This Week's Winchendon News

First Annual Central Mass Irish Festival Packs the Winchendon Community Park to the Rafters

The Winchendon Community Park was as full as it ever has been on Saturday, September 27, with the organizers announcing attendance of more than 1,500 ticket holders through the day. Local Parks & Recreation volunteers told the Courier that they could verify almost 1,000 attendees by mid-afternoon--and that was before headliners Slainte arrived as the Festival's closing act.

The earlier part of the day included children's activities such as an Irish-themed story walk and a kids' dance group, "The Flying Irish Dance Troupe." Vendors included jewelers selling Celtic-themed jewlery, Irish-themed clothing, some local vendors and crafters, and some organizations--you could get information about foster parenting and home energy audits. A tent with a traditional "rock lifting" challenge accommodated anyone who wanted to give it a try, including women and one very small young man who gave it his best shot (the rocks came in a full array of sizes).

The lead singer of The Pourmen, a band from New Bedford, MA, asked the crowd if they wanted to see a second Central Mass Irish Festival next year, and the roar of "YES!" was surely heard on the other side of Whitney Pond. If the luck of the Irish holds out, Winchendon will see another--maybe even bigger--Irish Festival next year! The date has been announced as September 26, 2026.

If you attended the Festival, they are asking for feedback--and raffling off six tickets to next year's festival for people who answer their six questions. You can give feedback at www.centralmassirishfestival.com/feedback.

Town Organizations and Agencies Collaborating to Find Solutions for Homelessness in Winchendon

by Inanna Arthen
At their meeting on Monday, September 22, the Board of Selectmen heard a presentation by several Winchendon organization and department leaders about the problem of homelessness in town, and collaborative efforts to address the issue on multiple levels. Coming forward to speak were Pastor J Lillie from Cornerstone Church, Chief of Police Dan Wolski, Community Outreach Coordinator Shaina Cunningham and Senior Center Director Miranda Jennings.

Ms. Jennings began by explaining that they and others in town have been meeting regularly at the Community Partnership Breakfasts at the Senior Center, and the problem of homelessness in town has been coming up consistently. Last month's meeting focused on the topic with an in-depth brainstorming session, and now participants have formed a task force to move forward on creating cooperative immediate and long-term strategies.

"Tonight, we wanted to just highlight what is being done, what are some of the gaps and some opportunities, knowing that we do plan on coming back in October to do a more in-depth presentation and build off of this, because this is not something we just present on and it's solved," she said. She went on, "I'm sure we've all been impacted by homelessness personally or someone that we know and love, and each person that experiences homelessness is experiencing something different. This isn't just a bandaid, one cookie cutter solution fits all...these are all people that we know, we've been working with for four years, and we've seen a lot of really great progress and a lot of challenges."

Board member Audrey Labrie asked how many people Ms. Jennings was actually talking about, and what were the demographics of the homeless in Winchendon?

Ms. Jennings said that she and Ms. Cunningham were tracking about 45 people, who they were helping with services. This obviously didn't include everyone experiencing homelessness who were not seeking services locally. Ms. Jennings said, "If we do want to go for some larger grants and bigger, longer term solutions, we need to be tracking that, and there are some grants to help us do that, which we'll talk about at the end. We do have those systems in place to track a single person that comes into the food pantry--we welcome them, get their information, and that is one of the questions we ask, along with, do you own a car? What's your income? What other needs do you have? What goals do you have? So we are looking at all the information."

Ms. Cunningham said they work with an array of different circumstances. There are individuals, "men and women, and you see the underlining causes, the mental health and addiction that drive that. You also see a lot of families that were displaced because of inflation rates or eviction or their multifamily units were purchased by a developer, and the rents were increased or hiked. We even had a couple house fires last year as well Board of Health closures."

Ms. Jennings added, "There's homelessness that the public sees, and then there's a lot that people are staying on friends' and families' couches. Within the state of Massachusetts, that is considered homeless. So, it's impacting mothers, fathers, children, single individuals, people with disabilities."

Ms. Jennings showed a chart with three levels of response to the problem--"Emergency/Triage," "Stability/Transitional Supports" and "Long-Term Housing & Prevention", which make up the "continuum of care" currently available for persons experiencing homelessness and seeking help. The CAC serves as a "point contact" and can refer people to many other resources, but she emphasized, "this isn't a CAC thing." Only teamwork of agencies and organizations throughout the town will lead to real solutions.

At the Emergency/Triage level, current services include:

• emergency hotel or campground placement via the CAC (funding is limited)
• CAC has food, blankets, tents and clothing
• the Senior Center can provide lunches for those age 55+
• the Clark YMCA opens warming centers in the winter
• the Clark and the YMCA both can offer space to take showers and do laundry
• the CAC offers one-on-one appointments to assist persons who need to find resources
• the Police and Fire Departments collaborate with emergency support

Challeges and service gaps at this level include: limited shelter or campground space with time-limited stays. There is no local shelter to Winchendon and no "wet shelter" (shelters for those who have not been sober from alcohol or drugs for a certain amount of time) options. The CAC has limited funding to do case management. The stigma and isolation of homelessness can interfere with persons finding services.

