This Week's Winchendon News
Parks & Rec Gearing Up for 4th Annual Founders Day Event
Saturday, June 6 will be the 4th year of Winchendon's newest annual celebration: Founders Day, commemorating the Grand Opening of the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation's $3 million gift to the town, the Winchendon Community Park and the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation Performing Arts Amphitheater. This year Founders Day will conclude with an entirely new type of spectacle for Toy Town: an aerial drone light show in the skies above Whitney Pond.
Admission to Founders Day 2026 is entirely free and open to all. There will be local vendors, food concessions, and beer, wine and beverages for sale. The event starts at 2:00 p.m. and runs until approximately 9:00 p.m. There will be kids' activities, carnival games and live music all day. Food and beverage vendors include Tavern in the Square, The HUB, Potato Potato, Egg Roll Cafe, Berry Sweets and Lickity Splitz, with beer from Moon Hill Brewing.
Live music on the amphitheater stage is currently scheduled as follows:
2:00-4:00 p.m. - New Release
4:30-6:30 p.m. - The Quarry
7:00-9:00 p.m. - Whiskey Johnson
The drone show will start at about 8:30 p.m.
Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on at the amphitheater. As of press time, some showers are possible, so attendees might want to dress accordingly--rain ponchos are massively useful for outdoor events that might be not entirely dry.
Nestled at the end of Ingleside Drive off of Maple Street, the Community Park includes walking trails, decks overlooking the water, a pollinator garden, and a Disc Golf course. The town originally traded the old Marvin School building to The Winchendon School in exchange for the parcel of land on Whitney Pond that became the park.
Parking will be available in the Community Park's parking lot, then in the soccer field at the entrance to the property. No parking is allowed along Maple Street. Should all the parking on site be filled, there will be overflow parking at Murdock Middle High School (3 Memorial Drive) with shuttles running every ten minutes.
Founders Day is sponsored by Winchendon Parks & Recreation and the Winchendon Cultural Council, with thanks to the Mass Cultural Council and the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation.
BOS Faced With Solomonic Decision in Lengthy Dangerous Dog Hearing
From left, Susan Young advocates for Titan the dog, as owner Michaela Krafve, and plaintiffs Pam Saulnier and Steven Saulnier listen.
Photo copyright Town of Winchendon
At their meeting on Monday, May 11, the Board of Selectmen held a "Notice of Dangerous Dog" public hearing. Board Chair Andrew Beauvais summarized the situation leading to the hearing, saying, "We received a few different letters with complaints about a dog named Titan. So back in September there was a situation where somebody was, I believe, riding their bicycle, and the dog did attack." He asked anyone present who would like to speak about what happened to come forward. Four people came forward: Steven Saulnier, who was making the complaint, accompanied by Pam Saulnier, and Michaela Krafve, the dog owner, accompanied by Robert Betourney.
Mr. Saulnier began by saying that the incident in his complaint, which occurred on September 13, 2025, "was actually the second incident. The first incident was October 10, 2024." Mr. Beauvais asked him to speak about the second incident. "I was on my mountain bike, as you stated," Mr. Saulnier said. "Traveling down Joslin Road, and the dog came off her property and bit my calf and knocked me off my bike." He had sent some video of his bite and torn pants, and one of the dog barking at the camera.
There was some question as to whether that section of Joslin Road is a public way or a discontinued road maintained by its abutters. The property in question is a 9-acre parcel on a section of Joslin Road between Mill Glenn Road and Rice Road that does not appear to be maintained by the town, and which dwindles away to a rocky trail through the woods, although there is more to Joslin Road further north where it joins Hitchcock Road. It's another one of Winchendon's "mystery roads."
Speaking to the dog's owner Dr. Krafve, who is an associate veterinarian with Townsend Veterinary Hospital, Board member Erika Eitland said, "Just as a dog owner, I'd love to hear your perspective."
