The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of January 6 to January 13, 2022
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.

Menu for week of January 10-14, 2022:

Monday, 1/10: Beef & cabbage casserole, diced red potatoes, carrots, rye bread, yogurt.
Tuesday 1/11: Breaded chicken drumstick, sour cream & chive whipped potatoes, Scandanavian vegetable blend, wheat bread, pears.
Wednesday 1/12: Meatball stroganoff, parslied noodles, broccoli & cauliflower, multigrain bread, cookie.
Thursday 1/13: Apple-cranberry roast pork, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, pumpernickel bread, fresh apple.
Friday 1/14: Cheeseburger, potato wedges, corn, wheat sandwich bun, fruit cup.

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

Kick Off the New Year with Some Great Movies at the Beals Memorial Library

Spend a cold, winter day at the Beals Memorial Library this month enjoying some great movies, new and old, to get you through the winter chill! Each month, the library hosts a few indoor film events, fit for varying ages. Here's what's playing this month:

On Wednesday, January 5th, at 6 PM, the library will start off the year with a showing of Wes Anderson's latest anthology comedy film, The French Dispatch, rated R. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Benicio Del Toro, Adrien Brody, and Tilda Swinton, and brings to life a collection of stories published by the newspaper, The French Dispatch, set in a fictional twentieth century French city.

Later in the month, on Wednesday, January 19th, at 1:30 PM, the library will be showing In the Heat of the Night for this month's Classic Movie Matinee, starring Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, and Warren Oates. After being mistaken for having committed a murder while traveling through a Mississippi town with high racial tensions, a black Philadelphia police detective is reluctantly asked to investigate the case and find the real murderer.

On Saturday, January 22nd, at 11 AM, the library will be playing their final movie of the month, The Addams Family 2, for their Family Matinee. Featuring the vocal talents of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, and Chloë Grace Moretz, this animated movie follows the loveable, spooky family as they hit the road in a haunted camper and head off on a hysterical family vacation!

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.

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

Clyde's Corner

It's Happening Around the Winch!

TUESDAY JANUARY 11

Hiring Fair for Guardian Angel Senior Services 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Guardian Angel Senior Services is currently looking for caring and compassionate individuals to provide home based support for seniors. Opportunities throughout MA and NH. Come fill out an application and talk to recruiters about employment. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12

Library of Things Launch Party 3:00 p.m. Beals Memorial Library officially launches its new Library of Things with a party! Come see all the stuff you can now borrow with your library card! 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. All visitors to the library must wear masks while inside the 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.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 19

Classic Movie Matinee at the Beals 1:30 p.m. The library will be showing In the Heat of the Night for this month's Classic Movie Matinee, starring Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, and Warren Oates. After being mistaken for having committed a murder while traveling through a Mississippi town with high racial tensions, a black Philadelphia police detective is reluctantly asked to investigate the case and find the real murderer. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 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.

THURSDAY JANUARY 20

Author Harry P. Haldt III Visits the Beals 6:30 p.m. Local author Harry P. Haldt III will share his new book, Upper To' Gallants and Rusty Scuppers, recounting his late father's adventures at sea in the 1930s. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. Free to the public; copies of the book will be available to purchase and have signed by the author. All visitors to the library must wear masks while inside the building.

SATURDAY JANUARY 22

Family Matinee at the Beals 11:00 a.m. The library will be playing their final movie of the month, The Addams Family 2, for their Family Matinee. Featuring the vocal talents of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, and Chloë Grace Moretz, this animated movie follows the loveable, spooky family as they hit the road in a haunted camper and head off on a hysterical family vacation! At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 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.

AND COMING UP...

THURSDAY JANUARY 27

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 Swedish Meatballs 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 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 12:15 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

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Employment

Town of Winchendon, MA
Assistant Town Accountant

Summary:
Performs a variety of highly complex and technical clerical, accounting and administrative functions directly related to the maintenance of the Town's financial records. Provides support to the Town Accountant and has the authority to assume the statutory power and duties of the Town Accountant in his/her absence, in compliance with Massachusetts General Laws and the Town's Charter; all other related work as required for the successful compliance with the Laws and Charter for the good of the Town.

Supervision:
The Assistant Town Accountant works under the direct supervision of the Town Accountant.
The position involves working independently while referring specific issues to the Town Accountant for clarification.

Work Environment:

  • Work is performed under typical office conditions.
  • Operates computerized financial records systems in a mainframe environment, personal computer, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, scanner, telephone, and other office equipment.
  • Has frequent interaction with Town and School departments and officials. Has occasional contact with state officials, agencies, and independent auditing firms. Has frequent contact with and answers inquiries from vendors and employees.
  • Has access to confidential information such as but not limited to: legal issues, bid proposals, personnel records, and financial records of the Town.
  • Errors could result in improper use and/or expenditure of Town funds entailing financial loss to the Town, loss of Town records, inconvenience to employees and vendors, delay or reduction in Federal, State, and private funding and possible legal ramifications.
Essential Functions:
The essential functions or duties listed are intended as illustrations of various types of work that is performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The position functions as a part of the overall municipal team to ensure effective and efficient municipal operations by performing account analyses and balance reconciliations requiring a high level of attention to detail and a general understanding of accounting concepts and bookkeeping practices.
  • Assists the Town Accountant in maintaining the Town's financial records.
  • Verifies accuracy of payroll submissions and enters bi-weekly payroll into payroll system.
  • Verifies the accuracy of School payroll submissions.
  • Answers payroll inquiries from employees.
  • Imports Town and School payroll into general ledger for posting.
  • Maintains accuracy of compensated absences.
  • Assists Town Accountant with reports of monthly department appropriation balances.
  • Compiles auditable workers' compensation records.
  • Assist the Accountant in maintaining the system for purchase orders and encumbrances.
  • Verifies accuracy and appropriateness of Town's accounts payables and processes.
  • Processes bi-weekly warrants, checking for sales tax, budget validation, mathematical accuracy, vendor numbers, account numbers and purchase orders. Ensures that all expenditures are in compliance with finance laws. Prints vendor checks.
  • Works with vendors in need of payment inquiry, address changes, requests for 1099s, and check validation.
  • Maintains vendor files and W9s.
  • Responsible for reconciling cash accounts with the Treasurer's Office.
  • Produces monthly financial reports from the General Ledger System.
  • Assists in proving monthly cash receipts.
  • Provides requested account information to departments and assists departments with financial matters relating to their accounts.
  • Assists in the preparation of all mandated reports to the Town, State and Federal Government.
  • Processes 1099s.
  • Works with independent auditors on annual financial audit of the Town.
  • Acts as the Town Accountant in his/her absence.
  • Perform other related duties as required.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:
Associate's Degree in accounting, business administration, bookkeeping, or related field strongly preferred. Five (5) years of experience involving accounting, bookkeeping, or management of financial records; preference given to municipal and/or other governmental experience; Munis knowledge strongly preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Ability and Skills:
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal accounting according to the Uniform Massachusetts Accounting System and of the applicable provisions of Massachusetts General Law.
  • Thorough knowledge of computer operations with special emphasis on financial applications.
  • Prior experience with MUNIS preferred.
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with Town Departments. Ability to express oneself and to explain procedures clearly and concisely. Ability to grasp new concepts and learn new computer programs.
Physical Requirements:
  • Normal office environment, not subject to extremes in temperatures, noise, odors, etc.
  • Minimal physical effort generally required in performing duties under typical office conditions.
  • Regular interruptions to assist citizens.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds.
  • The employee is often required to sit in one place for an extended period of time.
  • The position requires the ability to operate a keyboard and view computer screens for an extended period of time.
The Town of Winchendon is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Town of Winchendon Seeking Meeting Broadcaster

The Town of Winchendon seeks to hire a part-time Broadcaster to work with the Town Manager’s office to broadcast live on cable channel 8 and Livestream on the Town’s website Board and Committee meetings. This is mostly an evening position with nightly meetings held Monday through Thursday. The position is shared with one other broadcaster. There are roughly ten meetings a month shared between the two positions. Duties include: preparing the Broadcast equipment for the upcoming meeting; broadcasting live on cable channel 8 and simultaneously Livestream on the Town’s website; assisting with projector setup and Zoom meetings, finalizing the end of the meeting and putting broadcast/meeting tools away. Must be able to multitask during broadcast of meeting and have computer knowledge. Any audio/video experience would be looked upon favorably. The compensation scale is as follows:

Meetings lasting up to 2 hours* is paid $75.00.
Meetings lasting between 2 and up to 3 hours* is paid $90.00.
Meetings lasting between 3 and up to 4 hours* is paid $105.00.

(*Note the time before and after the meetings to set up and finalize the meeting is included in the compensation noted above.)

A High School diploma or equivalent is required. If you are interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to: Linda Daigle, Executive Assistant, Town Manager’s Office, 109 Front St., Winchendon MA 01475 or email to ldaigle@townofwinchendon.com. You must be eighteen years old to apply as meetings occasionally extend past 10:00PM. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is hired. The Town of Winchendon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Town of Winchendon Seeking Conservation Agent

The Town of Winchendon seeks to hire a Part-time Conservation Agent for 18 hours per week to assist the Conservation Commission by performing the administration and enforcement of the Wetlands Protection Act, MS4 and all related Town conservation rules and regulations. Work includes administrative and technical support to the Town Planner/Director of Planning & Development and the Conservation Commission, review applications, and compliance inspections, attend monthly meeting of the Conservation Commission, prepare agendas, an issue decisions. The rate is $22.19 to $23.31 per hour. See this detailed job description (PDF). Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Justin Sultzbach, Town Manager 109 Front St. Winchendon MA 01475 or email to: jsultzbach@townofwinchendon.com. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is hired. The town of Winchendon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Town of Winchendon Seeking Land Use Clerk

The town of Winchendon seeks to hire a Clerk for 18 hours per week to work in the Planning & Land Use Departments. This position serves as a contact person to the public for Land Use, Planning and Development through personal contact, telephone conversations, and by regular and electronic mail. Duties include: assisting applicants in obtaining proper permit forms and providing information to applicants on the processes and requirements for planning, zoning, building/gas/plumbing/electrical permits, filing, mailing and postings of notices and agendas, and maintains files. Must be able to multitask. The rate is $16.49 to $17.32 per hour. A more detailed job description is available through the Town Manager's office. Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Justin Sultzbach, Town Manager 109 Front St. Winchendon MA 01475 or email to: jsultzbach@townofwinchendon.com. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is hired. The town of Winchendon is an Equal Opportunity 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.