Hotline Radio – Gardner MA

Government, Holidays, Social Media, and Heywood Hospital Subject of Hotline Radio Show of Saturday November 29, 2025

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Here’s what in the jam-packed show: First up on Hotline Radio: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson – Small Business Saturday – The Mayor emphasized how local small businesses support the community – Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting – Gardner CAC and MVOC Support (500 families are signed up this year) – The concept of “giving” during the Holiday season, refocusing the reason behind the season. – Holiday events rundown – Review of paving work completed – Code Red Status – Winter Parking Ban – ==== Commentary: Steve Wendell – Civics Education in our School Systems – Commentary: Werner Poegel on Civics – Commentary segment with the late Paul Harvey – 2^nd Hour: – GAAMHA Christmas Tree Lot – Shawn Hayden – and Jim Hunt about the Christmas Tree Lot — ABC Report: Foreign Influence on Social Media — Monthly Update with Mayor Nicholson featuring Special Guest Dr. Frank Sweeney from Heywood Hospital.

WGAW Hotline Radio Show of Saturday, November 22, 2025

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First up was Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who gave updates and discussed the following topics: Snow Removal Readiness – Code Red Update – Gardner 911 System – Cybersecurity and Director O’Keefe’s Recognition – Maki Park – Greenwood Pavilion – Farmers Market – Paving and Road Repair – Bridges – Washington D.C. Visit regarding Grants – 20 or 30 grant applications are currently pending, most are infrastructure based. The City applies for everything it can. The Mayor stated “We always shoot for the stars and hope we reach the moon in between.” – Holiday Season Events – Donation bins are set up in Gardner City Hall for unwrapped new toys for the Gardner CAC – about 500 families have signed up for the program. There’s also a donation bin for food for the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, especially needed are canned goods, dry goods, and spices.

THANKSGIVING Turkey Trot with Candy Graves and Winter Preparation with Gardner Civil Defense Director Paul Topolski on WGAW Hotline Radio of November 15, 2025

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The WGAW Hotline Radio Show of November 15th featured an ABC Report on the Government Shutdown with a focus on SNAP Benefits. Steve Wendell interviewed Candy Graves on the 46th Annual Turkey Trot Race taking place on November 27th. The fundraiser for track and field groups starts at Gardner City Hall. There was an ABC Report on weight loss drugs. Paul Topolski spoke with Steve Wendell about Winter Preparation. Mike Urban had a report on Home Energy prices. Werner Poegel had a commentary on National Philanthropy Day.

An Extended Interview with the Mayor – Veterans – Projects – Taxes – WGAW Hotline Radio of November 8, 2025

First up is Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who was reelected this week to another term. Host Steve Wendell interviewed the Mayor a little longer than usual and the conversation was packed with information. Listen to the entire broadcast on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The Mayor stated “I am really honored to continue serving the citizens of Gardner.” – Mayor Nicholson spoke of various City projects – Steve Wendell commented on the numerous false allegations. — The Mayor stated: “We’re going to get to work and get the job done…we’re focusing on not just one section of the City, we’re focusing on Gardner as a whole.” Mayor Nicholson commented that his campaign will always rise about it and be about why people should vote for him and not why they shouldn’t vote for his opponent

City Projects, Politics, Voting, Programming, and SNAP focus of Hotline Radio Show of November 1, 2025

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First up on Hotline was Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who spoke of being positive during the campaign rather than resorting to the tactics of his opponent. The Mayor spoke on various projects and grants in the City including the GMS Roof Replacement, Greenwood Demolition and Pavilion Construction, Route 140 Bridge design, South Gardner MassWorks putting utility wires underground. Mayor Nicholson spoke of holiday including Veterans Day and the upcoming holiday season including Christmas Tree Lighting.

Steve Wendell and Werner Poegel spoke on the election with various interviews and commentaries. Wendell also spoke on new CBS programs and features. Mike Urban had a commentary on SNAP Benefits.

