Yet Another Major Nor'easter Socks Winchendon and Region
This large tree snapped in half under the stress of heavy wet snow and wind gusts of nearly 30mph, striking the front facade of this home on West Street.
Photos provided by local resident
Starting Wednesday, April 3 and continuing into Thursday, all of New England was impacted in various ways by another enormous and powerful storm system that brought high winds and wind gusts and every kind of precipitation from heavy rain to heavy snow. Thundersnow, sleet, freezing rain and a kind of frozen rain pellet called graupel were all reported. While the coast and southern parts of Massachusetts mostly saw rain and wind, north central Mass received an inch or two of sleet and ice, followed by several inches of snow. Further north, communities in New Hampshire received more snow, with the northernmost inland areas expected to see well over a foot.
As of 7:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, Winchendon's official reported snow amount was 3.5 inches, while Rindge, NH was reporting 6 inches. At 3:30 p.m. the Courier measured 6.5 inches of very heavy wet snow outside its office on Lake Monomonac. The highest wind gust noted for Winchendon was 27mph at 5:52 a.m. on Thursday. Temperatures reached the mid-30s in Winchendon on Thursday afternoon.
The rapidly accumulating sleet and ice created treacherous driving conditions on secondary roads late Wednesday afternoon as the storm bore down. Meetings were cancelled and some local businesses closed early, as did Beals Memorial Library.
Winchendon Public Schools were closed on Thursday, along with every other surrounding school district, including Ashburnham/Westminster, Athol/Royalston, Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Milford NH, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical, Narraganset, Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College.
Also closed for the day on Thursday were the Winchendon Town Hall, the Winchendon CAC, the Old Murdock Senior Center, Beals Memorial Library, the Harbour restaurant, Little Anthony's restaurant, the Glen Caffe and the River Walk Cafe. The Winchendon School Committee canceled its scheduled regular meeting on Thursday. Immaculate Heart of Mary church cancelled the Thursday night Our Neighbor's Kitchen supper.
National Grid's Outage Map showed no major power outages in town, only some scattered small ones affecting local neighborhoods. Some downed trees and low-hanging wires were reported to Winchendon dispatch.
Winchendon's weather for Friday and Saturday is forecast to be cloudy and unsettled with snow and rain showers, but little or no snow accumulation.
Monday, April 8, the day of the Solar Eclipse, is forecast to be clear and sunny with a local high of 56°.
Building in Whites Mill Complex Partially Collapses
Photo by Inanna Arthen
Six and a half inches of very heavy wet snow was too much for the former Whites Mill complex at 155 Mill Circle. Sometime between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, the roof and part of the walls of one of the buildings partially collapsed.
The collapsed building was called into Winchendon dispatch just before 7:00 p.m. by a member of the public. The Courier heard the call on the scanner and went to take a look. The Fire Department quickly arrived with a truck, along with Department of Public Works Director Brian Croteau.
Residents of Mill Circle came out to look at the building. Several said in amazement that they hadn't heard a sound when the building fell in. No one saw the collapse, but the structure appeared to have simply crumbled. The roof had fallen in some time ago, as could be seen on Google Satellite images and drone video taken by local residents. The buildings have been vacant for more than ten years.
Lt. Garrett Wante of the Winchendon Fire Department told the Courier that the building inspector had been called and would be coming to assess the situation. The property owners had been contacted and Mr. Croteau was talking with them. Decisions will need to be made about securing the property for public safety. If the building collapses further, it could block the Millers River North Branch that runs beneath it (recently released when the dam behind the mill complex was breached last year).
More information will be reported as it becomes available.
School Staff and Residents Voice Concerns About FY25 School Budget
At a hearing held by the School Committee on Tuesday, April 2, numerous members of the school staff, and some residents, rose to express concerns about changes planned in the proposed school district budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Three members of the School Committee--Vice Chair David LaPointe, Anthony Findley and Adam LeBlanc--were in attendance.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Ruthann Goguen began the hearing with a quick recap of her presentation on the third draft of the budget, which was first presented to the School Committee and public on March 7. Following this, Mr. LaPointe opened the floor to public comment.
Christine Daigle, the Technology teacher at Memorial who has worked for the Winchendon School District for 23 years, rose to speak first. Ms. Daigle stated that she has been losing classroom time with her students every year. "Since I started this position, I have traveled between buildings and I have been asking for more time with my students," she said. "But this year I went from seeing students on an average of 30 times during the school year to 22 times during the school year. This is not enough time for me to meet the needs of the standards that I'm asked to cover. I'm traveling between buildings on a rotating schedule. It's hard for me to keep up with what is going on at both buildings." The proposed schedule for unified arts involves even more traveling between buildings, Ms. Daigle pointed out. Teachers will be given additional duties but will need more time to set up. "I currently cannot leave anything set up in one classroom on the days that I'm not in that building because it is used when I'm not there," she said. "I set up and take down things all the time. I love what I do. I love my students. And I get so excited when I see them excited about the lessons I have planned. But I want to emphasize again that I am a teacher and what I teach matters."
