GRAND OPENING!
Saturday, June 10, 3:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Robinson Broadhurst Foundation
Performing Arts Amphitheater
at the Winchendon Community Park
86 Ingleside Drive
Food! - Live Music & Entertainment! - Vendors! - Raffles! - Activities! - FIREWORKS!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
2:45 Murdock High School Choir
3:00 ribbon cutting and speakers
3:15 The Dance Center
3:30 Bodega Dog
4:00 School theatre performance
4:25 Eddie Raymond - magician
5:00 Faceless Hobos
5:30 Kilroy
6:45 The Darren Bessette Band
8:00 Whiskey Johnson
9:00 Fireworks!
The park and all entertainment on the stage are free and open to the public. Vendors will be vending, please support them! For more information, call 978-297-5410 or email Tnewton@townofwinchendon.com (or see article below).
Events organized by the Winchendon Parks & Recreation Commission. Sponsored in part by the Winchendon, Templeton and Gardner Cultural Councils.
Amphitheater Celebrates Long Awaited Grand Opening Saturday!
An entrance fit for an Amphitheater! Close to its Maple Street roadside entrance, the Amphitheater entrance at the Winchendon Community Park displays both artistic prominence and elegance as attendees make their way in to the majestic grounds of the performance center.
Photo by Keith Kent
Ready to be seated. Now fully completed, all rows of the Amphitheater are completely formed, finished, and in fully beauty in time for its opening gala ceremonies.
Photo by Keith Kent
If you haven't heard, it's the grand word! This Saturday, June 10, Winchendon's new crown jewel sets the standard for local artistic cool. From day until dark, it's time to CELEBRATE THE GRAND OPENING OF THE ROBINSON BROADHURST AMPHITHEATER AT THE WINCHENDON COMMUNITY PARK!
Several years in the making, and even more in the dreams of those with a vision. From the early days of a dual land and buildings transfer between both the town and its local private college preparatory school, The Winchendon School, the razing of a building, to the then early talks with the ever "Benevolent and Visionary" Robinson Broadhurst Foundation. Followed then by not hundreds, but thousands of combined hours planning, projections, meetings, designing, and far more, leading up to but not limited to a whopping $4 Million in project donations from Robinson Broadhurst, the dream of many, an "Amphitheater for the performing arts" has come to fruition, now with a gala celebration surely worthy of note for the newest chapter lore to be written in Toy Town history.
The Amphitheater which has been carefully designed to flow in a homogeneous and complimentary design throughout the community park grounds bordering both wetlands and the banks of the northern branches of the Millers River, has come as close as possible with current scale via architecture to continue to allow activities ranging from trail walking to fishing and more, while creating additional park space for families to both picnic and play.
Recognition Plaque. From town officials to Robinson Broadhurst, Construction and more, many hands involved in the long process aiding in bringing the Amphitheater to its final form from once a dream, are recognized on both metal and granite for many years to come.
Photo by Keith Kent
Elegant entrance. Seen in this photo, is one of the first views catching the eye first entering the theater from the parking lot. These grounds just a few months past, looked hardly anything like views of today.
Photo by Keith Kent
Speaking with Nicole Roberts, Town of Winchendon Planning / Land Use Coordinator, and Acting Planning Dept. Head, there is going to be a very large event raffle fundraiser with some 30 raffle items up for grabs, sponsored by the Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue, which will benefit both the rescue and the "Winchendon Parks & Recreation Department". Roberts who is President of Ahimsa Haven, has worked diligently in this joint fundraising effort to assist Parks & Recreation through the Shelter raffle project at the Amphitheater Grand Opening.
Roberts explained, "We are going to be raffling the raffle baskets donated by both members of Parks & Rec, Ahimsa Animal Haven, and those others who donated to the cause. Of all the money raised from the raffle baskets of items, the proceeds will be split 50/50 between between Ahimsa Animal Haven and Parks & Rec to be put back in to the community, as both entities are largely active and involved as parts of the community." Roberts went on to add, "This helps us at the rescue stay alive, it helps Parks & Rec with the community it serves such as we do, it's a win-win for both"! Roberts in closing also expressed, "I am extremely impressed with how dedicated and upbeat both Tiffany Newton and all the members of the Parks & Rec Commission truly are for the community".
Tiffany Newton serves as Recreation Coordinator for the Town of Winchendon. Newton like many deeply involved in the multifaceted project while speaking with the Courier was very excited to discuss not only the upcoming events, but what has lead up to them to date.
Old Glory! To the right of the spectator seating area, and left of the performance stage, stands the American Flag in all its glory. Surrounding it is a tastefully designed seating area with picnic tables under the trees accented by wood chips where attendees can take to the shade if desired either just walking the grounds or attending events.
Photo by Keith Kent
Time to Perform! The stage is finished and ready go, it's time for music, actors, songs, and theater! All that is left to do in this photo is remove the last equipment to make room for performers for the upcoming Saturday opening.
Photo by Keith Kent
Kicking off the celebration will take place located on the Amphitheater stage it self, and it will all start at 2:45 pm with the MMHS Choir providing a singing performance. Following at 3:00 pm, Newton explained, "We will than with a host of speakers, have members of Robinson Broadhurst speak, members of the Board of Selectman, and the Chair of Parks & Recreation, where we will then happily exercise the official Ribbon Cutting! After that is completed, we will flow in to the remaining schedule as seen on the fliers".
Per current presented event scheduling, at 3:15 pm there is a performance by the "Dance Center" followed by "Bodega Dog" at 3:30 pm. At 4:00 pm, festivities follow with "School Theater Performance", there after at 4:25 pm with Eddie Raymond, the Magician. Beginning at 5:00 pm, musical performances kick off with "Faceless Hobos" followed by "Killroy" at 5:30 pm. Next up at 6:45 pm, musical entertainment continues with The Darren Bessette Band, leading up to the final performance of the evening kicking off at 8:00 pm, Whiskey Johnson.
Additionally according to Newton during the event, there will also be other activities going on for children. Various interests such as face painting, a bouncy house, food and beer vendors, the many raffle opportunities, and more. Lastly at 9:00 under the cover of darkness and bringing the evening and Amphitheater Grand Opening to a Grand Finale, Fireworks!
EVENT ROAD CLOSURE: Newton when asked by the Courier regarding occupancy parking, confirmed that overflow parking will be designated to the large grassy field to the left of the main park entrance road. Newton also when asked also pointed out, there will be "No Parking Signage" along the park area of Maple Street for both traffic and pedestrian safety, and that "No vehicles will be allowed to enter the park after 8:30 p.m."
When asked about the fundraising raffle baskets opportunities during the grand opening celebrations, Newton also interjected, "While we have not confirmed it yet we were contacted by the fireworks contractor, and they offered if we would be interested in raffling off a chance for a person to actually push the button to kick off the launch of the fireworks that could be a strong possibility. They have done this for other events, so while not confirmed, there is a strong chance this could happen".
In closing, Newton had very positive things to say about the combined efforts of so many in town. Newton wanted to point out the members of the Recreation Commission have been both wonderful and dedicated in volunteering their time. Newton also added, "We have also had a much smaller Planning Committee for this particular event, which included my self, Jane LaPointe, Dave Romanowski, Ken LaBrack, who are also advisors to the Amphitheater Project so they had a big hand in this, they have been on the park committee for years from its beginning to bring the park to fruition. So their ideas have been shared back to Parks and Recreation through my self, and then P&R helped with all the detailed parts and actual running of it! You can also add Town Manager Justin Sultzbach and DPW Director Brian Croteau for various aspects including logistic purposes. This took a lot of people to pull this all together"!
To visit a time line and listing of events regarding the Amphitheater Grand Opening on Saturday, June 10, please visit www.townofwinchendon.com/winchendon-community-park/events/528971
Additional Grounds Seating. Seen in this picture and just to the side of the Amphitheater main parking lot, is a tasteful sitting area with with multiple picnic tables and metal benches around the small drainage pond where people can both sit and relax and simply watch the many birds flying past, or even bring a lunch for enjoying before or after walking the grounds trails.
Photo by Keith Kent
Rest Area. Located in the upper Amphitheater area, to the right of the main walk-in entrance, are the portable bathrooms for needing such facilities. There are two full size handicapped accessible units in the rear, and at least four standard size units towards the front in this section.
Photo by Keith Kent
Murdock High School Awards Diplomas to 55 Graduates
The MHS Class of 2023 rises to switch their tassels from right to left as graduation concludes.
Image copyright © Winchendon Public Schools
The Murdock High School Class of 2023 gathered for the 135th Graduation Exercises of Murdock High School on Sunday afternoon, June 4, inside the Murdock MHS gymasium, due to unseasonably cold and rainy weather. The sun seemed to be glowing under the Murdock roof, however, as students wearing Murdock-blue gowns and mortar boards received their diplomas to the well-deserved cheers and applause of their peers, friends, families and school staff.
