Gardner Magazine has served Gardner Massachusetts and 18 surrounding communities since 2000
GARDNER WEATHERNews and Interesting Information from Around Greater Gardner and Beyond
Around Greater Gardner MA
- Update 4-26-24
With May fast approaching Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City of Gardner
Mayor Nicholson spoke of amenities, construction, reminders, and events. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Gardner’s Outdoor Amenities: Mayor Nicholson spoke of the Bike Trail, Dunn Park, different parks and playgrounds, and walking trails. He announced that the disc golf at Bailey Brook Park has a couple pins in. The Mayor let everyone know that an insurance claim was filed after a tree fell on $75,000 worth of new playground equipment at Ovila Case. “It is something that’s on our radar to try to fix as quickly as those claims go through…”
Construction Begins: Beginning Monday April 29th construction resumes at Uptown Rotary. “Right now, it looks like traffic will be diverted down Cherry Street from Pearl Street into Central Street.“
Reminders: Downtown Banner and flower pot sponsorships still available. —- National Small Business Week is April 28th through May 4th, “Please be sure to support your local businesses.” — Registrations are now open for the Summer Recreation Program. —- Gardner Municipal Golf Course is now open. “Daily rates for weekdays for nine holes is $20, and 18 holes $37. Weekend rates for nine holes are $24, and 18 holes $42. Rates are for walking, and carts require an additional charge on top of that. Memberships are also open at this time for applications.”
Events: May 2nd at noon is the National Day of Prayer event over at Higher Ground Ministries —Keep Gardner Beautiful Saturday May 4th. —- Introduction to Beekeeping at Levi Heywood Memorial Library on May 4th —-AED Foundation Recovery Comedy Night May 16th at 7pm at Perry Auditorium, Gardner City Hall —- Greater Gardner Community Choir Spring Concert Sunday May 19th at 3pm at Bethany Baptist Church —- Greater Gardner Relay for Life June 7th and June 8th. —- Light the Town Purple Event is May 6th at 6:30pm
- Health 4-22-24
Board of Health Receives Updates and Discusses Local Health Issues
Health Director Micah Blondeau updated the Gardner Board of Health on April 22, 2024. Board of Health consists of Susan Avalone, RN, Chair and members Michele C. Parker, MD and Attorney Geoffrey Tobia. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The Gardner Health and Wellness Fair had hundreds of attendees with about 70 participating vendors. The Purple Paw Walk is taking place on Saturday April 27th.
Health Director Micah Blondeau stated that areas needing repair at the transfer station will cost more than expected. “Looks like it’s going to be a lot more than what I requested in the budget….And there’s actually one area that wasn’t included in the report to repair, but it is going to be a problem down the line.” The Keep Gardner Beautiful Trash Cleanup and Nip Hunt is May 4th “So they have a little area up there now with a container of their supplies, and we’re going to have an extra container delivered for any trash items that they find. We’re going to have a way to take care of that without causing any problems with the normal transfer operation.” Blondeau also stated that “We will be applying for some small grants to add some structures to the transfer station. They’re mainly for increasing recycling capacity.”
Housing and Nuisance complaints are coming in a a pretty increasing rate, “We’ve had 20 of those complaints since the last Board of Health meeting.” Blondeau had some specifics: “We do have some cases that are pretty difficult to resolve and aren’t really going away. Nobody specific is working on any particular repeat problems. We are working on that along with any kind of property that has a lot of junk and trash. So we’re going to start hitting those harder and trying to get more traction on those.“
The Health Department has a new food inspector and inspections will increase.” He’s still in the training process, but we’ve gone out and taken him on several food inspections. He’s been doing a lot of online training. Pretty soon we’re going to transition him to where he takes the lead on the inspection that we observe, and if that goes well, we’ll cut him loose and put him on his own routine. So we are actually currently inspecting food establishments on a minimal scale, which is twice a year, and we’re going to be moving towards more of a risk-based category. So every place will be inspected two, three, or four times a year, depending on past performance, population surge, complexity of menu, all that kind of stuff. So there will be some places that will be getting four or more inspections a year, depending on how they do, and we’ll adjust that as we move along.”
Regarding regulations on paint: “So the goal is that they can get more municipalities to support it. And we hope we can get more attention in the legislature, just because there’s so many bills they’re looking at. o they’re just looking to get more support for basically a program that’s going to charge a fee, $25 a piece, less than $1 a gallon, and then that money would be used to set up a system to recycle the paint or at least collect the paint and recycle what can be recycled and dispose of the rest kind of on a universal level, kind of like the topics we were talking about. They were at the Household Hazardous Waste Day last fall, I think.” It was explained further, ” So I know that there’s a communication here from here about recycling the paint right now with what it’s costing the municipality. So my understanding from reading it is that passed in this legislation, the municipality will have to have different types of recycling processes for the paint, and that’s going to be costly. And so by having that deposit or stewardship amount attached to it, increasing it when it’s at sale would supplement some of those costs.” By collecting paint and recycling it, other states have saved taxpayers money, “So you have a lot less trucking and everything, and you have a lot less, hopefully, disposal in landfills and places where it should be going. So they’re doing it in Maine, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and it’s saving taxpayers nearly $300 million to date. So it saves the town a lot of money because they’re paying them to buy the paint and not paying it for the disposal.”
- Monument Park 24
Monument Park Summer Concert Series Back for 2024
The Gardner Bandstand Committee met at 3pm on April 25, 2024 to finalize the 2024 Gardner Summer Concert Series at Monument Park. Gardner Magazine has received a preliminary list which was released prior to the meeting. However, with the first concert slated to be on June 22nd, we will wait to publish the list until it is finalized and confirmed.
We can tell you that Viva Las Elvis is being removed from the calendar as the artist has asked for more money than what is feasible. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY
The 2023 Concert Series was successful due to the positive reception to the quality of the performances and to the cooperation of Mother Nature who provided good weather on some occasions. We will also be publishing the schedule of the Lithuanian Outing Association and the PACC.
Meeting of April 25, 2024 Details
Gardner Magazine got an inside look at the hard work put in by the Bandstand Committee. For those attending the fabulous Summer Concerts, its a FREE concert. For the Bandstand Committee, the reality is a juggling of funds and the search for sponsors and donations to make each year’s series of concerts happen. Sponsors are always welcome. Donations are always welcome. The deadline to get sponsor info to the printer is sometime in May so there’s still time to come on board. Contact Marry Rojas, the DPW Administrator Coordinator at (978) 630-8195 or email: marryrojas@gardner-ma.gov. And note there are 2r’s in her first name just like we have it here.
The meeting opened with a discussion of the artist, Mr. Fontaine who was asking for more money. First year was 800, last year was 1200, and the request was for 3500 for this year. The committee decided to go with Holdin’ Back the 60’s which has offered to do the same date for $599. Members of the committee discussed the status of various sponsors. It is very clear that sponsor support and donations are crucial. As one of the committee members stated, “I think what people don’t realize is, you know, the city doesn’t…Well, no. The city doesn’t supply any money. The city doesn’t give us anything. We have to do this on sponsors.” Donations and sponsorships are critical as bands keep raising prices.
- Winchendon Project
Winchendon Receives Low Interest Loan for Water Main Project
Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney told us the State of Massachusetts has approved a low interest loan so that the Town of Winchendon can proceed with the $9.5 million water main project. Interest rate is low at about 2 percent and 17-19 percent of the loan is subject to forgiveness. (It is not a complete grant as a report published in another local publication suggests.) Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Wyndonshire Renaissance Fair is this weekend Saturday April 27th and Sunday April 28th. Bill McKinney says a big crowd is expected. More information from the town of Winchendon website on the Wyndonshire Renaissance Fair
In other Winchendon News: In our last interview with Bill McKinney, he told us that the Carriage House Restaurant property had been sold and another restaurant was coming in. That restaurant will be El Toro, currently located in Fitchburg. Rather than adding Winchendon, they are actually moving their restaurant to Winchendon.
- Empire Purchase
Empire Management Starts Next 30 Years with Purchase of Iconic Gardner Building
Gardner Magazine spoke with both Operations Manager Gabrielle Surette and Empire President Jenna Hartman regarding the purchase of the Bank of America Building at 29 Parker Street, Gardner. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Empire Management was founded in 1994 and has been in the building at 14-24 Parker Street for over a decade, purchasing the building last year. This new acquisition is right across the street. Surette spoke of plans for the building. “So the first floor, we are looking to have a family upscale restaurant.” Surette confirmed a lease has been signed with a tenant. Jenna Hartman said the restaurant itself would make an announcement in Spring or Summer this year. With respect to the other floors, Surette stated, “We are looking for medical arts offices is what we’re planning.”
