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The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of April 14 to April 21, 2022
What makes Winchendon what it is...How we're making Winchendon even better

Residents Voice Concerns at Community Outreach Meeting for Cannabis Facility on West Street

Click to see larger image
Map of proposed location
Map of proposed site of CNA Inc. facility
Image copyright CNA Stores Inc.


At the Board of Selectmen's meeting on April 11, Robert DiFazio, CEO of CNA Stores Inc., appeared before the Board for a Community Outreach Meeting, part of the approval process mandated by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. CNA Stores proposes to build a cannabis growing and manufacturing facility on property off of West Street. CNA Stores Inc. signed a Host Community Agreement with Winchendon on October 21, 2020 and held a previous public hearing, via Zoom, on December 21, 2020.

Community Outreach Meetings have specific required objectives: to define the type of facility, to outline security measures, to define steps that will be taken to prevent diversion of product to minors, to outline a positive impact plan for the community, and to demonstrate that the location will not constitute a nuisance as defined by law. Mr. DiFazio gave a PowerPoint presentation covering the required points. (View the Powerpoint slides here.)

Mr. DiFazio explained that he and his partner Billie Haggard are both veterans of the United States Navy, calling CNA Stores "veteran owned." They have a store in Haverhill, MA which encompasses 9,000 square feet and a cultivation and manufacturing license for a 40,000 square foot facility in Amesbury, MA, and have just received their Host Community Agreement (HCA) to open a location in Boston. They plan a 60,000 square foot facility in Winchendon, on 14 acres they have "carved out" on the property.

"Our goal is to employ veterans and personnel from Winchendon. So our big push is to support veterans," Mr. DiFazio said. "We have this thought process that if we can create veteran housing around our property that would allow us to create our own workforce in Winchendon and support veterans in the same process."

Mr. DiFazio went on to describe the "vertical farming approach" planned, where the footprint of the building will be maximized by growing plants on multiple tiers of shelves. There will be processes in place to recapture and reuse water, and systems to increase efficiency. "So we actually monitor and take into account our efficiency at every room at every crop harvest so we can see what we did well and what we need to improve on," Mr. DiFazio said. "The goal is to minimize our carbon footprint to some degree. And then we use what we can in there, even from a product, even waste product. Like we're working with UMass Lowell and their plastics labs that we're going to take all our waste stems and stocks and make hemp based plastic to put our products in so that it will be biodegradable within two weeks."

Regarding site security, Mr. DiFazio said, "Basically as you design a facility you take into consideration security concerns as you're designing it. In regards to location of cameras, for example in our retail stores, as soon as you grab the door to open it the other door has a little eyeball camera so I get a picture of your face right as you come in. So that you know most cameras you can put your head down, you don't get picked up. But that's how our site is set up....The same thing holds true with our cultivation facility, manufacturing facility is that we've got to cover it anywhere that cannabis can go in that building we've got a couple of...cameras, and it's not just a matter of top down looking at it. In some cases we're catching as people come in and out of the building. We're getting their facial profiles so that we can actually see who that was that came in as opposed to guessing based on their body shape and the color of their hair for that matter." He also spoke of a surveillance app that will be available for local police to use, and panic buttons throughout the building that employees can use to alert law enforcement.

CNA Stores' HCA with Winchendon includes a community impact fee of 3 percent of total wholesale sales, payable quarterly, and an annual charitable donation of $25,000 to a non-profit agency of their choice that serves residents of Winchendon. Mr. DiFazio described community work that CNA has done in Haverhill and Amesbury to date, including a "snow angels program" of men who help senior citizens and veterans clear snow in the winter, and distributing meals to families during COVID.

As far as bringing in local jobs, Mr. DiFazio said, "We'd have 150 people here to manage that facility. So quite a bit of jobs that we can bring to this area. And then you start looking at just being able to create jobs for veterans in this area too. That's another key thing, that we strive for 50 percent of our customer or employee base, we're shooting for to be veterans."

With the floor opened to questions from the Board, several Board members asked about impact on neighbors including traffic and odors. Mr. DiFazio assured the Board that they will have odor mitigation systems in place. But he added that they chose the spot because it's isolated, with no homes within about 300 yards. "I don't even think they'll notice that we're there," he said. He said they could do a traffic study but he didn't think it would be an issue. They put some speed bumps in near their Amesbury location, he said. "We could even have people shuttle in if we want if it became an issue," he offered.

Board Chair Audrey LaBrie stated that she didn't think a facility like the one proposed belonged in a Rural Residential zone, but should be in one of the town's Industrial zones. She asked about light pollution. Mr. DiFazio said there would be no light coming from the facility and the security cameras would have night vision capability.

The floor was opened to comments from the public. John LaPlante, a resident of Royalston Road North, rose to speak. "My biggest concern over here is the smell. And I know they're...telling us that minimal smell. They're going to tell us whatever we want to hear. I don't know how much I really believe it. I know when I drive down Route 2 going past Westminister, West Fitchburg, windows rolled up in the car, you can smell it when you're driving by...this is a manufacturing plant being put in a residential neighborhood. This does not belong here. This belongs around 140, Lincoln Avenue and Industrial. This land, the zoning was changed on this because the owners wanted to put in a golf course. Golf course never happened. Now here we are with this. This was just snuck in...we got lazy when that golf course didn't go in. That land should have been reverted back to its original zoning and we wouldn't be going through this right now."

Mr. LaPlante went on to emphasize the impact of over 100 employees driving to work daily on a very small rural road. "The other thing is when they put in the solar park down the street, the impact from the excavation and everything that went on down there was definitely not friendly to the neighbors. I called the police at three o'clock in the morning, because the...excavation people were coming in moving their equipment at three o'clock in the morning. I had tractor trailers pulling up in front of my house, backing up to load equipment at three in the morning. It shouldn't be done."

Mr. LaPlante raised the issue of how much water the facility would use. Director of Public Works Brian Croteau responded, "The water is not the huge impact. The huge impact would be the size of the mains and everything that makes sure that they have proper fire. So there would have to be upgrades to the existing mains that are there now. I don't want to speak out of turn but that wouldn't come from the town. It would have to be done privately."

Selectman Danielle LaPointe stated that she used to notice an odor from the very small cannabis growing facility on Franklin Street, but the Town Manager spoke to the owners, "and they put in some other filter and I actually can't smell it now when I walk by it." (That facility, Jolly Green, is owned by local Winchendon residents.)

"It's just so many times that I've seen the companies come into, not just here, they'll tell you whatever you want to hear and then they go and do whatever they want." Mr. LaPlante said. "Because there's no oversight. There's no fines...for not doing what they should have been doing," He added that he was "very, very disappointed that...this was approved at a time during COVID when there wasn't a lot of people that were able to come to meetings at the time. I don't think that...impact on the entire neighborhood is being taken into consideration."

David Jensen, a partner in Winchendon Ventures LLC which owns the adjacent properties now occupied by two solar farms, and sold the parcel to CNA stores, rose to clarify some of the points made by Mr. LaPlante about the construction issues and large stony debris with the solar farms and the golf overlay district on the zoning for the site. "The town is the one that allowed the use for manufacturing cultivation," he pointed out. Adding that they did not have a close relationship as landowners with the company, NexAmp, that installed the solar arrays, Mr. Jensen said, "We're willing to mitigate as well. You know, for the community, whether it's fields or walking trails or, you know, replication of anything. We'll want to do whatever it takes to satisfy." (See "West Street Solar Project Requests Amended Order of Conditions Two Years After Dumping Tons of Rocks" in the January 21-28 2021 edition of The Winchendon Courier)

Resident Sarah Monfreda rose to speak. "I actually own the piece of land across the street from the facility and the other solar field. I'm the person that dealt with the boulder issue which was resolved after a couple of years," she said. "I really feel for the homeowners around that area, but I also disagree with the location. We have a lot of other places that could go besides the middle of what is right now a residential area. And I guess if it does go there I hope that there would be some sort of accountability for all the promises that are made. It took a long time for me to get accountability on the boulder issue across the street. Nobody was checking and, you know, until somebody complained, then somebody looked at the problem. So I hope that there's something in place to you know, we're not going to have a smell. What's the accountability for that, if we're not going to have a smell, we're not going to have noise disruptions or light pollution of the neighborhood."

Ms. LaBrie pointed out that there were many hearings, site visits, CCC approvals and other steps ahead where all of these concerns could be addressed.

Ms. Monfreda again raised the question of water use, pointing out that West Street is at the end of a water line "and the water is disgusting." She went on, "Can...the town infrastructure handle that increased demand. I know we have capital improvements that have been neglected, which is part of our problem with our water and sewer rates, there's nothing in the piggy bank to deal with any repairs." Mr. Croteau responded again to reiterate that upgrades to the water main would be paid for by the business and would not fall on the shoulders of ratepayers. Mr. DiFazio stated that these expenses would be covered by the first years' 3 percent impact fee.

Ms. LaPointe questioned whether the community should benefit from the 3 percent impact fee without its being applied to costs such as a water main upgrade which is only needed because the facility is being built. Town Manager Justin Sultzbach jumped in to explain that the town will still receive a 3 percent excise tax on retail sales from those marijuana businesses selling retail to consumer, although not on business-to-business wholesale sales as CNA Stores will be making. The excise tax is an additional revenue separate from the 3 percent impact fee. Upgrading infrastructure is an allowable expense to apply the impact fee.

Resident Kyle Allen rose to ask about trucks entering and leaving the facility. Mr. DiFazio explained that outgoing product would be moved in "a tiny little Ford Focus van" and incoming materials might at most arrive in a box truck. Mr. Allen then asked for and got a technically detailed explanation of how the facility would manage odor mitigation. "You can come up to Amesbury, I'll show you to give you a better understanding. All right?...And I offer that to anyone here. So you can see our design and how we're actually doing what we do," Mr. DiFazio wrapped up.

With no further questions from the Board or the public, Ms. LaBrie thanked Mr. DiFazio for his presentation.

Edited to clarify that the cannabis excise tax is on retail sales only.

Community Host Agreement with CNA Stores, Inc (PDF)

Video of December 21, 2020 Community Outreach Meeting (hearing begins at 6:30 on the video)

BOS Hold Their Noses and Vote on a Compromise Water/Sewer Rate Increase


As part of a meeting on Monday, April 11 that ran for more than three and a half hours, and after three separate motions were made, the Board of Selectmen finally voted on a schedule of rate increases for town water and wastewater (sewer) users for Fiscal Year 2023 and beyond, after multiple contentious debates at past meetings had failed to end with a vote.

Town Manager Justin Sultzbach presented a new compromise option to the Board. As he recapped, the original proposal from Raftelis, the consultant who did the most recent study of water and wastewater rates, indicated that the only way to prevent running deficits in the Water and Wastewater Enterprise Funds was an immediate increase of 18 percent in the water rate and a 10 percent increase in the wastewater rate, which would be a "blended bill" increase of about 13 percent for users of both water and sewer for FY23. Following FY23, each rate would increase 3 percent annually.

"So we went back to Raftelis and asked if they would be able to find a way, rather than to take this whole hit in the first year in terms of an increase, to try to spread it out and give people a little bit of a breathing room," Mr. Sultzbach said. "And so what they had presented was increasing water at 10 percent in Fiscal 23 rather than 18 and then eight and a half percent in Fiscal 24, stepping it in. Sewer would still be 10 percent and then 3 percent every year thereafter as originally presented." This is essentially the same increase in the water rate but spread out over two years.

"The benefit as I mentioned is it eases people into this process," Mr. Sultzbach continued. "It doesn't hit them all at once. The downside obviously is that it's going to run a projected $70,000 deficit in water for Fiscal Year 23. So we're knowingly going to be running an unbalanced budget." He said that the $70K could be covered with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies or Free Cash. "The important takeaway is that $70,000, that's effectively money that you're keeping in the community, you're keeping it in the ratepayers' pockets for that one year, otherwise, that's money that would be collected and put towards retained earnings."

Board Vice Chair Rick Ward thanked the Town Manager, but said he was not in favor of incurring a $70K deficit, pointing out that the Enterprise Funds are supposed to be self-sustaining. "The Board of Selectmen is directly responsible for ensuring that user fees are at a level to keep these two funds solvent. We set the water and sewer rates," Ward stated. "Yet while we expect the School Department and every other department of our town government to present a balanced budget, we have allowed our water and sewer Enterprise Funds to fall into serious financial danger with year after year of significant deficits. Why? Because we've failed to implement a consistent viable rate structure. In the past seven years approximately $398,000 of retained earnings, that emergency fund and $81,562 of Free Cash town monies that could have been used for road building repairs and other things in town were used to offset the water account. A total of $480,000 spent to balance the water account in the past seven years. Some $839,000 of retained earnings and $194,000 of Free Cash was used to offset the sewer account, a total of $1,034,000. The retained earnings are depleted. There is nothing left, a big financial danger for this community. Both water and sewer accounts are running in the red with major deficits. To not take the action necessary to stop the bleeding now is not an option."

There's never a good time to increase rates, Mr. Ward said. "The average single family residential customer will see their quarterly bill go from $248 to $279. An increase of $31 per quarter or $124 a year, that comes out to be $10.33 a month or $2.38 a week to give us a balanced budget. I am for the balanced budget and that's where I stand right now and I'm willing to make that motion."

Selectman Danielle LaPointe said she appreciated all the work that had been done, but went on, "I am disappointed that in my opinion, we didn't put effort into really looking at alternatives rather than just sticking with what we know--for example, exploring the alternative rate structure, which was in the rates studies that we paid for, which required a lower increase to one-family homeowners and didn't at least present the options to our voters."

