• Bellyaching – Editorial (3/7/2026)

    Local Bellyaching – Commentary by Werner Poegel

    Listen to the commentary on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Bellyaching Commentary 3-7-26

    You all know the type, the bellyacher. On the national level, the bellyaching politicians drive everybody crazy. My commentary focuses on suggestions for a more positive local approach. I also give some positive examples such as Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who has a “People are Policy” philosophy and honors the dignity of each individual. And, Department Head Dane Arnold of DPW who is well-liked by staff. And I use as the one of the best examples, Dr. Mark Pellegrino, the Superintendent of Schools who I think has a magic formula for social emotional learning and high achievement in Gardner Public Schools, mostly by treating each student as an individual and finding ways for each person to succeed.

    In contrast, I use as a negative example the style of Council President George Tyros who made a “Federal case” out of the recent DPW donation incident. That’s where kind-hearted DPW employees went out of their way to collect scrap metal and had a goal of giving more than ever before to the Gardner CAC and they did reach a remarkable tally of over $10,000. Sure, permission should have been obtained from the City Council because the scrap metal was collected by City employees on City time. And sure, the Mayor could have immediately stopped the check from being cashed. But the City Council did not consider that there probably wouldn’t have been so much scrap metal collected if the goal of helping the CAC wasn’t fueling the Herculean effort. Rather than being praised, DPW was lambasted in public and I find that shockingly wrong.

    In my opinion, there’s no smiles lately from City Councilors at City Council meetings because the joy has been sucked out of the room, and that should change. Constructive oversight is good, but lately there’s just too much bellyaching about process issues when Gardner’s success as the “Model City for America” should be celebrated with joy.

  • Zlotnik Map (3/5/2026)

    Intern Theo Anderson Creates the Zlotnik Map of Wow

    Sometimes it takes a new set of eyes to discover the reality of success. Thus was the result of a project by Jonathan Zlotnik’s intern Theo Anderson who put a map together which graphically showcases the sheer enormity of many of the various projects and programs Zlotnik’s office has worked to deliver state funding to support. As Jonathan Zlotnik states: “ Every pin on this map is the result of hard work and collaboration with local officials, non-profits, or businesses to support important work going on throughout my district for our community.”

    Gardner Magazine is calling it the “Map of WOW”.

    Look at the entire list below. The sheer enormity of the list of success made our eyes bug out.

    Fortunately, Gardner Magazine is a digital publication. Otherwise the cost of typesetting the list would have been a staggering sum indeed.

