Editorial – Opinion – Reflection

  • Another Term in the City – Original Song (11/4/2025)
    Album Cover Another Term in the City

    Editorial: Gardner Magazine has produced an Election Victory Song called “Another Term in the City”

    Given all the nonsense the Mayor has had to put up with during the campaign from his opponent, we thought it was fitting for this occasion and to celebrate when “Good” wins. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Another Term in the City (Election Victory Song)

    From the song: “The votes, the votes, the totals are in, Time to announce a really big win, He stayed the course with a positive view, Even though his rival led others askew”

  • Grant Maze (11/4/2025)
    The Grant Maze

    The City of Gardner is moving forward due to some very smart decisions and actions over the last 5 years. Turning $50,000 in to $50 million is a story to be told for the ages.

    Editorial: The Grant Maze

    So how exactly did Gardner Mayor Nicholson turn a $50,000 City investment into a $50 million return for Gardner?

    It all started with a realization by the Mayor that because of the daily workload in the Economic Development and Planning Department, it was possible that some grant money was being left on the table. If somehow the City could get additional help in seeking grants by having a 3rd party navigate the grant maze, perhaps the City of Gardner could gain more in grants than the expense of hiring a 3rd party.

    Gardner Mayor Nicholson went before the City Council and got approval after considerable discussion. Mayor Michael Nicholson knew it was likely that even one grant approval would bring in more money than the funds expended. Mayor Nicholson was both right and wrong – right in the decision to pursue getting a 3rd party grant writer to help, but wrong in forecasting the extent of the endeavor’s success.

    So far, a $50,000 investment by the City has returned more than $50 million. It’s a testament to the keen mind of Mayor Michael Nicholson and a big highlight of his 5 years of moving Gardner forward. And it’s documentation that when a City Council is willing to think outside of the box the rewards can be awesome. We hope the next 5 years are just as successful. Sometimes there are unexpected mazes involved in running a City, but when you have educated, experienced, and intelligent people involved, almost anything is possible.

  • Election November 4th (10/29/2025)
    Election Gardner MA Collage 11 4 25

    Gardner Election is Tuesday November 4th. Polls open at 7am and are open until 8pm.

    Mayor: Choose Incumbent Mayor Michael Nicholson or Challenger Kimberly Blake

    Ward Councilors: Choose a Councilor to represent your individual Ward

    Councilors at Large: Choose up to 6 Councilors at Large. Note: Each vote only counts once. For example, if you decide to vote for only 3 Councilors at Large, each of them receives only one vote from you. Your other 3 votes don’t count for anything and you are letting others choose the remaining Councilors at Large. Further: Some have suggested that each voter has a total of 6 votes which can be distributed as you choose and that is not true. No, if you vote for only 3, each of the 3 doesn’t get 2 votes from you.

    School Committee: 3 seats are up for election. While the terms are 4 years, only half of the 6 seats come up every 2 years.

    Election Coverage: WGAW Radio at AM 1340, 98.1 FM, Streaming Worldwide AND Gardner Magazine will have full election coverage on November 4th, bringing you the results as soon as they are available.

    Why 1 Vote Counts – Werner Poegel Commentary

    Why 1 Vote Counts 1380

    Want the success of the last 5 years in Gardner to continue? Vote on November 4th.

    This commentary covers the times in history where 1 vote made the difference in electing a candidate or deciding an issue. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Why 1 Vote Counts – Commentary with Werner Poegel

    If you like the progress of the last 5 years and want it to continue, don’t leave it to your neighbor to cast a ballot. Go out and vote. 1 Vote can make a difference and history proves it.

    Here are some examples: In a 2023 city council race in Rainier, Washington, candidate Ryan Roth won his seat by a single vote—his own. His opponent did not cast a ballot. Let me say this again. Ryan Roth showed up to cast a ballot, but the person running against him did not show up to vote. So Roth won by one vote. —- Troy, New York City Council (2017): A city council election in Troy was decided by just one vote. —- Alabama City Council (1992): One vote determined the final member of the Selma, Alabama city council.

    Here are some Historical examples.

    Rutherford B. Hayes’s presidency (1876): Rutherford B. Hayes was elected president by one electoral vote. The vote of the Indiana representative in the Electoral College was also decided by a single vote.

    Andrew Johnson’s impeachment (1868): President Andrew Johnson was impeached but was saved from being removed from office by one vote in the Senate. Just one vote saved Johnson and he remained President.