The next speaker was Kimberly Chambers, a teacher at Toy Town Elementary. Ms. Chambers described how much actual time for "specials" the students will lose on the new proposed schedule. "The proposed five day Monday through Friday schedule reduces [the number of painting and art classes] from 45 classes to 36 classes for every class grade K to five in grade levels with five classrooms," she said. Monday classes will no longer roll over to Tuesday when there is a Monday holiday. The total number of PE classes will be reduced. Altogether, students will lose the equivalent of "an entire trimester" of art and PE class time.
"I'd like to take a moment to tell you about our librarian," Ms. Chambers said. "She joined our staff seven years ago to completely overhaul the libraries at Toy Town and Memorial...finding creative ways to bring in funds to fill the shelves and buy new books. She teaches our students how to navigate a library and inspires their love of reading. Again, she has been doing all of this in not one but two libraries. And what's more amazing, she does it all on a paraprofessional salary." This entire position would be cut in the proposed schedule, with music teachers assigned "to check out a few books a week," Ms. Chambers said. "I don't think that's enough."
Candace Frye, who teaches at Murdock High School, rose to speak next. Ms. Frye expressed concern about the proposal to "demote" the position of Vice Principal at the High School to that of "Dean" with a savings of $7,000 in salary. "The loss of institutional knowledge and expertise will lead to inefficiencies, disruptions and ultimately a decline in the quality of education provided to our students," Ms. Frye said. "Morale among the faculty and staff will be negatively impacted, as they rely on Mr. Andrew Bloch for guidance, mentorship and support. Instead of pursuing short term cost savings at the expense of our school's leadership and overall effectiveness, I urge you to explore alternative solutions that prioritize both fiscal responsibility and the well being of our school community."
Ms. Frye spoke of the problems recruiting staff, and the high turnover at the administrative level, with Murdock having seen several assistant Principals come and go in just a few years. "I personally have had issues recruiting qualified staff, not because they are not interested in the district, but they do not want to risk working in a volatile environment," she said. "For the first time in several years, we are moving forward with a cohesive staff and we are able to provide consistency for students. The negative impact on morale and staff cohesion cannot be underestimated, as it directly affects our ability to provide a supportive and nurturing learning environment for our students. Our students and our staff deserve continuity."
The next person to speak was Kelsey Aggrey, music teacher at Memorial Elementary. She expressed concerns about the arts teachers being asked to cover multiple roles. "Music Education is not merely about teaching notes on a page or melodies on an instrument," she said. "It encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and emotional expression to provide students with a holistic music education. It requires dedication, dedicated individuals who possess not only musical expertise, but also a professional understanding of pedagogy and a genuine passion for nurturing artistic growth...Attempting to consolidate roles such as the music teacher, librarian and social emotional teacher into one individual jeopardizes the essence of what music education stands for. Each of these roles demands unique skills, time commitments and specialized knowledge."
Ms. Aggrey pointed out that the proposed schedule forces students to choose between music and recess, and suggests activities that aren't age-appropriate, such as "special chorus" for very young students. The music program will be unstable on the proposed schedule, Ms. Aggrey said, pointing out that the Toy Town music teacher has a similar mixed schedule of teaching roles. "I know that library and Band and Chorus at Toy Town were the main concerns at the last few school committee meetings," she reminded the Committee. "I implore you to consider the long term implications on the music program."
Stephanie Rondeau, president of the Winchendon Teachers Association and Facilitator of Enhanced Programming at Murdock High School, rose to speak in detail about the 14 teaching positions that were slated to be cut or not filled, saying they represent 12 percent of the district workforce. She argued that there were only four, not five English Language Arts (ELA) teachers and if one was cut, there would not be a teacher for Murdock Academy. "We barely have enough staff to run the programs we have now. Cutting more programs ultimately leads to the loss of more students who will seek those programs elsewhere," she said.