At the Stability/Transitional Supports level, current services include:

• CAC case management for housing referrals, finances, SNAP, getting IDs, Social Security, applying for housing, getting a cell phone, getting fuel assistance, and getting an address to use for services, voter registration, and job applications.
• Alyssa's Place for recovery support
• SHINE and Integrity Medicare health counseling at the Senior Center
• Aging Services of North Central Mass supposed persons aged 60+
• Winchendon's Community Connector offers free transportion in the area, connections to the MART system and via MART, to the state commuter rail in Fitchburg

Challeges and service gaps at this level include: a two-month waiting list for CAC case management, no available transitional housing or long-term shelters, limited hours and funding, a lack of stable interim housing options, and the stigma and isolation of homelessness.

At the Long-Term Housing & Prevention level, current services include:

• via the CAC, RAFT/RCAP eviction prevention
• via the CAC, limited funds for rental or mortgage assistance
• via the Winchendon Housing Authority, housing and outreach
• assistance to families through the Winchendon Public Schools, including the Murdock School-Based Health Center (SBHC) operated by Heywood Hospital and Community Health Workers (CHW) in the schools, teachers, student-operated programs and other families
• via the CAC, the Youth workforce/afterschool program
• transportation via the Community Connector
• HEAL Collaborative Resident and Youth Leaders

Challeges and service gaps at this level include: long waiting lists for housing, no transitional housing programs that allow for recidivism, limited child care and job skill support, remaining gaps in transportation networks, the regional shortage of affordable housing generally, and the stigma and isolation of homelessness.

Chief Wolsky said that from the perspective of the police department, the paradigm for framing the problem of homelessness in a community has changed. Homeless persons used to be labeled "vagrants" and treated as criminals. "We're not doing that," he explained. "We're trying to solicit help from the other organizations. We're really better suited to address the issue, and we use what limited means the police department has, which unfortunately, oftentimes, is a last resort of criminalization. And so we were trying to use that as that very last resort when we have to deal with some of the issues, particularly some of the issues that are most apparent to people in town, the visual aspects of homelessness that a lot of residents see."

Ms. Cunningham said, "Most recently, the furthest stop that we had been transporting folks was to the Queen Street shelter in Worcester, and even that is at capacity. So we had been transferring folks out there that ended up sleeping on benches across the street, that are then making their way back to us because there are no resources available."

Ms. Jennings said that as winter approaches, there will be no place to put people. They are applying for a state grant that will provide funding for an expanded warming center, more staffing and more case management.

Ms. Cunningham said, "Raising awareness around the services that we do have locally is essential, because preventative care is always the best route to go. It's challenging when folks end up at our doorstep with their bags once they're in full crisis mode, or they have a past due bill of $20,000 because that's a really challenging situation to address. So we do want to raise awareness around the services that we offer" for the "upstream" and long-term supports as described above.

Ms. Jennings stressed the value of the new Community Connector because transportation can be critical. "We have had residents that say, 'I have a job, I am able to pay for my house, but I can't get to my job, and if I can't get to my job, I'm going to lose my house.' So we have a 40 mile radius transportation that is free for residents for employment, as well as medical and other things like that."

Ms. Cunningham added that all persons experiencing homelessness need to be treated with dignity and respect. Also, the current systems often end up breaking apart families because there are so few options for a two-parent family with children. Often the father goes to one shelter, the mom and kids to another, and then the Department of Youth and Families steps in just because the family is homeless.

Pastor J, explaining that he was representing the Council of Churches in Winchendon, emphasized how vital it is for everyone to be collaborating and coordinating efforts, not just in helping those who are already homeless, but in intervention to prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless. "People that I've been working with through my own church [say] that they're not going to be able to get oil because they haven't paid off last year's oil bill and are not being able to make choices between paying their rent or paying their housing. We've got young families who are finding themselves being priced out of apartments at this moment, or questioning, can we pay the taxes on our house? Can we pay the mortgage?...in between the month of August and September, just between two churches here town, we've put out somewhere around $8,000 to minister to folks facing homelessness or situations that are going to end in homelessness."

The panel was joined by David Connor, Director of Winchendon Templeton Housing Authority. Agreeing with everything that had been said about collaboration, he said, "My staff works hard every day to try to supply decent, safe and sanitary housing that's in good repair. That's our mission statement...we have 250 units here in Winchendon that the Housing Authority manages. That's just physical apartments here in Winchendon, anywhere from a one bedroom all the way up to a four bedroom apartment. I can tell you that our waiting list is years to get into our housing. Now, that can change depending on your preference and priority." On the state level, he said, the waiting list has over 12,000 applicants. People apply to Winchendon who have never heard of the town and have no idea where it is.

