The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of October 22 to October 29, 2020
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Winchendon School District Pushes Back Timeline for Reopening Buildings


At their October 15 meeting, the School Committee informed school families that the projected date for opening the school buildings for in-person classes on the hybrid model, as submitted to the state Department of Elementary and Seconday Education (DESE), could not be met.

The original date of October 19 had already been changed to November 2 a couple of weeks earlier. Superintendent Joan Landers gave a short presentation explaining the conditions that had been found as work commenced on the HVAC and ventilation systems of the three school buildings. Due to the issues found and the high demand for parts and skilled labor, 4 phases of staggered dates ranging from November 2 to January 4, 2021 are now being proposed.

Toy Town Elementary has the most amount of work needed to bring the system up to standards. The air exchange unit controls have failed due to age and are being "mechanically operated" by teachers as needed. There are only a limited number of exhaust fans functional.

Given the amount of work needed, Ms. Landers said, "I would be fiscally responsible if I put this project out to a full bid." She said the district has an emergency waiver from the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) to do the work on the other two buildings. By putting the Toy Town project out to bid, the district and the town will get the best options for pricing and can decide which contractor to hire. This will extend the length of time for the repairs to be completed.

Murdock High School Principal Thad King explained that the failed controls were pneumatic copper lines embedded in the building's foundation. There is no easy way to access them and repair them, without breaking apart the foundation and floors. The teachers are simply turning the fans on and off with switches based on how warm or cold the rooms seem to be. "It's not controlling the fresh air dampers in any particular way...there's no fresh air right now being allowed in, because there's no way to control those dampers, and there's no way to repair those," Mr. King said.

Ms. Landers continued to Memorial Elementary, explaining that the rooftop HVAC units installed in 2000 are undersized and do not provide 100 percent recirculation of fresh air, while 2 of the 20 exhaust fans are inoperable. Mr. King added that the fresh air dampers on the unit have been failing, which means they close, and the system simply recirculates the air inside the building. "So, an example would be, someone coughs on the second floor, west wing, but as the air is brought up to the rooftop, to recirculate or exchange with fresh air, since there's no fresh air exchange, that air is just forced back down into the building. So a child coughing...that air could actually be recirculated to the east wing down on the first floor."

Ms. Landers said that the carpeting has been removed from the building and replaced with tile floors, because rugs can't be sanitized like an impermeable floor. Some of the rooftop units had been removed and then not replaced; those will be replaced, and new exhaust fans will be installed.

Moving on to the Middle and High Schools, Ms. Landers said, "there's good news and bad news." The buildings are working as designed. The bad news, put in Mr. King, is that according to the design, as an energy conserving feature, when the heat goes on the building, the fresh air dampers automatically close, preventing any exchange of fresh air. This is "hard wired" into the system and can't be adjusted. "We're working on a way to put in different actuators, that give variable control" for the dampers and allow them to be kept open for purposes of air circulation, Mr. King said. "The good news is, the building is working exactly as designed. The bad news is, that's no longer acceptable in the world of COVID."

Mr. King stated that "as we entered this situation," air quality in all three buildings was fine. It's the air exchange, replacing inside air with fresh air from outside, that is the issue, "specifically when we enter the heating season."

Given this overall situation, the current timeline for resuming in-person learning begins with the ALL program students and Pre-K through grade 2 on November 2, housed in Memorial Elementary and the Middle High School.

Phase 2, beginning November 30, will bring in Toy Town Elementary students, grades 3-5, housed on the first floor of the Middle High School.

In Phase 3, beginning on December 14, middle school students, grades 6-8, will return to the second and third floors of the Middle School.

Finally, Phase 4, beginning on January 4, 2021, will bring high school students, grades 9-12, to the second and third floors of the High School.

School Committee member Greg Vine expressed concern that this is the third time that school families have been given a different date for schools to reopen, and wondered whether it would be safer to schedule all the students to return at the same time, on January 4.

School Committee Chair Roann Demanche said that she understood that parents were frustrated, but she felt it was important for the younger and high needs students to get back to in-person learning as soon as possible. School Committee member Karen Kast agreed with Ms. Demanche, pointing out that COVID cases in Winchendon are rising and the School Committee needed to be ready to make decisions if we become a highest-risk "red zone" community, but getting our students back in front of teachers ASAP is essential.

