Candidates in Town Election, May 6, 2024

Youth Changemakers Present Plan for a Town Youth Commission to the BOS

by Inanna Arthen
At the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 20, voters will be asked to approve the formation of a "Town of Winchendon Youth Commission" (Article 23 in the Warrant). At the Board of Selectmen's meeting on Monday, April 22, the nine young people who are organizing this proposal appeared before the Board to explain their plan. Ben Fuller, Addison Mistler, Abigail Bradley, Tora Estes, Emily Croteau, Nikolaus Brauer-Chagnon, Kaiya Jess, Aden Pimentel and Eva Martin all rose together for their collaborative presentation.

Ms. Mistler began, saying, "Tonight, the Youth Changemakers will be requesting a youth ad hoc committee," which is a preliminary step to forming the full Youth Commission.

Ms. Bradley continued, "This group started in 2019, when a few teenagers from the local public school came together, wanting to support the community in a new way. They noticed that there are places for adults and places for children, but not really any teen-centered places in town. When they looked into it, they found a multitude of studies showing that when teens don't have a safe space that's designed specifically for them, there are higher risks of depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

"From this we formed the Youth Changemakers: a group of proactive teens looking to change things up in Winchendon. We love our town and want to get involved, cause impact and empower other youth we loved. We started with a coffee cart that we would push around town to different events selling coffee. We then began to develop teen events such as Pride Kickball, Open Mic Night and Paint 'n' Sips.

"We've maintained a focus on youth voices, from educating others on our mission, to making Pride Month officially recognized in Winchendon. From the very beginning, we got help from grants through HEAL, the CAC and United Way Youth Venture. As we developed over the years, we incorporated bigger initiatives, such as Taste of Winchendon, and could start to offer employment opportunities to the local youth.

"Today we're a group of nine teenagers across three schools. We run the Sunshine Cafe, host monthly teen events and continue to empower youth. We're now looking to start the ad hoc youth committee to further our impact and voices as well as ensure that we aren't going anywhere."

Ms. Estes then took the mic to continue, "Our goal for this committee is to give youth a direct outlet to share their opinions, ideas and concerns. This committee will be made up of seven members from ages 14 to 19, and each member must be appointed by the Board of Selectmen."

Mr. Fuller picked up the narrative, saying, "We love and care about Winchendon. We want to support her both in our current endeavors and our future ones as well. This committee will give the youth of Winchendon a way to get their feedback and ideas heard to the town, which is not only beneficial to the town now, but also for the town in the future. It'll teach the youth about the process of the town legislature. So when the time comes to the next leaders of our community to take over, a smoother transfer of responsibility will be ensured."

He passed the mic to Ms. Croteau, who went on, "We have multiple main goals. A few include for providing feedback with better education, by being able to share with you our ideas and opinions. Our next goal is to develop proposals. Developing proposals would overall help the town by having youth opinion and voice. We want to work with other committees and this is very important to us. Working with other committees would once again better our skills in multiple different areas. Our big goal is to adopt the Mass General Law, which can be found in Chapter 40 section 8E, where we want to form a Youth Commission. Forming a Youth Commission would make us be around for multiple generations."

Mr. Brauer-Chagnon went on to discuss the many initiatives and projects that the Youth Changemakers have already accomplished, and are doing right now. These include the Sunshine Cafe, and teen nights which have attracted around 40 teens to each night. The ad hoc committee, he said, "would provide us the opportunity to work on bigger projects such as a skate park or movie theater, all of which provide teens healthy social alternatives. One event in particular we would want to continue is the Taste of Winchendon. It has been very successful in the past and it promotes community building, cultural appreciation, smaller businesses, and town pride. All of these things are values, are things we wish to show through our work and express it that way. One initiative we are excited by and want to do is have smaller and upcoming artists or students in the area to liven up the deader parts of town and make Winchendon shine with our art. We at the Sunshine Cafe have Makers Alley which allows smaller and upcoming artists to sell their artwork and network themselves into Winchendon.

"We have become a force through HEAL. We have been and want to continue representing our youth in this area. We want to make progress on initiatives that increase social inclusion, positive mental health and safe places in Winchendon. However, all of this work has been under the HEAL grants. Becoming an ad hoc committee means these initiatives can continue beyond this grant's ending, and we can continue to add value to the town with youth involvement."

Ms. Jess described how organized the Youth Changemakers' biweekly meetings are, with agendas and respectful discussions about their goals and projects. The Changemakers currently meet on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Pimentel went on, "here are some logistics for our committee. Seven members will make up the committee. All members are required to be residents of Winchendon, and between the ages of 14 and 19. There are four main roles consisting of a Chair, Vice Chair, a clerk and treasurer. Their responsibilities include coordinating meetings, and ensuring the committee remains on track. Interested parties will need to submit an application to the town. Applications will be reviewed and appointed."

