Gardner MA Local News January 2024 – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA

Greater Gardner MA Local News January 2024

Operation – 2024 (1/31/2024)

COMPLETE Interview page with text of all questions and answers and added graphics, CLICK HERE.

Operation: Projects 2024 – an Interview with Mayor Nicholson

Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel asked Mayor Michael Nicholson about various projects contemplated for 2024. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Operation: Projects 2024 – Interview with Mayor Michael Nicholson January 30, 2024

We spoke to the Mayor about various City-owned properties. We spoke about the City response to weather. The Mayor informed us regarding staffing issues and budget issues. He is open to alternatives regarding the Sludge Landfill but notes that options are limited. The Mayor has hired an Executive Aide who will be starting in May after graduating college, just like the Mayor himself did. We spoke about ongoing projects in the City. And, we asked the Mayor about the Boards and commissions to which he belongs and some recent honors.

COMPLETE Interview page with text of all questions and answers and added graphics, CLICK HERE.
Executive Aide (1/30/2024)

Katie Jablonski, Executive Aide to Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, starting in May. She was the first intern at his office.

Gardner Mayor Nicholson Selects New Executive Aide, Starts in May

It’s somewhat like history repeating itself. Mayor Nicholson was offered an Executive Aide position by former Mayor Mark Hawke in the summer of 2016 and began the job the following Spring when he graduated from UMass Amherst with his Master’s Degree.

The Mayor’s first intern, Katie Jablonski has accepted the position as Mayor Michael Nicholson’s Executive Aide. She will start that role after she graduates from Endicott College in May. Mayor Nicholson in our “Operation: Projects 2024” interview stated, “I’m really looking forward to bringing Katie back to the team, as someone who started out as an intern in this office….we’ll get her back here in May and do a full introduction of her at that time.”

Mayor Nicholson and interns
Cormier Passing (1/30/2024)

Gardner City Hall posted, “On behalf of all of us at Gardner City Hall, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of City Councillor Ronald Cormier who passed away this weekend. Mayor Nicholson has directed that the Flag of the City of Gardner, located Downtown, be lowered to half-staff in memory of his decades of service to the City.”

Complete statement by Mayor Nicholson, CLICK HERE. —- Complete Obituary, CLICK HERE

Publisher’s Note: “So honored to have met Ronald F. Cormier. A truly inspiring man who lived a life of service to his community. A man who thought before he spoke. And a man who kindly spoke of what he thought. He will be missed.”

City Councilor Ronald Cormier Passes Away – Funeral to be Saturday

Gardner Magazine is sad to report that City Councilor Ronald F. Cormier has died. He is the father of City Councilor Craig Cormier. Councilor Cormier passed away on Sunday, January 28th. Service is on February 3, 2024 at 11am at Annunciation Parish.

Mr. Ron Cormier has had the honor of serving ten terms as a Councilor at Large, and previously served Ward three as its councilor for sixteen years. He had begun his 11^th term in January. During his tenure he has served on all council committees and served several terms as Council President.

Mr. Cormier has also served the city in a number of other capacities over the years. He was a member of both the Airport Commission and the Municipal Grounds Commission. He was a long time member of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority and served as the Chairman of the Authority at the time of his death. Mr. Cormier was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Levi Heywood Memorial Library and served as the Clerk of the corporation. He previously served in the capacity of Chairman of the Board for the House of Peace and Education (HOPE).

Mr. Cormier leaves his wife, the former Marcelle Coulombe, two adult children, Pamela Cormier Autery of Centerville, MA, and City Councilor Craig Cormier of Gardner. He also leaves five wonderful grandchildren.

Gardner will miss Ronald F. Cormier, a true public servant and a great man.

Mayor Nicholson on the Passing of Ronald F. Cormier

In his order on lowering the flag of the City of Gardner in memory of City Councilor Ronald F. Cormier, Mayor Michael Nicholson wrote, “Councilor Cormier was a strong advocate for the residents of this City and a true friend to many. To me, personally, he was a colleague, mentor, friend, and my former principal at Holy Rosary School during my middle school years. To others he was an educator, an elected official, a smiling face in the turkey dinner line at the annual Holy Rosary Bazaar or poutine factory, a pilot, an avid boater, an elected official, and most importantly, a loving pépère , father, and husband.”

The Mayor continued, “Aside from his work in public service, he also worked as an ardent advocate for education serving on the school board of Holy Rosary School and Holy Family Academy for several decades, including serving as the school’s interim principal for a brief period with his wife, Marcelle. However, his work in the public sector and his volunteer service in promoting Catholic education in Gardner were tied to each other through his work as the director of the J. Ulysse Cormier Government Program. Councillor Cormier knew how important it was to instill a sense of civic responsibility in our students and truly put his heart into this program to inspire students to get involved. He was often quoted as saying, “the goal of this program is not to get you to run for office, but to remind you how important it is to vote, and to know how to learn about issues when they come up when you are older. My goal is to make you an informed and educated citizen.” However, these efforts did prove fruitful with several of the former students of this program running for office and making a difference – including his son, City Councillor At-Large Craig Cormier, Councillor At-Large George Tyros, and myself as mayor.”

Mayor Nicholson also wrote, “I feel confident in saying there is not a single aspect of this City, a project or initiative undertaken by its government, or an idea that was brought up in the last four decades that did not have his advice, input, or impact on. The impact he has had on Gardner is something that will be felt by generations after him, because he saw this City, believed in it, and knew what it could accomplish and be for the people who lived here.” Complete statement by Mayor Nicholson, CLICK HERE.
Catholic Mass (1/30/2024)

Mass and Prayer for Officials and City of Gardner MA as a Whole

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke about the service occurring this Sunday February 4, 2024 – 4pm at Holy Spirit Chapel of Annunciation Parish, 50 Metcalf Street, in South Gardner.

Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Mayor Nicholson Regarding the Mass
Gardner Octopus (1/29/2024)

Gardner MA Business Owner Goes Soft – Sells Product with 8 Tentacles

Patty Bergstrom, owner of the Velvet Goose in Gardner is pictured with an Octopus Plush named Maya. It is available in 3 sizes from 9 inches up to a giant 30 inches in size

The Velvet Goose posted, “LOVE…LOVE…LOVE What has 3 hearts and 8 arms? Yes, the Octopus. Meet Maya. I think she’s my new favorite – especially for Valentine’s Day…”

For more information, visit their Facebook page, CLICK HERE.

Downtown Gardner MA has a variety of interesting products available from local merchants who consistently give back to the community.

Gardner Magazine enjoys showcasing local business whenever we can. If you have a story about your business email News@GardnerMagazine.com
Ban Lifted (1/29/2024)

Parking Ban has Been Lifted in Gardner as of 1:00pm on January 29, 2024. Code Red call was received at 1:14pm
Food 2024 (1/28/2024)

Poll Regarding Gardner Food Truck Festival – Here are the Results:

Gardner Magazine conducted a poll on Social Media over the weekend regarding the Gardner Food Truck Festival. “Simple Poll – The 7^th Annual Gardner Food Truck Festival may take place in July 2024. What did you like or not like about previous food festivals and what would you like to see this year? Add your own options. I had to start with one, so I put “Tables and chairs”

On the Gardner, Ma – #1 What’s going on Page! 8.4k members, we got 1.8% participation with 152 votes. Number One result: Tables and Chairs. 50%. Other results: Bigger Variety of Food Trucks 25%, Gluten Free Options 13%, (Didn’t like) Waiting an hour or more 6%, Allow Dogs 4%, and Smaller portions 2%.

For the page on last year’s Gardner MA Food Truck Festival, CLICK HERE. It is expected the 7th Annual Gardner Food Truck Festival will take place in July. We will advise when we have the date.

On the Gardner MA: Uncensored 5.7k members, we got .7% participation with 39 votes. Tables and Chairs 38%, Live Music 38%, lots of trucks so lines are shorter 12%, have it in more open space 6%, and allow dogs 6%.

On the Gardner, MA: #1 Unbiased, Uncensored Local News Group 2.1k members we got .9% participation with 19 votes. Change of location, somewhere with shade 57%, Tables and chairs 27%, giant banquet tent with tables and chairs 16%.

Publisher’s Conclusion: It’s very obvious that people coming to the Gardner Food Truck Festival would like a place to sit and eat their food in the form of tables and chairs, and would like more trucks. On one group live music showed up as a big desire and on another, the desire for shade. So tables and chairs with umbrellas for shade or a large tent with tables and chairs inside would seem an easy solution. Live Music is usually included. In any case, if the operators of the 2024 Gardner Food Truck Festival want more people to come, they’ll provide a comfortable place for customers to sit down and eat their food. More people will come, they will stay longer, and they will spend more money. And make sure the music is an asset to the event, not a liability by being too loud and annoying customers.
Delays 1-29-24 (1/28/2024)

UPDATE: A Facebook post now lists Gardner Public Schools as being CLOSED on Monday, January 29, 2024

Some School Delays on Monday, January 29, 2024 due to weekend storm

2 hour delay: Ashburnham-Westminster, Gardner, Lunenburg, Monty-Tech, Narragansett (and no AM Preschool)Athol-Royalston

Closed: Winchendon, Fitchburg, Leominster

In addition, MWCC posted on Facebook, “Due to inclement weather, all MWCC campuses will be closed on Monday, Jan. 29th. All day, evening, and remote classes are canceled.” MWCC confirmed the above information via Facebook messaging. However, they informed us that the Fitness Center handles things separately, and they are planning to be open at 8am as of this writing. We did not find info posted on the Boston TV station closing pages as stated on the MWCC Weather and Other Closings page .

For the latest throughout the state, visit this CBS Boston Link:
Storm Warning (1/28/2024)

View complete forecasts with interactive maps and airport reports at the Gardner Magazine – Greater Gardner Weather Center, CLICK HERE.

Winter Storm Warning in Effect Sunday Through Monday in Greater Gardner MA

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Sunday January 28, 2024 and Monday January 29, 2024. Snow is predicted after 11am with several inches possible today and tonight.
GFD Newbies (1/27/2024)

Gardner MA Fire Department congratulates Newest Firefighters

On January 27, 2024, Gardner Fire Department posted, “Congratulations to two of our newest Firefighters . Richard Belanger and Jacob Logan who both completed and graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy this past Friday. We wish them a long and healthy career here at the Gardner Fire Department. “

The Gardner Fire Department has been recently praised for its mutual aid to nearby communities.

Assisting at a separate rollover and a different car fire in Templeton.

Assisting at a house fire in Westminster.

During 2023, the Gardner Fire Department answered 233 mutual aid calls. See our article on 2023, CLICK HERE.

Surrounding communities also help the City of Gardner in time of need which is what makes the Mutual Aid system so invaluable to the region.
Ban 1-27-24 (1/27/2024)

City of Gardner Announces Lengthy Parking Ban

Due to forecast inclement weather, parking ban is from Saturday January 27, 2024 at 10pm through Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 6am.

Parking ban Saturday starting at 10pm.

Parking ban all day Sunday.

Parking ban all day Monday.

Parking ban through Tuesday at 6am.

Mayor Nicholson advised that on Monday it will be decided if the ban can be shortened.

