Robinson Broadhurst Foundation Announces 2023 Grant Awards

On May 9, 2023, the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation, Inc. held their Annual Meeting at their office located in Stamford NY. The total funding for Winchendon MA was $1,241,113.00 with an additional $4,000,000.00 for the Winchendon Community Park and Amphitheater Project.

This year's Winchendon area grant recipients are as follows:

Winchendon Winds Highlights Woodwinds and Brass in "Jewels"

by Jill Nicholson Sackett
"Win Winds" is playing the third of its four seasonal concerts this Sunday, June 18, at 2:00 p.m. This will be their final concert of the season at their usual host venue, the Unitarian Universalist Church, 126 Central Street. The church's large sanctuary and cathedral ceiling provide excellent acoustics and natural amplification of this fine group.

In this week's "Jewels" concert, Win Winds has programmed several pieces designed to showcase the special colors of different instrument groups. Brass and percussion will play John William's technically challenging and flashy fanfare "Quidditch" from the Harry Potter film series. The reeds and flutes will soften things up with a lyrical, impressionist piece from Claude Debussy. Finally, a quartet featuring soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones will play the jazzy and modern "Shindig."

The remainder of the program is full of lively music for the entire band: "Chorale and Shaker Dance", "Eaglecrest Overture", Irish and Celtic folk songs, and marches. The Win Winds Auxiliary will be selling sweet treats and cold drinks before and during the concert. Concerts are always held, rain or shine.

Win Winds features some of the best wind musicians in this region, with players traveling from Vermont, New Hampshire, Western Mass and metro-Boston area to play each season. Their 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.

A 155-Year Tradition: UU Church of Winchendon's Summer Lawn Fair

by Jill Nicholson Sackett
Lawn fairs have been running at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon (UUCW) since the 1860s, when the first summer flea market was held to help finance the construction of the building. They have run almost every year since then and are the church's biggest fundraiser.

True to form, UUCW is holding its annual Lawn Fair this Saturday, June 17, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., concurrent with the Clark Memorial Summer Solstice Fair across the street. The lawn is sold out and will have an array of popular returning vendors, and some new sellers. The Winchendon Garden Club will hold their ever-popular basket raffle, and the Friends of the Beals Library has a fresh batch of gently-used books and DVDs. Bargain hunters can check out the church Freecycle table. Diners can choose from the UUCW concession stand (hot dog bar, chips, bottled drinks), the Youth Changemaker Sunshine Café (fresh-squeezed lemonade) and Shane's Food Truck (hamburgers, sausages and fried dough).

UUCW is an impressive 1866 solid granite structure, listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Winchendon Village Historic District. A Set in Stone capital campaign was initiated in 2019 to raise funds for maintaining this beautiful building. The vendor fees and concession sales in recent years have helped support the Set in Stone campaign, in addition to general operating expenses and other upkeep of the church. For more information, visit www.set-in-stone.orgwww.set-in-stone.org.

Amphitheater Grand Opening a Grand Slam in Town History

by Keith Kent, Special to the Courier
We have all heard the saying, "If you build it they will come." They didn't just come, but came in droves on Saturday, June 10, as over 1,000 attendees packed the Winchendon Community Park's Grand Opening of the majestic Robinson Broadhurst Performing Arts Amphitheater during the day and into the night as the newest memorable chapter of Toy Town History was overwhelmingly written into its books!

In true theatrical style, multiple forms of live entertainment truly fitting of such a glorious grand opening were on full optical and audible display. The honor of debut live performance on the stage of the brand new amphitheater was given to the Murdock MHS Choir, conducted by music director Emma Erwin, whose performance introduced the formal Opening Ceremony and included pieces arranged by student Quinn Richard and Ms. Erwin. The Opening Ceremony was followed by several highly energized competitive dance teams from The Dance Center on Front Street, a performance by Murdock students of a short play written by one of the students, five popular local bands and a magician. Winchendon's youth, and Toy Town's local talent, shone from the stage. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

Funding for the Amphitheater, as well noted, was provided by none other than the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation, for which the Amphitheater is named. Members of the entire Robinson Broadhurst Board, who represent the three beneficiary towns--Stamford, NY, Worcester, NY, and Winchendon, MA--were all in attendance for the gala opening event.

