- Mayor’s Update 5-29-26 (5/29/2026)
This end of May Update from Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson covers various milestones, community growth, and a list of events which we are showing in a table below and also in the infographic. For more information at any time about the City of Gardner visit the official website at Gardner-MA.gov
Milestones – Community Growth – Community Events – Focus of an end of May Update with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson
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Mayor’s Update 5-29-26 The May 29, 2026, update from Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson highlights a period of significant transition and high community activity. The report focuses on three primary pillars: the conclusion of the academic year through numerous graduation ceremonies, a burgeoning local economy characterized by culinary diversification and retail expansion, and a robust schedule of summer community events.
Key takeaways include:
- Educational Milestones: A wide range of graduations, from elementary programs like DARE to higher education institutions, are being celebrated across the city.
- Economic Growth: The city is seeing a shift toward a more diverse business landscape with the opening of international markets and the expansion of local furniture retail.
- Community Engagement: A dense calendar of events—including the Relay for Life, farmers markets, and youth academies—aims to foster community connection and support local veterans and nonprofits.
- Administrative Notices: Essential service updates include yard waste collection schedules and City Hall closures for the Juneteenth holiday.
Academic Milestones and Graduations
The city is currently in a “jam-packed” season of celebrating student achievements across various levels of education. Mayor Nicholson expressed gratitude to faculty, administration, and Gardner Educational Television (GET) for documenting these events for those unable to attend in person.
Recognized Institutions and Programs
- Elementary: Fifth-grade students recently completed the DARE program, conducted by Officer Spain and Lieutenant Chisnowski of the community policing department.
- Secondary and Vocational: Gardner High School, Gardner Academy, Monty Tech, and Holy Family Academy.
- Higher Education and Early College: Fitchburg State University, Mount Wachusett Community College, and the Gateway and Pathway Early College Programs.
Economic Development and Business Openings
Gardner is experiencing a notable trend in diversifying its local cuisine and revitalizing vacant commercial spaces.
New and Expanding Businesses
- Joy Market and Bakery: Located at the former Taylor Rental site on Union Square (near Pearson Boulevard), this Guatemalan market and restaurant officially opened on Memorial Day.
- Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday (Closed Sundays).
- Services: Full-service menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a small grocery market and baked goods.
- Gardner Outlet Furniture: Held a grand reopening at Timpany Plaza in the former Big Lots site. The move has reportedly resulted in “skyrocketing” sales due to improved visibility and parking.
- Future Prospects: The city is in conversations regarding a Brazilian market expected to open within the next 18 months, and Bria Coffee, which will feature Nicaraguan cuisine, is slated to open later this year.
Community Events and Summer Programming
The city has scheduled an extensive array of events to promote health, local agriculture, and veteran appreciation. Event Schedule and Details:
Event Date(s) Time Location Notes Yoga in the Park Mondays (June 1–Aug 31) 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Park Street Park Donation-based; benefits local nonprofits. Bring own mat. Kids Safety Day Saturday, June 6 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Gardner Lodge of Elks Free food and bicycle door prize. Firefighters Memorial Sunday, June 7 9:00 AM N/A Assembly for current/retired firefighters at 8:30 AM. Relay for Life June 12 – June 13 Starts 6:00 PM (Fri) MWCC Track One of the largest relays in the country. Farmers Market Saturday, June 20 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM Waterford Community Center Theme: “Berries and Bloom.” Bandstand Concert Saturday, June 20 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Monument Park Featuring “True Diamond.” Bring chairs/blankets. Library Reading Kickoff Wednesday, June 24 4:00 PM Levi Heywood Memorial Library Summer reading program launch on front lawn. Food Truck Festival Saturday, July 11 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM To be announced Preliminary save-the-date. Junior Police Academy July 13 – July 18 Multi-day Gardner Police Station For ages 14–17; includes physical fitness and mock trials. All-American Day Sunday, July 19 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Fish and Gun Club Free event for veterans and their families. Youth Opportunities: Junior Police Academy
This free, interactive program for teenagers (ages 14–17) provides insight into local law enforcement. Curriculum highlights include:
- Physical fitness training.
