Thinking About Running for a Seat in Town Government?
Nomination Papers Available at Town Hall on Tuesday, Jan 16
If you'd like to run for a seat on an elected town Board or Committee, now is your chance. There are 9 open seats needing to be filled in the 2024 Town Election on May 6, 2024. All eligible Winchendon residents are invited and encouraged to run for a seat that interests them. All town boards and committees are volunteer, unpaid positions, and no previous experience in town government is required.
Candidates must be registered voters in the town of Winchendon (which automatically means that their principal residence is in Winchendon and they are at least 18 years of age). Candidates will need to have sufficient time and flexibility to attend regular meetings and read materials in preparation for meetings. (This can be a lot of material.) It's helpful if candidates have some knowledge or expertise in the areas the board or committee handles.
To get on the ballot, candidates need to pick up an official nomination paper (or "pull nomination papers" as it's called) at the Town Clerk's office in Town Hall (109 Front St., open Monday through Thursday). These will be available as of Tuesday, January 16 at 8:00 a.m. Candidates then must get signatures on the paper of at least 35 people registered to vote in the town of Winchendon. It's wise to get a few more than 35, because all the signatures must be certified by the Town Clerk in order to validate the nomination, and occasionally one doesn't pass muster.
To get signatures, candidates can ask all their friends, all their neighbors, attend public town events and ask people who are there (for town events, see the Courier's Clyde's Corner calendar listing on the Local Events page), hang out at the Transfer Station, hang out at Beals Memorial Library, stop in at the Community Hub Makers Alley and the Winter Farmers Market at Ipswich, and generally try any other method of connecting with other Toy Town voters that doesn't obstruct traffic or break the protocols of local businesses and eateries. (Ask the management if it's okay for you to canvas for signatures at a business, and be gracious if they say no.)
The nomination papers must be turned in to the Town Clerk's office by Monday, March 18 at 5:00 p.m.
Just as a reminder: if you are an incumbent who wants to run for re-election, you do need to pull nomination papers and get 35 signatures to be placed on the ballot. All candidates are on a level playing field in this regard.
Once your name is on the ballot, you don't have to campaign...but it definitely helps voters get to know you. Some candidates post on social media and even create a page just for their campaign. Some invest in campaign signs. Campaign signs are not permitted on public property, nor on private property without permission. The most effective way to use campaign signs is to ask your supporters to put up signs in their yards and give them the sign as a freebie. This shows everyone how many supporters you have.
In the few weeks before the election, the Courier sends out a candidate questionnaire to all the candidates on the ballot, and publishes their responses. Don't miss out on the opportunity for some free coverage!
For the last several years, the Beals Memorial Library, Town Hall and the Courier have partnered to run a Candidate's Night public forum for candidates on the ballot. Participation is optional, but all candidates have traditionally been invited. The forum is open to the public, recorded and broadcast live.
The Town Election will be held on Monday, May 6 at the Old Murdock Senior Center, second floor. All town precincts vote in the same polling place. The poll hours will be announced, but typically are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The election results are usually tabulated and announced before midnight.
SEATS AVAILABLE
TWO seats for Board of Selectmen (3-year term)
TWO seats for School Committee (3-year term)
and
ONE seat for School Committee (1 year remaining in an unexpired term)
TWO seats for the Board of Health (3-year term)
and
ONE seat for the Board of Health (1 year remaining in an unexpired term)
ONE seat for the Housing Authority (5-year term)
To learn more about the responsibilities of each board, visit their pages on the town website:
Board of Selectmen: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/board-selectmen
School Committee: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/school-committee
Board of Health: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/board-health
Winchendon Housing Authority: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/winchendon-housing-authority
You can also ask any current members of these boards what the job entails and what candidates need to know.
You can watch live and recorded meetings of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Board of Health on the new Winchendon TV channel at https://winchendon.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/?site=1. Older videos can be seen on the Winchendon Town Hall YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@winchendontownhall1022/videos. If you have Comcast/Xfinity cable, meetings are live-cast and re-broadcast on Local Access Channel 8.
Agendas and minutes of past meetings are posted on the town website at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/home/pages/agendas-minutes-past-meeting-videos
A sample of the front page of the nomination paper. Get one for your very own!
scan by Inanna Arthen
The Board of Selectmen meets twice a month, on the second and fourth Monday of the month. For each meeting, Board members receive a packet of materials related to items on the agenda, and this can include quite a lot of material. In addition to regular meetings, the Board of Selectmen have occasional joint meetings with other boards, especially as the annual budget is developed, and to discuss the warrant articles for Annual Town Meeting and Fall Special Town Meeting. The Board of Selectmen also hires the Town Manager, negotiates their contract and does their annual performance evaluations; appoints members to numerous town committees; and members often put in an appearance at town events and new business openings.
