The Winchendon Courier

This Week's Winchendon News

Mustard Seed Brings a Flair for Style to Central Street

from left: Michael Giovannucci, Andrew Beauvais, Jon Zlotnik, Rick Ward, Sharon, Brittany, and Les Goodrich.
Photo by Inanna Arthen

Sharon snips the ribbon as Michael Giovannucci, Christine Haslam-Giovannucci, Andrew Beauvais, Jon Zlotnik, Rick Ward, Brittany, and Les Goodrich look on.
Photo by Inanna Arthen

by Inanna Arthen
Another new business has opened its doors on Central Street! The Mustard Seed Boutique, recently relocated from Westminster, has moved into the space at 200 Central Street formerly occupied by Rescued Treasures, the second-hand shop operated by Ahimsa Haven. The store has been given a complete renovation and re-decorating and feels light, airy and cheerful--even when it's as full of people as it was for the official ribbon cutting on Saturday, April 5.

Present to do the honors were Planning and Land Use Coordinator Nicole Roberts, Les Goodrich from the Capital Planning Committee, Chair of the Board of Selectmen Rick Ward, Selectman Andrew Beauvais, Finance Committee member Mike Giovannucci, and candadate for the Board of Selectmen Christine Haslam-Giovannucci. State Representative Jon Zlotnik attended to present the store owner, Sharon, with a certificate and his congratulations. The ceremony was videorecorded for Winchendon TV.

Before everyone was called together for the ceremony, the Courier chatted with Sharon, who preferred to only give her first name, and Sharon's assistant, Brittany.

Sharon said that she started the business in 2018, because she needed the flexibility of her own business. "As my parents started getting older, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't leaving a job and getting fired because you had to take time off for appointments, so I decided I'd try it out. I've always wanted to have something on my own, to just let me do appointments with my parents and take care of them."

She looked at different spaces, she said, "and they just didn't feel right. And I take care of my dad, So he's with me all the time, and this place actually had a room back there where I could set him up, and I knew I could still watch him and still be able to do what I like to do. And the spot was just perfect."

The store sells women's clothing, handbags, gifts, jewelry, and other accessories. Asked what the name Mustard Seed meant to her, Sharon replied, "That it's all about having faith."

Asked what she was looking forward to in her partnership with Winchendon, Sharon said she wants to see more small businesses move here. Searching for the right word, she said she'd like to see "a nice eclectic variety of people coming here, it's just a cute little town. Everybody's been so nice and receptive."

Sharon said she wants everyone to know that "we're here in the community and look forward to meeting them, clients or customers."

You can follow The Mustard Seed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MustardSeedMA, or check out their website at www.mustardseedboutiquema.com/. They are located at 200 Central Street and are open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Photo by Inanna Arthen

Override Information Sessions Evoke Different Questions and More Explanations from Department Heads

Department heads at the Beals session on Monday, April 7.
Photo copyright Town of Winchendon

by Inanna Arthen
The Proposition 2-1/2 Override information sessions organized by Town Manager Bill McKinney continued this week with sessions at the Beals Memorial Library on Monday, April 7, at Murdock High School on Tuesday, April 8, and at the Old Murdock Senior Center on Thursday, April 10.

The session in the Beals 2nd floor auditorium on Monday was attended by some 70 people, filling the room. The session was videorecorded for WinchendonTV and the video may be watched at https://winchendon.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/show/223

The department head "panelists" were Fire Chief Tom Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator Shaina Cunningham, Beals Memorial Library Director Manuel King, Town Manager Bill McKinney, Senior Center Director Miranda Jennings, Director of the Department of Public Works Brian Croteau, Police Chief Dan Wolski, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc Gosselin.

This session was more structured than the free-form discussion at Town Hall the previous Wednesday. Mr. McKinney and the department heads for the most part reiterated the explanations that they had given in previous Board meetings and discussions, since most people had not seen or heard those. They also answered specific questions and expanded or clarified on some topics. Before the floor was opened for questions, Mr. McKinney gave a summary of the situation and how the town got to this point.

Questions asked were a little different than the first session, and stayed more focused on the override and the three departments that will be entirely shut down, along with their buildings, should an override not pass (these being the Beals Memorial Library, the Old Murdock Senior Center and the Parks & Recreation department. The combined "level service" budgets for these three is $507,960. For a complete explanation of the budgets and override, see the links to previous Courier coverage at the end of this article.)

Jane LaPointe asked about some of the solutions that have been floated on social media to keep the departments from being shut down, such as reduced hours at the library or Senior Center, or staffing the library by volunteers, asking if any of these "would really make a difference."

Mr. McKinney replied that there just wasn't enough money to go around and allow partial cuts to everything to bring expenses down. He was prioritizing things that affected the largest number of people most critically, and these boiled down to public safety (Police, Fire, Ambulance), public works and the core offices in Town Hall. Last year, the budget was short and the town used its last American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, and Free Cash, to balance it. At that time, Mr. McKinney warned the Boards and voters that we would be faced with an override this year. Even with the severe cuts in the FY26 level-funded budget, Mr. McKinney had to apply $300,000 of one-time revenue to make it balance.

