The Winchendon Courier
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Week of September 10 to September 17, 2020
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Background: ATM Warrant Article 14, Funding Repairs at Old Murdock Senior Center


At the 2020 Annual Town Meeting which will be held on Monday, September 28, Winchendon voters will be asked to approve a total of $3,762,000 for urgent repairs on the Old Murdock Senior Center. Because of COVID, some time has passed since this proposal was first brought before the Board of Selectmen in February.

At the joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Capital Planning Committee on Monday, February 10, 2020, Town Manager Keith Hickey presented the report of consulting firm Tighe and Bond, which has worked with the town on numerous past capital projects, and Structures North, a firm that specializes in structural engineering and historic preservation. (Structures North is working with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon on their ongoing stonework restoration project.)

(Review the Minutes of the February 10 Meeting. (PDF) Agenda item 7.2, beginning on page 11.)

(Review the video of the February 10 Meeting. Presentation of the engineer's report begins at 2:17:00 on the video.)

The building which now houses the Old Murdock Senior Center, at 52 Murdock Street in Winchendon, was built between 1885 and 1887 in the ornate Romanesque Revival style. It has a granite base, brick and brownstone masonry walls with brownstone decorative elements, and a slate roof. A bell and clock tower rises above the northeast corner of the building, and several chimneys are incorporated in gabled parapets around the hipped roof with numerous dormers. There are three floors, and an above-grade semi-basement with usable spaces and bathrooms.

The building served as the town's high school until 1961. In 1974 it was renovated and reopened as part of the middle school. It stood vacant from 1995 until 2008, when it was adapted for its current role as the home of the Winchendon Council on Aging and became known as the Old Murdock Senior Center. Since 2008, the building has also served as the town's polling place, and it hosts community meetings and events of various kinds. It has an elevator and is accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

On January 28, 1988, the building was entered in the National Register of Historic Places. It has a Preservation Restriction Agreement with the state as a historic building, which limits what the town can do with the building.

At the February 10 meeting, Mr. Hickey explained, "The town of Winchendon received funding previously through the Massachusetts Preservation Project Fund, in 1997 for repairs to the Winchendon Senior Center. As a result, the MHC, which is the Massachusetts Historical Commission, holds a preservation agreement on the Senior Center in perpetuity."

In the fall of 2019, problems with the Old Murdock building were noticed, not least because bricks were falling from the clock tower into the parking lot. Two of the entrances were barricaded off with tape and fencing to prevent people entering and leaving the building from entering these areas. Tighe and Bond were promptly engaged to do a detailed assessment of the building's condition. Voters approved $24,000 from Free Cash to fund this study at Special Town Meeting on October 28, 2019.

The assessment found that while the interior of the building is in good condition, parts of the masonry exterior, and other features of the exterior, show serious deterioration in places. The clock tower is particularly in need of immediate work. The building, which stands alone in a large open space, has no lightning protection. Council on Aging Director Sheila Bettro noted that the clock tower was struck by lightning at least once in recent years.

(Review the Complete engineering report (PDF), 78 pages, including photographs, estimated cost summary and breakdown, and the 1987 application to place the building on the Register of Historic Buildings.)

In their report, Tighe and Bond recommended three phases of repairs: "Critical" repairs which should be made as soon as possible, "Recommended" repairs to be made within two to five years, and "Long Term" repairs to be made within six to ten years. Critical repairs address serious issues with the masonry in the clock tower and chimneys, and urgent repairs to the roof. Recommended repairs address less threatening deterioration in the masonry and further repairs to the roof. Long term repairs include work on the windows and installing a lightning protection system.

The total estimated cost of all three phases of repairs was given as $5,230,000. The phases don't need to be done all at once, but costs will rise with time due to inflation and continuing deterioration of the building. The cost for the critical repairs only was given as $1,560,000.

At the February 10 meeting, Mr. Hickey stated that alternatives to repairing the Senior Center were considered. Two newly-built senior centers in nearby towns were looked at for comparison. The conclusion was that a new facility with comparable space, flexibility and amenities (such a commercial kitchen) would cost approximately the same amount, upwards of $5 million, as repairing the Old Murdock building.