The School Committee meets twice a month, on the first and third Thursday of the month. School Committee members attend a mandatory training on their responsibilities. The School Committee occasionally has a joint meeting with other boards. The School Committee hires the Superintendent of Schools. The School Committee tends to hear more from the public at large than other boards and committees (although members of the public may appear before any town board or committee at their regular meeting, except during Executive Session).
The Board of Health meets on the first Monday of each month. They handle regulations and permits for businesses and public facilities related to public health, and have the authority to close a local business or venue if violations create a public hazard. They work closely with the town Health Agent, James Abare.
The Housing Authority meets on the second Tuesday of the month. They manage low income and senior housing in Winchendon.
As Board of Selectmen Chair Audrey LaBrie said recently, "America may run on Dunkin, but Winchendon runs on volunteers." Especially if you are a younger person, a person from an underrepresented group, a new person in town, or someone who just would like to get involved for the first time, you are welcome to "pull nomination papers" and throw your hat in the ring. It takes a lot of people to keep a town of 10,000+ running smoothly. You have a lot to offer!
Buy Local Winchendon
Retail Without Walls--There's More to Buy Local Than Brick and Mortar
When we think about "buying local," our first thought is the stores and eateries that line Central Street and are found on main roads around town, and even on Lake Monomonac, and on Rte 140 halfway to Gardner. But there are many small retail businesses based in Winchendon that don't have a storefront of their own. They are sole proprietorships or LLCs, crafters, food processors, entrepreneurs and farmers. They sell from stands in front of their houses, they sell online from their own websites or on Amazon (the unavoidable juggernaut for a small retailer), they have kiosks and shelves in other local businesses. Many of of them are, and have always been, "vagabond vendors"--hitting the road from April until October with tables, popup tents and heavy tote boxes, setting up at one local fair or crafts show or farmers market after another. Some spend their weekends at flea markets like Brimfield or Rietta. They spend their weekdays creating more product and on Friday night they're off again.
Over the last few years, Winchendon has gradually been adding more and more opportunities for Toy Town "makers" to sell their products locally. The Winchendon Farmers Market has long included crafters as well as farmers and growers. For a while it operated as Toy Town Market to reflect this, and then returned to the name Winchendon Farmers Market, but its non-farm makers and vendors have increased steadily. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon has run a Lawn Fair of local vendors since the church was built in 1868. The town's June Solstice Fair and October Fall Festival added two more large events for vendors, and the opening of the Winchendon Community Park has created even more chances for vendors and makers to put up booths and reach their public.
But all of these events share the same disadvantage: they are limited by the weather. If the weather doesn't cooperate--as happened this past June to Solstice Fair--everyone is just plain out of luck. There were a few indoor "holiday markets" put on by the UU Church and a few others, but after the holidays, Winchendon makers had very few options.
But now Winchendon is hosting indoor "winter markets" for local retailers without their own storefronts. This allows makers to do more through the cold months than make more product and sell online. They can keep their names and merchandize out in front of their public and continue bringing in revenue, helping them to grow their businesses.
This is the inspiration for the new Makers Alley market, operating every Saturday in the Winchendon Community Hub at 5 Summer Drive from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For a reasonable fee, which can be paid by the week or once for the entire season, makers can reserve a table space and set up on a weekly basis. Along with the Makers Alley, the bowling alley is open for bowling, and the Youth Changemakers Sunshine Café sells beverages, baked goods and snacks.
The local vendors appearing at Makers Alley include the following talented folks:
All Natural Foot Scrubs by Melinda
A blissful blend of nature's best, designed to rejuvenate and refresh your tired feet, our foot scrubs are crafted with a luxurious mix of:
Unrefined Coconut Oil: For deep moisture and a tropical aroma.
Epsom Salts: To soothe and relax those aching feet.
Pink Himalayan Salt: Rich in minerals, perfect for exfoliation.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For nourishing and softening the skin.
Essential Oils: A hint of nature's best scents for a spa-like experience.
Whether you've had a long day at work or an intense workout session, our foot scrubs are here to give you that much-needed relief. They're perfect for a self-care night or as a thoughtful gift to your loved ones who deserve a bit of pampering. Made with all-natural ingredients, our scrubs are not only kind to your skin but also to the environment.
