts
Hubbardston Concerts for Summer 2024
The Summer Concert Series has been announced: July 13th: High Powered Mutants, July 27th: The Big RanDom, August 10th: Ambient Sojourn Band.
Each concert is scheduled from 5-8pm with a rain date the next night.
Food vendors will be there. Fun Entertainment for kids, too.
Concerts are at Curtis Recreation Field at 24 Gardner Road in Hubbardston. Admission and parking is FREE.
- Hubbardston Truck
The Big Custom Brush Trucks In Hubbardston
from the Hubbardston Fire Department, “Truck 4 doing Truck 4 things yesterday in Ashburnham. We take great pride in our brush units here in Hubbardston. All of our brush trucks were custom built with the unique needs of our geography in mind, with the majority of the build work being done in house by our own members. Truck 4 is a government surplus military dump truck that we converted into an 800 gallon brush fighting machine that can go pretty much anywhere.”
The day before on April 27th, Hubbardston Fire posted, “A busy afternoon for north central MA Fire Departments. In the span of 30 minutes HFD responded to 3 emergencies. The on duty firefighters responded to a serious medical call requiring transport to UMass, Truck 4 was requested mutual aid to Winchendon Road in Ashburnham for a large brush fire and Engine 2 responded to Acadia Road in Gardner for a brush fire.”
Looking for an older story? Or just want to read them? CLICK HERE for more Greater Gardner MA Local News Stories.
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Gardner MA is a growing City with incredible upside potential. Gardner Magazine’s Go Forward with Gardner series gives a voice to those who will influence Gardner Going Forward. CLICK for Complete page.
- 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
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
Boston Herald Boston news, sports, politics, opinion, entertainment, weather and obituaries
- The year’s biggest summer travel trends, according to Pinterestby Tribune News Service on May 8, 2024 at 7:54 pm
A new report by Pinterest identified the new summer travel trends that travelers — and especially younger Gen Z travelers — are seeking out more than ever before.
- Winner, winner, saucy chicken dinnerby Tribune News Service on May 8, 2024 at 7:47 pm
Here are two great reasons to cook chicken thighs in a heavy skillet: the crisp skin and the fabulous fat it leaves behind.
- ‘Interview with the Vampire’ review: One of the best shows on TV is back for Season 2by Nina Metz on May 8, 2024 at 7:38 pm
The second season picks up where the story left off, with vampires Louis and Claudia looking for community. Enter: The Theatre des Vampires.
- Many states are eager to extend Medicaid to people soon to be released from prisonby Tribune News Service on May 8, 2024 at 7:35 pm
Federal policy has long prohibited Medicaid spending on people who are incarcerated in jails or prisons, except for hospitalization.
- You’ve covered your copayment; now brace yourself for the ‘facility fee’by Tribune News Service on May 8, 2024 at 7:24 pm
Increasingly, hospitals are tacking on facility fees for routine services at the smaller clinics and outpatient centers they own, even when those facilities aren’t anywhere near the hospital’s campus.
- A few rain chances the rest of the weekby Mblack on May 8, 2024 at 7:59 pm
Today was not nearly as nice as the past couple of days. We had rain showers earlier today and (as of this writing) are watching...
- Police investigate early-morning armed robbery in Burlingtonby Dakota Antelman on May 8, 2024 at 7:49 pm
An investigation got underway in Burlington Wednesday after an early-morning armed robbery at a gas station, police said. Burlington police in a statement said the...
- 2 adults, 1 juvenile arrested after armed robbery at Norwell 7-Elevenby Bailey Allen on May 8, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Two adults and one juvenile were arrested in connection with an early-morning armed robbery at a Norwell 7-Eleven last month, police said. One suspect was...
- Biden touts economic achievements in Wisconsin amid persistent concerns on inflationby Dakota Antelman on May 8, 2024 at 6:04 pm
(CNN) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday attempted to draw a direct line between his signature legislative achievements and shovels in the ground — and a...
- O’Keefe friends testify, surveillance video shown as Karen Read murder trial continuesby Dakota Antelman on May 8, 2024 at 1:35 pm
Testimony resumed in the Karen Read murder trial Wednesday, with several of John O’Keefe’s friend taking the stand. One friend, Michael Camerano, testified throughout much...
