Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA

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• Promises Kept 8-26-25 (8/26/2025)

  

  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.

  Biblical Reference of the Rainbow

  In creating the graphic, Gardner Magazine was thinking of a Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference for the rainbow as a sign of God’s promise is Genesis 9:12-17, which describes God’s covenant with Noah and all living creatures after the global flood. In these verses, God promises never again to destroy all life on Earth with a flood, and He sets the rainbow in the clouds as a perpetual sign of this covenant. Here’s a breakdown of the promise and its significance: God’s Promise: God declared, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13). The Covenant: This covenant was made with Noah and “every living creature of all flesh“. The Sign: The rainbow would serve as a visible reminder to God that He would remember His promise.
  

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• Conservation 8-25-25 (8/26/2025)

  

  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 (8/26/2025)

  

  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 (8/26/2025)

  

  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 (8/25/2025)

  

  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 (8/25/2025)

  

  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 (8/24/2025)

  

  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 (8/24/2025)

  

  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 (8/23/2025)

  

  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 (8/23/2025)

  

  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 (8/22/2025)

  

  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 (8/22/2025)

  

  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 (8/22/2025)

  

  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 (8/22/2025)

  

  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 (8/21/2025)

  

  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 (8/20/2025)

  

  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 (8/20/2025)

  

  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 (8/20/2025)

  

  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 (8/20/2025)

  

  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 (8/19/2025)

  

  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 (8/19/2025)

  

  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 (8/19/2025)

  

  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 (8/19/2025)

  

  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 (8/18/2025)

  

  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 (8/17/2025)

  

  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 (8/17/2025)

  

  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 (8/17/2025)

  

  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 (8/16/2025)

  

  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 (8/16/2025)

  

  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 (8/16/2025)

  

  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 (8/15/2025)

  

  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 (8/15/2025)

  

  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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• This Week 8-15-25 (8/15/2025)

  

  Our Weekly News Magazine: “This Week in the Chair City” for Friday August 15, 2025

  Listen to our Weekly News Magazine: “This Week in the Chair City”, August 15, 2025 edition on any device,, CLICK PLAY.

  Reports this week on Downtown Gardner – Gardner Fire Department – Celebrating Social Security – Gardner Oktoberfest – 90 Degree Weather tips – Gardner Infrastructure – Hazard Mitigation – First Day of School – Song Releases – Upcoming Meetings in the City of Gardner – Events –

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

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• Oktoberfest – Chair Luge 2025 (8/14/2025)

  

  Gardner Downtown Event Will Hit a Milestone

  Saturday, September 27, 2025 is the 20^th annual Oktoberfest, Party in the Street, in Downtown Gardner. Established in 2006 by Gardner Ale House owner Rick Walton, the event draws hundreds and hundreds each year. A few years after the start of the event, the Chair Luge was born and this famous event is celebrating year number 15. 2025 will be the 15^th Annual Chair Luge. This year’s Chair Luge Theme is Beetlejuice. There will be live music all day long. The event is sponsored by Moon Hill Brewing Company.

  Schedule of Events: 10am: Run for a Beer, 11:00am: Hofbrauhaus Bavarian German Folk Band starts playing, 11:30am: Keg Tap with singing of Ein Prosit, 1pm: Men and Women’s Stein Holding Competition (Hold a 5lb mug of Oktoberfest Lager for as long as you can) 2pm: Chair Luge (a chair with wheels and some kind of brakes is all you need), 3pm: Cornhole Tournament. 3:00pm: Live Music on the Stage starting with Chris Fitz, 4:30pm Live Music with Disco Lemonade, 6:15pm: Music with Midnight Riders.

  The street party ends at 8pm. However,the pub at Moon Hill Brewing Company and the Gardner Ale House stay open a little longer. The Gardner Ale House is expected to once again have authentic German sausages, sauerkraut, potato salad, and soft pretzels. And of course, there will be Italian sausages, hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza. If you go inside the Gardner Ale House, you can even get Wiener Schnitzel and other German delicacies. More information, CLICK HERE.

