Winchendon Fall Festival planned for Enthusiastic October Return

Seen in this Fall, 2019 photo, Central Street bustles with vendors and attendees throughout the Winchendon business district during its most recent past Winchendon Fall Festival, now scheduled to again take place rain or shine this upcoming October 9, 2021.
Courtesy photo provided by Nicole Roberts

by Keith Kent
After a two year event hiatus due to pandemic precautions and concerns, diligently working planners are now happy to announce the upcoming Winchendon Fall Festival.

Winchendon Director of Planning and Development Tracy Murphy along with Land Use Coordinator Nicole Roberts want everybody to know, come rain or shine, mark your calendar and set the date for Saturday, October 9 during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to experience some of the very best the Town of Winchendon has to offer.

On track to meet or exceed 2019's previous 210 vendors, Roberts said, "We already have 82 vendors signed up as of late this May, including 33 locally known."

Offering a dynamic variety with something for all ages, there will be no shortage of choices for those willing to put one foot in front of the other making their way from booth to booth.

From the Shriners making balloon animals for the youngest attendees, crafts, artisans and more will all be in vibrant supply promising to catch the eyes of many.

There will be plenty of food offerings to please the crowds' demanding palate. Early on just some of what will be available locally include the Glen Caffe and their very popular chowder, along with the Harbour Restaurant and their variety of tasty delights. Joe's Cannoli's of Waltham, New England Comfort Food of Chelmsford, Shane's Hotdogs food truck and more soon will be added.

Also joining in on the tasty fun will be local staple and award winning Smith's Country Cheese whose business has garnered many lofty top three finishes in professional judging competitions from coast to coast.

For adults looking at beverage options, the newly approved expansion of Bull Spit Brewing Company, currently under construction in Winchendon, will be properly "on-tap" to help quench your thirst from all the walking around. Adding to the audible experience, music provided by the "Big Random" is sure to be a crowd drawing favorite.

The always popular train ride for children will adorn Central Street from end to end, complemented by the Winchendon Highway Department adding a tactile experience to the mix with a "Touch-A-Truck" display. Event demonstrations, according to Roberts, will also be offered by both the Winchendon Fire Department and Winchendon Police Department. WFD Chief Tom Smith happily added, "We will be offering a Home Safety Cooking demonstration, fire safety games for children and more to come!"

Not to be forgotten, the Winchendon Historical and Cultural Commission, Senior Center, and all businesses along Central Street will be adding to the event's dynamics along with the participation of the local BSA Troop and Pack 193, just to name a few.

In closing Roberts emphasized, "This is an important event for the town. It highlights local businesses, provides fun activities for people of all ages to do, and really provides a sense of community, a great satisfaction seeing Central Street full, and will be a way to bring everybody together for a fun filled day!"

For more about the event please visit the Winchendon Fall Festival Facebook page. If you have any questions regarding joining the event or in general, you can call Roberts directly by phone at 978-297-0085, extension 6, email her at nroberts@townofwinchendon.com or apply as a vendor at townofwinchendon.com/5th-annual-winchendon-fall-festival

Memorial School Grade 2 Students Enjoy Library Field Trip

Memorial School students enjoy the first leg of a 2.5 mile round trip visit to the Beals Memorial Library under a sunny sky and enjoying the outdoors on Tuesday, May 25.
Photo by Keith Kent

by Keith Kent
Incorporating education, interest in reading, library fun facts, and some good old fashion outdoor play time, Memorial School grade 2 students and staff made the most of a 2.5 mile walking school field trip to the Beals Memorial Public Library and back on Tuesday, May 25 under sunny skies with many smiles.

With the school event taking place Monday, May 24 - Thursday, May 27, grade 2 students of the Musgrove remote class, as well as in person classes of Zalenski, Smith, and Duprey all enjoyed quality library time while increasing their knowledge of where to find things in a library, why they are located where they are, and how things work.

Along with a tour and explanation of all levels off the Beals library, students were treated by Kate Zebrowski to the reading of the William Wordsworth poem, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" written in 1804 and published in 1807.

Zebrowski broke the poem down in to sections, explaining to students the uses of rhythm, rhyme, personification and more, and how the author used the techniques in the body and construction of the poem and its wording, all the while engaging students regarding what certain words mean and what they implied through thought.

Beals Director Manual King with different groups of students, explored and explained all rooms, levels, and sections of the library, talked about the buildings history through function, and even showed students the library piano constructed in the 1860s.

King went on help educate the young students about where to find types of books and certain topics by room and section, the differences between biographies and autobiographies, science and science fiction, along with much more during the guided tour field trip event.

Adding to the unique experience of some students, King had the pleasure of showing the inside of the Beals Memorial Library to them for the very first time in their young lives.

Class teacher Mrs. Zalenski could not have been more thrilled about her students both experiencing and being engaged in the 2 hour social class event.

"I can't emphasize enough how important it has been to get our young children and students back in the classroom" said Zalenski.

Zalenski went on to say, "We have students who really struggled on zoom, and being back in the classroom for 'In person learning' has not only helped those students make increases in their scores, but it also has really reduced student learning stress on those students, their anxiety, and helps them to excel.

"While on zoom, children are less likely to say they need help faster if they don't understand the material. By having the students in person, as a teacher I am able to much more quickly able to recognize and identify if a student needs help. Out of my class, 19 students were in almost every day because they needed the extra help. Once everybody was back in class they were just so happy to be able to play with each other and socialize" Zalenski added.

As a teacher Zalenski also wanted to clarify, "You could see where students lost some of their socialization skills such as sharing and playing together, and it's vital they are back in school to be with their fellow students."

Topics such as small groups, centers for hands-on, and other organizational options were all noted by Zalenski needing to return daily for what she called as all vital for the young students educational and emotional growth.

In closing at the events end just as students and faculty were preparing to begin their walk back to class, a very enthusiastic Zalenski said, "This was great. This is what the students needed. With today's event and events like this, they are all able to actually have fun with their friends!"

Kate Zebrowski reads the William Wordsworth poem, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" to a group of 2nd grade students.
Photo by Keith Kent

Beals Library Director Manual King educates students about the topics of books in certain sections of the library and why they are there.
Photo by Keith Kent

Toy Town Preparing to Open Its Doors as Last COVID Restrictions Lifted

by Inanna Arthen
Winchendon businesses and organizations which have been closed since March 10, 2020 are preparing to open to the public, with freshly shined floors and safety procedures at the ready. The last restrictions, and the Massachusetts mask/face covering mandate, will be lifted as of Saturday, May 29.

The Senior Center will serve lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2. The Beals Memorial Library will allow patrons to enter without an appointment as of Tuesday, June 1 (masks are required). Town Hall will allow the public to visit its offices in person beginning Tuesday, June 1 (masks not needed). Toy Town Pub and Chick Tavern will open their doors on Saturday, May 29.

The state of emergency will be ended on Saturday, June 15.

Winchendon's official case count is now 758 (that's total confirmed cases since March). This is an increase of 6 cases from the previous week. As of May 27, 654 tests had been done in Winchendon in the previous 14 days, and 8 tests returned a positive result. This slightly reduced Winchendon's two-week percent positivity to 1.22 percent, down from 1.88 percent the previous week. Winchendon now appears as gray (lowest risk) on the color-coded list of Massachusetts towns. (Winchendon was green last week.) Of surrounding towns, none are at "red" status. Ashburnham, Athol, Fitchburg, Orange, Templeton and Westminster are now green or gray, while Gardner is yellow. Only one town, Tisbury, is still marked red in Massachusetts.

The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, May 27, there have been 660,298 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (1,857 in the previous week), with 17,491 fatalities (49 in the previous week). The rate of new cases across the state has fallen dramatically. The rate of deaths and hospitalizations is also greatly reduced, although not yet at zero.

As of Thursday, May 27, 4,379,652 persons (63.5 percent of the state population) have received the first dose of vaccine. 3,558,197 (51.6 percent of the state population) have received two doses (or one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine) and are fully vaccinated.

As of May 25, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health records Winchendon at 43.5 percent of its population having received at least one vaccination dose, and 35.0 percent of its population fully vaccinated. Winchendon is still lagging substantially behind the state overall.

As of April 19, vaccination appointments are open to all residents aged 16 or above who have not previously been eligible, with no restrictions.

Complete Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report, Thursday, May 27 (PDF, 51 pages)

Effective May 29, gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for public and private settings. Street festivals, parades and agricultural fairs may be held at 50 percent of their usual capacity. Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries, will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90 minute limit and no dance floors. Restaurants will no longer be required to serve food with alcohol, and the maximum party size at a table will increase to 10.

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 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.

For complete details on the re-opening plan, see Reopening Massachusetts on the Mass.gov website.

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, May 27. 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
All elementary school students have returned to full day regular classes as of April 5, by mandate of the Commissioner of Education. Parents may opt for all-remote learning if they don't wish their children to attend in-person class, but there will be no hybrid classes. Middle school students have returned to full day classes as of April 28, and high school students as of May 17. Elementary classes will be meeting at Murdock Middle High School as the HVAC system at Toy Town is still being repaired. Details about Murdock High School graduation will be forthcoming.

Town Hall
CLOSED Monday May 31 for Memorial Day. Town Hall will re-open to the public during its regular business hours beginning Tuesday, June 1. Masks will not be required, but are recommended for non-vaccinated individuals.

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
Will be open to serve lunch on Wednesday, June 2. Call for a reservation before Tuesday June 1. Further information to come. 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
Patrons will be able to visit the library without an appointment beginning Tuesday, June 1. Masks are required to protect those who may be more vulnerable. Computers will be available by appointment. See their Facebook page for more details.
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).
Library materials may be picked up 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. 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.) 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 4 guidelines. Registration open for this summer's Camp Clark. Hiring Camp Clark staff. Hiring summer staff, various shifts and hours. Lifeguard training course beginning May 23. For full details, 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)
Check their Facebook page for new hours and events. Clothing room is now open to the public--limit of 4 persons at a time, masks required.
Produce Market each Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Accepting SNAP/HIP and cash payment, open to all. Free "Farm to Family" food boxes (meat, milk, dairy, some produce) available to all residents on Thursdays through May.
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
Opening May 29. Still hiring bartenders. See their Facebook page for hours and updates.

Winchendon History and Cultural Center
"Porch Nights" on Thursday nights are resuming as of May 13. 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.

Chick's Tavern
OPENING May 29. See their Facebook page for updates.

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. Christo's family and staff ask that as few people as possible come inside the store to pick up orders, to help keep everyone safer. 978-297-1142.

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

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

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

Gabby's Pizza
CLOSED May 29-31 for family affair. Check their Facebook page for updates. Hiring kitchen help and drivers, apply in person. 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
Outdoor seating is now open. Indoor seating for meals. Check their Facebook page for hours, menus and updates. Customers are encouraged to order online at toasttab.com/harbour-restaurant. 978-297-2133

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

Lickity Splitz
OPEN for the season, see their Facebook page for info and specials. 978-297-1777.

Little Anthony's & Little Lizzie's
New hours, see their Facebook page. Little Lizzie's ice cream open for season. 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
OPEN for the season.

Ruschioni's Cruisin' 12 Diner
See their Facebook page for daily menus and specials. 978-616-8956.

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

Toy Town Pub
Opening May 29. 978-297-9889.

Zoe's Restaurant and Pizzeria
Outdoor seating open, weather permitting. Open for indoor dining, take-out and delivery. Also offering take-out for beer and wine. See their Facebook page for menus and specials. Trivia night on Wednesday has resumed! 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.

Gracie's Clothing & Home Goods Store
New store, now open. See their Facebook page for info and updates. 978-297-7038.

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. 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
OPEN for the season. 978-297-0604.

Powell Stone and Gravel
Open with Phase 4 occupancy limits. 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
OPEN for the season. Garden plants, asparagus, rhubarb, eggs, jam, maple syrup.

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 Stained Glass
Open to public, appointments available outside general hours. Classes being held at store and Monty Tech. See their website for details. 978-297-7102.

Toy Town Treasures
Open with Phase 4 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 open to customers as of March 15. 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.- 4:00 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.

LaPointe 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. 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
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
A "Blessing of the Bulbs" worship service will be held Sunday, June 6 at 11:00 a.m. There will be readings, music, a short homily and distribution of gladiolus bulbs to plant in your gardens. Open to the whole community. There will be a "Meet and Greet" reception immediately following the service at noon. Anyone wishing to visit our lovely church or learn more about our community service mission or Unitarian Universalism is especially welcome.

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. 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.