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School Biz Commentary with Werner Poegel – about the various issues raised during the last School Committee meeting.

Steve Wendell spoke with Chris Turcotte about the ongoing Mason Pumpkin Sale on Elm Street near the Big Chair.

An interview with State Senator Peter Durant – The Senator is working on the issue homeowners are having with concrete. Some homes built in the 80s and 90s have a mineral in the concrete which causes the concrete to disintegrate decades later. The Senator spoke about State funding for repairs.

The Final Debate between Governor Maura Healey and Challenger Michael Minogue

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Gardner received a number of grants in the past week under the “One Stop for Growth” program. – 50k for Vacant Storefront program, 150k for Downtown Initiative to increase signage, 100k to create a transit-oriented study for Union Square, 100k to design water-sewer extension in Matthews Street/Pearl Street area, 400k for the Garbose Metal site and there is a potential buyer for that site. — Just under 30k for Municipal Road Safety grant to cover overtime costs and electronic speed signs, 7k for Gardner Middle School connected learning grant. — Wendell asked Mayor Nicholson about the tax rate and the Mayor affirmed he is still committed to supporting a single tax rate — Mayor spoke about the $680 heating assistance program for middle income families. — Repairs at the Gardner Senior Center include the elevator and the roof. — Winter parking is the same as last year based on a decision of the Mayor so apply for Code Red on the City website, it’s an on-call parking ban as needed. — Steve Wendell concluded with asking the Mayor about the race for State Representative for the 2^nd Worcester District. Election is November 3^rd.

Werner Poegel had an extensive commentary and report on Columbus Day.

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Steve Wendell reminded everyone to get their pumpkins from the Masons in front of the Big Chair on Elm Street in Gardner and featured a short interview with Chris Turcotte.

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2^nd Hour: October 8, 2026 Debate between Governor Maura Healey and Challenger Mike Minogue.

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Karen Butler doing a great job as City Auditor – working with Dept. of Revenue to improve City systems, inventory being conducted of City vehicles, cost of health insurance in the City of Gardner – every municipality is being slammed with health insurance costs – working collaboratively with City Council President George Tyros on the issue, a discussion of the Mayor’s campaign for State Rep. “it’s been really fun,” – Mayor says he would like to have the State work better with cities and towns. – a discussion of possible businesses and projects.

Steve Wendell reminded listeners that all qualified candidates for office can get FREE airtime.

Steve Wendell spoke about the planet Saturn being the closest to Earth – closer than any other time this year, look to the Eastern sky.

An interview with M.L. Altobelli preparing for winter – note that drought was mentioned in the interview and host Steve Wendell noted after the break that the drought is no longer in effect.

Mason Pumpkin Sale is going on right now at the Helen Mae Sauter school. Steve Wendell interviews Christopher Turcotte from the Masons. Price range is $1 to $3 for small pumpkins and large pumpkins can be $10 to $25.

Gardner Mayor Nicholson’s September Monthly Update – note that some events discussed have already taken place but most are for October and November.

Steve Wendell spoke about an assassination attempt on a Maine Wire reporter, who was almost run down by the would-be assassin who is now in custody. The reporter has been covering the illegal marijuana farms.

Oil Prices Commentary with Werner Poegel – the reasons behind the spike in home heating oil prices in Greater Gardner MA and the nation.

Illegal SNAP benefits in Massachusetts – Mike Urban reports on the EBT scam going on right now. Immigrants are opening buying food and then shipping it overseas. An undercover report

Special Hotline Report: Massachusetts Ballot Questions 2026

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A discussion of safety updates to City streets — Regarding winter parking, it’s the same as last year so it’s important that people sign up for Code Red notifications, parking ban is issued on an on-call basis. — RFP is open right now for contractors interested in plowing for the city this year. — The Mayor explained how the City bulk orders salt to save money. — Mayor Nicholson spoke about a Winchendon campaign event which took place on Thursday at the Murdock-Whitney House. — Mayor Nicholson stated that the state needs to work better with cities and towns.

