Winchendon Notice Board
Take the TOY TOWN TROLLEY On Saturdays Beginning January 11! FREE!
Beginning on Saturday, January 11, the Toy Town Trolley will be making three circuits around Winchendon and up to the Rindge shopping areas every Saturday. Rides are FREE to all residents! This service is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and sponsored by the Town of Winchendon, the Winchendon CAC, the Winchendon Council on Aging and the Winchendon CCAP Task Force.
NOTE: ORIGINAL SCHEDULE HAS CHANGED. Each circuit will start at Hyde Park and stop at the end of Pearl Drive, the Town Hall bus shelter, Dollar Tree Plaza, the YMCA/GFA bus shelter, CVS, the fire station bus shelter, Ipswich Drive, the end of Ready Drive, the end of Goodrich Drive and the Winchendon Community Park. From there the trolley will head up 202 (so you don't have to!) and stop to let off shoppers at Tractor Supply, Market Basket/Marshalls, Walmart and Hannaford. It then returns to Not Just Produced and Sippin' Serendipity and immediately starts its next circuit with Hyde Park. Shoppers who were let off on the first through fourth circuits can reboard the trolley for home when it returns.
The first circuit starts at Hyde Park at 9:15 a.m. and the last circuit leaves Hannaford at 2:51 p.m.
For a grid of the complete updated schedule with times, see https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1E0NiGrFeB_wtjV61TCosVYm0p5g4dKQ6vExvOrI9288/htmlview. For a map of the route, see bit.ly/3W9gGYG. Printed copies are available at the Senior Center (52 Murdock Ave), Winchendon CAC/The Hub (5 Summer Dr), the Clark YMCA (155 Central St) and Not Just Produced (290 Central St).
If you have questions, concerns or suggestions, contact winchendonccap@gmail.com or call 978-297-3155.
Questions or Concerns? Email the Town Manager!
A one-click email form has been added to the town website for all residents who would like to contact the Town Manager with concerns and questions about things happening in the community. The button is at the top of the left column of buttons under "Citizen Action Center" on the left side of the website's front page. The direct link is: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/home/webforms/contact-us
Applications Open for Crafts Vendors at 4th Annual Food Truck Festival
Winchendon Parks & Recreation is looking for craft vendors for our 2025 food truck festival and Battle of the Bands event. The event will be at the G.A.R. Park, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon on Saturday, June 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If interested, please fill out a vendor application here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/foodtruckfestivalandbattleofthebands-17886/
Applications Open for Vendor Spaces at the 2025 Fall Festival
The 9th Annual Winchendon Fall Festival, to be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., is now accepting applications for vendor spaces on Central Street. Contact Nicole Roberts at nroberts@winchendon-ma.gov or 978-297-3537 with any questions or if you wish to volunteer on the day of the event. (We always need more help!) Again, we wish to express our gratitude to everyone for their continued support of this great event.
Access the application information here:
fall_festival_application_tow_2025.pdf
Winchendon Lions Want to Welcome You!
The Winchendon Lions meet at the Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St., downstairs hall, 7:00 p.m.
Meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month, September through June. Dues are used for all Administrative cost, which is why we can say "All money received through fundraisers go back to the community, eye research, or other natural disasters around the world!"
Feel free to join us and try it out. We would love to see you!
If you have any questions feel free to call Joni 978-297-2753. Please leave a message if no answer!
"WHERE THERE'S A NEED, THERE IS A LION"
Letter to the Editor
Town Committee Vacancies
as of April 14, 2025
by Inanna Arthen
If you'd like to be an active participant in decision-making and management for your community, consider joining a town committee or board. There are a number of vacancies currently open.
Cultural Council - 13 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Finance Committee - 1 vacancy
Historical District Commission - 2 alternate vacancies
Parks & Recreation - 1 vacancy
Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 alternate vacancy
If you'd like more information about any of these positions or are interested in being considered for an appointment, contact the Town Manager's office at 978-297-0085, or send a letter of interest to ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or Town Manager, 109 Front Street Dept. 1, Winchendon MA 01475.
For a description of each board or committee, see: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif8401/f/uploads/july_town_boards_and_commissions.pdf (PDF).
Town Committee Monthly Meetings by Week
Agendas, minutes and meeting recordings available on the Town website at Agendas, Minutes & Past Meetings, as well as on the pages for each Board or Committee.