In a communication to the Gardner City Council and the media, the Mayor wrote, “We ask that you please limit all travel to only that which is necessary during that time to allow crews adequate space to clear the roads. There will be a municipal parking lot ban from 6am to 9am on Tuesday, January 30th to allow crews to clear the lots after the streets are completed.” And in explaining the length of the ban, the Mayor wrote, “Due to the City being down 9 DPW staff members (ie 9 plows) and the significant length of the storm not just for snow but also for icing conditions that require salt, the ban is much longer than usual. We will be monitoring the weather and if the ban is able to be shortened, that call will be made on Monday. However, out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of public safety, this timeline has been issued. “
Update 1-26-24 (1/26/2024)

Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson Does Update Outside of Dilapidated DPW Salt Shed

Mayor Nicholson’s Update on January 26, 2024 included him pointing right at the DPW’s Salt Shed which is almost falling down. The Mayor explained, “We have a lot of issues with this building. Not only can you see that the walls are quite literally being propped up and are still falling apart, what you can’t see is the several holes that are also in the roof. And when it rains outside, as you can imagine, water and salt don’t mix well with each other, and we actually sometimes have to take equipment to break the salt up because it hardens together after it rains.” A proposal for a new salt shed will be going before the City Council. Projected cost is $625k. Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY.

The Dam: The Mayor spoke about work on the Dam and held up a flyer. The Wayside Dam Replacement Project will have a public comment period before the dam is repaired in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers. Mayor Nicholson stated, “Rob Oliva, our city engineer, will be happy to talk to you about any of the aspects of why this dam needs to be repaired, what this dam controls,…”

Trahan Visit: Mayor Nicholson spoke about Congresswoman Trahan’s visit to Gardner this week during which she saw the Community Health Center facility, the automotive campus of MWCC located on Linus Allain Avenue, and the Gardner Municipal Airport. A ribbon was cut at the airport to celebrate the completion of the runway and taxiway, and the administration building.

Voting: The Mayor spoke about early voting and voting by mail and outlined some dates which are on the City of Gardner website.

Gardner MA Events: Music Man at MWCC on February 23 and 24th, March 1st and 2nd at 7:30pm and March 3rd at 2pm. —– Sunday, February 18th, the PACC is hosting a full Polish meal from 11am to 2pm, price is $15. — Gardner Fire Department is holding a fundraiser for Henry, a child undergoing chemo treatments. (See separate article). —- Vigil for Brianna Pennington, murder victim, to take place on Wednesday February 21st at 6pm in Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall — Sunday, January 28th, Mass for City and local elected officials, at Holy Spirit Church of Annunciation Parish in South Gardner at 4pm

UPDATE: Due to the snow on January 28th, the Mass scheduled for City and local elected officials has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 4^th, 2024 at 4pm at Holy Spirit Chapel at 50 Metcalf St in South Gardner.
Chamber $10,000 (1/26/2024)

11 Chances out of 400 to Win – Gardner Chamber Fundraiser Odds Higher than Lottery

For years, the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce has had its Super Raffle fundraiser, offering $15,250 in cash prizes this year. Grand prize: $10,000, 2^nd prize $1000, and $4250 total in 3^rd and 4^th prizes. Each chance is $100. To reserve your lucky ticket, call the chamber at (978) 632-1780 or visit their website. Drawing is Thursday, February, 29, 2024.

According to the Chamber, “The funds raised through this event will allow us to continue our mission to support local business and help
drive economic development in the seven communities we serve.”
Bus Safety (1/25/2024)

An Article at Request of School Bus Driver Concerned About Kids

A conscientious school bus driver approached us on Social Media about an article on Bus Safety so here it is. It is very important that vehicles stop for a school bus for the safety of our most precious cargo: our children. The bus driver posted, “I have had numerous people run my reds! Please note that when I activate my red lights and stop sign EVERYONE MUST STOP. Please remember that we are transporting the most precious cargo, YOUR CHILDREN.”

Avoid stiff fines. Stop for the bus. Massachusetts Law requires you to stop for a bus with flashing lights and an extended stop sign, whether driving behind or toward the bus. You can drive past when the lights stop flashing or the sign folds back in. Similar rules apply to any smaller vehicles transporting students with flashing red lights and School Bus signs on top of the vehicle. So stop and save a life.

About 400,000 Massachusetts students are transported by school buses every year. The majority of school bus-related injuries are to pedestrians who are boarding or exiting a bus. Children ages 4 to 7 are at the highest risk. Mass.Gov has a School Bus Safety fact sheet, CLICK HERE.
Zoning 1-23-24 (1/25/2024)

View the complete meeting agenda, CLICK HERE.

This project has been in the planning stages for some time. Our first article on Slocum Inc. was in December of 2021, CLICK HERE.

Gardner MA Zoning Board of Appeals Has Lengthy Meeting with Detailed Presentation for Matthews Road Project

While not the only item on the agenda, it was the most dynamic. Timothy Slocum has a location at 400 Matthews Road in Gardner and has been in front of the Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals on several occasions, most recently on January 23, 2024. He was represented by an attorney familiar with zoning matters who gave a complete presentation of the amended Project Design. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Keep in mind that Zoning decisions must be unanimous on the part of the Board. Timothy Slocum had 1 denial and 1 approval in an appearance before the Zoning Board of Appeals related to the property at 400 Matthews Road. The Warehouse and storage facilities item was not approved on a vote of 1-2 as unanimous consent of the entire board is required. The 2^nd item: converting, fabricating, altering, finishing, and assembling was approved. It was unclear how the 2 different decisions affect the project.

Gardner Magazine spoke with Timothy Slocum and it was apparent he still has the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to see the project through in a positive fashion. We are hoping to do a complete interview sometime soon. At the meeting, both of Timothy’s parents spoke positively on his behalf, sharing their pride in their son’s work ethic and accomplishments.
Stephanie Young (1/25/2024)

Library Director Stephanie Young Speaks About the Offerings of Levi Heywood Memorial Library

We spoke with Levi Heywood Memorial Library Director Stephanie Young about one of Gardner’s favorite spots: the library. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Stephanie Young Interview 1-25-24

The Library Director spoke about local artists who display art at the library and the art prints which people can check out for 3 weeks at a time. Sometimes realtors borrow art to stage houses.

Stephanie Young spoke in detail about the various programs offered at the library for both children and adults. The schedule is posted on the Library website. Coming up for February vacation is a program called Eyes on Owls funded by the Gardner Cultural Council – they will be bringing live owls into the library. There will be a number of activities that week.

For adults, the library has launched a new program called the ProCraftonators, an adult crafting group meeting once a month. Last month they made snowflakes. On Valentine’s Day, they’ll be making a paper flower bouquet. In March, something with birds. And in April, May Day baskets. There’s room for 30 in the group and it’s close to half full. The director also spoke about the Book Club. They are talking about doing an herb club where they give out plants to people.

The Library Director informed us that patrons have access to over 200,000 titles of e-books and audio books. Last year, 16,000 copies were checked out. And as far as hard copy books, last year, the library lent out over 111,000 items. Library cards are FREE. Just stop in to the library to get one for you or your child.
Health 1-22-24 (1/24/2024)

Interesting Board of Health Meeting Reveals New Septic System Technology

The Gardner MA Board of Health met on January 22, 2024. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Board of Health 1-22-24

Much of the initial discussion revolved around Local Upgrade Approval for a Septic System and Well at 128 Wampanoag South. The new technology is called Geomat. For more from the manufacturer, CLICK HERE. Brandon Duchamp appeared on behalf of the homeowners who have an existing 2 bedroom house and need a Title V system on the property. He also described the proposed drilled well, going down several hundred feet to an aquifer. “We’re looking at a drilled bedrock well, what has a sealed casing all the way up.” Board of Health approval was obtained with a referral to the Conservation Commission for their opinion.

Health Director Micah Blondeau informed the Board about various matters regarding the landfill, stating, “We completed the erosion control project, the pump cleaning projects, all the brush and airways, grinding, and the metallurgy, so we’re just working on the next phase, …plan to improve the drainage and transfer station, and hopefully the facility.”

Blondeau spoke about trash. He stated “We’re also looking at costs for curbside recycling. So we’re most likely going to have to raise the costs to keep up with our costs. And just trying to get people to move more into the AFC throw bags rather than an additional toter.”

The Health Director spoke about various properties of concern and what the Board of Health was doing. He also spoke of the Abandoned Housing Initiative, ” take a house that has been abandoned, get it into a receivership, and then try to get it back into the housing market eventually. So we are coming up with a list of maybe 3 to 5 houses for now.”

Blondeau spoke about shelter for migrants and issues regarding trash and food. “right now they’re getting meals catered in. But it seems like they’re different from what they have been normally eating So, the people in the shelter are looking for more means to make their own food, which is kind of a problem.” He also remarked that having public transportation (MART) free for 6 months helps.
Winter Fun (1/24/2024)

Winter Fun is Close by at the PACC in Gardner MA

The Polish American Citizens Club has an active Spring and Summer Band season. This winter there’s an opportunity for fun as well. The Club is holding a benefit on February 16, 2024 for Justin. The band is Whiskey Johnson.

Coming up is Mid Life Crisis on March 22, A Night of Zeppelin on April 19, and various other events from February through March.

For 2024 events, visit the Gardner Magazine 2024 events page.

To list your event, email News@GardnerMagazine.com
Henry’s Heroes (1/23/2024)

Fundraiser Continues… Benefits son of Gardner City Councilor

Battling Cancer: Henry’s Heroes is a fundraiser for Henry, a 3 year old boy who is the son of City Councilor Alek Dernalowicz and his wife Angela. Henry is undergoing chemotherapy after having had surgery in December for a Stage 2 Wilm’s Tumor (also known as a nephroblastoma) . According to information on the Go Fund Me, CLICK HERE, the tumor was very large, about the size of a softball. Funds will go towards medical expenses, stay-at-home necessities, and anything else that might come up on his journey.

Fire Department Fundraiser: Gardner Fire Department Local 2215 is asking for donations. And they are selling t-shirts as a fundraiser to benefit Henry. They can be purchased at the Fire Station at 70 City Hall Avenue between the hours of 8am to 5:30pm. Tee shirts are $25 each. Cash and venmo accepted.

Please consider making a donation towards this worthy cause. To understand more about what a Wilm’s Tumor is, please visit this website, CLICK HERE.
Service 1-23-24 (1/23/2024)

Public Service Committee Meets and Discusses Plans, Concerns, Projects, and Gets Answers.

The 1 hour+ meeting is filled with detailed questions and answers about many topics Gardner residents have asked about. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

DPW Director Dane Arnold discussed the pay situation, stating the Gardner pays a typical DPW worker $2 less with truck drivers getting $6 less than other communities. Current union contract runs through June 30, 2024 and he would like to negotiate new contract with higher pay rates for DPW workers. The salt shed is on the capital improvement list – If Mayor finds the money, DPW will do the actual site work to save City money. Director Arnold spoke about the contractors which have recently come on board and mentioned that he hired his first staff member with a CDL license in about 5 years.

Engineer Rob Oliva discussed various projects including the Uptown Rotary, dam, the rail trail and pedestrian bridge, storm drainage, and the Sludge Landfill expansion. Oliva and Arnold answered some detailed questions from the City Councilors. Oliva stated that the Sludge -Landfill expansion, in the middle of permitting and design – MEPA has asked for public outreach sessions, coming up in near future. Then final impact report gets submitted. The City of Gardner is still in favor of an expansion, but is open to alternatives as technology changes and/or becomes available.

