Greater Gardner MA Local News November 2025
- Library Interest (11/9/2025)
Library Calendar: Find Out what’s happening at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library anytime with the calendar, CLICK HERE.
Levi Heywood Memorial Library – For Every Age and Interest
The Levi Heywood Memorial Library in Gardner offers something for everyone from the youngest toddlers to the oldest seniors.
Craft Supply Swap: Saturday, November 15th from 10am to 1pm with a special preshop at 9am for those who have donated. Drop off is Thursday November 13th from 9am to 6:30pm and Friday November 14th from 9am to noon. This takes places at the Greenwood Meeting Room. Clean and usable craft items only. Questions: uniquelycraftedlab@gmail.com
Children’s Department: Pjs & a Movie Event is Wednesday November 12th at 5pm for grades K-2. The library states: “Grab your comfiest pajamas, bring a favorite stuffed animal, and join us for a cozy night at the library!” Drop-in Storytime (Ages 2-5) Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays @ 10AM == Wiggle Worm Wednesday (Ages 6-24 months) @ 10AM == Movement, music, and stories for little ones. Limit to the first 30 people (kids & accompanying adults) that arrive. For more information please contact the Children’s Room at 978-632-5298.
Focus on Teens: Some of the programs for November are – Wednesday, November 19 @ 3:30PM Teen Advisory Board Meeting– Join us to help make decisions about the teen space and out programming. Thursday, November 20 @ 2PM-7PM Study & Snack — Drop-in to relax, study, and snack in a quiet space. === Saturday, November 22 @ 12PM-2PM Visible Mending — Bring your ripped jeans or hoodie and learn to patch them up! === Tuesday, November 25 @ 11AM-1PM Fall Flavors Latte Party — Spend your half day with us making and enjoying a pumpkin spice latte, cozy mocha, or peppermint hot chocolate.
Wowbrary Alerts: You can actually get email alerts that showcase the library’s newest items each week. The alerts feature the latest bestsellers, movies, music CDs, audio books, children’s titles, cookbooks, mysteries, travel guides, health books, science fiction and more purchased by the library. Just sign up with your email address. Here is the link, CLICK HERE. Did you know that you can even borrow a telescope from the library? Did you know you can borrow art prints from the library?
- Festival Trees 2025 (11/9/2025)
Gardner Museum 20th Annual Festival of Trees Set to Begin November 12th
Gardner Museum 2025 Festival of Trees runs from November 12th through December 6th. The Festival of Trees features beautiful displays of Christmas Trees, fabulous holiday displays, and such items as gift baskets. Whatever is donated is raffled off and proceeds benefit the Gardner Museum.
Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 1pm to 4pm, Fridays 1pm to 7pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 4pm. The Gardner Museum is located on Pearl Street in Gardner.
The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the Gardner Museum. Win a fabulous tree or other donated item by purchasing raffle tickets. Drawing starts December 6th at 3pm. The cost for 1 sheet of tickets is $5 which includes admission (you can buy more tickets if desired). If you decide to just look at the displays, the museum’s regular admission of $3 applies.
- Hotline 11-8-25 (11/8/2025)
An Extended Interview with the Mayor – Veterans – Projects – Taxes – WGAW Hotline Radio of November 8, 2025
First up is Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who was reelected this week to another term. Host Steve Wendell interviewed the Mayor a little longer than usual and the conversation was packed with information. Listen to the entire broadcast on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Hotline Radio 11-8-25 The Mayor stated “I am really honored to continue serving the citizens of Gardner.” – Mayor Nicholson spoke of various City projects – Steve Wendell commented on the numerous false allegations. — The Mayor stated: “We’re going to get to work and get the job done…we’re focusing on not just one section of the City, we’re focusing on Gardner as a whole.” Mayor Nicholson commented that his campaign will always rise about it and be about why people should vote for him and not why they shouldn’t vote for his opponent
Mayor Nicholson also covered: Preview of Holiday events including Tree Lighting and Carriage Rides – Community Food Drive – Gardner CAC – Road Repair Updates -Pearl Street will be paved on Saturday, November 15th. — Greenwood Building down and Pavilion to be constructed – Design Grant for Bridge over 140 with 2027 construction date – Middle School Roof Replacement Project – Waterford update: Work ongoing and location is safe – New Salt Shed is done. Salt in old shed will be used first. Mayor: “We’re really lucky for the DPW Team we have….they are really dedicated to the community”. — Grants Update “a lot of work being done behind the scenes.” — update on Board of Health — Veterans Day – ceremony 11am on November 11th in Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall. — Civic Education is required at Gardner Public Schools.