Planned updates may include windows purchased locally stated Surette, “We’re at Maki’s almost every other day picking up supplies for any of the things that we need to do, so we’ll definitely reach out to them and see what they have in stock.” And Jenna Hartman said they may even restore the clock on the front and they did just put the flag back up which people have noticed.
What would Jenna Hartman like to see in the restaurant and invite everybody down to eat? “You know, I got to say steak. That would be my favorite thing.” Does that mean Gardner is getting a steakhouse? Ah, the mystery… Empire Website, CLICK HERE.
- Nearby Towns
Gardner Magazine has articles about interviews with Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen, Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau, Templeton Town Administrator Adam Lamontagne, and Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney. Complete AUDIO included. Jump to Nearby Communities section below.
- Maki Rentals
To find out more about this 75 year old Gardner company, please visit the MAKI website, CLICK HERE.
Locations: 513 Betty Spring Rd • Gardner,160 Mass. Ave (Rt. 2A) • Lunenburg, and 36 Worcester Rd (Rt. 12) • Sterling —- (978) 632-5354
They Make A lot – Now They’ll Rent A lot – New Rental Business is Born at MAKI.
Host of the Hit Hotline Radio Show on WGAW, Steve Wendell and Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel spoke with Jim Leblanc, COO of Gardner MA Maki Corp. and the Rental Team of MAKI veteran Jeff Cossette and the addition of Greg Tardiff who worked for Taylor Rental for 37 years. It was a fascinating conversation with some great people with a few surprises. The wind you hear is because we were outside near this new $65,000 piece of equipment they’ll be renting. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
MAKI is taking over the various equipment rentals where Taylor Rental left off. Should you have any questions about what they rent, just call the store at (978) 632-5354. MAKI has experience in rentals having operated a location in Lunenburg for many years. They chose not to compete with Taylor while they were in business. We also spoke about many of the things MAKI makes in Gardner including windows, doors, trusses, steel fabrication etc. – Many of the windows recently put in at Downtown Gardner buildings came from MAKI. Jim says they make it local and cut out the middleman, “go above and beyond because we’re a smaller company.” Speaking of which while we were there we snuck a picture of the MAKI built picnic tables. Direct price only $179.99. Looks like they might have one in stock for you.
- Gardner Rainbow
The beauty of a rainbow in Gardner, MA on April 18, 2024.
Mother Nature’s Rainbow captured in Gardner MA
There was no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but there was beauty in the sky on April 18, 2024 in Gardner MA as a beautiful rainbow was observed by many from different vantage points. Marion Knoll captured an image in South Gardner. Jezrielle Grace captured a photo near Aldi. And a photo captured by a member of the Lehoux Family showed the rainbow over houses. It was a gift from Mother Nature – a beautiful rainbow. And it happened on one day in Gardner MA.
- Homeless – Nicholson
Taking the lead is something Mayor Nicholson does by meeting with the private sector and encouraging housing development, by meeting with officials and agencies to help with affordable housing, by being at the forefront of the homeless crisis, and by being proactive with respect to needed parking.
How Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Has Taken the Lead on Housing & Homeless Issues
Himself a Staunch Housing for the Homeless Advocate, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson recently highlighted a meeting of the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance. The 29th Annual meeting held earlier in April brought many together and the Mayor posted, “Congratulations to the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance on a great annual meeting earlier this month. Great to hear about the work they’re doing to combat issues of homelessness across Worcester County.”
Nicholson has created a “People are Policy” initiative since he took over as Mayor and often gets in the trenches himself. He has help hand out food at the CAC Food Pantry, supported grant funding for the Gardner Emergency Housing Mission, and he previously expressed a desire to take the lead against homelessness, even being open to the idea of a Tiny House Village for the homeless in Gardner to be a model for helping others in the State and the country. We spoke with the Mayor last month and he detailed his thoughts about housing and needed parking in Gardner. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The Mayor said he would be in favor of Gardner being the first city to come up with a tiny housing village or something similar for the homeless, but he didn’t stop there focusing also on the general housing crisis in the state, “I think anything we can do to help one, the homeless situation that we have right now,but also just the general housing crisis that we have, not only in Gardner, not only in Worcester County, but in Massachusetts. The housing production report from the state let us know that we’re short about 250,000 housing units in Massachusetts right now to meet the population we currently have. If we can set that example and move forward with that, I think it’s all for the better. Whether it’s tiny houses, which I think would be great to start that example.”
Mayor Nicholson indicated he would be in favor of looking at whether multi-family units should be allowed by right in Gardner instead of needing a special permit – as a way to add more needed housing.” The only thing we can do here on the city’s end is try to find ways to increase our housing stock so that demand goes up, prices tend to go down. Find ways for all people to live here. Seniors need to find a place to go, and if that means they need to downsize instead of mothballing floors in their houses, as I’ve said in several of our interviews before, that’s something that we need to find ways to make more senior housing available, more housing available for people who are my age and younger who are just getting out of college, looking to start something new, get on their own two feet, and a single-family home may not be the right fit for that type of a person. It may be an apartment. It may be sharing a multifamily unit with someone else, just things like that. One of the things that the state and I have also been talking about is do we need to look at ways to make accessory dwelling units easier, so in-law apartments, so that if seniors are looking to downsize, maybe they put an addition onto their home and have an in-law apartment there while their younger generation of their family moves into the regular house, and you keep things in the family and you keep the family close together. Housing is something that we’ve been working on consistently since I got sworn in on July 14, 2020, and it’s something we will consistently work on.”
We spoke with Mayor Nicholson about a grant application for a four story parking garage in Gardner. Initially, the grant would fund a study to see what would be appropriate but the Mayor does have his eye on one particular location stating, “Right now, the current location that’s theorized is the West Street parking lot.” He explained what a feasibility study would help determine, “This is the first feasibility study to see, can that parking garage go there? If so, what does it need to look like? What features does it have to have? Does it have to have an elevator? Does it have to have so many spots reserved for bicycles? And if it does, how many spots? Does it have to have motorcycle parking? Does it have to have electric vehicle parking? All of this stuff goes into studies like this when you work with the federal government. And it may seem over the top, but that’s just the requirements there to make sure you have the fullest picture that’s there. And then if we get that study done this year, we can apply next year for construction of that parking garage.”
- Update 4-19-24
Events: Book Sale at library is Friday and Saturday —- Keep Gardner Beautiful Cleanup event is May 4th — AED Comedy Night is May 18th at Perry Auditorium —-Kindergarten registration has started for Fall 2024
Mayor Speaks of Gardner PD Fraud Alert in Weekly Update
Due to an increase in reported scam activity, the Gardner Police Department has issued a fraud alert. Mayor Nicholson speaks about it along with his usual update. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The Mayor spoke of available Flower Pot and Banner sponsorships. Flower pots are actually being handled by City Councilor Judy Mack and a crew this year. The Mayor stated, “We are using a different vendor this year, so I know some people had concerns with the size of the flowers that were in the pots last year“. —- The Monument Park Concert Series has been announced (Gardner Magazine will publish the list once we have confirmed accuracy) first concert is on June 22nd —- Uptown Rotary construction starting soon with paving to be completed sometime in November and streets ancillary will be paved next year. —- Mayor Nicholson gave a special thank you to City Dispatches and Animal Control officers. —- The Mayor spoke of the recent survey regarding transportation to the Wachusett train station. There were 257 responses and the Mayor detailed some facts and figures.
from the Gardner PD: ***FRAUD ALERT***
“The Gardner Police Department wants to inform everyone that we have seen an increase in reported scam activity. As technology grows, so must our knowledge of how scammers operate. Here are four signs of a scam and ways to avoid it. For more information and resources see the FBI and Federal Trade Commission listed below:” From the FBI CLICK HERE. From the Federal Trade Commission, CLICK HERE.
- Zoning 4-16-24
The Farmer’s Market is planned at the site of the former Waterford Street School which is slated to become Gardner’s Community Center. Gardner Farmer’s Market website, CLICK HERE.
The Doucets get their chickens, the Fosters have some work to do, and the Farmer’s Market needs some planning in Gardner MA.
This was the result of a lengthy Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on April 16, 2024 held in Perry Auditorium because the City Council meeting was delayed by a day due to the Patriot’s Day holiday. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Oscar & Joshua Doucet – 185 South Main Street – Chickens – Approval given to have 4 hens, but no roosters. Donald S. Foster – 0 Talcott Avenue – Single Family Dwelling – more work needed before approval. — Flicker Hill Homestead, LLC – 62 Waterford Street – Outside Farmer’s Market will appear in May again with the complete plan requested by the Board. They must do this and get approval so the first Farmer’s Market can be held as proposed on June 15, 2024 with up to 30 total vendors. A number of people showed up in support. Here are their comments, CLICK PLAY.
