The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of February 18 to February 25, 2021
What makes Winchendon what it is...How we're making Winchendon even better

Winchendon PD Arrest NH Resident on Multiple Charges


At 12:48 a.m. on Monday, February 15, 2021, Winchendon Police stopped a Volkswagen Jetta on Spring Street for operating without a plate light. What began as a routine traffic stop turned into a more complicated situation, with both occupants of the car, which had New Hampshire plates, arrested as fugitives from justice with outstanding warrants.

Winchendon Officer Joseph Champney initially stopped the car. The driver did not provide identification and gave inconsistent answers to questions about his identity. Officer Brandon Lucier and Sergeant Gerald Gagne arrived to assist, and observed what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol on the floor of the vehicle.

The driver and his passenger were secured, and the pistol was found to be a BB gun. A further search of the car uncovered counterfeit United States currency, various drug paraphernalia, a digital scale and packaging materials used for street sales of drugs, presciption pills and suspected crack cocaine.

The driver was eventually identified as Michael Alan Arsenault Jr. of Concord, New Hampshire, age 33. Mr. Arsenault was arrested and charged with subsequent offense of operating a motor vehicle without a license, possession of more than ten counterfeit notes, two counts of possessing Class B drugs with intent to distribute, three counts of possessing Class C drugs with intent to distribute, failure to identify himself to police, number plate violation, concealing a number plate to prevent identification, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. Mr. Arsenault was also charged as a fugitive from justice as he had two outstanding warrants from New Hampshire and one outstanding warrant out of Gardner District Court.

The passenger, Wayne Woods of Manchester, New Hampshire, age 40, was arrested as a fugitive from justice on a New Hampshire warrant.

Mr. Arsenault and Mr. Woods were held at the Winchendon Police Department until their arraignment at Winchendon District Court on February 16. No information about the disposition of the arraignment was available from the court as of Thursday February 18.

According to the Keene Sentinel, in June of 2012, Mr. Arsenault pled guilty to a July, 2011 theft from the Rindge Market Basket and was sentenced to a year in the Cheshire County jail in Keene, New Hampshire. He also pled guilty to another theft charge and received a suspended sentence of three to seven years in New Hampshire State Prison, and was ordered to pay restitution of $3,236 to several area businesses. He pled guilty to a third misdemeanor theft charge which added nine months to his jail sentence, and he was placed on probation for three years after his release from jail. At that time, Mr. Arsenault's address was listed as the Cheshire County Jail.

Local Organic Farmers to Host Workshop: Organic Fruit Tree Management

Many Hands Organic Farm will be hosting a workshop regarding Organic Fruit Tree Management on February 27th from 10:00 to noon, at the farm in Barre and via Zoom. At MHOF we have about 100 fruit trees with some of them as old as 40 years, all cared for in a certifiably organic fashion. Attend to learn about grafting, fertility, and try your hand at pruning some of our trees. Registration is free, and available on the Many Hands Organic Farm website at mhof.net/events-workshops.

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Central Mass Tree

Subway Catering for Holidays ad

Storms and Arctic Chill Continue But Winchendon Dodges the Worst


The same storms and deep arctic cold wreaking havoc in southern and Midwestern states are impacting the Northeast, but with far less intensity. With the third weather event in five days beginning tonight, Winchendon has experienced minimal inconvenience, thanks to being on the north edge of the current storm track.

A forecast snow event on Sunday missed Toy Town entirely. Predictions of ice, sleet and snow for Tuesday turned out to be light accumulation with some slippery roads and a few reported downed trees in the early morning. Temperatures rose above freezing for the day and most of the ice melted by sunset.

Light snow is expected to fall from Thursday night through Saturday morning, but weathercasters are predicting only 3 to 4 inches in the Monadnock region. The below-average temperatures will keep the preciptation light and dry, with highs in the 20s and lows in the teens or single digits.

Seniors Aged 65 and Older Are Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine

As of Thursday, February 18, Winchendon seniors aged 65 and up are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. Register for an appointment by visiting www.mass.gov/vaccine. Please note it may take several weeks to get an appointment at a location nearest you. As more vaccine supplies arrive, more appointments will become available.

Visit www.mass.gov/vaccine for the most up to date information.

As of February 11, the closest vaccination sites to Winchendon are in Gardner.

Gardner: Medical Arts Building, Suite 200
250 Green St, Suite 200, Gardner, MA 01440

Gardner: Heywood Healthcare at Polish American Citizen's Club (PACC)
171 Kendall Pond Rd W, Gardner, MA 01440

Gardner: Walgreens
232 Main St, Gardner MA 01440

State Opens Vaccination Appointments to Residents Over 65, Appointment Website Promptly Crashes

Winchendon Now Out of the Red Zone As COVID Numbers Plunge Statewide


On Wednesday, February 17, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker announced that as of Thursday, February 18, vaccination appointments would be open for residents aged 65 and up, as well as persons with two or more qualifying medical conditions. These changes made almost one million additional Massachusetts residents eligible to receive the vaccine.

Eligible medical conditions are: Asthma (moderate-to-severe), Cancer, Chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Down Syndrome, Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies, Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher), Pregnancy, Sickle cell disease, Smoking, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

In his press briefing, Gov. Baker said, "It's important to know here that new appointments will appear on the website starting tomorrow morning around eight a.m. There's no reason to stay up all night." However, shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, the website, https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/, had completely crashed due to the number of people attempting to make appointments. As technical specialists struggled to get the website back up, Gov. Baker told GBH radio, "My hair’s on fire about the whole thing...I can’t even begin to tell you how pissed off I am, and people are working really hard to get it fixed. And we know how important it is for people to have it fixed and to be able to access all those new appointments that went up on it."

As of Thursday, February 18, 937,273 persons (13.6 percent of the state population) have received the first dose of vaccine. 329,989 (4.8 percent of the state population) have received two doses and are fully vaccinated.

Restrictions on building occupancy and gatherings, and other mandated requirements such as wearing face coverings or masks, remain unchanged. Restaurants, arcades, driving and flight schools, fitness centers, libraries, museums, offices, stores, places of worship and businesses providing "close contact personal services" are capped at 40 percent of their listed capacity. Movie theaters may have up to fifty persons per theater, or 40 percent capacity if that is smaller. Restaurants must keep to a maximum party size of six people, with a time limit of no more than 90 minutes staying at the table.

Indoor performance venues and indoor recreation businesses such as roller rinks and trampoline parks must remain closed.

Winchendon's official case count is now 558 (that's total confirmed cases since March). This is an increase of 13 cases from the previous week. As of February 16, 992 tests had been done in Winchendon in the previous 14 days, and 43 tests returned a positive result. This reduces Winchendon's two-week percent positivity to 4.33 percent, down from 5.23 percent the previous week. Winchendon now appears as yellow (moderate risk) on the color-coded list of Massachusetts towns. Surrounding towns that are still coded red include Gardner, Westminster and Templeton. Athol, Ashburnham, Fitchburg and Orange, which had been red, have dropped down to yellow. The total number of Massachusetts towns in the highest risk category has gone down for the last five weeks in a row. 66 towns are now designated as "red" or highest risk.

The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, February 18, there have been 534,827 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (13,782 in the previous week), with 15,373 fatalities (470 in the previous week). The rate of new cases across the state is receding steadily, with deaths and hospitalizations also slowing down. The same trend is occurring nation-wide.

Complete Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report, Thursday, February 18 (PDF, 80 pages)

Gatherings in homes and on private property are still limited to 10 persons indoors, 25 persons outdoors.

Step 1 restrictions of Level 3 of the re-opening plan became effective on Sunday, December 13 and remain in effect until further notice.

The Step 1 restrictions require indoor theatres and performance venues (but not movie theatres) and "higher contact indoor recreation businesses, which include trampolines, laser tag, obstacle courses [and] roller skating" to close until further notice. Other businesses and venues, including gyms, libraries, museums, retail and office spaces, and places of worship, can stay open, but with maximum occupancy reduced from 50 percent to 40 percent. Outdoor theatres and performance venues are limited to 25 percent capacity, with a flat maximum of 50 people.

Restaurants may continue indoor dining. However, diners are required to wear face masks at all times except when actually eating and drinking. Parties may not remain at a table for more than 90 minutes, and are limited to 6 persons. Musical performances in restaurants are not allowed. Mall food court seating will be closed. People are strongly encouraged to eat only with members of their own households.

Gov. Baker stresses the vital importance of wearing masks and face coverings at all times, in public or private, whenever people are not alone or in the sole company of their immediate household members. Employees must wear face masks at work except in individual work spaces or alone, and communal break rooms should be closed or limited. Persons using gyms must wear face masks at all times, even while exercising.

Further Revised Order Regulating Gatherings in the Commonwealth" (PDF)

Order Returning All Municipalities to Phase III, Step I COVID-19 Safety Rules (PDF)

The restrictions which were implemented on November 6 in Massachusetts remain in effect until further notice.

Face masks are required for anyone over the age of 5 in any public setting, indoors or outdoors, whether they are maintaining a six-foot distance or not. Anyone who steps outside their home anywhere must be wearing a mask. (Winchendon Town Manager Keith Hickey states that the Winchendon police will stop persons out in public without masks.)

The most drastic of the new rules addresses the problem of new COVID clusters originating in social gatherings at private homes, where people often feel they don't need to maintain social distancing or wear masks. Occupancy limits for gatherings in private homes have been reduced to 10 people indoors, 25 people outside, masks must be worn (unless everyone present lives together in that household) and gatherings must end by 9:30 p.m.

As with existing rules, fines of up to $500 may be imposed for failure to comply with these new protocols. Full details are available in the following documents:

Revised Governor's Order Required Face Coverings (PDF)

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. There is a new state webpage on stopping COVID, You Have the Power to Save a Life. The Montachusett Public Health Network COVID-19 Hotline number, answering questions about the COVID-19 situation, is 1-844-968-3323.

In any gathering of more than ten people who don't all live in the same household, every person over the age of 5 is required to wear a face covering. This applies to all venues and locations, public and private. Persons may be fined for not wearing a mask where required.

Alcoholic beverages may only be served in restaurants when accompanied by food prepared on site (not packaged snacks). Food must be ordered at the same time as an alcoholic beverage.

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 are preferably disposable or electronic. Laminated plastic menues must be sanitized after each use. 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.

Libraries may open to patrons, with no more than forty percent of maximum capacity. 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.

All states except Hawaii are now considered "high risk states." Travelers from those states, or Massachusetts residents who visit those states and return, must quarantine for 14 days after they arrive in Massachusetts unless they had a negative COVID test result 72 hours prior to arriving in Massachusetts. Same-day travel for "certain critical life activities" such as grocery shopping, medical appointments or picking up prescriptions are exempted from this rule (so Winchendon and Rindge NH residents, for example, may cross the border to each other's towns for these purposes). For a complete explanation, see Guidance for Travelers arriving in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Commissioner Designated Exceptions."

As of August 11, these rules may be enforced with a fine of up to $500 per violation, which may be imposed by the Department of Public Health, local boards of health, State Police and municipal police departments.

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 Winchendon community services, centers, organizations and businesses, as far as the Courier was able to determine as of Thursday, February 18. 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
Remote classes began on September 14 for all students grades K-12. Murdock High School students will be on the remote learning plan until January 4. All elementary and middle school students will be on the remote learning plan until at least November 2. Hybrid plan students are now slated to return to classrooms on a four-phase staggered schedule from November 2 to January 4, as work on the building HVAC and ventilation systems is completed. The school situation remains "fluid" and subject to changes, depending on guidelines from the state and whether COVID-19 cases surge or decrease.