    Here’s the complete Zlotnik list of successes: Rear Main Phase I ($1.2 Million) — Garbose Metal Factory Project ($2 Million) — Boosting Attendance and Achievement at AWRSD ($5,000) — Boosting Attendance and Achievement at CAPS ($3,000) — Boosting Attendance and Achievement at Gardner Public Schools ($125,000) — Climate Event Preparedness ($34,000) — Making AWRSD Safer ($59,604) — Making Gardner Public Schools Safer ($60,000) — Making Winchendon Public Schools Safer ($58,615) –Virtual Learning at Monty Tech ($348,258) — Creating a Greener Ashburnham ($20,254) — Creating a Greener Winchendon ($189,673) – – Recycling in Gardner ($14,300) — Advanced Manufacturing in Gardner Schools ($30,000) — EVs in Timpany Plaza ($50,000) — EVs at MWCC ($37,500) — Keeping Ashburnham SAFE ($13,363) — Keeping Winchendon SAFE ($21,703) — Keeping Elderly SAFE in Winchendon ($11,669) — Historic Downtown Ashburnham ($333,832) — Cultural Education at Elm St School ($5,000) — Moving Winchendon Upstream ($649,547) — FEMA Helping our Fire Depts ($2,824) — Keeping Our Fire Departments Healthy ($21,857) — ECE at MWCC ($200,000) –Scholarships at MWCC ($28,000) — Rehabilitating Mt. Watatic ($38,650) — Outdoor Dining in Gardner ($47,999) — Climate Event Preparedness ($22,000) — Tweens and Teens in the Library ($17,100) — Remote Instruction in Gardner Public Schools ($116,500) — Recycling in Westminster ($750) — Drive Safe Ashburnham ($66,728) — Edward J Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program ($39,867) — Innovation in Gardner Schools ($100,000) — Eat Up Monty Tech ($323,160) –Training for the Future at Monty Tech ($125,000) — Keeping our Kids Safe and Responsible ($825,000) — Railroad St Development ($715,510) — GAAMHA Buses (6 Buses) — Driving Gardner Forward (15 Vehicles) — Digital Literacy in Gardner ($4,200) — Rock on Winchendon ($50) — Wilder Brook Culvert Upgrade ($123,400) — Making Downtown Ashburnham Great ($29,849) — Reconnecting Gardner to Nature ($100,000) — Keeping our Lifesavers Safe ($43,627.27) — Keeping our Students Sharp ($75,000) — Dental Hygiene at MWCC ($250,000) — Restoring Public Parks for the Future ($380,000) — Keep Recycling Gardner ($75,900) — Reducing Waste in Winchendon ($17,750) — Reducing Waste in Westminster ($750) — Rear Main Phase II ($4.1 Million) — New Housing for Gardner ($900,000) — Upgrading Municipal Efficiency ($1,400) — Cloud-Based Phones in Ashburnham ($10,800) — Infrastructure Upgrades in Gardner ($10,000) — Helping Gardner Take Off ($110,000) — Holiday Lights Ashburnham ($1,500) — Firefighter Safety in Westminster ($15,356) — Improving Fuel Efficiency in Winchendon ($43,934) — Improving Fuel Efficiency in Winchendon ($175,904) — Supporting Student Mental Health ($150,000) — Keeping Ashburnham Cyber Safe (52 Employees) — Stay SAFE Gardner ($25,516) — Stay SAFE Westminster ($4,575) — Helping Seniors Stay Protected from Fires ($12,679) — Helping Seniors Stay Protected from Fires ($2,855) –Keeping Templeton Cyber Safe (90 Employees) — Healthy Meals for Gardner Schools ($6,419) –Blazing Pathways Forward ($30,000) — Family Fun in Winchendon ($45,700) — Blazing Trails into Nature ($200,000) — Improving Monty Tech’s Equipment ($30,000) — Pathways to the Rink ($400,000) — Responding to Market Demand at Monty Tech HVAC ($399,546) — MWCC at the Cutting Edge of the Nursing Industry ($500,000) — Safe Roads in Westminster ($15,020) — Improving Payment Efficiency ($42,500) — Keeping Gardner’s Water Clean ($50,000) — Paving the Way Forward ($1 Million) — Community Planning in Ashburnham ($75,000) — Startup Strong with WBI ($17,500)Dine Outside in Gardner ($30,000) — Reviving Gardner’s Historic Downtown ($40,000)Wheels Up Gardner ($403,500) — Ensuring Fast Emergency Response ($205,145) — Planning for the Future ($75,000) — Improving Career Options for Nurses ($525,000) — Providing Jobs for Greater Gardner ($300,000) — Bouncing Back Strong in our Schools ($6,100) — Keeping our Schools Cyber Safe (185 User Lisences) — Keeping Gardner Cyber Safe (170 User Lisences) — Keeping Winchendon Cyber Safe (100 User Lisences) — Promoting the Arts in Winchendon ($2,500) — Boosting Local Cultural Opportunities ($2,500) — Jamming Out in Winchendon ($2,500) — Promoting the Winchendon Winds ($2,500) — Protecting our Water Infrastructure ($9.56 