Boards may cancel or change times for meetings, or add extra meetings, based on specific business at hand. Check the Town Meetings Calendar tab at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/
| week |
MON |
TUE |
WED |
THUR |
| 1st |
Communications Committee
4:30pm
Board of Health
6:00pm |
Planning Board
6:00pm |
|
School Committee
6:00pm |
| 2nd |
Board of Selectmen
6:30pm |
Finance Committee
7:00pm |
Agricultural Commission
7:00pm |
Conservation Commission
6:00pm |
| 3rd |
|
Planning Board
6:00pm |
Winchendon Redevelopment Authority
5:00pm
Zoning Board of Appeals
7:00pm |
School Committee
6:00pm |
| 4th |
Board of Selectmen
6:30pm |
|
|
|
Recordings of town meetings may be viewed on the new "Winchendon TV" website. Most meeting videos are posted within a day or two of the meeting.
https://winchendon.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/?site=1%C2%A0%C2%A0
H.O.P.E. Summer Camp
H.O.P.E. is offering (3) two-week sessions throughout the summer! All sessions are FREE for the ages of 5 through 13 years old!
Meals & Snacks are provided!
Sessions will run: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. UNTIL 3:00 p.m.
Located at: 29 Pleasant Street, Gardner MA
Each Session Offers:
~ Hands-on Learning of the Themed Week
~ Team Building
~ Social & Emotional Skill Building
~ S.T.E.A.M. Projects
1st Session July 7 - July 18
Week 1: Pirates Theme
Week 2: Ocean Theme
(Gardner Transportation Offered)
2nd Session July 21 - August 1
Week 3: Space Exploration
Week 4: Fairy Tales & Fantasy
(Gardner Transportation Offered)
3rd Session August 4 - August 15
Week 5: Animals & Nature
Week 6: Sports & Music
(Winchendon Transportation Offered)
To sign up and register contact:
Ash Hayes
978-277-1846
Ahayes@hopegardner.org
FY2026 Budget Process
The Winchendon Public Schools Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget has been posted on the school and town websites for the public to review. You can read it at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif8401/f/pages/fy26_proposed_school_budget.pdf
The Town Manager's presentations and budget workbook for the FY26 town budget are now available on the town website. Direct links are:
2026 General Fund Budget Workbook (with line items)
https://www.townofwinchendon.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif8401/f/news/fy26_budget_workbook_final_for_march_24.pdf
2026 Level-Funded (No Override) Budget Presentation
https://www.townofwinchendon.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif8401/f/news/fiscal_yr_2026_no_override.pdf
2026 Level Service (With Override) Budget Presentation
https://www.townofwinchendon.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif8401/f/news/2026_budget_presentation_brad_final_with_override_20250324.pdf
Fire Department Offering Free COVID-19 Test Kits to Residents
To all Winchendon residents, the Winchendon Fire Department has been able to secure multiple boxes of COVID-19 home test kits at no cost through a program with MA State DPH. Feel free to stop by the station and pick up what you need for you and your family. Here at WFD we will continue to search for ways to bring any additional care possible to our residents. The Fire Department is located at 405 Central St, Winchendon, and the business phone number is 978-297-2324.
Opening on the Finance Committee as of July 1
The Finance Committee will have a vacancy effective July 1, 2025. The duty of the Committee is to investigate the financial affairs of the town, including receipts of and expenditures by the different departments, or any Town Officer; the methods in which the town business is conducted; the general conduct of the town affairs; and all the articles in town warrants for town meetings referred to it; and, in the discharge of its duties, shall have free access to all books of accounts, books of record and all accounts, bills, and vouchers on which money has been or may be paid from the town treasury. If interested in serving on the Finance Committee, send letters of interest with your experience to ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or mail to Town of Winchendon Attn: Debra Dennis 109 Front Street Winchendon MA 01475
Winchendon Garden Club Scholarship Applications Open
The members of the Winchendon Garden Club have appropriated $2,000 which can be awarded for scholarships in 2025. These will be awarded to residents of Winchendon who are engaged in agricultural or environmental studies (see application for details). Applications must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2025.
Complete details and an application form are at WGC-2025-scholarships.pdf.
Shop Small, Shop Local in 2025!
Click to see larger image
Click here to download a printable PDF of the Small Business Saturday Winchendon shopping map!
Need a Ride?
Check out these transportation services and resources available through the Winchendon Community Connection and Access Project
- Rides available as far as Worcester for medical appointments, shopping, recreation, employment and more!