  The event used to have a Festivals component sponsored by Gardner Square Two, but the last year of that was 2024. All Downtown Gardner businesses are at least expected to be open regular hours with some choosing to be open extended hours and/or have special things going on. Gardner Magazine will add additional information as to any participating non-profits and/or vendors as that becomes available.

  Downtown Gardner is “The Place to Enjoy.” See Downtown Gardner Business Profile and Business List, CLICK HERE. See Article with Downtown Gardner song, CLICK HERE

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• Fire Department 8-13-25 (8/14/2025)

  

  Gardner Fire Department Celebrates New Vehicles with an entourage of officials

  The celebration was held at Gardner Fire Department Headquarters on August 13, 2025. Federal, State, and City funds paid for 3 vehicles and various equipment. The check being held represents the Federal share of close to 2 million dollars. Congresswoman Lori Trahan is holding the ceremonial check.

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson posted: “Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan joined us in Gardner to celebrate the new vehicles Gardner was able to purchase for the Gardner Fire Department. Using $1,800,410.14 of federal grant funds, we were able to purchase a new heavy rescue truck, fire engine, and ambulance for the department. These vehicles were then fitted out with new equipment purchased with $35,556.48 of state grant funds and $175,000 from City funds that the City Council voted to approve the proposal for sent by my office. Aside from the vehicles and the equipment on them, over the last few years, we’ve purchased new SCBA oxygen tanks, vehicle accident rescue equipment, EMS protective jackets, and more. The investments we’ve made in our fire department provide our firefighters with the tools they need to be safe in their jobs and efficient and effective in their work serving the community, and will make an impact on the Chair City for years to come!”

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• SSA – Senior Center (8/14/2025)

  

  Gardner Senior Center Celebrates 90th Anniversary of Social Security

  At an event held on August 13, 2025, attendees of the Gardner Senior Center were joined by various officials to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Social Security along with representatives from AARP.

  Gardner Senior Center posted this statement: “What an exciting afternoon we had celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Social Security with AARP Massachusetts and The Greater Gardner/Chair City Chapter 3237 of AARP! We had a full house and were honored to be joined by some incredible guests, led by AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson. A huge thank you to our speakers and special guests: Congresswoman Lori Trahan – Senator Peter Durant – Representative Jonathan Zlotnik – Mayor Michael Nicholson – City Councilors Alek Dernalowicz & Calvin Brooks. And the amazing team from the Social Security Administration: Brenton Allen, Jess Matthews, and Marilenin Vasquez. Special thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers from AARP Massachusetts who helped make the event such a success – from setup and breakdown, to video coverage and lighting setup, and even providing the cake! Here’s to 90 years of Social Security!”

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• Attack of the Radio People (8/13/2025)

  

  Gardner Magazine Releases a mid summer smash: “Attack of the Radio People”

  Just imagine if an alien race of “radio people” came to earth with the intent of converting the population. But they met people they didn’t expect, the bickering politicians in Washington D.C. and rejected colonization. The only time the politicians saved the world. Listen to this original fun song “Attack of the Radio People” on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  From the song: “The radio people came to take over the world, everyone in fear as their blinking dials swirled, one was all talk and the other was all news, got in a scuffle and gave each dial a bruise….They came with their heads of dials aglow, But rejected our planet for being out of the know…(out of the know)…”

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• Farmers Market August 16th (8/13/2025)

  

  80’s and Mostly Sunny Weather Expected for Saturday Gardner Farmers Market

  The Gardner Farmers Market is Saturday August 16, 2025 at the Waterford Community Center with a 9:30am opening. The market is scheduled to be open until 1pm.

  Gardner Farmers Market posted, “Stop by the market and shop local farm fresh produce, artisan goods, listen to music by Drew Paxton, stop by the Levi Heywood Library table for a kids craft. SNAP accepted at participating vendors and for information Ascentria – SNAP-ed will be available to answer questions.”

  You’ll find locally grown produce including top quality fruit and veggies, fresh cut locally grown flowers from multiple vendors, local bakeries with lots of choices, and a wide variety of local meat, eggs, honey, maple syrup, and more. Unique locally made crafts available include soaps, cutting boards, fibers, pottery, and more. The monthly market will be held until October at this location with a Harvest Fair held in November at Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall.

