The Winchendon Courier - Local Happenings

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

Week of April 29 to May 6, 2021

Because of Governor Baker's orders to control the spread of COVID-19, assume that all events, programs, and activities are cancelled or postponed until further notice unless specifically noted below. Exceptions may include the Mobile Market for food or events and activities that can move online or be held outdoors. If you have questions, contact the organizers or check their Facebook pages or websites. Stay home and stay healthy!

Parent/Professional Advocacy League Offers Support for Winchendon Families

In February 2021, PPAL launched a series of meetings designed to provide information and support for families in Winchendon and surrounding towns. These meetings, called the Winchendon Family Network Social, are being held virtually on alternate Tuesday afternoons. Parents whose children face behavioral health challenges discuss their experiences, share knowledge and tips and provide support. Groups are led by a trained facilitator.

Mental health concerns among children have grown during the shutdown due to the pandemic. Many parents report that they need help figuring out what to do and where to go. The Winchendon Family Network Social was designed to provide this help. For more information contact PPAL at parentsupportgroup@ppal.net

Winchendon Scouting BSA Presents
JOIN SCOUTING DAY
NEW DATE!
May 22, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Winchendon Rod and Gun Club
169 Winchendon Rd, Royalston, MA
Come and Check Out What Scouting is All About!
Please Follow Social Distancing Guidelines

Cub Scout Pack 193 is for Boys and Girls in grades K-5
cmpack193@gmail.com

Scouts BSA Troop 103 is for all Boys ages 11-17
smtroop193@gmail.com

Scouts BSA Troop 7193 is for all Girls ages 11-17
troop7193info@gmail.com

Camping, Hiking, Climbing, STEM, Adventure... There's Something for Everyone!

Beals Memorial Library Seeks Donations to Build a Library of Things Collection

Do you have any underutilized items taking up space in your home? Then consider donating them to the Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon. The library is looking for contributions of items in good working condition to become part of their new Library of Things collection.

A Library of Things is a collection of tools, tech, and educational equipment that patrons can borrow using their library card. They often include items that people need only on an occasional basis or things that people may need but can’t buy themselves. By curating a collection of those types of objects, the Winchendon library hopes to provide the community with access to useful items that can be borrowed instead of purchased.

The library is looking for the following types of items to become a part of this exciting new collection: baking tools such as cookie cutters, cake and cupcake pans, and hand mixers, binoculars, a DVD player, gardening tools, a microscope, musical instruments such as a guitar, ukulele, or keyboard, a sewing machine, and WiFi hotspots.

The library will only accept donations that are in good working condition. Any items that do not work will be returned to the donor.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information about this collection, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit the library’s website at bealslibrary.org.

Library Director Manuel King shows off the library's telescope, the first item added to the new Library of Things collection.

SEEDS OF HOPE
Street Pole Banner Contest

Create an art piece! Your art will be displayed in a town wide art show at GALA on June 12th. Selected pieces will be transferred onto street pole banners throughout town.

CALLING ALL WINCHENDON RESIDENTS OF ANY AGE
Submissions must be in by JUNE 1st

For complete details go to
healwinchendon.org/seedsofhope

Winchendon Little League Registration Open

Winchendon Little League Registrations for the 2021 season are now open to all local youth for baseball and softball.

Tee-Ball - ages 4 to 6.
Coach Pitch - ages 6 to 8 (6 year old’s must have played 1 season of Tee-Ball)
Minors - ages 9 & 10
Majors - ages 10 to 12 (10 year old must be assessed by league before moving up)
Upper Level Baseball - ages 13 to 16

To sign up and/or to find more information go to:
Facebook: search for Winchendon Little League – MA
https://tshq.bluesombrero.com/default.aspx?tabid=1613963
email adam.leblanc6@gmail.com with any questions.

RCAP Solutions Offering Housing Webinars

This spring, RCAP Solutions will be hosting a 3-part Zoom webinar series for tenants, homeowners, landlords, and all other interested parties. Attendees will hear from the experts about our robust housing programs including; rental assistance, homelessness prevention, community development, and much more. Participants will have the ability to ask questions and the presentations will be available afterwards on our YouTube channel. There is no cost to attend these events. The second webinar, which will provide information for tenants and homeowners, will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

Topics will include:

Housing Counseling & Financial Services: We’ll be discussing homelessness prevention counseling, homebuyer workshops, emergency rent/mortgage assistance, home modification loans, and other supportive services that our Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) provides.
Rental Assistance: We manage several voucher programs, which assist low-income renters by subsidizing a portion of their rent. In addition, there are special resources available for current voucher holders, including tools to find housing.
Living Independently: We manage over 380 units of affordable senior, disabled, and family housing throughout Central Massachusetts. Combined with our unique resident services program, we provide our residents with support which enables them to live safely and self-reliantly.