- All residents can get a ride. Priority is given to Senior Citizens and residents with disabilities.
- Most rides are FREE through MART or at a low suggested donation to the Winchendon Senior Center.
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles available.
Request a ride over the phone by calling 978-297-3155, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Request a ride online at
www.winchendon-cac.org
Request a ride in person at the Winchendon Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or the Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Dr, Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
If you have questions, reach out to
winchendonccap@gmail.com or call 978-297-3155.
Let us help you get where you need to go!
Employment
New Listings!
TOWN OF WINCHENDON
109 Front Street, Dept 1, Winchendon, MA 01475-1758
NON-UNION POSITION
Per Diem Parks and Recreation Support Staff (Vendor Coordinator & Administrative Tasks)
The Per Diem Parks and Recreation Support Staff position provides essential support to the Parks and Recreation Department, focusing on coordinating vendors for events and completing administrative tasks. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated individual who enjoys working in a dynamic environment.
Pay rate: $19.12/hour. Reports to Community Outreach Coordinator.
High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or coursework in recreation
management, event planning, or a related field preferred. Previous experience in event coordination, vendor management, or administrative support is highly desirable.
For a complete job description, see https://www.townofwinchendon.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif8401/f/pages/job_descrption_per_diem_parks_and_recreation_support_staff.pdf
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to
bcroteau@winchendon-ma.gov and scunningham@winchendon-ma.gov. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Town of Winchendon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
TOWN OF WINCHENDON
109 Front Street, Dept 1, Winchendon, MA 01475-1758
NON-UNION POSITION
Per-Diem Television Broadcast Technician
TThe Town of Winchendon is seeking a Part-Time Broadcast Technician for the PEG Access Channel. Seeking a motivated independent worker.
Position is responsible for:
-Meeting prep, setup and breakdown
-Livestream and recording utilizing Cablecast Broadcasting system
-Setup and recording of hybrid/remote meetings utilizing Zoom software
Computer, IT and Basic Camera Operator Skills is a plus. Will train the correct individual. Ideal for a college student or person interested in modern broadcast technology.
Must be at least 18 years old. Must be able to work efficiently with town employees, including board and committee member and the general public. Meetings occur Monday through Thursday, mostly night meetings and occasionally late afternoons. This position will mainly cover Tuesday and Wednesday
evenings on an as needed basis. The broadcasting of meetings is shared with another employee.
$75 per meeting minimum and increases with duration of meeting recording time over two hours.
If you are interested please submit a cover letter and resume to Christa LaTulippe, Town Manager's Office, 109 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475 or send an email to Clatulippe@winchendon-ma.gov
The Town of Winchendon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Winchendon Police Blotter
Editor's Note: The information contained in this police log was obtained through public documents kept by the police department, and is considered to be the account of the police. All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Police agencies can no longer print the names of people who are arrested or charged with domestic assault related charges. The new law is designed to protect victims, so they are not re-victimized through indirect identification.
THURSDAY MAY 1
1:11- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:20 a.m.: MV stop (Goodrich Street), verbal warning;
8:36 a.m.: officer requested (Lakeshore Drive), report taken;
8:54 a.m.: harassment (Alger Street), no cause for complaint;
9:19 a.m.: dog bite (Hale Street), report taken;
10:06 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (High Street), removed to hospital;
10:13 a.m.: info/general (Memorial Drive), services rendered;
11:24 a.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), no fire service necessary;
11:58 a.m.: 911, officer requested (Lakeshore Drive), spoken to;
12:01 p.m.: ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
12:38 p.m.: property found (Main Street), property returned to owner;
1:13 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Drive), removed to hospital;
1:37 p.m.: fire alarm (Spring Street), services rendered;
1:51 p.m.: investigation (Spring Street), report taken;
3:25 p.m.: animal complaint (Sibley Road), referred to ACO;
3:43 p.m.: animal complaint (Juniper Street), referred to ACO;
3:54 p.m.: info/general (Spring Street), services rendered;
4:41 p.m.: lift assist (West Street), services rendered;
5:00 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
5:07 p.m.: burglar alarm (Front Street), services rendered;
5:13 p.m.: accident (Pleasant Street), services rendered;
5:45 p.m.: MV operating erratically (High Street), unable to locate;
7:00 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street), verbal warning;
7:04 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Baldwinville State Road), spoken to;
7:19 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), written warning;
7:23 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
7:31 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), written warning;
7:34 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street @ Lake Street), written warning;
7:58 p.m.: extra patrols (Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
