Greater Gardner MA Local News May 2024
- Hotline 5-18-24 (5/18/2024)
Illegal Food Pantry Discussed on WGAW Hotline Radio
Host of Hotline Radio on WGAW (Saturdays noon to 2pm) Steve Wendell commented on the illegal food pantry started by former Gardner mayoral candidate Kimberly Blake saying “It’s an illegal operation without the required permits to operate.” Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Steve Wendell 5-18-24 Steve Wendell states, “She is going against state law again. You’ll remember Kimberly Blake’s child bingo illegal political fundraising scam operation that bilked supporters out of hundreds of dollars for her campaign. She has constantly lied that she was not forewarned about the illegality of the child bingo fundraising, but decided to hold the event anyway. She lied that the mistake was made by her campaign manager, and now Kimberly Blake is operating her food pantry without any consideration to local zoning, building, or even the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires easy access to those with physical disabilities. Kimberly Blake has not applied for the required permits because she is well aware that food pantries are not allowed to operate from homes.”
- Update 5-17-24 (5/17/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City
Scheduling conflicts did not permit a recorded message this week. However, the Mayor did want to pass along the following information:
From the Mayor of Gardner: This week is National Police week with Peace Officers Memorial Day being Wednesday May 15th. We would like to say thank you to the men and women of the Gardner Police Department for everything you do! You all do a great job every day! The Junior Police Academy is now accepting applications! This free program will start July 15th to- July20th, for teens between the ages of 14 and 17. This Academy will be an interactive learning environment and opportunity to learn about local law enforcement. Some of the activities for the week will include Physical fitness training, mock traffic stops, defensive tactics, and investigative techniques. Applications are available at the Gardner P D or submit an application through the link on the Gardner Police Department Facebook page. Apply soon as space is limited! This Academy is open to all teens, with priority given to Gardner residents. All applications are due by June 17th. Any questions regarding the Junior Police Academy can be directed to Lt. John Czasnowski at 978-632-5600 ext. 124 or by email at iczasnowski@gardner-ma.gov. Separate Article, CLICK HERE
Gardner Fire Department: Some exciting news for the Gardner Fire Department! Our new ambulance has finally arrived at Greenwood Emergency vehicles in Attleboro. Chief Lagoy and EMS Coordinator Lieutenant Hulette went down Monday to Greenwood and made the final inspection on the new truck. It’s has taken almost two years to get the ambulance built. We hope to have it here in Gardner by the beginning of June and prepare it for City service. We also are awaiting delivery of our new engine and heavy rescue that’s due (hopefully) in September. The new vehicles will be a great and welcomed addition to our fire department with updating our fleet with new and modern equipment to serve the citizens of Gardner. The Fire Department would also like to remind everyone the annual Gardner Firefighter‘s Memorial Sunday ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 9th. Assembly will be at 8:30 and the ceremony will be at 9:00. The public is invited to join us for the ceremony. Separate Article, CLICK HERE.
First Responder Day: Also this weekend is the First Responder Day at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, Saturday, May 18th 9 am. to 11 am. Last week I mentioned the Library’s summer reading kickoff is scheduled for June 26‘“ which starts at 5 pm. not 4:30 pm. as I stated last week. Separate Article with details and 3 interviews, ,CLICK HERE.
Yoga In the Park Summer Series starting soon. This will be Monday nights from June 3rd to August 26th from 6 to 7 pm at Park Street Park (Near the Elks Lodge) No class in inclement weather or threat of. This is Donation based, all monies collected will benefit various non-profits. This is an all levels class, must bring yoga mat or yoga props.
Small Business Saturday: Also in June, you’ll want to mark your calendar for Small Business Saturday and Happy Birthday Gardner Festival which takes place on Saturday, June 22nd from 10 am. to 4 pm. Downtown shops, restaurants, local non-profits, food trucks, crafters, and other vendors display their merchandise in the streets. Roads are open only to pedestrians for the day. A variety of performances and demonstrations take place. This event is free and family-friendly. We look forward to seeing you! Separate Article, CLICK HERE.
GALA Art and Music Festival: Also this weekend, is the GALA Art and Music Festival May 17-19th Sat, 11 am. to 6 p.m. Sunday 12-4 pm. The event will take place at the Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston, MA. Artist reception Friday. Art Exhibit with more than 100 artists, demonstrations, vendors, children’s activities, face painting, music and more all weekend. Free admission. On Thursday, May 23rd at 6:30 pm. The Gardner Museum will present Local “modern pioneer’, Lauren Roy who will empower, and educate the audience on living more naturally and in the art of foraging as a way of saving money. Reservations are required. Separate Article, CLICK HERE.
AED Foundation Recovery Comedy Night is May 18th Doors open at 6:15, show starts at 7 pm. General seating $20. Location is Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall. Show Poster, CLICK HERE.
The Flagpole at Gardner City Hall is fixed. Separate Article, CLICK HERE. —-I intended to give an update on paving. Will do in future updates. —- Flower pot and banner sponsorships are still available. —-If you have any questions, contact the Mayor’s office at (978) 630-1490 or email Mayor@Gardner-MA.gov
- Blake 5-17-2 (5/17/2024)
UPDATE May 17, 2024 – Simple Explanation of Issue – 1. Food Pantry not allowed by State Law in residential area 2. If home was somehow deemed OK for food pantry, permits must first be obtained and inspections must be conducted prior to opening 3. No approvals of any kind were sought or obtained. 4. Person in this instance appears to have known opening was considered unlawful and proceeded anyway. 5. Idea of food pantry to help those in need a wonderful idea. 6. Even those with good ideas must follow the law. 7. Person was not disparaged by Gardner Magazine or WGAW as claimed by Blake. 8. Mayor Nicholson not involved at all as claimed by Blake.. 9. Blake was not even mentioned by Gardner Magazine or WGAW until it was falsely claimed she had been disparaged. (see original article simply referencing a Gardner resident)
Listen to the editorial on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Editorial re Blake 5-17-24 EDITORIAL: Kimberly Blake Making False Statements Yet Again – this time about Gardner Magazine, WGAW, and the Mayor
Kimberly Blake has announced that she is above the law and will open a food pantry at 25 Baker Street in Gardner despite warnings against doing so stating, “I’m aware that the city has plans to try and fine me or have my pantry taken down.” All of us including those who want to help others have to follow the rules. In Massachusetts, according to Massachusetts State law, a food pantry is not allowed in an area of residential homes. And where it is allowed, various inspections and permits must be obtained prior to opening. One of the reasons for certain activities and businesses not being allowed in residential areas has to do with the obvious problem of parking and the effect on neighbors. We checked, Blake has not sought appropriate permits from the City. However, she has falsely attacked Gardner Magazine and WGAW stating, “Gardner Magazine and WGAW can continue to write disparaging articles, I’m not worried.” This publication wrote an article and did not mention Blake by name. We spoke with WGAW and they have simply attempted to post information about what’s not allowed under Massachusetts law.
