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Gardner Magazine is also Gardner Herald, and a newspaper of general circulation for Greater Gardner MA. Easy URL for Mobile is 3MX.us —- Jump to News of Nearby Communities — LIVE TV NEWS News & Events: News@GardnerMagazine.com
News about towns next to Gardner in our Nearby Communities section below:
Westminster – Water Main Break 4-28-24 — Winchendon – Low Interest Loan for Water Main Project —- Westminster Town Administrator Speaks on Various Matters Concerning the Town — Recent Public Meetings in Winchendon MA include the Board of Selectmen of April 8th, Winchendon School Committee on April 11th and Hearing of April 2nd, and Winchendon Finance Committee of April 9th. —- Flea Market Opens for the Season — Hubbardston Town Administrator Nate Boudreau Speaks About Budget, Town Meeting Review, and Upcoming Town Meeting – listen to the interview. An Interview with Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney – Budget, Business, and the Basics about the Toytown. —- Moving Mountains in Templeton – Interview with Town Administrator Adam Lamontagne —- JUMP TO SECTION.
- First Responders
For more about the following, click the respective links: Gardner Fire Department —- Gardner Police Department —– Levi Heywood Memorial Library.
First Responder Day Cooperative Effort Among Gardner Fire Department, Gardner Police Department, and the Levi Heywood Memorial Library
Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with 3 key individuals about this FREE event. First Responder Day at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, Saturday May 18th from 9am to 11am. You can hear it all on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Gardner PD Lieutenant John Czasnowski, , Firefighter and S.A.F.E. Program Coordinator Sean Kelley, and Library Director Stephanie Young all spoke about the event.
Lieutenant Czasnowski let us know the plan is to have cruisers, a drone demonstration, the School Resource officer and an opportunity to see K-9 Rocky. There will be stickers for the kids.
Firefighter Sean Kelley spoke of the touch-a- truck event, the appearance of Sully the therapy dog, various vendors and games for the kids to play.
Library Director Stephanie Young was excited about the event and stated, “It’s so important that our community members, children and families get to meet our emergency personnel in a non-emergency situation. They can build connections and, you know, if there is an incident that people are involved in, they already have a connection and it helps during an emergency time.”
- Lithuanian 2024
2024 Saturday Night – 7-11pm Concerts at the Lithuanian Outing Association, 23 Airport Road, Gardner run from May through September.
Lithuanian Outing Association Concerts – 2024
Date: Band(s): May 25 AK Cody and the Wicked Northmen June 8 Dank Sinatra June 15 Mid Life Crisis June 29 Whiskey Johnson (Fireworks) July 13 The Angry Debutantes / Point the Finger July 20 Litz Blitz July 27 Matt Callahan / Sufferin Bastards August 10 The Boogie Brown Band August 24 Danny LeBlanc September 7 Lacquerhead September 28 Plead the 5th
- Relay Interview
Details on the Gardner Relay for Life – Interview with Sandra Long
Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with Relay for Life Committee member Sandra Long on April 30, 2024 about the upcoming June event. Listen on any Device, CLICK PLAY.
Sandra Long gave us a brief history of the Relay for Life and told us that this year’s goal is $185,000. Teams have already raised over $40,000. In our interview, Long explained what the Relay for Life is all about. For the 2024 Gardner Relay for Life official event page with all information, CLICK HERE.
Previous articles: Cancer Research —- First Lap 2024. —- 2023 Event —– 2022 Event
Relay for Life is June 7-8, 2024 at Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner MA
- Yard 2024
Spring Yard Sale in Gardner MA
The date for the Spring City-Wide Yard Sale in Gardner MA has been announced as Saturday, June 1, 2024. More details as they become available.
- Disc Golf
Disc Golf Growing in Popularity Throughout the Commonwealth of MA – now at Bailey Brook Park
Gardner’s Bailey Brook Disc Golf Course is under construction and is described on Udisc.com as eventually having 8(9) holes. Gardner Firefighter Benjamin Tucker has uploaded photos of his projected design layout The complete layout is profiled here:
As the map in the graphic shows, Disc Golf is growing in popularity throughout the entire state. Darker pushpins are existing and lighter pushpins are courses under construction. So how do you play Disc Golf and what are the rules? DGA which claims to be the first in Disc Golf has a list of game Objectives and Disc Golf Rules. CLICK HERE.
There are some course protocols to know about such as remaining quiet while others are throwing and standing behind the player who is throwing. And just like regular golf, you should sometimes allow faster groups to play through. The course at Bailey Brook Park should be completed in plenty of time for many to enjoy it this Summer and Fall.
- Gardens 2024
Community Garden at St. Paul’s in Gardner MA Now has 27 Beds
Originally established 2 years ago with a $3000 grant from the Diocese, the Community Garden located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Cross Street in Gardner almost doubled its capacity in 2023 and now has more than 2 dozen beds. Mayor Michael Nicholson posted on April 28th,”Big shout out to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Gardner MA for starting up their community gardens again this year to support the Gardner CAC! They are adding even more raised beds to bring the total to 27! Thanks for all you do for the City and it’s residents! “. Fresh produce grown on the property is distributed to area families by the CAC.
The sign states “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat” – Matthew 25:35. Distribution of food grown will occur through the Food Pantry of the Community Action Committee. The CAC serves disadvantaged individuals in Gardner, Ashburnham, Baldwinville, Hubbardston, Otter River, Templeton, and Westminster. Gardner CAC website, CLICK HERE. To donate to the CAC securely click here. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church website, CLICK HERE.
According to the Church, “”Many faces, one faith. We are a diverse group of believers – bankers, musicians, social workers, teachers, public servants, business owners, parents – united by our shared faith in a loving God.” Sunday services are at 10am
- PACC 2024
PACC Friday Cruise Nights – Bands for 2024
The PACC Cruise Nights on Fridays precede the 4 hour concerts which occur from 7pm to 11pm. Upcoming this season beginning on May 24th are Danny Leblanc, Whiskey Johnson, the Wingmen, The Big RanDom, Mr. Strickland, Gale County, Plead the Fifth, Ben Cote, Drama Queen, Barbwire Lace, a Night of Zeppelin, Dave Malouin, Mid Life Crisis, Boogie Brown Band, and more. Admission is FREE.
The Gardner Polish American Citizens Club is located at 171 Kendall Pond Road in Gardner. These FREE Concerts are open to the public.
