The Winchendon Courier - Local Happenings

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

Week of August 19 to August 26, 2021

YARD SALES

Holding a yard sale in Winchendon? Send the details to editor@winchendoncourier.net by 6:00 p.m. of the Thursday before your sale

Winchendon Recreation Committee Announces 2021 Summer Band Concert Series

The 2021 Summer Band Concert series will be held on Friday evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., in the G.A.R. Park at Murdock Avenue and Grove Street, weather permitting. The park is "carry in/carry out" (there are no trash recepticles) and attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets. The current line-up of performers is:

July 9: Maia Dobbs
July 16: Kate & Patrick
July 23: Cailte Kelley
July 30: Walkin' Antiques
July 31: Midnight Harvest (rain date for July 2 concert)
August 6: Cold Chocolate
August 13: Steph & Lionel
August 20: Neon Alley
August 27: The Terryiffics

Indoor Yard Sale Ongoing at Senior Center

The annual "indoor yard sale" will be ongoing at the Old Murdock Senior Center through September. Stop in to see what new treasures have been added! Check with Senior Center staff if you have items to donate for the sale. Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon, 978-297-3155.

Online Auction Ongoing to Benefit the Winchendon History and Cultural Center

Support the Winchendon History and Cultural Center after a tough year by bidding on cool stuff in their online auction! This auction is taking the place of past in-person events such as the Casino Night as an important fundraiser for the WHCC. To register, see and bid on items, go to www.biddingowl.com.

RCAP Solutions Offering Workshops

RCAP Solutions' Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) offers many workshops and trainings which are designed to support and educate tenants, potential homebuyers, and homeowners on purchasing and maintaining a home. We offer both virtual and in-person events.

Upcoming workshops include:

First-Time Homebuyer Workshop
HomeSafe Post-Purchase Workshop

For full details, see www.rcapsolutions.org/events/

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

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

NFA Behavioral Health

Addiction and Mental Health Resources for Veterans

Lunch is served at the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon, at 11:30 a.m.
Call 978-297-3155 before noon the preceding day to RSVP. Suggested donation of $3 to help cover costs.

July 2021 Senior Center Newsletter (PDF)

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.

Winchendon PD Offering R.A.D. Women's Self Defense Class

The Winchendon Police Department will be offering a RAD (rape aggression defense) class starting in August 2021. Free to all women.

No prior experience is needed as we will teach basic skills that can be applied by everyone.

Class size is limited to 20 so sign up early with a dispatcher at the Winchendon Police Department.

Dates: August 24, 26, 31 and September 2

Attendance to all four classes is required for successful completion. Age requirement is 14 years old accompanied by an adult/guardian with a signed permission slip.

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Location: The first class will be held at the Winchendon Police Department in the training room. The remaining classes will be held at the Memorial School in the gym. Any questions can be directed to:

Officer Tracy Flagg Tflagg@townofwinchendon.com
or
Officer Jim Wironen Jwironen@townofwinchendon.com
978-297-1212

Clyde's Corner

It's Happening Around the Winch!

FRIDAY AUGUST 20

Pop Up Bull Yard 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Bull Spit Brewing Company. Beer, wine, slushies, snacks, music, open-air seating. Live music from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. musicians TBA. Partnering with Not Just Produced and Gabby's Pizza. At 270 Central St., Winchendon.

2021 Summer Concert Series 6:30-8:00 p.m. sponsored by Winchendon Recreation Commission. Tonight: Neon Alley. Free to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; this is a carry in/carry out park. At G.A.R. Park, Grove Street and Murdock Avenue, Winchendon.

