The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of July 22 to July 29, 2021
What makes Winchendon what it is...How we're making Winchendon even better

Winchendon Police Investigating Graffiti and Vandalism, Stepping Up Patrols


In what has become a continuous and increasing nuisance, involving vandalism at multiple locations mostly around the northern side of Winchendon, one or more vandals continue to spray graffiti defacing town and private property. Police are asking for any information which may be relevant to the random acts as they continue their active investigation.

Graffiti around Winchendon
Graffiti around Winchendon
Graffiti around Winchendon
Seen at Black Bridge along the beginning of the bike path just behind the YMCA track, graffiti damage similar to that found in numerous locations around town. (Photos by Keith Kent)

In a July 16 post by the Winchendon Police Department on its Facebook Page, police displayed photos taken by officers of spray painted graffiti depicting the word "MISFIT" and "MISFIT NCM," sometimes accompanied by drawings, which were discovered on Jackson Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Railroad Street, and the Winchendon Bike and Walking Path at Black Bridge. Additionally, a utility meter along the northern edge of the Glenallen Street Bridge was recently discovered to have been spray painted and was reported to the police. Various buildings and other structures have also been tagged.

When tracked on a Google Satellite street map view, it can be seen that all the incidents of vandalism are within easy walking distance of each other.

A simple internet search for the word MISFIT, which has been seen painted at the sites, brings up references to everything from music, bands, and companies, to various consumer products and clothing lines, along with a band especially popular among skateboarders.

Winchendon Police Chief David Walsh was contacted regarding the current taxpayer-funded staffing levels available on patrol during all three shifts, and what, if anything, could be done in the form of additional foot patrols without negatively impacting officers' ability to respond to calls. The demand on officers is dependant on the severity of the calls, their location around town, and staffing requirements per shift.

Walsh explained that while the department is not looking for additional employees at this time, often officer resources are or can be stretched thin.

"We have fifteen current full time officers at the Winchendon Police Department, which include both the Lieutenant and myself as Department Chief. However, it should be noted that there are many times where officers are either away at training such as our K-9 Officer with Clyde, or our Detective could be involved in a multitude of responsibilities including but not just limited to investigations. Oftentimes also on the day shift, Lt. Wolski visits the courts for all required legal reasons. So while we have fifteen full time members, it doesn't mean we have fifteen officers available for patrolling the streets," Chief Walsh explained.

Walsh went on, "In addition to this, you have officers who like any other employees have days off, vacation and sick days they have earned and use, and other factors. Because of this, and employee scheduled rotation, we average on patrol two officers on the day shift, three officers on the evening shift, and two on the overnight shift. We can have eight officers available dedicated strictly to patrol, not including the Detective and the SRO, 'School Resource Officer.' However, when school is out during the summer recess it does free up the SRO to be available if needed for patrols in town." It was also noted that there are three Sergeants on duty, one for each shift, who due to necessary work requirements may have to be at the station and not out on patrol unless a situation calls for their professional assistance or guidance.

Recently, due to the increase in vandalism of both private and public property, Winchendon PD has begun random foot patrols along the bike path during evening and overnight shifts, when they are able to do so. Calls for aid are always prioritized. As of Tuesday, July 21, police had completed nearly twenty recent foot patrols along the bike path, and will continue making patrols. By way of full transparency, Walsh showed the Courier documentation of patrols completed.

The Town of Athol is the largest town in North Worcester County with a population of roughly 11,500 residents. Winchendon is the second largest behind Athol, with 10,300 residents as of the 2010 Census. Due to the COVID-19 backlog, 2020 federal Census numbers are not yet available. With current projections and significant new construction, the population difference between the two communities is estimated to be less than one thousand persons. Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski and Athol Police Chief Craig Lundgren confirm that, including the Chief of Police, Athol has nineteen full time officers at this time, versus fifteen in Winchendon.

