School Supply Drive at Winchendon CAC Seeking Donated School Supplies

The Winchendon CAC is asking for donations of school supplies to fill backpacks for Winchendon students. Please bring all donated items to the Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Drive, by August 15. Backpacks will be donated and filled by GFA Federal Credit Union.

If you would like to register to receive a backpack for your child, fill out the form at https://forms.gle/dtV3T6Z1wbHfH47A6 Supplies are limited, so sign up now!

The CAC is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday evening from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Items needed are:

Audit Committee Member Needed

The Audit Committee needs a fifth member to join the Committee.

If you are a registered voter of Winchendon, please send your letter of interest to Debra Dennis, DDennis@winchendon-ma.gov, Executive Assistant, Town Manager's Office 109 Front Street.

Duties & Responsibilities
38.3 The Audit Committee shall solicit, interview and recommend to the Board of Selectmen the firm of independent auditors that is to audit and report on the financial statements issued by the Town. The Audit Committee shall review the audit plan with the independent auditors and upon completion of the audit, meet with the independent auditors to discuss the results of the audit and the annual financial reports.

38.4 The Audit Committee shall transmit a copy of the completed annual audited financials and management letter report to the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee and the School Committee, and with the assistance from the auditing firm, shall present the results of the annual audited financials and management letter report to a jointly held public meeting of the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the Finance Committee.

For more details, see www.townofwinchendon.com/audit-committee

Applications Open for FY26 Senior Tax Work-Off Program

Once again this year, we are pleased to announce the Senior Work-Off program was approved at our Annual Town Meeting. This Senior Work-Off Abatement Program is allowing the Town of Winchendon the opportunity to utilize the knowledge and skills of its senior residents in exchange for credit toward the resident's property tax bill. The purpose of this program is:

To employ qualified senior citizens who will apply their earnings toward payment of a portion of their property taxes;
To increase senior citizen involvement in local government; and
To enhance municipal service by using the skills of resident senior citizens.

Qualified and income-eligible residents will accrue the Commonwealth's minimum wage per hour ($15.00 hr) toward a maximum credit of $1,100.00 per household during the fiscal year.

The criteria for this program is:

You must be 60 years old or older
Homeowner in Winchendon and occupy property
Annual income below $40,150 if single; or below $45,900 if married.

Applications for the program are now available in the Town Manager's office and on the town website at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/home/news/fy26-senior-work-application, and will be accepted until the ten (10) slots are filled. There are different types of positions that are available depending on preference and qualifications of the resident and the needs of each department.

Types of past and current positions have been: Custodial services, clerical help for both School & Town, Library Aides, Senior Center Aides, Cable Station Operator, Bike Path Clean up, Painting, Light Outdoor Work and Classroom Volunteers.

Please contact the Town Manager's Office at (978) 297-5431 or ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov for more information or if you need an application mailed to you.

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

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 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

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.

Board of Health Members Needed

The Board of Health is seeking qualified members to fill recent vacancies.

If you are a registered voter of Winchendon, please consider sending in your letter of interest to serve on this very important Board. This term will run only until the next Town Election in May, 2026.

Please send in your letter of interest by 12:00 noon on Monday, July 21, 2025 to Debra Dennis, DDennis@winchendon-ma.gov, Executive Assistant, Town Manager's Office 109 Front Street.

Duties & Responsibilities
Winchendon has a five member Board of Health who work along with a Health Agent and Health Inspector. According to various statutes in the Massachusetts General Laws, the Board of Health is responsible for inspecting, licensing and enforcing regulations for recreational camps, food establishments, indoor ice rinks, public swimming pools, tanning facilities, body art establishments, and public lodging facilities. The Board is also responsible for enforcement of state regulations regarding housing as well as the disposal of solid waste and subsurface sanitary sewage disposal (Title V).

Conservation Commission Needs One Member

The Conservation Commission is looking for one more qualified applicant to serve on the Commission. If interested send letters of interest to nroberts@winchendon-ma.org

Description of Services
The Winchendon Conservation Commission is a five-member board responsible for the local administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act (MGL, Chapter 131, Section 40). The Conservation Commission has also assumed the same responsibilities for the Town of Winchendon Wetlands Protection Bylaw approved by voters at the 2007 Annual town Meeting. The Town of Winchendon Wetlands Protection Bylaw includes some stronger provisions over and above those found in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, primarily in the form of greater no-build and no-disturb setbacks from wetland resource areas.

Generally, the Conservation Commission's regulatory authority is triggered when alteration or construction is proposed in a wetland or floodplain, within 100 feet of a wetland, or within 200 feet of a river, stream or brook that flows year round. Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and town of Winchendon Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Commission is required to issue decisions that provide for the following eight interests:
Protection of public and private water supply
Protection of ground water supply
Flood control
Prevention of storm damage
Prevention of pollution
Protection of land containing shellfish
Protection of fisheries
Protection of wildlife habitat

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 August 5, 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.