9:20 p.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Baldwinville State Road), services rendered;
FRIDAY MAY 2
1:26 a.m. 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
3:36 a.m.: extra patrols (Citgo Lube and Repair, Water Street), checked/secure;
3:41- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:51 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
6:28 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Krantz Road @ Chase Lane), referred to DPW;
7:27 a.m.: animal complaint (Ash Street), referred to ACO;
8:20 a.m.: transport (Central Street), referred to ACO;
8:26 a.m.: warrant arrest (School Street), arrest;
9:15 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (Spring Street), no fire service necessary;
9:18 a.m.: loitering (Mill Circle), no police service necessary;
10:43 a.m.: suicide threats (address not published), removed to hospital;
10:48 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Front Street), child playing with phone;
11:03 a.m.: transport (School Street), transport;
11:24 a.m.: animal complaint (Laurel Street), referred to ACO;
12:13 p.m.: assist other police department (other town, Otter River Road), assisted;
12:48 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), traffic citation issued;
2:40 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Old Centre), services rendered;
5:00 p.m.: officer requested (School Street), no police service necessary;
5:12 p.m.: officer requested (Alger Street), report taken;
5:58 p.m.: officer requested (Teel Road), report taken;
6:39 p.m.: 911, accident (Pleasant Street @ Grove Street), report taken;
7:30 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Cedar Terrace), report taken;
7:48 p.m.: officer requested (Glenallen Street), no police service necessary;
7:52 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Prospect Stree), spoken to;
8:03 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Maynard Street), removed to hospital;
9:14 p.m.: officer requested (Front Street), spoken to;
9:55 p.m.: officer requested (Main Street), spoken to;
9:59 p.m.: CO detector activation (Mill Street), no fire service necessary;
Arrests:
Chad Eric Ayers, age 44, 469 School St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: arrest based on a warrant.
SUNDAY MAY 4
12:52 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
12:53-2:18 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:00 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:13 a.m.: extra patrols (Pine Street), checked/secure;
1:38 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), services rendered;
2:23 a.m.: extra patrols (Citgo Lube and Repair, Water Street), checked/secure;
10:28 a.m.: welfare check/general (Forristall Road), unable to locate;
10:31 a.m.: 911, disturbance (Front Street), report taken;
10:41 a.m.: animal complaint (Main Street), services rendered;
1:10 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (West Street), removed to hospital;
1:38 p.m.: animal complaint (West Monomonac Road), referred to ACO;
1:42 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
2:23 p.m.: sex offender registration (Mellen Road), spoken to;
3:31 p.m.: officer requested (Front Street), spoken to;
4:04 p.m.: extra patrols (Lake Dennison Beach Area, Main Street), checked/secure;
4:28 p.m.: extra patrols (Pine Street), checked/secure;
6:14 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Baldwinville State Road @ Main Street), spoken to;
6:33 p.m.: accident (Juniper Street), report taken;
8:05 p.m.: ambulance needed (Mechanic Street), accidental/defective alarm;
11:34 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), no police service necessary;
MONDAY MAY 5
12:00-3:04 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:06 a.m.: extra patrols (Pine Street), checked/secure;
12:18 a.m.: investigation (Gardner Road), no police service necessary;
12:26 a.m.: investigation (Gardner Road), spoken to;
12:30 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
12:54 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Street), checked/secured;
3:15 a.m.: extra patrols (Goodrich Drive), checked/secure;
7:01 a.m.: 911, fire alarm (Gardner Road), services rendered;
7:34 a.m.: assist police, assisted;
8:23 a.m.: sex offender registration (Ash Street), no police service necessary;
9:13 a.m.: officer requested (Maple Street), spoken to;
9:53 a.m.: officer requested (Mechanic Street), spoken to;
11:20 a.m.: animal complaint (Hospital Road), referred to ACO;
11:22 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Drive), removed to hospital;
12:38 p.m.: animal complaint (Ipswich Drive), referred to ACO;
12:58 p.m.: MV stop (Maple Street), arrest;
1:13 p.m.: assist citizen (Spring Street @ Gardner Road), advised officer;
1:20 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
1:54 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
1:56 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Peggi Lane), removed to hospital;
2:43 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Old Centre), report taken;
3:18 p.m.: officer requested (Benjamin Street), spoken to;
3:40 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Pine Street), gone on arrival;
4:09 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Hospital Road), spoken to;
4:34 p.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (Mill Glen Road), report taken;
5:16 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
6:52 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
6:54 p.m.: officer requested (Maple Street), assisted;
8:33 p.m.: vandalism (Alger Street), report taken;
8:40 p.m.: extra patrols (Citgo Lube and Repair, Water Street), checked/secure;
9:47 p.m.: extra patrols (Otter River Campground, Baldwinville State Road), checked/secure;
10:02 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), transport;
10:27 p.m.: assist police, assisted;
Summons:
Dana Coburn Howard, age 76, 50 Old Centre, Apt #16, Winchendon, MA, charged with: assault.