In-Depth Massachusetts News Stories
Massachusetts – NECN The latest news from around the state
- Steward Health Care says it is selling the 30+ hospitals it operates nationwideby Steve Leblanc on May 8, 2024 at 3:30 pm
Steward Health Care said it plans to sell off all its hospitals after announcing this week that it filed for bankruptcy protection. The Dallas-based company, which operates more than 30 hospitals nationwide, said it does not expect any interruptions in its hospitals’ day-to-day operations, which the company said will continue in the ordinary course throughout the Chapter 11 process. In court filings, the company said that beginning in late January, Steward initiated what it described as a “phased marketing process” for the sale of its hospital facilities. “Presently, the company is marketing all of its hospitals,” the company said a filing Tuesday. Steward filed for bankruptcy protection early Monday. In a news release, company officials said Steward took the step to let it continue to provide needed care to patients. “Steward’s hospitals, medical centers and physician’s offices are open and continuing to serve patients and the broader community and our commitment to our employees will not change,” the company said in a written statement. Steward’s eight hospitals in Massachusetts include St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Carney Hospital, both in Boston. It filed for protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell said Wednesday that she is pushing for the creation of a Patient Care Ombudsman to advocate for patients and employees throughout the bankruptcy process. She also said she has the authority to review any proposed sale under her office’s antitrust powers. “The office has authority to review any proposed sale, and we would do so in order to best protect access to a competitive and affordable healthcare marketplace,” she said in a written statement. “If we find violations of the law, we will address them.” Get updates on what’s happening in Boston to your inbox. Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter. Steward’s troubles in Massachusetts have drawn the ire of political figures including U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, who have said the company’s previous private equity owners “sold (Steward) for parts” and “walked away with hundreds of millions of dollars.” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said Monday that the state had been preparing for a possible bankruptcy filing. Despite the filing, she said, Steward hospitals will remain open and patients should keep their appointments. “This situation stems from and is rooted in greed, mismanagement and lack of transparency on the part of Steward leadership in Dallas, Texas,” Healey said Monday. “It’s a situation that should never have happened and we’ll be working together to take steps to make sure this never happens again.” More on Steward Health Care Massachusetts May 6 Steward Health Care files for bankruptcy Boston Business Journal May 7 What's next in the Steward Health Care bankruptcy? Steward said it is finalizing the terms of “debtor-in-possession financing” from its landlord Medical Properties Trust for initial funding of $75 million and “up to an additional $225 million upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.” “Steward Health Care has done everything in its power to operate successfully in a highly challenging health care environment,” Dr. Ralph de la Torre, CEO of Steward said in a news release. He pointed in part to what he described as insufficient reimbursement by government payers as a result of decreasing rates at a time of skyrocketing costs. Torre said that by seeking bankruptcy protections, Steward will be better positioned to “responsibly transition ownership of its Massachusetts-based hospitals.” In March, the company announced it had struck a deal to sell its nationwide physician network to Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, as it works to stabilize its finances.
- Here's why it's chilly and rainy the next few days in New Englandby Pamela Gardner on May 8, 2024 at 12:57 pm
We have returned to a chilly, cloudy, onshore weather patterns across New England for the rest of this week and through the weekend. But why? Our jet stream is very zonal, which means it’s positioned flow is west to east. As opposed to an amplified jet stream, which means flowing north to south with troughs and ridges. When the jet stream is more amplified, we see warmer air building into the northeast as a ridge builds. But we don’t see that in the forecast until maybe next week. In the meantime, there is also an approaching upper-level closed low and cool pool of air aloft. While at the surface, we have a continued onshore flow from a series of backdoor fronts. So, the coast remains chilly in the 40s by Friday, and more 50s for the start to Mother’s Day weekend. Keep in mind that our normal high in Boston this time of the year is 64 and we won’t be close to that until Sunday or Monday. The jet stream becomes more amplified early next week and that means more of a southerly flow. But don’t get too excited. The wind may not be strong enough to hold off a developing sea breeze each afternoon in the sunshine. Hang in there. If you’re longing for summer-like heat in Boston, you’ll have to go inland or just wait a bit longer. More weather-related stories Boston weather May 6 Here are some tide times to watch for this week in Mass., NH news Apr 25 Asia was most impacted by extreme weather and climate in 2023, UN report shows severe weather Apr 29 Severe weather kills at least 5 as tornadoes rip through Midwest and South
