APRIL 3RD & 4TH, 2025

This notice is to inform you of upcoming traffic management and detour plans related to ongoing construction work. Please review the following information carefully as it pertains to temporary access, detours, and parking impacts.

• MassDOT’s Contractor working on the River Street Bridge near Crocker Field needs to temporarily detour traffic on Thursday April 3rd and Friday April 4th between the hours of approximately 6 am and 5 pm to install structural beams at the project site.
• On Thursday April 3rd: The River Street Bridge will be closed to eastbound/inbound traffic. Eastbound/inbound traffic on River Street will be detoured around the project site via Sheldon Street to West Street to Main Street. River Street will remain open to local traffic up to the Dunkin Donuts. The Contractor will place a sign at the intersection of River Street and Sheldon Street indicating that businesses are open and accessible. Police details and barrels/sawhorses/cones will be used to manage local traffic and prevent interference with Contractor operations.
• On Friday April 4th: The eastbound/inbound lane on Main Street will be closed from Caldwell Street to the roundabout. Eastbound/inbound traffic from Caldwell Street, Ashburnham Hill Road, Read Street, Westminster Hill Road, and West Street will be detoured around the project site via Sheldon Street to River Street and across the bridge to Main Street. Westbound/outbound traffic on Main Street from the roundabout to Caldwell Street will be maintained. The Contractor will place a sign at the intersection of Main Street and Caldwell Street indicating that businesses are open and accessible from the roundabout side of Main Street.
• The roadways will reopen to normal traffic patterns each evening after the work is complete. Note the River Street Bridge will continue to be limited to one lane in the eastbound/inbound direction.
• The outbound/westbound detour route from Main Street to Circle Street to Broad Street to River Street will remain open at all times.
• Due to the potential for traffic congestion on West Street between Westminster Hill Road and Ashburnham Hill Road, parking will be temporarily limited for both travel lanes during the detour hours. There is currently no parking for the westbound lane, but parking is allowed for the eastbound lane. The Contractor will coordinate with the Fitchburg Police Department (FPD) to place the necessary signage and notify abutting residents on West Street of the temporary parking restrictions.
• The Contractor will work with City staff to provide door-to-door notification to residents and businesses abutting the detours on River Street, West Street, and Main Street.

Comeketo is making its way back! After a small setback, they’re halfway to their goal and need our support!

Join Comeketo for a one-day exclusive dining experience on March 29th at 199 Main St, Fitchburg, MA (inside the Congregational Church Hall).

Two sessions available:

5:30 PM & 7:30 PM

This is a one-time event (Not the new restaurant location)! Perfect chance to redeem gift cards.

Reserve Your Spot Today:

Call us at 978-381-1212
Email us at
Book Online here

Sheila King-Goodwin, chief community banking officer for Fidelity Bank, was recently recognized by the New England Women in Banking as one of the 2025 Northeast Women in Banking and Mortgage. The award was given during the New England Women in Banking Conference held on January 15, at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

The award recognizes women in the banking industry who have achieved success and are trailblazers in representing women not just in the boardroom, but in the communities where they live, work and play.

“At Fidelity Bank, we realize a great client experience is made possible by our incredible colleagues who make financial success more accessible,” said Joseph Silva, president, Fidelity Bank. “Sheila embodies our LifeDesign promise of caring for our clients and providing the clarity and confidence to support families and businesses, foster generational wealth, and drive sustainable economic growth by building stronger communities. We are all proud of Sheila and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”

A resident of Worcester, King-Goodwin currently serves on the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees, Massachusetts Bankers Diversity Council, the Community Foundation of North Central MA, Racial Equity Fund Committee, and the United Way of Central Massachusetts Women’s Initiative and Diversity Council. She is also a member of Yes We Care, which provides basic financial literacy skills and development programs for high school girls to support their college, career, and life plans.

King-Goodwin earned a master’s degree in business administration from Assumption University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and business from the University of South Carolina. She is also a graduate of the Stonier National School of Banking.