Steve Wendell urged people to go out and vote: The show paused as Wendell made his way to Studio B. —- Veterans Day and Original Song with Werner Poegel — 2nd Hour: Steve Wendell with an update on some local events going on. — Steve Wendell Interview with Stephanie Marchetti of the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) – Marchetti spoke of various Veterans needs and issues. — Mike Urban and Massachusetts Taxes — Councilor Elizabeth Kazinskas with a comprehensive Development Update covering various City projects. — Nicholson Monthly Update
- Update 11-7-25 (11/7/2025)
Events, Operations, and a Holiday Preview Focus of Mayor’s Update of November 7, 2025
Listen to the update on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Monthly Mayor’s Update – 11-7-25 Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson goes over a variety of upcoming community events and city operations for November and December. Key announcements include the annual Veterans Day ceremony on November 11th and the Thanksgiving farmers market on November 22nd, both at Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall.
The Mayor speaks about hazardous waste collection day and yard waste collection schedule for residents. The update also highlights holiday activities, such as the 20th-anniversary Festival of Trees, the annual holiday stroll and Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and various musical and theatrical performances. Finally, the Mayor concludes with news of a recent website refresh. The Mayor is shown at the new DPW Salt Shed.
- Razed and Raised (11/7/2025)
One building is razed – Another building is raised – Another Nears Completion
Razed: The indoor Greenwood Memorial Pool building has been razed, demolished, and torn down awaiting a new Pavilion to be built in 2026. The building had been given to the City of Gardner in 1915 and had fallen in to disrepair. Hazardous material such as asbestos was abated prior to the demolition. Some historical items were preserved to go in to the new building. Now, the underground parts of the facility are being removed.
Raised: Meanwhile over at 549 West Broadway in Gardner, another building is being raised (8 feet taller than the original building) constructed because of a devastating fire which totaled the former Brian’s Auto Body and Atkinson Auto building back in March 2025. The new $1.5 million facility will house Brian’s Auto Body, Atkinson Auto, and an auto detailer and is expected to be completed sometime in Spring 2026.
Nearing Completion: And closer to completion is Gabby’s Place, the breakfast-lunch restaurant at 173 Pearson Boulevard which decided to take it down and build again. Gabby’s Place has been closed since September 22nd. Here’s what they recently posted: “… It’s taking a little longer than we thought. We really miss seeing all your faces and can’t wait to have everyone back! The place is getting a nice little glow-up, and it’ll be worth the wait — promise! Stay tuned — we’ll be opening our doors again soon! Thanks for being patient and for always supporting Gabby’s Place!”
- This Week 11-7-25 (11/7/2025)
This Week’s Edition of our Weekly News Magazine “This Week in the Chair City” for Friday, November 7, 2025
Listen to “This Week in the Chair City” on any device. CLICK PLAY.
This Week in the Chair City 11-7-25 In this week’s edition: Municipal Election – National Election Historical Stats – Community Food Drive – Gardner Airport Update – Planning Board Projects Update – Gardner DPW donation to CAC – City Council meetings – Levi Heywood Memorial Library Gratitude Tree – Upcoming Meetings
Contact Us: Have a news story idea? Like to promote your event? Want to give some exposure to your non-profit organization? It’s easy. Email News@GardnerMagazine.com or leave a voicemail at (978) 632-6324. Thank you.
- Community Food Drive (11/6/2025)
PRESS RELEASE on PDF, CLICK HERE.
GARDNER COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE: Saturday November 15th from 9am to 11:30am at Price Chopper, Walmart, and Hannaford. In addition, Hannaford on Sunday November 16th from 9am to 11:30am.
Gardner City Council and The Senior Center/AARP Join Forces for Community Food Drive
Gardner City Councilors Judy Mack and Dana Heath as well as Gardner Senior Center Director Mike Ellis have joined forces to hold a Community Food Drive to benefit the Gardner CAC Food Pantry on Saturday November 15th from 9am to 11:30am at Price Chopper, Walmart, and Hannaford. In addition, Hannaford on Sunday November 16th from 9am to 11:30am.
