The Winchendon Courier - Local Happenings

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

Week of December 9 to December 16, 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.

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

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 DECEMBER 11

TOWN-WIDE "FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS" DAY!

Craft Fair 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at the Winchendon Town Hall, 109 Front St.

United Parish Spirit of Christmas 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Nativity scenes, decorated Christmas trees, gingerbread house contest, and more! Come celebrate Christmas with us! At United Parish , 39 Front St., Winchendon.

UU Church of Winchendon - Annual Holiday Cookie Fundraiser 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Our Neighbor’s Kitchen chefs are offering freshly-baked cookies for sale. You can pre-order and/or pre-pay at https://uucw.ncmuuc.org/holiday-cookie-fundraiser/ by Friday, December 10 for easy pick-up at the Town Hall Craft Fair on Saturday, December 11, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., or at another arranged time. Proceeds go towards repairing this historic landmark building. Town Hall, 109 Front St., Winchendon.

Holiday Open House at Beals Library 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Tree Festival voting and auction, bake sale & book sale, raffles, visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and more! At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

Holiday Table Settings 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 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.

Holiday in the Park 2:00-5:00 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.

Annual Tree Lighting 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the G.A.R. Park, Grove St. and Murdock Ave. next to the Old Murdock Senior Center, Winchendon.

MONDAY DECEMBER 13

College Essay Workshop 6:00 p.m. Open to all high school students. Facilitated by Carla Provost,a graduate of Murdock High School (Class of 2006), of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York with a BA in English, and of the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland with a MA in English. Limited seats, sign-up required. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 14

Seniors' Late Lunch & Lights Tour 3:00 p.m. (for seniors aged 60+) Chicken casserole lunch at 3:00 p.m., bus tour starts at 4:00 p.m. to view holiday lights around Winchendon. Donations accepted and reservations recommended. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 for more info or to reserve a space. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 16

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 Mac and cheese with Ham and rice pudding. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY 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 23

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 Dave Faucher's annual holiday dinner, Beef Burgundy with sides and dessert. 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.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 24

Christmas Eve Candlelight and Pipe Organ Service 7:00 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Open to the whole community. Join Rev. Inanna Arthen for a traditional service featuring the Christmas story, carols, passing of candlelight. Guest artist Robert Couchon will perform on our 1867 pipe organ. 126 Central Street.

AND COMING UP...

THURSDAY DECEMBER 30

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 Parishioner's Potluck. 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. At the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required for all persons in the library building.

THURSDAY JANUARY 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 Sweet 'n Sour Chicken Drumsticks over rice with sides. 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.

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.

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

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.