The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of July 9 to July 16, 2020
What makes Winchendon what it is...How we're making Winchendon even better

202 Trading Company Presents Site Plan for Marijuana Dispensary to Planning Board


Anthony Parrinello of 202 Trading Company, Inc. and civil engineer Steve Poole from Lakeview Engineering Associates presented a site plan for the development of the proposed marijuana retail dispensary on Spring Street to the Planning Board at a hearing on Tuesday, July 7. The dispensary will be located next to Little Anthony's restaurant in a building that last housed a gift shop in 2007.

Mr. Poole explained that the building footprint will be changed very little, with only a small addition at the back for deliveries. The building exterior will basically remain the same as it is now. The parking area in front of the building will be paved with 29 marked spaces including three handicap spaces, and a six-foot-wide sidewalk will lead to the building's new main entrance. A recycled asphalt drive will lead to ten parking spaces for employees behind the building. The existing entrance will be converted into a secure enclosed pick-up window for online orders to be picked up by customers. The pick-up window will be designed like a bank drive-up window, with a steel drawer and no direct contact between employees and customers. The entire site design is fully ADA compliant.

Some paved parts of the existing lot that are in a wetlands buffer zone will be restored and reseeded with grass. Runoff from the new parking surfaces will be directed to a grass swale and retention ponds.

Planning Board member Joe Sackett asked about the possible "glut of traffic" at the facility, and whether any modeling had been done on traffic impact.

Mr. Parrinello replied that when two stores opened in Leicester and Northampton, they initially had cars in "lines around the block," but over the past year they have not seen the same type of traffic. "We expect this to be busy, but we do not expect this to be by any stretch an inconvenience, or any sort of degradation in the area relative to traffic," Mr. Parrinello said. "That said, we have met with Winchendon P.D., and ensured a detail will ultimately be required, where obviously, they're going to make the call on that." He went on to explain that the Cannabis Control Commission will specify parameters for opening, and 202 Trading Company will then go back to Winchendon P.D. with a traffic management plan. The facility may open on a scaled-down basis over the first 30 days to six months, and if needed, there will also be employees outside directing traffic and helping customers get to the right entrance.

Mr. Sackett asked what the expected revenue for the town might be. Mr. Parinello replied that they expect to bring in around $8 million in the first year, of which the town will receive 3 percent, or about $240,000, payable on a quarterly basis.

Mr. Sackett asked about the planned number of employees, and whether 202 Trading Company has a commitment to hire local.

"Yes. We absolutely have a commitment to hire local," Mr. Parrinello responded. "We will be conducting career fairs, and our intent is to hire local...if there's two folks side-by-side, and they're both equally qualified, and one individual does not reside in Winchendon and the other does, our intention is to hire that person from Winchendon...as permitted by law, we will give preference to Winchendon folks." He added, "in an aggregate, not at one time, we expect to have ten to twelve employees when we hit our full stride." Mr. Parinello says they'll be paying "living wage," $18.00 to $20.00 an hour plus full benefits.

Planning Board member Leston Goodrich asked what the planned hours of operation will be. "At the end of the day, the town calls the shots" about hours of operation, Mr. Parrinello responded. "For business purposes, obviously, we would want to be open times that are most convenient for our customers." He said that some facilities in the state are open as early as 8:00 a.m., and they would want "some leeway" to extend hours depending on the season and demand. The maximum would be 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week, but 202 Trading Company is open to considerable negotiation with the town regarding hours.

The Planning Board approved the site plan as submitted, with proposed operating hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. The video of the full hearing may be viewed here.

Winchendon CAC Launching Fresh Produce Market


The Winchendon CAC will introduce its new fresh produce market on Tuesday, July 14, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Fresh fruit and vegetables from Red Fire Farm in Montague, MA will be available to anyone in the community on a cash payment basis. The market will also accept SNAP cards. SNAP Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) credits, which double the value of SNAP benefits for fresh produce, will apply.

CAC Director Jennifer Sibley told the Courier that this program is being started with grant monies. Growing Places of Leominster is providing the electronic equipment for accepting SNAP payments. The market will be set up indoors, and only five shoppers may be inside at one time in order to maintain social distancing. Face masks are required to enter the CAC premises.

