The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of August 28 to September 4, 2025

Winchendon Notice Board

Lunch is served at the Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave., Winchendon, Monday through Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

On Fridays, lunch is served at The HUB, 5 Summer Drive, Winchendon, from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. Bowling is free for seniors during this time.

Call 978-297-3155 before noon the preceding day to RSVP for lunch. Suggested donation of $3 to help cover costs.

Menu for week of September 1 - September 5, 2025:

Monday, 9/1: LABOR DAY HOLIDAY - no lunch served.
Tuesday 9/2: Meatloaf and gravy, whipped potatoes, peasa. multigrain bread, fresh fruit.
Wednesday 9/3: Egg salad, garden salad, tabouli, Vienna bread, yogurt, juice.
Thursday 9/4: BBQ pulled pork, sweet potatoes, collard greens, bun, applesauce.
Friday 9/5: Crab cake, rice & beans, cucumber salad, oat bread, peach crisp.

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/262/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/documentcenter/view/226, 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.


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/506/QUESTIONS-COMMENTS-FOR-THE-TOWN-MANAGER


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.


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, 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



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


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
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/DocumentCenter/View/440/Selectmen-Appointed-Boards-and-Committees-July-2024-PDF (PDF).


Employment

New Listings!

Lickity Splitz is hiring 18+ staff for waitstaff/scooping shifts Wednesday through Sunday. Weekends a MUST. Experience REQUIRED. Apply in person at Lickity Splitz, 231 Main St, Winchendon.

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.

Town of Winchendon
Winchendon Parks & Recreation
109 Front Street
Winchendon, MA 01475-1758

Per Diem Marketing & Promotions Specialist

Non-Union Position

The Winchendon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a creative and motivated individual to support the marketing and promotion of Parks and Recreation and Winchendon Community Park events. This is a per diem, grant-funded position that will help design and implement advertising campaigns to increase visibility and attendance for community programs and events across the region. Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute marketing and promotional campaigns for Parks and Recreation and Community Park events.
  • Create engaging digital and print content including social media posts, flyers, and advertisements.
  • Promote events across regional platforms, local news outlets, and community networks.
  • Collaborate with staff, performers, and partners to ensure consistent and effective messaging.
  • Track and report on outreach efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns.
Qualifications
Experience in marketing, communications, or related field preferred Strong writing and design skills with ability to create compelling promotional materials. Familiarity with social media platforms, advertising tools, and community outreach Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and think creatively. Passion for community engagement and public events.

If interested Submit a letter of interest to scunningham@winchendon-ma.gov.


TOWN OF WINCHENDON
Winchendon Fire Department

Part-Time Administrative Assistant

The Administrative Assistant provides confidential and complex clarical and adminstrative support to the Fire Chief, officers, and staff. This role involves recordkeeping, scheduling, payroll assistance, budget tracking, and public communications. Professionalism, accuracy, and discretion are essential.

Hours & Pay

  • 19 hours per week, flexible scheduling.
  • Starting salary: $20.59-$21.63 per hour (depending on experience).
Key Duties
  • Provide administrative support to the Fire Chief and staff.
  • Maintain records, files, and databases (personnel, training, incidents).
  • Assist with payroll entry, budget tracking, and purchasing.
  • Prepare correspondence, reports, and meeting minutes.
  • Coordinate department schedules, meetings, and events.
  • Assist with public inquiries and community outreach.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's degree preferred).
  • 3+ years administrative/clerical experience (municipal/public safety preferred).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and databse systems.
  • Strong organizationalm communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, and completed employment application (located on www.winchendonfire.org) to:
Fire Chief Thomas Smith
Winchendon Fire Department
405 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475
Email: TSmith@winchendon-ma.gov
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.


TOWN OF WINCHENDON
The Community Connector
Part-Time Driver

The Community Connector is a microtransit system run by the Town of Winchendon and the Winchendon CAC. The Community Connector's mission is to provide dependable, reliable, and sustainable community-centered transportation for all persons to connect to economic opportunities, healthy food options, community resources, medical care, and essential services regardless of access to a personal vehicle.