Mr. King explained that the library couldn't be run by volunteers because of the specialized skills needed to provide all the services--it's not just checking out books. Library staff need to answer questions, run the programs, understand the tech and show library patrons how to use it, understand how to handle materials, and many other things. There would be no budget for internet service and possibly no computers at all, and there would be no budget to properly heat and cool the building. He also explained that the library could apply for financial assistance from the Mass Board of Library Commissioners but only if there has been a equal budget cut for all departments and the library's budget cuts are proportionate to that.

Ms. Jennings explained that the Senior Center's programs, especially delivering 60 to 80 at-home meals every day and driving the vans, could not rely on volunteers alone. Meal deliveries also serve as wellness checks for seniors who live alone, which has led to lives being saved more than once. They would lose their dispatcher for transportation, whose job is "like a 4000-piece jigsaw puzzle, and one that requires someone to be there on the phone five days a week figuring out everybody's rides." They get ten hours of social services a week from Shaina Cunningham, who is DTA certified. They help seniors who are being evicted, who don't have utilities, or who need food stamps, Ms. Jennings said.

Several people asked what the overrides would actually cost homeowers. One stated that there was supposed to be a "calculator" on the town website. Mr. McKinney said that they didn't put up a "calculator," but there is a chart showing what the amounts would be for homes of various values.

A resident asked why those three departments were being entirely shut down, rather than the whole budget being cut for all departments equally. Mr. McKinney said the situation is just going to keep getting worse year after year, and the town would start losing firefighters, police officers, or personnel at the DPW (who treat and plow the roads in the winter, among many other things). Chief Wolski said the effect of a broad reduction would be "compounding." Costs of everything will keep going up. Fewer people are going into law enforcement careers, and the police department has five retirements coming up. Recruitment and retention of qualified staff is a challenge, and will be harder if the town can't offer competitive salaries and benefits. Winchendon dispatch also provides dispatch services for the town of Royalston.

Chief Smith said that the fire department is very fortunate to have highly trained paramedics on staff, "We've probably got some of the best medics, in my mind, in the whole area." The ambulance service does bring in revenue, about $900,000. But "it's never going to offset" the whole department budget. "We're not going to be an Enterprise Fund" like the Water, Sewer and Transfer Station, he said.

Dr. Gosselin said that the schools have the same problems with retaining staff. Fewer people are going into education as a career, and the district has trouble offering competitive salaries. This leads to a second problem for the schools: student retention. If students aren't getting good teachers and programs, they school-choice to another district or to Montachusett Regional Vocational school.

A resident pointed out that in 2001, the school district had about 2,000 students, and now it has about 1,200. He asked if the district needs all three buildings. Dr. Gosselin explained that the cost and requirements for providing services to the "increasingly complex, challenging Special Education populations" are much higher now than in 2001. These students need smaller classes and separate programs. Also, "we've seen radical shifts in what's required for students to graduate."

In response to another question, Dr. Gosselin said that about 100 students are choosing to go to schools outside the district. Winchendon pays their tuition, which is about $7500 per student. Winchendon also loses state Chapter 70 funding for each student that choices out of the district. The district couldn't just end school choice, Dr. Gosselin said, it would have to be phased out gradually.

Asked how the district could bring some 200 students (100 school choice and about 81 at Monty Tech) back to the schools if the elementary schools are over capacity and Murdock Middle High School is at about 95 percent capacity, Dr. Gosselin said some adjustments could be made. Memorial Elementary has an open plan design with moveable sections dividing the space into "classrooms." Some library space could be partitioned off into classroom space.

Residents asked questions about the costs of busing, health insurance and Monty Tech tuition, which will be $633,000 next year. Dr. Gosselin and Mr. McKinney explained the busing bid process and health insurance purchasing process.

The question arose of "talk on social media" about "missing money," mismanagement and the audit report given in September, 2024. Mr. McKinney said there was nothing stolen or "missing" besides the $6,000 theft by the former town Treasurer, which will be repaid. He described how that theft was reported and how the police responded, and explained that the former Treasurer went to court and is on probation and ordered to pay back the funds in full.

There were questions about whether replacing retiring officers with new recruits would save the force money (yes, but it takes a year to train a new hire, and Chief Wolski can't plan ahead and hire anyone before the retiring officer actually leaves) and whether the Recreation Director was grant-funded (only for one year, Mr. McKinney said, then the town was expected to pay for the position). A resident spoke fiercely about the auditor's statement last fall that the town had lost out on some $300,000 in interest by not moving some funds into higher-yielding accounts when it had been advised to "year after year after year."

To questions about what the town could do about derelict buildings, Mr. McKinney explained the complexities of putting liens on properties and how long it takes to actually foreclosure. Massachusetts Governor Healey drastically reduced the amount that towns can get from foreclosures, he explained. Formerly, a town could charge 14 percent on late interest payments, 16 percent after tax taking procedures began. Now it's capped at 8 percent. Along with this, once a town takes a property for non-payment of taxes, it used to be able to sell the property and keep the total amount. Now the law says that towns can keep no more than the amount of tax due, and must give all the rest of the proceeds back to the former owner.

