The Winchendon Courier

Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication

Week of July 2 to July 9, 2020

What makes Winchendon what it is...How we're making Winchendon even better

New Trail Opens at Sunset View Farm in Winchendon

Signs are up and a new walking trail has been blazed connecting the North Central Pathway to Winchendon’s Sunset View Farm.

The half-mile trail was dedicated this weekend by volunteers from Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, North County Land Trust, and the Friends of Sunset View Farm group that worked to permanently conserve the 70-acre property as a whole farm forever.

Farmers Chuck and Livvy Tarleton placed a conservation restriction held in tandem by Mount Grace and North County Land Trust on their farm in 2019 and then worked with Mount Grace to add an option to purchase at agricultural value (OPAV) on the land and farm buildings—a legal agreement that allows Mount Grace to ensure that the farm will always be owned by farmers in the future. That agreement was signed this spring.

The farm includes woods that abut the North Central Pathway, and conserving the farm protects the scenic view from the bike trail. “We thought that the trail would be a tangible way to thank the local community for their generous support of the farm conservation project”, shared Livvy. “We hope that you enjoy our woods as much as you do our farm stand.” The new walking trail allows hikers to get a closer view of the forest and even walk to the farmstand, which is open for socially distanced business.

We’re thrilled to be together to celebrate opening this trail and protecting Sunset View Farm as our fourth whole farm forever project,” said Mount Grace Deputy Director Emma Ellsworth. “The OPAV model makes it possible for young people to purchase farms so that a next generation of New England farmers can build on the work of local food champions like Chuck and Livvy.”

"In the unsettling events of this past spring, people have turned to local farms for food security and nature for peace of mind,” shared North County Land Trust Director of Protection Jassy Bratko. “But to have local farms we need to conserve them, to allow young farmers to afford them and we need trails to enjoy our natural world. Sunset View Farm has it all – local food, an affordable farm and now a great trail!"

Sunset View Farm’s farmstand is open from 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday. The trail is open to hikers and walkers. A trail map can be found online, here (PDF).

Vandalism a Growing Problem in Toy Town

by Inanna Arthen
Winchendon has seen an uptick in vandalism recently, with broken windows on Central Street and repeated vandalism found at the Winchendon Community Park on Ingleside Drive. The barn and house at the park have suffered broken windows and other damage numerous times this year; in the most recent incident to be discovered, a large picture window on the house was smashed.

Clyde, the town's iconic model rocking horse, was found to have a broken sign, reportedly caused by someone attempting to climb up into the rocking horse's saddle.

A floodlight that had been installed to illuminate the flagpole at G.A.R. Park was stolen last month.

In many cases, town parks and landmarks are maintained by volunteers, who also take on the responsibility of repairing the damage. Taxpayer money also pays for repairs, as well as the installation of security cameras. Cameras will be placed in the Winchendon Community Park. Any citizens who see suspicious activity or actual vandalism occurring should call the Winchendon Police Department at 911. Citizens with helpful information about past incidents should call the non-emergency number, 978-297-1212.

Brandywine Farms Opens New Farmer's Market in Winchendon Springs

by Inanna Arthen
On Thursday, July 2, at 10:00 a.m., Brandywine Farms launched the Winchendon Springs Farmers Market at 155 Mill Circle, Winchendon. The Market will be set up in a parking area on the south side of the mill complex. There is an open shed that can be used in case of rainy weather, so the market will go on rain or shine.

Going forward, the Market will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will sell fresh produce. Food may be purchased with cash or credit card. The market will accept SNAP cards, and the HIP program, which doubles SNAP benefits for fresh fruit and vegetables, will apply. Families who cannot afford to pay can submit a list of food they want and will receive five pounds of food per person with no questions asked. Unsold food will be donated to local churches at the conclusion of each week's Market.

