MART to install new bus shelters throughout the City as a result

After joint lobbying efforts from Mayor Michael Nicholson and Ward 5 City Councilor Aleksander Dernalowicz, Gardner is welcoming a new fixture to its public transportation system in the form of a recently installed bus shelter in front of the old Prospect Street School. Working with the Montachusett Regional Transportation Authority (MART), the new bus shelter is the first of several to be added in Gardner.

Bruno Fisher, Administrator of MART, which serves the greater North Central Massachusetts area, said “The addition of this bus shelter to the fixed route bus service in the City of Gardner is an important first step to improving the overall services to our customers. We look forward to working with the City of Gardner on locating additional shelters for the benefit of our riders.”

“The impetus behind this bus shelter was South Gardner resident Bonnie Marabello.  She saw a need in the area and reached out to see what could be done,” said Ward 5 City Councilor Alek Dernalowicz. “The real work was done by the City’s DPW crew and the team at MART who worked together to investigate, plan, and install the shelter.  I can’t thank them enough for their hard work.”

The glass and metal structure provides a much-needed amenity for public transit riders in the South Gardner area as a safe place to wait for the bus, as well as protection from inclement weather. Additionally, it is hoped that the structure’s presence may help to further advertise the public bus route that serves the area. The shelter structure was provided by MART and the concrete foundation was installed by the Gardner Department of Public Works (“DPW”).

“I’m very excited to see how we can grow the services MART has to offer to the residents of our City,” said Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, who was also recently elected to serve as the Chair of MART’s Advisory Board. “Throughout the City, people rely on public transportation to be able to get to where they need to go and initiatives like these help connect the work we are doing to grow and develop Gardner as a whole, not just for the benefit of one specific area.”

“Access to transportation is essential for our community,” said City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas. “ We are fortunate to have a reliable partner like MART right here in Gardner.  The new bus stops will support our current residents and visitors, and the expected growth from residential and commercial development happening throughout the City.”

MART was recently awarded $180,000 by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation under their Shared Streets and Spaces Grant program, and will use the funds to install an additional twenty shelters on their lines in 2022 and 2023, 4 to 10 of which will be placed in Gardner.

“I’m very happy the City of Gardner and MART are able to team up and make these investments to use these funds,” said State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik. “Public transport is very challenging in rural areas but is nevertheless very important and investments like this will help improve those services.”

Echoing these sentiments, State Senator Anne Gobi stated, “Increasing ridership on MART requires, in part, ease of access. The new bus stops in the City of Gardner, including areas that have not had one before, are a welcome addition.  Congratulations to MART and the City on obtaining this funding.”

The MART Advisory Board is comprised of one representative of the government of every municipality served by the MART system. Mayor Nicholson was elected by the representatives of the representatives of the 22 member communities to serve as the Board’s Chair in May of 2022, replacing Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale.

USA Luge announced the appointment of Lauren M. Howe to communications manager. In this role, she will serve as the liaison between the USA Luge organization and the media, providing noteworthy news and information about the sport’s athletes, programs and competitions. Howe is taking over for Sandy Caligiore who recently announced he will be moving on from his work with USA Luge.

For the past ten years, Howe has been a strong supporter of USA Luge and also calls Lake Placid her second home. Her first exposure to the sport was during her time working at Saint-Gobain, where she served as Manager of Communications and Community Relations for Norton, the company’s brand of abrasives. Norton Abrasives is the primary sponsor of USA Luge and has been a supporter for over 40 years. At Saint-Gobain, Howe played a critical role in strengthening the relationship between USA Luge and Saint-Gobain, resulting in award-winning work within the company, and increased exposure about the relationship both in the public and with employees.

“Lauren is a true professional and driven to make organizations succeed with her guidance, knowledge and expertise of the public relations industry,” said Gordy Sheer, director of marketing and sponsorship for USA Luge. “As we wish Sandy our best and thank him for his decades of service, we are excited to welcome Lauren to USA Luge after our many years working collaboratively together to elevate our brand to new heights.”

Howe founded empHowered PR in 2020 following an esteemed 23-year career in a variety of communications roles in the health care, manufacturing and non-profit industries.  She currently serves a variety of clients around the region, the country and the world.

“The opportunity to lead communications for USA Luge is a dream come true,” said Howe. “There is much excitement as we gear up for the upcoming season, along with the 2026 Winter Games. I look forward to working in concert with USA Luge athletes and staff to share the journey leading up to Milan-Cortina with the media, supporters and dedicated fans.”

Howe holds both a master’s degree in Organizational and Professional Communication and a graduate certificate in Health Care Leadership Communications from Regis College. She received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Mount Wachusett Community College.

As a result of her work and strong connections to the community, Howe was recognized as a member of the Worcester Business Journal 40 under Forty class of 2014 and is also a 2017 graduate of the Leadership Worcester program.

She currently serves as Chair of the Public Relations Society of America Independent Practitioner’s Alliance and is a member of the board at the American Red Cross of Central and Western Massachusetts. She also serves as the regular host of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce “Good Morning North Central,” the region’s most popular morning gathering featuring high-profile guests discussing topics of interest with business, civic and community leaders. In June 2022, she was recognized by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce as its Ambassador of the Year.

She resides in north central Massachusetts with her husband, daughter and stepdaughter, and will make frequent trips to Lake Placid in her new role.