During the WGAW Hotline Radio Show of October 25, 2025, Steve Wendell announced that WGAW has become an affiliate of CBS. The station will be featuring CBS News at the top of every hour and some of the popular CBS programs such as 60 minutes. Here is the WGAW website, CLICK HERE

WGAW Hotline Radio: A jam-packed, highly engaging, interesting program for Saturday, October 25, 2025

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First up: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. 5K at Heywood Hospital – Importance of Heywood Hospital to the City of Gardner – Cybersecurity Issue at Heywood – Mayoral Debate – Upcoming Election – New Salt Shed is just about done and has 3x the capacity – Gardner Square Two – Christmas Lights at Monument Park – Growing Places Ribbon Cutting – Christmas Tree Lighting

Steve Wendell on an event at the Winchendon History and Cultural Center – Commentary on what Steve calls a disgusting event as it features serial killers. It is billed as a psychological thriller with rotting smells. Wendell calls for the resignation of all of the Board Members. Steve Wendell announces expansion of news. Affiliation with CBS News will include a radio broadcast of 60 minutes every Sunday night at 7pm. Also will have a World Week in Review and a new Veterans Program. Plus other features to be announced.

Updates, City and Town Finances, Paul Topolski, and Dana Heath – Hotline Radio for Saturday, October 18, 2025

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First up: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. Farmers Market being held today – Annunciation Parish Bazaar going on today and tomorrow – Domestic Violence Grant – Various endorsements received – The Chamber Debate – Upcoming Election – Paving update – upcoming Winter – Housing ordinance

Report on the 50 towns in Massachusetts struggling to balance their budgets with Mike Urban

Preparing for Winter: An interview with Gardner’s Emergency Management Director Paul Topolski –

Interview with Ward 2 Councilor Dana Heath

Wide Variety of Topics on WGAW Hotline Radio Show – Saturday June 28, 2025

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In hour 1: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson was the first guest on the show and updated residents about the Greenwood Pool and Splash Park and demo of old building happening approximately mid September. The Mayor spoke on other city items including the City Salaries proposal, City Pensions, Darrel Sweney recovery from injuries, Script Studio opening and movie filming in Gardner. Steve Wendell spoke on his short career as a Shakespearan actor and his time as a teacher. An energy pipeline report with John Batchelor (a host from 9pm to 1am)

In hour 2: No Business Like Show Business song -Wendell on his Howdy Doody Show appearance – Paul Topolski on Ham Radio Field Day – Scott Huntoon, Gardner Museum on Songwriters Workshop – Werner Poegel Commentary on Petty Gripes – Report on Signs of Teen Abuse

A Busy Hotline Radio Show on WGAW

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The WGAW Hotline Radio Show of June 21, 2025 featured an ABC Report on the Karen Read trial and not guilty verdict. Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke about the June 21st Gardner Festival, Happy Birthday Celebration, and Fireworks. The Mayor provided details on the Greenwood Pool opening and spoke of upcoming paving in the City. Hotline featured the Pastor of the Mission Grace Church. Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney provided an update on his community. State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik spoke about funding received due to the “millionaire’s tax.” The AUDIO of the Firefighters Memorial Ceremony was played. Firefighters were remembered and current firefighters were honored. A Firefighters Commentary with Werner Poegel.

Greater Gardner Relay for Life Highlight of WGAW Hotline Radio

The WGAW Hotline Radio Show of June 14, 2025 featured the Relay for Life opening ceremonies. Listen to the complete program on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Segments of the show: Mayor Nicholson Update –Mayor Michael Nicholson Update —- Greater Gardner Relay for Life opening ceremonies including remarks of local officials, a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, and other comments and blessings. The relay began with the Survivors Lap of Hope —- How to be a “Hotline Hero” and promote your Non-profit on Hotline —- Positive Commentary on Extraordinary Gardner Educators byWerner Poegel —- Massachusetts State Senator Peter Durante regarding budget matters, state funding, and various projects.

To get your Non-profit on Hotline Radio, simply call (978) 632-1340

Gardner – Templeton – Hubbardston Featured on WGAW Hotline Radio

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The WGAW Hotline Radio Show of June 7, 2025 features a Huge Update with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson including the regular weekly update in the first hour and a more comprehensive half hour extended update in the second hour.

Host Steve Wendell spoke with newly elected Templeton Select Board member Candy Graves on Templeton recreation and other items.

Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau and Town Clerk Melody Green were on the Hotline speaking of what’s going on in the town of Hubbardston.

There was a very interesting ABC Update on the Chinese Fungus Plot. As Host Steve Wendell put it “We are at war with China.”

Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel provided details on the 3 Summer Concert series coming to Gardner this year including the concerts at Monument Park, Polish American Citizens Club, and the Lithuanian Beach Club.

This is the Commentary on the City of Everyday Kindness contained within the show:

WGAW Hotline Radio has one of the best shows of the year!

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, all in one show, WGAW Radio featured the Mayor, the City Council President, the State Representative, the President of MWCC, a student speaker, a Kindness Commentary, and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Hour One: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson called in live from the location of the monthly Gardner Farmers Market at the Waterford Community Center — The City of Gardner budget – Paving Update – Pothole s – Other City Projects – ==== State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik on the budget and issues in the district. ===== James Van Der Hooven at MWCC graduation followed by student speaker Lia Gomez graduating at age 46.

Hour Two: Council President George Tyros made his debut on Hotline Radio – Tyros spoke about the new Economic Development Committee, various projects throughout the City of Gardner, upcoming School Budget presentation to City Council, and improvements to City Council section on website, –==== Steve Wendell on Anonymous Facebook posts ===-Commentary: City of Everyday Kindness with Werner Poegel ====Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr

WGAW Hotline Radio Features Relay for Life Events and “Dirty Tricks” on Facebook

Gardner Mayor Nicholson with an update including paving —- Dirty Tricks on Facebook Commentary with Werner Poegel — Dirty Tricks on Facebook Commentary with Steve Wendell — Light the Town Purple Gardner Event for the Relay for Life 2025 with speakers including Mayor Nicholson, Council President Tyros and Representative Zlotnik — Relay for Life 2025 Light the Town Purple Event in Fitchburg with various speakers.

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WGAW Hotline Radio airs Saturdays from noon to 2pm on WGAW – AM 1340 – 98.1 FM – and streaming to anywhere in the world 24/7. Listen Live to the station right now, CLICK HERE. — There is also a page of archived Hotline shows going back almost a year, CLICK HERE.

Hotline Radio is heard Saturdays from noon to 2pm on WGAW. Steve Wendell also hosts the Morning News weekdays from 6-9am with additional short reports throughout the day.

Nicholson and Zlotnik Headline Hotline – Later, “DOGE” and “Raising Chickens”

An extremely interesting Hotline Radio Show was to be had for WGAW Radio listeners on April 5, 2025 as Host Steve Wendell streamed worldwide and broadcast locally on AM 1340 and 98.1 FM. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson started off the show with an informative discussion about projects in the Chair City. —State Representative Jonathan Zlotnk spoke on the State Budget and Chapter 90 – Chapter 70 Funds and his committee work. — The One one One interview with Elon Musk continued. —Werner Poegel had a commentary on Calendar – Colander and had some fictional guests. — M. L. Altobelli of the Good Earth Farm and Garden Center delighted the audience with a talk on raising your own chickens. — Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen of Westminster’s Town Crier featured upcoming elections and the process.

A Variety of Topics on WGAW Hotline Radio Show –3-29-25

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke on several topics concerning veterans, the fiscal 2026 budget, the Gardner Sludge Landfill, plus projects and paving. Host “Twinkletoes” Wendell danced to the “Hustle” from his seat on the radio. — The Vietnam Veterans Ceremony at Gardner City Hall — Diane “Neon” Leblanc on Gardner Cleanup Day “Keep Gardner Beautiful” — Commentary with Werner Poegel on Government Information —- Complete DOGE interview from Fox with Elon Musk and other DOGE team members. Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Projects – Events – Veterans – Budgets – Pets Focus of WGAW Hotline Radio Show

The WGAW Hotline Radio Show of March 22, 2025 was filled with great interviews. Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

1^st Hour: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson on projects in Gardner including the Rome Building at Willow and Main, Gardner Spray Park, the Mayor speaks about a large number of events in Gardner. — Jim Benton, Vietnam Veterans of America about various programs and events such as annual Memorial Ride — Abbott and Costello with famous baseball routine “Who’s on First”

2^nd Hour: Big budget problems Winchendon and Templeton. —- Templeton: interview with Matthew Rivard who is resigning from the Templeton Board of Selectmen. Rivard speaks on his reasons for resigning and concerns about the Templeton budget. Rivard criticizes the mentality of the people of Templeton with respect to funding the town and “their inability to be forward looking”. Winchendon: Deep Dive with Jack and Jill: Winchendon School Budget —- Werner Poegel Commentary on People and Pets in the Chair City.