In closing, Walsh wanted the public to know, "We are going to be doing more foot patrols in the area, working with the DPW in the location of signage to make vandalism less appealing, and we are asking the DPW to paint over any vandalism more quickly to discourage additional spray painting, as it will quickly be just covered up again. We are working on this issue, and appreciate the public understanding these kinds of things can take time."

In addition to graffiti, other forms of vandalism in the same areas of town include occasional broken windows and property damage. A large plate glass storefront window at Robin's Retro Dolls on Central Street was broken just a couple of weeks ago.

If you have any tips or information regarding the vandalism and feel it could be useful in helping to solve the case, please call the Winchendon Police Department general dispatch number at 978-297-1212, and ask to be connected to Detective Alan Ross.

Graffiti around Winchendon
A dog waste can along the first 3/4 mile section of the bike path near Glenallen Street was also vandalized.
Photo by Keith Kent
Graffiti around Winchendon
This utility meter just over the Glenallen Street Bridge was recently discovered and reported, adding to a long list of vandalism.
Photo by Keith Kent


Library Director Informs Selectmen That Beals Renovation Costs Have Risen by $160K


Beals Memorial Library Director Manuel King presented the library's annual report and update to the Board of Selectmen at their meeting on Monday, July 19, ranging from the current value of the library's assets to future renovation costs which have significantly increased.

King spoke with Abacus Architects, who revised the previous design estimates created in 2019 upward to more current realistic numbers, due to fluctuating market price increases in both materials and construction costs.

"The new number is $760,000 which is $160,000 over the previous amount that was approved at town meeting on May 17 if the works starts in 2022. So I don't exactly know how we are going to come up with that extra $160,000 but we will work with you all and the town and see what happens," King explained.

The architect recommended that new lighting be installed in the building, but King informed the BOS that the library trustees felt the addition wasn't absolutely necessary. King said, "The additional lighting work cost would have been another $240,000 and that number was basically the reason why we felt we could live with the lighting we currently have."

On other topics, King informed the board that the library's Summer Reading Club has currently exceeded expectations, with 107 children signing up for the Summer Reading Club Challenge, along with 20 adults and teens.

King credited and thanked Summer Reading Club sponsors The Winchendon Cultural Council and the Friends of the Beals Library, along with thanking the prize sponsors Subway, Lickety Splitz, Brooks Automotive, Not Just Produced, To Each His Own Design, and Smith's Country Cheese.

Continuing with his report, King informed the BOS the library is currently expanding its "Beals Library Collection of Things" with items you wouldn't normally expect to see a library offer to patrons to borrow. King said the library currently has a telescope, and soon will add backpacks for hiking and Wi-Fi hot spots which patrons can check out as one would a book. He added that the library is looking for donated items in good working order such as a sewing machine, musical instruments, a DVD/Blu Ray player, a microscope and gardening tools.

King informed the board that in FY19, "The total value of circulating material was $434,412 with value in the books, audio books, and DVDs which circulate to other libraries and its own patrons. However last fiscal year that dropped to just $69,207." As with all libraries, the drop can be largely attributed to the COVID-19 mandated shutdown statewide.

Current total number of items in the library's collection, according to King, remains around 20,000 with an estimated value of $470,648. King went on to say, "When we talk about the fire suppression system and electrical work we need, this doesn't even consider the value of the paintings, computers, all that stuff and more. Protecting all that is vitally important."

King stated that the library has 4,233 active patrons with current library cards for 2021.

Upcoming events in August include movie nights on August 6, 13, and 20 featuring an outdoor movie, refreshments and live musical entertainment. The Beals Memorial Library 108th Birthday will be celebrated on Friday, October 2, with cake and an open house. The Beals Prize for Poetry will be awarded on Friday, October 8, celebrating poetry in Winchendon with ten finalist contestants from all over the state. King added that all library events are free to the public.