Dr. Krafve said, "I'd like to say right off the bat, we've gone to court with this five times, and every single time the court has gone in my favor, to the point where they even said that the dog is doing his job. This is a ongoing issue. I have it even from Steven himself, where he had tried to put the dog in his four wheeler, and suddenly, when he got told that he couldn't hunt on the property anymore, this has started, and it's non-stop. He goes down, he provokes the dog. Animal control, and their boss, Lieutenant Wolski, went down numerous times, and they know if you wait at the end of that road, that dog is going to come up. That is his job. That is what he is legally allowed to do. He is a working farm dog. This is an area that has bears, and it's proven already, just this week, that there's a bear out there. And I have expensive livestock down there. I've been down there for 20 years, and every single abutter on that area has written a notice for this dog's defense, and has never had a problem with him, except for Steven, who continues to go down there on posted land, claiming that he can hunt down there, even his wife, we have on pictures taking down the No Trespassing signs. This is an ongoing personal battle that the courts themselves have said the dog is in his right."
Mr. Beauvais said that the Board hadn't had that information before now. Dr. Krafve said this was the second time she'd been "brought up last-minute, when my side's never allowed to be said," and she wanted to defend the dog.
Mr. Beauvais asked Lt. Kevin Wolski if he could fill in the Board on what he knew.
Lt. Wolski came forward to say, "So I supervise animal control. I'm not an animal control officer. The animal control officers have cited Miss Krafve a few times for the dog being loose, running at large, according to the bylaw, and she has appealed to the court and won those cases. The court magistrate, has, to my knowledge, ruled in her favor, because the bylaw indicates that the dog can be used for agricultural purposes. So if you read the bylaw, and it clearly states that the issue is that the dog is coming off the property when nobody's there to supervise the dog, and has bitten Mr. Saulnier at least once and come after him a couple more times. That road, to my knowledge, is an unmaintained town road. It's still a public way. It's just not maintained, so he has the right to go down there. So the issue is that the bylaw allows for the dog to be used for agricultural purposes. So when you cite somebody for that, and they appeal it, we're going to lose. That's why we're here for a dangerous dog hearing or a nuisance dog hearing. The first time we had the hearing, Miss Krafve was not notified of it, and she appealed that to the court and they ruled in her favor on that. So that's why we're here today."
Dr. Krafve said, "My dog does wear a GPS tracker at all times, so I always have access to where that dog is. And when I've asked for bite reports twice, there is not one. When you get bit by a dog, and I know this is a fact, as a veterinarian, you go to the hospital, you fill out a bite report. It cannot be your significant other, any different than if my own dog bit somebody, I can't write the bite report. And there is not a bite report on file."
Lt. Wolski said that the police had reports that were filed with them. Dr. Krafve said that a report by an independent medical professional needs to verify the report or it's just one person's claim against another's.
Mr. Saulnier said, "I'd like to add that this hearing is not about a loose dog or properties. It's about me getting bit twice by the dog. That's a public way, and it's only a matter of time before a child or an elderly person that's not able to defend themselves is going to get hurt down there. I supplied all the email screens and the videos and pictures."
Dr. Krafve said, "He has a No Trespass order down there and continues to go down despite another abutter offering him a secondary route to go around, that he chooses to still go down in front of these dogs. And I have witnesses as well that will attest to that."
Mr. Beauvais said that this was the first time the Board has dealt with a complaint of this kind, and while he understands that the animal is on private property, "once they enter a public property or public way, that's a whole 'nother situation." He invited other members of the public to speak.
Pam Saulnier said, "I'd like to just say that he didn't seek medical attention, because it wasn't that bad that he felt like he needed medical attention. But he did have an injury, he did break the skin, and he did file it with the police each time. I would also like to add that on the two occasions that he was bitten by that dog off property that Michaela failed to quarantine that dog..." Dr. Krafve put in that this was incorrect, and Ms. Saulnier went on, "Michaela did not quarantine the dog. She claimed it was a different dog. She has two dogs. Steven knows both of those dogs very well. He never had a problem with the previous dog that was down there. This is the only dog that he's ever had a problem with. He's not trying to make it difficult. He's been traveling through that way for 25 years. My son lives on the other side of Joslin Road, and we pass through there often. There's no reason why we shouldn't be able to be on a public way without being at risk of a dog coming off property and suffering a bite."