Werner Poegel’s Templeton Override Interview with Templeton Town Administrator James Ryan and Templeton Police Chief Michael Bennett. The Templeton Special Town Election is Monday, September 28^th.

Westminster Town Crier Episode 34 with Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen who interviews the Community Services Director.

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Gardner Municipal Operations and Infrastructure

City Hall and Public Facilities

The City of Gardner is in the final phases of several facility improvement projects designed to preserve historic assets and improve energy efficiency.

• City Hall Upgrades: The entrance project is nearly complete. Recent work includes repointing stairs, finishing new sidewalks, and repainting pillars. Starting September 21, 2021 (noted as the final phase), the front portico will be painted, requiring temporary closure of the front entrance.
• Perry Auditorium: New windows are being installed to replace outdated single-pane units. This project aims to reduce heating costs and improve acoustics by minimizing reverberation. Work on the Knowlton Street side is finished, with the Post Office and Connor Street sides to follow. Completion is targeted for mid-October.
• Electrical Infrastructure: A $750,000 grant from the Department of Public Utilities is funding a new electrical transformer for City Hall. This will support the installation of five new public EV charging stations behind the MA Annex, scheduled for completion by the end of November.

Water System Management

Despite recent rainfall, Gardner remains in a “semi-drought” state, necessitating continued water restrictions.

• Chlorine Refresh: The city is undergoing a three-week “chlorine refresh,” transitioning temporarily from chloramines to chlorine. This biennial process is intended to flush the system and address recent taste and odor issues caused by algae blooms.
• Timing Strategy: The refresh is conducted during cooler weather to manage chemical absorption rates, which accelerate in high heat.

Rear Main Street Development

The Rear Main Street complex project is nearing completion, pending the installation of a transformer by National Grid to allow for the removal of above-ground utility poles.

• Project Features: The development will add 100 parking spots to the downtown area and include an event plaza, a water feature, a small stage, and a food truck court. A fall opening is projected.

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Fiscal Policy and Grant Strategy

The “Noah’s Ark” Approach

Mayor Mike Nicholson emphasized a proactive fiscal strategy, likening budget management to “building the ark before the rain came.”

• Oversight and Sustainability: The city is currently “tightening its belt” and developing a five-year financial plan to avoid the “draconian cuts” or tax increases facing other Massachusetts communities.
• Operational Efficiency: The administration is conducting a comprehensive review of city practices to ensure tax dollars are utilized effectively without long-term burdens on taxpayers.

Regional Grant Leadership

Gardner has seen a significant return on investment through its grant-writing program.

• Success Metrics: The city pays approximately $7,000 per month ($85,000 annually) for professional grant-writing services and has received $52 million in return.
• Inter-Municipal Consulting: The Mayor recently advised the Templeton Board on establishing similar programs, highlighting that while grants require matching costs and staff time, they are essential for completing capital projects that operating budgets cannot cover.

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Westminster Municipal and Public Safety Updates

Police Department Initiatives

Chief Matt Lemay, approaching his first anniversary, is focusing on transparency and technological advancement.

• Drone Program: The department received a $12,000 donation from the Tom Fors Memorial Fund for a DJI Matrice 4T drone. Primarily a search-and-rescue tool, it features thermal imaging to locate missing persons or assist in remote areas like Crow Hill.
• Motorcycle Program: A new, cost-effective motorcycle lease program is launching to address traffic complaints and facilitate community engagement at local events.
• Behavioral Health: The department has expanded its behavioral health services to provide better crisis intervention and direct dialogue with the community.
• Clarification on “Flock” Cameras: Chief Lay confirmed that Westminster does not have “Flock” (automated license plate reader) cameras and is not currently seeking them, citing concerns regarding privacy and the need for clear oversight.

Public Safety Building Project

The Public Safety Building Committee has recommended Vertex as the Owner Project Manager (OPM) for the new facility project.

• Funding: The work is supported by a $750,000 earmark from Senator Peter Durant.
• Necessity: Officials noted that the current 75-year-old building has been “outgrown two times over” and lacks the infrastructure to support modern 911 dispatch and technology requirements.

