The Winchendon Courier

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

Week of February 25 to March 4, 2021

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

Board of Selectmen Approve Formation of Master Plan Implementation Committee

by Inanna Arthen
At their meeting on Monday night, February 22, the Winchendon Board of Selectmen listened to a comprehensive presentation by the Master Plan Committee, which requested the Board to approve and oversee the formation of a Master Plan Implementation Committee to begin putting concrete plans into motion.

(Read the complete Master Plan document (PDF, 48 pages).)

Using a musical analogy, Master Plan Committee member Jill Sackett compared the Master Plan document to a musical score. The Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) is like the "conductor" pulling together all of the "players"--town boards and committees, Winchendon businesses, organizations and residents, and Town Hall employees--in working together to bring the Master Plan "off the page" and into life.

Ms. Sackett emphasized that residents, businesses and organizations in Winchendon are not only potential volunteers, but are also beneficiaries of the Plan. The Master Plan will serve as a lens through which to focus strategic decisions by the Town and by residents, businesses and organizations, as Winchendon moves into the future.

The MPIC members will consist of 5 to 7 persons who will be appointed by and report to the Board of Selectmen, supplemented by a group of advisors. They will have a staff liaison at Town Hall.

"One thing I think that we didn't happen to say this time around, but it should be repeated, is, this is a living document," Ms. Sackett said. "We fully expect, when people sit down and really start hammering out the nuts and bolts of what the contributors are being asked to do, there's going to be a lot of stuff shaking out about that, and there will be realities of other demands, staffing, do you have enough people to do the work...and we expect things will shift."

After a lengthy discussion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the formation of the MPIC. Persons who are interested in being appointed to the MPIC should see the call for applicants, below.

Winchendon Reads Across America

The Beals Memorial Library staff member, Melissa Thayer, is ready to help The Cat in the Hat Read Across America this March! Go to bealslibrary.org/winchendonreads to learn how to log your books for this fun event.

Are you looking for a fun way to keep reading this winter? The Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon has just the thing! For the month of March, the library will be hosting their first ever Read Across America event, a fun-filled challenge for the whole community that celebrates the joys of reading in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

Starting on March 1st and lasting until March 31st, the library will be hosting a catastic reading challenge to help The Cat in the Hat travel across the country, from his starting point in California all the way to his home in Massachusetts. The Cat is stuck on the West Coast and his car is all out of gas! Participants can help fill his tank by reading books. For each book read during the month of March, the Cat will travel 10 miles. Readers of all ages can work together to help The Cat in the Hat reach Massachusetts!

Participants can fill out and submit their reading log to the library by March 31st, or enter their books on Beanstack, the library’s virtual reading log, at bealslibrary.beanstack.org. All readers who log a book by the end of March will be entered for a chance to win a Springfield Museums gift certificate!

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information or to make an appointment to pick up your reading log, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit the library’s website at bealslibrary.org.

Local Organic Farmers to Host Workshop: Organic Fruit Tree Management

Many Hands Organic Farm will be hosting a workshop regarding Organic Fruit Tree Management on February 27th from 10:00 to noon, at the farm in Barre and via Zoom. At MHOF we have about 100 fruit trees with some of them as old as 40 years, all cared for in a certifiably organic fashion. Attend to learn about grafting, fertility, and try your hand at pruning some of our trees. Registration is free, and available on the Many Hands Organic Farm website at mhof.net/events-workshops.

Subway Catering for Holidays ad

North County Land Trust Preserves Over 200 Acres on South Slope of Mount Watatic

by Inanna Arthen
Leominster based North County Land Trust has purchased more than 200 acres of land on the south slope of Mount Watatic, which is located in Ashby and Ashburnham, Massachusetts just south of the New Hampshire border. The 1800-foot peak is a a popular recreational destination for Winchendon residents who enjoy hiking, bird-spotting, hunting and other outdoor activities. The purchase adds to existing conservation lands on and around the mountain.