The Lithuanian Outing Association will also have some FREE Concerts in 2024. We have a preliminary schedule which was posted in February 2024 and will update with the official schedule when it is available.
- Editorial – Facebook
Facebook Postings Can Lead to Huge Damage Awards – Even Loss of House
The hypothetical situation: A local Facebook Group makes egregious false statements suggesting falsely that individuals have committed crimes, even repeating similar false statements over a period of months in an attempt to make false claims sound legit. When confronted, it doubles down on the postings which only provides further evidence of actionable malice.
HUGE Awards for damages: The law does not look fondly on actions like this. The offense is Facebook defamation and it can lead to some huge jury awards or large settlements. A post made about a woman got her a settlement of $500,000. Details here: In another case, “venting” on Facebook led to a $65,000 defamation judgment and liability for 3rd party comments. Details Here: A $75,000 defamation award for false allegations against a female prison officer: Details Here. Many more examples are out there. It is not an amusing situation at all as unfortunately there are some who believe false accusations. However, it is clear, in the end it could cost a Facebook Admin his/her house and those who chime in might have to shell out thousands.
Bottom Line: Unless someone has actually been arrested for a crime and you have an official law enforcement Press Release to prove it, it’s never a good idea to use Facebook to accuse anyone of anything illegal. Gardner Magazine, for example, does not customarily publish the names of those arrested, the names of crime victims, or the names of accident victims. That way, for example, an innocent person is not victimized by an internet article which never goes away and a family does not have to relive a tragedy which keeps coming up with an internet search. We will publish an official Press Release as appropriate. Maintaining the dignity of individuals is important. Unfortunately today, many people are victimized by those getting a thrill out of getting the reactions of others by simply making things up. Fortunately, that thrill eventually costs them – big time!
- Fire 4-27-24
Gardner MA Fire Department Responds to Multi-acre Brush Fire
The Gardner Fire Department assisted with a 9+ acre brush fire in Ashburnham and a smaller brush fire on Acadia Road in Gardner, posting, “Group 3 Recall Off Route 12 in Ashburnham. Engine 3 and 11C1 responded to assist with a 9+ acre brush fire. Gardner Firefighters worked to contain the perimeter of the fire. While at this fire, other Gardner crews responded to a 1/2 acre brush fire on Acadia Rd. A full department recall was sounded for that fire.”
Readers please note: The Open Burn Season in the State of Massachusetts will end on April 30th.
- Purple Paws 4-27-24
Important Contact Information Telephone: (978) 699-0203 Website: Gardnerdvtaskforce.org Facebook Page, CLICK HERE Purple Paws Event Sheds Light on Domestic Violence
The Purple Paw Walk Held on April 27, 2024 was held to raise funds to support victims of domestic violence and their pets. Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson read a Proclamation at the beginning of the event.
The Gardner Community Action Team posted, “We take great pride in supporting many local organizations that provide crucial services to Gardner residents. Voices of Truth, The Gardner Domestic Violence Taskforce, The Gardner Community Action Team and the City of Gardner worked together on putting this fundraiser on.”
Area residents brought their dogs and some were outfitted with costumes. The Gardner Police Department made a strong showing of support. K-9 Rocky was on hand. Various vendors displayed their wares. GCAT also posted, “We are happy that we had more participants than last year and hoping to grow this event next year.”
Bernice Richard previously stated The Purple Paws event is intended “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.” Previous interview article with resource information, CLICK HERE.
- Gardner Music
2024 Gardner Summer Concert Series at Monument Park
The Season of music starts on Saturday June 22nd with Holdin’ Back and continues through August 24th. Admission is FREE for all concerts. Donations are accepted and sponsors are welcomed to help fund the fun.
All concerts are at Monument Park except for July 13th which will be at the Food Truck Festival near Gardner City Hall.
More information on the scheduled bands – Facebook or website links: Holdin’ Back (The 60’s) —- Mr. Strickland (Classic Rock) —- The Boothill Express Band (Country That Rocks!) —- Dave Malouin (Country, Oldies, Rock) —- Ashbrook Haynes (American Roots) —- Gold Dust Refugee (Tom Petty/Fleetwood Mac) —- The Remedy (“Music Cures All”) —- 4EverFab (Beatles) —- Jumpin’ Juba (Blues & Roots – Rock) —- The BIG RanDom (Classic Rock)
- 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.”
Nearby Communities and the Region
Templeton – Phillipston – Winchendon – Ashburnham – Westminster – Hubbardston
Most recent stories of nearby communities will be shown here. For more info, visit individual town page.
Area Communities
- Westminster 4-28-24
From the Town of Westminster, “Water Main Break on Bathrick Road
The Westminster Department of Public Works is currently working to repair a water main break on Bathrick Road today – Sunday, April 28, 2024.The water main break is impacting water service on the following roads: Bathrick Road, Crestview Lane, Rebanna Road, South Ashburnham Road, State Road East
Theodore Drive, Warner Lane, West Hill Drive, Woodland Drive
Water service will be temporarily interrupted to allow the Town to repair the broken water main and return water service as soon as possible. The duration of the interruption of service will depend on the conditions encountered. Once the work has been performed, your water service will be restored. Please note that the water may contain air or be discolored after the water service is restored but should clear up after running the cold water tap for a short time period of time.Crews are working diligently to have the main repaired and water service returned as soon as possible, we appreciate your patience and cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
- 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.
- Lahtinen 4-23-24
Documents in pdf format: May 4, 2024 Town Meeting Warrant – Special Town Meeting Warrant. Town of Westminster website, CLICK HERE.
Westminster Town Administrator Speaks on Various Matters Concerning the Town
Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen on April 23, 22024. Lahtinen spoke about the annual Town Meeting taking place on May 4, 2024 at 10am. “This year it will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday due to a by-law change last year. …budget is about 52% town, 48% school for this year.”
Listen to the entire interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Town Administrator Lahtinen spoke about a 5% increase in health insurance premiums this year after having no increases in premiums since 2019. Lahtinen attributes this to a history of low claims. Westminster Town Hall employees work a 40 hour week over 4 days. (Hours are Monday 7am to 7pm and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:30am to 4:30pm. Town Hall is closed on Fridays.)
With respect to the well issue in town, “That was definitely a challenge at the outset. So, everyone became an expert in PFAS very, very quickly here and for the residents. And we built a very strong relationship with the Department of Environmental Protection that we hadn’t previously had. But it was very difficult at first, and it was a very challenging situation. But where we are now, I think, is from a much greater understanding what the origin point was.”
