The Winchendon Courier - Local Happenings

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

Week of March 17 to March 24, 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 March 21-25, 2022:

Monday, 3/21: Shepherd's pie, Capri vegetable blend, multigrain bread, assorted fruit cup.
Tuesday 3/22: Grilled chicken Coq au Vin, stuffing, broccoli, pumpernickel bread, pound cake.
Wednesday 3/23: Turkey corn stew, Brussels sprouts, whole wheat dinner roll, fresh pear.
Thursday 3/24: Chicken Jambalaya, brown rice, California blend vegetables, Italian bread, Lorna Doones.
Friday 3/25: Roast pork in CranOrange sauce, whipped sweet potato, spinach, rye bread, applesauce.

The Winchendon Senior Center vans are available to Winchendon residents 60 years old and older, for local transportation to shopping, social events, medical appointments, and similar activities, with priority given to medical appointments. The van is available for longer distance medical runs to Worcester and surrounding towns. Please call the Senior Center at least 24 hours in advance to reserve the van.

The Senior Center is open Monday – Thursday, 8:30am to 2:30pm, and Friday, 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Stop in for a coffee and goodies continental breakfast Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 10:30am.

Some other on-going activities are:

Chair Yoga on Monday mornings 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Bingo on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.
Food Pantry is open Monday – Thursday

Up-coming events include:

Sunday, April 24 at 1:00 p.m., a Ham dinner sponsored by the Masons, at the Senior Center – please call to make a reservation
Sunday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m., a Musical Celebration of Lives Lost during the Covid pandemic, at the GAR park (the gazebo)

Lions Club Sponsors "Scott Brown and the Diplomats" at April 2 Bash

On Saturday, April 2, The Winchendon Lions Club, and our sponsor the Athol Savings Bank are proud to present "Scott Brown and the Diplomats" at the Winchendon American Legion Post 193 located at 295 School Street. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and the concert / dance will begin at 8:00 p.m. There will be a 50/50 raffle, basket raffles and more. Come dance the night away to the classic hits. Tickets will be available soon at To Each His Own Design florist/gift shop 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. Tickets are $15 each or $25 a couple. Proceeds of the event will benefit Lions Club charities.

March Movies at the Beals Memorial Library

Kick back and relax with some great films, new and old, this March at the Beals Memorial Library! Each month, the library hosts a few indoor film events, fit for varying ages. Here's what's playing this month:

On Thursday, March 17 at 6 p.m., the Winchendon library will be showing the documentary, Summer of Soul (Rated PG-13), for this month's DOC & TALK documentary and discussion series. The documentary covers the historic 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a celebration of African American history, music, culture, and fashion. Directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, the film features Dorinda Drake, Barbara Bland-Acosta, and Darryl Lewis.

That same week, on Saturday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m., the library will be showing Disney's new hit animated musical, Encanto (rated PG) for this month's Family Matinee. Set in Colombia, the film follows the extraordinary Madrigal family, who have been gifted with a magical house and who each have their own magical talent--except Mirabel, who must cope with the stress of being the only member of her family without magic powers. The movie includes music from Lin-Manuel Miranda and features the vocal talents of Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecelia Botero, and John Leguizamo.

Wrapping up the month, on Wednesday, March 23, at 1:30 p.m., there will be a screening of the 1958 musical comedy, Damn Yankees, starring Tab Hunter, Gwen Verdon, and Ray Walston. In this baseball musical, a fed-up fan of the Washington Senators makes a deal with the devil to help his beloved baseball team become winners again.

All movie screenings at the library are free and open to the public. Bring some popcorn and come and enjoy the show!

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.

For more informtion, contact Bob Jordan at 508-873-1767.

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 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

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.

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

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.

Yoga with Paula Lashua-Brisbois 4:30-5:30 p.m. $7.00-$10.00 per class (sliding scale). All skill levels welcomed! Mats and Blocks are available, if needed. These classes are open for Adults and Teens. Call 978-297-0300 for more information. At Beals Memorial Library auditorium, 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 shepherd's pie 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.

MONDAY MARCH 28

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 30

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 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.

On The Same Page Book Club 6:30-7:30 p.m. This month's book is The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters by Balli Kaur Jaswal. Meeting at Beals Memorial Library, upstairs, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. Contact mjvelasco@winchendon.org or hartcamille5@gmail.com with questions, or see the book club Facebook Page for more info. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the library circulation desk.

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.