King also mentioned that he has met with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners regarding the Beals collection of old books. The MBLC has recommended the library start a "Community History Committee" under the auspices of the Trustees."I am hoping we can get a group of local people to be on that committee with me," King said.

BOS member Danielle LaPointe thanked and congratulated King, saying, "I think this is absolutely fabulous and I am so glad you are here and I hope people know about this treasure we have. Libraries really struggle to keep people coming in their doors and we really appreciate all the efforts you and your coworkers and colleagues are putting in to maintain this for us and it's just great."

Selectman Rick Ward added, "To the folks out there, I hear people saying there is nothing to do in Winchendon. The library has activities going on all the time. You just go to their website where there are lots of things to do for kids and adults also."

King closed with, "I couldn't do all this without my staff, and they are just wonderful."

You can visit the Beals Library on the Internet at www.bealslibrary.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BealsLibrary or call them with any questions at 978-297-0300.

Flood damage in Royalston
Flood damage in Royalston
Flood damage in Royalston
Multiple roads in the bordering town of Royalston took heavy water damage during the Saturday, July 17 torrential rains in what is now officially the wettest July on record for Worcester County. Seen in the first two photos, Warwick Road, at its intersection of Route 32 and Athol - Richmond Road in Royalston, lost over 200 feet of pavement with significant under damage as much as six feet deep, as Collar Brook overtook the road upstream. On the right, Stone Road, a dirt road which intersects with Winchendon Road in Royalston, is completely washed out by Beaver Brook with a hole also several feet deep. The National Weather Service in Taunton recorded 6.28 inches of rain falling on West Royalston in a 24-hour period. Flood-damaged roads were reported in numerous towns from multiple counties all over the Commonwealth, as well as in Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
(Photos by Keith Kent)

Water Runoff and Wetland Questions Bog Down Winchendon Community Park Amphitheater Project


The proposed amphitheater project in the Winchendon Community Park is suffering delays as three different town boards--Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals--continue their public hearings on the project into August.

At the Planning Board meeting on July 20, board member Burton Gould raised strongly worded questions as to whether the project architects and engineers had considered the location of wetlands within the boundaries of the park, flatly stating his opinion that they had not. David Pollak of Abacus Architects and David LaPointe from Beals + Thomas Engineering explained that they had been given schematics of the wetlands by the town Conservation Agent.

These questions had been addressed at the Conservation Commission meetings in June and July.

Abacus Architects and Beals + Thomas came before the Conservation Commission on June 10 with a preliminary plan, stating that they were asking for feedback from the Commission. Their presentation included the wetlands diagram provided to them by the town, showing the boundary line of the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone, the 75-foot wetlands setback line and the 50-foot no-build/no-disturb wetlands boundary line. Also indicated during the presentation was the location of an intermittent stream. (This schematic may be seen in the video recording of the June 10 ConComm meeting, at about 57:00 minutes into the video.)

During the public comment portion of the June 10 ConComm meeting, an abutter also mentioned drainage culverts running underneath the soccer field at the top of the park, adjacent to Maple Street.

When Abacus returned for the continued hearing before the Conservation Commission on July 8, they had adjusted their plans in accordance with the concerns raised by the ConComm on June 10, moving the edge of the stage structure back out of the 100-foot zone and re-designing the storm water mitigation system for the parking lot. The ConComm approved of the plans and thanked Abacus and Beals + Thomas for listening to their feedback at the June 10 hearing. The ConComm hearing was continued in case the Planning Board and/or ZBA asked for further changes.

At the July 20 Planning Board meeting, it appeared that some Planning Board members were not familiar with previous presentations made by Abacus Architects to the public, the Board of Selectmen and the ConComm. The discussion by the board and members of the public went on for well over an hour with concerns raised over wetlands, environmental impact, water runoff, and traffic. Other members of the public spoke in strong support of the amphitheater project. The Planning Board voted to continue their public hearing until August 17, 2021, at 6:40 p.m., with the recommendation, suggested by Mr. Gould, that the project be reviewed by municipal consulting firm Tighe and Bond.

