Local

Around Greater Gardner MA

• Public Safety 8-28-25

  

  Winter Parking Procedures Discussed at Public Safety Committee Meeting

  Gardner Police Chief Eric McAvene, Deputy Chief Nicholas Maroni, and Purchasing Director Joshua Cormier(Chair of Traffic Commission) met with the Public Safety Committee on August 28, 2025. Councilors Karen Harden, Calvin Brooks, and Craig Cormier heard a proposal for a change to a hybrid procedure model. One of the proposals being considered is a shorter, consistent parking ban period combined with Code Red Alerts for storms outside of those dates. Chief McAvene emphasized that the current system strains police resources as officers spend hours attempting to contact vehicle owners and DPW often has to return many times to a given street. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  In order to implement changes, an ordinance change would be needed and the committee is considering a public hearing to gather further input before drafting an ordinance.

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• Finance Committee 8-27-25

  

  Department Updates and Non-Union Compensation Ideas Focus of Finance Committee Meeting

  Listen to the entire 89 minute meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  The Committee heard detailed updates from the City Clerk, Human Resources, Assessor, and Purchasing Department Heads. The proposed change to the City ordinance concerning non-union compensation was discussed. Council members debated salary increases, step structures, and the impact of changes on various positions. The committee also briefly reviewed the City’s health insurance trust fund and a measure related to the preliminary city election.

  Photo shows: Councilors Heglin, Dernalowicz, and Mack plus City Clerk Siriphan, HR Director Morse, Assessor Kumar, Purchasing Director Cormier, and Mayor Nicholson.

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• Appointments 8-26-25

  

  Appointments Committee Reviews Appointments – Resignations – Assignments

  Various appointments by the Mayor, multiple resignations within various city departments, a new Veterans Director and new Building Commissioner, police officer assignments to polling locations, and election officers for 2025-2026 were discussed and reviewed. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

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• Radio Play – The Evil Lab

  

  Gardner Magazine Releases a Radio Play “The Evil Lab – the Lab of Lies”

  Listen to the original Radio Play on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Our fictional characters “Our Lady the Flake” and the “Evil Dr. Mayo” are at it again cooking up lies on Facebook.

  With support in an election campaign waning, the characters grow more and more desperate and more ridiculous in their ideas. Faced with an evitable loss due to having only 67 total supporters, they cook up a grand scheme.

  What happens in the end? Do they keep their U.S. citizenship or end up somewhere unexpected? You’ll have to listen to find out. This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real local nefarious characters is purely coincidental.

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• Library Strategic Plan

  

  Levi Heywood Memorial Library has a Strategic Plan

  The Levi Heywood Memorial Library has been working diligently over the past few years on expanding services and expanding hours to serve the community even better. The working blueprint has been its Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2026 through Fiscal Year 2030. See document PDF, CLICK HERE. Gardner Magazine has a “Deep Dive” with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady explaining it all. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The Strategic Plan outlines the library’s mission, vision, and core values aiming to better serve the community of Gardner, Massachusetts. It was developed through extensive community engagement including surveys, focus groups, and interviews with City officials to identify key needs and priorities which include enhancing access to resources, strengthening community connections, expanding programming, and fostering staff development. It’s a roadmap for the library’s future initiatives with the aim to make it a more vibrant, inclusive, and essential resource for all residents.

  

  UPCOMING LIBRARY BOOK SALE

  Coming up in September at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library is the 3 Day Used Book Sale taking place Thursday, September 25th from 4 to 7pm for Friends of the Library members and for the general public on Friday, September 26th from 9am to 4:30pm and Saturday September 27th from 9am to 4:00pm.

  For more information on any of the programs for kids, teens, and adults at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, visit their website, CLICK HERE.

  It’s FREE – Get your own Library Card today – It’s FREE and borrowing from the library is FREE. In addition, the library has public access computers and FREE Wi-fi. This page gives details on what types of materials are available at the library, CLICK HERE.

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• Stop for Bus

  

  Massachusetts School Bus Law – PAY ATTENTION

  Gardner starts school on Tuesday, September 2nd which means school buses will be everywhere. The Gardner Police Department posted, “School is here for some and just around the corner for others! Let’s keep our kids safe at the bus stop by following safety tips – whether you’re a parent, student, or driver. Together, we can make this school year safe and successful for all!“

  Gardner Magazine has a “Deep Dive” with the Chair Man and Chair Lady explaining Massachusetts law regarding school buses. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Here’s more about the Massachusetts Law regarding stopping for a school bus:

  In Massachusetts, you must stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended, regardless of whether you are approaching from the front or the rear on a two-lane road. You must remain stopped until the lights and sign are retracted. However, on a divided highway with a physical median or barrier, you only need to stop if you are on the same side of the road as the bus. Fines for failing to stop are substantial, starting at $250 for a first offense. When to Stop – Flashing Red Lights and Extended Stop Sign: Come to a complete stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and its stop arm is extended. On a Two-Lane Road: You must stop for the bus if you are on the same road as the bus, whether you are traveling from the front or the rear. Allow to Pass: Remain stopped until the bus’s lights stop flashing and its stop arm folds back. Vans/Pupil Transport Vehicles: The same rules apply to school pupil transport vehicles (like vans) that have flashing red lights and “SCHOOL BUS” signs. When You Don’t Need to Stop – Divided Highways: You are not required to stop for a school bus on a divided highway with a physical barrier or unpaved median, but only if you are on the opposite side of the road from the bus. Penalties for Violations Fines: A first offense for failing to stop for a school bus can result in a minimum fine of $250. Repeat Offenses: Second and subsequent offenses can lead to higher fines and potential suspension of your driver’s license. Camera Enforcement: Massachusetts law now allows for school bus violation detection monitoring systems to capture violations. Safety Reminders – Distance: You should stop at least 100 feet behind a school bus. Caution: Even when exceptions apply, exercise caution. Look for Children: After stopping, you should move slowly and continue to look for children who may be crossing the street. Follow the Law. Save Lives.

