The Winchendon Courier

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

Week of December 17 to December 24, 2020

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

Bull Spit Brewing Company To Develop Property at 4 Summer Drive

by Inanna Arthen
Bull Spit Brewing Company, part of Kalon Farms in Lancaster, appeared before the Board of Selectmen at their meeting on December 14 with a proposal to develop the property at 4 Summer Drive into a production facility, waterside eatery and taproom next year.

Bull Spit was the sole bidder on the Request For Proposal (RFP) for 4 Summer Street, with an opening bid of $5,001. Town Manager Keith Hickey stated, "In my mind, the bid for the property was secondary to the ultimate reuse of the property, and the redevelopment of that property, bringing tax base back onto the tax rolls, having some new business in town, an opportunity to employ some new employees, as well." Bull Spit hopes to begin renovations in the spring of 2021.

Keith Kopley, President of Bull Spit Brewing, explained that Bull Spit has been in business for around a year and is looking to expand "in many different ways." The proposal includes a brewing production facility, an indoor taproom for tasting, and an "outdoor hospitality space" which will overlook Whitney Pond.

"We did a lot of research into area communities, and we thought that Winchendon, with the property in the community itself, would be a good fit for what we are looking to accomplish business-wise," added Jim Hunt, Vice President of Business Operations for Bull Spit Brewery.

Mr. Kopley said of Kalon Farms, "We're a kid-friendly, family-friendly, dog-friendly type of environment...that's kind of how we've survived."

Bull Spit plans to have indoor and outdoor stages for performances. The timeline aims to have the taproom space open by fall, and the outdoor space ready to open by June, 2021. "We try to cater to a lot of different people and music, we've had from country to rock," said Mr. Kopley. Food service will begin with catered food brought in via a food truck, but eventually will offer food cooked on premises in the facility's own kitchen.

The town of Winchendon is responsible for removing contaminants and hazardous materials from the site. The town is applying for a brownfields grant from the state to cover the costs of the remediation. Bull Spit's timeline is dependent on the town being able to complete this work on schedule. Winchendon Planning Director Tracy Murphy stated that she had met with the site engineer and representatives from Bass Development. The town needs to submit an application to them as soon as the costs of the remediation are determined. They anticipate a quick turnaround with the grant application. "They're as excited as we are" about the project, Ms. Murphy said.

The Board of Selectmen approved the sale of 4 Summer Street to Bull Spit Brewing unanimously.

"Winter Storm Bailey" Socks Winchendon with a Second December Snowfall

by Inanna Arthen
The forecasts were dire, with as much as 18 inches of snow possible depending on the source you consulted. On Wednesday night, December 16, Winchendon residents braced themselves for a second significant winter Nor'easter within eleven days--but as with the messy storm on December 5, "Winter Storm Bailey" fell short of the highest predictions.

Snow began falling at around 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday but did not begin accumulating on the ground until several hours later. The air was so cold and dry, snow was evaporating before it reached the ground. The snow continued falling until around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service, Winchendon's official snow total is 14 inches of dry, fluffy snow. Not all parts of town recorded the same amounts; the Courier measured 9 inches outside its office by Lake Monomonac on Thursday afternoon. The area around Greenfield reported the highest snowfall amounts for Massachusetts, with Ashfield getting 18.5 inches. The real "snow jackpots" fell on New York state, where Binghamton was buried in 40 inches of snow while the Albany area got around three feet, and in Vermont, where the town of Ludlow recorded 44 inches.

Town Hall and the Beals Memorial Library announced on Wednesday night that they would be closed on Thursday, as were some local businesses (but not all). The Winchendon Public Schools chose not to take a snow day, which must be made up at the end of the academic year, but to have all students participating in remote learning on Thursday.

On Thursday afternoon, the Winchendon Fire Department responded to an accident on Teel Road which resulted in at least one person being transported to the hospital.

Town plows were working hard on Thursday and most roads had been plowed repeatedly by Thursday afternoon. Many residents are just beginning to plow, snowblow and shovel their way out from under this second December snowstorm.

Daytime highs are forecast to remain below freezing until Sunday, with milder temperatures arriving next week.

Board of Selectmen Deny Tax Abatement Request to Mill Farms Initiative

by Inanna Arthen
John and Amelia Giavanoni of Mill Farms Initiative, Inc. addressed the Board of Selectmen by phone at the Board meeting on December 14, requesting a brownfields tax abatement for the amount of property taxes owed on the former Whites Mill property as of November 30, 2020. This amount was stated as $90,371.91, although the Giavanonis stated that $25,000 of this had already been paid.