Lahtinen spoke of grants: “We’re at the end of a $27,000 community compact grant to do a compensation and classification plan study for all of our employees, which hasn’t been done since 2015. So those are good to update to make sure that you’re competitive and that your job descriptions match your duties, especially in a post-COVID world where a lot of things may have shifted and changed, and also to make sure that your salaries are competitive.” Other grants also impact the future of the community, “We also got $155,000 to update our master plan, which was completed in 2015. So we are currently seeking volunteers to serve on the master plan committee to update that master plan and set another 10-year vision for the town of Westminster. So that was another grant-funded item. We were actually very fortunate to receive an earmark from Kim Ferguson for $200,000 in economic development to improve our downtown area. We will actually have a new full-time town planner on staff within the next two weeks, so that will be one of their first undertakings is, you know, these master plan grant funding, this downtown revitalization earmark. We’ve got money to spend, and I can’t wait to have full-time staff to spend it.”
Lahtinen spoke of Westminster’s amenities. “Westminster has a lot to offer its residents and we are always trying to let people know all the different things that are going on the town of Westminster. .. a free summer recreation program for elementary aged children that we run this year I believe it’ll be it’s either five or six weeks through July and part of August so over at the Westminster Elementary School all morning five days a week it’s just a drop-off center for your kids and we run it for free for Westminster residents. We have a town beach we have with it has not only the town beach but you can fish and bring your kayak and dock your kayak there. There’s limitless hiking trails with Hager Park and at Crocker Pond. We’re lucky to abut the mountains so we’ve got that. It’s nice to be in the foothills of Wachusett. And then also all of the other outdoor activities we have to offer. the most popular Farmers Market in North Central Mass which is one of our our pride and joys that kicks off this Friday’s in May.”
- April – Winchendon
Recent Public Meetings in Winchendon MA include the Board of Selectmen of April 8th, Winchendon School Committee on April 11th and Hearing of April 2nd, and Winchendon Finance Committee of April 9th.
Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
- Rietta Open
With almost 6 decades being open Sundays from April to November, Rietta Flea market opened for the season on Sunday April 14, 2024.
Hundreds of vendors treated thousands of bargain hunters to a huge vista of merchandise. The popular snack bar was open for reasonably priced delicious food and beverages. Smiles were abundant. Admission is FREE. Parking is FREE. And next Sunday (weather permitting) they do it all again.
For more information about Rietta Flea Market visit RiettaFleaMarket.com CLICK HERE.
- Boudreau 4-11-24
Nate Boudreau Speaks About Budget, Town Meeting Review, and Upcoming Town Meeting.
We spoke with Hubbardston Town Administrator Nate Boudreau on April 11, 2024, regarding the 2024 Hybrid Annual Town Meeting Review and Public Hearing April 16, 2024 at 6:30pm and the upcoming Town Meeting which will occur on June 4, 2024. We went over all of the items on the draft Town Meeting warrant and Boudreau spoke about this year’s budget challenges and challenges coming for the next fiscal year. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
View Working Draft of Town Meeting Warrant. Get more information on the Town of Hubbardston website, CLICK HERE. There is also a special Town Meeting information page, CLICK HERE.
- McKinney 4-9-24
Visit the Town of Winchendon Website, CLICK HERE
More on the Winchendon Community Park and the Renaissance Fair spoken of in the interview, CLICK HERE.
An Interview with Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney – Budget, Business, and the Basics about the Toytown.
We had the honor of speaking with Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney on April 9, 2024. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
McKinney spoke of the challenges Winchendon is having with its budget of about $35 million. “I put in the budget message that we’re able to cobble together some free cash and some remaining ARPA funds to get through Fiscal 25, but Fiscal 26 will require an override, which is why I want to let people know about it now….It’s always a tough ask trying to get more money, but it’s something that hopefully the town will go along with because obviously people enjoy the services that the town offers. They want the roads plowed. They want the roads paved. They want somebody to come if they need an emergency. They want someone to pick up the phone when they call town hall, or they want someone here if they come in with questions. We want to be able to provide all those services.”
McKinney spoke of opportunities for businesses interested in coming to Winchendon. “We’re working with our state partners as far as economic development. They’ve got some ideas. There are some different grants available.”
The Town Manager told us about the opportunities for local recreation including the Winchendon Amphitheater and the two day Renaissance Fair coming up at the end of April. And there’s a great season ahead: “We have several concerts coming up over the summer. We’ve got some movie nights, so we’ve got a lot of activities and a lot of reasons for people to come out and check out the amphitheater, and hopefully get something to eat while they’re in town.” There will also be a new restaurant opening up where the Carriage House was.
- Rietta Opening
Visit the Rietta Flea Market website, CLICK HERE.
Rietta Flea Market Opening delayed due to storm
Due to the early April storm, Rietta Flea Market has announced that the first day of the 2024 season will be Sunday, April 14, 2024.
Rietta Flea Market is located off Route 68 in Hubbardston, Massachusetts where it has operated successfully for many decades, celebrating a 50th anniversary in 2016.
Visit the Rietta Flea Market website, CLICK HERE.
- Lamontagne 4-2-24
Complete Roundabout Rendering, CLICK HERE.
Town Administrator Adam Lamontagne urges residents, both current and prospective, to email him via ALamontagne@templetonma.gov or via phone at (978) 894-2778 Town of Templeton Website
“Moving Mountains In Templeton” – An Interview with Adam Lamontagne
We spoke with Templeton Town Administrator Adam Lamontagne on April 2, 2024 sitting at a conference table in his office. Listen to the interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The Town of Templeton is juggling a number of complex projects at one time, many heading towards final completion. From demolishing buildings, repaving roads, creating a new roundabout, to focusing on a possible major bridge project, Adam speaks of the town’s efforts with pride and appreciation for the Templeton team.
We spoke extensively about budget issues. There’s currently a projected shortfall of about a half million dollars which will need to be addressed at Town Meeting.
If you’re interested in listening to the Templeton Select Board meeting of March 27, 2024, you can listen to it here on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Ongoing projects discussed included: 10 Pleasant Street – “We have a demolition revolving account that had to go through a special act of the legislature. Once we created that, we put in enough free cash into that revolving account where we’ve taken down, demolished 10 Pleasant Street. We actually have that out to bid right now. It should be coming in April 17th.” Scout Hall Project – going to completion. Other construction: “The State’s finished up the Rotary project, and we also have multiple bridges the state’s going to be working on.” Templeton was awarded over a million dollars in CDBG funds. “We’re going out to bid for School, Vernon, and Cottage Street in the Baldwinville section of town” Lamontagne spoke of working on a master plan for the Houghton Park project.