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• Wood’s Ambulance

  

  Wood’s Ambulance Responds Favorably to Financial Challenges

  In response to a press report elsewhere about an IRS lien, Wood’s Ambulance issued the following statement: “August 27, 2025 – Wood’s Ambulance,Inc. On July 28th a lien was publicly filed by the IRS. Prior to that date, Wood’s Ambulance had been in communication with the IRS and continues to be in order to achieve the outcome of having the lien satisfied and removed. All services provided by Wood’s Ambulance including Swift Ride, Wood’s Plus, Chair Van and BLS/ALS services have not been affected nor will they be moving forward.

  Wood’s Ambulance, Inc. was founded in 1954 and has been an integral part of the Gardner Community for over 70 years. During this time, like many small businesses, we have faced challenges and have overcome them.

  Our commitment to the Gardner community, our patients and employees will not waver or change.”

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• Promises Kept 8-26-25

  

  Promises Kept – Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson

  Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson on August 26, 2025. We opened the interview referencing the Mayor’s closing statement in a debate of June 2020 in which he made some promises. We then asked him about PROMISES KEPT. Listen to the interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Topics and questions included: Working with local, state, and federal government partners – budgets – union negotiations – collaboration with local business – knowledge and keeping an open mind – giving his “all” to the city – public safety – optimism – pragmatism .

  We went through a lightning round checklist asking the following for each: What was the problem, issue, or need – how did you solve the problem, tackle the issue, or meet the need in the last 5 years – and if you have an idea for the future on the subject, tell us what you can.

  Our lightning round list of dozens of Promises Kept

  The list included look of the city, Gardner being recognized, basic city services, blighted properties, business vacancies, retaining employees, city transparency, revitalization of Downtown, improving municipal and school facilities, improving educational outcomes, supporting elders, protecting the environment, utilizing energy resources, fiscal responsibility, improving health of citizens, addressing the housing shortage, industry in Gardner, infrastructure improvements, internet connectivity, legal updates, non-profit relations, enough parking, honoring veterans, public transportation, recreation and open space, roads- streets – avenues, water and sewer.

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• Swap Shop

  

  Gardner Announces “Swap Shop” at Transfer Station

  The Swap Shop is open for drop-off and browsing on Fridays from 9am to 2pm and on Saturdays from 8 to noon. Swap Shop is open to Gardner residents with a current Transfer Station Sticker of 1-Day Pass. A page on the City of Gardner website specifies what can be brought to the Swap Shop stating that they must be clean, dry, and in good working condition. It also specifies what not to bring. See website, CLICK HERE.

  To ensure compliance with the rules, the City website page states that “All items shall be inspected by the Transfer Station Attendant before they can be dropped off at the Swap Shop.”

  A new place to possibly find FREE items including: Art, Frames, Art Supplies, Puzzles, Tools, Hardware, Fabric, yarn, sewing supplies, Fashion accessories, jewelry, wood furniture, toys, luggage, handbags, wallets, back packs, musical instruments, office supplies, greeting cards, gift wrap, party goods, pet equipment, pet supplies, record albums, compact discs, DVDs, sports equipment, turntables, radios, speakers, clocks, cameras, household objects, yard and garden equipment, yard supplies, décor, and plants.

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• Conservation 8-25-25

  

  Conservation Commission Addresses Environmental and Land Use Matters

  The Gardner Conservation Commission met on August 25, 2025 to address various local environmental and land use concerns. Three members of the public spoke at the beginning of the meeting highlighting issues relating to the sludge landfill, observations about the condition of a nature trail, and a concern about an alleged inaccurate map depiction of a solar field road. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The commission also discussed ongoing enforcement orders, particularly concerning the sludge landfill and other properties needing continued monitoring. Public hearings were held regarding a proposed parking lot expansion for the Gardner Fishing and Gun Club, which received a negative three determination, and a drainage improvement project at Dunn State Park, which was continued. The meeting further addressed old business like continued discussions on a contractor building and issues with the nature trail’s entrance and dead trees, with Conservation Agent Justin Enright providing updates on various projects and upcoming professional development.

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• Golf Commission

  

  Gardner Golf Commission Meets – Will Fly a Drone to Control Canadian Geese

  Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Various operational and financial aspects of the Gardner Municipal Golf Course were discussed. The City Solicitor is reviewing fees. The Commission discussed various matters including replacement of the ball dispensing machine at the driving range, challenges with maintaining grass on the driving range tees due to lack of irrigation and high usage, proposal for a new practice area and the efforts to control Canadian Geese with a plan to fly a drone.