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Legislative and Policy Perspectives

State Representative Platform

Mayor Nicholson, running for State Representative, identified municipal aid as a critical failure in current state policy.

• Local Aid Reform: He argues the state system is “broken,” noting that 50% of Massachusetts municipalities have faced tax overrides or major budget cuts.
• Housing and Transportation: His platform emphasizes local control over housing character and improved access to transportation and education funding.
• AI Data Centers: The Mayor supports Governor Healey’s executive order requiring local municipal approval for AI data centers, citing significant ecological and infrastructure costs (e.g., water supply) associated with such facilities.

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Gardner October Fest (September 26)

Time	Event	Location/Details
10:00 AM	Run For A Beer	Starts/ends at Graham and Connors St.
11:00 AM	Festival Opening	German Beer Garden opens; Gardner Ale House opens.
11:30 AM	Tapping of the Keg	Formal opening ceremony featuring the song “Ein Prosit.”
1:00 PM	Steinholding Competition	Masskrugstemmen; sanctioned state qualifying event.
2:00 PM	Gardner Chair Luge	Downhill race towards Beauregard Liquors.
3:00 PM	Live Music Begins	Stage in the parking lot across from the Ale House.
8:00 PM	Street Party Conclusion	Street festivities end; the pub remains open later.

Additional Regional Events

• Ashburnham Street Fair: Held Sunday (Sept 20), featuring music, crafts, and a pie-eating contest.
• Westminster Fall Lineup:
  • Singing Trooper: Performance on Academy Hill, Sept 19 at 4:00 PM.
  • 11th Annual Cracker Festival: Scheduled for October 17, celebrating the history of the local cracker factory.

• Gardner City Takeover: A community outing at the Worcester Railers hockey game on November 7.

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Key Quotes and Insights

• On Planning: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” (Mayor Mike Nicholson, quoting a college professor).
• On Public Safety Transparency: “Ultimately we work for the community and it’s important that they have a say in how we do things.” (Chief Matt Lemay).
• On Local Government Importance: “If you go to brush your teeth in the morning and the water doesn’t come out… the first thing you’re going to be doing is calling your city or town hall.” (Mayor Mike Nicholson).
• On the Chair Luge: “Nobody has died through an accident with the Chair Luge… some of those vehicles are kind of put together with some gum and some tape.” (Host Steve Wendell).

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More Segments on the show: ML Altobelli of the Good Earth Farm and Garden Center with advice on the drought – Day of Charity Commentary with Werner Poegel – Ways to give and get involved in the community – International Overdose Awareness Day – Gardner Ceremony with featured speakers: Shawn Hayden of GAMMHA, a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, Josh Cormier, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, City Councilor Elizabeth Kazinskas, Terry and Terry, Individual Stories of Loss, Inspiring Stories of Recovery

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Other Show segments: Politics behind the politics – Steve Wendell spoke about the Facebook nonsense.

The Governor’s race – interview with Brian Shortsleeve, Republican Candidate for MA Governor.

Commentary with Werner Poegel – What I Think is a Lemon.

2^nd Hour: Mike Urban interview with Michael Minogue, Republican Candidate for MA Governor.

Westminster Town Crier Episode 32

Steve Wendell presented a short segment on Time Traveling to the 1950’s.

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Upcoming Meetings in the City of Gardner

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Community Events in the City of Gardner

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Interested in learning more about a specific WGAW program? Here are links to program pages with information, photos, and infographics: Weekdays: — Red Eye Radio –– Gordon Deal — Steve Wendell Morning News — Mike Gallagher — Grace Curley — Scott Jennings — Hugh Hewitt —Mark Levin — John Batchelor === Saturdays: Gordon Deal — Tony Perkins — Fox News Rundown — Gary Sullivan — Hotline Radio — Larry Kudlow — Eye on Veterans —Kim Komando — Art Bell === Sundays: Art Bell — Red Eye Radio — Fox News Rundown — Paul Parent Garden Club — — Local Programming — Week in Review — Gary Sullivan – The Pet Show with Warren Eckstein — Chris Plante —– Rich DeMuro — Bill Cunningham

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