The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of December 5 to December 12, 2024

Event listings, the Community Directory and archived past editions of The Winchendon Courier will continue to be available on this website.

Lunch is served at the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon, at 11:30 a.m.
Call 978-297-3155 before noon the preceding day to RSVP. Suggested donation of $3 to help cover costs.

Menu for week of December 9 - December 13, 2024:

Monday, 12/9: Salisbury steak & mushrooms, whipped potatoes, root vegetables, chilled fruit.
Tuesday 12/10: Greek chicken, orzo, vegetable blend, multigrain bread, cookie.
Wednesday 12/11: Ham & apples (or pork & apples), whipped potatoes, green beans & red peppers, mousse, roll.
Thursday 12/12: Stuffed shells with marinara sauce, cauliflower, oat bread, applesauce.
Friday 12/13: (Cold) Tuna salad, garden salad, bean salad, Vienna bread, mixed fruit.

The Winchendon Senior Center vans are available to Winchendon residents 55 years old and older, for local transportation to shopping, social events, medical appointments, and similar activities, with priority given to medical appointments. The van is available for longer distance medical runs to Worcester and surrounding towns. Please call the Senior Center at least 24 hours in advance to reserve the van.

The Senior Center is open Monday – Thursday, 9:00am to 3:00pm, and Friday, 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Some other on-going activities (updated for August 2024):

  • Daily Pickleball at 9:00 a.m.
  • Yoga every Tuesday at 10:15 a.m.
  • Bingo on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.
  • Wii games, billiards, jigsaw puzzles and other activities
  • Ukelele lessons, art classes, Men's Shed outings, field trips as announced
  • Fitness room with workout equipment
  • Assistance with applications for fuel/heating assistance, SNAP, and other resources
  • Food pantry and clothes closet
To sign up for programs and services, use this form: https://signup.com/group/1131207342069 or call 978-297-3155.

New Weekend GROCERY STORE TRIPS!!! Do you need to get to the grocery store but don't have transportation? Sign up today! Pick up and Drop off at your home. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 or sign up online at https://signup.com/go/hOBshbv to schedule a pick-up at your home. Trips are every Saturday, arriving at Rindge Market Basket at 9:00am.

Shop Small, Shop Local this holiday season!

Click to see larger image

Click here to download a printable PDF of the Small Business Saturday Winchendon shopping map!


Need a Ride?

Check out these transportation services and resources available through the Winchendon Community Connection and Access Project

  • Rides available as far as Worcester for medical appointments, shopping, recreation, employment and more!
  • All residents can get a ride. Priority is given to Senior Citizens and residents with disabilities.
  • Most rides are FREE through MART or at a low suggested donation to the Winchendon Senior Center.
  • Wheelchair accessible vehicles available.
Request a ride over the phone by calling 978-297-3155, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Request a ride online at www.winchendon-cac.org

Request a ride in person at the Winchendon Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or the Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Dr, Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

If you have questions, reach out to winchendonccap@gmail.com or call 978-297-3155.

Let us help you get where you need to go!


Coat Drive Alert!

The Winchendon CAC is in need of winter coats, especially youth sizes! We’re accepting new and gently used coats (like new, please) to help keep our community warm this winter. Let's come together to make sure everyone stays cozy this season! Donate today and make a difference. You can drop off coats at the Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Dr. during their regular hours, Wednesday through Saturday. Call 978-297-1667 for more information.


Clyde's Corner

It's Happening Around the Winch!

FRIDAY DECEMBER 6

GALA Bottle Collage Art Class 2:00-4:00 p.m. $40 includes all supplies, public is welcome. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7

Festival of Lights: Winchendon Parks and Recreation Annual Holiday Fair 9:00 a.m. to evening. All events except the tree-lighting are at Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon. To register as a vendor for the craft fair, go to https://www.jotform.com/form/243035871722152. For more information, contact Shaina Cunningham, Scunningham@winchendon-ma.gov. We can't wait to celebrate the holiday spirit together--see you there!
9:00 a.m.: Breakfast with Santa
9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Holiday Craft Fair
4:00-6:00 p.m. Hot cocoa with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Crafting activities and Letters to Santa
Tree lighting ceremony at Grout Park, Glenallen and Spring Streets.