The Farmers Market is to be run by Flicker Hill Homestead, LLC whose Manager is Erica Faughnan Bosse of 435 Partridge Street, Gardner where the Bosse’s have a flower and veggie farm. Their annual report for 2023 was timely filed the day after this meeting on April 17, 2024. Report, CLICK HERE.
- Trout Released
State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik Snapped a Fishy Picture in Gardner MA
Gardner Magazine grabbed a screenshot from Zlotnik’s short video to show the trout flowing into Kendall Pond. Zlotnik stated, “After a few year hiatus, it only took about 15 seconds for 300 trout to move into Kendall Pond. Thanks to Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife for working with us to make this happen. Special thanks to Lizzy Kazinskas for her work to get the public dock for the City that allows for greater access and also gave me the perfect angle for this video!”
The State of Massachusetts has a website with details on where and when it stocks trout. Many areas of note on the list include Middle and West Branch of the Swift River in New Salem, Otter River in Gardner and Templeton, East Branch Ware River in Hubbardston, Princeton and Rutland, Stillwater River in Princeton, Dunn Pond in Gardner, Ware and Prince River in Barre, Parkers Brook in Oakham, at least 5 locations in Ashby, Asnacomet Pond in Hubbardston, Long Pond in Rutland, and the list goes on. MassWildlife will stock about 455,000 trout this spring.
- Health Fair 4-17-24
2nd Annual Health and Wellness Fair held at Perry Auditorium, Gardner City Hall.
Health and Wellness Fair in Gardner Draws Hundreds
In a radio interview with Steve Wendell of WGAW, Veronica Patty confirmed that the turnout to the 2nd Annual Health and Wellness Fair held April 17th was double that in 2023. Hundreds were able to interact with more than 70 vendors. There was no charge for each of the vendor spaces, but each was asked to provide something for the FREE raffles which were held every half hour during the event.
We spoke with Veronica Patty before the event. COMPLETE ARTICLE, CLICK HERE. There were resources for adults and young people on the subjects of mental health, substance use, healthy relationships, wellness, nutrition, services, and programs. Veronica Patty is already thinking about next year.
- Inside Books
Inside Look at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library Book Sale
Gardner Magazine was granted access to take photos the day before the Big Sale. What an incredible array of books there are! Prices are very low! LOCATION: Levi Heywood Memorial Library, 55 W. Lynde Street, Gardner (978) 632-5298 PARKING IS FREE.
Preview Sale Thursday 4-18 4-7pm
Friday 4-19 9am to 4:30pm
Saturday 4-20 9am to 4pm
Click on any image for a larger view.
- City Council 4-16-24
Gardner City Council Chamber Unnamed for Now as Judy Mack Requests More Time
The City Council meeting got a little clunky as Councilor Judy Mack requested more time on her resolution to name the Chamber, “Ronald F. Cormier Council Chamber”. Councilor Karen Hardern moved to have a Straw vote to gauge level of support on the item. After proceedings were paused for two separate short recesses, it was determined by Council President Kazinskas that a straw vote was not in order. Council simply moved on to the next item. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The rest of the meeting is noted for its overall smoothness such as when City Clerk Titi Siriphan was reelected unanimously by all 11 Councilors, some choosing to comment positively on her work.
In other actions, Gardner Police Department will get its police cars and may have an easier time filling positions as the City Council voted to opt out of civil service. This negates a vote taken 112 years ago when Gardner, then a town, joined Civil Service by a City Council vote.
- WGAW Listen
WGAW Announces Its Listener of the Month for April 2024
James Kraskouskas has been awarded the honor of WGAW Listener of the month. WGAW reports that Kraskouskas has been a listener of the station for many years. WGAW has allowed us to make this AUDIO announcement available here: Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
A Consequence of Unprecedented Listener Growth
Kraskouskas is just one of many thousands of area residents who have been listening to WGAW more in recent months as the station is now heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and streaming to anywhere in the world, CLICK HERE. We will inform you if and when other WGAW listeners are honored.
WGAW Features 8 of the Top Talk Show Hosts in America
Talkers.com has released its list of the Top 100 Talk Show Hosts in America. WGAW Hosts to appear on the list include: Mark Levin at #6, Mike Gallagher at #10, Kim Komando at #19, Dennis Prager at #49, Chris Plante #50, Sebastian Gorka #52, Bill Cunningham #53, and Gordon Deal #76 Full List, CLICK HERE.
- Book Therapist
Find out more about the April Vacation programs at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, CLICK HERE.
Editorial: In search of a “Book Sale Therapist”
Hey everybody, I heard the Levi Heywood Memorial Library Book Sale (Friday April 19th and Saturday April 20th) is going to be a big deal. Preview sale in on Thursday the 18th. Problem is: I can’t stop thinking about it. All those almost new bargain books and so much more. I’ll share a vision with you from my dream. The books keep saying, buy me, buy me, I’m only 50 cents or a dollar! Should I get immediate “Book Sale” counseling or should I just go and pick up some bargains? I’m hoping I haven’t gone “Book Bonkers” For more about the Book Sale and all of the April Vacation Programs, visit their website, CLICK HERE. APRIL FLYER, CLICK HERE.
- Council 4-16-24
Capital Improvement Report will be received: Separate Article
City Council Meets on Tuesday April 16, 2024 in Gardner MA
The Gardner City Council meets a day later due to the Patriot’s Day Holiday. Complete Agenda and packet, click here.
Agenda items include: Councilor Mack resolution to rename Chamber “Ronald F. Cormier Council Chamber”, City Clerk election, various money items, rescission of Civil Service vote of 1912, various appointments, decision on adding agricultural commission, resolution re zoning map accuracy, resolution to adopt local options sales tax on meals and occupancy excise rate increase.
- Capital FY25
Gardner MA Capital Improvement Committee Report Is a BIG LIST.
The Gardner City Council meeting on Tuesday April 16, 2024 includes an agenda item to receive the Capital Improvement Plan. The Capital Improvement Committee includes George Tyros, Robert Oliva, Trevor Beauregard, Jennifer Dymek, Dane Arnold, Joshua Cormier, John Richard, and Mark Hawke. The Committee had met in March to discuss and comment on the list.
Items generally stay on the list until completed. Some items end up being treated as repairs and come out of the budget. Some items may not end up being funded. However, there is a requirement in the law that items be on the list in order to receive certain funding. Some are of lower priority and are on the list with the hope of receiving grant funding.
- Culture Festival
A Spotlight on Gardner High School in April 2024
Culture Festival at Gardner High School Celebrates Cultures and Resources
On Wednesday, April 10th from 5-7pm, students at the building shaped like a pentagon, Gardner High School at 200 Catherine Street in Gardner, hosted a Community and Culture Festival in the High School gym. Gardner Public Schools commented, “This event is always a fun way for the students and community to come together!…” Gardner High School commented, “Successful Community and Cultural Festival at GHS. We love celebrating our different cultural backgrounds and bringing community organizations together. Thank you to Ms. Ottino for all your hard work organizing this event.”
38 GHS Seniors Admitted to MWCC
Gardner High School Students recently met with Admissions staff at Mount Wachusett Community College. According to Gardner High School, “We had 38 seniors meet with admissions staff from the college and they were all accepted into different programs and majors of their choosing. We are very proud of these students as they begin making their post-secondary plans.” 1/3 of the Senior Graduating Class in 2023 also had a College Associates Degree.
Learning Real Life Skills
In addition to academics and culture, GHS students are exposed to real life skills. For example, the Reality Fair for juniors and seniors on April 3rd “gave them the opportunity to learn about real life experiences around budgeting, rental costs, insurance costs…”
Active in the Community
GHS students are active in the community and GHS recently posted, “Congratulations to Lia Montes de Oca and Norah Brun for being awarded $300 through Youth Venture to begin their Stray Cat Project. They did an amazing job presenting their project and were very excited to be rewarded with money to get started. Excellent job by them both!”
In just a few days, Gardner High School students show a maturity in appreciating the various cultures around them, show a love for learning in applying for college, apply real life skills in their daily experiences, and give back to their community. Is it fair to say we should all be very proud?
- Patriot’s Day
Patriot’s Day is Monday, April 15, 2024
Gardner City Hall and various area Town Halls are closed in celebration. The 128th Boston Marathon takes place as 100 years of the Start Line in Hopkinton is celebrated. Boston Marathon website, CLICK HERE
- Update 4-12-24
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City with Congratulations and Event Reminders
Listen to the Update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Congratulations and thanks: Levi Heywood Memorial Library Eclipse viewing party had over 400 people show up. Holy Family Academy had annual Wisdom, Strength, and Grace Gala and formed new charitable fund named after the late Ronald Cormier. Local Elks Lodge had kids Safety Day and honored the Mayor as their Citizen of the Year.