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• National Dog Day

  

  Greater Gardner MA Celebrates National Dog Day

  We all love our dogs and recognize our pets as members of the family.

  August 26, 2025 is National Dog Day.

  The official website is NationalDogDay.com, CLICK HERE.

  From NationalDogDay.com “Founded in 2004 by Animal Welfare Advocate, Author and Pet Lifestyle Expert, Colleen Paige, National Dog Day celebrates all breeds, mixed and pure and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues. National Dog Day honors family dogs and dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day – protecting our families and homes, for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and helping to locate and rescue victims of accidents and tragedy.”

  Locally, we salute two dogs who work in public safety and do so much for the community.

  Sully, the comfort and therapy dog works with the Gardner Fire Department.

  K-9 Rocky works with the Gardner Police Department.

  Happy National Dog Day!

  

  

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• Half the Crime – Original Song

  

  From the song: “Cutting crime in half, working on citizens behalf, let me draw you a graph, crime is down by half.” Thanks again to the Gardner PD!

  Dedicated to the Public Safety Team and the Gardner Police Department – an original song – “Half the Crime”

  Gardner Magazine released an article about Gardner’s Crime stats being down by almost half since 2020. This song celebrates the achievement and is a big THANK YOU!. Listen to any of the versions on any device, CLICK PLAY.

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• EDC 8-22-25

  

  Top left to right: Assistant Director Amy Yuhasz, Councilor Elizabeth Kazinskas, and Director Jason Stevens. Bottom left to right: Director Jason Stevens, Council President George Tyros, and Mayor Michael Nicholson

  
  The Community Development and Planning Department has direct phone lines for each of its staff members: Director Jason Stevens – (978) 991-5842, Assistant Director Amy Yuhasz – (978) 991-5841, Administrative Assistant Susan Storm – (978) 991-5843, Conservation Agent – Justin Enright – (978) 991-5844, Economic Development & Finance Manager Iris Kwafo-Mensah – (978) 991-5840

  More details on this City website page, CLICK HERE.

  Gardner Economic Development Committee Meets – Introduces New Assistant Director Amy Yuhasz – Updates City on Projects

  The Gardner Economic and Community Development Committee met the new Assistant Director Amy Yuhasz (pictured upper left) at its August meeting. Director Jason Stevens and Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson provided updates on various City Projects. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Director Jason Stevens introduced Amy Yuhasz, the new Assistant Director of Community Development and Planning, highlighting her contributions to streamlining grant processes and public social service contracts. Economic Development and Finance Manager Iris Kwafo-Mensah will be introduced at the next meeting.

  There were updates on various projects and initiatives: 1. The Greenwood Indoor Pool Demolition will be starting soon. 2. Bid requests for School Street School went out on August 19th and are due September 24th. This is another attempt to market the property to avoid demolition 3. Request for Proposal on the Helen Mae Sauter School to be released in the next few weeks. 4. Rear Main Street Project is on schedule with the approximate completion time projected to be May of next year. It will add about 100 FREE parking spaces to Downtown Gardner 5. The North Central Pathway Connector Project will have about a year delay due to work National Grid has to complete on the main power lines. 6. Master Plan – a full draft of the inventory assessment has been received. 7. Progress has been made on various chapters of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. 8. Garbose property sale – Director Stevens explained that the process of designing the Purchase and Sale and land disclosure is complicated with certain specific stipulations needed to get State approval before proceeding with the sale closing. 9. Maki Park project ADA compliance work will use the original contractor with costs expected to be around $52,000.

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• Gardner Crime Rate

  

  Gardner Police Department Efforts are Paying Off with less CRIME

  Overall crime in Gardner since Mayor Michael Nicholson took office is down by almost half, 44.6% in 2024 vs. 2020. Our chart shows the overall crime rate per 100,000 people (the manner in which stats are quoted) See 2024 Stats on pdf, CLICK HERE.

  Overall Crime Rate per 100,000 people by year in Gardner since 2000

  2000: 2353, 2001: 2914, 2002: 6939, 2003: 7961, 2004: 7288, 2005: 7643, 2006: 8176.34, 2007: 7333, 2008: 7890, 2009: 6877, 2010: 7796, 2011: 8157, 2012: 7549, 2013: 7040, 2014: 7321, 2015: 5218, 2016: 6845, 2017: 5392, 2018: 4960, 2019: 4547, 2020: 4886, 2021: 3611, 2022: 3019, 2023: 3151, 2024: 2704

  Comparison to other Cities and Towns in Massachusetts and the region

  2024 crime rate in Boston was 6618 vs. 6193 in 2020, Worcester the 2024 crime rate was 1217 vs. 5929 in 2020, Fitchburg the 2024 crime rate was 4975 vs. 4937 in 2020. Leominster the 2024 crime rate was 4459 vs 6045 in 2020 —- Locally, 2024 crime rates were: Winchendon – 3102, Westminster – 1854, Ashburnham – 1571, Templeton – 1068 Look up your community at this link, CLICK HERE – This resource was recommended by the Mass.gov crime stats page, CLICK HERE.