If the owner of a derelict property is paying their taxes in full, there isn't much the town can do. Mr. McKinney pointed out that once the town owns a building, "it owns what's under them," which may mean contamination and expensive clean-ups, even if the building is simply demolished.

In response to questions, Mr. McKinney explained in detail how the voting procedures work for passing overrides in general, and how this vote will work, with the two different override amounts to vote on. If the larger override passes, Mr. McKinney said, the town would be able to take care of some one-time maintenance issues, and add some padding, such as putting funds into the Stabilization fund.

There were several questions about what would happen to the contents of the library if it was completely closed down. Mr. King didn't have an answer to this. A resident pointed out that the library's holdings include all the town archives and historical records, along with technical equipment. If they were just left in an empty building, they could be damaged or deteriorate and be lost forever.

The meeting ran for two hours and fifteen minutes. The general theme of the questions as a whole suggested that residents don't want an override, but also don't want to lose the three departments, and are trying to find creative ways to avoid both outcomes.

On Tuesday, April 8, at 6:00 p.m., the third information session was held in the Murdock High School auditorium. It was much more lightly attended than the first two sessions, with about 35 residents scattered around the auditorium in widely separated small clusters. The same "panel" of department heads sat in chairs along the proscenium of the stage, except for Ms. Jennings who was not able to attend.

This session was much shorter. There were pauses between questions, and many of the same questions were asked and answered as the previous two sessions. A surprising omission was the small number of school-related questions, for an information meeting held in the high school.

One attendee said she was hearing people talk about this all being "a scare tactic" to get people to vote for the override. Mr. McKinney said that the three departments really will be closed down if the override fails. Another resident pointed out that the state isn't being nearly as generous in its Local Funding amount, on top of all the big cost increases.

In response to questions, Mr. King said that 22 percent of Winchendon's population holds a library card, and the library has invested about $2 million in building updates and renovation. Dr. Gosselin said that if the override fails, the schools will have to completely cut athletics.

Residents continued to search for solutions. One resident asked if there was any source of revenue we could draw from. Mr. McKinney said that new businesses substantial enough to make a difference would take years to build a facility and start operating. Mr. Croteau said that he gets calls from prospective businesses two or three times a week, and works with them to see if Winchendon can provide what they're looking for. One resident said that people want to see concrete plans from Town Hall on what they're doing to prevent this from happening year after year. People want to see an outline of steps the town will take.

Some new facts were brought out by questions. Chief Smith said that the fire department has not been able to answer more than 100 ambulance calls because they didn't have the staff. This means other towns' ambulance services picked up the calls, with longer wait times for the patients, and Winchendon could not bill for the calls, losing revenue. Chief Wolski said that along with being a "dispatch hub" for Royalston, which earns the department $180,000 from the state 911 network, Winchendon is an Animal Control Hub. Templeton pays the town for a contract to provide animal control services.

The meeting ended at around 7:20 p.m.

There are more override information sessions scheduled around town over the next three weeks, ending with a final session at Town Hall on Wednesday, April 30.

Previous Courier Coverage:

"Superintendent Gosselin Presents FY26 School Budget Proposals to Tri-Board Meeting as Winchendon Faces Tough Decisions" and "Town Manager Outlines Challenging Financial Straits for Winchendon in FY26" in the February 20-27, 2025 edition of The Winchendon Courier.

"Town Manager Gives BOS and Fincom the Lowdown on FY26 Level-funded Budget" and "Department Heads Describe Benefits the Town could Lose" in the March 13-20, 2025 edition of The Winchendon Courier.

"Town Manager Presents Two Proposed Budgets to the BOS and FinCom", "Residents Weigh In to BOS and FinCom about Budgets and Override" and "BOS Agrees to Place Two Override Options Before Voters" in the March 27-April 3, 2025 edition of The Winchendon Courier.

"Residents Serious and Concerned as Town Manager, Department Heads Hold First Override Info Session" in the April 3-10, 2025 edition of The Winchendon Courier.

Upcoming Sessions:

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. - Hyde Park Drive Community Room,

Thursday, April 17, 2025 - 2:00 p.m. - Glen Woods Community Room

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - 3:00 p.m. - Winchendon CAC/The HUB, 5 Summer Dr
..............................................6:00 p.m. - Pearl Drive Community Room

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - 6:00 p.m. - Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 2:30 p.m. - Ipswich Drive Community Room (tentative)
..............................................6:00 p.m. - Winchendon Town Hall, 109 Front St

Community Connector

Your One-Stop Guide to What's Happening in your Town!

