The Winchendon Courier

Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication

Week of June 4 to June 11, 2020

What makes Winchendon what it is...How we're making Winchendon even better

Class of 2020 Graduation Parade This Saturday

Come join the parade on Sunday, June 7th, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. with a nod to the past to celebrate the future of the Graduating Class of 2020. Prior to the building of the new high school, Promenade and Grand March took place at the Clark Memorial, where graduates would form a receiving line on the lawn, and the public could go through to wish them well.

On Sunday, June 7th, the Murdock Class of 2020 will line both sides of Central Street in front of the Clark Memorial, and the community is encouraged to wish them well by joining our parade! Decorate your car, make a sign, whatever you wish, and assemble at the new Murdock High School at 1:45 p.m. in order to join the procession that will travel by car down Central Street to celebrate the Class of 2020! You can participate by simply arriving at Murdock High School beginning at 1:45 and join the procession line of cars for the parade. For safety purposes, we are asking that only the graduates arrive at Central Street directly, the community is encouraged to participate by arriving at Murdock High School and participating in the parade procession - remain in your car at all times and return to your normal Sunday at the end of the parade!

Senator Gobi's Office Remote Availability

BOSTON- While the Massachusetts State House remains closed to the public amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) and her staff remain available and ready to help. Though quarantine has kept us physically distant, this crisis has only served to strengthen our sense of community. To better serve you during these times, we have put together a COVID-19 resource list, which may be found at SenatorAnneGobi.com/COVID-19.html.

My team is available by phone or email, and the State House does not define our dedication to you and this district. If you’d like to leave a message by phone, please call (617) 722-1540 and the appropriate staff member will be in touch. My email address is Anne.Gobi@MASenate.gov, and my Chief of Staff can be reached at William.Loosemore@MASenate.gov.

Please, stay well and be safe.

Anne and the team: Stu, Yael, Lucas, Craig, and Derek.

Winchendon Resident Launches Write-In Campaign for School Committee Seat

by Inanna Arthen
Winchendon resident Karen Kast-McBride, of 256 Ash Street, is campaigning as a write-in candidate for the Winchendon School Committee in the Town Election to be held on June 15.

Ms. Kast-McBride describes herself as the parent of three gifted special-needs children, two who are adults and one of whom is a student of the Winchendon Public Schools. She chaired the Boston Special Needs Parent Advisory Council for eleven years and has been a special education advocate for 28 years.

"Education is my passion," Ms. Kast-McBride wrote on Facebook. "I believe that all children regardless of race, color, creed, nationality, gender, orientation, disability, class or economic status should have equal educational opportunity so that they can participate successfully and happily throughout their lives in the world around them.

"From what I have learned since being here in Winchendon, and as with all of our school districts, because our schools are never fully funded by the federal or state government, it seems there is a bit of work to do. Since Covid19 began and the economic crisis we are dealing with has only further impacted the state, which will absolutely decimate all of our town programs, including education, I believe that my years of experience noted above, which is only a small piece of what I have accomplished, can help Winchendon Public Schools not only get through the crisis we face due to the state budgetary shortfalls we will be dealing with, but also progress forward with ways to ensure that our students, teachers, and district are getting everything they need to succeed not just on a test, but more importantly - in their life, wherever it may take them, if you will allow me to help."

For more information, you can contact Ms. Kast-McBride by messaging her on Facebook. She also provides her Linked In profile.

Write-in candidates must receive at least 20 votes. To vote for a write-in candidate, fill in their name and address in the space under the printed candidates' names and be sure to check the box next to it.

Governor Baker to Announce Plans for Phase 2 of Massachusetts Re-opening on Saturday

by Inanna Arthen
Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker will announce the date for the beginning of Phase 2 of the COVID-19 re-opening plan on Saturday, June 6. Depending on the rate of new infections and fatalities, Phase 2 could begin on Monday, June 8. As with Phase 1, Phase 2 will be implemented in two steps.

When Phase 2 begins, retail stores may open, with a maximum number of eight customers, or 40 percent of the building's occupancy limit, allowed inside at one time. Shoppers should wear face masks and maintain a six-foot distance from one another and from store employees. Fitting rooms will be closed, and no sampling of personal products such as cosmetics will be allowed.

Restaurants will be open for outdoor dining, with tables six feet apart or separated by solid barriers. Parties will be capped at six persons, and menus must be disposable or electronic. Tables and chairs must be sanitized after each party leaves, and tables will have no place settings; tableware must be rolled or packaged. Employees must wear face masks, and diners should wear masks except when they are seated at the table.