Most of the land will be transferred to the Department of Fish and Game and its Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. North County Land Trust Executive Director Anna Wilkins explained, "NCLT will retain 15 acres of property that will provide space for the collaborative environmental education and low impact outdoor experiences which our organization values and for which it is known."

The $1.3 million purchase was funded through a low-interest loan and many generous contributions by donors, including individuals and organizations such as the Fields Pond Foundation, the Ashby Land Trust and Ashburnham Conservation Trust, the Friends of the Wapack Trail, the Midstate Trail Committee, and many more.

Board of Selectmen Choose Members for Town Manager Search Committee

by Inanna Arthen
At their meeting on Monday, February 22, the Winchendon Board of Selectmen had to hold an ad hoc run-off vote to fill five seats from eleven candidates who submitted letters of interest for the Town Manager Search Committee. Board Chair Mike Barbaro said, "It's nice to see that so many people decided to come forward this time. I really appreciated that and I think the whole Board does." Several of the Board commented on how difficult the choice was; Selectman Rick Ward said, "Out of these eleven candidates, I could have drawn them out of a hat, and they would have been qualified, because they're all qualified."

After naming their top five choices, the Board took a brief recess, and then returned with their final slate. A vote was taken to break a tie among three candidates for the fifth seat. The candidates chosen are: Ryan Forsythe, Jane LaPointe, Felicia Nurmsen, Carly Antonellis, and Jill Sackett.

Greg Vine will represent the School Committee and Tom Kane will represent the Finance Committee on the Search Committee.

The Search Committee will be charged with reviewing a confidential list of eight to ten qualified candidates presented by Community Paradigm Associates, and with the advice and assistance from the consultant, select and interview in Executive Session seven to nine candidates. At the completion of the initial interviews, the Committee will determine which three to four candidates should be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen as finalists.

Two More Winter Storms Exceed Forecast Amounts--But Spring is in the Air

by Inanna Arthen
Two more winter storms in the past week dropped about four inches of snow apiece on Winchendon and nearby areas, more than the amounts predicted by forecasters.

Light snowfall that continued from Thursday night, February 18 through Friday night accumulated to some four inches of fluffy, powdery snow, as bitterly cold temperatures continued. Forecasters promised winter-weary locals that a storm on Monday, February 23 would turn to rain, but the rain/snow line stayed to the southeast and Winchendon residents had another four inches of heavier, stickier snow to clear from their roads and driveways.

The second storm, however, brought south winds and a dramatic moderating of temperatures. The coming week will see highs well above freezing, sunshine and plenty of melting. Drivers and pedestrians should be careful about black ice and slippery spots in the early mornings.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information - Gardner Clinic

As of Thursday, February 18, Winchendon seniors aged 65 and up are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.

Clinics for the Gardner Regional COVID Vaccination Center will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, dependent on the delivery of the vaccine from the State.

Registration for clinics will take place on Mondays and Fridays beginning at 10:00 a.m. To register online, visit www.Gardner-MA.gov/1055/COVID-19 or by calling the City's Registration Call Center at 978-958-9057. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Clinics will take place at the Polish American Citizens Club (PACC), 17 Kendall Pond Road West, Gardner MA 01440.

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Gov. Baker Moves Massachusetts Up to Step 2, Phase 3 of Re-Opening Plan

Phase 4 Could Begin by March 22

by Inanna Arthen
With COVID numbers continuing to decline in the state, and vaccinations proceeding, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker announced that the state would return to Step 2 of Phase 3 of Massachusetts' Economic Reopening Plan on Monday, March 1. This rescinds the rolled-back restrictions imposed last November and December in the face of a new surge of cases statewide.

If current trends continue, the state will be able to move to Phase 4 as early as March 22. Gov. Baker emphasized that this will depend on residents continuing to take all precautions, including wearing masks or face coverings, maintaining recommended distancing, socializing and eating only with household members as much as possible, and washing hands, even after receiving the vaccine.