The Williams-Rockwell Educational Gift Fund Committee met on February 26, 2025 to distribute this year’s round of grants to applicants from the Gardner Public School System. The committee was able to distribute $208,855.75 for 35 different projects which will take place over the remainder of the academic year and beyond.

“I’m very proud of the grants have been awarded to support innovative programs in the Gardner Public Schools,” said Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson who also serves as the Chair of the Rockwell Trustees. “Through our staff at Gardner Public Schools, these outstanding programs are making a significant impact on our students. These grants will provide essential resources to help inspire and engage students, with positive contributions to their personal and academic growth. From advancements to our band programs, to field trips that enrich classroom lessons, to advanced academic materials- this year’s grant cycle provided some really cool initiatives for our students to take advantage of.”

Gardner’s Superintendent of Public Schools, Dr. Mark Pellegrino remarked, “We are thrilled with the support the Williams Rockwell program provides for our schools! Once again, the committee awarded thousands of dollars in grants that support programs and opportunities for students that the district would not be able to afford otherwise. These grants help to make the experience for our students exceptional.”

The Williams-Rockwell Education Gift Fund was established in 2014 following the auction of Norman Rockwell’s “Willie Gillis in the Convoy” painting. The City endowed the proceeds from the sale and awards up to 90% of the annual income of the count as grants to Gardner Public School staff through an annual application process. The fund was set up to provide financial assistance to projects and programs requested by the faculty and administration of Gardner Public Schools to enrich the experiences of Gardner’s students. The grants are funded by the interest and capital gains earned from investments of the sale price of the painting. From the auction to the disbursement of the grants, the Williams-Rockwell Educational Gift Fund has been a collective effort in bringing about a way to give back to the city and its students for years to come. To date, the Committee has awarded $818,979.75.

Council President George Tyros added, “The Williams-Rockwell Gift is a unique opportunity Gardner has each year to fund these projects and programs that might otherwise not be available to students in our community. I want to thank those who took the time to ideate these programs and the Trustees for their dedication to ensuring these funds are put to their best use.”

 As required by the fund’s governing statute, awards were given out to both arts related applications as well as applications that promote athletics and academics in our schools. “I’m extremely grateful the band program will be able to purchase a new marimba, xylophone, and vibes,” said Doug Lepisto, Gardner High School Band Teacher. “The ones we currently have are about 20-25 years old and have seen many repairs over the years. This will be a huge help to the program as our numbers continue to grow after bringing back the elementary school band position a few years ago. It’s great to be part of a community with leadership that supports the art and music programs both with staffing and equipment.”

“The School Committee is thankful that this fund can continue to supplement enrichment activities for the students in the arts, and beyond,” explained Rachel Cormier, Vice School Committee Chair. With the help of the faculty submissions and the Rockwell Committee’s review process, the investment will benefit the schools for years to come. I look forward to learning more about the latest projects and talking with teachers and administrators about the positive impacts they will have.”

“I would like to thank Mayor Nicholson and the entire Williams-Rockwell Education Fund Selection Committee for the generous award that was given to the 6th grade class at Gardner Middle School. This money will be used to subsidize the tuition that students will need to pay to attend Outdoor Classroom (formerly known as Nature’s Classroom) as well as paying for all transportation. This year we were able to reduce tuition by 30%!  We are working very hard at GMS to make this experience attainable for ALL students in the 6th grade and the money from the Williams-Rockwell Grant is instrumental in helping us attain this goal” said Annette Lussier, Gardner Middle School Science Teacher.