FRIDAY APRIL 11

Trivia at the HUB 7:00-8:00 p.m. Join us for a fun evening of Trivia at The HUB! Whether you're looking for a night out with friends, family fun, or a chance to unwind, we've got you covered. Purchase Beer and Wine to help support the CAC while you bowl! Join us for a fantastic evening of bowling, drinks, and community fun! Brought to you by Winchendon Parks and Recreation! Tag your friends and let's make it a strike! 2nd and 4th Fridays January through April. At The HUB, 5 Summer Dr., Winchendon.

SATURDAY APRIL 12

Sensory Friendly Touch-a-Truck 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Join us for a fun community event that allows individuals to interact closely with a variety of trucks, emergency vehicles and more without the lights, sirens and horns! Sponsored by Beals Memorial Library. Trucks will be at Old Murdock Senior Center parking lot, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon. For more info, call the library at 978-297-0300.

SUNDAY APRIL 13

Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny 8:00-11:00 a.m. Come and join Cub Scout Pack 193 for delicious pancakes and visit with the Easter Bunny! All proceeds will go to Cub Scout Pack 193. $10 per adult, $5 per child age 10 and under. At the Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St.

Palm Sunday Service and Parade with United Parish 10:00 p.m. Join us for our Palm Sunday Worship service! We will be celebrating Jesus' triumphant entry as our King, following Worship Service, we will be gathering at the Dollar Tree parking lot to organize the parade down Central Street waving our Palms in the air and will be visited by our donkey friend Jellybean for the Parade of the Palms. Central Street will be closed briefly for the marchers. Service at United Parish, 39 Front St, Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 16

Proposition 2-1/2 Override Information Session 1:00 p.m. This is your chance to ask questions and get answers from the Town Manager and Town Department Heads about the override, or about town government in general. At Hyde Park Community Room, Winchendon.

THURSDAY APRIL 17

Proposition 2-1/2 Override Information Session 2:00 p.m. This is your chance to ask questions and get answers from the Town Manager and Town Department Heads about the override, or about town government in general. At Glen Woods Community Room, Winchendon.

Culinary Workshop for Teens 3:00-5:00 p.m. Cooking lessons with Growing Places for youth age 13-18. Every other Thursday, free of charge. Learn how to make cookies and soup! Products made will be sold at The HUB and served to seniors every other Friday! Participants will gain hands-on cooking experience and give back to the local senior center by cooking a delicious meal for them! Please fill out a separate RSVP form for each participant you are registering at https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/culinary-workshop. Workshop is held at The HUB, 5 Summer Dr., Winchendon.

Holy Thursday Service 6:30 p.m. Mass and Last Supper. At Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 52 Spruce St, Winchendon.

FRIDAY APRIL 18

Good Friday Service at United Parish 6:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for service here in the sanctuary for our Good Friday service, as we listen and learn about the Road to Redemption from Pastor Jason Cox. Following service, the Youth Group program will be doing the traditional United Parish Lock-in with the Youth Group members. At United Parish, 39 Front St, Winchendon.

Good Friday Service 6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross at 3:00 p.m. At Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 52 Spruce St, Winchendon.

Line Dancing Lessons with Marylee 6:30-8:00 p.m. No experience necessary. Open to anyone who wants to join. This is an all genres music class. $10 per person. No outside drinks. Cash bar available. Come enjoy the fun and stay for Singo bingo at 8:00 p.m. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

Singo 8:00-9:30 p.m. This is the musical version of regular bingo! Instead of listening to numbers, listen to your favorite songs! Feel free to sing along too! No cost to play and chances to win gift cards! Club opens at 6:00 p.m. We have pool tables and dart boards too! Cash bar available. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

SATURDAY APRIL 19

Easter Egg Hunt & Photos with the Easter Bunny 11:00 a.m. Join us for an egg-citing day at Winchendon Community Park! Bring the whole family for a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt and a chance to snap a picture with the Easter Bunny! Free to all. For more details contact Shaina at 978-297-3155 or scunningham@winchendon-ma.gov. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks & Recreation. At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.

Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil Mass at 7:30 p.m. At Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 52 Spruce St, Winchendon.

SUNDAY APRIL 20

Sunrise Service in Old Centre 6:00 a.m. Join us on the Old Centre Common at the top of High Street as the sun rises, singing hymns that celebrate Jesus' Resurrection. You may even hear a rooster crow! Sponsored by United Parish of Winchendon.

Easter Sunday Mass 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. At Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 52 Spruce St, Winchendon.

Easter Service at United Parish 10:00 a.m. Special Easter songs will be sung by the choir that they have worked so hard on with Wendy McKean. And a short performance with the Sunday School children that have worked so hard too, celebrating Jesus' Resurrection! Then following service we invite the children to gather on the front lawn for our Easter Egg Hunt! At United Parish, 39 Front St, Winchendon.

Easter Service and Egg Hunt at UU Church of Winchendon 11:00 a.m. Join us for a family-friendly lay-led Easter service as we contemplate "What would Jesus Do?" Let's celebrate all of the good Jesus brought to the world through both words and deed. Sharon Beaty will provide live music on our Chickering grand piano. After the service, we invite children and adults to partake in our egg hunt around the building. At UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 23

Proposition 2-1/2 Override Information Session 3:00 p.m. This is your chance to ask questions and get answers from the Town Manager and Town Department Heads about the override, or about town government in general. At Winchendon CAC/The HUB, 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon.

