DEEP DIVE Episodes – Gardner Magazine
- Deep Dive – Infrastructure
- Concert 8-9
Summer Concert Series Featuring “The Long Run” playing Eagles classics
Saturday August 9, 2025 from 6-8pm, the stage at Monument Park will be transformed in to a trip down memory lane from decades ago with the Central Massachusetts band, “The Long Run”. The Band plays music of the Eagles and is made up of: RICK BARRETT – guitars, keyboards, vocals – CARL BONGIOVI – bass – KATHY FINN – keyboards, vocals – GLENN JACKSON – guitars, vocals – DAN KIROUAC – drums, vocals.
Gardner Magazine has a really cool Deep Dive podcast for you all about the Eagles. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Deep Dive – The Eagles ADMISSION IS FREE!
- Hazard Mitigation
City of Gardner Emergency Management page, CLICK HERE.
Local Ordinances affecting Emergency Management in Gardner as adopted by the Gardner City Council, CLICK HERE.
State of Massachusetts resources on local mitigation planning, CLICK HERE.
City of Gardner Updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan – COMPLETE COVERAGE
The City of Gardner is updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan which is in place to reduce risks to the public and infrastructure from natural hazards. Gardner Magazine has extensive resources including 3 Deep Dives and links to various comprehensive documents for your review.
The City of Gardner put out a Press Release: “The City of Gardner is updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan, and we want to hear from YOU! This plan helps us identify and reduce the risks from natural hazards like flooding, severe storms, and heavy snow. It also ensures Gardner stays eligible for federal funding to support these efforts. Here’s how you can get involved: 1. Take the Survey. Tell us about your experiences with natural hazards and what matters most to you when it comes to safety and preparedness. Open until October 10, 2025 at midnight! 2. Attend the Public Meeting Learn more about the plan, the risks we face, and help us prioritize actions to keep Gardner resilient. Date: September 18, 2025 Time: 6–7 PM RSVP here: Virtual option: Link coming soon. A draft of the plan will be posted soon for public comment, stay tuned! Your input helps us plan smarter and respond stronger. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or community stakeholder, your voice helps shape a safer, stronger Gardner. Let’s plan for a more resilient future, together.
Gardner Hazard Mitigation Plan
Gardner Magazine has a “Deep Dive” discussion podcast on the Gardner Hazard Mitigation Plan. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Gardner Hazardous Mitigation Plan Background: The City of Gardner, MA, like other municipalities, is required to have a Hazard Mitigation Plan to be eligible for FEMA funding for disaster recovery and mitigation. This plan helps identify potential hazards, assess risks, and develop strategies to reduce the impact of these hazards. 10 Years ago, the 611 page plan was developed. Here is the Gardner portion, CLICK HERE.
Montachusett Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Gardner, along with other communities in the Montachusett Region, has been working with the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) on hazard mitigation planning. Complete 611 page Montachusett Hazard Mitigation Plan from 2015, CLICK HERE. Gardner Magazine has a Deep Dive on the complete 611 page plan. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.DEEP DIVE: Montachusett Region Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan FEMA published a Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide on April 11, 2025, CLICK HERE. —- Fact Sheet, CLICK HERE.
Gardner Magazine has a DEEP DIVE on this extensive plan. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Key Elements of a Hazard Mitigation Plan: Risk Assessment: Identifying potential hazards (natural and human-caused) and assessing their potential impact on the community. Capability Assessment: Evaluating the community’s ability to respond to and recover from these hazards, including existing resources and infrastructure. Mitigation Strategy: Developing specific actions and projects to reduce the risk and impact of hazards. Plan Maintenance: Establishing procedures for regularly updating and reviewing the plan. Gardner’s Specific Efforts: Gardner participates in the Montachusett Region Hazard Mitigation Plan, which involves updating hazard maps, assessing vulnerabilities of critical facilities, and identifying mitigation measures. The city has also been actively involved in developing a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Plan, focusing on climate resilience. Public participation is crucial, with opportunities for residents to provide input on the plan and its implementation. Why is it important? Eligibility for Funding: Hazard Mitigation Plans are required for communities to be eligible for FEMA funding for disaster recovery and mitigation. Increased Awareness: . The planning process raises awareness of potential hazards and vulnerabilities within the community. Reduced Risk: By identifying and addressing risks, the plan helps communities become more resilient to future disasters.