  State of Massachusetts Statistics

  Gardner has a lower crime rate than the Massachusetts average and the state of Massachusetts has a lower crime rate than the national average. The State of MA issued a Press Release in July – see complete on pdf – stating the following in part: “As communities across Massachusetts prepare for the busy July 4th holiday and the peak summer season, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced preliminary 2024 crime statistics, showing continued progress in enhancing public safety and reducing crime across Massachusetts. According to early data submitted to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), Part One crimes in Massachusetts declined in 2024 by 4.4% compared to 2023, with total NIBRS offenses dropping by 6.5%.”

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• Ashburnham Dog Attack

  

  Ashburnham Woman Seriously Injured in Dog Attack

  Ashburnham officers observed a dog attack in progress on August 23, 2025 when responding to a report of a previous dog bite and forced entry into a residence with the assistance of the Ashburnham Fire Department.

  After entry was made to the residence, the dogs lunged at Officers and Paramedics, forcing officers to deploy tasers. When the taser was ineffective on one dog, that dog was shot by an officer.

  The female victim was transported to UMASS Hospital with serious injuries. The officers sustained minor injuries View an image of the complete Press Release from Ashburnham Chief of Police Chris Conrad, CLICK HERE.

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• Oktoberfest 2025

  

  Gardner Downtown Event to be More Fabulous than Ever

  The focus of the September 27, 2025 event is shifting completely to the 20^th Annual Gardner Oktoberfest and 15^th annual Gardner Chair Luge. This year’s theme is Beetlejuice.

  We have a complete schedule of events in our complete article on this FABULOUS Downtown Gardner event, CLICK HERE or scroll down the page to the August 14^th article.

  It’s an all day event of music, food, and fun starting at 10am. And with it being the 20th year milestone of the Oktoberfest, the event is expected to be more fabulous than ever.

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• Hotline 8-23-25

  

  Steve Wendell has offered to provide a 15 minute recorded segment for each of the candidates in the upcoming election even if they don’t have opposition. Wendell states that the segment will be presented exactly as received and will not be edited.

  WGAW Hotline Radio Packed with Information on August 23, 2025

  Listen to the entire program on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The August 23rd WGAW Hotline Radio show featured a lengthy update with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson in which he explained the challenges of retaining good employees, the reason for the salary study, and the meeting with the City Council on non-union salaries. The Mayor explained unions in the City, went over job openings with the City, and announced some new hires. The discussion continued on educational programs, preparing for snow, the Greenwood Pool, and the paving list. Steve Wendell spoke about Criminal Illegal Aliens and featured a segment on Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on cooperation with ICE.

  In the 2nd Hour: Steve Wendell read the detailed Gardner Paving List. Werner Poegel provided a commentary on learning with back to school arriving soon. Steve Wendell reminded listeners that WGAW will be covering Gardner High School Friday Night Football in the upcoming season. The show closed with a Town Crier podcast with Stephanie Lahtinen of Westminster.

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• Original Song – Social Media Ditch

  

  Gardner Magazine releases “Social Media Ditch” an original song about falling for lies

  The original song “Social Media Ditch” features some really great piano and saxophone sections. Just for fun, there’s 4 different versions: Pop Rock, Pop Funk, Rock, and Modern Jazz. Enjoy any or all on any device, CLICK PLAY.

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• Templeton Municipal Light

  

  Templeton Municipal Light GM Refutes Bennett Claims

  The General Manager of Templeton Municipal Light, John Driscoll, took the unusual step of responding publicly to claims made on Social media by Jeff Bennett. According to Driscoll, Bennett inaccurately stated “every water customer pays $353.64 per year just to receive a water bill, plus cost of water used.” Driscoll writes “The $353.64 is actually the quarterly customer charge” and he explains how those funds are spent on paying off capital costs. See the entire response on pdf, CLICK HERE. Gardner Magazine also has a “Deep Dive” with the Chair Man and Chair Lady analyzing the situation, CLICK PLAY.

  Templeton Municipal Light website, CLICK HERE.

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• Paving Update 8-22-25

  

  Increased Funding Means More Paving in Gardner – A Paving List from Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson

  Gardner Mayor Nicholson released the following statement on August 22, 2025: “The City of Gardner is pleased to announce that the following streets are set to be re-paved in 2025. (see provided graphic below)

  Thanks to increased funding from the Commonwealth, Gardner was able to add additional streets to the list to be repaved. For Fiscal Year 2026, Gardner will receive $1,150,212.17 through the Commonwealth’s Chapter 90 program—more than double the $525,266.41 received in Fiscal Year 2025, marking a 119% increase.

  In addition to Chapter 90 funds, the City secured multiple state grants to expand its infrastructure program: Municipal Paving Grant – covering the full cost of repaving Pearl Street. MassTrails Grant – funding the paving of Crystal Lake Drive. City Contribution – allocating $363,617 of municipal funds toward these projects.

  

  Street selections are based on the City’s annual paving priority list, developed by the Department of Public Works and Engineering Department. Streets are evaluated on a range of factors, including overall condition, presence of sidewalks, number of residential and business properties, traffic volume, and the length of time since the last paving. Where sidewalks already exist, they will also be reconstructed alongside the roadway.

  The City is currently working with its on-call paving contractor, Mass Broken Stone, to schedule these projects for the fall season, pending weather conditions.

