July 2022 Events at Otter River State Forest and Lake Dennison Recreational Area
Public programs at Otter River State Forest and Lake Dennison Recreational Area begin on 5/20/22 and run through Labor Day. All programs are free and open to the public, a parking fee may apply. Bring water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, and dress for the outdoors. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for hiking programs. An adult must accompany all children. Inclement weather cancels hiking programs. For more information call (978) 939-8962 or visit: www.mass.gov/locations/lake-dennison-recreation-area or www.mass.gov/locations/otter-river-state-forest
There will be no programs from June 5 through June 11.
Otter River State Forest is located at 86 Winchendon Rd, Baldwinville, MA 01436. Lake Dennison Recreational Area is located at 219 Baldwinville State Road, Winchendon, MA 01436.
DAYS OF YORE SHORE TOUR
Sundays 1 pm to 2:15 pm, Mondays 2 pm to 3:15 pm, Thursdays 3 pm to 4:15 pm
Walk along the shore of Lake Dennison with the Park Interpreter. We'll explore the changes to the landscape while we discover old cellar holes and talk about the history of the area. Meet at the Lake Dennison beach by the lifeguard towers. Appropriate for ages 8 and above. About one mile over moderate terrain.
MOBILE NATURE CENTER
Thursdays 1 pm to 2:30 pm
We bring the nature center to you! Check out pelts, skulls, and other items related to the animals that live in the park. Stay for five minutes or an hour! Bring your questions.
Meet by the Lake Dennison lifeguard towers. Appropriate for all ages.
MUCKING ABOUT
Friday, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm (Lake Dennison)
Saturday 1:30 pm to 3 pm (Otter River)
Take a peek under the surface of the water! Explore the bugs, tadpoles, newts and other creatures that live here. We'll use nets and buckets to catch (and then release!) some cool critters. Stay for five minutes or the whole time. Recommended for ages 6 and above. Otter River; Meet at the Nature Center. Lake Dennison; Meet by the Lifeguard towers.
NATURE CENTER OPEN HOUSE
Saturday 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, Sunday 9:30 am to 11 am
Stop by the Nature Center to find out more about Otter River State Forest and the plants, animals, and birds that live here. Check out our wildlife display and learn a little (or a lot) about our local history. Games, books, and activities are available for the kids. Stay for five minutes or an hour! Meet at the Otter River Nature Center. Appropriate for all ages.
SUPER SENSES HIKE
Mondays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Animals must use all their senses every day to find food and survive. Come and find out about some of the super senses of the animals that live in the area and use your own senses to explore the world around you. Meet at the Otter River Nature Center. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. Easy terrain, milage will vary week to week.
WELCOME CAMPFIRE
Friday, 7 pm to 8 pm (Lake Dennison)
Saturday 7 pm to 8 pm (Otter River)
Join us at the Nature Center for a welcome campfire. Meet some of your fellow campers as we tell stories and sing songs. We provide the fire, bring your s'mores supplies! Otter River--Meet by the pavilion. Lake Dennison--Meet by the field at the north side of the campground.
Clyde's Corner
It's Happening Around the Winch!
FRIDAY JULY 8
Summer Concert 6:00-8:00 p.m. "Neon Alley" will play. Sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Department. At the G.A.R. Park gazebo, Murdock Ave. and Grove St., Winchendon. Free to the public, bring a lawn chair or blanket.
SATURDAY JULY 9
Community Movie Night - The Lion King 8:00-10:00 p.m. Free family event! Come join the Winchendon Fire Department for community movie night on Saturday July 9th!! Bring your chairs & blankets and join us on the back lawn at the fire station for a cinematic experience guaranteed to make your weekend. We will be showing The Lion King will offer free popcorn and fire helmets for all! This unparalleled cinematic experience is free to you as a direct result of our friends at Concord Electric Supply who graciously sponsored this great community event. At the Winchendon Fire Department, 405 Central St.
WEDNESDAY JULY 13
The Gloucester Hornpipe & Clog Society's Sea Chanteys, Forebitters and Work Tunes 6:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of music featuring original songs of New England maritime history, tall tales of pirates and shipwrecks, and more! These songs will float your boat from dockside to dogwatch for a traditional seaside family day. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. This event is sponsored by the Winchendon Cultural Council.
THURSDAY JULY 14
Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall. This week's menu will be jumbo hot dogs, coleslaw, bean salad and dessert. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street. (NO drive-through service; take-out service will begin after all seated diners are served.)
FRIDAY JULY 15
Crochet & Knitting Circle 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Come learn how to crochet or knit! Beginners to experts are welcome. Patterns and basic instruction (if needed) will be provided. Please provide your own needles & yarn. Limited space, Sign Up Today! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
Lil Scientists with Melissa the Mad Scientist 2:00 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to try experiments hands-on, watch others and learn interesting things about the world of science. For Kids ages 3 to 5. Limited Space Available, Register Today! Contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.Sponsored by the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library
Summer Concert 6:00-8:00 p.m. Cailte Kelly will play. Sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Department. At the G.A.R. Park gazebo, Murdock Ave. and Grove St., Winchendon. Free to the public, bring a lawn chair or blanket.