    Thomas Jefferson’s presidency (1800): After a tie in the Electoral College, Thomas Jefferson was elected president by one vote in the House of Representatives.

    19th Amendment ratification (1920): One vote in the Tennessee legislature was the deciding factor in ratifying the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Somewhat ironic, don’t you think. The 19th amendment was about giving women the right to vote. And it got ratified by just one vote.

    Your 1 vote can make a difference. If you want the positive trajectory of Gardner to continue, be sure to vote on Tuesday, November 4th.

  • Serial Killer Haunted House (10/25/2025)
    Serial Killer Haunted House

    Here is a pdf of the Social Media post you can view for yourself, CLICK HERE.

    Both WGAW Owner- General Manager Steve Wendell and Gardner Magazine Owner – Publisher Werner Poegel Call for Resignations

    The Winchendon History and Cultural Center put on an event called: “Serial: A ‘Killer’ Immersive Haunted House Experience Like No Other” It was held on October 23, 24, and 25, 2025. In my opinion, the concept was very sick and disgusting. I am calling for the entire Board to resign.

    Steve Wendell of WGAW also called for the Board to resign. This is his commentary aired during Hotline Radio October 25th.

    Wendell Commentary – 10-25-25

    This is a commentary from Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel which includes the very sick language put forth in the Social Media post.

    Poegel Commentary 10-25-25

    Publisher Werner Poegel and WGAW Owner Steve Wendell both independently stated: “All of these Board Members should resign.”

  • Editorial $2.24 (6/9/2025)
    Open checkbook with title 1380

    Editorial: Where did the $2.24 go on July 24, 2014 in Gardner MA?

    Gardner MA Open checkbook offers an incredible level of detail and there was indeed a check written by the City of Gardner for just over 2 dollars on July 24, 2014. It was check number 183329 and Gardner Magazine picked it at random to prove a point. Despite the incredible level of inaccurate and false nonsense continually peddled by a few wackos, the City of Gardner is actually completely transparent as to where it spends money and what it takes in. In fact, everyone can access the open checkbook and find out what was paid out last week or over a decade ago. Look for yourself anytime at this link, CLICK HERE.

    On the other side of the ledger: The State of Massachusetts is transparent about the monies received by municipalities. To view the Cherry Sheet detail by Program, visit the Department of Local Services page, CLICK HERE.

    Any more questions? Simply call the Mayor’s office at (978) 630-1490 or ask your City Councilor to get you some information. In addition, Gardner Magazine publishes all the AUDIO of City Council, School Committee and other meetings at which revenues and expenses are often discussed in great detail.

  • Editorial – Blake (5/4/2025)
    Dirty Tricks Editorial and Song
    Interest Chart Blake

    Editorial: Blake on an Island of Few – Up to Old Tricks?

    This week Kimberly Blake announced she was running for Mayor instead of Gardner City Council. Weeks before, Blake arranged this Publisher’s re-admittance into the DeMeo Facebook Group. I’ve been posting a few things including a very positive post about the 4 years of perfect audits achieved by the Nicholson Financial Team. False Attacks began again, against me, against the Mayor, even against the State Representative, some using anonymous accounts. Of course I corrected the record and asked Blake via private Facebook message to honor her promise of not allowing false or personal attacks in that group. – Her response: “Comments like those should be made using the persons real name, not anonymous.” In other words, she would not honor her word, but did take down a few anonymous attacks. I spent many minutes on Saturday, May 3rd responding to the most salacious and ridiculous posts with facts, not attacks against anyone. This upset the liars and false mud slingers who reported me to Paul DeMeo.

    The Group did a Poll and almost Nobody Cared

    A self-serving poll was attempted in that group stating “With nearly 17k members in this group, I have to ask, who has your vote for mayor? Only 232 group members responded (almost all for Blake) but only 1.4% of the group even cared to respond in 18 hours. That means 98.6% of the group didn’t care during that time. In light of the goings on of last time, it is very clear, Blake’s candidacy is on an island of the very few. In my opinion, given Blake’s past actions, demeanor, and varied concerns on the part of many, it would be a sad day if that person was ever elected Mayor of Gardner. Why would you not rehire Michael Nicholson who by all objective data has done an excellent job since he took office in July 2020? UPDATE: 5-4-25 9:30PM – Interest rose slightly to 1.5% with 36 more participants. Update 5-6-25 3:30pm Interest rose to 1.7%