Hotels, inns, and other lodgings may open to general guests. Function rooms will remain closed, and all movable items (pens, directories, and so on) must be removed from rooms.

Day camps may open with safety guidelines, including temperature checks for children and staff, face masks, and a size limit of 10 campers on groups. Overnight camps may not open until Phase 4.

Libraries may open to patrons, with restrictions to be announced. Other businesses that can open at the beginning of Phase 2 include personal services that don't require close personal contact, funeral homes, warehouses, distribution centers, golf facilities, outdoor recreational facilities including pools, playgrounds and spray decks, and outdoor historical sites and spaces.

For complete details, including full details for Phase 2, see the overview on the Mass.gov website. Download the complete, 29-page report at Reopening Massachusetts (PDF).

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is updating its list of the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases by individual town each Wednesday. The list may be viewed here. An interactive state map of the same information is also on this page. As of June 3, Winchendon had reported a total of 87 confirmed cases, an increase of 6 from the previous week.

While Phase 1 remains in effect, all residents are asked to respect and comply ongoing safety restrictions:

Massachusetts residents remain under a safer-at-home advisory. This means that residents should minimize unnecessary travel and activities that involve physical proximity to other people. Social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines remain in effect for those who go out. Residents should wash their hands frequently, be alert for symptoms, and stay home if they feel sick. Persons over 70, or who have health conditions that increase the danger of serious complications from COVID-19 should limit in-person social interactions with other people as much as possible by staying home and working from home if possible. The most recent data indicate that the biggest risk factors for COVID-19 complications requiring hospitalization are obesity, diabetes, and advanced COPD. Asthma has been found to increase risk less than was feared, but persons with asthma should still take every precaution.

All residents must wear non-medical face masks or cloth face coverings of some kind when out in public, along with observing social distancing rules and minimizing direct interactions with others. (See directions below for sewing a DIY cloth face mask. The CDC offers directions for face coverings here.) Masks or other face coverings should completely cover the nose, mouth and chin. Masks should not be touched or pulled down off the face once they've been put on. People wearing masks should wash their hands after touching their mask, if touching is unavoidable. Persons with medical conditions making masks unsafe are exempt. No children or infants under 2 years of age should wear any kind of face covering.

Businesses which are not fully re-opened under Phase 1 but can continue operating without putting employees or customers/clients at risk (i.e. they're not in the same physical location) may do so. This can include staff working solo and/or from home, delivering product without contacting customers directly, and working remotely via phone, text, or Internet platforms.

Restaurants may sell takeout meals for pickup or delivery only. No customers may be served on premises. Customers picking up orders should maintain a six-foot distance from one another and the restaurant staff, wear face masks, and avoid touching the takeout counters. If possible, order and pay online or by phone.

Retail stores selling food, liquor stores and pharmacies are open, but are restricted to a maximum number of 10 customers at a time. Customers must stay at least six feet away from each other. Some stores have marked their floors with tape or signs to keep people in line at the correct distance (so remember to look down).

Larger stores are not limited to 10 customers, but most have set their own limits based on the size of the store. If the limit is reached, customers must wait outside the store, maintaining a six-foot distance from each other, until staff admits them inside. Some supermarkets have created one-way aisles to help keep shoppers moving and minimize face-to-face encounters.

For full details and updates on Massachusetts state-wide COVID-19 news and restrictions, see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information. The Montachusett Public Health Network COVID-19 Hotline number, answering questions about the COVID-19 situation, is 1-844-968-3323.

The daily increase in number of cases is on a downward trend after remaining steady for some time. The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, June 4, there have been 98,376 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (4,156 more than the previous week), with 7,062 fatalities (515 in the previous week).

Below is an updated list of the COVID-19 arrangements made by town community services, centers, organizations and businesses, as far as the Courier was able to determine as of Thursday, June 4. Changes have been happening very quickly and without notice (especially with some businesses opening during Phase 1 and others waiting), so call or check the websites or Facebook pages of a business or organization for the most up to date information. (Winchendon businesses or organizations who would like to be added to this list, or change their information, should email editor@winchendoncourier.net with details.)

Winchendon Public Schools
All schools closed until for the remainder of the school year. Remote learning will continue and report cards will be issued. There will be no summer school programs. A continuously updated page of information may be found here.

There will be no school-related events on or off campus, including sports events.

The school year will not be extended for COVID-19 closings. The last day of school will be June 15.