Abacus Architects appeared for a public hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 21. Again, board members appeared to be unfamiliar with the project prior to receiving their packets for the hearing. The hearing was set to consider special permits for the parking lot and the use of the park for public recreation and entertainment. Discussion among the board and members of the public focused on environmental impact to the site. The ZBA voted to continue their public hearing to August 18 at 7:30 p.m., and to do a site visit on Tuesday, July 27 at 5:00 p.m.

While Abacus had stated in previous presentations that they didn't expect the construction of the amphitheater itself to take long, they had hoped to break ground this spring. An invitation to bid on the construction work still needs to go out.

The Courier has been covering the evolution of the amphitheater project since January of 2020 and has viewed every presentation made about the project in its entirety. See "Focus Group Offers Feedback on Plans for Amphitheatre in Winchendon Community Park" in the January 30-February 6 2020 edition of The Winchendon Courier, "Robinson Broadhurst Foundation and Abacus Architects Present Plans and Timeline for Performing Arts Center in Winchendon Community Park" in the November 12-19 2020 edition of The Winchendon Courier and "ConComm Hearing for Community Park Amphitheatre Project Raises Questions, Concerns" in the June 17-24 edition of The Winchendon Courier.

The Winchendon Community Park amphitheater project is being funded entirely by The Robinson Broadhurst Foundation as a gift to the town of Winchendon.

Winchendon FD Assists at Scene of Fatal 3-Vehicle Accident in Rindge


At 9:40 a.m. on Wednesday, July 21, Winchendon Fire Department responded to a call for mutual aid at the scene of a fatal three-vehicle accident on Rte 119 in Rindge, NH.

A Chevrolet Equinox driven by Kristine Gallant, 68, of Fitzwilliam NH was traveling east on 119 at around 9:30 a.m. when it swerved into oncoming traffic near Quimby Drive. Witnesses reported that the Equinox had swerved several times before leaving its lane. The Equinox struck a westbound International dump truck head-on, spun around, and collided with a Ford F150 truck which had been traveling behind the Equinox. All three vehicles came to rest on the east side shoulder of 119, and the Equinox burst into flames.

Bystanders extinguished the fire before first responders arrived. Ms. Gallant was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the F150 was transported to Monadnock Community Hospital by private vehicle for evaluation. The dump truck driver and a juvenile passenger reported no injuries. All vehicles were substantially damaged.

Rte 119 was closed for more than five hours while wreckage and spilled diesel fuel from the dump truck were cleared. Clean Harbors, a company from Norwell, MA, was called to continue hazmat cleanup the following day.

Rindge police and fire departments were assisted by police from Fitzwilliam, Troy and Jaffrey, N.H. State Police, Jaffrey Ambulance, and fire crews from Jaffrey, Fitzwilliam and the Massachusetts towns of Winchendon and Ashby. Also responding were the Rindge Highway Department, the N.H. Department of Transportation and the N.H. Department of Environmental Services.

Any witnesses who may have additional information are asked to contact Rindge police Sgt. Rachel Malynowski at 603-899-5009, extension 15, or 603-355-2000.

Subway April 2021 Steak Sub Ad

GAR Park Concert July 16

HEAL Winchendon members Camille Hart and Molly Velasco work a concession stand at the G.A.R. Park concert selling iced coffee and water to raise money for local charitable HEAL Winchendon causes.
Photo by Keith Kent

Work starts on Town Hall

Seen in this photo, Lisa Howe of BCA Architects, accompanied by DPW Director Brian Croteau, survey the outside of the Town Hall in an aerial boom lift as part of the current Town Hall conditions assessment on Thursday, July 22.
Photo courtesy of Taylor Tower

HEAL Winchendon Offering Financial Coaching Workshops

HEAL Winchendon, in conjunction with the Winchendon CAC, is offering a free financial coaching program to any residents who are interested. The program runs for eight weeks with a flexible schedule and is available in both English and Spanish. Coaching will be scheduled at the Winchendon CAC, 273 Central St. To enroll, fill out the form at HEAL Financial Coaching Sign-Up (Google form) or call 978-621-4524.