Robinson Broadhurst President and Director, Don VanEtten, welcomed all in attendance at the podium for the grand Opening Ceremony with a warm smile, embracing the town of Winchendon on behalf of the members of the Board, expressing how delighted both the Board and many in the town were to finally realize the project come to fruition.

VanEtten informed those gathered, "We are able to gather here because of a special community forum the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation held on September 20, 2013, at the American Legion, initiated by my predecessor, President Director Charles 'Lad' McKenzie. In attendance were more than 100 people representing over 50 different organizations, local businesses, town government, schools, churches, veterans' groups, and other service and not for profit organizations. The purpose of the forum was to engage and involve the Winchendon community with identifying and suggesting ideas for community projects that would appeal to the majority of community organizations, businesses, government and individual citizens. As a result of the forum, the 'Winchendon Enhancement Committee' was formed on November 6, 2013. This group had been tasked to work together towards a common goal: a project that would be for the betterment of the community and its citizens, and something that would benefit many. The project chose was to allow this group to work together to enhance the community, attracting businesses and tourists."

That Enhancement Committee, which began ten years prior with nine members, over time had dwindled down to just three who continued the valiant efforts. Their names should come as no surprise to Toy Town residents, being none other than Jane LaPointe, Dave Romanowski, and Ken LaBrack. Once the town acquired the property, the Robinson Broadhurst committee became a town committee and was named the Ingleside Committee, according to Jane LaPointe. In May 2019 it was renamed the Winchendon Community Park Committee. VanEtten commented, "This committee has certainly set the bar high, has certainly accomplished what they set out to do, and a job well done to each of them!"

VanEtten also at multiple times pointed out the efforts of and again thanked former Foundation President, Charles "Lad" McKenzie who was in attendance with his wife Linda, who was deeply involved in the project from its earliest beginnings. He also thanked the Winchendon Park Committee, and additionally thanked Town Manager Justin Sultzbach and Executive Administrative Assistant Linda Daigle for all their assistance on the project, along with members of the Board of Selectmen, DPW Director Brian Croteau and his "awesome" DPW crew. Also recognized were the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and the Fire Department, along with Abacus Architects, Atlantic Construction, and others who were also noted for their extensive efforts.

Master of Ceremonies David Romanowski then invited others from the town who took part to the Amphitheater stage to join in the Official Ribbon Cutting which would set in motion the schedule of events and gala festival to be enjoyed by all in attendance. With the traditional giant scissors, Don VanEtten performed the honors, the crowd cheered, and it was official, the Robinson Broadhurst Performing Arts Amphitheater was formally open for both entertainment and business. What started ten years ago with a hope, a dream, and deep true vision, could now actually be touched, experienced, and enjoyed by everybody, of all ages.

After the ribbon cutting, the Courier met with VanEtten to ask the President and Director for his personal feelings regarding the events taking place. VanEtten took a breath and replied, "This is such a historic day for the community and the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation to see, and it's still happening right now! I am still in shock and awe, and watching these people around us, like many of them this is the first time I have seen the completed project. I just can't believe the beauty in it. The long term benefits this theater is going to give the local Winchendon community, and tying in the downtown businesses is immense. To have Avery Robinson, Winnie Robinson, and Anna Broadhurst to have had the foresight they had so many years ago to create the foundation they have to benefit these communities, is just incredible!" VanEtten closed with, "For me to go to work with what we do every day, this is an honor to do what we are able to do."

Upon interviewing VanEtten on behalf of Robinson Broadhurst regarding the new Amphitheater, it was discovered each of the three benefactor communities are allowed "one lifetime special project." The Amphitheater at the Winchendon Community Park is the one singular once in a lifetime project from the Foundation. VanEtten elaborated, "The Foundation has NEVER done anything like this before! This is outside our regular process. There is a one time large gift to each of the three towns, and this is Winchendon's special project. This is outside of our scope, so we are still continuing to fund our regular grants, during our regular grant cycle. We would like to hope some day we can do another special project in the future, but this is truly something we have never done."

In closing VanEtten clarified, "When Winchendon came to us with this idea for this project our board embraced the project and immediately got behind it. There was never a debate, the park's proximity to downtown, the waterfront, the trails and more, once this location was proposed, we were all completely behind seeing the Amphitheater at the Winchendon Community Park and again got right behind it. We could not be more happy to see this opening here today!"