Ms. Martin concluded, "Our final goal tonight is to request to become a youth ad hoc committee to get some experience to eventually form a Youth Commission." She thanked the Board and asked if they had any questions.

Board Vice Chair Rick Ward said, "there is a lot of talk on social media, about nothing to do in Winchendon. If you're looking for what you can do, look at these young people who are trying to make a difference in the town." He went on to note that the "alternates" will need to be voting members so they can make up a quorum for meetings when needed.

Board member Danielle LaPointe said, "great, great job and a heartfelt thank you. Some of you might know, I'm not sure, my daughter was one of the first Youth Changemakers here and she was the one, I think she still has muscles from pushing that cart. So I just want to thank you for not letting it drop. The work meant a lot to her. I can see that it means a lot to you guys. It warms my heart and I thank you guys for doing it."

The Board voted unanimously to approve Mr. Ward's motion "to establish the Winchendon ad hoc youth committee to eventually form a Youth Commission."

Board Chair Audrey LaBrie said, "You're on your first step. You're on your way." She added the Board of Selectmen used to have a student representative, and the School Committee still does. Down the road, other town boards and committees might have student representatives sitting with them.

Enchanted Orchard Renaissance Faire Blossoms This Weekend at Red Apple Farm

by Inanna Arthen
If you missed last weekend's Wyndonshire Faire, or if you attended and want more, this coming weekend, May 4 and 5, the Enchanted Orchard Renaissance Faire will be taking place just a short drive away--at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston. Produced by the same visionary creators, Winchendon-based FaeGuild Wonders, and featuring many of the same talented and experienced cast members (and some new ones!), Enchanted Orchard presents its own unique storyline, characters, fantasy locations and experiences. Red Apple Farm says Enchanted Orchard will be "Massachusetts' first agro-focused Renaissance Faire. Enchanted Orchard Renaissance Faire centers on the agrarian society of the pre-modern period and the event seeks to promote the local and sustainable farming practices which shaped medieval life." It will be "a space for anyone who enjoys history, fantasy and the magic of storytelling."

Many Winchendonians have visited Red Apple Farm to pick apples and pumpkins, hear music, attend events or enjoy the store and animals. But just as all of Winchendon Community Park was transformed into a fantasy realm for Wyndonshire, Red Apple Farm will become a complete enchanted land for a weekend. Visitors may walk around parts of the farm they've never seen before as they are drawn to the Vagabond Bazaar, Viking Camp, Pirate Cove, Fay Hollow, Thornwood, Brewer's Stage, Orchard Stage and Tournament Field. There will even be a Maypole.

The story that will unfold through the weekend in immersive and interactive continuous performances is hinted at thusly: "Four high nobles rule this enchanted realm, the Orchard King, the May Queen, the Duke of Thorns and the Blossom Baroness. Each hailed from an ancient house who farmed the land in days of yore and who had come together to create the majestic kingdom known today as the Enchanted Orchard. Every year, in celebration of spring and the planting season, the great families held a grand faire and Beltane Banquet, the most splendid in all the land, where merchants and farmers journeyed from far and wide to sell their wares at the market in Orchard Town."

Activities will include Troll Hayrides, Unicorn Pony Rides, photo ops with Mermaids, Fairy Scavenger Hunts, demos of blacksmithing, carving and cooking, storytelling and skits, side quests for wizards and knights, and much more. Performances, demos and activities will be ongoing continuously in six different locations, including three stages. There will be many vendors and booths offering themed wares and services. The farm is preparing special refreshments for sale such as fudge and flavored hard ciders.

As with Wyndonshire, attendees are encouraged but not required to wear their own costumes (or "garb"). Costumes should be family-friendly and crowd-safe, and are subject to inspection and requests for adjustment by Faire security.

The Faire hours will be 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. Ticket prices are similar to those for Wyndonshire--"early bird" tickets for adults (age 14 and up) are $20 for a single day, $35 for the weekend, while at-the-gate adult prices are $25 for a single day and $40 for the weekend. Wyndonshire attendees will get a discount on at-the-gate prices. Children's tickets are a bit different; children 6 and under are admitted free with a adult-in-tow, while ages 7 to 13 must have their own children's rate tickets. For complete details, and to buy tickets, see https://enchantedorchardrenfaire.com/, or https://www.facebook.com/events/1350049445710921 on Facebook.

Any questions about the Faire and its policies can be sent to enchantedorchardrenfaire@gmail.com, events@redapplefarm.com, or faeguildwonders@gmail.com

Red Apple Farm is located at 455 Highland Ave, Phillipston, MA, and is quite easy to find: there are large signs on Route 2A alerting visitors to the correct turn. The farm handles parking very efficiently, with ample parking space available adjacent to the property.

Wyndonshire Renaissance Faire a Spectacular Success with an Estimated Attendance of 2,000

by Inanna Arthen
The Wyndonshire Renaissance Faire on April 27 and 28 was a spectacular success in its own right, and a triumph for the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation's vision for the Winchendon Community Park and its Performing Arts Amphitheater. With an estimated attendance on Saturday of 1,700 to 2,000 visitors, and several hundred attending on Sunday, the event far surpassed the park's biggest previous bash, its Grand Opening last June. Every part of the park was put into use with displays, booths, encampments, decorated pathways, performers and cast members. It could take the better part of an hour just to walk around and see everything that was going on.

More happened at the Faire than could possibly be put into a "review." There was a little bit of rain on Saturday and Saturday night, but not enough to seriously dampen the festivities; Sunday's weather was perfect. Many attendees were dressed in costumes and garb, and there were many children enjoying the activities, with dragons and swords being especially popular--although Wyndonshire's kids are certainly ruthless when their "enemies" are down! The brave teachers at "Dragon Training" deserve a special shout-out for the many gruesome defeats they endured at the hands of their young trainees!

There were strolling musicians, bubbles wafting through the air (large and small), mini-dramas played out on the pathways and in the encampments, and many performances on the three stages. At the final "wedding feast," a cascade of surprises (perhaps not all completely surprising for those who happened to overhear key clues earlier) had the princess bride abandoning her betrothed prince and running off with her winged wife-to-be, while the Vikings and rebels overthrew the royal families and proclaimed victory for the people.

Photos and videos galore may be seen on the public Wyndonshire Renaissance Faire Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/867697607955323.

Numerous attendees and vendors, some of them long-time regulars of countless Ren Faires around the region, praised the Faire, the cast and the organizers, saying it was hard to believe it was the Faire's first year, giving it "A+" grades and proclaiming that they can't wait until next year.

FaeGuild Wonders hopes and intends to make Wyndonshire an annual event, which may grow over time to last for multiple weekends as Renaissance Faires often do. Winchendon could become famous as not just "the town with the giant rocking horse," but "the town that hosts the best Renaissance Faire in New England."

But there was more to this weekend than simply a successful event. Wyndonshire Renaissance Faire showed what positivity, inspiration, hard work and a little magic can do with the beautiful park bestowed on the town by Robinson Broadhurst and the hard work of many town staff and volunteers (especially the Parks and Recreation Commission, Recreation Coordinator Tiffany Newton, Department of Public Works director Brian Croteau and the DPW crew). There are so many possibilities at our fingertips for this space. Who would have believed, a year ago, that something like this could manifest right in the heart of Winchendon? If we can do something like this, what else might Winchendon be able to do?

Many thanks go to Faire Coordinator Dawn Higgins, Rajuli and Richard Fahey of FaeGuild Wonders, and the many people who worked so hard as volunteers, for the pure joy of it, to pull this event off. The Realm of Wyndonshire may have faded--for now--but the town of Winchendon is forever a bit lighter and brighter because of it.

Robinson Broadhurst Board Honors Retiring Ernest "Bud" Fletcher for 27 Years of Service

On April 29, 2024, members of the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation Board met to present long-time Board member Ernest "Bud" Fletcher with a plaque to recognize his long service and contributions to the Foundation. Mr. Fletcher has retired from the Board.

In an email communication, Mr. VanEtten wrote, "With the resignation of Arnold Anderson and the death of Winnie Robinson on September 24, 1996, this would leave two vacancies on the Foundation Board of Directors: one in Stamford and one in Winchendon.

"A special meeting was held by the Board on September 26, 1996, to recommend Ernest "Bud" Fletcher and Ralph Beisler to fill the vacancies in Stamford and Winchendon. Bud and Ralph were officially appointed to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting on May 19, 1997.

"Bud would go on to serve on the Board for 27 years, being an integral part of the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation. Bud has brought many years of knowledge, experience, and dedication to the Foundation and community.

"Bud was part of the strong encouragement to the Board to increase its equity exposure which has directly resulted in millions of dollars in extra grant funding for decades. Funding directly to the Winchendon community for the past 27 years exceeds $40 million dollars.

"Bud was an excellent Board member who was extremely active. Bud was part of the Foundation awarding a special round of grants, never done before, during the COVID pandemic.