As of February, Tighe and Bond told Mr. Hickey the building was safe to use as long as the barricades around the area below the clock tower remained in place. This leaves only one entrance to the building still usable until repairs are made.

Article 14 of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant asks voters to approve $3,762,000 for the first two phases of repairs, Critical and Recommended. The Finance Committee is recommending this article. The town is looking for possible grant and funding opportunities to help cover the costs. Any citizens with information about grants or funding the town may be eligible for in this situation should contact the Town Manager's office.

damage to senior centerPhotographs by Structures North Consulting Engineers, Inc.
damage to senior center
damage to senior center

FinCom Recommends all ATM Warrant Articles Except One


At their meeting on Tuesday, September 8, the Winchendon Finance Committee held a public hearing to take comments on the Warrant articles for the upcoming Special and Annual Town Meetings and make their recommendations on each article.

(Review the draft Warrant (PDF).)

There was little discussion or public comment on most of the articles. Three of the articles on the warrant concerned Mellen Road, and several residents of Mellen Road attended the hearing.

Residents reiterated their arguments concerning Article 15, which asks voters to approve $86,165 to revert the unaccepted part of Mellen Road to a dirt road, and Article 16, which asks voters to approve $4,200 to make basic repairs to the existing paved surface. The residents in attendance stated that they do not want the road to be reverted to a dirt road, and they do want basic repairs (such as filling potholes) to be made, as was done before 2018.

(Read previous Courier coverage of the Mellen Road Warrant articles.)

After listening to the statements of several Mellen Road residents, including David Watkins and Marc Dorwart, the Finance Committee voted unanimously not to recommend Article 15, saying it seemed clear that the residents did not want a dirt road. They voted unanimously to recommend Article 16, to fund basic repairs to the road at a much lower cost to the town.

The Finance Committee also voted unanimously to recommend Article 27, placed on the Warrant by a citizen's petition, asking voters to approve that the town acknowledge that Mellen Road in its entirety is an accepted town way by prescription, and duly maintain it as a town road.

Central Mass Tree

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Gov. Baker Will Allow Arcades to Open, Extend Outdoor Dining as MA COVID Cases Continue to Decrease


The rate of new COVID infections in Massachusetts continues a slow downward trend, with 84 communities now considered "low risk" (a 14-day infection rate of less than 5 per 100,000 residents) and only 13 communities considered "high risk" (a 14-day infection rate of over 8 per 100,000 residents). Winchendon is in the low risk category with a current 14-day infection rate of less than 4 per 100,000 residents. All of north central Massachusetts has a similar or lower rate.

Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker stated that he will sign an executive order allowing indoor and outdoor arcades to reopen, with procedures in place, noting that in other states, gaming arcades have not been sources of outbreaks. Bars and clubs, however, will remain closed, as they seem to be the highest-risk businesses for outbreaks and super-spreader events.

Gov. Baker will also sign an executive order extending the time frame allowing expanded outdoor dining at restaurants still unable to host indoor dining at their usual capacity.

Asked about Halloween trick-or-treating, Gov. Baker said that the state hasn't made any decisions, but any decision "is going to reflect the fact that different communities are in different places with respect to how we handle this." Halloween this year is on a Saturday.

Winchendon Public Schools are still on track to begin remote classes for all grade levels on September 14. The schools have been holding orientations for families, and students have been picking up supplies and Chromebooks this week.

Most Toy Town businesses are open, with safety protocols requiring masks, distancing, and caps on the number of people in a space. The Senior Center, Beals Memorial Library and Town Hall remain closed to the public.

There were no new cases of COVID-19 reported in Winchendon this week. The total number of cases in Winchendon stands at 92. (See updated town-by-town reports from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, including an interactive map, here.)

The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, September 10, there have been 121,396 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (2,258 more than the previous week), with 8,937 fatalities (84 in the previous week).