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• American Flag in Gardner (8/13/2025)

  

  CLICK either image for a larger view.

  American Flag is Proudly on Display in Gardner MA

  These Gardner Photos were taken over the last couple of years as the American Flag has been proudly waving in Gardner. Whether it’s a public event, a public building, or a private building, you are likely to see a beautiful flag. We show the flag flying at a Press Conference, Gardner City Hall, the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, South Gardner, multiple places in Downtown Gardner, the Senior Center, the High School, and the Police Station.

  On July 4, 2026, we celebrate America’s 250th.

  

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• Keeping Cool (8/12/2025)

  

  

  Keeping Cool in 90 Degree Weather

  With temperatures at 90 degrees again, here are some tips to keep cool. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, as these can dehydrate you. Consider sports drinks to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Dress for the Heat: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Consider wearing a hat to protect your head and face from the sun. Seek Cool Environments: Spend time in air-conditioned spaces like libraries, shopping malls, or community centers or a cooling center if you don’t have your own air conditioning. When you buy an air conditioner for at home, get one with a good energy rating so you are more likely to use it when you need it. When outside: Seek shade whenever possible. Consider water-based activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding to be keep cool while staying active. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Listen to your body: Don’t push yourself if you’re feeling unwell, and recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Cool Down: Take cool showers or baths. Apply cool, wet cloths to your neck, wrists, or forehead. Consider using a spray bottle with cool water. Immerse your hands and feet in cool water. Other Tips: Close curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun. Think of others: Check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, children, and those with health conditions, who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. And very important: Never, ever leave children, elderly individuals, or pets in a parked vehicle as temperatures can rise rapidly and dangerously, quickly causing death.

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• Downtown Gardner 8-12-25 (8/12/2025)

  

  Downtown Gardner Progress Announcement Released 8-12-25

  The City of Gardner released a short announcement from Downtown Gardner featuring 4 speakers: State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, Community Development and Planning Director Jason Stevens, and City Councilor Brad Heglin. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  Both State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik and Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke about the public and private investments in Downtown Gardner. The Mayor complimented Community Development and Planning Director Jason Stevens who also spoke about assessing current and future needs in the City of Gardner. City Councilor Brad Heglin spoke on behalf of the entire Gardner City Council on the progress in the City.

  State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik stated: “Good afternoon. I’m very happy to be out here in front of City Hall in historic downtown Gardner to mark a milestone. The city and the state government has partnered on the redevelopment of downtown Gardner for many years now. In the last five years, that’s really hit the accelerator due to the leadership of Mayor Nicholson, but tens of millions of dollars have been invested from the city, the state, and importantly, and the biggest contributor, the private sector, in buying and repurposing and redeveloping buildings in downtown, bringing them back to commercial use, and importantly, back on the tax rolls...These these projects include infrastructure improvements, improvements to the buildings themselves, additions of new park spaces in downtown, and the biggest single one, the redevelopment of Rear Main, which the city and state have been working on for well over a decade now. But with the demolition of the Rome Square block, nearly completing the redevelopment of the corridor from Route 2 into that entrance of downtown, we thought this was an important milestone to mark and take stock of the improvements that we’ve been able to make through this partnership in downtown Gardner. And we’re nowhere near done. I wouldn’t even say that we’re halfway done. There’s a lot of work to go and a lot more investment to bring to downtown.”

