Economic Development Task Force Members Needed

The Town of Winchendon is in search of five residents with relevant professional experience to serve on the Economic Development Task Force.

The Economic Development Task Force purpose is to identify, promote, and facilitate opportunities for sustainable economic growth in Winchendon. The primary focus will be on attracting new investment and encouraging responsible land development through proactive business engagement and the development of strategic incentives, while supporting the retention and expansion of existing businesses.

Key Objectives:

Locate and engage with prospective businesses across a range of industries.
• Encourage new investment and land development in town.
• Develop a strategic economic development plan aligned with the town's long-term goals.
• Serve as an advisory group to the Board of Selectmen, providing policy and program recommendations.
• Generate a list of properties and parcels of land for sale and/or ready for development.
• Target developers who specialize in rural or small-town projects.

If interested sent letters of interest to ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or mail to Town of Winchendon Attn: Debra Dennis 109 Front Street Winchendon MA 01475

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"

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

FREE Meals for KIDS all summer long at Toy Town Elementary!

"Summer Eats" program run by Project Bread will run at Toy Town Elementary School, 175 Grove Street, Winchendon.

• All kids and teens up to age 18!
• Program runs June 23 through August 15, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Closed July 4
• Free lunch Monday through Thursday!
• NO ID or Registration required!
• Kids do not need to be residents of Winchendon or enrolled in Winchendon Public Schools
• Fun activities each day!
• No grab and go options available. Lunches will be served on site.

For more information, see https://projectbread.org/summer-eats-program

Planning Board Members Needed

The Planning Board has two open positions. If interested send letters of interest to nroberts@winchendon-ma.org and ddennis@wincendon-ma.org.

The Planning Board is responsible for land planning, reviews and recommends changes to the Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map. It regulates land development according to the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Winchendon Zoning Bylaw, the Subdivision Rules and Regulations and the Site Plan Rules and Regulations. The Board makes recommendations on accepting or discontinuing public ways; and grants special permits for certain land uses.

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

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!

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.

Bylaw/Charter Review Committee - 2 vacancies
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).

Employment

New Listings!

The Farm Stand is hiring 18+ staff for weekend shifts. Email Jody Mendoza at info@farmingislife.org if interested. The Farm Stand is a new retail business located at 244 School Street, Winchendon, MA, selling fresh local produce, groceries and baked goods, and select wine.

THURSDAY JUNE 26
12:28- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:36 a.m.: animal complaint (Grove Street @ Lincoln Avenue), returned to home or family;
12:48 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), spoken to;
12:56 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
2:07 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
2:15 a.m.: extra patrols (Goodrich Drive), checked/secure;
2:22 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Plaza, Central Street), checked/secure;
4:50 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Gardner Road), removed to hospital;
5:00 a.m.: fire alarm (Central Street), false alarm;
8:47 a.m.: registration check (Grove Street), info given;
8:55 a.m.: animal complaint (Harrisville Circle), referred to ACO;
8:56 a.m.: welfare check/elderly (address not published), no cause for complaint;
9:58 a.m.: officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;
10:46 a.m.: sex offender registration (Gardner Road), spoken to;
11:08 a.m.: officer requested (Spring Street), spoken to;
1:13 p.m.: trespassing (Ash Street), report taken;
2:40 p.m.: 911, traffic hazard (Main Street), unable to locate;
3:32 p.m.: officer requested (Cross Street), spoken to;
4:27 p.m.: officer requested (Hyde Park Drive), report taken;
4:49 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Baldwinville Road), spoken to;
4:54 p.m.: officer requested (Hyde Park Drive), spoken to;
5:48 p.m.: wires down (Railroad Street), referred to other agency;
7:03 p.m.: officer requested (Baldwinville, Elm Street), assisted;
7:55 p.m.: traffic hazard (Baldwinville State Road), services rendered;
9:13 p.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
9:32 p.m.: officer requested (Spring Street), unable to locate;
9:46 p.m.: repossesion of a vehicle (Highland Street), info taken;
9:49 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
9:55 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;

SATURDAY JUNE 28
12:45 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
12:53-1:51 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:58 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:15 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
2:13 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
2:23 a.m.: fight (Pond Street @ Elm Street), report taken;
2:48 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Road), services rendered;
4:55 a.m.: 911, suicide threats (Academy Street), report taken;
5:27 a.m.: fire alarm (Central Street), accidental/defective alarm;
6:40 a.m.: animal complaint (Route 12), no police service necessary;
9:58 a.m.: info/general (River Street), info taken;
10:13 a.m.: vandalism (Pleasant Street), report taken;
10:41 a.m.: suspicious person (Central Street), advised officer;
10:59 a.m.: property lost (Gardner Road), info taken;
2:14 p.m.: animal complaint (Benjamin Street), Summer Drive), unable to locate;
2:16 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), unable to locate;
2:35 p.m.: suspicious person (Summer Drive), unable to locate;
3:00 p.m.: accident (Central Street), report taken;
4:10 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (West Street), removed to hospital;
4:11 p.m.: extra patrols (CAC, Summer Drive), advised officer;
5:31 p.m.: investigation (Spring Street), spoken to;
5:48 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Colonial Lane), 911 non-emergency call;
8:48 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), traffic citation issued;
9:39 p.m.: noise complaint (Otter River Road), unable to locate;
10:10 p.m.: extra patrols (CAC, Summer Drive), checked/secure;
10:42 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Spring Street), verbal warning;