All Winchendon units that are not being actively renovated are full, Mr. Connor said. The Board is working on plans to develop more housing, but the immediate question with winter approaching is, what do they do for the next four to six months?

"We actually have more federal public housing here in Winchendon than we do state, very rare in a community our size, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," he said. "We're blessed to have that, and that's the hard work people have done in generations past to get that kind of housing here in Winchendon.

"But that waiting list we have on our elderly side, we have a total of 106 people. Of that, 21 of them are considered local. Others could be Gardner, Templeton, Ashburnham, local, but not Winchendon residents. On our family side, we have actually nine homeless families that are considered homeless. On our waiting list, they're considered emergencies. Again, no vacancies. We have a total of 38 local families waiting to get into housing, and a total of 173 families. That's for anywhere from a one bedroom all the way to a four bedroom apartment. So just to give you an idea of the need in the community, it's large."

Regarding the planned veterans' housing at the former Streeter and Poland Schools, Mr. Connor said that there is a federal voucher program, VASH, for veterans' housing that veterans will be able to use at that facility when it opens. This alleviates the housing subsidy that housing authorities at the local level cover for affordable housing.

After a few questions from Board members, Board Chair Andrew Beauvais said, "I just want to say thank you to all of you who came up and spoke on this. I know I didn't give you a lot of time, I gave you about a week to put it all together, but I know this is something that you all have been working on diligently for quite a while, and so I appreciate the information that you presented tonight. It's a bit overwhelming. It's definitely something that needs to be addressed. And to the point that was mentioned earlier, we all need to work together to make this happen. So I appreciate you chasing after those grants. Hopefully we can get that one for the warming center and extending those hours, and then, of course, developing a plan. I see you have a Mass Development Planning Grant on there to create transitional housing. So just a huge thank you to all of you and everybody who's involved in the task force and presenting on this tonight, and I look forward to future updates and any support that we can provide."

Pipe Organ Concert with Peter Sykes at UU Church of Winchendon

On Sunday, October 5 at 4:00 pm The Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon (UUCW) welcomes international recording artist Peter Sykes to perform an hour of classical music on their historic 1868 E. & G.G. Hook pipe organ.

Peter Sykes, "a formidable organist who plays with artistry, subtlety, and insight," is one of the most distinguished and versatile keyboard artists performing today. His live performances have been called "compelling and moving," "magnificent and revelatory," and "bold, imaginative, and amazingly accurate."

Mr. Sykes' ten CDs of music for organ, harpsichord and clavichord ranging from Buxtehude to Couperin, Bach and Hindemith, to his groundbreaking transcription for organ of Holst's "The Planets," have been called "satisfying and persuasive," "hauntingly beautiful," and "simply stunning." He is a core faculty member and principal instructor of harpsichord in the Historical Performance Department of the Juilliard School in New York City, and an adjunct professor at Boston University, teaching harpsichord and organ performance. He also has been Music Director at First Church in Cambridge since 1986. He studied at the New England Conservatory and Concordia University in Montreal, and has taught at the University of Michigan, New England Conservatory, and the Longy School of Music. He often performs and teaches in Europe and has been a judge in numerous harpsichord and organ playing competitions. A founding board member and current president of the Boston Clavichord Society as well as past president of the Westfield Center for Historical Keyboard Studies, he is the recipient of the Chadwick Medal and Outstanding Alumni Award from the New England Conservatory, the Erwin Bodky Prize from the Cambridge Society for Early Music, and the Distinguished Artist Award from the St. Botolph Club Foundation.

Sunday's program will include works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Vierne and Price. Mr. Sykes will provide remarks about each composer and selection during the performance. While Bach and Mendelssohn are well known, Vierne and Price are less often heard. Louis Vierne was a French organist and composer who played at the Notre Dame Cathedral for over 35 years. Florence Price was a 20th century composer; the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer; and the first to have a composition played by a major orchestra. Mr. Sykes notes that Ms. Price's music is now "just recently coming into its own." The program will conclude with Bach's enduring Toccata & Fugue in D Minor; a motif used in over 20 films and a work everyone will surely recognize.

UUCW is located at 126 Central Street, next to the post office. There is ample free parking in front and on the sides of the church, and the building is ADA-accessible. Admission is free, thanks to a generous grant from the Winchendon Cultural Council. Refreshments will be available for sale.

Karolina Zapal Wins Beals Prize for Poetry

A panel of three distinguished judges recently proclaimed Florence resident, Karolina Zapal, the winner of the Beals Memorial Library's sixth annual Beals Prize for Poetry, for her poem, Cost of Love. Second went to Hillary Smith-Maddern of Greenfield for At Banshee Bar, and Miriam O'Neal of Plymouth took third prize with the God Chronicles.