Event Reminders: City Hall closed Monday April 15th for Patriots Day. — Health and Wellness Fair April 17th from 5 to 7pm. It is FREE with now over 70 vendors and resource tables. COMPLETE ARTICLE CLICK HERE. —- Book Sale at Levi Heywood Memorial Library April 19th and 20th with preview sale on April 18th. —- Keep Gardner Beautiful Nip Hunt and Litter Clean Up Saturday May 4th —- AED Foundation Comedy Night at Gardner City Hall May 18th. —-
- Scales of Justice
Commentary – Scales of Justice by Werner Poegel
This commentary is also posted on our national AUDIO site, PoeDM.net. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Poegel speaks about Asset Forfeiture, Pretrial detention, Speeding tickets in Foreign Countries, Justice Delayed, Court of Public Opinion, Unfair targeting of law enforcement, weaponization of justice, and the balance of public safety and individual rights.
- Planning 4-9-24
Planning Board Meets Regarding 52 Unit Multi-Family Development – Applicant to Revise Plan
PrivateOversight LLC has proposed a 52 Unit Multi-Family Development on West Broadway in Gardner at the Gardner- Templeton line. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Considerable discussion revolved around whether or not it is a good idea for parking spaces to be located in the front or the rear of each building. City Planner Trevor Beauregard advised the Board that in his opinion having parking spaces in front presented a safety issue. Board members voiced similar opinions. Attorney Christine Tree for applicant PrivateOversight LLC argued that the parking spaces should be in front. An abutter voiced an opinion that the plan for the development is congested and not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Other abutters voiced safety concerns with potential traffic. Applicant requested continuance in view of Board members opinions re parking. Planning Board voted to continue the Public Meeting until June while applicant submits plan revision, presumably with parking in the rear..
- Finance Committee 4-10-24
Gardner MA Finance Committee Has Busy Meeting
Building Commissioner Tom Zuppa, Deputy Chief Nick Maroni, and Police Chief Eric McAvene came before the Finance Committee on April 10, 2024.
Discussed were: The Capital Improvement Plan, the Federal Audit Report, new vehicles for the Police Department, the City’s share regarding the transmission main project, money regarding chemical costs to treat sewage, the option for Gardner to vote itself out of Civil Service, using roofs of city buildings for solar, and various other items detailed in the 163 page comprehensive Complete Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE.
To listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Towards the end of the meeting, Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas spoke favorably on supporting City Clerk Titi Siriphan for another term. Fellow Finance Committee members Judy Mack and Alek Dernalowicz also expressed support.
- School Committee 4-8-24
Gardner Magazine downloaded the Budget Hearing notice and Meeting Agenda last night about 10:30pm. At that hour, the complete packet had not been posted. We thank Gardner Mayor Nicholson for getting the packet posted today. We post the complete agendas and packets as a public service to keep you better informed.
Publisher’s Editorial Opinion: As the public did not have access to complete budget materials in advance of the hearing and the vote is in limbo until confirmed anyway, we have suggested that another Budget Hearing be scheduled so that public input could be heard. Yes, a do over. Note, however, that the budget gap is at $0 with this budget and no override has been contemplated.
Gardner MA School Committee passes Budget, but vote in doubt
Gardner Magazine was waiting to publish an article with regard to this meeting until we had a complete packet with budget information to share with the public. Here is the complete Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The School Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, but only with a voice vote. We asked Mayor Nicholson if the vote was valid because a roll call vote was not taken and he responded “I will be checking the video of the meeting today. I believe the vote required a roll call, however, the open meeting law has a remedy for this when things like this happens. At the next meeting, the Committee will have to vote to confirm the vote taken at the 4/8 meeting. This has happened before on a few occasions with the City Council as well. It does not invalidate the vote, but puts the vote in limbo until the confirmation is completed. I’ll reach out to the school department about the packet materials as well.” Note: The Mayor had to view the video as he was absent from the meeting.
School Committee member Anne Hurst went on a self described rant about the public not showing up at the meeting, “I wanted to thank Dr. Pellegrino and Mark Hawke for their presentation tonight on the budget. It’s kind of a sad state of affairs throughout the Commonwealth. I do find it a little disappointing when no one shows up to listen to it but everybody seems to have an opinion on social media about how things should be run. You know, it’s so important to be involved and to understand how big of a budget this is, how it works. People should be here at this meeting advocating or at City Council, you know, I don’t know, that’s my rant. Listen yourself on any device, CLICK PLAY
Mark Hawke commented on the migrant influx stating, “Because of the migrant influx, there’s a $104 a day per student, I guess we call it a grant. It’s funding from the state. So we’re budgeting $160,000. We anticipated to be higher than that, but that’s a safe number to budget.” Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
- Health 2024
Health and Wellness Fair – April 17, 2024 from 5-7pm at Perry Auditorium, Gardner City Hall
We spoke with Veronika Patty about the event in a short interview. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Over 70 vendor and resource tables are anticipated and admission is FREE! There will be FREE raffle drawings at 5:30, 6:00, and 6:30pm, FREE refreshments, and various family activities. Prestige Hair Salon is providing free hair cuts for kids on a first-come, first served basis.
Veronica Patty stated, “We have a lot of resources around mental health, recovery centers, any other substance use issues, resources for adults and young people. We have organizations that are going to have information about healthy relationships and domestic violence, wellness coaching, nutrition, a lot of youth services and programs that are offered to the community. We have things like art therapy and self-defense.
- School 4-8-24
Note to Readers: Gardner Magazine is awaiting further information regarding the Gardner School Committee Meeting of April 8, 2024 prior to publishing an article and AUDIO of the meeting. We apologize for the delay. However, in this case, we believe accuracy to be more important than expediency.
- Sheriff Promotes
Shawn Mullaney (left) and Tammy Bennett (right) are shown with Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. With promotions to Lieutenant, both will assume administrative responsibilities at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction.
The Worcester County Jail and House of Correction is responsible for pre-trial detainees and inmates sentenced to 2.5 years or less. The facility can house over 1,000 inmates and is in West Boylston, MA. The sheriff’s office also operates community centers in Fitchburg, Worcester, and Webster.
Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis Promotes Two from area to Lieutenant
For the first time in 3 years, the Sheriff has promoted officers to the rank of Lieutenant. Among those honored: Ashburnham’s Shawn Mullaney and Baldwinville’s Tammy Bennett.
Shawn Mullaney, a 20-year WCSO veteran, began his career in 2004 and was promoted to sergeant in 2022. Before his promotion to lieutenant, Mullaney worked under the Maintenance Department and assisted with the WCSO Organic Farm Program. Mullaney will build upon this role and assist with the maintenance of department vehicles.
Tammy Bennett, an 11-year WCSO veteran, began her career in 2012 and was promoted to sergeant in 2022. Before her promotion to lieutenant, Bennett worked as both a line staff and in the Transportation Department. She also served on the WCSO Shake Down team. Bennett will now assist with advanced operations in the Main Jail area of the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction.
“At the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, promotions are granted to those who have earned them through exceptional merit, unwavering work ethic, and steadfast dedication to duty,” commented Sheriff Evangelidis. “This group has proven themselves as leaders during their tenure with the sheriff’s office. I look forward to seeing the lieutenants settle into their roles, mentor newer staff, and execute the mission of the sheriff’s office for the residents of Worcester County.”
- R.I.P. Tree
Gardner’s Christmas Tree is Gone as City Mourns
On April 8, 2024, the iconic tree which served Gardner for decades was taken away as damaged caused by a recent storm caused fatal injury to the tree. In its lifetime, Gardner’s Christmas Tree at Lafayette Square provided a wonderful view for those who passed by. It’s smiling branches never disappointed. The tree tirelessly and with devotion to its community removed harmful gases like carbon dioxide making the air Gardner’s residents breathed healthier. It is estimated that this large tree provided a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people.
While this tree is gone, knowledge that a replacement may be in the offing at some point provides some comfort at a time of mourning for the loss of Tree and all of its contributions.
A reminder about the wonder of all of God’s creations for which we give thanks.
Read “The Power of One Tree” by the U.S. Forest Service on pdf, CLICK HERE.
- April Events
For a complete listing of 2024 Events, visit our 2024 Greater Gardner MA Events page, CLICK HERE.
As the weather gets better, the number of Greater Gardner MA events grows every day. Make sure your event gets maximum exposure to our 20,000+ unique circulation. Send us details. News@GardnerMagazine.com
Have an event coming up? Email details to News@GardnerMagazine.com and we’ll post details about your event including date, time, description, and location with a link to a flyer and/or a website if you have one.
