The HUB Open House and Ribbon Cutting on Nov 1!

The Winchendon CAC invites you to the official ribbon cutting and Open House for the newly remodeled HUB on Saturday, November 1 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Come celebrate with us in an evening of fun, food and community at our Fire & S'Mores Open House! Bring your friends and family for a cozy gathering filled with laughter, connection and tasty treats.

• Roast & Relax - enjoy delicious s'mores by the fire.
• Scavenger Hung - explore CAC/HUB programs and win raffle prizes!
• Sunshine Café - sip warm drinks and enjoy sweet treats.
• Interactive Food Stations - sample local favorites.
• Bowling Fun - Perfect for the whole family!
• Creative Arts Table - get craft and inspired.
• Fashion Fun at Community Threads - Polaroids, photo booths and style fun.
• Food Pantry Recipe Challenge - show off your culinary creativity!

Free and open to all! Donations are appreciated and benefit CAC/HUB programs. Food drive contributions are also welcome! We can't wait to see you! Please RSVP so we can plan our supplies: https://www.the-hub.org/event-details/the-hub-open-house-ribbon-cutting.

Special Town Meeting Set for Monday, December 1

At their meeting on Monday, October 6, the Board of Selectmen approved the date of Monday, December 1, 2025 for the Fall Special Town Meeting. It will convene at 7:00 p.m. in the Murdock Middle High School Auditorium, 3 Memorial Drive, Winchendon.

The warrant for Town Meeting will open on Tuesday, October 7 2025 at 8:00 a.m. and close at Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 12:00 noon. Citizens who wish to discuss additions to the warrant should talk to the Town Manager, Bill McKinney (Phone: 978-297-0085 Ext. 5).

The principal purpose of Town Meeting is to vote on the fire station project, but other articles may be added to the warrant.

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 16
2:02-4:02 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
5:18 a.m.: 911, animal complaint (Spring Street), advised officer;
7:58 a.m.: 911, accident (Highland Street @ Maple Street), report taken;
9:31 a.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), assisted;
10:00 a.m.: harassment order service (Brown Street), unable to serve;
10:42 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (School Street), services rendered;
11:59 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
2:23 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Front Street), 911 non-emergency call;
2:28 p.m.: 911, mental health issue (Hale Street), removed to hospital;
2:36 p.m.: harassment (Goodrich Drive), report taken;
3:23 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Maple Street), assisted;
4:25 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Spring Street), spoken to;
5:51 p.m.: animal complaint (Pond Street @ Linden Street), services rendered;
5:55 p.m.: suspicious (other) (Morse Avenue), checked/secure;
6:07 p.m.: MV stop (Pearl Street), spoken to;
6:47 p.m.: alarm/type unknown (Central Street), accidental/defective alarm;
8:29 p.m.: welfare check/general (Hospital Road), unable to locate;
9:27 p.m.: 911, CO detector activation (Ready Drive), removed hazardous materials;

FRIDAY OCTOBER 17
12:58 a.m.: 911, threats (Holly Drive), report taken;
2:42-3:13 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:22 a.m.: motor vehicle violations (Central Street), area search negative;
8:04 a.m.: stolen vehicle (Central Street), report taken;
10:21 a.m.: investigation (Goodrich Drive), spoken to;
11:10 a.m.: investigation (Central Street), spoken to;
12:00 p.m.: info/general (Spring Street), info taken;
12:14 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Jackson Avenue), referred to DPW;
1:14 p.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), no fire service needed;
1:51 p.m.: stolen vehicle (Baldwinville State Road), info taken;
2:11 p.m.: lock-out vehicle (Gardner Road), assisted;
2:57 p.m.: traffic enforcement (School Street), checked/secure;
3:10 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Royalston, Brown Road), removed to hospital;
3:12 p.m.: mutual aid ambulance (other town, Brown Road), removed to hospital;
3:34 p.m.: mutual aid ambulance (Ashburnham, Main Street @ Central Street), removed to hospital;
4:27 p.m.: investigation (Baldwinville State Road), spoken to;
6:26 p.m.: fire/mutual aid (Fitzwilliam NH, Rte 12), call cancelled;
6:31 p.m.: suspicious (other) (River Street), spoken to;
7:11 p.m.: accident (School Street @ West Street), report taken;
7:37 p.m.: officer requested (Hospital Road), report taken;
8:54 p.m.: 911, 911 transfer (Krantz Road), referred to other P.D.;
11:32 p.m.: 911, accident (Otter River Road);
11:46 p.m.: 911, suspicious (other) (Krantz Road), area search negative;