Items Needed:
Canned Fruit Canned Vegetables Granola Bars Peanut Butter Baking Mixes Fruit Snacks Cookies Ramen packs or cups Juice Boxes Crackers including Gluten free Pasta – all types and Canned Spaghetti Sauce Rice Applesauce Canned Pasta Spices / Cooking Oils Jelly Instant Mashed Potatoes Cranberry Sauce Pudding Cups Gravy Mixes Canned Soups Cash and gift card donations are also appreciated. The Gardner CAC also has an online secure donation link, CLICK HERE. Councilor Judy Mack told us that “Ms Meehan at the CAC is very excited by this project as the need is currently greater than usual especially with the upcoming holidays“. The Senior Center/AARP are staffing Hannaford for the 2 days. Gardner City Council members will be covering Walmart and Price Chopper on Saturday.
- Happy Veterans Day – original Song (11/6/2025)
To each and every veteran: Thank you for your service. This original song is for you.
Veterans Day Services take place at 11am on November 11th in Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall.
Gardner Magazine releases the original song “Happy Veterans Day”
It is a tribute to all veterans. The original song, “Happy Veterans Day” Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Original song – Happy Veterans Day Veterans Day is November 11, 2025. Without the brave men and women willing to fight for us since 1776, we wouldn’t be the country we our today. Thank you for your service.
From the song: “On the 11th hour of the 11th day,Of the Month of November we say, Happy Veterans Day, Happy Veterans Day….Veterans, we salute you for your service, Veterans, we thank you for your sacrifice, Veterans, we are grateful for what you have done, Veterans, Thank you for every war you have won. … Veterans, we salute you for your service, When we’re at peace we still do notice, Veterans, we are grateful for conflicts avoided, Because of you, before they begin, many wars are voided. … Veterans, we understand some carry a big burden, … Living with the horrors of what you have seen, Veterans, let us open that difficult curtain, Embracing you with the love of a nation.”
Gardner Magazine also has a “Deep Dive” podcast on Veterans Day with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady covering the history of the holiday in depth. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – Veterans Day
- Airport 11-5-25 (11/6/2025)
Environmental Review, Capital Improvements, and Finances – a Gardner Airport Update
The members of the Gardner Airport Commission met on November 5, 2025 and discussed several ongoing and upcoming projects at the airport. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Key topics included the status of the wildlife hazard site visit and its associated payments, the environmental review process for tree clearing easements and fence installation, and the Obstruction Study report review by Mass DOT and the FAA. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Airport Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), specifically the funding and logistics for acquiring navigation easements to clear trees, highlighting the current 95% federal funding opportunity for fiscal year 2026. Finally, the meeting includes an update on airport finances, detailing attempts to secure leftover runway project funds and independent fee monies, as well as routine operational updates like fuel sales and equipment status.
- Planning 11-4-25 (11/6/2025)
Planning Board Meets on Private Gardner Projects
The Gardner Planning Board met on November 4, 2025 to address several key development projects and proposed ordinance amendments. The board first discusses the continuation of a public hearing for a Mount Wachusett Community College building addition due to recently submitted definitive site plans that require more review time. Following this, a representative presents a preliminary site plan for a new barn, offices, and classrooms at 827 Green Street to be used for animal-assisted therapy, focusing heavily on challenges related to storm water management, high groundwater, and a proposed septic system. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Planning Board 11-4-25 Finally, the board reviews two proposed zoning ordinances: one to allow cottage kitchens in residential areas and another to promote housing growth and production by reducing parking requirements, expanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) flexibility, and creating a housing priority overlay district.
- DPW Check (11/5/2025)
Make a monetary donation to the Gardner CAC through this secure link, CLICK HERE.
Gardner DPW Presents Check to Gardner CAC
Scrap metal from around the City from various projects was turned into 10 grand and presented in the form of a check to the Gardner CAC. Photo shows over 2 dozen DPW Employees. The effort was timely in that concerns persist over food insecurity in the area due to SNAP benefits not being paid on November 1st. The Gardner CAC intends to use the funds to bolster its food pantry which it expects will have a greater demand for food in the coming weeks.
