The Winchendon Courier - Local Happenings

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

Week of April 20 to April 27, 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 24-April 28, 2023:

Monday, 4/24: Turkey with gravy, mashed potato, carrots, low sodium bread, mixed fruit.
Tuesday 4/25: Swedish meatballs, orzo, green beans, oat bread, cupcake or Lorna Doones.
Wednesday 4/26: Hot dog and roll, baked beans, cole slaw, warm pears.
Thursday 4/27: B-day chicken parmesan, pasta, zucchini, garlic roll, mixed fruit.
Friday 4/28: Lentil stew, brown rice, vegetable blend, roll, pudding or 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.

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.

Outdoor Yoga with Stephanie at the Winchendon Community Park

Yoga hosted by Stephanie from Simply Grounded Yoga and Pilates at the Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr., Tuesday nights at 6:00 p.m. from May 2 through June 6. Rain dates will be the following Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Single class tickets are $20. Buy a pass for all 6 classes ($100) and get the 1st class FREE! Also receive a free water bottle and entry to win a new yoga mat and tank with a pass for all 6 classes! Classes will be held in the soccer field for this session.

Please contact Tnewton@winchendon-ma.gov if you have any questions.

Buy tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-wcp-tickets-620775414977

The Winchendon Skillshare Program Presents Citizen Science!

The Winchendon SkillShare Program is happy to announce the start of our Citizen Scientist Skillshare Program! The USA National Phenology Network (USA-NPN) monitors the influence of climate on the phenology of plants, animals and landscapes and are looking for volunteers to join our Citizen Science Program called Nature's Notebook and help us collect information on plant and animal species in the Winchendon area. Your data, and data from scientists will help to develop tools to support a wide range of decisions made routinely by citizens, managers, scientists, and others, including decisions related to allergies, wildfires, water, and conservation. No prior experience or long-term commitment required! We welcome amateur naturalists and botanists as well as seasoned professionals. Learn more about phenology and help us record data for scientific research.

Saturdays 9:30-10:3-0 a.m. at the Sunshine Café, Winchendon CAC, 273 Central St. Register here: https://forms.gle/aiwtm5VhBvoiZwJn6

Clyde's Corner

It's Happening Around the Winch!

FRIDAY APRIL 21

Teen Night: Murder Mystery 6:00-8:00 p.m. Free event for teens! At the Sunshine Café, Winchendon CAC, 273 Central St. Snacks and drinks available to purchase from the Café. Registration required: click here to register. https://forms.gle/HtarCTcXUTTUv3JK7

Beginner Line Dancing Class with Marylee 7:00-8:30 p.m. $10 per person. No experience necessary. You don’t need to sign up in advance. Club opens at 6:30 PM. Cash bar available, no outside beverages allowed. Come join the fun! This is all genres music not just country. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

Singo! 8:30 p.m. Free to play...prizes...Cash bar available! At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

SATURDAY APRIL 22

Teen Night Arts and Crafts 6:00-8:00 p.m. Free for teens! At the Sunshine Café, Winchendon CAC, 273 Central St. Snacks and drinks available to purchase from the Café. Registration required: click here to register. https://forms.gle/HtarCTcXUTTUv3JK7

TUESDAY APRIL 25

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

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.)

On the Same Page Book Club 6:30 p.m. Join us to discuss our April book in honor of Autism Awareness Month, The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida! This book is written by Naoki Higashida, a very smart, very self-aware, and very charming thirteen-year-old boy with autism, it is a one-of-a-kind memoir that demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Parents and family members who never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one, at last, have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within. Copies of the book are available at Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. The Book Club meets at the Winchendon CAC, 273 Central St.

FRIDAY APRIL 28

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.

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!

Honoring All Moms Psychic Fair 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Join Medium Bonnie Page and other talented readers for a fun-filled day of readings, reiki and homemade sweets! Call 978-297-9790 for information. At the Murdock Whitney Mansion, 151 Front St., Winchendon.

Persson Smoke House BBQ 12:00-6:00 p.m. Burgers $12, hot dogs $5 (two for $8). At the Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St. 978-297-0754.

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.

Paint Night Fundraiser 6:00-9:00 p.m. $40 per person. 50% of proceeds go to benefit Post 193 Scholarship Fund. Tickets may be purchased in the Members Lounge or from Katlin Murphy (@Katlinmurphy), cash or Venmo. At the Winchendon American Legion Post 193 downstairs back hall, 295 School St. 978-297-0754.

SUNDAY MAY 21

Lobster Bingo (Shoot) 2:00 p.m. Three card Bingo, 25 games for $20. Side raffles for 2.5 lb lobsters, scratch tickets, 50/50. Sponsored by Eugene M. Connor Post #193 and Sons Squadron #193. At the Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St. 978-297-0754.

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