The Community Connector is looking for a part-time driver. The driver will drive a bus owned by our partner, MART, and will be trained by MART. The driver may also be required to drive vehicles owned by the Town of Winchendon and the Winchendon CAC. No CDL required for any vehicle. Drivers complete pick-ups and drop-offs scheduled for them by dispatch. Drivers may also be required to drive the Toy Town Trolley, a fixed route between Winchendon and Rindge, NH.

Salary: $17.03/hour
Hours: Mon, Tues, Fri 9-3. Must be available at least one Saturday a month. Other shifts when available. Up to 25 hours/week.

Community Connector drivers:

  • Practice defensive driving and follow all rules of the road
  • Assist riders, especially seniors, getting in and out of vehicles
  • Must be able to lift up to 10 lbs (this includes walkers, stepstools and other items)
  • Inform dispatch and/or the transportation coordinator when any vehicle requires maintenance
  • Keep vehicles clean
  • Drive vehicles provided by the Community Connector
  • Complete driver training with MART
  • Shadow a veteran driver prior to their first shift
  • Are CORI checked by the Town of Winchendon
  • Have their driving record checked by the Winchendon CAC
  • Are drug tested and complete a physical with MART during onboarding
Requirements:
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • Must have personal car insurance or non-owner car insurance
To apply: Please fill out an application for the Town of Winchendon and send it to Katie@communityconnector.co or drop it off at Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Winchendon MA, during the hours of Monday-Thursday, 9am-3pm. In the section Position You Are Applying For, please put Part-Time Driver. No resume or cover letter is required. Download an application at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/home/pages/job-opportunities.


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.

SATURDAY AUGUST 23
1:08- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:46 a.m.: ambulance needed (Elmwood Road), removed to hospital;
3:11 a.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
3:47 a.m.: 911, officer requested (Water Street), unfounded;
5:42 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Alger Street), removed to hospital;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Maynard Street), referred to ACO;
8:21 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Gardner Road) 911 non-emergency call;
9:23 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Glenallen Street), removed to hospital;
10:20 a.m.: transport (Walnut Street), transport;
10:39 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street), traffic citation issued;
11:06 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (High Street), removed to hospital;
1:06 a.m.: 911, lock-out vehicle (Grove Street), services rendered;
1:18 p.m.: 911, accident (Glenallen Street), report taken;
1:39 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pond Street), removed to hospital;
2:55 p.m.: officer requested (Belmont Street), report taken;
3:25 p.m.: animal complaint (School Street), referred to ACO;
5:43 p.m.: property found (Teel Road @ Old County Road), property returned to owner;
7:28 p.m.: summons service (Elm Street), summons served;
7:33 p.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), checked/secure;
7:51 p.m.: officer requested (Vaine Street), spoken to;
8:25 p.m.: info/general (Baldwinville, Winchendon Road), spoken to;
9:08 p.m.: property found (Ingleside Drive), services rendered;
9:59 p.m.: 911, unwanted party (River Street), transport;
11:19 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Mechanic Street), 911 non-emergency call;
11:21 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Hospital Road), removed to hospital;
11:47 p.m.: disturbance (Elm Street), report taken;

Summons:
Manuel Pedro Pina Lobo Barros, age 40, 428 Columbia Rd Apt #1, Dorchester, MA, charged with: operating MV with suspended license; improper operation of motor vehicle.

Protective Custody
Nadia Katrina Lin, age 32, 450 Daniel Shays Hwy, New Salem, MA, charged with: protective custody.

Obituaries

Dean Strait

DEAN STRAIT
June 11, 1948 ~ August 21, 2025 (Age 77)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lowell Dean Strait, known to us as Dean, on August 21, 2025. Born in Connersville, IN, on June 11, 1948, Dean was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, a steadfast friend, and an unwavering source of strength and support to all who knew him.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." This quote embodies Lowell's life. He was the epitome of usefulness, honor, and compassion, spending his career in maintenance at the Winchendon Housing Authority. Whether he was fixing a leaky faucet or helping a neighbor, he did it with a kind heart and a ready smile. Dean brought a tenacious work ethic to the Housing Authority where he served until his well-deserved retirement. His dedication and commitment were matched only by his love for his family and his hometown of Gardner, Massachusetts.