Amelia Giavanoni, the co-owner of Brandywine Farms, told the Courier that Brandywine has been distributing food for years, largely to corporate clients who manage wellness programs for their employees. Brandywine produces food at a hydroponic farm in Royalston but has other sources. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, Brandywine is a federal supplier and receives funding from numerous sources. Ms. Giavanoni told the Courier that she is constantly writing grants. Brandywine plans to install large-scale cold storage units for food inside the former mill buildings, along with a commercial kitchen and a 50,000 square foot greenhouse.

Margaret Beaman Armstrong, the Farmers Market Marketing Manager, told the Courier that the produce will initially come from the Chelsea Market in Chelsea, MA. Sources will be expanded to include local producers in the future. Market volunteers will be getting up at four in the morning to pick up the food, so it will be as fresh as possible when it arrives at the Farmer's Market in Winchendon.

Ms. Armstrong told the Courier that Ms. Giavanoni has a lot of experience with this kind of market and wanted to do something for the town, and to benefit people in need. Winchendon is a "food desert" without a full-service grocery store, so providing fresh food seems like a way to serve the community.

Brandywine Farms is looking for more volunteers for the Farmers Market. Persons interested in volunteering can message Brandywine Farms on Facebook or go to the Market and talk with anyone on the Brandywine Farms staff.

The Winchendon Spring Farmer's Market premieres on July 2 as Brandywine Farms co-owner Amelia Giavanoni greets customers

Winchendon Moving Forward Slowly as Phase 3 of Massachusetts Re-opening Starts on Monday, July 6

by Inanna Arthen
Winchendon is cautiously reopening businesses and outdoor events as Massachusetts seems to have successfully controlled COVID-19 in the state. There has been no spike in positive tests several weeks after large protest marches and rallies in support of the Black Lives Matter movement were held, nor from the re-opening of restaurant dining, beaches and outdoor recreational activities.

On Thursday, July 2, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker announced that the first step of Phase 3 of the state's four-stage re-opening plan will commence on Monday, July 6 as projected. This will allow gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, outdoor performance venues, museums, aquariums, historical sites, guided tours and casinos to open, with procedures, occupancy limits and sanitation protocols in place. Professional sports games may resume, but without spectators. Limits on the number of people allowed in indoor, and enclosed outdoor, spaces are being increased somewhat.

Winchendon reported no new cases of COVID-19 in the past week. The official count for Winchendon as of Wednesday, July 1, is 88, the same as both the preceding weeks. In the past four weeks, one new case has been reported in the town. (See updated town-by-town reports from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, including an interactive map, here.)

The rate of increase in number of cases in Massachusetts continues its downward trend. The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, July 2, there have been 103,858 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (1,096 more than the previous week), with 7,902 fatalities (150 in the previous week). On Tuesday, June 30, no COVID fatalities were reported, making it the first day with no reported COVID-related deaths in the state since March.

For full details and updates on Massachusetts state-wide COVID-19 news and restrictions, see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information. The Montachusett Public Health Network COVID-19 Hotline number, answering questions about the COVID-19 situation, is 1-844-968-3323.

Re-opening plans for the state economy are dependent on the rate of new reported cases continuing to decrease. A surge of new cases resulting from increased social interaction may require tighter restrictions to be reinstated. For the time being, most Phase 2 guidelines remain in force for businesses already open, such as restaurants and retail stores. The state will be monitoring closely for any uptick in cases.

All residents are strongly urged to wear face masks in public settings, especially indoors, and maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people. Those at high risk should continue taking precautions to avoid infection by the virus. "It's critical that we continue to be smart in how we do this," Gov. Baker said. "The last thing we want to do is move backwards, as we've seen other states have to do. So continue to please do your part: social distance, wear face coverings, practice good hygiene and stay home if you feel sick."

Retail stores may open with a maximum number of eight customers, or 40 percent of the building's occupancy limit, allowed inside at one time. Shoppers should wear face masks and maintain a six-foot distance from one another and from store employees. Fitting rooms are open by appointment. No sampling of personal products such as cosmetics will be allowed.

