Local News Greater Gardner MA – Musings and Interesting Things

Musings and Interesting Information Around Greater Gardner MA

• Introducing Chair Man (3/3/2024)

  

  Gardner Magazine Introduces Powerful Voice – the “Chair Man” for News Updates

  Periodically, Gardner Magazine presents a recap of news stories in an AUDIO format. We are pleased to announce that due to a miracle breakthrough in Artificial Technology, we have been able to create the “Chair Man”, a powerful clear voice intended to cut through the clutter and be easy to understand. Full name is Charles Henry Allen Irwin Rogers, forming the acronym, CHAIR. Listen to the “Chair Man” introduce himself on any device. CLICK PLAY.

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• Fictional Theater (2/29/2024)

  

  Gardner Magazine Releases First Episode of Fictional Theater

  Our publisher has lost his marbles once again and presents this fictional skit featuring our friends Joe, Don, and special guest Trickie Dickie. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  No real politicians were used in the course of this fictional production. That would just not be right.

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• Magazine Tour (2/29/2024)

  

  Famous Voices “Mel” and “Orson” with an AUDIO tour of Gardner Magazine

  Can you recognize the imitation of the famous voice doing the AUDIO tour of Gardner Magazine? The tour explains how and where to find certain items and how to use them. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  What if it were possible for the the late Orson Welles to voice this instead? Well, here he is. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  These voice imitations are made possible through the advances in Artificial Intelligence technology.

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• January 20th (1/20/2024)

  

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

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

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

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• The Rizz (12/10/2023)

  

  

  Who’s got “Rizz” in Greater Gardner MA? – Word of the Year

  The word “rizz” is the Oxford Word of the Year for 2023. The meaning: a colloquial noun defined as style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic partner. 30,000 language lovers from around the world participated in the selection of this year’s word.

  Oxford University Press wrote, “Etymologically, the term is believed to be a shortened form of the word ‘charisma’, taken from the middle part of the word, which is an unusual word formation pattern. Other examples of this word formation pattern include ‘fridge’ (from ‘refrigerator’) and ‘flu’ (from ‘influenza’). ‘rizz’ can also be used as a verb, in phrases such as ‘to rizz up’, which means ‘to attract, seduce, or chat up (a person)’. Expansions into other parts of speech like this can indicate that a word is becoming more prominent in the language.” Website, CLICK HERE.

  Past years: The word for 2022 was “goblin mode” which means “the behavior of someone who wants to feel comfortable and do and eat whatever they want,” Other words of the year included: 2021: vax, 2020 – no word but a study instead, CLICK HERE. 2019: climate emergency, 2018: toxic, 2017: youthquake, 2016 – post-truth, 2015: the imogi showing a face with tears of joy, 2014: vape, 2013: selfie, 2012: GIF, 2011: squeezed noodle, 2010: refudiate, 2009: unfriend, 2008: hypermiling, 2007: locavore, 2006: carbon-neutral, 2005: podcast, and 2004: chav — People and Animals with Rizz below.

  

  

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• Kindness Day (11/12/2023)

  

  Download FREE World Kindness Day pack, CLICK HERE.

  Gardner MA Mayor’s Office Kind Team – World Kindness Day

  In the update Mayor’s Executive Aide Colin Smith delivered on 11-3-23, he closed with “stay warm, be kind, and take care”. On Monday November 13, 2023, we say, right back at you Colin, and of course Rachael, and Mayor Mike.

  Monday, November 13, 2023 is World Kindness Day. It’s an international celebration that promotes the importance of being kind to others, fostering goodwill, and creating a more compassionate world.

  These are just 3 of the very kind individuals you’ll find at Gardner City Hall which is filled with great people of service to the City of Gardner and those who visit and do business with the Chair City. So today on World Kindness Day, we copy Colin Smith in saying, “Stay Warm, Be Kind, and Take Care”

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• Flowers (8/23/2023)

  

  Editorial: The Gardner Magazine Zoning Plan – It’s a Blooming Nutty Idea

  OK, so everyone is talking about zoning for the parcels on Route 140 in Gardner MA. So we’re throwing out another idea, rather nutty, and I’m the one who thought of it.

  Zone the parcels as “Beautiful Flowers Only” – Get the most beautiful flowers from everywhere in the country and plant them there. It will drive tourism to Gardner and what a beautiful sight for hikers.

  Do you and 9 other citizens have a better idea as to how these parcels should be zoned? Well, make a request to the Gardner City Council and the Planning Board will then have to consider it.

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• Ferbie the Bird (7/22/2023)

  

  Gardner MA Magazine Interviews “Ferbie the Bird” and Learns about Reptiles

  During the Gardner Summer Centennial Celebration, I was honored to interview Ferbie, a bird and Emily Erickson of Reptile Shows of New England. Surprisingly intelligent, Ferbie is beginning to have a grasp of the English language and answered our ridiculously childish questions with patient enthusiasm. Listen to the interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Emily spoke of Reptile Shows of New England and Ferbie commented throughout. Music in the background was “Plead the 5th”, the live band at the event. Reptile Shows website, CLICK HERE.

  From their website: :Our mission is to educate people of all ages about reptiles in a safe and engaging environment. We strive to spread awareness about wildlife conservation and encourage kids to play outside and enjoy the great outdoors!”

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• Bristles on the Backside (7/4/2023)

  

  Gardner Magazine Debuts “Bristles on the Backside” Fictional Play

  The short play follows a Fictional City Hall scandal from beginning to resolution. No backsides were harmed in the production of the play. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Included are characters playing people from the Mayor’s office, City Councilors, Chiefs McAvene and Lagoy, Conservation Agent Sophie Dorow, Building Commissioner Tom Zuppa, City Auditor John Richard, City Solicitor John Flick, Directors Dane Arnold, Trevor Beauregard, and Mike Ellis, Prevention Coordinator Veronica Patty, and City Clerk Titi Siriphan.

  

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• Aliens – City Hall (7/2/2023)

  

  Aliens Shown in Photo of Summer Kickoff in Gardner MA Weren’t There…

  Yes, it looks like the child at left and the woman are looking at the alien. However, the extra-terrestrials are there only through our use of technical wizardry.

  With today’s technology, photos, videos, and audio can be created of events which never happened.

  So if you encounter something which looks fishy, don’t believe it right away. Healthy skepticism has saved many people from being scammed.

  View a High Res version of image to see if you can spot the edits. CLICK HERE.

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• Dogcatcher Art (6/30/2023)

  

  Original Dogcatcher Art from Gardner Magazine

  In our Budget Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, the subject of Animal Control Officers came up and I promised the Mayor I would get some Dogcatcher Art of the 1950’s. Well, we’ve done one better, we have an entire original Dogcatcher Fantasy Gallery, CLICK HERE.

  Thank you to our Animal Control Officers for all the work they do in the community.

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• Fence on Park (6/1/2023)

  

  “For Love of a Dog” – Park Street Fence Craftsmanship is Genuine Gardner MA

  Brian McGuirk earns our Genuine Gardner distinction for this handcrafted fence he built on his Park Street property. He was branding it on June 1, 2023 with two symbols for protection, and others for energy, health, love, and intellect. And it was all for the love of his dog, a Siberian Husky known as Lady Isis Moon. We interviewed Brian and his girlfriend about how this unique fence came to be and what it means to them: Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Brian got a friend who is a hobby blacksmith to make the brands for him. And the math, well, Brian is a mechanical engineer who works with steam turbines so that was right up his alley. The fence will be painted purple because it is the color of protection according to Brian’s girlfriend, Lizzie. Plans for the fence were done via CAD and approved by City Hall.

  Our Genuine Gardner feature showcases people, organizations, businesses, and officials who represent the best of Gardner. If you have an idea for this feature, please email News@GardnerMagazine.com.

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• Pretzel Day (4/23/2023)

  

  National Pretzel Day is April 26, 2023 in Greater Gardner MA

  Pretzels are available almost everywhere food is sold in the Greater Gardner area. What do you know about the history of the pretzel?

  Pretzels.com says, “On April 26th, millions of pretzel lovers across America come together to celebrate their favorite twisted treat. This special holiday is the perfect opportunity for you to honor your passion for pretzels, and with today’s variety of forms and flavors, there are so many ways to celebrate!“

  According to the site, pretzels came about in the 7^th century as a creation by a Christian monk in Italy who gave them as rewards for children who had learned their prayers. Called “pretolia”, or “little rewards”

  In the 18^th Century, pretzels were made in bakeries started by German immigrants and to this day, 80% of all pretzels in America are made in the state of Pennsylvania which declared “National Pretzel Day” in 1983. And what do put on your pretzel? Well, there is actually a National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin. CLICK HERE.

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• Golf 2023 (4/14/2023)

  

  Heading for an “Out of This World” Golf Season in Greater Gardner MA

  Some golfers started in February this year due to the milder temperatures and lack of snow, (except for around March 14th). Spring has sprung and the grass will grow and the conditions just might be “Out of This World” for 2023. There are some choices for golf enthusiasts in the Greater Gardner area.

  There are more than 8 golf courses in the immediate area: Gardner Municipal Golf Course, 152 Eaton Street, Gardner    Website: Rates: Facebook – Templewood Golf Course, 160 Brooks Rd., Templeton, MA Website: Rates: Facebook: – Westminster Golf & Country Club, 51 Ellis Rd., Westminster MA Website: Rates: Facebook: – The Woods of Westminster, Woods of Westminster Course, 23 Rock Maple Lane., Westminster MA Website: Rates: Facebook: – Ellinwood Country Club, 1928 Pleasant St., Athol MA Website: Rates: Facebook: – Camp Coldbrook RV Resort, Camp Coldbrook Course, 864 Old Coldbrook Rd., Barre MA Website: Facebook: – Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club, Quail Hollow Course, 1822 Old Turnpike Rd., Oakham MA Website: Rates: Facebook: – Bedrock Golf Club, Bed Rock Course, 87 Barre Paxton Rd., Rutland MA Website: Rates: Facebook:

  Can golf really be “Out of This World”. It’s already happened. Astronaut Alan Shepard put golf on the moon more than 50 years ago and 2 golf balls he hit in 1971 are probably still there.

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• Accomplished (4/6/2023)

  

  Acccomplished.us Launches to Showcase Accomplishments of City of Gardner MA

  It’s now there for all in the nation to see, the accomplishments of Gardner, Massachusetts in 24 different categories including Aesthetic Improvements, Alert Service, Amenities Betterment, Benefitting Arts, Blight to Promise, Boosting Athletics, Business Growth, City Transparency, Community Events, Easy Voting, Elder Concerns, Educational Achievements, Fiscal Responsibility, Future Planning, Improving Recreation, Infrastructure Upgrades, Interactive Services, Life Issues Headway, Medical Advancements, Planet Awareness, Public Safety, Supporting Music, Veterans Services, and Wayfinding Focus.

  Visit the Website at Accomplished.us, CLICK HERE.

  

  Downtown Gardner

  For information on Downtown Gardner including events throughout 2023, visit DowntownGardner.com . For information on the Downtown Association including memberships, visit GardnerSquareTwo.com

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• Studio 4 Potters (4/5/2023)

  

  

  The Wheels are Turning with Creativity at Studio 4 Potters Gallery in Gardner MA

  A genuine Gardner business is the Studio 4 Potters and Gallery on West Lynde Street. Steve Landry told us about the business which has working Potters and spoke about Art in the Chair City. Listen on any device. CLICK HERE.

  There are 5 potters including the husband and wife team of Steve and Kristen Landry, Patty Leonard, Bonnie Keaveny, and Brigitte Flick. Each piece is a unique work of art. Potters are joyful when someone appreciates their work, and often they do the work listening to music. For more information visit their website, CLICK HERE.