Online home schooling, learning and study programs are available from the schools and many other sources. A FAQ of detailed information can be found here (the situation may change rapidly so keep checking back).

The state MCAS examinations for this academic year have been cancelled by the Department of Education.

Town Hall
Closed to the public. Most staff has been sent home, but are responding to emails and phone calls (expect a delay). Most bills can be paid and applications submitted online, and payments can be dropped off in the dropbox by the Front Street entrance to the building. Board and committee meetings are rescheduled or meeting virtually (see individual pages for each Board or committee on the town website).

The transfer station is OPEN for regular hours. Residents using the transfer station should complete their visit quickly and maintain a six-foot distance from each other and from attendants.

Winchendon Fall Fest, originally scheduled for Saturday, October 10, has been cancelled.

The Police Station and Fire Station are fully staffed but closed to walk-in visits by the general public. Call 911 for emergencies only and the business numbers for general questions and calls (Police: 978-297-1212; Fire: 978-297-2324). See each department's Facebook page for ongoing updates and information.

Old Murdock Senior Center
Closed to the public. Staff are at work and delivering lunches to seniors, as well as bags of groceries. The Center is also delivering loaner books and jigsaw puzzles to seniors.Contact them if you're a senior and need groceries or medications. 978-297-3155.

Beals Memorial Library
Building closed to the public, all programs, events and meetings suspended until further notice. As of Tuesday, May 26, at 1:00 p.m. the library will resume circulating materials via pickup in the library lobby or curbside. Patrons can reserve items over the phone, by email or online. Pickup will be by appointment. Patrons must be wearing masks to enter the side door lobby, one at a time. Only physical items owned by Beals Memorial Library are available until further notice (no interlibrary loans). You can borrow library e-resources through the Beals website. (If you have a library card, you can use the Libby app to borrow ebooks via your cell phone.) Library materials can be returned in the outside drop box. Overdue fines are waived for the time being. Check the Beals Facebook page for video book readings by Library Director Manuel King.

BealsCon, originally scheduled for May 16, has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will be held at the library as a scaled-back event.

Clark Memorial YMCA
All programs are cancelled until further notice, including regular after school programs and day care. The Emergency Child Care program for grades K-5 is available to families of essential workers, and families at risk who lack other options. Email Kyle Scrivines at k.scrivines@clarkymca.org with questions. See the Clark YMCA Facebook page for video exercise lessons and daily workout challenges.

According to the Clark's May Update (PDF), Camp Clark is still scheduled to run this summer.

The 2020 Summer Solstice Festival originally scheduled for June 20 has been cancelled.

Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
The building is closed to the public. Staff is at work and answering phones. Food, and some other supplies as available (for example, diapers) are being distributed curbside by appointment only--call to set up a pickup time. See their Facebook page for updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.

UPDATE:
"Tuesday May 26, 2020 we are transitioning back to our original hours which are
Monday 8-3 Pantry 9-1
Tuesday 12-6 Pantry 3-6
Wednesday 12-6 Pantry 3-6
Thursday 8-3 Pantry 9-1
All services will still be by appt only and shelf or pantry will be brought outside. Keep in mind to coordinate your appointments adequately according to services needed.
Monday June 1, 2020 we will be allowing 3 appointments in 30 minute increments to come inside for shelf, clothing, personal care, etc. NO ADMITTANCE WITHOUT MASK AND HANDS SANITIZED IN AND OUT WITH PROVIDED SANITIZER."

The Dance Center
Studio is closed for classes. There are online virtual dance classes and activities, see their Facebook page for more information.

RESTAURANTS

Carriage House Restaurant
Open for take-out only, Thurs-Sat starting at 4:00 p.m. and continuing as long as orders come in. (Keep calling, as they are too busy to retrieve voice mail while filling orders.) Desserts, beer and wine available with orders. See their Facebook page for menus and specials. 978-297-1089.

Christo's Place
Open for take-out only. Note temporary new hours: Mon-Tues-Wed-Thurs 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. & Fri-Sat-Sun 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Pay-by-phone, curbside pickup and free delivery available. Continuing to offer free bagged lunches to Winchendon public schools students who qualify for free or reduced school lunch--message them on Facebook in the morning to reserve a lunch. Christo's family and staff ask that as few people as possible come inside the store to pick up orders, to help keep everyone safer. 978-297-1142.

C & S Pizza
Open for take-out only. 978-297-2202.

Dunkin Donuts
Open for take-out and drive-through only.