Outdoor Movie Night 6:00 p.m. at the Beals Memorial Library. We will be showing some great family-friendly films on Friday nights on the library lawn. Bring the whole family and some lawn chairs. This week: Jurassic Park (2019). Musical Entertainment starts at 7:00 p.m. before each showing. This week: Jumpin' Juba. The Friends Book Sale & Concession Stand will be open from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Movies will be started when it gets dark. In case of rain the movie will be on Thursday of the following week. 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300. Funded in part by the Winchendon Cultural Council and the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library

SATURDAY AUGUST 21

Dancing Through the Decades 8:00 p.m. Dance the night away with DJ Mark Desmarais playing your favorite music from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's through the present! Come dressed in your favorite decade attire and be entered to win in our contest! 50/50 and Live Auction!! $10 per person. Come support the Winchendon Lions Club and have a wonderful time! At Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St.

SUNDAY AUGUST 22

Pop Up Bull Yard 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. Hosted by Bull Spit Brewing Company. Beer, wine, slushies, snacks, music, open-air seating. Live acoustic music from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. musicians TBA. Partnering with Not Just Produced and Gabby's Pizza. At 270 Central St., Winchendon.

TUESDAY AUGUST 24

Little Justice Leaders 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Beals Memorial Library. Little Justice Leaders is a weekly club for the whole family. Each week will feature a story, crafts, and learning activities themed around a social justice issue. This summer we will explore Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, celebrate love in all types of families, and learn about pronouns! Registration is REQUIRED. Register at: Little Justice Leaders Summer Program. Held outside on the library lawn. Facilitated by HEAL Winchendon. 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300.

THURSDAY AUGUST 25

Story Walk in the Park 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Join Winchendon Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Program (CEFE) on a Story Walk around the small Meadow Trail Loop in the Winchendon Community Park. Free to the public, no registration required! For children up to 8 years old. This week's story: Peppa Pig: Learning to Share by Meredith Rusu. Each family will receive a copy of the story as long as supplies last. Email Kristin at kmoran@winchendonk12.org for more info. At Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive.

On The Same Page Book Club 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bringing the community together through culturally diverse stories! Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, August 25th, from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon. We will be reading How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and there are copies available to be picked up at the library (there are physical copies and an audio book available, e-books would have to be borrowed online). Email mollyjvelasco@gmail.com and hartcamille5@gmail.com with any questions.

THURSDAY AUGUST 26

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 TBA. Drive or walk on through the front circle to pick up your meal. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

On The Same Page Book Club 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bringing the community together through culturally diverse stories. August book: How the García Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez. Copies available at Beals Memorial Library. Sponsored by HEAL Winchendon Youth Changemakers. Meets at Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300.

FRIDAY AUGUST 27

2021 Summer Concert Series 6:30-8:00 p.m. sponsored by Winchendon Recreation Commission. Tonight: The Terryiffics. Free to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; this is a carry in/carry out park. At G.A.R. Park, Grove Street and Murdock Avenue, Winchendon.

SATURDAY AUGUST 28

SUNDAY AUGUST 29

Winchendon's Greatest Scavenger Hunt 1:00 p.m. Visit historic sites in Winchendon, solve clues, get stamps and get a treat at the end. $15 for team (up to 5), $4 for individuals. Visit Facebook Event for more info. Sponsored by Winchendon Recreation Commission and Winchendon History and Cultural Center.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Served in the Parish Hall. This week the menu is mashed potatoes, baked Ham, glazed carrots, and sweet potatoes. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

AND COMING UP...

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16

Cow Yoga 5:30-7:00 p.m. Join us for a relaxing yoga class next to our cow pasture, where you can be one with nature, happy cows, and local wine & cheese! The hour-long yoga class will be taught by one of the wonderful instructors from Young at Heart Yoga Studio (Westminster, MA) in one of our fields next to the cow pasture (cows will be behind fences). After class, you can enjoy a flight of local wines and cheeses and relax in the beautiful outdoors. $30/ticket; bring own towel, yoga mat and water. Register at smithscountrycheese.com/product/cow-yoga. At Smith's Country Cheese, 20 Otter River Rd., Winchendon. 978-939-5738.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18

Tour de Winchendon 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon. Bicycle around Winchendon visiting local businesses and organizations, end at Picnic at the Park! Further information on how to register and details TBA. Winchendon Recreation Commission, Winchendon Community Park and HEAL Winchendon in collaboration.