We spoke about the number of restaurants in Templeton: “A lot of these places are wonderful places to sit down, have a meal, talk with folks ”
Lamontagne spoke of the challenges of the Main Street Bridge Project: “The town voted to support all the design, and that’s getting completed. It’s going to take us all the way up to 100% design, state review, as well as getting bid-phase services to go out to bid. The challenge is, we don’t have the construction funding at this moment. So the people in town will have a question in front of them for whether or not to go above Proposition 2.5, it’s a debt exclusion, to repair the Main Street Bridge Project, Main Street Bridge for this project. And a lot of people say, well, what’s going to happen? What is it that’s going to take place? And they unlikely think, oh, well, let’s just use the number of bids came in, 3.7 million it comes to, roughly.” With 350k in debt payments dropping off in Fiscal Year 2025, Lamontagne is hoping that the Main Street Bridge Project could fit in after that. Lamontagne’s strategy is to used State Aid to decrease what is needed for the bond.
Lamontagne explained the strategy of replacing water mains proactively before the rest of the East Templeton Roundabout Project was done, “Because the last thing you want to do is have a beautiful rotary and then not have the infrastructure underneath.”
Outlook and Goals for 2024 include: “I would like to see this project completed, when I say this project, the Maple and School Street Neighborhood Improvements project completed, I would like to see the Baldwinville School Apartments get revitalized in that section and provide 54 units to folks in Baldwinville over there. I would like to see the Main Street Bridge repaired and then continue with our Chapter 90 projects.”
Thinking of relocating to Templeton? Because of Templeton Municipal Light, Templeton residents pay about half what others pay for electric.
- Ritter Dedication
Former Templeton Town Coordinator Ritter Honored
The Templeton Town Hall was dedicated on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 to the memory of Jeffrey Ritter. Ritter was a former town coordinator who passed away in 2014. The placque in honor of Ritter honors the man who is credited with leading the effort to move Templeton town offices into the building which was the East Templeton Elementary School for 100 years until it closed in 2011.
- Ashburnham Survey
Ashburnham is conducting a Downtown Inititiative: Wayfinding and Branding Survey
The Town of Ashburnham with the assistance of the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI), is working on branding the Downtown and creating a distinct visual identity for Main Street and the Village Center. These design elements will be incorporated into a revamped wayfinding system throughout Downtown. For this project we have joined forces with two consulting teams, Innes Associates and LANDAU Design+Technology..
The Town sponsored a workshop on March 26, 2024 to discuss options for updating wayfinding signage throughout the Downtown. This survey is designed to get your input on these 5 types of wayfinding signage: Town Recognition, Downtown Recreational, Town Destination, Downtown Recognition, and Destination Directional. For much more information and to take the survey, CLICK HERE.
- Hubbardston FY25
The Town of Hubbardston Fiscal Year 2025 Budget is available for review here. CLICK HERE.
From the Town of Hubbardston “Developing an annual budget is a complex process that involves making difficult tradeoffs and prioritizing competing needs with limited resources. Hubbardston is fortunate to have an Open Town Meeting governance system that empowers all registered voters to directly participate in this process and exercise their decision-making authority. By engaging in the budget development process, citizens can help shape the future of their community and ensure that tax dollars are spent in a manner that aligns with the communities values and goals.”
- Westminster 4-4-24
Welcome to Westminster Event
The Town of Westminster is having a “Welcome to Westminster” event on Thursday April 4, 2024 at the Forbush Memorial Library at 118 Main Street. It’s an opportunity to meet town leadership, find out what’s happening in the community, and check out various activities and places to explore.
- Templeton 3-28-24
Town of Templeton Report for 3-28-24 CLICK HERE. The Town Administrator is working on the final draft for the Town Meeting Warrant. The Highway Department did catch basin and culvert cleaning, pothole repairs, and took a ride to show the possible paving plan for the next fiscal year. Public Safety calls are detailed.
Town of Templeton Report for 3-21-24 CLICK HERE. Includes information from Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Building Department, Community and Senior Services,
Board of Selectmen meets on April 10th.
- Winchendon 3-26-24
Consecutive Night Meetings
The Winchendon Board of Selectmen met on March 25, 2024 for 1 ½ hours. . Meeting concerned appointments, permit-license applications, a presentation of Beal’s Memorial Library, Nicole Roberts update regarding Planning and Development, various new business, continued discussions on the landfill, and a 2nd review of the Town Manager Goals and Objectives. Complete Agenda, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee held a joint meeting on March 26, 2024 at which the fiscal year 2025 Final Budget was presented. As usual there were member comments and public comments. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY
- Bus in Barre
Motor Vehicle and Bus Collide in Barre – No Serious Injuries Reported
Barre Police reported in a Press Release that at about 7:15am on March 28, 2024, a school bus “was struck by a vehicle which crossed the center line, causing the bus to lose control and strike a guardrail and trees. There were students on the bus at the time. No one was seriously injured though the students were evaluated and one was transported as a precaution.” View Complete Press Release, CLICK HERE. The operator of the vehicle which struck the bus was placed in custody and is facing a number of charges enumerated in the Press Release.
The Hubbardston Fire Department had posted, “A2 responded mutual aid to West St in Barre this morning to assist with a motor vehicle collision involving a fully loaded school bus. A2 evaluated multiple patients and transported one with non life threatening injuries to Heywood Hospital. … We are very thankful that there were no serious injuries in this crash.”
- Bus – Hubbardston
Bus in the ditch – No Injures – in Hubbardston MA
A bus got itself in the ditch on New Templeton Road in Hubbardston on March 20, 2024.
According to a Press Release from Hubbardston Police Chief Ryan Couture, (SEE COMPLETE RELEASE, CLICK HERE), the bus operator attempted to pull over to the side of the road when a few children were acting up. The bus then became stuck in the mud and had to be pulled out. Hubbardston Police and Fire were on the scene. None of the 33 passengers on the bus were injured.
- Ashburnham Sidewalks
Ashburnham Police Department posted on Sunday March 17, 2024: “Just a reminder that construction will begin tomorrow, 3/18 from 7a-3p for the sidewalk renovation project in the downtown Main St area. Please use caution and seek alternative routes if possible. Thank you!”
