This Week's Winchendon News
In a 4 Hour Marathon, Winchendon Town Meeting Passes $1.9M Override Budgets for Town and Schools
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of May 22 to May 29, 2025
What makes Winchendon what it is...How we're making Winchendon even better
Winchendon Memorial Day Ceremonies
Monday, May 26 - 10:00 a.m.
The Memorial Day parade will be on May 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.. The parade route will begin at the Fire Station (405 Central Street), continue to the VFW Park, and then march to G.A.R. Park; the ceremony will be held at the G.A.R. Park Gazebo. In inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled but the ceremony will be held at the Winchendon American Legion Post #193, 295 School Street at 11:00 a.m.
Town Manager Bill McKinney answers questions from voters.
Image copyright Town of Winchendon
At a high energy and sometimes raucous Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 19, Winchendon voters followed up their approval of a $1.9 million Proposition 2-1/2 override at the polls on May 5 by approving override budgets for both the town and the school district as presented, by large majorities. While the override ballot vote on May 5 succeeded by a slender margin of less than 1 percent, Town Meeting approved the town budget with 61 percent in favor, 39 percent opposed, and the school budget with 73 percent in favor, 27 percent opposed.
815 voters signed in for the largest Winchendon Town Meeting in at least a couple of decades. In order to accommodate the anticipated attendance, Town Meeting was held in the Murdock Middle High School gymnasium, with rented chairs filling the entire floor and bleachers opened up on both sides. The town rented 1,000 additional wireless electronic voting clickers to supplement the 400 which the town owns. Projection and television screens were set up in front and to the sides, and the sound system included multiple speakers and wireless microphones which volunteers took to voters who were not close to the lectern in the front of the room. Video camera operators from WinchendonTV recorded the meeting. Live CART captioning was provided on a screen at the front of the room.
Town Moderator Coral Grout, presiding over her last Town Meeting before passing on the gavel to newly elected Moderator Glenn LaRochelle, delayed calling the meeting to order for almost 15 minutes because so many voters were still in the four check-in lines.
After the meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, Moderator Grout tested the clickers by asking voters to press 1 if this was the first Town Meeting they had ever attended, and 2 if not. 31 percent of voters present were at their first Town Meeting.
Moderator Grout began by emphasizing the rules and procedures for Town Meeting. She added, "Now I'd like to talk about inappropriate behavior. We are here to take care of the business of the town. As I said, there are opposing viewpoints on every single article. Tonight, the Chair will not allow inappropriate behavior. This includes, but is not limited to heckling, yelling, name calling, hissing, stomping, and you get it--inappropriate behavior that wastes your time and mine and a lot of energy. So as always, I appreciate your understanding and your respect of each other. However, we have some of Winchendon's finest police officers in the hall tonight, and I'll tell you when my father was Moderator, he threw one person out in his 25 years. I don't want to throw anybody out."
Article 1, accepting Board and Committee reports, began with Finance Committee Chair Tom Kane giving his report on the town's financial situation. He started by quoting an editorial in the previous day's Boston Globe about the high number of override votes this year in Massachusetts, which mentioned Winchendon. During this report, Mr. Kane mentioned that Free Cash was not yet certified, although Town Manager Bill McKinney had expected it to be certified by Town Meeting. This included the Retained Earnings for the four Enterprise Accounts, which constitute the "free cash" for those accounts and also must be certified by the state. Mr. Kane clarified that taxes will not be raised more than voters appropriate tonight, and that the increase in health insurance has been reduced from 16 percent to 9 percent. Voters approved a motion to accept the report with 79 percent in favor, 21 percent opposed.
Throughout Town Meeting, voters rose to ask questions about topics that had been explained repeatedly and in great detail here in the Courier, at Board of Selectmen and FinCom meetings and public hearings, on the town website, by the library and Senior Center at multiple town events, and at the twelve public Override Information Sessions over the past eight weeks. A few voters mentioned that they had recently moved to Winchendon. Voters asked how they could get "context" for articles, and whether information and the warrant could be posted online before Town Meeting. This highlighted and underscored the intractible dilemma the town is wrestling with: how to make residents aware of all these sources for information that they need and want to know?
After clarification of why past bills were being paid, the fact that the funds will come from unexpended health insurance money and not Free Cash, and the fact that the town is reimbursed 75 percent for veterans' services, Article 2, to pay some past due veterans' medication bills, was approved with 81 percent in favor, 19 percent opposed.
Voters approved passing over Article 3 (86 percent in favor, 14 percent opposed to passing over) and Article 4 (89 percent in favor, 11 percent opposed to passing over) because they required Free Cash.
For the same reason--Retained Earnings in the Enterprise Accounts not yet certified--voters approved passing over Article 5, Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings (86 percent in favor, 14 percent opposed to passing over), Article 6, Wastewater Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings (87 percent in favor, 13 percent opposed to passing over), and Article 7, Transfer Station Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings (80 percent in favor, 20 percent opposed to passing over). Department of Public Works Director Brian Croteau explained that the transfer station is seeing more usage than in the past and that's why its funding numbers are higher. He also explained that residents of neighboring Templeton can pay to use the Winchendon Transfer Station.
At this point several voters rose to question why Free Cash was not certified and how the town could proceed with planning and approving a budget without knowing what it had for existing funds. Mr. McKinney rose to explain why Free Cash wasn't certified, and to apologize repeatedly. "This has been a very challenging year for finances, for the town specifically," he said. The audit for FY 23 was "very negative," the Treasurer stole funds and was fired, the town has had "three Treasurers in a row that just have not worked out" and the retired former Treasurer has had to come back to help out. He assured voters that Free Cash doesn't impact the coming year's budget, and that everyone has been working very hard, but "one thing that really has bothered me and kept me up at night, is the fact that we haven't been able to get that done." He said that items passed over now will be brought back at Fall Special Town Meeting. "I ask you to be patient as we try to finish this, finish the certification, get an answer from the state and get those numbers, and as soon as we can get those numbers, we'll publish them so that you'll know what those are. Again, there's no impact on fiscal 26 because we're not using Free Cash to balance the fiscal 26 budget," he said.