Karolina Zapal is a poet, prose writer, and translator whose work dwells in the spaces between languages, landscapes, and longing. As a Polish immigrant, she's drawn to the questions that come with leaving one's home and making another. She is the author of Notes for Mid-Birth (Inside the Castle) and Polalka (Spuyten Duyvil), and her writing has appeared in Exposition Review, The Rumpus, The Seventh Wave, and elsewhere. Her co-translations of Halina Poświatowska's poetry have appeared or are forthcoming in Poetry Magazine, Circumference, FENCE, The Massachusetts Review, and others. A graduate of Naropa University's MFA in Writing & Poetics, she lives in Florence with her husband and daughter and works at the Massachusetts Center for the Book.

Other competition finalists included: Laura DiCaronimo of Hubbardston for Mother's Daughter; Sarah Hall of Athol for Abecedarian in the Spring; Howard Kogan of Ashland for This Poet; Lilla Lyon of Peterborough NH for The Blame Game; Connolly Ryan of Florence for All Over the Map; Lynne Viti of Westwood for Suburban Living; and Prudence Wholey of Shelburne for Vanished.

Jurors for the contest were poets Sara Letourneau, 2023 winner of the Beals Prize for Poetry, the Managing Editor at Heart of the Story Editorial & Coaching Services, and the author of Wild Gardens; Maria Williams, author of White Doe, winner of the 2023 Verse Daily Prize, and the chapbook, A Love Letter to Say There is No Love; and Cleo Rohn, poet, spoken word performer, educator, and the 2024 Beals Prize for Poetry winner.

The contest honors the memory of Charles L. Beals, the benefactor of the Beals Memorial Library, whose dedication to the written word continues to benefit the townspeople of Winchendon, Massachusetts over 100 years later.

The Beals Prize for Poetry was funded in part through a grant from the Winchendon Cultural Council and by the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library.

The Cost of Love

It's amazing he even survived, the woman from the vet clinic tells me on the phone. She is trying to sell me on further consults and treatments. It's amazing, and I am ashamed of having a wallet. Drained. And by wallet, I mean a container where I shovel in worth. I mean definite means. I barter my tender postpartum body, mild summer evenings on the river, the poetry prompts scrolling across Zoom, the poem I stopped writing to answer her call. She lectures me on the need to compensate vets for their time. Extra charges and misunderstandings slow my forgiveness for her patronizing tone. Love needs context, and context comes at a cost. Medicine, diapers, tangible walls. Ollie paws the leftover salsa drying and forming a crust in my bowl. Will it feel amazing to survive him? I want to hang up on the phone bully and plan a trip to the ocean. By phone bully, I mean someone only doing their job, and by ocean, I mean the suburb or city or grass or strip mall abutting the ocean. The ocean is amazing, and it costs money to love it. Parking is so goddamn expensive, it's amazing.

Karolina Zapal

© Copyright 2025 Karolina Zapal. All rights reserved.

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Your One-Stop Guide to What's Happening in your Town!

FRIDAY OCTOBER 3

Dinosaurs & I Heart Cookies 2:00-7:00 p.m. Massive animatronic dinosaurs will join the Most Popular Food Truck in America with Deep Dish Cookies for a one-day event! Admission is one cookie purchase per person (all ages). Cookies are one for $5, six for $25. Go to www.facebook.com/events/1122122659879079/ for a chance to win a free cookie and free admission! At Winchendon American Legion Post #193, 295 School St.

Winchendon Music Festival - Chris Moyse, singer-songwriter & Floyds Row (folk/newgrass) 7:00 p.m. Chris Moyse, singer-songwriter: https://chrismoysemusic.com
Folk collective, Floyds Row, explores the connections among early, classical, folk, newgrass, and world genres--works arranged and/or composed by Hailey Fuqua (soprano), Asako Takeuchi (violin), Jacques Lee Wood (violoncello & banjo), Andrew Arceci (bass & mandolin), George Lykogiannis (accordion & piano), and Mike Williams (percussion). At The Flower Shop, 172 Central St. Winchendon.

Movie Night at the Park - Inside Out 2 7:00 p.m. Join us for a fun-filled evening under the stars! Screening tonight: Inside Out 2. Gates open at 7:00 p.m., movie starts at 7:30 p.m. Free to all! Bring your blankets, snacks, and your whole crew for a family-friendly movie night you won't forget! Sponsored by Winchendon Parks & Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 4

Cornerstone Church "Called to Act" Men's Conference 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Come and join the men of Cornerstone Church for a one-day conference for men that will challenge and equip you to lead with Strength, Purpose and Faith. Lunch will be provided a free-will offering will be taken to help cover costs. At Cornerstone Church, 122 Gardner Rd, Winchendon.