Crafts by Peg
Peg is your go-to gal for all things crochet. What's "on the hook?"
Snuggly Blankets: Perfect for those Netflix nights!
Adorable Amigurumi: Cute critters to brighten up your day!
Chic Scarves & Beanies: Stay stylish and warm!
Custom Creations: Got an idea? Let's bring it to life!
Every stitch is made with love and a dash of creativity. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or just want to treat yourself (because you totally deserve it!), I've got you covered.
Rose Hawk Farm - Where Love Grows
Hello, nature lovers and green thumbs! We're the family behind Rose Hawk Farm, nestled in the heart of Winchendon. Our farmstead is not just about growing plants; it's about growing bonds, memories, and a whole lot of love.
Our Farmstead Story:
Here at Rose Hawk Farm, we believe in the power of nurturing - both plants and relationships. As a family, we've dedicated ourselves to cultivating a haven where every plant is grown with care and affection.
What's Blooming at Rose Hawk?
A vibrant array of flowers that paint our fields in a spectrum of colors. Fresh, wholesome vegetables, grown organically and picked with joy. A selection of herbs that add both flavor and fragrance to your garden.
Farm to Your Table:
Our produce isn't just fresh; it's grown with the kind of love that you can taste. From our family to yours, we bring the essence of Winchendon's soil directly to your table.
Follow Our Journey:
Discover the daily life at Rose Hawk Farm on our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rosehawkfarm/. From morning dew on petals to sunset over our fields, it's a story told in pictures.
Join Our Community:
We believe in growing together. Visit us, share your stories, and be a part of our farm's journey. Your support keeps our dream alive and flourishing. From our family to yours, we invite you to experience the warmth and bounty of Rose Hawk Farm. Because here, we don't just grow plants, we grow together.
Moon Maven Co
I'm Hannah, the creative soul behind Moon Maven Co's sparkling treasures. My fascination with the Moon's mystical charm is the heartbeat of my brand. Crafting is my passion, and each piece I design is woven with intentions to highlight your natural radiance and spark your unique style. My aspiration? To weave a touch of magic into your life and infuse positivity into every moment. Ready to shine? Drop me a message and let's let your inner beauty glow.
https://linktr.ee/moonmavenco
Vinyl Vibes by Valerie
What We Offer:
Custom-Designed Shirts: Tees that talk your style!
Mugs: Start your day with a cup of cheer.
Cup Koozies: Keep your drinks cool and your hands comfy.
Vinyl Decals: Add a splash of fun to any surface!
Jar Labels: Organize in style.
You Name It, I'll Make It! Got an idea? A favorite quote, a unique design, or a special request? Let me bring it to life! With a dash of creativity and a pinch of love, there's nothing we can't create together. Whether it's a gift for a loved one, a special event, or just a treat for yourself, my custom creations are sure to add that extra special vibe.
Support Small Business:
By choosing Vinyl Vibes, you're not just getting a unique product, you're supporting a dream, a passion, and a small business.
Sneak Peek! Swing by my photo album to check out some of my latest creations and get inspired!https://www.facebook.com/vinylvibesvaleriecarvill/photos
Upcycled News
Hello, art enthusiasts and eco-warriors! Are you wondering what to do with all that extra paper lying around? At Upcycled News, we have a magical answer: Transform it into art! We believe every piece of paper has a story and an artistic potential waiting to be unleashed. Our community of creative minds is turning yesterday's news into today's masterpieces!
What We Do:
Origami Wonders: From intricate flowers to playful animals.
Papier-Mâché Magic: Crafting sculptures and décor that wow.
Quilling Art: Turning strips of paper into mesmerizing designs.
Collage Creations: Assembling pieces into stunning visual narratives.
Check Out Our Gallery https://www.facebook.com/UpcycledNews/photos to see the incredible creations our community has crafted. You'll be amazed at what a little imagination (and a lot of paper) can do! Let's turn the page on traditional art and embrace the beauty of upcycling. Together, we're not just making art; we're making a difference!
Jen's Homestead
(also has a stand in front of 71 Glenallen St, Winchendon, MA.)
We're serving up homemade baked delights and, when the hens agree, fresh eggs too! Town licensed and committed to safety and quality with ServSafe® and allergen certifications. Got a craving? Contact us at jenslittlehomestead@gmail.com for a taste of home. Visit Jen's Homestead on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094393517601
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Local Makers Hub please fill out the interest form at https://forms.gle/L2nebuY1CnJarRMs7
Reserve your dates at https://signup.com/go/vVZsbes.