Picnic in the Park 11:00 a.m. Join us this month for superheros and fairies. Will will have a food truck, Crafts, and story/comic walks. We will have a comic strip contest where you can bring your own comic strip or create it at the park on our template. Scavenger hunts, fair house building, Super hero training and if we are lucky maybe a magical unicorn will even show up. We hope this is fun for all ages not just the children. As always if you would like to volunteer to help at this event please reach out to Tiffany 978-413-4408. Sponsored by and held at Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25

7th Annual Golf Tournament 8:00 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Winchendon Fire Relief Association. $125 per person, $500 per team for green fees, cart, food and entry into the Mathieu Ford Hole-in-One Contest. For information or to register, email WFDRelief@gmail.com. At Templewood Golf Course, 160 Brooks Rd., Templeton, MA.

To Each His Own Design 30th Anniversary Time TBA. To Each His Own Design celebrates 30 years in business. At 172 Central St., Winchendon.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 28

Chicken BBQ at the Senior Center 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Join us Tuesday, September 28th for a delicious chicken BBQ! We've got chicken, potato salad, bread, dessert , beverages, and dessert. Cost is $5.00 per person. Please RSVP no later than Thursday, September 16th, 2021 by calling the office at 978-297-3155. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9

Winchendon Fall Festival 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Vendors, raffles, demonstrations, food, live performances, local craftspersons, businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs. Click here for vendor application (PDF). For more info contact Nicole Roberts, 978-297-3537 or nroberts@townofwinchendon.com. On Central Street in Winchendon (from Front Street to Maple Street).

SATURDAY OCTOBER 30

The Haunted Park 5:00 p.m. This month we will have haunted trails and a trunk of treat. We will have a Medium as well as a carved pumpkin contest (Bring your own previously carved pumpkin to display). We hope to have cider and donuts from The Red Apple Farm and we want everyone to have a spookily good time. If you would like to decorate your vehicle for the trunk or treat and give out candy or volunteer to act as a haunted person please contact Tiffany at 978-413-4408. Sponsored by and held at Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive.

ONGOING

Regular ongoing activities will be added as they resume.

MONDAYS

Old Murdock Senior Center 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. A representative from Integrity Medicare Advisors will be at the Center to answer your insurance questions. Please call the Center at 978-297-3155 to make an appointment. 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

Old Murdock Senior Center 9:30 a.m. Chair Exercise/Yoga. Please call the Center at 978-297-3155 with any questions. 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

Old Murdock Senior Center 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Yoga with Sue. Indoors/Outdoors as weather permits. $3 per class. Please call the Center at 978-297-3155 with any questions. 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

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

WEDNESDAYS

Old Murdock Senior Center 9:30 a.m. Chair Exercise/Yoga. Please call the Center at 978-297-3155 with any questions. 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

Old Murdock Senior Center 9:30 a.m. Wii bowling, Pool/Card Games/Shuffleboard. Come join us for Wii bowling, or play a game of pool or shuffleboard upstairs. 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Old Murdock Senior Center 12:30-2:30 p.m. BINGO! $1.00 cover charge. Please bring your own snack and drink. 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Community Gardening Hour 3:00-4:00 p.m. Come help out at The Winchendon Community Farm's weekly public community gardening session! No need to register. Put on your gardening clothes and shoes and drop in--materials and tools provided. Sponsored by Growing Places and HEAL Winchendon. Contact victoria@growingplaces.org or call 978-598-3723 with questions. Location: on the left (west) side of the Murdock Farm and Dairy Bar, behind 52 Elmwood Rd, Winchendon. Park by the large white building across the dirt road from the house and walk back to the garden.