Some April 2024 Events in Greater Gardner MA
April 10, 2024 Events – 7pm Comedy Fundraiser to benefit Central Mass Flag Football at Gardner PACC, 171 Kendall Pond Road, Gardner MA 01440 FLYER CLICK HERE. and from 5-7pm Community and Culture Festival, Gardner High School, 200 Catherine Street, Gardner – in the High School Gym. FLYER CLICK HERE. —- Saturday, April 13, 2024 – 59th Annual Athol River Rat Race. Flyer Website —- Wednesday April 17, 2024 – Health and Wellness Fair – 5pm to 7:00pm – Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall, 9 Pleasant Street Gardner —- Over 50 vendor and resource tables. Free raffles drawn every 30 minutes. Fun activities for the whole family. Free refreshments. FREE transportation in Gardner via MART buses. —– April 19 and 20, 2024 – Book Sale at Levi Heywood Memorial Library Hours: Friday 9am to 4:30pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. Special Preview sale is Thursday, April 18th from 4 to 7pm FLYER, CLICK HERE. —- April 19, 2024 – Friday Night Band at Polish American Citizens Club in Gardner – A Night of Zeppelin – FLYER CLICK HERE. —- April 20, 2024 Events – Townsend’s Earth Day 10am to 3pm at North Middlesex Regional School Parking lots FLYER, CLICK HERE. AND, Winchendon Earth Day Cleanup – 10am – Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Road, Winchendon. Trail clean up and park clean up. Help us clean our Park. (from Winchendon Parks and Recreation) AND, at 8pm Fresh Ground Coffeehouse inside Unitarian Universalist Church, 66 Elm Street, Gardner. Featuring Creques Alley. Doors open at 7pm. Admission is $10 per person —- April 27, 2024 – Purple Paw Walk Fundraising Event – 9:30am, 2 Charbonneau Street, Gardner (Pulaski Park, Dog Park) FLYER, CLICK HERE. Article, CLICK HERE.
- Solar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse Begins just after 2pm and ends just after 4:30pm in Greater Gardner MA
Never look directly at the Sun because you can seriously hurt your eyes, and even go blind from damage to the retina. Eclipse glasses or a special solar filter are the only safe options for proper eye protection. Sunglasses DO NOT offer protection. Damage can occur if your eyes are exposed to direct sunlight for just a few seconds.
- Marion on Aldi
Gardner MA Museum Coordinator Has Experience with Aldi
Marion Knoll wrote a very good and illuminating piece on Social Media regarding her experience with Aldi. It is presented here with her permission.
Marion Knoll writes: With all the hype about the new store in town, let me tell you what I like about it. I have been shopping at ALDI already when still living in Germany.
Saving money is a driving factor. They keep prices low by MINIMIZING AIR IN PACKAGING (in bags of chips or cereal) = smaller boxes and bags for the same amount of product, also leading to less transport; you RETURN YOUR OWN CART (and get the quarter back you initially had to insert to unlock it from the chain) = saves labor costs since employees don’t have to do it; they LIMIT THEIR STOCK and so get bulk discounts (example: a huge quantity of one or two kinds of ketchup instead of small quantities of 20 different types); they LIMIT THE SELECTION OF PRODUCE AND PERISHABLE ITEMS = minimizes waste; their products are typically SHIPPED IN THE SAME BOXES that are going to be put on the shelves, some still on the pallet = cuts back on labor costs for stocking shelves; Aldi staff fills a variety of roles which keeps STAFFING TO A MINIMUM = reduces labor costs.
Of course, not everything there is a great buy but cost saving is not the only reason I like Aldi. Although a discount store, you can find QUALITY PRODUCTS at very reasonable prices: Aldi has removed synthetic colors, partially hydrogenated oils and added monosodium glutamate (MSG) from their private label goods. And that makes a huge impact since more than 90 percent of the items on their shelves are a part of their own private label. Aldi’s Simply Nature line is organic or non-GMO verified. You also won’t find any added artificial ingredients and preservatives, including artificial flavors#, artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup as well as hydrogenated oils & partially hydrogenated oils. They also offer a gluten-free line called LifeGfree.
Another aspect important to me is that there it’s possible to shop responsibly. They are becoming the first U.S. retailer to eliminate plastic bags entirely: they have tote bags available to purchase, and empty boxes you can use, but mainly YOU SIMPLY BRING YOUR OWN BAGS/BASKETS. (And you bag or box your items yourself). Not buying plastic bags for their customers worldwide also means huge savings they’re passing on to customers. And the planet. Plus, they are also working to make 100% of ALDI own-brand product packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025. They work with their suppliers on sustainable packaging innovations, and are committed to respecting human rights and improving living and working conditions throughout their supply chains in several international projects. Aldi stores are designed and outfitted to be as environmentally friendly as possible (a complete energy management system, LED lighting, natural lighting), and the company is transitioning to a more sustainable refrigerator system by 2035 with the goal of lowering carbon emissions by 60% each year.
Gardner Magazine thanks Marion Knoll for her informative insight. It is very much appreciated.
- Gardner’s Tree
April Storm Topples Tree – Mayor Nicholson – “We’re Looking to See What We Can Do“
Gardner’s Christmas Tree was there when Mayor Michael Nicholson was born and when he attended what is now Holy Family Academy as a child. In his weekly update of April 5th, Nicholson stated, “And I do want to alleviate the biggest concern that I got in my office before we’re filming this video on Friday. We are looking to seeing what we can do about the Christmas tree over in Lafayette Square that blew over as a result of the windstorm. If anyone has seen any of these updates in the past four years, you all know Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I’m sure we’re going to have something in place there too. It is sad to see that giant Christmas tree fall as a result of the wind that we had during the storm and the ice, but we’ll come up with some type of plan to move forward with that. We don’t have a plan yet because it just happened, but when we do, I’ll be sure to let you all know. I was shocked to have over 50 calls yesterday and today about that Christmas tree, but it means a lot to people. But we’ll see what we can do with that.”
- 3 Grocery Stores
Grocery Store Business in Gardner MA Saturday, April 6, 2024
With the new Aldi store located at the Timpany Plaza in Gardner, the remaining Gardner grocery stores are getting some competition.
Photos taken within a few minutes of each other about 11am on Saturday, April 6, 2024 show that the new Aldi store was busy. At the same time, the Hannaford parking lot was reasonably full. The Price Chopper lot had some empty spaces. We did not visit the Walmart site.
Aldi had its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 4, 2024. A grocery store has been in operation at the Hannaford location for many years. The Gardner Price Chopper opened in Fall 2012. Walmart originally opened as just a Department Store and then added the food store section at a later date.
- Walgreens Fixtures
Fixtures Being Liquidated at Gardner Plaza former Walgreen’s location
A liquidator staffing the former Walgreen’s location at Gardner Plaza told us on Saturday, April 6, 2024 that he was selling everything and he still had lots of it.
We asked how long he planned to be at the store and he stated that his last day might be on Tuesday, April 9th.
Need some of this stuff? Stop by the Gardner Plaza in Gardner MA.
- Quake 4-5-24
The Quake Was Felt In Massachusetts on April 5, 2024
The epicenter was in New Jersey miles underneath the earth, but the quake was felt in the State of MA. The USGS has more interesting info, CLICK HERE.
There is a strong likelihood of aftershocks, but only a small chance of them being very strong. Click image for larger view.
According to the USGS, New York City was damaged in 1737 and 1884 from earthquakes. Moderately damaging earthquakes can be expected twice a century. Typically a magnitude 4.0 earthquake in the Eastern U.S. can be felt about 60 miles away. Step that up to a 5.5, and people will feel it about 300 miles from where it occurred with a possible 25 mile radius of damage.
- Heywood 4-5-24
The event was attended by legislators Senator Jo Comerford, Senator Peter Durrant, and Susan Templeton representing Senator John Cronin, and Representatives Jon Zlotnik, Susannah Whipps, Natalie Higgins, and Kimberly Ferguson, city officials Mayor Michael Nicholson, Shaun Suhoski, and Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas, former and current members of the Board of Trustees, and community stakeholders.
Gathering at Heywood Hospital Attended by City – State Officials and Community Stakeholders
According to its Press Release, Heywood Healthcare celebrated Milestones and Community Commitment. CEO Rozanna Penney spoke for about 10 minutes with an update on Heywood. Other officials and community members spoke and there was a roundtable discussion. State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik gives a short introduction followed by CEO Rozanna Penney, other speakers, and an open discussion. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Penney now CEO: “In June, Heywood Healthcare initiated a reorganization effort, appointing Rozanna Penney and Tom Sullivan as co-CEOs and subsequently transitioned Ms. Penney to the singular CEO, entrusted with navigating the system through challenges towards stability. Sullivan transitioned to the role of Chief Transformation and Restructuring Officer.”
Heywood Took a Strategic Approach for the best outcome: “In October 2023, the Heywood system filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. This deliberate and strategic approach allowed the system to address numerous historic and problematic contractual agreements, reorganize its finances, and focus on service optimization.”
