The City of Gardner has been awarded $365,000 through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to purchasenew fire-rated radio systems for all 42 members of the Gardner Fire Department. The grant will replace the Department’s 15-year-old portable radios, which are beyond their life expectancy and no longer supported by the manufacturer. Parts for the current models are often unavailable, and the units do not meet modern fire service standards for heat and water resistance.

Mayor Michael J. Nicholson expressed his gratitude for the support of federal partners and the continued investment in Gardner’s public safety infrastructure.

“This grant is another great example of how federal, state, and local partnerships work together to strengthen our communities,” said Mayor Mike Nicholson. “By investing in the safety of our first responders, we’re also investing in the safety of our residents. These new radios will ensure that our firefighters can communicate clearly and effectively during emergencies, helping them protect the people of Gardner while also keeping each other safe.”

Portable radios are among the most critical pieces of safety equipment for firefighters. They provide a vital communication link during emergencies—especially when operating in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments—ensuring that firefighters can stay connected toeach other and to command staff while working to protect residents.

“Gardner’s firefighters represent the best of what it means to serve: courage, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to protecting others,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “Securing this federal investment through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is exactly why I fight to strengthen and expand these initiatives in Congress, because they deliver real results for communities like Gardner. These new, state-of-the-art radios will enhance communication, improve safety, and ensure that our firefighters have the reliable tools they need to do their jobs effectively and return home safely after every call.”

“This investment in the Gardner Fire Department is an investment in its firefighters and the whole community,” said US Senator Edward J. Markey. “Communication is key when responding to emergencies, and I was proud to fight for this funding alongside Mayor Nicholson, Chief Lagoy, and our partners at the federal, state, and local level. I will continue toadvocate with Senator Warren and Representative Trahan to expand funding for FEMA’s AFG program and other firefighting grant programs so that every department gets the federal support they need.”

“It’s about time we upgrade our firefighters’ 15-year-old communication systems,” said US Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Modern equipment is an investment in Gardner families’ safety, so I’m going to keep fighting hard toprotect the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response programs.”

Gardner Fire Chief Greg Lagoy emphasized how essential clear communication is in emergency situations.

“The Gardner Fire Department currently uses portable radios that are over 15 years old –well beyond their estimated service life, and do not meet current standards,” said Chief Greg Lagoy. “This much-needed funding from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program will be used topurchase new P-25 compliant, fire service-rated portable radios.  These new radios are designed to perform under the harsh conditions in burning buildings, including extreme high temperatures and large volumes of water.  Firefighters regularly operate in hazardous atmospheres, and having reliable portable radios are a mission-critical lifeline to ensure their safety. The benefits of this grant funding align with FEMA’s goals of improving firefighter and public safety, enhancing the Gardner Fire Department’s daily operations, and addressing equipment failures and service issues. The project addresses a critical gap in communication equipment, replacing outdated and unreliable technology to meet current safety standards, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association. Without this award, the GFD would face continued challenges, including potential safety risks from communication failures and escalating maintenance costs for obsolete equipment. This also meaningfully helps to alleviate a significant financial burden on the City.”

City Councilor Craig Cormier, who chairs the City Council’s Public Safety Committee also expressed their appreciation for the continued investments in public safety.

“The Assistance To Firefighters Grant will significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of the Gardner Fire Department,” said Councilor Craig Cormier. “The department has encountered challenges with its end-of-life model radios, resulting in a growing number of breakdowns. We are pleased to learn that the grant will enable the department to maintain uninterrupted communication, ensuring the safety of both the firefighters and the individuals they serve.”

State Representative Jon Zlotnik praised the City’s ongoing efforts tomodernize its public safety infrastructure and support its first responders.

“The Gardner Fire Department has consistently demonstrated its commitment to professionalism, preparedness, and public service,” said State Representative Jon Zlotnik. “This grant builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to ensure that our first responders have the modern tools and equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I’m proud tosee continued investment in the safety of both our firefighters and the residents they protect every day.”

Over the last five years, the City of Gardner has made significant investments in the Fire Department, including the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units for all firefighters, two newengine trucks, a new heavy rescue vehicle, a new ambulance, and the necessary equipment to outfit each of these vehicles. Additionally, the City purchased new EMS protective jackets for all firefighters responding to ambulance calls and provided each firefighter with a second set of turnout gear to ensure readiness and safety during back-to-back responses. The City has also recently ordered a new ladder truck set tobegin construction in 2027 and a new backup ambulance expected toarrive in early 2026.

These collective efforts continue to strengthen the Gardner Fire Department’s ability to protect the community with the highest level of service, safety, and professionalism.

“By replacing outdated technology with modern, fire-rated radios that meet today’s safety standards, Gardner is continuing its commitment toinvesting in the safety of both its residents and first responders,” added Mayor Nicholson. “Reliable communication is essential in every emergency, and this investment ensures that the City’s firefighters have the tools they need to serve the community safely and effectively.”

Fidelity Bank  announced it has granted $15,000 to three local non-profits focused on food insecurity, personal hygiene and veterans outreach programs and services. The grants stem from an annual opportunity through the endowment fund for Fidelity Bank colleagues to nominate and vote for local nonprofits that are making a difference in the regions the Bank serves.

The donations were awarded to the following organizations:

Hope and Comfort (Needham) received a $5,000 donation to support the organization’s Hygiene Hub, the largest known hygiene bank in the country. The hub provides sustained access to hygiene essentials such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and menstrual products.

“Hygiene insecurity is tied to economic hardship, and individuals and families often prioritize other necessities like food and shelter over hygiene products,” said Kerry Carter, CEO, Hope and Comfort. “Through the generosity of Fidelity Bank, we will be able to purchase thousands of products which will provide people across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut with improved health, self-esteem, dignity and confidence.”