Arrests:
Christopher D Flynn, age 32, 364 Rollstone Rd, Fitchburg, MA, charged with: arrest based on a warrant.
TUESDAY MAY 6
12:39 a.m. 911, 911 hang-up (Lakeshore Drive), no police service necessary;
12:51-1:47 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
6:12 a.m.: power outage (Brown Street), unable to locate;
10:30 a.m.: property found (River Street), report taken;
2:41 p.m.: officer requested (Ash Street), report taken;
4:13 p.m.: threats (Prospect Street), report taken;
5:05 p.m.: suspicious (other) (Central Street), gone on arrival;
5:54 p.m.: 911, fire alarm (School Street), accidental/defective alarm;
6:40 p.m.: trespassing (River Street), summons;
6:42 p.m.: officer requested (Prospect Street), spoken to;
7:37 p.m.: 911, disturbance/fight (Spring Street), arrest;
9:01 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Brown Road), removed to hospital;
9:08 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
9:16 p.m.: extra patrols (Mass Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
Summons:
Francis Allen, age 57, 582 River Street, Winchendon, MA, charged with: trespass.
Arrests:
Bianca Jean Byars, age 41, 409 Spring St Apt #1, Winchendon, MA, charged with: A & B on family/household member.
WEDNESDAY MAY 7
1:24-3:06 a.m. building checks, all secure;
8:04 a.m.: sex offender registration (Ash Street), assisted;
11:01 a.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), assisted;
12:28 p.m.: dog bite (Pleasant Street), referred to ACO;
3:00 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Rte 140), no police service necessary;
5:07 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Willoughby Avenue), removed to hospital;
7:07 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street @ Pleasant Street), verbal warning;
8:47 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (High Street), removed to hospital;
10:03 p.m.: extra patrols (Glenallen Street), area search negative;
10:28 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Belmont Avenue), services rendered;
Obituaries
MELVIN METZGER
September 16, 1931 ~ April 29, 2025 (Age 93)
Melvin A. Metzger, of Winchendon, MA, passed away from natural causes on April 29, 2025, at the age of 93. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, he was one of seven children of the late Gilbert Metzger and Myrtle (Spurrier) Metzger.
As soon as he was old enough, Melvin eagerly enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served for three and a half years, including service on-the-ground in the Korean War, where he was honored with a Purple Heart. In his relatively short time in the military, he traveled the world and gained important skills and perspectives that served him well for the rest of his life. During his time at Ft. Devens in Massachusetts, he and his Army buddy met Helen Lis and her sister on a train while out on a shopping excursion. They ended up marrying the respective sisters and lived down the street from one another during much of their child-rearing days.
Melvin and Helen (who passed away in 2018) brought three children into the world and raised them in Winchendon: Donna (Metzger) Burt of Sangerville, ME; Mark Metzger, of Winchendon, MA; and Mary (Metzger) Hettinger of Meredith, NH. Melvin also accepted the role of guardian for his sister-in-law's son, Bobby Lis of Otter River, MA, who joined the family for eight years.
Melvin was blessed with six grandchildren: Isaac Burt of Brownville, ME; Heidi (Metzger) Lupien and Mark Metzger, Jr., both of Gardner, MA; Crystal Metzger of Fitchburg, MA; Allison Hettinger of Van Nuys, CA; and Matthew Hettinger of Oakland, CA. The family grew with a total of seven great-grandchildren: Caleb and Jonathan Lupien of Gardner, MA; Aiden (deceased), Noah, Mackenzie, and Eliza Metzger of Gardner; and Marshall Burt, who is stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
Melvin was a hard-working, compassionate, and kind man with a sense of humor and many varied interests and talents. His needs were simple; he didn't want for much but gave much to others. After returning from his military service, he worked for a few different furniture manufacturing companies in Winchendon, Ashburnham, and Gardner (which is still known as The Chair City). His job was staining and finishing fine furniture. He particularly loved putting his artistic skills to work, painting the gold leaf finishes on chairs of that era.