The graduating students processed in to a recording of the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" by Edward Elgar. Each student's seat, like the seats of the staff onstage, had a royal blue t-shirt with their last name and a team number draped across the back. All present were led in singing the National Anthem by the Murdock Chamber Singers, conducted by music director Emma Erwin. Class President Camille Hart served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the proceedings, introducing each speaker.
Murdock High School Principal Mary Jane Rickson opened with remarks of Welcome, saying, "Today we come together as a united community to celebrate your achievements and to recognize your countless hours of hard work and determination." The graduates "are standing on the precipice of a new chapter in their lives...Each of these young individuals possesses the power to shape the future," Ms. Rickson said, no matter what path in life they choose to tread from here. She thanked parents and teachers for the role they'd played in the students' lives. "May you forever cherish the memories of your time in this community. Congratulations, Class of 2023. Go forth and make your mark," she concluded.
Superintendent Thad King noted that this class was the one most heavily impacted by the COVID pandemic, as the state-mandated shutdowns happened halfway through their freshman year. Despite all the transitions--remote learning, closings, opening, closing again, masking rules and everything else--these students didn't lose their direction and stayed focused on their tasks. "When I look out today, I see individuals with their own strengths who will go on to possibly become doctors, lawyers, artists, engineers, physicians and nurses. So many things. You are all equal today, and then you each have an amazing opportunity, regardless as to whether or not you know where you're at on your journey. The question becomes how to get started," he said. "Whether you're headed off to college, entering the military or the workforce, set goals for each day. Second, continue to persevere and never quit working towards those goals." And last, Supt. King said, "don't forget to laugh."
School Committee Chair Dr. Ryan Forsyth, resplendent in his doctoral gown, told the graduates that they had all accomplished something "only two thirds of the world's population has accomplished--a secondary school diploma," something no one could ever take away from them. "Use that gift for good," he said. "Be the change that you want to see after you walk out of this room. Improve the lives of you and your family. Stand up. Give back to your community and consider what opportunities exist for you as a lifelong learner." Telling the students to look around at their friends, families and even co-workers around them, he said, "These are the people that love you. Your friends, your families, your co-workers, your tribe. They make up the tapestry that is your life," and you'll always have support no matter where your future takes you.
Class Advisor Nicole Elias was greeted with whoops and applause by the graduates as she took the podium. "Throughout the time I've known you, you have demonstrated independence, and determination, and whether you're going to college, joining the workforce, the military or attending a certification program, you will succeed and persevere as long as you hold on to whatever your passions are and remember, there are many avenues to success and there is no right way nor is there just one direction. And if you change your mind throughout the course that's okay. Try and just make certain that this decision is for you and for your happiness--that this choice is helping you to move closer to what you love and closer to your authentic self."
The Murdock Chamber Singers returned to the front of the hall to lead everyone in singing the "Murdock Song," whose lyrics were helpfully printed in the graduation program.
Ms. Hart said a few words as Class President, saying, among the high points they could also remember the rough spots, "how much all of us wanted to give up. We didn't, and we made it here today. Today I'm proud of us. Let us remember the lessons we have learned, the people we have met and the strength we needed to get this far. Let us be grateful for the opportunities that lie before us and be grateful for the people that made it all possible."
Class Salutatorian Rickelle Divoll-Tieu urged her classmates not to lose sight of their passions. Class Valedictorian Tiana Graessle thanked the school teachers and staff, and her classmates for their support on the journey to graduation. She urged her classmates to be aware of the present and not just be always waiting for the future. "We're actually graduating," she said, and "we worked tirelessly to get here. Remember that you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves."
Following the speakers, each graduate was called on stage by Facilitator of Enhanced Programming Stephanie Rondeau, to be handed their diploma by Ms. Rickson, pause for a photograph and shake hands (and occasionally share a hug) with Mr. King, Mr. Forsythe, Ms. Elias, Director of Pupil Services Nicole Heroux and Murdock Academy Coordinator Heidi Bevacqua. When all the graduates had returned to their seats, Ms. Hart led the class in switching the tassels on their mortarboards from the right side to the left--very briefly, as tassels and mortarboards were immediately tossed high in the air along with confetti and cheers. The Murdock Class of 2023 is done with high school and off into the world.