Arrests:
Kemar Rushane Campbell, age 34, 28 Harmony Ln Apt #2, Keene, NH, charged with: carry loaded firearm without license; carry firearm without license; possession of large capacity; possession of large capacity feeding device (2); possesion of ammunition without FID card.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 18
12:01 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (Central Street), services rendered;
2:19-4:05 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:44 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
4:31 a.m.: 911, suspicious (other) (Hale Street), artea search negative;
11:50 a.m.: investigation (Spring Street), spoken to;
12:20 p.m.: accident (Spring Street), report taken;
1:29 p.m.: road rage (Belmont Avenue @ Goodrich Street), gone on arrival;
4:38 p.m.: smoke (Front Place), no fire service necessary;
4:52 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Spring Street), advised officer;
4:56 p.m.: parking violation (Ingleside Drive), services rendered;
5:21 p.m.: welfare check/general (Maple Street), spoken to;
6:39 p.m.: vandalism (Town Farm Road), report taken;
6:54 p.m.: citizen complaint (Central Street), info taken;
7:21 p.m.: traffic hazard (Maple Street @ Ingleside Drive), advised officer;
7:26 p.m.: traffic hazard (Ingleside Drive @ Maple Street), advised officer;
7:30 p.m.: traffic hazard (Ingleside Drive @ Maple Street), advised officer;
7:51 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Baldwinville Road), refused assistance;
8:01 p.m.: property found (Ingleside Drive), info taken;
8:38 p.m.: trespassing (Ingleside Drive), report taken;
9:04 p.m.: CO detector activation (Goodrich Drive), accidental/defective alarm;

MONDAY OCTOBER 20
12:05 a.m.: investigation (Pearl Drive), info taken;
1:04 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;

1:07-3:32 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:22 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), checked/secure;
6:49 a.m.: MV stop (Front Street), verbal warning;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Ash Street), referred to ACO;
9:55 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Memorial Drive), assisted;
10:25 a.m.: investigation (Franklin Street), report taken;
1:50 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
2:32 p.m.: welfare check/general (Maple Street), verbal warning;
4:17 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;
4:19 p.m.: harassment (Central Street), spoken to;
5:51 p.m.: mental health issue (address not published), removed to hospital;
7:00 p.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, Williams Passage), services rendered;
7:02 p.m.: 911, suspicious person (River Street), transport;
8:01 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
8:15 p.m.: extra patrols (Lincoln Avenue Extension), checked/secure;
8:27 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
8:32 p.m.: accident (Central Street), report taken;
8:38 p.m.: open door/window/gate (Belmont Avenue), checked/secure;
9:14 p.m.: 911, unwanted party (River Street), report taken;
10:56 p.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Pond Street), investigated/report taken;

TUESDAY OCTOBER 21
1:21-4:20 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:32 a.m.: extra patrols (Cumberland Farms, Central Street), checked/secure;
1:56 a.m.: patrol initiated (Central Street), no police service necessary;
6:04 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Central Street), 911 non-emergency call;
7:17 a.m.: harassment (Goodrich Drive), report taken;
7:35 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), services rendered;
8:22 a.m.: MV stop (Washington Avenue @ Central Street), verbal warning;
8:28 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), services rendered;
8:28 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), verbal warning;
8:39 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), services rendered;
9:13 a.m.: MV operating erratically (River Street), no police service necessary;
10:48 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Goodrich Drive), removed to hospital;
11:27 a.m.: mutual aid, cover station (other town, South Street), assisted;
11:36 a.m.: MV stop (Main Street), verbal warning;
2:20 p.m.: investigation (Murdock Avenue), spoken to;
2:32 p.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), checked/secure;
2:33 p.m.: extra patrols (Park Street @ School Street), checked/secure;
2:54 p.m.: info/general (Gardner, Matthews Road), advised officer;
3:33 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Central Street @ Jackson Avenue), checked/secure;
3:42 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
4:04 p.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (Glenallen Street), accidental/defective alarm;
5:28 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
6:22 p.m.: welfare check/general (Town Farm Road), checked/secure;
6:59 p.m.: public service/other (School Street), assisted;

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 22
1:56 a.m.: assist other agency (Mellen Road), services rendered;
2:34-3:06 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
4:36 a.m.: 911, animal complaint (Old County Road @ Teel Road), spoken to;
6:40 a.m.: 911, accident (Central Street), report taken;
8:00 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), services rendered;
8:00 a.m.: extra patrols (Elmwood Road @ Memorial Drive), services rendered;
8:00 a.m.: extra patrols (Elmwood Road @ Memorial Drive), services rendered;
8:03 a.m.: extra patrols (School Street @ Park Street), checked/secure;
8:26 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Locust Street), no police service necessary;
9:40 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), report taken;
9:45 a.m.: traffic hazard (Poland Avenue), no police service necessary;
9:56 a.m.: assist other agency (Alger Street @ Hitchbock Road), no police service necessary;
11:06 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
11:26 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (3 Memorial Drive), removed to hospital;
11:31 a.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
11:35 a.m.: gunshots heard (Glenallen Street), spoken to;
11:53 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (West Street), removed to hospital;
12:25 p.m.: threats (Fourth Street), report taken;
12:28 p.m.: officer requested (Spring Street), report taken;
2:13 p.m.: 911, accident (East Street @ Central Street), removed to hospital;
2:40 p.m.: officer requested (Island Road), report taken;
3:14 p.m.: traffic enforcement (School Street), checked/secure;
3:26 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Central Street @ North Street), checked/secure;
4:09 p.m.: MV accident, no injuries (School Street), report taken;
4:33 p.m.: MV stop (School Street @ Park Street), summons;
7:06 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Central Street), checked/secure;
7:30 p.m.: MV stop (Maple Street), verbal warning;
11:30 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Central Street), info taken;

Summons:
Michael G Lauzon, age 62, 275 Spring St, Winchendon, MA, charged with operating MV with suspended license.