He was foremost a family man--not only providing for his family by working two jobs periodically, but also for being the one to create a sense of celebration and wonder on holidays. He was also a religious man, having converted to Catholicism when he married Helen. He was talented at pencil sketches, and later in life, when arthritis and dementia took away some of his abilities, he loved coloring with pencils and crayons. Melvin's artistic talents extended to singing and gardening, as well. At The Summit ElderCare day program in Leominster, MA, he often received accolades during sing-a-longs. He also had a green thumb--with vegetables, fruits, and flowers. He always had the nicest garden and passers-by would often give compliments if they saw him out tending to the front yard flower bed.
Melvin was an avid reader in his day. A learner-for-life, he mostly enjoyed self-help and religious/spiritual books. He also dabbled in creative writing and submitted a couple of children's books to publishing companies. He taught himself to play chess, then taught his children, too. Mid-life, he tried piloting, as he took lessons and kept log books of his flights from the Gardner municipal airport. Ultimately, this hobby became too expensive for him.
Melvin's life was well-lived. Although he had many ailments towards the end, he was visibly comfortable in his last days of life on Earth.
The family is forever grateful for The Summit ElderCare PACE program, which supported both Melvin and Helen socially and physically over the past decade or so of their lives. They both continued to spend weekdays at The Summit's daycare program right up until they passed away.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, starting with calling hours 11 a.m.- Noon and a funeral service at noon at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home (343 Central St., Winchendon, MA.
The party will then process to the Massachusetts Veteran Memorial Cemetery 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon, MA for a 1 p.m. military honors service, followed by a reception at the Winchendon American Legion 295 School Street.
For directions and guest book please visit www.everettfuneral.com
NORMAN (SAM) A. ROBERTS
May 17, 1934 ~ May 1, 2025 (Age 90)
Norman (Sam) A. Roberts, 90, died Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Broadview Assisted Living after an illness.
He leaves his wife of 73 years, Janet M. (Charlonne) Roberts, five children, Steven Roberts, Alan Roberts, Mary-Lou Roberts, Janeal Shepard and Melissa Littlefield, as well as their significant others; four grandchildren, Nathan Roberts, Ryan Roberts, Morgan Lawton, and Cari Moriarity; six great-grandchildren, Walter, Carleigh, Makenna, Phoebe, Grant, and Sophie; and a sister, Marie Kenney, and several nieces and nephews. Norman was also pre-deceased by his sister Lorraine (Roberts) Henry.
He was born in Winchendon, on May 17, 1934, a son of the late Arthur Robert and Odina (Cloutier) Sullivan. Sam worked for Simplex Time Recorder for 37 years, beginning as an assembler and towards the end of his career as a Service Representative. Sam loved sports, especially the Red Sox, Patriots, and golfing. He also enjoyed fishing and playing cribbage. He and Janet lived in Florida for sixteen years after retiring from Simplex until he became ill and returned permanently to Winchendon.
The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice for all of their assistance in caring for Sam, especially Kathy Boucher, whose assistance will always be greatly appreciated.
Funeral services will be private.
The Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St. Winchendon, MA has been entrusted with his care.
ERNEST 'BUD' FLETCHER, JR
February 19, 1940 ~ May 4, 2025 (Age 85)
Ernest 'Bud' Fletcher Jr., 85, of Winchendon, MA, died peacefully at Henry Heywood Hospital in Gardner, MA on Sunday, May 4, 2025, after a short illness.
Bud was born on February 19, 1940, in Keene, NH, son of the late Ernest P. and Hazel E. (Bemis) Fletcher, Sr. He married his wife, Carla J. (Eastman) Fletcher, on December 18, 1965, and together they had shared over 49 years of marriage.
Bud was a 1958 graduate of Murdock High School and was a very active member of his school community. He was an avid football and baseball player, a member of the high school band, and an accomplished Eagle Scout, having also earned the God and Country Award. These would eventually lead him to becoming the Scoutmaster of Troop 35. Bud had graduated from Boston University before attending the New England Institute of Applied Funeral Arts and Sciences. His high grades and aptitude enabled him to be recognized as a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, an honors program in Funeral Service Education.