One of the three beneficiary towns along with Stamford and Worcester, NY, Winchendon has four very dedicated members with seats on the board. Those working hard for their community are Glenn Hunt, Cindy Landanno, Ernest (Bud) Fletcher Jr., and Ken LaBrack. The Courier asked all four members for their perspectives regarding the process and what it all meant to each of them.

Glen Hunt: "It's pretty unbelievable. A lot of time and effort went into this from a lot of people. A lot of head scratching and 'Boy are we doing the right thing' and then, as of eight weeks ago, I wasn't sure if the project was even going to be ready in time because it wasn't even close, and then all of a sudden, boom, here it is! This is just amazing. I can't say enough about the construction crews that were here, as they took such a personal pride in the project as it's such a different project from anything they have ever done. This is going to be great for the community. I know there are still a few naysayers out there, but in the long run, I honestly think this is going to be a game changer for the Town of Winchendon."

Cindy Landanno: "It's amazing, it truly is that we have a facility like this right here in Winchendon! I am so impressed with how many people are here today, and that the community is going to value this. We are very lucky and very fortunate. Robinson Broadhurst is an incredible organization which has done so much for this community, and this in particular is such a special event. This was a 'Special Project' which made this even more unique from beginning to end. I think this is even more beautiful than it even looked like in the renderings. Come and use this place. The park is beautiful, and the Recreation Community is organizing so many fun events. Take part and take advantage of what we have in this small community that is so lucky to have this."

Ernest (Bud) Fletcher Jr.: "When we first thought of this we thought it was going to be a little park, and look at it now, this is both outstanding and absolutely great! This is here to use and be used. There is $4 million in this project, so come here and use it and really enjoy it, and don't wreck it!" When asked about Robinson Broadhurst, Bud Fletcher replied, "We have a wonderful group, we all get along, and it's a wonderful experience, everyone here are just wonderful people to work with."

Ken LaBrack: LaBrack was specifically asked by the Courier how it felt to know their Toy Town contingent of Robinson Broadhurst had immediate 100 percent backing on the high-priced "Special Project" of the Amphitheater. LaBrack immediately replied with a smile, "When we started out with the Enhancement Committee, they said 'A small project.' Well this is our small project. Once they embraced it, it took a big anchor off our backs. We were told to put it together, look at the plans and the cost, and we will go from there so that was a big relief for us. That committee started out with nine, and we were left with three people and we hung in there for ten years as the other six left."

LaBrack added, "The Foundation has been very supportive and in the long run this is going to be a great addition to the Town of Winchendon. Not just for our residents, but for those coming in from out of town who will bring in money to support our businesses. This is now here for your enjoyment, but it will only last as long as you support it. We are trying to make sure it's taxpayer free, but it has to be supported by both volunteers and gifts."

Architect David Pollak, of Abacus Architects & Planners, who has worked on the project for more than three years, told the Courier's Inanna Arthen that the amphitheater's two roof sections are lined with two-inch thick fir wood planks, with a muted gray stain to match the overall color scheme and a weather-tight sealing layer on top. Nothing is actually painted, he said--the amphitheater is designed to be as low maintenance as possible and will never need repainting or refinishing. The exposed metal structure of the stage, like the railings around the seating and walkways, are steel with a zinc based coating. The steel components are actually dipped into the molten zinc in huge vats at the factory, Mr. Pollak explained. This gives the metal an outer layer which won't corrode, won't need to be painted, and is largely "graffiti-proof." The stage surface has a layer of plywood underneath its top coating.

As far as acoustics go, Mr. Pollak said, "the only way we could improve the acoustics is put a back on the stage, and then you wouldn't be able to see the pond." He said that "basically, anyone who uses this will need amplification."

Mr. Pollak spoke enthusiastically of the many potential uses for the amphitheater which were included in the plans. "I can see people having weddings here," he said. The entire facility is wheelchair-accessible--the grade of the pathways is within ADA guidelines for a wheelchair accessible slope, and the ground in front of the stage slopes up to the proscenium smoothly so wheels can roll right up onto the stage from the ground in front. Like the park itself, the stage and surrounding tiers, steps and walks will be available for use year round, snow-cover permitting.

