Gardner MA

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• Sneaky Snow

  

  Persistent Sneaky Snow – A Gardner Magazine Tongue-in-Check Investigation

  Gardner Magazine scoured the City of Gardner around 11am on April 14, 2025. Temperature was nearly 60 degrees and much of the snow had melted. However, some stubborn pesky sneaky snow remained hidden in plain sight. From the edges of parking lots to grassy areas. From various corners to even a section right in the middle of a sidewalk.

  The persistent sneaky snow was a stark reminder of the Saturday snow of April 12th with the knowledge that Mother Nature operates in New England on a very hidden set of her own rules.

  

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• MART Riders

  

  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.

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• Hotline 4-12-25

  

  

  Maki Park has been embroiled in controversy since its opening. An investigation approved by the Gardner City Council and conducted by Councilor George Tyros found various missteps including lack of ADA compliance and the fact that final plans were not those approved by the City Council when it funded the project. Park has 4 levels including a steep grassy area to which stairs are currently provided.

  WGAW Hotline Radio on Day of More Snow than Forecast

  Listen to the entire show on any device. CLICK PLAY

  The WGAW Hotline Radio Show of Saturday April 12, 2025 featured Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who explained problems with getting plows out for the storm – plows were off and had to be put back on the trucks and that delayed storm response. Nicholson also spoke about the Building Commissioner’s simultaneous salary request hike and fee request hike, and other Gardner issues. The Mayor also spoke about MART and ridership, Maki Park discussions are underway including what to do about the 4th level which Mayor Nicholson stated was never intended for public access but simply for DPW to mow the grass.

  Diane “Neon” Leblanc spoke about Gardner Cleanup Day coming up soon. Werner Poegel commented on when FREE should be FREE.

  In the 2nd hour of the show, host Steve Wendell spoke with the behavioral health staff at Heywood. A psychiatrist and a therapist from Heywood Hospital on Behavioral Health Resources – The Director of Behavioral Health on sensory treatments. The Nurse Manager of the unit on the scope of the job. And the Nurse with the Geriatric Practice Unit. Listen to the show for all of the information.

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• This Week 4-11-25

  

  Gardner Magazine Weekly Update 4-11-25

  The Gardner Magazine Update can be heard on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Various Events in the City of Gardner. — Concerns about MART — Ire re some proposed fees — Rebuilding after fire — Election 2025 — April Events – Future Events – Upcoming meetings including jam-packed Conservation Commission – School Committee to review budget. – and more!…

  Email any events or news tips to News@GardnerMagazine.com

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• Planning April ’25

  

  Gardner Planning Board Hears Various Matters on April 8, 2025

  The Gardner Planning Board met on April 8, 2025. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  View complete agenda, CLICK HERE.

  On the agenda were 3 items described as a public hearing: 1. a site plan related to a proposed multi family home on Emerald Street 2. to review the site plan of West Mini Storage for a proposed self storage facility on Manca Drive and 3. to review the proposed Zoning amendment for historical properties which was submitted by Chair City Church via citizen petition.

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• Yard Sale 2025

  

  Date of Gardner Spring City-Wide Yard Sale Announced

  The Gardner City-Wide Yard Sale will be Saturday May 31st with hours of 8am to 1pm. Residents can of course be open longer and even Sunday if they choose.

  Email address to submit addresses to organizer Stacy Eady is shopportunity5@yahoo.com

  

  Gardner Magazine Releases the original song “City-Wide Yard Sale”

  Play the goofy song on any device and get in the mood to participate or buy at the Gardner Spring City Wide Yard Sale. CLICK PLAY.

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• Council 4-7-25

  

  View the complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.

  Meeting has extensive discussion on the proposed Building Department Fee increases. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  MART – Building Department Fees – Council Webpage – Some Topics of City Council Meeting

  The Gardner City Council met on April 7, 2025. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The City Council approved a request by Councilor Karen Hardern to schedule an informal meeting with MART due to various concerns Hardern detailed. Councilor Hardern stated that her unsafe driving concerns were not being taken seriously and also wants to discuss her concern that many MART buses are either completely empty or have 1 or 2 people. The date of the informal session will be announced.

