June 2022 Events at Otter River State Forest and Lake Dennison Recreational Area

Public programs at Otter River State Forest and Lake Dennison Recreational Area begin on 5/20/22 and run through Labor Day. All programs are free and open to the public, a parking fee may apply. Bring water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, and dress for the outdoors. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for hiking programs. An adult must accompany all children. Inclement weather cancels hiking programs. For more information call (978) 939-8962 or visit: www.mass.gov/locations/lake-dennison-recreation-area or www.mass.gov/locations/otter-river-state-forest

There will be no programs from June 5 through June 11.

Otter River State Forest is located at 86 Winchendon Rd, Baldwinville, MA 01436. Lake Dennison Recreational Area is located at 219 Baldwinville State Road, Winchendon, MA 01436.

DAYS OF YORE SHORE TOUR
Sundays 1 pm to 2:15 pm, Mondays 2 pm to 3:15 pm, Thursdays 3 pm to 4:15 pm
Walk along the shore of Lake Dennison with the Park Interpreter. We'll explore the changes to the landscape while we discover old cellar holes and talk about the history of the area. Meet at the Lake Dennison beach by the lifeguard towers. Appropriate for ages 8 and above. About one mile over moderate terrain.

MOBILE NATURE CENTER
Thursdays 1 pm to 2:30 pm
We bring the nature center to you! Check out pelts, skulls, and other items related to the animals that live in the park. Stay for five minutes or an hour! Bring your questions.
Meet by the Lake Dennison lifeguard towers. Appropriate for all ages.

MUCKING ABOUT
Friday, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm (Lake Dennison)
Saturday 1:30 pm to 3 pm (Otter River)
Take a peek under the surface of the water! Explore the bugs, tadpoles, newts and other creatures that live here. We'll use nets and buckets to catch (and then release!) some cool critters. Stay for five minutes or the whole time. Recommended for ages 6 and above. Otter River; Meet at the Nature Center. Lake Dennison; Meet by the Lifeguard towers.

NATURE CENTER OPEN HOUSE
Saturday 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, Sunday 9:30 am to 11 am
Stop by the Nature Center to find out more about Otter River State Forest and the plants, animals, and birds that live here. Check out our wildlife display and learn a little (or a lot) about our local history. Games, books, and activities are available for the kids. Stay for five minutes or an hour! Meet at the Otter River Nature Center. Appropriate for all ages.

SUPER SENSES HIKE
Mondays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Animals must use all their senses every day to find food and survive. Come and find out about some of the super senses of the animals that live in the area and use your own senses to explore the world around you. Meet at the Otter River Nature Center. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. Easy terrain, milage will vary week to week.

WELCOME CAMPFIRE
Friday, 7 pm to 8 pm (Lake Dennison)
Saturday 7 pm to 8 pm (Otter River)
Join us at the Nature Center for a welcome campfire. Meet some of your fellow campers as we tell stories and sing songs. We provide the fire, bring your s'mores supplies! Otter River--Meet by the pavilion. Lake Dennison--Meet by the field at the north side of the campground.

Clyde's Corner

It's Happening Around the Winch!

SUNDAY JUNE 12

Winchendon Winds Concert 2:00 p.m. "Opera and Other Stories" At the UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St. Classic tales told by music. Featuring “Peter and the Wolf” with live narration by Rev. Inanna Arthen. Refreshments sold on the lawn before and during concert. Free admission.

MONDAY JUNE 13

Game On! Tween Board Game Club 4:00-5:00 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! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

FRIDAY JUNE 17

Crochet & Knitting Circle 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Come learn how to crochet or knit! Beginners to experts are welcome. Patterns and basic instruction (if needed) will be provided. Please provide your own needles & yarn. Limited space, Sign Up Today! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

SATURDAY JUNE 18

Summer Lawn Fair 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Local vendors, organizations, crafts, food. On the lawns of the UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St. Celebrate Summer Solstice with this family-friendly concert of musical tunes and marches. Vendor and food fair on the lawn before and during concert. Free admission.

Summer Solstice Celebration 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Join us for a day of FREE community activities! Something for the whole family to enjoy including kids games, inflatables, live music, kids & adults fun runs, field & food vendors! Sponsored by the Clark Memorial YMCA and Athol Savings Bank. At and around Clark Memorial YMCA, 155 Central St., Winchendon.

Winchendon Winds Concert 11:00 a.m. At the UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St. Celebrate Summer Solstice with this family-friendly concert of musical tunes and marches. Vendor and food fair on the lawn before and during concert. Free admission.

MONDAY JUNE 20

Fun & Games Club 4:00-5:00 p.m. Children ages 4-8 welcome! Join in on the fun as the Library Auditorium becomes a kids' fun zone! There will be legos, games, puzzles, coloring, and more! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

THURSDAY JUNE 23

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street. (NO drive-through service; take-out service will begin after all seated diners are served.)

FRIDAY JUNE 24

Food Truck Festival and Battle of the Bands 5:00-9:00 p.m. Summer kickoff! 15 food trucks, up to 8 different bands, vendors, Bull Spit Brewing. At G.A.R. Park, Murdock Ave. and Spruce St., Winchendon. Presented by Winchendon Recreation Dept. and Woo Trucks.

SATURDAY JUNE 25

Strawberry Festival 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. Bob's Country Auction, strawberry booth, food, theme baskets, raffles, and more! At Immaculate Heart of Mary church, 52 Spruce St., Winchendon.