- FIRST ALERT: Severe storms cross Mass., Conn., RI — track radaron May 8, 2024 at 12:14 pm
After morning showers, a second round of rain is arriving to New England. We’re not deep in the throes of severe weather Wednesday, but the second line does contain potential to drop a few thunderstorms in. Severe thunderstorm warnings with possible hail were issued across Massachusetts, including Middlesex and Worcester counties as well as much of western Massachusetts, and were issued in northern Connecticut and the Providence, Rhode Island, area. See all severe weather alerts in your area here. A graphic showing thunderstorms moving through Massachusetts on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Timing of next round of heavy rain, isolated t-storms It looks like the best chance will be around 4 p.m. through southern Worcester County into Foxborough and then the South Shore around 6 p.m. There will be lightning embedded in the storms and gusty winds. We’re not looking at a major tornado threat, but few could present signs of rotation. The forecast of the second line is a bit more conditional based on if skies clear at times. The emergent of sun would bring potential for the storminess through the evening drive. Once storms exit, fog and more rain are on tap As storms clear Wednesday night, there will be fog through Thursday morning. The day will have some sun in the morning, with yet another round of rain for the afternoon and evening. It isn’t likely as strong, nor widespread. More weather-related stories Boston weather May 6 Here are some tide times to watch for this week in Mass., NH severe weather Apr 29 Severe weather kills at least 5 as tornadoes rip through Midwest and South
- ‘Significant police presence' in Bridgewater related to firearms, drug investigations, source saysby Mary Markos and Marc Fortier on May 8, 2024 at 8:09 am
A “significant police presence” is being reported in a neighborhood in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, related to ongoing firearms and drug investigations, according to a law enforcement source. Bridgewater police said in a social media post shortly after 7 a.m. that the investigation is centered around the Beebe Road area, which is just a short distance from the Bridgewater State College campus. They said there is no danger to the public. A law enforcement source tells the NBC10 Boston Investigators that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Massachusetts State Police are executing several search warrants in connection with firearms and drug investigations. There is no word of any arrests at this time. NBC10 Boston has reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for more information. At least a half a dozen undercover police vehicles were parked outside a home on Beebe Road on Wednesday morning. Authorities could be seen searching cars parked in the driveway, peering into a dumpster on the property, looking through the garage with a flashlight and then entering the home. No further details have been released. More Massachusetts stories Karen Read 10 hours ago Day 7 of Karen Read trial: Friends of John O'Keefe testify, video shows Canton bar trip UMass Amherst 10 hours ago About 130 arrested at UMass Amherst pro-Palestinian protest as tensions simmer This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
- Day 7 of Karen Read trial: Friends of John O'Keefe testify, video shows Canton bar tripby Asher Klein and Alysha Palumbo on May 8, 2024 at 6:49 am
Testimony in the Karen Read trial pivoted Wednesday from Canton police recalling the investigation after Read’s boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O’Keefe, was found dead to friends of O’Keefe recalling their relationship and the night before O’Keefe died. Read is charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 death of O’Keefe, her boyfriend. He was found in the snow outside fellow Boston Police Officer Brian Albert’s home in Canton. Prosecutors say Read hit O’Keefe with her SUV, while Read says she has been framed in a wide-ranging coverup, claiming the Albert family — which includes a Canton police officer and current selectman — and the state’s lead investigator, a family friend, put the blame on Read. Read has pleaded not guilty and is free on bond. Watch the Karen Read trial live on nbcboston.com, NECN, NBC Boston streaming platforms (including Roku, Peacock and Samsung TV) and NBC10 Boston’s YouTube page. Every night of the trial at 7 p.m., come back for analysis and more. Watch Karen Read trial Day 7 testimony (May 8, 