Dr. Krafve said, "I also have in writing from Steven himself, where I said, you're welcome to come meet the dog. How can we make this better? They were at our house a few days earlier, and they said, Nope, it's fine. It's fine. And then he said, I'm sick of this. I've been patient enough with all your dogs. I've owned this property for 20 years. I've never had an issue with these dogs."
Mr. Betourney asked if the town had any other complaints about the dogs, but the Board didn't have that information. Dr. Krafve said that the dogs had been at her home on North Central Street, and the Murdock track students run right past their front yard without provoking the dogs. Mr. Betourney said that he doesn't own the dogs, or have any connection to the Joslin Road property, Dr. Krafve simply lives at his house, but he is being sued.
Monica Cleaver came forward, stating that she was formerly the Winchendon Animal Control Officer and animal health inspector. "My concern about this bite incident is the bite report that doesn't exist. As far as I know from when I worked for this town and for the State of Massachusetts, a bite, regardless of the extent, needs to be reported if it's in a police report, and that doesn't exist, and that means that the animal control officers either didn't do their job or the bite didn't happen, because there has to be a report through the state to be able to do a quarantine for an animal, it has to be done within 24 hours of that bite."
Lt. Wolski stated that the bite wasn't reported to the ER, which would have reported it to the police. The bite was reported to the police, it was passed to the ACO, and the dog was quarantined. There was some confusion about the notice of quarantine not being received right away, and a different dog being transferred to the Joslin Road property.
A speaker named Megan came forward to describe in detail her interactions with Titan while she farm-sat for Dr. Krafve recently. She and her two kids, aged 11 and 9, played with the dog. She offered to show photos and videos of the dog with her children. "I will submit anything you want to the Board showing that this dog is not a threat to anybody," she said.
Mr. Beauvais asked Dr. Krafve what she had done to secure or control the dog. Dr. Krafve said none, "because of the wild animals down there, you don't have to legally tie a farm dog. That's the bylaws. Because they're doing their job. They're protecting that stock. They chase them off, they go back to their stock. That is what they do. You tie these dogs, you're putting them in danger, and you're putting the livestock in danger." She went on, "These are expensive show sheep. This land is surrounded by woods, and I will gladly submit you an aerial and show you what this looks like. This is not an area where my house is. These are expensive animals that are out in pasture during the spring, summer, fall, and especially during hunting season. And I've had other hunters. I have two of them right here that have gone hunting. Many hunters go through there. Nobody has an issue, except for the Saulniers that were told not to."
Susan Tavaleski came forward to say, "I'm the former ACO for Winchendon, senior, I was also the ACO for Fitchburg for fourteen and a half years. I'm state and nationally certified through NACA, National Animal Control. I was the animal health inspector as well. When doing the bite incidents, you have to go to the hospital and get it checked. I don't care if it's a puncture, a scratch, it needs to be checked so that can be verified. Other than that, all it is is a he said, she said, because then also the quarantine does have to come down, but it has to be verified normally through the hospital."
In response to a question from Pam Saulnier, Lt. Wolski clarified that while hospitals must report bites to the police, the police are not mandated to report bites to the hospital.
Resident Gary Allen came forward to say he had hunted on the property for 15 years, and installed trail cameras, and he had never had a problem with the dogs--they interacted with him in a friendly way.
Susan Young came forward to describe in detail the friendly relationship she had with Dr. Krafve's dogs. "This all seems nonsense to me. It seems like there's a personal issue or a further issue, other than what the face of this is, and that may need to be resolved, but it's not that he's a dangerous dog," she said.
Pam Saulnier said, "When Steven was driving down that road on his bicycle, he didn't have an opportunity to greet that dog and say hi. The dog jumped out from the edge of the road, knocked him off his bike and bit him. He didn't have an opportunity to greet that dog and say, Hi. You're a good dog, you know, how are you?...I understand the dog has a job to do. I am an animal animal lover by nature. I don't want to see Michaela's animals hurt by any means. The dog, unfortunately, has now twice bit him."
Ms. Eitland said, "What kind of resolution are you looking for by coming in front of us tonight that we can provide or help mediate?"
Mr. Saulnier said, "I want to be able to drive down that road either going hunting, trail cameras, to my granddaughter's house, and not be bitten by a dog. I think it needs to be banned from the property like it was previously."
