No Injuries Reported As ATV Goes Through Ice on Lake Monomonac
Capt. Vaine and Lt. Harding of Winchendon FD work on securing the ATV so it can be removed from the lake.
Photo courtesy of Winchendon Fire Department
No injuries were reported when an ATV four-wheel vehicle broke through the ice on Lake Monomonac off the end of Sunny Cove Road and sank into the water on Wednesday, February 9, nearby lake residents told the Courier. Winchendon Fire Department responded with a dive team that removed the vehicle from the lake.
The Courier contacted Winchendon Fire Department Chief Thomas Smith for details and was given the following information.
"On Wednesday, February 09, 2022 the Winchendon Fire Department received a call for an ATV and rider through the ice in the area of 25 Sunny Cove Rd in Winchendon. Dive 1, Ambulance 2 and Car 1 immediately responded. Upon arrival, responders were notified that the rider of the ATV had self-extricated himself from the water. Once the rider was located he was examined and signed a patient refusal, denying any injury and refusing transport to a local hospital. It was determined that the rider was an ice fisherman out of Gardner who had driven over that section earlier in the morning. While finishing up after a great day of fishing he traveled the same route back but unfortunately the ice had melted creating the unexpected hazard.
"While the life safety aspect of the incident was now under control the environmental protection was just beginning. Donning water rescue suits, Captain Vaine and Lt. Harding tied off the ATV in the ice opening to prevent it from completely sinking. Brooks Auto Service responded with a tow truck in removing the ATV from the lake. The extrication of the ATV was extremely difficult due to the thickness of the ice ranging from open water to over twelve inches in the area. After over two hours the ATV was removed from the water with minimal environmental impact. Winchendon Police Department and the Massachusetts Environmental Police assisted greatly on scene. A special thanks should be given to Joe Kendall who assisted the fire department on scene."
Local residents note that ice may be unpredictable due to the highly varied temperatures this season, as well as currents in the water. A fairly significant current runs through the part of Lake Monomonac where the ATV fell through, due to the dam outlet only a few hundred yards south of that point. Ice that holds up people for skating or ice-fishing may not be thick enough for an ATV or snowmobile, which average some 500 to 700 pounds in weight. As this rider discovered, ice safety can change quickly under ideal melting conditions such as Wednesday's strong sunshine and above-freezing temperatures.
The Courier urges all our readers to err on the side of over-caution when enjoying winter recreation on our many ponds and lakes this season. Mother Nature has been fickle this year.
11-Year-Old Jack Duffy Honored for Helping save Infant Cousin's Life
Honored for helping save a life!
Winchendon resident and 5th-grade student Jack Duffy, seen center front row in photo holding his one-year-old cousin, Penelope Donahue, was honored by both State Representatives and members of the Winchendon BOS on Monday, February 7, for outstanding performance and courage in helping save his cousin's life on December 5, 2021. Seen in the front row left to right, Kinsley Duffy, Jack Duffy's little sister stands next to her older brother Jack, holding his infant cousin, Penelope Donahue. Back row left to right, WFD Lt. Mark Vitale, State Representatives Jon Zlotnik and Susannah Whipps, WFD Chief Thom Smith, Winchendon BOS Chair Audrey LaBrie, BOS Vice Chair Richard Ward, and Town Manager Justin Sultzbach.
Photo by Keith Kent
Seen in this photo inside the Winchedon Police Department Dispatch Office, Deena Leblanc, who is one of the newest per-diem department Dispatchers, received the call from 11 year old Jack Duffy about his infant niece choking on December 5, 2021. Leblanc, who only started last August 2021, talked Jack through the ordeal helping keep him calm, all the while having Jack convey her instructions to Jack's aunt, Chantal Donahue, helping to save her infant daughter's life.
Photo by Keith Kent
In a truly frightening turn of events, in which most adults would struggle to stay calm and keep a level head, 11-year-old Jack Duffy of Winchendon came through with selfless acts of courage and bravery as he helped his aunt save his infant cousin's life on December 5, 2021. For this, Duffy was honored on Monday, February 7 at the Winchendon Fire Station by members of the Massachusetts Legislature and Winchendon State Representatives Jon Zlotnik (D-Gardner) and Susannah Whipps (I-Athol).