Conservation Agent Douglas Dillon reported on the irrigation upgrades at the Municipal Golf Course. Crystal Lake water will be protected. 1010 Green Street is expanding a substation fence. North County Land Trust will be doing some habitat restoration work in the Keyes Street area. The 170 Mill Street site project is impacted by problem with a dam which would cost an estimated $1.2 million to address.
Trahan 1-23-24 (1/23/2024)

Congresswoman Lori Trahan visits Gardner MA to view some projects on January 23, 2024

In the photos: Congresswoman Trahan is shown presenting a ceremonial check for $350,000 to Mount Wachusett Community College, standing outside of Community Health Connections with a group of people including local officials, and presenting a ceremonial check for $5,052,810.00 to the Gardner Municipal Airport for Runway and Building Improvements.

Mayor Nicholson posted, “Thank you to Congresswoman Lori Trahan for spending most of the day in Gardner to see some of the projects receiving federal funding. From the new Community Health Connections facility to discuss their growth and services, to Mount Wachusett Community College’s new automotive location where a $350,000 grant was presented for new lessons on electric vehicle technology, to the Gardner Municipal Airport for the ribbon cutting and grand re-opening with new runway system and upgraded administration building…”

The Gardner Municipal Airport Project received about $5 million in Federal funding and about $500,000 from the State and the City of Gardner. Completed are runway improvements and an upgraded administration building. In process is a new Master Plan for which public input is still being sought. Chapters 1-3 were made available in October, and Chapters 1-4 were made available on January 18, 2024. View the 52 page draft plan here:

View Airport Commission page on City of Gardner website, CLICK HERE.
Baldwinville Apartments (1/22/2024)

Earlier in January 2024, we spoke with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik about housing. In the interview, he spoke briefly about this project. Here is the article, CLICK HERE.

Baldwinville School Apartment Conversion Project To Move Forward in Templeton MA

Almost 3 years after the Community Preservation Committee voted to support the project, Town Administrator Adam Lamontagne, Select Board Member Matt Rivard, Developers Matt Zahler and Jason Korb joined Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, and Secretary Augustus for the grant award announcement in Jamaica Plain, MA on January 22, 2024 for the Baldwinville School project in Baldwinville.

The project consists of the conversion of a historic vacant school into housing and the construction of additional new units on the same site. Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. When completed, Baldwinville School Apartments will offer 54 total units of housing. Forty-nine units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The project has been designed to incorporate important elements of green design. The new construction units will meet Passive House standards.

Graphic in this article from a presentation of 3 years ago. The complete history of the project is given on the Town of Templeton website with links to various documents and videos. CLICK HERE.

January Library (1/21/2024)

Levi Heywood Memorial Library Collage 1 21 24

All of this is FREE. Anyone in the area can get a library card at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library in Gardner no matter what town you are from in Massachusetts. Do you have your FREE library card? Visit the library website, CLICK HERE. Listen to this PSA on any device. CLICK HERE.

Library PSA 1-21-24

Warm up Your Winter with the Library in Gardner

Gardner’s Levi-Heywood Memorial Library Warms Up the Winter with Exhibits, Programs, Workshops, Clubs, Groups, Study Rooms and new Arrivals. For the library calendar page, CLICK HERE.

At the Library
Art Exhibit – The Watercolor and Acrylic paintings of Winchendon artist Russ Gaulin.
Programs: Children’s Room Programs including Lego Club, STEAM Activities, Storytimes, and more
Workshops: Creative Writing with Chad Lorion
Groups: Adult Book Group
Clubs: Spice Club, Knitting and Crochet
Study Rooms: The library has 3 study rooms holding 4 to 8 persons each to be used for academic and literacy tutoring and group study. Use is FREE but must be reserved by an adult.
New Arrivals: The Library warms the day with “Wowbrary” email alerts featuring the latest items which come in to the library including “bestsellers, movies, music CDS, audio books, children’s titles, cookbooks, mysteries, travel guides, health books, science fiction, and more…”

Housing Help (1/21/2024)

Time Running Out to Obtain Housing Choice Voucher in Greater Gardner MA

The HCV Program, also known as Section 8, is accepting online applications until January 29, 2024. Review is promised within 2 weeks – no more year-long wait lists. May end sooner than date listed if demand is higher than expected. Here is the link for the online application.

To qualify you must have a low or very low annual income. The program pays a subsidy directly to landlords and families pay the remaining rent difference. If you know someone in need, tell them about this.
Ice Safety (1/21/2024)

It may be cold, but the ice may not be safe in Greater Gardner MA

Mass.gov has the following recommendations: If the ice is 2 inches or less, stay off completely. Wait until the ice is at least 4 inches thick for ice fishing or other activities on foot, 5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV, at least 8 inches to a foot for a car or small pickup truck, and 12 to 15 inches for a medium truck.

Some things to think about: New ice can be stronger than old ice. For example, a foot of old, partially thawed ice may cave under your weight while four inches of newly formed ice may not. Ice itself doesn’t freeze uniformly, so one area may be safer while another may not be. And any ice formed over moving water can have dangerous thin spots.

Ways to keep safe: Tell someone about your plans. Bring a phone in case of a problem. Carry ice picks and rope to help get yourself out. Wear a life jacket. For more tips, visit this site.
Cold 1-20-24 (1/20/2024)

City of Gardner sent out a message informing people that the Community Room at the Police Station is open starting at 6pm as a warming center.
Thibault-Munoz (1/20/2024)

How to contact Ward 1 Councilor David Thibault-Munoz: Email: dthibault-munoz@gardner-ma.gov — Phone: (508) 404-4365 Ward 1 Facebook Group, CLICK HERE.

Ward One Councilor Thibeault-Munoz Knocks on Doors to Serve Constituents

We spoke with Gardner MA Ward 1 Councilor David Thibault-Munoz about his role as a City Councilor and how he is addressing constituent concerns. Listen on any device.. CLICK PLAY.

Thibault-Munoz Interview 1-20-24

Councilor Thibault-Munoz explained that he knocked on over 300 doors while running for the Ward 1 seat and has a long list of things that residents would like to see addressed. He said, “The most important or pressing one right now has to do with drainage issues on particularly Cherry Street and Lawrence and Crestwood Ave. I want to see these issues of storm drain issues addressed, hopefully ahead of the spring and the big melts, because residents are impacted negatively by when water is not drained properly.”

The Councilor also spoke about concerns regarding speeding vehicles on Betty Spring Road. Other residents have raised concerns about potholes, trees, and certain fields in disrepair. He is in favor of increasing pay to DPW workers so vacancies can more easily be filled. We spoke about resources, taxes, and even addressing the affordable housing issue. Councilor Thibeault-Munoz will be serving on the Public Service Committee and intends to be accessible to constituents. He stated, “I believe that residents should hold their city councilors and other government officials accountable and that government officials should listen and have an open line with residents and their constituents.”
January 20th (1/20/2024)

What does January 20, 2024 mean to Greater Gardner MA?

January 20^th is 1 year away from the next Presidential Inauguration and it will be an interesting year to be sure. But what else is today? It is National No Phones at Home Day, Take a Walk Outdoors Day, National Coffee Break Day, National Cheese Lovers Day, International Day of Acceptance, National Camcorder Day, National Buttercrunch Day, National Disc Jockey Day, National Use Your Gift Card Day, and Penguin Awareness Day. Listen to our report on any device, CLICK PLAY.

January 20th – a Day of Many Days

With so many days on one day, it’s easy to figure out that somebody or some organization simply thought these days into existence. Next year, they’ll exist again. On January 20, 2025, all the talk will be about who we will be inaugurated as the next President of the United States. Yes, it will be a most interesting year ahead.
Update 1-19-24 (1/19/2024)

Reminders: 3rd quarter real estate tax bills due February 1st. —- Dog licenses need to be renewed by March 1st. —- Route 3 new MART bus route begins and will cut loop time in half. —Tuesday, Jan. 23rd, Congresswoman Lori Trahan will tour automotive facilities at MWCC. — Also, Tuesday, Jan. 23rd, ribbon cutting at noon at Gardner Municipal Airport

Mayor wants to know: What are you looking for in the downtown? What are your concerns in terms of parking with the development we’re seeing here too? Are you interested in seeing some type of parking garage facility in Gardner? Do you want parking meters? Should we move to kiosks? Email Mayor@Gardner-MA.gov or call (978) 630-1490

Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson Delivers Update from Downtown Gardner Successful Project

Mayor Nicholson recorded his update in the kitchen of one of the apartments at 42-52 Parker Street. Only 8 of 29 units are still available with an occupancy date of February 1st. Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY

Mayor’s Update January 19, 2024

The Mayor spoke of attending the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth Address with others from the City. He spoke of some funding programs which will affect the City in a positive way. One item mentioned was Mass Reconnect which provides free community college to those over 25 and has resulted in a marked increase in MWCC enrollment. He also stated, “That’s how last year over 50 students at Gardner High School graduated with both an Associate’s Degree and a High School diploma at the same graduation.”

The Mayor had some thanks “I want to thank, as part of that, the members of the Massachusetts Municipal Association for electing me to their board of directors, the members of the Massachusetts Mayor’s Association for electing me as one of the officers of the Mayor’s Association, and to Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Governor Maura Healey for appointing me to the local government advisory committee that advises the administration in Boston on different ways to really have the state help us out on a local level to make sure we’re getting the, you know, the biggest impact we can for the people who put us into office“.

Get info from the source, “Getting the information right here from the source is always the best way to go rather than finding the information somewhere on social media after a game of telephone with several different people. But if you have any questions on anything going on in the city at all, you can feel free to contact our office at any time and we’ll be answering those questions for you.”
Hardern 1-19-24 (1/19/2024)

OFFICIAL Gardner Magazine Cartoon – Karen Hardern – Gardner City Councilor Ward 4

She Doesn’t Like Parking Meters But Loves Iced Coffee – She’s Karen Hardern

Gardner MA City Councilor Karen Hardern spoke with us about parking meters, public safety, and yes, her love for ice coffee. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Karen Hardern 1-19-24

Karen Hardern serves as Ward 4 City Councilor now just starting her 7th term. When asked about priorities for this year she stated, “I would like to see something done with the parking meters. As you might know, there are quite a few of them that just do not function anymore. They’re outdated, and there they sit. So they’re not of much use in that shape and form. Something really needs to be done….I would like to see those meters taken out.”

The Councilor says she likes to help people when they call, “That’s the part of the job, of the position that I love, is dealing with the people. That’s why I keep running. I want to help.”

Councilor Hardern is proud of the Sex Offender Ordinance she was able to get passed by the Council some years back. “that ordinance would, you know, make others think, hey, maybe I don’t want to go there. Maybe they will settle in another city or town as opposed to ours.” Karen Hardern complimented the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Police Department saying they are remarkable men. And she stated, “All the force, these police officers, God bless them. I mean, that’s a tough job in today’s world, and I think they all do the best they can at work“

Hardern’s biggest thing every day, “an iced coffee and a New York Post, because that’s what I like to read.”
DeMeo Wrong (1/19/2024)

DeMeo Wrong – Gardner MA City Councilors Speak Out

Paul DeMeo appeared at a joint hearing of the City Council and Planning Board, alleging that the 2 zoning articles(re Sports Betting and Marijuana) were illegal. He also stated that Gardner is limited to only one pot dispensary. However, the record shows that while Councilor Dana Heath motioned for the City Council to send the 2 articles to the Planning Board, the City Council as a whole voted to send the two items to the Planning Board. In addition, current Gardner Zoning allows 2 pot dispensaries.

Gardner Magazine spoke with City Councilor Dana Heath on the issue. We also spoke with City Councilor Karen Hardern. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY

Interviews 1-19-24

Councilor Heath stated, “I don’t understand how an agreement could be made that there will only be one. …, we have a zoning agreement of two that I’m trying to change to four.”