Dr. Krafve said that Mr. Saulnier does not have permission to hunt on her property and has "multiple trespass warrants."
Pam Saulnier asked to read a statement, saying, "My husband was bitten twice now by Michaela's dog Titan while present on a public road. He was not trespassing. He was not on the owner's property at the time of these incidents. He's a trusted veteran who has responsibly hunted and started this area for more than 25 years without ever having a problem or complaint involving any animal or any resident. Steven has never experienced any issues with her previous dog. We want to be very clear, we don't wish harm to this animal. We do not believe the situation is solely the fault of the dog. However, owners have a legal and ethical responsibility to maintain maintain proper control of their animals and to comply with all safety and quarantine requirements established by the town of Winchendon and Massachusetts law. The Town of Winchendon Bylaws prohibit dogs from running at large, which is defined as being free to wander on public or private ways or on the property of another. The bylaws further prohibit dogs from becoming a public nuisance, including attacking persons while off the owner's property. While the bylaws do provide a limited exemption for working or sporting dogs actively engaged in hunting, field trials, training, agricultural assistance or guard work, that exemption does not remove the owner's responsibility to keep control of the dog or prevent it from posing a danger to the public.
"In this case, the dog was on a public roadway when Steven was bitten twice. The situation is especially concerning because our granddaughter lives nearby, and this dog has been seen on my son's property. This is a beautiful area where families should feel safe walking, riding, biking, horseback riding and enjoying outdoor activities, I hope that someday I can soon comfortably spend time there with my granddaughter without fear or concern for her safety. Unfortunately, Michaela has demonstrated repeated failures to follow these rules, including improper compliance with quarantine guidelines following the bite incidents. As a veterinarian, she should fully understand the seriousness and importance of these public health and safety requirements. Equally concerning is the lack of accountability demonstrated throughout this matter. Rather than accepting responsibility, Michaela attempted to have my husband arrested using falsely represented video evidence, despite the fact that he was not trespassing and remained on the public way. We believe this behavior raises legitimate concerns regarding credibility judgment and willingness to comply with future safety requirements in orders imposed by the town. This hearing is not about punishment or retaliation. It's about public safety, accountability, and ensuring that clear rules are followed before another person is injured. We respectfully ask the Board to consider the repeated nature of these incidences, why the owner demonstrates disregard for established guidelines and the risk posed to members of the public using town roads and surrounding countryside."
There was some more discussion about whether Mr. Saulnier had been on the property legally and how incidents should be documented and reported. By this time the hearing had lasted more then 40 minutes.
The Board voted to close the public hearing and make a determination.
Ms. Eitland said, "I feel that just because a dog is in that public right of way does not make them a dangerous dog....the evidence that has been brought today, to me, suggests that the dog does not appear dangerous. It is doing its job. I think in a farm town like this, that is going to necessarily be there. So again, without some of that medical evidence, without some of that other detail, it is hard for me to make any decision one way or the other."
Board member Melissa Blanchard, somewhat emotional, said, "I didn't join the Board to put a dog down. That is not why I'm here. I'm looking at this video, and I'm looking at a dog telling this person to back off. I know dog language. Dog are telling you something, when the dog is standing there barking at me, turning his back to me to walk away, that dog is not threatening me, but telling me to back off." She went on, "It tears me apart that we can't find a resolve because that dog is a working dog trying to protect what is trained to do. And it's just heartbreaking." Surrendering the dog would be as severe a punishment for a working dog, they can't be confined, she said.
Ms. Eitland said she would like to move to dismiss the complaint.
Mr. Beauvais said he also felt this was "100 percent not what I signed up for." But, he said, "while Massachusetts law does recognize working dogs, it does not give them unlimited freedom to roam off the property. So dogs used for herding livestock, for example, cattle and sheep, may be off leash while actively working and under control. However, they must still be under the handler's control, not posing a threat to people or other animals. If a farm dog, which in this case it is, if the farm dog leaves the property, enters public ways, chases or bites someone, it loses any practical protection of being a working dog and is treated like any other loose or dangerous dog. However, in my opinion, I would agree, without actually having any one proof that any of this occurred in a public way...and because there's been one complaint brought forward about this specific dog...I would also agree that we should move to dismiss."