In answer to a question, Mr. McKinney said that the town is audited every year, and the audit reports are public and on the town website. [They are under "Town Manager" at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/town-manager/pages/annual-audited-financial-statements]
Article 8, approving the spending limits for departments' Revolving Funds, is on every Annual Town Meeting warrant. Many voters were not sure what these were and thought that they were appropriating money to these departments. Agricultural Commission Chair Jordyn Lynds rose to make an amendment raising the Commission's spending limit from $1,000 to $10,000 because the Commission was applying for grants. The amendment lost with 47 percent in favor, 53 percent opposed. After a voter rose to clarify that the Revolving Accounts are essentially the departments "spending their own money," other voters moved to bring Ms. Lynds amendment back to the floor, and it then was approved with 78 percent in favor, 22 percent opposed. No other amendments were proposed, although a voter rose to ask why the library needed an account for copying fees "in this age when everything is digital and we're digitizing everything." Beals Memorial Library Director Manuel King rose to explain how much the library collects in fees from people using the copy and fax machines. Article 8 as amended was approved with 85 percent in favor, 15 percent opposed.
Article 9, the Senior Tax Workoff program, was explained by Board of Selectmen Chair Rick Ward as a program that credits seniors over age 60 $15 an hour, up to a total of $1,100, to offset their property tax, by doing odd jobs for the town. Voter Frank Allen rose to ask why this was only budgeted at $7,700, and proposed amending the amount to $10,000, which was then raised to $11,000. The amendment was approved with 63 percent in favor, 37 percent opposed. Article 9 as amended was then approved with 76 percent in favor, 24 percent opposed.
Article 10, the town budget contingent on the $2.9 million override, was passed over, with 88 percent in favor, 12 percent opposed to passing over.
"I think this is what everybody came for," Moderator Grout said as she introduced Article 11, the town budget contingent on the $1.9 million override. Passing this budget without amendments would raise and spend all of the town's portion of the override amount.
Following the customary practice, Moderator Grout read each separate department of the budget, asking anyone who wanted to discuss a particular department to call out "Hold". Each time, at least one voice called out "Hold" so that every department was flagged to be discussed one by one. This turned out not to be one voter's intention, however. Voter Peter Greenan rose to say, "I moved to hold all of these because I believe the majority of us are here for a simple yes or no vote to amend this and remove the $1.9 million override." An outcry from the floor disagreed with him, which Moderator Grout shushed. Mr. Kane, and voter Danielle LaPointe, explained that Mr. Greenan was essentially turning Article 11 into Article 12. Mr. Greenan persisted that he wanted to amend Article 11 "to remove the $1.9 million override and go back to a basic budget."
FinCom member Dr. Maureen Ward explained that only $1,063,100 of the override applied to the town budget. Mr. Greenan changed his amendment to specify removing that amount. Town Counsel Tim Zessin of KP Law said that unless specific reductions were made to each department, the town would not have a working budget that could be passed by Town Meeting. Mr. Greenan then withdrew his proposed amendment to remove the override money from Article 11, and made a motion for Town Meeting to take Article 12 out of order, and take it up before Article 11.
A voter suggested voting down both budgets and returning with one that funded the three departments slated to be eliminated in Article 12 (the library, Senior Center and Recreation Department) but made deeper cuts elsewhere. Mr. Ward pointed out that if Article 11 failed, voters could vote to add the funding for the three departments to Article 12, because the override includes the funding for them. Mr. McKinney clarifed, "as we stated during all the different listening sessions and feedback," what the two different votes mean, what the two budgets are (level service and level funded) and what would happen if Town Meeting fails to pass either budget.
Moderator Grout holds the mike for a voter asking a question.
Image copyright Town of Winchendon
A voter asked why there was not equivalent information about the town's revenue in the warrant. What about the payments from the landfill capping project? Mr. McKinney explained at some length that voters don't approve revenues, only expenditures (which is why revenue doesn't appear in the warrant), and went over some of the categories of revenue, including the $140,000 Winchendon gets in cannabis local retail sales tax. The very phlegmatic Mr. McKinney evoked a ripple of laughter when he said, "However, if New Hampshire ever legalizes it, they won't be coming over the border to buy our weed."
In response to voter questions, Mr. King and Senior Center Director Miranda Jennings rose to explain how much funding they obtained through grants for the library and Senior Center programs.
All of that extra funding will be lost, including the transportation grant money, if Article 11 doesn't pass. School Committee Chair Karen Kast pointed out that the town would lose $35,000 in state aid money if it defunds the library.
Voter Lisa Gauthier proposed an amendment to zero out the entire school transportation line item, totalling $1,755,000, arguing that families should pay as they go for transportation, the buses were often half-empty because many parents drive their kids to school, and so on. Other voters pointed out that transportation was mandated by the state for children with IEPs, and the budget included different categories of transportation, some of which can't be dropped. The amendment failed with 19 percent in favor, 81 percent opposed.
Following some statements from voters in favor of Article 11 and some expressing concern about the cost, Moderator Grout called the vote. Article 11 was approved with 61 percent in favor, 39 percent opposed. There was a loud burst of applause, cheers and whistles. A voter called a point of order because the motion to call the question on Article 11 was not voted on. Moderator Grout checked with Atty. Zessin and said the decision was proper.
Some voters left Town Meeting after the vote, to protests from other voters of "Don't leave!" Those not on their feet voted to pass over Article 12 with 78 percent in favor, 22 percent opposed to passing over.
Article 13, to approve the Water Department Enterprise Fund budget, was approved with 78 percent in favor, 27 percent opposed. Voter Rick Lucier rose to ask why the water rates were not in the article. Mr. Croteau explained that the rates had already been set, and the state could step in and set the rates if the budget wasn't passed.
At this point, a voter moved to "suspend" (he meant adjourn to another night) Town Meeting, as it was then about 9:45 p.m. The squeals of children from the babysitting area outside the gym had been audible throughout the meeting. Mr. Ward explained that continuing Town Meeting to a second night would cost some $13,000 because the chairs and clickers were rented and there were many other expenses involved in putting on the meeting (these include the CART captioner accessibility service). Voters rejected the motion with 8 percent in favor, 91 percent opposed.
Article 14, to approve the Wastewater Department Enterprise Fund budget, was approved with 80 percent in favor, 20 percent opposed. A voter asked why Winchendon's wastewater costs were so much higher than other towns'. Mr, Croteau explained that it depended on how much it costs to treat the wastewater. Gardner, for example, has more users to spread the cost so their rates can be lower.
Article 15, to approve the Transfer Station Enterprise Fund budget, was approved with 86 percent in favor, 14 percent opposed.
Article 16, to approve the Cable Public Access Enterprise Fund budget, was approved with 82 percent in favor, 18 percent opposed.