GAR Park Concert July 16

After being rained out for two weeks, Friday Night Concerts at the G.A.R. Park, sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Commission, resumed on Friday, July 16, to the enjoyment of 30 people in attendance. Seen in this photo playing a combination of Pop Rock and singing the 1970's hit, "Hotel California" by the Eagles, are Patrick Downey and Kate Downey of the group Patrick and Kate. Patrick and Kate met while playing music, married, and have happily been playing and performing together for six years. Summer outdoor concerts at the park are currently being performed, weather permitting, Fridays from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the G.A.R. Park gazebo located at the corner of Murdock Ave and Park Street.
Photo by Keith Kent

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Central Mass Tree

Family Fun at the Beals Memorial Library

If you're looking for something fun to do in the upcoming week, then check out some of the programs at the Beals Memorial Library. They've got free, entertaining activities for people of all ages!

On Tuesday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., the library will be hosting the fourth and final Tails and Tales Storywalk event of the month, in partnership with the Winchendon Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Program. Follow the path outside of the library from one poster board to the next, enjoying and interacting with each childrens' story. The July 27th story will be "Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too?" by Eric Carle, and each child who attends will receive a free book while supplies last. This activity is fully open, so registration is not required.

On Wednesday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m., the library will be presenting Mr. Vinny's Bubble Show. Big, giant, beautiful bubbles will fill the air above and all around the library. Join Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy to watch, chase, and pop bubbles! This exciting, interactive program is open to visitors of all ages, so participants don't need to register.

Finally, on Thursday, July 29 at 6:00 p.m., the library will be presenting their Backyard Chickens program. Come learn about what it takes to raise chickens in your own backyard from self-taught homesteader, Ashley Livi. This educational presentation is geared towards adults and does not require registration.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. Contact the library at 978-297-0300 or email at bealsmemoriallibrary@gmail.com for more information. All summer programs are outdoors on the library lawn. Masks are not required for outdoor programs.

Vinny the Bubble Guy
Join Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy at the Beals Memorial Library for a spectacular, interactive Bubble Show!
Photo courtesy of Beals Memorial Library

Click Here for Community Directory

Winchendon Businesses, Organizations, Services, and Government


5th Annual Fall Festival to be held October 9, 2021

We are excited to announce that the 5th Annual Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021! This will be the fifth year that the Winchendon Fall Festival has been located on Central Street. At past year's festivals, there have been over 200 crafters, vendors, and businesses set up along Central Street with over 8,000+ in attendance. Many craft vendors will be selling their handmade items. Not all vendors accept credit cards so it is best to bring cash to pay for your purchases, although there are some ATM machines along the festival route. There will be many children's activities including bouncy houses, pumpkin painting and face painting to name a few. There will be a variety of food available, a beer tent and local bands! We pride ourselves on this fun family event!

Winchendon Fall Festival will be taking place in the heart of Winchendon on Central Street from Front Street to Maple Street. If you are using a GPS mapping service, please keep in mind that there may be some road closures and detours in the immediate area of the festival; please use Central Street and Front Street for your destination.

Vendors interested in registering may find the application here (PDF).

For further information contact Nicole Roberts at 978-297-3537 or nroberts@townofwinchendon.com

Find us on Facebook!