Massachusetts is requiring visitors from every state except Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and Colorado to quarantine for 14 days when they arrive in Massachusetts, unless they have had a negative COVID test in the past 72 hours. Rhode Island has been added to the quarantine list due to an increase in cases in that state. The negative test or quarantine rule will apply to college and university students returning to Massachusetts campuses. Colleges welcoming students back in person are housing some of them in hotels to allow single-occupancy, socially distanced residences, and are cracking down hard on parties and risky gatherings among students.

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. There is a new state webpage on stopping COVID, You Have the Power to Save a Life. The Montachusett Public Health Network COVID-19 Hotline number, answering questions about the COVID-19 situation, is 1-844-968-3323.

In the meantime, modified Phase 3 guidelines continue to be in effect, as follows:

All residents are required to wear face masks when in proximity to other people, in private or public settings, indoors and outdoors, and maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people. Those at high risk should continue taking additional precautions to avoid infection by the virus. Face coverings must be worn by everyone over the age of 2 years who does not have a legitimate health exemption from wearing a mask. A fine of $500 may be imposed on persons not wearing masks when and where required.

Outdoor gatherings in a single space are limited to a maximum number of 50 persons. Any gathering, indoors or outdoors, where the space does not allow individuals to maintain six feet of social distance will be in violation of the rules, regardless of the number of persons present. This rule applies to programs, celebrations, social outings and "any other events that bring people together." It does not set limits on outdoor public spaces, political rallies or religious activities.

In any gathering of more than ten people who don't all live in the same household, every person over the age of 2 is required to wear a face covering. This applies to all venues and locations, public and private. Persons may be fined for not wearing a mask where required.

Alcoholic beverages may only be served in restaurants when accompanied by food prepared on site (not packaged snacks). Food must be ordered at the same time as an alcoholic beverage.

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.

As of August 11, these rules may be enforced with a fine of up to $500 per violation, which may be imposed by the Department of Public Health, local boards of health, State Police and municipal police departments.

For complete details, 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, September 10. 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
School will begin on September 14, with all students on the remote learning plan. Murdock High School students will be on the remote learning plan for the entire school year (or until further notice). All elementary and middle school students will be on the remote learning plan until October 19, when hybrid plan students may return to school buildings for in-person classes. The school situation remains "fluid" and subject to changes, depending on guidelines from the state and whether COVID-19 cases surge or decrease.

Town Hall
During Phase 3, 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.

The Winchendon Fire Department will hold its annual remembrance ceremony for those who perished on 9/11 on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 9:55 a.m. at the fire station, 405 Central Street. The public is welcome to attend. Please wear masks and maintain safe social distancing.

Old Murdock Senior Center
Closed to the public. Seniors may sign up for a grocery shopping trip on September 8th or September 29th--the van is limited to four persons each trip. There will be a pasta and sausage drive-through lunch on September 16, and Outdoor Bingo on September 30, weather permitting. Staff are at work and continue to deliver lunches to seniors, as well as bags of groceries. The Center is also delivering loaner books and jigsaw puzzles to seniors. Essential transportation offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact them if you're a senior and need groceries or medications. See their Facebook page for updates. 978-297-3155.

The Annual Wellness Day event scheduled for October has been cancelled.

Beals Memorial Library
Interlibrary Loan is now available. Copying and Fax service is available: make an appointment for dropping off and picking up materials. Payment due at drop-off (b/w copies $0.10 per side, color copies $0.25 per side, faxes $1.00 per page).
Building remains 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.

Used book and media sale on Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:00 p.m. by appointment. Books and magazines by free donation, puzzles for $5, DVDs, music, video games and audio books $1. All proceeds go to future library programs and events. Call for an appointment.

The 2020 Toy Town Tree Festival will be run as an online virtual event. Watch the library Facebook page for updates.

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
Open under Phase 3 guidelines. Exercise classes have resumed in the gym (please bring your own water bottle and mat). Private and semi-private swim lessons beginning this fall. For full details and the new handbook for members, see their Facebook page or website.

Full day child care for school age children starting September 14, 6:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m., $150 per week. Call 978-297-9622 or email Kyle Scrivines at k.scrivines@clarkymca.org with questions.

The Clark is hiring; see listing on "Your Town" page, with employment ads.

Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
Produce Market each Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Accepting SNAP/HIP and cash payment, open to all.