  “With this plan, we will have paved over one-third of Gardner’s roads in just the last five years,” said Mayor Michael Nicholson. “I’m proud of the investments we’ve made into our infrastructure and grateful to our state partners for helping us achieve this milestone. There is still more to do, and we are committed to pursuing every available resource to continue strengthening Gardner’s roadways and pedestrian infrastructure for the future.”

  
  Streets on the list are Green, Beech, Cross, Pearl, Stephanie Drive, Heywood, Sylvan Road, James, Reservoir, Glazier, Highland, Crystal Lake Drive, Abbot Avenue, Chatham, Lakeview Drive, Plymouth, Ida Hill, and Elizabeth

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• This Week 8-22-25

  

  Our Weekly News Magazine: “This Week in the Chair City” for Friday August 22, 2025

  Listen to our Weekly News Magazine: “This Week in the Chair City”, August 22, 2025 edition on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Drought and Fires — ZBA Goof up — Helping the Homeless — Hazard Mitigation — Gardner Airport – Non-Union Salaries at City Council — First Day of School — Gardner Museum — Greater Gardner Weather Center —- City of Gardner Job Openings —- Original Song Releases — Upcoming Meetings in the City of Gardner

  Contact Gardner Magazine via News@GardnerMagazine.com or leave a voicemail at (978) 632-6324

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• Fire and Drought

  

  For more information from Drought.gov on Fire and Drought, see various maps, CLICK HERE.

  For up to date drought conditions in Gardner MA at any time, please visit this page, CLICK HERE.

  Greater Gardner Drought Outlook: No Drought – But: Wildfires in Western United States

  The Greater Gardner MA weather this year has been somewhat of an oxymoron with the 30^th driest June on record over the past 131 years and the 32^nd wettest year to date over the past 131 years as measured from January to June 2025. Right now, no people (0%) in Worcester County are affected by drought. However, from time to time, air quality will vary due to wildfires in Canada.

  If you travel to the Western United States, you’ll find many large fires. Our graphic shows current conditions. Gardner Magazine’s Chair Man and Chair Lady have a “Deep Dive” explaining conditions in the United States. It highlights current fire incidents, environmental factors contributing to drought and fire risk, forecasts for future conditions (including heat and precipitation), and various impacts including the impact of wildfire smoke on air quality. An informative report. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

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• Zoning 8-20-25

  

  Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Procedural Goof-up taints Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on August 19, 2025

  The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals is composed of 5 members with a majority vote of 4 needed to approve an item. (3 does not meet 2/3 requirement) However, at the meeting of August 19, 2025, Chairman Ray Lafond brought the matter of 163-165 Pine Street to a vote and announced a 3 to 3 split decision which was promptly questioned by Attorney Christine Tree who appeared on behalf of petitioner Jonathan Bombaci. The ZBA took another vote and the result was announced as 3 yeas to 2 against. However, rather than being approved, the matter is denied because a 2/3 vote or 4 out of 5 is needed for approval. Attorney Tree stated she would be meeting with her client for the next steps. Listen to that segment of the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The reallocation of six parking spaces within an existing lot at Hannaford Supermarket was approved.

  Here’s the complete meeting agenda, CLICK HERE.

  

  Unauthorized Driveway? The Laperriere Complaint

  The meeting concludes with a citizen complaint by Colleen Laperriere who alleges among numerous things that her neighbor is building an unpermitted driveway. The discussion lasted 16 minutes. Laperriere was advised to draft a formal letter to various departments. Here what Laperriere said on any device, CLICK PLAY.

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• North Star Family Services

  

  North Star Family Services has a website, CLICK HERE. — Brochure, CLICK HERE. — One-sheet on Endowment Campaign, CLICK HERE. For those who want to help there is a wish list, CLICK HERE. There’s a donation page with a secure donation link and a mailing address, CLICK HERE.

  Helping Homeless Families – An Interview with Jon Hogue of North Star Family Services – and the Gardner Mayor’s Local Efforts

  Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with Dr. Jon Hogue, the President & CEO of North Star Family Services, Inc., a Leominster non-profit which helps the homeless every single day. Listen to the interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  North Star Family Services has been around over 20 years and serves families “that are struggling, low-income, and homeless families with children. Families that don’t have the security of having a home. And if you don’t have a home, you don’t have food security, because you don’t have a fridge.”

  Jon Hogue says that the homeless crisis is growing every year because wages aren’t keeping up with costs and rental costs or buying a home have skyrocketed to ridiculous levels. North Star has its shelter in Leominster on Main Street (shown in our graphic). Hogue describes it as a family resource center and we go over all the details.

  Under our graphic, we are providing links to the website, a brochure, a wish list, a donation page link, and a one sheet on the 12 month endowment campaign. A donor is willing to match donations up to $750,000. The endowment would be used to help sustain the organization for the future.

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson has been working with Jon Hogue to try to get a similar program for the homeless up and running in Gardner.