Restaurants will be open for indoor and outdoor dining, with tables six feet apart or separated by solid barriers. Parties will be capped at six persons, and menus must be disposable or electronic. Tables and chairs must be sanitized after each party leaves, and tables will have no place settings; tableware must be rolled or packaged. Employees must wear face masks, and diners should wear masks except when they are seated at the table. Self-serve stations are closed, no condiments will be left on tables, and no bar seating is allowed.

Hotels, inns, and other lodgings may open to general guests. Function rooms will remain closed, and all movable items (pens, directories, and so on) must be removed from rooms.

Day camps may open with safety guidelines, including temperature checks for children and staff, face masks, and a size limit of 10 campers on groups. Overnight camps may not open until Phase 4.

Libraries may open to patrons, with restrictions to be announced. Close-contact services such as nail salons, massage therapy, makeup salons, personal training, tattoo and piercing parlors, hair removal services, and tanning salons may open, with rules about sanitizing equipment and surfaces between clients. Funeral homes, warehouses, distribution centers, golf facilities, outdoor recreational facilities including pools, playgrounds and spray decks, and outdoor historical sites and spaces may open.

For complete details, including full details for Phase 3, see the overview on the Mass.gov website. Download the complete, 29-page report at Reopening Massachusetts (PDF).

Below is an updated list of the COVID-19 arrangements made by town community services, centers, organizations and businesses, as far as the Courier was able to determine as of Thursday, July 2. Changes have been happening very quickly and without notice, so call or check the websites or Facebook pages of a business or organization for the most up to date information. (Winchendon businesses or organizations who would like to be added to this list, or change their information, should email editor@winchendoncourier.net with details.)

Winchendon Public Schools
Lunches and breakfasts will continue to be distributed to families over the summer five days a week. Families of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch should have, or will be, getting P-EBT cards in the mail to receive SNAP food benefits over the summer. The school department is assembling a district reopening steering committe and focus groups to discuss plans and options for the re-opening of school in September. Those who are interested in participating should fill out a form here (Google Form).

Town Hall
During Phase 2, Town Hall remains closed to the public. Most staff will continue to work from home, but are responding to emails and phone calls (expect a delay). Most bills can be paid and applications submitted online, and payments can be dropped off in the dropbox by the Front Street entrance to the building. Board and committee meetings are rescheduled or meeting virtually (see individual pages for each Board or committee on the town website).

The transfer station is OPEN for regular extended hours (see "Toy Town FYIs, below). Residents using the transfer station should complete their visit quickly and maintain a six-foot distance from each other and from attendants.

Winchendon Fall Fest, originally scheduled for Saturday, October 10, has been cancelled.

The Police Station and Fire Station are fully staffed but closed to walk-in visits by the general public. Call 911 for emergencies only and the business numbers for general questions and calls (Police: 978-297-1212; Fire: 978-297-2324). See each department's Facebook page for ongoing updates and information.

Old Murdock Senior Center
Closed to the public, but preparing to open under Phase 2 restrictions. Staff are at work and continue to deliver lunches to seniors, as well as bags of groceries. On July 1 (rescheduled from June 24 due to weather forecast), the Center will serve tuna sandwiches and chips in the parking lot. See their Facebook page for details. The Center is also delivering loaner books and jigsaw puzzles to seniors.Contact them if you're a senior and need groceries or medications. 978-297-3155.

Beals Memorial Library
The library continues to maintain Phase 1 procedures until further notice. Building closed to the public, all programs, events and meetings suspended until further notice. Library materials may be borrowed via pickup in the library lobby or curbside. Patrons can reserve items over the phone (978-297-0300), by email or online. Pickup will be by appointment. Patrons must be wearing masks to enter the side door lobby, one at a time. Only physical items owned by Beals Memorial Library are available until further notice (no interlibrary loans). You can borrow library e-resources through the Beals website. (If you have a library card, you can use the Libby app to borrow ebooks via your cell phone.) Library materials can be returned in the outside drop box. Overdue fines are waived for the time being. Check the Beals Facebook page for video book readings by Library Director Manuel King.