  Steve says the prospect of a Chair City Arts Center is an exciting possibility and says it would be a big draw for the Chair City and be supported by artists. He also supports a Chair City Arts and Music Festival. “There’s Art Among Us” says Steve Landry of Studio 4 Potters Gallery

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• GALA Gardner (4/3/2023)

  

  Gardner Area League of Artists Puts Art in Full Swing for Spring in Greater Gardner MA

  The organization promotes Art and Music and this season they appear to be going big. While considering a move back to the Chair City, the group has “Art Critiques” scheduled for Saturday April 15, 2023 at the Stevens Memorial Library in Ashburnham. Artists are encouraged to bring 3 pieces of finished or unfinished artwork to share with the group.

  GALA is seeking Artist/Artisan Vendors for the Arts & Music Festival taking place May 19-21, 2023 at the Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Avenue in Phillipson. Vendor Application, CLICK HERE.

  Live Music will be heard all day during the Festival.For complete details, visit our GALA Gardner page for all the information.

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• Eating Cake (3/30/2023)

  

  Alan and Anne at John’s Sport Shop in Gardner MA Eat Cake

  In a delicious breach of workplace decorum certainly to result in a loss of several minutes pay, Alan and Ann ate cake today at John’s Sport Shop in Downtown Gardner MA. They did so to celebrate the perennial 25^th birthday (we’re off by a couple of years) of fellow business owner Patti Bergstrom of the Velvet Goose posting, “Happy Birthday, Patti! Hope you have a Fabulous Day. Anne and Alan love birthday cake. Thanks for sharing your Birthday Cake with your neighbors.”

  Our reports indicate that after eating cake, they promptly went back to work selling quality sporting goods. Website….. Good thing there wasn’t any more cake.

  Downtown Gardner Business Owners had a big reason to celebrate this week as the historic Garbose Building was purchased by a company willing to restore it to its former glory. See Article, CLICK HERE. The Garbose building has its 140th birthday and will celebrate its 40th anniversary of being designated an historic building on April 12, 2023.

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• Official SuperHeroes (3/26/2023)

  

  Editorial: Who Are They Really – Gardner’s Top Officials & Staff of the Corner Office

  Sometimes you just have to sit back and think a little bit. And then, like a light bulb emanating intelligence it becomes clear. Things are not what they seem. Mere humans could not have aided Gardner’s phenomenal growth and entrance into new found prosperity and excellence in the past couple years.

  So I ask, who are they really? Is Council President Kazinskas really Batwoman, is Mayor Michael Nicholson Superman, is Executive Aide Colin Smith, the Flash, and is Rachael Roberts Wonder Woman? It can’t possibly be that they are simply good at their jobs and are part of a team of everyday SuperHeroes, answering the Chair City call to success. No that can’t be it. Who are they…I mean…really?

  When you see each of these people this week, ask them, who are they really?

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• Chewing Gum (3/25/2023)

  

  Veteran Broadcaster Steve Wendell of Gardner MA WGAW gives valuable advice on chewing gum

  On his hit Saturday Radio Show, “Hotline Radio”, March 24, 2023, host Steve Wendell spoke of the dangers of chewing gum in a public meeting or public speaking setting, saying when he taught classes in public speaking, he would fail those who showed up to speak chewing gum.

  In a stroke of irony, the popular Gardner Radio Station will appeal to the bubble gum generation as it headlines internationally renowned and WGAW Alum Jimmy Jay from 2 to 4pm on April 22, 2023 for an oldies show on the radio. WGAW is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, or live from anywhere via the internet, click here. For more information about the Centennial celebration and associated events, visit our page, CLICK HERE.

  Promo for the Flash Dance – Listen on any device.

  Promo for WGAW Appearance – Listen on any device.

  Here’s some information on Bubble gum music. CLICK HERE. Invented in 1906, Bubble gum has been around before Gardner became a City. Here’s some history, CLICK HERE

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• Gardner Disney Video (3/23/2023)

  

  

  Gardner Goes Disney – A video for the Magical Chair City of Gardner MA

  Listen to the soundtrack on any device. Click Play

  The City of Gardner has a future history which is unwritten. It is a magical City where almost anything is possible. Where its people reward ideas and support each other… Where business and industry are welcome… Where families thrive and children learn… This is a day in the Chair City. This is going to be the best day ever.

  Featuring the licensed songs “Today is the Best Day”, “It’s Beautiful Now” which speaks of a rainbow soon to come…ready when the sunshine comes again, it’s beautiful now where once it was hollow.. , “I wanna be your Super Hero,” stating I want to be everything you need and be of service, “It’s My Lucky Day,” and of course, “You’ve Got This”. The video speaks to the future promise of Gardner and its positive trajectory.

  Truly the best is yet to come in Gardner MA. This is an uplifting video of love and a reminder that all it takes to achieve success is a dream and a place to make that dream happen. That place is the Chair City of Gardner.

  By rendering the places and people in a fantastical Disney-like image, we aim to demonstrate the emotion involved in the day to day lives of people in Gardner and for those who hope to succeed in the City. Thank you Gardner people, Gardner businesses, and the entire Gardner Team at City Hall for your inspiration.

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• Media Landscape (3/23/2023)

  

  

  How you can support Gardner Magazine – Gardner Herald.

  Gardner Magazine could use your support of whatever amount to support our Journalism. I thank you, our readers for any support you choose to make. We have a secure page for this purpose, CLICK HERE. For businesses, advertising is available on our pages.

  Media Landscape in Greater Gardner MA is Evolving and Changing for the Better!

  The Gardner News: The oldest media concern in Gardner is the Gardner News, first established in 1869. Over the past months, the local paper has made a concerted effort to cover more local stories. Long-time reporter Steve Landry is known for his quality insightful serious and people stories. Newcomer Emily Cardona is notably covering Winchendon in detail. And John Ballou’s sports coverage is legendary. Here are some links: You can support the Gardner News by subscribing. Website —- Obituaries — Local News —- Sports

  WGAW Radio: The radio station has been around since 1946 and has been owned by experienced broadcaster, military man, and newsman Steve Wendell for over a decade. The radio station is on-the-air 24/7 with a News – Talk format and can be heard at AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and from anywhere in the world via its online stream. The station starts its day at 5am with America’s First News with Gordon Deal, features the Morning News with Steve Wendell from 6am to 9am when Steve covers what’s happening in Gardner and surrounding communities, and continues throughout the day with various talk programming. Weekend audiences love the highly popular “At Home with Gary Sullivan” and the iconic treat of Saturday is the local interview show “Hotline Radio” from noon to 2pm. You can support the station by advertising – reportedly a monthly schedule of 50 sixty second ads is about a $100 bill. (1/3 of the cost 40+ years ago) Website.

  Gardner Magazine – Gardner Herald: Gardner Magazine first launched as GreaterGardner.net in 2000 at a time when high-speed internet hadn’t even penetrated everywhere like today. A few years later we adopted Gardner Magazine and added Gardner Herald to demonstrate that while we are a magazine, we are also a newspaper of record. Gardner Magazine is notable in covering local government in detail including making AUDIO available from the Mayor, City Council meetings, School Committee meetings, various other meetings and events, Newsmaker interviews, and original content. While local news is our main focus on the home page, we feature state, local, and international news in detail aggregated from sources across the state, nation, and world. We make an archive of our news available by month as well as an archive of AUDIO. As of March 23, 2023, our monthly unique circulation is around 20,000. You can support Gardner Magazine by a voluntary donation as we don’t use a subscription model. Any amount is appreciated to support our journalism. CLICK HERE.

  Other local media sources with links: Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, Gardner Square Two Downtown Organization, City of Gardner website, Gardner Public Schools

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• Gardner Goes Disney (3/21/2023)

  

  Gardner MA Goes Disney – The Magic of the Chair City

  Gardner Magazine has undertaken to capture the Magic of the Chair City in the eyes of the Disney Universe. It’s a page with over 100 images sure to delight or surprise you. CLICK HERE.

  We also have pages just for fun with a Cartoonized Gardner City Council and School Committee – Additional Comics page.

  

  

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• After Storm Photos (3/15/2023)

  

  Gardner MA Magazine with an After Storm Photo Gallery

  Gardner Magazine explored the Chair City with a camera on March 15, 2023 after the Storm of 2023. More than 100 photos are in this Gallery, click here. The men in the center at left were my heroes as they helped me move my vehicle as I got stuck in the Municipal Parking Lot at the rear of Gardner City Hall. The gallery shows the owners and staff from John’s Sport Shop who were out clearing snow in front of their store. Downtown store owners did an excellent job doing a difficult task. We captured some of the trucks with workers who had been working on restoring power, residents using a snowblower, the schools, buildings, cars still covered, and even the Big Chair. View the Gallery here.

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• Food Chairs (3/11/2023)

  

  An Attempt at Making Chairs

  I’ve tried all types of materials. Pizza, Pretzels, Bread, Blueberries, and Chicken to make Chairs. What am I doing wrong?

  Complete page, CLICK HERE.

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• Comics Page (3/10/2023)

  

  Gardner Magazine Comics Page Makes Fun of Well Known People and More….

  President Trump as an Athlete. President Biden as an Oilman. Kamala Harris and her Yellow School Bus. Trump and Putin. What if Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden opened a burger joint or a hot dog stand? See President Trump as a Nanny. See Ronald Regan, the Past – Present – and future together. Jimmy Carter. A Super K9 Dog. President Biden and his clone. Of course, President Trump with a huge burger and fries. Alex Trebek. Abraham Lincoln. All in good fun, some completely ridiculous! All and more on our Comics page. CLICK HERE

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• Beer O’Clock (3/9/2023)

  

  It’s Beer O’Clock at Gardner Ale House as Gardner MA Celebrates Mass Beer Week

  According to the joint Proclamation by the Mayor and City Council President, “Massachusetts Beer Week is celebrated with the goal of shining a bright light on all the wonderful craft beer made in the Commonwealth and to encourage traffic and tourism. Mass Beer Week is March 4 to March 11.

  The Gardner Ale House operates Moon Hill Brewery, is known for its selection of locally produced beers, and is the force behind the annual Oktoberfest held in the latter part of September in Gardner. This year it will be Saturday, September 30, 2023 – Here’s our article recapping the 2022 event.

  Gardner Magazine presents this song we have licensed in honor of this week. It’s called Beer O’Clock. Listen on any device. Click Play.

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• Future 2073 – 2123 (3/7/2023)

  

  This was fun to put together. All of the images were generated by the latest Artificial Intelligence Technology. The realism will surprise you and the page might inspire some of your own creativity.

  Gardner Magazine Shows the Gardner MA of the Future

  We show a very different futuristic Main Street and Pleasant Street with a new High-Tech Flat-Iron Building, bright buildings with glass in Downtown Gardner, Space Age transportation, Concept vehicles, the Chair City Future SuperMart, a Downtown Bakery, spectacular outdoor music venue at the Mount, new indoor pool complex, people and fashion, Gardner High with a parking lot for landing spaceships, Heywood Hospital and Center for Holistic Healing, High-speed transportation, Business, Industrial, Gardner Household Robots, Concept Cars, and the Gadgetized Teenager. It’s all on this very fun page, Speculations on the Future of Gardner, 2073 to 2123. CLICK HERE.

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• City of Faith (3/4/2023)

  

  Chair City of Faith – Poem by Werner Poegel

  Dear Lord we give you thanks for this Chair City of Faith Since 18th Century Great Words of praise are saith For he who sits upon a Chair so skillfully made Or grabs the ground underneath a tree of shade.

  So fortunate to be in a place which cares for one another Friends, strangers kindness shown just like our brother. A community thus constructed of sturdy stuff is made More likely to grow and prosper rather than to fade.

  As we March forward, thank you for our prosperity And remind us to be good stewards with integrity, Guide us to be mindful of those who have needs, Teach us to celebrate with humility what succeeds.

  In this year of the most powerful Centennial reflection, On history’s actions taken on almost every selection. Of lessons learned sometimes one more than enough To manage not only what is easy but also what is tough.

  We ask you help us carry forward a spirit which conceives Ideas which grow the City and citizen concern relieves, Success of physical projects and those of people served, Blessings upon this Chair City of Faith then be deserved.