Proposition 2-1/2 Override Information Session 6:00 p.m. This is your chance to ask questions and get answers from the Town Manager and Town Department Heads about the override, or about town government in general. At the Pearl Drive Community Room, Winchendon.

THURSDAY APRIL 24

Bob Jordan at the Old Murdock 11:00 a.m. Enjoy the music of Winchendon resident Bob Jordan, who performs a mix of folk, rock, and original songs. For more information, call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

BINGO at the HUB 7:00-9:00 p.m. Play 15 exciting games, just 50 cents per sheet of three squares! Last game is a COVERALL for $1 a sheet, with a GUARANTEED $75 pot! Bring your friends, grab your lucky charm, and get ready for a fun-filled evening of bingo and prizes! Sponsored by Winchendon Parks & Recreation Commission. At Winchendon Community HUB, 5 Summer Dr.

FRIDAY APRIL 25

Trivia at the HUB 7:00-8:00 p.m. Join us for a fun evening of Trivia at The HUB! Whether you're looking for a night out with friends, family fun, or a chance to unwind, we've got you covered. Purchase Beer and Wine to help support the CAC while you bowl! Join us for a fantastic evening of bowling, drinks, and community fun! Brought to you by Winchendon Parks and Recreation! Tag your friends and let's make it a strike! 2nd and 4th Fridays January through April. At The HUB, 5 Summer Dr., Winchendon.

SATURDAY APRIL 26

Art Critique with Care 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Are you looking for encouragement and support from other artists? Bring up to 2 pieces of your artwork (finished or unfinished) to share with your circle of artists' friends. Join us even if you don't have art to bring! Free to all GALA members. Please RSVP to Janet, Jandu516@gmail.com. Sponsored by GALA. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

Open House Family Fun Day at the American Legion 12:00-5:00 p.m. Come see what we have to offer! Sponsored by the Winchendon American Legion Auxiliary Unit 193. At Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295

MONDAY APRIL 28

Doc & Talk at the Beals 6:00 p.m. Documentary film and discussion series. Now showing: Life, Animated (2016). A coming-of-age story about a boy and his family who overcame great challenges by turning Disney animated movies into a language to express love, loss, kinship and brotherhood. Shown as part of Autism Acceptance Month. Rated PG. Free to the public! Popcorn will be provided. In the auditorium at Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

TUESDAY APRIL 29

Dementia Care Training at the Senior Center 5:30 p.m. This month, "Forms and Stages of Dementia: Exploring the Present and Anticipating the Future." Trainer: Olivia Companion, certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. Fee: $25. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 to register. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 30

Classic Movie Matinee at the Beals 3:00 p.m. Now showing: The Great Dictator starring Charlie Chaplin. Dictator Adenoid Hynkel tries to expand his empire while a poor Jewish barber tries to avoid persecution from Hynkel's regime. Rated G. Free to the public! For more info, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit https://bealslibrary.org. In the auditorium at Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St, Winchendon.

THURSDAY MAY 1

Proposition 2-1/2 Override Information Session 2:30 p.m. This is your chance to ask questions and get answers from the Town Manager and Town Department Heads about the override, or about town government in general. At Ipswich Drive Community Room, Winchendon.

Fitchburg Art Museum and Farmers Market Trip 2:00-5:00 p.m. Free admission to the Art Museum! Sponsored by Old Murdock Senior Center. Home pick up available upon request or meet at the Senior Center (52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon) at 1:30 to get a ride. RIDES MUST BE SCHEDULED TO CONFIRM YOUR SEAT ON THE BUS. You can sign up online at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/council-aging or call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155.

Culinary Workshop for Teens 3:00-5:00 p.m. Cooking lessons with Growing Places for youth age 13-18. Every other Thursday, free of charge. Learn how to make cookies and soup! Products made will be sold at The HUB and served to seniors every other Friday! Participants will gain hands-on cooking experience and give back to the local senior center by cooking a delicious meal for them! Please fill out a separate RSVP form for each participant you are registering at https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/culinary-workshop. Workshop is held at The HUB, 5 Summer Dr., Winchendon.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:15 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Served in the Parish Hall. This week the menu is Pasta Fagioli with garlic bread by Beverly & Christine. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

FRIDAY MAY 2

Singo 8:00-9:30 p.m. This is the musical version of regular bingo! Instead of listening to numbers, listen to your favorite songs! Feel free to sing along too! No cost to play and chances to win gift cards! Club opens at 6:00 p.m. We have pool tables and dart boards too! Cash bar available. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

MONDAY MAY 5

Town Election 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon, 2nd floor auditorium.

WEDNESDAY MAY 7

Mount Wachusett Community College Outreach 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Curious About College? Meet Michelle from MWCC! Michelle, a Recruitment Counselor from Mount Wachusett Community College, will be at the CAC for a meet-and-greet with inquisitive residents. Have questions about college? Wondering if "The Mount" is the right fit for you? Stop by! No appointment needed--just bring your curiosity and questions. We can't wait to see you there! At Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Dr.

