Warrant for December 1 Special Town Meeting Available

The Board of Selectmen voted to finalize and approve the Warrant for the Fall Special Town Meeting at their meeting on Monday, November 10. Special Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. and will be held in the Murdock Middle High School gymnasium, 3 Memorial Drive, Winchendon.

The Warrant has only two articles.

Article 1 asks voters to approve the town imposing a local excise tax on short-term lodging (bed & breakfasts, hotels, motels, AirBnBs and so on) in town, at the rate of 6 percent. Town Manager Bill McKinney said that he was exploring sources of revenue for the town. Municipalities are limited in the local taxes and fees they're allowed to impose, but a lodging tax is one of them, and Winchendon has never had one. Vendors who operate lodging pay a tax to the state already. The state Department of Revenue told Mr. McKinney that if the town adopts a lodging tax now, it could realize almost a year's worth of revenue for FY26.

Article 2 is the reason for the Special Town Meeting: approving the debt exclusion for borrowing $16,632,499 for the Fire Station Addition and Renovation Project.

The Warrant may be viewed and downloaded from the town website at www.townofwinchendon.com/DocumentCenter/View/1571/Special-Town-Meeting-Warrant-December-1-2025.

Paving on Central Street Begins Monday, Nov 10

A contractor for the Town of Winchendon will be reclaiming and paving a portion of Central Street from Maple Street to Jackson Avenue starting on Monday, November 10. The paving operations are expected to last two weeks. Please expect delays (and use alternate routes if possible). The contractor will keep one lane open to through traffic. Residents living in the section of operations will have access in and out of their driveways at all times.

Attention Winchendon Business Owners! Take Part in the Holiday Storefront Decorating Competition

Winchendon Parks & Recreation is teaming up with Fidelity Bank to light up Winchendon--and we want your storefront to shine like a Christmas tree! We're hosting a Holiday Storefront Decorating Competition, and it's your time to show off your Christmas spirit! Here's how to join the fun:

1. Email us at scunningham@winchendon-ma.gov to let us know you'd like to participate
2. Deck out your storefront in your most festive holiday style.
3. Tag us on social media so we can see your display and include you in the competition!

The Prize:

Not only will you earn major bragging rights and tons of social media exposure...BUT the winner will also receive an exclusive interview and feature with our marketing team! So don't wait--spread the holiday cheer! Email us saying "We're in!" along with your business name, and our team will reach out with next steps.

Let's make Winchendon merry and bright together!

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.

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.

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 October 27, 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
Communication Committee - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 12 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Historical District Commission - 1 alternate vacancy
Parks & Recreation Commission - 1 vacancy
Planning Board - 1 vacancy Winchendon Commission on Disabilities - 1 vacancy
Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 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.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 17
1:46 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:50-3:00 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
5:05 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Irwin Court), removed to hospital;
9:57 a.m.: officer requested (School Street), referred to court;
11:04 a.m.: fraud (Ash Street), report taken;
1:07 p.m.: warrant of apprehension (Ready Drive), transport;
1:16 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Crescent Road), removed to hospital;
1:21 p.m.: accident (Maple Street @ Linden Street), report taken;
2:14 p.m.: mutual aid, cover station (Athol, Main Street), assisted;
2:35 p.m.: assist other police department (Mill Glen Road), unable to locate;
2:45 p.m.: 911, suicide threats (address not published), removed to hospital;
3:08 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Baldwinville Road), removed traffic hazard;
3:23 p.m.: harassment (Hyde Park Street), summons;
4:20 p.m.: 911, MV accident with injuries (Spring Street), removed to hospital;
4:46 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Maple Street), gone on arrival;
5:02 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Spring Street), assisted;
6:49 p.m.: suicide threats (address not published), assisted;
7:21 p.m.: assist other police department (Mill Glen Road), assisted;
7:52 p.m.: accident (Mill Glen Road), report taken;
7:57 p.m.: accident (Baldwinville Road), report taken;
11:01 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Spring Street), info taken;
11:09 p.m.: ambulance needed (Maple Street), removed to hospital;

Summons:
Teresa Elizabeth Graham, age 55, 70 West St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: criminal harassment subsequent offense; operating MV with suspended license subsequent offense; use electronic device while operating MV, 1st offense c90 s13B.
Miranda L Graham, age 32, 70 West St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: unlicensed/suspended permit operation of MV.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18
12:37 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
12:40-3:12 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:57 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
1:13 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
7:14 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spring Street), removed to hospital;
7:49 a.m.: 911, disturbance (Prentice Circle), assisted;
8:07 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Bruce Road), referred to DPW;
9:51 a.m.: fire alarm (Linden Street), spoken to;
11:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Ingleside Drive), referred to ACO;

12:22 p.m.: animal complaint (Lakeshore Drive), referred to ACO;
12:24 p.m.: robbery (North Royalston Road), unable to locate;
1:25 p.m.: officer requested (Mechanic Street), info given;
1:54 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Alger Street), services rendered;
1:57 p.m.: abandoned 911 call (Mill Street), info taken;
4:13 p.m.: welfare check/general (Mason Street), unable to locate;
4:26 p.m.: welfare check/general (Pearl Street), call cancelled;
4:53 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Central Street), spoken to;
5:18 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Lincoln Avenue), removed to hospital;
5:55 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Glenallen Street), advised officer;
6:21 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Front Street @ Lincoln Avenue), spoken to;
6:43 p.m.: burglar alarm (Franklin Street), call cancelled;

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 19
12:27-3:15 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:12 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:25 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
1:55 a.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
3:25 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
5:41 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
8:23 a.m.: welfare check/child (address not published), removed to hospital;
10:50 a.m.: fraud (Crosby Road), report taken;
12:19 p.m.: harassment (Ash Street), report taken;
12:35 p.m.: assist citizen (Baldwinville State Road), assisted;
1:22 p.m.: animal complaint (School Street), referred to ACO;
2:05 p.m.: fraud (Ash Street), report taken;
2:51 p.m.: mutual aid to scene (Rindge, Rte 119 @ Wellington), services rendered;
2:55 p.m.: 911, accident (Gardner Road), call cancelled;
3:13 p.m.: trespassing (Mill Glen Road), report taken;
4:31 p.m.: fire alarm (Central Street), no fire service necessary;
4:52 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
5:29 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street @ Glenallen Street), verbal warning;
5:37 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:00 p.m.: investigation (Water Street), report taken;
6:50 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
7:03 p.m.: registration check (Gardner Road), info given;
7:04 p.m.: officer requested (Walnut Street), report taken;
7:05 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
8:13 p.m.: 911, accident (Spring Street), report taken;
8:52 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Krantz Road), unable to locate;
9:12 p.m.: extra patrols (Lake Dennison Beach Area, Main Street), checked/secure;
10:21 p.m.: animal complaint (School Street), assisted;