John Giavanoni told the Board, "The Mill Farm Initiative submitted a draft contract for forgiveness of back taxes presently on the tax title in the land court. Brandywine Farms as an entity no longer exists. The corporation dissolved as a non-profit on October 5, 2015. Brandywine Farms was administratively dissolved in 2018. Brandywine was a holding company for the purposes of receiving tax credits. It had no bank account and never filed taxes. All business activity has been under the non-profit corporation. The non-profit purchased all rights, privileges, credits and liabilities of Brandywine, including the TIF, and as you probably know, the TIF is a transferable/salable contract. We concur with the Board chairman that all legal issues should be cleared before any debt negotiations proceed. The tax foreclosure and therefore the tax abatement is before the land court on January 5, 2021. If we do not find common ground, the courts will decide. Any payments must be settled before foreclosure, and this has been outstanding since June 2015."

Mr. Giavanoni reiterated details of the plans for the property which have been presented to the Board several times.

Selectman Audry LaBrie stated that while the project sounds like it would be good for the town, she felt that the citizens of the town should have an opportunity to vote on approval of a tax abatement such as a TIF.

"I think that the town has been more than generous in the past, regarding taxes," stated Selectman Barbara Anderson, "and I fear that if we move forward with this, we are really just setting ourselves up."

Selectman Rick Ward pointed out that the town Bylaws specify that any tax abatement over $100,000 must go before Town Meeting, and the taxes owed by Mill Farm Initiative will soon be over that amount. "I just don't have a good feeling about this," he said.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of documentation of a plan for remediation and the availability of funding to cover costs, which is required for a brownfields abatement.

Winchendon Town Counsel Alex Weisheit reminded the Board that there is a lien on the property brought by the contractor who did some of the prior cleanup on the site. He also stated that the town had already executed a tax repayment agreement with Mill Farms Initiative and Mill Farms Initiative was delinquent on that agreement.

The Board voted unanimously to deny the application for a brownfields tax abatement. "Based on the past history, and what's going on with that property, until you can come forward with a solid plan as far as the brownfields agreement goes, this matter is closed," Board of Selectmen Chair Mike Barbaro said, adding, "Unfortunately, that property is in terrible shape now."

Subway Catering for Holidays ad

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Winchendon Back in "High Risk" Category as Post-Thanksgiving COVID Surge Continues to Rise

by Inanna Arthen
Winchendon's official case count is now 248 (that's total confirmed cases since March). This is an increase of 26 cases from the previous week. As of December 15, 1,005 tests had been done in Winchendon in the previous 14 days, and 56 tests returned a positive result. This raises Winchendon's two-week percent positivity to 5.57 percent, up from 4.24 percent the previous week. Winchendon now appears as red (high risk) on the color-coded list of Massachusetts towns. Surrounding towns that are also now coded red include Gardner, Fitchburg, Westminster, Templeton, Athol, Orange and Ashburnham.

The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, December 17, there have been 297,301 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (32,847 in the previous week), with 11,305 fatalities (342 in the previous week). New cases continue to surge across the state, with deaths and hospitalizations also increasing, although much more slowly.

Complete Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report, Thursday, December 17 (PDF, 92 pages)

In his press briefing on Tuesday, December 15, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker recapped the numbers of cases, tests, hospitalizations and deaths in the previous week, and begged residents to celebrate the upcoming holidays only with members of their immediate households. He cited a state survey in which 30 percent of respondents asserted that they intended to gather with non-household members, and asked that these residents reconsider their plans. If residents do gather with non-household members, Gov. Baker asks that everyone wear masks, open windows, maintain distancing, and observe other precautions, just as they would if they were in a public setting with strangers.

Step 1 restrictions of Level 3 of the re-opening plan, as announced the previous week, became effective on Sunday, December 13 and remain in effect until further notice.

The new Step 1 restrictions require indoor theatres and performance venues (but not movie theatres) and "higher contact indoor recreation businesses, which include trampolines, laser tag, obstacle courses [and] roller skating" to close until further notice. Other businesses and venues, including gyms, libraries, museums, retail and office spaces, and places of worship, can stay open, but with maximum occupancy reduced from 50 percent to 40 percent. Outdoor theatres and performance venues are limited to 25 percent capacity, with a flat maximum of 50 people.

Restaurants may continue indoor dining. However, diners are required to wear face masks at all times except when actually eating and drinking. Parties may not remain at a table for more than 90 minutes, and are limited to 6 persons. Musical performances in restaurants are not allowed. Mall food court seating will be closed. People are strongly encouraged to eat only with members of their own households.

Gov. Baker stresses the vital importance of wearing masks and face coverings at all times, in public or private, whenever people are not alone or in the sole company of their immediate household members. Employees must wear face masks at work except in individual work spaces or alone, and communal break rooms should be closed or limited. Persons using gyms must wear face masks at all times, even while exercising.