Town Hall
During Phase 3, Town Hall remains closed to the public for general business, except for some Boards and committees that have resumed in-person meetings which the public may attend (masks are required). 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. See agendas for Board and Committee meetings for detailed information on whether meetings will be in person or held remotely via Zoom, and how to attend.

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.

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. The Center is starting an Intergenerational Pen Pal program in collaboration with The Winchendon School to help seniors and younger people connect. Call the Center for more information. 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
Interlibrary Loan is now available. Copying and Fax service is available: make an appointment for dropping off and picking up materials. Payment due at drop-off (b/w copies $0.10 per side, color copies $0.25 per side, faxes $1.00 per page).
Building remains closed to the public, all programs, events and meetings suspended until further notice. The library is waiting for air quality tests and approval from the state and there is a long backlog of libraries and public buildings ahead of them. 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.

Used book and media sale on Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:00 p.m. by appointment. Books and magazines by free donation, puzzles for $5, DVDs, music, video games and audio books $1. All proceeds go to future library programs and events. Call for an appointment.

BealsCon has been rescheduled to June, 2022 as it appears uncertain that the pandemic will subside enough in 2021 for an event of this kind.

Clark Memorial YMCA
Open under Phase 3 guidelines. Exercise classes have resumed in the gym (please bring your own water bottle and mat). For full details and the new handbook for members, see their Facebook page or website.

Full day child care for school age children starting September 14, 6:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m., $150 per week. Call 978-297-9622 or email Kyle Scrivines at k.scrivines@clarkymca.org with questions.

Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
Construction has begun on the new walk-in food storage area.
Produce Market each Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Accepting SNAP/HIP and cash payment, open to all.
The CAC frequently has excess food at the end of the week and puts out last minute calls asking people to come get food--watch their Facebook page, especially Thursday and Friday.
Tutoring/mentoring program for WPS students in conjunction with The Winchendon School. Limited space, call 978-297-1667 to get on the list.

NEW HOURS. CLOSED MONDAYS. Open Friday 8:00-3:00 with pantry 9:00-1:00. 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. Accepting donations, see new guidelines. See their Facebook page for hours, updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.

Winchendon American Legion Post 193
Building closed until further notice, due to COVID restrictions. See post on their Facebook page.

Winchendon History and Cultural Center
Seppie's Ice Cream Parlor remains closed until further notice. See their Facebook page for updates about future events. 978-297-2142.

The Dance Center
Studios open for in-person dance classes. 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. See their Facebook page for menus, hours and specials. 978-297-1089.

Christo's Place
URGENTLY SEEKING delivery drivers, apply in person. 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. 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, 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 Tues-Sat, 4:00-8:00 p.m. 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
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
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.

Little Anthony's & Little Lizzie's
New hours, see their Facebook page. Open for indoor dining. 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
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.

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
Hiring server, apply in person during business hours. 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! Hiring server/bartender, apply in person. 978-297-5200.

RETAIL BUSINESSES

Beaman's Bait Shop
OPEN. Ring for admittance.

Belletetes Winchendon
Open to customers.

Cumberland Farms
OPEN.

CVS
OPEN.

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. 978-297-2518.

Mystical Magical Marketplace
Open Thurs-Sat, looking for vendors. Classes beginning soon. 978-297-9790.

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. New phone number: 978-297-7142. 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
CLOSED 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
See their Facebook page for hours and updates. 978-297-2411.

Rescued Treasures Second Hand Shoppe
Open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., or by appointment. All proceeds benefit Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue. See their Facebook page for fundraising events and updates.

Robin's Retro Dolls
PM Robin for an appointment. Store currently 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. Watch her Facebook page for updates.

Smith's Country Cheese
OPEN. Call for curbside pickup. 978-939-5738.

Sunset View Farm
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.

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 3 precautions. No more than eight customers inside at one time, face masks required. See their Facebook page for updates and specials. 978-297-4474.

Walgreen's
OPEN.