WINCHENDON TRICK-OR-TREATING HOURS:
Saturday, October 31
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Town Guidelines for Winchendon Trick or Treating

See the Massachusetts DPH Guidelines for a safe and healthy Halloween.

Central Mass Tree

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Subway Its Footlong Season

Applications Open For Small Business Grants for Winchendon, Templeton, Athol and Phillipston

Grants to small businesses in Athol, Phillipston, Templeton and Winchendon to assist with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are now available. A business may be eligible for up to $10,000 in grant funds for documented COVID-19 related losses incurred since the declaration of a state of emergency in Massachusetts on March 10, 2020.

“The economics of the pandemic continue to challenge small businesses which are the backbone of our communities,” said Athol Town Manager Shaun A. Suhoski, adding that eligible businesses should respond promptly. “We’re grateful for this needed assistance and for the collaboration of our neighboring communities.”

This “Microenterprise Business Assistance Program” is funded through a regional Community Development Block Grant awarded to the four towns, with Athol responsible for managing the grant.

Eligible businesses must be located in one of the four communities and meet minimum requirements for the number of employees and owner(s) income. The business can have up to five employees, including the owner(s), at the time of application. The owner(s) must have a family income of equal to or less than 80% of the median family income for their town.

NewVue Communities, a non-profit community development corporation headquartered in Fitchburg, will assist with the management of this program. NewVue has extensive experience in providing assistance to small businesses in Northwest Worcester County, including pandemic relief loan programs such as PPP and EIDL. NewVue staff will guide businesses interested in the Microenterprise Business Assistance Program through the application process while providing information on other sources of funding or technical assistance that may be available.

Visit newvuecommunities.org/aptwmap/ to learn more about the detailed program guidelines and to obtain an application or contact Bill Brassard at NewVue Communities at 978-288-0180, bbrassard@nvcomm.org

November General Election

Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Polling Place: Old Murdock Senior Center
Second Floor Auditorium
52 Murdock Ave.
8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Wear Mask or Face Covering
Follow Signs for Entering and Exiting

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE:
Saturday, October 24, 2020
2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m., Town Hall 2nd Floor Auditorium
7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., Police Station, 80 Central St.

Early Voting will be held at Town Hall, 109 Front St, Pleasant Street Entrance, 2nd Floor Auditorium, from October 17 to October 29, during the following times:

Saturday, October 17 & 24--12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 18 & 25--8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Monday, October 19 & 26--8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20 & 27--8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21 & 28--8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 22 & 29--8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

COVID Numbers Rising in Massachusetts as Boston Public Schools End All In-Person Classes

Winchendon Numbers Going Up, Still in "Moderate" Risk Category


As of October 22, 77 cities and towns in Massachusetts are now "red zones" or highest risk on the state map, defined as 8 or more cases per 100,000 residents in the past 14 days. This is an increase from 60 the previous week.

Boston is a "red" high-risk city with a surge of new cases. The Boston Public Schools has cancelled in-person learning for high-needs students, the only students who had returned to school buildings so far, in response to the rise in COVID numbers. All other BPS students have been on all-remote learning since classes started on September 21.

Winchendon's official case count is now 100 (that's total confirmed cases since March), and Winchendon remains at "moderate risk" for spreading the virus (defined as 4 to 8 new cases per 100,000 residents) with 5.3 cases per 100,000 residents. As of October 22, 539 tests had been done in Winchendon in the previous two weeks, and 10 tests returned a positive result. (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, October 22, there have been 143,927 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (5,844 more than the previous week), with 9,589 fatalities (160 in the previous week).

As of this writing, Winchendon has not made any official changes in its restrictions on businesses or its Halloween plans based on these numbers. The Board of Selectmen will revisit the discussion on trick or treating at the meeting on Monday, October 26.

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, Step 2 of 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.

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 ten persons, and menus are preferably disposable or electronic. Laminated plastic menues must be sanitized after each use. 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 no more than fifty percent of maximum capacity. 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.

All states except Hawaii, Washington, California, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are considered "high risk states." Travelers from those states, or Massachusetts residents who visit those states and return, must quarantine for 14 days after they arrive in Massachusetts.