- Mock traffic stops and investigative techniques.
- Defensive tactics. Applications are available at the Gardner Police Station or via the department’s Facebook page. Space is limited.
Public Works and Administrative Notices
- Yard Waste Collection: Pickup is scheduled for June 2 through June 5. Residents should put out yard waste on their regular trash day.
- Juneteenth Observance: City Hall will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of the federal holiday.
- Greenwood Pool: The facility is scheduled to open on the final day of the Gardner Public Schools academic year.
- Municipal Budgeting: The Mayor and City Council are currently engaged in budget meetings to finalize the city’s financial planning.
Greater Gardner Relay for Life Contact Information
For information regarding the Greater Gardner Relay for Life, residents may contact regional organizer Gina Betetti at 267-817-7292 or via email at gina.betetti@cancer.org. General inquiries regarding city updates can be directed to the Mayor’s Office.
- Mayor Michael Nicholson Update 5-1-26 (5/1/2026)
Important Note: For a very limited time, the City of Gardner is suspending fines for overdue Dog Licensing (due March 31st). Right now, regular rates apply with no fine or penalty , but that won’t last long. View the comprehensive infographic for important dates.
A Mayor’s Update packed with information, news, and events with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson
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UPDATE: 5-1-26 Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson In this official update of May 1 2026, the Mayor of Gardner, Michael Nicholson, highlights a variety of community events and civic achievements scheduled for the spring season. The address begins by honoring local award recipients, specifically recognizing individuals and businesses for their contributions to public service and safety. Residents are informed of upcoming recreational opportunities, including the reopening of the farmers market, summer concert series, and specialized youth programs like the Junior Police Academy now named the Rocky Barrieau Memorial Junior Police Academy. Furthermore, the update serves as a guide for municipal services, providing essential details on yard waste collection, dog licensing, and public meetings regarding city infrastructure planning including the Vision Zero Safety Plan, the Municipal Surplus Property Plan, and the City Master Plan. The Mayor concludes by celebrating the academic success of local graduates and encouraging ongoing citizen engagement in beautification projects like the annual planting day.
Infographic provides a category listing of the various categories in the jam-packed update.
- Update 3-27-26 (3/27/2026)
March Update with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson
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Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson outlines a variety of upcoming community events and municipal initiatives as the city transitions into spring. Residents are encouraged to participate in local traditions like the Downtown flower pot sponsorship, the farmers market, and an annual litter cleanup. The address also highlights significant administrative reminders, such as the deadline for dog licensing (March 31st) and the introduction of the city’s first comprehensive master plan. Additionally, the Mayor provides a transparent look at the city’s fiscal challenges, noting that rising costs in healthcare and transportation will necessitate tightened budgets and difficult financial decisions. Infrastructure projects are also discussed, including necessary structural repairs to City Hall and the relocation of a veterans’ ceremony due to construction.
- Update 2-27-26 (2/26/2026)
City of Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson February 2026 Update
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson highlights a critical transition period in his February 2026 update as the City moves from winter operations into spring planning. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update – February 27, 2026 Mayor Nicholson advised that several technical barriers have been discovered which are preventing residents from receiving critical alerts. Residents who may not have received a call this season are urged to reregister via the City website or by calling the Mayor’s office. Barriers identified include residents ignoring calls because the phone number is not from a 978 area code, mobile devices getting caught by a spam blockers which requires callers to Press 1 to proceed, and devices set on airplane mode which diverts calls directly to voicemail.
The Mayor reminded residents of several deadlines and events which are shown in the infographic below and stated that projects will resume once the snow is gone.
- Update 1-30-26 (1/29/2026)
End of January Update with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson
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Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke at length about the storm which blanketed the Chair City with snow.
The Update contains timely and essential information about city operations, public safety, and upcoming events. Here is information about the key happenings in Gardner.
