Gardner MA
GARDNER WEATHERCity of Gardner MA on Gardner Magazine
Gardner MA Local News and Community Information

Jump to: Around the Community – Gardner Map – Gardner Photos – Service pages and outside links – View the current Calendar (opens in new window)
- Update 11-7-25
Events, Operations, and a Holiday Preview Focus of Mayor’s Update of November 7, 2025
Listen to the update on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Monthly Mayor’s Update – 11-7-25 Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson goes over a variety of upcoming community events and city operations for November and December. Key announcements include the annual Veterans Day ceremony on November 11th and the Thanksgiving farmers market on November 22nd, both at Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall.
The Mayor speaks about hazardous waste collection day and yard waste collection schedule for residents. The update also highlights holiday activities, such as the 20th-anniversary Festival of Trees, the annual holiday stroll and Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and various musical and theatrical performances. Finally, the Mayor concludes with news of a recent website refresh. The Mayor is shown at the new DPW Salt Shed.
- Razed and Raised
One building is razed – Another building is raised – Another Nears Completion
Razed: The indoor Greenwood Memorial Pool building has been razed, demolished, and torn down awaiting a new Pavilion to be built in 2026. The building had been given to the City of Gardner in 1915 and had fallen in to disrepair. Hazardous material such as asbestos was abated prior to the demolition. Some historical items were preserved to go in to the new building. Now, the underground parts of the facility are being removed.
Raised: Meanwhile over at 549 West Broadway in Gardner, another building is being raised (8 feet taller than the original building) constructed because of a devastating fire which totaled the former Brian’s Auto Body and Atkinson Auto building back in March 2025. The new $1.5 million facility will house Brian’s Auto Body, Atkinson Auto, and an auto detailer and is expected to be completed sometime in Spring 2026.
Nearing Completion: And closer to completion is Gabby’s Place, the breakfast-lunch restaurant at 173 Pearson Boulevard which decided to take it down and build again. Gabby’s Place has been closed since September 22nd. Here’s what they recently posted: “… It’s taking a little longer than we thought. We really miss seeing all your faces and can’t wait to have everyone back! The place is getting a nice little glow-up, and it’ll be worth the wait — promise! Stay tuned — we’ll be opening our doors again soon! Thanks for being patient and for always supporting Gabby’s Place!”
- This Week 11-7-25
This Week’s Edition of our Weekly News Magazine “This Week in the Chair City” for Friday, November 7, 2025
Listen to “This Week in the Chair City” on any device. CLICK PLAY.
This Week in the Chair City 11-7-25 In this week’s edition: Municipal Election – National Election Historical Stats – Community Food Drive – Gardner Airport Update – Planning Board Projects Update – Gardner DPW donation to CAC – City Council meetings – Levi Heywood Memorial Library Gratitude Tree – Upcoming Meetings
Contact Us: Have a news story idea? Like to promote your event? Want to give some exposure to your non-profit organization? It’s easy. Email News@GardnerMagazine.com or leave a voicemail at (978) 632-6324. Thank you.
- Community Food Drive

