This Week's Winchendon News
The HUB Holds Grand Opening for Beautifully Refinished Back Patio Space

The newly refinished back patio space
Photo by Inanna Arthen

Artwork from the student in the art club at Murdock Middle School
Photo by Inanna Arthen
On Friday, June 19, The HUB hosted a combination Grand Opening Celebration for their newly finished back patio space and a celebration of the Juneteenth federal holiday, with raffles, a student art display, and live music provided by Annie Wallflower & Julian Wagner and the Rusty Truck Saloon Band. The HUB was full of people, both inside and outside, enjoying cool but lovely weather and admiring the new space.
If you had seen the back area two years ago, you would hardly believe your eyes now. Formerly a rubble-strewn "vacant lot" filling the corner where the bowling alley and the office addition to it connect, the pristine space now features concrete paving, a gravel center with Adirondack-style chairs, a trim privacy fence on the open sides painted deep gray so that it is hardly noticeable, freshly painted walls and murals, a stage area, tables, benches and chairs, lighting, a sound system, and a concession window where volunteers can serve food and drinks from inside to guests on the patio. Weather allowing, the patio doubles the amount of space available for classes, meetings, events and activities. Visitors access the patio through a door at the back of the meeting/classroom area next to the food pantry. It was all made possible thanks to the generous support of the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program through Main Street America, the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation, Inc., and the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts.
The celebration began at 5:00 p.m. and ran until 8:00 p.m. The Sunshine Cafe was open, as were all the bowling lanes, for half price. The classroom space featured a table full of raffle baskets and a display of art and writing by members of the student art club at Murdock Middle School. All proceeds will go for new bowling shoes for The HUB bowling alley.
At 6:30 p.m., Miranda Jennings, Director of the Winchendon CAC and The HUB, called everyone together for the official ribbon cutting.
After thanking everyone who was attending, and the volunteers who were handling the tech so we all could hear, Ms. Jennings wanted everyone present to hear what had been said at the Ounce of Prevention Conference 2026 in Worcester on June 17 by Dr. Robbie Goldstein, the Masschusetts Commissioner for Public Health. Dr. Goldstein had picked one organization in the entire state to exemplify the conference theme of "Prevention Along the Stream: Collaboration and Connection to Build Healthy Communities," and he chose The HUB as his example. Ms. Jennings played a recording of his words. Dr. Goldstein said, "One more thing about this bowling alley. It is once again a bowling alley, with the rumble of balls down the lanes, the clatter of pins falling, kids cheering or perhaps groaning, families laughing, the sounds of a very vibrant community. What was once an empty building has become a place of connection, opportunity, and hope. It is a bowling alley transformed into a launchpad for human potential. When a community decides that people deserve support, stability, and opportunity before crisis ever arrives, that is prevention.
"This year's conference theme, 'Prevention Along the Stream,' is not just a metaphor, it's a framework for how we have to think about the work. Some of you are working downstream, responding to crises, providing care in moments of acute need, showing up when someone is struggling. That work is vital, and we need it. Some of you are working midstream in schools and shelters and health centers, catching problems before they become emergencies, building connections before people fall through the cracks, and that work is vital. We need it. And some of you are working upstream, addressing the root causes, the housing, the food access, economic security, the racism. You're looking at the historical disinvestment, the conditions that shape health long before anyone walks through a clinic door, and that work too is vital. We need it. We need all of it, not as competing approaches, but rather as a continuum."
State Representative Jon Zlotnik stepped up to say, "I just want to congratulate you all again. This is, I don't know what number ribbon cutting as we get through different stages, but I remember Miranda first came to me with this idea a few years ago, and we had a nice chat, and I walked away from that meeting thinking, well, that's a really nice vision. I don't know if she'll pull it off, and I don't know if it's possible this decade, but with a little bit of help from the state, a little bit of help from our private donors, and a whole lot of help and effort from the local community, not only has this happened, but it's happened in really record time. I got to tell you, I have other communities in my district that would love to have something like this. Some of them are working on it and can't pull together, but what this little town has done to make this a thriving social spot is really something special, and it's something each and every one of you should really be proud of the effort that's gone into it, so really, congratulations."
Ms. Jennings went on, "Before we do our ribbon cutting, I want to say thank you to some people. I want to tell a little bit of a story. So, when we first got this building, we didn't know what to do with it, because it was a smelly, stinky bowling alley, a wonderful bowling alley, but it was kind of stinky and smelly, because it has been here for a very long time, and it's like a staple in this community. Raise your hand if you used to play here when you were little. So a lot of you have very fond memories of this place. So we wanted to do that justice.
"We were connected by one of our Select Board members, Dr. Erika Eitland, with the firm she works with, called Perkins & Will, and they did a design for free of this patio and of the entire building, so everything you're seeing here is through this amazing vision of an internationally renowned, one of the top design firms in the entire world did this for Winchendon, because they saw the possibility and the drive and the hard work that we have here in Winchendon. I think we made them proud, we are so grateful for that design.
"And then there have been hours, I think we've counted over 2200 hours of volunteer sweat and labor that went into making this patio itself happen. Every single piece of dirt, piece of cement, piece of rock, piece of furniture was hauled in by hand down that little pathway or pumped over the roof to fill in the cement, and that was done by Winchendon School students, Murdock School students, volunteers from Winchendon and I think from Johnson & Johnson, many of you who were here, all of our regular volunteers at the CAC, our board members. So it's just been a labor of love to make this happen, and a lot of people didn't think we could do it, but we definitely proved them wrong, and we did it.
"So to all of you, and there's a special volunteer who's over there hiding, his name is Howie. Yes, Howie has probably put in like 500 of those 2000 hours, or like half of those 2000 hours. He built this entire fence by himself, basically, with students, which has made it possible for us to have our after-program here. He helped fill in the gravel, fill literally everything out here."
After a round of enthusiastic applause, Ms. Jennings explained that this ribbon cutting ceremony would be a little different than the usual one. Short streamers of fabric were passed out to everyone present, and Ms. Jennings told everybody on the patio to form a big circle, and tie the ends of their streamer to their neighbors' streamers. This formed one long multi-colored ribbon, whose ends were attached to the ribbon held up on the stage.
"The reason we're doing this is because this place is so much more than a cool patio or a bowling alley," Ms. Jennings said. "It is our community center that we have built, and we will continue to build and take care of. It is a place where teens can now come four days a week for free teen drop-in centers. We have senior bowling, we have a youth workforce program. Here's Richie, he's part of it. He's cooking tonight. We have a food pantry, we have social services, we have a thrift store, and we have a whole lot of fun and a whole lot of community happening here, which you don't find that other places. This place is truly magical, and it's because every single person here makes it magic, and I'm saying that out of all sincerity."
She asked people in various groups--board members, volunteers, people who had gotten services from the CAC, people who had come to an event or activity, and so on--to raise their bit of ribbon high, until the entire circle was holding up their ribbon.
"I end with a quote that my mother always used when she gave speeches, from Margaret Mead," Ms. Jennings said. "Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
With that, volunteers Richie and Howie snipped the ribbon with the giant scissors, which had been brought by Planning Coordinator Nicole Roberts.
Ms. Jennings told the Courier that credit and their unending gratitude also go to Powell Stone & Gravel, which donated gravel for the patio, PLAC Concrete Construction LLC, for donating the time and labor to pour the concrete surfaces, Tenney Remodeling, and Dame Electric LLC.
Downtown Winchendon Rockin' on Saturday, June 20 as Multiple Traditions Share the Day
Vendor booths at the UUCW Summer Lawn Fair
Photo by Jill Sackett