Winchendon Music Festival - Worcester Jazz Orchestra (jazz) 2:00 p.m. Ever popular, the 15-piece big band plays works by Glenn Miller (1904-c.1944), Buddy Rich (1917-1987), and others. Free admission. At UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Steet.

Open Mic Night 3:00-7:00 p.m. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, poetry, and comedy under the stars at the Winchendon Community Park Amphitheater! Sign up for a 15 minute set by going to https://www.facebook.com/events/1171752418153019 and claiming a time in the Discussion section. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks & Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.

October Jam with Midlife Crisis 7:00-11:00 p.m. Raffles, 50/50 drawing and more! $15 per person, $25 per couple. All proceeds benefit the Winchendon Lions Club. At Winchendon American Legion Post #193, 295 School St.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 5

Organ Concert with Guest Artist Peter Sykes 4:00 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Internationally renowned pipe organist Peter Sykes will perform a concert of classical music on the church's 1868 E.& G.G. Hook pipe organ. Selections include works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Vierne and Price. Free admission; Mr. Sykes appears courtesy of a grant from the Winchendon Cultural Council. Refreshments sold. 126 Central Street.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 8

Lunch at the Park - Park Theater Lunch and Virtual Art Gallery Tour 12:00-2:30 p.m. Ride departs from the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon, at 11:30 a.m. and returns at 3:30 p.m. This month's gallery tour: "The Girl with the Pearl Earring."

Memorial School Open House 5:30-6:30 p.m. At Memorial Elementary School, 32 Elmwood Rd, Winchendon.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 9

Beals Book Club 3:00-4:00 p.m. Contact the library for the title being discussed. Books available at the circulation desk. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu is spaghetti with hearty meat sauce. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10

The Needhams family American Gospel Concert 7:00 p.m. Free and open to the public. There will be a free-will offering collection taken during the concert. What a fun way to spend a night out with us! At United Parish, 39 Front St., Winchendon/

Corey McLane at the Snowbound Club 8:00-11:00 p.m. Come listen to this talented artist at the Snowbound Club! No cover charge and cash bar available. Hope to see you there. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 11

Fall Fest 2025 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. On Central Street from CVS to Cumberland Farms--Live bands, bounce house, face painting, food trucks, local artists' performances, kids' activities, local restaurants. Over 150 vendors! Goes on rain or shine.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 14

Vet to Vet Café 10:00-11:00 a.m. Are you a Veteran looking to connect with fellow vets and share experiences from your time in service? Join us for coffee, refreshments, and meaningful discussions with others who have served. Open to all Veterans in the local community--please spread the word and invite your favorite Veteran! 2nd Tuesday of each month. At Broadview Assisted Living, 547 Central St, Winchendon.

Ukelele Group 10:30-11:30 a.m. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15

Teen Cooking Class 3:00-5:00 p.m. At The HUB, 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 16

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:15 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Served in the Parish Hall. This week the menu is Cooks' Choice by Ann C., Ann M and Patty. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

Movie Night at the Beals 6:00-9:30 p.m. Screening this month: 28 Years Later. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 18

Sensory-Friendly Browsing Hour at the Beals 9:00-10:00 a.m. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

Sensory-Friendly Halloween Party at the Beals 11:00 a.m. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

Haunted Happenings at Winchendon Community Park 4:00-10:00 p.m. Join us for a spooktacular night of family fun as Haunted Happenings returns--bigger and better than ever! Costumes, candy, creepy fun... we've got it all! Trunk or Treat with the YMCA
Live DJ & Halloween Games
Haunted Trails after dark (enter if you dare!)
Unicorn Rides by Hyridge Farm
Food Trucks & Local Vendors
Hayrides from Murdock Farm
Petting Zoo by Animal Craze
Costumes encouraged. Fun guaranteed.
Tag your boo crew and we'll see you there!
Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 19

Toy Town Swing at The HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. No partner needed! $10 per person includes lesson. Dance class 5:00-5:30, no experience needed. Drop-ins welcome. Food, drink, wine and beer for sale. Live music by Steve and Anna of TakeJazz. 100% of proceeds go to benefit the Winchendon CAC. 3rd Sunday of every month. For info and to register, go to https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/toy-town-swing-the-hub-2025-08-17-17-00. Presented by The HUB and TakeJazz. At The HUB, 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.