Voters approved passing over Article 17, the higher school budget, with 94 percent in favor, 6 percent opposed to passing over.
Article 18, the school district level-service budget, was approved with 73 percent in favor, 27 percent opposed. Ms. LaPointe asked why there were no recommendations by the FinCom or BOS. Dr. Ward explained that board recommendations were made before the May 5 vote so they couldn't be sure what the budget would be.
Article 19, the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School budget, was approved with 88 percent in favor, 12 percent opposed. Mr. Ward explained that the number had decreased because Winchendon has 10 fewer students attending--down to 86 from 96. Responding to questions, Ms. Kast and Mr. Ward explained that the amount can't be amended, we pay for the number of spaces we're given. The spaces are allotted by town population. Monty Tech has a waiting list of 450.
Article 20, to approve the annual town support to the Winchendon Community Action Committee, was approved with 87 percent in favor, 13 percent opposed. It was announced that the Winchendon CAC had just been awarded a grant for $50,000.
Article 21, to approve borrowing funds for a feasability study for repairs to several of the school buildings, was approved with 81 percent in favor, 19 percent opposed. No voter had a question. Dr. Eitland told voters that Senator Jo Comerford had gotten an earmark for the project passed in the State Senate, and this is headed to the House for approval there.
Article 22, to approve borrowing $500,000 for repairs to one of two boilers in Murdock Middle High School, was approved with 82 percent in favor, 18 percent opposed. In response to questions, Mr. Croteau explained that this was not one of the pieces of equipment that failed a year ago--that was an oil-fired water heater. The boilers are original to the construction of the building (which was in 1990s). Mr. Lucier said he "wasn't happy about giving someone a $500,000 blank check" and asked why there wasn't a concrete bid amount. Mr. Croteau explained that the town didn't have money to put out a bid without the $500,000 loan. If the cost of the boiler is less, the town will borrow less. School Business Manager Liz Latoria rose to say that five years ago, the schools were told the boilers were past their prime, and the schools got designs to replace them with propane fired boilers. They have also applied for a Green School Works grant.
Article 23, to approve the purchase of a new police cruiser with 911 Grant funds, was approved with 82 percent in favor, 18 percent opposed.
Voters approved passing over Article 24, to transfer funds from Free Cash into the Stabilization, OPEB and Separation Benefits accounts, with 93 percent in favor, 7 percent opposed to passing over.
Article 25, to approve the conveyance of land at 4 Summer Drive (formerly intended to be the Bull Spit Brewing tap room) to the Winchendon Redevelopment Authority, caused some puzzlement among voters. Resident James Roth, who introduced himself as representing Robert Grady, rose to make a motion to "remove" Article 25 from the warrant on the grounds that 4 Summer Drive is not owned by the town but was purchased by Mr. Grady from Bull Spit's owners. Mr. Roth had attended two BOS meetings with Mr. Grady on speakerphone to object to this warrant article. His proposal was recorded as a motion to postpone [and take no action] on Article 25. Mr. Roth stated that Mr. Grady had met with officials in Town Hall a year ago and planned to put a supermarket into the building.
Ms. LaPointe rose to say that Mr. Grady is incarcerated and urged voters to "keep this in our hands." Mr. Roth stated that "this was a recorded conversation" and the town was facing litigation for breach of contract. "The town has not had a grocery store in twenty something years," he said, adding, "This person is not even going to be around to see the grocery store. They're just helping the community." (FTR, the IGA closed in 2017, 8 years ago.)
Voters rejected postponing Article 25 with 20 percent in favor, 80 percent opposed. Discussion continued with questions about contamination at the site (it was formerly a foundry). Mr. Roth stated that Mr. Grady has a major supermarket chain promising to come in, and he's offering them five years rent-free. However, voters approved conveying the land to the Redevelopment Authority, 78 percent in favor, 22 percent opposed.
Article 26, to amend the General Bylaws to remove the requirement for the town to send voters a postcard as part of notification of Town Meeting, was approved with 62 percent in favor, 38 percent opposed. Although it was printed in the warrant that a two-thirds majority was required, Atty. Zessin confirmed that only a simple majority is required to amend the General Bylaws. Zoning Bylaws require a two-thirds majority. Mr. Ward asked voters how they learned about Town Meeting--was it by receiving a postcard? If the postcards are just being thrown away, the town is wasting $3,000 a year.
Article 27, to approve increasing the property tax exemption for disabled veterans by 25 percent according to the state "Heroes Act," was approved with 91 percent in favor, 9 percent opposed.
Article 28, to approve a 12-month moratorium on high-heat plastics recycling in Winchendon, was approved with 91 percent in favor, 9 percent opposed. Voter Theresa Langdon rose to read an explanation of this article, but she was definitely preaching to the choir.
Article 29, to approve amending the General Bylaws by prohibiting COMM-97 contaminated soils from being brought into, used in, or transported through town, and designating any for-profit business that deals in COMM-97 soils as a nuisance trade, was approved with 96 percent in favor, 4 percent opposed.
Article 30, to approve the Winchendon Zoning Bylaws to allow the number of multi-unit housing units on private lots to be granted by Special Permit at the discretion of the Zoning Board of Appeals, rather than being arbitrarily limited, was approved with 84 percent in favor, 16 percent opposed. There were some questions about just what this was allowing, but the Bylaw allows the ZBA to consider and issue Special Permits, it is not a rubber stamp approval for property owners.
As it was about 11:00 p.m., Moderator Grout asked for a motion to adjourn, which was enthusiastically approved.
The full Town Meeting video is available for viewing on WinchendonTV, at https://winchendon.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/show/242?site=1%C2%A0%C2%A0.
Winchendon's Third Proposed Marijuana Dispensary Still Trying
Former furniture store and auction house at 703 School Street
Image from Google Street View
A cannabis growing facility and retail store that has been on the drawing boards since 2017 has appeared before several town boards this year in a new effort to move forward. Justin LeClair of McCarty Companies in Leominster, working with 701 School Street LLC, appeared before the Conservation Commission in January, and before the Planning Board this Tuesday, May 20, to present plans for developing the property.
Mr. LeClair's focus was to discuss the architectural and engineering aspects of the work on the exterior of the building. He did not say anything about the operation of the cannabis business or what its scope would be--whether the earlier plans to grow cannabis, manufacture refined products and sell directly to the public were all still part of the business plan. Only direct retail sales to consumers are subject to the 3 percent local sales tax.