Vendor booths at the Clark YMCA field
Photo by Inanna Arthen
Downtown Winchendon was packed with activity and entertainment on Saturday, June 20 as numerous beloved annual traditions offered food, vendors, live music, a parade, children's amusements, raffles galore and more. The weather was pleasant and rain-free, although it was somewhat gusty. Vendors occasionally had to grab at their table items to prevent escapes.
The highlight of the day, the Solstice Fair parade, marched down Central Street at 11:00 a.m. on the dot, beginning with fire engines and a police cruiser, sirens wailing. Police Chief Dan Wolski piloted the cruiser. They were followed by a long line of classic cars from Broadview, a couple of groups with YMCA banners, a troop of Girl Scouts, a long line of farm vehicles, trucks from Brooks Automotive, several other vehicles and groups, and two big DPW trucks at the very end.
The Clark Memorial YMCA's vendor booths were lined up on their athletic field. Also on the field were several large inflatable bounce-houses and pony rides for kids. Musicians played from a stage in front of the field house, and a large tent was set up for people to sit under and eat food from the food concessions by the stage.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon was holding its annual Summer Lawn Fair--which, with a few breaks during times such as WWII and COVID, has been running since 1867. The front lawn was completely filled with local vendors and organizations, including the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library and the Winchendon Garden Club with an array of raffle baskets and garden plants for sale. Winchendon Winds had a table with raffle baskets and information, and there was a "freecycle" table. UUCW ran its popular hot dog concession, selling hot dogs and fixin's, chips, water and soda.
Immaculate Heart of Mary church was on the second day of their annual three-day Strawberry festival, with live music, dancing (performances and participatory), raffles, food, a bake sale, and of course, a whole table of strawberry treats, including strawberry shortcake. They also had a "Chinese auction" of antiques and second-hand or hand-made items, and more second-hand items for sale in "Grandma's Attic" next door.
It was a very enjoyable day for Winchendonians and visitors, especially after so many rainy weekends over the last couple of months. If you missed it, here is a video of the parade! Participation in the parade is free of charge and open to any business, organization or group in Winchendon. To march in it, you only need to sign up with the Clark by the deadline (this year it was May 22).
video by Inanna Arthen
Winchendon Winds Closes Concert Series with "Characters"