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson stated: “…We really have a lot to be proud of the work that we’ve been able to accomplish together in Gardner, and a team with our legislative delegation, the City Council, our team here in City Hall. Really, this has been a full press effort to make sure that Gardner is continuing to move forward, particularly in our downtown. I think of where we’re standing today, and just behind me, is a building that four years ago owed the city of over $600,000 in back taxes that now is currently under construction to be redeveloped. And that’s just one example of the work that we’ve been doing in the downtown….And that’s been the biggest goal that we’ve been having here, is breathing new life into the area, breathing a new sense of community, a new sense of pride, a new spirit of home right here in the middle of our city….You look at the projects that are on this map, and looking at what we’ve invested into the city through our grant funds from the state and federal government through our own funding that we’ve been able to provide for these projects. And then you match that up with the building permits that have happened over the last three, four years. For the private sector projects that are happening in the downtown, our investment has been matched by over $31 million of private investment here in the downtown, and that’s right from the data that we get from the source, from the permit applications that we get here too. We’ve shown that when we invest in ourselves, we set the stage and set the example for others to follow and give them a reason to invest in us too. And that’s really been the motto that’s driven us over the course of the last year.“

  Director of Community Development and Planning Jason Stevens stated: “As the Director of Community Development and Planning, I want to take a moment to express my genuine appreciation for the support and partnership that has helped us move forward with so many meaningful projects here in Gardner. From infrastructure investments, land redevelopments, to thoughtful, long-range planning initiatives, my department is always striving to not only address today’s needs, but also laying the groundwork for a stronger, vibrant, and more resilient Gardner.…I want to also take a quick highlight for my incredible team behind these efforts, because I am not a one-man department. They are constantly bringing fresh insight and energy to the table, and I believe Gardner is a better place with them behind many of the projects that you’ve seen progressing.

  City Councilor Brad Heglin stated: “It’s a real honor and pleasure to speak today on behalf of the entire City Council and Council President George Tyros. I do want to take a moment to thank Rep Zlotnik. I think his partnership at the state level has been so important for everything we’re doing here in the City of Gardner, and our changes not only in securing grants or earmarks, but also in making sure that private entities who are investing in Gardner can navigate state departments and bureaucracy to bring these products to fruition. And of course, our Mayor too. When he assumed office five years ago, he brought a lot of needed vision and energy that I think we were sorely lacking in the city, and we saw those sort of seeds of growth be planted and nurtured, and they’re starting to come about today. A lot of buildings have come down, a lot of blight has been renovated in our Downtown area, new places have opened up, and it’s been a really exciting time in Gardner. For me, the most development I’ve seen in my life and in my time here in Gardner.”

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• The Gardner Perspective (8/11/2025)

  

  Gardner Magazine releases “The Gardner Perspective” – inspired by Rachael Roberts

  This powerful, emotional, positive song about Gardner is an original inspired by the wisdom of Rachael Roberts who has worked in the Gardner Mayor’s office for over a decade. Listen to the song on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  From the song: “Perspective is your truth and it starts with you, being grateful with a more positive overview.” The song enumerates the wonderful assets the City of Gardner is so lucky to have and embraces the concept of positivity in life. Thank you Rachael Roberts for your wise words and your ongoing contributions to the City of Gardner and to the people who are lucky enough to live in the Chair City.

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• Mid Summer Blues (8/11/2025)

  

  Gardner Magazine releases an original blues song “Mid Summer Blues” about Summer heat frustrations

  Are you so hot when the weather turns 90 that you’re putting ice cubes between your toes. This song is a fun blues song about the “Mid Summer Blues” There are 2 separate blues versions, both are enjoyable for the vocals and the instrumental sections in between. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  From the song: “It’s so damn hot I got the blues, what’s the word for my silly woes, I’m using ice cubes in twos, and putting them between my toes.”

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• Infrastructure 8-11-25 (8/11/2025)

  

  Infrastructure in Gardner – The Complete Report

  
  Gardner Magazine has spoken with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about Gardner infrastructure. Infrastructure is the set of facilities and systems that serve a City like Gardner and the term encompasses the services and facilities necessary for its economy, households, and firms to function. Infrastructure is composed of public and private physical structures such as roads, railways, bridges, airports, public transit systems, water supply, sewers, electrical grids, telecommunications like internet connectivity and broadband access. The report showcases the efforts over the last 5 years to improve Gardner’s infrastructure, drawing on recent and past interviews and a Press Conference. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  You’ll hear about roads and paving, parking, basic city services, education facilities, gains in infrastructure through the use of a 3rd party grant writer, groundbreaking for the water main, expanding internet connectivity, the Viewpoint Online permitting system, legal items like the Charter and ordinances-policies, public transportation, preserving the environment and being efficient with energy, specific awards and recognitions, and how the Mayor puts constituents first.