  Council President George Tyros temporarily yielded the Chair to Councilor Kazinskas for the purpose of speaking on his resolution to oppose an increase in Building Department Fees. It was stated that Mayor Nicholson actually opposes the increases, but Tyros felt it was appropriate for the Council to discuss as the fee increase proposal was shared with the City Clerk. There was extensive discussion and the resolution to oppose the fee increases passed 8-2

  Councilor Kazinskas reported that the City Council webpage will soon have updates to make it more user friendly and that she has been working with IT Director Bob O’Keefe on the endeavor. Regarding Maki Park, various issues are being addressed.

  BACKGROUND – Finance Committee Meeting April 7, 2025

  
  The Gardner Finance Committee took up various matters including the proposed increase in Building Department fees. Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson stated in no uncertain terms that he was not in favor of the increases and that is why he did not bring forth the proposal to the Council. Council President George Tyros expressed his disapproval and opposition to the fees. Other items included a proposal to discuss the creation of a Special Committee for the Waterford Community Center Project, discuss the City’s current sexual harassment policy, and discuss the current state of facilities management for all municipal buildings. Complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Why the City Council President was so irritated about the Fees Proposal from Tom Zuppa

  All of this information can easily be garnered from listening to Council President George Tyros speak on the matter during the Finance Committee meeting and during the City Council meeting. Details of Tom Zuppa’s salary demand and simultaneous proposal to increase all Building Department fees to support the salary increase are in the packet. CLICK HERE.

  On December 28, 2024, Building Commissioner Tom Zuppa wrote the Mayor to formally submit a proposal to increase all fees currently under control of the Building Department to help cover the increase in inspector salaries. Zuppa raised the ire of the City Council President when George Tyros discovered that Zuppa was requesting an immediate salary increase of over 20 percent so Zuppa’s salary could stay substantially higher than his subordinates whose base salaries increased as a result of recent unionization. The agenda and packet contains the proposed new fees.

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• Estate Sale

  

  If you have any questions about this sale, please leave a voicemail at (978) 632-6324. Thank you.

  Gardner Magazine Publisher Announces Estate Sale at Home of Late Mother

  Our Mom passed in December at the age of 88 and this weekend we are having an estate sale. We are opening it up to readers of this publication as well because many of you would be interested in the wide array of collectibles to be offered. Sale will be Saturday April 12th from 9am to 2pm and Sunday April 13th from 9am to noon (no early birds). Location: 28 Nelson Circle, Jaffrey, NH

  Hundreds of collectibles in all price ranges include: German Porcelain Dolls, Christmas Villages, Nutcrackers, German Steins, Crystal, China, Figurines, Rocks and Minerals, Shells, DVDs, Stamps, postcards and so much more. Furniture is decades old but much of it looks like it could have been made yesterday. Quality housewares and kitchen stuff too. Cash Only. Bring your truck. You’ll want to fill it up. If you collect anything, you won’t find it in better condition. Location: 28 Nelson Circle, Jaffrey, NH
  

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• Hotline 4-5-25

  

  Hotline Radio is heard Saturdays from noon to 2pm on WGAW. Steve Wendell also hosts the Morning News weekdays from 6-9am with additional short reports throughout the day.

  Nicholson and Zlotnik Headline Hotline – Later, “DOGE” and “Raising Chickens”

  An extremely interesting Hotline Radio Show was to be had for WGAW Radio listeners on April 5, 2025 as Host Steve Wendell streamed worldwide and broadcast locally on AM 1340 and 98.1 FM. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson started off the show with an informative discussion about projects in the Chair City. —State Representative Jonathan Zlotnk spoke on the State Budget and Chapter 90 – Chapter 70 Funds and his committee work. — The One one One interview with Elon Musk continued. —Werner Poegel had a commentary on Calendar – Colander and had some fictional guests. — M. L. Altobelli of the Good Earth Farm and Garden Center delighted the audience with a talk on raising your own chickens. — Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen of Westminster’s Town Crier featured upcoming elections and the process.

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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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