MONDAY OCTOBER 20

Take Jazz: Anna Dickerson. 10:30-11:30 a.m. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 21

Growing Places Mobile Market 10:30-11:30 a.m. Use your SNAP and HIP benefits and/or cash and card to purchase FRESH LOCAL VEGGIES! At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

Taste of Home - Homecooked Meal 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Enjoy a fresh-cooked meal prepared by volunteers! At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 22

Classic Movie Night at the Beals 3:00-5:30 p.m. Screening this month: The Exorcist. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 23

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu is roast pork with apples and onions. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

Bingo at the HUB! 7:00 p.m. Join the Winchendon Parks and Recreation for Bingo at the HUB! 4th Thursday of each month. At the HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 25

Winchendon Volunteer Continental Breakfast 10:30-11:30 a.m. Are you new to Winchendon or just want to learn more about volunteer opportunities in our town? Come and join us for a relaxed way to meet the various teams in town, ask questions and enjoy a delicious breakfast. We would love to have you at the table! At Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Dr.

Teen Night at The HUB 6:00-10:00 p.m. Teens Bowl for $2/person (or bring in 2 cans/non-perishable & non-expired items to donate to the Food Pantry). At The HUB, 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.

Mega Monster Mash Social 6:00-10:00 p.m. Join us for a spooky night of fun with live music, delicious food, local beer & wine, handmade boba tea, and pumpkin spice drinks! Schedule of Events:
6:00 PM - The party kicks off with Shed, a local band performing live!
7:30 PM - Kids Costume Contest (17 & under): $100 cash + trophy for the winner, prizes for runner-up!
8:30 PM - Adult Costume Contest (18+): $200 cash + trophy for
the winner, prizes for runner-up!
Admission: $5 per person | Free for ages 12 & under!
Don't miss one of Winchendon's spookiest nights of the year--bring your best costume and join the fun!
To Register & For More Information see https://www.sunsetsocialsma.com/event/autumn-sunset-social-5/register. Sponsored by Winchendon Community Park and Winchendon Parks & Recreation. Questions? contact info@farmingislife.org or richypena@yahoo.com. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.

Funny for Food Comedy Fundraiser 7:00 p.m. A comedy night to benefit Winchendon CAC at The Hub! Cash bar, raffles, 50/50 drawing, auctions. Comedy is rated "PG". Bring Your Own Snacks. All proceeds help to feed our community! $20 per person, get tickets at https://www.funny4funds.com/events/funny-for-food-a-comedy-fundraiser-to-benefit-winchendon-cac-at-the-hub/1645. At Winchendon American Legion Post #193, 295 School St.

Halloween Costume Party! 7:00-11:55 p.m. Music by Mike Martin & MLC (Mid Life Crisis!) $20 per person. Bring a non-perishable food item to get $5 off entry! Costume prizes too! At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

MONDAY OCTOBER 27

Bob Jordan Concert 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29

Teen Cooking Class 3:00-5:00 p.m. At The HUB, 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.

Thriller & Mystery Book Club 6:30-7:30 p.m. Contact the library for the title being discussed. Books available at the circulation desk. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 30

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1

Harper Grace Memorial Scholarship Fund 5K Walk/Run 9:00-11:00 a.m. Starts at The HUB, 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.

The HUB Open House & Ribbon Cutting 4:00-6:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of fun, food and community at our Fire & S'mores Open House! Bring your friends and family for a cozy gathering filled with laughter, connection and tasty treats. At Winchendon Community HUB, 5 Summer Dr.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5

Teen GSA Meeting at the Beals 3:30-4:30 p.m. A safe space for teens to meet, exchange information, receive support, socialize, build a community, and talk about issues and concerns related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

Adult GSA Meeting at the Beals 6:30-7:30 p.m. A safe space for LGBTQIA+ adults to meet, exchange information, receive support, socialize, build a community, and talk about issues and concerns related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7

Annual Turkey Raffle at the Snowbound Club 7:00 p.m. Doors open @ 6:30pm. $1 per round & also $2 round specials. Free chili chowder & mac & cheese. Two Thanksgiving Food baskets to be raffled off. Cash bar available. Open to the public. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

2nd Annual Turkey Raffle for Winchendon Firefighters Local 4542 7:00 p.m. Join us for a night of raffles, prizes, and community fun!
* Raffle baskets, door prizes, and refreshments
* Bring a non-perishable food item and receive one free ticket per item.
* All food donations and proceeds from the final round will benefit the Winchendon CAC (The HUB) to support local families in need
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Support the event and promote your business while giving back:
* Half Round Sponsor - $100
Your name or company will be advertised at the raffle.
* Whole Round Sponsor - $200
Your name or company will be advertised at the raffle, and you will also receive a free event T-shirt. Checks can be made payable to: Winchendon Permanent Firefighters
For questions or sponsorships, please contact Heather, Marty, or Clay at 978-297-2324. At Winchendon American Legion Post #193, 295 School St.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11

Vet to Vet Café 10:00-11:00 a.m. Are you a Veteran looking to connect with fellow vets and share experiences from your time in service? Join us for coffee, refreshments, and meaningful discussions with others who have served. Open to all Veterans in the local community--please spread the word and invite your favorite Veteran! 2nd Tuesday of each month. At Broadview Assisted Living, 547 Central St, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 12