In a Press Release, Heywood Healthcare was specific about positive benchmarks which have been reached. “Significant progress has been made through the optimization of service lines, expense reductions, and revenue enhancements. Achievements over the past 10 months include an increase in in-patient and out-patient system-wide volumes, citing diagnostic imaging (+ 1.2%), surgical services (+14%), and newborn deliveries (+16%), in addition to expanding behavioral health services by reopening its inpatient Mental Health Unit in January. The inpatient Mental Health Unit is currently capped at nine beds, with plans to return to a full 12-bed license in May.“
Heywood Employees are staying. “In addition to the growing volumes, Penney touted the retention and expansion of the Medical Staff and Heywood’s ongoing commitment to the community.”
Heywood Healthcare exists for the community: “At the event, Heywood Healthcare reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the needs of its community, as evidenced by its many program and service investments in mental health, maternity care, transportation, and palliative care, further citing the re-initiation of the Doula Program to support maternal care, the launch of the transportation partnership with Woods Ambulance (Woods Plus) which has provided 95 patient rides from September to February, ensuring access to essential medical services, and the expansion of Palliative Care to include Chronic Disease Palliative Care, providing additional support to patients.”
Heywood Healthcare has been proactive with regard to safety: “Penney also noted significant enhancements in security over the last six months, including metal detectors, wand screening, staff training in MOAB (management of aggressive behaviors) and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, and city and state leadership to provide the safest environment possible for staff and patients.”
Heywood Healthcare is active in the community and the Press Release addressed this as well. “Additionally, Penney spoke to the successes of a myriad of community programs taking place. The system provides school-based acute care, telemedicine, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and trauma support to hundreds of youth within the five districts of Heywood’s primary service area. In closing, Penney stated “Heywood Healthcare remains steadfast in its commitment to exceptional patient-centered care and local access to essential health services. We are grateful to our medical staff, employees, Board, community stakeholders, legislators, and city and state officials for their unwavering support.”
- Update 4-5-24
Gardner’s Decades-old tree was damaged during the storm. Mayor Nicholson stated, “If anyone has seen any of these updates in the past four years, you all know Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I’m sure we’re going to have something in place there too. It is sad to see that giant Christmas tree fall as a result of the wind that we had during the storm and the ice, but we’ll come up with some type of plan to move forward with that.”
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City After April Storm
In his April 5, 2024 Update, Mayor Nicholson stated, “We definitely had a quite exciting week this past week with the late April snowstorm that we had but that’s what you get when you live in New England.” Listen to the update on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Nicholson thanked the DPW crews for work in clearing the streets and for work on water main breaks. “The DPW crew that we have in Gardner has always been very dedicated and gets the job done in a very effective manner.” —–
Events: Chamber of Commerce Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast Friday April 12th, 7:30am at Great Wolf Lodge. —– Wachusett Business Incubator Open House Thursday, April 18th at 5pm —- Book Sale at Levi-Heywood Memorial Library Friday April 19th and Saturday April 20th. —-Councilor David Thibeault-Munoz Ward 1 Discussion Group Monday April 29th , 5:30pm at the Gardner Museum.
On Aldi Opening, “Aldi had their ribbon-cutting this past week despite the snowstorm. It was a very successful event. Over 300 people showed up before the doors opened and the line was down by Dollar Tree in the movie theater. So I want to thank everyone who braved the storm to come out for that event and thank Aldi for investing in the city.”
- Bernice Richard
Valuable Resource: 23 page Survivor e-book on pdf, CLICK HERE.
An Interview with Bernice Richard regarding an important subject and upcoming event….
Bernice Richard is the Coordinator of the Domestic Violence Task Force. Our interview with Richard provides valuable information for those in a difficult situation, educates all on the issues, and promotes an upcoming event. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Important Contact Information Telephone: (978) 699-0203 Website: Gardnerdvtaskforce.org Facebook Page, CLICK HERE Purple Paw Walk is Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9:30 to noon at the Dog Park located at Pulaski Park off Charbonneau and Wright Street in Gardner. Event Details, CLICK HERE.
April is Pet Abuse Awareness Month
Gardner Mayor Nicholson will sign a proclamation at the April 27th event. The Purple Paws event is intended as Richard states “to bring the understanding that we have a foster program called Purple Paws that we have developed in ways that we can help a victim when she is leaving her unsafe environment and she has pets.”
Bernice Richard explains the various resources which are available, how the program works for those willing to foster pets for victims, and the Task Force service area which includes Gardner, Ashburnham, Westminster, and Hubbardston. Richard explains the mechanisms and dynamics at work in Domestic Violence situations and why many victims don’t seek help until there is an emergency event. If you are in a situation and need help, call the above phone number and ask questions. They will help you.
Around Massachusetts and New England
- Community Spotlight
Spotlight on Communities Greater Gardner MA
Gardner MA is known as the Chair City, and the other communities covered by Gardner Magazine all have something special: Ashburnham– Town of Lakes, Ashby – smallest town, Athol-the Tool Town, Barre – Town of Patriots, Gardner – The Chair City, Hardwick – Oldest Fair, Hubbardston -1015 above sea level, New Salem – Home of Quabbin Reservoir, Oakham – Coldbrook Springs, Orange – Home of Peace Statue, Petersham – Conservation, Phillipston – Historic Town Center, Princeton – Mt. Wachusett, Royalston – Forests and Falls, Rutland – Geographic Center of MA, Templeton – Town of 4 Villages, Warwick – Mt. Grace & Forest, Westminster – Historic Places, Winchendon – the Toy Town.
- Check It out
Check It Out!
Check out the pages on Gardner Magazine including Local Area Attractions, the Moving to the Area page, and Fun Photo Galleries. Kiddingly we say, ,Don’t play the fun games too long. Let us know what you like and what you’d like to see on Gardner Magazine.
- Public Meetings
Public Meetings Calendars
Gardner Magazine has a new page highlighting Public Meetings Calendars. Most communities list all upcoming meetings in handy formats. Some communities either have few meetings or are not as comprehensive. Being aware of Public Meetings is a great way to be involved in your community.
- Event Machine
Easily find Greater Gardner Events
Click on the name of a town for an EASY Google Events Search for events taking place in that community. ASHBURNHAM – ASHBY – ATHOL – BARRE – GARDNER – HARDWICK – HUBBARDSTON – NEW SALEM – OAKHAM – ORANGE – PETERSHAM – PHILLIPSTON – PRINCETON – ROYALSTON – RUTLAND – TEMPLETON – WARWICK – WESTMINSTER – WINCHENDON. A great tool to quickly find out what’s going on in the Greater Gardner region.
The Washington Times stories: News The Washington Times stories: News
- Retired pro wrestler and former congressional candidate indicted on murder chargeon April 26, 2024 at 11:46 pm
A retired professional wrestler and former congressional candidate in Nevada and Texas has been indicted on a murder charge in the death of an Idaho man who suffered a head injury during a Halloween Party at a Las Vegas Strip hotel.
- An emergency slide falls off a Delta Air Lines plane, forcing pilots to return to JFK in New Yorkon April 26, 2024 at 11:31 pm
An emergency slide fell off a Delta Air Lines jetliner shortly after takeoff Friday from New York, and pilots who felt a vibration in the plane circled back to land safely at JFK Airport.
- FEC fines ex-congressman $43,475 for campaign finance violationsby John O'Connor on April 26, 2024 at 10:21 pm
The Federal Election Commission has fined the campaign fund of a former Illinois congressman $43,475 for failing to refund excess contributions in a timely manner.
- Banker testifies about 'urgent' request from Michael Cohen in Oct. 2016by Tom Howell Jr. on April 26, 2024 at 10:02 pm
Gary Farro, a banking professional, testified Friday he received an urgent email in October 2016 from Michael Cohen, a client of his who worked as a lawyer for Donald Trump.
- U.N. investigators probe 14 Gaza aid staffers Israel had tied to Hamas' Oct. 7 attackby Edith M. Lederer on April 26, 2024 at 9:46 pm
U.N. investigators are looking into allegations against 14 of the 19 staffers from the U.N. relief agency for Palestinians who Israel claims were involved in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants that spurred the latest war in Gaza, a spokesman said Friday.
NPR Topics: News NPR news, audio, and podcasts. Coverage of breaking stories, national and world news, politics, business, science, technology, and extended coverage of major national and world events.
- UAW strike at Daimler Truck averted at 11th hourby Andrea Hsu on April 27, 2024 at 3:21 am
More than 7,000 Daimler Truck workers, most of them in North Carolina, had threatened to go on strike. The UAW says the workers will get raises of at least 25% plus cost of living allowances.
- Midwest tornadoes cause severe damage in Omaha suburbsby The Associated Press on April 26, 2024 at 11:42 pm
Multiple tornadoes were reported in Nebraska but the most destructive storm moved from a largely rural area into suburbs northwest of Omaha. Hundreds of homes and other structures have been damaged.
