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

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

Toy Town Trolley Now Running Later on Saturdays!

We've expanded service hours to help more Winchendon residents--especially those in need of transportation to warming centers, shelters, and essential services.

New Saturday Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Book ahead! Saturday rides must be scheduled by 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

Door-to-door rides within Winchendon are available for:

Medical appointments

Grocery shopping

Shelter and warming center access

Pharmacy trips

And more

Call (978) 297-3155 or email communityconnector@winchendon-cac.org.

Prefer to book with your phone? Download the Community Connector app at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/577/Get-the-App

Let your neighbors know! This expanded schedule helps ensure safe, reliable transportation for those who need it most--especially during colder weather.

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 OCTOBER 2
12:04 a.m.: extra patrols (Brown Street), checked/secure;
12:15-2:30 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:24 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:30 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
3:15 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Plaza, Central Street), checked/secure;
5:11 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hale Street), removed to hospital;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Baldwinville Road), unable to locate;
8:38 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, Rte 202), call cancelled;
8:40 a.m.: assist other agency (Walnut Street), unable to locate;
9:43 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Mill Glen Road), removed to hospitak;
9:59 a.m.: ambulance needed (Brown Avenue), services rendered;
10:29 a.m.: ambulance needed (Prospect Street), removed to hospital;
11:42 a.m.: assist other police department (Ingleside Drive), arrest;
12:10 p.m.: disturbance (Elm Street), services rendered;
12:17 p.m.: info/general (Brown Street), services rendered;
1:37 p.m.: 911, fire alarm (Maple Street), services rendered;
3:13 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), gone on arrival;
3:24 p.m.: assist other agency (Belmont Avenue), services rendered;
3:48 p.m.: suspicious person (Central Street), gone on arrival;
4:12 p.m.: assist other police department (State Police), assisted;
4:37 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ready Drive), removed to hospital;
6:13 p.m.: info/general (School Street), advised officer;
6:46 p.m.: lock-out vehicle (East Street), assisted;
6:54 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Gardner Road), removed to hospital;
7:17 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
7:38 p.m.: assist other police department (other town, Center Street), assisted;
7:53 p.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Spring Street), advised officer;
8:12 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
9:30 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Glenallen Street), removed to hospital;

Arrests:
John K Hobbs, age 37, 6 Prospect St Ext Apt #A, Baldwinville, MA, charged with: received stolen motor vehicle; operating MV with suspended license, subsequent offence.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 4
12:54-3:15 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:56 a.m.: MV stop (School Street), verbal warning;
1:36 a.m.: noise complaint (School Street), spoken to;
9:03 a.m.: assist other police department (other town, Dunn Road), assisted;
11:36 a.m.: larceny (Pearl Drive), info taken;
12:28 p.m.: investigation (Pearl Drive), info taken;
2:34 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Webster Street), removed to hospital;
3:13 p.m.: info/general (Spruce Street), info given;
4:11 p.m.: officer requested (School Street), checked/secure;
4:19 p.m.: harassment (Northern Heights Drive), spoken to;
4:36 p.m.: MV stop (Oak Street), verbal warning;
5:32 p.m.: officer requested (Linden Street), info taken;
5:35 p.m.: 911, lift assist (East Monomonac Road), services rendered;
5:42 p.m.: officer requested (Mason Street), spoken to;
6:53 p.m.: brush fire (Glenallen Street), laws/codes explained;
7:08 p.m.: suspicious person (Spruce Street @ Grove Street), spoken to;
7:27 p.m.: officer requested (Northern Heights Drive), advised officer;
7:29 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (High Street), removed to hospital;
8:00 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), info given;
9:43 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Spring Street), services rendered;

SUNDAY OCTOBER 5
1:01 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:04-3:34 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:07 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), checked/secure;
1:14 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
1:23 a.m.: suspicious person (Central Street), spoken to;
1:27 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:50 a.m.: MV operating erratically (School Street), referred to other PD;
2:08 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
3:22 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
7:34 a.m.: intoxicated person (Central Street), services rendered;
8:11 a.m.: ambulance (Central Street), removed to hospital;
10:51 a.m.: officer requested (Maple Street @ Linden Street), unable to locate;
11:44 a.m.: lock-out house (Banner Place), services rendered;
3:11 p.m.: suspicious (other) (Central Street), spoken to;
3:47 p.m.: harassment (Hyde Park Drive), info taken;
3:54 p.m.: MV operating erratically (School Street), unable to locate;
4:10 p.m.: animal rescue (School Street), referred to ACO;
4:23 p.m.: info/general (Northern Heights Drive), info given;
4:34 p.m.: larceny (Maple Street), spoken to;
5:17 p.m.: officer requested (Bayberry Circle), spoken to;
6:21 p.m.: dog bite (Benjamin Street), referred to ACO;
7:09 p.m.: extra patrols (Goodspeed Machine Co, Summer Drive), checked/secure;
7:15 p.m.: extra patrols (North Central Pathway/Black Bridge area, Summer Drive), checked/secure;
7:38 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street @ Lincoln Avenue), verbal warning;
11:06 p.m.: 911, CO detector activation (Ready Drive), services rendered;