- Labor Day First
Labor Day First, First Day of School Second
In the City of Gardner summer is still well underway but soon thoughts will turn to Labor Day Weekend and what comes right after. Labor Day is September 1st, and the first day of School in the city of Gardner is September 2nd. Consult your individual town website for your community. CLICK for the full Gardner MA 2025-2026 school calendar. The calendar is discussed in a “DEEP DIVE” with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady. Listen on any device, CLICK HERE.
DEEP DIVE – Gardner MA School Calendar August 19th and 20th will be Administrative Council Retreat Days. August 21st is Teacher Leader Training Day. Then, there are 4 full days of professional development for faculty and staff to prepare for the upcoming school year. Everybody gets Labor Day off and then return to school begins on September 2nd. If the 2025/2026 winter is not too bad, the last day of school will be a half day on June 12, 2026. Once school is out, there will be a couple weeks of preparation for a big national event: the 250th birthday of the United States on July 4, 2026.
- Westminster 8-1-25
A busy August in the Town of Westminster MA – Complete Coverage
Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 11 AM to 5 PM, Westminster’s beloved Town Benefit Day is back on Academy Hill, packed with familiar favorites and exciting new attractions. Details are found in Volume 19 of The South Street Sentinel for August 2025. CLICK HERE. The Chair Man and Chair Lady discuss all of the items in this edition. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – Westminster MA August 2025 On the same date is also the 38th Annual Town Benefit Day.
Academy Hill Park is Now open to the delight of children in the community. It will be open 8am to dusk and provides 24 hour surveillance for safety.
Westminster Farmers Market is Fridays from 3-6pm on Academy Hill. There are almost 20 vendors. For more details please visit their Facebook page, CLICK HERE:
On Wednesday, August 6th the Town Band will perform on Academy Hill from 7-9pm . Raindate is the next day. For more info, please visit their facebook page:
Coming up in Westminster: — The Blues Express will be playing at the VFW Field, August 24, 2025 from 3-5pm. Admission is FREE. Music will be Blues Classics and originals. There will be a Snack Shack and Bounce Houses. 3 Eaton Street, Westminster. Taking place inside in event of rain. — The 10th Annual Westminster Cracker Festival October 18, 2025 from 10am to 5pm in the Village Square, Westminster. There will be live music from The Fools, Mr. Strickland, The Tribe, Fred Ellsworth, and the Westminster Elementary Band. —- Any day of the week there’s something to do at the Crocker Pond Recreation Area which is open daily until August 24th. Open weekends only August 30th to September 1 and September 6-7. The Forbush Library is active with Author Talks: The Bird Book August 2nd at 2pm, Casey McQuiston August 20th at 7pm, and Dr. Tasha Eurich August 28th at 2pm. For more details, CLICK HERE. There’s also an opportunity to meet MWCC’s Monty the Mountain Lion on Tuesday August 12th at 10:30am. And the Wickedly Fun Scavenger Hunt is taking place from August 2nd to August 17th. —- The Westminster Fire Department is having a Handtub Muster on August 16th and the Police Department is having the 54th Bike Rodeo Tuesday August 5th from noon to 1pm at Westminster Elementary School. —-The 5th Annual Ashburnham/Westminster National Night Out is Tuesday, August 12th from 5:30 to 8pm. Town of Westminster website, CLICK HERE.
Town Crier Episode 10 Town Crier Episode 11 Town Crier Episode 12 Town Crier Podcasts with Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen include: Episode 10 on Summer Safety. Episode 11 is about understanding your tax bill. Episode 12 is a Master Plan Update.
- Water 7-31-25
No nonessential outdoor water use from 9 am to 5 pm. in the City of Gardner triggered by low streamflow. The Chair Man and Chair Lady did a “Deep Dive” to explain the Water Management Policies in Massachusetts. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – Massachusetts Water Management Low Streamflow Values Trigger Water Restrictions in Gardner MA
The City of Gardner announced: “On July 27, 2025, City Officials informed MassDEP of low streamflow values which triggered the requirement in the Water Management Act permit requiring nonessential water use restrictions. This is an operational requirement in the City’s permit. No nonessential outdoor water use from 9 am to 5 pm.