For more information, visit: www.rcapsolutions.org/housing-webinars/ .

GROWING PLACES
LOCAL PRODUCE PICK-UP / DELIVERY PROGRAM

Do you receive SNAP?
If you do, you receive additional benefits every month that you cannot see on your SNAP fund balance to purchase local produce.
These benefits are called the Healthy Incentive Program (HIP).
This program is available only for MA residents.

About the Program
Begins the First Week of December 2020
Growing Places was just approved by the Department of Transitional Assistance to start a weekly produce delivery program for residents to use their HIP benefits. Download this form to sign up (PDF).
You can either mail the completed form to Growing Places, 325 Lindell Ave., Leominster, MA, 01453. OR, contact Growing Places by email (staff@growingplaces.org) or by phone (978-598-3723) and we will arrange a time to pick up your completed form. You can also contact us with questions about this program.

If you do not have SNAP you can still participate in this program.
Please call or email us and we will help you sign up via credit or debit.

Where does the Produce Come From?
Growing Places grows produce indoors during the winter hydroponically and purchases produce from our local farmers.

Current Produce Pick-Up/Delivery Schedule in Winchendon

Pick-up: Not Just Produced, 290 Central St., Friday between 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Home Delivery: Ipswich Drive Friday between 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Home Delivery: Hyde Park Drive Friday between 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

House of Peace and Education in Gardner has some great programs for children and women available to local residents.

HOPE for Kids has three afterschool programs. The Afterschool program, a professionally directed mentoring and tutoring, serves children in grades 3 and 4. The Pals Mentoring program is a professionally directed mentoring program that provides young children with opportunities for fun, peer interaction, creative skills development, positive social behaviors, building friendships and exploring expressions of feelings. Teen HOPE is a professionally directed program that offers youth in grades 5-7 academic, cultural and social skill building support.

HOPE Job Readiness & Training Program is an 8 week individualized program of computer and job-skills training for adults who wish to learn new skills in order to enter or re-enter the workforce, to get better jobs or to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.

For information on these programs call HOPE at 978-630-4752 ext 6.

NFA Behavioral Health

Addiction and Mental Health Resources for Veterans

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED

Open your home and heart to an International Exchange Student from a variety of countries. They are 15 - 18 yrs. old, fully insured, bring own spending money, all speak English and attend your local high school for the academic year 2021-2022. Bring the world to your doorstep. Make a friendship for a lifetime! Contact Area Coordinator - Pat Darby at 978-632-8270 or email: patdarby6@yahoo.com. visit our website: nw-services.com

Clyde’s Corner

It's Happening Around the Winch!

FRIDAY APRIL 30

Winchendon Mobile Market 12:30-2:30 p.m. Growing Places of Leominster will bring the Mobile Market to Not Just Produced, 290 Central Street (outside weather permitting). Fresh local produce can be purchased with cash, credit/debit card or SNAP cards. All produce is eligible for HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) which doubles SNAP credits for healthy food. For more information, contact Growing Places at 978-598-3723. All shoppers are asked to follow social distancing and safety guidelines; only ten (10) people may be inside the store at any time.

SATURDAY MAY 1

Cemetery Restoration Workshop 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Winchendon History and Cultural Society is hosting a workshop for learning the basics of cemetery restoration. We will be learning proper cleaning of stones. We will also learn how to assess the state of stones and determine which are in need of resetting and repair, how to reset and some simple types of repair. This class will be taught by Jonathan Appell of Atlas Preservation, also with assistance from Michael Passmore of All Vets Matter. $20 per person. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. Age 12 and up. See the Facebook event page or WHCC website page for details and tickets. At Old Centre Cemetery, Hall Road, Winchendon.

Spring Yoga in the Park Open House 9:00 a.m. Yoga class from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. followed by an Open House. Yoga isn't about doing the poses; it's about undoing what's in the way of the poses. Please bring water and a mat. All levels are welcomed. No sign up necessary and donations are appreciated. In Winchendon Community Park off Maple Street. simplygroundedyogapilates.com

Picnic in the Park 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Hosted by and at the Winchendon Community Park off Maple Street. You bring food and a blanket...we'll supply the fun! May baskets, crafts for kids, May Pole decoration, live music. Masks and social distancing required. Sign up at this link.
winchendoncommunitypark.org. Email info@winchendoncommunitypark.org.
Click here to register in advance for Balloon Pop Fundraiser.