Duffy, a 5th grade student at the Holy Family Academy of Gardner, was confronted with his infant cousin Penelope choking and not being able to breathe while his aunt Chantal Donahue told Duffy to call for help. Duffy first called his mother advising her of the situation. Allison Duffy immediately told her son to hang up and dial 911.
With the call immediately going to police dispatch, the young Duffy kept a cool head far beyond his years. He was carefully instructed over the phone what to tell his aunt to do to assist the choking Penelope, who was then one week shy of her first birthday. With the great help and strong work by trained Winchendon Police Dispatcher Deena Leblanc over the phone, Duffy and his aunt were able to keep Penelope alive long enough for the Winchendon Fire Department to arrive and continue with life saving efforts for the cousin, infant and daughter still so new to this world.
In a ceremonial opening statement, WFD Chief Tom Smith read a letter describing the event written by WFD Lt. Mark Vitale which said, "The WFD was dispatched to 91 Independence Drive for the report of a baby choking on Sunday, December 5th, a good eleven to twelve minutes away from our Fire Station. Prior to our arrival we were notified the baby was breathing. On arrival Paramedic Butler and EMT Ashmore assessed the baby. I was directed by a female in the home to check on an 11 year old boy identified as Jack Duffy who courageously made the 911 call and relayed important information so that rescuers could get to the baby. Jack was sitting on the floor in the hallway propped up against a wall. He was processing what had just occurred and what he had just done. I spoke with Jack and told him that his actions were brave and that he made a difference today. This young man was not crying. He just sat quietly processing what had occurred. I found him to be very mature for his age and made sure he knew that what he did was heroic. It is my recommendation that this youngster be recognized for his quick thinking, calm demeanor, and follow-through in assuring that help got to this little girl." Chief Smith added, "In honor of what Jack did to help save a life, the Winchedon Fire Department promises to set up a day with Jack where we will pick him up and give him a ride to school in one of our Fire Trucks!"
With that, Chief Smith gave the floor to the Massachusetts State legislators and members of the Winchendon Board of Selectman present. Presenting a citation from the Massachusetts State Legislature recognizing Duffy, State Representatives Jon Zlotnik and Susannah Whipps made it clear they could not be more impressed with the incredible efforts of the young man, both expressing their mutual admiration and respect for Duffy's accomplishments.
Zlotnik said, "It's truly remarkable what Jack was able to do under pressure at such a young age, and maintain his composure to relay important information communications with first responders." Whipps also gave Duffy high praise, saying, "I am so proud of the grace under pressure that Jack exhibited during this emergency. Staying calm and offering correct information when every second counts is so important during a call to 911." Both Zlotnik and Whipps also complimented the Winchendon Fire Department, with Whipps adding, "The Winchendon Fire Department is the best and and the Town of Winchendon is lucky to have them."
Zlotnik and Whipps explained that State Senators Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) and Joanne Comerford (D-North Hampton) extended their deepest thanks and respect to Duffy, and regretted they were unable to make the ceremony, but wanted Duffy to know they were truly thankful for his efforts.
Representing the Winchendon Board of Selectman, Chair Audrey LaBrie and Vice Chair Richard Ward honored Duffy on behalf of town. LaBrie presented Jack Duffy with an Official Citation on behalf of the town and BOS, honoring young Duffy for his bravery and courage and reading the citation to all in attendance.
After the ceremony, LaBrie said, "Jack's actions speak to both his upbringing and his school environment. It's great to see that in a young man these days, as kids get a bad rap quite often even at the younger ages. It was a great example of the great kids we have right here in Winchendon. It was wonderful the town has recognized that, the Fire Department and all the other people involved, who brought it to this point where we were able to honor Jack, and hopefully with people knowing this other kids can say, 'Hey, he did something good!'" Ward proudly followed, "In a time when the younger generation often gets negative press, it's nice to know there are kids like Jack out there. I know if I were in trouble it would be comforting to have him on the other end of the line. He does Toy Town proud!"
Asked how she felt about the accomplishment of her son, Allison Duffy, at first lost for words, said, "I am so proud of my son, and what he did, I am emotional just thinking about what Jack did. I am just so proud of him! Two weeks before all this happened, I started teaching Jack and his little sister Kinsley together at home about what to do if there is an emergency, including picking up the phone and calling for help. I am so glad we worked on that. I am just so proud of my son!"
Duffy's father, Steven Duffy, said, "They train in the schools for emergencies, it often starts in the schools. How my son reacted is also a credit to his school and his teachers. I am very proud of Jack and what he was able to do."
After the presentation, the Courier asked Chief Smith about his feelings on Duffy's accomplishment. Smith replied, "This is really quite a testament to the type of young man Jack is. He was able to stay so calm, and genuinely wanted to make sure that help arrived for his little cousin. It's nice to see and refreshing to know that the youth that is coming up through, there is hope with them as far as how they mentally prepare, and how they actually act when it comes to times of distress."
The Courier contacted Winchendon Police Chief David Walsh regarding the vital and important work of his dispatcher in the Emergency Dispatch office during the December 5 event. Chief Walsh replied, "The Dispatcher that handled the call is Deena Leblanc, and she is one of our newest per-diem Emergency 911 Dispatchers."
Walsh went on, "I appreciate that you are taking notice of her efforts. Unfortunately, the E911 Dispatchers are not always recognized for the role that they play in the successful outcome of many very serious incidents. This call is a prime example of the need for additional Emergency 911 Dispatchers." Walsh confirmed that during the spring, summer and early fall months, call volume for aid steadily increases. This forces Emergency Dispatchers working alone to professionally prioritize calls on a need-by-need basis when every second counts to assist, and potentially help save a human life.
Walsh concluded, "Presently we have one E911 Dispatcher per shift. I think we are at the point that additional or a second E911 Dispatcher would be justified particularly on the busy evening hours. Thankfully call volume during this call allowed Deena to be able to focus on this call and the outcome was positive."
Planning Board Approves Revised Designs for New Walgreens on Central Street
Architectural rendering of proposed store front facade
Image copyright © 2021 Walgreen Co.
In a continuance of December 2021 and January 2022 hearings with engineers and architects representing Walgreens, the Winchendon Planning Board held a final hearing with Walgreens on Tuesday, February 1 to re-address stated concerns about a proposed new retail building involving esthetics and other issues.
Walgreens currently operates a Winchendon retail store at 250 Central Street, part of the second-largest pharmacy store chain in the United States (second only to CVS Health), which operates 9,277 stores in the U.S. as of 2019. The proposed new store will be considerably smaller than the current location, utilize a paved drive-through, provide 17 parking spaces, and provide more landscaping and green space, along with being located much closer to Central Street. The new site is the vacant parking lot located at 270 Central Street across the street from the Winchendon CAC, owned by Tighe Mathieu and recently utilized by Bull Spit Brewing Company for its open-air Pop Up Bull Yard venue.
As previously reported (see "Planning Board Raises Questions about Plans for New Walgreens Store on Central Street" in the December 16-23 2021 edition of the Winchendon Courier), at the December hearing Planning Board Chair Guy Corbosiero stated, "This building you propose is not, I think, what Winchendon is all about." Quoting from the town Bylaws and the Master Plan, Mr. Corbosiero said, "Now in the Master Plan, the economic development goal is to rebuild downtown Winchendon as a business center and rebrand it in the image of a vital New England small town. I don't think this design is for a vital New England small town." Corbosiero referred to McDonald's being asked to change their initial proposed design, and the Fidelity Bank having "a very Colonial design...our town, we feel, is a Colonial type of town."
Those sentiments were shared by Town Manager Justin Sultzbach who stated in a letter, "It's my hope that the Walgreens team can include some facade upgrades both in style and materials that would be more reflective of the historic New England architecture seen throughout the community and as referenced in our 2013 downtown revitalization plan." The hearing was then continued to January 4, 2022 allowing the architects for Walgreens to revise their original proposal, and then with more discussed considerations taken into account, was continued again to the Planning Board's first meeting of February.
Josh Kline, a licensed professional engineer with Stonefield Engineering & Design, who attended the December and January meetings, presented the newest updated site plan proposal at the February 1 meeting of the Planning Board.
"I think the elephant in the room the last time we were here was the architecture and I think we've made some really big steps there," Kline said. "There are two big changes, the first we will take into account is taking into account the feedback we received and putting in an esthetic that is more overall in line with what the vision is of this area is going with. You will see pillars, pitched roofs, and treatments that are what of you would expect in this area." A preliminary signage package was also included, which was proposed with a condition of Board approval that the tenant would be responsible for seeking any permits or relief from conditions for the signage.
Kline also said he had discussed with the Director of Planning and Development, Tracy Murphy, and the Department of Public Works not tying in a direct connection for storm water to the adjacent property. "The project today is significantly reducing impervious surfaces, reducing water, and naturally sending less water to the storm system around the structure, and not cause the project to link up to another legal issue that could slow the project down," Kline elaborated.
Corbosiero said, "We do have the new design which is very nice compared to what you began with and thank you very much for listening to the concerns of both the Planning Board and Historical Commission."
Zoning bylaws for driveway elevation were discussed, with 10 percent being the maximum and the site being 10.5 percent. Murphy explained that there was no identifiable way to anticipate the future elevation of Central Street after the upcoming 2022 reconstruction project, and recommended letting the existing proposal continue as submitted.
Planning Board Member Leston Goodrich expressed concerns with debris such as rocks and fill ending up in the road during construction, as well as obstructions such as trucks unloading, and said he would want to make sure all materials being either moved around and loaded or offloaded from trucks stays on site. Goodrich pointed out the concern was due to having a narrow road, considerable traffic, a church next door, and necessary Ambulance and Fire Department traffic frequenting Central Street. Addressing this concern during the upcoming construction phase, the board agreed that a stipulation and condition be set that no loading or offloading would take place on Central Street, but would only take place on site.
It was also agreed that the applicant would work with the DPW regarding tie-ins to the street drains and any other associated costs, as the Central Street Reconstruction Project will soon be starting, to avoid any confusion over responsibility regarding costs, or calendar dates which could affect both projects moving forward. A waiver for the 17 proposed parking spaces was also requested by the applicant based on the size of the lot, which normally would allow for 16.5 spaces. It was also mentioned that per code, only one Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant parking space (handicap-accessible space) was legally required out of the total amount of parking spaces to be created.
In closing, Kline thanked the town and Board for working with both their firm and Walgreens. "The applicant is excited to see the project move forward. We both feel there is going to be a lot of benefit for the future with all the improvements happening here and I think this is going be exactly what you are looking for and it's going to blend as a new addition along Central Street and I think it's going to be really nice."
A motion was made by Goodrich to close the public hearing, and seconded by member Arthur Amenta. All three members present voted yes. Discussion then began regarding all conditions for waivers on topics, which were read at length by Murphy. A motion was made again by Goodrich to accept the waivers, and seconded by Amenta. All members present voted to approve the waivers, clearing the way for Stonefield Engineering and Design and Walgreens to move forward with the project.
To view proposed plans and more for the upcoming future Central Street Walgreens building and location online, please visit Town of Winchendon Planning Board website at www.townofwinchendon.com/planning-board/pages/walgreens-proposal.
Site rendering of proposed site, overhead view
Image copyright © 2021 Stonefield Engineering & Design
Architectural rendering of proposed store side views
Image copyright © 2021 Walgreen Co.
Winchendon and Region See Welcome Relief with Significant Drop in COVID Numbers
Along with the rest of Massachusetts, after several weeks of COVID positivity rates above 20 percent, Winchendon is finally seeing the strong beginning of a downward trend, dropping from 18.4 percent positivity last week, to 13.63 percent positivity this week, according to the Thursday, February 10 report from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Massachusetts dropped its overall 14 day average to 6.48 percent positivity, and its 7 day positivity average dropped to below 5 percent.
Many strong improvements were realized as the surrounding ten-town region's 14 day average dropped from 19.45 percent positivity last week, to 14.42 percent this week, A FULL FIVE POINTS. Ashburnham dropped from 20.47 to 17.47 percent. Ashby dropped from 19.74 to 11.18 percent. Westminster dropped from 16.53 to 12.12 percent, nearly half its former rate just a few weeks prior. Gardner dropped from 22.71 to 16.64 percent, a very strong 7 point drop! Templeton dropped from 16.98 to 13.61 percent. Phillipston dropped from 20.65 to 18.35 percent. Athol dropped from 24.11 down to 18.86 percent, over a 5 point move. Royalston dropped from 18.28 to 11.39 percent, nearly a 7 point drop in one week! Hubbardston dropped from 16.93 to 11.02 percent, almost a 6 point drop.
Vaccination rates in Winchendon continue to increase very slowly. As of the Thursday, February 10 DPH report, Winchendon experiences the following totals. Of its total population 10,785 residents, the Mass DPH lists those fully vaccinated at 5,955, or 55 percent of the town population. Residents receiving at least one dose comprise 6,705, for 62 percent of the town population.
At children and teenage levels, the following updated totals were released. Children ages 5 to 11 are 20 percent fully vaccinated, and 24 percent partially vaccinated. Children ages 12 to 15 register at 41 percent fully vaccinated, and 44 percent partially vaccinated. Finally, teenage residents ages 16 to 19 are now listed at 45 percent fully vaccinated, and 51 percent partially vaccinated, meaning the age group has passed an important threshold of being more than halfway toward full vaccination.
Worcester County has now realized the following vaccination totals. Total overall county residents partially vaccinated at this time equal 80 percent. Ages 12 and up with at least one dose equal 88 percent. Total residents ages 5 and up partially vaccinated equal 84 percent. Worcester County now registers at 70 percent of its total population fully vaccinated, and fully vaccinated with a booster shot now equals 51 percent of the total county population, just over half.
Nationally, Massachusetts registers 88 percent of all residents partially vaccinated, versus 76 percent for the rest of the nation. Massachusetts is listed with 5,240,562 of its 6,900,096 residents fully vaccinated as of February 10, or 76 percent of its total population.
In a recent development, Governor Charles Baker, and Massachusetts Commissioner of Education, Jeff Riley, announced in a Wednesday, February 10 press conference that the state-wide mandate for school masking or facial coverings will expire Monday, February 28. It should be noted that under this decision, any Massachusetts School District, though either its School Committee or Board of Health, can still legally vote to continue mandated masking in its public schools if deemed necessary. It should also be noted at this time, that the wearing of masks on school buses is still FEDERALLY MANDATED at this time via a legal order by the United States Centers for Disease Control.
In closing, the Town of Winchendon Board of Health recommends becoming vaccinated if not yet vaccinated, if healthy enough to do so. This is especially important if you are among either the immuno-compromised or elderly populations, or have preexisting conditions.
Keith Kent
Chair
Board of Health
Town of Winchendon
Free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests are available for order and shipment through the United States Postal Service®. Each order will contain 4 tests. There is a limit of 1 order per residential address. Additional tests cannot be ordered regardless of the size of the household.
This effort is part of a federal program to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests with free shipping to every residential address and residential PO Box in the United States. Orders cannot be shipped outside of the United States, but we do ship to APO/FPO/DPO addresses and U.S. territories and possessions. Tests cannot be ordered for business addresses or business PO Boxes. Orders will ship free starting in late January. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days. Click link below to order.
COVID Home Tests | USPS
To schedule a free COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster, at any time, go to www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine.
