Water Line Break Leaves High Winchendon Homes Dry as Water Crew Works Around the Clock
DPW Urges Residents to Sign Up for Code Red Alerts and Keep Contact Information Current
With what Department of Public Works Executive Assistant Brittany Ellis calls "bad timing" (a definite understatement), a water line servicing Winchendon water users in the area of Old Centre and Benjamin Estates experienced a severe leak on Thursday night, February 1, causing water service to homes connected by that line to be interrupted for days.
On Thursday afternoon at 3:20 p.m., the Winchendon Fire Department issued a statement that "currently the Town is experiencing an unknown water leak somewhere in the water system. Please conserve water while crews are searching for this leak. Thank you for your cooperation." At about 5:40 p.m., the town placed notices on the website and social media that there was a "large water break" in the system which the department was desperately searching for. Citizens were asked to keep their eyes peeled for any external signs of the leak and report anything they saw to the Police/Fire 24-hour dispatch number. The alert did not identify a specific area of town to focus on, or specific signs to look for.
DPW crews located the leak by Friday morning, and were at work with crews from other departments excavating River Street by the Kamenstein complex, close to the start of Benjamin Road leading up the steep hill toward Old Centre.
Ms. Ellis told the Courier that the water department, which consists of three water operators (a water chief, a senior operator and a third operator), and DPW Director Brian Croteau were working "around the clock" the entire weekend to restore water by the end of the day on Monday.
Although the break was located and repaired on Friday, the severity of the leak meant that the town's water tanks were seriously depleted. The tanks must be above a certain level for the pumps to work, and the affected homes were on a hill, so their water is pumped uphill. It took several days for water service to be completely restored to most affected homes. Ms. Ellis said that all homes had water restored by Wednesday, with a few water users going almost five full days without water service.
The crews were hampered by the fact that the break occurred on Thursday night after Town Hall was closed for the weekend, and continued during the weekend when suppliers for critical parts were not available. Ms. Ellis said that Mr. Croteau called in "every qualified individual that he was able to get" to assist with repairing the line and recharging the tanks.
Ms. Ellis said that she personally returned every phone call from residents on Monday, giving them updates and explanations. She filled 25 five-gallon jugs of water for families who needed it. The Winchendon Fire Department, Town Hall and the Clark YMCA made water, showers and lavatories available to affected residents.
"We tried to assist them in any way possible," Ms. Ellis said. "We really value our residents and we just try to provide them with a good service."
While numerous residents complained about a lack of information, Ms. Ellis explained that the town doesn't have a database of residents' contact information--such as cell phone numbers and email addresses--on file. Town departments, such as Water and Sewer, are entirely dependent on their customers "opting in" and giving them contact information, and keeping it up to date. Staff in town offices can't even pick up a phone book to call citizens the way they could twenty years ago. Billing records basically include mailing and street addresses only. Some homes in the records are not currently occupied. Other homeowners were away for the weekend and only learned of the situation when they returned.
Because of this, town staff and board members went door-to-door in person on Monday in order to reach affected households directly and let them know what was going on with their water service.
Ms. Ellis emphasized the importance of signing up for the Code Red emergency alert system. Every utility department and First Responder (Police, Fire and so on) in town has access to this system at all times, 24/7, and can use it to send out immediate alerts to everyone on its network. With the Code Red system, residents can receive up-to-date information before, during and after an emergency in their neighborhood, including inclement weather alerts. Residents can choose to be notified via voice, text and email notifications. But citizens have to opt in to the system and sign up to be included.
Sign up for Code Red alerts at this link:
www.townofwinchendon.com/home/news/sign-code-red-emergency-alerts
Murdock HS Presents Some Foot-Tapping Entertainment with "Newsies: the Musical"
The Newsies cast ensemble takes their curtain call
Photo by Inanna Arthen
After months of rehearsals, set building and costume making, and with a new director at the helm, Murdock High School students presented two bouncing performances of Newsies: the Musical in the MMHS auditorium on February 2 and 3.
With a cast of just 20 in a show that eventually includes striking newspaper hawkers from every borough of 1899 New York City, most of the students in supporting roles played multiple parts--as many as four--with costume changes to match.
The lead role of Jack Kelly was played by MHS stage veteran Colin Rowe, who sang in 10 numbers, one of them a solo, and was onstage for most of the performance. As the charismatic leader of the "newsies," as the young newspaper vendors are called, Colin ranged from peaks of energy to despondent lows. At times he was inspiring the other newsies to hope and action, then he became discouraged, dreaming of leaving it all behind and running away to Santa Fe, New Mexico to become an artist. He faced down the powerful tycoon Joseph Pulitzer and delivered a rousing speech to would-be "scabs" who were hired to replace the striking newsboys, persuading them to join the strike. Yet when other boys suffered consequences for the newsies' strike, Colin clearly projected Jack's guilt and uncertainty.