SUNDAY JUNE 29
12:12 a.m.: 911, fire alarm (Ash Street), accidental/defective alarm;
12:49 a.m.: extra patrols (Chick's Tavern, Pleasant Street), checked/secure;
12:51 a.m.: extra patrols (Toy Town Pub, Railroad Street), checked/secure;
1:04-3:07 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:04 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Ingleside Drive), spoken to;
3:06 a.m.: extra patrols (CAC, Summer Drive), checked/secure;
4:07 a.m.: animal complaint (Harrisville Circle), advised officer;
5:18 a.m.: 911, fight (Pleasant Street), report taken;
7:45 a.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), info taken;

8:15 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Mill Circle), assisted;
9:50 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Robbins Road), removed to hospital;
4:13 p.m.: harassment (Central Street), report taken;
6:17 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street @ River Street), report taken;
6:24 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Summer Drive), no cause for complaint;
6:45 p.m.: animal complaint (Central Street @ Grove Street), report taken;
7:30 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), written warning;
9:42 p.m.: 911, animal complaint (Pearl Street), advised officer;
10:12 p.m.: civil complaint (Lincoln Avenue), protective custody;
11:24 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Front Street), gone on arrival;

Protective Custody:
Jai Dhanram, age 47, 662 Spring St Apt #8, Winchendon, MA, charged with: protective custody.

MONDAY JUNE 30
1:30 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (River Street), removed to hospital;
1:56-2:58 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
7:26 a.m.: assist citizen (Lincoln Avenue), spoken to;
8:18 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Park Street), info taken;
8:22 a.m.: investigation (Town Farm Road), info taken;
9:25 a.m.: summons service (Ready Drive), unable to serve;
9:28 a.m.: summons service (Ready Drive), unable to serve;
11:02 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (East Monomonac Road), removed to hospital;
1:36 p.m.: dog bite (High Street), referred to ACO;
2:11 p.m.: animal complaint (Fourth Street), referred to ACO;
3:01 p.m.: animal complaint (High Street), services rendered;
3:24 p.m.: 911, MV accident with injuries (Spring Street), removed to hospital;
4:08 p.m.: officer requested (Teel Road), spoken to;
5:19 p.m.: officer requested (Lakeview Drive), info taken;
5:31 p.m.: officer requested (Mill Glen Road), spoken to;
5:56 p.m.: officer requested (Alger Street), report taken;
6:06 p.m.: parking violation (Spring Street @ Glenallen Street), spoken to;
6:26 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
7:17 p.m.: citizen complaint (Central Street), services rendered;
9:11 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
9:44 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), written warning;
9:54 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
9:58 p.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
10:03 p.m.: extra patrols (Front Street), checked/secure;
10:13 p.m.: building check (Summer Drive), checked/secure;

WEDNESDAY JULY 2
1:14 a.m.: 911, fire alarm (Highland Street), accidental/defective alarm;
1:16 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:21 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:26- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:31 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), checked/secure;
2:46 a.m.: extra patrols (Joslin Road), area search negative;
3:01 a.m.: extra patrols (Town of Winchendon transfer station, River Street), checked/secure;
3:51 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
6:42 a.m.: animal complaint (Baldwinville, Walnut Street), referred to ACO;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Ash Street), referred to ACO;
8:33 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spring Street), removed to hospital;
10:10 a.m.: suspicious person (Town Farm Road), unable to locate;
10:43 a.m.: suspicious (other) (Central Street), spoken to;
11:00 a.m.: 911, suspicious vehicle (Central Street), spoken to;
11:10 a.m.: investigation (Town Farm Road), spoken to;
1:09 p.m.: property found (Mellen Road), property returned to owner;
1:24 p.m.: extra patrols (Joslin Road), checked/secure;
2:05 p.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), assisted;
3:25 p.m.: 911, fire alarm (Spring Circle), services rendered;
3:36 p.m.: animal complaint (Ready Drive), referred to ACO;
4:48 p.m.: fraud (Poplar Street), report taken;
5:09 p.m.: 911, lift assist (First Street), assisted;
6:51 p.m.: dog bite (High Street), referred to ACO;
7:46 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Street), removed to hospital;
8:02 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pearl Drive), removed to hospital;
8:11 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
8:30 p.m.: suicide threats (address not published), spoken to;