Ukelele Class 10:00 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13

Beals Book Club 3:00-4:00 p.m. Contact the library for the title being discussed. Books available at the circulation desk. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu is a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixin's. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

Movie Night at the Beals 6:00-9:30 p.m. Screening this month: The Phoenician Scheme. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14

The Willies! 7:00-10:00 p.m. They're Back! Playing all your favorite 60s 70s and 80s rock 'n' roll and a little bit of country & blues too! $5 cover. Club opens at 6:00 p.m. Cash bar available. Come Join us!At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 16

Toy Town Swing at The HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. No partner needed! $10 per person includes lesson. Dance class 5:00-5:30, no experience needed. Drop-ins welcome. Food, drink, wine and beer for sale. Live music by Steve and Anna of TakeJazz. 100% of proceeds go to benefit the Winchendon CAC. 3rd Sunday of every month. For info and to register, go to https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/toy-town-swing-the-hub-2025-08-17-17-00. Presented by The HUB and TakeJazz. At The HUB, 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 19

Classic Movie Night at the Beals 3:00-5:30 p.m. Screening this month: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26

Thriller & Mystery Book Club 6:30-7:30 p.m. Contact the library for the title being discussed. Books available at the circulation desk. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

Thanksgiving Eve Party with Nick Staples 7:00 p.m. He is back...Downstairs in the Speakeasy! No cover charge! Open to the public! Come join us! At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 3

Ukelele Class 10:00 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6

Festival of Lights times TBA. Tree lighting, family activities, vendor fair. Multiple locations.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 9

Vet to Vet Café 10:00-11:00 a.m. Are you a Veteran looking to connect with fellow vets and share experiences from your time in service? Join us for coffee, refreshments, and meaningful discussions with others who have served. Open to all Veterans in the local community--please spread the word and invite your favorite Veteran! 2nd Tuesday of each month. At Broadview Assisted Living, 547 Central St, Winchendon.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 11

Beals Book Club 3:00-4:00 p.m. Contact the library for the title being discussed. Books available at the circulation desk. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 13

Christmas in Toy Town - Holiday Open House and Table Settings 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Come check out the Murdock-Whitney mansion all decorated in its finest! As usual, we will have it over the top decorated!!! After visiting the Murdock-Whitney, you can then see the decorations at the Isaac Morse House Toy Museum. Finally, you can head up to the Old Center Church and check out the many gorgeous decorated holiday tables, as well as the lovely decorations in the main church. This will be an event you dont want to miss!! Admission is a $20 donation, children under 15 are FREE!! Tickets available at https://www.winchendonhistory.com/get-tickets/holiday-house-tour. (Starts at) Winchendon History & Cultural Center, 151 Front St.

Holiday Bazaar and Cookie Sale 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Two floors of vendors! Annual cookie sale (pickup of pre-orders, sales as long as supplies last). At UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 21

Toy Town Swing at The HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. No partner needed! $10 per person includes lesson. Dance class 5:00-5:30, no experience needed. Drop-ins welcome. Food, drink, wine and beer for sale. Live music by Steve and Anna of TakeJazz. 100% of proceeds go to benefit the Winchendon CAC. 3rd Sunday of every month. For info and to register, go to https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/toy-town-swing-the-hub-2025-08-17-17-00. Presented by The HUB and TakeJazz. At The HUB, 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.

ONGOING

SUNDAYS

Bowling 12:00-5:00 p.m. $25 for a lane per hour for up to 5 people. "Sober Sundays" (no alcoholic beverages). At The HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr.

MONDAYS

Pickleball - Open Courts 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Gentle Yoga with Paula 10:00 a.m. $5 suggested donation per class. This class is suitable for all abilities. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Friends Used Book and Media Sale 1:00-3:00 p.m. Browse a wide selection of used books, DVDs, puzzles, music and more that the whole family will love. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. We are also happy to share that we are now accepting DONATIONS! Item acceptance is at the discretion of the Friends. All items not accepted WILL be returned to the donor. Donations will ONLY be accepted during book sale hours. Donations should not be deposited in the Library's book drop-off box.
We will NOT accept the following:
* Textbooks of any kind
* Encyclopedias
* Dictionaries
* Any item that contains obsolete information (i.e. medical books)
* Any item in poor condition (scratched or damaged)
* VHS or Cassette Tapes

AA Meeting 7:30 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

Lego Club for Kids at the Beals 4:00-5:00 p.m. Join us for fun-filled afternoons building Lego creations straight from your imagination! For for information, contact the library at 978-297-0300. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

TUESDAYS

Strength Training with Mary Lee 8:30-9:15 a.m. Get fit with these fun exercise classes that are customized for all abilities. $5 suggested donation. Sign up online at www.townofwinchendon.com/council-aging or call the Senior Center. Rides available upon request. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Line Dancing with Mary Lee 9:15-10:15 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Pickleball - Open Courts 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Family Friendly Story Hour at the Chapel 10:00-11:00 a.m. For preschool age children. Parents must stay with their children for the story time. At the Chapel Downtown, 286 Central St, Winchendon.