7^th Annual PFC Keely Walsh Ride for Veterans (Clinton) received a $5,000 donation to support the memorial motorcycle ride with proceeds benefiting Clear Path for Veterans. The organization is a wellness-based Veteran’s Community Center to reconnect veterans to their communities upon their return home from deployment.

“Every year, the PFC Keely Walsh Ride for Veterans selects a local organization assisting veterans with wellness services, housing, food and other needs,” said Wanda Walsh, Keely’s mother. “This memorial ride honors all veterans, including my daughter, Keely. A member of the Army National Guard, she was killed in a single vehicle accident on her way to National Guard Drill in Belchertown on December 14, 2014. Through the generosity of Fidelity Bank, we are able to ensure all our veterans have access to the services they need and deserve now and in the future.”

Spanish American Center (Leominster) received a $5,000 donation to support the Center’s programs and services, such as afterschool activities, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, domestic violence support and counseling, legal advocacy clinics, online voter registration, elder referrals and advocacy, and a food pantry.

“We are in a crisis right now with our funding, especially in our food pantry,” said Neddy Latimer, executive director, Spanish American Center. “As our overall funding has decreased due to budget cuts across the country, this donation comes at such an important time and will allow us to continue offering meals and food to our clients. We are grateful to Fidelity Bank and their employees for selecting our organization with this generous donation as it will go a long way toward helping those who need it most.”

“As part of our LifeDesign brand promise, it’s our mission to provide care for our communities, and through our new Charitable Endowment Fund we can live our values and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” said Towma Rastad, community engagement manager, Fidelity Bank. “The Spanish American Center, Hope for Comfort and PFC Keely Walsh Ride for Veterans are all pivotal to our community. We hope these donations will help them respond to the social, health, housing, and hunger needs of the communities we serve.”

We’re excited to announce that Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) Corporate Training will be hosting a brand-new interactive Spanish course this January, designed specifically for supervisors and managers.

This hands-on class equips leaders with the tools to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking employees. Using real workplace examples and targeted vocabulary, participants will gain the confidence to connect, collaborate, and foster a more inclusive work environment.

Companies are encouraged to send one employee or an entire team—this is a great opportunity to strengthen communication and teamwork across your organization.

Funding Opportunity:
This course has been approved through the Workforce Training Fund Express Program, which may cover the cost for eligible companies. If you’re interested in pursuing this option, arrangements for grant funding should begin at least four weeks prior to the class start date.

Registration:
Register today using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/CNPWRphsVr

Growing Places, in partnership with the City of Gardner, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new Waterford Street Regional Food Center, located at 62 Waterford Street, Gardner, MA.

The ceremony featured remarks from Representative Jonathan Zlotnik, Mayor Mike Nicholson of Gardner, Steve Adams, President of the North Central Massachusetts Community Foundation, Farmer John Gove, and Ayn Yeagle, Executive Director of Growing Places. Together, they marked this significant milestone in strengthening the regional food system, supporting local farmers, and expanding equitable food access across North Central Massachusetts. All speakers emphasized the project’s importance for Gardner and the North Central MA’s region’s economic and community health.

“This center is more than a facility—it’s a bridge,” said Ayn Yeagle during her remarks. “A bridge between our farms, families, and providers that feed our community – between opportunity and equity – between health and economic growth. It strengthens our regional food system, a hidden gem of North Central MA, and ensures that the food grown here in North Central Massachusetts feeds the people who live here.”

“This has really been a labor of love on the part of Growing Places but a labor of love for the people of our region,” said Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson. “Growing Places providing the food for several of our students in the schools, expanding their programming now with our after-school program about different ways that food can be prepared. This really is something that’s very positive for this region, positive for the city and I’m very excited to see the great work that’s happening.”

“Just about three years ago exactly, the mayor, Ayn and I stood in the corner just over there and announced what our vision was for repurposing the former Waterford Street School,” remarked State Representative Jon Zlotnik recalling the steps taken to get to the opening of the new Food Center. “Then last year at the other end of this room, we signed a lease with Growing Places to really kick off this adventure in earnest and now that the processing center for Growing Places is fully operational, we are so proud to be here celebrating another milestone and cutting a ribbon. This is a major benefit to our residents and our region as a whole, and I am glad that we were all able to work together to get us to this point today to connect our local agriculture economy directly to people’s tables right here in Gardner.”

About the Regional Food Center

The Waterford Street Regional Food Center was developed through the Local Food Works Coalition, coordinated by Growing Places, with support from local farmers, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and numerous community partners and funders.

Designed to address barriers that have historically limited small and underserved local farmers and community members from fully benefiting from the region’s agricultural potential, the new center purchases produce at fair prices from farmers and provide light processing such as peeling, chopping, freezing, and dehydrating local fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Food from the center is distributed to community members across the region’s 27 cities and towns through Growing Places’ home delivery program, as well as to schools, colleges, hospitals, restaurants, and grocery stores across the state. The center currently supports 30+ farmers through purchasing programs that ensure fair compensation and consistent demand.

About Growing Places

About Growing Places Established in 2001, Growing Places is a regional nonprofit food system organization based in North Central Massachusetts, serving 27 cities and towns that are home to over 180 small and underserved farms and more than 275,000 residents. Our mission is to actively engage in the North Central MA regional food system and strengthen community capacity to transform that system into one that promotes equity, fosters collective well-being, nurtures economic resilience, and sustains the environment.

For more information, visit www.growingplaces.org or contact Ayn Yeagle at