SUNDAY JUNE 26

Strawberry Festival 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Sunday morning breakfast! Bob's Country Auction, strawberry booth, food, theme baskets, raffles, and more! At Immaculate Heart of Mary church, 52 Spruce St., Winchendon.

Winchendon Winds Concert 2:00 p.m. "Around the World" At the UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St. Enjoy an international sampling of music from Norway, Spain, Austria and others. Refreshments sold on the lawn before and during concert. Free admission.

MONDAY JUNE 27

Game On! Tween Board Game Club 4:00-5:00 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! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

AND COMING UP...

THURSDAY JUNE 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 Grilled Hamburgers, Garden veggie Tortellini Salad and Dessert. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

On the Same Page Bookclub 6:30-7:30 p.m. This month's book will be You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat, an LGBTQ Arab-American author of fiction and nonfiction. Copies available at the library circulation desk. For more information, email mjvelasco@winchendon.org or hartcamille5@gmail.com. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

FRIDAY JULY 1

Crochet & Knitting Circle 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Come learn how to crochet or knit! Beginners to experts are welcome. Patterns and basic instruction (if needed) will be provided. Please provide your own needles & yarn. Limited space, Sign Up Today! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

SUNDAY JULY 3

Winchendon Winds Concert 2:00 p.m. "Happy 4th!" At the UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St. Celebrate Independence Day with Win Winds as we close out our season with an all-American program. Refreshments sold on the lawn before and during concert. Free admission.

THURSDAY JULY 7

Beals Book Club 3:30 p.m. Beals Book Club is a discussion group that allows avid readers to discuss the themes, plots, and characters of selected books. Come participate in the stimulating exchange of ideas, observations, and reactions to the current selections. The library provides the books each month. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library Trustee's Room, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

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.

FRIDAY JULY 8

Summer Concert 6:00-8:00 p.m. "Neon Alley" will play. Sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Department. At the G.A.R. Park gazebo, Murdock Ave. and Grove St., Winchendon. Free to the public, bring a lawn chair or blanket.

THURSDAY JULY 14

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street. (NO drive-through service; take-out service will begin after all seated diners are served.)

FRIDAY JULY 15

Crochet & Knitting Circle 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Come learn how to crochet or knit! Beginners to experts are welcome. Patterns and basic instruction (if needed) will be provided. Please provide your own needles & yarn. Limited space, Sign Up Today! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

Summer Concert 6:00-8:00 p.m. Cailte Kelly will play. Sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Department. At the G.A.R. Park gazebo, Murdock Ave. and Grove St., Winchendon. Free to the public, bring a lawn chair or blanket.

THURSDAY JULY 21

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.

FRIDAY JULY 22

Summer Concert 6:00-8:00 p.m. Battle of the Bands winner will play. Sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Department. At the G.A.R. Park gazebo, Murdock Ave. and Grove St., Winchendon. Free to the public, bring a lawn chair or blanket.

SATURDAY JULY 23

Covered Bridge Ride and Rifle Raffle 9:00 a.m. Sponsored by Fire & Iron Station 857. Registration for ride starts at 9:00 a.m., kickstands up at 11:00 a.m. $15 per rider and $10 per passenger. 50/50 raffle. As part of the event, Station 857 is raffling a Henry Rifle. Tickets are $10 each, valid FID card required to claim prize. All proceeds to benefit Winchendon Veterans Housing Project. At Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St.

THURSDAY JULY 28

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street. (NO drive-through service; take-out service will begin after all seated diners are served.)

On the Same Page Bookclub 6:30-7:30 p.m. This month's book is TBA. Copies available at the library circulation desk. For more information, email mjvelasco@winchendon.org or hartcamille5@gmail.com. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

FRIDAY JULY 29

Crochet & Knitting Circle 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Come learn how to crochet or knit! Beginners to experts are welcome. Patterns and basic instruction (if needed) will be provided. Please provide your own needles & yarn. Limited space, Sign Up Today! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

Summer Concert 6:00-8:00 p.m. "Plead the 5th" will play. Sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Department. At the G.A.R. Park gazebo, Murdock Ave. and Grove St., Winchendon. Free to the public, bring a lawn chair or blanket.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 24

Senator Jo Comerford Visits Beals Memorial Library 6:00-7:00 p.m. As part of her district-wide Library Tour, State Senator Jo Comerford, now representing Winchendon, will visit the Beals Memorial Library to meet with constituents and talk about pressing issues affecting the community. 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

MONDAYS

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.

Meet-Up With the Kiwanis 6:30 p.m. 2ND AND 4TH WEDNESDAYS EACH MONTH. All are welcome! Come join in community projects, make new friends, make your community better, have some fun! Younger folks welcome. For more information, call Cailte Kelly, 978-413-9930. Hosted by Kiwanis of Winchendon MA. At the Clark Memorial YMCA Community Room (in new gymnastics building down by the bike path), 155 Central St., Winchendon.

THURSDAYS

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.

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.

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.

Porch Nights 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.

Winchendon Farmers' Market 4:00-7:00 p.m. Crafts, fresh farm produce, baked goods. SNAP and HIP accepted. At Veterans' Park, corner of Pleasant and Front Streets. Weather permitting.

SATURDAYS

Winchendon Farmers' Market 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Crafts, fresh farm produce, baked goods. SNAP and HIP accepted. At Veterans Park, corner of Pleasant and Front Streets. Weather permitting.