Greater Gardner MA Local News October 2025
- Fire Dept. Grant (10/21/2025)
City of Gardner Receives $365,000 Federal Grant for New Firefighter Radios
Gardner City Hall Press Release:
Gardner, MA — The City of Gardner has been awarded $365,000 through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to purchase new fire-rated radio systems for all 42 members of the Gardner Fire Department. The grant will replace the Department’s 15-year-old portable radios, which are beyond their life expectancy and no longer supported by the manufacturer. Parts for the current models are often unavailable, and the units do not meet modern fire service standards for heat and water resistance.
Mayor Michael J. Nicholson expressed his gratitude for the support of federal partners and the continued investment in Gardner’s public safety infrastructure.
“This grant is another great example of how federal, state, and local partnerships work together to strengthen our communities,” said Mayor Mike Nicholson. “By investing in the safety of our first responders, we’re also investing in the safety of our residents. These new radios will ensure that our firefighters can communicate clearly and effectively during emergencies, helping them protect the people of Gardner while also keeping each other safe.”
Portable radios are among the most critical pieces of safety equipment for firefighters. They provide a vital communication link during emergencies—especially when operating in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments—ensuring that firefighters can stay connected to each other and to command staff while working to protect residents.
“Gardner’s firefighters represent the best of what it means to serve: courage, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to protecting others,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “Securing this federal investment through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is exactly why I fight to strengthen and expand these initiatives in Congress, because they deliver real results for communities like Gardner. These new, state-of-the-art radios will enhance communication, improve safety, and ensure that our firefighters have the reliable tools they need to do their jobs effectively and return home safely after every call.”
“This investment in the Gardner Fire Department is an investment in its firefighters and the whole community,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “Communication is key when responding to emergencies, and I was proud to fight for this funding alongside Mayor Nicholson, Chief Lagoy, and our partners at the federal, state, and local level. I will continue to advocate with Senator Warren and Representative Trahan to expand funding for FEMA’s AFG program and other firefighting grant programs so that every department gets the federal support they need.”
“It’s about time we upgrade our firefighters’ 15-year-old communication systems,” said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Modern equipment is an investment in Gardner families’ safety, so I’m going to keep fighting hard to protect the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response programs.”
Gardner Fire Chief Greg Lagoy emphasized how essential clear communication is in emergency situations.
“The Gardner Fire Department currently uses portable radios that are over 15 years old –well beyond their estimated service life, and do not meet current standards,” said Chief Greg Lagoy. “This much-needed funding from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program will be used to purchase new P-25 compliant, fire service-rated portable radios. These new radios are designed to perform under the harsh conditions in burning buildings, including extreme high temperatures and large volumes of water. Firefighters regularly operate in hazardous atmospheres, and having reliable portable radios are a mission-critical lifeline to ensure their safety. The benefits of this grant funding align with FEMA’s goals of improving firefighter and public safety, enhancing the Gardner Fire Department’s daily operations, and addressing equipment failures and service issues. The project addresses a critical gap in communication equipment, replacing outdated and unreliable technology to meet current safety standards, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association. Without this award, the GFD would face continued challenges, including potential safety risks from communication failures and escalating maintenance costs for obsolete equipment. This also meaningfully helps to alleviate a significant financial burden on the City.”
City Councilor Craig Cormier, who chairs the City Council’s Public Safety Committee also expressed their appreciation for the continued investments in public safety.
“The Assistance To Firefighters Grant will significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of the Gardner Fire Department,” said Councilor Craig Cormier. “The department has encountered challenges with its end-of-life model radios, resulting in a growing number of breakdowns. We are pleased to learn that the grant will enable the department to maintain uninterrupted communication, ensuring the safety of both the firefighters and the individuals they serve.”
State Representative Jon Zlotnik praised the City’s ongoing efforts to modernize its public safety infrastructure and support its first responders.
“The Gardner Fire Department has consistently demonstrated its commitment to professionalism, preparedness, and public service,” said State Representative Jon Zlotnik. “This grant builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to ensure that our first responders have the modern tools and equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I’m proud to see continued investment in the safety of both our firefighters and the residents they protect every day.”
Over the last five years, the City of Gardner has made significant investments in the Fire Department, including the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units for all firefighters, two new engine trucks, a new heavy rescue vehicle, a new ambulance, and the necessary equipment to outfit each of these vehicles. Additionally, the City purchased new EMS protective jackets for all firefighters responding to ambulance calls and provided each firefighter with a second set of turnout gear to ensure readiness and safety during back-to-back responses. The City has also recently ordered a new ladder truck set to begin construction in 2027 and a new backup ambulance expected to arrive in early 2026.
These collective efforts continue to strengthen the Gardner Fire Department’s ability to protect the community with the highest level of service, safety, and professionalism.
“By replacing outdated technology with modern, fire-rated radios that meet today’s safety standards, Gardner is continuing its commitment to investing in the safety of both its residents and first responders,” added Mayor Nicholson. “Reliable communication is essential in every emergency, and this investment ensures that the City’s firefighters have the tools they need to serve the community safely and effectively.”
- Original Song – Halloween Candy (10/20/2025)
Original Song – Halloween Candy (10/20/2025)
Just in Time for Halloween, Gardner Magazine Releases the original song, “Halloween Candy”
Listen to the original POP Party Song on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Halloween Candy POP PARTY SONG – Halloween Candy
From the song: “I want my candy for Halloween ,Got the biggest bag you’ve ever seen, Trick or treat is my favorite day, I love candy, what can I say. …My choices include lots of chocolate, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, the favorite, M and M’s, Kit Kat, Snickers, and Twix, Hershey’s, Twizzlers, and Skittles are good picks.”
