Geography Greater Gardner MA Local News

Geography Greater Gardner MA

  • ZBA 11-19-24 (11/22/2024)
    Zoning Board of Appeals Collage 11 19 24
    Zoning 11-19-24

  • Finance 11-14-24 (11/15/2024)
    Finance Committee Collage 11 14 24
    Finance Committee 11-14-24

  • Planning Board 11-14-24 (11/14/2024)
    Planning Board 11 12 24 Compass Lane Collage

  • Downtown 11-9-24 (11/9/2024)
    Empire Management 11 9 24 Collage

  • Progress 11-8-24 (11/9/2024)
    Rear Main Street Project Collage 11 8 24

  • Announcement 10-28-24 (10/28/2024)
    October 28th announcement all
    Announcement 10-28-24
    October 28th announcement phase 3 zone
    Phase 3 Zone
    Announcement 10-28-24
    October 28th announcement Nicholson
    October 28th announcement zlotnik
    October 28th announcement Kazinskas 1
    October 28th announcement Tassone

    October 28th announcement Bergstrom
    October 28th announcement Sean and Nancy Bray
    October 28th announcement nicholson close

  • Factory Demo (10/26/2024)
    Stuart Street Factory from condemned to demolished

  • Rear Main Construction (10/25/2024)
    Rear Main Street Construction 10 25 24
    Rear Main Street Construction 10 25 24 2
    Rear Main Street Construction 10 25 24 5

  • One Stop 2024 (10/24/2024)
    Community One Stop Jonathan Zlotnik 2024

  • Foliage 2024 (10/19/2024)
    Foliage 2024 collage

  • Zlotnik 10-11-24 (10/11/2024)
    Running on His Record State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik Collage
    Jonathan Zlotnik 10-11-24


  • Council Matters (10/6/2024)
    City Council Finance Committee Oct 2 Oct 9
    Transformer
    Transformer – Transformer Shortage has slowed down some construction projects nationwide.
    Finance Committee 10-2-24

  • Waterford Interview (9/24/2024)
    Waterford Community Center Spreadsheet
    Nicholson on Waterford 9-24-24
    1 550 k loan detail
    Expenditures covered by 550k Loan

  • Tri-City Breakfast (9/21/2024)
    Tri Cities Breakfast September 13 2024
    Tri-Cities Breakfast 9-13-24
    Mayor Nicholson Comments 9-13-24

  • Waterford Authorization (9/18/2024)
    Waterford Community Center 9 18 24
    Waterford Authorization

  • Maki Park 9-17-24 (9/17/2024)
    Maki Park 9 17 24
    Mayor re Maki Park 9-17-24

  • Farmers Market 9-21 (9/16/2024)
    Farmers Market 9 21 24

  • Custodianship – Route 140 (9/16/2024)
    City Council 9 16 24
    Public Safety Committee 9-13-24

  • Festival – Oktoberfest 24 (9/16/2024)
    Festival and Oktoberfest 2023 Collage rev
    Photos from 2023 Event Complete Gallery, CLICK HERE.

  • Nature Grows (9/6/2024)
    Nature Grows in Gardner
    Gardner Elementary School overgrowth

  • Lafayette Square (8/30/2024)
    Before and After Lafayette Square

  • Maki Park Update (8/30/2024)
    Maki Park Update

  • Free and Expanded (8/27/2024)
    Mart free rides extended and expanded routes

  • Maki Park 8-24-24 (8/24/2024)
    Maki Park Collage 8 23 24
    Showing original Maki building downtown gardner
    Showing original Maki building Downtown Gardner
    Maki Park Wide Shot from front
    Maki Park 8-24-24 View from the front
    Maki Park Wide Shot from parking lot
    Maki Park 8-24-24 View from parking lot

  • Phase 1 (8/23/2024)
    Hubbardston MA Phase 1 Approved Collage

  • GRA 8-21-24 (8/21/2024)
    Gardner Redevelopment Authority August 21, 2024

  • Hotline 8-17-24 (8/17/2024)
    WGAW Hotline Radio Community Progress 8 17 24
    WGAW Hotline Radio 8-17-24
    Steve Wendell 8-17-24

  • One Dollar House (8/11/2024)
    One dollar rooming house Gardner MA

  • Temple Stuart Hazard (8/11/2024)