- Templeton Reports 3-14-24
A Report on the Town of Templeton MA – March 14, 2024
Some reminders: The Fiscal year 2025 286 page Budget Book is available on the town website or you can view the pdf here, CLICK HERE.. The last day to take out nomination papers for Annual Town Election is Thursday, March 28th. All dogs 6 months or older need to be licensed by Monday, April 1st.
With Spring approaching, some road work has already begun. The highway Department reported “Pothole repairs Hamel Mill Bridge, Main Street bridge, Baptist Common Road, Liberty Street, Beech Street, Winchester Street, Barre Road, Baldwinville Road, and Upper Otter River. Clean catch basins and culvert pipes Baldwinville Road, Otter River Road, and Turner Street. Cut and chip trees on Brooks Road, and Baldwinville Road. Cleared a section of the ditch on Baptist Common. Spot treated roads where needed. Fixed ditch on Maple Street. Clear grates on Royalston Road and Henshaw Road due to beaver activity. Cut tree down at Greenlawn Cemetery with Buildings and Grounds.” The Templeton Select Board will meet on March 27, 2024. Templeton Town Manager Adam Lamontagne issues a report every week. View Complete Report on pdf for 3-14-24, CLICK HERE.
- Winchendon BOS 3-11-24
Complete Agenda, CLICK HERE. (Note: We are working with Town of Winchendon to get quality of document improved.)
Winchendon Select Board Meets 3-11-24
The Winchendon Board of Selectmen met on March 11, 2024. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Looking for an older story? Or just want to read them? CLICK HERE for more Greater Gardner MA Local News Stories.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Massachusetts News This Week
Greater Gardner MA News Extras
- Gardner Tops 21K
Gardner MA Population Statistics
According to the U.S. Census, Gardner has a population of 21,287. Median Household Income is about $50,000. Those with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher is close to 1 in 5. More than half of the population is employed. 98% have health care coverage. There’s 9,411 total housing units with 691 vacant according to the Census Bureau. Gardner’s median estimated age of 41 is slightly above the median age in Massachusetts. One statistic to note: Average Gardner commute time is just under ½ hr. so there’s room for more local employers. For the complete census data, click here.
- Visit Gardner
Visit Downtown Gardner Video Released
To celebrate a great place to shop, Gardner Magazine has released a Downtown Gardner MA video. Watch it in full HD. CLICK HERE.
- Expanded News
Gardner Magazine news pages are generally updated twice per day and contain about 10 news stories per page. Let us know how we are doing. Contact Us.
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- Red Sox sign left-handed first baseman, acquire infielder from Metsby Mac Cerullo on May 1, 2024 at 6:31 pm
The Red Sox made a pair of moves to bolster their infield depth on Wednesday, signing a left-handed hitting first baseman and trading for a new utility player.
- Bruins notebook: The Leafs have a suddenly hot goalie B’s must solveby Steve Conroy on May 1, 2024 at 6:16 pm
Joseph Woll provided the spark for the Leafs to keep this series going. Now the Bruins have to make his life more difficult.
- Biden to travel to North Carolina to meet with families of officers killed in deadly shootingby Associated Press on May 1, 2024 at 6:11 pm
By ERIK VERDUZCO and ZEKE MILLER (Associated Press) CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden is expected to travel to North Carolina on Thursday to meet with the family members of four officers killed earlier this week in the deadliest attack on U.S. law enforcement since 2016. The president is scheduled to visit Wilmington across
- Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval counter ‘Vanderpump’ co-star Rachel Leviss’ revenge-porn lawsuitby Tribune News Service on May 1, 2024 at 5:56 pm
Madix and Sandoval filed separate responses in Los Angeles to Leviss' February lawsuit.
- Anne Hathaway, 5 years sober, opens up about quitting alcoholby New York Daily News on May 1, 2024 at 5:51 pm
The 'Idea of You' star opened up about why she sees this as a huge achievement.
- Driver who crashed into Worcester home was suffering from gunshot wound, police sayby Dakota Antelman on May 1, 2024 at 3:08 pm
A driver who crashed into a home in Worcester Tuesday night was found to be suffering from a gunshot wound, police announced. The crash happened...
- House to vote on bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Actby James Kukstis on May 1, 2024 at 3:06 pm
(CNN) — The House is expected to vote Wednesday on the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act, a vote that comes amid heightened concerns over antisemitism with Israel...
- Swarm of bees delays Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles game in Arizonaby Dakota Antelman on May 1, 2024 at 2:34 pm
(CNN) — Major League Baseball fans had an unexpected buzz on Tuesday after a swarm of bees delayed the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game...
- Trump returns to his campaign facing a warning of jail time if he violates trial gag orderby Dakota Antelman on May 1, 2024 at 2:24 pm
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Donald Trump on Wednesday will use a one-day break from his hush money trial to rally voters in the battleground states of Wisconsin and Michigan,...
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will force vote to remove House Speaker Johnsonby Dakota Antelman on May 1, 2024 at 2:12 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said Wednesday she would call a vote next week on ousting House Speaker Mike Johnson, forcing her colleagues to choose...