Councilor Hardern stated, “I think Mr. DeMeo, and I’m not going to say anything too bad, but I think that he needs to do his homework more thoroughly before he does what he does or says what he says.”
GALA Home (1/19/2024)

Lake Wampanoag Area

Still Searching for a Permanent Home, GALA plans events for 2024

The Gardner Area League of Artists has been storing items in the Helen Mae Sauter School building since last Fall. According to GALA President Deb Giordano, due to a badly leaking roof, the group has been asked to move their stuff out of storage as the City’s insurance company is not allowing anyone in to the building for liability reasons. GALA says, “So we are again on the hunt for a new location for the arts in Gardner.”

Gardner Magazine has reached out to Gardner Mayor Nicholson about whether there is space available at the Elm Street School, the new Waterford Community Center, or the current Senior Center. We will advise you when we have more information. The Mayor has previously expressed a desire to keep GALA in Gardner.

GALA events for 2024 include: Art and Music Festival taking place May 18 & 19, 2024 at the Red Apple Farm and Brew Barn in Phillipston. Artists and Artisan vendors are still being sought for the event. For more information, visit the GALA website, Click Here.

GALA has organized a juried exhibition entitled “Gardner’s OPEN SPACES” to be held from June 7 to August 25, 2024 at the Gardner Museum. 80 photos taken in Gardner are on the GALA website and can be used for inspiration. CLICK HERE. Some of the open spaces depicted are: Cowee Pond, Alisauskas Conservation Area, Dunn Pond State Park, Crystal Lake, Ebenezer Keyes Conservation Area, Gardner Trails, Perley Brook Reservoir (Trails), High Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Lake Wampanaug Wildlife Sanctuary, Wilder Brook Trail, North Central Pathway, Cummings Otter River Conservation Area, Rome Conservation Area, Gardner City Forest, and Bailey Brook Conservation Area
State Address (1/17/2024)

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey Delivers State of the Commonwealth Address

On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, Governor Maura Healy delivered a 56 minute address on the State of the Commonwealth. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

State of the Commonwealth – 1-17-24

The Governor thanked a number of people and stated, “the true strength of Massachusetts is our people“. Governor Healey spoke about progress in education. The Governor said, “our economy is strong – Massachusetts has more jobs than ever before, and unemployment has been at all-time lows. But we also know prices are high, and too many families have a hard time making ends meet.”

The Governor spoke about meeting goals, “Today, Massachusetts is more affordable, more competitive, and more equitable than it was a year ago….I truly believe Massachusetts is the best place in the world to live, work, go to school, and raise a family.”
Triple Meetings (1/17/2024)

Gardner Magazine Official Cartoon of Calvin Brooks – entire City Council and School Committee coming soon.

And they met thrice: 3 Meetings of City of Gardner MA City Council January 16, 2024

with School Committee: Agenda/Packet. Meeting was held to determine representative to the Monty Tech Regional School Committee. Nominations were Calvin Brooks and Alexander Commodore. Calvin Brooks was appointed on a vote of 12 to 3. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

City Council – School Committee 1-16-24

with Planning Board: Agenda/Packet. Zoning issues – Trevor Beauregard spoke for the Planning Board stating the Planning Board recommended both the zoning item adding Sports Betting to the Table of uses and the item increasing the quota of marijuana establishments in the City. Paul DeMeo appeared and complained that the meeting was illegal due to his belief that a single City Councilor can not propose a Zoning Amendment, only City Council can in his opinion. However, at the time, subsequent to Dana Heath proposing both items, City Council did approve sending to Planning Board, rendering that argument moot. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

City Council – Planning Board 1-16-24

Regular City Council Meeting Agenda/Packet.– Calvin Brooks was sworn in as Councilor at Large. Various appointments were referred to the Appointments Committee. Zoning Articles referred to Planning Board for final recommendation. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Regular City Council 1-16-24
Open Checkbook (1/17/2024)

Show Me the Checkbook – Gardner MA Has for Awhile

How much has Gardner paid for various expenses in the last decade? Show me the exact expense and the check number? And I want it now. Sounds like a request not easily achieved right? —- And you would be wrong. The City of Gardner is so transparent that you can see how every dollar is spent. Every dollar and every check going back to 2014. Now, how about that.

Here is the Open Checkbook: Click here to open the checkbook . Sort by category. Sort by vendor. You can even export the data to your favorite spreadsheet.

For more information on financial transparency in the City of Gardner, here is the financial transparency page, CLICK HERE.

And the City of Gardner says, “If you have questions about a particular transaction, please direct your question to the responsible department. “
Parking 1-16 (1/16/2024)

Due to weather, City of Gardner has an on street parking ban from 7pm January 16th to January 17th at, 6am. There will be a parking ban in Municipal Parking lots from 7am to 9am on January 17th.
Burger Poll (1/15/2024)

On the group which gave us enough data to mean anything, Gardner, Ma, – #1 What’s going on Page!, Home-cooked: 36%, William’s Restaurant: 23%, South Gardner Hotel: 15%, and Gardner Ale House: 13%. Balance got 1 or 2 votes each.

Publisher’s Note: While the Burger Poll itself is interesting, we did the poll to confirm what we thought – that the constant barrage of nonsense political posts was turning people off and keeping them away from certain groups. Only the group which doesn’t allow the over-the-top inflammatory posts had enough engagement to yield data. The other groups have been getting the OFF switch by many of their members.

Poll on Best Cheeseburgers in Gardner MA

We created a poll on Social Media to answer: Who makes the best cheeseburgers in Gardner? Add your own options. To create the poll, we had to put in 1 option, so we started with “Home-cooked”. In Gardner MA: Uncensored, activity of the group has been limited by a large amount of unwanted political stuff, reducing engagement. However, Home-cooked came in about 60% and Gardner Ale House was 20% with Paramount at 7%. Very few votes came in on the Gardner, MA: #1 Unbiased, Uncensored Local News Group – we believe low numbers due to to unwelcome content allowed there.

On the local group which doesn’t allow political nonsense posts, we got a more valuable result with almost 100 votes, Gardner, Ma, – #1 What’s going on Page! Results are shown in the chart below. Note that there was only 1 vote for a fast food place, others not mentioned even once.

Poll Results Pie Chart
Heart-Shaped (1/15/2024)

Planning a Heart-Shaped Pizza for Valentine’s Day in Greater Gardner MA?

After we saw a Facebook post about Heart-Shaped pizzas, we used our Artificial Intelligence software to come up with the perfect Heart-shaped pizza. The AI took the extra step of cutting almost everything in the shape of a heart. A Facebook user had posted in part, “Which pizza shop do you think would accommodate putting the pepperoni in a heart shape for me on a pizza?”

Gardner’s West Broadway Pizza and Seafood responded, “We can, we have, and we will do it again.” They also posted a photo of a Pizza Bouquet.

Gardner’s Parker House of Pizza responded, “We would love to make you a heart shape pizza or make a heart shaped on the pizza, for your anniversary!!”

Ask your pizza shop if they’ll make you a heart-shaped pizza for Valentine’s Day.
Triple Feature (1/15/2024)

Gardner MA City Council with Triple Feature of Meetings on Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Meeting a day later than usual due to the Monday Martin Luther King Day holiday, the Gardner City Council is having 3 meetings on Tuesday, January 16, 2024:

6:25pm – Joint convention with School Committee to pick Monty Tech Rep. Complete Packet CLICK HERE.

6:45pm – Joint Public Hearing with Planning Board on Marijuana and Sports Betting Zoning Items – Complete Packet, CLICK HERE.

7:30pm – Regular Meeting with a number of appointments and communications. Complete Packet, CLICK HERE

Publisher’s Note: Significant in the Regular Meeting packet above is a communication from Mayor Nicholson regarding paving in the City. The public should read this as the amount of careful planning is impressive. And most significant: in the last few years, more paving is getting done.
Museum 2024 (1/14/2024)

Gardner MA Museum 2024: A Season of Art and Top-Notch Lectures

The Gardner Museum on Pearl Street in Gardner will delight visitors in 2024 with 2 major art exhibits during Spring and Summer and a huge Lecture Series lineup.

An artist reception for a spring solo art exhibit will be held on March 10^th from 1 to 4pm. The exhibit of Mark Lore will run until May 26^th during regular museum hours. Lore is a landscape painter and retired fine arts educator and the exhibit is entitled, “Expressionist Landscapes – The First 50 Years” More at his website, CLICK HERE.

The museum will have an exciting summer exhibit in 2024 running from June 7^th until August 25^th during regular museum hours. It’s called “Gardner’s Open Spaces” and it’s a juried exhibition organized by the Gardner Area League of Artists. A preview reception will be held on June 6^th from 6-7pm. GALA website, CLICK HERE.

The Lecture Series for 2024 includes a huge variety of topics including Irish Step Dance, Survival and Knife Safety, Finding Inner Peace and Health, Harvey Bowden Essay Contest Winning Research Essays by area High School students, Just Policing with former Gardner PD Chief Edward Cronin, Annie Fields, Foraging Edibles at Your Doorstep, Arabian Night at the Museum, Stone Walls, and Monarch Butterflies.

For more information including the Preliminary 2024 Spring Lecture Series Schedule on pdf, CLICK HERE. Schedule is subject to change, but this is the latest available. For the Gardner MA Museum website, CLICK HERE. The Gardner Museum opens for the season on March 1, 2024. An annual membership is: Student -$1, Individual -$20, or Family $30.
MLK 2024 (1/13/2024)

Martin Luther King Day Celebrated Monday January 15, 2024 in Greater Gardner MA

The Reverend Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. His dream was that all “would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. Sadly, he was assassinated in 1968. More, CLICK HERE.

All of us are equal in the eyes of God.

Celebrate this day with love in your heart.
Hotline 1-13-24 (1/13/2024)

Host Steve Wendell announced that WGAW will have 3 hours of LIVE Coverage during the Iowa Caucus night on Monday, January 15, 2024. WGAW’s Hotline Radio is heard Saturdays from 12:10 to 2pm on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and ive from anywhere in the world via live stream.

News from Gardner’s Hit Show – WGAW Hotline Radio 1-13-24

Mayor Michael Nicholson was the first guest on Hotline Radio. Mayor Nicholson explained migrants which have been relocated to Gardner will soon qualify for work permits. Federal government requires a 6 month waiting period even though they have refugee – migrant status. He told the story of one person who inquired about working for the City as a plow driver, unfortunately they hadn’t seen snow before and didn’t have the required qualifications. The Mayor explained that 40 students in the Gardner Public School system are children of migrants.

In other news, the Mayor announced that MART is adding a brand new bus route in Gardner. This is the new Gardner Route 3 schedule in pdf format, CLICK HERE. It is supposed to shorten the average route loop time in half. All MART rides are fare FREE until June 30, 2024.

Gardner City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas appeared and discussed the 3 upcoming meetings on Tuesday, January 16^th. See our other article with details, packets, and agendas, CLICK HERE Kazinskas stated she was glad the City Council was able to establish the Appointments Committee. She said the City is lucky to have heads of all departments. She stated Chapter 90 and Chapter 70 funding not expected to be affected by State budget shortfall.
Palliative Care (1/13/2024)

Wendy Coutu Leads Team as Heywood Expands Palliative Care

For adults facing advanced serious illnesses, promoting quality of life and addressing distressing symptoms is of great importance. Often, the focus of this care has been only on cancer patients. Heywood Healthcare is fulfilling a goal to help more people by expanding what is called “palliative care” services.