“Twenty-five years ago I was given a permanent space room A-7 at Gardner High School. The furniture and setup of the room were pieced together with items that nobody wanted. Over the years I’ve made adjustments while making this space a home and a haven for the students of GHS. A few years ago, I was finally able to get new tables through a Rockwell grant and this year we are doing some more upgrading of cabinetry and projector. We are hoping to complete the room transformation next year with the final pieces of new storage; to give the room a cohesive look” said Frances LeMieux, Gardner High School Art Teacher. “In addition, we have received a grant to take a field trip to the Worcester Art Museum, which will include a tour and workshop opportunity for our art students. Ironically, the last time we were granted a museum trip, it had been scheduled for May of 2020 and we all know what happened that year. So I’m very excited to again be introducing the museum/workshop experience to our current students as most have never been to an art museum.”

By law, the membership on the Board of Trustees who votes to award the grants is made up of three members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, the City Treasurer, the Superintendent of Schools, a member of the School Committee, the City Council President or their designee, and the Mayor or his designee who serves as chair.

 “I am very happy to hear that we are able to continue to give back to our students through this program,” said Mayor Michael Nicholson. “The projects submitted for this year’s round of funding were certainly unique and help provide valuable resources to help enrich our students’ academic careers. This fund truly makes a big difference in helping Gardner Public Schools provide our students with a modern academic experience that stands out from other districts. I’m looking forward to seeing our students take advantage of these programs in the future.”

 