  Gardner Efforts with Mayor Michael Nicholson

  Gardner Mayor Nicholson works behind the scenes in order to help many non-profits.. Right now, the Mayor has been talking with Jon Hogue about how to better help the homeless in Gardner. This is what Jon Hogue said, “So, I’ve gotten to know the Mayor over the last couple of years. I’m actually a resident of Gardner myself, so I care about the families all over, including my home city, so I’ve been working with the Mayor about trying to lay some groundwork to try to do some affordable, supportive, subsidized housing in Gardner. And we’re trying to identify the means to do that because there’s a lot that goes onto it, into it rather, you know, you have to have land or a building that’s suitable, you have to have funding to renovate or construct the building, and then you have to have ongoing operational costs that are very hard to come by, so you’ve got to have a mechanism or a strategy for that. So, he and I are having regular conversations around this, and I’m pretty confident that we will have something in the works soon, but like I said here at North Star, for our Journey Home Program that we just finished, it took seven years to get it done. So, this isn’t an overnight solution, but if we start now, the sooner we’ll be done. So, since we finished our Journey Home Program, or housing project, we learned a lot as an agency. We also learned how funding could potentially work, so we’re ahead of the game when we’re looking at trying to do something in Gardner, and, you know, the mayor’s been very supportive of what North Star is doing and would like us to do something in Gardner, so that’s the plan.”

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• 25 Main Water

  

  Water Line Takes a Second Day

  Pleasant Street in Downtown Gardner is closed again for water line work on August 20, 2025.

  Gardner City Hall posted, “Please be advised:Pleasant Street will be closed again today Wednesday, Aug. 20th between Parker Street and City Hall Avenue as private crews install the new water line tie-ins for the Brilla Coffee location and new apartments being constructed at 25 Main Street. The sidewalks remain open to pedestrian travel to businesses in the area while the work is being done. Thank you for your attention and your patience.”

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• Accident Route 2

  

  Gardner and Westminster Fire Departments Respond to Route 2 Accident

  On August 19, 2025, Gardner and Westminster Fire Departments responded to a motor vehicle accident which resulted in Route 2 being closed for about a half hour while the accident was cleared.

  Gardner Fire Department posted, “Earlier today, Group 1 firefighters, assisted by Westminster Fire, responded to reports of a motor vehicle accident on Route 2 westbound. Crews arrived on scene to find a two-vehicle accident, with one vehicle that had overturned. EMS transported both occupants to local hospitals. The incident resulted in a temporary closure of Route 2, lasting approximately 30 minutes.”

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• Non-Profits Interview

  

  Supporting Non-Profits in Gardner – Interview with the Mayor

  Gardner Magazine recently spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about how the City and the Mayor have supported non-profits in Gardner. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY

  Mayor Nicholson spoke about the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, the Gardner CAC, Growing Places, Gardner Emergency Housing Mission, and also working with North Star Families regarding the homeless, Heywood Hospital, organizations regarding substance abuse prevention and domestic violence prevention, the Health and Wellness Fair, and the faith-based community.

  For AUDIO interviews (and complete text of questions and answers) on about 3 dozen local issues visit the Fiscal 6 Project at Fiscal6.com.

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• Airport Deep Dive

  

  Updates – Research – Tech – Creative Ideas at Gardner Airport

  There’s so much more than you might expect going on at the Gardner Airport. Gardner Magazine has a “Deep Dive” with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady pulling back the curtain on the Gardner Airport. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Learn about the difficulty of managing the complex infrastructure, battling nature, vegetation management, mapping and flagging the wetlands, pioneering new tech, and the MIT Project, dealing with an intermittent gate issue, navigating financial waters, and creative ideas. Learn about the major milestone of being able to submit the closeout report for the runway reconstruction to the FAA.

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• City Council 8-18-25

  

  Gardner Magazine has a complete analysis of this meeting with a “Deep Dive” from the Chair Man and Chair Lady who go over the meeting and explain Gardner’s strategic move to keep talent. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Non-Union Salaries Topic of 93 Minute City Council Meeting

  The Gardner City Council met on August 18, 2025 for the purpose of discussing non-union salaries. Council President George Tyros recused himself from the proceedings as he has a family member who would be impacted. The Councilors elected Craig Cormer President Pro-Tem. The packet for the meeting is 774 pages on pdf, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  We also have a “Deep Dive” analysis of this meeting. Look under the graphic. During the meeting, the Mayor told the Councilors that Veterans Services Director Cory Hasselmann has accepted a position with the City of Leominster after being offered a $100,000 salary there. Councilors asked many questions about all aspects of the issue, with the Mayor answering questions for well over an hour. The Council will have to vote on the matter in the next month or so to avoid delaying the setting of the tax rate which is based on the City budget including approved supplemental spending.

  The meeting ended with a motion by Councilor Brad Heglin to send to the Finance Committee for review and report. Motion was approved unanimously. The desired outcome is for the City Council to approve measures which make it easy to retain employees and hire new employees by paying competitive salaries. Once the City Council gets the report from the Finance Committee it is expected to act on the recommendations.

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• Child in Car

  

  Editorial: A Stark Reminder to Never Leave a Child Alone in a Car

  An incident August 18, 2025 at Heywood Hospital in Gardner MA is a stark reminder to never leave a child alone in a car. A vehicle was stolen with the child inside, but luckily for the child, the thief stopped and let the child out of the car. Police tracked the vehicle using cell phone data and initially were in pursuit until it became unsafe due to the way the thief was driving. The vehicle was found in Lowell. The thief has not yet been caught.

