The Winchendon Courier - Local Happenings

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

Week of March 3 to March 10, 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.

Winchendon Presents A Celebration of Lives Lost

On May 1,2022 the Town of Winchendon will be the site of a special event: A Musical Celebration of Lives Lost during the COVID pandemic period from early 2020 to the present. Many of those family members and dear friends did not have a funeral or memorial service, or had limited attendance because of COVID restrictions.

Winchendon musician Bob Jordan, in co-operation with the Old Murdock Senior Center will host the event, which begins at 2:00 p.m. at the G.A.R. Park in Winchendon. Residents of Winchendon, Ashburnham, Templeton, Gardner and Royalston are invited to attend and participate. Bob Jordan and musicians Daniel Gay and Torbin Harding will present a varied musical program carefully curated to be, by turns, reflective, nostalgic, sad, uplifting, life-affirming and relevant, including instrumental and vocal numbers. Part of the program will include the reading of names of loved ones lost during these last two years, and residents of the above towns may submit names and photos (to be used in a photo collage) in advance of the event to the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock St, Winchendon, MA 01475.

This outdoor event is an effort toward community healing and part of the effort to put this difficult period behind us. This musical celebration is intended to provide some closure for those of us who have been isolated during the pandemic.

In the event of cold or inclement weather, the event will be re-scheduled to Sunday, May 15.

Visit our Facebook page: Celebration of Lives Lost Winchendon Edition.

This program is supported in part by grants from the WINCHENDON, ASHBURNHAM, TEMPLETON, AND ROYALSTON Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Clyde's Corner

It's Happening Around the Winch!

SATURDAY MARCH 5

Girl Scout Cookie Booth 5:00-7:00 p.m. Support Winchendon Girl Scouts and stock up on delicious cookies! Today out in front of 113 Central St. (across the street from Athol Savings Bank), Winchendon.

MONDAY MARCH 7

Game On! Tween Board Game Club 3:30-4:30 p.m. Children ages 8-11 welcome! Hang out at the Beals Library and play from a choice of fun games. Competitive, strategic, team-building, humorous and more! Every other Monday at the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300. All visitors must wear masks inside the library building.

THURSDAY MARCH 10

Preschool Playgroup 2:00-3:00 p.m. For families with children up to age 8. Join us for an afternoon of free play, a craft, story time, and music & movement. Masks required for anyone over 2 years old. Presented in collaboration with the Winchendon CFCE. For more information call the library at 978-297-0300 or email CFCE Coordinator Kristin Moran at kmoran@winchendonk12.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

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 sausage 'n noodle skillet dinner with cabbage and onions in a sour-creamy sauce. 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.

SATURDAY MARCH 12

Planning for the End 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. End-of-life decisions can be stressful, but making clear plans can help reduce that stress. Join us for a workshop that will help you organize and prepare for end-of-life decisions for yourself or your loved ones. Different options for health care directives and after-death options, such as funeral homes and green burials, will be discussed. Presented by: Barbara Richardson and Brooke Coleman. Limited Space! Contact the library to register. At Beals Memorial Library auditorium, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300. All visitors must wear masks inside the library building.

Girl Scout Cookie Booth 1:00-4:00 p.m. Support Winchendon Girl Scouts and stock up on delicious cookies! Today out in front of The Homestead Market, 59 Gardner Rd. (Rte 140), Winchendon.

Marriage Workshop At the Chapel Downtown 6:30-8:30 p.m. learn how to grow a healthier marriage, improve communication and love your spouse well. Date night prizes, dessert included. Limited space, RSVP required. Email CaringHearts@bbchapel.net by March 5 to RSVP. At The Chapel Downtown, 286 Central St., Winchendon.

MONDAY MARCH 14

Fun & Games Club 3:30-4:30 p.m. Join in on the fun as the Library Auditorium becomes a kids' fun zone! There will be legos, games, puzzles, coloring, and more! Every other Monday at the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300. All visitors must wear masks inside the library building.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 16

Beals FAM Club 3:30-5:00 p.m. Fandom, Anime and Manga Club for Teens. Make friends and enjoy fun discussions and activities centered on pop culture, entertainment, and all things geek! Every other Wednesday at the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300. All visitors must wear masks inside the library building.

THURSDAY MARCH 17

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.