Spotlight on Public Works: Understanding Gardner’s Snow Removal Operations: DPW crews worked a continuous 42-hour shift, from 9:00 a.m. Sunday to 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, to manage the storm. A team of 30 DPW plow drivers was deployed, each assigned to a specific, pre-planned route. Crews are responsible for plowing and maintaining all 100 miles of city roads. It takes an average of three hours for a plow to complete its assigned route one time..
Thanks to the new salt shed, the city currently has 1,500 tons of salt on hand. Unlike several surrounding communities that issued advisories after running out of salt, Gardner’s new shed ensures a consistent supply, keeping our roads safer. A single, city-wide salt application requires approximately 100 tons of salt.
Based on feedback from the plow drivers, here are two critical ways you can help ensure safety for everyone during snow removal operations: • Do Not Pass the Plows: Driving behind a plow means the road ahead has not yet been cleared and is not safe for travel. Passing is dangerous for you and for our drivers, who are focused on the difficult task of clearing the road. • Do Not Throw Items at Plows: We understand the frustration of having a freshly shoveled driveway blocked by a passing plow. However, throwing shovels or other objects at the trucks is extremely hazardous and puts drivers at risk.
On January 29th, the Gardner Fire Department demonstrated its professionalism and skill during a two-alarm fire at the 123 Grow Daycare on West Broadway. Thanks to their prompt and effective response, the situation was handled as safely as possible. While the building was unfortunately a loss, we are profoundly grateful that no one was injured. This positive outcome is a direct result of the dedication and expertise of our Gardner firefighters.
Deadlines: Excise tax bills will be mailed to residents during the month of February. Per Massachusetts state law, you are responsible for paying the bill even if you do not receive it due to a change of address. I Dog licenses for 2026 are now available and must be registered by March 31st to avoid fines.
Community Calendar & Engagement Opportunities: “Love to Empower” Gift Card Drive ◦ Date: February 1 – 14 Help reduce financial barriers for domestic violence survivors. The Gardner Police Department, Gardner Community Action Team, and partners are collecting gift cards of $10 or more. ◦ Drop-off Locations: Gardner Police Department, City Hall Health Department, Sculpt Studio. —-• Holy Family Academy “Super Bowl” Soup Contest ◦ Date: Sunday, February 1 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ◦ Location: Lower Church Hall of Holy Rosary Church ◦ Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for students. ◦ Description: Sample a variety of soups and vote for the winner in this fun community contest.• School Vacation Week Activities ◦ Date: Week of February 16 A wide range of activities will be available for students, including programming at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, free skate times at the Gardner Veterans Skating Arena, and outdoor opportunities at The Lodge at Dunn Pond. The Gardner Community Youth Center will also offer extended hours (12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) for youth in grades 7-12. ————- • Peace Corps Through the Decades Presentation ◦ Date: Tuesday, February 25 | 6:00 p.m. at Levi Heywood Memorial Library Local resident Arthur Young, one of the first Peace Corp volunteers, will share his experiences in honor of the organization’s 65th anniversary.• Theatre at the Mount: “Young Frankenstein” ◦ Dates: February 27-28 & March 6-8 Gardner Museum Season Reopening ◦ Date: Wednesday, March 4 | 1:00 p.m. ◦ 2026 Flower Pot Sponsorship Program ◦ Deadline: Sponsorships are $150 until March 1, after which the price increases to $200. Contact: For more information, please contact Iris in the Community Development department at imesser@gardner-ma.gov or 978-991-5840.
An Update on the Recent City Hall Closure: The Mayor addressed the recent unexpected closure of City Hall following last week’s snowstorm. This decision was made to ensure the safety of all city employees and the public. Following the storm, a carbon monoxide detector was found to be going off inside the building. The Gardner Fire Department and the City Building Commissioner were immediately called to investigate. Their investigation revealed a significant safety hazard: a natural gas leak caused by a crack in one of the building’s boilers and a separate issue with a second boiler .To protect employees and the public, the decision was made to keep the building closed until all necessary repairs were completed by the city’s contractor. The building remained closed until it was fully vented and had passed all necessary safety checks to confirm there were no further gas leaks.