Board Chair Audrey LaBrie spoke about the benefit to the town, discussed in previous meetings, of having town water and sewer available. After further debate, Mr. Ward made a motion to approve the original balanced rate plan recommended by Raftelis, with the 18 percent increase for water rates. This motion failed 1 in favor, 3 opposed. (Selectman Amy Salter was not present).

Selectman Barbara Anderson then made a motion to approve the modified supplemental option, with the 10 percent increase for water rates, but only for the first year. "We are always going back and looked at these water rates on an annual basis, and I will not raise some two or three years at this point," she said.

Mr. Ward said, "This is not going to solve the problem at all. It's a piecemeal approach that we've done in the past. It doesn't work. I don't support it at all."

This motion failed, 2 in favor, 2 opposed.

Selectman LaPointe then moved "to update the water and sewer rates as presented based on the new supplemental option using the figures for Fiscal Year 23 and Fiscal Year 24."

Mr. Ward said, "even though the second option has a deficit in it, it is a plan that in two years will get us out of this and if the Board is going to go with that I will support this."

The motion passed 3 in favor, 1 opposed (Ms. Anderson).

Following the vote, the Board agreed that Mr. Sultzbach would specify in the Warrant article that the $70K shortfall for FY23 would be covered by ARPA funds and not Free Cash. "That lets you off the hook with the FinCom," Ms. LaPointe kidded Mr. Sultzbach.

Winchendon Public Schools Show Increased Support for Arts and Music in Proposed FY23 Budget and Curriculum


In various presentations to the School Committee and Board of Selectmen during the past week, the Winchendon Public School District is demonstrating an encouraging support for arts and music as the administration continues to grapple with academic and financial challenges.

In the budget presentation which Superintendent of Schools Thad King has now given to the School Committee, Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen, Mr. King presented a balanced school budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (encompassing the 2022-2023 school year) of $21,297,399, of which less than one third comes from local funding. The rest is funded through state Chapter 70, grants and other sources. Chapter 70 aid will increase by about 8 percent.

Along with explaining the funding sources and expense categories in some detail, Mr. King explained that the district is adding seven FTE (full-time equivalent) positions, including two full-time Music and Art teachers at the elementary schools. Also budgeted are two additional elementary classroom teachers, a Special Education Academic Teaching Specialist and an Assistant Special Education Director, and an additional custodian for the high school, all full time positions.

"We added...classroom teachers at both Toy Town and Memorial to address student teacher ratios," Mr. King told the BOS on Monday, April 11. "We've also added music and art teachers. So right now the two elementary schools share music and art. So those teachers bounce back and forth between the schools. It creates a problem around scheduling and it especially creates this problem around scheduling for teachers. What we call common planning, how do they plan their lessons together? So the idea here is to put an additional teacher in each building, kind of a general teacher, if you will, a classroom teacher, and then supplement that with music and art teachers to...plan better and effective instruction."

The budget includes a full-time music teacher and full time visual arts teacher at the high school and a full-time art teacher at the middle school, all paid through School Choice funding.

(Review the school budget presentation here (PDF).)

In his presentation to the School Committee's Thursday, April 7 meeting on the Murdock High School Program of Study for the 2022-23 school year, assistant principal Doug Sochovka announced that four new music classes would be offered: Music Theory and Composition, Keyboarding, Percussion Basics and Video Game and Media Music. Also added as an elective is a Forensic Science class, "a year long laboratory based class on the different ways that our biology, chemistry and physical science and also using mathematics can be used in real life scenarios," Mr. Sochovka said.

Mr. Sochovka also told the School Committee, "The visual arts class, this would be a combined science and art class. One of our science teachers has presented this to our art teacher a way of doing lab experiments along with the arts--clay composition, different ways of coloring mixtures and stuff like that. So that's something that is on the board."

The English 12 class, which is a required course for Seniors, will be adding four new titles to its syllabus: The Glass Castle, Into the Wild, The Alchemist and Hidden Figures.

Mr. Sochovka praised the Leadership and Citizenship Program, saying the teachers want to expand the program to a four-year course. "Right now this class is doing amazing stuff," he said. "They were just featured in the Winchendon Courier for their sock drive for Down Syndrome Awareness. They went to our special education classroom and had a French toast breakfast with them. So it's taking kids and matching our building together, of very positive crowds. This class writes emails, they're planning together, they're writing out agendas. They're doing some great, great work. Because it is a citizenship class that would be in the History or Social Science portion of our program studies. But it would be a four year course, because there's a lot of change and a lot of good things that could happen out of that class. And there's been a lot of great conversations. You could feel the change in the building because of the work that they're doing. The kids are talking amongst each other."

In response to questions about removing pre-requisites for classes, and whether the VHS elective courses are too fluffy, Mr. King and Mr. Sochovka assured the School Committee that, "The current spirit is that we challenge the students at Murdock High School, and I think that the dual enrollment program is an excellent example of that, where we really want our students to push and push themselves and challenge themselves each and every day." MHS Facilitator of Enhanced Programming Stephanie Rondeau rose to assure the Committee that teachers sign off on each student's choice of study, and the VHS coursework is closely supervised. "It's not just hey, go figure it out on your own time in the library after school," Mr. Sochovka said. "they're actually assigned a block during the day to a teacher, oftentimes Ms. Rondeau, to ensure that those classes are being completed. So they do go towards graduation requirements, as opposed to just sort of the generic fun classes."

Winchendon Resident Charged with Enticement of a Minor


The Winchendon Police Department released a statement saying that on Monday, April 11, Robert Gary McGorty, 55, with an address of 105 Second Street, Winchendon, was arrested and charged with one count of Enticement of a Child under 16. After being held overnight at the Winchendon police station, Mr. McGorty was arraigned in Winchendon District Court on Tuesday, April 12.

According to reports, an adult male, 38 year old Jason Velasquez, was running a fake account on the hookup/dating site Grindr, posing as a 14-year-old nicknamed "J" with a photograph of an unknown youthful-appearing person as his profile picture. (This is a practice known as "catfishing" online.) A Grindr user with the nickname "RGM" began exchanging text messages with "J" which eventually became sexual, although "J" told "RGM" that he was only 14.

"J" and "RGM" met in person on Elm Street in Winchendon on Sunday, April 10, where "J" told "RGM" the real situation. "RGM" left the scene. Mr. Velasquez posted about the meeting on social media and learned "RGM's" name from one of "RGM's" coworkers.

Mr. Velasquez then went to police and gave them screenshots of texts and photos from the Grindr conversation and video of his meeting with "RGM." Police identified the license plate of "RGM's" truck in the video as belonging to a truck owned by Mr. McGorty. Mr. McGorty was arrested at his home and his cell phone was taken as evidence.

Jason Velasquez, of Leominster, works with or runs an operation called Predator Poachers dedicated to entrapping sex offenders who target minors. A former construction worker who was laid off in 2020 due to the pandemic, Mr. Velasquez has become a "crime fighting vigilante" whose "stings" include the former Chief of Police in Stow, Massachusetts. According to his social media posts, Mr. Velasquez enlists actual minors, which he calls his "decoys," to meet and talk to the suspected predators he is attempting to expose. He used such a "decoy" in his meeting with Mr. McGorty, according to video he posted online.

New State Senator for Winchendon, Jo Comerford, Greets the BOS


At their meeting on Monday, April 11, Massachusetts state Senator Jo Comerford (D-Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester District) appeared to introduce herself to the Board and the citizens of Winchendon as the town's new state Senator, and to explain the process that led to her taking over Winchendon from its long-time former Senator, Anne Gobi.

Senator Comerford went into some detail explaining how the redistricting process worked and how she and other Senators representing central and Western Massachusetts negotiated to swap towns to even out the population levels of their respective districts so as not to sacrifice an entire Senate seat, after western MA lost population in the 2020 Census. Senator Comerford lost the towns of Whately, Colrain and South Hadley but added four towns further east including Winchendon.

Senator Comerford explained that she is in the fourth year of her second term in the state Senate, and will be running for re-election in her new district this November. "But that doesn't prevent me from working now on behalf of the community," she said. "I just wanted to say hello, and let you know that I look forward to building a partnership, and I hope I have the honor to serve again."

Senator Comerford told the Board that she is chair of two committees, the Joint Committee on Public Health and a new committee, the Joint Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management. "A very high priority of mine is the well-being of towns. I care deeply about rural Western Massachusetts," she said. She went on that she is dedicated to making policy crafted by and for Boston work for Western Massachusetts. "Let's bring home money where it's needed," she said, such as Chapter 90 funds for winter road work. "I think that it's my responsibility to make sure that they will work for our towns."

The Board thanked Senator Comerford for attending. "I look forward to more conversations," Senator Comerford said. "I'm sure that you have all of my contact information. Thank you so much." (Senator Comerford's contact information may be found on her website.)

Bald eagle at Lake Dennison
That's close enough!
Two young ravens decide to test the waters of Lake Dennison on Tuesday, April 5, by seeing how close they can get to a Bald Eagle sharing space in the same tree top, of which the raptor's look speaks volumes.
Photo by Keith Kent
Bald eagle at Lake Dennison
This same Bald Eagle watches over a flock of ten geese in the water below from 100 feet up. The Eagle buzzed the geese several times causing quite a stir among onlookers and letting it be known to the water fowl who is king of the kingdom.
Photo by Keith Kent

Winchendon COVID Levels Double in One Week

Over the last seven day period, Winchendon's COVID-19 average positivity has increased from 1.23 to 2.74 percent. Many towns around the Commonwealth see increases with the newer Omicron BA.2 subvariant, according to the Thursday, April 14 report from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Despite the increase, at under 3 percent the current positivity level in line with where Toy Town was exactly one year ago.

Overall in the region, as people adjust to the dominant viral strain, the 14-day average of our immediate ten-town area has gradually increased over the last 7 days from 2.82 to 3.67 percent. The lowest town in the area is Royalston at just 1.32 percent positivity, while Ashby has exploded from 0.00 to 9.32 percent positivity.

Others in the area aGardner, 3.03 percent, up from 2.61, Ashburnham at 3.85 percent, Westminster at 4.20 percent, Templeton at 2.07 percent, Phillipston at 3.90 percent, Athol at just 2.18 percent, and Hubbardston at 4.09 percent. In the North Quabbin Region, there is a more noticeable increase as Orange is now up to 5.60 percent, Warwick is up to 6.45 percent, New Salem is at 5.00 percent, and Petersham is 4.94 percent.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts 14 day viral positivity testing average is now 2.93 percent, up from 2.38 a week prior, with Boston at 2.91 percent, Worcester at just 1.22 percent, and Springfield testing at 2.46 percent.

Currently, Winchendon still registers at 6,046 or 56 percent of its residents fully vaccinated, and 6,802 or 63 percent partially vaccinated. The Board of Health recommends getting vaccinated if healthy enough to do so, especially if one has pre-existing conditions or is immunocompromised.

Keith Kent
Chair
Board of Health
Town of Winchendon

Montachusett Public Health Network Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic
at the Clark Memorial YMCA on April 29, 2022 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The Montachusett Public Health Network is hosting a Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic at the Clark Memorial YMCA, 155 Central Street, Winchendon, on Friday, April 29, 2022 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Registration encouraged but walk-ins welcome!

Vaccines available: Pfizer, Moderna and J&J
Doses: All doses available
Ages: 5+

To register, call the Montachusett Public Health Network COVID-19 Response Team at 978-602-2356, Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Pleaase bring vaccine card and health insurance card if you have them.

$25 grocery gift cards available on a first come, first serve basis (eligibility criteria apply).

THE TOWN OF WINCHENDON IS HIRING!
Be sure to check out our Classified and Employment Ads on the Events Page!

Spring Jazz Concert at the Beals Memorial Library

Come to the Beals Memorial Library for an evening of jazz, performed by national and international pianist and recording artist John Arcaro & Band, on Saturday, April 23, at 7:00 p.m. in the library auditorium.

Fans of jazz and piano music are in for a real treat next Saturday when John Arcaro & Band will be performing at the Winchendon library. The concert will feature jazz interpretations of the "Great American Songbook" as well as contemporary jazz compositions. John has performed at major jazz festivals alongside a number of great musicians, including Paquito D'Rivera, Rebecca Parris, Shirley Horn, Maynard Ferguson, and Jack Pezanelli, as well as other shows with performers such as Diahann Carroll, Vic Damone, the Drifters, and the Four Aces.

John has held artist-in-residence status at Centro-Cultural Costariccense Norteamericano in Costa Rica and has also been the pianist for special performances of The Moses Project by composer Walter Robinson with special guest artists Vox One. He is also a Berklee College of Music alumnus and now works as an Assistant Professor there.

When speaking of his musical influences, John has said, "My dad was my first influence as a kid; he played and sang classic standard tunes every night after work. As a child I was always listening, always trying to imitate, and was actually training my ears without knowing it. That shaped my learning style; I'm always processing music by ear."

This musical event is free to attend. Registration is required and seats for the show can be reserved online at www.eventbrite.com/e/307320272207.

This concert is being held in partnership with the Winchendon Music Festival. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit their website at bealslibrary.org.