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• Pickleball (2/28/2023)

  

  New Playground Equipment Approved in Gardner MA

  In speaking about an approval for the DPW to purchase $200,000 of playground equipment, Gardner Mayor Nicholson stated, there’s “tons of opportunities at our playgrounds.”

  Among other things, Ovila Case will be getting a pickleball court and the new Bailey Brook Park, the 5 and under playground, will be getting a pickleball court as well.

  It’s going to be an exciting year for kids in the Chair City of Gardner, Massachusetts.

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• Valentine’s Day (2/14/2023)

  

  Chair City of Heart – By Werner Poegel – February 10, 2023

  Happy Valentine’s Day!

  Chair City of Heart – Valentine’s Day Poem

  Welcome to the Chair City of Heart, Community Spirit right from the start. Formed from Land Parcels Coming Together Home to proud people is Gardner forever.

  The love of its citizens shared with the region Which comes to Gardner for its cohesion. A spirit of teamwork had lead to success. Of which many so joyfully profess.

  So much is its construct from ideas construed, And common sense values is the City imbued. Building upon excellence will carry it far. The City is lit with an encouraging star.

  A place where solutions to problems are found. A community of doers whose watches are wound With the time and the patience to carry it far, Because Diligence rewards those who care.

  Come people, come business, come industry too. The City of Gardner is welcoming you. This is the great Chair City of Heart Each person important and playing a part.

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• Swamp Rat (1/22/2023)

  

  Gardner MA City Centennial Celebration Highlights Local Recording Group of the 60’s

  According to “Mr. History” Mike Richard, local recording group, Kenny and the Night Riders released a local hit called “Swamp Rat” on January 22, 1964, some 59 years ago. According to Richard, the group’s appearance on a Boston TV Show called “Community Auditions” eventually led to a recording contract with Bristol Records in Connecticut.

  For much more interesting detail on this, visit the City of Gardner Centennial Celebration Facebook page, click here.

  You can review the song right here. Play on any device. Click Play.

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• Presidential Speculations (1/20/2023)

  

  What will the future hold? Let us know in 2050!

  Speculations on the Future – Greater Gardner MA Presidents 1923 to 2049

  Warren G. Harding – 1921-1923	Calvin Coolidge – 1923 – 1929
  Herbert Hoover – 1929 – 1933	Franklin D. Roosevelt – 1933- 1945
  Harry S. Truman – 1945 – 1953	Dwight D. Eisenhower – 1953 – 1961
  John F. Kennedy – 1961 – 1963	Lyndon B. Johnson – 1963 – 1969
  Richard M. Nixon – 1969 – 1974	Gerald R. Ford – 1974 – 1977
  Jimmy Carter – 1977 – 1981	Ronald Reagan – 1981 – 1989
  George Bush – 1989 – 1993	Bill Clinton – 1993 – 2001
  George W. Bush – 2001 – 2009	Barack Obama – 2009 – 2017
  Donald J. Trump – 2017 – 2021	Joseph R. Biden – 2021 – 2025
  Ron DeSantis 2025-2033	Nikki Haley – 2033-2041

  Michael J. Nicholson 2041 – 2049 (U.S. Senator from MA since 2033, Winning election in November 2032 upon retirement of Ed Markey who will be 86 on that date). Wins Election to U.S. Presidency in 2040. CLICK on large version of photo of the Presidents. That’s how Mayor Mike will look in 2041.

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• Chicken Talk (1/20/2023)

  

  Important Chicken Talk Delayed in Westminster MA

  The Westminster Agricultural Commission has announced that the “Backyard Talk on Chickens” Event to be held at the library will now be on January 24, 2023 at 7pm. According to the Commission, “This really is important information for anyone who wants to have farm animals – specifically chickens – in town.”

  Now, what is the chicken response to this? We have an excerpt from the “Chicken Song”. Listen on any device. Click Play.

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• Watermelon (1/16/2023)

  

  The Wonder of Watermelon in Greater Gardner MA

  A cup of it is less than 50 calories, has Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium and more of the powerful antioxidant lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. And watermelon is 92 percent water.

  So why randomly think about the Wonder of Watermelon in the middle of January? Well, some of our readers are having pizza today, snacking on chips, or scoffing down a burger. So why not think of watermelon anyway? It just might make you think of something else which is healthy, nutritious, and awesome.

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• State of the City 2123 (1/7/2023)

  

  

  What will happen 100 years after Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson’s State of the City Address?

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson delivers the State of the City Address on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7pm. Undoubtedly, he will cover the accomplishments of the past couple of years and what’s in the works going forward. Our photo is of a place which doesn’t exist, anywhere…. It is a photo generated by highly sophisticated Artificial Intelligence based on various keywords we input – generating a possible future view of Gardner in 2123. It shows a larger Gardner City Hall, Chair City Energy handling Gardner’s municipal power needs, a 30+ story building replacing the Binnall House called Connors Commons, the Telemail Center replacing the U.S. Post Office, and a Public Safety Complex.

  Population Projection

  At Gardner’s current population growth rate of ½% per year, the population of the Chair City in 2123 will be over 35,000 people. Keep in mind, however, that if Gardner had a growth rate of .5% in the last 100 years, the current population would be over 28,000 instead of approximately 21,500. Our calculations did not account for any downturns in the economy or society.

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• Registered Pierce (1/3/2023)

  

  Almost Torn Down at One Time, Now the S.K. Pierce Mansion in Gardner MA is a Registered Community Fixture

  Admitted to the National Register of Historic Places in early December 2022, the SK Pierce Haunted Victorian Mansion is here to stay, possibly adding the option of a bed and breakfast in the near future. SK Pierce claims to be the “most haunted house in Massachusetts.”

  The building looks great today because it has undergone 7 years of extensive renovations after being purchased by the Conti family in 2015. Last September, the mansion opened its doors for historical and architectural tours. Tours are $25 per person and can be arranged through the website. The “Stay the Night” tab on the website states Coming Soon.

  To book a tour or book a night at the mansion, visit the website. CLICK HERE.

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• Comic Edition (12/9/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Magazine Releases Progress at City Hall – the Comic Edition

  Some think that Super Heroes exist only in Science Fiction. This is not so. Throughout the entire Chair City of Gardner MA, Men and Women of good character are every day battling the negative forces and restoring the balance. While they might not wear capes or fly in the skies, everyday citizens in Gardner amount to hundreds of Super Heroes. This progress is chronicled in “Progress at City Hall, the Comic Edition” – View the comic image by image here on this page, or download the pdf here.

  While this may only be a COMIC, the real City of Gardner MA is welcoming to business, industry, and new residents. Questions? Try Gardner City Hall at (978) 630-1490 or visit the great Chair City of Gardner MA website at https://Gardner-MA.gov

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• Gardner “Hit” (11/26/2022)

  

  Gardner Elementary School Principal Earl Martin in Hit Music Video Promoting Values of the School

  The “At GES” Song Music Video reflects the positive values of the school. From the lyrics in the video: “At GES, we impress, we try until we find success, We Respect. We’re Kind. We’re Safe….We will reflect what our teachers expect when we listen to what our teachers say, or walk quietly as we move through the hallway, we show responsibility when we recognize our ability, to try our best to ace the test, and show how much we really have progressed, now I finally feel safe to say we’re learning about the rules of G.E.S., today.”

  Play the video at left right out of the page or listen to the AUDIO on any device. Click Play.

  “At G.E.S. ,we impress we try until we find success. We’re responsible, we respect ,we’re kind ,we’re safe at G.E.S., G.E.S. .We impress we try until we find success. We’re responsible, we respect,we’re kind,we’re safe at G.E.S.. “

• What’s Next Interview with Michael Nicholson (11/21/2022)

  

  We have a dedicated page for the What’s Next Interview which shows all of the questions. CLICK HERE.

  Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson commits to running again and explains What’s Next in a fast-paced interview.

  On November 21, 2022 Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel interviewed the Chair City Mayor about What’s Next… The Mayor answered more than 40 questions. If you want to know what great things to look forward to in Gardner, give it a listen on any device. You’ll learn What’s Next… Click Play.

  We have a page dedicated to the interview and plan to transcribe it in its entirety. For now, you’ll see most of the questions and some of the answers. We’re releasing the interview prior to Thanksgiving because there is so much to be thankful for in the progress made due to the Mayor and his entire City Team, the support of the City Council, the proactive efforts of the Gardner School Committee, the cooperation of the State and Federal Government, and the valuable partnerships fostered with business leaders, industry, and developers willing to invest in Gardner. Gardner has so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and the good news is, more Good News is coming. Don’t miss, What’s Next.

  Interview Specifics

  We asked the Mayor if he was committed to running again and continuing the transformative work and he said yes. We asked the Mayor about plans for the Schools, Athletics, Recreation, Buildings, Projects, Keeping Gardner Beautiful, Public Safety, Transparency and Finances, Employment, Technology, Health, Music and the Arts, the Public Schools Curriculum, Climate Change, City Charter, Faith, Bugs, Covid, Business, Industry, Technology, Infrastructure, the South Main Street Bridge, City Needs and Facilities, and the Mayor’s daily priorities. It was as a state official recently addressed the Mayor, “Very Impressive.”

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• Chair City Radio (11/17/2022)

  

  Gardner Magazine’s Chair City Radio Running 24/7 with “Go Forward” through Thanksgiving

  All of the content can be found on this page, but through Thanksgiving, you can hear 14 important tracks running back-to-back 24 hours a day streaming live on any device. CLICK HERE

  Programming: Separate Accelerated Development Interviews with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, School Superintendent Mark Pellegrino, and Community Development Director Trevor Beauregard – Go Forward with Gardner Interviews with Councilors Dana Heath, Nate Boudreau, and Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas AND Community Leaders Carolyn Kamuda, Joshua Cormier, Mike Ellis, and Dianne Leblanc plus additional interviews with Mayor Nicholson including Projects, Citizen Concerns, and Go Forward. Plus, the Downtown Gardner Win Win Song.

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• Veterans 2022 (11/10/2022)

  

  We interviewed Lynette Grabila, Veterans Agent and Director of Veterans Services for the City of Gardner. Listen on any device, Click Play.

  Greater Gardner MA Original Veterans Day Poem

  Freedom has a shelf life others wish to shorten, Sometimes its fragility is wantonly forgotten. Trappings of daily life so actively pursued, While warriors keep nation’s liberty renewed.

  Remembering one hundred and four years ago Hostilities did cease with a World War One foe. Eleven hours, eleventh day, eleventh month. Armistice replaced the ugly war’s labyrinth.

  A day observed each year honors our veterans Who proudly served to protect all Americans. From the perilous threats of a dangerous world, While carrying the Star Spangled Banner unfurled.

  Support all our men and women in uniform, Who stand in guard of world peace from a perfect storm. Many wounds of war often run more than skin deep. Affecting the families, friends and even their sleep.

  Thank you for your service because it is so true, We owe a big debt which we can’t repay to you. For the lives we have because of freedoms you save. Thank you our veterans who are certainly brave.

  By Werner Poegel November 5, 2022

• Cars (10/23/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Cars

  Popular Vehicles Throughout the Decades in Greater Gardner MA include many iconic models we can all remember. Cars serve as a reminder on how technology and styles change, but basic needs are still the same.

  The history of most of the 2020s and all of the 2030’s has yet to be written. Go to our Go Forward with Gardner page.

• Typewriters Were (10/18/2022)

  

  Some Things Have Changed Since Gardner MA Actively Used Typewriters

  Just how did the City of Gardner maintain its documents since 1785? Originally, items were handwritten. The typewriter did not become common in offices until the mid 1880s. When Gardner became a City in 1923, the typewriter was an indispensable tool. However, the QWERTY keyboard layout, developed for typewriters 150 years ago remains the standard for computer keyboards.

  While Gardner is celebrating its Centennial as a City on January 1, 2023, it will have used personal computers for less than half that time. And the Internet has been a major influence in the life of its citizens for less than 30 years. HD Television such as what is currently used for the City of Gardner YouTube videos has been widespread in the United States for only the last 15 years. And the use of widespread “streaming” has only been possible since high speed internet has been available.

