The Winchendon Courier - Local Happenings

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

Week of April 13 to April 20, 2023

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 April 17-April 21, 2023:

Monday, 4/17: HOLIDAY - Happy Patriot's Day!
Tuesday 4/18: Broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken, rice pilaf, green beans, multigrain bread, mandarins.
Wednesday 4/19: Macaroni & cheese, peas, Vienna bread, gelatin or yogurt.
Thursday 4/20: Meatloaf with gravy, mashed potato, garden salad, oat bread, berry crisp or warm berries.
Friday 4/21: Mediterraneau cod. roasted potatoes, creamed spinach, whole wheat roll, fresh fruit.

The Winchendon Senior Center vans are available to Winchendon residents 55 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.

March 2023 Senior Center Newsletter (PDF)

Some other on-going activities are:

Card games after lunch in the dining room
Bingo on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.
SHINE representatives available to answer health insurance questions, Mondays 9:00-12:00 or Tuesdays 10:00-1:00.
Pickleball, Wii games, billiards, jigsaw puzzles and other activities
Fitness room with workout equipment
Assistance with applications for fuel/heating assistance, SNAP, and other resources
Food pantry and clothes closet

May Day Spring Festival and Concert

Come celebrate spring and take In the new Magnolia Studio Garden!

Live music, belly dance and a traditional Beltane May Pole!

Enjoy world music by the fabulous Meraki Caravan! And experimental sound with Sound Shaman! More bands to be announced:)

Belly dance by the Magnolia Studio Nagashri Dancers!!!

May Pole
Artist Vending
And light refreshments
BYOB
Bring a drum or instrument for the maypole!
All ages welcome!!
Saturday, April 29
286 Front St. Winchendon MA 01475
3:00 p.m.
$10 suggested donation (no one turned away)
Children under 12 are free!

https://facebook.com/events/s/may-day-spring-festival-concer/596759671947833/?mibextid=RQdjqZ

Winchendon's Got Talent!

But you knew that! Are you interested in showcasing your talent at the Saturday, August 5 Community Day at Winchendon Community Park? Get 3 to 5 minutes on the brand new Performing Arts Amphitheater Stage to strut your stuff! Event is free to enter and starts at 1:00 p.m. To sign up, email us at Tnewton@winchendon-ma.gov or sign up at the Recreation Office, in Winchendon Town Hall, 109 Front St., or Beals Memorial Library, at 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Rd. Sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Department.

Take Part in Citizen Science!

Do you want to learn about Phenology? Cindy is just the woman to teach you! Join her for some Free Training on how to be a Citizen Scientist at the Winchendon Community Park. Please register at this link so we know how many to expect. (This class is for adults but there will be a Skillshare for kids through HEAL Winchendon. More info to come.) Tuesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 20, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Winchendon Community Park Soccer Field, 86 Ingleside Rd. Register at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/citizen-science-learning-tickets-607512555407

Winchendon Skillshare

Do you have a skill?
Would You Be Willing to Teach Your Skills to Youth?
Sign up to Lead a Skillshare!

Winchendon Skillshare is a multi-generational program for local residents, parents, teachers, businesses and organizations to share their skills and knowledge with youth in town. Thanks to the Winchendon Cultural Council, we now have funding to compensate Skillshare teachers for your time. For more information, contact 978-297-1667, winchendon-cac.org

To sign up to teach, go to this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxNOiXWVQK1o30kiKaYYLlx24AAL6YEvdMZQQoIW88WDAX0g/viewform

Youth Changemakers Forming Winchendon Youth Council

Calling all TEENS IN WINCHENDON!!

What do you think about living in Winchendon? Do you wish there were more fun, teen-specific activities for us? Do you think there should be more youth voices involved throughout the town?

The Youth Changemakers of HEAL Winchendon are working towards creating a youth council to ensure our ideas and voices are heard by the town! To do this, we need your help in letting us know what issues are important to you and your perspective on being a youth in Winchendon!

Fill out this super quick survey to tell us what you want to see in town and what is most important to you!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6nahuACh0D2hItjkQewpU6aevHP1yjs8Gi1ztR4l3pW6ZXQ/viewform

HEAL Winchendon Offering Financial Coaching Workshops

HEAL Winchendon, in conjunction with the Winchendon CAC, is offering a free financial coaching program to any residents who are interested. The program runs for eight weeks with a flexible schedule and is available in both English and Spanish. Coaching will be scheduled at the Winchendon CAC, 273 Central St. To enroll, fill out the form at HEAL Financial Coaching Sign-Up (Google form) or call 978-621-4524.

Auditions for Ruthless: The Musical at Theatre at the Mount

Theatre at the Mount, Gardner, Massachusetts announces auditions for its June production of Ruthless, the Musical. Director Lorien Corbelletti and Music Director Dave Twiss are looking for a cast of 5 principal adults and one child.

Eight-year-old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking, and she will do anything to win the part in her school musical, including murdering the leading lady! A hilarious romp through the world of Broadway, child acting, parenthood and unbridled ambition, this campy cult favorite may just be "the stage mother of all musicals!"