- Biden administration abandons plan to ban menthol cigarettes, citing 'feedback'by Yuki Noguchi on April 26, 2024 at 9:15 pm
An anti-smoking advocate says the decision to leave menthol cigarettes on the market "prioritizes politics over lives, especially Black lives."
- In Columbia University's protests of 1968 and 2024, what's similar — and differentby Bill Chappell on April 26, 2024 at 9:05 pm
There are parallels between the two high-profile events, most starkly the proliferation of similar protests around the country. But key differences set them apart.
- Climate activist who defaced Edgar Degas sculpture exhibit sentencedby Chloe Veltman on April 26, 2024 at 6:56 pm
A federal judge sentenced Joanna Smith to 60 days in prison for smearing paint on the case surrounding Edgar Degas' Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen at the National Gallery of Art.
- Editorial: Sobering message from one who lived it continues to hit homeby Editorial on April 27, 2024 at 4:29 am
His story of desperation and redemption has been well documented, but the message he imparts continues to ring true for the countless numbers spellbound by his hell-and-back experience. In the 15 years that he’s been free of drug dependency, Chris Herren has crisscrossed the nation, preaching the benefits of sobriety and the evils of addiction.
- Friday’s Massachusetts high school scoresby Staff Report on April 27, 2024 at 3:26 am
BASEBALL Abington 18, Rockland 2 (6i) Andover 2, Lawrence 0 Ashland 3, Medway 2 Ayer Shirley 11, Maynard 0 Bellingham 5, Medfield 4 Boston English 5, Archbishop Williams 4 Braintree 9, Hingham 0 Brighton 11, Roxbury Prep 10 Cambridge 5, Newton South 1 Cathedral 22, New Mission 21 Cardinal Spellman 7, Weston 4 Catholic Memorial
- Arrest logby Staff Report on April 27, 2024 at 2:46 am
The following arrests were made recently by local police departments. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Massachusetts’ privacy law prevents police from releasing information involving domestic and sexual violence arrests with the goal to protect the alleged victims.
- Billerica police officer killed while working road construction siteby Aaron Curtis on April 27, 2024 at 2:04 am
BILLERICA — Tragedy rocked the Billerica Police Department on Friday when Sgt. Ian Taylor, a member of the department since 2011, suffered fatal injuries while working on a road construction site on Boston Road.
- Local roundup: Michael Dynan’s hit lifts Wilmington High baseball team to walk-off winby Staff Report on April 27, 2024 at 1:58 am
Senior Michael Dynan supplied the walk-off hit in the bottom of the seventh to lift the Wilmington High baseball team to a thrilling 11-10 win over Middlesex League rival Belmont on Friday.
- Editorial: Sobering message from one who lived it continues to hit homeby Editorial on April 27, 2024 at 4:29 am
His story of desperation and redemption has been well documented, but the message he imparts continues to ring true for the countless numbers spellbound by his hell-and-back experience. In the 15 years that he’s been free of drug dependency, Chris Herren has crisscrossed the nation, preaching the benefits of sobriety and the evils of addiction.
- Billerica police officer killed while working road construction siteby Aaron Curtis on April 27, 2024 at 2:04 am
BILLERICA — Tragedy rocked the Billerica Police Department on Friday when Sgt. Ian Taylor, a member of the department since 2011, suffered fatal injuries while working on a road construction site on Boston Road.
- Local roundup: Leominster remains perfect in flag footballby Staff Report on April 26, 2024 at 11:46 pm
Only two unbeaten teams remain in the Patriots Girls Flag Football League Central Mass. division after Thursday’s contests and both are Blue Devils. Leominster Blue Devils, to be more precise. The Leominster High Blue Devils team improved to 6-0 with a pair of victories, as did the Leominster High 2 group. The pair are set
- Blue Devil bats come to life late in win over Shrewsburyby Nick Mallard on April 26, 2024 at 11:20 pm
LEOMINSTER — Trailing Shrewsbury High late in Friday afternoon’s contest, it would have been easy for the Leominster High baseball team to chalk up a loss to bad luck. A pair of uncharacteristic miscues had put the Blue Devils behind 2-0 and Colonials starter Drew Vincequere had kept the hosts off-balance all game. Heading to
- Fitchburg State Roundup: Grass continues to smash FSU recordsby Staff Report on April 26, 2024 at 11:13 pm
Molly Grass continues to capture hitting records at Fitchburg State. The senior infielder claimed her latest career mark on Thursday in a doubleheader against visiting Plymouth State. Her double in the opening game gave the Rockland native 44 career two-baggers, breaking the record set by Tara Herrick in 2000. Grass already holds the Fitchburg State record
In-Depth Stories
Massachusetts – NECN The latest news from around the state
- MassDevelopment chair Rivera resigns mid-contractby Sam Drysdale on April 26, 2024 at 7:34 pm
Dan Rivera stepped down from his position as president and CEO of the economic development agency MassDevelopment on Friday, effective immediately, more than two years before his contract was set to expire. Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, also chair of the MassDevelopment board, said in a statement Friday that she and the administration thanked Rivera for his tenure. “Under Dan’s leadership, the agency has funded key housing deals, created economic development opportunities in Gateway Cities, and promoted commercial development across the state. We wish him well on his next endeavor,” the statement said. Rivera stepped down to pursue other opportunities, according to a spokesperson from the Executive Office of Economic Development. His resignation was first reported in Contrarian Boston. Dan O’Connell, MassDevelopment board member and former secretary of housing and economic development under Gov. Deval Patrick, will step in as interim CEO while the board conducts a search for a new leader. Rivera, a former mayor of Lawrence, was appointed to lead the quasi-public agency by Gov. Charlie Baker in January 2021. His contract was due to expire in June 2023, but the MassDevelopment Board voted to extend it until June 2026 in the last few weeks of Baker’s term. Rivera crossed party lines in 2018 to endorse the Republican governor’s reelection bid and served on Baker’s COVID-19 reopening task force. When his contract was extended in December 2022, just weeks before Gov. Maura Healey took office, the incoming governor’s team would not comment on whether Healey had planned to nominate someone new for the president and CEO role. Under Rivera’s tenure at MassDevelopment, he oversaw the expansion of a state program that aims to speed up private investment and development in specific areas of Gateway Cities. He announced the agency would double the size of the Transformative Development Initiative and pump $23.7 million into the program. During the pandemic, MassDevelopment under Rivera’s leadership helped steer part of the nearly $169 million in U.S. Treasury funds that came to Massachusetts through the State Small Business Credit Initiative toward funding loans for small businesses and entrepreneurs, along with other quasi-public agencies Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation and MassVentures. Get updates on what’s happening in Boston to your inbox. Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter.