  Today it is common to type a document on a computer’s keyboard and save it in a variety of ways. For example, the Gardner City Council Agenda is downloadable from the City of Gardner website in pdf format. It can be read via computer without ever printing it. But this would not have been possible without the development of typewriters before Gardner was even a City.

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• Ask Blue Elephant (10/17/2022)

  

  New Feature: Ask the Blue Elephant

  When the Blue Elephant is in the room, your questions get answered. If you have a question for the Blue Elephant, email News@GardnerMagazine.com.

  Question: Where do I get information in Gardner about Marriage Licenses, Dog Licenses, or Business Certificates?

  Answer: The Office of the City Clerk. Here’s the Link.

  Physical Address
  95 Pleasant Street
  Room 121
  Gardner, MA 01440

  Phone: (978) 630-4058

  Fax: (978) 630-2589

  Ask the Blue Elephant page, CLICK HERE.

• Worthy Nation (10/10/2022)

  

  From the Publisher Werner Poegel:

  I wrote this poem to get one idea across to as many people as possible. While our nation was founded with many mistakes, our country has been one of the most successful experiments in the history of the World. However, its strength is derived from when its people respect and listen to one another. To achieve our true strength as a nation, we must work together in earnest.

  Strength of a Worthy Nation by Werner Poegel

  Columbus Day of Fourteen ninety-two A ship its sails to here they blew, Discovered what would be America. If a person, could be named Herika.

  A nation so imperfectly founded, Now by vast blue oceans bounded. Paradigm of experiments successful, Citizens of their freedoms boastful.

  Direction ebbs and flows with time Erasing not that perfect paradigm, But reminding all just how fragile, Even what’s strong is breakable.

  Protect its substance fervently. Guard its good preventively. A nation is what people make it, Unless the weak somehow forsake it.

  Listen to your neighbors and friends, Have patience now and make amends. Solutions lie in collaboration. Such the strength of a worth nation.

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• Higher Bird Ed (9/27/2022)

  

  Birds Seek Higher Education at the Mount in Gardner MA

  Previously we reported on Wild Turkeys at the New Gardner Elementary School. See article. —Apparently this flock had higher aspirations.

• Turkeys at GES (9/26/2022)

  

  Very comfortable group of Wild Turkeys infiltrates Gardner Elementary in Gardner MA

  Word might be spreading even through the Animal Kingdom of the New Gardner Elementary School. We asked the following question of the Mayor’s office: “What is the GES official position on accepting Turkeys in the classroom?”

  

  Obviously a sign for drop off, but the turkeys didn’t know that. Some were waiting for Preschool at left and the others at right probably for a bus or van. Gardner may be a City, but this setting is beautiful.

• Win… Win.. (9/23/2022)

  Gardner Magazine Releases Downtown Gardner Win Win Song and Narrative to celebrate the Fabulous Fall Festival and Oktoberfest. Play on any device.

• Double Event (9/19/2022)

  Gardner MA Fall Festival and “Oktoberfest” Octoberfest Saturday, September 24, 2022 starting at 10am Flyer

  

  

  Gardner MA Having Two Events in One on Saturday September 24, 2022 – The Fabulous Fall Festival and the “Oktoberfest.” Octoberfest. Event is FREE.

  More on Fall Festival from Square Two, CLICK HERE. More on “Oktoberfest” Octoberfest from Ale House, CLICK HERE

  Combined Event Flyer/Brochure pdf, CLICK HERE.

  UPDATE 9-19-22: Gardner Square Two says “Show up and Be Fabulous” while revealing exciting news about what you’ll see at the Fabulous Fall Festival. For details, visit their Facebook page. CLICK HERE.

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson made a statement about the combined event including traffic considerations: Click Play.

  

  Downtown Gardner is in the process of looking even better before the event on Sat. 9-24. Up to 100 Flower Pots will be deployed in Downtown Gardner. Downtown has been spruced up since Spring.

  

  Businesses, individuals, or organizations can sponsor one for $75 until around Thanksgiving in November. Also available in South Gardner Center.

  According to City Hall : “Sponsorships cover the cost of the flowers, the city will maintain them. Sponsorship signs will be placed in the flower pots shortly. There are 100 flower pots being installed downtown and 25 in South Gardner. For information on how to sponsor, contact Jessica DeRoy at jderoy@gardner-ma.gov”

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• You’ve Got This (9/9/2022)

  Gardner Magazine Publishes Gardner Elementary – You’ve Got This Video – WATCH IT!

  Sure, there’s construction and maybe even just a few challenges to go. But, You Got This Gardner! Enjoy the song in our new video, play out of the page or CLICK HERE for full screen.

• Another Tune (9/2/2022)

  

  Gardner MA 100 Years a City Big Birthday Bash is just a few months away.

  Here’s a fun song for you from 100 years ago. it’s Eddie Cantor’s “We’ve Got the Yes We Have No Bananas Blues” (recorded July 1923)

• Gardner Magazine (8/28/2022)

  

  Gardner Magazine Says Thank You!

  Gardner Magazine has entered its 23rd year of service to 19 Greater Gardner MA communities. Around the Towns page. Watch our 30 second thank you video on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

  We love info from any group having events in the area and any info from local government. Also, something you think we should cover? Let us know. Email: News@GardnerMagazine.com

• Gardner MA Museum (8/21/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Museum Announces its Fall Lineup

  The Museum in Gardner MA known as the Gardner Museum has announced various events and its Fall 2022 Lecture Series which runs the months of September and October.

  On September 1, 2022, the Gardner Museum features the Start of the Exhibit – Gardner Theatre Guild on display during regular opening hours until December 18^th.

  Lecture Series

  9/8: Tinseltown Inventor: Hedy Lamarr  —- 9/15 A Taste of Art with award-winning artist Kathryn Swantee. —-  9/22: Women in WWII with Kara Fossey —- 9/29: Reflections on Spectacle Pond with George Kinder —- 10/6: Annual Veterans Roundtable —- 10/13: Poetry Night at the Museum with Published poet Ryk McIntyre —- 10/20: All Shall Be Well with Will Darcangelo —- 10/27: Bumbling through the Hindu Kush with local journalist and author Chris Woolf

  November 9, 2022:  The 16^th annual Festival of Trees begins and runs until Saturday December 3^rd.

  Free Admission

  September 17^th from 1 to 4pm is Annual Smithsonian Day.  Everyone gets in FREE to the Gardner Museum

  For complete details on all and a printable pdf, CLICK HERE

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• Ain’t We Got Fun (8/20/2022)

  

  Another Song to Celebrate the Gardner MA Centennial Celebration Coming January 1, 2023

  Two years before Gardner became a City, the song Ain’t We Got Fun was released by Van & Schenck. We chose to feature it here because in 100 years, some of the problems and situation described are still a part of daily life. Digitized to mp3. Just CLICK PLAY.

  Sing along with the fun lyrics, pdf, CLICK HERE.

• Fall Festival (8/10/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Getting Ready for Fabulous Fall Festival and Octoberfest

  2 Events in One

  The Fabulous Fall Festival and Octoberfest is taking place Saturday, September 24, 2022 in Downtown Gardner MA.  Fall Festival is 10am to 4pm and Octoberfest is 11am to 8pm. The famous Gardner Chair Luge is back this year!

  

  Beautiful Flower Pots on their way

  As part of the sprucing up of Downtown Gardner prior to the Fall Festival, Gardner is expecting over 100 24 inch Flower pots. The problem: The current drought regulations only allows watering the plants in them with hand watering cans, so only some may be put out. Mayor Nicholson stated in an email, “They are arriving from the manufacturer this week. I don’t expect them to be fully out until Parker Street is paved right before the Fall Festival/Oktoberfest and hopefully the drought has been lifted by then, but we will continue to monitor the situation and play it by ear for sure.” According to Jessica DeRoy, there are 100 for Downtown Gardner and another 25 for South Gardner.

  

  Building Work Continues

  It will still take some time for all Downtown Buildings to be 100 percent, but the substantial progress is being noticed by everyone. We wrote a previous article on Fix It Fever. CLICK HERE.

  Paving Work Downtown

  As detailed in another article, CLICK HERE, paving work is taking place in Downtown Gardner with paving on Parker Street and Connors Street to be completed the week of August 22nd.

  We’ll provide you with more details on the Fabulous Fall Festival and Octoberfest as we get them.

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• Great Place (8/8/2022)

  

  Gardner MA is a great place to Build, to Innovate, To Be a Brother, to Study Music, to Bring new Ideas, to Do Business, for Great Pizza, to Get in Shape, to Grow Industry, to be a Teen, and a great place to be a puppy. Great Place!

  Gardner MA, Is a Great Place to be

  For the complete Gardner is a Great Place to be page, CLICK HERE.

  

  

• Gardner Magazine (8/1/2022)

  

  

  

  Links to our AUDIO pages: Mayor’s Updates, City Council, School Committee, Special Events. We also feature other AUDIO pages of historical value: Historical AUDIO, Vintage Radio.

  Thank you for your readership to GardnerMagazine.com for Greater Gardner MA

  As promised, we are releasing Statistics related to GardnerMagazine.com for July 2022.  Unique households (Circulation) 16,538.   Pageviews 131,783.   Files served (Hits) 534,794.  Gardner Magazine has consistently averaged 12,000  unique households.  June jumped to 14,000.  July jumped to over 16,000.  We thank you for your readership and we will continue to cover as much as we can. Gardner Magazine is unique in that we try to provide additional resources in our articles such as web links, document links, and even AUDIO. We are pleased these efforts have been well received.

  The addition of AUDIO

  After the July 6, 2022 Projects Interview with Mayor Nicholson, we posted the entire interview in mp3 format so all could listen to it.   It has thus far received in July 2022, 3,245 listeners. On July 22, 2022 we made all Mayor’s Updates, City Council Meetings, School Committee Meetings, and various Special Events available in mp3 format:  Here are the listener totals for the Mayor’s Updates: 7/29/22: 523, 7/22/22: 3,385, 7/15/22: 2,064, 7/8/22: 43.   All of the updates from 12/24/21 to date have been published and the older updates have received between 41 to 50 listeners.

  Other Meetings

  Here are the total July 2022 listeners for other Meetings:  Public Safety 7/29/22: 373, Zoning Board of Appeals 7/19/22: 1,163, City Council Meeting 7/5/22: 65, most other older City Council meetings in single or low 2 digits, School Committee 6-16-22: 50, most other older School Committee meetings in single digits.

  Other Items and July Numbers

  Pizza Polka (put on site 7/31/22): 94, We Have No Bananas: 870, Bye Bye Blackbird: 892, Gardner Spring Yard Sale PSA: 309, Poem, Sentient Soul of American Freedom: 1,419, Gardner Brand intro: 90, Abbott and Costello; 58.    Dozens of other audio files have from single to low double digit listeners.

  July 2022 Handout Standouts in pdf format:  Gardner Food Truck Festival: 1013, Annual School Calendar: 104, Vacant Storefronts: 82, Monument Park Concerts: 123.   Dozens of other handouts in pdf format have double digit downloads.

  Conclusion

  on AUDIO: Gardner Magazine will continue to publish AUDIO files of Mayor’s Updates, City Council Meetings, School Committee meetings, various events, and topical novelty items.   Listenership is obviously greatest when the event is current, however we will maintain the archive in the public interest.   We have begun to add Winchendon meetings – their AUDIO is OK, but they have significant challenges with the quality of their video and have negligible viewership.     Let us know if there are meetings from your community you would like to listen to and we’ll see if we can make AUDIO available.  If there’s a YouTube file, our software can make an easy conversion.   Otherwise, it depends if the community has made a recording and will release it to us. on Documents: Gardner Magazine will continue to publish Agendas, complete Press Releases, booklets, publications, photos, and links to as many resources as possible to make your readership of our publication valuable. Reach us at anytime via News@GardnerMagazine.com or use our News tip line at (978) 632-6324.

