Gardner MA

Gardner MA Local News and Community Information

Visit the Gardner MA Complete History page with infographics, Deep Dive, Narratives, Debate, and so much more….CLICK HERE — Complete Gardner Telephone Guide to Various Departments

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• WGAW Hotline Radio 7-4-26

  

  Hotline on the 4th – An Iconic Episode of Gardner’s Hit Radio Show on July 4, 2026

  Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Steve Wendell updated the audience that the investigation is ongoing into the Urban Terrorists who sabotaged the radio station on 2 occasions and took the FM signal off the air. Wendell stated: “Thank God we Live in America”, stating that America is a nation of citizens and a nation based on unity.

  The program began with an introduction of Kate Smith singing “God Bless America.” Right after this, the program continued with an Update and Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who reviewed the history of Gardner and how it got its name, how the land was given to form Gardner from surrounding communities, and how Gardner is named after Revolutionary War Hero Colonel Thomas Gardner. Patriots Day is actually celebrated at Colonel Thomas Gardner day in Gardner.

  Other topics included the Mayor’s lament that the 35-40k could not be raised this year for the fireworks, the Gardner Senior Center Patriotic sing-along, Town of Templeton reading of the Declaration of Independence today, Gardner Food Truck Festival on July 11th, recreational opportunities in Gardner, State Budget items, projects in Gardner, and businesses opening,

  The July 4th patriotic theme of the program continued with a playing of “You’re a Grand Old Flag”, an America 250 Commentary with Werner Poegel, a short segment with Stephanie Lahtinen on Westminster’s receipt of a copy of the Declaration of Independence, a review of Independence Day events and news, and a Fox News Radio 4th of July Special on the 250 Most Impactful Moments in American History.

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• Gardner Food Truck Festival 2026

  

  CLICK ON ANY IMAGE for a larger view.

  North Central MA Gets Ready for 9th Annual Gardner Food Truck Festival

  The Gardner MA Food Truck Festival is Saturday, July 11, 2026 from noon to 7 pm at Pleasant Street and City Hall Avenue (right near City Hall)

  Included at the July 11, 2026 Gardner Food Truck Festival:

  • Wide array of the public’s favorite food trucks (arranged by WooTrucks) Menu items offered run the gamut.
  • A variety of vendors offering unique merchandise
  • Talented Artists from the region
  • Area crafters showcasing and selling their unique wares
  • Popular Carnival Games
  • Beer and Wine Tent
  • Live Music Performances by Brandon Furtado Music and the RanDom Band

  Admission is FREE.

  The public is advised to bring chairs and blankets to better enjoy the afternoon.

  

  

  The Gardner MA Food Truck Festival is Saturday, July 11, 2026 from noon to 7 pm at Pleasant Street and City Hall Avenue (right near City Hall) – ADMISSION IS FREE

  

  What is the most wonderful part of the 9th Annual Gardner Food Truck Festival?

  Max and Maxine Rogers debate the issue and what’s great is that it’s an argument where both sides win. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  

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• Airport July 2026

  

  The Exciting Story of Gardner Airport Runway 18

  Listen to the Gardner Airport Commission meeting of July 1, 2026 on any device,, CLICK PLAY.

  
  The Gardner Airport Commission meeting on July 1, 2026 focused primarily on securing navigation easements for runway 18. A representative from Gale Associates details a revised project scope that involves identifying six specific parcels to ensure legal access for clearing aerial obstructions. The process requires conducting title searches to resolve ownership discrepancies between the city and private owners, followed by fair market value appraisals and legal reviews. To comply with FAA and MassDOT regulations, the commission voted to authorize an independent fee estimate to verify project costs before seeking federal reimbursement. The discussion concludes with a brief update on vegetation management and a logistical plan to relocate future summer meetings to City Hall for better climate control.

  
  Formal shift in strategy for obstruction management:, Moving away from Runway 36 due to forestry division challenges and focusing instead on Runway 18. The Commission reviewed a revised scope of work for Phase 1 navigation easement acquisitions involving six parcels. A critical procedural step involves an Independent Fee Estimate (IFE) to validate project costs, estimated at approximately $405,000, to ensure 95% reimbursement through federal and state grants. Finalizing these easements is a prerequisite for FAA-funded tree removal.

  Gardner Magazine has prepared 4 separate infographics intended to illustrate the complexities involved in the airport runway issues. 1. Glossary for the Runway 18 Project 2. Project Scope Statement 3. Meeting Briefing 4. Runway 18 – $405,000 Paperwork

  

  

  

  

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• Finance Committee 7-1-26

  

  The First Gardner Finance Committee Meeting of Fiscal Year 2027

  The City of Gardner MA Finance Committee met on July 1, 2026. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  Key discussions included proposed ordinances for financial transparency, the ratification of a new City Clerk’s salary step, and the acceptance of various donations, such as a police vehicle and a commemorative flag. The committee also debated a Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) agreement for a downtown housing development, weighing the benefits of market-rate housing against the risks of setting a 10-year tax-free precedent. Additional items involved infrastructure upgrades at the Waterford Community Center and historic signage for the Greenwood Pool. Finally, the members scrutinized a remote-work administrative position for the golf course, ultimately requesting further legal and personnel reviews regarding salary and policy. Infographic below summarizes the meeting. Other infographics focus on details or related subjects.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  CLICK any IMAGE for a larger view.

  Have a topic for Gardner Magazine? Email News@GardnerMagazine.com or leave a voicemail at (978) 632-6324

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• Buddhist Center Fire

  

  Fire Heavily Damages Gardner MA Buddhist Center

  A fire at the Buddhist Center at 20 Lakewood Terrace in Gardner on June 30, 2026 caused extensive damage and the occupants are not able to return to the building. Gardner Magazine received this information from Gardner Fire Chief Greg Lagoy: “The fire yesterday caused extensive damage to the building, leaving it uninhabitable.  There were 4 occupants displaced who are receiving assistance from the Red Cross. 