PRESS RELEASE on PDF, CLICK HERE.
GARDNER COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE: Saturday November 15th from 9am to 11:30am at Price Chopper, Walmart, and Hannaford. In addition, Hannaford on Sunday November 16th from 9am to 11:30am.
Gardner City Council and The Senior Center/AARP Join Forces for Community Food Drive
Gardner City Councilors Judy Mack and Dana Heath as well as Gardner Senior Center Director Mike Ellis have joined forces to hold a Community Food Drive to benefit the Gardner CAC Food Pantry on Saturday November 15th from 9am to 11:30am at Price Chopper, Walmart, and Hannaford. In addition, Hannaford on Sunday November 16th from 9am to 11:30am.
Items Needed:
Canned Fruit Canned Vegetables Granola Bars Peanut Butter Baking Mixes Fruit Snacks Cookies Ramen packs or cups Juice Boxes Crackers including Gluten free Pasta – all types and Canned Spaghetti Sauce Rice Applesauce Canned Pasta Spices / Cooking Oils Jelly Instant Mashed Potatoes Cranberry Sauce Pudding Cups Gravy Mixes Canned Soups Cash and gift card donations are also appreciated. The Gardner CAC also has an online secure donation link, CLICK HERE. Councilor Judy Mack told us that “Ms Meehan at the CAC is very excited by this project as the need is currently greater than usual especially with the upcoming holidays“. The Senior Center/AARP are staffing Hannaford for the 2 days. Gardner City Council members will be covering Walmart and Price Chopper on Saturday.
- Airport 11-5-25
Environmental Review, Capital Improvements, and Finances – a Gardner Airport Update
The members of the Gardner Airport Commission met on November 5, 2025 and discussed several ongoing and upcoming projects at the airport. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Key topics included the status of the wildlife hazard site visit and its associated payments, the environmental review process for tree clearing easements and fence installation, and the Obstruction Study report review by Mass DOT and the FAA. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Airport Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), specifically the funding and logistics for acquiring navigation easements to clear trees, highlighting the current 95% federal funding opportunity for fiscal year 2026. Finally, the meeting includes an update on airport finances, detailing attempts to secure leftover runway project funds and independent fee monies, as well as routine operational updates like fuel sales and equipment status.
- Planning 11-4-25
Planning Board Meets on Private Gardner Projects
The Gardner Planning Board met on November 4, 2025 to address several key development projects and proposed ordinance amendments. The board first discusses the continuation of a public hearing for a Mount Wachusett Community College building addition due to recently submitted definitive site plans that require more review time. Following this, a representative presents a preliminary site plan for a new barn, offices, and classrooms at 827 Green Street to be used for animal-assisted therapy, focusing heavily on challenges related to storm water management, high groundwater, and a proposed septic system. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Planning Board 11-4-25 Finally, the board reviews two proposed zoning ordinances: one to allow cottage kitchens in residential areas and another to promote housing growth and production by reducing parking requirements, expanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) flexibility, and creating a housing priority overlay district.
- DPW Check

Make a monetary donation to the Gardner CAC through this secure link, CLICK HERE.
Gardner DPW Presents Check to Gardner CAC
Scrap metal from around the City from various projects was turned into 10 grand and presented in the form of a check to the Gardner CAC. Photo shows over 2 dozen DPW Employees. The effort was timely in that concerns persist over food insecurity in the area due to SNAP benefits not being paid on November 1st. The Gardner CAC intends to use the funds to bolster its food pantry which it expects will have a greater demand for food in the coming weeks.
Dane E Arnold of the DPW stated: “The Gardner DPW never ceases to make me proud. With the government shutdown and thousands of people not receiving food benefits and the holidays around the corner, what do they do? They want to help and turn in over $10,600 in scrap metal, brass, copper, and structures to donate to the Gardner CAC.”
Greater Gardner area residents can donate food directly to the Gardner CAC or can make a monetary donation through this secure link, CLICK HERE. To find out more about the Gardner CAC and its programs visit their website, CLICK HERE.
- Nicholson Wins