St. Martin's Holiday Fair 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Stop by to purchase wonderful hand-crafted items, home-made baked goods and fresh wreaths and other decorations. Take a chance on our fabulous theme basket raffle featuring over 40 baskets; the chinese auction; 50/50 raffle and more. Plan to sit and enjoy lunch, or just rest with a cup of coffee and donut or pastry. Continues on Sunday. At the American Legion Hall, 3 Central St, Baldwinville.

Holiday Bazaar and Cookie Sale 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Do some Christmas shopping with two floors of local crafters and vendors at UUCW's annual Holiday Bazaar and Cookie Sale! Wreaths, ornaments, hand-sewn goods, wooden flags, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, retail and more. Park in the front circle just steps away from the action. For more info or to pre-order cookies, see uucw.ncmuuc.org. At UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 8

Breakfast with Santa! 8:00-11:00 a.m. Buffet style breakfast served in 3 seatings: 8am, 9:30am & 11am. More information to follow when it gets closer! At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

St. Martin's Holiday Fair 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Stop by to purchase wonderful hand-crafted items, home-made baked goods and fresh wreaths and other decorations. Take a chance on our fabulous theme basket raffle featuring over 40 baskets; the chinese auction; 50/50 raffle and more. Bring the kids to say hello to Santa! At the American Legion Hall, 3 Central St, Baldwinville.

Christmas Cantata at United Parish 10:00 a.m. Our choir will present Christmas Cantata under the direction of Marcia Desilets. Following the performance, there will be a Children's Christmas Party and a special visit from Santa Claus; all children are welcome. At United Parish, 39 Front St, Winchendon.

Santa's Workshop 1:00-4:00 p.m. For the young and young at heart! Roam through various stations staffed by crafters and create your own gift, decor, or stocking stuffer. Homemade holiday cookies and hot beverages available for purchase while you work. Free admission; some crafters may offer additional items for sale. Supported by the Winchendon Cultural Council. For more info, see uucw.ncmuuc.org. At UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 10

Vet to Vet Cafe 10:00-11:00 a.m. Are you a Veteran? Would you enjoy connecting with other vets and sharing stories & experiences from your time in service? Come and join us for the Vet-to-Vet Cafe! Come enjoy great conversations & amazing camaraderie with others who have worn the cloth of our nation. Refreshments & coffee will be served. This is open to all Veterans in the local community. Please pass along to your favorite Veteran! At Broadview, Inc. Assisted Living, 547 Central St, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11

Lunch & On-Screen Exhibit at the Park Theatre (Jaffrey) 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Park Theater before screening a top-notch Art Exhibit on the big screen at the Park Theater! You can order your lunch and purchase tickets directly through the Park Theater (https://theparktheatre.org or call 603-532-8888), or call the Senior Center to book a ticket and a ride (home pick-up available, request at least a week in advance; suggested donation for rides, $2). Screening tickets $13 or pass for the series of four, $52. If the cost is a barrier please reach out as we have scholarships for Senior Center Members! Tickets at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/council-aging or call the Senior Center, 978-297-3155. This week: Matisse: from MoMA and Tate Modern. MoMA and Tate Modern's record-breaking show "The Cut-Outs" explores the final chapter of Matisse's career when he began "carving into color." 97 minutes. Outing begins at Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

Murdock Winter Concert 6:30 p.m. At Murdock Midlde High School Auditorium, 3 Memorial Dr, Winchendon.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 12

Spaghetti Supper at the American Legion 4:30-7:00 p.m. $10 per person. Annual Bag Auction starting at 6:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Winchendon American Legion Auxiliary Unit 193. All proceeds go to Auxiliary programs. At Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St.