MONDAY MAY 3

TOWN ELECTION 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week Ceremony 7:00 p.m. Come support Children's Mental Health Awareness Week with a reading of the Board of Selectmen's Proclamation and lighting up Town Hall in green. Wear something green! At Winchendon Town Hall, 109 Front Street.

AA Meeting 7:45 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

THURSDAY MAY 6

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Drive-Through Dinner 5:30 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Our Neighbor's Kitchen goes take-out! Pick up a hearty meal to go, while practicing safe social distancing. This week the menu is Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole, Coleslaw, bread, and dessert. Pick up at the side door into the parish hall. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

Spring Yoga in the Park 6:00-7:00 p.m. Yoga isn't about doing the poses; it's about undoing what's in the way of the poses. Please bring water and a mat. All levels are welcomed. No sign up necessary and donations are appreciated. In Winchendon Community Park off Maple Street. simplygroundedyogapilates.com

FRIDAY MAY 7

SATURDAY MAY 8

Spring Yoga in the Park 9:00-10:00 a.m. Yoga isn't about doing the poses; it's about undoing what's in the way of the poses. Please bring water and a mat. All levels are welcomed. No sign up necessary and donations are appreciated. In Winchendon Community Park off Maple Street. simplygroundedyogapilates.com

MONDAY MAY 10

AA Meeting 7:45 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

THURSDAY MAY 13

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Drive-Through Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Our Neighbor's Kitchen goes take-out! Pick up a hearty meal to go, while practicing safe social distancing. This week's menu will be American goulash, with fresh salad, bread and dessert. Drive or walk on through our front circle to pick up your meal. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

Mommy & Me Fairy/Gnome Garden Workshop 6:00-8:00 p.m. For this fun workshop, bring your child (or grandchild, niece, nephew) to create a magical dish garden together. You can choose fairies or gnomes, and add accessories to their tiny new homes! Groups can choose to let their creativity lead the way, or follow one of several examples during this event. Light refreshments will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring your own beverages and snacks. With Morgan Ruschioni. $30. Class fee covers price of adult +1 child. Click here for tickets and info. At the Homestead Market, 59 Gardner Rd, Winchendon.

FRIDAY MAY 14

SATURDAY MAY 15

MONDAY MAY 17

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 7:00 p.m. At Murdock Middle High School, 3 Memorial Dr., Winchendon.

AA Meeting 7:45 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

AND COMING UP...

SATURDAY MAY 22

Toy Town Outdoor Market Opens 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Crafts, fresh farm produce. Every Saturday on front lawn of the UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street. Every Thursday, 4:00-7:00 p.m. Weather permitting.

MONDAY-SATURDAY JUNE 7-12

Taste of Winchendon hosted by HEAL Winchendon.

SATURDAY JUNE 19

Summer Lawn Fair 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Local vendors and businesses. Booth space available. See Summer Lawn Fair Event for more information. On lawns of UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street. Please wear masks and observe COVID precautions!

Town Committee Monthly Meetings by Week

Most Board and Committee meetings are being held online via Zoom. See each Board or Committee's meeting agenda for details about meeting locations and instructions for joining a Zoom meeting by computer or telephone. Masks are mandatory for all in-person meetings.

Agendas, minutes and meeting recordings are now available on the Town website: Agendas, Minutes & Past Meetings

week	MON	TUE	WED	THUR
1st	Toy Town Community Partnership 5:00pm Board of Health 7:00pm	Planning Board 6:30pm *	Zoning Board of Appeals 7:00pm	School Committee 6:00pm
2nd	Winchendon Redevelopment Authority 5:00pm Board of Selectmen 6:30pm	Finance Committee 7:00pm	Agricultural Commission 7:00pm	Conservation Commission as posted
3rd		Planning Board 6:30pm *	Zoning Board of Appeals 7:00pm	School Committee 6:00pm
4th	Board of Selectmen 6:30pm

* Planning Board often begins with public hearings, check their webpage.