Million) — Advancing Manufacturing in Central MA ($100,000) — Blazing Pathways in Early Childhood Education ($515,055) — A New Dawn for the Arts ($107,000) — Keeping City Government Connected ($200,000) — Keeping Winchendon Town Government Connected ($189,350) — Accelerating Students Forward ($19,475) — Helping Our Youngest Learners ($500,000) — Investigating History in Gardner ($14,500) — Investigating History in Winchendon ($118,559) — Boosting Community Development ($1.65 Million) — Boosting Community Development ($1.35 Million) –Blazing Innovation Pathways ($50,000) — Improved Recycling Efficiency in Gardner ($16,500)Find Your Way to Downtown Ashburnham ($50,000) — Growing Gardner’s Downtown ($900,000)Reusing Old Buildings for Housing ($750,000) — One Stop for Community Development ($90,000)Safe Travels Gardner! ($91,275) — Lights, Camera, Action ($90,000) — Helping Small Businesses is Beautiful ($46,000) — On the Menu: Helping Small Businesses ($69,000) — Helping Students Plan for the Future ($5,500) — Let’s Learn About MART! ($35,000) — Addressing Transportation Needs for the Elderly ($80,000) — Unifying Community Development Under One Plan ($90,000) — Addressing the Housing Shortage in Downtown Gardner ($500,000) — Ensuring High Quality Education ($123,900) — Firefighter Safety in Gardner ($69,756.82) — Keeping Our Lifesavers Safe ($41,089)Stay SAFE Templeton ($4,500) — Keeping Our Lifesavers Safe ($35,280) — Keeping Templeton Seniors SAFE ($2,200) — Improving Community Fitness in Winchendon ($321,400)Serving the Area’s Nurses ($439,121) — Body Cameras for Ashburnham PD ($71,575)Body Cameras for Winchendon PD ($59,440) — Safe Connections in Winchendon ($209,385)Targeted Support for Gardner Schools ($50,000) — Targeted Support for Winchendon Schools ($100,000) — Protecting Institutions from Violence ($74,657) — Weatherizing Winchendon Public Buildings ($208,429) — Keeping Ashburnham Flood Proof ($377,652) — Improving Our Roadway Infrastructure ($290,000) — Helping Revive Downtown Gardner ($3.5 Million)Supporting Public Health ($300,000) — Giving Veterans the Support they Need ($16,600,000)– Stopping Domestic Violence ($11,230) — Keeping the Lights On Safely ($3,050)Ensuring the Highest Quality Instruction in our Schools ($18,000) — Keeping Our Infrastructure Working ($384,400) — Giving Old Items New Life ($6,000) — Giving our Students the Gift of Creativity ($5,000) –Inspiring Creativity Through Dining ($2,500) — Keeping Our Lifesavers Safe ($75,658) — Improving WiFi Access for Olde English Village ($181,674) — Zoning Updates ($92,700)Improving Senior Mobility ($50,000) — Improving Permitting Efficiency ($21,500) — Better Financial Tech for Winchendon ($83,151) — Keeping Ashburnham Seniors SAFE ($6,748) — Building Bridges for Winchendon ($100,000) — HVAC Update for Ashburnham Fire Dept ($25,000) — MWCC COVID Response ($138,853) — Drive Safe Westminster ($12,000) — Helping Students Post COVID ($20,000) — Cycling Through Winchendon ($399,831) — Stay Healthy with CHNA-9 ($75,000)Healthy Meals for Narragansett ($8,478) — Orpheum Park ($50,000) — Maki Block ($500,000)Ryan Block Apartments ($900,000) — Rome Block ($640,000) — Let’s Swim Gardner! ($1.1 Million)Saving Our Old School Buildings ($750,000) — Stay Healthy with the Winchendon Fire Department ($175,904) — Ensuring the Highest Quality Instruction in Our Schools ($12,500) — Building Bridges for Community Fitness ($300,000) — GAAMHA Facility Improvement ($450,000) — Funding Local Heritage ($100,000) — Restoring Perry Auditorium ($325,000) — Expanding Housing for Female Veterans ($1,075,000) — Handicap Bathrooms for the Winchendon Senior Center ($50,000) –Establishing the Wachusett Business Incubator ($225,000) — Service Learning at the Brewer Center ($1,050,000) — Expanding STEM at MWCC ($200,000) — Improving the Bresnahan Scouting Center ($120,000) — Playgrounds in Gardner ($40,000) — Supporting Working Families ($100,000)Training Equipment for Westminster Fire Dept ($25,000) — Heating Upgrades at Narragansett ($150,000) — Improving the CAC ($200,000) — GAAMHA Facility Improvements ($25,000)Moving the CAC ($225,000) — Creating a Teen Center for Gardner ($100,000) — Gardner Community Center ($500,000) — On-Site Academy (1,500,000) — Gardner is Growing Places ($450,000) –MWCC COVID Recovery ($261,888)