The Board voted to dismiss the complaint. Mr. Beauvais said, "If this were to come before the Board again, I would ask that all parties involved please provide every shred of evidence you can, and that way we can make a better determination."
"The History of Toys in Toy Town" at the Beals Library on June 8
Have you ever wondered why Winchendon is called Toy Town? Come to the Beals Memorial Library on Monday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m. to see Winchendon Historical Society board member, Guy Corbosiero present the fascinating of history of the town's toy manufacturing boom of the early 20th Century. Select toys will be on display during the presentation.
This event is in partnership with the Winchendon Historical Society and is the first in a series of lectures on the history of Winchendon. The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information call the Library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org.
A selection of toys from Winchendon's toy manufacturing past will be on display during the History of Toys in Toy Town presentation on Monday, June 8th by Winchendon Historical Society board member, Guy Corbosiero.
Photo courtesy of Beals Memorial Library
Winchendon Commission on Disabilities Holds Information Session on Service Dogs
Nicole Fleming with Freya
Photo courtesy of Katrina Fleming
On Monday, June 1, the Winchendon Commission on Disabilities held an informative discussion at the Beals Memorial Library about the various types of working dogs in our community. This presentation was given by the Commission's Vice Chair, Nicole Fleming, who is deaf with cochlear implants and has a service dog named Freya who alerts her to sounds. Ms. Fleming explained the differences between service animals, therapy animals and emotional support animals, and the laws surrounding each type.
Ms. Fleming explained that there are three kinds of assistive dogs: Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs.
A Service Dog is specifically trained to perform a certain task, or several tasks, for a person with a disability. They are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which says, "Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities."
Some tasks Service Dogs perform include alerting their handler to sounds, guiding a blind or low-vision handler, picking up dropped items, assisting with balance and stability, and subtle changes in medical conditions. Service dogs can warn a handler of an impending seizure, for example.
Service Dogs have legal right to public access when accompanying a handler with a disability, which means access to places the general public is allowed to go, such as stores, restaurants and hotels. Permanent housing, private property, member-only associations and religious institutions are exempt from the law.
Service Dogs must be allowed to live with their owner even where there is a general "no pets" policy. They can fly in the cabin of a plane with the handler. They must be able to tolerate novel environments, experiences and interactions.
Ms. Fleming explained that businesses should be aware that Service Dogs are not pets. They must be allowed to accompany their handler "unless this fundamentally alters the nature of the business." Pet fees or other fees for accommodating the Service Dog are not allowed.
Ms. Fleming emphasized that handlers are responsible for controlling their Service Dog, and the animal may be removed for misbehavior such as jumping, barking excessively, soiling or climbing on furniture. The person with a disability should be allowed to remain with reasonable accommodations.
Ms. Fleming gave the "Dos and Don'ts" for interacting with a Service Dog team. DO address the handler, ignore the dog, and explain Service Dog etiquette to children. DON'T talk to the dog, pat the dog without permission, point, stare, or take photos without permission.
An Emotional Support Animal is defined as any animal, with or without training, that provides comfort and emotional support to a person with a psychiatric disability. It may require documentaion from a treating service provider that the emotional support animal is genuinely needed. Emotional Support Animals do not have the public access rights of Service Dogs. They are allowed in housing that is otherwise "no pets", and may or may not be allowed to fly in the cabins of planes.
A Therapy Dog is trained to provide comfort to many people in different settings. They may visit people in hospitals, schools, libraries, churches and so on with the permission of the people in charge. They do not have the public access rights of Service Dogs.
Ms. Fleming explained that there are some common misconceptions about Service Dogs. They may not be wearing a vest identifying them, and they may not be on a leash. They may not have an "ID Card" identifying them. There is no way to tell what disability a person with a Service Dog may have simply by looking at them, and it is not okay to ask to see a demonstration of what the Service Dog is trained to do. Emotional Support Animals may not be taken anywhere, like a Service Dog. It is not possible to certify a pet dog as a Service Dog online--extensive training is involved.