Yoga at the Beals Memorial Library 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. With Chantal from Shadow Academy Wellness. All skill levels welcomed! Mats and Blocks are available, if needed. These FREE classes are open for adults and teens. For more info, contact 978-297-0300, bealsmemoriallibrary@gmail.com or visit www.bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

Taste of Home Lunch 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Enjoy a homecooked lunch made by volunteers! At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

WEDNESDAYS

Pickleball - Open Courts 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Chair Yoga with Paula 10:00-11:00 a.m. $5 suggested donation per class. This class is suitable for all abilities. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Ukulele Class 9:00-10:00 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

Bingo! 12:30-2:30 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Meet-Up With the Kiwanis 6:30 p.m. 2ND AND 4TH WEDNESDAYS EACH MONTH. All are welcome! Come join in community projects, make new friends, make your community better, have some fun! Younger folks welcome. For more information, call Cailte Kelly, 978-413-9930. Hosted by Kiwanis of Winchendon MA. At the Clark Memorial YMCA Community Room (in new gymnastics building down by the bike path), 155 Central St., Winchendon.

THURSDAYS

Pickleball 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

CFCE Preschool Playgroup at the Beals 1:00-2:00 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of free play, a craft, story time and music & movement. This program is in partnership with the Winchendon CFCE. Contact the library at 978-297-0300 for more information. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

Friends Used Book and Media Sale 5:00-7:00 p.m. Browse a wide selection of used books, DVDs, puzzles, music and more that the whole family will love. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. We are also happy to share that we are now accepting DONATIONS! Item acceptance is at the discretion of the Friends. All items not accepted WILL be returned to the donor. Donations will ONLY be accepted during book sale hours. Donations should not be deposited in the Library's book drop-off box.
We will NOT accept the following:
* Textbooks of any kind
* Encyclopedias
* Dictionaries
* Any item that contains obsolete information (i.e. medical books)
* Any item in poor condition (scratched or damaged)
* VHS or Cassette Tapes

FRIDAYS

Pickleball 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Story Time at the Beals 10:00 a.m. Join us for a fun half hour of stories with Ms. Kristin and Ms. Melissa. This program is in partnership with the Winchendon Community Playgroups & CFCE. Contact the library at 978-297-0300 for more information. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. Starting Feb 16

Lunch and Free Bowling for Seniors 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Please call at least 24 hours in advance to reserve a lunch. Bowling is free for all seniors 55+. At the Winchendon Community HUB, 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon

Friends Used Book and Media Sale 12:00-2:00 p.m. Browse a wide selection of used books, DVDs, puzzles, music and more that the whole family will love. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. We are also happy to share that we are now accepting DONATIONS! Item acceptance is at the discretion of the Friends. All items not accepted WILL be returned to the donor. Donations will ONLY be accepted during book sale hours. Donations should not be deposited in the Library's book drop-off box.
We will NOT accept the following:
* Textbooks of any kind
* Encyclopedias
* Dictionaries
* Any item that contains obsolete information (i.e. medical books)
* Any item in poor condition (scratched or damaged)
* VHS or Cassette Tapes

Bowling at the HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. $25 Lane/Hour/Up to 5 People, and shoes included! Sunshine cafe selling snack and beverages Beer and wine for sale. 100% proceeds go to fundraise for the CAC programs and services. At The HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr.

SATURDAYS

Toy Town Trolley 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. Scheduled rides, call or use the Community Connector app to reserve a ride. Sponsored by the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon, call 978-297-3155 for more info.

Winchendon Farmers Market 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Crafts, fresh farm produce, baked goods. At G.A.R. Park, Murdock Ave and Grove St, Winchendon. Rain or shine! In inclement weather, the Market will move into the Old Murdock Senior Center, right next to the park.

Shopping Transportation to Rindge for Seniors 3:30 p.m. Leaves from the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. Must reserve your ride one week in advance. Call 978-297-3155.

Bowling at the HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. $25 Lane/Hour/Up to 5 People, and shoes included! Sunshine cafe selling snack and beverages Beer and wine for sale. 100% proceeds go to fundraise for the CAC programs and services. At The HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr.

North Central Collective Greenhouse 5:30-7:00 p.m. Join us for a meal, message and worship. NCC is a collective of likeminded churches who purpose to establish a Gospel presence that leads to Gospel proclamation in our region. At The Chapel Downtown, 286 Central St, Winchendon.