Calendar of Re-broadcasts of meetings on Local Access Channel 8

Agendas, minutes and meeting recordings are now available on the Town website: Agendas, Minutes & Past Meetings

Town committee meetings are now streamed live on the town website. Go to www.townofwinchendon.com/ and click on the button for "Watch Meetings Live."

To view recordings of past meetings, contact Taylor Tower at 978-297-0085, or email her at ttower@townofwinchendon.com If you wish to keep a copy of the recording, there is a $5 fee per recorded file.

Times, locations, agendas and related documents for meetings are listed on the page for each individual committee on the Town of Winchendon website.

Ad Rates and Local Listing Policy

Event listings in Clyde's Corner are free of charge for non-profit, community and town organizations and groups, and for charitable or benefit events.

Short text articles about forthcoming local events are free of charge.

Display ads are published for a fee only

Rates for Display Ads

Display ads must run for a minimum of one week. Payment is required at the time ads are submitted. Graphics should be high resolution and ads must be readable on a cell phone screen. Do not submit an all-graphic ad containing a lot of small print; it will be unreadable on smaller screens. Email the Editor for exact details on the best format for ads.

Business card size:
$25 per week, $100 per month

Double business card size (square):
$40 per week, $150 per month

Full-width banner:
$40 per week, $150 per month

Full width banner at top of front page:
$100 per week, $400 per month

Display ads are posted in full color and will include active links to your website, Facebook page, or email unless you opt out.

Classified ads are $10 per week for up to 100 words, $0.05 per additional word.

The Editor reserves the right to reject any ad for any reason.

Ad design services are available for reasonable rates. Contact Inanna at editor@winchendoncourier.net

Submit ads, Clyde's Corner listings and announcements to Editor@winchendoncourier.net

Employment

RCAP Solutions is currently seeking a qualified individual to join our team in Massachusetts!

Do you have experience working with small water and wastewater systems? Want to join a team of caring individuals who strive to make a difference in rural communities? This may be the job for you!

Environmental Technician Specialist

Responsibilities include providing services under the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act, Training and Technical Assistance Programs for small public water systems and private wells to achieve and maintain compliance with federal and local regulations, as well as administer Training and Technical Assistance for small publicly-owned water and wastewater systems and individual well owners to maintain and improve as necessary water quality. The Environmental Technician Specialist will work with a variety of small systems operators, board members, community leaders, and homeowners.

Click Here for Full Job Description

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to: HR@rcapsolutions.org

For more information and other employment opportunities, please visit: www.rcapsolutions.org/careers/

RCAP is an equal opportunity provider and employer and does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities.

HEAL Winchendon
Financial Coach Opportunity

Are you interested in learning financial coaching and community change skills?
Do you want to make a difference in your community?
Are you a self-starter?
Do you like working with people?

APPLY TODAY!

** No financial experience needed! **

We are seeking 2 part-time Financial Coaches. Financial coaches work with individuals, interviewing and supporting them to describe their financial status, assets, and needs as the basis for creating plans to build their own capacity for managing money, bills and savings.

Click on this link to apply
** Heywood Hospital is hosting the application process & applications will be processed through their online system **

Winchendon American Legion Post 193 Seeking Bar Manager
The E.M. Connor American Legion of Winchendon is seeking a dynamic Bar Manager to join our team during the reopening from Covid 19 restrictions.
Oversee, direct, and coordinate the planning, organizing, hiring, scheduling, and training of bartender staff. Responsible for coordinating the activities of all aspects of the bar and function hall rentals. Provide leadership and direction to the bar staff to ensure an extraordinary experience for all customers and guests. Duties will also include tending bar and ordering supplies. (Full job description available upon request).
Must be able to work flexible hours weekday afternoons, evenings and weekends where needed. Minimum 20 hours per week with additional hours as business dictates. Hourly plus tips.
For full job description or to apply call 978-297-0754 and leave a detailed message, or apply via email at klabrack@comcast.net – (resume required)

Clark YMCA Job Opportunities
School Age Child Care (part-time, various shifts)
Group Leader, Assistant Group Leader positions open.
Member Service Rep (various shifts)
Please apply in person at the Y or email application to Kyle at k.scrivenes@clarkymca.org.

Carriage House Restaurant is seeking to hire a part-time dishwasher and experienced waitstaff. Please apply in person during business hours, 660 Spring Street, Winchendon.

Christo's Place is seeking to hire delivery drivers and counter help. Night and weekend hours required (4:00-10:00 p.m.). Please apply in person during business hours, 51 Central Street, Winchendon.