Bud was deeply devoted to his faith, attending local churches throughout his life. He was a member and deacon of the North Congregational Church and United Parish of Winchendon where he had also served on many different church committees.
Bud was a member of the Winchendon Fire Department for 35 years, retiring in 1996. He had served as Deputy Chief for 15 years before retiring. He then continued to help with the Winchendon Firefighter Relief Association.
He always enjoyed being active in his community and helping others. Bud had been a director and trustee of the Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA for almost 40 years. He had also been a director with the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation and served as its treasurer for 27 years. He was a charter member of the Winchendon Lions Club, and had belonged to the Winchendon Jaycees, where in 1966, he was selected as the ‘outstanding young man’ of Worcester County by the Jaycees. His competitive spirit was satisfied through the years while he belonged to the former Watatic Ice Racing Association.
Bud’s devotion to selfless service to others could be best seen while he owned and operated the Fletcher Funeral Home in Winchendon, and later with the acquisition of the Lamoureux Funeral Home of Gardner, MA. He had also served his fellow funeral directors as a former President of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association. After retiring from Funeral Service, he continued to enjoy working with his family and co-owned Toy Town Recreation and Nik-Rylee’s Restaurant. He had more time to serve as a trustee for Henry Heywood Hospital and with the Shawmut Bank. Bud also enjoyed serving as a Freemason and was a longtime member of the Artisan Lodge, A.F. & A.M. in Winchendon, as well as serving on the Fire Brigade with the Aleppo Shriners in Wilmington, MA. Bud always tried to volunteer at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Boston as much as possible.
In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carla on October 17, 2015, and by his sister, Marilyn and her husband Dr. William T. Pike.
Bud will be missed by his daughter, Jayne C. (Fletcher) Stacy of Winchendon; his son, Ernest P. Fletcher, III "Chip" and his husband J. Shane Campbell of Nashville, TN; three grandchildren, Rylee and her wife, Hayley Mullen, Nikolas R. Stacy, and Hazel Fletcher-Campbell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including his close friend, Rachel Atkins.
Family and friends are invited to his Funeral Service on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the United Parish Church of Winchendon, 39 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.
Following the Funeral, all are invited to a celebration of Bud’s life which will take place in the hall at the Eugene M. Connor American Legion Post 193, 295 School Street (Route 12), Winchendon, MA 01475, where he had been a member of the Sons of the American Legion.
Bud will be buried beside his wife in Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
Those who wish to make memorial contributions in Bud’s memory are kindly asked to consider the Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA, 155 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475, or the United Parish, 39 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.
CAROL ANN FLAGG
February 13, 1940 ~ May 5, 2025 (Age 85)
Carol, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 5, 2025 at the age of 85. She was born in Fitchburg, MA on February 13, 1940. Carol was known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, love for her children and family.
Carol dedicated her life to her family, always a listening ear and a source of comfort. She loved the Red Sox, Elvis, pencil art, reading, going for car rides, sharing conversations on the phone with loved ones, and spending time together with her family.
Carol will always be remembered as a compassionate mother who would do anything for her children. Her love will stay forever in our hearts!
She leaves behind 8 children, her 4 daughters Pamela and her husband Thomas Russell of Burke, NY, Debbie and her husband Neil Cartin of Churubusco, NY, Susan and her husband Phil Gilley of West Newfield, ME, Faith Dufresne and her life partner David Goulkin of Leominster, MA and her 4 sons Ronald Flagg JR. and his life partner Lisa Fox of Athol Ma, Kevin and his wife Stephanie Flagg of Winchendon, Ma, Ricky and his wife Carolyn Flagg of Baldwinville, MA, and Michael and his wife Becki Flagg of Athol, MA.
Predeceased by her husband Ronald Edward Flagg SR., her parents Joseph and Mae LeBlanc, her 2 brothers Kenneth and Joseph LeBlanc, her son.
in-law Christopher Dane, her daughter in-law Gidget Flagg, and her dog Wyatt.
Services will be held at Stone Ladeau Funeral Home on Friday May 16, 2025. Calling hours from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A burial ceremony will be held on Saturday May 17, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Prospect Hill Cemetery located in Mason, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in her memory.
In honor of Carol's love for the Red Sox we invite family and friends to wear a Red Sox Hat or apparel at the graveside services on Saturday.
All family and friends are welcomed to join us for a gathering after the services at Ricky and Carolyn's home.