Mr. LeClair explained how concerns about the abutting wetlands on the sides of the building would be protected, how the house behind the building would have access, and other considerations. The town engineer, Pat Wood, is reviewing the plans. Mr. LeClair referred numerous times to "the owners" but did not name them. He was certain that they had an updated Host Community Agreement with Winchendon.
Three members of the Rossi family all attended the hearing. Sharon Rossi asked about the cannabis retail tax--how much it was, how much the town was already collecting, and what would be the projected sales growth of a third dispensary. Planning Board Chair Guy Corbosiero said that the tax was 3 percent and the amount collected was around $380,000, so a third store might bring in close to $200,000. As far as the market potential, Mr. Corbosiero noted that the location on School Street was very close to the New Hampshire border, which might be fruitful unless NH legalizes recreational marijuana. The market is also saturated in Massachusetts.
Alejandra Rossi said, "My question was just where this was at in the process, and where we do have dispensaries in a town that of this size, just wondering if enough residents wanted to limit or restrict the number of marijuana dispensaries in the town, what that process would be, and how far this particular project was along in the way, if it was already exempt from any concern of the residents, or if there was still time for people of the town to put in some restrictions if they wanted to limit the number of dispensaries coming in." She also asked how a Host Community Agreement was done.
Mr. Corbosiero explained that the number of licenses had been set at a maximum of three. The Host Community Agreement was negotiated among the applicant, the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager.
The Planning Board hearing on this current iteration of the 703 School Street project was contined to June 3.
A bit of history...
After November of 2016, when Massachusetts voters legalized recreational marijuana, Winchendon (whose voters had approved the state ballot question by a 60 percent majority) instituted a one-year moratorium on cannabis businesses so the town could develop bylaws and a zoning overlay district for them. Winchendon decided to limit the number of retail dispensaries allowed in town to three. There is no limit on the number of growing or processing facilities that don't sell product to the public.
At that time, three groups of town residents expressed interest in starting retail cannabis stores. Two of them are now operating as Toy Town THC on Maple Street and The Bud Barn on Spring Street.
The third planned to utilize the old auction house at 703 School Street under the name Not Grampa's Tobacco Inc. They acquired a provisional license from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Although the provisional license does not mention Mr. Stahl, he is listed as the sole officer of Not Grampa's Tobacco, Inc. in the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporations database. Not Grampa's Tobacco, Inc. is listed as being organized on May 6, 2018 and is still active and in good standing.
In April of 2021, Isaac Stahl and Tolla Sears of Izapa Stela 5 LLC appeared several times before the Board of Selectmen seeking the town's consent to transfer ownership and control of of Not Grampa's Tobacco, Inc. to Izapa Stela 5 LLC, which would be the new name of the business. In May of 2022, Mr. Stahl, Mr. Sears and Nicholas Mortillaro, a chemical engineer and cannibis industry advisor to Izapa Stela 5 LLC appeared before the Board to talk in detail about their business plans. They asked not to have a new Host Community Agreement (HCA), but transfer the existing HCA from Not Grampa's Tobacco Inc to Izapa Stela 5 LLC, so that they could keep the existing provisional license intact and not have to "reset the clock with the CCC." The Board voted to authorize then Town Manager Justin Sultzbach to negotiate a new HCA with Izapa Stela LLC.
(See "Izapa Stela 5 LLC Moving Forward with Cannabis Facility on School Street" in the May 26-June 2 2022 edition of the Winchendon Courier.)
That was the last that Winchendon heard from them before Mr. LeClair began appearing before Town Boards this year.
According to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporations Division, 701 School Street LLC was registered on January 11, 2022. Its Manager was listed as Isaac Stahl, 6 River St, Natick MA and its attorney as Jeffrey C. Doherty, Esq., of MacLean Holloway Doherty & Sheehan, P.C.,. 8 Essex Center Dr, Peabody, MA. 701 School Street LLC was dissolved by court order as of December 31, 2024 after failing to file its required annual report for three consecutive years.
701 School Street LLC acquired the properties at 703 School St (the auction building), 701 School St (the house) and a parcel to the northwest of them as of December 12, 2022, for a sale price of $1,250,000, according to the Winchendon Assessor's database.
Izapa Stela 5 LLC is still active and in good standing with the state of Massachusetts.
Community Connector
Your One-Stop Guide to What's Happening in your Town!
SATURDAY MAY 24
Winchendon Farmers Market Opening Day 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Join us for the first Farmers Market of the 2025 season! Meet growers, bakers and makers, and pick up some plants for your garden! At G.A.R. Park by the Senior Center, Murdock Ave and Grove St, Winchendon.
MONDAY MAY 26
Memorial Day Parade 10:00 a.m. Parade will begin at the Fire Station (405 Central St), continue to VFW Park and then G.A.R. Park (Grove St and Murdock Ave) where ceremonies will be held at the gazebo. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled and ceremonies will be held at the Winchendon American Legion Post #193 (295 School St).
TUESDAY MAY 27
Dementia Care Training at the Senior Center 5:30 p.m. This month, "Activities That Matter: Finding Joy and Purpose in Dementia Engagement." Trainer: Olivia Companion, certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. Fee: $25. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 to register. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.
WEDNESDAY MAY 28
Integrity Medicare at the Senior Center 10:30 a.m. Come and get your Medicare questions answered! At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.
Taste of Home Lunch & Birthday Celebration 11:00 a.m. Share in a home-style lunch cooked in the Old Murdock kitchen, and celebrate May birthdays! At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.
THURSDAY MAY 29
Culinary Workshop for Teens 3:00-5:00 p.m. Cooking lessons with Growing Places for youth age 13-18. Every other Thursday, free of charge. Learn how to make cookies and soup! Products made will be sold at The HUB and served to seniors every other Friday! Participants will gain hands-on cooking experience and give back to the local senior center by cooking a delicious meal for them! Please fill out a separate RSVP form for each participant you are registering at https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/culinary-workshop. Workshop is held at The HUB, 5 Summer Dr., Winchendon.
Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu is Mexican casserole and southwest corn & black bean salad. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.
FRIDAY MAY 30
4-Year Anniversary Prayer Conference 6:00-8:30 p.m. Guest speaker, Zac Acosta Pihop. Register at https://twrhouseofprayer.org/4years/. At TWR House of Prayer, 10 Pond St, Winchendon.