  On a similar subject: Leaving a child, elderly adult, or your pet dog or cat in a hot vehicle for even a few minutes can result in tragedy. Don’t do it. If you can’t take your child in with you, make arrangements ahead of time to have your child stay safely with a friend or relative. As far as your dog or cat, leave your dog or cat safely at home in air-conditioned comfort.

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• Beaches 8-18-25

  

  Some Area Beaches Closed Due to Bacterial Exceedance

  Area beaches closed include: Damon Pond in Ashby, Eagle Lake in Holden, Lunenburg Town Beach, Beamans Pond Day Use and Campground in Templeton, Pearl Hill Pond in Townsend, Crow Hill Pond in Westminster, and Lake Dennison Day Use and North Camp in WInchendon. For the complete list of more than 4 dozen beaches, CLICK HERE.

  Bacterial exceedance means the measured levels have surpassed the acceptable limits set by health and safety regulations. These limits are established to protect public health, as high levels of bacteria can pose a risk of illness, particularly gastrointestinal issues, skin rashes, and ear or eye infections, according to health agencies.  Some other beaches outside of this area are closed for a harmful cyanobacterial bloom.

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• Back to School

  

  Gardner Magazine releases a short, but fun original song “Back to School”

  Back to School is just around the corner.

  Listen to the song on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  From the song: “Eat a good breakfast so the brain’s in gear, nutrition sets you up for a great year,Get plenty of sleep to rest that noggin, no use in class if you’re head’s foggin…so rest that noggin…(rest that noggin)….not gonna message when I’m in class, better lock that phone under glass, gonna keep my eye on the ball, so I’m in college next fall…(college next fall)…college next fall…Let’s go back to school, these days school is cool…”

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• Gardner Museum Fall 2025

  

  On the web, visit the Gardner Museum website, CLICK HERE.

  Gardner Museum – Fall Lecture Series with a “Deep Dive”

  The Gardner Museum located at 28 Pearl Street in Gardner MA has announced an impressive Fall Lecture Series. CLICK FOR PRINTABLE PDF. Gardner Magazine’s Chair Man and Chair Lady cover it all in a “Deep Dive”. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The Fall-Winter Sports Exhibit kicks off the season on September 3rd from 1 to 4pm featuring displays of area high school sports. That exhibit will run until December 19th. Other exhibits include: Sports Cheats —- Faith, Family, and Heritage on Song — Sports Exhibit Grand Opening Event with the MWCC Mascots on September 13th — History and Legends Through Song, Veterans Roundtable, Unveiling Harrison Cady, Madness in Crowds, KIds’ Art Session, and the Averill House Uncorked – Wine, Wisdom, Dry Edition. The 20th Anniversary Festival of Trees begins on November 12th. For dates and times see the printable pdf.

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• Weather Center Upgrade

  

  Access the Greater Gardner Weather Center, CLICK HERE.

  Gardner Magazine Upgrades Greater Gardner Weather Center

  Gardner Magazine is pleased to announce that the Greater Gardner Weather Center has been upgraded. Here’s what you’ll find:

  1. Weather Forecasts from multiple sources including Forecast 7, Meteo Blue, Tomorrow Weather, Booked.net, Meteored, Weather Rx, and a detailed forecast from the National Weather Service.
  2. Fire Risk for multiple locations including Athol, Gardner, Ashburnham, Westminster, Fitchburg, and Worcester.
  3. Air Quality and Pollen Conditions
  4. Interactive Weather Map from Meteo Blue
  5. National Weather Service Map
  6. Worcester County Drought Conditions

  The Greater Gardner Weather Center can be found right here.

  

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• Gardner Brain Drain

  

  Gardner Brain Drain – City Council to Discuss – and our DEEP DIVE

  The Gardner City Council has a meeting of the whole on Monday, August 18, 2025 to discuss what’s in the 774 page agenda concerning non-union compensation. Here is that huge agenda, CLICK HERE. Gardner is trying to agree on a way to modify its pay schedule for non-union employees for greater retention of current employees and easier recruitment for the future. The Deep Dive analysis shows Gardner intends to pay at least the average pay for a particular job, so the City doesn’t lag behind, but doesn’t pay too much either. Changes would be in the form of an ordinance passed by the City Council. The City Council meeting is Monday, August 18, 2025.

  Listen to a discussion, explanation, and interpretation with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady on any device. We’re calling it “The Gardner Brain Drain – Keeping Key Employees.” CLICK PLAY.

  Gardner Magazine will have the AUDIO of the Gardner City Council meeting when available.

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• Basic City Services

  

  For all of the AUDIO interviews (plus text of all questions and answers included) from all 3 dozen categories of the Fiscal 6 Project, please visit Fiscal6.com, CLICK HERE. — Also, there’s more on this topic at MIchaelNicholsonMA.com, CLICK HERE.

  Basic City Services – An interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson

  As part of the Fiscal 6 Project, Gardner Magazine spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about his vision for Basic City Services and what has been improved since 2020. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  The Mayor specifically mentions the public’s online access to services and a desire to continue expanding interaction with the pubic, the work on revamping the ordinance code, the Prevention Coordinator, and the Domestic Violence Advocate. The mayor also stated there are “different projects that we have in the pipeline right now that I’m really excited for that are too early to announce right now but I think they will make some big differences around the City.” More at the Mayor’s campaign website, CLICK HERE.