The Murdock High School Graduating Class of 2023
Valedictorian
Tiana Graessle
Salutatorian
Rickelie Divoll-Tieu
Class Officers
Camille Hart, President
Angelina Dellasanta, Vice President
Tiana Graessle, Secretary
Abigail Guerra, Treasurer
Lillian Skawinski, Historian
National Honor Society
Tiana Graessle, President
Angelina Dellasanta, Vice President
Lillian Skawinski, Secretary
Abigail Guerra, Treasurer
YangYu Chen
Kayden Gordon
Deyshon Andrews
John Bednarczyk
Derrick Brown
Madison Brown
Adam Buccaroni
Angelina Campbell
Christopher Clark
Tristan Charette
Yang Yu Chen
Patrick Coderre
Lilly Daniels
Angelina Dellasanta
Rickelle Divoll-Tieu
Emma Gauthier
Kayden Gordon
Tiana Graessle
Gabriella Grenda
Camille Hart
Sarah Holt
Jason Ingman
Gracie Kuehl-Bergevin
Paul Lafrennie
Wren Lambert
Cameron LaPerle
Kaden LaPointe
Ryaley Laventure
Dominic LeBlanc
Charlene Lor
Samantha Mason
Genevieve McSheehy
Min-D Merritt
Dylan Monette
Jonathan Pare
Cole Patterson
Panita Phatthammachack
Gordon Reichert
Krystel Rivera-Rosario
Jonathan Russell
Curtis Sevigny
Lillian Skawinski
Danielle Sroczynski
Calvin Tenney
Kylene Vasquez
Jason Viveiros
Karen Vongchairueng
Benjamin Wallace
Jade Walsh
Donovan Whitaker
Xavier Whitney
Skylar Winn
Anita Yang
Brooke Zabik
Scholarship Recipients
YangYu Chen
Angelina Dellasanta
Rickelle Divoll-Tieu
Lillian Skawinski
Mary Ellsworth Memorial Scholarship
Lillian Skawinski
Morlock Family Trust: Charles P. & George A. Morlock Memorial Scholarship
Min-D Merritt
Kylene Vasquez
Murdock Alumni Association
YangYu Chen
Angelina Dellasanta
Rickelle Divoll-Tieu
Kayden Gordon
Tiana Graessle
Lillian Skawinski
Calvin Tenney
Murdock Class of 1971 50th Anniversary Recognition
Tiana Graessle
Lillian Skawinski
Murdock Sports Boosters
Jason Ingman
Cole Patterson
Calvin Tenney
Nickolas Roy & Scott Laverdure Memorial Scholarship
Dominic LeBlanc
Cole Patterson
Calvin Tenney
Peter Azar Memorial Scholarship
Camille Hart
Angelina Dellasanta
Rickelle Divoll-Tieu
Ronald L. Lavigne, Sr., Scholarship
Camille Hart
Sons of the American Legion #193
Angelina Dellasanta
Sarah Holt
Calvin Tenney
Taylor Barrows Achievement
Angelina Dellasanta
Min-D Merritt
Winchendon Firefighters Relief Association
Rickelle Divoll-Tieu
Cole Patterson
Winchendon Garden Club
YangYu Chen
Camille Hart
Winchendon Police Association
John Bednarczyk
Min-D Merritt
Winchendon Support Personnel Association
YangYu Chen
Anthony J. LaPointe Scholarship (Lions Club)
YangYu Chen
Sarah Holt
Christopher Shaw Memorial Scholarship
Calvin Tenney
Tiana Graessle
Elliott S. & Hattie M. Tucker Scholarship
YangYu Chen
Angelina Dellasanta
Rickelle Divoll-Tieu
Kayden Gordon
Tiana Graessle
Abigail Guerra
Camille Hart
Lillian Skawinski
Danielle Sroczynski
Ernest & Pauline Trombly Memorial Scholarship
Lillian Skawinski
Eugene M. Connor Post 193
YangYu Chen
Rickelle Divoll-Tieu
Tiana Graessle
Camille Hart
F. Leo & Irene D. Murray Scholarship
John Bednarczyk
Lilly Daniels
Tiana Graessle
Sarah Holt
Jason Ingman
Charlene Lor
Min-D Merritt
Karen Vongchairueng
Jade Walsh
Anita Yang
Brooke Zabik
Fred & Cora Gendron Scholarship
Lilly Daniels
Charlene Lor
Karen Vongchairueng
Jade Walsh
Anita Yang
Winchendon Winds Features Euphonium Legend Doug Ruby in "Concert Band Classics"
Doug Ruby
Photo courtesy of Doug Ruby
Winchendon Winds continues its four-concert series this Sunday, June 11, at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 126 Central Street. "Win Winds" will be playing classic selections from the wind ensemble literature. The 40-member ensemble is rich with highly skilled musicians who travel from all over southern New England to play. One such gentleman is Doug Ruby, who will be a featured soloist at this concert.