And then, as usual she is attacking Gardner Mayor Nicholson when she knows he isn’t even involved in the independent actions the Board of Health or the Gardner Building Department may take. Helping people is always a great idea. But, in my opinion, no matter how great the idea sounds, we are all still subject to the law. Imagine if everyone in the City opened up something wherever they would like, ignoring Zoning, ignoring requirements for inspections. It would be chaos and we would all be unsafe. We all have to follow the law. We can’t make up our own laws when we feel like it. The laws are there to protect all residents. And current food pantries are inspected and follow all sanitary laws and requirements and have safeguards in place. Why Blake thinks she is above the law? Who knows. In my opinion, it Makes no sense.
- Food Pantries (5/16/2024)
Food Pantry liability, click here.
Gardner CAC has a Food Pantry located at 294 Pleasant Street in Gardner and would love your donations. Website with secure donation ability, CLICK HERE.
Open a Food Pantry at Your House – NO, you can’t do that…
A Gardner resident has announced that a food pantry would open at her residence on Friday, May `17th. However, that might not be lawful. Activities allowed on private property are governed by Zoning which may not allow this, so the first stop would be to the Building Department in Gardner to find out what the rules are. Secondly, the distribution of food in Massachusetts requires a permit obtained after proper inspections. As of midday today, neither the Building Department nor the Board of Health had heard from the resident.
According to Mass Law, a non-profit is not charged for food pantry inspections. Usually, a food bank would be opened by a non-profit holding 501(c) status with the IRS at a location suited for the activity and only after visiting the proper City departments for the appropriate approvals. It’s all to protect the public including existing food pantries which have very real operating costs associated with maintaining standards and rely on donations. Excess traffic at a residential property infringes on the rights of abutters to quiet enjoyment of their properties and can be a public safety hazard. That’s why for example, in the City of Gardner no more than 4 yard sales per year are allowed and even the times are restricted to 8am to 4pm. Open a food pantry at your house, NO, you can’t do that.
The Gardner Building Department and the Gardner Board of Health are aware of the situation. It is unclear at this hour if the resident has been informed about the potential issue or if the pantry must first open before action is taken.
Support Existing Food Pantries
Residents are urged to patronize existing and inspected local food pantries where food safety is assured. Those having donations are urged to make cash or food donations to existing food pantries who already have structures in place to provide food to those who need it. In addition, a proper food pantry with 501(c) status would provide a tax deduction for donations. Some area food pantries which accept food donations and money to buy supplemental food items include: Ashburnham Community Church Food Pantry, 84 Main Street, Ashburnham —- Barre Food Pantry, 30 Park Street, Barre —- Christ Church Food Pantry ,569 Main Street, Fitchburg —- Gardner Community Action Committee Food Pantry located at 294 Pleasant Street in Gardner (the CAC) Website with secure donation ability, CLICK HERE. —- Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center Food Pantry, 268 Central Street, Gardner —- Our Father’s Table at Faith Christian Church, 40 Boutelle Street, Fitchburg —- Our Lady Immaculate Food Pantry, 192 School Street, Athol —- Ruth’s Harvest Food Pantry at Leominster United Methodist Church, 77 Hall Street, Leominster —- Winchendon Community Action Council Food Pantry, 273 Central Street, Winchendon —- Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury (Also distributes foods to area food banks)
- Small Biz 2024 (5/16/2024)
Gardner Square Two Announces Small Business Saturday and Happy Birthday Gardner Festival
The event will be Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10am to 4pm in Downtown Gardner. Vendor space is still available and Square Two members get a free space. More information from the Gardner Square Two website, CLICK HERE.
How to get a completely FREE SPACE: Just become a Gardner Square Two member which is $100 for a business, $50 for a non-profit. Since a single space is $100, joining Gardner Square Two makes your membership pay for itself right away, plus you get another FREE space at the Fall Festival, putting you $100 ahead. So, join today and reap the FREE benefit. CLICK HERE.
Gardner Square Two had other good news for vendors, “The City of Gardner Police Department no longer requires that you obtain a hawker/peddler license to set up at our festivals. That saves you over $50, and a lot of time and effort.” However, here is the vendor application for Square Two, CLICK HERE.
This Small Business Saturday event in Downtown Gardner is Saturday June 22, 2024 from 10am to 4pm. This year, the Fireworks will not be held the same day as the Festival. They are scheduled for the following Saturday, June 29th. Visit our 2024 Events page for details on upcoming events.
- MWCC 2024 (5/15/2024)
450 Degrees and 229 Certificates Conferred to 620 Students at MWCC 2024 Graduation
On May 15, 2024, the 59th Commencement was held at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner MA. Guests were welcomed by MWCC President James Vander Hooven. Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll shared words of welcome. Student speaker was Winchendon resident Katlin Bosworth, ” a mother of three and first-generation college student who received both a Human Services associate degree and a Liberal Arts and Sciences associate degree.
“MWCC will always be my safe place, the place where I am supported and encouraged, the place where I became an adult, the place that has helped me raise three children, the place that taught me success was within me, the place that supported me through the loss of my mother, the place that believed I was worth fighting addiction and the place that has given me acceptance and grace. The place that has picked me up time and time again through my own failures and struggles,” Bosworth told her fellow graduates.