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson stated, “I think there’s a lot of work that we’ve been able to do just to make it so it’s easier for people to interact with City Hall. Expanding our online permitting system so that if you need you know the services of City Hall you can get those from the comfort of your home on a 24-7 basis rather than only when City Hall has working hours. We’ve increased our veteran service offerings not just for Gardner but for the region by adding two additional staff members to that department and then taking on the veteran services for not just Gardner but also the towns of Ashburnham, Westminster, Ashburnham, Winchendon, Princeton, and Ashby. And we’ve got other communities that are also looking at joining our district here too. And it’s one of those things that these smaller towns didn’t have the resources to have a full-time veterans agent. …. Our outreach services that we’ve done through our Prevention Coordinator and Domestic Violence Advocate, And then just some of the ways that we interact with the public here too, cutting back the red tape that we have in our ordinance code and going back and looking through those and the big administrative legislation package that we did last year. There’s a lot that’s been done and there’s a lot that we still plan to do and I’m really happy with how we’ve been able to increase our access to the public, our transparency to the public as a result of that and really work towards setting us up so people know what we’re doing in City Hall each and every day on their behalf.” For more, listen to the interview.

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• Hotline 8-16-25

  

  WGAW Hotline Radio of Saturday, August 16, 2025

  Listen to the entire show on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  1^st Hour: First guest was Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. Topics: The election process. A question about a call re rodents. — Greenwood Pool update — Chapter 90 Road Repair — Green Street progress — the Sludge Landfill — Gardner Oktoberfest — Sports Camps Starting Up — Opening up Schools —- 20^th Oktoberfest Report with Werner Poegel — Downtown Commentary with Werner Poegel “A Place to Enjoy” — The record shop in Downtown Gardner, Straightaway Records —

  2^nd Hour: Steve Wendell on the Morning News and News Throughout the Day —- Wendell report on Criminal illegal aliens in the United States and an experience he had at the laundromat — Report: Crime in Washington, D.C. — podcast with Stephanie Lahtinen of Westminster on various events and local issues and meetings.

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• Lab of Lies

  

  Lies are still being cooked up on a Rogue Gardner Facebook Group. But, the public is tired of the antics.

  Gardner Magazine is releasing an original song “Lab of Lies.” Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  EDITORIAL: Rogue Gardner Facebook Group Steps up Lab of Lies

  The “Lab of Lies” was stepped up today on that Gardner Rogue Facebook Group with some ridiculous salacious posts. The group admins are Paul DeMeo and Kimberly Blake who are allowing anonymous posts with awful, false allegations against local public officials. A former friend of Blake messaged me that she thinks the post was made by Blake, but we can’t confirm this. No matter who wrote it, she has a responsibility to see that it is removed. As if that wasn’t enough, the group had a post the other day which called out any contributors to current Mayor Michael Nicholson and then, according to complaint posts made in other groups, promptly retaliated and removed those individuals from the DeMeo-Blake group – So much for believing in democracy. Ironically, after an unprecedented period of success over the last 5 years, Gardner Mayor Nicholson enjoys wide public support. This publisher drove around the City of Gardner today on several streets while taking photos. I saw over 2 dozen signs for Mayor Nicholson, 6 signs for Kimberly Blake, and 1 sign for Ann DeBarros in my short trek. As far as contributions, the Mayor has 33 times the support with reported donations of $18,610.69 versus Blake at $559.10. That support of course includes local businesses and local residents which is a good thing, not a bad thing as portrayed by Blake and DeMeo. In my opinion, Blake should be ashamed of herself. A campaign should be about local issues, not a forum for making up stuff just because you’re mad the public doesn’t support you enough and businesses don’t support you enough. —- And as far as Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, the Fiscal 6 Project chronicles more than 3 dozen categories of Gardner’s documented success over the last 5 years. CLICK HERE.

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• Supplemental FY25

  

  Governor Healey Files Supplemental Budget Bill

  The actual Fiscal Year 2025 ended on June 30, 2025 but the state is still dealing with it. On Thursday, August 14, 2025, Governor Maura Healey filed a supplemental budget bill to strengthen Massachusetts’ financial standing amid national economic uncertainty and end Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) with a balanced budget. The legislation appropriates $2.45 billion in gross spending, at a net cost to the state of $947 million after revenue offsets, to address deficiencies and meet time-sensitive budget needs as Massachusetts closes the books on FY25. Complete Press Release, CLICK HERE.

  In a “Deep Dive” the Chair Man and the Chair Lady discuss the bill. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

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Around Massachusetts and New England

• Various Links to Various Content

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Here is something we are working on: A new and improved Greater Gardner MA Photo Gallery.

  

  

  
  All Sports Page features 8 categories of sports – Major League Baseball, NFL Football, NBA Basketball, National Hockey League, College Football, College Basketball, Professional Golf. CLICK HERE.

  

  
  Here are the State News pages on Gardner Magazine: — Massachusetts 1, — Massachusetts 2, — New Hampshire, — Connecticut, — Vermont, — Rhode Island, — and Maine. — Plus, California, — New York

  

  
  Here are the various news pages on various U.S. Topics including: Capitol Hill — , Lifestyle — , Financial — , Technology —, Showbiz —, Top U.S. Stories —, U.S. Debt Clock — , Economy —, United States News. —