2024) Michael and Katherine Camerano, whose kids were close friends with O’Keefe’s niece and nephew, were called to the stand in Norfolk Superior Court. Michael Camerano testified that he spent a lot of time with O’Keefe, including most Fridays, and the night before O’Keefe’s death they were getting together to celebrate their 16-year-old girls both being accepted into Bishop Feehan High School. “We were both excited that they both received acceptance letters and we wanted to get the kids together,” Camerano said. Camerano went on to describe the the night he, O’Keefe, Read and others spent at Canton bar C.F. McCarthy’s. John O’Keefe and friend Michael Camerano, bottom left, at Canton, Massachusetts, bar C.F. McCarthy’s on the night of Jan. 28, 2022, the night before O’Keefe died. The surveillance footage was shown at the murder trial of O’Keefe’s girlfriend, Karen Read, in Norfolk Superior Court on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. John O’Keefe and Karen Read embrace, bottom left, at Canton, Massachusetts, bar C.F. McCarthy’s on the night of Jan. 28, 2022, the night before O’Keefe died. The surveillance footage was shown at Read’s murder trial, in Norfolk Superior Court on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The Cameranos both recalled the painful morning that O’Keefe’s body was found, with Read reaching out to both as she searched for him before 5 a.m. that morning. “She was just like, frantically screaming, just screaming, ‘where’s Mike?'” Katherine Camerano recalled. At 6:34 a.m., after driving around Canton with two other women, Karen Read would send a text to Katherine Camerano, who read it in court: “He’s dead.” Read said they’d found him “in the snow,” Camerano said. After the Cameranos, Curt Roberts took the stand. He was at C.F. McCarthy’s as well. Following Roberts was a bartender for Waterfall Bar & Grille in Canton, where the group went later that night. Police Lt. Charles Ray was briefly on the stand Wednesday morning, the start of a full day in the trial. The day before, Sgt. Sean Goode completed his testimony, before Lt. Michael Lank and Ray were brought into Norfolk Superior Court. The defense has hammered away at the relationship between the parties involved in the investigation and the family that owned the home outside of which the body of O’Keefe was found Jan. 29, 2022. The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks, with full days on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and half days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. More on the Karen Read trial canton Apr 28 Karen Read case timeline: John O'Keefe's death and the murder investigation canton Apr 19 Understanding the Karen Read trial: Who killed John O'Keefe? Karen Read Apr 17 Who's who in the Karen Read case: Names you should know as trial begins Michael Camerano’s testimony: ‘A good friend’ Michael Camerano said he met John O’Keefe about seven years ago, at first through mutual friends — the Roberts family — and then their kids became close. The Cameranos have a 16-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old boy; O’Keefe was the guardian of his 16-year-old neice and 13-year-old nephew after their parents died. On Jan. 28, 2022, the two girls had gotten acceptance letters for Bishop Feehan, and prosecutor Adam Lally had Camerano read to the courtroom text messages of O’Keefe and the Cameranos congratulating each other. Asked about Read, Camerano said he became friends with her through O’Keefe, and that he would see her a couple of times a week — she would stay over at O’Keefe’s house some nights, and was active in the lives of O’Keefe’s neice and nephew. Lally turned to the their plans to go to C.F. McCarthy’s, playing video of cars being moved around outside. “I backed up so John could move his car out of the way so Karen could pull her car into the garage because of the snow storm,” Camerano explained. There was laughter in court as Camerano recalled saying O’Keefe preferred visitors not to wear shoes in the house. He also recalled that O’Keefe, despite being out in the cold, rarely if ever wore a coat. Lally played the surveillance video from inside the bar, showing Camerano and O’Keefe walk inside, and later their friend Curt Roberts and then Karen Read. Camerano said she was drinking some kind of clear liquid, with a straw, from a glass, which might have been vodka, though he wasn’t sure. Camerano left about 15 minutes after Curt Roberts left in an “Irish goodbye,” having just gotten a call that his son, a hockey player, was hit in the face with a puck while skating and lost a tooth. He testified that he went back to O’Keefe’s house to pick up his daughter around 11, then went home. He woke up, he said, to the sound of phones ringing around six. He had a lot of missed calls from Read and called his wife, a nurse, who was working at the time. She told him to go get O’Keefe’s niece, who was home while Read was out looking for O’Keefe, Camerano recalled. While back at O’Keefe’s, Camerano noticed the garage door was open and cleared some snow out — “I figured John would go crazy