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 will be a Hanukkah dinner. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 14

Beals Memorial Library Annual Holiday Open House 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Join the Trustees, Staff and Friends of the library as we celebrate the holiday season with our annual Holiday Open House! Enjoy beautifully decorated trees at our Tree Festival, delicious baked goods from the Friends of the library, and have your picture taken with Santa from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more info contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

Memorial & Toy Town Holiday Bazaar 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. We are very excited to announce our first holiday bazaar! Shop for gifts from over 20 local vendors. Bake sale, raffle baskets and free kids' craft table. Sponsored by Memorial and Toy Town Elementary PTO. At Memorial School, 32 Elmwood Rd, Winchendon.

GALA Bottle Collage Art Class 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $40 includes all supplies, public is welcome. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

Spirit of Christmas and Holiday Bazaar at United Parish 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. we invite you to our Spirit of Christmas Celebration featuring our family Manger Scenes and Decorated Christmas Tree in our sanctuary. Downstairs we invite you to our Holly Bazaar. We have a Basket Raffle Table and a Bake Sale Table. We are bringing back the lunch portion of the Bazaar, lunch will be available for purchase at 11:30am serving assorted sandwiches and soups. All lunch proceeds will go to our Youth Group program. A Gingerbread House making area and a Christmas Coloring Contest for Children. Those that attend the walk-thru will vote on the best Colored Picture. If you wish to enter your child into the contest we soon will have the pages on our website, unitedparish.com, from there contact the office to return your colored picture. There may even be a visit from the Grinch! At United Parish, 39 Front St, Winchendon.

Boston Jazz Voices at the Beals 2:00 p.m. Enjoy a very special holiday concert with Boston Jazz Voices, an a cappella ensemble devoted to vocal jazz performamce, that has brought their unique, sophisticated and complex vocal arrangements to diverse audiences throughout Massachusetts for over 35 years. Free to the public. For more information, call the library at 978-297-0300. Sponsored in part by the Winchendon Cultural Council and the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon, in the auditorium.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 15

Sensory Friendly Santa Visit 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Santa is coming to the Library! He will be meeting individuals (regardless of age) who are neurodivergent, on the autism spectrum, or have other special needs, and their families. Each family gets 10 minutes alone with Santa in a separate sensory friendly room to share their wishes and snap festive photos. Before or after your family’s visit write a letter to Santa, do a holiday craft, listen to stories and enjoy baked goods provided by the Friends Beals Memorial of the Library. Limited Space Available, Registration Required. Call 978-297-0300 or email bealsmemoriallibrary@gmail.com to sign up for a time slot. Snow date, Dec 22. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

Crafternoon: Door Sign Painting 2:00-4:00 p.m. Looking for a fun way to warm up this winter? Join us for a cozy and creative afternoon painting your very own Snowman Door Sign! Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be providedall you need to bring is your creativity and winter spirit! Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and don't miss the chance to get crafty with us this holiday season. Let's make it a winter day to remember!Get tickets at https://link.clover.com/urlshortener/ZMjqbN. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

Brass & Bistro 4:00 p.m. Hear the lovely sounds of the Pioneer Valley Brass Quintet in their debut performance in Winchendon! This 5-person professional ensemble (trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba) will play a seasonal variety of music sure to put you in a festive mood. Free admission, supported by the Dana Vespers Trust Fund. Following the concert, attendees may opt for a ticketed holiday tea buffet in the Parish Hall, for $10 per person. At UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 19

Caregiver Cafe: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group 10:30-11:30 a.m. Laid back support group for grandparents who are caregivers, raising grandchildren or caring for other family members. Register at https://beta.myactivecenter.com/. Drop-ins welcome too! At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 24

Children's Service at United Parish 5:00 p.m. Come and here the story of the first Christmas as told in the Scriptures with the children participating in the creating of the Nativity Scene. At United Parish, 39 Front St, Winchendon.