Trivia Night at Zoe's 8:00 p.m. Ryan Murphy hosts Trivia Night at Zoe's Restaurant, 435 Spring St., Winchendon. No entry fee, gather your friends and create a team or come anyway and we'll match you up (some people challenge us all by themselves!).

THURSDAYS

Growing Places Mobile Produce Market 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Not Just Produced. Use your SNAP benefits to buy fresh produce and get double value with the HIP program! Cash also accepted for purchases. 290 Central St., Winchendon.

Old Murdock Senior Center 12:15 p.m. Card games. Do you play cribbage? Spades? Bridge? Canasta? Pinochle? Pitch? Perhaps you know how but do not have someone to "play with." We are looking for more card players to join us on Thursday afternoon just after lunch in the dining room. 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Family Meet Up 4:00-5:00 p.m. Bring the kids for fun activities and games, meet other families, enjoy Winchendon's new park! Games and craft supplies supplied by HEAL Winchendon, snacks provided by the Winchendon CAC. Sign up on this form (Google form) to make sure there are enough snacks/supplies. At the Winchendon Community Park Soccer Field, Ingleside Dr. off Maple St., Winchendon.

Toy Town Outdoor Market 4:00-7:00 p.m. Crafts, fresh farm produce, baked goods. SNAP and HIP accepted. On front lawn of the UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street. Weather permitting.

Thursday Nights on the Porch 6:00 p.m. Gather at the Winchendon History and Cultural Center with a bottle of beverage and some snacks to relax, tour the museums and socialize. Free of charge, all welcome. 151 Front St., Winchendon.

FRIDAYS

Old Murdock Senior Center 10:00 a.m. Senior Walking Group. Wear your comfy strolling shoes and take a walk with us! Please call the Center at 978-297-3155 with any questions. 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

SATURDAYS

Toy Town Outdoor Market 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Crafts, fresh farm produce, baked goods. SNAP and HIP accepted. On front lawn of the UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street. Weather permitting.

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.

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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

JOB POSTING

(In accordance with ARTICLE XXVII of the agreement between the Town of Winchendon and AFSCME Council 93, Local 1887, Department of Public Works)

OPERATOR III –DPW/HWY/CEMETERY
38.5 HOURS PER WEEK/OVERTIME REQUIRED
RATE OF PAY $20.60 PER HOUR

REQUIREMENTS:
MA CDL CLASS B
MA 2B HOISTING ENGINEER LICENSE
THE TOWN OF WINCHENDON IS AN AA/EOE EMPLOYER
JOB DESCRIPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE
DPW OFFICE, WINCHENDON TOWN HALL, 109 FRONT STREET,
WINCHENDON, MA 01475

Interested applicants must apply in writing to the Town Manager.
Positions are open until filled.

TOWN OF WINCHENDON
PARAMEDIC / FIREFIGHTER
FULL-TIME and PART TIME POSITIONS

The Fire Chief is seeking applications to fill one (1) Full-time Firefighter/Paramedic position along with numerous part time firefighter/paramedic positions. Qualified candidates should mail or hand deliver a letter of intent along with a resume to the Fire Chief. These positions will remain open until filled. Complete job descriptions are available at the fire station which is at 405 Central Street, Winchendon.

Full-time pay and benefits will be as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Winchendon and the International Association of Firefighters Local 4542. Part-time Firefighter/Paramedics will start at the current rate of $25.50 per hour.

Job Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications outlined in the job description, the candidates must;
Have a minimum; high school diploma or equivalent; two years of firefighting experience or Firefighter I/II training preferred; Massachusetts EMT-P certification or in progress with completion within twelve months; current CPR certification; active Massachusetts Class D driver’s license or higher.

Candidates must possess very good communication skills (both oral and written), computer knowledge, present a positive public image, have a good mechanical aptitude, relate well to children and senior citizens, work well with other employees while following department rules and guidelines.

** The Town of Winchendon is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer