Winchendon Honors War Heroes and Veterans Throughout Memorial Day Weekend
Honor Guard and the playing of "Taps" at VFW Park.
Photo by Inanna Arthen
Winchendon, home to one of the two state veterans' cemeteries in Massachusetts, takes Memorial Day weekend seriously. Events honoring members of the military who served in combat began on Saturday and continued for three days. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who were killed in wars or died after their tour of duty ended (often having lived with permanent effects from what they had experienced). Not only members of the Armed Forces, but their families, are recognized. "Gold Star Families" are those who have lost a child or spouse in the line of duty.
Winchendon commemorations began at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning with the decoration of hundreds of veterans' graves with small American flags in four cemeteries in town: Calvary Cemetery on the west side of Glenallen Street nearest Spring Street, Riverside Cemetery on the east side of Glenallen, Old Centre Cemetery which is located on Hall Road, and the New Boston Cemetery on New Boston Road.
On Sunday morning, May 28, United Parish at 39 Front Street hosted a special service honoring the town's deceased veterans at 10:00 a.m. The service was led by Reverend F. Calvin Miller, who is also the chaplain for the Winchendon Fire and Police Departments. The service was attended by the Winchendon Boy Scouts and members of the Winchendon American Legion Post 193.
On Memorial Day Monday, May 29, ceremonies got off to an early start. Beginning at 7:45 a.m., an Honor Guard and buglers mustered for a three-volley salute and the playing of "Taps" in Calvary Cemetery, then Riverside Cemetery, and finally Old Centre Cemetery.
At 9:30 a.m., the Memorial Day parade began mustering at Legion Park, at the junction of Pleasant Street and Front Street next to Town Hall. Included in the marchers were veterans from the Winchendon American Legion Post 193 and members of the Legion Auxiliary, Winchendon First Responders in dress uniform, many Scout troops, Town Manager Justin Sultzbach and Winchendon's state Representative, Jon Zlotnik, and other persons with connections to the community and the day. Leading the parade in dress uniform was American Legion Post 193 Commander and Master of Ceremonies Mark Desmarais. Lacking a drum corps, a recorded marching cadence was provided by the Scouts (with an extraordinarily good portable sound system on the back of a truck, that the speakers at the parks also used). After ceremonies including a three-volley salute by the Honor Guard and the playing of "Taps," the parade marched up Front Street and School Street to VFW Park. They were escorted by police cruisers blocking the road while the marchers passed, but the road was not closed for more than a few minutes. Bringing up the rear of the parade were ambulances and emergency vehicles with lights flashing. Following along were many town residents of all ages, in growing numbers as the events moved from one location to the next.
By this time, residents along the parade route were on their front porches or in chairs near the road waiting for the parade to pass by. Many of them had patriotic decorations on their homes and waved American flags. Community members were also assembling in both VFW Park and G.A.R. Park long before ceremonies were due to start.
VFW Park, the long triangle bounded by School Street, West Street and Park Street, contains memorials to soldiers who fought in World War I and in "Operation Desert Storm" in Iraq in 1991. It was beautifully decorated with flags, flowers and commemorative wreaths. Once all had arrived, Mr. Desmarais welcomed attendees to the park. Rev. Miller spoke a prayer, and the Honor Guard fired a three-volley salute, followed by buglers playing "Taps."
No police escort was needed on quiet Park Street, as the parade and the attendees streamed out of VFW Park and down the three blocks to G.A.R. Park by the Old Murdock Senior Center. More than 200 people poured into G.A.R. Park to settle around the bunting-draped gazebo where the remaining ceremonies would take place. There were so many large American flags being carried by the color guards of various groups, when everyone rose to face a flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, they were all facing in different directions.
Mr. Desmarais opened the G.A.R. Park ceremonies by welcoming everyone to the Park. Rev. Miller led everyone in a prayer. Following this, the Murdock High School Select Choir gathered around the podium to sing the National Anthem, conducted by Murdock music director Emma Erwin. All attendees were invited to join the choir in singing. After the National Anthem, Rev. Miller gave the invocation.