Doug will be performing a classic piece by the famous cornet soloist of the John Phillip Sousa Band, Herbert L. Clarke. First published in 1912, "From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific" features a rousing and difficult accompaniment by the Winchendon Winds and soaring solo euphonium work emphasizing technique, tone, range, and musicality.
The product of a musical family, Doug has played euphonium for 62 years, winning awards and recognition for his solo and competitive performances through high school and college. Over the last 43 years in New England, Doug has performed in a wide variety of musical groups at the local and professional level here in Massachusetts as well as far afield in the "euphonium/tuba" community in the United States and England.
Doug plans to return to Wales this summer for his 12th trip to the International Brass Band Summer School in Swansea, Wales, run by Dr. Nick Childs, musical director of the world-famous Black Dyke Band. Doug attends the US Army Band Tuba/Euphonium Workshop as often as he can to see the latest developments and hear the best artists from around the world. In euphonium circles across the US and some parts of Europe, Doug's name is well known, for his ready smile and weird sense of humor, if not for his playing skills.
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.
Murdock HS Alumnus Caela Provost is 2023 Community Legal Aid Rural Summer Legal Corps Fellow
Caela Provost
Photo courtesy of Community Legal Aid
Community Legal Aid, a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to low-income and elderly residents of Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to host Winchendon resident and Murdock High School alumnus Caela Provost in its Fitchburg office as a Rural Summer Legal Corps Fellow.
Launched in 2016, the Rural Summer Legal Corps Fellowship is an initiative that connects law students with legal aid programs working to address the civil legal needs of rural communities. The Fellowship award is a collaboration between the Legal Services Corporation and Equal Justice Works and seeks to provide opportunities for law students to acquire the training and skills that will enable them to provide effective representation to underserved communities and causes. Community Legal Aid's Rural Summer Legal Corps Fellow is just one of 45 selected nationwide this year.
A rising second year law student at Suffolk University School of Law, Caela brings an impressive set of qualifications to the Fellowship. After graduating from Murdock Middle/High School in Winchendon, Caela graduated magna cum laude from Marist College, and received her Master of Arts in English, First-Class Honors, from the University of Limerick in Ireland. She served for one year with the AmeriCorps Job Ready program in the Gardner and Fitchburg areas before working for a decade in the fields of international education and study abroad. An avid traveler, Caela served as a volunteer builder several times in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala.
As a Legal Corps Fellow, Caela will work directly with Community Legal Aid's staff in the organization's Fitchburg office to conduct a needs assessment and provide legal aid to low-
income and elderly residents in the north central region of Worcester County, which is the most rural section of the county. Community Legal Aid's Fitchburg office provides clients with services in Housing, Education, Employment, Elder, and Family law.
Inês Kenney, Managing Attorney of the office, said, "We are thrilled to host Caela Provost as a Rural Summer Legal Corps Fellow to help expand our work within rural communities throughout the north central region of Worcester County. I cannot think of a more perfect candidate to assist with this important work."
About Community Legal Aid:
Community Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to the low-income and elderly residents of the five counties of Western and Central Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester), and maintains offices in Worcester, Fitchburg, Springfield, Northampton, and Pittsfield. CLA works to assure fairness for all in the justice system, protecting homes, livelihoods, health and families. For more information, please visit www.communitylegal.org.
Upcoming School Committee Vacancy
The Winchendon Board of Selectmen and the Winchendon School Committee are seeking qualified candidates to fill an August 1, 2023 vacancy on the Winchendon School Committee. The term is through Town elections in May 2024. Applicants interested must be registered voters of the Town of Winchendon. Letters/resumes, including the candidate's background information, are due to be received by the end of day Thursday, June 22, 2023 to the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, 109 Front Street via email to Audrey LaBrie, alabrie@winchendon-ma.gov and/or to the School Committee Chairman Ryan Forsythe, rforsythe@winchendonk12.org Said position will be jointly appointed by the members of the Board of Selectmen and School Committee at a jointly held meeting tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 26, 2023.