Applications Available for Senior Tax Work-off Program

The Senior Work-Off Abatement Program is a program allowing the Town of Winchendon the opportunity to utilize the knowledge and skills of its senior residents in exchange for credit toward the resident's property tax bill. The purpose of this program is:

  • To employ qualified senior citizens who will apply their earnings toward payment of a portion of their property taxes;
  • To increase senior citizen involvement in local government; and
  • To enhance municipal service by using the skills of resident senior citizens.
Qualified and income-eligible residents will accrue the Commonwealth's minimum wage per hour ($13.50/hr) toward a maximum credit of $1,100.00 per household during the fiscal year. The criteria for this program is:
  • You must be 60 years old or older
  • Homeowner in Winchendon and occupy property
  • Annual income below $40,150 if single; or below $45,900 if married.
Applications for the program are now available in the Town Manager's office or on the town website, and will be accepted until the eight slots are filled. There are different types of positions that are available depending on the preference and qualifications of the resident and the needs of each department. Types of past and current positions have been: Custodial services, clerical help for both School & Town, library aides, Senior Center aids, cable station operator, Bike Path clean up, painting, light outdoor work and classroom volunteers. Click here for more information and a downloadable application.

STILL 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.

Town Committee Vacancies
as of June 24, 2021


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 Committee - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 7 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Historical Commission/Historic District - 1 Alternate vacancy
Master Plan Implementation Committee - 7 vacancies
Open Space Preservation Appraisal and Survey Revolving Fund Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy
Recreation Commission - 1 student vacancy
Toy Town Community Partnership - 4 vacancies
Zoning Board of Appeals - 2 Alternate 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.

Complete description of each committee's responsibilities, updated for May 10, 2021 (PDF).

Council on Aging Now Hiring Part Time Position

The Council on Aging is seeking a part time employee, 18 hours a week from Monday through Friday. The ideal candidate would:

  • Be able to lift 50 pounds
  • Be able to load/unload food
  • Have an excellent driving record
  • Enjoy working with elders
  • Maintain vehicle inside and out (referring to the Director when repairs are needed)
  • Keep vehicle fueled
  • Be able to maintain accurate records
  • Other duties as required
For more information, please call the Council on Aging at 978-297-3155. Application deadline is June 29, 2021.

The Town of Winchendon is an equal opportunity employer.

Water Use Restrictions Begin May 1


Water use restrictions for users of Winchendon town water will be effective as of Saturday, May 1, 2021 and will remain in effect until October 1.

Outdoor water use is permitted for odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days, and for even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days. Watering is permitted only overnight, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., to minimize water loss from evaporation.

Call the Department of Public Works at 978-297-0170 if you have any questions.

According to the National Weather Service, the Monadnock region is currently experiencing "moderate drought" with below normal amounts of spring rainfall.

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

The 2021 Town Street List is now available at Town Hall and on the town website. You can download a PDF copy at www.townofwinchendon.com/home/news/2021-street-list. You may purchase the hard copy of the book for $8.00 or $5.00 for seniors. Please call Town Clerk's office at 978-297-2766 to arrange pick up/payment.

The 2020 Annual Town Report is now available at Town Hall and on the town website. You can download a PDF copy at 2020 Town Report PDF. Hard copies are available, free of charge, and can be picked up at the Town Manager's Office during regular business hours (Monday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). To request a copy, call the Town Manager's Office at 978-297-0085, extension 5, or email ttower@townofwinchendon.com.

2021 Dog Licenses are now overdue. All dogs were required to be licensed by March 31. You may purchase a license 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.

Organic Farm Opens CSA Shares for 2021

Many Hands Organic Farm will be hosting its largest organic community supported farmshare yet, with a goal of 200 shares! MHOF focuses on maximum fertility through soil carbon-sequestering techniques that grow the tastiest and most nutrient-dense vegetables. The summer fruit and vegetable CSA starts on May 24 and runs through October 22. Become involved in the local food movement by signing up for a share at https://mhof.net/csa-order-form/.

Enjoying the new Winchendon Courier Online? We're just getting started! But wow, is this a lot of work. The best work in the world, but still a lot of it! Please consider supporting us with a small donation. We'd so appreciate it. Thanks!

Would you like to be notified each week when the new Courier is online?

Send an email to editor@winchendoncourier.net and you'll be added to the email list!