Nurse Practitioner Wendy Coutu leads a Heywood Healthcare team dedicated to this type of care, focusing on improving the quality of life for patients and their families by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients dealing with complex health issues. The team may include attending medical providers, nurses, social workers, case managers, pharmacists and nutrition staff. Bottom line: If you have an advanced, serious illness, there’s now more help for you. Coutu stated, “Heywood Healthcare is committed to providing holistic and patient-centered care, and the expansion of outpatient palliative care services reflects this commitment to meeting the needs of our community.” For additional information visit this page on the Heywood.org website.
Great Students (1/13/2024)

Seniors Help Unload Food at Gardner CAC

Students Attend Conference on Early College

GHS Student Success Assembly

At MWCC Open House for Early College Program

GHS Alumni Talk about College Experiences

Gardner High School posts reflect Successful Students making positive impact in Community

Gardner High School students help with non-profits in Greater Gardner including the CAC. Gardner High students show their willingness to participate in programs which will facilitate future success. And Gardner High School alumni come back to help current students.

GHS posted, “Thank you to this group of seniors who helped unload a truck full of food today at the Gardner CAC.”

GHS posted, “Thank you to this group of students who went to a conference on Early College Programs at Worcester State University. They represented GHS well and are great examples of why our Early College Program is so successful. “

GHS posted, “Our annual Student Success Assembly was held today. Thank you to our student panel who shared their experiences about how it’s never too late to turn things around and get back on track. They are proof that anything is possible if you work hard and get some help when needed along the way. It was great for some of our younger students to hear their stories. Thank you also to our schools counselors for organizing this event.”

GHS posted, “Excellent attendance at the open house at MWCC for our Early College Program. We are so proud of this program and to be able to offer FREE college credits to our students. Reach out if you have any questions or need any information. “

GHS posted, “Thank you to these GHS alumni who took time out of their busy schedules to talk about their college experiences with our seniors. Great information sharing about college classes, managing their time, living in dorms and navigation college life.”
PD Work (1/13/2024)

Gardner PD Interacts with Community to Encourage Positive Choices and adds to its Team

Community Interaction – Gardner MA Police Department posted, “Boy Scout Troop 4 interacted with our dedicated law enforcement officers to earn their Crime Prevention Merit Badge. From insightful discussions on drug awareness and dangers to exploring the police station our scouts gained some valuable knowledge and experience to make positive choices. Good work Troop 4!”

Two new officers join the Team – Gardner PD also posted, “Last Thursday Gardner PD had two new officers graduate the Lynnfield Police Academy. Please welcome Officer Nathan Golisano and Officer Frimpong Antwi who have completed 22 weeks of intense training. They now start their journey with the departments 10 week field training program where they are assigned to a veteran officer to help guide them into being a Gardner Police Officer. At the conclusion of the FTO program they will be assigned to a shift and be responsible for a patrol sector in the City. Congratulations Officer Golisano and Officer Antwi and welcome to the GPD and the great City of Gardner!”
Update 1-12-24 (1/12/2024)

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson with Thanks and Updates

Listen to the Update on any device. CLICK PLAY

Mayor’s Update 1-12-24

Mayor Nicholson thanked all involved with the recent Inauguration Ceremonies.

New Businesses: In coming weeks, Aldi, Chipotle, Five Below, Diamond Heart Studio, and Jersey Mike’s.

Events and Dates: Catholic Mass for the City, Sunday, January 28th at 4pm at Annunciation Parishes. Dog licenses now available, get those in by March 1st. Quarterly property taxes due February 1st. City Hall closed Monday for Martin Luther King Day. Official ribbon cutting at Gardner Municipal Airport is Tuesday January 23rd at 12 noon.

Plowing News; City has hired 4 outside contractors to help with storms. Some slots still available.

City Council Agenda: “Looks like a very long agenda when you see it, but I can tell you a lot of it’s just simple referrals that’ll be going out….There’s about 30 or so appointments.” Joint meeting of City Council and School Committee on Tuesday will select representative to Monty Tech. Another joint meeting is with Planning Board regarding the 2 zoning proposals. “And this is a public hearing on increasing the cap on marijuana facilities that are allowed in the city and putting sports betting into the city’s zoning table of uses.”
Bad Accident (1/12/2024)

Life Flight Helicopter shown taking off with a patient having critical injuries after a serious motor vehicle accident on January 11, 2024. In addition to the driver of 1 vehicle having critical injuries, 11 passengers of a van had minor injuries.

Gardner MA Vehicle Accident Involves a Dozen People on January 11, 2024

From Gardner Fire Department, “Gardner Fire Group 3 had a very busy shift yesterday including a very serious motor vehicle accident at Green St and Rt 140. Crews arrived to find a car vs a van carrying 11 people in it. Luckily, the 11 people in the van had very minor injuries. Unfortunately, the driver of the car sustained critical injuries and Life Flight was requested. A full fire department recall was also requested for station coverage. The critical patient was extricated and transported directly to the MWCC landing zone and immediately transferred to LifefFight, and and flown directly to the Umass Medical Trauma Center. Umass Medical has stationed a Life Flight helicopter at the Fitchburg airport permanently now and can be here in Gardner in less than 10 minutes! Time means everything when getting a critical patient to a trauma center. “
Budget Dog (1/12/2024)

Budget Dog for Greater Gardner MA – Saving Money in 2024

Budgets are tight in every household, or, if not now, at some time your budget might be tight. The advice of Budget Dog will help you save money so you have a greater cushion in an emergency.

Here are the subjects and categories we will cover: Regular Savings, Entertainment/TV, Cable, Internet, Electricity, Heating, Water and Sewer, Phone Service, Car Buying, Groceries, Clothing, Furniture, Yard Sales or Flea Market, Transportation, Taxes, and Insurance.

Visit our complete Budget Dog page, CLICK HERE.

Quick Tip: Save a little every week, assume everything is negotiable, and assume you’re paying too much. You’ll easily save some money.
Aldi Lift (1/11/2024)

Aldi to Give Gardner MA A Lift Soon

These 3 Lifts were observed meeting up with one another on January 10, 2024 at the site of the soon-to-be Aldi Grocery Store at Timpany Plaza in Gardner. It is not known why they were in that position or why the distances among them varied.
Patriot Pizza (1/11/2024)

Patriot Pizza in Gardner Plaza Big on Signage

When you pass by this location, it’s easy to get hungry with the choices in bold view Whether you get a couple large pizzas or go for something more, you can’t miss that sign!

With all the talk about some of the new places in the City, we thought we’d show you a current favorite.
Jersey Mike’s (1/11/2024)

Jersey Mike’s Plans to open Gardner location in 2024

Timpany Crossroads Shopping Plaza is getting closer to being completely filled with the announcement that a Jersey Mike’s plans to open in 2024. A franchise owner with 4 other locations is bringing the subs to Gardner.

So how much is a Jersey Mike’s Sub? At the location in Shrewsbury, the Original Italian is $10.45 for a regular and $18.35 for a giant. A Mike’s Famous Philly is $9.55 for a regular and $17.25 for a giant. The chain describes itself as having “fresh sliced, authentic Northeast-style subs on freshly baked bread.”
Chipotle Plan (1/11/2024)

Chipotle Plan to Enhance Traffic Pattern in Timpany Plaza

The Gardner Planning Board met on January 9, 2024 and heard a presentation regarding the Chipotle Project slated to begin in the Spring at Timpany Plaza. The existing bank building will be removed and the site will be reconfigured for a brand new 2,325 square foot Chipotle Restaurant. The restaurant is expected to open sometime in 2024.

The Planning Board approved the Definitive Site Plan for Chipotle and a Special Permit for the Drive-thru.

Another item: The matter of the Rear Main Street Project needed to be continued until February 13th meeting (weather issue for engineers coming from 2 hrs. away)

Listen to the Planning Board meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY

Planning Board 1-9-24

There will be another food choice very close by as Jersey Mike’s will be opening a location in the Timpany Crossroads Plaza.
Filmed – Gardner (1/11/2024)

City of Gardner Releases Short Video “Filmed in Gardner”

The City of Gardner stated with the video: “From larger productions such as Castle Rock and Dexter to the smaller iRobot commercials and every project in between, the City of Gardner has provided aesthetic and proper locations, the support required to ensure an efficient and successful project, and the ancillary resources that strengthen a positive relationship within the process. We look forward to continuing this successful relationship with the film industry and welcoming more projects in the future. “ Play Video right from this page.
Chair Veggies (1/10/2024)

Genetically-Engineered Vegetable and Fruit Chairs

A way for Gardner to reinvent itself is to capitalize on these vegetables and fruits: Chairmato, Chaircumber, Chairtato, Chair Pepper, Chairchini, Corn Chair, Bean Chair, Chairbana, Yam Chair, Chairtuce, Carrot Chair, and the Broccoli Chair.

No vegetables or fruits were harmed in the creation of these ridiculous items.

Something tells us that the world will simply choose to “sit” on these ideas rather than implement them. What would you create, an avocado chair? That would be ridiculous.
Conservation 1-8-24 (1/10/2024)

Gardner Conservation Commission Discusses Projects and More

At a Gardner MA Conservation Commission Meeting on January 8, 2024, the members briefly discussed the extension of the existing storage facility at 143 Colony Road, various electrical transmission lines, land clearing on Kelton Street, the North County Land Trust request for determination, Elementary School wetland replication, and 170 Mill Street. New Conservation Agent Douglas Dillon was introduced. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Conservation Commission 1-8-24
Burning 2024 (1/10/2024)

Open Burning Season is January 15 to April 30th in Greater Gardner MA

If you’re in Gardner, go to the MassFire website and apply now for a burning permit. Then call (978) 630-7019 between 8:30am and 1pm to activate the permit each day you plan to burn. Burn from 10am to 4pm only. There are limits on what you can burn, restrictions on how the fire must be supervised, and permission is needed every day as there may be days when the Fire Department says NO due to weather conditions even if you have a permit. For more information and details on the regulations so you don’t get in trouble, please visit this Fire Department page on the City of Gardner website, CLICK HERE. or this general page, CLICK HERE.

Not in Gardner? No problem. Check with your local fire department.
L.E.A.D. 2024 (1/9/2024)

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Greater Gardner MA

January 9, 2024 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Gardner Magazine recognizes the contributions of law enforcement on this day and “the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all” Wear blue today if you can, and if you see an officer, say thank you. The following AUDIO is based on an article from the CDC, CLICK HERE. Listen to how our officers put their lives at risk in this report by our Leona Bacon, CLICK PLAY.

Law Enforcement Risks – Leona Bacon

Covered are the risks of being struck outside a vehicle, getting stuck by needles, hazards of shiftwork, occupational stress, injuries from interacting with suspects, hazards of training, and risks of being the first to respond. To all our LEO’s, thank you!
Messy Week (1/8/2024)

To view the latest weather forecast from multiple sources, weather maps, and airport reports, visit the Greater Magazine Greater Gardner Weather Center, CLICK HERE.

Plan for the worst this week: Watch for black ice when it gets colder at night. Expect some falling branches from wind. Expect flooding.

Messy Odd Weather Ahead This Week in Greater Gardner MA

The National Weather Service report shows Tuesday, January 9^th starting off as a relatively innocent cloudy day with a high just above freezing at 34. A Light wispy wind up to 10mph sneaks in during the afternoon. A tease of snow occurs with accumulation of less than one inch. Tuesday night, the mess begins with rain that might be mixed with snow and probably switches to all rain after 11pm. Temperature is expected to go up to around 47 by about 5am and the wind is expected to get stronger increasing up to 29mph after midnight with gusts as high as 47mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Midweek on Wednesday, there’s rain likely before 2pm, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, but warm for this time of year with a high near 51. The wind will still be there of up to 23mph and gusts to 37mph with chance of precipitation being 60 percent.