In Phase 3, Step 2 of the plan, indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces may re-open at 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 500 persons. Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact, such as laser tag, roller skating, trampolines and obstacle courses may open at 50 percent capacity.

The following businesses or sites may open at 50 percent capacity, not including staff and employees:

Arcades & Other Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Businesses
Close Contact Personal Services
Driving and Flight Schools
Fitness Centers and Health Clubs
Golf Facilities (indoor)
Libraries
Operators of Lodging (common spaces)
Museums, Cultural & Historic Facilities, Guided Tours
Office Spaces
Places of Worship
Sectors not Otherwise Addressed
Theaters and Performance Venues
Relevant EEA Industries – Youth sports spectators and so on

Restaurants will have no capacity limit, but must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between tables. Parties are limited to six persons per table and can remain at the table no longer than 90 minutes. Open food courts (such as in malls) must remain closed. Musical performances will be allowed in restaurants with appropriate distancing.

Retail stores selling clothes may re-open fitting rooms.

Gathering limits in public and private settings remain unchanged: 25 persons maximum outdoors and 10 persons maximum indoors.

Vaccination appointments are now open to persons aged 65 and up, and persons with at least two of the following eligible medical conditions: Asthma (moderate-to-severe), Cancer, Chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Down Syndrome, Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies, Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher), Pregnancy, Sickle cell disease, Smoking, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

As of Thursday, February 25, 1,111,829 persons (16.1 percent of the state population) have received the first dose of vaccine. 454,472 (6.6 percent of the state population) have received two doses and are fully vaccinated.

Winchendon's official case count is now 581 (that's total confirmed cases since March). This is an increase of 23 cases from the previous week. As of February 23, 954 tests had been done in Winchendon in the previous 14 days, and 42 tests returned a positive result. This increases Winchendon's two-week percent positivity to 4.40 percent, slightly up from 4.33 percent the previous week. Winchendon still appears as yellow (moderate risk) on the color-coded list of Massachusetts towns. Surrounding towns that are still coded red include Ashburnham, Westminster and Templeton. Athol, Fitchburg, Gardner and Orange, which had been red, have dropped down to yellow. The total number of Massachusetts towns in the highest risk category has gone down for the last six weeks in a row. 28 towns are now designated as "red" or highest risk.

The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, February 25, there have been 545,624 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (10,797 in the previous week), with 15,657 fatalities (284 in the previous week). The rate of new cases across the state is receding steadily, with deaths and hospitalizations also slowing down. The same trend is occurring nation-wide.

Complete Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report, Thursday, February 25 (PDF, 79 pages)

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.

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.

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

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.

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, February 25. 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 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. The Center is starting an Intergenerational Pen Pal program in collaboration with The Winchendon School to help seniors and younger people connect. Call the Center for more information. 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
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.

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. Registration open for spring sessions. For full details, 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.
The CAC frequently has excess food at the end of the week and puts out last minute calls asking people to come get food--watch their Facebook page, especially Thursday and Friday.
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
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, 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
New hours, see their Facebook page. 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
Will be CLOSED Wed/Thur March 3-4. 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
Hiring server, apply in person during business hours. 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
CLOSED for the season. 978-297-0604.

Powell Stone and Gravel
Open with Phase 3 occupancy limits. 978-297-5600.

Reflections Country Collections
See their Facebook page for hours and updates. 978-297-2411.

Rescued Treasures Second Hand Shoppe
Open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., or by appointment. All proceeds benefit Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue. See their Facebook page for fundraising events and updates.

Robin's Retro Dolls
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.

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 on Monday nights at 7:45 p.m. in the church parish hall, limited to 25 attendees. 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.

Now Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC)

At their February 22, 2021 meeting, the Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to adopt the Master Plan presented to them, and to establish a Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) for the purpose of overseeing the execution of the Master Plan as outlined.