The 2020 Summer Reading Club for kids, teens and adults is underway. See the library Facebook page for details.

BealsCon, originally scheduled for May 16, has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will be held at the library as a scaled-back event.

Clark Memorial YMCA
Continues to maintain Phase 1 restrictions. All programs are cancelled until further notice, including regular after school programs and day care. The Emergency Child Care program for grades K-5 is available to families of essential workers, and families at risk who lack other options. Email Kyle Scrivines at k.scrivines@clarkymca.org with questions. See the Clark YMCA Facebook page for video exercise lessons and daily workout challenges.

According to the Clark's May Update (PDF), Camp Clark is still scheduled to run this summer.

The 2020 Summer Solstice Festival originally scheduled for June 20 has been cancelled.

Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
Public is allowed inside the building by appointment, three appointments per 30 minutes. NO ADMITTANCE WITHOUT MASK AND HANDS SANITIZED IN AND OUT WITH PROVIDED SANITIZER. CAC Haven of Hope is open to provide services during business hours, including showers, laundry, pre-made meals and relaxation area. Summer clothes donations are being accepted, and are available to those in need. See their Facebook page for hours, updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.

Winchendon American Legion Post 193
Outside Pavilion is open on weekends; however, they will not be open for the holiday weekend unless they have enough volunteers to cook and serve food. See their Facebook page for updates.

Winchendon History and Cultural Center
The museum and Seppie's Ice Cream Parlor remain closed until further notice. Thursday Nights on the porch may resume later in July. Donations are being accepted now, up to July 9, for an online Silent Auction to begin on July 10. Some fall activities are being planned including an escape room and a spooky tour of the Old Centre burial ground. See their Facebook page for updates and details. 978-297-2142.

The Dance Center
Preparing to open studios for dancing classes. Summer registration is due by Friday, June 3. Online virtual dance classes and activities continue. The Studio hopes to re-open in mid-July. See their Facebook page for more information. 978-297-5678.

RESTAURANTS

Carriage House Restaurant
Open for indoor dining starting June 24. See their Facebook page for menus, hours and specials. 978-297-1089.

Christo's Place
Open for take-out only. Note temporary new hours: Mon-Tues-Wed-Thurs 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. & Fri-Sat-Sun 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Pay-by-phone, curbside pickup and free delivery available. Continuing to offer free bagged lunches to Winchendon public schools students who qualify for free or reduced school lunch--message them on Facebook in the morning to reserve a lunch. Christo's family and staff ask that as few people as possible come inside the store to pick up orders, to help keep everyone safer. 978-297-1142.

C & S Pizza
Open for take-out only. 978-297-2202.

Dunkin Donuts
Open for take-out and drive-through only. Lobby was closed temporarily for extra cleaning and sanitizing.

Friends Garden
OPEN for take-out only as of May 1. 978-297-2277, 978-297-2278.

Gabby's Pizza
Back open for take-out only. Check their Facebook page for updates. New temporary hours, Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Occasionally close earlier. Offering "make your own pizza" kits: pound of fresh dough, pound of cheese and 1 oz of sauce, enjoy baking pizza with your kids! Note: customers MUST wear a mask to come inside to pick up orders. 978-297-3909.

The Glen Caffe
Closed, but preparing take-out meals for sale at Not Just Produced, 290 Central St., until further notice.