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• Pizza Polka (7/31/2022)

  

  Parker House of Pizza of Gardner MA Reopens in time for Polka, offers $3 Discount on every order….

  On Thursday, August 4, 2022 the Parker House of Pizza may just be the most popular pizza place in town. That’s the day they reopen after vacation. In a radio ad run on WGAW, the restaurant is offering a $3 discount on any order for a whole week.  That’s just in time for the Monument Park Polka Concert on Saturday August 6, 2022 at 6pm so patrons can literally have pizza and polka. 

  To put you in the Pizza and Polka spirit, we are featuring the Pizza Polka right here.   Just click play.    And so you can take advantage of getting your pizza whether you take out or eat at the outdoor dining area at Pleasant Plaza, here’s a link to their site.   CLICK HERE.   FREE Concert info here.

• Song of ’23 (7/24/2022)

  

  Here’s an online link to a list of other hit songs from 1923. CLICK HERE.

  Hit Song in Gardner MA in 1923: Yes, We Have No Bananas

  Gardner MA celebrates its Centennial as a City on January 1, 2023. One of the hit songs 100 years ago was “We Have No Bananas”. We found the original song, digitized it, and you can play it right here.

  Another song enjoyed in the period was Bye Bye Blackbird, and here is the original.

• Peace on Earth (7/24/2022)

  

  Genuine Gardner MA – Church Bells Play “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

  At around 10:15am on Sunday July 24, 2022, Church Bells at Mission of Grace Church at 358 Pleasant Street, Gardner captured the moment with “Let There Be Peace on Earth”.   This is Genuine Gardner and qualifies for our theme of positivity as it matches well with Gardner’s History of faith-based life since 1785.   We missed recording this beautiful rendition, but we have the song from Church Bells elsewhere.  Just click PLAY.  And may peace be with you…

• Chair City Chair Bear (7/21/2022)

  

  Editorial: Input Wanted – Chair City Chair Bear, Good Idea or Bad Idea?

  I found a cover for a plush animal being sold online.   What’s the chance there’s someone in Gardner who could make an original Chair City Chair Bear design which could be made into a custom cover?  The Chair City Chair Bear could be an item for the City’s 100^th.   The seat on this particular item is 20 inches square and is available on Amazon for $14.99.  That’s just for the cover, it would have to be filled with PP cotton batting.  Obviously, the City would want something made locally if possible. Your thoughts on this. Good idea or bad idea? Email: News@GardnerMagazine.com

• Nicholson Super Heroes (7/15/2022)

  

  Watch the Mayor’s Update on the City of Gardner’s YouTube page or on our Mayor’s Update page, CLICK HERE.

  Or listen to the audio – short 8 second delay before it starts:

  Play Audio File of any 2022 Mayor’s Update. CLICK HERE

  Gardner MA Michael Nicholson Reveals Community Super Heroes in Weekly Update July 15, 2022

  He didn’t say those words, but he revealed the Best of the Gardner Community in this week’s Uplifting Update just the same. Mayor Nicholson complimented his Super Hero Aide Colin Smith who organized this year’s successful Gardner Food Truck Festival. The Chair City Mayor also thanked all those who helped make it possible.

  Mayor Nicholson spoke of the Phoenix Cross Fit Class held Tuesday Nights at 7:30pm this summer at Fitness Concepts for “those who are in recovery, those who want to support those in recovery, or those who just want to live a sober lifestyle.” Nicholson was invited this past Tuesday by the Alyssa’s Place Recovery Center (Super Heroes).

  Nicholson told of the Heywood Surgical Pavilion Progress. He also mentioned a Super Effort, the new island in place at the intersection of Woodland Avenue and Green Street to help cut down on accidents. (by DPW Super Heroes)

  NoWoCo Pride held an event at Gardner City Hall attracting dozens of people. (NoWoCo Super Heroes)

  Mayor Nicholson explained that several Eagle Scout projects have made a difference in Gardner this summer including from newest Eagle Scout Quinton Lemmick (Scout Super Heroes)

  

  Turns out the DPW has some Super Heroes of their own. We call them the “Mulch Makers”, turning trees they’ve had to take down into wood chips to be used at the Dog Park and at the Golf Course, saving the City lots of money by not having to purchase them.

  

  The DPW has also been instrumental in other Super Hero work including starting construction of 2 new Shade Pavilions at the Gardner Dog Park, replacing 4 dead ash trees at Monument Park with new trees, and replacing Downtown Gardner sidewalks. However, the City was faced with a Super Villain who went under the caution tape to walk on the wet concrete. The Villain was promptly arrested by Gardner PD Super Heroes and will be held financially responsible for the repairs which needed to be made.

  

  Many in the community who serve Gardner are Super Heroes, don’t you think?

  Let us showcase your Gardner MA Super Hero. Email News@GardnerMagazine.com

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• Gardner Cloud (7/13/2022)

  

  Editorial: Is Mother Nature Delivering Gardner MA a Loving Message with the Gardner Cloud?

  Think about it.  The  June 25, 2022 Gardner Birthday Celebration had perfect weather.   The Gardner Food Truck Festival had perfect weather.   This Saturday looks to be rain free.   Do you think the cloud in Gardner on July 13, 2022 depicts Gardner’s Outline, or is it just whimsical thinking.  You decide.  I for one am willing to say thank you to God for all of Gardner’s good fortune of late.  For more beautiful Gardner clouds today, CLICK HERE.

• Deliver Girl (7/12/2022)

  

  

  Hubbardston MA Fire Chief and EMT make the Best kind of delivery 7-12-22!

  From the Hubbardston Fire Dept. “Shortly after 5am this morning Hubbardston Firefighters and police were called to a residence for a woman in active labor. With delivery imminent the crew of A1 consisting of Chief Hayes and FF/EMT Mike Parker had HPD Officer Bergeron drive the ambulance so they could both focus on patient care. A short distance from Heywood Hospital the baby decided it couldn’t wait any longer and the crew of A1 helped deliver a healthy baby girl!.”

  Within 6 hours, Social Media was abuzz with the news, with overwhelming praise and support for these dedicated public servants.

  

• Municipal FM (7/10/2022)

  

  

  

  Costs involved

  Because of the relatively low power involved, cost would not be a huge factor as the transmitter and antenna would be fairly inexpensive. Engineering is relatively simple and the F.C.C. engineers in Washington D.C. could help for FREE. Gardner already has a television studio at the High School on Catherine Street. Gardner MA produces high quality video of City Council, School Committee, and other Municipal Meetings, and a weekly Mayor’s update. Visit the City of Gardner YouTube page here.

  Gardner MA may consider its own Low Power Municipal Radio Station

  Last year, an F.C.C. window closed on applications for regular licenses on the non-commercial band.   Sometime soon, a window will open for additional low power FM applications on the 92 -108 part of the band. That’s where the interests of Gardner come in. Does Gardner want to have a station like the City of Leominster has had since January 26, 2017, which is licensed for 21 watts with an antenna 210 feet above average terrain? See what Leominster is doing with it. Website.

  How Far would it Transmit?

  If the license was granted, Gardner High School on Catherine Street could serve as a transmitter site as it’s roughly in the middle of Gardner geographically. Gardner City Hall might also cover the City. According to the Federal Communications Commission, Low power FM has a radius of about 3.5 miles. Gardner is only 23 square miles which in this case presents an advantage – less square footage to cover with a transmitter. The calculated coverage area would be A=πr2=π·3.52≈38.48451mi² using 3.5 as the radius of a circle and calculating the area of the circle. The math shows much of the Chair City could be covered, perfect for emergencies or whatever Gardner would deem to be in its interests. Due to the low power, the coverage might have dead spots due to terrain. That is why commercial stations which cover more than one community operate with substantially more power.

  We asked the Mayor in an interview on many subjects July 6th:

  Poegel:   “Mayor, so sometime soon, an FCC window is going to open, allowing the City of Gardner to apply for a low power FM license, similar to what the City of Leominster already has.   Does the Chair City have an interest in pursuing this to protect its interests?”

  Nicholson: “I know we’ve talked about that with our Emergency Management Director Paul Topolski, because we do have a radio transmitter that we can use when we have larger events, but we don’t have a signal that is our own.  So it is something we preliminarily looked at, but it’s not something we’ve had on the radar until we just heard the rumblings that the F.C.C. might be opening up a little more, so it’s a very recent conversation that we don’t have any details on yet on our end, but it is something that did spark a conversation.” Listen to the entire interview.

  What frequency would it be?

  Low power FM is between 92 and 108 on the FM dial. You find out what’s available by doing a search on the FCC website. You need to know the latitude and longitude of the proposed transmitter location. Finding a frequency is as simple as going on the F.C.C. site, inputting latitude and longitude specs, and doing a search.   Gardner City Hall at 95 Pleasant Street is at 42 34 26, -71 59 45 and Gardner High School is at 42 34 39, -71 58 45.    Both searches yield the same available frequencies, 97.3 and 102.9. However, Steve Wendell, owner of WGAW has a construction permit for a commercial station at the 97.3 frequency for Orange MA, so our bet is the City would pick 102.9 if it’s interested in pursuing the project.

  As the Crow Flies

  If we each had a flying car, we could make it to work much quicker because the distance “As the Crow Flies” is always shorter. There’s an online tool to calculate the straight line distance between two locations. CLICK HERE.

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• Genuine Gardner (6/29/2022)

  

  Genuine Gardner Showcases Gardner MA Positivity

  What do you spot in Gardner that makes you smile or makes you feel good? It’s easy to find fault, it’s harder to find good.

  Gardner Magazine wants to profile even the quirkiest good things in the community. This could be about people, businesses, projects, your church…. the sky’s the limit! Email your ideas to News@GardnerMagazine.com. You may include photos and a description of the good you see and we’ll make every effort to publish your submission. CLICK on any image for larger view.

  

  New England Wooden Ware, now known as NEWW Packaging & Display has tons of trailers and is celebrating 185 years in business. Looks like it’s “Blue Skies Ahead”.

  

  NEWW website states,”A Traditional Company with Modern Capabilities.” CLICK HERE.

  

  We noticed National Lumber has a beautiful sign showcasing “Kitchen Views“, a Cabinetry Design Showroom. And, they have spiffed up the outside look of the store.

  

  Heywood Healthcare is showing their pride in the Grade A they got in Patient Safety by utilizing a huge billboard.

  

  Could this be a great location for your business?

  The Old D’Angelos building used to only be for rent. Now you can buy it and fulfill your dreams. Seems like there’s plenty of parking for many types of businesses.

  

  

  The Shell Car Wash is celebrating 10 years. Congratulations!

  

  We noticed Taylor Rental has a wide assortment of items to rent for those fun projects around your house.

  

  

  The Mart Stop in South Gardner in front of Gardner Academy looks great.

  

• The Bear (6/29/2022)

  

  Bear Spotted on Century Way in Gardner MA

  According to a social media post by a Gardner resident, “This big guy just came through the woods behind my fenced in backyard, walked across Century Way, past the brook and headed toward Brookside. Be careful.”

  Some other resources in printable pdf format: Prevent Negative Encounters with Bears — Coexisting with black bears — Living with black bears fact sheet —- If you need to reach Gardner MA Animal Control, here is the page. CLICK HERE.

• Gardner Celebrates (6/26/2022)

  

  

  More Event Photos, CLICK HERE.

  Gardner MA Residents and Visitors Share FUN on Gardner’s Birthday Saturday June 25, 2022.

  It was a super day in Gardner MA with perfect weather. The food was abundant throughout the Chair City. Smiles were to be found on many a face as residents and visitors enjoyed the FUN in Downtown Gardner and elsewhere in the City. The Greenwood Swim Club had Swim Meets. Retailers forgot about inflation and discounted prices to the delight of savvy shoppers. It was another Small Business Saturday in Downtown Gardner from 10am to 4pm with sales, demonstrations, performances, giveaways, games, and activities. It was FUN! The formal opening of Pleasant Plaza was held. Popular host Steve Wendell of WGAW did a LIVE Man-on-the-Street broadcast LISTEN to it. The Gardner PD set up a popular safety demonstration which simulated the effects of impaired driving. Monument Park and the Lithuanian Club had FREE concerts and FIREWORKS were enjoyed by hundreds at Kendall Pond. Gardner MA is a Great Place to Live, Work, Play, and Visit. View our complete list of June 25, 2022 events.