The Winchendon Commission on Disabilities will be offering more discussions and information sessions like this one in the future. To stay updated, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586958982464.
Ready, Set, Go! Puzzle Race at the Beals Library on June 10
How fast can you and your team finish a 500 piece puzzle? Whether you're a puzzle pro or just do them for fun, all are invited to participate in the Friends of the Beals Library's Jigsaw Puzzle Race! on Wednesday, June 10.
Photo courtesy of Beals Memorial Library
How fast can you finish a jigsaw puzzle? Whether you're a puzzle pro or just do them for fun, all are invited to participate in the Friends of the Beals Library's Jigsaw Puzzle Race! Who can finish a puzzle the fastest? Join the fun and see if you have the pace to win the race!
On Wednesday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m., teams of 2 to 4 people will vie to see who can assemble a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle first. When the race is over, each team gets to take home their puzzle! This event is free and open to all ages. Sign-ups are open now, so register today to participate in the action!
This event is brought to you by the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library who will be hosting their annual meeting at 6:00 p.m. before the race begins. The Friends are a group that volunteers their time to support the Winchendon library through book sales and other special events and fundraisers and whose funds go towards library programs or the purchase of items for the library's use. They work to engage the community in raising positive public awareness through advocacy of the library. Come to the meeting to find out what they've accomplished this past year, and how you can get involved.
The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon.
To learn more about the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library or to register for the Jigsaw Puzzle Race, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org.
June Movies at the Beals Library
The Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon will be screening two movies during the month of June.
The first film, which will be shown on Thursday, June 11 at 6:00 p.m., is the 2026 adaption of Emily Bronte's classic novel, Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. Set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, the film is a passionate and tumultuous love story exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Rated: R. Run-time: 2 hours, 16 minutes.
The 1957 Hollywood Classic, 3:10 to Yuma, starring Glen Ford and Van Heflin, is the second movie screening of the month on Wednesday, June 17 at 3:10 p.m. Broke small-time rancher Dan Evans is hired by the stagecoach line to put notorious captured outlaw leader Ben Wade on the 3:10 train to Yuma, but Wade's gang is out to free him. The film is widely considered a masterpiece of the Western genre. Directed by Delmer Daves and based on a short story by Elmore Leonard, it is a tense, character-driven psychological thriller that favors moral tension and suspense over constant shootouts. Not Rated. Run-time: 92 minutes.
The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. All movies at the library are free and open to the public! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit their website at bealslibrary.org.
Open Letter to the Residents of Winchendon
The Courier was sent this letter, unsolicited and unexpected, by Robert Grady, who pleaded for it to be published as a Letter to the Editor. As Mr. Grady is a property owner and taxpayer in Winchendon, and was not able to speak at the April 15 Zoning Board of Appeals hearing concerning his property on Cummings Road because he was not present in person to be sworn in, and his involvement with the town is one of general interest to residents here, the Courier has decided to publish his letter, in the interests of fairness.
The following is exclusively the viewpoint, opinions and claims of Mr. Grady. The Courier is making no comment on or endorsement of its content.
I ask that the following be read. Any facts stated herein can be proven. I know it may be hard to accept when facts get in the way of a good story. Untruths told to a few have caused hysteria amongst many. Here are the facts, do with them what you may.
I purchased 25 Walnut St. 12+ years ago. ERG Sober Community has now grown to 4 homes on Walnut St. While many of you refer to these homes as sex offender housing, that is not the case. Yes, many men have had convictions for sex offenses, many have not, some have never been convicted of any crimes. We have assisted men and early on, 30 or so women to get their respective lives back on track. Some of these individuals have come from jails and or prisons. Some have come from detoxification programs, long term residential programs and many have been local citizens who needed a safe, clean, sober environment to assist them with their drug and or alcohol misuse issues.