MassDEP regulations (310 CMR 22.15(8)) require that all public water systems establishing mandatory restrictions on water use notify the Department in writing within 14 days of the effective date of these restrictions.” The City of Gardner is proactive in meeting these requirements. Here is the letter sent by the City’s vendor, Veolia IMAGE CLICK HERE. PDF CLICK HERE
So what are the requirements to which the City of Gardner must adhere? For Gardner that is when the streamflow is at 11 cubic feet per second at USGS Gage ID#01163200. The reasoning is this from the WMA guide: “All groundwater permittees with withdrawals in subbasins with significant groundwater depletion must minimize the impacts of their withdrawals in those subbasins.” WMA guidance is contained in a 69 page guide which we are providing for our readers here in its entirety, CLICK HERE.
Further information was provided by Fabienne Alexis, the Deputy Press Secretary for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection who noted the following in an email to Gardner Magazine, “The City of Gardner informed MassDEP on July 27, 2025 that low streamflow values triggered the requirement in their WMA permit requiring nonessential water use restrictions (see attached). This is an operational requirement in the City’s permit. This is not the same as a state-declared drought. Note that there may be many reasons for a town to impose watering restrictions. They could be due to local operational issues, local water quality issues or other stresses on their water supply, requirements in a town’s permit issued by MassDEP, or a drought declaration. For Massachusetts, droughts are determined by the secretary of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and are based on recommendations from the Drought Management Task Force. The Task Force’s last monthly meeting was in early July and assessed conditions through the end of June. The next meeting will be on August 9 to discuss conditions through the end of July. The City of Gardner currently notes on its website the State’s Drought status that is in effect from June 1, 2025. Gardner is in the Central Region, which is not currently identified as being in a drought. For more information on the EEA Secretary’s determinations and Task Force meeting schedules, please visit: Drought Management Task Force. For more information about data compiled on Drought.gov, please contact the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).”
- Google Analysis – Fiscal 6
Google AI Draws Strong Conclusions About Gardner’s Approach.
Listen to the Deep Dive on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Google AI Analysis – Gardner’s Progress and Future In this earth-shattering Deep Dive, the Google AI analyzes the Fiscal 6 Project and the approach during the past 5 years of Gardner Massachusetts. It is about the most positive piece we have ever heard about Gardner, MA. “Gardner is genuinely setting a new standard.”
Here is the all important conclusion Google made: “So you’ve just taken a deep dive into Gardner, Massachusetts, a city that has truly redefined what’s possible in local governance. Yeah, from those fiscally sound practices, that just stunning return on grant funding to the proactive modernization of services and that deep, deep commitment to community wellbeing. Gardner is genuinely setting a new standard. As the mayor put it, you can always come and pull up a chair here in the Chair City. I love that quote. It really speaks to the place they’ve built based on the belief that residents should feel supported, heard, and just proud to call it home. So as you reflect on Gardner’s success story, this city that transformed itself by being both incredibly financially shrewd and deeply people-focused may be consider, what bold proactive steps could your own community take to build a stronger tomorrow? And what surprising aha moments might be waiting just around the corner if you just start looking for them?“
- Hubbardston HubbConnect
Town of Hubbardston MA Creates Groundbreaking Website platform for Residents
The Town of Hubbardston officially launched its completely redesigned website and introduced HubbConnect “a groundbreaking, locally-built platform that modernizes how residents access town services while streamlining internal operations.” A Gardner Magazine “Deep Dive” podcast explains it all. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – Hubbardston HubbConnect The Town of Hubbardston wrote this: “Developed entirely in-house by Town staff using Microsoft 365, CivicPlus, assisted digital coding, and Power Automate, HubbConnect represents a flexible, cost-saving solution created specifically to meet the needs of a small rural community. This innovative approach eliminates the need for multiple expensive off-the-shelf systems while delivering exceptional value to residents through enhanced access and transparency”. Hubbardston website, CLICK HERE.
- Phillipston Common
Town of Phillipston Reviews Town Common Study
The first draft of the Phillipston Town Common Study was released on June 25, 2025. Here’s a copy on pdf.