Living Nativity at United Parish 6:30 p.m. At the front entrance of United Parish, 39 Front St, Winchendon.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at UU Church of Winchendon 7:00 p.m. Join us for a lay-led service with traditional readings, congregational carol-singing, music and sharing the light of our candles together. At UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

Candle Light Service at United Parish 10:00 p.m. Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus and hear some soloists and sing Silent Night along with us by candlelight. At United Parish, 39 Front St, Winchendon.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 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 will be a Christmas dinner featuring beef bourguignon. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 27

Mike Martin @ The Snowbound Club! 7:00-10:00 p.m. Come listen to the incredibly talented musician Mike Martin. No cover charge. Bring some friends and join the fun! At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 31

New Year's Eve Party at the American Legion 8:00 p.m.- 1:00 a.m. $20 per person. Come celebrate with us and dance the night away! Music by New Release. Raffles, food and snacks. Sponsored by Winchendon American Auxiliary Unit 193. At Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St.

COMING IN 2025

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8

GALA Art Explorations Series for Teens 4:00-6:00 p.m. Runs for six weeks on Wednesdays. $150 includes all supplies for full series. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

SATURDAY JANUARY 11

GALA Needle Felting Class: Polar Bear 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $50 includes all supplies, public is welcome. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

SATURDAY JANUARY 18

Magical Murder Mystery Dinner at Hollowdale Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry 6:00 p.m. Winchendon Parks & Recreation in collaboration with FaeGuild Wonders bring you a Magical Murder Mystery Dinner! Join us for a feast in the Great Hall of Hollowdale Academy, Wyndonshire and Enchanted Orchard School of Witchcraft and Wizardry [Old Murdock Senior Center], where a magical misadventure will unfold! Someone has been poisoned, and the Ministry of Magic and professors of Hollowdale are investigating! Time is short and tickets are limited to 50 Witches and Wizards so sign up today to save your seat in the Great Hall. $50 per person includes dinner. Drinks available to purchase. Register at https://www.clover.com/pay-widgets/afcd2843-b450-46d1-9a27-1795ac0299bd At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8

GALA Needle Felting Class: Landscape Painting 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $55 includes all supplies, public is welcome. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

SATURDAY JUNE 7

Founders Day all day, times TBA. Food, live performances, games, activities, and fireworks! At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY JUNE 21-22

Wyndonshire 2025 All day both days! Food, costumes, children's and adults' activities, live music and performances, vendors, and much more! At the Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Drive.

ONGOING

MONDAYS

Pickleball 9:00 a.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.

Friends Book Sale 1:00-3:00 p.m. The Friends of the Library Book Sale is back! 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

AA Meeting 7:30 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

TUESDAYS

Pickleball 9:00 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.

Line Dancing! with Mary Lee 10:30-11:30 a.m. from Sept 5 through Nov 14. $5 Suggested Donation. No one will be turned away if unable to pay. Register at www.townofwinchendon.com/council-aging. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Strength Training and Fitness Classes with Mary Lee 9:15-10:15 a.m. through Nov 7. Beginner class at 9:15 a.m., advanced at 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.

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 9:00 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 9:00 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Friends Book Sale 5:00-7:00 p.m. The Friends of the Library Book Sale is back! 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

FRIDAYS

Pickleball 9:00 a.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

SATURDAYS

Shopping Transportation to Rindge for Seniors 9:15 a.m. Leaves from the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Friends Book Sale 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. The Friends of the Library Book Sale is back! 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

Town Committee Monthly Meetings by Week

Agendas, minutes and meeting recordings available on the Town website at Agendas, Minutes & Past Meetings, as well as on the pages for each Board or Committee.

Boards may cancel or change times for meetings, or add extra meetings, based on specific business at hand. Check the Town Meetings Calendar tab at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/

week MON TUE WED THUR
1st Board of Health
6:00pm
Planning Board
6:00pm
School Committee
6:00pm
2nd
Board of Selectmen
6:30pm
Finance Committee
7:00pm
Agricultural Commission
7:00pm
Conservation Commission
6:00pm
3rd Planning Board
6:00pm
Winchendon Redevelopment Authority
5:00pm
Zoning Board of Appeals
7:00pm
School Committee
6:00pm
4th Board of Selectmen
6:30pm

Recordings of town meetings may be viewed on the new "Winchendon TV" website. Most meeting videos are posted within a day or two of the meeting.
https://winchendon.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/?site=1%C2%A0%C2%A0



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