  • ADU 2024 (8/9/2024)
    Accessory Dwelling Unit Collage
    Jonathan Zlotnik on ADUs
    Mayor Michael Nicholson on ADUs

  • Nicholson 7-29-24 (7/29/2024)
    Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson July 29 2024 Collage
    Mayor Nicholson July 29, 2024

  • Update 7-26-24 (7/26/2024)
    Mayor s Update July 26 2024 Collage
    Mayor’s Update 7-26-24

  • Nadine Smith 7-25-24 (7/25/2024)
    Nadine Smith 7 25 24 Farmers Market Collage

  • City Council 7-23-24 (7/24/2024)
    City Council Informal and Public Hearing July 23 2024
    City Council July 23, 2024

  • Weekly Farmers (7/23/2024)
    Weekly Farmers Market at Park Street Park
    More Veggies 2

  • Hearing 7-23-24 (7/22/2024)
    Gardner City Council July 23 2024
    wgawlive event cov erage name

  • Farmers 7-20-24 (7/20/2024)
    Farmers Market July 20 2024 Collage
    Farmers Market Layout 2024
    Farmers Market Layout

  • Hotline 7-20-24 (7/20/2024)
    Hotline Radio July 20 2024 Collage
    Commentary 7-20-24
    hotline radio 1200
    WGAW Hotline Radio 7-20-24

  • Airport 7-17-24 (7/20/2024)
    Gardner Airport Commission Collage with map 7 17 24
    Airport Commission 7-17-24

  • Update 7-19-24 (7/19/2024)
    Mayor s Update July 19 2024 Collage

    Mayor’s Update July 19, 2024


  • MART Hearing (7/9/2024)
    Public Meeting Mart 1200

  • Zlotnik 7-1-24 (7/1/2024)
    Interview with Jonathan Zlotnik July 1 2024

  • Maki Park 6-30-24 (6/30/2024)
    Maki Park Project college 6 30 24

  • Fireworks 6-29-24 (6/30/2024)
    Fireworks June 29th Collage

  • Downtown Look (6/21/2024)
    Downtown Gardner Looking Good for Small Business Saturday

    Complete List of events from Gardner Square Two website, CLICK HERE.


  • Uptown Rotary Progress (6/21/2024)
    Uptown Rotary 6 21 24 collage
    Gardner Rotary concept drawing 1200

  • GAAMHA 6-17-24 (6/17/2024)
    GAAMHA Press Release 6 17 24 1200
    Bay State Park conceptual drawing 1200

  • Race Track Item (6/14/2024)
    Racetrack Proposal Collage

  • Fireworks 2024 (6/12/2024)
    239th Birthday on Kendall Pond Collage

  • Matt York (5/30/2024)
    Willie Nelson Songs and Stories at Library
    Matt York – Songs and Stories

  • Library Drone (5/25/2024)
    Library Drone Photo real 1200
    REAL Drone Photo of the Levi Heywood Memorial Library in Gardner MA
    Library Done with AI 1200 1
    Fictional AI Enhancement
    Library Done with AI 1200 2
    Fictional AI Enhancement
    Library Done with AI 1200 3
    Fictional AI Enhancement
    Library Done with AI 1200 4
    FICTIONAL AI Enhancement
    Library Done with AI 1200 5
    Fictional AI Enhancement
    Library Done with AI 1200 6
    Fictional AI Enhancement

  • Market Details (5/24/2024)
    Gardner Farmers Market with layout

  • ZBA 5-21-24 (5/24/2024)
    ZBA 5 21 24
    Farmers Market Approval 5-21-24
    Entire Meeting ZBA 5-21-24

  • Templeton Rotary (5/14/2024)
    Processed with Rookie Cam

    gardner uptown rotary construction 5 15 24 1200
    Gardner Rotary concept drawing 5 15 24

  • Transmission 5-8-24 (5/8/2024)
    Transmission Lines 1200

    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)
    Park Street Park Before and After 1200

  • Maki Park 5-7-24 (5/7/2024)
    Maki Park 5 7 24 1200

  • Airport 5-1-24 (5/4/2024)
    Airport Commission 5 1 24 with map
    Airport Commission 5-1-24