The Winchendon Community Park Pollinator Garden, next to the retention pond between the parking lot and the amphitheater, was created in memory of past Winchendon Garden Club president Lori Gaydos, by members of the Garden Club in collaboration with The Winchendon School service learning team "Bee Kind."
Photos by Inanna Arthen

As people enjoyed the entertainment provided from an early start, things happening on stage were far from all that was taking place. Kids' activities included a bounce house, tie-dying, face-painting, and games. Food and beverage vendors of all types sold food ranging from barbeque, chowder, mac & cheese and sandwiches, to popcorn, slushies and cotton candy. Winchendon's Harbour Restaurant and Not Just Produced were serving their specialties, Bull Spit Brewery was there with beer and hard cider, while the Youth Changemakers' Sunshine Café sold hand-squeezed, made-from-scratch lemonade. There was something for every age group and taste. You could eat your food sitting at one of the many beautiful new picnic tables all around the site, or munch while you visited the booths of town groups like the Winchendon Garden Club and the Community Heart & Soul project.

At one of the largest of these booths, Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue held a huge fundraising raffle with some 30 prizes organized by President Nicole Roberts and many of her incredibly caring volunteers. Of this, 50 percent of profits raised are being donated to the Winchendon Parks & Recreation Department which schedules and organizes Amphitheater events. This magnificent supportive gesture will be expanded upon in the Courier's next edition.

With darkness beginning to settle, and decorative patio lights illuminating, another first for the park came to life: people happily dancing in front of the stage and its live bands. Beginning with the Faceless Hobos, followed by the group, Kilroy, things progressively became more active with the crowd as the sun settled below the horizon. As it got darker, the dance party picked up. Next the Darren Bessette Band, and last, pumping up the music, Whiskey Johnson leading the way to the end energizing even more an already highly excited contingent!

The park was rocking, many dancing, and the upper level was elbow to elbow with those in anticipation of Toy Town's first fireworks since its 250th Anniversary celebration in 2014, nearly a decade prior. With the crowd well over 1,000 strong, the grand finale began at 9:15 p.m. with cheering people filling every inch of both asphalt and lawn. They were treated to 25 minutes worth of fantastic displays realized in just 16, keeping all eyes focused sharp and keen. At the end, cheers, celebration, and jubilee were written for all time into the pages of Toy Town history.

After the fireworks display was completed, Master of Ceremonies Dave Romanowski, one of the original committee members who persevered through the entire process, was asked for a summary of how he felt about the completion of the theater and the night's events. Romanowski replied, "The building of the Amphitheater nor any of the other aspects of the park could not have been done without each of the people, committees, and organizations being here when needed. Everyone was vital to the success."

Tiffany Newton, Winchendon's new full-time Recreation Coordinator, after the event's success looked back fondly on the proceedings. Newton added, "I loved how Saturday's opening went, and it was amazing to see how the day and event went even despite the weather challenges a little later into the day. There were a lot of stressful moments leading up to the event, so it was a little bit of a relief once things got underway. I am now really looking forward to seeing the park used more now that the park is completed. To see the kids running around, and families enjoying it was really great, so it's just terrific to finally get to see that, but see everyone enjoy it as much as we hoped they would!"

Who could have thought a decade's worth of work could be celebrated in just under seven hours flat, while simultaneously making future lifetimes better through the noble and virtuous gift of giving back. The Robinson Broadhurst Performing Arts Amphitheater has come to be, and for that, Avery and Winnie Robinson, along with Anna Broadhurst, we will always, with the deepest respect and gratitude, truly thank thee.

My Character, My Counterpart: A Literary Presentation at the Beals Memorial Library

If your kids love reading and connecting with the characters in stories, then bring them over to the Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon on Tuesday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m., for their upcoming "My Character, My Counterpart" program! Explore the many ways in which connecting with fictional characters can help you learn and grow with guest presenters, Lynn Murray and Caela Provost.

Dive into the connections readers make with their favorite fictional characters and how those connections help us learn, grow, develop strengths and coping mechanisms, and adapt as we navigate life's difficulties and struggles. Enjoy a presentation and discussion with a pair of literary enthusiasts as they talk about how befriending the characters we encounter in books can help us to overcome some of life's most challenging obstacles.

This program is being presented by long-time Winchendon residents and library patrons, Lynn Murray and Caela Provost. Lynn is an experienced educator who taught at Toy Town Elementary School for many years, and Caela has experience working in higher education.

This program is open to students in grades 5 - 8.