Doc & Talk at the Beals 6:00 p.m. The library will screen the documentary Summer of Soul, followed by a discussion. All movies are FREE and OPEN to the public. All movies are shown in the Library's Auditorium. Masks are required for all indoor library events. Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

SATURDAY MARCH 19

Family Movie Matinee at the Beals 11:00 a.m. The library will screen the movie Encanto. All movies are FREE and OPEN to the public. All movies are shown in the Library's Auditorium. Masks are required for all indoor library events. Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

MONDAY MARCH 21

SATURDAY MARCH 23

Classic Movie Matinee at the Beals 1:30 p.m. The library will screen the movie musical Damn Yankees. All movies are FREE and OPEN to the public. All movies are shown in the Library's Auditorium. Masks are required for all indoor library events. Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

THURSDAY MARCH 24

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 chef's choice. 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.

AND COMING UP...

THURSDAY MARCH 31

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 our popular "church chili" with fresh salad 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.

SATURDAY APRIL 2

Dance and Fundraiser for Winchendon Lions Club 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Winchendon Lions Club and Athol Savings Bank. Featuring "Scott Brown and the Diplomats." Raffles and more. Tickets will be available soon at To Each His Own Design at 172 Central Street and at the American Legion and from any Lions club member. Tickets will also be available at the door until sold out. $15 each or $25 a couple. Proceeds of the event will benefit Lions Club charities. At the Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St.

SUNDAY APRIL 3

Meet 'n Greet 11:00 a.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Curious about our church? Haven’t been inside our lovely sanctuary? Interested in what we do around the community? Stop in today and meet some of the folks who are dedicated to making our community a better place. We’d love to meet YOU. We'll have light refreshments and plenty of smiles 126 Central Street.

SUNDAY MAY 1

Celebration of Lives Lost, Winchendon Edition 2:00 p.m. Musician Bob Jordan, in co-operation with the Murdock Senior Center of Winchendon presents a musical memorial tribute to those who have passed away since February 2020 and whose families and loved ones have not been able to adequately commemorate their passing. Rain date: May 15. At G.A.R. Park, Spruce St., Winchendon.

SATURDAY JUNE 4

Beals Con 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. We want to bring Winchendon and the neighboring communities together and offer a family friendly space for our communities’ passion and love for geek culture through a mini comic convention. There will be guests, vendors, games, costumes, crafts, food, and fun for people of all ages. Join the Facebook Group for updates! At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

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.

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: Youth and Family Changemakers Afterschool Program 2:45-4:30 p.m. A free program for kids and families grades K-5. Weekly games, crafts, teambuilding and community service projects. Parent/Caregiver & volunteers welcome. Registration required. Contact 978-616-7065 or admin@healwinchendon.org. Snacks and materials provided. At Toy Town Elementary School, 175 Grove St., Winchendon. Organized by HEAL Winchendon.

Celebrate Recovery: A Christ-Centered Recovery Program 6:30-8:30 p.m. Freedom from your hurts, hang-ups and habits. For more information contact Celebrate.Recovery@bbchapel.net or call 978-297-1493. At The Chapel Downtown, 286 Central 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.

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 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

Information Technology Department Hiring Two IT Interns

DEPARTMENT: Information Technology, (IT)
JOB CLASSIFICATION: IT Interns (2) – Temporary, Non-benefited position
HOURS: 19 Hours per week -flexible schedule
COMPENSATION: $15.00 hr.
The Town of Winchendon seeks to hire two (2) IT interns. The persons hired will assist the Winchendon IT, Planning and Building department personnel with scanning documents to create digital files. Tasks include preparing documents for scanning, the actual scanning of the documents, checking the quality of the scanned documents and compiling the electronic files on server. Applicants must be a minimum of 16 years of age and possess a high proficiency with all necessary computer skills. The temporary position(s) work under the supervision of the IT Director and run through June 30, 2022.
Please submit an expression of interest to: Don O’Neil, IT Director, 109 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475 or via email at: doneil@townofwinchendon.com. Positions are open until filled.

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

Department of Public Works Hiring Executive Assistant

The Town of Winchendon is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the full time position of Executive Assistant to the Department of Public Works. The Executive Assistant is appointed by the Town Manager and provides administrative support to the Department of Public Works, is responsible for utility billing, issuance of street permits, and other department office functions, prepares bi-weekly payroll, processes accounts payable invoices, purchase orders and bi-weekly vendor warrants.

Prior experience with MUNIS software preferred. High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in business or public administration or related field preferred; three (3) to five (5) years of administrative and/or secretarial experience in a medium to large office setting, preferably in a governmental agency.

This is a 40 hour per week position. The current salary range for this position is $20.10 - $25.73 per hour. Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Brian Croteau, Public Works Director, 109 Front Street, Dept. 4, Winchendon MA 01475 by Monday, February 28, 2022 at 12:00 noon.

See full job posting / job description here.

The Town of Winchendon is an Affirmative Action/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