For the complete Press Release listing the names of all the graduates, CLICK HERE.
- Flag 2024 (5/15/2024)
Flag up Again at Gardner City Hall
With interior mechanisms of the pole irreparably damaged during a wind storm on February 29th, Gardner’s iconic flag as pictured at left was missing from the Chair City skyline for the past 2 1/2 months. According to Gardner City Hall, “Due to the age of the flagpole all of the replacement parts had to be custom manufactured for the repairs.” And once the parts were in, the contractor had to wait for a day when the ground was dry and stable and the winds were within the safety threshold. While waiting for the flag to be proudly waving outside again, a temporary flag was installed in the Rotunda of Gardner City Hall.
With the flag pole back to full operation, the Stars and Stripes will be seen again as visitors and residents alike drive past Gardner City Hall on Pleasant Street in Gardner. Gardner has a history of honoring the flag at numerous locations in the City. In August 2022 when a damaged flag was noticed in front of the Gardner Police Headquarters, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson made sure a new and bigger flag was purchased. See previous article about this Majestic American Flag at Gardner PD.
- Library Fine Free (5/15/2024)
For the complete Press Release on pdf, CLICK HERE. — For the website, CLICK HERE.
Listen to Library Director Stephanie Young on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Library Fine Free 5-15-24 Gardner MA Levi Heywood Memorial Library Goes Fine Free
The Levi Heywood Memorial Library stated in a Press Release on May 15, 2024 “proud to announce that it is eliminating fines on overdue materials, effective immediately. This decision reflects a growing national trend towards promoting equitable access to library services and follows the lead of many public libraries across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” Press Release, CLICK HERE.
Serving Everyone: “Libraries are community resources designed to serve everyone, regardless of their economic status,” remarked Stephanie Young, Director of the Levi Heywood Memorial Library. “By going fine free, we are removing barriers to access and ensuring that all members of our community can benefit from the resources and services the library provides.”
Taking the Fear out of it is the reason: “We want to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels encouraged to explore, learn, and grow without the fear of financial penalties.”
Not So fast: While the Levi Heywood Memorial Library will no longer charge fines on overdue materials, patrons will still be responsible for paying for lost or damaged items. Additionally, certain special collections, such as Museum Passes, may accrue fines for late returns to ensure equitable access for all patrons.
- GALA 2024 (5/15/2024)
GALA Art and Music Festival 2024 is 3 Big Days
The HUGE GALA Art and Music Festival is May 17, May 18, and May 19 taking place at Red Apple Farm located at 455 HIghland Avenue in Phillipston MA. Admission is FREE.
Performances on May 17th include Sweet Euphoria, Mark Frederick Fisher, and Jukebox Jake.
Performances on May 18th include Maggee Neff, Two for the Road, and the Big RanDom.
Performances on May 19th include Cara & Val, Scott Alan Savoy, and Amber Chaves.
There will be plenty of delicious food and beer available for purchase at the event.
GALA is the Gardner Area League of Artists. For more information about the organization, becoming a member, or about this and other events, CLICK HERE. for the GALA website
- New Ambulance (5/14/2024)
Gardner Fire Department Gets New Ambulance and Shows it off
The Gardner Fire Department released this statement in a Facebook post, “Some exciting news for the GFD!! Our new ambulance has finally arrived at Greenwood Emergency vehicles in Attleboro. Chief Lagoy and EMS Coordinator Lt. Hulette went down Monday to Greenwood and made the final inspection on the new truck. It’s has taken almost two years to get the ambulance built. We hope to have it here in Gardner by the beginning of June and prepare it for City service.
We also are awaiting delivery of our new engine and heavy rescue that’s due (hopefully) in September. The new vehicles will be a great and welcomed addition to our fire department with updating our fleet with new and modern equipment to serve the citizens of Gardner.”
- Templeton Rotary (5/14/2024)
Templeton MA Rotary Project Pulls Ahead of Gardner
Templeton MA has announced major progress in its rotary project on May 14, 2024 as shown in the visual from the Templeton PD which posted, “TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGE 05/14/2024 After two days of paving, the East Templeton Rotary Project has started to take form and will begin to enter the next phase of the project. Please note the layout, and traffic directions moving forward. Gardner Road (Route 101) will remained closed. Thank you!“
Completion of the Rotary Project in Gardner is expected to be this Fall.
Meanwhile, in Gardner, the work continues. Shown at right is construction and the concept illustration of what the finished project will look like.
CLICK IMAGE for larger view.
- Junior Academy ’24 (5/14/2024)
Gardner PD gets Ready for Junior Police Academy 2024
The Gardner Police Department posted the photo collage at left on its Facebook page. and wrote “The Jr. Police Academy is now accepting applications! This free program will start July 15 – July 20, for teens between the ages of 14 and 17. This Academy will be an interactive learning environment and opportunity to learn about local law enforcement. Some of the activities for the week will include: Physical fitness training, mock traffic stops, defensive tactics, and investigative techniques. Applications are available at the Gardner PD or submit an application through the link. Apply soon as space is limited! This Academy is open to all teens, with priority given to Gardner residents. All applications are due by June 17th.
Any questions regarding the Jr. Academy can be directed to Lt. John Czasnowski at 978-632-5600 ext. 124 or by email at jczasnowski@gardner-ma.gov. ” As soon as this was released on Social Media, one person related a story of how his son participated in Junior Police Academy in 8th grade and is now a state trooper in Connecticut some decades later. Others commented enthusiastically about the program.
- School 5-16-24 (5/12/2024)
Gardner School Committee Met on Monday May 13, 2024
The Gardner MA School Committee Met on Monday May 13, 2024. Complete Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Gardner School Committee 5-13-24 Robert Swartz detailed progress relating to various projects in the schools. pointing out that some estimated costs have been filled in (see packet). Pictures in the graphic at left show some of the progress. There is a listing of miscellaneous theatrical upgrades for $500,000. “I think everybody on the committee choked on that. So hopefully we’ll get more details as to what that miscellaneous means by next month or so.” Mayor Nicholson added that the City Hall flagpole should be fixed by the end of this week.