Gourmet Donuts
Open for take-out and drive-through only. No refills of reusable cups for sanitary reasons. You can call ahead with your order and it will be ready to pick up. 978-297-9700

The Harbour Sports Bar
Indoor seating for meals. Outdoor meals will be served Wed-Sat, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for hours, menus and updates. Will be closed on July 4th. Customers are encouraged to order online at toasttab.com/harbour-restaurant. 978-297-2133

Hometown Cafe
Limited indoor dining as of June 22. Outdoor seating for meals as of June 8. Menu, including daily specials, posted on their Facebook page. Customers are asked to wear masks when picking up orders, and to call in orders ahead if possible. 978-297-2233.

Lickity Splitz
Limited indoor seating, two tables available. See their Facebook page for menus, hours and information. Now open seven days a week.978-297-1777.

Little Anthony's & Little Lizzie's
Outdoor dining in pavilion area as of June 10, full menu and beverages. No indoor seating yet. Open for take-out, pickup at Little Lizzie's ice cream window. Menu and online ordering may be done here. Beer and wine available for take-out. Local delivery available. Local ice cream now available. 978-297-2669, 978-297-1880.

Murdock Farm and Dairy Bar
Open for the season. Daily 1:00-9:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for specials and updates.

Ruschioni's Cruisin' 12 Diner
Closed July 4, 5, 6 and 7 for the holiday; reopening Wednesday, July 8. Limited indoor dining as of June 22. Customers are asked to respect protocols for sanitizing tables and keeping distance. Open for take-out. Will have some outside tables available. See their Facebook page for daily menus and specials. Grocery food (cheese, butter, bread, etc) available to order, cash only, delivery available. List with prices on their Facebook page. Closing at noon on Father's Day, June 21. 978-616-8956.

Subway
Open for take-out only, see Facebook page for hours, weekly specials and ordering information. 978-297-0011.

Zoe's Restaurant and Pizzeria
Dining with outdoor seating as of June 11. Open for take-out and delivery. Also offering take-out for beer and wine. See their Facebook page for menus and specials. Order on Wednesday and get a trivia question to answer! 978-297-5200.

RETAIL BUSINESSES

Beaman's Bait Shop
OPEN.

Belletetes Winchendon
Open to customers but asks that you place orders for curbside pickup, or delivery, if at all possible. The new email address for ordering is orders@belletetes.com. Reduced hours, closed Sundays. For details, see the most recent customer update (March 27) on their Facebook page.

Cumberland Farms
OPEN.

CVS
OPEN.

Deedee's Treasures
Postponing their spring re-opening. Can arrange purchase and pickup of fabric by appointment only. Call 978-413-0415. See their Facebook page for further updates, including new stock and announcements.

Family Dollar
OPEN.

Horse & Buggy Feeds
Garden plants, supplies. See their Facebook page for news and specials. Only eight customers inside at a time, customers are asked to maintain social distancing.

Not Just Produced
New and additional inventory. Locally grown produce and beef, local cheese. Hosting the Winchendon Mobile Market on Fridays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Packaged meals ready-to-go prepared by the Glen Caffe. Organic produce from Charlie's Redhouse Farm. Open 9:00-12:00 on July 4th. Only ten customers can be inside the store at one time. 978-413-8518. Call and order ahead for curbside pickup.

Pattie's Jewelry
Store open to the public, with limits on number of people inside at one time. See their Facebook page for daily specials and information. Hand delivery of local purchases, layaway available. 978-297-3536.

The Perennial Patch
Open for the season. 978-297-0604.

Powell Stone and Gravel
Buildings closed to public. Open for phone orders with curbside pickup or delivery. Order by phone, email or text. See complete information here (PDF). 978-297-5600.

Reflections Country Collections
Closed until further notice, but according to their Facebook page, they'll be back. Watch their page for updates. 978-297-2411.

Rite-Aid/Walgreen's
OPEN.

Robin's Retro Dolls
Store closed to customers but Robin is buying and selling dolls by appointment, mail order, and on eBay. Contact her at 978-912-1688 with inquiries. If you have a doll to sell, text a photo to 978-912-1688 and she'll get back to you. Planning to re-open on July 6.