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates City with Hotline Radio Interview

First up on the show, Gardner Mayor Nicholson, discussing the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Process already started with Department Heads “I always ask for two numbers. I ask for their wish list, and I ask for a more realistic budget, where we can just see where we have to build up to. You know, we’ve compiled all those together now. We’re working on our revenue projections right now. Just to be safe, what we do is we take all the revenue that the city receives that’s not taxation. We call those local receipts. That’s everything from, you know, fines to contract payments that we have to lease agreements to actually motor vehicle excise and meals tax falls into that, too, because that’s not regular property taxation that’s subject to Proposition 2 1⁄2. So we take all those together, take the average of the last three years, and take 96 percent of that average. And that’s how much we can estimate that we’re going to get in revenue“ On other matters; 25 Main Street is progressing, just not as quickly as anticipated. Negative social media posts are not true. — The Mayor spoke more about budget issues and on projects around the City of Gardner. Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Also on the show: Candace Graves on Templeton Recreation, a Deep Dive on Helping MWCC students with Childwatch, Werner Poegel with a report on Immigration, Sandy Long on the Relay for Life, and a Deep Dive on Healthcare.

Contact Gardner Magazine

To add events to Gardner Magazine or to give us a news story lead, email News@GardnerMagazine.com. Our voicemail line is (978) 632-6324

Contact WGAW

To contact WGAW Radio and Hotline Host Steve Wendell email wgaw1340@wgaw1340.com or call (978) 632-1340. Local officials, organizations etc. should contact ahead of time to assure time availability.

Follow up Editorial: The Hotline Radio HOTLINE HIVE

On the Hotline Radio Show of March 8, 2025, my commentary spoke of “real advertising” and the reason many businesses fail. The past few days of Social Media Drama has simply reinforced what I said. I’ve seen a Downtown Gardner business which just opened up not update its website or Facebook with its current location. I’ve seen one Facebook Group cease amid some drama and businesses complaining about the lack of a place to promote. Since Saturday, Gardner Magazine has reached 5x more people than all of the Social Media groups combined. Also, in the meantime, WGAW has been airing local news stories to thousands and 24/7 News/Talk Programming. And its busy-as-a -bee radio waves have been pollinating the growth of a number of local businesses with “real advertising.”

Gardner Magazine produced a Jazz piece for the upcoming 3-15-25 Saturday Hotline Show called the “Hotline Hive” Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

And here’s the commentary from the March 8th program. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Hotline Radio Daylight Savings Eve Show

On the last day before Daylight Savings Time on March 8, 2025, WGAW Hotline Radio host Steve Wendell had various interviews, reports, segments, and commentary. Listen to the program on any device, CLICK PLAY

Gardner Mayor Nicholson explained the Williams Rockwell Grant Announcement, and went over some of the grant awards. The Mayor discussed other projects in the City. — A segment featured Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey on the Seth Meyers. — Gardner City Council President George Tyros on interacting with City Departments — Victor Davis Hanson on the dangers of DEI — ABC Report on President Trump’s Speech and Policies —- The Threshold of 3 with Werner Poegel – about businesses failing to properly advertise. — An ABC Report on tariffs and the apprehension of a terrorist. — The Cats and Dogs Satire Song.

News from WGAW Hotline Radio Show of March 1, 2025

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1^st Hour: Gardner Mayor Nicholson: Budget and State aid and various projects —-Mayor Dean Mazzarella of Leominster on various projects and status of BayState Racing LLC project in Leominster — Senator Ted Cruz on AM Radio in cars — Werner Poegel on Who Listens to Radio and Who Listens to WGAW with new “Who Listens to WGAW” song.

2^nd Hour: A Monthly Update with Mayor Nicholson and a preview from Scott Huntoon of the Gardner Museum on the museum’s 2025 season.

The WGAW Hotline Radio show hosted by Steve Wendell airs every Saturday from noon to 2pm. The station live stream is available 24/7. This extended show features the entire Sludge Landfill Expansion session with public comments.