Katrina Fleming, a teacher in the Winchendon district for 26 years, rose to speak about the changes she had seen in the school system during that time. She had started the ALL program, she said, and the program was fully funded. No students had to be sent out of the district. Now, the ALL room doesn't have a teacher (it is covered by paraprofessionals with a supervising teacher). Ms. Fleming said, "When I came in, every single grade level had not only a special ed teacher, but they also had a paraprofessional. This paraprofessional was pushing services for those students that needed it and the special ed teacher would take out small groups. We've done away with that." Memorial now has one interventionist when it used to have four. After school and enrichment programs were cut. "We are continually cutting these programs for our students, and we're wondering why they're leaving. They're leaving in droves," Ms. Fleming said. The district needs to look at the salaries it's offering to staff, she emphasized.
School parent Meagan Hawkins rose to say that she and her husband were both Murdock alumnae as well as having children in the Winchendon schools. "We moved back to Winchendon because we loved this district. We loved to go into these schools. But now I am incredibly concerned about what my children are facing. We have amazing curriculum programs at Memorial and Toy Town. I'm an educator, I've been in education for 11 years," she said. But she was very concerned about the proposed changes. Contracts would need to be negotiated with the teachers' union for things like asking music teachers to teach library, or work with bigger class sizes. "I feel like we don't have enough programming in place already. The band was something that I had brought up to Dr. Goguen before. It's still not fully in place in Middle School, which is incredibly concerning to me." Once positions were eliminated from the budget, it would not be easy to reinstate them.
Michael Barbaro, who is a former member of the School Committee and a former Selectmen for the town of Winchendon, rose to speak at length about his concerns with the changes he was seeing, saying both his kids are Murdock alumnae. "The constant change in educators and administration is scary. We're not able to retain good administrators," he said. As staff are cut, programs are eliminated. He praised the past success of Murdock Academy for at-risk students, calling it a "shining star" for the district. "Basically from what I've seen, that progress has pretty much been eliminated. It's a mistake. You know, everyone wants to pick on the staff who has the salaries. I can tell you I worked with the staff for many years. When the chips were down the staff was the only ones that believed in the school district and they pulled it forward. We had no money. We didn't have an override. Year after year we cut and cut and cut."
Mr. Barbaro went on, "People in this town vote with their feet. The second you start taking programs away from these kids, the parents leave, and that's more money than you can afford to lose. We are at a point right now where the school district is just in constant flux. It's not stable." He spoke strongly about relying on the staff and their experience in dealing with problems. It might be necessary to "penny pinch" in other areas in order to retain staff. "Every time an administrator comes in they have a new model, a new vision. We haven't let things take root. You start a program for math. Two years later, it's gone. How do you know what the results are? You don't have time to test them. You need to work on a formula and make it work. You need to include the staff and ask them what helps the district move forward...we need cohesive staffing throughout the district. Not a revolving door."
Finally, Erin Boucher, a kindergarten teacher at Memorial Elementary who has taught for the district for 18 years, rose to speak. She expressed strong concerns about the proposed larger class sizes, and seeing families take their children out of the schools and enroll them in another district to get the services they want.
Following this, there was some discussion among the Committee members and Dr. Goguen about the points that had been raised, and specifics in the budget. Dr. Goguen reminded the Committee that the school was having a lot of problems with Special Education last year, with non-compliance issues, and there were still ongoing complaints from parents.
Mr. LaPointe thanked everyone who had come to the hearing and spoken. "You need to be heard, and we need to listen. We're in this together. We're all a team. We all have children in the school district and we're here to serve all children in our school district. We're here to support teachers. We appreciate what you do for our children each and every day with limited resources and supplies and dwindling budgets." He said that the problems Winchendon is facing are not unique to this community, but happening all across Massachusetts. In fact, Winchendon is retaining far more staff than many school districts are doing, since money from the state has dropped drastically. Many districts funded positions with COVID-related ESSER money, which Winchendon knew not to do. The district only has so much money to work with. "So we want to continue to be on your team, to continue to support what you do for all of our children. It's very much appreciated," he said.
For previous Courier coverage of the third draft budget, see "Supt. Goguen Presents Third Draft FY25 Budget for Winchendon Public Schools" in the
March 14-21, 2024 edition of the Wnchendon Courier
Third draft of budget proposal
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KGpT1JfieDBzzziMDSkRfT88w_F7Qulc/view
Superintendent's March 7, 2024 Budget Presentation
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YmCqkAD_phadtbHHa_9RjNoGQDYxB0j1/view
Video of full hearing on Winchendon TV
https://winchendon.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/show/80?site=1%C2%A0%C2%A0
Clark Memorial YMCA Playground - Almost there!
In 2023, the Clark Memorial YMCA launched a fundraising campaign for a new playground, seeking to raise $100,000 locally towards the project. Today, we are pleased to report that we are just over the halfway mark of our fundraising goal. However, we still need your help to raise the remaining $40,000.