Various academic progress was detailed and policies were discussed. Dr. Pellegrino commented on improving attendance and what was discussed at an administrative council meeting, “But just tonight, we were talking about the high school and how the entire MTSS team really focused on improving attendance, and specifically, attendance of students with disabilities. Last year, there were 31 students with disabilities who were chronically absent at the high school. This year, working with the teachers, working with the administrators, everybody pulling together, that number dropped to 12. That’s a big deal, and those numbers sound like small numbers, but they’re huge wins.”
Anne Hurst spoke about Mental Health Month and had some stats on the subject for the meeting: “Thank you to everybody in the district for doing such a phenomenal job. When she was given the presentation and she talked about students with disabilities, you know, and being part of the college program and stuff like that, of course, that’s, you know, yeah. That’s, yeah. I also wanted to just say that May is Mental Health Month. I have a couple of statistics that I have from NAMI, which is the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill. 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 24. One in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and only half of them receive treatment. The average delay between the onset of a mental illness symptom and treatment is as high as 11 years. So we need to really recognize and take care of our friends and neighbors and relatives and really, really have mental illness be part of a discussion. I noticed that the trend now with a lot of family physicians is it’s all about the mind and the body and, you know, they’re understanding how that all goes together. And it’s just a really important thing to start really talking about and to never expect that someone’s gonna tell you they’re suffering“
- Crazy Social Media (5/11/2024)
From the Publisher: Gardner Magazine has been publicly criticized on Social Media for its positive reporting on Mayor Nicholson, the Gardner City Council, and the Gardner Team of great municipal and school employees. Our response is simple: It’s not our fault they’re doing a good job. But it is somewhat fun to report on all the successes of the past 4 years.
Gardner MA Social Media Goes Crazy – WGAW’s Steve Wendell Responds
Since 2011, WGAW’s Steve Wendell has interviewed the Gardner Mayor nearly every single week on Hotline Radio which airs Saturdays from noon to 2pm, most recently interviewing Mayor Michael Nicholson for the last 4 years. Wendell sees the Facebook lies being circulated right now and decided to speak up. Listen to the comments from Steve Wendell aired Saturday May 11, 2024 on any device. CLICK PLAY
Steve Wendell 5-11-24 Ironically, former mayoral candidate Kimberly Blake often chimes in with comments about Mayor Nicholson, but as Wendell states, “She was the one who actually set up that illegal children’s bingo and basically was fined by the state…and I don’t think she gave back the money to the people who came to the children’s bingo, no refunds were made.” During the campaign last year, Blake often made wild statements including a false one about a portrait, CLICK HERE.
Comment from Publisher Werner Poegel: Opposing viewpoints on ideas are the hallmark of our political system as is free speech. However, the false allegations being perpetrated on one particular local Facebook Group are simply made up nonsense. We had a previous commentary regarding possible criminal consequences for the false statements, CLICK HERE.
- Update 5-10-24 (5/10/2024)
Bonanza of Community Events and Project Progress Highlight of Weekly Gardner MA Update
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson updated the Chair City on May 10, 2024. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 5-10-24 Community Events: Annie Fields at Gardner Museum on Thursday May 16th —- Gardner Area League of Artists Art and Music Festival May 17th to 19th — AED Foundation Recovery Comedy Night is May 17th at Perry Auditorium —- Saturday, May 18th is First Responder Day at Levi Heywood Memorial Library —- Sunday, May 19th is a Journey of Life Concert at Bethany Baptist Church —- Popular Cruise Nights and Concerts at PACC set to begin on May 24th — Relay for Life June 7th and 8th at MWCC —- High School Graduation is Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10am at Watkins Field at Gardner High School. —- Greenwood Outdoor Pool scheduled to open June 19th —- Library Summer Reading kickoff is June 26th at 4:30pm. —- First Concert at Monument Park is June 22nd —- Visit our Events page, CLICK HERE
Project Progress: Construction of 3 tier Maki Park has begun and will consists of outdoor seating, picnic tables, cornhole boards, and a complete outdoor stage area with electricity. —-
Road paving: Work has begun on completing Fredette Street, Wilkins Road, and Lower Parker Street. Pothole Week: All 4 DPW crews, not just the highway department will do nothing but potholes next week. Paving schedule will be released ahead of time in weekly updates.
New Businesses in 2024: Mayor Nicholson recapped the businesses which have opened and/or have had ribbon cuttings so far this year.
- Fictional Theater 14 (5/8/2024)
Fictional Theater Episode 14 – Joe and Don Take Calls at the Call Center
Our best friends Don and Joe with a new hit episode from our series called Joe and Don at the Call Center. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Episode 14: Joe and Don at the Call Center For the complete page featuring Episodes 1-12, (Episode 13 is in the works) and this episode, please visit the Joe and Don page, CLICK HERE.
The series is entirely fiction. We only wish that Joe and Don would be best friends and that our politics would be more civil in nature.
- Public Service 5-6-24 (5/8/2024)
Public Service Committee in Gardner Hears from Citizens and Department Heads
The Gardner Public Service Committee chaired by Councilor Paul Tassone hears water and sewer appeals by ratepayers in Gardner. It also hears reports from Conservation, DPW, and Engineering. Listen to the May 6, 2024 meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Public Service 5-6-24 DPW Director Dane Arnold spoke once again of staffing shortages – department is down 14 out of 39 staff members. “We really hope something is done with salary of employees, we just can’t get help.” Staffing shortages will impact the ability to pave certain streets in 2024.
City Engineer Rob Ovila spoke of projects including the Uptown Rotary. Various streets will be impacted by detours.
The Sludge Landfill Project was discussed. As DPW Director Arnold stated, “Massachusetts does not have a plan.” Conservation Agent Doug Dillon gave an update.
- Transmission 5-8-24 (5/8/2024)
Two years from now, it is expected the replacement of these structures will be well underway. They will not be taken down until new structures are put up to avoid any disruption in electric service.