Master of Ceremonies Mark Desmarais welcomes everyone.
Photo by Inanna Arthen
The Murdock High School Select Choir sings the National Anthem, conducted by MHS music director Emma Erwin.
Photo by Inanna Arthen
Mr. Desmarais asked everyone to observe "a moment of silence and respect for all of our veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be free."
Mr. Desmarais then introduced state Representative Jon Zlotnik, who "has been running around from city to city to speak and be with all of us. He's always done his best to be here in Winchendon."
Rep. Zlotnik began by directing everyone's attention to the former Poland and Streeter Schools, right next to the Park, as the site for the forthcoming veterans' housing project, and gave a shout-out to Stephanie Marchetti, executive director of the Montachusett Veterans' Outreach Center who just received major funding for the project. He went on to say that we had two jobs today: to remember, and to appreciate, and that appreciation is harder. "It takes work. It's internal, and it's individual." He went on, "my generation grew up in a time of unparalleled peace, safety, prosperity, and opportunity. And that is in no small part attributable to the hundreds of thousands of Americans that laid down their lives before my generation was even born at the end of the Cold War. That's how we appreciate that sacrifice, we each need to reflect today on what it is about our country, our community, our very way of life. And remember all those who have fallen to make it so, whether that's the opportunities we have, equality in this country, our sense of justice, and our personal liberties."
Following this, Mr. Desmarais called Gold Star Mothers Tara Finlay and Donna McComsey and Gold Star Wife Susan Kowaleski forward to place a wreath with a Gold Star commemorating their fallen family members in front of the gazebo.
The next speaker was Chair of the Board of Selectmen Audrey LaBrie. Ms. LaBrie spoke of the history of Memorial Day, saying, "155 years ago, May 30 1868, about 5000 people gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for the first Decoration Day, which later became known as Memorial Day. They listened to a speech by James Abram Garfield, who then was a Congressman from Ohio. He had served as a Major General for the Union Army during the Civil War, and he would later become our 20th U.S. President."
Town Manager Justin Sultzbach then took the podium. Mr. Sultzbach spoke of the view from his office on the fourth floor of Town Hall. "I get a really unique perspective of our little town. And when I look out my window, I oftentimes find my view lingering across the way on a monument. It's unassuming, it's a stone column, but on the back there's an inscription that really resonates with me as a public servant. It's an excerpt from JFK, his 1961 inaugural address, which read in part, 'ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.' I find it important to reflect on the statement today, for a multitude of reasons. Among them, we are gathering to remember the countless brave men and women who gave everything that they had for this country. And beyond their individual sacrifice, we take the time to acknowledge the sacrifice made by their families, their friends, their loved ones, who gave so much to this country and asked for so little in return. And so beyond acknowledging the sacrifice that they made, I ask everybody here today, how do you honor it? And I mean, actively honoring. And while there are countless ways I would offer that one of the most meaningful is to give back to your town, to participate in the process. I encourage you to do your best to get out of your comfort zone and into your communities."
Town Manager Justin Sultzbach.
Photo by Inanna Arthen
Chair of the Board of Selectman Audrey LaBrie speaks about the origins of Memorial Day.
Photo by Inanna Arthen
Legion Auxiliary Unit 193 Chaplain Deirdre Holt took the podium to speak of how much she loved this town, how her daughters had grown up here and her eldest was about to graduate from Murdock High School. She quoted lyrics from the Mama Cass song "Make Your Own Kind of Music," and went on, "Those words are powerful in this world. Not everyone is going to like you, but that's okay. We are all unique individuals. We may have our own style of doing things. Some people may not like that, but again, that's okay. Each and every one of us on this earth has our own special talents. And it's up to us to pursue them. But unfortunately, there are people that will try to discourage you and bring you down. But don't let them. Don't be afraid to go after your dreams. If you believe in yourself and you're passionate about what you want to do in your life, then do it. Don't let anybody dampen your spirit or persuade you to do something else. We have one life to live, and you and you alone are responsible for your happiness. Our departed men and women of honor fought for us to do so.