Dean joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 Dean served on the U.S.S. Intrepid from 1965 to 1969, where he did three tours of duty in Vietnam. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, with four campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, and the Navy Commendation Ribbon.

Dean was a Volunteer firefighter with the Winchendon Fire Department and First Sergeant with the New Hampshire Army National Guard 210th Engineers Det of Peterborough, NH until his retirement from both.

Dean leaves behind his beloved wife of 26 years, Paula Strait, who stood by his side through all the ups and downs that life presented. His love for her was as evident as his warm, welcoming smile. Dean leaves his daughter, April Bulger of Gardner, two step-children, Melissa Bois and her husband, Leo, of Panama City, FL, and Marc Kibort and his wife, Shannon Ouellette of Westminster, MA. Dean also leaves behind three beautiful granddaughters who were the joy of his life Isabel, Bulger, Eden Ouellette, and Vivian Kibort. Dean leaves a sister, Dawn Stott (Michael) of Lawrenceburg IN, and a brother, Shawn Strait (Kerry) of Cincinnati OH. Dean is also survived by his step-mother, Eve Strait. Dean and Paula enjoyed many years of country line dancing until his illness in 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Mary (Myers) Strait, his daughter Angel Lawrence, and son Jason (J.J.).

He will be remembered for his love of his Country and the great stories he would tell of growing up in Indiana on his uncle's farm. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life magnificently lived and remember the love he had for his family, his passion for his work, and his unwavering kindness. Dean and Paula loved attending Redemption Rock Westminster Foursquare Church.

His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. We invite you to share memories and upload photos of Lowell on his memorial page. Let us remember his captivating spirit, his loving nature, and the indelible mark he left on our hearts.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 28th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon, MA.

Dean's Funeral will be at 9:30 am at the Redemption Rock Westminster Foursquare Church, 3 Hagar Park Road, Westminster, MA 01473. Burial will be Friday, August 29th at 11 am in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Montachusett Outreach Center, 2687 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or Care Central VNA & Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440, or to Redemption Rock Westminster Foursquare Church, P.O. Box 882, Westminster, MA 01473

Joseph Contarino

JOSEPH CONTARINO
August 23, 2025 (Age 73)

Joseph Contarino passed away peacefully at the Heywood Hospital in Gardner on Saturday, August 23rd, supported by the love of his family. He was 73. Born and raised in Medford, Joe was the son of the late Joseph P. and Mary D. (D'Orsi) Contarino.

After graduating Medford High School and attending Suffolk University, Joe embarked on an entrepreneurial path, which was guided by his impressive work ethic developed from assisting his family at their famed Medford bakery. His hair salon in Medford drew loyal customers across the generations through the 1970s, 80s and beyond. Joe also enjoyed success with real estate investments and operated a trusted insurance agency. A good and devoted husband, father and friend, Joe was a great advocate for his kids. A dedicated golfer, he enjoyed the game and could be found at courses up and down the East Coast. Joe and his beloved wife Cindy traveled frequently and enjoyed exploring new places together. He and Cindy settled in Winchendon, where they had a beautiful and welcoming home. In recent years, Joe became a regular at the Clark YMCA, where he built wonderful friendship in the community there.

The beloved husband of Cynthia "Cindy" (Perry) Contarino, Joe was a devoted father to Natalie King Yeh and her husband Peter, Christian Contarino, Dylan Contarino and Luke Contarino. He was a loving grandfather to Vincenzo Contarino, Lavinia Yeh and Roman Yeh. Joe also leaves his extended family and many dear friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Sunday afternoon, August 31st from 2-4 PM, concluding with a service of remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Joe's memory by making a contribution to the Contarino Family Trust, c/o The Athol Savings Bank, 112 Central St., Winchendon, MA 01475 for the care and support of his sons with autism, Luke and Dylan.