  • Meeting Triple Play (2/27/2026)
    Meeting Triple Play 2-27-26

    We’re calling it a “Triple Play” of Meetings as all three meetings relate to the finances involved in various municipal and private projects in the City of Gardner Massachusetts.

    Actively engaged in all of this are Mayor Michael Nicholson, City Councilors, the Economic Development Department, the Engineering Department, and even Public Safety such as the Fire Department. All play a part in reviewing these important plans affecting Gardner’s future.

    There’s so much material here we have 3 infographics below. To view them adequately, just click on an image of your choice for a larger view.

    Meeting Triple Play: Three Different Meetings Illustrate Financial and Project Environment in Gardner MA.

    Finance Committee February 24, 2026 focused on the City’s Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Plan and various municipal funding requests. Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson explained that while the capital plan serves as a necessary legal guide for grant eligibility and loan applications, it does not guarantee immediate funding for all municipal projects. Other items: Pedestrian safety improvements near West Broadway, the bridge design project funded by state grants, allocation of enterprise funds fore repairing James Street pump station, the snow removal budget, and the formal acceptance of some private donations. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Finance Committee 2-24-26

    The Gardner Economic and Community Development Committee meeting of February 25th focused on grant allocations and municipal facility upgrades. Detailed were recommendations for $875,000 in federal block grants to fund social services, street improvements, and local community programs. A status report was given on the Waterford Community Center, focusing on tenant progress and infrastructure repairs. Mayor Nicholson updated the group on ADA compliance, electrical upgrades,, and a future solar panel installation project for the center’s roof. Also discussed, the zoning ordinance amendment to simplify business signage and updates on public park renovations and upcoming community development goals. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Economic and Community Development 2-25-26

    The Development Review Committee met on February 27th. Discussed was a proposed 36-unit tiny home project on Whitney Street. This conceptual plan, presented on behalf of a local developer, represents the first application of its kind following the city’s newly adopted zoning regulations. Key discussions focus on infrastructure requirements, including the use of private wells and a common septic system rather than public utilities. Officials and engineers also address regulatory compliance concerning road width, parking availability, and potential impacts on nearby wetlands. The meeting serves as a preliminary dialogue to ensure the project aligns with building codes and environmental standards before moving to formal boards. Ultimately, the committee aims to clarify how these modern housing solutions fit within existing municipal frameworks.

    Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Development Review 2-27-26

    We have three detailed infographics for you. To view the larger view, just click on the image of interest.

  • CDBG 2-24-26 (2/26/2026)

    Community Development Block Grant Committee Meets and Reviews Grants and Finances

    Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    CDBG 2-24-26

    The Gardner Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Steering Committee meeting held on February 24, 2026, focused on finalizing the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) application and reallocating unexpended funds from previous grant years. The committee faced a significant budgetary challenge, initially navigating a $103,000 deficit in its funding plan. Through a combination of project withdrawals, the reclassification of the St. Paul’s community garden expansion, and the strategic phasing of the City Hall Avenue project, the committee successfully balanced the FY26 proposal.

    Key strategic shifts were also approved, including an update to the Community Development Strategy to provide greater flexibility in funding infrastructure projects outside of strictly designated urban renewal areas. Additionally, the committee addressed the city’s changing demographic status; following the 2020 Census, Gardner no longer qualifies as a citywide Low to Moderate Income (LMI) community, necessitating a shift toward neighborhood-specific or project-specific justifications for federal funding.

  • Phone Guide – Gardner (1/21/2026)
    Gardner MA Department Telephone Guide

    Gardner MA Municipal Phone Directory, with printable versions right here.

    Gardner MA Telephone Guide

    Gardner Magazine has put together a convenient, printable guide for reaching Gardner City Departments. CLICK on the image for a larger view or access the document on this Gardner page, CLICK HERE. There are 2 printable versions below, either landscape or portrait orientation. They print well in color or black and white.

    Download Printable Landscape Orientation Directory, CLICK HERE

    Download Printable Portrait Orientation Directory, CLICK HERE.

  • Planning 1-13-26 (1/15/2026)
    Gardner Planning Board 1-13-26

    Planning Board Focuses on 3 Projects at January Meeting


    The Gardner Planning Board meeting of January 13, 2026 focused on three primary development projects, starting with the final approval of a site plan for 827 Green Street involving a new farm building and parking.

    The board then addressed a pond expansion project located in neighboring Hubbardston, ultimately deciding to draft a letter confirming their awareness of the proposal without offering a formal endorsement or objection.

    A significant portion of the session was dedicated to a preliminary subdivision plan for Pearl Street, where representatives proposed a 46-unit residential loop road across 55 acres. During this discussion, members suggested the developer explore open space residential design and new city housing ordinances to potentially increase density while reducing land disturbance. Due to the complexity of these revisions and the implementation of new zoning laws, the board kept the Pearl Street project in the preliminary phase and noted that future meetings may increase in frequency to accommodate rising workloads. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Planning Board 1-13-26
  • Heywood Solar Panels (1/14/2026)

    Heywood Healthcare Flips Switch on Long-Awaited Solar Panels

    Heywood Healthcare stated: “In partnership with National Grid, RER Energy Group, and GES, we are harnessing clean energy to reduce our carbon footprint and lower costs. This project creates a sustainable pathway to reinvest in local care and economic growth. As an independent, community-owned system, we are proud to invest in a greener future for Gardner and beyond.”