Thursday and Friday there is forecast to be a reprieve from the rain with mostly sunny skies both days and a high near 38 both days.

After midnight on Friday, there’s more of a mess with rain possibly mixed with snow and then all rain after 4am. Wind is up to 23mph with gusts as high as 36mph. Saturday, there’s rain, mainly before 1pm and a high of 51. Winds up to 29mph with gusts as high as 44mph. The forecast for Sunday and Monday is for partly sunny days with a temperature high up to 29 and lots of wind again with gusts of 30 or more mph.
Zlotnik Hours (1/8/2024)

State Representative Zlotnik Has a Slot for You in Gardner MA

Jonathan Zlotnik has posted new office hours for the New Year. The Regular office hours at Gardner City Hall are Monday 9am to 4:30pm, Thursday 9am to 4:30pm, and Friday 9am to 1pm.

Special office Hours are: Saturday 1-13-24 in Ashburnham at Stevens Memorial Library from 10am to 11:30am, Tuesday 1-16-24 at Gardner City Hall from 5pm to 7pm, Saturday 1-27-24 in Winchendon at Beal’s Memorial Library from 10am to 11:30am, Saturday 1-27-24 in Templeton at the Templeton Senior Center from 12:30 to 2pm

He also states that “Appointments Readily Available!” Contact information: jon.zlotnik@mahouse.gov Phone (978) 410-9559

View the article and listen to the recent interview with Jon Zlotnik on Housing, CLICK HERE.
Delays 1-8-24 (1/7/2024)

Various School Districts Having Morning Storm Delays

The following School Districts are having a 2 hour delay on Monday, January 8, 2024: Ashburnham-Westminster, Athol-Royalston, Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Lunenburg, Montachusett Regional Voc. Tech, Narragansett Regional, Quabbin Regional, The Village School – Royalston, Wachusett Regional, and Winchendon- If your community is not listed, it may not have a delay or there may be updated information. Latest closings and delays, CLICK HERE.
Update 1-7-24 (1/7/2024)

First snowfall of 2024 still delivering the White Stuff

UPDATE: As of 6:30pm on January 7, 2024, the National Weather Service reported various snowfall totals for the Greater Gardner Area.

Lunenburg: 413pm – 17.1 inches, Leominster 531pm – 15.9 inches, Princeton: 122pm: 15 inches, Rutland noon: 12 inches, Gardner: 3:01pm – 11.5 inches, and Baldwinville 130pm: 10 inches, See National Weather Service data for the State, CLICK HERE

As of 6:3pm there should be no customers in the Greater Gardner area without power according to this map, CLICK HERE, but there were 325 active outages and over 15,000 customers without power statewide.
Power 1-7-24 (1/7/2024)

Over 150 power outages in Massachusetts Affecting just under 15,000 Customers in the State as of 9:30am

As of 9:30am on Thursday, January, 7, 2024, there were about 400 customers without power in the Greater Gardner area – Gardner and Westminster. Power was expected to be restored about 11:15am to local customers. For the latest power outage map, CLICK HERE. Snow is still falling as of this report.
Kamuda Explains (1/7/2024)

Hotline Radio airs Saturdays from 12:10 to 2pm on WGAW AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and live streamed to anywhere.

Carolyn Kamuda Explains Abrupt Resignation from Gardner MA City Council in Hotline Interview

Carolyn Kamuda won election to the City Council in November, was sworn in on January 1^st, but resigned on January 3^rd. She appeared on WGAW’s Hotline Radio on January 6, 2024 where host Steve Wendell stated, “Tell us whatever you want to say about what happened.’

Kamuda stated, “I know there’s been a lot of rumors out there and it’s a good way to put it out to the public to somewhat clear up any rumors that may be going around. I kind of was very vague when I was talking to Lizzie Kazinskas as well as the City Clerk and a few other people about what actually was going on, but a lot of people watching my Facebook page since Thanksgiving know what I’ve been going through.”

Kamuda went on to explain that her friend Norman has a sister who had surgery at the beginning of December which turned very bad. “She had sepsis, she had blood transfusions, she’s now on a feeding tube and right now we’re just waiting to talk to another surgeon on Monday… it’s been quite an ordeal…taken a toll on my health as well as being stressful for him.”

Kamuda explained that she has a sister who became ill “and she was rushed to the hospital actually a couple of days ago with a pulmonary embolism. Those two things added a lot of stress to my life and I was actually looking forward to serving as councilor.”

And lastly, Kamuda explained that she has some personal health issues. “I also got a letter from my doctor saying that I have to see another rheumatologist because of some blood tests that I had. Many of the things that I’ve had in my life that have been fairly debilitating have been autoimmune diseases and it seems like that has come back again. Anything that has to be addressed and reducing stress is one of the major factors in that kind of reemerging in my life. I had gone into remission and now it’s come back again. So that’s the story in a nutshell.”

Our best wishes to Carolyn Kamuda, to her family, and to her friends. May 2024 end better for all.
Fire 2023 (1/6/2024)

March 15th storm – 2023

Elm Street Fire Station 1920

Gardner Fire 2023 and Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Issues in 2024

Gardner Fire Department had 5698 incidents in 2023. This compares to 5430 incidents in 2022. Rescue and EMS calls made up the majority with 3679. There were 7 less cooking stove fires with a total of 110, 181 motor vehicle accident calls, 35 building fires, 8 vehicle fires, 7 chimney fires, and 19 brush or grass fires. See all incidents, CLICK HERE.

In 2023, the Gardner Fire Department had 10 carbon monoxide incidents. We have a short statement from State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine on the importance of remembering that carbon monoxide hazards go hand in hand with cold and winter weather. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY

State Fire Marshal Davine on Carbon Monoxide

According to the Fire Marshall, “Home heating equipment is the #1 source of residential CO! Be sure you have alarms on every level or your home, and keep vents and flues clear of snow!”
Pennington Search (1/6/2024)

This is one of the photos which we have enhanced which more accurately shows Aaron Pennington. Some of the other media reports have gone back to an original photo which law enforcement subsequently updated. Of course, today his appearance could be completely different.

Editorial: Law Enforcement Has Been in Continual Search for Pennington

Media Reports on January 5^th and January 6^th about a “resumed search” for Aaron Pennington are at worst somewhat inaccurate and at the very least incomplete. Law enforcement we have spoken to over the past several months have indicated that all avenues have been explored regarding the location of the fugitive suspected in the murder of his wife. The search is local, state, national, and international, and just because some local lead is pursued does not change the fact: they haven’t found him yet and they are looking everywhere using every local, state, and Federal tool at their disposal. He might be found tomorrow or sometime down the line. But rest assured, they are looking for him. And the best way of catching someone is not to reveal all the information which is known. That is the procedure followed in every fugitive hunt. Law enforcement is much more capable, talented, vigilant, and on the task than it is often given credit for and we are very thankful for the job they do every day.
Parking 1-6-24 (1/5/2024)

Forecast Storm for Saturday Results in Parking Ban

Parking Ban in the City of Gardner begins at 11:30am Saturday January 6th and ends Monday morning January 8th at 6am.

Latest weather information at the Greater Gardner Weather Center, CLICK HERE.
Zlotnik – Housing (1/5/2024)

No politicians were harmed in transforming Representative Jonathan Zlotnik in to the lovable Disney character shown.

The Man Who Cares About Housing – Interview with Jonathan Zlotnik

Jonathan Zlotnik Cares About Housing: We spoke about housing issues. Your State representative was literally working in Westminster and Winchendon on January 5, 2024 checking out the issue of crumbling foundations due to a mineral called pyrrhotite. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY

Zlotnik Housing Interview 1-5-24

We learned about this particular issue which is affecting homeowners, sometimes decades after a house was built. In our interview, we also discussed the housing bill pending before the State Legislature. Representative Zlotnik described various projects going on in the District right now. He also discussed ways in which those having housing crises can get help by contacting his office which is on the 2^nd floor of Gardner City Hall. We discussed the unique housing issues faced by the homeless and various solutions implemented elsewhere and which might be a local option if all the logistics could be worked out. And this major point: If you’re having a housing issue, contact his office and they’ll point you toward some help.

Housing Resources

Massachusetts Residents Against Crumbling Foundations, Website CLICK HERE —- Jonathan Zlotnik: State web page and contact information, CLICK HERE —- Gardner Emergency Housing Mission, website, CLICK HERE —- Gardner Community Action Committee, Website, CLICK HERE —- Gardner Housing Authority, website, CLICK HERE. City of Gardner website, CLICK HERE
Update 1-5-24 (1/5/2024)

Inauguration Ceremony Held in Gardner MA – Complete Coverage

With pomp and circumstance, Gardner held its Inauguration at Perry Auditorium beginning at 6:30pm on January 4, 2024. Listen to the entire event on any device. CLICK PLAY

Complete Inauguration Ceremony 1-4-24

Dr. Stephanie Marchetti, the Executive Director of the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center did the welcoming remarks, Reverend Pastor David Trolongo of Chair City Church did the invocation, and the Reverend Father Thiago Rodrigues Ibiapina of Annunciation Parish did the Benediction.

City Clerk Titi Siriphan was there for the Certificate of Election and roll call of officials.

Musical performances are included by the Gardner Middle School Bobcat Select Chorus, the Greater Gardner Community Choir, and Surround Sound.

Speakers included City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas, Mayor Michael Nicholson, and State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik. Speeches are contained in AUDIO of entire event and are also available separately below.

Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke about the successes of the Chair City during the past couple of years and expressed a positive vision for the future. Listen to his speech on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Nicholson Speech

The Mayor thanked Judge Goldstein for his role in helping to bring the Veterans Treatment Specialty Court to Gardner, Dr. Marchetti for work at the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, various individuals, and City employees for their “top quality service to our residents.” The Mayor spoke about challenges, opportunities, and how “our efforts are bearing fruit.” He spoke about the various successes in the City including various projects and improvements. “We paved 20 miles of road, nearly a quarter of our entire City, in just the last 3 years.” The Mayor detailed the educational opportunities offered to Gardner students. He spoke about the over 50 businesses which have either newly opened or expanded and almost 20 buildings in Downtown under renovation. He spoke about transportation improvements in Gardner. The Mayor talked about improving City operations: “we made sure to break away from the that’s-how-we’ve-always-done-it mentality and see if there were updates that we could make to improve our operations. Regarding projects: “The most significant construction project we have ongoing for the new year is our continuing work renovating the former Waterford Street School location to house our new non-profit community center.” He also announced a name we didn’t know until now – Jersey Mike’s, a sub shop, will be opening in Timpany Crossroads Plaza this year.

City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas also spoke. The Council President spoke about cooperation among City Government and the achievements made as a result of that collaboration. Listen to her speech on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Kazinskas Speech

Kazinskas 1-4-24

Kazinskas stated “Mayor Nicholson, thank you for working alongside the city council and our city government. This is how it is supposed to work, and we have proven it in Gardner that it does work. We don’t have to agree all the time, but it is okay if we agree some of the time. We don’t have to respect each other, but we choose to do so. We can have different roles that serve different purposes in our city government and still share a common goal. Your strong commitment to transparency is appreciated, and I look forward to all that we as a City Council will accomplish together with you as our city’s mayor and our respective roles over the next two years.”