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• Deep Dive – Infrastructure (8/11/2025)

  

  DEEP DIVE – Infrastructure

  A conversation and report with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady on both hard and soft infrastructure. The explanation is illuminating. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

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• Pool Open 8-11-25 (8/11/2025)

  Greenwood Pool is open regular hours noon to 5pm. Repairs were completed. However, Yoga in the Park has been canceled on Monday, August 11, 2025 due to the heat.

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• Downtown Gardner Guide (8/10/2025)

  

  Profiling Downtown Gardner Massachusetts – What You’ll Find

  Downtown Gardner MA has evolved over the years and there are so many reasons why Downtown Gardner is a Place to Enjoy. Here’s a listing of Downtown Businesses with links to websites if available. Did we miss one? Please email News@GardnerMagazine.com and we’ll add it.

  Visit Downtown Gardner MA to eat at your favorite place, to buy an appliance or a TV, to see the art gallery or create art, to view apartments, to do your banking, to access business services, to buy some delicious homemade candy, to buy coins and cards, to buy gifts and collectibles, to buy clothing and sportswear, make arrangements for construction services, see a realtor, service a cell phone, buy natural foods and vitamins, shop for furniture, do business with the City at City Hall, get your hair done, access healthcare, buy a watch or jewelry, visit a non-profit, buy a bicycle, get something printed whether its on paper or on a teeshirt, or simply enjoy some recreation at Orpheum Park or Maki Park. When you need to go inside to rest, you can visit the library.

  Type of Business	Name of Business
  Eating Places	Paramount Cafe, Parker House of Pizza, Victoria Coffee, Garden Pizza, Taco Rey Coliman, Gardner Ale House, Kenny’s Chinese, Blue Moon Diner, The Hen House, Tata’s Fonda
  Appliances and TV	Stasukelis Appliance
  Art Gallery	Studio 4 Potters Gallery, Diamond Hearts Art Studio, Surroundings Gallery
  Apartments	Heywood Wakefield Commons
  Auto Parts	O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts
  Banks and Credit Unions	Fidelity Bank, GFA Federal Credit Union, Worker’s Credit Union
  Business Services	Empire Management, Padgett Business Services, Cellular Exchange
  Candy	Priscilla Candy Shop
  Coins Cards Collectibles Gifts	Gardner Rare Coins and Cards, Terrapin Moon, Straightaway Records, Artisans and More
  Clothing	John’s Sport Shop, Lakin’s Children’s Fine Apparel
  Construction	Royal Steam Heater Co., C.M. Chartier Contracting and Modular Homes
  Energy	Chair City Oil
  Foods	Happy Trails Natural Foods, Town Convenience, Cumberland Farms, Family Dollar, BP Gardner,
  Furniture	Gardner Outlet Furniture
  Government	Gardner City Hall – City of Gardner, State Representative Jon Zlotnik
  Hair Stylist and Barber	Hair Boutique of Beau Monde, Pete’s Barber Shop, Thrive Aesthetics and Wellness LLC, MVP Barber Studio 2

  Type of Business	Name of Business
  Healthcare	Alyssa’s Place Peer Recovery & Resource Center, Catholic Charities Homecare, Community Health Connections, D’Ambrosio Eye Care Inc., Gardner Family Medicine, Heywood Wakefield Commons, Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Wood’s Ambulance, Clinical and Support Options Inc., Eye & Lasik Center, Heywood Family Medicine, White Onyx Medical Weight Loss & Aesthetics, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreen’s Pharmacy
  Housing	Binnall House, Heywood Wakefield Commons,
  Industrial	Mack Prototype, Inc.
  Jewelry and Watches	Tanguay Jewelers
  Library	The Levi Heywood Memorial Library
  Non-Profits	GAAMHA Inc. , Gardner Emergency Housing Mission, Gardner Redevelopment Authority, Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, AED Foundation Inc, Gardner CAC, Council on Aging – Senior Center, House of Peace and Education, Open Sky Community Services, Voices of Truth Corp., America’s Youth (My Turn Inc.),, Wachusett Business Incubator
  Printers	Sharp Image Screen printing, White Dog Printing
  Real Estate	Candor Realty, Szoc Surveyors
  Recreation and Sports	O’Neil’s Bike Shop, Golf Rx Indoor Golf, Gardner Candlepin Bowling, City Music

  
  10 great places to eat in Downtown and dozens of businesses ready to serve you!