  • Yard 2024 (4/29/2024)
    citywideyardsalelogo-1200

  • Disc Golf (4/29/2024)
    Bailey Brook Park and Disc Golf Course Map

  • Update 4-26-24 (4/26/2024)
    Mayor Nicholson Update 4 26 24 collage

  • Monument Park 24 (4/24/2024)
    Summer Concert Series Monument Park with green 1200
    bandstand committee 1200
    Gardner Bandstand Committee 4-25-24

  • Gardner Rainbow (4/22/2024)
    rainbow photo by Marion Knoll 1200
    rainbow photo by Jezrielle Grace 1200
    rainbow photo by Lehoux Family 1200

  • Trout Released (4/18/2024)
    Trout Stocking 2024 Kendall Pond Gardner MA

  • Rietta Open (4/14/2024)
    rietta open for the season 2024 1200

    For more information about Rietta Flea Market visit RiettaFleaMarket.com CLICK HERE.


  • April Events (4/8/2024)
    April 2024 Calendar
    Events Page Title 2024

  • Quake 4-5-24 (4/5/2024)
    Earthquake 4 5 24 Intensity Map
    Chance of aftershockk 1200

  • City Council 4-1-24 (4/2/2024)
    Gardner City Council 4 1 24
    Waterford Street School Gardner MA 8
    Waterford Street School – Fall 2022
    City Council 4-1-24
    Finance Committee 4-1-24

  • Crystal Lake (3/30/2024)
    Crystal Lake Dike Repair

  • Changing Geography (3/30/2024)
    Timpany Plaza Aldi Five Below Chipotle
    Monument Park and Brilla Coffee

  • Zoning 3-27-24 (3/28/2024)
    Zoning Board of Appeals 3 27 24
    Zoning Board of Appeals 3-27-24
    ZBA Agenda 3 26 24

  • Conservation 3-25-24 (3/27/2024)
    Conservation Commission 3 25 24 Collage rev
    Conservation Commission 3-25-24

  • Golf 3-25-24 (3/27/2024)
    Golf Commission 3 25 24
    Golf Commission 3-25-24

  • Council 3-25-24 (3/26/2024)
    City Council 3 25 24 collage
    Director Beauregard Opening Remarks 3-25-24
    Councilor Mack 3-25-24
    City Council 3-25-24
    Councilor Tyros Opening Remarks 3-25-24

  • Transportation Survey (3/26/2024)
    City and Woods Survey 3 26 24

  • Service 3-25-24 (3/26/2024)
    Public Service 3 25 24

  • Homeless Help (3/25/2024)
    Help for the Homeless Successful Tiny Villages

  • Tassone 3-24-24 (3/24/2024)
    No Boloney Tassone Interview 3 24 24
    Councilor Paul Tassone 3-24-24
    Paul Tassone Interview 3-24-24

  • The Pumps (3/20/2024)
    The Pipe and the Pumps Dane Arnold
    Water Line Satellite 1380
    Path of Main Water Line from Crystal Lake Treatment Facility to the Tanks on Reservoir Hill

  • Bombaci 3-18-24 (3/18/2024)
    Jon Bombaci Interview 3 18 24
    Pleasant and Main 9 2 22
    25 Main Street, Gardner in September 2022

  • Lore Exhibit (3/11/2024)

  • Welfare 3-7-24 (3/8/2024)
    Gardner Public Welfare Committee 3 7 24
    Welfare 3-7-24
    Airport Commission 3-6-24

  • Week 3-3-24 (3/3/2024)
    Gardner Magazine This Week March 3 2024 with the Chair Man
    This Week March 3, 2024

  • Planning 2-20-24 (2/22/2024)
    Planning Board Collage 2 20 24
    Planning Board 2-20-24
  • Zoning 2-20-24 (2/22/2024)
    Zoning Board of Appeals Collage 2 20 24
    Zoning Board of Appeals 2-20-24

  • Ashburnham Master Plan (2/16/2024)
    Ashburnham MA Master Plan

  • Housing – Augustus (2/14/2024)
    Reflections on Housing Secretary Ed Augustus 2 14 24
    Tiny House village 1200
    A Concept of a Tiny Village for the Homeless
    Interview with Secretary Ed Augustus

  • Farmers 2024 (2/11/2024)
    Gardner Farmers Market 2024

  • Airport Boost (2/10/2024)
    Economic Benefits of a regional airport
    Airport Commission 2-7-24

  • POEDM Launches (2/9/2024)
    poe dm logo 1380
  • Westminster Newsletter (1/29/2024)
    westminster south street sentinel 1200


