The Winchendon Courier - Local Happenings

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

Week of November 11 to November 18, 2021

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)

Great Movies to See at the Beals Memorial Library

Are you looking for something fun to do indoors now that the weather is getting colder? Then head over to the Beals Memorial Library, where they'll be screening some great movies, new and old! Each month, the library hosts four indoor film events, fit for varying audiences. Here's what's playing this month:

On Wednesday, November 10, at 6:00 p.m., the library will be showing My Salinger Year for this month's Adult Movie Night. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Margaret Qualley, and Douglas Booth, the film follows a young woman who takes a job working for the literary agent of the solitary author, J.D. Salinger.

That same week, on Saturday, November 13, at 11:00 a.m., the library selected Paw Patrol: The Movie for this month's Family Matinee. In this spin off of the hit children's cartoon, Ryder and the pups head off to Adventure City to stop the wicked Mayor Humdinger from wreaking chaos on the city.

On November 18 the library will be showing two films on the same day, starting off with their Classic Matinee at 1:30 p.m.. This month's selection is the 1967 prison drama film, Cool Hand Luke. Starring Paul Newman and featuring George Kennedy, the film follows Luke, a man sentenced to two years in a chain gang at a rural prison, who refuses to conform to the rules.

Also on November 18, at 6:00 p.m., the library will be wrapping up the month with their Doc & Talk documentary and discussion program. This month's documentary centers on a forester's unique experience with the trees he worked with.

All movies at the Beals Memorial Library are free and open to the public. All movies are shown in the library's auditorium, and all guests must wear masks while inside the library. All movie-goers are welcome to bring their own snacks to the movies.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information, call the library at 978-297-0300 or visit their website at bealslibrary.org.

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

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

Holiday Bazaar Benefiting VFW on November 27

The VFW Post 5613 Auxiliary will be hosting their annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 27th, 2021 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. It will be held at the VFW Hall on Hathorn Road (off Route 202) in Jaffrey, NH.

For more than 100 years, the VFW Auxiliary has been fulfilling its original objectives by supporting the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving veterans, service members and their families, and spreading patriotism nationwide.

Offering over 40 tables of art and lots of various handcrafted items, Christmas décor, home décor, cards, jewelry, candles, personal care items and more, plus product vendors...Something for everyone! Bake sale and hot and cold lunch items will be available for purchase. Raffle winners will be announced at approximately 1:30. Admission is free. A perfect start (or finish!) to your holiday shopping.

New Youth Programs at the Beals Memorial Library

If you're looking to keep your kids or teens busy after school, then head over to the Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon. Beginning this October, the library will be hosting several new or returning weekday youth programs!

Starting Monday, October 4th, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, the library is inviting teenagers in grades 6 through 12 to join the Beals Teen Advisory Board, or B-TAB. Members of B-TAB will get to help the library brainstorm ideas for future teen programs, suggest books to order for the collection, and more. If that's not enough, participation counts as community service hours! All future meetings will be held on the first Monday of every month.

On Wednesday, October 13th, from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, the first meeting of the Beals Fandom, Anime, and Manga Club, or FAM Club, will be held. This group is for teenagers in grades 6 through 12. Teens can make friends with shared interests and enjoy fun discussions and activities centered on pop culture, entertainment, and all things geek. Future meetings will be held on alternating Wednesdays.

For younger kids, the library's former Lego Club will be returning under a new name, the Fun & Games Club, starting on Monday, October 18th, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. In addition to Lego construction, kids who attend the club can play games, do puzzles, enjoy coloring sheets, and more fun activities in the library auditorium. This program is open to children ages 4 to 8.

Finally, the library is seeking donations of board games and card games suitable for children ages 8+ for their future game club, The Middles Game Group, for kids ages 8 to 12, which they hope to begin this winter. They are also looking for games suitable for teenagers for members of the Beals FAM Club to enjoy. All donations must be in good condition and include all of their pieces.

PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

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

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.

NFA Behavioral Health

Addiction and Mental Health Resources for Veterans

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.

Clyde's Corner

It's Happening Around the Winch!

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Fall Festival 9:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Silent auction, games, raffles, country kitchen, Christmas booth and more! Ham & Bean supper, $15.00 per person. At Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce St., Winchendon.

Beals Family Matinee Series 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Space Jam. All movies are free and open to the public. Shown in the library auditorium. At the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

"All Together Now!" A Global Event Celebrating Local Theatre 2:00 p.m. The Murdock Music Department celebrates musical theatre with a new musical revue featuring songs from some of the most beloved shows. At Murdock Middle / High School, 3 Memorial Dr., Winchendon. Tickets $5, all proceeds will go to the Murdock Music Department.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Fall Festival Breakfast 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. French toast, sausage, hash browns, juice & coffee, $7 per person. At Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce St., Winchendon.

Winchendon Winds Concert 2:00 p.m. Veterans Tribute - "America!" "Win Winds" concert band presents a variety of traditional, popular and contemporary music performed by 40 of our finest local musicians. Free admission, pre-concert refreshments. At the UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 17

Author Talk with Local Author Catherine Zebrowski 6:00 p.m. Long time Winchendon resident and author Catherine Zebrowski will be at the Beals Library talking about her new book Through a Bakery Window. At the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 18

Beals Classic Matinee Series 1:30-3:00 p.m. Cool Hand Luke. All movies are free and open to the public. Shown in the library auditorium. At the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

Beals Doc & Talk Series 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Hidden Life of Trees. All movies are free and open to the public. Shown in the library auditorium. At the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

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 Lasagna dinner by Arlene and Kevin. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20

Bottle and Can Drive 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Sponsored by Murdock High School. Any returnable bottle and can is welcome. What do we do with them? The funds collected go to various student groups. The metal tabs are collected and donated to Shriners' Hospitals. Coca-Cola codes are collected and entered to benefit Murdock Middle School. Then the plastic caps are donated to a project that recycles them into plastic benches and playground equipment. At 273 Central Street, in CAC parking lot. Weather permitting.