Gardner MA Transmission Lines Await Replacement – Electrical Grid to be Upgraded
It’s hard to tell from the photos, but these structures are more than a century old. In fact, the electric grid across the United States is badly in need of upgrades because of age and the need for increased capacity to meet this century’s needs.
As we wrote in August 2023, “In 1909, the 69 kilovolt transmission lines were constructed and materials were brought in at the time by horse and buggy. Today, modern equipment will be used to bring this part of the grid up to date before there are problems due to the aging system.” Previous article, CLICK HERE.
Public Comment hearings were held in April 2024: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board hosted three hybrid public comment hearings for the A1/B2 Asset Condition Refurbishment Project. The hearings were held on different dates at the Athol Public Library, Mount Wachusett Community College, and Fitchburg State University.
Project progress: The A1/B2 ACR project team is continuing the permitting process and preparation for forestry work was done over the winter. Tree work began in March 2024 on the New Hampshire portion with Vermont and Massachusetts tree work and access road work to be done later. Massachusetts construction is expected to begin next Fall pending permit approvals. Actual line work is expected to begin in 2026. Bottom Line: This will take some time to complete. For updates about the project at any time, here’s the website, CLICK HERE.
This 61 mile project originates in Vernon, Vermont, travels through Hinsdale and Winchester, New Hampshire then continues through a number of towns within Northern Massachusetts including, Warwick, Royalston, Winchendon, Gardner, Westminster, Fitchburg, Leominster, and Sterling.
Coming off the mainline, this project also includes the Athol Tap and the Crystal Lake Tap. The Athol Tap runs from Royalston Substation to Chestnut Hill Ave Substation in Athol, Massachusetts. The Crystal Lake Tap runs from Gardner Switching Station to Crystal Lake Substation in Gardner, Massachusetts.
- Beautify Gardner (5/8/2024)
Beautification of Gardner is Underway – Difference is Easily Apparent
Top view is the fencing obscuring land which became the Park Street Park. Originally an electrical substation, the substation was abandoned in favor of another site, but the fence and barbed wire remained. Gardner Mayor Nicholson proposed the expenditure of $260k and got approval from the Gardner City Council to literally change the landscape.
Now, the beautiful view of Crystal Lake greets visitors and residents alike at Park Street Park. The beautification of Gardner is underway and the difference is easily apparent. Dozens of additional parking spaces are now available for events at Monument Park. And, Monument Park itself was upgraded with ADA compliant sidewalks and more.
- Maki Park 5-7-24 (5/7/2024)
Construction Fencing Goes Up Around what will be Maki Park
From a grassy field of green at the location of the torn-down Maki Building to the promise of a new Maki Park in the near future, the next step was taken this week as temporary construction fencing surrounds the rectangular area.
The Concept Drawing shows a three-tier terraced park with each section fulfilling different recreational needs including plans for a Bandstand and cornhole play. Because the land is at more than a 15 degree angle, it could not be left flat due to ADA requirements.
More than one year ago, the Gardner City Council allocated almost $200,000 for the project. Another part of the plan is to put in electricity which would allow for electric vehicle charging in the nearby parking lot.
- Timpany 5-7-24 (5/7/2024)
Progress at Gardner MA Timpany Plaza Continues
Grocery Store Aldi opened in Timpany Plaza in April 2024. The construction crew immediately moved over to its next project, the location leased by Five Below for its new Gardner MA location. Completion is projected to be within several months.
With the former Santander Bank building completely gone, the new Chiptotle Mexican Grill is well under way. Shown in the top photo is the start of the framing for the building. An interesting tidbit for those interested in Chipotle: They claim to use 53 ingredients you can actually pronounce. Visit their website, CLICK HERE.
Timpany Plaza still has room for other new tenants. It is home to some popular businesses including Gardner Cinemas which upgraded to luxury reclining seats over a year ago. Get your movie times right here, Website.
Previous article showing available locations in Timpany Plaza, CLICK HERE.
- School Update (5/7/2024)
School Committee OK doing Voice Vote on Budget
In our article about the last School Committee meeting, we questioned the vote as it was not a roll call vote as the Mayor did last year. However, Mayor Nicholson has kindly informed us that only a voice vote is actually required, “The General Laws of the Commonwealth only require roll call votes on specific votes- mainly on borrowing loans or on appropriations (the final vote to actually spend money on something). Since the vote of the School Committee is technically to send their final recommendation to the City Council for their vote on the appropriation, this could be done by a simple voice vote, but the City Council’s vote must be done via a roll call vote.” However, according to City Solicitor John Flick, a roll call vote can be requested at any time by 2/3 of the members of the committee.
- Council Results 5-6-24 (5/7/2024)
Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE. – The discussions within this meeting are very informative. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Informal and Regular City Council 5-6-24 Gardner MA City Council Makes Decisions in Informal and Regular Meeting
The Gardner MA City Council held an Informal meeting on: (1) Increasing room occupancy tax from 4 to 6 percent (2) adding Local .75% sales tax on meals and (3) resolving to review the Zoning Map. Listen to the combined AUDIO of both meetings on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Informal and Regular City Council 5-6-24 It was noted that Leominster increased its room tax to 6% in 2017 and Fitchburg did so last month. Here’s how Gardner voted: At the regular City Council meeting, the room occupancy tax increase to 6% was approved unanimously. It is estimated this will bring in about $50k per year. The Sales Tax on meals at the rate of .75% was approved on a vote of 10 to 1. It is estimated this will bring in $500k per year. A resolution was adopted to review the Zoning Map. Mayor Nicholson earlier in the meeting had told the Council that grant funding was being sought as cost could be around $150,000 and given the time involved the State recommends an outside firm do the job.
In other matters, the Open Meeting Law finding was placed on file. Other items including the big budget items were referred to either subcommittees or the Council as a Committee of the whole.