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
Branch lobbies closed to customers as of November 20, due to COVID surge. Open for drive-through, ATM, online banking and by appointment for in-person services. See their Facebook page for updates, including current hours. All branches will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26-27. 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. NOTE: some posts on this Facebook page contain false information and/or are shared from unreliable sources.

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 have resumed as take-out meals on first and third Thursdays of the month.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers are being distributed as “drive-through/take-out" from the church circular driveway every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. until further notice. AA Meeting on Monday nights at 7:45 p.m. in the church parish hall, limited to 25 attendees. For more information about these and other events, visit their Facebook page or website: uucw.ncmuuc.org.

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. Sunday School has resumed--pre-register on the church website. Zoom meetings and at-home study materials are also both available for Sunday School.

2021 Town Meeting Set for May 17


At their meeting on Monday, January 25, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to set the date for the 2021 spring Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting for Monday, May 17, at 7:00 p.m., to be held at Murdock Middle High School. The warrants will be open from January 25 until April 6.

The location within Murdock Middle High School, such as the auditorium or the gym, will be decided at a later date depending on the situations around the pandemic later this year.

Town Committee Vacancies
as of February 8


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 - 9 vacancies
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, 1 student vacancy
Toy Town Community Partnership - 4 vacancies
Zoning Board of Appeals - 2 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


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


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)

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

TOWN OF WINCHENDON
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK

NOMINATION PAPERS FOR ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
MAY 3, 2021

Nomination papers will be available Monday, January 11, 2021 at 8:00am.
Nomination papers must be obtained and turned in on or before Monday, March 15, 2021 by 5:00pm

Available Terms:
TWO – 3-year terms for the Board of Selectmen
TWO – 3-year terms for the School Committee
TWO – 3-Year terms for the Board of Health
ONE - 5-Year term for Housing Authority

Charter Bylaw Review Committee Open to Suggestions from Residents

In compliance with the Town Charter, Section 7.6, the Town Moderator has established a Charter Bylaw Review Committee. This committee will be meeting in the coming months to recommend changes to the current Charter and Bylaw. The final product will be presented at Town Meeting for approval.

All public suggestions for changes are welcome. For those who would like to submit input, please email charterbylaw@townofwinchendon.com. Please cite the relevant Bylaw Section with the suggested change in your email to the committee.

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.

Toy Town FYIs

Be sure to clear snow away from all heating system vents around your home, and around fire hydrants nearby. Minutes can be wasted if responding fire trucks must search for and dig out the nearest fire hydrant! Snow covered vents can result in carbon monoxide buildup or fires. Be safe!

2021 Dog Licenses are now available. You may purchase through the mail, drop box, or online through the Town Clerk's page. The licenses will be mailed to you. Please be sure to provide a valid rabies certificate. Spayed & Neutered dogs are $10 and Non-Spayed & Non-Neutered dogs are $20

Sign up for Code Red Emergency Alerts
Sign up for our emergency notification program today! Receive up-to-date information before, during and after an emergency in your neighborhood. You can choose to be notified via voice, text and email notifications of emergency and inclement weather alerts.

Please Do Not Flush Sanitizing Wipes Down the Toilet
Wipes Clog Pipes!

The Department of Public Works is asking all users of the public sewer system to please be careful not to flush santizing wipes down the toilet. These wipes collect in the pumps and destroy them, causing the Town to be forced to replace two pumps just in the last month alone. If a pump at the wastewater treatment plant were to burn out from wipe accumulation, it would cost the Town $30,000 to replace it. Please throw these wipes into your rubbish instead.

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.

The 2019 Annual Town Report may be downloaded as a PDF from the town website. Printed copies are available at Town Hall (call the Town Clerk's office and arrange a time for one to be brought out for you).

Enjoying the new Winchendon Courier Online? We're just getting started! But wow, is this a lot of work. The best work in the world, but still a lot of it! Please consider supporting us with a small donation. We'd so appreciate it. Thanks!