when he came home and all the snow was in his garage,” he said — and then took the girl back to his house. Later, he got a call from John O’Keefe’s brother, Paul, informing him that O’Keefe had died, so he took her back to be with the family. Lally finished there, and defense attorney Alan Jackson got up for cross-examination. They established that Camerano considered O’Keefe “a good friend” who took their own kids on vacation, and whom they trusted. His own daughter spent lots of time with Karen Read, whom Camerano did recall getting into some arguments with O’Keefe, over her spoiling the kids. He couldn’t recall any hint of O’Keefe wanting to break up with her. Jackson also asked Camerano to confirm that Read and O’Keefe appeared happy to see each other in the surveillance video from C.F. McCarthy’s, kissing when she walked in. Katherine Camerano’s testimony: ‘She was just screaming, “Where’s Mike? Where’s Mike?”‘ Next to the stand was Katherine Camerano, who also testified to the prosecution that her kids would go to the O’Keefe house most Friday nights — the girls became best friends, “attached at the hip,” by sixth grade. Of O’Keefe, she said, “He was really good to me and my kids,” and that the kids referred to him and her husband as “my two dads.” They had fun and were “like a well-oiled machine.” She knew Karen Read for probably two years, once Read and O’Keefe started dating, during the COVID pandemic. They socialized a lot, usually when their kids were around. Lally drew her attention to the morning of Jan. 29, when Read called between 4 and 5 a.m., while Camerano was working her overnight shift. “She was just screaming, ‘Where’s Mike? Where’s Mike?’ Camerano said, telling the prosecutor it was not typical behavior. Read told her that O’Keefe hadn’t come home, which was not normal. She could hear O’Keefe’s niece in the background of the call, and kept up with Read for the next roughly two hours, as she went out to search for O’Keefe. Camerano also talked to Kerry Roberts, Curt’s wife and a friend since high school, who was driving around with Read and told Camerano that O’Keefe was going to the hospital. Lally’s questions ended with Katherine reading their last text exchange, culminating with Read saying O’Keefe was found out in the snow. For cross-examination, Jackson only had two questions for Camerano, whether she reached out to Read herself after that morning and whether she was aware that Read had her phone seized soon afterward. Camerano’s answer to both was no. Curt Roberts’ testimony The night he joined O’Keefe at C.F. McCarthy’s, Roberts explained, he’d wanted to stay inside because of the coming storm, but Michael Camerano goaded him to. The men in the group were drinking Bud Light, he recalled, while Read appeared to be drinking a vodka tonic, though he wasn’t sure what it was. Roberts thought he left about 10 p.m., explaining that he left without saying goodbye because he didn’t want a hard time for leaving. He was in bed, with his wife, by 11:30 p.m. or midnight. He was woken up by a voice on his wife’s phone yelling frantically — Karen Read. His wife went out to help, despite Roberts telling her not to, because of the storm, but she said, “John’s missing and I’ve gotta go.” Later, Roberts said, his wife called to say that O’Keefe was in an ambulance and that she was going to get O’Keefe’s parents. On cross-examination, defense attorney David Yannetti asked if Roberts saw O’Keefe in a puffy jacket at the bar, which he did not, and whether Roberts thought Read appeared to be slurring her words, had bloodshot or glassy eyes, was swaying or stumbling, appeared confused or anything else that made him believe she was under the influence of alcohol. Roberts did not. Roberts also said it seemed to him like Read cared about the kids in O’Keefe’s care. Rebecca Trayers’ testimony A bartender in Canton for over 10 year, Trayers said she knew of O’Keefe and some of the other members of the group that was at her bar, Waterfall, by name. That included Chris Albert, Brian Albert, Brian Albert’s wife and Brian Higgins. She confirmed to Yannetti that she grew up in Canton and knows of the Albert family, which is well-known in town. He also confirmed that Brian’s daughter, Caitlin, was there. Caitlin Albert has come up previously in the trial — Canton firefighter/paramedic Katie McLaughlin has acknowledged being acquainted with her, though the defense contends that they are close friends. Nicholas Kolokithas’ testimony Nicholas Kolokithas, an attorney who has known John O’Keefe for about 9-10 years and was at the Waterfall on the night of Jan. 28, 2022, testified that he remembered O’Keefe drinking beer at the bar that night. He said it was a fun atmosphere, with live music, and he didn’t observe any arguing or disputes of any kind. The prosecution also showed surveillance video from inside the Waterfall, showing the tables where the group had assembled. Kolokithas can be seen in the video standing next to O’Keefe. Under cross-examination by Jackson, Kolokithas reiterated that he first met Read around 2020, when he was dropping his daughter