The Town of Phillipston is asking residents for feedback through the month of July. The study itself was funded by the Community Preservation Committee and the expenditure was approved by residents at Town Meeting.
Gardner Magazine has a “Deep Dive” podcast explaining it all. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – Phillipston Common Study Send feedback to CAO Adam Lamontagne at this email: alamontagne@phillipston-ma.gov.
- GPS 6-11-25
Exploring Gardner MA Public Schools Improvement Plan, Student Handbook, and Bullying Policy.
Gardner Magazine explored in detail the Gardner Public Schools 3 year Improvement Plan, the Gardner Student Handbook, and the Gardner Public Schools Bullying Policy. Each is featured in a “Deep Dive” podcast. We also feature the actual documents for your review.
Gardner Public Schools 3 Year Improvement Plan. Document, CLICK HERE. “Deep Dive” listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – 3 Year Improvement Plan Gardner Public Student Handbook. Document, CLICK HERE. Unpack the crucial info with the “Deep Dive”. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY
DEEP DIVE – Student Handbook Gardner Public Schools Bullying Policy. Document, CLICK HERE. “Deep Dive” listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – Bullying Policy
- Workforce Report
Inaugural Workforce Data Report Released – Explained in full-length podcast
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has released its Inaugural Workforce Data Report. The report aggregates data from employers with 100 or more workers across both public and private sectors. The analysis is on workplace equity.
View the complete report on pdf, CLICK HERE.
Listen to a “Deep Dive” podcast on the subject on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE: Workforce Data Report
- Flood Plan
FEMA has an interactive Flood Map website. As of the date of this article, the online maps still show a date of July 2, 1981, but there are some notations of modifications since then. Simply put in your location and you can easily find your home’s status, CLICK HERE. —- There is also a very useful FAQ on the FEMA website. — There is also a new online location comparing the map changes, CLICK HERE.
For example, the current flood map for the location of Gardner City Hall can be found here.
Gardner Flood Maps Change In July – Complete Information
The City of Gardner is informing residents that FEMA has published updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps that will become effective July 8, 2025. According to the City, these maps are based on updated flood studies and are easier to read and interpret than the previous maps. There are various resource links below so you can get more information. Gardner Magazine has prepared a “Deep Dive” podcast which explains it all. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – Flood Plan Maps Here is the information page from the City of Gardner with download links for all of the maps and individual map panels, CLICK HERE.
Two things can happen if there’s a change in the status of your property when maps change. 1. For some homeowners, a flood insurance policy may no longer be required. However, it may be prudent to continue a policy as FEMA notes that up to 40% of flood damage occurs outside of the mandatory flood insurance zone. 2. Some homeowners may now be required to obtain flood insurance. However, Gardner residents facing a flood insurance payment increase may be eligible for a discount the first year and any premium increases may be capped at 18% annually.
- Non-Profits 5-8-25
For more information. Here are the website links:
AED Foundation, CLICK HERE —- Central VNA & Hospice, CLICK HERE —- Alyssa’s Place, CLICK HERE —- Gardner C.A.C. CLICK HERE —- Mount Wachusett Community College, CLICK HERE.
FOCUS ON NON-PROFITS – 5 podcasts about important local Gardner Organizations
Part of Gardner Magazine’s initiative for 2025 is to profile local non-profits. We’re using our characters, the “Chair Man” and the “Chair Lady” for podcasts on the AED Foundation, Central VNA Hospice, Alyssa’s Place, The Gardner CAC, and MWCCC’s Monty the Mascot. Listen on any device. Just CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – AED Foundation DEEP DIVE – Central VNA & Hospice DEEP DIVE – Alyssa’s Place DEEP DIVE – Gardner CAC DEEP DIVE – MWCC – Monty the Mascot Our intention is to profile as many non-profits this year as possible. Have a suggestion? Email News@GardnerMagazine.com.
- Capital 4-16-25
Gardner Capital Improvement Committee Looks to Future
While some major items are being covered by the $8 million from the GES Surplus going towards projects with lives of 30+ years, there’s still plenty of capital need for the years 2026-2030. See the $8 million list The Capital Improvement Committee met on April 16th and reviewed the long list. List of requests is included in the agenda and packet, CLICK HERE. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK HERE.