Auditions are Monday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. sharp in room A110 at Mount Wachusett Community College. Proof of vaccination is required to audition. All auditions are by appointment only.

To schedule an audition appointment, call 978 630-9388 or email your request to box-office@mwcc.mass.edu

Please prepare a short vocal selection in the style of the show that shows your abilities and range (bring sheet music if selection is not from the show). An accompanist will be provided. Expect cold-readings from the script.

Tap audition for the role of Tina Denmark only (please bring tap shoes)

Performances of Ruthless are June 9, 10, 16, 17 @ 7:30 p.m.; June 18 @ 2:00 p.m.

Rehearsal Schedule: Sundays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

For more information contact Professor Gail Steele at 978 630-9162 or visit the Theatre at the Mount web site at https://mwcc.edu/campus-life/tam/

Clyde's Corner

It's Happening Around the Winch!

FRIDAY APRIL 14

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. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

Killer Pool Tournament 7:00 p.m. $3 per person to play. Killer pool is an easy and fun pool game. It’s also known as baseball. You don’t need to know any rules to speak of. When it’s your turn: you shoot at any ball on the table trying to make any ball except the cue in any pocket. If you pocket a ball, you live. If you miss, it’s a strike. Three strikes and you’re out. It’s a survivor game pure and simple. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd., Winchendon, MA.

SATURDAY APRIL 15

Good Earth Farm and Garden Center Grand Opening 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Former Agway store now under local ownership. Music by The Grey Whisker Pickers, local vendors and food, special sales. 633 West Broadway (Rte 2A), Gardner, MA. 978-632-0991.

Social Issue Panel Discussion - Substance Abuse 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Part of the One Book, One Community Town-Wide Read. Panelists Shawn Hayden from GAMMHA Inc., Winchendon Police Chief Dan Wolski, and Amy Simmers-Swanson. The purpose of the Social Issues Community Discussions is to shine a light on the difficult topics, and to give voice to the many residents who have not typically been heard, including youth, and those who are experiencing, or have experienced, the trauma of these problems. Pre-registration required for translation services or child care. Light refreshments funded by The Health Equity Partnership of North Central Massachusetts. At the Bud Fletcher Community Room, Clark Memorial YMCA, 5 Summer Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Wilderness Survival Class 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Hosted by Earthworks Programs. Join us for a fun filled learning experience. $50 per adult, $25 per child. Tickets on sale through Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/590381054627/preview/ At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Rd, Winchendon.

Darren Bessette 8:00-11:00 p.m. You asked...we listened...He is back!! You don’t want to miss this amazing country musician! No cover. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd., Winchendon, MA.

SUNDAY APRIL 16

Pipes and Platter - Organ Concert and Dinner 4:00 p.m. Organ Concert featuring guest artist George Bozeman performing Chorales of J.S. Bach. Free admission. 5:15 p.m. Four-Course Dinner featuring garlic-sauteed chicken breast in Dijon cream sauce over fluffed rice. Dinner tickets $15 per person ($8 age 10 and under). To pre-order dinner tickets and see more info visit https://uucw.ncmuuc.org. At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 19

Animal Adventures 2:00 p.m. Meet the animals, and hear interesting stories about them. A fun and unique learning experience to be enjoyed by all. Funded in part by the Winchendon Cultural Council and the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library. At the Clark Memorial YMCA Field House, 155 Central St., Winchendon.

Candidates' Forum 7:00 p.m. Candidates for seats in Winchendon's May 1 Town Election will be interviewed. Moderator: Inanna Arthen. Public is welcome to attend. Sponsored by Beals Memorial Library. In Winchendon Town Hall 2nd Floor Auditorium, 109 Front St.

THURSDAY APRIL 20

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:15 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. 5:45 p.m. for takeout meals. Served in the Parish Hall. This week the menu is Shepherd's Pie. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 26

Reader's Choice Book Club 6:00 p.m. A non-traditional book club for teens and adults! Reader's Choice is the book club with a monthly theme instead of a monthly book. Read any book you want that fits the theme and share your selection with the group! Last Wednesday of every month, at Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. Book theme for April: "Neurodivergence."

THURSDAY APRIL 27

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 will be an Earth Day-themed dinner. 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 APRIL 28

One Book, One Community Author Signing 5:00-6:00 p.m. Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of the One Book, One Community Town-Wide Read selection Hey, Kiddo, will hold an author Meet & Greet and book signing at Murdock High School Cafeteria. Registration required. Sponsored by Beals Memorial Library. At Murdock Middle High School, 3 Memorial Dr., Winchendon. www.bealslibrary.org/townwideread

One Book, One Community Author Talk 6:30 p.m. Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of the One Book, One Community Town-Wide Read selection Hey, Kiddo, will give a free public talk at the Murdock High School Auditorium as the culminating event of the Town-Wide Read. Sponsored by Beals Memorial Library. At Murdock Middle High School, 3 Memorial Dr., Winchendon. (Watch Jarrett's TED Talk on YouTube) www.bealslibrary.org/townwideread

SATURDAY APRIL 29

Spring Fling Vendor Fair 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Memorial & Toy Town PTO. To reserve a vendor space, or for more information, contact memorialschoolpto22@gmail.com before April 14. At Memorial Elementary School Gym, 32 Elmwood Rd., Winchendon.

