Winchendon Parks & Rec Dares You to Scare Winchendon!

Think you've got what it takes to give Winchendon a fright? We're challenging businesses, organizations, and brave individuals to join our Scare Team and haunt the trails at the Haunted Fair!

Bring your best costumes, props, and spooky ideas.

Challenge your friends, rival businesses, or fellow community groups to outdo YOUR scares.

Claim your spot on the trail and show us who can make Haunted Happenings the spookiest night of the year! Email scunningham@winchendon-ma.gov for more information.

Sign up now: www.eventeny.com/events/volunteer/application/?id=11444.

Dare accepted? Let's see who can deliver the screams!

DPW Will be Tidying Up Cemeteries

(September 11, 2025) -- The Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin removing any decorations, objects, or plantings that extend beyond the permitted space around cemetery monuments. Families and loved ones are encouraged to collect any items they wish to keep within the next month.

After this period, the DPW will temporarily place removed items outside the cemetery for an additional month to allow for retrieval. Any items not collected by the end of that time will be respectfully discarded.

This policy is necessary to ensure the safety of cemetery staff and visitors, maintain accessibility, and preserve the dignity of the grounds. We appreciate the community's cooperation in helping to keep the cemetery a safe and respectful place for all.

A copy of the Towns Cemetery Rules and Regulations can be found on the Town website.

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.

Access the 2025 vendor application at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/DocumentCenter/View/1411/Fall-Festival-Application-TOW-2025

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).

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
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 - 1 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.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18
1:01-3:03 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:20 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:25 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:28 a.m.: extra patrols (El Toro, Spring Street), checked/secure;
2:56 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
4:59 a.m.: 911, suspicious person (Roberts Way), transport;
7:34 a.m.: investigation (Memorial Drive), assisted;
10:26 a.m.: info/general (Cabot Road), spoken to;
10:37 a.m.: trespassing (Mill Glen Road), assisted;
1:41 p.m.: stolen vehicle (School Street), report taken;
3:15 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Sibley Road), removed to hospital;
4:21 p.m.: noise complaint (Webster Street), spoken to;
7:44 p.m.: info/general (East Monomonac Road), referred to other agency;
7:50 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Glenallen Street), removed to hospital;
8:12 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Spring Street), gone on arrival;
8:40 p.m.: trespass notice entry (Front Street), services rendered;
10:39 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ash Street), removed to hospital;
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19
12:12- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:20 a.m.: investigation (Gardner Road @ Old Gardner Road), checked/secure;
12:29 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
12:32 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
12:34 a.m.: officer requestd (Polly's Drive), spoken to;
12:49 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
1:04 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
1:17 a.m.: threats (School Square), report taken;
1:44 a.m.: disabled vehicle (Gardner Road), assisted;
2:06 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Maple Street), services rendered;
3:07 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
3:18 a.m.: extra patrols (Eagle Road), checked/secure;
5:13 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
8:34 a.m.: MV operating erratically (High Street), spoken to;
8:46 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (Elmwood Road), services rendered;
11:39 a.m.: officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;
1:51 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Baldwinville State Road), no police service necessary;
2:02 p.m.: 911, suicide threats (address not published), spoken to;
3:37 p.m.: harassment (Beech Street), unfounded;
3:56 p.m.: missing person (Belmont Avenue), unfounded;
4:02 p.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), referred to ACO;
4:37 p.m.: missing person (Glenallen Street), removed to hospital;
7:07 p.m.: intoxicated person (Spring Street), arrest;
7:16 p.m.: attempt to locate (Glenallen Street), removed to hospital;
8:35 p.m.: traffic hazard (Gardner Road), removed traffic hazard;
9:18 p.m.: Section 12 (address not published), removed to hospital;
10:23 p.m.: investigation (Ash Street), services rendered;

Arrests:
Samantha Jenner, age 35, 153 Glenallen St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: protective custody.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20
12:45 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Belmont Avenue), removed to hospital;
12:57 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:04- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:11 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
1:20 a.m.: extra patrols (Powell Stone and Gravel. Spring Street), checked/secure;
1:24 a.m.: suspicious person (Brown Street), report taken;
2:08 a.m.: suspicious person (Central Street), checked/secure;
3:49 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), checked/secure;
4:16 a.m.: 911, notification (Athol Hospital), info taken;
7:48 a.m.: 911, accident (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
8:14 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Cottage Street), removed to hospital;
8:35 a.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), spoken to;
8:46 a.m.: alarm/type unknown (Krantz Road), accidental/defective alarm;
9:38 a.m.: property lost (West Shore Drive), services rendered;
10:13 a.m.: officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;
11:27 a.m.: 911, unattended death (Hyde Park Drive), referred to other agency;
11:32 a.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Maple Street), advised officer;
11:38 a.m.: ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), no fire service necessary;
11:54 a.m.: animal complaint (Baldwinville, Bridge Street), referred to ACO;
12:05 p.m.: officer requested (Hale Street), spoken to;
12:07 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;
12:46 p.m.: assist citizen (Krantz Road), assisted;
1:01 p.m.: officer requested (Hyde Park Drive), spoken to;
1:06 p.m.: animal complaint (Hale Street), referred to ACO;
3:10 p.m.: threats (Pinewood Drive), report taken;
3:12 p.m.: 911, brush fire (Hale Street), services rendered;
4:30 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Glenallen Street), no police service necessary;
4:47 p.m.: 911, unwanted party (Mill Street), no police service necessary;
5:01 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street), verbal warning;
5:08 p.m.: fire alarm (Spruce Street), services rendered;
5:37 p.m.: ambulance needed (Benjamin Street), removed to hospital;