Dane E Arnold of the DPW stated: “The Gardner DPW never ceases to make me proud. With the government shutdown and thousands of people not receiving food benefits and the holidays around the corner, what do they do? They want to help and turn in over $10,600 in scrap metal, brass, copper, and structures to donate to the Gardner CAC.”
Greater Gardner area residents can donate food directly to the Gardner CAC or can make a monetary donation through this secure link, CLICK HERE. To find out more about the Gardner CAC and its programs visit their website, CLICK HERE.
- Wind Advisory 11-5-25 (11/5/2025)
Greater Gardner MA Preparing for High Wind Gusts Late Wednesday into Thursday
Time to secure objects so they don’t get blown around. Time to prepare for a possible power outage. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory in effect from 10pm Wednesday, November 5, 2025 through Thursday November 6, 2025. West Winds 20 to 30 miles per hour are expected with gusts up to 55 miles per hour.
Gusty winds can blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and some power outages may result. NWS advises drivers of high profile vehicles to use extra caution as winds this strong can make driving difficult.
The area affected is portions of northern Connecticut, central, eastern, northeastern, southeastern, and western Massachusetts, and northern and southern Rhode Island.
- Nicholson Wins (11/4/2025)
Gardner Magazine has complete results of the November 4, 2025 Gardner MA Municipal Election. The complete election page is at this link, CLICK HERE.
Gardner Mayor Nicholson Achieves Landslide Win in Gardner Election
The results are unofficial but definitive: Gardner Mayor Nicholson 2407 votes, Challenger Kimberly Blake with 1379 votes. Gardner Mayor Nicholson wins with 63.5% of the vote, beating his performance in the Preliminary election held in September. All results, CLICK HERE.
How does this compare to 2023? 2 years ago, it was in official results – Nicholson: 2,459 or 65.8%, Blake 1,189 or 31.8%, The difference this time was 52 less votes for Nicholson and 190 more votes for Blake. Voter turnout was slightly higher this time around. This year’s percentages will likely change slightly when official results are released.
Gardner Magazine has complete results of the November 4, 2025 Gardner MA Municipal Election. The complete election page is at this link, CLICK HERE.
All incumbent Councilors at Large have been reelected. All incumbent Ward Councilors have been reelected. All candidates for School Committee have been elected. Voter Turnout was 24.7% of registered voters.
Complete Unofficial Results from the City Clerk’s Office, CLICK HERE.
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson releases statement at 10pm on 11-4-25: “Thank you Gardner! I’m truly honored to have earned your vote tonight and look forward to continuing to move Gardner forward for the next two years. From investing in our infrastructure, increasing opportunities for our students, creating new recreational amenities, growing our business community and more- we’ve accomplished more than we thought possible before- and now we get back to work. From the recently announced improvements to South Gardner, completing the Rear Main Street Revitalization Project, cutting back red tape in our ordinances and zoning to make us fully open for business and housing development and more, I’m excited for what this next term will bring. Thank you to all those who have supported me- my family, my friends, those who braved the wind and held signs or talked to their friends, I’m truly honored and humbled by your support. I’m proud to be your mayor, but I’m even more proud to have the opportunity to work with you all to make this City the best it can be. God Bless You all and this great City.“
Election Victory Song, CLICK HERE
Challenger Kimberly Blake releases statement at 10pm on 11-4-25: “I’ll just leave this right here…” Following her statement is a graphic of the vote totals.
- Another Term in the City – Original Song (11/4/2025)
Editorial: Gardner Magazine has produced an Election Victory Song called “Another Term in the City”
Given all the nonsense the Mayor has had to put up with during the campaign from his opponent, we thought it was fitting for this occasion and to celebrate when “Good” wins. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Another Term in the City (Election Victory Song) From the song: “The votes, the votes, the totals are in, Time to announce a really big win, He stayed the course with a positive view, Even though his rival led others askew”
- Election Results 11-4-25 (11/4/2025)
For Mayor: Michael Nicholson: 2407, Kimberly Blake 1379. Nicholson Wins with 63.5% of the vote.
Gardner Municipal Election 11-4-25 Complete Results
Gardner Magazine will have complete results of the November 4, 2025 Gardner MA Municipal Election. The complete election page is at this link, CLICK HERE.