Ms. Sibley explained that the market may be on a different day of the week going forward. Red Fire Farm has promised that they can supply the market with produce year-round. If the market sustains itself it may expand in the future.

The Winchendon CAC is located at 273 Central Street, and may be reached at 978-297-1667.

Lynn Man Dies in Drowning Incident at Otter River


On Saturday, July 4 at approximately 6:05 p.m. the Winchendon Fire Department in conjunction with the Templeton Fire Department were dispatched to the Otter River State Forest for reports of a male swimmer in distress.

Emergency personnel were made aware of a male subject, later identified as a 34 year old Lynn, Massachusetts man, who had submerged without resurfacing while attempting to swim in Beaman Pond. Members of the Winchendon Fire Department dive team, Massachusetts District-8 dive team, and the Massachusetts State Police dive team conducted search and recovery operations.

At approximately 7:45 p.m. the body of the missing swimmer was recovered and pronounced deceased. The incident is currently being investigated by the Winchendon Police Department and the District Attorney.

The Winchendon Fire Department would like to extend its gratitude to the members of the Winchendon Police Department, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Templeton Police Department, Templeton Fire and EMS, the District-8 dive team, and the Massachusetts State Police for their assistance throughout the incident. Our condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased.

WBJ Offers Free Webinar for Re-opening Business Owners

Winchendon business owners may be interested in a free webinar entitled "Back to Business: Operating in the 'new normal' " which will be offered by the Worcester Business Journal on Tuesday, July 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. For details and to register, click here.

Town Tightening Up on Wetlands Regulations Around Lake Monomonac


In the wake of several changes in membership on the town Conservation Commission, the Winchendon Department of Planning and Development sent a letter to all property owners around Lake Monomonac and the adjacent Whites Mill Pond reminding them of the regulations, both town and state, concerning any development or "disturbance" within 100 feet of wetlands or shorelines.

"In recent months we have noticed a sharp increase in folks doing work near the Lake and in folks raising concerns about work being done near the Lake. In some instances the homeowners have indicated that they didn't know there are regulations," the letter stated. "The Town Conservation Commission is a five member board appointed by the Board of Selectmen for three year rolling terms. They meet on a monthly basis to review applications that come in from property owners looking to make changes."

The Conservation Commission has had at least one vacancy for some time. In the discussions around the recent change in membership, in which April Mills was removed from the Commission and Melissa Blanchard was appointed, it was pointed out that lack of a quorum has delayed some hearings for a month or more.

Seven hearings were quickly scheduled for the Conservation Commission meeting on Thursday, July 9, five of them concerning properties around Lake Monomonac. The agenda also included discussion of four violations, of which three involved properties on Lake Monomonac.

Any town resident interesting in filling the remaining vacancy on the Conservation Commission is urged to contact Town Conservation Agent Alison Manugian at 978-297-5410, or amanugian@townofwinchendon.com.

Calling All Vendors - Unitarian Universalist Church Lawn Fair


As Massachusetts cautiously enters into Phase 3 of our COVID-19 Reopening, we still find many Winchendon events canceled and our downtown quieter than “normal.” We are missing the Clark Summer Solstice, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Strawberry Festival and the Kiwanis Chili Cook-off, to name just a few.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon (UUCW) hopes to offer one of the first downtown events on Saturday, August 1, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm with an old-fashioned Lawn Fair. The fair will feature everything from crafts, retail (new) items, yard sale treasures and food. The layout will follow the example set this season by Rietta Flea Market which successfully opened to enthusiastic shoppers a few weeks ago. Vendors will be spaced at generous intervals, with masks and social distancing. There will be a separate area set up for mask-free food consumption. UUCW is welcoming all types of vendors interested in renting a space for a modest donation. For more information or to rent a space, visit the UUCW website: uucw.ncmuuc.org/summer-fair.

Clark YMCA, American Legion, WHCC Resume Some Programs as Phase 3 of Massachusetts Re-opening Plan Begins


More organizations and businesses in Winchendon are resuming programs and activities as Massachusetts continues its cautious re-opening plan.