off at O’Keefe’s house. Kolokithas’ daughter is a friend of O’Keefe’s niece and played on the Canton High School basketball team together. Kolokithas said he recalls dropping his daughter off at O’Keefe’s house for a birthday party Read had scheduled for O’Keefe’s niece. And he said he had no qualms about having his daughter watched by O’Keefe or Read. He also testified that he and his wife probably spent time with O’Keefe and Read on a handful of occasions, and never noticed any tension between them. He said they seemed like a normal, loving couple and showed no outward signs that they weren’t getting along. Kolokithas said he spoke with O’Keefe and Read at the Waterfall, and heard from O’Keefe that the couple were planning vacations in the future. Jackson also asked Kolokithas to identify the people in the surveillance video from the Waterfall who he could recognize, including himself, O’Keefe and Read. He said there were two other people who he met that evening, Brian Albert and Brian Higgins. In the video, they can be seen squaring up and appearing to play fight. Karina Kolokithas’s testimony Karina Kolokithas, Nicholas Kolokithas’ wife, was next to take the stand. She also testified about that same night, saying she went to the Canton Junction to grab a bite to eat with other members of her older daughter’s Canton High School basketball team. After that, she said she went to Canton High School to watch her daughter play in a basketball game. Afterward, around 9:30 p.m., she said she met her husband at the Waterfall. She testified that she knew O’Keefe threw her daughter’s friendship with his niece. “He was a great guy. We saw him all the time,” she said. Prior to that night, Kolokithas said she had never been around Read in a social setting. She said O’Keefe was very happy and excited that his niece had just gotten into a private high school. She said she observed nothing out of the ordinary in the interactions between O’Keefe and Read on the night in question. “Everybody was having a great time,” Kolokithas said. She described a conversation she had with Read about how much she looked up to O’Keefe for how he cared for his niece and nephew. “She started talking about how much he sacrifices, how he unconditionally puts all his time and effort into his kids… and how she wished some of the other family members would take on some of the burden.” Lally again showed surveillance video from the Waterfall, seeking to get Kolokithas to identify the area where she spoke with Read. The video showed three women leaving the bar around 12:20 a.m., including herself, Read and Jennifer McCabe, Brian Albert’s sister-in-law. O’Keefe can be seen exiting the Waterfall about 20 seconds later. Exterior surveillance video was also shown, where Read and O’Keefe can be seen meeting up near the front door and walking toward Washington Street. McCabe can also be seen in the area of the back parking lot of the Waterfall. Court adjourned for the day around 3:45 p.m. Thursday will be a half day. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
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- Speaker Johnson champions bill preventing illegal immigrants from casting votesby Alex Miller on May 8, 2024 at 6:15 pm
House Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled legislation to stop illegal immigrants and noncitizens from voting in federal elections since Democrats are trying to skirt laws preventing such ballot moves.
- Heroes and villains of illegal immigration on display at Senate 'Dreamer' hearingby Stephen Dinan on May 8, 2024 at 6:10 pm
On one end of the Senate dais Wednesday was Mitchell Soto-Rodriguez, an illegal immigrant "Dreamer" who came to the U.S. at age 9, put herself through college and earlier this year was sworn in as a police officer, despite not having legal status in the U.S.
- Denver to clear migrant encampment due to safety concernsby Staff on May 8, 2024 at 5:53 pm
Denver officials have announced plans to clear a migrant encampment located in the city's Central Park, citing safety issues and unauthorized use of private property.
- President Biden mocks Trump over jobs, economy in Wisconsinby Jeff Mordock on May 8, 2024 at 5:44 pm
President Biden traveled to Wisconsin on Wednesday where he touted his record on the economy and job creation while mocking former President Donald Trump's failure to come through with a highly touted tech campus in the region.
- Democrats test if cash or diversity is king in Maryland's U.S. Senate primaryby Seth McLaughlin on May 8, 2024 at 5:41 pm
Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is leaning on the Big Schlims of the world to help offset Rep. David Trone's cavernous pockets in Maryland's hard-fought Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.
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- Oil industry could help the Biden administration tap 'invisible' green energyby Kirk Siegler on May 8, 2024 at 8:07 pm
The White House wants a twenty-fold increase in geothermal energy production to fight climate change and it's counting on the oil and gas industry for help.