In-Depth Massachusetts News Stories
Massachusetts – NECN The latest news from around the state
- One T subway line now has no slow zonesby Asher Klein on May 1, 2024 at 1:45 pm
There are now no slow zones on the entire length of the MBTA Blue Line, the transit agency announced Wednesday. It’s the only T line with no speed restrictions, according to the MBTA’s slow zone dashboard. Two weeks ago, there were 16 restrictions on the Blue Line, limiting trains’ speed on 38% of the line. But the agency closed down one stretch of the line for track work over a few weeks and used a full shutdown this weekend to finish it up. The T says the work has sped up travel on the Blue Line by three minutes. MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng and MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan were set to hold a news conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss the update. There are 95 speed restrictions across the rest of the T as of Wednesday: 54 on the Red Line (18% of the track), 31 on the Orange Line (17% of the track) and 10 on the Green Line (2% of the track). The MBTA says that it’s the first time in over a year that there are fewer than 100 speed restrictions across the system. Slow zones are put in place for sections of track where it’s not considered safe to run trains at full speed because of wear and tear on the track. The MBTA has targeted those areas for repairs. Eng has released a plan aimed at removing all MBTA slow zones by the end of the year. More on MBTA slow zones mbta Feb 24, 2023 MAPS: Here's Where the T Has to Slow Down, in 1st Look by MBTA mbta Nov 9, 2023 MBTA to eliminate slow zones by end of 2024, accelerated plan calls for widespread closures This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
- Art Institute debt relief affects 3,500 in Mass.by Sam Drysdale on May 1, 2024 at 12:53 pm
The Biden administration approved over $80 million in debt relief on Wednesday to more than 3,500 Massachusetts borrowers who attended the Art Institutes, including the New England Institute of Art in Brookline. The federal debt relief for Bay Staters is part of a $6.1 billion student loan relief package to 317,000 borrowers who attended Art Institute campuses around the country. U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the relief is targeted to borrowers who were “cheated by their college.” “Schools that use flashy marketing materials and high-pressure recruiting tactics to sell higher education is equivalent to snake oil,” he said on a press call. “Art Institute engaged in widespread and sustained practices that misled borrowers about the value of their degree, their ability to find jobs.” Cardona said Art Institute advertised that over 80% of graduates got jobs in their field, though they “knew that wasn’t true.” “They also lied about the salaries that graduates earned. School staff admitted to making up salary information,” he said. “They used the earnings of celebrities whose millions had nothing to do with Art Institute to their averages, including the income of tennis great Serena Williams.” Students and parents of students who enrolled in Art Institutes on or after Jan. 1, 2004 through Oct. 16, 2017 are eligible for debt relief. The announcement follows a 2018 lawsuit filed by Massachusetts’ attorney general’s office, which alleged, among other things, that New England Institute of Art and owner Education Management Corporation violated the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act by misrepresenting the likelihood of job placement to prospective students in order to induce enrollment. In 2019, Suffolk Superior Court entered final judgment against NEIA and EDMC, ordering them to pay restitution of approximately $60 million plus interest based on the amount of tuition paid by NEIA students. They were also ordered to pay $11,765,000 in penalties. EDMC and NEIA filed for bankruptcy in 2018. The relief represents one of the largest group discharges of student loans across the country to date, adding to the nearly $29 billion in debt relief the Biden administration has granted so far over the last three years. “In Massachusetts alone, 930,000 borrowers owe nearly $32.5 billion in federal student loan debt; approximately 40 percent of these borrowers are 35 or older,” Attorney General Andrea Campbell said. “Even more alarming is the fact that many borrowers owe more today than they did when they originally borrowed, for instance of borrowers who first entered college in the 2003-2004 academic year, more than one third had a higher balance in 2015 than what they did when they originally borrowed.” The group discharge will provide debt relief automatically to borrowers starting Wednesday. Borrowers do not need to take any action. More Massachusetts news Emergency Shelters 22 hours ago Healey signs emergency shelter funding, stay limit bill Steward Health Care Apr 29 Workers, community worry about Brighton hospital's future amid Steward Health controversy
- Historic sites in Concord are among most endangered in US, preservation group saysby Asher Klein on May 1, 2024 at 12:16 pm
Minute Man National Historical Park, Walden Pond and other historic places near Concord, Massachusetts, are threatened by the planned expansion of a private airfield, according to a major preservation group. The National Trust for Historic Preservation on Wednesday named the group of landmark sites, which also include Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House other areas of national significance, as one of the 11 most endangered historic places of 2024. The nonprofit and other advocacy groups are pushing back against the expansion of Hanscom Field airport in Bedford, which is home to the most private jets in New England. While the quasi-public agency The Massachusetts Port Authority has proposed adding 27 hangars, opponents say the move would increase carbon emissions and only serve the wealthy. Hanscom Field airport in Bedford, Massachusetts. “Advocates are concerned that the proposed development could lead to increased noise disruption in an area that is already impacted by noise from jet traffic, often interrupting park programming. Advocates also cite the potential for increased vehicular traffic and negative environmental and climate impacts of private jets,” according to the list. Actor and activist Ashley Judd was taking part in a news conference Wednesday discussing the opposition to the airport’s expansion. The National Trust for Historic Preservation noted that it has placed the groups of sites on their annual list of endangered historic sites before, in 2003, for a previous proposed expansion of the airfield. As expansion plans rebooted, opposition to the airport’s expansion has grown. Ahead of Earth Day last month, 20 people were arrested protesting at the air field as part of an action from climate activist group Extinction Rebellion that aimed to stop planes from taking off. More on Hanscom airfield Massachusetts Oct 3, 2023 Jet emissions fuel opposition to Hanscom airfield expansion Jan 23, 2023 Private Jet Company Builds First Dedicated Terminal at Hanscom
- Takeaways from the first 2 days of testimony in the Karen Read murder trialby Staff and wire reports on May 1, 2024 at 10:26 am
Court is not in session Wednesday, meaning there will be no testimony in the high-profile Karen Read murder trial. Testimony is scheduled to resume on Thursday at 9 a.m. Read is charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. He was found in the snow outside fellow Boston Police Officer Brian Albert’s home in Canton, Massachusetts. Prosecutors say Read hit O’Keefe with her SUV, while Read says she has been framed in a wide-ranging coverup. Read has pleaded not guilty and is free on bond. Through the first two days of testimony, jurors have heard from family members of O’Keefe, along with police officers and firefighters who responded to the scene of his death in Canton, Massachusetts, in January of 2022. Watch Day 2 testimony Legal experts have told NBC10 Boston that some of that early police testimony has shown that the investigation into O’Keefe’s death “wasn’t thorough.” Read’s defense team has already poked holes in police protocols, questioning why investigators didn’t go into the home or talk to the homeowner’s after O’Keefe was found. “As a law enforcement investigator, the first thing you’re looking for are facts. Facts lead to evidence, evidence can be gleaned from eyewitness accounts, from the Ring doorbells, anything that can help you stitch this mystery back together again,” security analyst Todd McGee, a retired Massachusetts State Police trooper, told NBC10 Boston. “And the fact that the investigation wasn’t thorough provides a big wrinkle in the prosecution’s case.” Here’s what we’ve learned through two days of testimony in the controversial murder case: Day 1: Opening statements, O’Keefe’s brother, sister-in-law testify The trial opened Monday with prosecutors saying a cracked taillight and Read’s own words to firefighters that she “hit him” will prove she is guilty. “The defendant, Karen Read, is guilty of murder in the second degree, striking the victim, Mr. O’Keefe, with her car, knocking him back onto the ground, striking his head on the