  Downtown Gardner is a Place to Enjoy!

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• Downtown Gardner – Place to Enjoy (8/9/2025)

  

  
  “Downtown Gardner – A Place to Enjoy” original song

  
  Gardner Magazine is releasing an ensemble package of the original song “Downtown Gardner – A Place to Enjoy”. Downtown Gardner is such a great place that just one version of the song wouldn’t do Downtown Gardner MA justice, so the song has been mastered in almost every style of music which has existed since before Gardner became a City in 1923.

  Each song version was carefully produced. Listen to any or all of the versions of the song on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  

  Some Modern Music Types: Versions of “Downtown Gardner – A Place to Enjoy”

  Song Types Through the Decades – Versions of “Downtown Gardner – A Place to Enjoy”

  Downtown Gardner MA is welcoming to all, no matter what type of music fits your tastes. Downtown Gardner is looking better all the time. So listen to your favorite version of this song and then schedule a visit to Downtown Gardner, a place to enjoy!

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• Hotline 8-9-25 (8/9/2025)

  

  Local and State Officials appear on WGAW Hotline Radio

  
  The WGAW Hotline Radio Show was heard from noon to 2pm on Saturday August 9, 2025. Listen to the entire program on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Starting off the program was Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. There was a discussion of campaign signs and the Mayor reminded that candidates are not allowed to place their signs on public property. If you see a sign on public property, notify the Building Department and they will remove the sign. The Mayor said he was very excited and pleasantly surprised to see the Chapter 90 funds at $1.1 million and DPW is already working on the paving list. This is the first time there was an increase in Chapter 90 funds since 2012. Mayor Nicholson gave an update on the Greenwood Pool, doing proper repairs, and long-term planning. The pool is open again. —-

  The Mayor spoke of various projects at City-owned properties with some construction to be taking place in October. The Mayor was asked about internet connectivity among City buildings. Also a discussion about election procedure and poll workers. —- Steve Wendell spoke about the National Night Out which took place on August 7, 2025. There were more people this year than ever. Wendell spoke with Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early at the event —– A commentary with Werner Poegel on Gardner Magazine 25^th Anniversary and WGAW upcoming 80th — State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik on Chapter 90 Fund formula changes resulting in increased allocations for the City and area towns ,and a discussion a bridges and maintenance. —- A report on Redistricting from ABC — A Press Conference with Governor Maura Healey and Secretary of State William Galvin with some State representatives from Texas.

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• This Week 8-8-25 (8/8/2025)

  

  Our Weekly News Magazine: “This Week in the Chair City” for Friday August 8, 2025

  Listen to This Week in the Chair City, August 8, 2025 edition on any device,, CLICK PLAY.

  12th Annual Greater Gardner National Night Out — Industry in Gardner — Chapter 90 Funds and Paving — DPW Work in the City — Leaky Plumbing — Greenwood Pool Repairs — Summer Concert Series — – MART meeting — Lifeline program concerns — Hazard Mitigation Plan — Getting Ready for School — City Job Openings — Deep Dive podcasts — Original Songs — Upcoming Meetings in the City.