Friends Garden
OPEN for take-out only as of May 1. 978-297-2277, 978-297-2278.

Gabby's Pizza
Back open for take-out only. Check their Facebook page for updates. New temporary hours, Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Occasionally close earlier. Offering "make your own pizza" kits: pound of fresh dough, pound of cheese and 1 oz of sauce, enjoy baking pizza with your kids! Note: customers MUST wear a mask to come inside to pick up orders. 978-297-3909.

The Glen Caffe
Closed, but preparing take-out meals for sale at Not Just Produced, 290 Central St., until further notice.

Gourmet Donuts
Open for take-out and drive-through only. No refills of reusable cups for sanitary reasons. You can call ahead with your order and it will be ready to pick up. 978-297-9700

The Harbour Sports Bar
OPEN for take-out only as of May 6. Check their Facebook page for hours, menus and updates. Customers are encouraged to order online at toasttab.com/harbour-restaurant. 978-297-2133

Hometown Cafe
Open for take-out only. Menu, including daily specials, posted on their Facebook page. Customers are asked to wear masks when picking up orders, and to call in orders ahead if possible. 978-297-2233.

Lickity Splitz
OPEN for the season on April 9. Take out only, call in orders in advance for pickup. See their Facebook page for menus, hours and information. Now open seven days a week.978-297-1777.

Little Anthony's & Little Lizzie's
Open for take-out only, pickup at Little Lizzie's ice cream window. Menu and online ordering may be done here. Beer and wine available for take-out. Local delivery available. Local ice cream now available. 978-297-2669, 978-297-1880.

Murdock Farm and Dairy Bar
Open for the season. Daily 1:00-9:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for specials and updates.

Ruschioni's Cruisin' 12 Diner
Open for take-out only. See their Facebook page for daily menus and specials. Grocery food (cheese, butter, bread, etc) available to order, cash only, delivery available. List with prices on their Facebook page. 978-616-8956.

Subway
Open for take-out only, see Facebook page for hours, weekly specials and ordering information. 978-297-0011.

Zoe's Restaurant and Pizzeria
Open for take-out and delivery only. Also offering take-out for beer and wine. See their Facebook page for menus and specials. Order on Wednesday and get a trivia question to answer! 978-297-5200.

RETAIL BUSINESSES

Beaman's Bait Shop
OPEN.

Belletetes Winchendon
Open to customers but asks that you place orders for curbside pickup, or delivery, if at all possible. The new email address for ordering is orders@belletetes.com. Reduced hours, closed Sundays. For details, see the most recent customer update (March 27) on their Facebook page.

Cumberland Farms
OPEN.

CVS
OPEN.

Deedee's Treasures
Postponing their spring re-opening. Can arrange purchase and pickup of fabric by appointment only. Call 978-413-0415. See their Facebook page for further updates, including new stock and announcements.

Family Dollar
OPEN.

Horse & Buggy Feeds
OPEN. Garden plants are in. Order turkeys and Guinea Hens this week. See their Facebook page for news and specials. Only six customers inside at a time, customers are asked to maintain social distancing.

Not Just Produced
OPEN. New and additional inventory. Hosting the Winchendon Mobile Market on Fridays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Packaged meals ready-to-go prepared by the Glen Caffe. Organic produce from Charlie's Redhouse Farm. Only ten customers can be inside the store at one time. 978-413-8518. Call and order ahead for curbside pickup.

Pattie's Jewelry
Store closed to the public, open for business by phone and internet. See their Facebook page for daily specials and information. Hand delivery of local purchases, layaway available. 978-297-3536.

The Perennial Patch
Open for the season. 978-297-0604.

Powell Stone and Gravel
Buildings closed to public. Open for phone orders with curbside pickup or delivery. Order by phone, email or text. See complete information here (PDF). 978-297-5600.

Rite-Aid/Walgreen's
OPEN.

Robin's Retro Dolls
Store closed to customers but Robin is buying and selling dolls by appointment, mail order, and on eBay. Contact her at 978-912-1688 with inquiries. If you have a doll to sell, text a photo to 978-912-1688 and she'll get back to you.

Smith's Country Cheese
OPEN. Call for curbside pickup. 978-939-5738. (Please note that the CheeseFest and CheeseChase events planned for May 17 have been postponed to a later date TBD.)

Sunset View Farm
Open for the season. Asparagus, maple syrup, jams, garden plants. 978-297-2305. See their Facebook page for hours and updates.