"But whatever you do, always remember to be kind. Kindness means everything. Negativity is toxic, no good can come from it. It takes takes its toll on the body and soul. We have to remember that everyone is fighting their own battle. We need more patience, kindness and love. But above all, we need faith. When you feel like you are in the pit of despair, faith is the rope that pulls you out...Faith can move mountains. Anything is possible if you have faith."
Ms. Holt concluded, "The best way you can thank a fallen service member is to live your life to the fullest. Make each day count and always have love in your heart."
Mr. Desmarais then introduced Dr. Coral Grout, National Secretary of the American Legion who has just been named National President of the Legion Auxiliary.
Dr. Grout spoke of past members of the military such as National Guard members Angus Nelson McLean and James Frost who were just awarded Purple Hearts posthumously for bravery during World War I in 1918. Gold Star Families who lose loved ones in active service "will mourn them for the rest of their lives," Dr. Grout said. "You've probably seen some banners hanging in the windows of Winchendon homes. These are distributed by the American Legion family. The banners with one or more blue stars on a white background indicate that this family has someone serving in the military. A Gold Star banner on a white background indicates that this family has a member who died while in service. These are given free of charge to families."
Dr. Grout went on, "The men and women who died for our freedom represent the diverse patchwork that is the United States of America. They were rich and poor, Black, white, Hispanic, Indian, and Asian, male and female. They came from cities, towns, farms, suburbs. They represented every ethnicity, background and political spectrum. In short, they looked like any one of us. Their one common characteristic was they all took an oath to die for America, if called upon. We can ensure that the memories of these heroes and their sacrifices are not in vain. We can ensure that future generations understand the importance of service, sacrifice and honor. All of us can ensure through our own community service that our country remains strong, free and prosperous."
Dr. Grout also spoke of the Legion's Be The One program which works to de-stigmatize asking for mental health support, provide peer-to-peer support, and reduce "the alarming number of veterans' suicides." Brochures for the program will be distributed around town.
President of the American Legion Post 193 Auxiliary Tina Santos spoke of the history of Memorial Day, and urged people to honor veterans by donating to veterans' services and wearing a poppy, which has become a symbol of Memorial Day thanks to the famous poem, "In Flanders Fields."
Legion Auxiliary Department of Massachusetts Chaplain Lisa Gauthier took the podium to read part of an affecting poem by Linda Ellis titled "The Dash," referring to the "dash" between the birth date and date of death being the most important thing on a grave stone, because it represents all of the person's life. Ms. Gauthier and Ms. Holt then named four Auxiliary members who had passed away over the last year, ringing a small bell for each name: Cathy Demarais, Mary Dumont, Pauline Lashua and Gloria May LaBrack. Ms. Gauthier said, "Gloria was a member of our unit for 60 years. We have a little wreath in front here that is going to be dedicated to her for all the help that she did for veterans and their families in our community."
Fourth grader Eden Solomon then came to the podium to read "The Gettysburg Address".
Eagle Scout Dan Fuller came to the podium to read the official Proclamation of Memorial Day 2023 issued by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.
Mr. Desmarais acknowledged and thanked many individuals and organizations who had participated in the ceremonies, including those who weren't seen at the podium, such as Director of Public Works Brian Croteau, the Winchendon Police Department and Fire Department, the Legion American Riders, and the team that puts up the flags on Central Street in what is now known as the American Flags for Patriotic Winchendon project.
One very notable aspect of the entire day's events was the strong presence of Winchendon's younger generations--children, teens and youth. There were dozens of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, from grade school to 17 year olds, who marched in the parade and listened to the speakers. The two renditions of "Taps" (traditionally played in two different keys, the second echoing the first) were played at each park by Murdock High School band member Bradley Wightman and Eagle Scout Daniel Fuller. The Murdock High School Select Choir and their director, Emma Erwin, led the entire crowd in the National Anthem. Two young people spoke at the podium (something which many adults dread doing). One group of musical young people, and their teacher, James Mercier, were praised effusively by Mr. Desmarais for the Memorial Day concert they put on for parents and veterans at Memorial School last week. Many children were attending the ceremonies with their families. The parade itself was both solemn and joyous as residents and children followed the marchers and their colorful flags from park to park.
