Local News Gardner MA

Gardner MA Breaking News

• Fictional Theater 14

  

  Fictional Theater Episode 14 – Joe and Don Take Calls at the Call Center

  Our best friends Don and Joe with a new hit episode from our series called Joe and Don at the Call Center. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  For the complete page featuring Episodes 1-12, (Episode 13 is in the works) and this episode, please visit the Joe and Don page, CLICK HERE.

  The series is entirely fiction. We only wish that Joe and Don would be best friends and that our politics would be more civil in nature.

  ---

• 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

  

  Article on the April School Committee Budget Meeting, CLICK HERE.

  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

  

  Regular Meeting Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE.

  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 3^rd 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 27^th 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.

  ---

Local News by Topic: Arts & Entertainment – Business & Growth – Covid – Geography – Government – Health – Holidays – Life – Money & Finance – Musings – Non-profits – Public Safety – Schools – Weather.

• Please Patronize our Advertisers

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  In the Community