THURSDAY MAY 8

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

SATURDAY MAY 10

Taste of Winchendon TBA. Hosted by the Winchendon Youth Ad Hoc Committee. At G.A.R. Park, Grove St and Murdock Ave.

Old Murdock Open House 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Come by and meet your local Senior Center! Free activities, food, yard sale, bake sale and fun for the whole family! Held in conjunction with Taste of Winchendon. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon.

TUESDAY MAY 13

Dementia Caregiver Support Group 5:30 p.m. Meets second Tuesday of each month. Facilitator: Olivia Companion, certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. Free of charge. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 to register. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

THURSDAY MAY 15

Culinary Workshop for Teens 3:00-5:00 p.m. Cooking lessons with Growing Places for youth age 13-18. Every other Thursday, free of charge. Learn how to make cookies and soup! Products made will be sold at The HUB and served to seniors every other Friday! Participants will gain hands-on cooking experience and give back to the local senior center by cooking a delicious meal for them! Please fill out a separate RSVP form for each participant you are registering at https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/culinary-workshop. Workshop is held at The HUB, 5 Summer Dr., Winchendon.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

FRIDAY MAY 16

Singo 8:00-9:30 p.m. This is the musical version of regular bingo! Instead of listening to numbers, listen to your favorite songs! Feel free to sing along too! No cost to play and chances to win gift cards! Club opens at 6:00 p.m. We have pool tables and dart boards too! Cash bar available. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

SATURDAY MAY 17

Annual Town Wide Clean-up Day 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. There will be a large dumpster, trash bags and gloves for anyone who can help! Huge thank you in advance to those who come help!! Organized by the Winchendon Board of Health. Clean-up Central at Town Hall, 109 Front St, clean-up wherever you see the need!

MONDAY MAY 19

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 7:00 p.m. At Murdock Middle High School Audtorium, 3 Memorial Dr, Winchendon.

TUESDAY MAY 27

Dementia Care Training at the Senior Center 5:30 p.m. This month, "Activities That Matter: Finding Joy and Purpose in Dementia Engagement." Trainer: Olivia Companion, certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. Fee: $25. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 to register. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

THURSDAY MAY 29

Culinary Workshop for Teens 3:00-5:00 p.m. Cooking lessons with Growing Places for youth age 13-18. Every other Thursday, free of charge. Learn how to make cookies and soup! Products made will be sold at The HUB and served to seniors every other Friday! Participants will gain hands-on cooking experience and give back to the local senior center by cooking a delicious meal for them! Please fill out a separate RSVP form for each participant you are registering at https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/culinary-workshop. Workshop is held at The HUB, 5 Summer Dr., Winchendon.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

SATURDAY MAY 31

Operation Winchendon Cares "Military Apprecation Month" Drive 8:30-10:30 a.m. Drop off donations to fill packages for our Winchendon-associated military personnel, or stay and help stuff packages to send. At Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 4

Mount Wachusett Community College Outreach 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Curious About College? Meet Michelle from MWCC! Michelle, a Recruitment Counselor from Mount Wachusett Community College, will be at the CAC for a meet-and-greet with inquisitive residents. Have questions about college? Wondering if "The Mount" is the right fit for you? Stop by! No appointment needed--just bring your curiosity and questions. We can't wait to see you there! At Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Dr.

THURSDAY JUNE 5

Fitchburg Art Museum and Farmers Market Trip 2:00-5:00 p.m. Free admission to the Art Museum! Sponsored by Old Murdock Senior Center. Home pick up available upon request or meet at the Senior Center (52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon) at 1:30 to get a ride. RIDES MUST BE SCHEDULED TO CONFIRM YOUR SEAT ON THE BUS. You can sign up online at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/council-aging or call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155.

SATURDAY JUNE 7

Founders Day 12:00-9:00 p.m. Join us for a fun-filled day of live music, delicious food, and family-friendly activities! Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs for a full day of entertainment, local vendors, and community fun.
Live Music Schedule:
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Winchendon Winds
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Jared Moore
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM - BriezyJane and the Hurricane
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Anderson Daniels (Headliner)
Food Trucks & Local Vendors! Games & Activities for All Ages! Don't miss out on this amazing day of community celebration. See you there! At Winchendon Community Park, 86 Ingleside Dr.

TUESDAY JUNE 10

Dementia Caregiver Support Group 5:30 p.m. Meets second Tuesday of each month. Facilitator: Olivia Companion, certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. Free of charge. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 to register. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

THURSDAY JUNE 12

Culinary Workshop for Teens 3:00-5:00 p.m. Cooking lessons with Growing Places for youth age 13-18. Every other Thursday, free of charge. Learn how to make cookies and soup! Products made will be sold at The HUB and served to seniors every other Friday! Participants will gain hands-on cooking experience and give back to the local senior center by cooking a delicious meal for them! Please fill out a separate RSVP form for each participant you are registering at https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/culinary-workshop. Workshop is held at The HUB, 5 Summer Dr., Winchendon.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

SATURDAY JUNE 14

Annual Summer Lawn Fair 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Crafts, retail items, raffle baskets, concessions, free cycle table and more! Fundraiser to support Set in Stone masonry restoration and operations. 126 Central Street.