Operation Winchendon Cares: A Touch of Home for the Holidays 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Send a little love for the holidays to our men and women, from Winchendon, who are stationed around the world. Come help put together packages to send to enlisted Winchendon residents. At the Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26

Spirit of Christmas Toy Drive 12:00-4:00 p.m. Bring your new or gently used, unwrapped toys to UU Church of Winchendon where they will be gratefully accepted by our volunteer "elves!" All toys will go to local families in need. If you'd like to volunteer to help accept toys or help decorate the sanctuary, please just come on down! At UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27

Holiday Bazaar 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. VFW Post 5613 Auxiliary in Jaffrey, NH hosts their annual holiday bazaar supporting veterans, service members and their families. Over 40 tables with art, crafted items, product vendors, plus bake sale, lunch food and raffles. Free admission. At VFW Hall on Hathorn Road off Rte 202, Jaffrey, NH.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 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 TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

On The Same Page Book Club 6:30-7:30 p.m. Book selection TBA. Copies will be available at the library. For more information, join the On The Same Page Book Club Facebook group, or email Molly Velasco (mjvelasco@winchendon.org) or Camille Hart (hartcamille5@gmail.com) with any questions. (This is the "November" meeting moved up because of Thanksgiving.) At the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 4

Winchendon Farmers Market Pop-Up Holiday Market 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Local farmers and crafts! Gifts, crafts, snacks, raffles and more. At the Ipswich Drive Community Building, Winchendon.

Holiday Table Settings 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Display of elaborate and vintage holiday place settings. At the First Congregational Church of Old Centre, hosted by the Winchendon History and Cultural Center. Free.

AND COMING UP...

SATURDAY DECEMBER 11

Holiday in the Park 2:00 p.m. Join us to celebrate Holiday in the Park. We would like to offer a sleigh ride and cookie decorating. Santa will also be present and we will have some one teaching people how to play the game of Dreidel. There will be hot cocoa served as well. Sponsored by and held at Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 22

Holiday Classic Matinee Movie 1:30-3:00 p.m. Holiday movie: It's a Wonderful Life. All movies are free and open to the public. Shown in the library auditorium. At the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 30

On The Same Page Book Club 6:30-7:30 p.m. Book selection TBA. Copies will be available at the library. For more information, join the On The Same Page Book Club Facebook group, or email Molly Velasco (mjvelasco@winchendon.org) or Camille Hart (hartcamille5@gmail.com) with any questions. At the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

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.

Beals Memorial Library 3:30-5:00 p.m. Teen Dungeons & Dragons for Grades 6-12. Have you ever wanted to try a role-playing game? Join us every Wednesday for Dungeons and Dragons! In this classic role-playing game, you create your character, choose how they interact with the story, and use dice to decide the outcomes of your actions. The Beals Library will provide the materials, or bring your own! All skill levels welcomed. Snacks will be provided. NOTE: THIS SESSION IS FULL. If you're interested, contact the library and let them know! For more information about this and other programs by call 978-297-0300 or visit www.bealslibrary.org. 50 Pleasant Street, Winchendon.

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

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.

UPDATED: Family Meet Up Group 3:00-5:00 p.m. At Toy Town Elementary School, 175 Grove St., Winchendon. Students from The Winchendon School and Murdock will be there most Thursdays to play games & do crafts with the kids. Drop in when it works for you! This is a great time to get to know and connect with other families. Games, crafts and snacks provided for kiddos. All ages welcome. For TTE students, they can stay directly after school for the program if the caregiver/parent sends a note to the school giving permission. Organized by HEAL 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.

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

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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

The Town of Winchendon is seeking applicants for a Fulltime, 40 hour per week Planning/Conservation Agent. This position performs professional planning and technical work in assisting the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission in reviewing and evaluating specific projects as well as assisting in the development of planning approaches to growth and development in the Town. Responsibilities include administration and enforcement of the Wetlands Protection Act, MS4 and all related Town conservation and planning rules and regulations and all other work as required. Typical hours are Monday 8:00am – 6pm, Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Planning/Conservation Agent is the staff liaison to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Conservation Commission and is required to attend their meetings in the evenings. Responsibilities include review of subdivisions and site plans, review and evaluate all wetlands filings for conformity to federal, state, and local regulations seeks, coordinates, and evaluates all engineering, other technical and general input (including Town staff) into review processes, assuring that all commitments and deadlines are met; and performs follow-up site and other inspections to insure compliance with decisions and regulations. A B.S. or higher in Environmental Management, Natural Resource Science, Wetland Ecology, Land Use/Community Planning, Engineering or related field is desirable, 1-3 years of experience in Municipal Planning and/or Conservation preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience as deemed appropriate by the Town Manager. Wage range is $22.19 to $28.41.

Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Justin Sultzbach, Town Manager 109 Front Street, Dept. 1, Winchendon, MA 01475. or to: jsultzbach@townofwinchendon.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Town of Winchendon is an AA/EOE employer.

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

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.