SATURDAY JULY 16
Annual Festival & Chicken Barbeque 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Benefiting St. Martin's Church in Otter River. The event will feature a major prize raffle, Chinese auctions, handcraft booth, baked goods, theme baskets, games of chance and skill for all ages, free craft activities for children, and music throughout the day. A chicken barbecue dinner will be served from noon to 1 pm, and hot dogs and other refreshments will be available all day. Tickets for the chicken dinner, at $12 each, may be reserved by leaving a message at the rectory, (978) 939-5588. Reservations are suggested, as a limited number of tickets will be available at the festival. At the Otter River Sportsman's Club, 250 Lord Rd., Baldwinville, MA.
WEDNESDAY JULY 20
Whalemobile 2:00-4:00 p.m. Adventure inside Nile—the life-sized inflatable humpback whale, learn about how whales and humans are similar and different, and have a chance to touch baleen, teeth and bones. Limited Space Available, Register Today! Time slots are as followed and first come first served: 2:00-2:30, 2:30-3:00, 3:00-3:30, 3:30-4:00. Contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. This event is sponsored by the Winchendon Cultural Council
THURSDAY JULY 21
Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Served in the Parish Hall. This week the menu is TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.
FRIDAY JULY 22
Summer Concert 6:00-8:00 p.m. Battle of the Bands winner Faceless Hobos will play. Sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Department. At the G.A.R. Park gazebo, Murdock Ave. and Grove St., Winchendon. Free to the public, bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Sea Creature Craft 1:00 p.m. Decorate a sea creature plaque that can hangout on your fridge or hang in your room Limited Space Available, Register Today! Contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
SATURDAY JULY 23
Covered Bridge Ride and Rifle Raffle 9:00 a.m. Sponsored by Fire & Iron Station 857. Registration for ride starts at 9:00 a.m., kickstands up at 11:00 a.m. $15 per rider and $10 per passenger. 50/50 raffle. As part of the event, Station 857 is raffling a Henry Rifle. Tickets are $10 each, valid FID card required to claim prize. All proceeds to benefit Winchendon Veterans Housing Project. At Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St.
THURSDAY JULY 28
Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall. This week's menu will be chili, corn bread and sides. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street. (NO drive-through service; take-out service will begin after all seated diners are served.)
On the Same Page Bookclub 6:30-7:30 p.m. This month's book is TBA. Copies available at the library circulation desk. For more information, email mjvelasco@winchendon.org or hartcamille5@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/groups/onthesamepagebclub At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
FRIDAY JULY 29
Crochet & Knitting Circle 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Come learn how to crochet or knit! Beginners to experts are welcome. Patterns and basic instruction (if needed) will be provided. Please provide your own needles & yarn. Limited space, Sign Up Today! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
Summer Concert 6:00-8:00 p.m. "Plead the 5th" will play. Sponsored by the Winchendon Recreation Department. At the G.A.R. Park gazebo, Murdock Ave. and Grove St., Winchendon. Free to the public, bring a lawn chair or blanket.
AND COMING UP...
THURSDAY AUGUST 4
Beals Book Club 3:30 p.m. Beals Book Club is a discussion group that allows avid readers to discuss the themes, plots, and characters of selected books. Come participate in the stimulating exchange of ideas, observations, and reactions to the current selections. The library provides the books each month. For more information visit bealslibrary.org or call 978-297-0300. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
THURSDAY AUGUST 11
Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall. This week's menu will be summer salad trio and fresh bread. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street. (NO drive-through service; take-out service will begin after all seated diners are served.)
Outdoor Movie Magic at the Beals 7:00-10:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of magic and family-friendly movies on the library lawn. Tonight: Disney's Cinderella with Ed the Wizard entertaining before the film. The Friends Book Sale will be open 6:00-8:00 p.m. In case of rain, the movie will screen the next day (Friday). Dress for evening temperatures. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300 Sponsored by the Winchendon Cultural Council and The Friends of the Beals Memorial Library.
FRIDAY AUGUST 12
Crochet & Knitting Circle 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Come learn how to crochet or knit! Beginners to experts are welcome. Patterns and basic instruction (if needed) will be provided. Please provide your own needles & yarn. Limited space, Sign Up Today! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
THURSDAY AUGUST 18
Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Served in the Parish Hall. This week the menu is TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.
Outdoor Movie Magic at the Beals 7:00-10:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of magic and family-friendly movies on the library lawn. Tonight: Disney's Hocus Pocus with Jason Purdy entertaining before the film. The Friends Book Sale will be open 6:00-8:00 p.m. In case of rain, the movie will screen the next day (Friday). Dress for evening temperatures. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300 Sponsored by the Winchendon Cultural Council and The Friends of the Beals Memorial Library.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 24
Senator Jo Comerford Visits Beals Memorial Library 6:00-7:00 p.m. As part of her district-wide Library Tour, State Senator Jo Comerford, now representing Winchendon, will visit the Beals Memorial Library to meet with constituents and talk about pressing issues affecting the community. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
THURSDAY AUGUST 25
Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street. (NO drive-through service; take-out service will begin after all seated diners are served.)