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 Winchendon community services, centers, organizations and businesses, as far as the Courier was able to determine as of Thursday, October 22. 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
Remote classes began on September 14 for all students grades K-12. Murdock High School students will be on the remote learning plan until further notice, possibly returning to classrooms on January 4. All elementary and middle school students will be on the remote learning plan until at least November 2. Hybrid plan students are now slated to return to classrooms on a four-phase staggered schedule from November 2 to January 4, as work on the building HVAC and ventilation systems is completed. 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 hours. 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. 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. There will a flu shot clinic on October 28, as well as a grab and go mac 'n' cheese lunch the same day. Call make an appointment for a shot, and/or to RSVP for the lunch. On November 18, there will be a grab and go beef stew lunch--call to RSVP. 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. The library is waiting for air quality tests and approval from the state and there is a long backlog of libraries and public buildings ahead of them. 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. See the library's Facebook page for Bealscon contests and challenges!

Clark Memorial YMCA
Open under Phase 3 guidelines. Registration open for second fall sessions of classes. Exercise classes have resumed in the gym (please bring your own water bottle and mat). Private and semi-private swim lessons beginning this fall. Youth fall soccer clinics have been scheduled. Fall gymnastics classes will start October 5. For full details and the new handbook for members, see their Facebook page or website. Holding a "drive through Trunk or Treat" event on October 24, see their Facebook page for details.

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. Accepting donations, see new guidelines. See their Facebook page for hours, updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.

Winchendon American Legion Post 193
Building closed until further notice, due to COVID restrictions. See post on their Facebook page.

Winchendon History and Cultural Center
Seppie's Ice Cream Parlor remains closed until further notice. 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 open for in-person dance classes. 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. 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 Tues-Sat, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for hours, menus and updates. 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
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.

Little Anthony's & Little Lizzie's
Open for indoor dining. 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
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.

Ruschioni's Cruisin' 12 Diner
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
GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. Clearance sale Saturday October 17 and Saturday October 24, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Customers are asked to wear masks and maintain distancing. Call 978-413-0415. See their Facebook page for further information.

Family Dollar
OPEN.

Horse & Buggy Feeds
Closed on Monday October 12. 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. New phone number: 978-297-7142. 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.

Sunset View Farm
Open for the season. 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. 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
Branches are now open to customers as of October 5. 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.

Children's Religious Education classes will be resuming soon.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers are being distributed as “drive-through/take-out" from the church circular driveway every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. until further notice. AA Meeting has resumed on Monday nights at 7:45 p.m. in the church parish hall. For more information about these and other events, visit their Facebook page or website: uucw.ncmuuc.org.

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. Sunday School has resumed--pre-register on the church website. Zoom meetings and at-home study materials are also both available for Sunday School.

Town Committee Vacancies as of October 22


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.

Recreation Commission - 3 regular vacancies, 2 student vacancies
VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED! The Recreation Commission does not have a quorum!

Communications Commission - 3 vacancies
Council on Aging - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 8 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Library Trustees - 1 vacancy
Open Space Preservation Appraisal and Survey Revolving Fund Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy
Toy Town Community Partnership - 2 vacancies
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, 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

Sign up for Code Red Emergency Alerts
Sign up for our emergency notification program today! Receive up-to-date information before, during and after an emergency in your neighborhood. You can choose to be notified via voice, text and email notifications of emergency and inclement weather alerts.

Please Do Not Flush Sanitizing Wipes Down the Toilet
Wipes Clog Pipes!

The Department of Public Works is asking all users of the public sewer system to please be careful not to flush santizing wipes down the toilet. These wipes collect in the pumps and destroy them, causing the Town to be forced to replace two pumps just in the last month alone. If a pump at the wastewater treatment plant were to burn out from wipe accumulation, it would cost the Town $30,000 to replace it. Please throw these wipes into your rubbish instead.

The annual drawdown for Lake Monomonac will commence on October 15, 2020. It will be done slowly concluding by December 1, 2020.
The drawdown will begin on the West Monomonac Rd. spillway and conclude at the Great Dam on Beachview Drive.
This 3 foot drawdown has been approved by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Winchendon’s Conservation Commission.

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.

The 2019 Annual Town Report may be downloaded as a PDF from the town website. Printed copies are available at Town Hall (call the Town Clerk's office and arrange a time for one to be brought out for you).

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