Agricultural Commission - 1 vacancy, 3 alternate vacancies
Board of Health - 1 vacancy
Charter/Bylaw Review Committee - 1 vacancy
Communications Committee - 1 vacancy
Conservation Commission - 1 vacancy
Council on Aging - 3 vacancies
Cultural Council - 12 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Historical District Commission - 1 alternate vacancy
Parks & Recreation Commission - 2 vacancies, 1 high school rep vacancy
Winchendon Commission on Disabilities - 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 JULY 31
12:34 a.m.: extra patrols (Prospect Street), checked/secure;
12:38 a.m.: patrol initiated (Beals Memorial Library, Pleasant Street), checked/secure;
12:51 a.m.: extra patrols (GAR Park, Murdock Avenue), checked/secure;
12:54 a.m.: extra patrols (Lincoln Avenue Extension), checked/secure;
12:57 a.m.: extra patrols (Webster Street), checked/secure;
1:04-1:15 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:08 a.m.: extra patrols (Cumberland Farms, Central Street), checked/secure;
1:17 a.m.: patrol initiated (Wendell P Clark Memorial YMCA, Central Street), spoken to;
1:26 a.m.: accident (Rindge NH, Forristall Road), removed to hospital;
4:34 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
4:49 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Prospect Street), removed to hospital;
6:15 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Peggi Lane), removed to hospital;
6:30 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (Main Street), services rendered;
7:00 a.m.: investigation (Central Street), advised officer;
8:16 a.m.: MV operating erratically (Baldwinville State Road), advised officer;
8:18 a.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;
9:02 a.m.: assist citizen (West Monomonac Road), assisted;
10:19 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
10:38 a.m.: sex offender registration (Front Street), assisted;
11:41 a.m: illegal dumping (Sibley Road), services rendered;
11:44 a.m.: officer requested (River Street), services rendered;
12:33 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
12:41 p.m.: larceny (High Street), report taken;
1:59 p.m.: investigation (Maple Street), spoken to;
2:09 p.m.: assist other agency (Pleasant Street), services rendered;
3:28 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (other town, West Shore), referred to other PD;
4:24 p.m.: 911, disabled vehicle (Spring Street), transport;
4:33 p.m.: officer requested (Elmwood Road), spoken to;
4:55 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Hale Street @ Doyle Avenue), checked/secure;
4:59 p.m.: officer requested (Front Street), info taken;
5:29 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street), verbal warning;
6:13 p.m.: 911, missing person (Maple Street), returned to home or family;
6:37 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), spoken to;
6:53 p.m.: officer requested (Highland Street), spoken to;
7:35 p.m.: tree down on wires (River Street), message delivered;
8:01 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Main Street), spoken to;
8:47 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), traffic citation issued;
10:25 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Peggi Lane), removed to hospital;

FRIDAY AUGUST 1
12:12 a.m.: accident (High Street @ Water Street), report taken;
12:52 a.m.: investigation (South Royalston Road), area search negative;
1:23 a.m.: extra patrols (Lake Dennison Campground, Baldwinville State Road), checked/secure;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), referred to ACO;
8:24 a.m.: property found (North Royalston Road), info taken;
8:52 a.m.: burglar alarm (Brown Street), call cancelled;
11:24 a.m.: 911, disturbance (Walnut Street), no cause for complaint;
1:15 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Congress Road), services rendered;
2:07 p.m.: animal complaint (Benjamin Street), referred to ACO;
2:55 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Baldwinville Road), 911 non-emergency call;
3:48 p.m.: info/general (Walnut Street), info taken;
4:07 p.m.: animal complaint (Pinewood Drive), referred to ACO;
4:43 p.m.: officer requested (High Street), spoken to;
5:07 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street @ Water Street), verbal warning;
6:16 p.m.: info/general (Pleasant Street), info taken;
7:53 p.m.: trespassing (Central Street), spoken to;
9:15 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), property returned to owner;
9:22 p.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), property returned to owner;
10:43 p.m.: officer requested (Ash Street), spoken to;
10:47 p.m.: fight (Mill Glen Road), assisted;

SATURDAY AUGUST 2
2:17 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/seure;
2:20 a.m.: extra patrols (Webster Street), checked/secure;
2:27 a.m.: extra patrols (The Winchendon School, Ash Street), checked/secure;
2:38 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
2:45-2:57 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
6:10 a.m.: open door/window/gate (Beachview Drive), spoken to;
6:48 a.m.: ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Webster Street), referred to ACO;
8:55 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
9:11 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Prospect Street), removed to hospital;
10:22 a.m.: accident (Railroad Street @ Central Street), report taken;
12:24 p.m.: officer requested (Joslin Road), spoken to;
12:53 p.m.: animal complaint (Benjamin Street), referred to ACO;
1:51 p.m.: animal complaint (Cardinal Lane), referred to ACO;
4:04 p.m.: welfare check/general (Elm Street), spoken to;
4:12 p.m.: summons service (Pleasant Street), unable to locate;
4:15 p.m.: investigation (High Street @ Front Street), services rendered;
4:17 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Cabot Road), removed to hospital;
4:48 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Otter River Road), removed to hospital;
4:55 p.m.: 911, intoxicated person (Spring Street), gone on arrival;
5:24 p.m.: disturbance (Central Street), protective custody;
6:15 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spring Street), removed to hospital;