Further Revised Order Regulating Gatherings in the Commonwealth" (PDF)

Order Returning All Municipalities to Phase III, Step I COVID-19 Safety Rules (PDF)

The restrictions which were implemented on November 6 in Massachusetts remain in effect until further notice.

Almost all businesses and public venues must cease operation by 9:30 p.m. All citizens are on a "stay at home advisory" between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. except for work, school, or essential errands such as buying food or medication. This is an advisory, not a formal curfew.

Face masks are required for anyone over the age of 5 in any public setting, indoors or outdoors, whether they are maintaining a six-foot distance or not. Anyone who steps outside their home anywhere must be wearing a mask. (Winchendon Town Manager Keith Hickey states that the Winchendon police will stop persons out in public without masks.)

The most drastic of the new rules addresses the problem of new COVID clusters originating in social gatherings at private homes, where people often feel they don't need to maintain social distancing or wear masks. Occupancy limits for gatherings in private homes have been reduced to 10 people indoors, 25 people outside, masks must be worn (unless everyone present lives together in that household) and gatherings must end by 9:30 p.m.

As with existing rules, fines of up to $500 may be imposed for failure to comply with these new protocols. Full details are available in the following documents:

Governor's Order Requiring Early Closing of Businesses and Gatherings (PDF)

Revised Governor's Order Required Face Coverings (PDF)

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 any gathering of more than ten people who don't all live in the same household, every person over the age of 5 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.

Libraries may open to patrons, with no more than forty 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 are now 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 unless they had a negative COVID test result 72 hours prior to arriving in Massachusetts. Same-day travel for "certain critical life activities" such as grocery shopping, medical appointments or picking up prescriptions are exempted from this rule (so Winchendon and Rindge NH residents, for example, may cross the border to each other's towns for these purposes). For a complete explanation, see Guidance for Travelers arriving in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Commissioner Designated Exceptions."

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, December 17. 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 for general business, except for some Boards and committees that have resumed in-person meetings which the public may attend (masks are required). 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. See agendas for Board and Committee meetings for detailed information on whether meetings will be in person or held remotely via Zoom, and how to attend.

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.

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. See their Facebook page for updates. 978-297-3155.

Beals Memorial Library
See their Facebook page for hours over the holidays and snow closings. 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 has been rescheduled to June, 2022 as it appears uncertain that the pandemic will subside enough in 2021 for an event of this kind.

Clark Memorial YMCA
Open under Phase 3 guidelines. Exercise classes have resumed in the gym (please bring your own water bottle and mat). 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.

Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
Construction has begun on the new walk-in food storage area.
Produce Market each Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Accepting SNAP/HIP and cash payment, open to all.
Accepting donations of non-perishable food for Thanksgiving dinner baskets.
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. See their Facebook page for updates about future events. 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. 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.

Cumberland Farms
OPEN.

CVS
OPEN.

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. 978-297-2518.

Mystical Magical Marketplace
Open Thurs-Sat, looking for vendors. Classes beginning soon. 978-297-9790.

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.

Robin's Retro Dolls
Will be open Saturdays until Christmas. 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
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.

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. 978-297-4474.

Walgreen's
OPEN.

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
Branch lobbies closed to customers as of November 20, due to COVID surge. Open for drive-through, ATM, online banking and by appointment for in-person services. See their Facebook page for updates, including current hours. All branches will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26-27. 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. NOTE: some posts on this Facebook page contain false information and/or are shared from unreliable sources.

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.

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. "Black Friday" Spirit of Christmas Toy Drive on Friday, November 27. Holiday Bazaar and cookie sale on Saturday, December 5. 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.

Community Outreach Meeting for Proposed Marijuana Cultivation and Manufacturing Facility on December 21

A Community Outreach meeting for a proposed marijuana cultivation and manufacturing facility on West Street will be presented to the Board of Selectmen by CNA Stores, Inc. on Monday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

For full information on how to join the Zoom meeting, and to view the presentation materials, go to www.townofwinchendon.com/home/events/477176.

Town Committee Vacancies
as of November 25

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.

Recreation Commission - 1 regular vacancy, 1 student vacancy
Conservation Commission - 1 vacancy
Communications Commission - 3 vacancies
Council on Aging - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 9 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Library Trustees - 1 vacancy
Open Space Preservation Appraisal and Survey Revolving Fund Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy
Redevelopment Authority - 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

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.

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)

Charter Bylaw Review Committee Open to Suggestions from Residents

In compliance with the Town Charter, Section 7.6, the Town Moderator has established a Charter Bylaw Review Committee. This committee will be meeting in the coming months to recommend changes to the current Charter and Bylaw. The final product will be presented at Town Meeting for approval.

All public suggestions for changes are welcome. For those who would like to submit input, please email charterbylaw@townofwinchendon.com. Please cite the relevant Bylaw Section with the suggested change in your email to the committee.

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.

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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