Virtual Jaffrey St. Patrick’s Day Parade To Be Produced By The Park Theatre
Jaffrey theatre’s ParkTV division to use film clips, live interviews, new performances on March 17 online broadcast.
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (March 3 2021) The Monadnock region will be seeing green this St. Patrick's Day. The "seeing" will be online with a 2-hour broadcast of a virtual Jaffrey St. Patrick's Day Parade. The show will run from 12pm - 2pm EST on Wednesday, March 17 via Facebook Live and YouTube Live.
The program is produced by ParkTV, the online broadcasting arm of The Park Theatre located in downtown Jaffrey, NH. Those who can't watch the broadcast live can watch a recorded video of the broadcast via Facebook and YouTube on the same day.
The Park Theatre has been involved with the Jaffrey St. Patrick's Day Parade since the parade debuted in 2018. The theatre broadcast the 2019 parade live. Due to Covid-19, the 2020 parade, and now the 2021 parade had to be canceled. This year, The Park Theatre will assemble many of the parade’s past participants to join this virtual tribute to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. There will be clips from past parades, other new performances on film, plus many live interviews. Surprise guests will appear and the public is invited to join in live and wish everyone an "Erin Go Bragh" or "Sláinte" in honor of St. Patty's Day.
Scheduled guests on the program include Parade Grand Marshall, Jimmy Quinn, Terri Wiltse, Executive Director of NHSCOT Pipes & Drums Band, and Kevin Hampsey, founder of the Jaffrey St. Patrick’s Day Parade. More guests will be announced in the coming days.
Owen Houghton (past host of the parade broadcast), Kelly Bergeron (a founding organizer of the Jaffrey parade), and Steve Jackson (CEO, Managing Director of The Park Theatre) will be the co-hosts for the live-streamed program.
"Sadly, we can’t present the actual parade down Main Street this year, but the broadcast being produced by The Park Theatre will give everyone a great St. Patrick's Day Parade vibe. It will a fun, entertaining program where the public can interact with the virtual online show," said Kevin Hampsey.
The Park Theatre will be running two fundraising events for the nonprofit theatre in conjunction with the St. Patrick's Day broadcast. There will be an online 50/50 ticket raffle with 50% of the monies raised going to one single winner. Plus, there will also be a "Green Jelly Bean Challenge," where participants purchase a chance to guess the number of green jelly beans in the glass jar situated in the theatre’s 19 Main Street window in Jaffrey. The closest number wins fabulous prizes.
To get the links for the live broadcast, go to jaffreystpatsparade.com or theparktheatre.org. Questions about the broadcast can be answered by calling The Park Theatre at 603-532-8888 or emailing parktv@theparktheatre.org. Questions about the parade and sponsorships for the 2022 edition can be made by calling Kevin Hampsey at (603) 801-6100.
Massachusetts Relaxes Restrictions as COVID Numbers Fall and Vaccination Levels Increase
Massachusetts moved to Step 2 of Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan as of Monday, March 1. 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
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, March 4, 1,281,680 persons (18.6 percent of the state population) have received the first dose of vaccine. 587,167 (8.5 percent of the state population) have received two doses and are fully vaccinated.
Winchendon's official case count is now 592 (that's total confirmed cases since March). This is an increase of 11 cases from the previous week. As of March 2, 881 tests had been done in Winchendon in the previous 14 days, and 39 tests returned a positive result. This increases Winchendon's two-week percent positivity to 4.43 percent, slightly up from 4.40 percent the previous week. Winchendon still appears as yellow (moderate risk) on the color-coded list of Massachusetts towns. No surrounding towns are still coded red. Athol, Fitchburg, Gardner, Templeton and Westminster, which had been red, have dropped down to yellow. Ashburnham and Orange are now green, or lowest risk. The total number of Massachusetts towns in the highest risk category has gone down for the last seven weeks in a row. 19 towns are now designated as "red" or highest risk.
The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, March 4, there have been 553,220 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (7,596 in the previous week), with 15,925 fatalities (268 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, March 4 (PDF, 80 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, March 4. 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
Will be allowing the public inside the building by appointment only as of March 22. Only 4 people inside at one time, 30-minute appointments. Restrooms will not be open and computers will not be available. See their Facebook page for more details.
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)
Clothing room is now open to the public--limit of 4 persons at a time, masks required.
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. 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
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
Watch their Facebook page for updates about new season opening. 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.