6:33 p.m.: info/general (Mill Glen Road), advised officer;
6:51 p.m.: assist citizen (Mill Glen Road @ Joslin Road), unable to locate;
7:03 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Baldwinville State Road), spoken to;
7:13 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Baldwinville Road @ Mill Glen Road), no cause for complaint;
7:30 p.m.: ATV complaint (Mill Glen Road), unable to locate;
8:25 p.m.: noise complaint (Baldwinville State Road), spoken to;
9:06 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Hitchcock Road), gone on arrival;
9:45 p.m.: extra patrols (Mill Glen Road), checked/secure;
10:59 p.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), advised officer;

Protective Custody:
Sierra M Herr, age 27, 42 Winchendon Rd, Royalston, MA, charged with: protective custody.

SUNDAY AUGUST 3
12:01-1:10 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:49 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/seure;
1:00 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), check/secure;
1:12 a.m.: extra patrols (Toy Town Pub, Railroad Street), checked/secure;
2:15 a.m.: extra patrols (The Winchendon School, Ash Street), checked/secure;
2:25 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
2:34 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), checked/secure;
7:43 a.m.: MV operating erratically (Front Street @ School Street), verbal warning;
4:01 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Baldwinville Road), removed to hospital;
4:50 p.m.: 911, unattended death (Central Street), report taken;
7:04 p.m.: 911, welfare check/general (Spring Street), no cause for complaint;
7:13 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
8:26 p.m.: extra patrols (Prospect Street), checked/secure;
8:30 p.m.: extra patrols (Webster Street), checked/secure;
10:27 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Maynard Street), info taken;

TUESDAY AUGUST 5
2:33-2:59 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
5:55 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spruce Street), removed to hospital;
10:29 a.m.: summons service (Pleasant Street), unable to locate;
10:54 a.m.: assist citizen (Pleasant Street), property returned to owner;
11:23 a.m.: accident (Baldwinville State Road), report taken;
12:29 p.m.: 911, mental health issue (address not published), removed to hospital;
1:34 p.m.: investigation (Main Street), services rendered;
2:36 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (River Street), 911 non-emergency call;
3:13 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Teel Road), 911 non-emergency call;
3:24 p.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), referred to ACO;
4:49 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Front Street), spoken to;
5:10 p.m.: officer requested (West Street), spoken to;
8:31 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Hale Street @ Doyle Avenue), services rendered;
8:53 p.m.: extra patrols (Central Mass Tree Inc, Gardner Road), services rendered;

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6
12:54 p.m.: extra patrols (GAR Park), checked/secure;
12:57-2:49 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:02 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Gardner Road), checked/secure;
1:04 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:07 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:41 a.m.: extra patrols (The Winchendon School, Ash Street), checked/secure;
2:28 a.m.: noise complaint (Maple Street), spoken to;
2:47 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
5:53 a.m.: vandalism (Juniper Street), report taken;
6:02 a.m.: suspicious person (Baldwinville State Road), gone on arrival;
8:07 a.m.: road rage (Central Street), spoken to;
8:20 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (Cedar Street), services rendered;
8:32 a.m.: animal complaint (Old County Road), referred to ACO;
8:49 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), spoken to;
9:15 a.m.: animal complaint (Maynard Street), referred to ACO;
9:46 a.m.: noise complaint (Pearl Street), spoken to;
11:41 a.m.: MV stop (Old Centre), verbal warning;
12:00 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), report taken;
1:06 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Front Street), removed to hospital;
1:33 p.m.: stolen vehicle (Hill Street), info taken;
1:41 p.m.: summons service (Murdock Avenue), unable to serve;
3:02 p.m.: investigation (Juniper Street), investigated/report taken;
3:09 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Baldwinville Road), removed to hospital;
3:46 p.m.: officer requested (Polly's Drive), no police service necessary;
4:48 p.m.: suspicious person (Goodrich Drive), info taken;
5:28 p.m.: 911, brush fire (Joslin Road), fire extinguished;
6:08 p.m.: officer requested (Northern Heights Drive), spoken to;
6:19 p.m.: investigation (Juniper Street), info taken;
6:44 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;
6:53 p.m.: stolen vehicle (Hill Street), spoken to;
8:36 p.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
8:37 p.m.: MV stop (Community Park), spoken to;
9:13 p.m.: officer requested (Hospital Road), call cancelled;
9:29 p.m.: extra patrols (Baldwinville Road), checked/secure;
10:27 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (other town, Lake Road), accidental/defective alarm;
10:41 p.m.: stolen vehicle (Hill Street), spoken to;