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

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Events in Gardner MA

• Event List

  Month	2025 Events at a Glance
  January	11th – Gardner Relay for Life First Lap. Visit Gardner Relay for Life page. Relay for Life 2025 is Friday June 13, 2025
  February	17th – Presidents Day – City Hall and various town offices are closed 17th – Random Act of Kindness Week 23rd – PACC Polish Drive Thru 11am to 2pm – Meals are 15 dollars 24th – Planned snow removal in Downtown Gardner with Parking Ban 7am to 3:30pm
  March	5th – Gardner Museum opens for the season, Website. 30th – Higher prices go in to effect on April 1 for Flower pot sponsorships in Gardner – only $150 until then. 31st – Dog License Registration closes in Gardner. Register dog before this date. License page
  April	6th – Projected opening day for Rietta Flea Market (weather permitting) Website 23rd – Earth Day Expo: Growing Business, Nurturing Fixtures Gardner PACC open to public 6-7:30pm – More details — all Chamber listed events 24th – Greater Gardner Health and Wellness Fair 5-7pm at Perry Auditorium in Gardner City Hall 26th – Saturday – Purple Paws Fundraiser 9:30am-noon at Pulaski Dog Park, Gardner Flyer, CLICK HERE.
  May	17th – first monthly Farmers Market for 2025 at Waterford Community Center. Website 31st – Saturday – Gardner City-Wide Yard Sale Article Email to submit addresses is: shopportunity5@yahoo.com
  June	13th/14th – Greater Gardner Relay for Life at MWCC. Complete Schedule. 19th: Juneteenth 21st – Small Business Saturday and Happy Birthday Gardner Festival. Website. 21st – Farmers Market at Waterford Community Center. Website 21st – Fireworks at PACC . Bands at PACC and Lithuanian Beach Club.
  Ongoing Music	Summer Concert Schedules: Monument Park – PACC – Lithuanian Beach Club
  July	11th – GAAMHA 4th Annual Golf Tournament 12th – 2025 Gardner Food Truck Festival
  August	6th: National Night Out
  September	27th – 20th Annual Oktoberfest and 15th Annual Chair Luge – Downtown Gardner More Details, CLICK HERE Fun starts at 10am. Check out your favorite Downtown Gardner businesses as well.
  October	16th – Earth Day Expo: Growing Business, Nurturing Fixtures Gardner PACC open to public 6-7:30pm – More details — all Chamber listed events 31st: Halloween
  November	27th: Thanksgiving
  December	25th: Christmas Day
  Add Event	Email: News@GardnerMagazine.com

Easily Find Events for any community in the area using our pre-configured Google Events search: ASHBURNHAM – ASHBY – ATHOL – BARRE – GARDNER – HARDWICK – HUBBARDSTON – NEW SALEM – OAKHAM – ORANGE – PETERSHAM – PHILLIPSTON – PRINCETON – ROYALSTON – RUTLAND – TEMPLETON – WARWICK – WESTMINSTER – WINCHENDON. A great tool to quickly find out what’s going on in the Greater Gardner region.

Around the Towns – News

In the Community

Gardner MA is known as the Chair City, and the Greater Gardner MA r communities covered by Gardner Magazine all have something special: Ashburnham– Town of Lakes, Ashby – smallest town, Athol-the Tool Town, Barre – Town of Patriots, Gardner – The Chair City, Hardwick – Oldest Fair, Hubbardston -1015 above sea level, New Salem – Home of Quabbin Reservoir, Oakham – Coldbrook Springs, Orange – Home of Peace Statue, Petersham – Conservation, Phillipston – Historic Town Center, Princeton – Mt. Wachusett, Royalston – Forests and Falls, Rutland – Geographic Center of MA, Templeton – Town of 4 Villages, Warwick – Mt. Grace & Forest, Westminster – Historic Places, Winchendon – the Toy Town.

Gardner Magazine has a unique page highlighting Public Meetings Calendars. Most communities list all upcoming meetings in handy formats. Some communities either have few meetings or are not as comprehensive. Being aware of Public Meetings is a great way to be involved in your community.

News Story Archives by Month

Archives by Year: — 2025: — December — November — October —September — August — July — June — May — April — March — February — January — 2024: December — November — October —September — August — July — June — May — April — March — February — January — 2023: December — November — October —September — August — July — June — May — April — March — February — January — 2022: December — November — October —September — August — July — June — May — April — March — February — January ***** History: Big Chair and Furniture —- History: Gardner, MA —- History Articles

Today’s Features – Updated Daily

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. —