The Winchendon Master Plan describes the will of the people of Winchendon. All town boards, commissions, committees, staff and citizens should use this Plan to guide their work in creating the future everyone seeks. The Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) is charged with overseeing its execution and will work with the Town Manager and Responsible Leads. Members of the MPIC have a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the Master Plan, are a Winchendon resident or have vested interest in the community, are a demonstrated team player, are reliable and have at least one of these qualifications:

Project management
Communications
Town history
Knowledge of "how things work"

MPIC specific responsibilities include:

Coordinate and monitor implementation
Collaborate with players to develop and track execution goals
Assist with goals that require additional resources
Encourage ongoing citizen engagement
Assess status of specific actions, evaluate priorities, and suggest new implementation techniques where appropriate
Identify successful strategies and barriers to progress
Periodically evaluate the plan
Create a mechanism to provide updates and progress reports to the Board of Selectmen

To see the full Master Plan, click here.

The Board of Selectmen is currently accepting letters of interest to serve on this committee. If you are interested, please send your letter of interest to the Town Manager's Office, 109 Front Street, Winchendon MA 01475 or to Taylor at ttower@townofwinchendon.com.

2021 Town Meeting Set for May 17

by Inanna Arthen
At their meeting on Monday, January 25, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to set the date for the 2021 spring Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting for Monday, May 17, at 7:00 p.m., to be held at Murdock Middle High School. The warrants will be open from January 25 until April 6.

The location within Murdock Middle High School, such as the auditorium or the gym, will be decided at a later date depending on the situations around the pandemic later this year.

Town Committee Vacancies
as of February 8

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

Communications Commission - 3 vacancies
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
Recreation Commission - 1 regular vacancy, 1 student vacancy
Toy Town Community Partnership - 4 vacancies
Zoning Board of Appeals - 2 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)

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

Now Accepting Proposals from Food Vendors for Grout Park

The Town of Winchendon issues this Request for Proposals ("RFP") for a commercially operated food truck vendor to be located at Grout Park on the corner of Route 12 and Glenallen St. in Winchendon, Massachusetts. The successful party will be responsible for concession operations in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the RFP and subsequent contract entered into between the Town of Winchendon and the successful Food Truck proposer. It is the Town’s goal to promote a vibrant, yet relaxing atmosphere at this location. The goals of permitting food vendor concession privileges at the Park are: to offer high quality, tasty, value-based menu items to visitors; to create a casual, engaging experience; to complement the North Central Pathway; to attract new visitors to the Park and Pathway; to support local area businesses and providers. Healthy, locally sourced food options and use of compostable, recyclable serving materials are a plus.

Copies of the RFP may be obtained for no charge by sending written request to the Town Managers Office, 109 Front St., by email request to sdelaney@townofwinchendon.com or by telephone at (978) 297-0085. Winchendon Town Hall is not open to the public due to COVID-19. The town must receive all proposals no later than March 15, 2021 at 1pm.

TOWN OF WINCHENDON
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK

NOMINATION PAPERS FOR ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
MAY 3, 2021

Nomination papers will be available Monday, January 11, 2021 at 8:00am.
Nomination papers must be obtained and turned in on or before Monday, March 15, 2021 by 5:00pm

Available Terms:
TWO – 3-year terms for the Board of Selectmen
TWO – 3-year terms for the School Committee
TWO – 3-Year terms for the Board of Health
ONE - 5-Year term for Housing Authority

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.

Toy Town FYIs

Be sure to clear snow away from all heating system vents around your home, and around fire hydrants nearby. Minutes can be wasted if responding fire trucks must search for and dig out the nearest fire hydrant! Snow covered vents can result in carbon monoxide buildup or fires. Be safe!

2021 Dog Licenses are now available. You may purchase through the mail, drop box, or online through the Town Clerk's page. The licenses will be mailed to you. Please be sure to provide a valid rabies certificate. Spayed & Neutered dogs are $10 and Non-Spayed & Non-Neutered dogs are $20

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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