ground, causing the bleeding in his brain and swelling, and then leaving him there for several hours in a blizzard,” Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally told the jury. As the case unfolded, the defense’s strategy has been to portray a vast conspiracy involving a police coverup. It has earned Read a loyal band of supporters — who often can be found camped out at the courthouse — and has garnered the case national attention. “Karen Read was framed,” Read’s defense attorney David Yannetti told the jury. “Her car never struck John O’Keefe. She did not cause his death and that means somebody else did.” The couple had been to two bars on a night in January 2022, prosecutors alleged, and were then headed to a party in nearby Canton. Read said she did not feel well and decided not to attend. Once at the home, O’Keefe got out of Read’s vehicle, and while she made a three-point turn, she allegedly struck him and then drove away, prosecutors said. Prosecutors haven’t said where they think she went after that. However, they allege she later became frantic after she said she couldn’t reach O’Keefe. She returned to the site of the party, where she and two friends found O’Keefe covered in snow. While on the scene, firefighters said she told them “I hit him, I hit him, I hit him.” He was pronounced dead at a hospital. An autopsy concluded he died from head trauma and hypothermia. Investigators found a cracked right rear tail light near where O’Keefe was found and scratches on her SUV. Prosecutors are also expected to present evidence of injuries suffered by O’Keefe consistent with him being hit by the car and strains in the couple’s relationship including a “20 minute screaming match” witnessed by O’Keefe’s two adopted children they had while on vacation in Aruba. The defense has spent months arguing in court that the case was marred by conflicts of interest and accused prosecutors of presenting false and deceptive evidence to the grand jury. In a motion to dismiss the case, the defense called the prosecution’s case “predicated entirely on flimsy speculation and presumption.” A Superior Court judge denied the request. On Monday, Yannetti argued that close relationships between investigators and those in the house resulted in authorities focusing solely on Reid, whom the defense described as a “convenient outsider.” Yannetti also claimed investigators failed to consider the possibility that O’Keefe got into a fight at the party and was left for dead outside. While not offering evidence of who was responsible, they laid out of a series of missteps in the investigation — failing to investigate a history of animosity between O’Keefe and the family who owned the home nor searching the home for evidence of a struggle. They also are expected to provide evidence that Read’s taillight was damaged when she hit O’Keefe’s car hours later at their home — not at the party — and dispute that the couple had a strained relationship. They got along well that night and had made plans for several trips in the months ahead. “You will question the Commonwealth’s theory of the case,” Yannetti said. “You will question the quality of the Commonwealth’s evidence. You will question the veracity of the Commonwealth’s witnesses and you will question their shoddy and biased investigation.” In August, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey criticized suggestions that state and local enforcement were orchestrating a cover up, saying there is no evidence to support O’Keefe was in the Canton home where the party took place nor was in a fight. The idea that multiple police departments and his office would be involved in a “vast conspiracy” in this case is “a desperate attempt to reassign guilt.” Such comments have done little to silence Read’s supporters, dozens of whom dressed in pink for the first day of the trial. The first witness in the trial was O’Keefe’s brother, Paul, who described in harrowing detail having to rush to the hospital that morning, walking past Read, who was repeatedly screaming “Is he alive?” and into a room where his brother’s body was covered partially with a white sheet. “He was pretty banged up,” Paul O’Keefe told the jury, detailing how his brother had blood running down his mouth and nose and markings on his right arm. “What really stood out to me was the eyes. It was as if there were ping pong balls under his eyelids.” The second witness to take the stand for the defense was Paul O’Keefe’s wife, Erin. She testified about the Aruba trip, saying that Read reached out to her to say that she had seen John O’Keefe kissing someone else in the lobby of the hotel they were staying at. She also testified about speaking to Read by phone soon after the body was discovered: “She just yelled back in the phone, ‘John’s dead!'” Day 2: First responders take the stand Read’s demeanor and the words she uttered at the crime scene were the focus Tuesday on the second day of her trial. Testimony from two police officers and two firefighters who arrived on the scene early Jan. 29, 2022, described a chaotic scene in which O’Keefe was laying face up and Read was attempting to give him CPR. She had blood on her mouth, possibly from giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. They described Read as distraught and screaming and that O’Keefe had no pulse and wasn’t breathing. They also described interactions with Read, in which she made statements that appear to implicate her in O’Keefe’s death. Timothy Nuttall, a Canton firefighter who treated O’Keefe at the scene, recalled Read repeatedly saying, “I hit him,” when she was asked about what happened. That built on testimony late Monday from Canton Police Officer Steven Saraf, who was among the first to arrive on the scene. He recalled Read being upset and saying: “This is my fault. This is my fault. I did this.” He also said Read repeatedly asked, “Is he dead?” Defense attorneys on Tuesday attempted to discredit Saraf and raise doubts about the integrity of the investigation by pointing out mistakes made in the police dispatch log, including the wrong address where O’Keefe’s body was found. They also pointed out that Saraf never wrote in his police report that Read said, “This is my fault,” only that she screamed, “Is he dead?” “In the two times you were asked to reflect back on exactly what happened on that morning Jan. 29 and Jan. 30, both times you attributed only three words to my client having been repeated continually in her distraught state, ‘Is he dead,’ right?” Read’s attorney Alan Jackson asked Saraf. In response, Saraf said yes. But when Jackson tried to suggest Saraf’s memory of that morning was evolving, Saraf said that the discrepancy between what he initially wrote and what he later testified at the trial was “an oversight.” The defense team also tried to raise doubts about what Nuttal heard, suggesting he was too focused on saving O’Keefe’s life to hear conversations around him. They also were able to get Saraf and another police officer to acknowledged they never heard Read say that she hit O’Keefe. The defense also used the testimony from the police and firefighters to raise doubts more broadly about the investigation. They were able to get Saraf and Canton Police Officer Stephen Mullaney to acknowledge they never saw pieces of broken taillight at the scene, which prosecutors say was found near O’Keefe’s body and are proof that Read backed her SUV into O’Keefe. Initially, Nuttal said he couldn’t say whether the injuries — including a hematoma or egg over his right eye — came from a fight. But when pressed by Jackson, Nuttal acknowledged the injuries were consistent with getting beaten up. The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks, with full days on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and half days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. More on the Karen Read trial canton Apr 28 Karen Read case timeline: John O'Keefe's death and the murder investigation canton Apr 19 Understanding the Karen Read trial: Who killed John O'Keefe? Karen Read Apr 17 Who's who in the Karen Read case: Names you should know as trial begins This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
- Light rain, calmer weather Wednesday, summer sizzle on the wayby Tevin Wooten on May 1, 2024 at 10:21 am
We’re on the back edge of cloudy-skies and rain, but the sea breeze means another day of cooler conditions in the 50s at the coast. The afternoon will features sun, which helps areas across MetroWest and Middlesex County, touch the upper 50s and near 60°. Wednesday night will be muggy at times and Thursday will start with areas of fog. Thursday brings a big regionwide turnaround, with widespread warmth. As sun builds in, temperatures soar into the upper 60s and 70s. As the sun works to bring warmth, it will also lead to unsettled conditions for the morning, then again for the afternoon. Rain should stay right along the coast, but we’ll have a chance for rain and an isolated thunderstorm in Boston around 5 p.m. After that system clears the coast Thursday night, we’re much drier Friday and even Saturday but cooler again. The weekend will finish wet with one or two showers in the evening, and a warming trend resumes on Monday of next week.