To Each His Own Design
Store closed to the public, OPEN for business. Taking orders by phone or over the internet, delivering. See their Facebook page for news and specials. 978-297-3959.

OTHER BUSINESSES

Athol Savings Bank
Building closed to walk-in customers. Open for drive-through, ATM, online banking and by appointment for in-person services. See their Facebook page for updates, including current hours. 978-249-3200.

Brooks Automotive
Open for essential repairs and towing services. Call or check their Facebook page for updates and hours. 978-297-2561.

Clifford P. Beauvais Insurance Agency
Open Mon-Thur 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. For emergencies outside these hours, email Matt@Beauvaisins.com. If possible, call or email before coming to the office. Must wear a face mask to come inside. 978-297-0472.

LaPoint Law Office
Office is closed to the public, but attorneys are responding to queries and serving existing clients. Contact them at 978-297-2390, 978-297-3673, or by fax at 978-616-8491, or by email at: lapointelawoffice@gmail.com, dlapointe@attorneylapointe.com, or davidlapointejd@gmail.com. See their Facebook page for more information.

Mylec
Mylec has been deemed an essential business and is manufacturing durable, easy-to-clean flooring material for emergency tents being set up nationwide for triage centers and other purposes. The portable polyethylene flooring was developed for tennis courts and most lately was employed for dek hockey rinks and NASCAR track garages. Mylec has been running overtime shifts to fill orders.

Toy Town Barber Shop
Opening with precautions on Tuesday, May 26. Customers are asked to wear masks and stay six feet apart while waiting. Advance appointments preferred. Call Sharon Esper at 603-554-2402 (cell) or 978-297-7354 (shop) to make an appointment.

CHURCHES

The Chapel, The Chapel Downtown
Holding worship services in the chapel. Attendance limited, all attendees must follow guidelines. Services will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. See their Facebook page or website for more information.

Cornerstone Church
All in-person worship, meetings and gatherings suspended until further notice. Holding virtual prayer meetings online. See their Facebook page for more information.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
Open for mass at 6:30 p.m. Services will return to normal schedule with guidelines in place. Attendance will be limited and all attendees must wear masks. See the church Facebook page for more information. Contact the office at renee@heartofmary.com, Fr. Henry at pastor@heartofmary.com, or call 978-297-0280.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen community suppers will resume as take-out meals on Thursday, June 18.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers will be distributed as "take-out" from the church circular driveway in May. AA meetings on Monday nights are suspended until further notice. Contact the church via Facebook message with any questions.

United Parish of Winchendon
Worship services, programs and activities suspended until further notice. Sunday worship being streamed online, see their Facebook page for information, as well as for daily videos, Bible readings and prayers.

Winchendon CVS To Be One of 21 COVID-19 Test Locations in Massachusetts

by Inanna Arthen
Beginning Friday, May 22, the Winchendon CVS will be offering COVID-19 tests to residents who meet CDC criteria for testing and age requirements. The tests will use a self-swab system, and residents must register for an appointment in advance and drive to the drive-through window to be tested. No tests will be administered on a walk-in basis for safety reasons. The CVS store is located at 301 Central Street.

Patients should make an appointment at MinuteClinic.com, and bring the appointment confirmation, proof of identity and date of birth, and an insurance card with them. Most patients will not have any out-of-pocket costs, as health insurance will cover the test, but patients can check with their insurer to confirm that the test is covered.

This test is for active COVID-19 infections. It is not an antibody test to discern a past infection.

Full details are on the CVS website.

CVS plans to open 1,000 test sites across the country.

Annual Town Election Postponed to June 15

Pursuant to Sec 1 of Ch 45 of the Acts of 2020 and due to the state of emergency declared by the govenor pursuant to executive order 591, Declaration of a State of Emegency to Respond to COVID-19, the municipal town election scheduled for May 4, 2020 is hereby postponed. The new postponed date for the Annual Town Election is June 15, 2020 at the Old Murdock Senior Center located at 52 Murdock Avenue from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

In an effort to protect voters and election workers from social contact, we encourage registered voters to apply for an early ballot to be mailed to them. The early ballot application can be found on the Town Clerk's page.

www.townofwinchendon.com/town-clerk/pages/early-ballot-application

Please print and complete the form and send to the Town Clerks office by mail, dropbox in front of Town Hall, or email to: wstevens@townofwinchendon.com.

If You Call for Emergency Services...

...the Winchendon Fire Department asks that you let the dispatcher know if you have flu-like symptoms, are quarantined or are under self-quarantine. This will allow the first responders to take all necessary precautions to avoiding spreading COVID-19 and to protect themselves and you.