Visit the Makers Hub webpage at https://www.thehealcollaborative.org/localmakershub
or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LocalMakersHub.HEAL
Along with the weekly Makers Alley, the Winchendon Farmers Market has launched an indoor Winter Market on the first Saturday of each month, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the community room at Winchendon Housing Authority, 108 Ipswich Drive, Winchendon. Some of the same vendors who regularly appear during the summer have tables at the Winter Market, including Haley Farm, Shelly's She Shed (jam, preserved food and baked goods), Spinning Ginny and Crafts by Peg.
As local marketplaces continue to grow, they'll draw people into Winchendon from surrounding towns. Toy Town could become a center for artisans and artists, crafters and skilled craftspersons, designers and innovators. Every business starts small--with enough support, it can grow from a kitchen table to a thriving enterprise that creates jobs and attracts visitors to our town. But it starts with us first: with buying small and buying local. From there, the possibilities are endless.
BOS Recognizes Sheila Bettro's Retirement, New COA Director Announced
At their meeting on Monday, January 8, the Board of Selectmen read a Certificate of Retirement recognizing the long service of Council on Aging Director Sheila Bettro, who recently retired. Ms. Bettro has moved to her new home in another state and was not present to receive the certificate, which Board Vice Chair Rick Ward will make sure is delivered to her.
Board Chair Audrey Belanger said for the record, "I would like to read this Certificate of Retirement. 'Town of Winchendon Certificate of Retirement. We the undersigned do hereby proudly present this Certificate of Retirement to Sheila Bettro in recognition of 20 years of service, and be it further known that the Town of Winchendon recognizes your hard work, dedication and commitment with all the best wishes to you for the future, both personally and in any new business venture you may or may not undertake in your new revitalized life. Awarded on the eighth day of January, 2024, by the members of the Board of Selectmen.' And they just signed. Therefore so, Sheila, thank you so much for everything you've done."
No more was said about the position by the Board, but during his Town Manager's report, Town Manager Bill McKinney announced that Miranda Jennings has been hired as the new Director of the Council on Aging and started work that morning.
Ms. Jennings is well-known in town as the Director of the Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC), which job she will continue to do. She promises to give the Courier an in-depth interview on her hopes and plans for the future of the Senior Center in the very near future, so stay tuned to this space!
Beals Memorial Library Presents Autism Friendly Open Swim at the Clark YMCA
On Sunday, February 11, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., Beals Memorial Library will sponsor a sensory-friendly swim at the Clark Memorial YMCA pool, 155 Central St., Winchendon. Space is limited and registration is required. Families may register by visiting the library at 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon, or calling 978-297-0300.
Individuals who are neurodivergent, on the autism spectrum, or have other special needs and their families are welcome to join us for an afternoon of swimming! This free event takes place after hours to provide a more quiet, sensory-friendly environment for participants.
This event is a part of the See Beyond the Spectrum Initiative and funds are provided by Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARLS).
Information for Parents/Caregivers:
- A Clark YMCW Waiver must be signed beforehand or at the event. The library has copies at the circulation desk.
- Parents/caregivers must be in the water with their child at all times.
- Only Coast Guard approved items are allowed in the pool.
- This is a shallow and only open swim. If an individual wants to go into the deep end they must pass the Clark YMCA swim test.
Local high school students encouraged to apply for North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation Scholarship program
North Central, Mass. (January 9, 2024) - The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce applications for the 2024 Scholarship program are now being accepted from local high school students in North Central Massachusetts.
Each year, the Chamber Foundation distributes approximately 25 scholarships made possible through contributions from members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Students interested in applying for a 2024 scholarship should contact their high school guidance department to apply. A limited number of scholarship applicants are submitted by each school in the Chamber's service area each year and then reviewed by a committee of Chamber members. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
Since the establishment of its scholarship program, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation has awarded over a million dollars in scholarships. Many of these awards are made possible through contributions from members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Scholarships endowed through the Chamber Foundation are often named in honor of prominent members of the North Central Massachusetts business community whose philanthropy and commitment to the community have helped shape the region.
The Chamber's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on assisting in the betterment of the region through charitable activities. Funds raised by the Foundation are utilized primarily for education/workforce development initiatives and charitable activities in North Central Massachusetts, including scholarships to eligible applicants pursuing education and grants to support economic and community development projects.
For more information on the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation's scholarship program or for a list of the named scholarships, please visit northcentralmass.com or call 978.353.7600 ext. 222.