Smith's Country Cheese
OPEN. Call for curbside pickup. 978-939-5738. (Please note that the CheeseFest and CheeseChase events planned for May 17 have been postponed to a later date TBD.)

Sunset View Farm
Open for the season. Strawberries, greens, maple syrup, jams, garden plants. 978-297-2305. See their Facebook page for hours and updates.

To Each His Own Design
Store is open to customers. Taking orders by phone or over the internet, delivering. See their Facebook page for news and specials. 978-297-3959.

Toy Town Treasures
Open with Phase 2 precautions. No more than eight customers inside at one time, face masks required. Closed on July 4th. See their Facebook page for updates and specials.

Winchendon Furniture
Winchendon and Keene showrooms now open. Customers asked to wear face masks. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the store. See their Facebook page for hours, updates and specials. 978-297-0131.

Wolf Talk Trading Post
Holding a "store closing" sale.

OTHER BUSINESSES

Athol Savings Bank
Building closed to walk-in customers. Open for drive-through, ATM, online banking and by appointment for in-person services. See their Facebook page for updates, including current hours. 978-249-3200.

Brooks Automotive
Open for Inspection stickers during business hours, no appointment needed. Open for repairs and towing services. Closed for the holiday on July 3rd and 4th. Call or check their Facebook page for updates and hours. 978-297-2561.

Clifford P. Beauvais Insurance Agency
Open Mon-Thur 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. For emergencies outside these hours, email Matt@Beauvaisins.com. If possible, call or email before coming to the office. Must wear a face mask to come inside. 978-297-0472.

LaPoint Law Office
Office is closed to the public, but attorneys are responding to queries and serving existing clients. Contact them at 978-297-2390, 978-297-3673, or by fax at 978-616-8491, or by email at: lapointelawoffice@gmail.com, dlapointe@attorneylapointe.com, or davidlapointejd@gmail.com. See their Facebook page for more information.

Tip Top Nails
Open as of June 22. 978-297-0400.

Toy Town Barber Shop
Open with precautions as of Tuesday, May 26. Customers are asked to wear masks and stay six feet apart while waiting. Advance appointments preferred. Call Sharon Esper at 603-554-2402 (cell) or 978-297-7354 (shop) to make an appointment.

CHURCHES

The Chapel, The Chapel Downtown
Holding worship services in the chapel. Attendance limited, all attendees must follow guidelines. Services will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. See their Facebook page or website for more information.

Cornerstone Church
Beginning in-person Sunday worship services for seniors only this Sunday, June 28. Plan to begin full in-person worship services in two weeks. Holding virtual prayer meetings online. See their Facebook page for more information.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
Open for mass at 6:30 p.m. Services will return to normal schedule with guidelines in place. Attendance will be limited and all attendees must wear masks. See the church Facebook page for more information. Contact the office at renee@heartofmary.com, Fr. Henry at pastor@heartofmary.com, or call 978-297-0280.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen community suppers will resume as take-out meals on Thursday, June 18. Backpack program for students aged Pre-K though high school every Thursday 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the parking lot, no one turned away.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers will be distributed as "take-out" from the church circular driveway in May. AA meetings on Monday nights are suspended until further notice. Contact the church via Facebook message with any questions.

United Parish of Winchendon
In-person worship services resuming Sunday, June 28. Pre-registration required; check their Facebook page for registration form and further updates. Sunday worship being streamed online, see their Facebook page for information, as well as for daily videos, Bible readings and prayers.

Winchendon CVS One of 21 COVID-19 Test Locations in Massachusetts

by Inanna Arthen
Beginning Friday, May 22, the Winchendon CVS will be offering COVID-19 tests to residents who meet CDC criteria for testing and age requirements. The tests will use a self-swab system, and residents must register for an appointment in advance and drive to the drive-through window to be tested. No tests will be administered on a walk-in basis for safety reasons. The CVS store is located at 301 Central Street.