    In my opinion, DeMeo Threw a Fit

    In my opinion, Paul DeMeo was just not having it. People would be called out on false attacks and/or false statements. That just couldn’t be. He was losing the narrative. So, once again this Publisher was removed from that Facebook Group. For a brief time, he actually posted a poll “your vote will decide Werner Poegel’s fate.” When I had some fun and added an option for me to become an admin and some members voted for that, well that was it for the poll. The poll itself disappeared and so did me from the group. Some have commented to me that I was only made a member again so that Blake could use me for the vast platform Gardner Magazine has – my opinion agrees with that sentiment. What they didn’t count on is Gardner Magazine is about facts and you will always get the truth reported here. We only hope that other local media will not be manipulated to spread what in my opinion is often nonsense.

    Update 5/5/25: DeMeo Retaliated for this article by falsely claiming this Publisher had made verbal attacks against “Animal Control Officers” who we hold in high regard and have often recognized. DeMeo twisted a comment made to Kimberly Blake, “You don’t deserve to be dogcatcher, let alone Mayor“. As it takes great character to handle the job of dogcatcher properly, the insult is to the candidate, not the dogcatcher. In my opinion, Kimberly Blake’s unwillingness to immediately remove false, sick, or perverted comments on that DeMeo-Blake Group (she stated simply that they shouldn’t be posted anonymously) renders her unsuited for the strength of character needed for the position she is seeking. BLAKE SUPPORT DIPS: After a 3 day poll on the Mayor’s Race, Blake was able to obtain interest in the poll of only 1.7% of group members. In my opinion, this is simply fallout from what went on when Blake ran for Mayor in 2023 and the public does not soon forget.

    POP – Dirty Tricks
    FUNK – Dirty Tricks
    COUNTRY – Dirty Tricks

    Hope for a Positive Campaign

    Gardner Magazine is hoping that Blake will opt for a positive campaign without dirty tricks. However, should it be otherwise, we will call out any false statements in the event they occur. Maybe a song will dissuade bad behavior. So just for fun, we have an original song called “Dirty Tricks” available in 3 versions. Play on any device. CLICK PLAY.

    Facts matter…

  • Winchendon 4-22-25 (4/22/2025)
    Common Sense on the Override

    This Editorial in Commentary form. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Common Sense Override

    Listen to the full song “Winchendon Common Sense Override” on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Winchendon Override Song

    An Editorial Letter to the People of Winchendon on the Proposed $2.9 million Override

    With so many barbs being thrown about with regard to a Prop 2 ½ override, I thought I’d approach the issue with my own brand of common sense and also keep it simple without any political mumbo jumbo. My article contains an actual song I wrote on what I’m calling the “Common Sense Override” Bottom Line: Yes, Winchendon has had some problems over the years and has some big fiscal challenges Bottom Line: Yes, having to do an override sucks. But let’s look at reality. Things are so much more expensive than they were a few years back and the normal tax levy just won’t cover the bills. Even Duxbury which hasn’t had an override in almost 4 decades is seeking one this year. (Vote failed last month -2,174 no votes and 1,981 yes votes) Winchendon is not alone. But it is the only town in the United States named Winchendon. It is a truly special community. And it needs the support of its community of people to continue its progress. The $2.9 million override if approved would result in continuing a positive trajectory. It would be a win for the town. It would be a win for you.

    The average single family Winchendon home is valued at just under $341 grand with a current tax bill of $4,006. Without the override, the bill goes up to $4,187 an increase of $181 or 15 bucks a month. With the $2.9 million override, the bill goes up to $4948, an additional increase of $761 or just under $64 bucks a month. You know what I would do in my household? I’d vote for the override because the value of the services maintained is worth it. After all, it’s part of why you live in such a wonderful town. If my budget was tight, I’d say, Hmm, I’d get rid of some of my expensive cable tv services instead, you know you could easily save about 80 bucks a month getting the same channels through a streaming service. And by the way, the FREE library can get you a lot of media for zilch, nothing. And do you really want to be the person who doesn’t support the senior citizens in Winchendon. Do you really want to cut badly needed supplies for Parks, Recreation, Fire, and public works. Do you really want to cut athletics, staffing, and programs at the schools? What is the monthly value of all that? It’s worth the 2 bucks a day extra you’d be spending. Keep what is needed to maintain a great town. Set up Winchendon for a better fiscal future. I know for some the thought is this: You’re tired of everyone picking your pocket. And you’re right. It pisses me off too. Every time we turn around, something goes up. Things you don’t have control over. So the tendency with an override that you have control over would be to start with a NO. However, funding your town is about as close to home as it gets and the consequences are very impactful. Please consider spending an average of an extra $64 per month to give Winchendon, your town, the full support it deserves. And then, after you say YES, I’d like you to do this. Stay involved locally. Make sure today’s leaders are followed tomorrow by fiscally responsible leaders. Let them know you are willing to invest in Winchendon. You’re willing to invest in Winchendon’s Future. You’re willing to invest in your kids future. You want people to be attracted to Winchendon so in case you ever want to sell your house, you can get what it’s worth, not tens of thousands less because you decided not to invest in your town. And remember this: You’re the boss. You employ the town’s leaders. You employ the administrators in the schools. And you have every right to demand competence and excellence. not one penny of your tax money should be wasted.

