Deep Dive Episodes – Gardner Magazine

• 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.

  Our intention is to profile as many non-profits this year as possible. Have a suggestion? Email News@GardnerMagazine.com.

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• 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 16^th 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.

  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.

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• 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.

  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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

  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.

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• 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.

  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.

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• 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.

  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.

  

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• 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.

  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.

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• 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.

  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.

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• 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.

  Review the actual Gardner City Charter profiled in this “Deep Dive – Gardner City Charter”. CLICK FOR PDF.

  

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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

  

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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 3:30pm
  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	21st – Small Business Saturday and Happy Birthday Gardner Festival. Website.
  July	11th – GAAMHA 4th Annual Golf Tournament 12th – 2025 Gardner Food Truck Festival
  August
  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
  November
  December
  Add Event	Email: News@GardnerMagazine.com

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