Outdoor Movie Magic at the Beals 7:00-10:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of magic and family-friendly movies on the library lawn. Tonight: Matilda with Eddie Raymond entertaining before the film. The Friends Book Sale will be open 6:00-8:00 p.m. In case of rain, the movie will screen the next day (Friday). Dress for evening temperatures. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. 978-297-0300 Sponsored by the Winchendon Cultural Council and The Friends of the Beals Memorial Library.
FRIDAY AUGUST 26
Crochet & Knitting Circle 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Come learn how to crochet or knit! Beginners to experts are welcome. Patterns and basic instruction (if needed) will be provided. Please provide your own needles & yarn. Limited space, Sign Up Today! For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
SATURDAY AUGUST 27
Early Voting in State Primary Election 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Town Hall 2nd floor auditoruum, 109 Front Street.
MONDAY AUGUST 29
Early Voting in State Primary Election 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Town Hall 2nd floor auditoruum, 109 Front Street.
TUESDAY AUGUST 30
Early Voting in State Primary Election 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Town Hall 2nd floor auditoruum, 109 Front Street.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 31
Early Voting in State Primary Election 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Town Hall 2nd floor auditoruum, 109 Front Street.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1
Early Voting in State Primary Election 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Town Hall 2nd floor auditoruum, 109 Front Street.
Beals Book Club 3:30 p.m. Beals Book Club is a discussion group that allows avid readers to discuss the themes, plots, and characters of selected books. Come participate in the stimulating exchange of ideas, observations, and reactions to the current selections. The library provides the books each month. For more information visit bealslibrary.org or call 978-297-0300. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6
State Primary Election poll hours TBA. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 2nd floor, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10
Casino Royale 7:00 p.m. Come join us for a night of gambling, silent auction and great conversation to help raise funds for the WHCC! Blackjack, Roulette, Money Wheel and a 50/50 raffle are some of the games you can play all in the backdrop of the gorgeous Murdock Whitney Mansion! At the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, 151 Front St.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 22
2022 Fall Fest 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Downtown, exact locations dependent on Contral Street Reconstruction Project. See 6th Annual Winchendon Fall Festival on the town website for updates and information.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 10
2022 Holiday House Tour 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Come enjoy the multiple well decorated homes around town. Start at the Murdock Whitney, and make a day of touring these beautiful buildings! Sponsored by and beginning at the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, 151 Front St.
ONGOING
MONDAYS
AA Meeting 7:45 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.
WEDNESDAYS
Old Murdock Senior Center 12:30-2:30 p.m. BINGO! $1.00 cover charge. Please bring your own snack and drink. 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.
Meet-Up With the Kiwanis 6:30 p.m. 2ND AND 4TH WEDNESDAYS EACH MONTH. All are welcome! Come join in community projects, make new friends, make your community better, have some fun! Younger folks welcome. For more information, call Cailte Kelly, 978-413-9930. Hosted by Kiwanis of Winchendon MA. At the Clark Memorial YMCA Community Room (in new gymnastics building down by the bike path), 155 Central St., Winchendon.
THURSDAYS
Preschool Playgroup 2:00-3:00 p.m. For families with children up to age 8. Join us for an afternoon of free play, a craft, story time, and music & movement. Masks required for anyone over 2 years old. Presented in collaboration with the Winchendon CFCE. For more information call the library at 978-297-0300 or email CFCE Coordinator Kristin Moran at kmoran@winchendonk12.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
UPDATED: Youth and Family Changemakers Afterschool Program 2:45-4:30 p.m. A free program for kids and families grades K-5. Weekly games, crafts, teambuilding and community service projects. Parent/Caregiver & volunteers welcome. Registration required. Contact 978-616-7065 or admin@healwinchendon.org. Snacks and materials provided. At Toy Town Elementary School, 175 Grove St., Winchendon. Organized by HEAL Winchendon.
Yoga with Paula Lashua-Brisbois 4:30-5:30 p.m. $7.00-$10.00 per class (sliding scale). All skill levels welcomed! Mats and Blocks are available, if needed. These classes are open for Adults and Teens. Call 978-297-0300 for more information. At Beals Memorial Library auditorium, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.
Porch Nights at the WHCC 5:30 p.m. Come join us every Thursday for some great conversation and exploration of our museum. Bring some snacks, and pull up a rocker and enjoy! At the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, 151 Front St.
Winchendon Farmers' Market 4:00-7:00 p.m. Crafts, fresh farm produce, baked goods. SNAP and HIP accepted. At Veterans' Park, corner of Pleasant and Front Streets. Weather permitting.
SATURDAYS
Winchendon Farmers' Market 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Crafts, fresh farm produce, baked goods. SNAP and HIP accepted. At Veterans Park, corner of Pleasant and Front Streets. Weather permitting.