WGAW Extended Hotline “Washington’s Birthday Weekend” show topics include Gardner Government, Templeton Recreation, Presidents Day, and Sludge Landfill Expansion.

WGAW Hotline Host Steve Wendell and Gardner Mayor Nicholson are depicted with George Washington apparel in our graphic. Starting off the show was Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who spoke about plowing, budgets, explained the GES project surplus and how the $8 million legally be spent, School Department information and success of students, and the parking ban regarding the storm of February 15^th through February 16^th. —- Candy Graves spoke at length about Templeton Recreation. Werner Poegel had a commentary on Presidents Day (George Washington’s Birthday) In the 2^nd hour and extended 3rd hour, there’s AUDIO of the Sludge Landfill Information session and public comments which was held in Gardner. Listen to the complete Hotline show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Planning – Resources – Funding – Legislation – Policy Focus of WGAW Hotline Radio Program

Hotline Radio Program on WGAW aired Saturday February 8, 2025 from noon to 2pm. Here are some of the highlights:

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke with host Steve Wendell on various topics including Project Planning for the City of Gardner —- A Deep Dive Report with Jack and Jill on Veterans Resources in Massachusetts – ABC Report on Defunding the U.S. Department of Education —– Interview with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik on Housing and MA legislation —- 18 Hour Trade War Commentary and Song by Werner Poegel. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Miss a past Hotline Radio show? Visit the WGAW Hotline Radio Archive page and listen to past shows, CLICK HERE.

Chapter 90 and Chapter 70 Funding Likely to Increase – Mayor Nicholson on Hotline Radio

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson appeared as the first guest on WGAW’s Hotline Radio on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Listen to the entire show on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Should the legislature approve, the Chair City of Gardner is slated to receive more money this coming year from the state for paving and for the schools. Mayor Nicholson stated “The governor released her budget last week, and it’s actually really good for us in Gardner. The Chapter 90 bill that was proposed has Gardner getting a 58 percent increase in what we’d be receiving for road paving for the year. This is the first time we’ve seen an increase in Chapter 90 funding since 2012. So if that gets passed by the legislature, that’ll be really positive for us here in Gardner. And then the Chapter 70 funding also came in a million dollars over what we were planning to expect. So that’s the funding that goes to our schools.”

The Mayor also spoke about other public and private projects in the City of Gardner.

Other segments included a Law Enforcement Ceremony at Fitchburg State – Gardner Fire Chief Lagoy on 2024 activity of the Department —a Deep Dive with Jack and Jill on Cancer in Massachusetts — Comedy One Liners

Update with the Mayor and State of City and State of State Featured on WGAW Hotline Radio

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The show began with an informative update with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. The Mayor spoke about oversight of City Departments, the hiring of a new interim director for Community Development and Planning, and budget matters. The Mayor also detailed ways in which the City of Gardner helps the homeless.

Also featured: State of the City Address with the Mayor and State of the State Address with the Governor. Commentary with Werner Poegel.

And to the delight of the audience: The Trump Dance: YMCA, and a hilarious taxman song.

News from WGAW Hotline Radio January 11, 2025

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A busy informative show heard on WGAW – AM 1340 – 98.1 FM and streaming to anywhere in the world. In the first hour: Extensive separate interviews with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson and Gardner Fire Chief Gregory Lagoy. In the 2^nd hour: The nomination of Elizabeth Kazinskas and the election of George Tyros to be President of the Gardner City Council —- Commentary “Nothing Like a Book with Werner Poegel” —- Hotline Deep Dive with Jack & Jill on the topic of “Veteran Suicide Prevention” —The Suicide Hotline is 988.

WGAW Hotline Radio is heard from noon to 2pm on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and streaming to anywhere in the world.

WGAW Broadcasts End of Year Hotline Radio Show

On December 28, 2024, WGAW Host Steve Wendell featured Gardner Mayor Nicholson in an interview recapping 2024 in Gardner. The Mayor spoke about various projects which have been completed and which are ongoing. Nicholson gives some projections for 2025. —-MVOC Director Stephanie Marchetti speaks about Veterans Resources including housing. —-Werner Poegel speaks about the Year Ahead, 2025. The 2nd hour features songs of the season from the community as Hotline presents “Caroling with the Mayor 2024” Listen to the entire program on any device. CLICK PLAY.