  • Service 1-23-24 (1/23/2024)
    Public Service Committee January 23 2024

  • GALA Home (1/19/2024)
    GALA 2024 with artists
    Foliage Wampanoag Area 19
    Lake Wampanoag Area

  • Museum 2024 (1/14/2024)
    Gardner Museum 2024 Collage

  • Delays 1-8-24 (1/7/2024)
    Kids sliding

  • Airport 1-3-24 (1/4/2024)
    Gardner Airport Commission 1-3-24

  • First Day (12/28/2023)
    First Day Hikes 1200

  • Affordable Homes (12/26/2023)
    Affordable Homes Act Massachusetts

  • El Coqui (12/26/2023)
    El Coqui Market 2 Parker Street Gardner
    El Coqui Market at Garbose Building

  • Service 12-15-23 (12/18/2023)
    Public Service Committee 12 15 23
    Public Service Committee – 12-15-23

  • MART Free (12/13/2023)
    MART Free Rides Jan to June 2024

  • Airport 12-6-23 (12/5/2023)
    Airport Commission 12 6 23
    Airport Commission 12-6-23

  • Thanks Week (11/20/2023)
    Thanksgiving Week 2023

  • Tax Classification (11/18/2023)
    Tax Classification 2023
    assessments and percentages of value 1200

  • Ovila Future (11/18/2023)
    Ovila Case Past Present Future

  • Winter 23-24 (11/9/2023)
    Winter Weather 2023 to 2024
    seasonal outlook winter 23 24 1380
    Seasonal Precipitation Outlook 23 24 1380
    seasonal drought outlook 1380

  • Dog Drainage (11/4/2023)
    Dog Park Work Pulaski Park

    We thank Claude Vautour for taking these photos on Saturday, November 4, 2023 as the DPW crew worked on this project.

    Puddling Problem at Pulaski Dog Park in Gardner MA Addressed in Big Way

    When the Gardner Dog Park was created, most of the drainage issues were addressed in the initial construction. However, challenges persisted. For those who don’t know, the park has higher points of elevation around it. A recent flooding rainstorm in September was helpful in learning what was working and what wasn’t. Turns out that the park which was three quarters flooded the night of the big rain was devoid of most of the water the next morning. – The drainage system mostly worked. But as Dane Arnold stated recently, “the entire park is a low-lying area and the ground is saturated and becomes muddy and causes pooling in some areas.” This work endeavors to solve the remaining issues which have contributed to a troublesome mud puddle.

    The Arnold and Oliva Solution

    DPW Dane Arnold and City Engineer Rob Oliva often put their heads together to find out-of-the-box solutions and ways to solve tough issues. The Plan: After the excavation and preparation are complete, the plan for the Dog Park is to install a stone trench and perforated pipe from the play area entrance the entire length of the park and tie it into a catch basin on the other side of the park.


  • Gardner Chronicle (10/29/2023)
    Gardner on Chronicle

    Gardner Square Two Inc. reminds area TV viewers of Gardner on TV

    Gardner’s Downtown Association, Gardner Square Two Inc. posted, “Exciting News! —- Gardner will be featured on Chronicle in the upcoming episode “Main Streets and Back Roads of the Mohawk Trail” It’s airing on Monday, October 30th at 7:30pm on WCVB Channel 5. Filming took place 2 weeks ago at The Velvet Goose, The Gardner Museum, The Big Chair, and at other local spots.”

    Gardner has been featured on TV before. In June of this year, the Parker House of Pizza was featured on New England Perspectives showcasing various food, and of course, pizza. Click here for that article.

    More about Downtown Gardner

    For more than 5 pages of Gardner Magazine article listings regarding Downtown Gardner (you can click through to each full article) – CLICK HERE.

    For the Gardner Square Two website, CLICK HERE.


  • Uptown Rotary (10/27/2023)
    Uptown Rotary Project Concept Plan

    Work Begins on Uptown Rotary Project in Gardner MA

    Cost of the project was projected at $2.6 million in 2020 when proposed and is being covered by grants. EH Perkins Construction is the Massachusetts Department of Transportation contractor handling the up to 18 month project with a completion goal of about a year from now. Purpose is to improve safety of the intersection by creating a better traffic flow. Drainage and utility work is beginning now.