Capital Improvement Committee 4-16-25 A Google AI analysis of the agenda and packet resulted in the following “Deep Dive” from Gardner Magazine analyzing and going over all the requests. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE AI Analysis – Capital Improvement Items
- MWCC Auto 4-16-25
Gardner Magazine has a “Deep Dive” AUDIO program about this grant and the MWCC Automotive Technology Program. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
MWCC Automotive Technology Program For more information about MWCC’s automotive program visit the following pages: Certificate Auto Techology, CLICK HERE – Gardner Automotive Technology Center, CLICK HERE. — National Science Foundation Grant, CLICK HERE.
Trust Founded by Man from Templeton Gives Boost to MWCC Auto Technology Center
Mount Wachusett Community College has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the George I. Alden Trust to support the first part of a three phase expansion of MWCC Automotive Technology Center. See separate article on the George I Alden Trust, CLICK HERE.
In a Press Release, MWCC detailed how the funding will be used: “The grant will cover 29% of the funding needed for the installation of two modular classrooms, adding 2,000 square feet of instructional space to meet the increasing demand in the Automotive Technology program. This growth is driven by MWCC’s Electric Vehicle (EV) courses, launched with funding from a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant. The addition of EV training has already driven a significant increase in program enrollment, equipping students with essential skills in both traditional and cutting-edge automotive repair, including hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
“Our automotive programs are at the forefront of industry needs, and this funding will allow us to continue offering state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for our students,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “With the support of the George I. Alden Trust, we are able to expand our capacity, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to gain the skills necessary for successful careers in this rapidly evolving field.”
Phase II will convert existing space into additional instructional areas, followed by Phase III which will focus on the renovation of the second-floor of the facility to increase student support services at the facility.
The George I Alden Trust was established in 1912 in Worcester, MA for the purpose of the “maintenance of some charitable or philanthropic enterprises’ with specific interest in ‘the promotion of education in schools, colleges, or other educational institutions.” See Alden Trust website, CLICK HERE.
- George Alden Trust
A “Deep Dive” in to the George I Alden Trust – MWCC Granted $100,000
The George I Alden Trust was established in 1912 in Worcester, MA for the purpose of the “maintenance of some charitable or philanthropic enterprises’ with specific interest in ‘the promotion of education in schools, colleges, or other educational institutions.” Listen to the Gardner Magazine “Deep Dive.” on any device, CLICK PLAY.On April 16, 2025, Mount Wachusett Community Collage announced it had been awarded $100,000 towards its Automotive Technology Program, see separate article, CLICK HERE.
George I. Alden has Greater Gardner MA Roots, growing up in Templeton.
George Alden was a man of the Industrial Revolution who was educated at Harvard’s Lawrence School of Science. He was a New Englander who grew up in Templeton, Massachusetts, and earned money for college in the furniture factories of nearby Gardner. To quote one biographer, ‘serious himself, he expected everybody else to be, believing more in practice than in precept… .’
Alden came to Worcester in 1868 to teach at the newly established Worcester Polytechnic Institute. For 28 years he headed WPI’s Mechanical Engineering Department. Alden and his colleague, Milton Higgins, achieved national recognition in the 1880s and 1890s for their skillful and compelling advocacy of an engineering education that combined practice with theory. Their graduates, able to lead in the industrialization of America, were, in Alden’s words, ‘entitled to be called gentlemen in the original and derivative sense of that word.’ George Alden lived from 1843 to 1926. The trust was established in 1912.
George I. Alden Trust – In 2024, to the total of over 11 million dollars, the George I. Alden Trust supported Higher Education, Secondary Schools, Education related organizations primarily in Worcester, and YMCAs. It also gave $15,000 individual grants to almost 3 dozen other organizations. Details, CLICK HERE. – Website CLICK HERE.
- Deep – Parks etc.