10:02 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
10:07 p.m.: disturbance (Mill Glen Road), spoken to;
10:20 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street @ Gardner Road), verbal warning;
10:21 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spring Street), removed to hospital;
10:31 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Central Street), spoken to;

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 22
1:38 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Ingleside Drive), spoken to;
1:40-2:59 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
5:36 a.m.: traffic enforcement (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
7:48 a.m.: sex offender registration (Chestnut Street), assisted;
8:21 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
8:49 a.m.: MV operating erratically (School Street), unable to locate;
10:05 a.m.: tree down (Mill Glen Road), services rendered;
11:00 a.m.: warrant arrest (Happy Hollow Road), unable to locate;
12:58 p.m.: Section 12 (address not published), removed to hospital;
1:23 p.m.: sex offender registration (Gardner Road), unable to locate;
2:15 p.m.: investigation (Spring Street), spoken to;
2:38 p.m.: registration check (Central Street), info taken;
4:17 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Spring Street), unable to locate;
4:28 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
4:41 p.m.: summons service (Elm Street), summons served;
5:42 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Bruce Road), referred to DPW;
6:14 p.m.: info/general (Old Centre), services rendered;
6:43 p.m.: registration check (Hyde Park Street), advised officer;
7:34 p.m.: officer requested (West Monomonac Road), spoken to;
7:44 p.m.: wires down (Spring Street @ Glenallen Street), referred to other agency;
7:52 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
9:25 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ready Drive), removed to hospital;
10:15 p.m.: missing person (Ash Street), returned to home or family;
11:35 p.m.: suspicious person (Bayberry Circle), area search negative;

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 23
12:06 a.m.: burglar alarm (Murdock Avenue), secured building;
12:21-3:14 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:56 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
2:08 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
4:43 a.m.: traffic hazard (Forristall Road), area search negative;
7:29 a.m.: 911, mental health issue (address not published), removed to hospital;
10:01 a.m.: summons service (Grove Street), unable to serve;
10:50 a.m.: accident (Sibley Road), report taken;
12:21 p.m.: drug/narcotic violations (Ingleside Drive), investigated/report taken;
12:35 p.m.: 911, animal complaint (Grove Street @ School Street), referred to ACO;
3:04 p.m.: illegal dumping (Robbins Road), referred to state DPW;
3:43 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Spring Street), spoken to;
4:26 p.m.: assist other police department (Gardner Road), transport;
4:47 p.m.: threats (Central Street), info taken;
5:10 p.m.: 911, runaway (Glenallen Street), spoken to;
5:32 p.m.: 911, panic alarm (Joslin Road), accidental/defective alarm;
5:53 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:36 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Central Street), unable to locate;
6:46 p.m.: extra patrols (Wendell P Clark Memorial YMCA, Central Street), checked/secure;
6:48 p.m.: extra patrols (Doody Burial Vaults, Summer Drive), checked/secure;
7:52 p.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
8:09 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Hapgood Road), accidental/defective alarm;
11:20 p.m.: 911, suspicious (other) (Spring Street), area search negative;

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 24
12:09 a.m.: 911, mental health issue (Hospital Road), removed to hospital;
12:46-3:05 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:54 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:45 a.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Cottage Street), info taken;
3:00 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Robbins Road), referred to DPW;
7:13 a.m.: 911, panic alarm (Memorial Drive), spoken to;
8:00 a.m.: ambulance needed (East Street), removed to hospital;
8:13 a.m.: investigation (Sibley Road), spoken to;
9:01 a.m.: ambulance needed (Whitney Street), removed to hospital;
11:15 a.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
11:19 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (North Royalston Road), removed to hospital;
11:58 a.m.: property lost (Ash Street), referred to other agency;
1:14 p.m.: threats (Independence Drive), spoken to;
1:26 p.m.: 911, info/general (Hospital Road), no police service necessary;
2:28 p.m.: assist other agency (Glenallen Street), assisted;
2:44 p.m.: summons service (School Street), summons served;
4:10 p.m.: info/general (Krantz Road), advised officer;
5:33 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street), written warning;
5:43 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Toy Town Lane), services rendered;
5:57 p.m.: welfare check/child (address not published), spoken to;
8:27 p.m.: property found (Railroad Street), info taken;
9:06 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
11:50 p.m.: building check (Gardner Road), checked/secure;