SATURDAY MAY 31
Operation Winchendon Cares "Military Apprecation Month" Drive 8:30-10:30 a.m. Drop off donations to fill packages for our Winchendon-associated military personnel, or stay and help stuff packages to send. At Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St.
4-Year Anniversary Prayer Conference 9:00-11:30 a.m. Guest speaker, Zac Acosta Pihop. Register at https://twrhouseofprayer.org/4years/. At TWR House of Prayer, 10 Pond St, Winchendon.
Winchendon Music Festival - Arpeggione Ensemble (classical) 7:00 p.m. Ludwig van Beethoven's Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20, performed by Thomas Carroll (clarinet), Elisabeth Axtell (horn), Sally Merriman (bassoon), Rebecca Nelson (violin), Anna Griffis (viola), Cullen O'Neil (cello), and Andrew Arceci (bass). More information: https://www.arpeggione-ensemble.com. At the Murdock-Whitney House, 151 Front St. Winchendon.
SUNDAY JUNE 1
4-Year Anniversary Prayer Conference 6:00-8:30 p.m. All Town Prayer Meeting. Guest speaker, Zac Acosta Pihop. Register at https://twrhouseofprayer.org/4years/. At TWR House of Prayer, 10 Pond St, Winchendon.
MONDAY JUNE 2
Winchendon Music Festival - John Arcaro & Band (jazz) 7:00 p.m. Berklee College of Music professor, John Arcaro, leads a program of works from the "Great American Songbook", complemented by contemporary jazz compositions. At Murdock-Whitney House, 151 Front St. Winchendon.
TUESDAY JUNE 3
Winchendon Music Festival - Duo Sorolla: Ismar Gomes, cello & Wan-Chi Su, piano (classical) 7:00 p.m. Works by Reynaldo Hahn de Echenagucia (1874-1947), Constantino Vicente Gaito (1878-1945), Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959), Gaspar Cassadó i Moreu (1897-1966), and Astor Pantaleón Piazzolla (1921-1992). More information: https://www.duosorolla.com At Murdock-Whitney House, 151 Front St. Winchendon.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 4
Mount Wachusett Community College Outreach 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Curious About College? Meet Michelle from MWCC! Michelle, a Recruitment Counselor from Mount Wachusett Community College, will be at the CAC for a meet-and-greet with inquisitive residents. Have questions about college? Wondering if "The Mount" is the right fit for you? Stop by! No appointment needed--just bring your curiosity and questions. We can't wait to see you there! At Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Dr.
THURSDAY JUNE 5
Fitchburg Art Museum and Farmers Market Trip 2:00-5:00 p.m. Free admission to the Art Museum! Sponsored by Old Murdock Senior Center. Home pick up available upon request or meet at the Senior Center (52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon) at 1:30 to get a ride. RIDES MUST BE SCHEDULED TO CONFIRM YOUR SEAT ON THE BUS. You can sign up online at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/council-aging or call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155.
SATURDAY JUNE 7
Founders Day 12:00-9:00 p.m. Join us for a fun-filled day of live music, delicious food, and family-friendly activities! Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs for a full day of entertainment, local vendors, and community fun.
Live Music Schedule:
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Winchendon Winds Professional Concert Band
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Jared Moore
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM - BriezyJane and the Hurricane
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Anderson Daniels (Headliner)
Food Trucks & Local Vendors! Games & Activities for All Ages! Don't miss out on this amazing day of community celebration. See you there! At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
TUESDAY JUNE 10
Dementia Caregiver Support Group 5:30 p.m. Meets second Tuesday of each month. Facilitator: Olivia Companion, certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. Free of charge. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 to register. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.
THURSDAY JUNE 12
Denis Cormier Concert 10:45 a.m. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.
Culinary Workshop for Teens 3:00-5:00 p.m. Cooking lessons with Growing Places for youth age 13-18. Every other Thursday, free of charge. Learn how to make cookies and soup! Products made will be sold at The HUB and served to seniors every other Friday! Participants will gain hands-on cooking experience and give back to the local senior center by cooking a delicious meal for them! Please fill out a separate RSVP form for each participant you are registering at https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/culinary-workshop. Workshop is held at The HUB, 5 Summer Dr., Winchendon.
Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.
FRIDAY JUNE 13
Strawberry Festival BBQ 5:00-7:00 p.m. Pre-orders only! $25 per person gets you four meats and three sides. Order your meals at https://forms.gle/XjySHeuFvxakoCpL8All. payments must be received at least one week before the BBQ. Meals will be served in take-out conta iners and can be eaten under the Big Tent or taken home. Drinks and desserts will be available to purchase. Rain or shine! At Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce St, Winchendon. Contact Bob Polcari with questions, at 978-265-4699.
SATURDAY JUNE 14
Annual Summer Lawn Fair 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Crafts, retail items, raffle baskets, concessions, free cycle table and more! Fundraiser to support Set in Stone masonry restoration and operations. 126 Central Street.
Solstice Fair through the day, times TBA. Road race, parade, vendors, town organizations, food and live music. On Central Street and around the Clark Memorial YMCA, 155 Central St, Winchendon.
Salsa & Sangria Sunset Social 6:00-10:00 p.m. Get ready for a spicy summer night! Sunset Socials presents: Salsa & Sangria 2025. Join us for an unforgettable evening of dance, drinks, and delicious local fare! Farm fresh food and snacks, themed mocktails and cocktails, live music. Gate opens at 6:00, dance lesson at 7:00, live performance at 9:00. $10/$15 per person. Register at https://www.sunsetsocialsma.com/event/salsa-sangria-summer-kickoff-1/register. Brought to you by The Farm Stand Winchendon and Winchendon Parks & Recreation. Questions? Text or call 978-863-1010. Learn more: www.sunsetsocialsma.com. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
SUNDAY JUNE 15
Winchendon Winds Concert Band Performance 2:00 p.m. Conductor Lindsay Bronnenkant leads this professional wind ensemble in a program titled Heroes." Selections will honor the military, James Bond, Luke Skywalker, the Lone Ranger, the Man of La Mancha and of course the "common man." Free and open to all. Refreshments sold before the concert. At Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.
SATURDAY JUNE 21
Snowbound Annual Brewfest 2025 2:00-8:00 p.m. Kick off summer with us! Tickets $30 per person for brew tasting. Positive ID required. Includes sampling glass. General admission with the no brew tasting $5. Entertainment by Two for the Road and The Willies. Portion of proceeds to benefit local animal rescue. There will be food trucks, raffles, and shopping from local artisans. This is a family and dog friendly event. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.