On Monday, July 6, the first step of Phase 3 of the state's four-stage re-opening plan began. In Phase 3, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, outdoor performance venues, museums, aquariums, historical sites, guided tours and casinos may open, with procedures, occupancy limits and sanitation protocols in place. Professional sports games may resume, but without spectators. Limits on the number of people allowed in indoor, and enclosed outdoor, spaces are being increased somewhat.

The Clark Memorial YMCA announced that it would be reopening on Wednesday, July 8. Exercise classes will resume on Monday, July 13. Gymnastics and swim lessons will not resume until a later date. The Winchendon History and Cultural Center is resuming its "Thursday Nights on the Porch" casual evenings, with Phase 3 guidelines in place. The museums will be open to visitors. The Winchendon American Legion Post 193 is resuming its monthly spaghetti dinner, and has opened its pavilion on weekends.

Winchendon reported one new case of COVID-19 in the past week. The official count for Winchendon as of Wednesday, July 8, is 89. In the past five weeks, two new cases have been reported in the town. (See updated town-by-town reports from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, including an interactive map, here.)

The rate of increase in number of cases in Massachusetts continues its downward trend. The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, July 9, there have been 105,138 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (1,280 more than the previous week), with 8,053 fatalities (151 in the previous week).

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.

Phase 3 guidelines are as follows:

All residents are strongly urged to wear face masks in public settings, especially indoors, and maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people. Those at high risk should continue taking precautions to avoid infection by the virus. "It's critical that we continue to be smart in how we do this," Gov. Baker said. "The last thing we want to do is move backwards, as we've seen other states have to do. So continue to please do your part: social distance, wear face coverings, practice good hygiene and stay home if you feel sick."

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 are open by appointment. No sampling of personal products such as cosmetics will be allowed.

Restaurants will be open for indoor and 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. Self-serve stations are closed, no condiments will be left on tables, and no bar seating is allowed.

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. Close-contact services such as nail salons, massage therapy, makeup salons, personal training, tattoo and piercing parlors, hair removal services, and tanning salons may open, with rules about sanitizing equipment and surfaces between clients. Funeral homes, warehouses, distribution centers, golf facilities, outdoor recreational facilities including pools, playgrounds and spray decks, and outdoor historical sites and spaces may open.

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

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, July 9. Changes have been happening very quickly and without notice, 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
Lunches and breakfasts will continue to be distributed to families over the summer five days a week. Families of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch should have, or will be, getting P-EBT cards in the mail to receive SNAP food benefits over the summer. The school department is assembling a district reopening steering committe and focus groups to discuss plans and options for the re-opening of school in September. Those who are interested in participating should fill out a form here (Google Form).

Town Hall
During Phase 2, Town Hall remains closed to the public. Most staff will continue to work from 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 extended hours (see "Toy Town FYIs, below). 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 continue to deliver 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. See their Facebook page for updates. 978-297-3155.

Beals Memorial Library
The library continues to maintain Phase 1 procedures until further notice. Building closed to the public, all programs, events and meetings suspended until further notice. Library materials may be borrowed via pickup in the library lobby or curbside. Patrons can reserve items over the phone (978-297-0300), 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.

The 2020 Summer Reading Club for kids, teens and adults is underway. See the library Facebook page for details.

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
Re-opening under Phase 3 guidelines as of July 8. Exercise classes will resume on Monday, July 13. Gymnastics and swim lessons will not resume until a later date. For full details and the new handbook for members, see their Facebook page or website. Camp Clark is running, although current sessions are filled. To get on the waiting list or apply for a later session, contact the Clark. 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.

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

Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
Public is allowed inside the building by appointment, three appointments per 30 minutes. NO ADMITTANCE WITHOUT MASK AND HANDS SANITIZED IN AND OUT WITH PROVIDED SANITIZER. CAC Haven of Hope is open to provide services during business hours, including showers, laundry, pre-made meals and relaxation area. Summer clothes donations are being accepted, and are available to those in need. New produce market starting Tuesday, July 14. See their Facebook page for hours, updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.

Winchendon American Legion Post 193
Outside Pavilion is open on weekends, Friday and Saturday. The monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser is starting again as of July 9. See their Facebook page for updates.