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson and others get Dunked for Charity

  

  Pythons Played in Public

  

  Downtown Stores Held Sales

  

  Popular Downtown Gardner Merchants such as the Velvet Goose and John’s Sport Shop delighted shoppers with merchandise specials. Attracted to Downtown were customers of all ages. People could be heard cheering at the time of the Fireworks Grand Finale.

  Fireworks Brought in Hundreds of People to the Chair City

  

  

  

  

  

  Fireworks were held at Kendall Pond about 9:30pm and lasted for about 15 minutes in celebration of Independence Day and Gardner’s 237th birthday.

  Downtown Gardner MA has been the recent subject of many positive announcements including upcoming building renovations and projects, new sidewalks, fresh paving, storefront grants, the just-approved new Maki Park to be across from the Gardner Ale House, and so many more ideas becoming reality. Today may have been the start of Downtown Gardner’s new found positive trajectory towards the future. More June 25, 2022 Photos, CLICK HERE.

  .

• Vietnam Memorial (5/31/2022)

  

  

  Vietnam Veterans Memorial unveiled May 30, 2022 Memorial Day in Hubbardston MA.

  The well-attended Hubbardston Memorial Day Parade started at Curtis Recreational Field and ended up at the Town Square for the unveiling of the new Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Monument.

  The Monument was entirely funded by donations which exceeded the amount needed so the Committee arranged for other monuments in Hubbardston to be cleaned and repaired as needed.

  The dedication ceremony was broadcast live on WGAW AM 1340, 98.1 FM. To listen to the touching 1 hr. program, visit the website home page and click PLAY.

  The Town of Hubbardston unveiled not only the new Vietnam Veterans’ monument, but also the restored Civil War monument and the freshly cleaned memorials that honor those who fought in the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The Lions Club, The Golden Agers, Friends of the Hubbardston Senior Center and the Council on Aging invited the public for FREE hot dogs and ice cream at the Senior Center across the street after the ceremonies had concluded.

  .

• Mayor gets Chair (5/28/2022)

  

  

  

  

  Gardner Magazine would like to cover more stories about Art and Music in the area. For any story ideas about any subject email News@GardnerMagazine.com

  Local Artist Gardner Wood presents Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson with Big Chair painting – Has another Patriotic painting hidden underneath!

  The Mayor stated, “This was a great surprise today!  Thank you to local artist Gardner Wood for stopping by today to donate this painting of the Big Chair to hang in the Mayor’s Office!” Gardner Magazine was able to interview artist Gardner Wood.

  About the Artist

  Artist Gardner Wood randomly donates his work to area businesses including a local diner in Winchendon.  He earns a living by working at Mount Wachusett Community College which is where he says he met Mayor Nicholson while adding a cowboy to another work for the VetTech class at MWCC. 

  Story of the Big Chair Painting

  He utilized various online photos in composing the painting, which is a 16×20 acrylic and took him about 4 hours on a Saturday to complete.   But, there’s even a more interesting story behind the painting, it’s not the only one on the canvas.  Gardner Wood took an existing painting featuring a nature scene and an eagle and painted over it.   So what the Mayor just hung in his office prior to the Memorial Day holiday also  honors those who have given their lives for our country, a painting with an American Eagle hidden under a painting of Gardner’s iconic Big Chair.   Gardner Wood also states that he usually signs his paintings “G. Wood”, but in this case had to use his full name since it was for the City of Gardner and that’s his first name.    Thank you to Gardner Wood.

  The Inspiration of the Work

  We asked, What inspired you to paint the Big Chair and Gardner Wood responded, ““I work in Gardner, I live in Winchendon, I do have my artwork in a local diner….  I started a personal project…  My main goal is I want to randomly donate a painting to local businesses.  I’ve already started in Winchendon.  That led me to be inspired to do the Chair for the Mayor.  I met him and he’s very friendly, very nice.  We basically talked about it. …It’s just my personal thing that I’ve taken upon myself  to do….He seemed very excited about it.”

  First Time’s a Charm

  Gardner says this is the first time he’s ever painted the Chair.   “I went on the computer and pulled up various different pictures, so I got all the pictures of the Chair. I did it in a Saturday morning for the most part.” “I paint for the people. I don’t paint to make money.” In the diner, I will listen and see what people are looking for. I will randomly give them to children. I enjoy doing it.” Gardner went on to say, “The chair, that painting is very unique for me because of course my name is Gardner Wood and I sign all of my paintings, G. Wood, basically because it’s a long name.  But this one I felt I had to, so the bottom of that chair, the painting, I wrote Gardner Wood, my full name.

  Hidden Painting

  “Actually I can tell you a little bit more about it too.  I am a little on the impatient side, maybe that comes with being an artist.  I was at my house and I was looking and I didn’t have any 16 by 20s, I didn’t want to do a small one, I wanted to do a big one.  So basically I grabbed one of my old paintings. The  original painting was basically trees on both sides, and basically an eagle flying.  In the painting, the eagle was too small…it was one of my first types of paintings, so I said, ok here’s a 16 by 20, so I painted over it.  So if you were to actually xray through that, you’d actually see another painting under it.  …That’s what happens when you don’t have a whole pile of good canvas….The painting was ok, but the eagle was too small, then it just worked out good.”

  Let us note the historic Gardner Big Chair painting was placed in the Gardner MA Mayor’s office in May 2022. Thank you Gardner Wood for your generosity of time and of spirit.
  
  

• Car Hatching (5/26/2022)

  

  

  Spontaneous Gardner MA Car Hatching or Mathematical Anomaly?

  A curious scene at Pulaski Park in Gardner on May 26, 2022.   4 White vehicles seemingly appeared out of nowhere near the Basketball Courts.  And then a 5^th one!   Did they spontaneously hatch in some universe-correcting miracle?  Or was it simply a random event with mathematical implications?    We believe it was just a random event, but read below about something else very curious that day.  

  According to facts we can find, 24% of cars on the road are white. The odds of 5 of them parked in a row at one time is calculated to be 8 out of 10,000.

   

  

  One of the dogs at the park who witnessed these vehicles was named “Herbie”.   Remember, Herbie the Love Bug from the Disney movies? – the living car! Here’s an article about Herbie the Love Bug.   It just goes to show that if you look hard enough and have a big enough imagination, you can always find something of wonder in the Chair City of Gardner MA. 

  

  Hatching Cars. Probably Not.

  But, NEW businesses are hatching on a regular basis in the City of Gardner MA.

  

  Another Math Anomaly?

  And then, the math mold was broken again. Just as we were about to leave the Dog Park, a white service vehicle pulled in between the other 5 white vehicles. What are the odds of that happening at exactly that moment?

• Bear Spotted (5/26/2022)

  

  Bear Spotted in Clark Street, Gardner MA Backyard and all about Bears in Massachusetts

  On May 26, ,2022, a bear was spotted on Clark Street in Gardner.   A resident posted the picture to Social Media.  The post has received plenty on interest with dozens of likes, wows, and love expressed by other members.  

  For those interested in Bear pictures, there is actually a public Facebook group entitled, “Awesome Bear lovers.”   Members post Bear pictures and even Bear videos.

  The rest of our article is about Bears in Massachusetts with Bear tips for Greater Gardner MA residents.

  

  

  

  

  Bears in Massachusetts

  According to the State of Massachusetts website Mass.gov, black bears have been increasing in numbers and distribution for the past 50 years, with an estimated current statewide population exceeding over 4,500 animals.  Black bears live and breed in Worcester County, northern Middlesex County, and west to the Berkshires.   Black bears are black overall, typically with a brown muzzle and sometimes with a white chest patch.  Males weigh from 130 to 600 pounds and females are 100 to 400 pounds. Bears eat both vegetation and meat.  They are often attracted to yards by bird feeders and unsecured trash.  

  Bear Tips

  Mass.gov has some tips for residents:  Remove bird feeders if you live in an area with bears.   Put out  your trash the morning of trash pickup rather than the night before.    Feed your own pets indoors.  Clean barbecues and grills after each use and don’t leave any food scraps around.   If you see a bear in your yard, yell, and make lots of noise and the bear and its young will usually leave.   If you see a bear in the wild, make the animal aware of your presence by clapping, talking, or making other sounds while slowly backing away.   Obviously, don’t approach bears, especially a female bear with her cubs, keep a respectful distance away.

  Some other resources in printable pdf format: Prevent Negative Encounters with Bears — Coexisting with black bears — Living with black bears fact sheet

  If you need to reach Gardner MA Animal Control, here is the page. CLICK HERE.

• Gardner City-Wide Yard Sale (5/21/2022)

  

  GardnerYardSale.com

  The City of Gardner welcomed many to its Spring 2022 Yard Sale. We’ll advise you of Fall 2022 plans as they are announced.

  

  It Happened and people came!  Gardner MA City-Wide Yard Sale had 133 participating homes May 21, 2022 from 8am to 2pm

  On some roads in Gardner Saturday May 21, 2022, a parade of cars could be seen traveling to Yard Sales in the Chair City. With a total of at least 133 participating homes who appeared on the map, many items were up for sale. As of the end of the sale, the online map showed 4,240 views. The City-wide Yard Sale took place this Saturday May 21, 2022 from 8am to 2pm. Cars could be seen with out-of-town and even out-of-state license plates.  

  Ways to view the list: Complete map on Google.

  Jpeg image of FInal List

  Printable PDF of Final List

  

  

  

  Click any image for larger view.

  

  

  

  

  

  Super Computer Utilized to Plot Route to all Gardner MA Yard Sale Stops

  With 133 Homes having Yard Sales in Gardner on Saturday May 21, 2022 from 8am to 2pm, we needed to find a way for you to see them all.

  The route plotted by computer starts at the Blue Moon Diner (thought you might like breakfast before shopping) and then plots out all the stops which are completed in less than 4 hours. Printable in pdf format, Directions only. 41 pages of Turn by turn maps.
• Time Travel (4/18/2022)

  

  

  

  

  Fictional Time Traveler Journeys to Gardner MA Past and Future

  1900: Our time traveler is on a mission to find the perfect time in Downtown Gardner, Massachusetts. Journeying incognito to the Center of Gardner 100 years ago, he finds commerce in full swing. Some of the buildings exist to this day, some have been replaced.

  1950/60: Turning the crank of his time machine, our Time Traveler finds himself viewing a Gardner police officer directing traffic over 60 years ago, near the intersection people have been fussing about. Traffic existed then as it does now, but ideas of how to handle it have evolved and changed over time. Notice a thriving business district in Downtown Gardner.

  2020s: Our Time Traveler journeys to present day and finds an attractive Downtown Gardner MA with a different traffic pattern and different businesses. The future of Gardner MA is only limited by the imagination and fortitude of its residents, community leaders, and government officials. With the recent progress made and additional projects announced, who knows what the future could hold for Gardner MA.

  2200: Our Time Traveler ends up in the year 2200. History shows that a forwarding-looking Gardner Mayor, City Council, and Business Community in 2022 continued to foster a period of positive growth in the Chair City. By the way, it is said that in the year 2200, Gardner MA is once again the undisputed Furniture Capital of the World.

  Residents of Gardner MA have every reason to believe the future of the Chair City is going to be bright as the community works together.

• Crossword Puzzles (4/18/2022)

  

  Gardner Magazine Announces NEW Daily Crossword Puzzle Feature!

  For the Daily Crossword Puzzle page, CLICK HERE.

• 4th of July (4/14/2022)

  

  Gardner Magazine launches 4^th of July Independence Day Initiative for Greater Gardner MA

  In anticipation of more community celebrations, functions, activities, and events this year, we have created a page called The Independence Day Initiative with listings from 19 different communities. We’re seeking info from communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals.  You tell us, we’ll tell the region. For the 4th of July page, CLICK HERE.