Solstice Fair through the day, times TBA. Road race, parade, vendors, town organizations, food and live music. On Central Street and around the Clark Memorial YMCA, 155 Central St, Winchendon.

SUNDAY JUNE 15

Winchendon Winds Concert Band Performance 2:00 p.m. Free and open to all. At Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

SATURDAY JUNE 21

Snowbound Annual Brewfest 2025 2:00-8:00 p.m. Kick off summer with us! Tickets $30 per person for brew tasting. Positive ID required. Includes sampling glass. General admission with the no brew tasting $5. Entertainment by Two for the Road and The Willies. Portion of proceeds to benefit local animal rescue. There will be food trucks, raffles, and shopping from local artisans. This is a family and dog friendly event. At the Snowbound Club, 130 Baldwinville Rd, Winchendon.

SUNDAY JUNE 22

Winchendon Winds Concert Band Performance 2:00 p.m. Free and open to all. At Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

TUESDAY JUNE 24

Dementia Care Training at the Senior Center 5:30 p.m. This month, "Dementia Challenges: A Montessori Approach to Success." Trainer: Olivia Companion, certified Dementia Practitioner and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. Fee: $25. Call the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 to register. At Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon.

THURSDAY JUNE 26

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Dinner will be served in the Parish Hall; take-out available after indoor diners are served. This week's menu TBA. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

SATURDAY JUNE 28

Food Truck Festival and Battle of the Bands 12:00-7:00 p.m. Get ready for a day of great food, live music, and local creativity at the Winchendon Food Truck Festival! Featuring over 15 incredible food trucks serving up a diverse selection of ethnic cuisine, this festival is a paradise for food lovers. Enjoy craft beer and wine, browse unique handmade goods from local crafters and artisans, and experience the energy of our Battle of the Bands, where talented musicians compete for the top spot. Don't miss this ultimate community celebration of food, music, and fun! Free admission! Sponsored by WooTrucks and Winchendon Parks & Recreation. At G.A.R. Park, Murdock Ave and Spruce St, Winchendon.

SUNDAY JUNE 29

Winchendon Winds Concert Band Performance 2:00 p.m. Free and open to all. At Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, 126 Central St.

FRIDAY JULY 11

G.A.R. Park Concert Featuring The Ed Sullivans 5:00-7:00 p.m. The Ed Sullivans - Bringing Classic Rock to Life! Get ready for the best of the British Invasion & American Rock from the '60s & '70s! Band Members:
Donnie Sadowski - Drums & Vocals
Tom Yates - Guitar & Vocals
"Arizona" Doug Urquhart - Bass & Vocals
Follow us for updates, live performances, and classic rock nostalgia! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063503257588. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theedsullivansbandworceste8018. Free to all, bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks & Recreation. At G.A.R. Park, Murdock Ave and Grove St, Winchendon.

FRIDAY AUGUST 8

G.A.R. Park Concert Featuring The Faceless Hobos 5:00-7:00 p.m. Meet The Faceless Hobos - a duo born out of pure passion for music! Pat Townsend and Dave Romanowski first started playing together in 2019 but, like many, were disrupted by the pandemic. However, their love for music kept them going, even jamming in a freezing garage with gloves on! Fast forward a few years, and they've made their way onto the local music scene, performing at open mics and small gigs--always with the goal of having fun and sharing the stage with fellow musicians. You might even catch Maggie Neff joining them for a jam! Their style leans toward Americana, influenced by legends like Guy Clark, John Prine, and Hayes Carll, with a few original tunes in the mix. Free to all, bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Sponsored by Winchendon Parks & Recreation. At G.A.R. Park, Murdock Ave and Grove St, Winchendon.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 11

Fall Fest 2025 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. On Central Street from CVS to Cumberland Farms--vendors, live music, demonstrations, food, local businesses, crafters and much more! https://www.townofwinchendon.com/9th-annual-winchendon-fall-festival for updates and information. 2025 application for vendors is available at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/9th-annual-winchendon-fall-festival/pages/2025-fall-festival-vendor-application

ONGOING

SUNDAYS

Bowling 12:00-5:00 p.m. $25 for a lane per hour for up to 5 people. At The HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr.

