Community Corner

🌱 Which Gardner projects are moving ahead with minimal hit to taxpayers?

Happening soon: Annual Family Holiday Pops on the Gardner Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Good day Gardner! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which Gardner projects are moving ahead with minimal hit to taxpayers?
  • How will Gardner’s new license deadlines affect your favorite local spots?
  • How a $15K gift helps Gardner-area student parents stay in school

Also on today's calendar: Annual Family Holiday Pops and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Gardnerfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Gardnerfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 40 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Friday: Rain tapering off, temps: high: 56, low: 23.
  • Saturday: Windy and much colder, with a high of 32 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Development 12-12-25 (gardnermagazine.com) — Gardner’s Economic and Community Development Committee reviewed major city projects, including Rear Main Street utility work, ADA-focused upgrades at Maki Park, and new CDBG-funded improvements like downtown phase 5 and the Greenwood Memorial Pavilion. Officials highlighted progress on the Master Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan while stressing that state and federal grants are reducing the burden on local taxpayers.
   

2. License 12-16-25 (gardnermagazine.com) — Gardner’s License Commission just tackled a wave of late and incomplete alcohol and business license renewals, ultimately approving 2026 permits for establishments that met all requirements. Commissioners and applicants sparred over missing insurance certificates, inspection forms, and late fees, while officials outlined procedural changes and a new October 31 inspection deadline aimed at easing future renewal crunches.
   

3. MWCC Foundation receives $15K in support of Child Watch program (thegardnernews.com) — Gardner-based Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation has received $15,000 to keep its free Child Watch program running for student parents, many of whom live in Gardner and nearby towns. The donations from the Bemis and Crocker foundations will help fill a childcare gap after federal funding ended, supporting parents’ ability to stay enrolled and succeed at MWCC.
   

4. Ashburnham Police Department launches first K-9 program (thegardnernews.com) — Ashburnham Police have launched their first K-9 program, making the department the third in the greater Gardner area with a working dog, alongside Gardner and Winchendon. Bloodhound Ellie-May will specialize in tracking missing people and suspects on the region’s extensive trail network, with most costs covered by donations to a new Working Dog Foundation.
   

📸 Around Gardner

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Gardner

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Gardner Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Tractor Supply posted a job opening for Team Member in Gardner. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Leader / Manager in Gardner. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Gardner here.

Ok Gardner! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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