• Furniture Turnings (4/13/2022)

  

  Furniture Turnings Plaza Conceived for Gardner MA

  Furniture Turnings Plaza is an inspirational concept. CLICK HERE.

• National Pet Day (4/6/2022)

  

  Hug your pet with love on this day and every day!

  National Pet Day in Greater Gardner MA is Monday April 11, 2022

  This day is dedicated to our pets and is also a day to highlight pet adoption. It’s a day to schedule missed veterinary care or grooming. National Pet Day is a day to make your pet a special meal or treat, buy your dog a new collar/leash or toy, or even take your canine to the local dog park to play with friends.

  Adoptable Pets

  To search for dogs available for adoption within 25 miles of Gardner MA, CLICK HERE.

  To search for cats available for adoption within 25 miles of Gardner MA, CLICK HERE.

• WGAW (4/2/2022)

  

  

  WGAW Programs can be heard on 1340 AM, 98.1 FM, and through a LIVE STREAM

  Gardner MA Radio Station WGAW Now available Everywhere

  Pictured is popular local host Steve Wendell of the Weekday Morning News program and Hotline Radio which airs Saturdays noon to 2pm. WGAW is now in its 76th year of service and can be heard on 1340 AM, 98.1 FM, and through Live Streaming. Programming is News and Talk 24/7.

  For the website, CLICK HERE. To Listen Live, CLICK HERE.

• April Fools (4/1/2022)

  

  It’s April Fools Day in Greater Gardner MA

  Not to be outdone by their Southern Neighbors, Greater Gardner MA Consumers got together for the Great Broccoli Harvest held every year on April Fool’s Day. A few carrots took part as well.

  

  Greater Gardner MA Consumers have Smart cars, smart homes, and smart phones. But how many have taken the time to provide books for their cats? We advocate for Cat Literacy. What’s the problem? You don’t want your cat to read what’s in their daily cat food, or are you hiding something else from your feline friends?

  

  A giant coffee cup has taken over the water tower. There is no word on what this means for Gardner water and we certainly will not be spilling the beans. However, you might be interested in our real story on how Gardner MA Residents Love Their Coffee.

  

  Organic tomatoes have lined up outside Gardner City Hall. They won’t leave until City Employees promise to eat more salad.

  

• Art and Music (3/27/2022)

  

  For more information, please visit the GALA website. CLICK HERE.

  Art and Music Festival Phillipston MA

  The Gardner Area League of Artists (GALA) has announced an Art & Music Festival to be held May 20-22, 2022 at Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston, MA.   It’s advertised as 3 Days of Peace, Love, Art, and Music!    Admission is FREE.   Art Activities, Art Vendors, Food, and Raffles will be offered.

• FREE TV (3/26/2022)

  

  FREE TV options in Greater Gardner MA

  Want to save on TV? Our article explores the varied options available to residents of the Greater Gardner MA area, including FREE! CLICK HERE

  If 5000 households just in Gardner MA saved $25-$40 per month, that would add up to $1.5 million to $2.4 million dollars per year.

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• Gardner Yard Sale (3/13/2022)

  

  We will promote the City of Gardner City-Wide Yard Sale with the new website AND with banner ads here. With our circulation of more than 10,000 households, we hope to increase attendance and encourage households to participate. In Gardner, Yard Sale permits are FREE.

  Gardner MA Spring City-Wide Yard Sale

  GardnerMagazine.com has registered GardnerYardSale.com and is donating web space to promote the Spring City-Wide Gardner Yard Sale taking place Saturday May 21, 2022 from 8am to 2pm. Visit site. CLICK HERE – On the site, we will also be listing links to Public and Private Facebook Marketplace pages and Craigslist listings.

• Gardner on the Move (3/12/2022)

  

  Spread the Word – Greater Gardner MA

  Gardner Magazine is interested to know what your company, business, or group is doing so we can spread the word to the region and the rest of the nation. Many great products are produced, many great businesses are found, and many groups do good. The growing Chair City has Industry on the Move, Progress in Business, A Community Working Together and Growing Together, with a Formula for Success.  A Mayor with the courage to challenge the status quo, a City Council open to change, a Healthcare system meeting today’s challenges, and a Community of Thinkers.   

• Magic Mike (3/5/2022)

  

  “Magic Mike” Mayor Nicholson of Gardner MA Honored in special Gardner Magazine section.

  He was reelected with 80% of the vote. Nevertheless, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson is criticized just like every leader, but today we bestow a special accolade, that of “Magic Mike” Nicholson for his work as a Communicator to the Chair City during recent challenges and a thank you for his efforts in helping to keep us all together during the pandemic. For the special section, CLICK HERE

  

• Atlantic Fog (3/3/2022)

  

  For complete information on Massachusetts Beer Week and participating breweries, CLICK HERE.

  Gardner MA Gardner Ale House Celebrates Massachusetts Beer Week

  Known for its original beers under the Moon Hill Brewery brand, Gardner Ale House is introducing a new beer this Sunday at noon. Atlantic Fog is described as, “a hazy New England IPA” Food customers from noon to 2pm on Sunday March 6, 2022 have a chance to win Moon Hill Swag, Baseball Hats, and gift cards.

• Toothpicks (2/26/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Citizens React to the Toothpick Question

  With so much serious news, we thought it would be nice to take a break and venture into the world of triviality, in this case TOOTHPICKS. So I posted this on social media. “I’m doing an investigative article on toothpicks. Just what are these insidious objects up to in Gardner? I’d like to have the inside scoop on any of you who might know. We must get to the bottom of this.”

  Toothpicks are not a very controversial item, but nevertheless, the question drew a huge variety of comments.   Some took the question seriously, others thought I was completely out of my mind or was hacked, and others took it as humor.   While it was popular on one group, another social media group moderator censored the post and took it down because it was considered spam.  But, Gardner’s largest social media group seemed to have fun with it, even providing me with some fun graphics for this article.

  

  Gardner MA Toothpick Comments

  …I’m amongst the lost and confused here. If you mean why do folks ‘chew’ on them, or if they are an oft littered item, or if old Gardner furniture is being whittled or some other point (no pun intended) you didn’t quite make that clear…

  

  

  ….This made me laugh today THank you!

  ….Were you hacked?

  …Remember mint flavored toothpicks in individual packs with a point on each end?

  …Rietta Ranch has booth 26 , claims to be homemade

  

  

  …Just when we thought FB had become useless

  …I have enjoyed the use of a tooth pick or 2. When you get food jammed between your teeth you will appreciate having a tooth pick.

  

  …They are waiting patiently for some appetizers to pierce into and a bunch of friendly visitors to enjoy it with a few beers or glasses of wine.

  …I use them to color my buttercreme frosting with gel colorant when decorating cakes.

  …I’ve pricked by fingers because of these nuisance pieces of wood being stuck in the hor d’oeuvres

  …Most people who are paranoid about getting something stuck in their teeth carry dental floss and or dental picks!

  We thank Tammy for sharing this. “The Yankee tradition was to whittle a toothpick on demand. It did not make sense to spend money on something one could make for oneself, let alone for something that would be used once and then discarded. But Forster came up with ingenious marketing schemes. He first targeted stationers, who dealt in small items. When he could not place his product in their stores, he hired personable young people to go to those same retailers and ask for wooden toothpicks. Naturally, the retailers had to turn away the potential customers. Shortly afterward, Forster would make return visits to the stores, where he easily sold his wares. To reinforce the wisdom of the shopkeeper’s decision, Forster’s shills soon came back to ask again for toothpicks, and this time the sales were made. The boxes of toothpicks were then returned to Forster, who could resell them to the retailer, who now was prepared to talk them up to real customers.”

  Known in all cultures, the toothpick is the oldest instrument for dental cleaning. Hominin remains from Dmanisi, Georgia, dated to about 1.8 million years ago, bear lesions indicating the repeated use of a “toothpick”. Toothpicks made of bronze have been found as burial objects in prehistoric graves in Northern Italy and in the East Alps. More on toothpicks from wikipedia.

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• Win 10 Grand! (2/18/2022)

  

  Huge Drawing Looms in Greater Gardner MA Super Raffle

  On February 23, 2022 at 7pm, 11 lucky tickets will be drawn out of no more than 400 tickets sold.  Top prize is $10,000.   See image at left. For more information, you can visit the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce website. CLICK HERE.

• Puzzle Swapping (2/18/2022)

  

  Want to improve short-term memory? Some studies show doing jigsaw puzzles can improve cognition, visual-spacial reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

  Greater Gardner MA Residents engaged in PUZZLE SWAPPING.

  Some of us can’t even put a simple item together despite accurate directions. Then there are the elite of us who can put 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles together. Once done, many like to Puzzle Swap with other skilled Puzzle People. Some do it among themselves, some through Gardner MA area libraries, organizations, or groups. We even found a Jigsaw Puzzle Swap Exchange. CLICK HERE.

• Poem – Presidents (2/13/2022)

  

  We have a love of everything history including that of the Greater Gardner MA area. For more on Presidents of the United States, please visit our special page for the holiday. CLICK HERE.

  Poem of the Presidents released in Templeton MA

  Gardner Magazine publisher Werner Poegel has released an original 50 Stanza poem entitled “Poem of the Presidents” as a tribute to the service of our nation’s Chief Executives on the occasion of Presidents’ Day 2022. For the complete poetic work, CLICK HERE

• Exciting FM (1/27/2022)

  

  WGAW programs a News/Talk format 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from studios across the street from Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner. Popular programs include the Morning News with Steve Wendell, Hotline Radio, and various syndicated talk shows. For a complete Program Guide, CLICK HERE.

  Local Gardner MA Radio Station adds 98.1 FM to its signal offering.

  WGAW1340.com now has a reliable FM signal at 98.1 FM to go with its AM signal at AM 1340. The radio station is in its 76th year of broadcasting to the region. Station owner Steven Wendell is excited about the new option, which provides a signal immune to static and electrical interference present in some Gardner MA area buildings. As a result, the audience is expected to grow even more.

  For station website, CLICK HERE

  The radio station had been testing for some time under a Construction Permit for 98.1 FM issued by the F.C.C. As Steve says, “Give it a listen, it sounds great!”

• Business Card (1/16/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Business Card

  Each person in Gardner doesn’t really have a paper business card of course, but each citizen of Gardner represents the Chair City every day. Share the Chair City, you’ll be glad you did.

• The Gardner Vortex (1/15/2022)

  

  

  

  Gardner MA – Positioned for Success

  Wonder why the City of Gardner MA draws so much attention?   Much of it is meritorious, based on many successes.  And, there is another contributing factor.  We call it the Gardner Geographic Vortex, reflecting Gardner’s location on the Massachusetts Route 2 Corridor.  When Gardner is singled out on the map, its importance is revealed.   It is the beating heart of the region.  Positioned for being noticed.  Poised for excellence.  On its way to success in 2022 and beyond!

• Poetry (1/10/2022)

  

  Poetry at Work Day

  On the Eleventh Day of January Twenty, Twenty Two,

  Gardner Magazine creates this poem for you.

  The value of poetry for pros is better than prose,

  Brings out all sorts of major creativity we suppose.

  So write out your verses and put in your purses,

  Jot down your sonnets and put in your wallets,

  Or maybe on this frigid day, break out the Robert Frost,

  Seek out his works at very low or modest cost.

  “Two Roads diverged in a yellow wood,” and you chose to

  live in a great City like Gardner MA and that has made all the difference.

  —this original by Werner Poegel – For “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, CLICK HERE

  ---

• Alternate Universe (1/8/2022)

  

  Gardner MA in Alternate Universe

  What would Gardner MA look like in an alternate universe?   If such a city exists, could we actually see it, make comparisons, and learn from it?  Complete Article, CLICK HERE. 

  Gardner Magazine has uncovered such a City right here in the United States, a city by the same name in another state with some interesting parallels to our reality.   For details, CLICK HERE.