Do You Have a Garden in Winchendon?

You can help the Winchendon HEAL Project bring affordable, whole food back to town by telling us about your garden! Fill out this online survey:

https://forms.gle/ToDJfajMfk89L99H6

What is the HEAL Winchendon Food Project?
growingplaces.org/programoverview/heal-winchendon

Gnazzo Returns for Additional Repairs at Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon

by Jill Sackett
June 1, 2020, 9:30 pm - Joseph Gnazzo Company, Inc. returned to UUCW today for one more week of stonework repair. The last vestiges of the Phase 1 funds are being used to seal the long coping stones that cap off the tall front gable, and repair a bulging section of granite blocks near the bell tower. This time, the work can be accomplished with only one worker in a bucket lift, instead of the multi-story scaffolding required last fall. No fear of heights for this mason!

Photo credit: Jill Sackett

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Town Seeks Volunteers for Town Committees and Boards

by Inanna Arthen
If you'd like to be an active participant in decision-making and management for your community, consider joining a town committee or board. There are a number of vacancies currently open.

Communications Commission - 3 vacancies
Conservation Commission - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 11 vacancies (can have up to 19 members)
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Open Space Preservation Appraisal and Survey Revolving Fund Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy
Recreation Commission - 1 regular vacancy, 2 student vacancies
Winchendon Community Park Committee (formerly the Ingleside Utilization Committee) - 5 vacancies (can have up to 15 members)
Zoning Board of Appeals - 2 alternates vacancies

If you'd like more information about any of these positions or are interested in being considered for an appointment, contact the Town Manager's office at 978-297-0085, or send a letter to Town Manager, 109 Front Street Dept. 1, Winchendon MA 01475.

A complete description of each committee's responsibilities may be found here (PDF).

Toy Town FYIs

Transfer Station Open Extended Hours

From June 1st to October 1st, the transfer station will be open as follows:

Thursday - 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The last day to register to vote in the annual town election is Friday, June 5, 2020, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. When you get to Town Hall (109 Front Street), call the Town Clerk's office at 978-297-2766 and you will be met at the door with a voter registration form.

Water Conservation Restrictions in Place

Beginning on May 1st and ending October 1st, the Town will be under a mandatory even / odd water conservation schedule.

Outdoor watering by water users with odd numbered addresses is restricted to odd numbered days. Outdoor watering by water users with even numbered addresses is restricted to even numbered days. Watering is only permitted from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Please direct any questions to the DPW at 978-297-0170.

Real estate taxes normally due on May 1 will be due on June 1. The deadline for applications to apply for exemptions on taxes has been changed from April 1 to June 1. Interest and penalties will be waived on any property and excise tax, betterment assessment, water or sewer bill with a due date on or after March 10, 2020 if payment in full is made by June 30, 2020.

Annual Town Meeting, originally scheduled for Monday, May 18, has been postponed to a future date still to be determined by the Board of Selectmen.

The deadline for 2020 dog licenses has been extended to June 1. Licenses are available online (click here), or by mail. You can pay online, or send your check and rabies certificate to Town Clerk's office, 109 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475, or place check and rabies certificate in drop box in front of Town Hall.You must provide a valid, up-to-date rabies certificate. License fees: $10 for spayed/neutered, $20 for non-spayed/non-neutered.

Make DIY Cloth Face Masks

by Inanna Arthen
Many people are sewing cloth face masks for themselves and for health care workers. There is even a Facebook group supporting this effort, Mask Makers.

There are a number of patterns available on the Internet. The Courier is sharing the PDF pattern below, which includes templates and clear, photograph-illustrated sewing directions, for the convenience of our readers. The pattern is being distributed by Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, NH and may be copied and shared freely.

The CDC has issued a nationwide advisory asking people to wear face masks at all times when out in public. COVID-19 is spread primarily through the air, and infected persons are the most contagious before they have any symptoms. It's estimated that as many as 50 percent of infected persons may never show symptoms or get sick, but still are able to infect others. Wearing face masks will significantly reduce the chances of infected people spreading the virus.

Face Mask Pattern and Directions (PDF)

Winchendon Asks for Community Input for Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Plans

The Town of Winchendon invites residents to view a short video about the potential impact of climate change on Winchendon, and then reply to a community survey. Your responses will assist the town in making long-term plans for future challenges posed by the effects of climate change and possible weather-related crises.

Winchendon Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Survey.

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