- Indonesia's next president has a complicated history with the U.S.by Anthony Kuhn on May 8, 2024 at 8:07 pm
President-elect Prabowo Subianto was once banned by the U.S. for rights violations. But the U.S. earlier gave him military training. How will both countries deal with each other once he takes office?
- Body of the final Baltimore bridge collapse victim recovered in river, officials sayby Jonathan Franklin on May 8, 2024 at 7:56 pm
The Baltimore County Police Department confirmed the identity of the sixth victim, 37-year-old José Mynor López, after salvage teams located his body Tuesday.
- A Swiss Army Knife without the knife: Victorinox to offer bladeless productsby Joe Hernandez on May 8, 2024 at 5:36 pm
Some governments have been cracking down on the knives people can carry in public as crime has increased. Victorinox said any bladeless offerings wouldn't replace its selection of Swiss Army Knives.
- 'Black Twitter' docuseries celebrates the online community with real-world impactby Tonya Mosley on May 8, 2024 at 5:24 pm
When it comes to Black Twitter, filmmaker Prentice Penny says "no one is above being joked on." His Hulu docuseries charts the voices and movements that made it a force in politics and culture.
North County MA News
- Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting caseby Associated Press on May 8, 2024 at 8:38 pm
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case. Prosecutors alleged Ippei Mizuhara stole $16 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts. Mizuhara’s scheduled arraignment Thursday in federal court in Los Angeles was postponed earlier Tuesday. The shocked baseball fans from the U.S. to Japan when the news broke in March. Mizuhara was initially charged with one count of bank fraud. Authorities say there was no evidence that Ohtani was involved in or aware of Mizuhara’s gambling, and the player is cooperating with investigators.
- The year’s biggest summer travel trends, according to Pinterestby Tribune News Service on May 8, 2024 at 7:54 pm
A new report by Pinterest identified the new summer travel trends that travelers — and especially younger Gen Z travelers — are seeking out more than ever before.
- Column: About that ‘SNL’ student protest sketch — and a lousy time for political satireby Michael Phillips on May 8, 2024 at 7:54 pm
Chicago comedy expert Anne Libera says that satire "is not a useful tool today." That's why last weekend's "SNL" opener came up empty.
- Winner, winner, saucy chicken dinnerby Tribune News Service on May 8, 2024 at 7:47 pm
Here are two great reasons to cook chicken thighs in a heavy skillet: the crisp skin and the fabulous fat it leaves behind.
- ‘Interview with the Vampire’ review: One of the best shows on TV is back for Season 2by Nina Metz on May 8, 2024 at 7:38 pm
The second season picks up where the story left off, with vampires Louis and Claudia looking for community. Enter: The Theatre des Vampires.
Northeast MA News
- Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting caseby Associated Press on May 8, 2024 at 8:38 pm
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case. Prosecutors alleged Ippei Mizuhara stole $16 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts. Mizuhara’s scheduled arraignment Thursday in federal court in Los Angeles was postponed earlier Tuesday. The shocked baseball fans from the U.S. to Japan when the news broke in March. Mizuhara was initially charged with one count of bank fraud. Authorities say there was no evidence that Ohtani was involved in or aware of Mizuhara’s gambling, and the player is cooperating with investigators.
- The year’s biggest summer travel trends, according to Pinterestby Tribune News Service on May 8, 2024 at 7:54 pm
A new report by Pinterest identified the new summer travel trends that travelers — and especially younger Gen Z travelers — are seeking out more than ever before.
- Column: About that ‘SNL’ student protest sketch — and a lousy time for political satireby Michael Phillips on May 8, 2024 at 7:54 pm
Chicago comedy expert Anne Libera says that satire "is not a useful tool today." That's why last weekend's "SNL" opener came up empty.
- Winner, winner, saucy chicken dinnerby Tribune News Service on May 8, 2024 at 7:47 pm
Here are two great reasons to cook chicken thighs in a heavy skillet: the crisp skin and the fabulous fat it leaves behind.
- ‘Interview with the Vampire’ review: One of the best shows on TV is back for Season 2by Nina Metz on May 8, 2024 at 7:38 pm
The second season picks up where the story left off, with vampires Louis and Claudia looking for community. Enter: The Theatre des Vampires.
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