Teen Night at the HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. At the Winchendon Community HUB, 5 Summer Dr.
SUNDAY JUNE 22
Winchendon Winds Concert Band Performance 2:00 p.m. Conductor Lindsay Bronnenkant leads this professional wind ensemble in a program titled "Holiday" as they "visit" the deep South, Europe, Scotland, and the Arabian desert. Free and open to all. Refreshments sold before the concert. At Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.
TUESDAY JUNE 24
Dementia Care Training at the Senior Center 5:30 p.m. This month, "Dementia Challenges: A Montessori Approach to Success." Trainer: Olivia Companion, certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. Fee: $25. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 to register. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.
THURSDAY JUNE 26
Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.
Bingo at the HUB! 7:00 p.m. Join the Winchendon Parks and Recreation for Bingo at the HUB! 4th Thursday of each month. At the HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.
SATURDAY JUNE 28
Food Truck Festival and Battle of the Bands 12:00-7:00 p.m. Get ready for a day of great food, live music, and local creativity at the Winchendon Food Truck Festival! Featuring over 15 incredible food trucks serving up a diverse selection of ethnic cuisine, this festival is a paradise for food lovers. Enjoy craft beer and wine, browse unique handmade goods from local crafters and artisans, and experience the energy of our Battle of the Bands, where talented musicians compete for the top spot. Don't miss this ultimate community celebration of food, music, and fun! Free admission! Sponsored by WooTrucks and Winchendon Parks & Recreation. At G.A.R. Park, Murdock Ave and Spruce St, Winchendon.
SUNDAY JUNE 29
Winchendon Winds Concert Band Performance 2:00 p.m. Conductor Lindsay Bronnenkant leads this professional wind ensemble in their final program for the season titled "Organ - The Pipes, the Pipes are Calling." Musical selections will feature the band with both grand piano and international pipe organist Peter Krasinski. Free and open to all. Refreshments sold before the concert. At Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.
THURSDAY JULY 10
Denis Cormier Concert 10:45 a.m. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.
Movie Night at the Park: Wicked Sing-Along 7:00 p.m. Free to all! Join us for a magical evening under the stars! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and favorite snacks for a family-friendly sing-along screening of Wicked that everyone will enjoy! Gates open at 7:00 p.m., movie starts at dusk. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
FRIDAY JULY 11
G.A.R. Park Concert Featuring The Ed Sullivans 5:00-7:00 p.m. The Ed Sullivans - Bringing Classic Rock to Life! Get ready for the best of the British Invasion & American Rock from the '60s & '70s! Band Members:
Donnie Sadowski - Drums & Vocals
Tom Yates - Guitar & Vocals
"Arizona" Doug Urquhart - Bass & Vocals
Follow us for updates, live performances, and classic rock nostalgia! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063503257588. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theedsullivansbandworceste8018. Free to all, bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks & Recreation. At G.A.R. Park, Murdock Ave and Grove St, Winchendon.
SATURDAY JULY 12
Neon Party Social 6:00-10:00 p.m. Light Up the Night! Get ready for an unforgettable glow-up! Join Sunset Socials for a vibrant night of music, lights, and nonstop fun! Wear your brightest neon - Dance under UV lights - Enjoy live DJ sets spinning the hottest tracks - Capture glowing memories with friends Whether you're coming to party or just enjoy the vibes, this night is all about electric energy and luminous celebration. To Register & For More Information see https://www.sunsetsocialsma.com/event/neon-party-social-2/register. Sponsored by Winchendon Community Park and Winchendon Parks & Recreation. Questions? contact info@farmingislife.org or richypena@yahoo.com. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
THURSDAY JULY 17
Movie Night at the Park - Inside Out 2 7:00 p.m. (movie starts at dusk) Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars with Inside Out 2! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for a fun-filled, family-friendly night as we dive back into the mind of Riley in this heartwarming and hilarious sequel! FREE admission – all are welcome! Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
SATURDAY JULY 19
Blues Brew & BBQ at Winchendon Community Park 4:00-9:00 p.m. (ticketed) Join us for an unforgettable evening of Blues, Brew & BBQ! Get ready to kick back and enjoy the soulful sounds of Memphis Kelley featuring Cailte Kelley, followed by a powerhouse headlining performance from Grammy-nominated blues legend Anthony Geraci. Savor mouthwatering bites from top BBQ food trucks and sample a variety of brews that perfectly pair with the music and the mood. It's the perfect summer night out--great music, delicious food, and cold drinks under the open sky. Don't miss it! $15 per person. Tickets (and vendor applications) at https://www.eventeny.com/events/blues-brew-bbq-19513/. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks & Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
Teen Night at the HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. At the Winchendon Community HUB, 5 Summer Dr.
THURSDAY JULY 24
Movie Night at the Park - Paul Blart Mall Cop 7:00 p.m. (movie starts at dusk) Get ready to laugh out loud with Paul Blart: Mall Cop under the stars! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for a hilarious, family-friendly comedy that's perfect for all ages. FREE admission – all are welcome! Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
Bingo at the HUB! 7:00 p.m. Join the Winchendon Parks and Recreation for Bingo at the HUB! 4th Thursday of each month. At the HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.
SATURDAY JULY 26
Open Mic Night at Winchendon Community Park 4:00-8:00 p.m. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, poetry, and comedy under the stars at the Winchendon Community Park Amphitheater! Whether you're performing or just here to enjoy the vibes, it's a night you won't want to miss.
Open Mic Performers Welcome
Food Available On-Site
Beer & Wine Available
FREE Entry
Bring a blanket, some friends, and your love for local talent. Let's light up the night with creativity and community! Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
THURSDAY JULY 31
Movie Night at the Park - Disney Pixar Cars 7:00 p.m. (movie starts at dusk) Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and little Lightning McQueens for a family-friendly evening full of laughs, heart, and high-speed adventure! FREE admission – all are welcome! Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
FRIDAY AUGUST 8
G.A.R. Park Concert Featuring The Faceless Hobos 5:00-7:00 p.m. Meet The Faceless Hobos - a duo born out of pure passion for music! Pat Townsend and Dave Romanowski first started playing together in 2019 but, like many, were disrupted by the pandemic. However, their love for music kept them going, even jamming in a freezing garage with gloves on! Fast forward a few years, and they've made their way onto the local music scene, performing at open mics and small gigs--always with the goal of having fun and sharing the stage with fellow musicians. You might even catch Maggie Neff joining them for a jam! Their style leans toward Americana, influenced by legends like Guy Clark, John Prine, and Hayes Carll, with a few original tunes in the mix. Free to all, bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks & Recreation. At G.A.R. Park, Murdock Ave and Grove St, Winchendon.