Open Meeting Law Matter – Inaccurate Statements by Paul DeMeo
Listen to what was actually stated by Councilor Alek Dernalowicz at the City Council Meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY
Councilor Alek Dernalowicz actually stated, “I just wanted to quickly point out that the complaints, the items listed in the complaint were not found to be in violation. There was a finding that we failed to review the minutes in a reasonable interval, which is how it’s stated in the Mass General Laws. Even the Attorney General has difficulty, it seems, defining what a reasonable interval is in their ruling. At one point, they say it’s a certain set of months, and at another point, they say a different amount. I think, in reality, it could possibly turn on what the executive session was about, but that being said, we will follow the guidance from the Attorney General and do this as they prescribe going forward.” While Councilor Dernalowicz clearly states (words in bold) that the City Council will follow guidance of the Attorney General, Paul DeMeo in a post inaccurately states “he should have cautioned the city council to comply with the law.” – an inaccurate statement because that is exactly what he did do. Publisher’s Editorial Note: DeMeo also makes other disparaging remarks which we won’t dignify by repeating here. As Paul DeMeo had made the original complaint, we can understand why he reacted negatively, but that is no excuse for making inaccurate statements simply to disparage an effective, honest, and hard-working City Councilor. Once again, Pauly Potato is simply wrong and the AUDIO above proves it. Further comment regarding DeMeo: Gardner is not a dystopia. Gardner’s officials and employees are hard-working, honest people leading the Chair City on an effective trajectory of success. When a City like Gardner is held in high esteem by other municipalities often as the “Gold Standard” of how things should be done (including its transparency), it is very odd when negative comments often appear out of nowhere with no foundation in fact.
- City Council 5-6-24 (5/5/2024)
Gardner Regular City Council Meeting for May 6, 2024
The regular City Council meeting on 5-6-24 will concern various aspects and complete details of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. Previous article with pdf of budget, CLICK HERE.
Other proposed items include an ordinance to change the fee for solid waste collection and an ordinance to increase the number of Zoning Board of Appeals members from 3 to 5. ZBA decisions now require a unanimous vote. With the change a majority vote would be the new threshold.
OPEN MEETING LAW. Once again, a ruling from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office regarding an Open Meeting Law complaint by Paul DeMeo resulted in a technical violation finding but no action. According to the Attorney General, the Gardner City Council is required to review Executive Session minutes at regular intervals to determine if secrecy is still needed, but they do not have to do so in a timely manner as was alleged by DeMeo – the “timely manner’ requirement is for the public portion of meetings only.
- Gardner Quarter (5/5/2024)
Informal City Council Agenda for May 6, 2024, CLICK HERE.
What Could a Quarter Mean in Gardner MA?
Gardner Mayor Nicholson is proposing the City adopt a .75% tax on lodging and meals. This would mean a $30.00 restaurant bill would increase by 23 cents to $31.23, a minimal increase of about a quarter. What does that mean in terms of revenue? In the United States, the average American spends $3639 eating out each year, roughly $300 each month. Therefore, The City of Gardner would collect about $2.30 per person per month. Multiply it out and you have a 5 figure sum in the course of a year. Add the amount Gardner would collect in lodging tax revenue and it really could add up to enough to restore a supplemental paving budget. Who says quarters here and there can’t add up to a bundle of money?
The Gardner City Council is having an informal meeting on these items on 5-6-24 as well as reviewing the Gardner Zoning map for accuracy.
- Beautiful 5-4-24 (5/5/2024)
Keep Gardner Beautiful Cleans Up City
On Saturday May 4, 2024, Keep Gardner Beautiful Volunteers led by Diane “Neon” Leblanc cleaned up trash and collected nips in the Chair City. Citizens met at the Gardner Transfer station to begin the cleanup and again there at noon. Local participating officials included Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik, and City Councilor Calvin Brooks
According to Keep Gardner Beautiful, their were 70 bags of nips collected with 400 nips per bag. At 5 cents each for a total of 28,000 nips, a total of $1,400 was raised via a donation from Anthony’s Liquor Mart. The proceeds will benefit 2 year old Henry “Hank” Roy of Gardner who has a rare kidney disorder.
Diane Leblanc posted, “My profound gratitude for these incredible photos that captured the essence of the love and pride that these amazing volunteers spread throughout our community today – Neon”
Gardner Mayor Nicholson commented live from the transfer station on WGAW’s Saturday Hotline Radio program: “The Keep Gardner Beautiful Committee had a tremendous turnout at its new location over at the transfer station….almost a full dumpster of trash collected, several mattresses and other items of furniture that were left on the street.” The Mayor explained that a brand new storage container had been purchased to stay at the landfill. It will hold trash pickup devices and equipment.
- Airport 5-1-24 (5/4/2024)
Gardner Airport Commission Holds Wingy Meeting
Various discussions were conducted in a sit-anywhere format with a huge amount of interesting information about significant airport progress. See Photo. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Airport Commission 5-1-24 Some of the matters which came up at the meeting included: MassDOT offered to do a reconstruction of the main apron…”there’s no local share, no cost to the airport, no cost to the city.” Underruns from the runway project will be used to fund the AT&T survey. Fence repairs will be done by Rainmaker.
Various other aspects of ongoing airport work were discussed including requirements of the FAA with respect to the Gardner Airport Master Plan.
Recommendation was to maintain the runway length of 3,000 feet. It was stated that 3,400 feet is approximate for small aircraft. However, it was stated, “Just really achieving what you would need to achieve between actual pavement, runway safety areas, acquisition of easements, airspace easements, tree clearing, everything that would go along with that. There’s a lot of terrain issues already, you know, as far as instructions are concerned. So, it just, you know, it just doesn’t seem like feasible. It doesn’t seem feasible to recommend adding runway length.” Many other items related to the airport were discussed at the lengthy meeting.
- Gunshots 5-3-24 (5/4/2024)
Gunshots on Sherman Street
In a Press Release from the Gardner Police Department on May 3, 2024, the Gardner PD referenced an incident on Sherman Street in Gardner which discovered bullet holes in a vehicle and a house. “Approximately 7 am this morning, the Gardner Police Department received 911 calls for what was believed to be gunshots in the area of 102 Sherman St. Officers were dispatched and located a total of 3 bullet holes in a nearby vehicle and siding of an adjacent house. There were no injuries involved in this incident and it is currently being investigated by the Gardner Police Department.” Press Release, CLICK HERE.