- Farmers Market Wraps (10/19/2025)
Gardner Farmers Market Wraps Outdoor Season
After the Farmers Market on October 18, 2025, the Gardner Farmers Market released this statement: “Thank You for a Fantastic October Market! What a beautiful day to wrap up our outdoor season — sunshine, smiles, pumpkins, alpacas, and so many familiar faces. A heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing vendors, partners, and especially to you — our shoppers and supporters — for showing up, shopping local, and helping make the Gardner Farmers Market such a special part of our community.
Thank you to Plain View Farm for bringing back the alpacas. And thank you to everyone who joined the Pumpkin Carving Contest — your creativity was unreal! Thank you to moonhillbrewingco for donating a gift card to the winner! While our outdoor season has officially wrapped, don’t miss the final market of the 2025 season! “Fill Your Pantry” Indoor Market – Friday, November 22 Perry Auditorium It’s your chance to stock up on late-season produce, pantry goods, artisan gifts, and more — just in time for Thanksgiving. From all of us at North Central Mass Farmers’ Markets, thank you for supporting local food, farmers, and community this year.”
- Hardern Interview (10/18/2025)
Gardner’s Interactive Lady -An Interview with Karen Hardern – 14 Year City Councilor
Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with City Councilor Karen Hardern. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Interview with Karen Hardern – 10-18-25
- Hotline 10-18-25 (10/18/2025)
Updates, City and Town Finances, Paul Topolski, and Dana Heath – Hotline Radio for Saturday, October 18, 2025
Listen to the entire program on any device, CLICK PLAY
Hotline Radio 10-18-25 First up: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. Farmers Market being held today – Annunciation Parish Bazaar going on today and tomorrow – Domestic Violence Grant – Various endorsements received – The Chamber Debate – Upcoming Election – Paving update – upcoming Winter – Housing ordinance
Report on the 50 towns in Massachusetts struggling to balance their budgets with Mike Urban
Preparing for Winter: An interview with Gardner’s Emergency Management Director Paul Topolski –
Interview with Ward 2 Councilor Dana Heath
- Grant Announcement – Advocate (10/17/2025)
Gardner Domestic Violence Advocate will be “Full-Time” Due to Grant
Listen to the announcement on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Speaking at the announcement were Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik, and Gardner Police Chief Eric McAvene. Councilor Dana Heath represented the Gardner City Council
Here is the complete City of Gardner Press Release, CLICK HERE.
- This Week 10-17-25 (10/17/2025)
Our News Magazine “This Week in the Chair City” for Friday, October 17, 2025
Listen to our weekly news magazine on any device, CLICK PLAY.
This Week 10-17-25 In this week’s edition: Road work – Grants – Housing Ordinance – Public Safety meeting – Cybersecurity incident at Heywood Hospital – Firefighters endorse Nicholson – Council Oversight – School Committee – Original songs – Deep Dives – Interviews – Upcoming Meetings.
- Debate 10-13-25 (10/13/2025)
Original Email Received on 10-13-25 Screenshot. Very clear Kimberly Blake had changed her mind. Click Image for larger view.
The Press Release which was to go out. Very clear Blake had confirmed participation. Click Image for larger view.
Debate 10-13-25 Blake Bows out of Debate After Saying Yes
There was to be a Mayoral Debate sponsored by the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce. Both candidates confirmed participation weeks ago. However, on the morning the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce was to put out the Press Release below the graphic (10-13-25), Kimberly Blake had communicated she had changed her mind. This is a screenshot of the email we received from Rebecca Marois
Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce Press Release intended to go out on October 13th. CLICK IMAGE for larger view.
The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce spells out clearly in the Press Release that a neutral moderator from outside of Gardner had been chosen. Both candidates confirmed participation. On the day the Chamber was going to put out a Press Release, candidate Kimberly Blake notified the Chamber that she had changed her mind. Blake then made posts on Social Media denying she had ever agreed to the debate. Of course, the Chamber of Commerce stated otherwise. The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce decided to have no further comment on the matter in the interest of attempting to be neutral in the election. .
History Repeating Itself: During the last election in 2023, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson had agreed to debate Kimberly Blake. However, Blake first had agreed and then objected to various dates. When Mayor Nicholson called her bluff and had stated he would make any date at any time, Blake bowed out. Unfortunately at the time, Blake misstated the facts and also attacked a non-profit which then gave her a scathing rebuke on Social Media.
- Dana Heath Interview 10-11-25 (10/11/2025)
An Interview with Gardner City Councilor Dana Heath
Listen to the entire interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.
In the interview, Councilor Heath details what Kimberly Blake attempted to do to his family, calling her actions “insane.” Councilor Heath spoke of details regarding what he says Kimberly Blake attempted to do to him and his family trying to affect his livelihood by false statements made to the employers of both himself and his spouse, and to affect his standing in the Flag Football League with false statements. According to Heath, Kimberly Blake has directly caused conflict between his kids and his ex-wife. According to Heath, Kimberly Blake even contacted his sister in Texas and shared false photoshopped items.
In the remainder of the interview, Councilor Heath speaks of positive achievements in the City of Gardner over the last few years.
Around the Towns – News
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In the Community
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