State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik delivered remarks. He stated of Mayor Nicholson. “If I can highlight one thing, it is Mike’s willingness to work with others, to put in the effort to take in other opinions. That really produces results, especially in the long term.” Listen to his remarks on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Zlotnik Remarks

Zlotnik Remarks 1-4-24

City Councilors and School Committee were there. Carolyn Kamuda was absent as she had resigned abruptly for personal reasons. Next highest vote getter Calvin Brooks was there. Per the City Charter, he’ll officially be a City Councilor at Large when elected at the next City Council meeting.
Baby 2024 (1/4/2024)

Gardner MA Hospital Identifies First Baby of the Year

In a Press Release, Heywood Hospital stated, “An Athol couple celebrated the start of the New Year by welcoming a healthy and happy baby girl to the world, at Heywood Hospital’s LaChance Maternity Center.

Katelyn and Tim Nault were the first parents to have a child in the local area at precisely 7:47 pm on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.At birth, Eva Lynn was delivered weighing 6 pounds, 4 ounces and was 18.5 inches long.

The family is doing well and Heywood Hospital’s LaChance Maternity Center wishes them a safe, healthy and happy New Year.”
Airport 1-3-24 (1/4/2024)

Master Plan Draft Chapters 1-3

How Things are Flying at the Gardner Municipal Airport

The Gardner Airport Commission met in an information-packed meeting on January 3, 2024. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Gardner Airport Commission 1-3-24

The Gardner Airport Commission heard a Runway Update Report from a representative of Gale Associates Inc. who noted that the Gardner Airport has a non-standard runway for which the FAA may or may not require mitigation. The FAA also doesn’t like a certain fence which has a 5 foot retaining wall beyond it stating, “short of relocating the road, there’s really nothing we can do.” He also stated he wasn’t really worried about it.

There was a discussion about the Update of the Airport Master Plan. The commission approved a request to allow first 4 chapters of Master Plan to be forwarded to the FAA and put Chapter 4 on the website so public can view. There was a concern about an inaccurate aircraft count including a couple of aircraft which are in pieces.

Discussion revolved around the possibility of a restaurant at the airport in the form of a small Pilot’s Lounge. Discussions will be had with the Board of Health. Snow plows are ready to go for a possible Sunday snowstorm.

Discussion concerned possible issues with the septic system “field has been compromised in a big way.” It may have been destroyed by a loader going back and forth. One member accused contractor of possibly taking some loam. Other members suggested more research. The contractor will be contacted for insurance information so issue can be addressed. A Member stated “should be the responsibility of the contractor of whoever they hire to fix the damn thing.”
Snow Kidding (1/4/2024)

First Snow of Year May Appear Saturday into Sunday

All of the forecast sources at the Gardner Magazine Weather Center show the strong possibility of snow from late Saturday into Sunday. Up to 8 inches of snow is possible. However, we caution our readers as the forecast for the first accumulating snow of the season is often inaccurate one way or the other. So expect less or more, plan for Winter Driving Safety – see article with suggestions, and drive carefully if you must be on the road.
Seaman – Vela (1/3/2024)

For more information about Seaman Paper, located at 35 Wilkins Road in Gardner, visit their website, CLICK HERE. Interesting fact: Seaman Paper and WGAW both started operations in 1946.

Seaman Paper recognized for environmentally sustainable bag

According to the company, “Seaman Paper, a leading global manufacturer of lightweight specialty paper and packaging solutions, has been honored with the “Innovation in Sustainability Award” by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) as part of its 2023 Better Practices, Better Planet Sustainability Awards program.

The award recognizes Seaman Paper’s innovative Vela™ bags, a paper alternative to replace single-use plastic poly bags. Vela™ bags are transparent paper transport bags that are FSC® certified, weather-resistant, durable enough to withstand supply chain demands, and certified recyclable.”

Listen to a statement from Seaman Paper CEO Ken Winterhalter. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the AF&PA, it’s a true testament to our deep-rooted history in innovation, our commitment to sustainability, and brings our motto ‘people, paper, packaging, for a sustainable world’ to life.” said Seaman Paper CEO, Ken Winterhalter. View video
Calvin is… (1/3/2024)

For complete results of all the races in the 2023 Gardner Municipal Election, CLICK HERE.

Calvin Brooks to be Gardner Councilor at Large After All – after Kamuda resigns

Following the sudden resignation of Carolyn Kamuda for “personal reasons”, Calvin Brooks will become a Councilor-at-Large because he had the next highest vote total. Brooks has 26 years experience in municipal finance and retired in June 2023 as City Auditor of Fitchburg. It is expected he will be sworn in and be seen at the next City Council meeting.

Calvin Brooks lost by only 13 votes in the official count, garnering 1683 votes to Kamuda’s 1696. Now, he will serve for the next two years.

At Large Councilor Official Vote Total
Elizabeth Kazinskas 2094
George Tyros 1818
Judy Mack 1807
Ronald Cormier 1742
Craig Cormier 1722
Carolyn Kamuda 1696
Calvin Brooks 1683
School 1-2-24 (1/3/2024)

Jennifer Pelavin Gets Vice Chair Nod Again

Jennifer Pelavin once again was selected by the other School Committee members to serve as Vice-Chair at the meeting of January 2, 2024. Mayor Nicholson serves as the Chair of the Committee per the City Charter. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

School Committee 1-2-24

John Lafreniere was elected Finance Officer, Robert Swartz and Jennifer Pelavin were elected alternate finance officers and Rachael Cormier was elected Secretary.
Driver Drive (1/3/2024)

City of Gardner MA Having Storm Contractor Drive

It’s a Plow Driver Driver Drive! Hoping to fill the needed roster before a possible Big Storm of 2024 arrives, the City of Gardner has raised its hourly rate for Snow Removal and Ice Control Contractors to a minimum of $95 per hour. This is about 50% more than last year! Forms, rate sheets, and additional information is available on request from the City Purchasing Agent Joshua Cormier via email at jcormier@gardner-ma.gov or DPW Director Dane Arnold via email at darnold@gardner-ma.gov.

Don’t have a plow truck yourself but can drive one? There’s good news. The City of Gardner is actually looking for full time truck drivers who do plowing and sanding highways as part of their duties. Here’s a link to more information, CLICK HERE.

When will the first plowable snow of 2024 be? If you know please email News@GardnerMagazine.com
Gavel Retained (1/3/2024)

Kazinskas Keeps the Gavel

Elizabeth Kazinskas was selected City Council President on a 9 to 0 vote of the Gardner MA City Council on January 2, 2024. Newly elected Councilor Carolyn Kamuda was absent from the meeting. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY

City Council 1-2-24

Update: January 3, 2024: Carolyn Kamuda resigned as City Councilor for personal reasons. Calvin Brooks to take the seat.
Respiratory Rise (1/3/2024)

Rise in Respiratory Cases Across Massachusetts Forces ER restrictions

There’s a rise in respiratory illness cases across the State of Massachusetts. Included is Covid, RSV, and the Flu. For example, the percentage of emergency department visits related to acute respiratory diseases was just over 8 percent in early July 2023 and up to about 17 percent just before Christmas. In Worcester County it was just under 15 percent. Very young patients seem to be the most susceptible with a rate of over 500 visits to the ER per 100,00 for those 5 and under, with the next highest category being those 80 and over with just under 400 visits per 100,000 people. Here is the Massachusetts Respiratory Illness Dashboard, CLICK HERE

Locally, Heywood Hospital has placed restrictions on visitation in the Emergency Room due to the increase posting, “restricted to parents of pediatric patients (one parent at a time) and caregivers for adult populations (one caregiver) as well as those on comfort measures only. Facemasks are strongly recommended.”

For those needing Covid Test kits for future use, you can obtain them free. Here is the link to Covid.gov
Renaissance Cars (1/2/2024)

Fictional Story of Cars Introduced 500 Years Ago – Renaissance Cars of the 1500’s

What would have happened if people of the 1500’s became car dealers? That is the ridiculous premise of this fictional story. Here’s what happened. Human space aliens piloted a Spaceship which looked appealing to the people of the 1500s. The mission was to introduce the automobile to the people of the time. The results in our fictional account were absolutely hilarious, as shown by the illustrations.

People love their cars in any time period, fictional or not.

We have a complete Illustration Gallery of various automobiles in our fictional story.

Gallery shows the concept meetings and even an illustration of the fictional best salesman of the year.

Complete Gallery, CLICK HERE.
Mental Health (1/2/2024)

Heywood Hospital to Re-open Inpatient Mental Health Unit

Heywood Hospital of Gardner MA has received approval from the Department of Mental Health to reopen 6 beds of the proposed 12 bed adult Mental Health Unit on January 11, 2024. Plan is to add additional beds at a future date. Unit has been closed since October of 2021 due to lack of qualified personnel.

The Mental Health Unit at Heywood will operate 24/7 and will feature several upgrades including a sensory room, various other resources, enhanced security, and additional staff training.

A Partial Hospital Program already serves about 40 adult patients on a daily basis with outpatient psychiatric and counseling services.

View the complete Press Release here.

For more about Heywood Healthcare including information about available services and also various job openings, visit the Heywood.org website, CLICK HERE
January Jobs (1/2/2024)

The City of Gardner is looking to fill the following positions at DPW: Mechanic, Laborer, and Truck Driver. Contractors to plow snow and control ice are sought at a rate of $95 per hour. Contact Jacob Cormier at jcormier@gardner-ma.gov or Dane Arnold at darnold@gardner-ma.gov for details.

One easy search to look up available jobs is Indeed.com. Here are the jobs within 10 miles of Gardner MA.

Relatively Low Unemployment Rate the Norm in Greater Gardner

The City of Gardner has a current unemployment rate of around 3.2%. Ashburnham is even lower at about 2.4%, Templeton 2.9%, Winchendon 2.6%, Hubbardston 2.2%, Westminster 2.5%. Complete stats on all towns from the state, look here.

So who is hiring right now in Gardner? Here are some of the job openings:

Aldi is hiring part-time store cashiers and stockers at a starting rate of $19.50 per hour.

Manny’s Appliance is hiring delivery drivers for $21 to $25 per hour

GAAMHA, Inc. is looking for a counselor at a pay rate just over $50k

EZ Steam Club wants a spa attendant and is paying up to $18 per hour

Community Health Connections is looking for a part-time front desk receptionist to work weekdays from 4pm to 8:30pm

Seaman Paper is looking for a Customer Service Representative at $24 per hour

Retail staff is wanted by Gamestop and Tractor Supply.

Gardner Elementary School is looking for a reading tutor.
Meetings – Hearings (1/2/2024)

Organizational Meetings and Public Hearings Start off New Year in Gardner MA

The Gardner City Council meeting of January 2, 2024 begins with the election of the City Council President. Complete Agenda, CLICK HERE. New Councilor at large Carolyn Kamuda will be at her first meeting as will new Ward 1 Councilor David Thibault-Munoz

The Gardner School Committee meeting of January 2, 2024 begins with reorganization of officers including Vice Chair, Finance Officer, Alternate Finance Officers, and Secretary. Complete Agenda, CLICK HERE. Note that the election of a Chair is not needed as the Mayor of Gardner is the Chairman of the School Committee per the City Charter.

The City of Gardner Planning Board will hold a Public Informational Meeting and Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 6:30pm at the Hubbard Conference Room in the Second Floor of the City Hall Annex at 115 Pleasant Street, Gardner to consider the Definitive Site Plan etc. regarding Chipotle Mexican Grill for a restaurant drive-through to be located at Timpany Plaza. Meeting notice, CLICK HERE.