- Handle with Care (5/3/2024)
Handle with Care Conference in Gardner a Successful Cooperative Effort
May began with the 1st Annual Handle with Care Conference held at Gardner City Hall. Gardner PD stated, “Proud to say the 1st Annual Handle with Care Conference was a success! Our partnership with Heywood Hospital, the Montachusett Suicide Prevention Task Force, and our other collaborators helped promote this important school-community-based effort to support children exposed to trauma.” If you would like to learn more about the Handle with Care Initiative, click this link.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early’s office provided further information, “It was an honor to attend the North Central – North Quabbin 1st Annual Handle with Care Conference yesterday at Gardner City Hall, hosted by Gardner Police Department, Heywood Hospital and the Montachusett Suicide Prevention Task Force. This event featured Keynote Speaker Professor Heather C. Forkey of UMass Chan Medical School, Sue from our Outreach Team, JBS International, Inc.’s Edward Jacoubs, Anna Maria College Professor Tara Rivera, Fitchburg State University Professor Kyle Moody and special guest Bill Gardiner of L.O.V.E Is The Answer. Thank you for a fantastic conference!”
The Handle with Care Collaborative Partners of North Central and North Quabbin Massachusetts is a lengthy list of schools, agencies, government, and non-profit including: Ashburnham-Westminster School District, Ashburnham Police Department, Athol Area YMCA, Athol Police Department, Athol-Royalston School District, Barre Police Department, Boys & Girls Club – Gardner, Leominster/Fitchburg, CAPS Collaborative (Ashburnham, Orange, Westminster), Clinical Support & Options, Gardner Police Department, Gardner Public Schools, Heywood Healthcare, Holy Family Academy, Mahar Regional School District, MOC Early Education, Mount Wachusett Community College, Narragansett Regional School District, North Quabbin Community Coalition, Northwestern County District Attorney, David E. Sullivan’s Office, Parent Professional Advocacy League, Petersham Police Department, Phillipston Police Department,Quabbin Regional School District, Royalston Police Department, Templeton Police Department, Orange Police Department, Westminster Police Department, Winchendon Police Department, Winchendon Public Schools, and Worcester County District Attorney, Joseph Early’s Office
- Update 5-3-24 (5/3/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Informs the Chair City in his Weekly Update
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson presented his update from the GETV studios this week. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Weekly Update 5-3-24 May 7-10 is May Yard Waste Pickup (Mailer had a typo)
Events: Keep Gardner Beautiful Nip Hunt and Litter Cleanup is Saturday May 4th —- First Responder Day Saturday May 18th from 9am to 11am at Levi Heywood Memorial Library. —– 20th Annual Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ride Sunday May 26th —- Citywide Yard Sale is June 1st —- Gardner Relay for Life is June 7th and 8th.
FREE WI-fi is coming to Monument Park – goal is to have it up and running by Memorial Day.
There’s so much information in this week’s update it is best to listen to the entire update to get all the details.
- Facebook Commentary (5/2/2024)
Civil and Criminal Penalties – Commentary on Problem Facebook Posts
Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel with a commentary on problem Facebook posts. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Commentary – Werner Poegel 5-2-24 In my opinion, if there are local Facebook posts which make false allegations or harmful statements without evidence it may cost admins or members civil liability. However, it doesn’t stop there. If you use social media platforms to track, monitor, or harass individuals causing them significant emotional distress that’s called cyberstalking, and that’s a crime. If you intentionally and repeatedly make posts aimed at causing distress or fear to another person including threats, abusive messages, making derogatory comments, or spreading false information with the intention of harm, that’s criminal harassment. If you conspire with others to do this and have discussions about how to “get this guy”, that’s a criminal conspiracy. And if you go after people who object to your posts or comments or perhaps as an admin suspend or remove a group member, that could be criminal witness intimidation. Think before you post.
- Budget FY25 (5/1/2024)
$13,088,995.23 was cut from department requests. Proposal has a buffer of $4,284.51 between anticipated revenue and budgetary expenses. Otherwise, it is balanced.
It’s Only May First – And Gardner Mayor Nicholson Releases Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Last December, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson informed the City Council that he would be providing much more detailed information for the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and he has delivered with over 500 pages of detailed explanation. View the entire document in PDF format, CLICK HERE.
In a statement the Mayor said, “The goal of this format is to provide the most transparent information on the City’s current financial standing. I believe this new format will help provide the clearest pictures as to how the budget was constructed, where the money is coming from, and how it is being spent, both for your deliberations, as well as for our constituents to understand and see. Also included this year is a breakdown of the impact that each department has on the average tax bill for a single- family home in the City.”
The Mayor wrote, “The total of the FY2025 Budget as a balance of $88,013,663.74 (the money orders associated with the budget add up to $86,103,997.00 because they do not include the impact of the Cherry Sheet from the Commonwealth in the votes). This is inclusive of all General Fund, Cable, School, and Enterprise Funds.”
Each City Councilor is getting a copy of the following per the Mayor: “By Monday evening’s Council Meeting, every councilor will receive 1) a purple folder that has a copy of the budget in the previous format for ease of transition between formats, 2) a large white binder with the full information included on the website, 3) a large binder containing all of the City’s collective bargaining agreements and non-union personnel policies, and 4) a smaller binder color-coded per committee with the budget information for the departments for which each committee has oversight.”
- First Responders (5/1/2024)
Levi Heywood Memorial Library – Gardner MA For more about the following, click the respective links: Gardner Fire Department —- Gardner Police Department —– Levi Heywood Memorial Library.
First Responder Day Cooperative Effort Among Gardner Fire Department, Gardner Police Department, and the Levi Heywood Memorial Library
Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with 3 key individuals about this FREE event. First Responder Day at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, Saturday May 18th from 9am to 11am. You can hear it all on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Stephanie Young – John Czasnowski – Sean Kelley on First Responder Day at Levi Heywood Memorial Library Gardner PD Lieutenant John Czasnowski, , Firefighter and S.A.F.E. Program Coordinator Sean Kelley, and Library Director Stephanie Young all spoke about the event.