This workshop is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit their website at bealslibrary.org.

Annual Friends of the Library Meeting at the Beals Memorial Library

The Friends of the Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon invite members of the community to their annual meeting on Wednesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. Current members and anyone interested are invited to attend. Come enjoy an update on Friends activities, learn about the upcoming events, and learn how you can support the library. After the meeting, enjoy a special photography show presented by Dale Monette!

The annual meeting will update current members and the community on the Friends of the Library's activities. At 7:00 PM, the meeting will be followed up with Dale Monette's photography show, "Quabbin Then and Now." Dale Monette has taken DCR images from the Quabbin Reservoir archives from the mid 1930s of the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir and recreated these photographs at the same location in present day. Come see how the houses and scenes looked during the construction period compared to what it looks like now some eighty years later. Never seen before images from the DCR Archives are included. See pictures of what everyday life was like living in the four Quabbin Valley towns that would soon be no more.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org/friendofthebealslibrary.

An LGBT-Clue Mystery Party at the Beals Memorial Library

Whodunnit? Find out at the Beals Memorial Library's LGBT-Clue Mystery Party! The library invites teens to celebrate Pride Month in style this June with a fun, campy murder mystery scavenger hunt.

Come to the Winchendon library on Saturday, June 24, at 1:00 p.m. for a Clue-style murder mystery scavenger hunt. Play as one of a variety of colorful characters, search the library for clues, and figure out whodunnit! Team up with other players or double-cross them with unique actions to spice up the game as you race to be the first player to solve the mystery. Sign up now to get your character and come to the party dressed up in their colors.

This event is open to teens ages 13 to 18. Limited space available. Sign up today! The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit their website at bealslibrary.org.

Find Your Voice with the Beals Memorial Library's Summer Reading Club

The Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon invites the whole community to express themselves this summer as part of their annual Summer Reading Club from June 26th to August 11th! This year's theme is "Find Your Voice" and the library will have fun programs, activities, stories, and more for the whole family to enjoy. Sign up for this exciting seven-week program for participants of all ages and log your reading for a chance to win some great prizes this summer.

This free, seven-week celebration of expression is open to all. Our voices have power. We use our voices to share stories, express ourselves, and spark change. Our voices include not only the sounds we make, but the works we write, the art we create, the movements we perform, and the actions we take each day to impact our world. Throughout the summer, the library will provide a wide range of programs and events for the entire family to enjoy that will reflect the theme in their own ways, including storywalks, a ventriloquism workshop, an opera performance, science projects, and much more!

The Summer Reading Club is open to participants of all ages. Register at the library to receive your reading log and take part in the program. Read whatever you would like. Whether it's books, audiobooks, fanfiction, webtoons, newspapers, or reading to children, all types of reading counts! Children and teens can complete up to 12 hours of reading and spin the wheel to win prizes. Adult participants can complete up to 20 hours of reading and will get a raffle ticket for every 2 hours of reading to enter for a chance to win prizes. Please note: all participants are eligible to receive only one reading log of prizes per person.

The Summer Reading Club is sponsored by the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library, the Winchendon CFCE, Winchendon Parks and Recreation, the Winchendon Cultural Council, the Library Services Technology Act, and the Massachusetts Libraries Board of Library Commissioners. This year's reading challenge prizes are provided by the Friends of the Beals Library, Smith's Country Cheese, Brooks Automotive, To Each His Own Design, RiverWalk Cafe, Lickity Splitz, and Subway of Winchendon.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit their website at bealslibrary.org/src23.

Summer Reading Club Kickoff Party at the Beals Memorial Library

Make some noise at the Winchendon library's annual Summer Reading Club Kickoff Party on Wednesday, June 28, at 2:00 p.m. This year's Summer Reading Club theme is "Find Your Voice," which celebrates the many unique ways that people express themselves. Kick off the start of the program and enjoy a fun afternoon of stories, music, and games!

At 2:30 PM, Davis Bates will be entertaining participants with a fun program that gets audiences of all ages singing along and inspires them to remember and share their own stories, and to find songs and stories in books, their family, and their community. He is known for his humor, his relaxed ability to engage, and his repertoire of familiar and interesting new songs and stories.

This event is free to attend!

The Summer Reading Club Kickoff Party is sponsored by the Winchendon Cultural Council and the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit their website at bealslibrary.org/src23.

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