The Winchendon Courier

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

Week of July 23 to July 30, 2020

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

Planning Board Wraps Up Several Projects in Brief Meeting

by Inanna Arthen
In a brief meeting on Tuesday, July 21, the Planning Board either passed over or wrapped up several agenda items.

An article to reorganize Board positions and elect a new Chair and Vice Chair was tabled because members felt a full quorum should be present. Planning Board member Burt Gould was absent for health reasons.

The Board voted to approve the layout of Central Street, which was approved by the Board of Selectmen at their meeting last week (as reported in the July 16-23 edition of the Courier), with no discussion. The plans will now be considered for inclusion in the annual Town Meeting warrant.

Two articles addressed the Lincoln Solar Project, which has been completed. The Board voted to accept a recommendation on removing the property from Chapter 61, now that it is a commercial installation and not forested land. The second article asked the Board to sign off on the closeout for the project. The solar array has been turned on and is now in operation.

Planning Board member Joe Sackett asked "what's the status of the abuttor's complaint with the light reflecting off the solar panels." Planning Board Chair Guy Corbosiero said that there really isn't anything the Board can do about that situation. The Board voted to close out the project.

The Board voted to close out the Happy Hollow Solar Project, which is completed and in operation. Planning Agent Alison Manugian said that she heard from the abuttors who were concerned about the tree cutting and promised remediation work that "they're very happy with how the project turned out, they're thrilled with...the landscaping, so that turned out pretty well."

The Planning Board agenda included an article about reducing the size of the Master Plan Committee from seven to five members because they were having trouble assembling a quorum for meetings. Two Planning Board members recused themselves from voting on this article, and with Mr. Gould absent, the Planning Board lacked a quorum for a vote and tabled the article to a future meeting.

Chili in August - The Tradition Continues

by Jill Sackett
Normally this time of year Winchendon gears up for the state chili cook-off, hosted by our local Kiwanis organization. As with many annual events, the cook-off was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon (UUCW) contemplated food sales for its summer lawn fair on Saturday, August 1, 10 am - 3 pm, they decided to uphold the town’s fine tradition of “Chili in August” and offer a mini chili cook-off of their own.

The UUCW food booth will be featuring three very different chili recipes, contributed by three different chefs from the church’s Our Neighbor’s Kitchen community supper program. The first entry from chef Dave Faucher will be classic “football” chili: a hearty combination of meat and red beans in a familiar brown sauce. The second entry from chef Inanna Arthen will be vegetarian chili: a garden lovers’ delight chock full of veggies and a variety of beans in a traditional tomato base. The third entry from chef Jill Sackett will be Caribbean chili: diced ham, tomatoes and black beans in a sweet sauce with allspice topped with a sliced lemon banana garnish. Diners may purchase a bowl of their favorite chili, or sample a “flight” of all three.

Cold soft drinks and water will also be available, and there will be a separate area set up on the lawn for mask-free dining.

MART Requests Feedback from Community

The Montachusetts Regional Transit Authority (MART) has created an online survey for riders and community members to give feedback on the service. The survey may be accessed at this link:

www.mrpc.org/home/news/mart-online-survey-announced

Winchendon Teen DJ Kayden Gordon Goes National with The Kayden Gordon Show

From a young age, Kayden Gordon of Winchendon, Massachusetts, felt like no one truly accepted him for who he was. He was diagnosed with Autism, but he just wanted to have a normal life and meet friends at school. Now, as a teenager, Gordon is the host of "The Kayden Gordon Show: Today’s Best Country Mix" on Spectrum 23.9.

In the early part of 2018, Gordon started listening to the radio more often, specifically country music stations, since that's what he enjoyed growing up. One of his favorites was Country 102.5, an FM country station in Boston. Once Gordon started listening to 102.5 ‘s midday personality, Carolyn Kruse, and afternoon personality, Jackson Blue, he wanted to know what it was like to become an actual DJ. While researching, he came across a Facebook radio station group that helped him discover different online radio stations looking for volunteers to do live or syndicated shows.

When Gordon reached out to the stations, they loved what he was doing so they gave him a chance to be on the air, and he developed "The Kayden Gordon Show." As he built his personal portfolio, Gordon was promoting his Facebook and Instagram page in March 2020 when he made the connection to Spectrum 23.9. After a few weeks, he began collaborating with Graham, asking him for help with the audio in his programs. Before long, Gordon was volunteering his time virtually with Spectrum 23.9 to do a live and syndicated show on their station.