Results often come in anywhere between 1/2 hour to 1 hour after the polls close (polls are open on November 4th from 7am to 8pm). We will post results as soon as they are available.
Publisher’s Note: WGAW will have live coverage of election results starting sometime after 7:30pm with continuous coverage beginning about 1/2 hour after the polls close. WGAW is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, or streaming to anywhere in the world.
- Grant Maze (11/4/2025)
The City of Gardner is moving forward due to some very smart decisions and actions over the last 5 years. Turning $50,000 in to $50 million is a story to be told for the ages.
Editorial: The Grant Maze
So how exactly did Gardner Mayor Nicholson turn a $50,000 City investment into a $50 million return for Gardner?
It all started with a realization by the Mayor that because of the daily workload in the Economic Development and Planning Department, it was possible that some grant money was being left on the table. If somehow the City could get additional help in seeking grants by having a 3rd party navigate the grant maze, perhaps the City of Gardner could gain more in grants than the expense of hiring a 3rd party.
Gardner Mayor Nicholson went before the City Council and got approval after considerable discussion. Mayor Michael Nicholson knew it was likely that even one grant approval would bring in more money than the funds expended. Mayor Nicholson was both right and wrong – right in the decision to pursue getting a 3rd party grant writer to help, but wrong in forecasting the extent of the endeavor’s success.
So far, a $50,000 investment by the City has returned more than $50 million. It’s a testament to the keen mind of Mayor Michael Nicholson and a big highlight of his 5 years of moving Gardner forward. And it’s documentation that when a City Council is willing to think outside of the box the rewards can be awesome. We hope the next 5 years are just as successful. Sometimes there are unexpected mazes involved in running a City, but when you have educated, experienced, and intelligent people involved, almost anything is possible.
- Election Day Statement (11/4/2025)
A Statement from Mayor Michael Nicholson on Election Day
Mayor Nicholson released this election day statement: “It’s Election Day in Gardner! Polls are open today from 7am to 8pm at the 5 different polling locations around the City. If you’re unsure where to vote, contact the Gardner City Clerk’s Office at 978-630-4058
It’s truly been an honor to serve as the Mayor of this City for the last 5 years. We’ve accomplished so much together, and there’s still more to do. I’m asking for your vote today to keep Gardner moving forward.
We are very lucky to have many dedicated individuals on the ballot today for Ward Councilor, Councilor At-Large, and School Committee. These individuals are truly dedicated to our City and its residents. They’ve worked to push the City to a better and stronger tomorrow and are truly the right people for the job. I’m happy to be supporting them today in their re-election/election campaigns”
- City Council 11-3-25 (11/4/2025)
Councilor Judy Mack spoke of the food crisis in the community and announced that the Gardner City Council would be having a food drive. Gardner Magazine will provide more details when available, but this is what the Councilor said: Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Councilor Judy Mack on Food Drive Two Meetings of Gardner MA City Council on November 3, 2025
1st: The joint public hearing between the Gardner City Council and Planning Board regarding proposed amendments to the city’s zoning code:
The first concerned an ordinance to allow the operation and use of cottage kitchens (home-based commercial kitchens) in residential districts, with Mayor Mike Nicholson advocating for the change to support small businesses.
The second, more extensive discussion focused on a comprehensive ordinance designed to promote housing growth and production in the city by addressing a housing supply and demand crisis through measures such as permitting small homes (tiny homes) and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), expediting permitting, creating a starter home overlay, and easing residential parking requirements. Testimony was heard both in favor of and in opposition to the proposed zoning changes, with the primary opposition and council concerns revolving around the limited scope of the proposed multi-family overlay district and the impact of the reduced parking requirements on existing neighborhoods.
Complete Agenda and Packet CLICK HERE.
Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK HERE.
Joint Meeting 11-3-25 2nd: Regular City Council Meeting – The Council authorized the loan for the Gardner Middle School Roof Replacement Project. The $6.9 million dollar project will get up to 80% reimbursed by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The measure required a 2/3 vote to pass and did pass with 11 Yeas, (unanimously).
Complete Agenda and Packet CLICK HERE.
Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK HERE.