  The call was received at 10:41am.  A second alarm was struck on arrival due to the heavy fire conditions, with additional mutual aid requested due to the high temperatures and humidity that required firefighters to limit their work time and rotate often, rehabilitating and rehydrating in between.  All off-duty Gardner firefighters were recalled to duty, and mutual aid was received from Westminster, Winchendon, Ashburnham, Hubbardston, Templeton, Fitchburg and Leominster at the scene.  The Gardner Fire Station was covered by Rutland, Sterling, Athol, and Orange.

  The cause of the fire is undetermined, but is believed to be accidental.  The investigation was conducted by the MA Fire District 8 Fire Investigation Unit and State Troopers assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.”

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• Golf Commission 6-29-26

  

  Essential Infrastructure and Ongoing Maintenance Focus of Golf Commission

  Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  Discussed was essential infrastructure updates and ongoing maintenance at the local course. A major focus of the meeting was the restoration of the irrigation system, which is now operating at full capacity following the repair and replacement of critical pump house components. This improvement allows for comprehensive watering of greens and fairways at significantly higher volumes than previous weeks. Beyond water management, the commission addressed the status of a new feasibility study and the delivery of a site plan for future architectural proposals. Ground staff also outlined a strategic seeding plan to repair turf damage once extreme summer temperatures subside. These efforts collectively aim to return the facility to optimal playing conditions through technical upgrades and diligent labor.

  We also have the meeting from earlier in the month. CLICK PLAY.

  

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• Cooling Centers July 2026

  

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson has announced Cooling Centers for Gardner. Contact your local town for resources in your community.

  Cooling Centers Activated – Greater Gardner MA Expecting HEAT

  
  From Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson: “Due to the predicted heatwave, I have activated the City’s cooling centers from Wednesday, July 1, 2026 through Saturday, July 4, 2026 as follows:

  Levi Heywood Memorial Library 55 West Lynde St., Gardner, MA 01440 Wednesday, July 1 – 9am to 7pm -Thursday, July 2 – 9am to 7pm –

  Gardner Police Headquarters Community Room 200 Main St., Gardner, MA 01440 – Wednesday, July 1 – 9am to 8pm -Thursday, July 2 – 9am to 8pm – Friday, July 3 – 9am to 8pm – Saturday, July 4 – 9am to 8pm

  Please note, due to public health regulations these cooling centers are not overnight shelters and will close at the above listed times. The situation will be monitored by City staff in conjunction with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and Massachusetts Department of Public Health as the heat advisory continues. These locations are selected as the City’s cooling center plans due to their ability to be adequately supervised by City staff during the period that the cooling center is open.“

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• Gardner MA – June 2026 News

  

  Gardner MA – June 2026 News

  Gardner is currently characterized by a struggle over project transparency and a series of major public safety successes that highlight the city’s role as a regional healthcare and enforcement hub.

  Infrastructure Friction and Budget Inflation

  The Gardner High School locker room project has become a symbol of municipal “scope creep.” Initially estimated at $2 million, the project has ballooned by 50%, now exceeding $3 million. While Mayor Michael Nicholson has defended the cost increases as necessary adjustments, the City Council and School Committee have demanded a full accounting of why these costs were not disclosed earlier, creating a significant rift in city governance.

  Public Safety and Health

  Gardner saw two major milestones this month. Law enforcement concluded a federal narcotics and money laundering takedown targeting a local trade business, resulting in 18 arrests across seven states. On the healthcare front, Heywood Hospital officially commissioned its new Life Flight helipad. Located steps from the emergency department, this facility significantly reduces transport times for critical trauma patients.

  Civic Anniversary and Events

  The city celebrated its 241st anniversary on June 27, marking its 1785 incorporation. Community spirit remains high despite budget tensions, as the Greater Gardner Relay for Life moved within $20,000 of its $170,000 fundraising goal.

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• Heywood – School-Based

  

  View additional details in the infographics below and in the Complete Press Release, CLICK HERE.

  Heywood Healthcare School-Based Services Named 2026 Outstanding Community Health Worker Program of the Year

  The Massachusetts Association of Community Health Workers (MACHW) has recognized Heywood Healthcare’s School-Based Services program as the 2026 Outstanding Community Health Worker Program of the Year. Over the past 25 years, Heywood School-Based Services program has grown from a single center at Murdock Middle/High School in Winchendon to a comprehensive, multi-district program serving students across 5 school districts. Key to the effectiveness has been Community Health Workers embedded directly in the schools themselves to coordinate care, remove barriers, and connect families to critical resources. View complete Press Release, CLICK HERE.

  Listen to a podcast about it all with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  

  

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• Gardner PD – Safe Relationships

  

  Safe Relationships – What Every College Student Should Know

  The Gardner Police Department has posted about an event coming up: “Safe Relationships: What Every College Student Should Know. A free info session for college-bound students and their parents on recognizing red flags, setting boundaries, and staying safe in relationships. Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM — Mount Wachusett Community College – Room H171 – Pizza & refreshments provided. Seats are limited!”

  Scan the QR Code to register or CLICK THIS LINK

  View Press Release, CLICK HERE.

  The Chair Man and the Chair Lady discuss this topic and the event in a podcast. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Safe Relationships: Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 6:00-7:30pm at Mount Wachusett Community College, Room H171. Scan the QR Code to register or CLICK THIS LINK

  View this short video about the event, Just CLICK PLAY and video will start right out of the page.

  

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  In the Community

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Around the Community of Gardner MA

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