May Day Spring Festival Concert 3:00 p.m. All ages welcome, $10 suggested donation (no one turned away). Music by Meraki Caravan and Sound Shaman, May Pole dance (bring a drum or instrument to play!), vendors, belly dance performance, refreshments. At Magnolia Studio Garden, 286 Front St., Winchendon.

Murder Mystery Dinner to Benefit Ahimsa Haven 6:00-9:00 p.m. A Fun Night Out Benefiting Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue! You're working as a private investigator trying to solve a Murder full of twists and turns. Will you be able to figure out who the killer is? Tickets include the mystery, a buffet dinner (vegetarian option available, please email us) and dessert. You get all this for only $50 p/p! If you would like to play a role, please make sure you choose the participant option (only a few available). We will send out further info if you are participating in a role. Cash bar, 50/50 raffle and Basket Raffles!! All kinds of chances to be a winner! Join us for some laughs and fun! At Williams Restaurant, 184 Pearson Boulevard, Gardner, MA. Buy tickets at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/murder-mystery-dinner-tickets-602707744087

"Heartless" Band Performance 8:00 p.m. New England's Ultimate Tribute to Ann Wilson of Heart Allies Tour. Age 21+. Tickets $20. 50/50 raffle and more. For info call 978-297-2753. At Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St. Proceeds benefit Winchendon Lions Club Charities. (for info about the tour, see www.HeartlessTribute.com)

MONDAY, MAY 1

ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Old Murdock Senior Center, second floor, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY MAY 3

Narcan Training 6:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Winchendon CAC and MOC. Open to the public. Refreshments and free Narcan to take home. At the Winchendon CAC, 273 Central St. 978-297-1667.

THURSDAY MAY 4

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:15 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. 5:45 p.m. for takeout meals. Served in the Parish Hall. This week the menu is taco salad and all the fixings. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

SATURDAY MAY 6

Town Wide Earth Day Clean-up 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Organized by the Board of Health. Dumpster will be available. Pitch in and clean up your neighborhood, or join a team!

THURSDAY MAY 11

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.)

SATURDAY MAY 13

Taste of Winchendon 12:00-4:00 p.m. Taste of Winchendon is centered around celebrating Winchendon's melting pot of cultures and traditions. Experience a variety of cuisines, crafts, activities, live music, and all of the other delights our community has to offer! Taste of Winchendon is an entirely free event for the public thanks to the Winchendon Cultural Council, the Winchendon CAC, Growing Places, CHNA9, and Beals Memorial Library. Beals Memorial Library lawn, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

MONDAY, MAY 15

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 7:00 p.m. At the Murdock Middle High School Auditorium, 3 Memorial Dr., Winchendon.

THURSDAY MAY 18

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:15 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. 5:45 p.m. for takeout meals. Served in the Parish Hall. This week the menu is pork and mashed potatoes. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY MAY 24

Murdock Pops Concert time TBA. Murdock Middle High School choirs and bands spring performance. At Murdock Middle High School auditorium, 3 Memorial Dr., Winchendon.

THURSDAY MAY 25

AND COMING UP...

SUNDAY JUNE 4

Winchendon Winds Concert Band 2:00 p.m. "Win Winds" opens its 2023 season with the first of four concerts. Refreshments sold on the lawn before and during concert. Free admission. At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

SATURDAY JUNE 10

Performing Amphitheater Grand Opening 3:00-9:00 p.m. The Robinson Broadhurst Foundation Performing Arts Amphitheater will hold a Grand Opening Celebration at the Winchendon Community Park, with food and entertainment.
2:30 Shriners march down Maple Street
3:00 ribbon cutting and speakers
3:30 Bodega Dog
4:00 School theatre performance
4:25 Eddie Raymond - magician
5:00 Faceless Hobos
5:30 Kilroy
6:45 The Darren Bessette Band
8:00 Whiskey Johnson
9:00 Fireworks!
For more information, call 978-297-5410 or email Tnewton@townofwinchendon.com. Sponsored in part by the Winchendon, Templeton and Gardner Cultural Councils. At the Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Drive off Maple St.

SUNDAY JUNE 11

Winchendon Winds Concert Band 2:00 p.m. "Win Winds" continues its 2023 season with the second of four concerts. Refreshments sold on the lawn before and during concert. Free admission. At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

SATURDAY JUNE 17

Summer Solstice Fair All day! Road race, parade, vendors, entertainment, food. On Central Street. Organized by Clark Memorial YMCA.

SUNDAY JUNE 18

Winchendon Winds Concert Band 2:00 p.m. "Win Winds" continues its 2023 season with the third of four concerts. Refreshments sold on the lawn before and during concert. Free admission. At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

THURSDAY JUNE 22