    According to Mass DOT, during typical construction operations, all roadways in the project area will remain open to vehicular traffic. Occasional short traffic disruptions and travel lane – shoulder – parking lane closures may occur. Pedestrian and vehicular access to abutting properties will be maintained throughout construction.

    Details of the original proposed improvements included the reconstruction of the existing intersection to meet modern roundabout standards and the following:

    Central truck apron, central landscape island, splitter islands at approaches, and re-aligned intersection approaches into the intersection • Splitter islands will form entry deflection angles to reduce vehicle speeds, improving pedestrian safety • Resurface the roadway, reset curb lines and modify drainage infrastructure within the project limits • Reconstruct existing sidewalk and install new sidewalk to enhance pedestrian accommodations throughout the project limits • Construct Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) / Architectural Access Board (AAB) compliant accessible sidewalks and curb ramps within the project limits • Stripe new high-visibility ladder-style crosswalks, STOP lines, centerlines, lane lines, gore areas, parking lanes, and shoulder lines within the project limits. • Install new traffic signage


  • Other Side (10/24/2023)
    Gardner City Hall 10 22 23 1200
    Gardner City Hall and Orpheum Park
    Orpheum Park 10 22 23 closeup

    The Other Side of the Tower: One view is the view of Gardner City Hall on Pleasant Street in Gardner with a majestic American Flag flying in the sky. The other view is Orpheum Park with its beautiful fountain and flowers and the same City Hall tower in the background.


  • Forward Paths (10/24/2023)

    The Continued Path to the Future in Gardner MA Is Promising

    Crystal 8 1
    A More Beautiful Path at Every Turn
    Parade towards Downtown view 9 23 23 1200
    Celebrating the Past to Meet the Future
    Crystal 6 1
    A Changing Landscape in the Chair City
    Rear Main Street Long view with flower boxes
    The Promise of What is to Comethe Rear Main Street Project promises residential, commercial, and more when complete.

  • South Gardner (10/24/2023)
    South Gardner Wide view

    Attention: South Gardner MA Has a Face Lift in its Future

    In the last couple of years, efforts have been made to give added importance to South Gardner. In this view are upgraded streetlights and beautiful flower pots. Gardner Mayor Nicholson has proposed am ambitious project to remove all of the overhead electrical lines and move service underground, like a typical Downtown. Discussions have been held as to what grant funding might be available for such an endeavor.


  • The Picture (10/15/2023)
    Parks view from Crystal Lake

    Complete Gallery including Park Street Park and views from across Crystal Lake, CLICK HERE

    One Gardner Picture Says It All

    Taken from across Crystal Lake, photo shows Park Street Park, Monument Park with wide sidewalks, upgraded lighting, Street signs, Street safety, Faith-based building showcasing American Flag, and people out for a stroll.

    There’s some seating upgrades at Monument Park if you look close enough. Picnic tables, and even classy-looking trash receptacles.

    A tribute to what’s great about the Chair City of Gardner MA. One Picture Says It All… Gallery


  • Gem – City (10/4/2023)
    Gem of a City Gardner MA
    Eaton Street Collage 5 28 23
    20% of Gardner Roads Paved in last 3 years. This is Eaton Street.

    Gardner MA and its Journey to Becoming a Gem of a City

    In the last few years, the City of Gardner has been making incremental, but significant progress towards becoming a Gem of a City. Beautiful parks and recreation areas, entire buildings being transformed, new businesses opening, and ongoing construction. Here’s a view from October 4, 2023.

    1. Park Street Park off Park Street was an electric substation with a barbed wire fence. Now, it’s a beautiful and popular recreation site.

    2. The 25 Main Street Building has undergone major interior and exterior work in the last year and has been transformed. More improvements are currently being made. We’re showing some being made to the rear of the building where there is parking. There’s talk of a new restaurant called “the Vault” which may open on the first floor.

    3. The Old Wheelen Supply Warehouse on Main Street will soon be Golf Rx. The building looks beautiful on the outside and construction equipment was still being used inside.

    4. The Garbose Building already has beautiful new windows, which were made locally,by SWS, a division of Maki’s in Gardner. A man was up in the air sprucing up the trim on the outside of the building.

    5. The Empire Management Building is getting a whole new look on the outside. Work is ongoing.

    6. No more windows at the old Stop and Shop as construction is fully underway to get ready for the opening of Aldi, a grocery store, by the end of this year or beginning of next year.

    7. The grade is visible at the site of the future Maki Park. There will be 3 tiers for the public to use. The reason for tiering the site is because the current pitch is not ADA compliant.

    8. Orpheum Park has flowers in bloom and a beautiful fountain. It is located on Parker Street.

    9. The Rear Main Street Project has yet to get underway. But a photo of the street in a distance view shows an already beautiful sidewalk with flowers and attractive lamp posts. The project will consist of multiple floors of residential housing, commercial space, a food truck parking area, and perhaps even a rooftop restaurant.

    This is just a small sampling of Gardner’s journey to becoming a Gem of a City. Right now, it’s a polished gemstone in some places and a jewel in the rough in others.


  • Bailey Brook (9/29/2023)
    Bailey Brook Park Gardner MA
    Original photos taken by Claude Vautour

    Bailey Brook Park in Gardner MA another Chair City Amenity

    In our recent interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson he stated, “The Bailey Brook Park also is home to our new age 5 and under playground. That’s the first playground that’s meant for infant to 5 year old ….at Bailey Brook Park, we now have pickleball courts. That’s the first time the cities had pickleball options available, something other than basketball.”

    According to the City of Gardner, “Bailey Brook Park & Conservation Area is a 121 acre site located off Leo Drive. The City submitted a PARC grant application in FY20 to design and develop an open space, multipurpose park and conduct site work associated with site access driveways, parking, construction of an ADA accessible trail, and 1-mile, healthy-heart, wellness walking loop trail with a scenic overlook and sitting & resting area. Both trails will include interpretive nature learning signage and other experiential, nature-based learning components. The accessible, ADA compliant trail will also include tactile, sensory, playground equipment elements for nature-based play and learning for children with social-emotional learning and development disabilities.” For more information from the City of Gardner, CLICK HERE.


  • The Conductor (9/28/2023)
    The Conductor The Serious Business of Government

    Gardner Mayor Nicholson has been called one of America’s most effective Small City Mayors, even being invited to the White House to speak about Gardner’s success. We asked him about everything in detail.

    We came away from the interview realizing that it was hard to document all that has been accomplished in Gardner in 3 years and that Mayor Nicholson still has the energy and desire to do even more in the next couple of years.

    Complete Interview page with text of all questions and answers, CLICK HERE.

    The Conductor – The Serious Business of Government in Gardner Massachusetts – An Interview with Mayor Michael Nicholson

    We had the honor of speaking with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson with an in-depth interview concerning his time in office so far. It showcases the serious business of government and it reveals exactly what has been achieved and what it takes to lead a small City like Gardner. And, it reveals Mayor Nicholson’s vision of Gardner’s positive future trajectory. Listen to the interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    The Conductor – Mayor Michael Nicholson 9-26-23

    We asked the Mayor about: 3 perfect Federal Audits — New Businesses —- Going after Junky Buildings — Public Safety Improvements —- Impactful People Policies — Enviro Champ — Respecting Taxpayers — Improving Education — Being tested as a leader — Delegating while remaining in the know — Getting Gardner noticed — Blight to Promise — Increase in Amenities — Company Success — Housing Needs — Setting transparency standard — Parks and Recreation — As the Conductor — Projects in the Works —- 2 dozen areas where there’s MORE of a good thing — A dozen areas where’s there LESS of a bad thing — Live Music — Continuing Momentum — Future Business — Continuing Efforts on behalf of Gardner Citizens. Complete Interview page with text of all questions and answers, CLICK HERE.


  • Airport Master (9/21/2023)
    Gardner Municipal Airport Future

    Future of Gardner MA Municipal Airport

    5 Years after Gardner became a City, the Gardner Municipal Airport was dedicated on November 17, 1928. The airport is actually located in the town of Templeton with the land owned by the City of Gardner. Over 2 dozen aircraft are based at Gardner Municipal Airport which is at an elevation of 955 feet. The current runway which is being replaced is 75 feet wide by 3000 feet long.

    Listen to the 9-6-23 Gardner Airport Commission Meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

    The Gardner Airport Commission met just after Labor Day to discuss various matters including the Master Plan. Construction on the runway replacement began on August 14, 2023. Ongoing work includes the removal of existing pavement and basement materials, radiant excavation, electrical dust installation, and demolition and removal of designated materials. Expected completion is on November 11, 2023. The futuristic aircraft depicted is one from the airport’s future, years down the road. $5 million in Federal Funding and $500k in State Funding is being used to pay for the upgrades.