Over 120 people enjoyed the concert "Ahoy!" on June 21
Photo by Inanna Arthen

Winchendon Winds Auxiliary volunteers Jane LaPointe and Britta LaFortune staff the concession table on June 21
Photo by Inanna Arthen
Last chance for 2026! Winchendon Winds closes out their four-concert series this Sunday, June 28, at 2:00 p.m. at the UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street. The theme for this final concert is "Characters." The audience will be "introduced" to James Bond, the Wicked Witch, Tony & Maria and more as the band plays music depicting various characters, some known, some not-so-well known.
This year's grand finale is Edward Elgar's monumental "Enigma Variations." While Elgar's most widely recognized composition is the "Pomp and Circumstance" march played at most all graduation ceremonies, his "Enigma Variations," composed between 1898-1899, may be considered his most personal and expansive work. In it, Elgar introduces a theme and 14 variations, each of which musically describes a person (or in one case, a dog!) in his social circle. Some movements are somber, and others playful, but all effectively portray a characteristic, mannerism or other trait unique to the individual being described. The concert program will provide a description of each "character" movement so the audience can follow along.
Winchendon Winds concerts remain free, thanks to generous support from ten area Local Cultural Councils including the Winchendon Cultural Council, the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation, and various businesses and individuals. The concerts are family-friendly and young musicians are especially welcome. Refreshments will be sold before the concert and at intermission. Raffle winners will be drawn at the conclusion of the concert, and some lucky winner will guest-conduct the band in a season-ending encore of John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever."
For more information about Winchendon Winds, visit winchendonwinds.org.
Winchendon Winds plays the John Philip Sousa march "Hands Across the Sea" at the June 21 concert.
video by Inanna Arthen
Eric Ducharme Appointed to Board of Health in Joint Meeting of BOS and BOH