Teacher	School	Amount
Dawn Murphy & Nicole Ransden	Gardner Elementary School	$3,890
Magnetic Communication Boards for English Language Learners and Nonverbal/Students: To support kids with limited language skills to get wants and needs met.
Annette Lussier	Gardner Middle School	$20,000
Outdoor Classroom Experience (formally known as Nature’s Classroom): Fund the transportation to and from the Outdoor Classroom. Subsidize the cost of the experience for all students and to provide scholarships for any students in need.
Gianni Davilli	Gardner Middle School	$10,046.32
Lift Every Voice: Purchase Gardner Middle School’s Drama Club’s first set of theater microphones to help lift every voice.
Joseph Lillie	Gardner Middle School	$2,036.90
2025 Highschool/Middle School Cultural Fieldtrip: Bringing English Language Learners and multilingual learners to see the Worcester Bravehearts to share American culture with our multicultural students.
Frances Lemieux	Gardner High School	$4,410.36
Replace Outdated Classroom Furniture and Equipment: New black art stools with backs.
Jonathan Stalnecker	Gardner High School	$1,253.95
Ceramics Classroom Furniture- Mobile Cart: Replace our outdated furniture in the Ceramics room at the High School.
Jonathan Stalnecker	Gardner High School	$1,050
Ceramics Classroom Furniture -Kiln shelf cart: Replace our outdated furniture in the Ceramics room at the High School.
Jonathan Stalnecker	Gardner High School	$626.45
Ceramics Classroom Furniture – Mobile storage bins: Replace our outdated furniture in the Ceramics room at the High School.
Jonathan Otino	Gardner High School	$322.18
Arts After School Supplies: Have supplies for 15-20 students to stay after school once a month to learn and practice art/craft skills.
Josh Perkins	Gardner Middle School	$1,700
It’s Electric – STEM sets: Introduce students to the basics of programming, coding and electronics including voltage and current through the use of modeling software.
Josh Perkins	Gardner Middle School	$2,454
Makerspace Upgrade 3D Printer: Give students the opportunities to use 3D modeling software such as TinkerCAD and ONshape.
Kaitlynne White	Gardner High School	$3,640
Hanover Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” for Grade 10: Bring 10th grade students to the Hanover Theatre to see an in-person performance of A Christmas Carol.
Franchelly Greer & Misty Torres	Gardner Elementary School	$1,523.98
Enhancing Fine Motor Skills and Inclusive Learning through Sensory Light Tables: Have light boxes utilized to boost students’ fine motor skills.
Dane Forte	Gardner Middle School	$10,000
User Fee Elimination for Students: Be able to maintain the elimination of all user fees for athletics.
Paula Bolger	Gardner High School	$4,000
GHS DJ Equipment: A one-time purchase for the equipment to be used at dances and events.
Joanne Landry	Gardner High School	$9,500
Sounds Good- Body Mics for Plays, Shows, etc): The existing equipment has limited band width and is aging out of digital technology. This will update the current system and help support performing arts students for several years.
Doug Lepisto	Gardner High School	$4,157.70
Drumline Harnesses & Bass Drum Stands: Will support the band by ensuring all sections are equipped with what they need in order to practice and perform successfully.
Denise Ulrich & Stephanie Curtis	Gardner Elementary School	$3,750
The Smile Project – Bret Bataclan Mural: Creating a mural in the Elementary School. The mural will be carefully planned and designed to keep with the theme of the “School in the Woods.”
Derek Beauregard	Gardner Academy for Learning and Technology	$2,500
Intramural, Fitness & Recreation/Community Recourses: Continue, expand, and improve the existing intramural and fitness programs at the school.
Julio Decarvalho & Bartkus	Gardner High/Middle School	$3,000
Joint Peer Meditation Initiative: This program will enhance students’ ability to constructively resolve conflicts and contribute to a more supportive school environment by teaching them mediation, negotiation and communication skills.
John Mellish	Gardner Middle School	$4,954.50
Music Stands: Purchase 60 new music stands to replace the current set.
Jennifer Brow	Gardner Elementary School	$1,729.96
Book Repair Machine: Provide the means to repair damaged library books in order to retain collections longer.
Maureen Horn	Gardner High School	$643
Real Care Baby Accessories: Provide students with baby carriers and hip packs.
Gianni Davilli	Gardner Middle School	$1,606.63
Spotlight on GMS: Replace obsolete and hazardous spotlights with modern, high-quality LED units that will improve the safety and education of stage crew members as well as ensure the continuation of excellent performances at GMS.
Michelle Heffner	Gardner Elementary School	$4,500
Build The Elementary School Band: Purchase two student flutes and two trumpets for the schools’ loan program.
Dan Forte	Gardner High School	$43,740
Outfield Fence: The varsity baseball field does not have an outfield fence. To be considered for interscholastic post season play, we are required to have one.
Doug Lepisto	Gardner High School	$16,644.75
Band Mallet Percussion: This project would replace some of the outdated and old mallet percussion instruments that have been repaired and restrung many times over the years.
John Mellish	Gardner Middle School	$6,999
Middle School Percussion Improvement: Investing in more high quality instruments, sticks, mallets, and organizational equipment, will allow every student in the Gardner Middle School band to be able to access music education at a high level.
Joanne Landry	Gardner High School	$13,475
Broadway Bound: Broadway Bound is designed to give the opportunity for between 45 and 50 students a chance to see a Broadway show in New York City.
Kelly McGavin	Gardner Academy for Learning and Technology	$2,600
STEM/STEAM Expansion: These funds will be used to purchase equipment which will continue to enhance the STEAM curriculum at Gardner Academy.
Doug Lepisto	Gardner High School	$3,,617.89
Band Concert Percussion Instruments, Hardware, Sticks and Mallets: This project will significantly upgrade and replace much of our concert (inside) percussion equipment.
Gianni Davilli	Gardner Middle School	$6,242.26
Expanding Choral Access: Support the growth and development of the chorus program by removing barriers to access material and giving students tools to engage in choir on a deeper level.
Frances Lemieux	Gardner High School	$2,400
Museum Fild Trip & Workshop for Photography Students: We would be offering this Museum & Workshop opportunity to our advanced art students as well as to our Photography students. This field trip will show them art which has come before and present day, combined with a hands-on interactive workshop which will reinforce what the museum is all about.
Frances Lemieux	Gardner High School	$2,500
Photo Equipment Cabinets: These new cabinets will each have locks and be movable so as to better serve the students. They are also lower which will make them ideal for doing photo shoots for products and ad campaign set ups.
Doug Lepisto	Gardner High School	$7,339.88
Marching Band Uniform Raincoats: This order would be for 60 new raincoats to start replacing the current old raincoats we have.