MONDAYS

Pickleball 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Chair Yoga with Paula 11:00 a.m. $5 suggested donation per class. This class is suitable for all abilities. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Friends Book Sale 1:00-3:00 p.m. The Friends of the Library Book Sale is back! Browse a wide selection of used books, DVDs, puzzles, music and more that the whole family will love. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. We are also happy to share that we are now accepting DONATIONS! Item acceptance is at the discretion of the Friends. All items not accepted WILL be returned to the donor. Donations will ONLY be accepted during book sale hours. Donations should not be deposited in the Library's book drop-off box.
We will NOT accept the following:
* Textbooks of any kind
* Encyclopedias
* Dictionaries
* Any item that contains obsolete information (i.e. medical books)
* Any item in poor condition (scratched or damaged)
* VHS or Cassette Tapes

AA Meeting 7:30 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

Lego Club for Kids at the Beals 4:00-5:00 p.m. Join us for fun-filled afternoons building Lego creations straight from your imagination! For for information, contact the library at 978-297-0300. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

TUESDAYS

Pickleball 9:30 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Family Friendly Story Hour at the Chapel 10:00-11:00 a.m. For preschool age children. Parents must stay with their children for the story time. At the Chapel Downtown, 286 Central St, Winchendon.

Strength Training and Fitness Classes with Mary Lee 9:15-10:15 a.m. through Nov 7. Beginner class at 9:15 a.m., Intermediate at 9:45 a.m. Get fit with these fun exercise classes that are customized for all abilities. $5 suggested donation. Sign up online at www.townofwinchendon.com/council-aging or call the Senior Center. Rides available upon request. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Line Dancing! with Mary Lee 10:30-11:30 a.m. from Sept 5 through Nov 14. $5 Suggested Donation. No one will be turned away if unable to pay. Register at www.townofwinchendon.com/council-aging. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Yoga Classes with Paula Lashua-Brisbois 4:30-5:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome, mats and blocks available if needed. Open to adults and teens. $10 per class. For more info, contact 978-297-0300, bealsmemoriallibrary@gmail.com or visit https://www.bealslibrary.org. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

WEDNESDAYS

Pickleball 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Ukelele Ground 10:00 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Zumbini 11:00 a.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Bingo! 12:30 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Meet-Up With the Kiwanis 6:30 p.m. 2ND AND 4TH WEDNESDAYS EACH MONTH. All are welcome! Come join in community projects, make new friends, make your community better, have some fun! Younger folks welcome. For more information, call Cailte Kelly, 978-413-9930. Hosted by Kiwanis of Winchendon MA. At the Clark Memorial YMCA Community Room (in new gymnastics building down by the bike path), 155 Central St., Winchendon.

THURSDAYS

Pickleball 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

CFCE Preschool Playgroup at the Beals 1:00-2:00 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of free play, a craft, story time and music & movement. This program is in partnership with the Winchendon CFCE. Contact the library at 978-297-0300 for more information. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon.

Friends Book Sale 5:00-7:00 p.m. The Friends of the Library Book Sale is back! Browse a wide selection of used books, DVDs, puzzles, music and more that the whole family will love. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. We are also happy to share that we are now accepting DONATIONS! Item acceptance is at the discretion of the Friends. All items not accepted WILL be returned to the donor. Donations will ONLY be accepted during book sale hours. Donations should not be deposited in the Library's book drop-off box.
We will NOT accept the following:
* Textbooks of any kind
* Encyclopedias
* Dictionaries
* Any item that contains obsolete information (i.e. medical books)
* Any item in poor condition (scratched or damaged)
* VHS or Cassette Tapes

FRIDAYS

Pickleball 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. At the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. 978-297-3155.

Story Time at the Beals 10:00 a.m. Join us for a fun half hour of stories with Ms. Kristin and Ms. Melissa. This program is in partnership with the Winchendon Community Playgroups & CFCE. Contact the library at 978-297-0300 for more information. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. Starting Feb 16

Bowling at the HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. $25 Lane/Hour/Up to 5 People, and shoes included! Sunshine cafe selling snack and beverages Beer and wine for sale. 100% proceeds go to fundraise for the CAC programs and services. At The HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr.

SATURDAYS

Shopping Transportation to Rindge for Seniors 9:15 a.m. Leaves from the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. Must reserve your ride one week in advance. Call 978-297-3155.

Shopping Transportation to Athol for Seniors 2:00 p.m. Leaves from the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon. Must reserve your ride one week in advance. Call 978-297-3155.

Bowling at the HUB 5:00-9:00 p.m. $25 Lane/Hour/Up to 5 People, and shoes included! Sunshine cafe selling snack and beverages Beer and wine for sale. 100% proceeds go to fundraise for the CAC programs and services. At The HUB (Winchendon CAC), 5 Summer Dr.

Friends Book Sale 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. The Friends of the Library Book Sale is back! Browse a wide selection of used books, DVDs, puzzles, music and more that the whole family will love. At Beals Memorial Library, 50 Pleasant St., Winchendon. We are also happy to share that we are now accepting DONATIONS! Item acceptance is at the discretion of the Friends. All items not accepted WILL be returned to the donor. Donations will ONLY be accepted during book sale hours. Donations should not be deposited in the Library's book drop-off box.
We will NOT accept the following:
* Textbooks of any kind
* Encyclopedias
* Dictionaries
* Any item that contains obsolete information (i.e. medical books)
* Any item in poor condition (scratched or damaged)
* VHS or Cassette Tapes

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