Pianist John Arcaro and band at the Beals
John Arcaro & Band will be performing jazz music at the Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon on Saturday, April 23, at 7:00 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Beals Memorial Library

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Central Mass Tree

Subway October 2021 Sub of the Day

Memorial first-graders clean up
Students in Katrina Flemings's 1st Grade class at Memorial School cleaned up the grounds all around Memorial Elementary School on Friday, April 8 in honor of Earth Day.
Photo courtesy of Martha MacEwen, Memorial School

Spring Break Fun at the Beals Memorial Library

Head out of the house this month and enjoy spring break at the Beals Memorial Library! During the week of April school vacation, the library will be hosting a few fun programs for children and adults alike. All programs are free and open to the public.

On Wednesday, April 20, at 2:00 p.m., the library, in partnership with the Clark YMCA, will kick off their spring break programs by welcoming back their furry, feathery, sometimes scaly friends from Animal Adventures! Come meet the animals and hear some interesting stories about them. Animal Adventures presents a fun and unique learning experience to be enjoyed by people of all ages! This program will be held at the Clark YMCA Field House and registration is not required. The event is funded in part by the Winchendon Cultural Council and the Friends of the Library.

On Friday, April 22, at 1:00 p.m., join the library staff for a fun hour of Legos, Games, and More! The library has tons of Legos, and a growing selection of puzzles, board games, and card games. This program is open to children ages 5 to 11, no sign-ups necessary.

On Saturday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the library and HEAL Winchendon will be presenting Sewing with Martha, the first learning opportunity in the Winchendon Skillshare Program. Come to the library for a three-week instructed sewing class, starting on April 23 and continuing on April 30 and May 7. Participants will be making their own tote bag! This program is for kids, grades 6 and up. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required and all sign-ups are online at www.bealslibrary.org/skillshare.

Also on Saturday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m., the library will be rounding out its spring break activities by hosting an evening of jazz with John Arcaro & Band. The concert will feature interpretations of the “Great American Songbook” as well as contemporary jazz compositions. Reserve your seat for this show online at www.eventbrite.com/e/307320272207.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon and the Clark YMCA is located at 155 Central Street. For more information or to register for upcoming programs, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org.

Eagle Owl
Check out this majestic Eurasian eagle owl and other wild critters next week when Animal Adventures kicks off the Beals Memorial Library's spring break activities over at the Clark YMCA in Winchendon!
Photo courtesy of Beals Memorial Library

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Winchendon Businesses, Organizations, Services, and Government


Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten This Fall? Registration is Open NOW

The Winchendon Public Schools has informed the Courier that parent response to Kindergarten registration has been very low so far. Parents should be aware that your child must be registered with documentation of required immunizations and physical to attend school. See detailed information with links to forms and dates for parent orientation and screenings here, on the Schools Page.

Winchendon Farmers Market Accepting Applications for 2022 Vendors

The Winchendon Farmers Market is accepting applications for vendors for the 2022 season. You can download the form at Winchendon Farmers Market Application (PDF), fill it out and mail the form with the table fee to the address on the form, or drop it in the dropbox at Town Hall. The market days and times for 2022 are Thursdays from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information, see www.winchendonfarmersmarket.org.

Open Seat for Montachusett Regional Vocational School District Representative

In accordance with the Agreement establishing the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District (as amended), notice is hereby given that letters of interest are being accepted for appointment of the Town of Winchendon's representative to the Regional District School Committee to fill a vacant seat to expire on June 30, 2025. Winchendon residents interested in being considered for appointment are asked to forward a letter of interest to the Selectmen's Office, Winchendon Town Hall, 109 Front Street, Dept. 1, 4th Floor, Winchendon, MA 01475 or email your letter to the Board of Selectmen's Executive Assistant, Linda Daigle, at ldaigle@townofwinchendon.com. The deadline for accepting letters is April 4, 2022. Said position is jointly appointed by the members of the Board of Selectmen, Town Moderator and local School Committee.

Report a Pothole to the DPW

You can report potholes directly to the DPW using this form on the town website:

www.townofwinchendon.com/public-works/webforms/report-pothole

Winchendon Town Hall & Transfer Station Now Accepting Credit/Debit Payments

We are excited to announce that the DPW, Treasurer/Collector's Office and the Transfer Station can all now accept in-person credit and debit card payments. This means next time you need to purchase or pay for:

Trash bags
Transfer station stickers
Excise bills
Tax bills
Water & Sewer bills
And more

You can pay with a credit or debit card! (subject to a convenience fee).