A joint public hearing has been scheduled with the City Council and Planning Board on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 6:45pm regarding the two zoning articles regarding adding Sports Betting to the Table of Uses and Increasing the quota of marijuana establishments. Information packet and agenda, CLICK HERE. The Mayor’s original letter on the matters was dated almost 10 months ago: March 15, 2023 .

A Joint Convention of the City Council and Gardner School Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 6:25pm to appoint a Gardner resident to serve on the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District Committee for four years. Meeting Notice, CLICK HERE.

Various elected officials were scheduled to be sworn in on New Year’s Day. The Inauguration Ceremony will be held at Perry Auditorium on Thursday January 4, 2024 beginning at 6:30pm. Event open to public.
Dog Licenses 2024 (1/1/2024)

Community Name links to official dog license page when available. If your community does not have current information available online, call the town office for latest info.

Dog License Information for Greater Gardner MA Communities

Once again it is Dog License time in area communities. In Gardner, those over 70 do not have to pay a fee, but still need to verify rabies vaccination and obtain the license.

Communities require an updated rabies certificate from the dog owner. License fees vary whether dog is spayed or neutered or not. Late fees vary considerably by City or town. Click on the Community name below for link to official dog license page and/or forms.

Ashburnham – due by May 31^st – fine of $50 if not licensed by June 30, 2024 —- Ashby – due January 1^st —- Athol – due by February 28^th – late fee after that is an additional $15 —- Barre – new license period starts April 1^st – late fee on or after June 1^st is $20 per dog —-Gardner – by March 31^st – Late fee of $10 April 1^st or later —- Hardwick did not have a 2024 page up on 1-2-24– Based on last year: from 2/1/24 to 3/31/24 unspecified late fee after April 1^st —- Hubbardston – license period runs from January 1 to March 31. $25 late fee after May 1^st —- New Salem – Date not specified —- Oakham – licenses run April 1 to March 31 – late fee is $25 after June 1^st —-Orange – by March 31 – late fee of $50 April 1^st or later —- Petersham – by January 1^st —- Phillipston – by March 31^st, late fee of $5 after April1st, fine of $25 after May1st —- Princeton – by last business day of April. Late fee of $25 after April 30^th —- Royalston – Date not specified —- Rutland – available starting January 8th, due by March 31^st —- Templeton – by March 31^st, late fee is $25 —- Warwick – no 2024 page specified, suggest a site search or call town office —- Westminster – by April 15^th , late fee of $15 after April 15 —- Winchendon – by March 31^st, $50 late fee after March 31^st.
First Lap (1/1/2024)

Gardner MA Relay for Life With First Lap 2024

The Gardner Relay for Life has invited runners to take a first lap at 12 noon on Saturday January 6, 2024 at the Mount Wachusett Community College track.

According to a posting, “RelayFirstLap is meant to be a day to kick-start your annual participation in Relay for Life!…Since its inception, RelayFirstLap has grown to engage Relayers from around the world and is a global day of celebration & building excitement for the new year…”

The annual 2024 Gardner Relay for Life is scheduled for June 7-8, 2024 at 6pm at Mount Wachusett Community College. This year’s fundraising goal is $185,000. For more information, please visit the website, CLICK HERE.

Add your event to our 2024 events page. Email News@GardnerMagazine.com

At Large Councilor	Official Vote Total
Elizabeth Kazinskas	2094
George Tyros	1818
Judy Mack	1807
Ronald Cormier	1742
Craig Cormier	1722
Carolyn Kamuda	1696
Calvin Brooks	1683

Other News from Area Towns and the Region

Pub Reopening (1/29/2024)

The Otter River Pub Will Reopen on February 5, 2024

After suffering a devastating fire in September 2023, the Otter River Pub is officially reopening February 5, 2024 at 3pm. It has been undergoing a soft opening to some regulars and pool teams.

Owner Matt Piaseczny had bought the place in December of 2022 and had done some updating just before the devastating fire last Fall which severely damaged the structure. The transformation from a fire-damaged structure to a beautiful pub once again is truly amazing.
Winchendon Meeting (1/29/2024)

Winchendon Town Meeting will be Monday, May 20, 2024 at 7pm, to be held at Murdock Middle High School. The Town Manager’s office will be accepting warrant articles through Monday, April 8, 2024 until 5pm. Any questions, call the Town Manager’s office at (978) 297-0085 extension 5.
Westminster Newsletter (1/29/2024)

Town of Westminster with a First Edition

The Town of Westminster MA has announced the First Edition of a newsletter to keep residents better informed. Volume 1 is 10 pages long, CLICK HERE for pdf. Community Services Director Audra Kirtland wrote, “We invite you to be an active part of this journey; to share your stories, milestones, achievements, and thoughts. Let’s work together to make this newsletter a place to come for insight and information.” It is a source of a huge amount of information.
Durant – Westminster (1/29/2024)

Senator Peter Durant will hold office hours at Westminster Town Hall, Room 112 on Monday, February 12, 2024 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.
Durant – Templeton (1/29/2024)

State Senator Peter Durant will be hosting district office hours at Templeton Town Hall, 160 Patriots Road, East Templeton from 11:30am to 12:30pm on Monday, February 12, 2024. Residents are welcome to stop by. For any questions, please contact the senator’s office at (617) 722-1540.
Durant – Phillipston (1/29/2024)

Senator Peter Durant is having office hours at the Phillipston Town Hall on Monday, February 12th starting at 10am.

From town of Phillipston website: “MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is inviting the public to a virtual informational meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 7:30PM to 8:10 PM, which will be held via Zoom (link below). The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the proposed Thousand Acre Reservoir Dam Removal project in the Millers River Wildlife Management Area. The Project Team will be available to answer questions and to seek input on the project. Please contact Todd Olanyk (todd.olanyk@mass.gov) with questions or requests for accommodations.”
Hubbardston Coffee (1/29/2024)

The Town of Hubbardston is having “Coffee and Community Conversations” Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 8:30 to 9:30am at the Stars and Stripes Diner. Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau will be there to connect with residents over coffee. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Winchendon 1-22-24 (1/28/2024)

More on crumbling foundations on the Town of Winchendon website, CLICK HERE.

Winchendon Select Board Hears About Pyrrhotite in Concrete

The unusual iron sulfide with variable iron content can really screw up concrete, and the problems in house foundations sometimes takes 10 to 30 years to show up. The Winchendon Select Board heard about the problem at its January 22, 2024 meeting. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Winchendon BOS 1-22-24

Rick Ward reminded people interested in running for Town Office that nomination papers can be picked up at the Town Clerk’s Office on the first floor of City Hall, but must be returned by March 18th.

Karen and Brian from Massachusetts Residents Against Crumbling Foundations gave an information presentation on the issue stating, “We’re here tonight in the hopes of just bringing some awareness that there are some homes in Winchendon that have been affected by pyrrhotite.” The problem is expensive. According to the presenters, “The only remedy at this point is to actually lift a house up in the air, demolish the old foundation, and pour a new one.”
Hubbardston 1-24-24 (1/24/2024)

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Interview with Nathan Boudreau 1-24-24

For more information about getting involved with government in Hubbardston, visit the town of Hubbardston website or give them a call at (978) 928-1400.

Progress in Hubbardston Discussed with Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau

We spoke with Nathan Boudreau on January 24, 2024. Hubbardston just received a Green Communities Grant which will impact heat in the library. “ I’m learning a ton about green communities and efficiency and heat pumps and electrical work because we just received a $188,000 green communities competitive grant. It’s going to be to put new high-efficiency heat pumps in the Hubbardston library where we house some of our offices”

Boudreau spoke in detail about his report to the Hubbardston Select Board on January 22^nd. He spoke about working on the fiscal 2025 budget and the Governor’s proposal to increase unrestricted government aid by 3 percent. He also spoke about the legislative public forum coming up on February 5^th,stating, “This represents a great opportunity for the people of Hubbardston to get a chance to talk directly to their legislators. “ He spoke of the 8 week Citizens Academy which will provide residents with an inside look at local government operations.

We spoke about the budget and Hubbardston is faced with an approximate 8 percent increase in the school budget – “the school takes up well over 60 percent of the annual operating budget and seems to be increasing every year.” Hubbardston added 20 students to the school system this year. We also spoke about the new communications tower for emergency services. Boudreau said they were waiting on the ability to put commercial carriers up there and increase cell phone reception.
Baldwinville Apartments (1/22/2024)

Earlier in January 2024, we spoke with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik about housing. In the interview, he spoke briefly about this project. Here is the article, CLICK HERE.

Baldwinville School Apartment Conversion Project To Move Forward in Templeton MA

Almost 3 years after the Community Preservation Committee voted to support the project, Town Administrator Adam Lamontagne, Select Board Member Matt Rivard, Developers Matt Zahler and Jason Korb joined Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, and Secretary Augustus for the grant award announcement in Jamaica Plain, MA on January 22, 2024 for the Baldwinville School project in Baldwinville.

The project consists of the conversion of a historic vacant school into housing and the construction of additional new units on the same site. Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. When completed, Baldwinville School Apartments will offer 54 total units of housing. Forty-nine units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The project has been designed to incorporate important elements of green design. The new construction units will meet Passive House standards.

Graphic in this article from a presentation of 3 years ago. The complete history of the project is given on the Town of Templeton website with links to various documents and videos. CLICK HERE.
Change Workshop (1/22/2024)

Ashburnham Holding Climate Change Workshop

The town of Ashburnham is holding a Climate Change Action Workshop on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 – 5:30pm at Town Hall Auditorium. The Nashua River Watershed Association is working with the cities of Leominster and Fitchburg, and the towns of Ashburnham, Groton, and Pepperell to create a watershed-wide climate action plan using Nature-based Solutions.

According to the association, predictions in this area include extreme weather, rising temperatures, flooding, drought, and others. “These effects impact many areas in our community such as human health, water and air quality, infrastructure, and ecological systems.”

Examples given of nature-based solutions include rain gardens, bioswales, biofilters, green roofs, greenways, permeable pavement, pavement removal, wetland restoration etc. The workshop will get citizen input. “We want your input, help us understand your climate change concerns!” Register for any of the area workshops at this website:

For more on Green Infrastructure including more graphics visit the this website from Louisiana, CLICK HERE.
Templeton Cafe (1/21/2024)

Templeton Cafe and Pub is New Name of Restaurant at crossroads

Customers will have to wait until February 1st for the new look as the restaurant will be closed for “sprucing things up and adding new equipment and furniture.” Initially, breakfast and lunch will be served. A soft dinner opening by invitation only will be held on February 2nd and 3rd. Full opening is February 4th. There will be new menu combined with daily specials.

Standard Hours after February 5th: Sunday and Monday 6am to 8pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 6am to 2pm (closed evenings), Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 6am to 9pm. Visit their website.

Templeton Cafe Pub February 15, 2024
Westminster Wells (1/21/2024)

Well Moratorium Lifted – New Wells May be Costly in Westminster MA

With the PFAS contaminated situation in mind, the Westminster Board of Health lifted the well moratorium at its January 17, 2024 meeting. Persons wishing to put in a new well should check with the Board of Health so that all requirements can be met. For example, a homeowner putting in a new well in the PFAs study area must cover all costs including PFAS treatment.

Those with questions can contact Health Agent Abigail Conlin at (978) 874-7409 or use this contact form, CLICK HERE.

The main Westminster Board of Health page is here.

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