Tutoring/mentoring program for WPS students in conjunction with The Winchendon School. Limited space, call 978-297-1667 to get on the list.

NEW HOURS. CLOSED MONDAYS. Open Friday 8:00-3:00 with pantry 9:00-1:00. 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. 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, Friday and Saturday. The monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser is starting again as of July 9. See their Facebook page for updates.

Winchendon History and Cultural Center
Seppie's Ice Cream Parlor remains closed until further notice. Thursday Nights on the Porch resumed as of July 9, and the museums will be open to visitors. 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
Studios re-open for in-person dance classes on September 14. Online virtual dance classes and activities continue. 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
URGENTLY SEEKING delivery drivers, apply in person. 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
Open for dine-in and take-out as of Thursday, July 9, Thurs-Sat 4:00-8:00 p.m. 978-297-0800. Still preparing take-out meals for sale at Not Just Produced, 290 Central St.

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.
September 11 Special: Two Free Scoops for all first responders.
Special through September 18: Free Scoop and Topping for all teachers.

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. (Please keep your dog leashed so it won't chase the free-range chickens!)

Ruschioni's Cruisin' 12 Diner
CLOSED September 7 through September 11, reopening Saturday, September 12. Outdoor seating, limited indoor dining. Parties cannot be seated until everyone is present, due to space limitations. 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. 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. 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! Hiring server/bartender, apply in person. 978-297-5200.

RETAIL BUSINESSES

Beaman's Bait Shop
OPEN. Ring for admittance.

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
Store closed to walk-in customers for health reasons. Can arrange purchase and pickup of fabric by appointment. Customers are asked to wear masks and maintain distancing during appointments. 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. Deli is now open. 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.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
OPEN. See their Facebook page for hours and updates. 978-297-2411.

Rite-Aid/Walgreen's
OPEN.

Robin's Retro Dolls
Re-opening for appointments starting August 7. PM Robin for an appointment. Store currently 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. Watch her Facebook page for updates.

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. Corn is in, peaches, blueberries, raspberries. Only one family in the stand at a time, please wear face masks. 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 3 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.

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. 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
In-person Sunday worship services with a limit of 65 attendees. Online services will continue to be offered. 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 have resumed as take-out meals on first and third Thursdays of the month. 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. Accepting donations of clean, good condition clothing, shoes, linens, blankets, accessories through October 22, drop-off container in church parking lot.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers will be distributed as "take-out" from the church circular driveway in May. AA Meeting has resumed on Monday nights at 7:45 p.m. in the church parish hall. 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.

Town [Still] Seeks Volunteers for Town Committees and Boards


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
Council on Aging - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 10 vacancies (can have up to 19 members)
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Library Trustees - 1 vacancy
Open Space Preservation Appraisal and Survey Revolving Fund Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy
Recreation Commission - 1 regular vacancy, 2 student vacancies
Toy Town Community Partnership - 2 vacancies
Winchendon Community Park Committee (formerly the Ingleside Utilization Committee) - 5 vacancies (can have up to 15 members)
Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 regular vacancy, 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, updated for July, 2020, may be found here (PDF).

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


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.

Make DIY Cloth Face Masks


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)

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

Toy Town FYIs

Special and Annual Town Meeting Scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

Murdock Middle High School Gymnasium
3 Memorial Drive
Face masks/coverings REQUIRED
Social Distancing Guidelines will be adhered to

Is Your House Number Clearly Visible from the Street?
The Winchendon Fire Department reminds all residents to make sure their house number is clearly visible for first responders who may need to find you. Numbers should be at least four inches high and facing the street, with lighting if possible. Put numbers on a contrasting background so they will stand out. If your driveway is long, put the number on a mailbox or pole on the street or at the end of driveway, facing in both directions. (Reflective numbers are helpful.) Check your house numbers to make sure foliage has not grown up in front of them without your being aware of it.

The 2020 Town Street List is now available at Town Hall. Printed copies may be purchased for $8.00 ($5.00 for seniors). Call the Town Clerk's office at 978-297-2766 and one will be brought outside for you. The complete list may be downloaded as a PDF, here.

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.

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