MONDAY APRIL 4

THURSDAY APRIL 7

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 meatloaf dinner with veggies. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

Beals Poets Society 6:30-7:30 p.m. Poetry can be a powerful vehicle for expressing truth and beauty. Explore the world of poetry monthly at the Beals Library. Listen to what others have written, read your work or favorite poems. Discuss emerging topics, techniques, and more. This club explores the written word in a non-judgmental environment. Free program for teens and adults. First Thursdays of the month at the Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300. All visitors must wear masks inside the library building.

SATURDAY APRIL 9

Easter Egg Hunt 10:00 a.m. Join us for fun with the Easter Bunny, an Egg Hunt, games, prizes and a whole lot more! Sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Commission. At the Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Dr.

SUNDAY APRIL 10

Cub Scout Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny 7:30-9:30 a.m. All you can eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, home fries, coffee & juice. Adults $7.00, kids 10 and under $5.00, family of 4+ $20.00. Raffles. Cash, PayPal or Venmo taken at the door. Come support Cub Scout Pack 193! At United Parish, 39 Front St., Winchendon.

Easter Week Services

PALM SUNDAY APRIL 10

United Parish Parade of Palms 10:00 a.m. Come and receive your palms, as we learn about Jesus journey into Jerusalem! There may even be a visit from a real live donkey! At United Parish, 39 Front St., Winchendon.

GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 15

IHM Stations of the Cross 2:00 p.m. Led by Fr. Henry. Everyone is invited. At Immaculate Heart of Mary church, 52 Spruce St., Winchendon.

United Parish 7:00 p.m. Our music director, Marcia Desilets has been working tirelessly with Choir Members for our annual Easter Holy Week Performances. These emotional and spiritually filling songs will lead us on the path of Christ’s final days here on earth. Please join us for this solemn service as it helps us to understand the beauty of His Resurrection on Easter Sunday! At United Parish, 39 Front St., Winchendon.

EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 17

The Chapel Sunrise Service 6:00 a.m. at the Old Murdock Gazebo (in G.A.R. Park, Grove St. & Murdock Ave.), Winchendon.

United Parish Sunrise Service 6:00 a.m. Worship with Jesus' followers as they discovered the empty tomb during the dawn of Easter Morning. The Rooster has been known to cock-a-doodle-doo during the service to alert everyone that the dawn is breaking! At Old Centre Church, top of High Street, Winchendon.

The Chapel Easter Breakfast 7:30 a.m. At The Chapel, 727 Spring St., Winchendon.

The Chapel Easter Celebration Service 9:00 a.m. at The Chapel, 727 Spring St., Winchendon.

United Parish Easter Service 10:00 a.m. Please join us to hear the United Parish Choir and few soloists sing Easter Songs and listen to Pastor Cal's message of Jesus' Resurrection! We hope you leave with the feeling of Gods Love in your heart.
* Following service there will be an Easter Egg Hunt on the church front lawn! At United Parish, 39 Front St., Winchendon.

Unitarian Universalist Easter Service 11:00 a.m. Family service led by Rev. Inanna Arthen. At Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

AND COMING UP...

SUNDAY APRIL 24

Ham Dinner at the Senior Center 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Winchendon Artisan Lodge of Freemasons. Call the Senior Center to make a reservation. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

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.

THURSDAY MAY 12

Porch Nights Resume at the WHCC 5:30 p.m. Come join us every Thursday for some great conversation and exploration of our museum. Bring some snacks, and pull up a rocker and enjoy! At the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, 151 Front St.

SATURDAY MAY 14

Taste of Winchendon II Times and location TBA. HEAL Winchendon and the Youth Changemakers reprise last year's Taste of Winchendon Festival. Come celebrate Winchendon's diversity with food, art, performances, produce stand, information tables and more! Details coming soon!

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.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10

Casino Royale 7:00 p.m. Come join us for a night of gambling, silent auction and great conversation to help raise funds for the WHCC! Blackjack, Roulette, Money Wheel and a 50/50 raffle are some of the games you can play all in the backdrop of the gorgeous Murdock Whitney Mansion! At the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, 151 Front St.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 22

2022 Fall Fest 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Downtown, exact locations dependent on Contral Street Reconstruction Project. See 6th Annual Winchendon Fall Festival on the town website for updates and information.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10

2022 Holiday House Tour 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Come enjoy the multiple well decorated homes around town. Start at the Murdock Whitney, and make a day of touring these beautiful buildings! Sponsored by and beginning at the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, 151 Front St.

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 10:30-11:30 a.m. Chair Exercise/Yoga. 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 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

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.

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

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

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 Brian Croteau, Director of Public Works at bcroteau@townofwinchendon.com or by mail to the DPW, 109 Front Street, Winchendon MA 01475.

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.

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