Doris Huggins appeared in the role of Katherine not-her-real-name Plumber, a "lady journalist" Jack meets in the audience of a vaudeville show (where he went to hide from pursuers, honest). In 1899, they often called these women journalists "sob sisters," although they included fearless muck-rakers who exposed the abuse of asylum patients and poor women by "going undercover" at great personal risk. Katherine is writing a review of the vaudeville show, she tells Jack, but she becomes interested in the newsies' harsh circumstances, the injustice of their treatment, and their cause. As Katherine, Doris sang multiple numbers, including a solo ("Watch What Happens"), alone onstage with her typewriter, speculating on the potential effects of an exposé in the papers.
Steven Gauthier, another Murdock stage regular, played Joseph Pulitzer, whose number "The Bottom Line" explains his priorities. Steven's long bushy beard made him a close match for the real-life Pulitzer.
Quinn Richard, a Murdock stage veteran and member of the MHS choirs, played Jack's best friend Crutchie. Onstage for much of the first act (until Crutchie is arrested and literally dragged off by arms and legs to a hellish juvenile detention center), Quinn played Crutchie with a limp, working the crutch into dance numbers and repeatedly going up and down steps with it. In one scene, Quinn faked a slip and near fall convincingly enough to make the audience gasp. Crutchie also has a solo song alone on stage, writing a heart-wrenching letter to Jack from the detention center.
Mark Quinn and Mila Bourassa played two boys who, unlike the rest of the newsies, have a family which they are helping to support by selling papers while their father is out of work. "If we don't sell papers, my parents don't eat," Davey, the older boy, says when the strike is being planned. But they become staunch allies and supporters of Jack, helping break him out of his doldrums when things aren't going well.
Appearing in multiple roles, musical numbers and dance numbers were Madelyn Santos, Via Rose, Alex Leblanc, Brooke Arsenault, Peter Tetteh, Cody Beauvais Michaud, Alex Figueroa, Abigail Blake, Emma Lavoie, Madalyn Bahr, Ray Richard, Julie Lafrennie, Sophie Leblanc and Sophia Gauthier. The variety of characters they played included a trio of nuns, a vaudeville headliner and supporter of Jack's artistic work named Medda Larkin (Via Rose), Medda's black-lace-gowned backup chorus, "the Bowery Beauties" (Abigail Blake, Emma Lavoie and Madalyn Bahr), Theodore Roosevelt (Cody Beauvais Michaud), the evil headmaster of the juvenile prison, who is pursuing Jack a la Inspector Javert (Brooke Arsenault), plus newsboys, Pulitzer's "enforcers" and employees, and the Mayor of New York.
The ensemble worked well together, with choreography by Ari and Kaileen Dibble that even included some tap dancing in one number. Timing in the ensemble scenes and scene transitions was excellent, and the show never dragged or seemed disconnected in the large "crowd scenes."
The show was directed by Kaileen Dibble, in her debut year taking up the director's bullhorn from long-time MHS musical director Kristi Iannacone (who assisted with the show).
The Newsies pit band warming up
Photo by Inanna Arthen
Artistic Director Christina Gauthier with Artistic Design team Jennie Leblanc, Ari Dibble and Kristi Iannacone created a simple and evocative set in the minimalist/impressionistic style that is typical for Murdock musicals. The centerpiece of the set was a beautifully done backdrop showing clouds against the sky, with the arching iron sign of Pulitzer's The World newspaper silhouetted against it. Changes in lighting against this painting created the illusion of dawn, noonday light or evening. The arching black logo suggested Pulitzer's power looming over the characters as they struggle for autonomy. A set of barred gates representing the entrance to the publisher's domain was used effectively in numerous numbers. Set pieces were simple and included tables, a desk, and a simulated printing press that the newsies are able to covertly use to print their own newspaper reporting their story. Also well-done were two paintings showing Jack's artistic talent.
Costume Designer Jennie Leblanc coordinated a diverse assortment of costumes, from nuns' habits to the leg-revealing (quite sassy for 1899!) vaudeville costumes worn by Meddi Larkin and her Bowery Beauties (no wonder Roosevelt falls for her!). The newsies wore simple trousers, shirts, vests and watch caps, with cross-slung newspaper bags. The authority figures were dressed in suits, while Katherine wore a simple "lady journalist" outfit of long skirt, vest and necktie.
Set Crew were Dean Iannacone, Kristi Iannacone and Adam Leblanc; Tech Supervisor was Ari Dibble; Graphic Designer was Katie McKellick; Backstage/Tech Crew was Ari Dibble, Ian Hart and Julie Lafrennie.