SATURDAY AUGUST 9
Summer Beach Social 6:00-10:00 p.m. Your Tropical Escape Awaits! Feel the island breeze and soak up the good vibes at this ultimate summer celebration hosted by Sunset Socials! Reggae & dancehall performances - Delicious island cuisine - Dance-offs with beach flair - Inflatable beach floats, tiki bars & tropical décor - The amphitheater will be transformed into a beach paradise--no sunscreen required! Come ready to dance, eat, and celebrate summer like never before. To Register & For More Information see https://www.sunsetsocialsma.com/event/summer-beach-social-3/register. Sponsored by Winchendon Community Park and Winchendon Parks & Recreation. Questions? contact info@farmingislife.org or richypena@yahoo.com. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
SATURDAY AUGUST 16
Winchendon Comedy Fest: LOL Entertainment Night - a Summer Evening of Magic, Music and Comedy! 4:00-8:00 p.m. (ticketed) From 6:00 to 8:00, "Magic & Music"--strolling magician dazzles the crowd with up-close tricks and illusions, while DJ spins music from 60s to today. From 6:00 to 8:00, Get ready to laugh out loud with an outstanding lineup of professional comedians: Headliner: John Perrotta; Featuring: Annie Powell, Rockin Joe Hebert, & Ace Aceto. Humor is PG-13. Food trucks and beer & wine, too! $15 per person. Tickets (and vendor applications) at https://www.eventeny.com/events/comedy-night-at-the-park-2025-17201/. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
SATURDAY AUGUST 23
Classic Cars and Music at Winchendon Community Park 3:00-8:00 p.m. (ticketed) Step back in time and enjoy an evening filled with vintage vibes, featuring classic cars, live music, and great food and drinks. Groove to the timeless tunes of The Reminisants and the Fred Ellsworth Band as they bring back the hits you know and love. Bring your lawn chairs, your dancing shoes, and your love for all things retro. This is a celebration you won't want to miss! Food, beer and wine available. $15 per person. Tickets (and vendor applications) at https://www.eventeny.com/events/a-nostalgic-celebration-of-classic-cars-and-music-19583/. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13
Farm Harvest Social 6:00-10:00 p.m. Celebrate the Season! Embrace the cozy vibes of fall and the richness of the harvest with Sunset Socials and Farming is Life! Savor pumpkin-flavored treats - Warm up with spiced beverages - Enjoy live acoustic music - Take part in fun, seasonal activities for all ages - It's the perfect way to welcome autumn--filled with comfort, community, and the crisp joy of the season. To Register & For More Information see https://www.sunsetsocialsma.com/event/farm-harvest-social-4/register. Sponsored by Winchendon Community Park and Winchendon Parks & Recreation. Questions? contact info@farmingislife.org or richypena@yahoo.com. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20
Harvest Festival at Winchendon Community Park 4:00-9:00 p.m. Celebrate the season at Winchendon's annual Harvest Festival, a free evening of live music—including a special performance by headliner New Release and a performance by Local Musician Maggie Neff--plus mouthwatering food trucks, local vendors, and festive fall fun the whole community will enjoy! Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27
The 2025 Central Mass. Irish Festival at Winchendon Community Park 12:00 p.m. (ticketed) Irish roots in the heart of New England. This fall, the best in Irish entertainment comes to The Robinson Broadhurst Foundation Performing Arts Amphitheater for the first annual Central Mass. Irish Festival. Three of New England's premiere Irish bands, dancers, harps, pipes and drums, Irish food and drink, Irish vendors, and an open trad seisun come together for an all day celebration of all things Irish at a brand new lakeside amphitheatre. For more info, see https://www.centralmassirishfestival.com/. Early bird tickets $15 per person. Tickets (and vendor applications) at https://www.eventeny.com/events/central-mass-irish-festival-2025-19621/. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 3
Winchendon Music Festival - Chris Moyse, singer-songwriter & Floyds Row (folk/newgrass) 7:00 p.m. Chris Moyse, singer-songwriter: https://chrismoysemusic.com
Folk collective, Floyds Row, explores the connections among early, classical, folk, newgrass, and world genres--works arranged and/or composed by Hailey Fuqua (soprano), Asako Takeuchi (violin), Jacques Lee Wood (violoncello & banjo), Andrew Arceci (bass & mandolin), George Lykogiannis (accordion & piano), and Mike Williams (percussion). At The Flower Shop, 172 Central St. Winchendon.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 4
Winchendon Music Festival - Worcester Jazz Orchestra (jazz) 2:00 p.m. Ever popular, the big band plays works by Glenn Miller (1904-c.1944), Buddy Rich (1917-1987), and others. At Winchendon Amphitheater, 86 Ingleside Dr. Winchendon.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 11
Fall Fest 2025 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. On Central Street from CVS to Cumberland Farms--vendors, live music, demonstrations, food, local businesses, crafters and much more! https://www.townofwinchendon.com/9th-annual-winchendon-fall-festival for updates and information. 2025 application for vendors is available at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/9th-annual-winchendon-fall-festival/pages/2025-fall-festival-vendor-application
Autumn Sunset Social 6:00-10:00 p.m. Savor the Flavors of Fall! Celebrate the beauty of autumn with Sunset Socials in an evening filled with festive food, cozy drinks, and seasonal fun! Enjoy a fusion of the season's best farm flavors - Savor pumpkin-inspired treats & fall beverages - Indulge in delicious festive foods - Enter the costume contest and show off your fall flair - Gather your friends, wear your best autumn attire, and join us for a magical fall evening under the sunset sky. To Register & For More Information see https://www.sunsetsocialsma.com/event/autumn-sunset-social-5/register. Sponsored by Winchendon Community Park and Winchendon Parks & Recreation. Questions? contact info@farmingislife.org or richypena@yahoo.com. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 18
Haunted Happenings at Winchendon Community Park 4:00-10:00 p.m. Join us for a spooktacular night of family fun as Haunted Happenings returns--bigger and better than ever! Costumes, candy, creepy fun... we've got it all!