    Airport Manager Isabelle Davis went over some details regarding the Master Plan. The Master Plan involves working with the FAA and there is a public participation component in which the public has an opportunity to comment on the master plan as it’s being developed. Draft chapters will be posted online for the public to review as available. First step is preliminary data collection. The FAA will assist in determining what type of aircraft currently use the Airport and help forecast a prediction of future aeronautical activity operations. Davis also went over various grants for which Gardner may be eligible to fund some airport costs, estimating 100k to 150k per year in entitlement funding and other possibilities. The last airport master plan update was in 2008. Last renovations were decades ago.

    Other improvements to be considered are what’s needed for the physical facilities over the next 5 to 10 years in addition to the renovations going on now. Some members expressed concern that cell phone service was not good at the airport which makes it difficult to call 911 and the need for City water at the airport.


  • Parade Held (9/17/2023)
    Centennial Parade Photos 2023 Collage

    Thank you to Claude Vautour for taking pictures of the parade.

    Patti Bergstrom and Mike Richard
    MCs Mike Richard and Patti Bergstrom

    Gardner MA Holds Centennial Parade – September 17, 2023

    The Gardner Centennial Parade with 72 participants kicked off at 1pm on Sunday, September 17, 2023. The event was broadcast live on radio station WGAW which is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and live on the internet. Master of Ceremonies was Ed Atter. MCs were Patti Bergstrom and Mike Richard who provided the voices for the broadcast. Highlights included the various floats, antique cars, and the marching bands including the UMASS Minutemen who concluded with a performance at Gardner High School at 3pm.

    A recording of the WGAW Live Broadcast may be heard through the radio station home page, CLICK HERE. —– YouTube Video of Parade. —– YouTube Video of performance at GHS of GHS and UMASS Marching Bands.

    Gardner was settled in 1764, was incorporated as a town in 1785. Gardner became a City on January 1, 1923 and was 100 years a City on January 1, 2023. A Centennial Committee was established and various events have been held throughout the year to celebrate Gardner’s 100 Years as a City. A winter ball is planned for December.

    The parade started out with a number of Public Safety Departments and lots of sirens representing about 10 communities in the region. Patti Bergstrom estimated more than 1000 people were marching in the parade. She read a congratulatory letter from the White House and noted that a celebration flag given by the State is now at City Hall. Mike Richard gave a shout out to the Gardner High School class of 1973 which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Parade itself was about an hour and 15 minutes long.

    Complete Photo Gallery – 160+ Photos, CLICK HERE

    The Parade 30
    The Parade 85
    Parade 95

  • Airport Underway (9/9/2023)
    Airport Construciton in Gardner MA

    With New Airport Master Plan in the Works, Gardner Airport Runway Renovations Begin

    For the first time in more than 50 years, the Gardner Airport is getting a major makeover. Runway is getting a complete reconstruction. The main building will get substantial renovations. For the future, an Airport Master Plan will be created. With a relatively small amount of local funding, there is $5 million in Federal Funding and $500,000 in State funding.

    Per the Press Release, “In December of 2021, Mayor Nicholson put forward a proposal that was unanimously approved by the City Council to create an Airport Manager position in order to make sure that the operations performed at the Gardner Municipal Airport were being done in the most efficient and effective way possible. Isabelle Davis was hired to fill this role and working with the City’s Airport Commission, has overseen this project at the facility.”

    View the entire Press Release in pdf format, CLICK HERE.


  • SK Mansion Featured (9/4/2023)
    SK Mansion Gardner MA featured in Yankee Magazine

    S.K. Pierce Haunted Mansion in Gardner MA featured in Yankee

    The S.K. Pierce Haunted Victorian Mansion of Gardner MA is featured in the September/October 2023 edition of Yankee Magazine. It is highlighted first in an article about 3 different houses entitled, “Ghost Story” and “how the stately Victorian mansion became the blueprint for haunted houses.” Gardner Magazine found out about this from an online posting by the Mayor of Gardner, Michael Nicholson who frequently posts about businesses, people, and organizations in Gardner.

    Article starts on page 26. View an electronic version of the Yankee Magazine here:

    The S.K. Pierce Haunted Victorian Mansion has a website, CLICK HERE

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