    Heywood Healthcare issued an Official Press Release, CLICK HERE for pdf.

    On January 13th, Heywood Healthcare unveiled its stalled decade long solar panel project at Heywood Hospital. The project is now officially live and Heywood stated it “marks a significant step forward in the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency….brings clean, renewable energy to the Gardner campus, helping to stabilize energy costs and reduce the healthcare system’s carbon footprint.”

  • Model City 2026 (1/13/2026)

    CLICK HERE for our HUGE Resource page on Gardner, Model City for America with podcasts, video, infographics, and lots of history to read, CLICK HERE.

    An Introduction to the Resource page on Gardner MA “Model City for America”

    Gardner Magazine has coined the term “Model City for America” for the City of Gardner MA. The reasons why are chronicled on a website dedicated to the success of the last 5 years, Fiscal6.com, CLICK HERE.

    We have developed a complete resource page on Gardner, “From Chair City to Model City” which chronicles Gardner’s history, Gardner’s successes, features a “Deep Dive” with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady, features a DEBATE with Max and Maxine Rogers, features a video entitled “A Modern Comeback, a 21st Century Revival” plus a number of really cool and comprehensive infographics on what has happened in the history of Gardner. If you love Gardner, you’ll love the big page, CLICK HERE.

  • Commentary – Report WGAW On-Air Hosts (1/3/2026)

    Radio Station WGAW is celebrating 80 years on-the-air. (1946-2026)

    Featured in the commentary are segments of the original song: “On The Radio, WGAW” Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    WGAW On-Air Hosts – Report and Commentary

    Listen to the Report and commentary on the occasion of WGAW’s 80th Anniversary on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Commentary – On-Air Hosts WGAW

    The report goes over the entire lineup of WGAW which is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and streams to everywhere in the world.

    Weekdays on WGAW: Gordon Deal – America’s First News: 5-6am, Steve Wendell – The Morning News: 6-9am, Mike Gallagher: 9am to noon, Grace Curley: noon to 2pm, Scott Jennings: 2-3pm, Hugh Hewitt: 3-6pm, Mark Levin: 6-9pm, John Batchelor 9pm-1am, Red Eye Radio 1-5am.

    Saturdays on WGAW: Gordon Deal: 6-7am, Tony Perkins: 7-8am, Public Affairs: 8-9am, Garry Sullivan: 9am to noon, Hotline Radio: Noon – 2pm, Larry Kudlow: 2-5pm, Eye on Veterans: 5-6pm, Kim Komando: 6-9pm, Art Bell: 9pm to midnight.

    Sundays on WGAW: Art Bell: Midnight to 4am, Red Rye Radio 4-6am, Paul Parent Garden Club: 6-10am, Sunday Reports: 10-10:30am, Holy Rosary Mass: 10:30-11:30am, Week in Review with Steve Wendell: 11:30am – noon, Gary Sullivan: Noon-3pm, Pet Show with Warren Eckstein: 3-4pm, Chris Plante: 4-7pm, Rich DeMuro: 7-10pm, Bill Cunningham 10pm-1am.

    WGAW Programming Video 2-9-26

  • Capital Projects 2026 (1/1/2026)
    5 Year Capital Improvement Plan Gardner MA

    A “Deep Dive” into the Gardner MA 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan FY 2027 to FY 2031

    The Chair Man and the Chair Lady discuss the Gardner 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan. The various items will be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the Capital Improvement Committee on January 7th. Listen to the “Deep Dive” on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    DEEP DIVE – Capital Improvement Plan

    The 5 Year Plan documents over $88 million of needs on the list prioritized as Emergency, High, or Low. Gardner always attempts to cover expenditures with grant funds when possible. When funds are not available in a given year, the items simply wait. View the agenda for the upcoming meeting for all the details which are up for discussion, debate, and review. CLICK HERE for 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan PDF.

    Below is a detailed infographic outlining the various topics under consideration.

    Infographic - Gardner Capital Improvement Plan