In 12 years, not a single person has ever been arrested for a new charge while at ERG. NOT ONE!!! The men who live at ERG volunteer around the area, they work jobs that nobody else wants and they spend on average, $300.00 each, weekly in the local community, roughly $500,000 yearly. Every one of those properties was purchased in a various state of disrepair and at least $1,000,000 has been spent on them. The men who have received prison sentences have completed them. I feel it best that they live in a safe, sober, clean, structured setting. Those who do not come from a carceral setting benefit greatly by living with men who have spent countless hours in various prison offered programming. I'd like to think that my programming history helps as well. I am very selective in who I allow to reside in these houses. A bed will stay open rather than filling it with someone who I deem to be unsuitable. I was surprised to read quotes from a woman who owned a day care of sorts on Walnut St. back in 2014. She was used as a pawn by others in an attempt to create geographic preclusion zones. That case was taken to the Supreme Judicial Court wherein these zones were eliminated statewide. I was disappointed to read that she had negative thoughts about the houses. A number of years ago, she was at a birthday party at a friend's and she asked to speak with me. She then apologized and told me how every man that I allowed to live in these Walnut St. homes had treated her respectfully and then went on to say that she was sorry to have allowed them to use her. I'd be glad to have the recording of that call transcribed if she claims otherwise. Another woman claims that I have men living there who do not register with the Sex Offender Registry Board that are obligated to. To her, I say this. Show me ONE single man who has been allowed to live in ANY property that I've EVER owned who was supposed to register and didn't and I will turn over ownership of all 4 houses to you. What's that I hear, crickets? Another woman claimed that I am level 3 sex offender. Also, completely untrue. Yet another claimed that the State pays me to take these men and or that I receive funds from the state. Again, I have not ever been given a single cent from the state for any reason. And finally, another said that I am using my inheritance or other family money. I have never inherited a cent from anyone and not a cent has come from any family members. Again, I'm sorry when the facts do not line up with the nonsense being uttered. All it took was one disgruntled woman to lie to a couple of people and those of you who attended the town hall meeting were off to the races. The hysteria around my Cummings Rd. property is absurd. I own numerous rental properties around town. I have never rented a single one of those to anyone who has a criminal record. Not because I can't, but because I choose not to and I have given my word. While that may not matter to many, when you find yourself in the situation that I put myself in, you learn quickly that your word is really all that you have. When I give mine, you can take it to the bank. Also, men who have committed sex offenses have close to the lowest recidivism of any other crime. Again though, ERG serves everyone in need,, not just men who have committed sex offenses.
I committed a horrendous crime almost 40 years ago. I can never change that. For the first several years following my arrest, I continued to not be a very good person. At some point, I decided to change my ways. In 1988, I was smoking an ounce of free-base cocaine daily and was drinking more than a case of beer. I was a mess. I'd come from a solid, respected Winchendon family. We've lived in town for almost 70 years and have owned everything from a package store to nursing homes, a clothing store, a gas station, an insulation company etc. I felt the need to do what I could to help the town. I have been 100% sober for 35+ years. I have completed over 100 programs and then went on to become a peer aide, tutor, mentor etc. for all of the major ones. It seemed natural for me to work with others who have struggled with similar issues. ERG is a win for everyone. The men living there, the local retail establishments etc., they all benefit. Most of you didn't even know it existed until you were deceived by a woman who wanted to live up at my Cummings Rd. home who I caught stealing from me. She then went around the neighborhood lying to the neighbors, telling them that I planned to house men who had been charged with offending in a sexual manner. This was not ever the case and it will never be the case. Again, I give you my word.
One of the units up there on Cummings Rd. was to be filled by a woman whose daughter died of a drug overdose. Her son in law died from a gun shot wound. This 60 year old woman adopted her 2 teenaged autistic grandsons. This woman has lived in town her entire life and she can't find a single apt. that is suitable. These 2 boys would have benefitted greatly from having a 2 acre backyard to hang out in. My son who by the way somehow managed to become a good, solid, law abiding family man would have liked to have had the the upstairs unit at least until we develop one of my other properties. I've even gone so far as to offer to do something unheard of. If I am permitted to turn this Cummings Rd. house into a 2 family, if either of the 2 units ever open up, I will advertise them for 30 days. At that point, the senior member of every Cummings Rd. house will get to vote which of the applicants is selected to occupy the unit majority wins. Write it up, I'll sign it. I bet that quieted down the people who ask if I can be trusted. I've made the same offer to staff at the C.A.C. as it pertains to the 16-20 apts. I'm going to put into 86 Front St. I'd be glad to do the same with the 40-60 low income, affordable apts. I plan to put into Goodspeed. I think that a lot of you need to face facts. This has never been about the properties or who might live there, it is about your feelings about me, at the expense of those who would benefit from this housing.