    Vote for the $2.9 million override because it’s in your best long-term interest. But before you vote YES at town meeting, let the town leaders know that it’s your money and you will expect and demand that it be spent wisely, this year and years down the road.

    Werner Poegel, Publisher Gardner Magazine.

  • MART Riders (4/12/2025)
    Bus Collage

    EDITORIAL – Full, Half Empty, a few riders, or empty – which is it?

    Gardner City Councilor Karen Hardern got approval to have an informal meeting with the City Council and MART to discuss safety concerns and the amount of ridership. MART has been FREE and Hardern suggests the model may not be working.

    FREE ridership on MART may not make any sense if ridership doesn’t increase by 20 fold in some cases as Councilor Hardern complains that some routes have no riders or 2 riders.   With 2 riders, you’d need a 50% increase in riders to have just 1 more person.  So what’s relevant are the real numbers. My idea would be that ridership would not be FREE, but could be rebated to an individual if a desired threshold is met, thus encouraging public transportation and actually making a difference in the environment.  It appears the current model might actually be having a negative effect if Hardern’s concerns have validity.  Without any real numbers but just percentages, we have no real data to really know what’s going on.   Are the buses successfully full, half empty, or often empty?   The answer would be helpful.

  • Election Apology (3/19/2025)
    Album Cover Election Apology Song

    Editorial: Gardner Magazine Publisher to be Publicly Flogged for Election Story Screwup (no flogging please)

    Gardner Magazine published an incorrect date in an Election story.

    The correct date to obtain nomination papers in Gardner is beginning April 1st.

    We regret the error so much we have released an official apology song. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

    Election Apology Song

    Here is our story with the correct information, CLICK HERE. Complete Schedule included.

  • Threshold of 3 (3/3/2025)
    The Threshold of 3 1380

    Renting a storefront, putting up a sign, and doing Social Media posts is not a recipe for success. We’ve seen too many local businesses fail because they don’t understand the need for REAL ADVERTISING whether it’s here, WGAW Radio, TV, Direct Mail, flyers, or shouting from the rooftops.

    Investopedia has a helpful article on the top 6 reasons why new businesses fail. It’s worth a read, CLICK HERE.

    Editorial: Threshold of 3 Violated Daily in Greater Gardner MA

    It’s a simple concept violated daily by local officials, business owners, non-profit operators, and individuals – failure to cross the threshold of 3. The average person needs to be exposed to something about 3 times in order for it to sink in. That means relying on Facebook posts alone has caused the failure of information to get across and contributed to the demise of local businesses.

    Every business, organization, or government entity should have a website and post ANY material there (on the home page) of whatever is important enough to post on Social Media. Only about 3 percent of the membership of any one Facebook Group visit on any given day – no more than a few hundred people. Gardner Magazine has thousands of daily visits. WGAW has thousands of daily listeners. Thousands watch TV. Thousands get their mail. It’s important for businesses to do REAL advertising, reaching people often, crossing the threshold of 3, and building the business. Only 25% of new businesses make it to the 15 year mark. But those with an organized advertising plan rarely fail.

    Let me give you some local examples of those who didn’t really advertise and failed in Downtown: Crown Chicken (not once, but twice), the Nutrition Shake Shop (not once but twice), a downtown fashion store which lasted about 2 months, a bridal shop, a thrift shop, and the grocery store on the corner of the Garbose Building. New business coming in to Gardner is wonderful. Keeping a business afloat requires avoiding the violation of the Threshold of 3. Real success requires some sort of planned, real promotion which yes, costs some money, but not as much as you think. And certainly not as much as the heartache of having to close your doors.