Winchendon History and Cultural Center
Seppie's Ice Cream Parlor remains closed until further notice. Thursday Nights on the porch are resuming as of July 9, and the museums will be open to visitors. Online Silent Auction will begin on July 10. Some fall activities are being planned including an escape room and a spooky tour of the Old Centre burial ground. See their Facebook page for updates and details. 978-297-2142.

The Dance Center
Preparing to open studios for dancing classes. Summer registration is due by Friday, June 3. Audition applications are due by July 12. Online virtual dance classes and activities continue. The Studio hopes to re-open in mid-July. See their Facebook page for more information. 978-297-5678.

RESTAURANTS

Carriage House Restaurant
Open for indoor dining starting June 24. See their Facebook page for menus, hours 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. Lobby was closed temporarily for extra cleaning and sanitizing.

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
Open for dine-in and take-out as of Thursday, July 9. 978-297-0800. Still preparing take-out meals for sale at Not Just Produced, 290 Central St.

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
Indoor seating for meals. Outdoor meals will be served Wed-Sat, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for hours, menus and updates. Will be closed on July 4th. Customers are encouraged to order online at toasttab.com/harbour-restaurant. 978-297-2133

Hometown Cafe
Limited indoor dining as of June 22. Outdoor seating for meals as of June 8. 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
Limited indoor seating, two tables available. See their Facebook page for menus, hours and information. Now open seven days a week.978-297-1777.

Little Anthony's & Little Lizzie's
Outdoor dining in pavilion area as of June 10, full menu and beverages. No indoor seating yet. Open for take-out, 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
Closed on Tuesday, July 14 this week. Outdoor seating, limited indoor dining. Customers are asked to respect protocols for sanitizing tables and keeping distance. Open for take-out. Will have some outside tables available. 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
Dining with outdoor seating. Open for take-out and delivery. 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
Garden plants, supplies. See their Facebook page for news and specials. Only eight customers inside at a time, customers are asked to maintain social distancing.

Not Just Produced
New and additional inventory. Locally grown produce and beef, local cheese. 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. Open 9:00-12:00 on July 4th. 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 open to the public, with limits on number of people inside at one time. 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.

Reflections Country Collections
Closed until further notice, but according to their Facebook page, they'll be back. Watch their page for updates. 978-297-2411.

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. Hopes to re-open the store on July 25, depending on the situation with COVID at that time.

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. Strawberries, greens, maple syrup, jams, garden plants. 978-297-2305. See their Facebook page for hours and updates.

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

Toy Town Treasures
Open with Phase 2 precautions. No more than eight customers inside at one time, face masks required. Closed on July 4th. See their Facebook page for updates and specials.

Winchendon Furniture
Winchendon and Keene showrooms now open. Customers asked to wear face masks. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the store. See their Facebook page for hours, updates and specials. 978-297-0131.

Wolf Talk Trading Post
Holding a "store closing" sale.

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 Inspection stickers during business hours, no appointment needed. Open for repairs and towing services. Closed for the holiday on July 3rd and 4th. 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.

Tip Top Nails
Open as of June 22. 978-297-0400.

Toy Town Barber Shop
Open with precautions as of 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
In-person Sunday worship services with a limit of 65 attendees. Online services will continue to be offered. 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. Backpack program for students aged Pre-K though high school every Thursday 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the parking lot, no one turned away.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers will be distributed as "take-out" from the church circular driveway in May. "Lawn fair" on the church lawns on Saturday, August 1. AA meetings on Monday nights are suspended until further notice. Contact the church via Facebook message with any questions.

United Parish of Winchendon
In-person worship services resuming Sunday, June 28. Pre-registration required; check their Facebook page for registration form and further updates. Sunday worship being streamed online, see their Facebook page for information, as well as for daily videos, Bible readings and prayers.

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


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.

Central Mass Tree

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

Make DIY Cloth Face Masks


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)

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Town Seeks Volunteers for Town Committees and Boards


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

There will be a $20 late fee for unlicensed dogs beginning July 15.

The 2019 Annual Town Report may be downloaded as a PDF from the town website. Printed copies are available at Town Hall, and will be distributed at Annual Town Meeting as usual, when Town Meeting takes place (still to be determined).

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.

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.

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