Trunk or Treat with the YMCA
Live DJ & Halloween Games
Haunted Trails after dark (enter if you dare!)
Unicorn Rides by Hyridge Farm
Food Trucks & Local Vendors
Hayrides from Murdock Farm
Petting Zoo by Animal Craze
Costumes encouraged. Fun guaranteed.
Tag your boo crew and we'll see you there!
Sponsored by Winchendon Parks and Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.
ONGOING
SUNDAYS
Bowling 12:00-5:00 p.m. $25 for a lane per hour for up to 5 people. "Sober Sundays" (no alcoholic beverages). At The HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr.
MONDAYS
Pickleball - Open Courts 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Gentle Yoga with Paula 11:00 a.m. $5 suggested donation per class. This class is suitable for all abilities. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
AA Meeting 7:30 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.
Lego Club for Kids at the Beals 4:00-5:00 p.m. Join us for fun-filled afternoons building Lego creations straight from your imagination! For for information, contact the library at 978-297-0300. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
TUESDAYS
Pickleball - Workshop Series, Beginner Level 9:30 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Family Friendly Story Hour at the Chapel 10:00-11:00 a.m. For preschool age children. Parents must stay with their children for the story time. At the Chapel Downtown, 286 Central St, Winchendon.
Beginner Strength Training with Mary Lee 9:15-9:45 a.m. Get fit with these fun exercise classes that are customized for all abilities. $5 suggested donation. Sign up online at www.townofwinchendon.com/council-aging or call the Senior Center. Rides available upon request. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Intermediate Strength Training with Mary Lee 9:45-10:15 a.m. Get fit with these fun exercise classes that are customized for all abilities. $5 suggested donation. Sign up online at www.townofwinchendon.com/council-aging or call the Senior Center. Rides available upon request. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Pickleball - Workshop Series, Intermediate Level 11:30 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Yoga Classes with Paula Lashua-Brisbois 4:30-5:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome, mats and blocks available if needed. Open to adults and teens. $10 per class. For more info, contact 978-297-0300, bealsmemoriallibrary@gmail.com or visit https://www.bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
WEDNESDAYS
Pickleball - Open Courts 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Ukelele Class 10:00 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Zumbini 11:00 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Bingo! 12:30 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Meet-Up With the Kiwanis 6:30 p.m. 2ND AND 4TH WEDNESDAYS EACH MONTH. All are welcome! Come join in community projects, make new friends, make your community better, have some fun! Younger folks welcome. For more information, call Cailte Kelly, 978-413-9930. Hosted by Kiwanis of Winchendon MA. At the Clark Memorial YMCA Community Room (in new gymnastics building down by the bike path), 155 Central St., Winchendon.
THURSDAYS
Pickleball 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
CFCE Preschool Playgroup at the Beals 1:00-2:00 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of free play, a craft, story time and music & movement. This program is in partnership with the Winchendon CFCE. Contact the library at 978-297-0300 for more information. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
FRIDAYS
Pickleball 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Story Time at the Beals 10:00 a.m. Join us for a fun half hour of stories with Ms. Kristin and Ms. Melissa. This program is in partnership with the Winchendon Community Playgroups & CFCE. Contact the library at 978-297-0300 for more information. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. Starting Feb 16
Lunch and Free Bowling for Seniors 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Please call at least 24 hours in advance to reserve a lunch. Bowling is free for all seniors 55+. At the Winchendon Community HUB, 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon
Bowling at the HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. $25 Lane/Hour/Up to 5 People, and shoes included! Sunshine cafe selling snack and beverages Beer and wine for sale. 100% proceeds go to fundraise for the CAC programs and services. At The HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr.
SATURDAYS
Shopping Transportation to Rindge for Seniors 9:00 a.m. Leaves from the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. Must reserve your ride one week in advance. Call 978-297-3155.
Friends Used Book and Media Sale 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Browse a wide selection of used books, DVDs, puzzles, music and more that the whole family will love. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. We are also happy to share that we are now accepting DONATIONS! Item acceptance is at the discretion of the Friends. All items not accepted WILL be returned to the donor. Donations will ONLY be accepted during book sale hours. Donations should not be deposited in the Library's book drop-off box.
We will NOT accept the following:
* Textbooks of any kind
* Encyclopedias
* Dictionaries
* Any item that contains obsolete information (i.e. medical books)
* Any item in poor condition (scratched or damaged)
* VHS or Cassette Tapes
Bowling at the HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. $25 Lane/Hour/Up to 5 People, and shoes included! Sunshine cafe selling snack and beverages Beer and wine for sale. 100% proceeds go to fundraise for the CAC programs and services. At The HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr.
Ad Rates and Local Listing Policy
Event listings in Clyde's Corner are free of charge for non-profit, community and town organizations and groups, and for charitable or benefit events.
Short text articles about forthcoming local events are free of charge.
Display ads are published for a fee only
Rates for Display Ads
Display ads must run for a minimum of one week. Payment is required at the time ads are submitted. Graphics should be high resolution and ads must be readable on a cell phone screen. Do not submit an all-graphic ad containing a lot of small print; it will be unreadable on smaller screens. Email the Editor for exact details on the best format for ads.
Business card size:
$25 per week, $100 per month
Double business card size (square):
$40 per week, $150 per month
Full-width banner:$40 per week, $150 per month
Full width banner at top of front page:
$100 per week, $400 per month
Display ads are posted in full color and will include active links to your website, Facebook page, or email unless you opt out.
Classified ads are $10 per week for up to 100 words, $0.05 per additional word.
The Editor reserves the right to reject any ad for any reason.
Ad design services are available at no charge for paid display ads.
Display ads that run for a full month in the online edition are eligible to be included in the monthly print edition of The Winchendon Courier at no additional charge.
Submit ads, Clyde's Corner listings and announcements to Editor@winchendoncourier.net
.Would you like to be notified each week when the new Courier is online?
Send an email to editor@winchendoncourier.net and you'll be added to the email list!
Enjoying the Winchendon Courier Online? We love doing it, but it's a lot of work! Please consider supporting us with a small donation. We'd so appreciate it. Thanks!
Make a secure donation through PayPal
(no PayPal account required)
Make a secure donation with your credit card using Square!
You can send a check payable to:
By Light Unseen Media, LLC
325 Lakeview Dr.
Winchendon, MA 01475
If you'd like to make a donation with Venmo, send an email to editor@winchendoncourier.net and we'll send you the information.