"Front of House" organizer Tina Santos was a tireless source of cheer as she directed audience members, answered questions and helped run the raffles and sales at intermission.
Newsies: the Musical was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. It's unfortunate that more Winchendonians didn't see the show--there were far too many empty seats at Friday's performance. Tickets were free for senior citizens, and the basic adult price of $10.00 is less than a movie ticket these days. There were refreshments on sale, raffle chances to be had and t-shirts available to buy, not only for this show but many past MHS musicals. Anyone who misses the Murdock musicals really misses a treat.
Your next chance to see the talent of Winchendon's young thespians will be the annual Morton E. Converse Tournament of Plays on March 29 and 30. Each class (Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen) will stage a one-act play in competition and prizes will be awarded. This is the longest-running high school one-act play competition in Massachusetts. Save the date!
You can enjoy Murdock's musical students in the Band and Choral concert on May 22.
Unwind Your Strings with Pumpernickel Puppets at the Winchendon Library
Enjoy Pumpernickel Puppets entertaining and interactive show at the Winchendon Library this February!
Photo courtesy of Beals Memorial Library
Join the Beals Memorial Library this February vacation for a fun, free puppet show with Pumpernickel Puppets! From hand-sized to larger-than-life puppets, this colorful cast of characters are sure to delight audiences young and old!
On Wednesday, February 21st, at 2:00 PM, join professional puppeteer, John McDonough, and his lively cast for an audience-interactive show. Featuring live voices, sound effects, and fast-paced scripts, Pumpernickel Puppets not only entertains, but stimulates children's imagination and creativity! All of the puppets featured in the show are designed and crafted by McDonough himself. Following every performance, McDonough provides a demonstration period that gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at puppetry.
This event is free to attend, and is sponsored in part 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.
Weekly Children's Programs at the Beals Memorial Library
The Winchendon Library has a number of fun, weekly programs for young children and school-aged children to join in the morning and early afternoon. Here's what they have to offer:
Starting on Friday, February 16, The Beals Memorial Library will be offering Story Time every Friday morning at 10:00 a.m.! Bring your little ones in for a fun, engaging half-hour of delightful picture books each week to get them excited about reading! This program is in partnership with the Winchendon Coordinated Family and Community Engage Grant (CFCE).
In addition to Story Time, the library hosts the CFCE's weekly Preschool Playgroup every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Families with children up to age 8 are welcome to participate in a fun hour of free play, crafting, story time, music, and movement! Programming from the Winchendon CFCE is made possible by a grant from the MA Department of Early Education and Care, and the Winchendon Public Schools.
Finally, every Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., the library holds their ongoing Drop-In Lego Club! Preschool and school-aged children are welcome to join in the fun as the library transforms into a Lego construction zone! Drop in for an informal Lego building session where you can create, construct, and express your Lego imagination.
All of these programs are free to attend!
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. For more information about the Preschool Playgroup or the Winchendon CFCE, contact the CFCE Coordinator, Kristin Moran, at kmoran@winchendonk12.org.
February Movies at the Beals Memorial Library
During the month of love, pick up a box of chocolates and take that special someone to a movie they're bound to love at the Winchendon Library! Here's what the library is screening this February:
On Wednesday, February 14, at 3:00 p.m., spend your Valentine's Day enjoying this month's Classic Movie Matinee, featuring a screening of the 1954 romantic-comedy film Sabrina (rating Passed). Starring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and William Holden, the film follows the love triangle between a wealthy playboy, his stable brother, and the girl they're both interested in.
On Thursday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m., the library will be showing the 2023 dramedy, The Holdovers (Rated R). Starring Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa, the film centers on a cranky history teacher, stuck on campus during the holidays with a student who has no where else to go and a grieving cook.
Finishing off this month's movie lineup is the Family Movie Matinee on Saturday, February 24, at 10:00 a.m., where the library will be showing the hit animated film, Trolls: Band Together (Rated PG). Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake reprise their voice roles as Poppy and Branch in the third film of the franchise. Poppy discovers Branch was once part of the popular boyband, 'BroZone', alongside his brothers, and the two must set off on an adventure to get the band back together!
All movie showings at the Winchendon library are free to attend. Bring your own snacks.
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.
Winchendon Republican Town Committee Hosting Candidate Meet and Greet
On Saturday, February 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Winchendon Republican Town Committee will host a Meet and Greet for District 05 candidates for State Committeeman (Chris Ryan) and State Committeewoman (Sue O'Sullivan) at Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. District 05 towns include Ashburnham, Athol, Orange, Royalston and Winchendon. All are welcome to attend!