- Students vote no confidence in Emerson president following protest arrestsby Carla Rojo on April 26, 2024 at 6:00 pm
The Student Government Association at Emerson College has voted no confidence in President Jay Bernhardt following the arrest of more than 100 people during a pro-Palestinian protest earlier this week. The SGA said they voted unanimously in a closed meeting, calling for the immediate resignation of the school’s president. They also denounced the way Boston Police acted, calling the arrests of protesters at a pro-Palestinian encampment violent. This comes after the arrest of 118 at the encampment at Boylston Place Alley, which was set up Sunday and removed early Thursday. It led Emerson to cancel classes Thursday. The president issued the following statement at the time: “Emerson College recognizes and respects the civic activism and passion that sparked the protest in Boylston Place Alley in support of Palestine while also holding and communicating concerns related to the numerous ordinance violations caused by their encampment. We also understand that clearing the encampment has significantly and adversely impacted our community,” Bernhard said in a statement. Students say Bernhardt hasn’t handled the situation appropriately. “He has routinely sent out insensitive emails, that have not only portrayed the facts accurately but also, failed to express empathy and failed to support the students that have been traumatized and affected by these events,” Nandan Nair, president of the Emerson College Student Government Association, said. Students who witnessed the encampment being broken up described it as shocking — saying police pushed through the alley and violently removed protesters. According to the Boston police report, officers asked people to leave the area of Boylston Place multiple time because they were in violation of a city ordinance by setting up encampment on private property – property Emerson warned students did not belong to the school. Police also said several officers were injured during the arrests, but made no mention of injuries to protesters other than saying that EMS was present to assist with medical needs. Students denounced that and said the police reaction was too violent. “The Boston police have been very forward about lies, lies. Knowing that my friends have been severely injured and hearing accounts. We had a student who had his arm broken,” Charlize Silvestrino, a member of the SGA, said. The Board of Trustees released the following statement in response to the SGA vote: “At a time when freedom of speech and higher education itself are besieged by outside forces, the Emerson College Board of Trustees encourages our community to come together. The differences we may have today within Emerson are shades of a shared vision for civil dialogue, peaceful protest, and respect for human diversity. We chose Jay Bernhardt as a transformational leader who could bring us together in difficult times. The board remains confident in President Bernhardt’s leadership and unequivocally supports his presidency.” Similar protests continue at college campuses across the country, including nearby Harvard, MIT and Northeastern. More on college pro-Palestinian protests Israel-Hamas War 12 hours ago Columbia protesters say they're at an impasse with administrators and will continue anti-war camp Israel-Hamas War Apr 23 Pro-Palestinian protests continue at colleges across the US Boston 20 hours ago Pro-Palestinian protests continue on college campuses across Boston This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
- Flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroomby Steve Leblanc on April 26, 2024 at 5:18 pm
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September. Police have also alleged that Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, of Charlotte, North Carolina, had recordings of four other girls using lavatories on an aircraft where he worked. Thompson was indicted on one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of images of child sexual abuse depicting a prepubescent minor. Thompson was charged and arrested in January 2024 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He has been in federal custody since. A lawyer for Thompson said after the indictment by a federal grand jury that he was unable to comment. More on Estes Carter Thompson's arrest American Airlines Sep 18, 2023 American Airlines passenger claims she found camera placed in plane bathroom Massachusetts Feb 20 New details in case of flight attendant accused of trying to record teen girls in airplane bathroom Investigators said that about midway through a Sept. 2, 2023, flight from Charlotte to Boston, the 14-year-old got up to use the main cabin lavatory nearest to her seat but found it was occupied. Thompson then told her the first-class lavatory was unoccupied and escorted her there, investigators said. Before she entered the bathroom, Thompson allegedly told her he needed to wash his hands and that the toilet seat was broken, they said. After he left, the teen entered the bathroom and she saw red stickers on the underside of the toilet seat lid, which was in the open position, officials said. Beneath the stickers, Thompson had concealed his iPhone to record a video, investigators said. The girl used her phone to take a picture of the stickers and concealed iPhone before leaving. Prosecutors also allege hundreds of images of child sexual abuse generated through artificial intelligence were found stored on Thompson’s iCloud account. Attempted sexual exploitation of children carries a sentence of 15-30 years in prison, while possessing images of sexual abuse of a prepubescent minor can mean up to 20 years in prison. Both charges also provide for at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. American Airlines previously issued a statement saying the flight attendant was “immediately withheld from service” and hasn’t worked since the phone was discovered. A search of Thompson’s iCloud account revealed four additional instances between January and August 2023 in which Thompson recorded a minor using the lavatory on an aircraft, according to investigators. Those depicted in the recordings were 7, 9, 11 and 14 years old at the time, they said. Their families have been contacted by police, investigators said.
- Billerica police sergeant killed in crash at construction siteby Thea DiGiammerino and Michael Rosenfield on April 26, 2024 at 3:34 pm
A longtime veteran of the Billerica Police Department was killed in a crash while working a construction detail on Friday. Sgt. Ian Taylor, 49, was working a detail at the intersection of Boston Road at Pollard Street when the crash happened around 2 p.m. He was helping a tractor-trailer move around the busy scene when he was struck by an excavator that was moving equipment at the site, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. Taylor was rushed to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, but he did not survive. Sgt. Ian Taylor Ryan said Taylor was a veteran police officer and longtime member of the Billerica Police Department. Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost said he was proud to have a person like Taylor in his department and that the department and Taylor’s family are devastated. “I want you folks to know that Sgt. Taylor made an impact while he was here. His life had meaning. He’s helped so many people. He’s saved so many people,” Frost said. “I heard someone screaming,” said a man who lives near the scene and did not want to be identified. “I heard a truck come to a screeching stop … saw a police officer on the ground.” Residents say there has been ongoing construction on Boston Road for months. “It’s been atrocious,” said Lauren Christerson. People who live in the area say the roadway narrows when construction is taking place, and it’s a tight squeeze for drivers, construction crews and the officers working the detail. “They just have a very difficult job,” said resident Marcella Kist. “I think the construction puts them at risk.” “I think there’s a lot of safety issues that have to be taken care of,” said resident Linda Wicks. “Unfortunately, it’s too late for what happened today.” Taylor leaves behind a wife and three children. He has worked as a police officer for 21 years and has been with the Billerica Police Department since 2011. He was a member of the Substance Abuse Prevention Committee, making weekly visits to speak to those suffering from opiate addiction, trying to find ways to help. Taylor served in Lawrence prior to joining the Billerica Police Department. “The Lawrence Police Department mourns the loss of Billerica Sergeant Ian Taylor, who carried on his family’s tradition of serving and protecting the residents of Lawrence from 2003 to 2010,” the department said in a statement. “Sergeant Taylor comes from a family of service within the Lawrence Police Department; his father, Wayne Taylor is a retired Lawrence Police Officer, and his younger brother, Detective Zach Taylor, currently serves on the Department. The entire Lawrence Police Department extends our condolences to the Taylor family and the Billerica Police Department.” Massachusetts State Police, the Billerica Police Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident. More local news Danvers High School 13 hours ago Man who killed Danvers teacher at 14 pleads guilty to 2014 attack on youth services worker New England Patriots 13 hours ago Watch Patriots call Maye on draft night in behind-the-scenes video dorchester 14 hours ago 2 USPS mail carriers robbed in Dorchester
- Case of Powassan virus reported in Mass. townby Thea DiGiammerino on April 26, 2024 at 3:27 pm
Health officials are reminding residents to protect themselves against tick-borne diseases after a case of Powassan virus was reported in Sharon, Massachusetts. Powassan virus is transmitted through tick bites, like Lyme disease. While the virus is rare, cases have increased in recent years, according to the Town of Sharon Health Department. Most people infected with Powassan won’t experience any symptoms, but it can cause fever, headache, vomiting and weakness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In rare cases it can cause severe, potentially deadly illness like meningitis or an infection of the brain called encephalitis. There are no vaccines or treatments for Powassan. The most effective preventative is to take precautions against tick bites, such as: wearing a bug repellent with DEET wearing long sleeves and pants and socks staying on trails to avoid tick habitats while hiking checking yourself, children and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors and immediately showering to remove any loose tickets using tick control, such as collars or other repellents, for your pets Ticks are most active in the northeast from March through mid-May and again from August to November, Sixteen cases of Powassan have been reported in Massachusetts in the last 10 years. More information from the state Department of Public Health is available here. Get updates on what’s happening in Boston to your inbox. Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter.
- Second paramedic involved in Elijah McClain’s death sentenced to probation, work release and community serviceby Bailey Allen on April 27, 2024 at 2:45 am
(CNN) — Jeremy Cooper, a former paramedic in Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced to four years probation, 14 months of work release and 100 hours of community...
- Hubble Space Telescope marks 34 years with new portrait of a ‘cosmic dumbbell’by Bailey Allen on April 27, 2024 at 1:52 am
(CNN) — The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning new image of the glowing gas ejected from a dying star, which in this case happens...
- King Charles III will return to public duties next weekby Bailey Allen on April 27, 2024 at 1:28 am
London (CNN) — Britain’s King Charles III will resume public duties next week following “a period of treatment and recuperation,” Buckingham Palace announced Friday, two months after revealing...
- Powerful tornadoes tear across Nebraska and Iowa as weather service warns of ‘catastrophic’ damageby Bailey Allen on April 27, 2024 at 12:50 am
(CNN) — Devastating tornadoes are tearing across parts of eastern Nebraska and Iowa on Friday as a multiday severe thunderstorm event ramped up in the central...
- Postal worker robbed in Everettby Bailey Allen on April 26, 2024 at 10:21 pm
The United States Postal Service is investigating after a postal worker was robbed in Everett on Friday. The mail carrier was robbed on Bucknam Street...
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- Pozniak: Emerson alum justifies campus arrestsby Rick Pozniak on April 27, 2024 at 4:59 am
While many students and some faculty criticized the arrests and methods used to enforce the encampment removal, I do not.
- “Much Ado About Nothing” + booze = ridiculous funby Jed Gottlieb on April 27, 2024 at 4:45 am
Liquor-laced take on Shakespeare brings Bard to new audience
- Editorial: Acquitted of the crime, but still does the timeby Editorial on April 27, 2024 at 4:38 am
The use of acquitted conduct in criminal sentencing is antithetical to the Bill of Rights and incompatible with the cherished concept of a trial by jury.
- Murray: Titanic gloom on Biden’s broken border by Lou Murray on April 27, 2024 at 4:28 am
“I have been woken up by cartels in all black and camouflage at three in the morning. I don’t mess with ‘em,” he said. It is this lurking danger which weighs most heavily on residents.
- Dear Abby: Newlyweds clash over wife’s careerby Abigail Van Buren on April 27, 2024 at 4:01 am
I love her, but I feel betrayed and lied to. I also don't think she'll be a good cop -- she is just obsessed with police shows and thinks it's going to be like that.
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