Regular Meeting 11-3-25 The meeting also featured a comprehensive update from Councilor Elizabeth Kazinskas regarding Economic Development and Planning, outlining the progress of several major projects such as the Rear Main Street initiative, the Maki Park accessibility upgrades, the Master plan and Hazard mitigration projects, the status of various property sales, and the demolition and historic preservation efforts regarding the Greenwood Pool (indoor pool building) building which above-ground demolition was completed October 31st. Below ground demolition to be completed in November. Finally, Councilors discussed upcoming community events, including an election and a food drive, while honoring Veterans Day and a local business milestone.
- Gratitude Tree – Original Song (11/2/2025)
Levi Heywood Memorial Library Inspires an Original Song – “The Gratitude Tree”
The Levi Heywood Memorial Library has set up a uniquely wonderful display in the Children’s Room. It’s a Gratitude Tree encouraging children to put up messages of what they are thankful for. Listen to our original song on any device, CLICK PLAY.
POP – The Gratitude Tree Levi Heywood Memorial Library wrote: “The Gratitude Tree has sprouted in the Children’s Room! Kids can grab a paper leaf, write what they’re thankful for, and help our tree grow all month long! Let’s fill it with kindness, gratitude, and happy thoughts!“
The library has expanded its hours: Monday: 9 a.m-6 p.m. — Tuesday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Wednesday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Thursday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Saturday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The song “The Gratitude Tree” is an original song created out of gratitude for the wonderful Gratitude Tree at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library. For more information about all the November programs, visit the website, CLICK HERE.
- Hotline 11-1-25 (11/1/2025)
City Projects, Politics, Voting, Programming, and SNAP focus of Hotline Radio Show of November 1, 2025
Listen to the entire program on any device, CLICK PLAY.
First up on Hotline was Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who spoke of being positive during the campaign rather than resorting to the tactics of his opponent. The Mayor spoke on various projects and grants in the City including the GMS Roof Replacement, Greenwood Demolition and Pavilion Construction, Route 140 Bridge design, South Gardner MassWorks putting utility wires underground. Mayor Nicholson spoke of holiday including Veterans Day and the upcoming holiday season including Christmas Tree Lighting.
Steve Wendell and Werner Poegel spoke on the election with various interviews and commentaries. Wendell also spoke on new CBS programs and features. Mike Urban had a commentary on SNAP Benefits.
- Standard Time 2025 (11/1/2025)
Clocks Fall Back on Sunday
It will get dark one hour earlier on Sunday as clocks are set back 1 hour this weekend. Standard Time will be in effect until Spring. Sunrise will be one hour earlier.
Check on Fire Detectors
When the clocks change in the Spring and Fall, it’s also a great time to check on Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
- Grants in Gardner (11/1/2025)
Publisher’s Note: This has been the biggest return on investment in Gardner’s History. 50 grand has returned 50 million. That is a 100X (100 times) return on investment. When first proposed by the Mayor, there were some naysayers, but City Council approval was given. Even our optimistic editorial at the time predicted $6 million would come in (and we were being hopeful). Congratulations City of Gardner Team!
Men Who Brought Tens of Millions to Gardner Stop by City Hall
During interviews with Gardner Mayor Nicholson we have spoken about the $50,000 investment in 3rd party grant writers which has brought in $50 million to the City of Gardner. The success of the effort is simple: Whatever a grant pays for, property taxes do not need to fund.
Gardner Mayor Nicholson provided this photo of 2 members of the Keller Team who came to his office in Gardner and the Mayor released this statement: “A few years ago, in order to make sure that the City stayed competitive and aware of any state or federal grant programs that became available, the City hired on-call grant writers, Keller Partners Co., to locate, apply for, and assist with reporting for various grants that the City would be able to utilize. Prior to this, our staff would have to research the grants, write the applications, manage the reporting, track the projects- all while performing their regular job duties. This made it so we missed out on several grant opportunities just because there’s only so many hours in a day. In the first two years of this partnership, tens of millions of dollars in grant funds have come to the City because of this new partnership. We meet every other week to go over ongoing projects, upcoming grants, our capital improvement plan, goals, etc. and as needed in between.
Because of the success of this so far, earlier this year, the City Council approved my request to award the company a 5-year contract with the City to continue this success.
Earlier this week, had a nice surprise at the office when Tom and Jon from Keller Partners stopped by the office after a trip they had to Boston, so they could see some of the work they’ve brought funding for in person.”
Around the Towns – News
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
In the Community
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 | | |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