Mike Quinn, Executive Director of the Clark Memorial YMCA stated, "We're excited for the new playground and the opportunities that it will provide for families in the community." Listing some of the new features, Mr. Quinn elaborated that the new playground would replace the current structures which are more than 30 years old and will be more inclusive and provide elements that are ADA Accessible and accommodate children with Adaptive needs. Additionally, "the playground will be a bit larger and will be fenced in creating a safer play area for children while making it easier for parents to monitor their children. Two new sitting areas with tables and benches will also be part of the new layout, allowing more families to enjoy spending time together while at the playground."
Other new elements include a webbed climbing structure with obstacles, more swings, new slides, an accelerator saucer swing, and a Ten Spin, which is a modern take on the traditional merry-go-round. Also included is a new canopy climber with shade sails to help provide some cooling relief from the sun during the hot summer days.
This will be a "community build" project, in which volunteers help with the installation of some of the playground structures under the supervision of a licensed installer. Not only does this help reduce the cost of the project, but it also brings the community together for a fun weekend of helping bring joy to countless children by volunteering a few hours of your time.
The additional benefits of a playground go beyond children having fun.
- Safe and Structured Play Areas: Playgrounds offer safe, age-appropriate environments where children can play under the guidance of parents and caregivers.
- Promotes Physical Activity: Playgrounds provides children with opportunities for physical exercise, helping to combat sedentary lifestyles and promote healthy habits from an early age.
- Encourages Social Interaction: Playgrounds are spaces where children can interact with their peers, fostering social skills such as communication, cooperation, and teamwork.
- Reduces Screen Time: By providing alternative sources of entertainment, such as outdoor play, playgrounds help reduce children's reliance on screen-based activities, contributing to overall health and well-being.
- Enhances Mental Well-being: Outdoor play has been linked to improved mental health, including reduced stress and anxiety levels, and increased happiness and resilience.
- Supports Cognitive Development: Playgrounds offer environments for imaginative and creative play, which are essential for cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness.
- Increases Community Engagement: A playground can serve as a gathering place for families and community members, fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening community bonds.
- Provides Inclusive Recreation: Modern playground designs can incorporate inclusive features to accommodate children of all abilities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to play and have fun.
- Creates Lasting Memories: Playgrounds are places where children create cherished memories and experiences that they carry with them into adulthood, contributing to their overall happiness and sense of fulfillment.
To support the new playground, donations can be made online at https://www.theclarkymca.org/support-y/donate or made payable to the:
Clark Memorial YMCA
155 Central Street,
Winchendon, MA 01475
Winchendon History and Cultural Center Hosts Psychic Fair Fundraiser at the Murdock Whitney House
The Murdock Whitney House, home of the WHCC
Photo courtesy of Genevieve Hackett
Winchendon, MA - March 19, 2024 - The Winchendon History and Cultural Center is thrilled to announce its upcoming event, Spring Psychic Fair Fundraiser, taking place at the historic Murdock Whitney House at 151 Front Street, Winchendon, on April 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This exciting event promises to be a day filled with mystique, insight, and community spirit, all while supporting a cherished local institution.
Step into the Murdock Whitney House and embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Our esteemed psychic practitioners will be offering 15-minute readings for $30, providing you with guidance, clarity, and perhaps even a glimpse into the future. Whether you seek answers about love, career, or personal growth, our talented readers are here to assist you on your path.
In addition to enlightening readings, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a variety of vendors offering unique products and services. From crystals and candles to handmade crafts and spiritual jewelry, there's something for everyone.
Admission to the spring Psychic Fair Fundraiser is $5, with proceeds directly benefiting the Winchendon History and Cultural Center. By attending this event, you not only support the preservation of local history and culture but also contribute to the organizations ongoing programming and educational initiatives.
"We are thrilled to host the Spring Psychic Fair Fundraiser at the Murdock Whitney House," says Don O'Neil, President of the Winchendon History and Cultural Center. "This event offers a unique opportunity for our community to come together, explore the realms of the unknown, and support our mission of preserving Winchendon's rich heritage."
Don't miss your chance to support a worthy cause. Mark your calendars for April 13 and join us at the Murdock Whitney House for a day of intrigue and community spirit.
For more information about the Spring Psychic Fair Fundraiser or the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, please contact Genevieve Hackett, House Medium, at genhackettmedium@gmail.com
About the Winchendon History and Cultural Center:
The Winchendon History and Cultural Center is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage of Winchendon, Massachusetts. Through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community events, we strive to inspire curiosity, foster appreciation for our past, and promote a sense of pride in our local identity.
Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month at the Beals Memorial Library
Alexis Chanthachack, the library's lead on their Autism Inclusion grant initiative, and her family invite the community to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month this April through a series of sensory friendly events throughout the month.
Photo courtesy Beals Memorial Library
April is Autism Acceptance Month! It's the time of year when we raise awareness to promote acceptance of autism, celebrate each individual's unique differences, and foster inclusivity and connectedness. It's a time to honor the unique perspectives of people living with autism and their families. In commemoration of this special time, the Beals Memorial Library's See Beyond the Spectrum Initiative is offering a variety of programs and events to celebrate autism and neurodivergent acceptance. Here's what the library has to offer autistic and neurodivergent individuals, their families and friends, and the community during this special month:
On Monday, April 8, at 6:00 p.m., the library will be screening a surprise documentary for adults highlighting the joys and struggles autism. Come to the showing to see which documentary it'll be! Please note that this film screening will not be entirely sensory friendly, though sensory items will be provided for those who many need them. Lastly. attendees are welcome to bring their own drinks and snack to the movie, but light refreshments will also be provided.
On Saturday, April 13, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., the library will be holding their monthly Sensory Friendly Browsing Hour. Enjoy an hour at the library designed to provide a safe and friendly environment for individuals who are neurodivergent, on the autism spectrum, or have other special needs, and their families. Friendly library staff will assist in navigating the library and its various services: using computers, locating library materials, and more. Sensory toys and accessories will be available to help encourage positive play/interaction and minimize stress and anxiety. Following the Sensory Friendly Browsing Hour will be this month's Sensory Movie Matinee at 10:00 a.m., featuring a screening of the Super Mario Bros. Movie! Move, clap, and sing as you enjoy the show! Enjoy a sensory friendly environment, featuring dim lighting, lower volume, and film breaks, with a scheduled intermission at 11:00 a.m.
The following week, on Tuesday, April 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., join the library for an outdoor Storywalk. Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with a fun reading adventure around the library lawn, featuring the book Masterpiece written by Alexandra Hoffman and illustrated by Beatriz Mello. Masterpiece is an inclusive story featuring Samuel, a boy on the autism spectrum who sees the world differently than his peers. When Samuel's teacher asks his class to create a piece of art, it quickly becomes apparent that his beautiful way of looking at the world makes him a true masterpiece! Each child who participates will receive a free copy of the book while supplies last!
On Saturday, April 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., head over to the American Legion for the library's Touch-a-Truck event! Individuals who are neurodivergent, on the autism spectrum, or have other special needs, and their families are invited to climb in and check out trucks and emergency vehicles without the lights, sirens, and horns! Noise reducing ear muffs/headphones will be available for use if needed.
During the final week of Autism Acceptance month, on Monday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m., all parents, grandparents, and caregivers raising individuals who are neurodivergent, on the autism spectrum, or have other special needs are invited to join the library's caregiver support group, Walking Beside You! This group aims to create a safe space to come together, support each other, and share the joys and challenges of raising individuals with unique needs. This group meets every 3rd Monday of every month to gain information, get advice, and hear about valuable community resources.
Wrapping up the month, on Saturday, April 27, beginning at 10:00 a.m., the library we be joining the Winchendon Renaissance Faire by offering a Sensory Kid Corner! This will be a quiet corner, featuring sand play, crafts, fidget items, noise-cancelling headphones, and more!
Please note: Noise reducing headphones, fidget items, and communication boards/cards are available for those who may need them at ALL library programs and events.
These events are a part of the See Beyond the Spectrum initiative and funds provided by Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL).
The Winchendon Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit bealslibrary.org.
Get a Bird's-Eye View on Bald Eagles at the Beals Memorial Library
Join the Winchendon Library on April 16 for a presentation on bald eagles in the Quabbin Reservoir!
Photo by Dale Monette
Fly on over to the Beals Memorial Library this month to learn more about bald eagles in Massachusetts! Join the library for a presentation by Dale Monette on Bald Eagles at the Quabbin Reservoir on Tuesday, April 16, at 6:00 p.m. See amazing photos and learn more about America's most majestic bird and one project's efforts to restore them to the region!
Join the library for an evening presentation about the Bald Eagle Restoration Project that took place throughout the 1980's at the Quabbin Reservoir. Guest speaker, Dale Monette, was a part of the project that released a total of forty-one immature bald eagles into the Quabbin with hopes of restoring the species to Massachusetts. All are invited to learn about the process from when the birds were brought as chicks to the Prescott Peninsula, until they were released into the wild six weeks later.
This event is brought to you by the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library.
For more information, contact the library at 978-407-2197 or visit bealslibrary.org.
