In last show before Christmas WGAW Hotline Radio features some Holiday Themes and Reflections Along with Gardner Updates
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First up on Hotline Radio December 20, 2025: In last show before Christmas WGAW Hotline Radio features some Holiday Themes and Reflections Along with Gardner Updates. Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who affirmed that he is happy being Mayor and is not running for other offices including Lieutenant Governor (more made-up Facebook posts) Host Steve Wendell asked the Mayor about singing and Nicholson said he started back in High School when he was invited to join the choir. The Mayor subsequently was part of the Men’s Chorus at Umass Amherst. The Caroling with the Mayor event is coming up on December 22nd with FREE Horse-drawn carriage rides. As the Mayor put it, “a cheap date.”
Other Discussion also revolved around Snow Clearing at the Schools. A focus on City of Gardner Finances – There are 47 applications out right now for grants and the City will hear back in the March-April 2026 time frame. A discussion of the “Double Pole” problem when utility poles are replaced. A discussion of business and taxes: – Aid to municipalities – Incentives for businesses to come to MA – – The Meals Tax – Cannibis Tax – State proposal for Cannibis Cafes – Influx of Illegal drugs to MA. – January will be the “State of the City Address” where Mayor Nicholson will highlight what’s coming up in the next year including various development projects. The Mayor wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.
Holiday themed items in the show included the song”I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, the interview with Shawn Hayden about GAMMHA Christmas Trees, the “Joy of Christmas” Commentary by Werner Poegel speaking about Christmas, original Christmas songs written by Poegel, and the history of Christmas. – Steve Wendell speaks about his visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole some years ago, saying that Santa Claus told him he does it all with Quantum Physics. Also played, the Little Drummer Boy by Pentatonix. Steve announced that he had received a fax from Jimmy the Elf (real name withheld) at the North Pole revealing which Beacon Hill politicians will be getting coal in their stockings. Also featured: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Other commentary: Steve Wendell spoke about the Facebook posts made by ungrateful people who get items for free and then post they are dissatisfied with the variety of what they get for free. Mike Urban on Energy Bills in Massachusetts. Urban plays conflicting statements by MA Governor Maura Healey.Urban speaks about the thwarted gas pipeline.