A number of the speakers had talked about Memorial Day being a time for parties, barbeques, shopping and frivolity for many Americans. Mr. Desmarais shared a story, with permission, that Mr. Mercier told at the Memorial School concert. A family was in a cemetery and their child was playing around a veteran's grave, "just having a good time. And the mother went over and said, 'stop that. You need to stand still.' Well just about that time an older, elderly gentleman came up and put his hand on his shoulder and said, 'Ma'am, I just want to let you know that if that was my grave, I would enjoy your child playing by me.' So please keep that in the back of your head as we honor our veterans in the solemn way that we have."
On Memorial Day, Mr. Desmarais said, we honor the people who gave their lives "so we can live the way we live"--the solemnities and the celebrations alike.
Concluding the ceremonies, Rev. Miller gave a benediction.
To send everyone out in high spirits, Mr. Desmarais played one of his favorite songs, "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood.
Just some of the Winchendon Scouts who participated in the parade and ceremonies.
Photo by Inanna Arthen
BOS Seeking to Hire an Interim Town Manager
The Board of Selectmen is advertising for an Interim Town Manager to step in when current Town Manager Justin Sultzbach departs at the end of June, Board Chair Audrey LaBrie told the Courier. Two letters of interest have been received so far. The Board will discuss the applicants who have contacted them in Executive Session during their meeting on Monday, June 12. The Interim Town Manager is hired directly by the Board.
The Board has sent out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consulting company to conduct the search for a permanent Town Manager, which will probably take three to six months, Ms. LaBrie said. They hope to contract the consultant by late June or early July. The Board is focusing especially on Economic Development and financial skills in candidates for the permanent position.
The consultant company will go through all applications and bring recommendations to the Town Manager Search Committee. The Search Committee will select their top three candidates and pass those names on to the Board of Selectmen.
Town residents who are interested in serving on the Search Committee should send a letter of interest to Mary Calandrella at mcalandrella@winchendon-ma.gov.
Winchendon Winds Opens 2023 Season with a "World Tour"
Winchendon Winds Concert Band
Photo courtesy of Winchendon Winds
Winchendon Winds opens its four-concert series this Sunday, June 4, at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 126 Central Street. "Win Winds" is a 40-piece, professional-level band featuring the full array of band instrumentation including brass, woodwinds, and percussion. The band's reputation for exemplary performances and ability to play a broad range of music have drawn a loyal following to its Sunday afternoon concerts.
This Sunday's program features songs from "Around the World." The band opens with the ragtime march "Kentucky Sunrise" - a tribute to a performing circus horse by the same name. They follow with the technically impressive and tuneful "Four Scottish Dances," that as Conductor James Chesebrough remarks, "Contains some of the fastest notes ever written for tuba!" We stay in Scotland for the love ballad "Ye Banks and Braes O' Bonnie Doon," and then head to Ireland for a sampling of favorite Irish ballads in "Irish Rhapsody." The first half closes in France with a medley from the beloved musical "Les Miserables."
The second half opens back in America with the jazzy "St. Louis Blues March" written by W.C. Handy, known as the "Father of the Blues." We remain in the deep south for "Cajun Folk Songs." A jump across the Atlantic takes us to Finland for the country's unofficial national anthem - the dramatic "Finlandia." We conclude with "American Patrol" - a wonderful sampling of "old time" patriotic favorites.
Win Winds' concerts are family-friendly, ADA-accessible and free, thanks to grants from the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation, and the Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Gardner, Hubbardston, Lunenburg, Phillipston, Templeton, Winchendon and Massachusetts Cultural Councils, as well as several local businesses and individuals. You can follow their news on their Facebook page: facebook.com/WinchendonWinds or their website: winchendonwinds.org.
June 14: Winchendon Democrats to Elect Delegates to Democratic State Convention
On Wednesday June 14, Democrats will convene in person to elect 4 delegates and 4 alternates to the 2023 State Democratic Convention. The caucus will convene at 6:30pm at 108 Ipswich Dr. in Winchendon.
Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Winchendon 16 years old by May 23, 2023 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/massdems-convention. The 2023 Convention will be in person at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell, MA on September 23.
Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate, may apply to be an add-on delegate at the caucus or at www.massdems.org/convention.
Those interested in getting involved with the Winchendon Democratic Town Committee or for further information should contact:
Michael D'Intinosanto
Chair, Winchendon Democratic Town Committee
(978)350-6364
Winchendondtc@gmail.com
The Courier invited the Winchendon Republican Town Committee to send information about their caucus, but did not receive a reply by press time.
Winchendon Music Festival Offers Two Concerts
The Winchendon Music Festvial, organized by Andrew Arceci, will present two concerts at the Murdock Whitney House, Winchendon History and Culture Center, 151 Front Street, Winchendon. Both concerts are free to the public, but due to limited seating, reservations are required.
On Saturday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. the WMF will present Arpeggione.
"The Eroica Project" will feature the North American premiere of Carl Friedrich Eber's 1817 arrangement of Beethoven's revolutionary Third Symphony. This unique transcription for five winds and five strings evokes all the colors of Beethoven's original masterpiece, with a uniquely intimate texture.
Performers:
Andrea LeBlanc, flute
Thomas Carroll & Elise Bonhivert, clarinets
Elizabeth Axtell & Linda Dempf, horns
Manami Mizumoto & Emily Hale, violins
Renée Hemsing, viola
Jacques Lee Wood, cello
Andrew Arceci, bass
See https://www.arpeggione-ensemble.com for more information.
Reserve seats at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arpeggione-wmf-inc-tickets-643950050937.
On Monday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m., the WMF will present Emily Marvosh, Andrew Arceci, & WMF Artists playing works by Giovanni Bononcini (1670-1747), George Frideric Handel (1685-1759), and others.
American contralto Emily Marvosh has been gaining recognition for her "plum-wine voice," and "graceful allure," on the stages of Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall, Disney Hall, Lincoln Center, Prague's Smetana Hall, and Vienna's Stefansdom. Following her solo debut at Boston's Symphony Hall in 2011, she has been a frequent soloist with the Handel and Haydn Society under the direction of Harry Christophers. Other recent solo appearances include the American Bach Soloists, Washington National Cathedral, and Charlotte Symphony, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and Tucson Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood and John Davenant's Macbeth with the Henry Purcell Society of Boston. Upcoming engagements include Mahler's Third Symphony with the Lexington Symphony Orchestra and Mozart's Requiem with the Knoxville Symphony, as well as solo recitals in Tucson and the Boston area. Awards include the prestigious Adams Fellowship at the Carmel Bach Festival, the American Prize in the Oratorio and Art Song divisions, and second place in the New England Regional NATSAA competition. She is also the inaugural Resident Artist with the Lexington (MA) Symphony.
See http://www.emilymarvosh.com
Reserve seats at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emily-marvosh-andrew-arceci-wmf-artists-wmf-inc-tickets-643968536227.
Town Hall Cupola Realizes Much Needed Work
Seen in these photos, long awaited and much needed has finally begun on the cupola, which sits high above the roof summit of the Town of Winchendon, Town Hall. The repairs which have been long delayed due to both budget constraints and previous lack of long term capital planning by previous administrations, can now thankfully contribute to save a local piece of architectural history before an entire new cupola needs to be constructed.>
Seen in this photo from across Front Street on the sidewalk, two large sections of the cupola lower wall were temporarily removed, providing a rare view of the inner wall framing which supports the structure's entire weight.
Photo by Keith Kent
A rear view of the cupola from the Pleasant Street side of the Town Hall, again shows just how far along the deterioration of the outer surfaces of the structure have progressed, again with both paint and primer completely missing and early signs of cracking to wood dry rot highly prevalent.
Photo by Keith Kent
Photo by Keith Kent
Photo by Keith Kent
In these side by side pictures of both the frontal left and right, as seen from Front Street, ladders, staging, and more have been needed, as up close views of the woodwork show early signs of rot, along with both paint and primer peeling off.