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• Junkmobile (1/8/2022)

  

  This may be one of the best bargains or one of the biggest clunkers in the Greater Gardner MA area.

  Old Athol MA Bookmobile put up for bid

  Some call it a Junkmobile, others an old Bookmobile with great potential to serve the public. The town of Athol MA is seeking proposals from non-profits who wish to acquire this 1985 GMC Box Truck. Please note: The town has no key for it, says it is non-operational, and they are applying for the title. If all that excites you, hurry, deadline is Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Minimum bid is 50 bucks. Complete details, CLICK HERE.

• January Jabbery (1/4/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Jabbery

  As many of us spend more time indoors during winter, it’s time for January Jabbery.   Time to seek out new social media groups to communicate just about anything to just about anyone.  Time to flex your ideas and discover new subject matter.  

  January Jabbery is sometimes about utter gibberish, nonsense, or idle chatter.  Or it could morph into intelligent communication to further your positive goals for the rest of the year.   You could take your January Jalopy and drive to the corner store for January Java.  In any case, we wish you January Joy with your January Job, your after work January Jog, if you get the vaccine – your January Jab, warmth in your January Jackets, and we hope you stay out of trouble so you’re not a January Jerk in a January Jam.  January, we’ll jet through it in a jiffy. (31 days)  Jot that down. Jeez… That’s January journaling, justifiably!

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• 24/7 (12/31/2021)

  

  Gardner MA News Magazine available 24/7

  GardnerMagazine.com has been available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all of this year with continuously updated News, Sports, Weather, Articles, and interesting information. Access our resources anytime. Thank you to the over 13 thousand unique households who have read our pages this month, with over 75,000 pageviews and over 550,000 hits.* For more about us, including Advertising Rates, CLICK HERE.

  *source Awstats

• Features (12/15/2021)

  Today’s Fun Features

  Word of the Day

  charlatan
  Definition:	A person who makes elaborate, fraudulent, and often voluble claims to skill or knowledge; a quack or fraud.
  Synonyms:	mountebank

  Word of the Day provided by TheFreeDictionary.com

  
  

  Article of the Day

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  a modest proposal An extreme, unorthodox, and often provocative or distasteful remedy to a complex problem, generally suggested humorously or satirically. (An allusion to Jonathan Swift’s 1729 essay A Modest Proposal, in which he suggests that the poor of Ireland could alleviate their woes by selling their children as food.)

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  Bill of Rights Day The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution of 1787—referred to collectively as the Bill of Rights—were ratified on December 15, 1791. This landmark document protected American citizens from specific abuses by their government and guaranteed such basic rights as the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated December 15 as Bill of Rights Day and called upon Americans to observe it with appropriate patriotic ceremonies. More…

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  To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea, though many there be who have tried it. Herman Melville (1819-1891)

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  Today’s topic: nourish alimony – From Latin alimonia, "nourishment" or "eating money," from alere, "to nourish," and mony, "result, resulting condition," it first meant "nourishment, support." More… alumnus, alumna, alumni – Alumnus and alumna stem from Latin alere, "to nourish or be nourished," now by a university; originally alumnus was a pupil and now it is a male graduate. Alumni refers to either sex. More… coalesce – Meaning "cause to grow together," it is from Latin co- and alere, "nourish." More… nurture – The verb was formed after the noun, which first referred (c. 1330) to a person's training or breeding. The word can be traced back to Latin nutritus, meaning "to nourish." More…

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• Christmas Wish (12/14/2021)

  

  Gardner MA Christmas Wish

  Publishing an original poem for you entitled, “Gardner Christmas Wish.” CLICK HERE

• Christmas with the Animals (12/13/2021)

• Aliens at the Gardner MA Dog Park (12/13/2021)

• Journey to the Future (12/13/2021)

• Live Work Play (short) (12/13/2021)

• American Fireworks (12/13/2021)

• Making Gardner Memories (12/13/2021)

  

  Watch Gardner MA Mayor Mike Nicholson’s December 10, 2021 address on YouTube. CLICK HERE

  

  Sign up to receive Gardner MA notifications re parking bans, snow removal, or severe weather. CLICK HERE.

  

  Subscribe to the City of Gardner’s FREE YouTube channel and get a front-row citizen’s seat to Mayor’s updates, City Council meetings, and more! CLICK HERE

  

  Caroling with the Mayor happens in two formats this year. 1. Virtual Caroling via video 2. Caroling in person starting on the front steps of Gardner City Hall Saturday, December 18, 2021 at noon.

  

  Thanks from the Mayor to retiring Airport Commission Chairman Ken Bonk who has a long history of helping out , having started at 16 years old with airport grounds maintenance.

  Highlights of the Season, Public Safety, and Focus Towards the Future captured in Weekly Update

  The Season

  Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson praised generosity of contributors to various Toy and Coat Drives and announced various private initiatives to help families in need during the holidays. — Masonic Lodge has more Christmas Trees and is selling them at corner of Central and Chestnut.

  Public Safety

  Gardner will proactively have a police detail at the School Department’s next vaccine clinic in January due to concerns about vaccine protestors at the last clinic. — $10,000 to $15,000 damage caused by an accidental small materials fire at the new Elementary School has already been repaired. Fire Department’s prompt response was praised. — The ability for citizens to sign up for Code Red was discussed.

  Focus Towards the Future

  The new updated sign at the Gardner Industrial Park now accurately reflects the businesses there. — Gardner is seeking to determine whether state grant funds for “safe routes to school” can now be used in a different area of the City as funds earmarked re Elm Street School were put on hold because those students will soon be going to the new location. — City’s upcoming inauguration ceremony for November election winners taking place Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 6pm in Perry Auditorium at City Hall. (Actual swearing in will occur January 3rd at 10am)

  Watch the update, CLICK HERE

• Premium Quality (12/11/2021)

  

  Are you aware of the increasing number of awesome products being made in Gardner MA and the surrounding area by some very talented people?

  Gardner MA Premium Quality

  Since 1785, Gardner MA has stood for premium quality. Premium quality products. Premium quality, caring people. And in the years ahead, premium quality potential. It is a 5 star City, on the way up, towards a new trajectory of unparalleled success. It is a welcoming Chair City and a generous “Share City.” As we celebrate the Holiday season, let us reflect on what is GOOD all around us. And let us make it even BETTER together. Want to print a HIGH RES image. CLICK HERE

• Christmas with the Animals (12/2/2021)

  

  Gardner MA Christmas with the Animals Video

  GardnerMagazine.com has licensed video of animals from all over the world and Christmas music to produce our 101.3 Studios presentation of “Gardner MA Christmas with the Animals’, a heartwarming tribute to nature’s most beautiful creatures. This 12 minute Full HD production is our Merry Christmas card to you. CLICK HERE to watch.

• Plain View Farm (11/29/2021)

  

  Plain View Farm wants to SOCK IT TO YOU in a good way!

  Located on 130 Gardner Road in Hubbardston, the farm raises Alpacas and sells its own wooly goods online including popular $24 Survival socks. Alpacas are sheered in May yearly and a Massachusetts based mill processes the fleece. Plain View Farm website. — Read our complete article.

• Aliens at Dog Park (11/11/2021)

  

  Aliens at the Gardner Massachusetts Dog Park

  Dogs show us so much love and as the Dog Park shows, much love for fellow dogs. This fictional sci-fi movie short produced by our own 101.3 Studios explores what happens when aliens visit planet Earth at the Dog Park and hero dog Finnegan saves the World with Kindness. Visit video page to play video.

• Expanded News (11/6/2021)

  

  Gardner Magazine news pages are generally updated twice per day and contain about 10 news stories per page. Let us know how we are doing. Contact Us.

  Announcing Expanded NEWS Coverage

  Added News pages include: About the U.S.: Breaking, FDA, Top Showbiz Stories, Top U.S. Stories, U.S. Economy News, U.S. News Alternate Sources: CNN, Fox, BBC. Countries of Interest: Australia, Canada, China, European Union, Mexico. Health: Health, Cancer, CDC, Climate, Covid. Neighboring States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York. Politicians and Politics: Bernie Sanders, Capitol Hill, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, U.S. Politics. Topics: Aliens, Money, Science, Travel, UFOs.

  All News pages are listed under the tab LOCAL-STATE-U.S.-WORLD NEWS

• Phrases Said in Gardner (9/12/2021)

  Just a little bit of humor to break up your day a little bit!

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Vinyl? (8/25/2021)

  

  

  

  

  What Happened to Vinyl

  So what  happened to vinyl, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and Hard Drives?   Well, vinyl is still around, albeit sought after by certain collectors.  CDS and DVDs are not even selling well at the flea market.   Hard Drives are increasingly being replaced by Solid State Drives which have no moving parts and are much faster.  

  And flash drives?  They are still around and still popular, along with a few varieties of digital memory cards for phones, digital cameras, and camcorders.

  Gotta love technology!   Oh, could somebody hand me that 8 track tape over there.   Thanks.

     

• Thanks for Nature (8/23/2021)

  

  Thanks for Nature

  Sometimes it’s a good idea to pause for a moment and give thanks for the truly beautiful world we live in. It’s a world populated by billions of humans, AND, of course by wonderful animals. For a complete look at just some of God’s best work in the world of animals, continue here..

  ..

• Gardner Magazine (8/5/2021)

  Magazine – Gardner Magazine – since 2000

  

  

  Gardner Magazine is a publication of WebTech Online and part of the WebTech Network, of community sites. Gardner Magazine covers the following communities: View our Coverage Area – View Internet Statistics – View our 20th Anniversary page.

  

• Who’s on First? (8/3/2021)

  

  Who’s on First Communication Follies

  Sometimes today’s news feels like the communication follies with many newsmakers seemingly not knowing “Who’s on First”. So, we found the classic routine of Abbott and Costello and have it available for you to enjoy at left.

  The routine reminds me of the rift in true idea exchange which is occurring today with Americans disconcerted over the repeated disparaging comments coming from all political circles. Just like this comedic routine of 83 years ago, people are not listening to one another, creating a frustrating atmosphere for them and the public they serve. Would it be so hard to really listen, learn, reflect, and then better problem solve?

  Listen to this classic sketch and you’ll understand what we mean.

  Maybe by listening to the genuine concerns of others we can better find common ground and then ultimately common solutions.

• The Biggest Chair (8/1/2021)

  

  Gardner’s First Big Chair

  Read the complete article

  History of the “Big Chair”

  The history of the big Gardner Chair dates back over a hundred years, before Gardner MA became a city. At one time Gardner was home to a dozen furniture companies making more than a million chairs a  year and employing almost one thousand workers. 

  The 20 foot iconic chair on Elm Street is testament to the “Chair City of the World.”  In 1977, the chair was designated as the largest in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records and the record was listed in the 1978 edition of the book. 

  It is said the very first “Big Chair” was created by George C. Goodale of the Philander Derby Company in 1905 and was intended to be the company’s float in that year’s Labor Day parade.   Read the complete article.

• Kindness (7/28/2021)

  

  Treat People with Kindness

  Treat people with kindness. See our full article complete with printable graphics and video, right here.

• Traffic Signs (7/16/2021)

  

  Traffic Signs

  With all this talk about what to teach kids in school, we’d like to complain about something which isn’t taught enough, but your kids will surely need later in life. – Traffic Sign Theory. Now, to be perfectly honest, we haven’t exactly surveyed all the schools to determine if each is adequately teaching Traffic Sign Theory, but when was the last time you talked with family about Stop Signs, Railroad Crossings, Yield Signs, and Traffic Lights. I mean, it’s not exactly a subject which comes up at the drop of a hat. But, don’t you think that if you expect your kids to get drivers’ licenses at age 16 or so, you’d at least want them to have a rudimentary familiarity with the old-fashioned Stop Sign. Or should it come as a shocking surprise that someday they’ll have to “hit the brakes?” I think every school should take a moment, pause, and give traffic signs their due. I mean, how controversial could that be?

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