Eric Ducharme responds to a question
photo copyright Town of Winchendon
In a joint meeting of the Board of Health and Board of Selectmen convened on Monday, June 22 so the two boards could consider applicants for two open seats on the Board of Health, applicant Eric DuCharme was the only one of three who appeared to be interviewed.
BOH Chair Monique Connor began the interview by asking, "How do you see yourself helping out with the Board of Health?"
Mr. DuCharme said, "I think that I can help the Board of Health through just being present, also being maintaining integrity while being present, also being conscious when being present, and making sure that I'm abiding by proper code, ethics, and responsibilities that are given to me."
BOH member Barbara Zisk asked, "Are you comfortable making decisions based on state regulations, even when they're unpopular?" When Mr. DuCharme replied yes, Ms. Zisk continued, "How would you handle a situation where a friend or business owner presses you for special treatment?"
Mr. DuCharme replied, "I would first make them realize that I'm here professionally, and that type of pressure that you're putting on me is actually unprofessional and unkind of you to put me in that situation, so I wouldn't feel necessarily uncomfortable, but I would just be very blunt with them to say that it's very unprofessional and crude of you to put me in that type of situation."
Ms. Zisk went on, "How would you balance personal opinions with state and local public health laws?"
"We all have opinions, but we have to follow local health laws," Mr. DuCharme said.
BOH member Paula Whitaker asked what sparked Mr. DuCharme's interest in serving on the board, and whether he had served on any others. Mr. DuCharme replied, "I have a background in science, particularly in sustainable farming and food production, so it kind of like aligns. And secondly, I just think this is a way for me to be able to understand the needs of my community that I've lived in my whole life and see where I can just give back and participate in my local community." He is currently the housing treasury for the American Legion. "I really don't have expectations, it's just serving the community. I'm pretty straightforward and transparent, so just trying to get more a feel for local government and understanding the needs and where I can help," he added.
Board of Selectmen member Audrey LaBrie asked, "One thing that you have to be aware of when you come into any of these positions, is that even though you may not personally like a decision that the board makes, once the majority of the board or the committee makes that, you have to support that. Is that something that you think you'd be comfortable doing?"
"Yes. And the reason why, I served in the military, that's exactly how you have to behave. You keep your own opinions to yourself, and you follow the orders," Mr. DuCharme said.
Asked about his availability to attend meetings (the Board of Health currently meets the first Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m.), Mr. DuCharme explained that he is a stay-at-home father and an entrepreneur, so he can make his own schedule.
Members of both boards were satisfied with these answers, and both boards voted to appoint Eric DuCharme to the Board of Health.
There is still one open seat on the BOH. Any Winchendon resident interested in this position should send a letter of interest to Debra Dennis at ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or mail to Town of Winchendon Attn: Debra Dennis, 109 Front Street, Winchendon MA 01475.
BOH Duties and Responsibilities
Winchendon has a five-member Board of Health that works along with a Health Agent and Health Inspector. According to various statutes in the Massachusetts General Laws, the Board of Health is responsible for inspecting, licensing, and enforcing regulations for recreational camps, food establishments, indoor ice rinks, public swimming pools, tanning facilities, body art establishments, and public lodging facilities. The Board is also responsible for the enforcement of state regulations regarding housing, as well as the disposal of solid waste and subsurface sanitary sewage disposal (Title V).
BOH Mission
The mission of the Winchendon Board of Health is to protect the health of the public and Winchendon residents to prevent and promote a healthy community. This mission will be accomplished through education, public health programs and services, community partnerships, and enforcement of current and future regulations.
Winchendon Farmer Allie Catlin Elected Chair of North Central Mass Chamber of Commerce Board