"Additionally, during Bud's tenure on the Board, the Foundation initiated a very successful paid EMS Service in Stamford, NY, and four beautiful special projects in all three communities: a Community Pool and Little League field in Stamford NY, a Community Center in Worcester NY, and the Winchendon Community Park and Performing Arts Amphitheater here in Winchendon.

"Bud was always a friend, colleague, and someone who has given the Foundation and community 100 percent throughout his time served on the Board. We will all miss you.

"Thank you for your years of service to the Foundation and community. Congratulations!"

May is Mystery Month at the Beals Memorial Library

Do you enjoy the twists and turns of a heart-racing thriller? How about the amatuer sleuthing of a cozy mystery? Are you fascinated by the gritty details of true crime stories? Or do you prefer the detective-led investigations of a classic whodunit? If you're a fan of mysteries or true crime or are looking to give them a try, then join the Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon as they celebrate Mystery Month with a fun reading challenge!

Starting on Wednesday, May 1 and running through Friday, May 31, the library will be holding a Mystery Month reading challenge for participants of all ages. During the month of May, patrons who check out a mystery will be entered for a chance to win a prize. To participate, just fill out and submit a Mystery Month bookmark, which patrons can get from any of the library's staff members at the circulation desk.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more clues about participating in the thrills and chills of Mystery Month, call the library at 978-297-0300 or email at bealsmemoriallibrary@gmail.com.

Owner of Mill Complex Talks About Plans for the Buildings

by Inanna Arthen
On Friday, April 26, the Courier met with Mrs. Amelia Giovanoni, co-owner with her husband John of the mill buildings at 155 Mill Circle, to talk about plans for the property going forward. Mrs. Giovanoni was supervising the installation of a six-foot chain link safety fence around the section of building which experienced a roof and wall collapse on Thursday, April 18, possibly due to heavy snow and ice that had fallen the previous day.

Mrs. Giovanoni said that "people had been getting into" the collapsed part of the building and so the fence was essential. There have been break-ins and vandalism at the mill complex for years, she told the Courier. In one incident, unknown persons broke into the annex that once housed the Winchendon Springs branch post office and completely destroyed the inside. (A small roll of paper from the post office could still be seen on the ground outside the boarded-up building.)

Mrs. Giovanoni said that plans for the complex remain in place, and she has been speaking with their advisor Peter Gagliardi, who has been assisting them for several years. Primary among the goals is affordable housing units, which will incorporate programs for residents to get jobs and save money for down payments so that the residents can move into owned homes in two years. Assisted living and senior housing may also be incorporated into the plans. Those units would themselves create jobs for other residents as staff and caregivers.

Plans for the complex also include a potential grocery store and hydroponic gardens. The site is registered as a farm with the USDA, Mrs. Giovanoni said. She said that Market Basket had planned to put in a store at the site, and was being offered a period of time with no rental fees to get established.

All of the roof of the building that suffered the collapse will need to be replaced, Mrs. Giovanoni said. She told the Courier that they had found bags full of asbestos inside the buildings from previous remediation work, that had never been disposed of.

The property was recently on the market with Rubric Commercial for six months, but is no longer being listed. Mrs. Giovanoni said that there was only one inquiry, from a person who might have been interested in putting in a subdivision on the part of the property plotted out into lots back in the 1950s (the lots can still be seen on the Winchendon Zoning map). However, this propective buyer was really interested in the aquifer, Mrs. Giovanoni said, and did not follow through.

Mrs. Giovanoni said that they had offered to create a water source for the town by drawing from the aquifer under the property, but the town did not take them up on this offer.

Mrs. Giovanoni said that the property is a life project for her and her husband, and they have sunk hundreds of thousands of dollars of their own money into it so far. They are determined to realize their vision for developing it. They have run into many obstacles getting permits and permissions along the way, she said, leading to delays. They have been working on the project through the tenures of at least six Town Managers and Interim Town Managers, starting with James Kriedler, since they purchased the site in April, 2015. "I'm a planner. I plan everything out," Mrs. Giovanoni said. Their only wish is to help people and help the town.

The area around the mill complex and the intersection of Glenallen and Maple Streets is zoned Planned Development, like downtown Winchendon, which means it allows a mixture of residential and commercial development and a wide variety of uses. At one time, this area was known as the village of Winchendon Springs and had its own zip code, 01477 (hence the branch post office), but it is now counted simply as a part of Winchendon.

DESE to Conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of WPS

During the week of May 27, 2024, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Winchendon Public School district. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.

In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child's special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.

Parents and other individuals may call Michelle Hennessy-Kowalchek, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (413) 314-6709 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Winchendon Public Schools with a report with information about areas in which the Winchendon Public Schools meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which Winchendon Public Schools require assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at https://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.

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