Furthermore, let's talk about some of the other endeavors that have been slowed down on by those who can't see past the fact that it is me and not my father or one of my aunts or uncles. July 9, 2024, I had a phone brought to a scheduled meeting in town manager Bill McKinney's office by my friend. We met with Bill, Nicole Roberts and Brian Croteau. We first discussed 86 Front St. or as those of us who lived in town 50+/- years ago know it as "Sid's Block." I bought this property so that it didn't just get rented again as a slum by someone with no ties to Winchendon. When I explained to Bill, Nicole and Brian that I'd prefer to have a designated parking space as this was always a problem in the past, I was asked if I'd spend the necessary funds to put a parking lot across from town hall on Front St. I did one better. My grandmother always wanted to see the Morton Converse gardens that used to run along the river to Tannery Hill restored. So, I agreed to build a 40 space lot with stairs running down to the gardens and establish a $100,000 trust to oversee the restoration and maintenance of these gardens. I pictured families having picnics with kids fishing, whatever. They were all on board and planned to post it for R.F.P. It still hasn't happened. So now, I'm going to be forced to put the apts. in and fill the 3 store fronts with little to no parking or put in a 50+ bed long term residential program We then spoke about the Goodspeed building. My plan is to remove, not demo. all of the space that is single story. I will then connect the 2 sloped roofed sections and run a 50' or so section that will run behind the bowling alley (C.A.C.). Behind this, along the water, I want to put in a nice dog park for both the residents of that property as well as for those Winchendon residents who would like to use it. Also, while I love what they've done with the old alleys, my project will actually comply with the town bylaws, specifically, 4.2. You should probably all read them. So, those 2 properties coupled with the apt. rentals I currently have around town will bring close to 100 brand new apts. that will all be affordable and will be marketed to local town folks and I'd gladly work with Shaina and Tiffanie during the selection process. I next mentioned to them that I now owned the Bullspit Brewing Co. and that I'd like their thoughts on what they'd like to see happen in the old foundry bldg. They asked for Jim to take his phone with me on it out of the office for a minute. When we were summonsed to return, the 3 collectively asked if I would be willing to put in a supermarket. I was thrilled. When I was a kid, we had 3. We now have none. 19 jobs left town with it. Please remember, this entire meeting was recorded as are all of my phone calls. For the next few months, I went back and forth with with supermarket chains and finally had one willing to come to town. I had to agree to build to their specs. I also agreed to give them a 5 year lease @ $1.00 per year with a percentage of profits over a certain number. It was a huge financial risk that I solely would have taken. None of the 3 I met with gave any indication that things had changed until a week or so before last May's town meeting when Bill wrote an article to take back the property that Bullspit had paid for through the R.F.P. and then spent a considerable amount of money on. He told everyone that it was to get it back on the tax roles. Here we are a year later, the bldg. has fallen further into disrepair and I'd agreed to pay the taxes the day it was conveyed to Bullspit. My architect was drawing what was to be an awesome skate park on the back side facing the water and I planned to have a permanent stage for future concerts. I also planned to have a yearly vehicle show and perhaps 3 annual flea markets along with a couple of my son's "Pokemonster" shows. Between 86 Front St., Goodspeed, the supermarket/skate park etc., we were going to put more than $5,000,000.00 into our downtown area. I'd like to see the Winch become more of a destination than a place to just pass through.
Please give me a little support. Please let me get some of these things in place. I'm asking for your trust. EVERYTHING said above is documented. I give you my word and again, I'm sorry that the facts are getting in the way of the lies you've been told. I haven't nor will I ever , except at my Walnut St. houses, rent to those with a criminal background. Let me be the guy who shows you, doesn't just tell you. I love the town of Winchendon and unlike these people who are allowed to work there and make decisions but don't live there, I've stepped up and put my money where my mouth is. Thank you and may God bless you always.
Sincerely,
Bobby Grady
Contact information on file