National News
The Washington Times stories: News The Washington Times stories: News
- Feds removed '250 cameras' from Diddy's homes, documentary claims; people compromised?by Staff on May 1, 2024 at 5:45 pm
A newly released documentary, titled "TMZ Presents: The Downfall of Diddy," dives into the legal battles and investigations surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry.
- LISTEN: Mandisa shares journey of pain, doubt and finding God's love amid chaosby Billy Hallowell on May 1, 2024 at 5:17 pm
As we remember the life and legacy of Mandisa, Billy Hallowell revisits a 2022 interview with the "American Idol" alum and Grammy award-winning musician.
- Oversight Republicans to question D.C. officials about response to GWU campsby Mallory Wilson on May 1, 2024 at 5:15 pm
Republicans on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee are calling on District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith to testify at a hearing next week in the response to pro-Palestinian encampments at George Washington University.
- Musk confirms EV charging network will expand despite layoffs at Supercharger unitby Vaughn Cockayne on May 1, 2024 at 4:58 pm
Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that his company will continue expanding its electric vehicle charging network around the U.S., but at a slower pace amid layoffs at the Supercharger department.
- Fox wants a bigger score for next year's Super Bowl: $7 million per 30-second adby Brad Matthews on May 1, 2024 at 4:49 pm
Fox Broadcasting Co. is asking for at least $7 million per 30-second advertisement during the NFL's next Super Bowl on Feb. 9.
NPR News
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.
- Invasion Worries in Eastern Europeby Philip Reeves on May 1, 2024 at 6:34 pm
European countries that border Russia are concerned that they'll be invaded next if an emboldened Russia is successful in Ukraine, even though they're members of the NATO alliance. We go to the Baltic nation of Estonia and hear from people who are making preparations in case of invasion.
- Fed keeps interest rates at 23-year highby Scott Horsley on May 1, 2024 at 6:02 pm
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady Wednesday, as inflation remained stubbornly above the Fed's 2% target. Investors now think it could be September or later before rates start to fall.
- Biden forgives more than $6 billion in loans for 317,000 Art Institutes studentsby C Mandler on May 1, 2024 at 4:55 pm
President Biden announced the relief for attendees of the now-shuttered art schools, saying they "falsified data, knowingly misled students, and cheated borrowers into taking on mountains of debt."
- Violence erupts at UCLA as protests over Israel's war in Gaza escalate across the U.S.by Bill Chappell on May 1, 2024 at 4:33 pm
Members of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups in Los Angeles clashed, with reports of fireworks and pepper spray use. Elsewhere, universities are tearing down encampments and arresting students.
- Ford recalls Maverick pickups because tail lights can go dark, increasing crash riskby The Associated Press on May 1, 2024 at 3:36 pm
Ford is recalling nearly 243,000 Maverick small pickup trucks in the U.S. because the tail lights may not illuminate. The recall covers certain pickups from the 2022 through 2024 model years.
North County MA News
- Biden to travel to North Carolina to meet with families of officers killed in deadly shootingby Associated Press on May 1, 2024 at 6:11 pm
By ERIK VERDUZCO and ZEKE MILLER (Associated Press) CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden is expected to travel to North Carolina on Thursday to meet with the family members of four officers killed earlier this week in the deadliest attack on U.S. law enforcement since 2016. The president is scheduled to visit Wilmington across
- Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval counter ‘Vanderpump’ co-star Rachel Leviss’ revenge-porn lawsuitby Tribune News Service on May 1, 2024 at 5:56 pm
Madix and Sandoval filed separate responses in Los Angeles to Leviss' February lawsuit.
- Anne Hathaway, 5 years sober, opens up about quitting alcoholby New York Daily News on May 1, 2024 at 5:51 pm
The 'Idea of You' star opened up about why she sees this as a huge achievement.
- Britney Spears calls sister Jamie Lynn a ‘little b—h’ in now-deleted videoby New York Daily News on May 1, 2024 at 5:44 pm
The video comes at an uncertain time for the pop star.
- More public colleges admit high schoolers even before they’ve appliedby Tribune News Service on May 1, 2024 at 5:37 pm
In more than a third of states, at least one public university now uses “direct admission” programs.
Northeast MA News
- Biden to travel to North Carolina to meet with families of officers killed in deadly shootingby Associated Press on May 1, 2024 at 6:11 pm
By ERIK VERDUZCO and ZEKE MILLER (Associated Press) CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden is expected to travel to North Carolina on Thursday to meet with the family members of four officers killed earlier this week in the deadliest attack on U.S. law enforcement since 2016. The president is scheduled to visit Wilmington across
- Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval counter ‘Vanderpump’ co-star Rachel Leviss’ revenge-porn lawsuitby Tribune News Service on May 1, 2024 at 5:56 pm
Madix and Sandoval filed separate responses in Los Angeles to Leviss' February lawsuit.
- Anne Hathaway, 5 years sober, opens up about quitting alcoholby New York Daily News on May 1, 2024 at 5:51 pm
The 'Idea of You' star opened up about why she sees this as a huge achievement.
- Britney Spears calls sister Jamie Lynn a ‘little b—h’ in now-deleted videoby New York Daily News on May 1, 2024 at 5:44 pm
The video comes at an uncertain time for the pop star.
- More public colleges admit high schoolers even before they’ve appliedby Tribune News Service on May 1, 2024 at 5:37 pm
In more than a third of states, at least one public university now uses “direct admission” programs.
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