Patients should make an appointment at MinuteClinic.com, and bring the appointment confirmation, proof of identity and date of birth, and an insurance card with them. Most patients will not have any out-of-pocket costs, as health insurance will cover the test, but patients can check with their insurer to confirm that the test is covered.

This test is for active COVID-19 infections. It is not an antibody test to discern a past infection.

Full details are on the CVS website.

CVS plans to open 1,000 test sites across the country.

If You Call for Emergency Services...

...the Winchendon Fire Department asks that you let the dispatcher know if you have flu-like symptoms, are quarantined or are under self-quarantine. This will allow the first responders to take all necessary precautions to avoiding spreading COVID-19 and to protect themselves and you.

Do You Have a Garden in Winchendon?

You can help the Winchendon HEAL Project bring affordable, whole food back to town by telling us about your garden! Fill out this online survey:

https://forms.gle/ToDJfajMfk89L99H6

What is the HEAL Winchendon Food Project?
growingplaces.org/programoverview/heal-winchendon

Make DIY Cloth Face Masks

by Inanna Arthen
Many people are sewing cloth face masks for themselves and for health care workers. There is even a Facebook group supporting this effort, Mask Makers.

There are a number of patterns available on the Internet. The Courier is sharing the PDF pattern below, which includes templates and clear, photograph-illustrated sewing directions, for the convenience of our readers. The pattern is being distributed by Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, NH and may be copied and shared freely.

The CDC has issued a nationwide advisory asking people to wear face masks at all times when out in public. COVID-19 is spread primarily through the air, and infected persons are the most contagious before they have any symptoms. It's estimated that as many as 50 percent of infected persons may never show symptoms or get sick, but still are able to infect others. Wearing face masks will significantly reduce the chances of infected people spreading the virus.

Face Mask Pattern and Directions (PDF)

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Town Seeks Volunteers for Town Committees and Boards

by Inanna Arthen
If you'd like to be an active participant in decision-making and management for your community, consider joining a town committee or board. There are a number of vacancies currently open.

Communications Commission - 3 vacancies
Conservation Commission - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 11 vacancies (can have up to 19 members)
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Open Space Preservation Appraisal and Survey Revolving Fund Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy
Recreation Commission - 1 regular vacancy, 2 student vacancies
Winchendon Community Park Committee (formerly the Ingleside Utilization Committee) - 5 vacancies (can have up to 15 members)
Zoning Board of Appeals - 2 alternates vacancies

If you'd like more information about any of these positions or are interested in being considered for an appointment, contact the Town Manager's office at 978-297-0085, or send a letter to Town Manager, 109 Front Street Dept. 1, Winchendon MA 01475.

A complete description of each committee's responsibilities may be found here (PDF).

Toy Town FYIs

There will be a $20 late fee for unlicensed dogs beginning July 15.

The 2019 Annual Town Report may be downloaded as a PDF from the town website. Printed copies are available at Town Hall, and will be distributed at Annual Town Meeting as usual, when Town Meeting takes place (still to be determined).

Transfer Station Open Extended Hours

From June 1st to October 1st, the transfer station will be open as follows:

Thursday - 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Water Conservation Restrictions in Place

Beginning on May 1st and ending October 1st, the Town will be under a mandatory even / odd water conservation schedule.

Outdoor watering by water users with odd numbered addresses is restricted to odd numbered days. Outdoor watering by water users with even numbered addresses is restricted to even numbered days. Watering is only permitted from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Please direct any questions to the DPW at 978-297-0170.

Real estate taxes normally due on May 1 will be due on June 1. The deadline for applications to apply for exemptions on taxes has been changed from April 1 to June 1. Interest and penalties will be waived on any property and excise tax, betterment assessment, water or sewer bill with a due date on or after March 10, 2020 if payment in full is made by June 30, 2020.

Annual Town Meeting, originally scheduled for Monday, May 18, has been postponed to a future date still to be determined by the Board of Selectmen.

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