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Parks, Trails, and Recreation
Spring is here and people will be heading for the outdoors. This program examines and details the parks, trails, and recreation opportunities in Gardner. There are more than you think. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – Parks Recreation and more In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers 22 different Gardner locations including Alisauskas Conservation Area, Bailey Brook Conservation Area and Park, Cowee Pond Open Space, Crystal Lake Park, Dunn Pond State Park, High Ridge Wildlife Area, Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary, Monument Park, North Central Pathway, Perley Brook Reservoir, Rome Conservation Area, Jackson Playground & Skatepark, Bickford Playground, Pulaski Playground and Dog Park, Greenwood Playground, Ovila Case Playground, Greenwood Outdoor Pool and Spray Park, Park Street Park, Orpheum Park, Maki Park, the Municipal Golf Course, and the Waterford Community Center. — More “Deep Dive” Episodes, CLICK HERE.
- Deep – Council Rules
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Rules of the Gardner City Council
In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers the rules of the Gardner City Council. The discussion seeks to explain the rules in layman’s terms. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – City Council Rules This Deep Dive is based on an actual document, the Rules of the Gardner City Council as of 2-3-25 – CLICK HERE for PDF.
- Deep – Biosolids
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Landfilling Biosolids
In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers an EPA report on Landfilling Biosolids, featuring the Pros and Cons as laid out by the EPA. With all of the discussion and public comment on the possible expansion of the Gardner MA Sludge Landfill, we thought it was a great topic to explore. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Deep Dive – Landfilling Biosolids Gardner Magazine published the actual report this Deep Dive is based on , CLICK HERE.
Gardner Magazine had a previous article on Sludge Facts covering additional aspects of the Sludge issue, CLICK HERE.
- BioSolids – Incineration
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Incineration of Biosolids
In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers an EPA report on Incineration of Biosolids, featuring the Pros and Cons as laid out by the EPA. With all of the discussion and public comment on the possible expansion of the Gardner MA Sludge Landfill, we thought it was a great topic to explore. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – Incineration of BioSolids Gardner Magazine published the actual report this Deep Dive is based on , CLICK HERE.
Gardner Magazine had a previous article on Sludge Facts covering additional aspects of the Sludge issue, CLICK HERE.
- Biosolids – Land Application
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Land Application of Biosolids
In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers an EPA report on Land Application of Biosolids, featuring the Pros and Cons as laid out by the EPA. With all of the discussion and public comment on the possible expansion of the Gardner MA Sludge Landfill, we thought it was a great topic to explore. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Land Application of Biosolids Gardner Magazine published the actual report this Deep Dive is based on , CLICK HERE.
Gardner Magazine had a previous article on Sludge Facts covering additional aspects of the Sludge issue, CLICK HERE.
- Deep Charter
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Gardner City Charter
In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers the Gardner City Charter as updated as of January 2, 2025. The discussion lays out the Chair City’s operating system and explains how things work under the hood. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Deep Dive – Gardner City Charter Review the actual Gardner City Charter profiled in this “Deep Dive – Gardner City Charter”. CLICK FOR PDF.
- Blake – Election
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Blake and the Upcoming Election
In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers the announcement of Kimberly Blake to run for Councilor at Large and also the details of the upcoming election process. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Kimberly Blake and the Upcoming Election
- DEEP DIVE – Gardner Concise Overview
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Gardner Concise Overview
In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine provides an overview of the City of Gardner, Massachusetts. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
- DEEP DIVE – Gardner Curriculum
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Gardner Curriculum
In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers the Public Schools of Gardner Curriculum 2021-2026 Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
- Deep Dive – Gardner History and Attractions
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Gardner History and Attractions
In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers the City of Gardner History and Attractions. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
- Residential Fire Prevention
Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Residential Fire Prevention
In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers Residential Fire Prevention. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
- Deep – Historical Documents
A Deep Dive with a discussion about each of the following important documents:
Declaration of Independence
Constitution of the United States
Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Around the Towns – Pages

- 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 3:30pmMarch 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 pageApril 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.comJune 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 FestivalAugust 6th: National Night Out September 27th – Fabulous Fall Festival and Oktoberfest – Downtown Gardner October 16th – Earth Day Expo: Growing Business, Nurturing Fixtures Gardner PACC open to public 6-7:30pm – More details — all Chamber listed events
31st: HalloweenNovember 27th: Thanksgiving December 25th: Christmas Day Add Event Email: News@GardnerMagazine.com
Massachusetts News This Week