Lieutenant Czasnowski let us know the plan is to have cruisers, a drone demonstration, the School Resource officer and an opportunity to see K-9 Rocky. There will be stickers for the kids.
Firefighter Sean Kelley spoke of the touch-a- truck event, the appearance of Sully the therapy dog, various vendors and games for the kids to play.
Library Director Stephanie Young was excited about the event and stated, “It’s so important that our community members, children and families get to meet our emergency personnel in a non-emergency situation. They can build connections and, you know, if there is an incident that people are involved in, they already have a connection and it helps during an emergency time.”
- Lithuanian 2024 (5/1/2024)
2024 Saturday Night – 7-11pm Concerts at the Lithuanian Outing Association, 23 Airport Road, Gardner run from May through September.
Lithuanian Outing Association Concerts – 2024
Date: Band(s): May 25 AK Cody and the Wicked Northmen June 8 Dank Sinatra June 15 Mid Life Crisis June 29 Whiskey Johnson (Fireworks) July 13 The Angry Debutantes / Point the Finger July 20 Litz Blitz July 27 Matt Callahan / Sufferin Bastards August 10 The Boogie Brown Band August 24 Danny LeBlanc September 7 Lacquerhead September 28 Plead the 5th
Other News from Area Towns and the Region
- 5 Alarm Templeton (5/18/2024)
5 Alarm Fire in Templeton on Patriots Road
From the Templeton Fire Department: “At 15:40 Friday May 17th Templeton Fire Department was Notified of a possible building fire on Patriots rd. Upon arrival of police fire was reported to be coming out the front and side first floor windows. A second alarm was immediately requested. The first arriving crews were told of possible trapped people in the building. With this new information we quickly went to a 5-alarm response to bring in the much-needed help to search for victims and extinguish the fire. Shortly after, all the people were accounted for, and crews were on scene for approximately 4 ½ hours extinguishing the fire. There were no responder or civilian injuries during this incident.” See complete Press Release, CLICK HERE.
- Templeton Rotary (5/14/2024)
Templeton MA Rotary Project Pulls Ahead of Gardner
Templeton MA has announced major progress in its rotary project on May 14, 2024 as shown in the visual from the Templeton PD which posted, “TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGE 05/14/2024 After two days of paving, the East Templeton Rotary Project has started to take form and will begin to enter the next phase of the project. Please note the layout, and traffic directions moving forward. Gardner Road (Route 101) will remained closed. Thank you!“
Completion of the Rotary Project in Gardner is expected to be this Fall.
Meanwhile, in Gardner, the work continues. Shown at right is construction and the concept illustration of what the finished project will look like.
CLICK IMAGE for larger view.
- Templeton Rotary Update (5/6/2024)
The Templeton Police Department released this statement:“-EAST TEMPLETON ROTARY UPDATE 05/06/2024- Starting on 5/6 and through 5/10 the milling will begin in East Templeton at the rotary project. There will be significant delays in traffic for Patriots Road (Route 2A), North Main Street, South Main Street and Gardner Road (Route 101). Closures/delays could be over ten minutes at a time. PLEASE AVOID AREA. PLEASE SHARE.”
- Winchendon 4-29 (5/5/2024)
The Winchendon Board of Selectmen met on April 29, 2024. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Winchendon BOS 4-29-24
- Westminster 2024 (5/5/2024)
Results of May 2024 Westminster Elections
Complete Election Results, CLICK HERE.
Elected were: Michael Cooley, Select Board , Michael Popik – Board of Health, Donald Frigoletto – Board of Assessors 3 years, Caroline Albert – Board of Assessors 2 years, Tiffany Davis and Neepa Shah, Library Trustees 2 years, Michelle Miller Library Trustee 1 year, Christopher Mossman – Hager Park Commission 3 years, Amy Fantoni – Planning Board 3 years, Derrick Andrews – Planning Board 1 year, Brian Vincent – Cemetery Commission 3 years, Courtney Rose McGee – Regional School Committee 3 years,
May 2024 Westminster Sentinel Publication, CLICK HERE. Includes a huge amount of information about what’s going on in Westminster MA including the Westminster Farmers’ Market which starts up on May 10th. It will be every Friday from 3-6pm on Academy Hill.
- Ashburnham Election 2024 (5/5/2024)
Winning election were: Moderator: Richard Cook Jr., Select Board 3 year: Phil Papoojian, Select Board 1 year: Leo Janssens, Planning Board 3 year: Marshall Dennis, Board of Health 3 year: Thomas Flanagan. Complete List of all results, CLICK HERE.
- Hubbardston Concerts (5/5/2024)
Hubbardston Concerts for Summer 2024
The Summer Concert Series has been announced: July 13th: High Powered Mutants, July 27th: The Big RanDom, August 10th: Ambient Sojourn Band.
Each concert is scheduled from 5-8pm with a rain date the next night.
Food vendors will be there. Fun Entertainment for kids, too.
Concerts are at Curtis Recreation Field at 24 Gardner Road in Hubbardston. Admission and parking is FREE.
- Hubbardston Truck (5/5/2024)
The Big Custom Brush Trucks In Hubbardston
from the Hubbardston Fire Department, “Truck 4 doing Truck 4 things yesterday in Ashburnham. We take great pride in our brush units here in Hubbardston. All of our brush trucks were custom built with the unique needs of our geography in mind, with the majority of the build work being done in house by our own members. Truck 4 is a government surplus military dump truck that we converted into an 800 gallon brush fighting machine that can go pretty much anywhere.”
The day before on April 27th, Hubbardston Fire posted, “A busy afternoon for north central MA Fire Departments. In the span of 30 minutes HFD responded to 3 emergencies. The on duty firefighters responded to a serious medical call requiring transport to UMass, Truck 4 was requested mutual aid to Winchendon Road in Ashburnham for a large brush fire and Engine 2 responded to Acadia Road in Gardner for a brush fire.”
Around the Towns – News
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
In the Community
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 | | |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