Since January, he has interviewed a variety of country musicians across the U.S., including local musicians, like Russ Stallons of Kentucky and Neil Dover of Alabama. He has also interviewed Broadway stars like, Young Elsa, and Our Dear Dead Drug Lord's actress, Winter Donnelly, and her brother Miles. Miles studied biology at the University of Chicago, but ended up creating his own band with his sister, called The Muo Duo Band. Their first single "Digital Island Resort" was released in June.

Kayden will be broadcasting live from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon's Lawn Fair on Saturday, August 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., outside the UU church at 126 Central Street.

Winchendon Fire Department Receives DHS Grant

On July 17th the Winchendon Fire Department was awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $21,857.14. This competitive grant was part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program – COVID-19 Supplemental grant. These well needed funds will be used to purchase otherwise unavailable Personal Protective Equipment in the form of various respirators for the department members and other town employees. During these difficult health times, this equipment will not only protect our members but also will allow our community to continue to receive the care and services they deserve.

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

No New COVID cases in Winchendon As Phase 3 Continues

by Inanna Arthen
Winchendon reported no new cases of COVID-19 in the past week. The official count for Winchendon as of Wednesday, July 22, stands at 89. In the past seven 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 23, there have been 107,413 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (1,285 more than the previous week), with 8,249 fatalities (97 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 23. 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. Focus groups have been meeting every week to develop state-mandated plans for reopening. Summary plans must be turned in to the state DESE by July 30. Currently the 2020-2021 school year is scheduled to begin on August 27. No definite information is available from the state about funding or budgets, and no final decisions about the new school year have been made at this time.

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. Farmer's Market coupons available for pickup by appointment as of July 20. 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. Essential transportation offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 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. The library is providing "grab and go" bags of supplies for at-home crafts projects that can be picked up on Fridays. See the library Facebook page for details.

The 2020 Toy Town Tree Festival will be run as an online virtual event. Watch the library Facebook page for updates.

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
Open under Phase 3 guidelines. Exercise classes have resumed in the gym (please bring your own water bottle and mat). 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)
NEW HOURS. CLOSED MONDAYS. Open Friday 8:00-3:00 with pantry 9:00-1:00. Volunteers needed on Monday, July 20 to help unload food delivery. 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 resumed as of July 9, and the museums will be open to visitors. The online Silent Auction is in progress. Donations for online auction still being accepted! 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
Studios now open for in-person dance class. Online virtual dance classes and activities continue. 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, Thurs-Sat 4:00-8:00 p.m. 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
Outdoor seating, limited indoor dining. Parties cannot be seated until everyone is present, due to space limitations. 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
Store closed to walk-in customers for health reasons. Can arrange purchase and pickup of fabric by appointment. Customers are asked to wear masks and maintain distancing during appointments. 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. Deli is now open. 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.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. Store re-opening postponed until further notice due to health concerns. Watch her Facebook page for updates.

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. Corn is in, peaches, blueberries, raspberries. Only one family in the stand at a time, please wear face masks. 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.

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. 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.

Town [Still] 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
Council on Aging - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 10 vacancies (can have up to 19 members)
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Library Trustees - 1 vacancy
Open Space Preservation Appraisal and Survey Revolving Fund Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy
Recreation Commission - 1 regular vacancy, 2 student vacancies
Toy Town Community Partnership - 2 vacancies
Winchendon Community Park Committee (formerly the Ingleside Utilization Committee) - 5 vacancies (can have up to 15 members)
Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 regular vacancy, 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, updated for July, 2020, may be found here (PDF).

Winchendon CVS 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.

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)

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

Toy Town FYIs

Is Your House Number Clearly Visible from the Street?
The Winchendon Fire Department reminds all residents to make sure their house number is clearly visible for first responders who may need to find you. Numbers should be at least four inches high and facing the street, with lighting if possible. Put numbers on a contrasting background so they will stand out. If your driveway is long, put the number on a mailbox or pole on the street or at the end of driveway, facing in both directions. (Reflective numbers are helpful.) Check your house numbers to make sure foliage has not grown up in front of them without your being aware of it.

The 2020 Town Street List is now available at Town Hall. Printed copies may be purchased for $8.00 ($5.00 for seniors). Call the Town Clerk's office at 978-297-2766 and one will be brought outside for you. The complete list may be downloaded as a PDF, here.

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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