Allie Catlin
Photo courtesy North Central Mass Chamber of Commerce
North Central Mass. - Allie Catlin, co-owner of Smith's Country Cheese, a family-owned working dairy farm, creamery, and retail destination in Winchendon, Massachusetts, has been elected Chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 2026-2027. The announcement was made at the Chamber's Annual Meeting on June 11, 2026. As Chair of the Chamber's board of directors, she will work with fellow board members, Chamber staff, and the membership to champion the Chamber in its mission to serve the region's business community.
Catlin brings deep roots in the region's agricultural economy to her new role. Founded in 1985, Smith's Country Cheese has grown into one of the region's most beloved agricultural enterprises. In 2016, Catlin and her family purchased the farm from its founder and built on its legacy, growing the operation into a thriving business that draws visitors from across the region to its farm store and working dairy farm, where guests can shop for handcrafted cheeses, milk, and butter and watch the cheesemaking process firsthand.
Under her co-ownership, Smith's Country Cheese employs 14 people and produces approximately 180,000 pounds of raw milk Gouda, Havarti, and cheddar cheese annually, distributed nationally through the farm store, local farmers markets, and online. In 2024, Catlin was named to the Worcester Business Journal's Power 100 list of the most influential professionals in Central Massachusetts.
Catlin holds degrees from Franklin Pierce University and Suffolk University and has served on the Chamber's Board of Directors for several years, holding leadership positions on the board, including Vice Chair.
She succeeds Tony Fields, president and owner of Cleartech Group, who now moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the board of directors.
"The Chamber has been such an important partner to our farm and to so many small businesses across this region,” said Catlin. “I'm honored to take on this role and to continue the work of connecting our business community, supporting our members, and championing the people and places that make North Central Massachusetts such a special place to live and work."
"As a farmer and small business owner, Allie brings a perspective to the board that's vital to understanding the full picture of our regional economy," said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. "Her leadership will help ensure the Chamber continues to serve businesses of every size and sector, and I look forward to working with her in the year ahead as we continue advancing the economic vitality of North Central Massachusetts."
In the same election, Melissa Glenny, founder and CEO, Franklin Professional Associates, located in Leominster, was elected Vice Chair. Chris Hendry, president and CEO, IC Credit Union, located in Fitchburg, was elected to the position of Treasurer. Rounding out the Executive Committee, Mark Hettinger, president and CEO of GFA Federal Credit Union, and Patrick McCarty, president of the McCarty Companies, were elected to fill the two non-officer seats on the committee as outlined in the Chamber's bylaws.
Board members elected for new terms were
- Tony Fields, president and owner, Cleartech Group, Leominster
- Dr. Donna Hodge, president, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg
- Johnny Ahern, managing partner, Aroma Joe's, Leominster
- David Moura, president, Moura's Cleaning Service, Fitchburg
- Nicole Moorshead, general manager, Chocksett Inn, Sterling and the Colonial Hotel, Gardner
- Rozanna Penney, president & CEO, Heywood Healthcare, Gardner
- Kenneth Hodges, plant director, Georgia-Pacific/Dixie, Leominster, appointed to fill a one-year board vacancy
- Marieke Cormier, owner, Roots Natural Foods, Leominster
- Joseph Basile, president, Catania Oils, Ayer
- Patrick McCarty, president & CEO, McCarty Companies, Leominster
- Mark Hettinger, president and CEO, GFA Federal Credit Union, Gardner
- Barbara Mahoney, president & CEO, All-One Credit Union, Leominster
- Joshua Page, president, JP Electric and Son, Fitchburg
- Alex Matthews, general manager, Great Wolf Lodge New England, Fitchburg
- Kayla Nault, broker/owner, Central Mass Real Estate, North Central Massachusetts
Another Milestone for MVOC Veterans Housing Project as Beam Lifted into Place
Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center held a ceremony on Wednesday, June 24 to celebrate a major milestone in the remodeling of the former Poland and Streeter School buildings on Murdock Avenue in Winchendon into veterans' housing. After remarks by dignitaries in attendance, a roof beam was signed by MVOC Executive Director Stephanie Marchetti and lifted into place on top of the buildings by a crane. Chair of the Board of Selectmen Andrew Beauvais sent photographs of the moment to the Courier.




Winchendon Farmers Market Settling Into Its New Location by The HUB

Some of the plants on sale at a recent Farmers Market
Photo copyright Winchendon Farmers Market
The Winchendon Farmers Market is setting up on the front lawn of The HUB (Winchendon CAC/bowling alley) at 5 Summer Drive every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Vendors have been offering garden plants, eggs, fresh strawberries, preserves and pickled foods, jewelry, crafts, and baked goods. There is ample parking available in front of or next to The HUB. And weather is no factor--should the weather be rainy, the Farmers Market can move inside The HUB, which is open on Saturday mornings.
One benefit to the Farmers Market's partnership with The HUB is the ability to accept SNAP and HIP payments. SNAP benefits may be used for any edible or food-related item, processed or fresh, and including food plants and seeds, and edible flower plants and seeds. HIP benefits are a little more restricted, but cover fresh produce and live edible plants. (If you have SNAP benefits, you also have HIP.) The Farmers Market also accepts cash, and some vendors accept credit/debit cards or Venmo.
On Saturday mornings, kids can bowl for free from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and The HUB runs "Brunch and Bowl" for everyone, with the Sunshine Cafe selling coffee, latte, or hot chocolate, breakfast sandwiches and continental breakfast. Pajamas are welcome, and there will be Saturday morning cartoons for kids. The CAC food pantry and the Community Threads clothing thrift store will also be open. Come down to the Farmers Market and check out The HUB as well!



Photo by Inanna Arthen