Senior Center Still Seeking Van Driver

The Town of Winchendon seeks to hire a Van Driver for 25 hours per week, to work out of the Winchendon Senior Center. This person will serve as a Van Driver for transportation of the elderly and/or handicapped residents.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):

  • Driving the elderly to various destinations
  • Assisting clients who use wheelchairs, walkers, and canes
  • Maintaining the vehicle through regular cleaning
  • Maintaining Trip Logs for all activities
A more detailed description is available from the Winchendon Senior Center. Those interested should submit a resume and cover letter to:

Sheila Bettro, Director; Winchendon Senior Center, 52 Murdock Avenue, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is hired. The Town of Winchendon is and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applications Available for Senior Tax Work-off Program

The Senior Work-Off Abatement Program is a program allowing the Town of Winchendon the opportunity to utilize the knowledge and skills of its senior residents in exchange for credit toward the resident's property tax bill. The purpose of this program is:

  • To employ qualified senior citizens who will apply their earnings toward payment of a portion of their property taxes;
  • To increase senior citizen involvement in local government; and
  • To enhance municipal service by using the skills of resident senior citizens.
Qualified and income-eligible residents will accrue the Commonwealth's minimum wage per hour ($13.50/hr) toward a maximum credit of $1,100.00 per household during the fiscal year. The criteria for this program is:
  • You must be 60 years old or older
  • Homeowner in Winchendon and occupy property
  • Annual income below $40,150 if single; or below $45,900 if married.
Applications for the program are now available in the Town Manager's office or on the town website, and will be accepted until the eight slots are filled. There are different types of positions that are available depending on the preference and qualifications of the resident and the needs of each department. Types of past and current positions have been: Custodial services, clerical help for both School & Town, library aides, Senior Center aids, cable station operator, Bike Path clean up, painting, light outdoor work and classroom volunteers. Click here for more information and a downloadable application.

HEAL Winchendon Offering Financial Coaching Workshops

HEAL Winchendon, in conjunction with the Winchendon CAC, is offering a free financial coaching program to any residents who are interested. The program runs for eight weeks with a flexible schedule and is available in both English and Spanish. Coaching will be scheduled at the Winchendon CAC, 273 Central St. To enroll, fill out the form at HEAL Financial Coaching Sign-Up (Google form) or call 978-621-4524.

The Toy Town Community Partnership (TTCP) Needs Your Feedback

Please complete the survey to tell us your thoughts on this town initiative.

The Toy Town Community Partnership (TTCP) received grant funds from the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation to explore and install public art throughout our downtown. This goes hand in hand with our effort to rebuild a family friendly and economically vibrant downtown. Known as the "Large Toy Project", this project kicked off with the installation of the large bicycle at Grout Park. The TTCP, in conjunction with the Gardner League of Artists (GALA), is looking to install more large sculptures in the future and would like input from the people of Winchendon! Please see the survey below to provide your thoughts on this initiative.

Help Brighten Up Winchendon! (Google Form)

2022 Annual Town Meeting Set for Monday, May 16

The Winchendon Board of Selectmen have scheduled a Special and Annual Town Meeting for Monday, May 16, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to be held at Murdock Middle High School, 3 Memorial Drive.

If you have any questions on warrant articles or citizen petitions, Please reach out to the Town Manager's office at 978-297-0085 ext. 5

Open Air Burning Season Starts January 15, 2022 and Ends May 1, 2022

Don't miss out on this whimsical time of year where you can spend time in the great outdoors becoming one with nature, all the while freeing your yards of all the unsightly winter debris.

Permits are available for purchase online (that's right you don't even have to leave the house)!

For assistance, the link below provides step-by-step instructions:
2020 Burn Permit Application Made Easy

THERE ARE 2 STEPS TO COMPLETE THE PERMIT PURCHASE:

Step 1: Pay & obtain confirmation number.
Step 2: Apply for the permit using the confirmation number as proof of payment.

www.townofwinchendon.com/fire-ems/pages/burn-permits

Toy Town FYIs

2022 Dog Licenses Now Available

2022 dog licenses are now available. You may purchase at the Town Clerk's office using check or cash, or you may purchase through the mail, Town Hall 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 and neutered dogs are $10.00. Non-spayed and non-neutered dogs are $20.00.

Winter Parking Ban Now in Effect

From December 1st through April 15th, it is illegal to park your motor vehicle on the streets of Winchendon between the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This is to allow the snowplows to do their jobs in case of a snow storm. Violations may incur fees up to $50 and/or a tow.

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.

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.

Town Committee Vacancies
as of April 11, 2022


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 Committee - 1 vacancy
Council on Aging - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 14 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Historical Commission/Historic District - 1 Alternate vacancy
Library Trustee - 1 vacancy
Open Space Preservation Appraisal and Survey Revolving Fund Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy
Recreation Commission - 2 regular vacancies, 1 middle school student vacancy

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.

Complete description of each committee's responsibilities, updated for May 10, 2021 (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.

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Send an email to editor@winchendoncourier.net and you'll be added to the email list!

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