- Caroling with the Mayor 2025 (12/23/2025)
Caroling with the Mayor 2025 Caroling with the Mayor 2025 – Available is VIDEO and AUDIO of this beloved Gardner tradition.
Caroling with the Mayor 2025 is Released
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson has released the 2025 “Caroling with the Mayor”, the annual virtual caroling event to celebrate the 2025 holiday season. Listen to the AUDIO on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Caroling with the Mayor 2025 Or if you wish, play the video right out of this page so you can see all the performers. Greater Gardner Community Choir opens it up with a performance from Handel’s Messiah “Unto Us a Child Is Born”. There’s a diverse array of musical performances from local schools, church groups, and community choirs showcasing the city’s artistic talent. Interspersed between the songs, the Mayor highlights various festive decorations within Gardner City Hall, including a tree honoring military members and entries from a departmental door-decorating contest. Mayor Michael Nicholson acknowledges the contributions of local organizations such as a task force dedicated to domestic violence awareness and prevention. The program concludes with a community-wide sing-along and a message of gratitude toward the citizens and staff who made the celebration possible. This annual program serves as a communal tribute to Gardner’s spirit and local traditions during the Christmas week.
If you watch Caroling with the Mayor on your phone, you can orient the phone so that you can view it wide screen. If you watch on the computer, you can make it go full screen for a better view. Or listen to the AUDIO we have provided.
- Mayor’s Pre-Christmas Update (12/22/2025)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson reviews holiday schedules: City Hall closed at noon on December 24th and closed Christmas Day and December 26th, closed at noon on December 31st and closed New Year’s Day and January 2nd. See infographic below for more information.
A Pre-Christmas Update from Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson – IMPORTANT Holiday Schedules
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Mayor’s December Update 12-22-25 Mayor Nicholson provides essential holiday information regarding City operations and special events, addressing holiday closures for City Hall and the local transfer station while also outlining an adjusted trash and recycling collection schedule for the final weeks of the year.
Residents are encouraged to register for the Code Red emergency alert system to receive accurate winter parking ban notifications following technical upgrades.
Mayor Michael Nicholson outlines several community traditions including a televised caroling program, the upcoming inauguration ceremony in January, and a discounted early-bird sponsorship for the City’s Downtown flower pots.
The Mayor concludes with a call for year-round charity and a preview of family-friendly library activities scheduled for the winter break.
- Mayor’s November Update (11/28/2025)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson provides a City of Gardner update and also features a special guest: Dr. Frank Sweeney of Heywood Hospital.
A November Mayor’s Update with a Very Special Guest
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson provides an update covering end of November and December events for the City of Gardner. Get all the details about the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade and find out about dual donation drives for toys, needed spices, and canned goods. As far as City operations, the Mayor goes over the Code Red issue, revealing that a cyber hack crashed the database, forcing the City to rely on a backup system until the vendor rebuilds. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Mayor Michael Nicholson November Update with Special Guest: Dr. Frank Sweeney of Heywood Hospital Also included is an interview featuring a special guest, the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Frank Sweeney of Heywood Hospital who discusses Heywood Healthcare’s financial independence after bankruptcy, confirms a return to full function following a separate recent cyber event, and clarifies that a poor quality Leapfrog rating was unjustly applied because Heywood opted not to participate in a voluntary reporting survey. “It’s like getting a “D” on a test that you never took”. Gardner Magazine previously had an editorial on the subject, calling out Leapfrog for literally unjustly sticking it to Heywood Hospital, CLICK HERE.
- Update 11-7-25 (11/7/2025)
Events, Operations, and a Holiday Preview Focus of Mayor’s Update of November 7, 2025
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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.
- Mayor’s Update 9-26-25 (9/26/2025)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the City of Gardner
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Mayor’s Update 9-26-25
2026-02-13