Gardner Magazine has complete results of the November 4, 2025 Gardner MA Municipal Election. The complete election page is at this link, CLICK HERE.
Gardner Mayor Nicholson Achieves Landslide Win in Gardner Election
The results are unofficial but definitive: Gardner Mayor Nicholson 2407 votes, Challenger Kimberly Blake with 1379 votes. Gardner Mayor Nicholson wins with 63.5% of the vote, beating his performance in the Preliminary election held in September. All results, CLICK HERE.
How does this compare to 2023? 2 years ago, it was in official results – Nicholson: 2,459 or 65.8%, Blake 1,189 or 31.8%, The difference this time was 52 less votes for Nicholson and 190 more votes for Blake. Voter turnout was slightly higher this time around. This year’s percentages will likely change slightly when official results are released.
Gardner Magazine has complete results of the November 4, 2025 Gardner MA Municipal Election. The complete election page is at this link, CLICK HERE.
All incumbent Councilors at Large have been reelected. All incumbent Ward Councilors have been reelected. All candidates for School Committee have been elected. Voter Turnout was 24.7% of registered voters.
Complete Unofficial Results from the City Clerk’s Office, CLICK HERE.
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson releases statement at 10pm on 11-4-25: “Thank you Gardner! I’m truly honored to have earned your vote tonight and look forward to continuing to move Gardner forward for the next two years. From investing in our infrastructure, increasing opportunities for our students, creating new recreational amenities, growing our business community and more- we’ve accomplished more than we thought possible before- and now we get back to work. From the recently announced improvements to South Gardner, completing the Rear Main Street Revitalization Project, cutting back red tape in our ordinances and zoning to make us fully open for business and housing development and more, I’m excited for what this next term will bring. Thank you to all those who have supported me- my family, my friends, those who braved the wind and held signs or talked to their friends, I’m truly honored and humbled by your support. I’m proud to be your mayor, but I’m even more proud to have the opportunity to work with you all to make this City the best it can be. God Bless You all and this great City.“
Election Victory Song, CLICK HERE
Challenger Kimberly Blake releases statement at 10pm on 11-4-25: “I’ll just leave this right here…” Following her statement is a graphic of the vote totals.
- Another Term in the City – Original Song
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”
- Election Results 11-4-25
Gardner Municipal Election 11-4-25 Complete Results
Gardner Magazine will have complete results of the November 4, 2025 Gardner MA Municipal Election. The complete election page is at this link, CLICK HERE.
Results often come in anywhere between 1/2 hour to 1 hour after the polls close (polls are open on November 4th from 7am to 8pm). We will post results as soon as they are available.
Publisher’s Note: WGAW will have live coverage of election results starting sometime after 7:30pm with continuous coverage beginning about 1/2 hour after the polls close. WGAW is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, or streaming to anywhere in the world.
- Please Patronize our Advertisers

Visit LessonsAboutHistory.com CLICK HERE 
Visit WGAW1340.com CLICK HERE 
Visit FitchburgLeominster.com CLICK HERE 
Visit Monadnock.us CLICK HERE 
Visit WN12.com CLICK HERE 
Visit GreaterWorcester.net CLICK HERE 
Visit SouthernWorcesterCounty.com CLICK HERE 
Visit GreaterGreenfield.net CLICK HERE 
Visit RiettaFleaMarket.com – CLICK HERE In the Community
Around the Community of Gardner MA
Community Facts Go to News section
Gardner is a city in Worcester County with a population of just over 21 thousand people. It is home to Mount Wachusett Community College, Heywood Hospital, and Dunn State Park. Gardner became a city in 1923.
Schools
School District Office: (978) 632-1000
Elm Street: (978) 632-1673
Waterford Street: (978) 632-1605
Gardner Middle: (978) 632-1603
Gardner High: (978) 632-1600
Gardner Academy (978) 632-1606
Government
Mayor’s Office: (978) 632-1490
Police Department: (978) 632-5600
Fire Department: (978) 630-4051
City Clerk: (978) 630-4058
Organizations
Gardner Animal Control (978) 630-4950
Council on Aging: (978) 630-4067
Gardner CAC (978) 632-8700
Golf Course: (978) 632-9703
Gardner Museum (978) 632-3277
P.A.C.C. (978) 632-8875
Gardner Chamber (978) 632-1780
Interactive Map of Gardner MA
City of Gardner MA Photos More Gardner Photos Gardner Historical Photos
More Gardner Photos Gardner Historical Photos
Gardner Magazine Service Pages and Outside Links for Gardner MA
Gardner Magazine Cities and Towns
Other Helpful Resources on the WebTech Online Network





















































