MONDAY OCTOBER 6
12:41 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
12:44-3:30 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:48 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon CAC, Summer Drive), checked/secure;

1:19 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Old Gardner Road), checked/secure;
1:27 a.m.: open door/window/gate (Spring Street), secured building;
3:34 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
7:00 a.m.: dog bite (Benjamin Street), referred to ACO;
10:52 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
11:26 a.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
12:17 p.m.: registration check (Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
12:26 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Grove Street), removed to hospital;
1:41 p.m.: 911, welfare check/general (Maple Street), spoken to;
1:43 p.m.: welfare check/elderly (address not published), spoken to;
2:08 p.m.: welfare check/general (Court Street), spoken to;
3:05 p.m.: animal complaint (Benjamin Street), referred to ACO;
3:20 p.m.: suicide threats (Baldwinville Road), spoken to;
3:38 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Summer Drive), removed to hospital;
3:45 p.m.: 911, fire alarm (Spring Circle), services rendered;
4:03 p.m.: harassment (West Street), report taken;
6:01 p.m.: 911, road oage (Lincoln Avenue), gone on arrival;
6:35 p.m.: info/general (Lincoln Avenue), spoken to;
8:45 p.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Central Street @ Maple Street), report taken;

TUESDAY OCTOBER 7
1:21 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:25-3:40 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:28 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), checked/secure;
1:35 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
1:39 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
3:30 a.m.: extra patrols (The Winchendon School, Ash Street), area search negative;
7:34 a.m.: harassment (Alger Street), spoken to;
10:23 a.m.: assist other agency (Whitney Street), services rendered;
11:21 a.m.: suicide threats (address not published), services rendered;
11:30 a.m.: animal complaint (Front Street), services rendered;
12:21 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Ingleside Drive), advised officer;
12:26 p.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), assisted;
12:34 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Glenallen Street), report taken;
1:37 p.m.: 911, suspicious person (Alger Street @ Baldwinville State Road), advised officer;
1:44 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Hitchcock Road), info taken;
2:36 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hale Street), accidental/defective alarm;
2:42 p.m.: fraud (Rose Court), report taken;
2:56 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Front Street), spoken to;
3:38 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), services rendered;
3:49 p.m.: animal complaint (Alger Street), referred to ACO;
3:53 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Hitchcock Road), assisted;
4:55 p.m.: 911, welfare check/general (Grove Street), spoken to;
5:01 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), advised officer;
5:04 p.m.: officer requested (Front Street), spoken to;
6:16 p.m.: officer requested (Maple Street), assisted;
7:28 p.m.: trespassing (Central Street), gone on arrival;
8:21 p.m.: wires down (Cummings Road), advised officer;
8:57 a.m.: drug/narcotic violations (Maple Street), spoken to;
9:03 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Central Street), advised officer;
10:12 a.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Benjamin Street), info taken;

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 8
12:39 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
12:47 a.m.: MV stop (Walnut Street), verbal warning;
12:53 a.m.: extra patrols (Toy Town Pub, Railroad Street), checked/secure;
12:58 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), cheked/secure;
12:58-3:23 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:28 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
7:33 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info given;
9:09 a.m.: assist other police department (Otter River Road), investigated/report taken;
9:22 a.m.: larceny (River Street), info taken;
9:55 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
10:06 a.m.: animal complaint (Brown Street), referred to ACO;
10:32 a.m.: animal complaint (Banner Place), referred to ACO;
10:36 a.m.: summons service (Western Avenue), summons served;
10:41 a.m.: summons service (Woodlawn Avenue), summons served;
10:45 a.m.: summons service (Highland Street), summons;
12:51 p.m.: animal complaint (Grove Street @ Lincoln Avenue), referred to ACO;
12:56 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Brown Street), services rendered;
1:21 p.m.: wires down (Glenallen Street @ Spring Street), investigated/report taken;
1:50 p.m.: harassment (Town Farm Road), report taken;
3:27 p.m.: investigation (Eli Drive), report taken;
4:08 p.m.: 911, vandalism (Lincoln Avenue Extension), report taken;
4:12 p.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Maple Street), accidental/defective alarm;
5:13 p.m.: animal complaint (School Street), referred to ACO;
5:54 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Brown Street), assisted;
6:07 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbak warning;
6:16 p.m.: animal complaint (East Monomonac Road), no police service necessary;
6:25 p.m.: extra patrols (Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
6:37 p.m.: traffic hazard (Maple Street), removed traffic hazard;
7:27 p.m.: 911, disturbance/fight (Central Street), investigated/report taken;
8:15 p.m.: MV stop (Grove Street), verbal warning;
8:21 p.m.: MV stop (Chestnut Street), verbal warning;
8:47 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Peggi Lane), removed to hospital;