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!

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.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 4
12:43-3:02 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:57 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
1:08 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:12 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Dry Cleaners, East Grove Street), checked/secure;
1:19 a.m.: extra patrols (Cumberland Farms, Central Street), checked/secure;
3:53 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Elm Street), removed to hospital;
8:13 a.m.: extra patrols (Welch Road), services rendered;
8:33 a.m.: officer requested (Joslin Road), spoken to;
8:48 a.m.: officer requested (Brown Street), report taken;
11:19 a.m.: ambulance needed (Polly's Drive), removed to hospital;
11:21 a.m.: accident (North Royalston Road), no police service necessary;
11:52 a.m.: registration check (Central Street), info given;
12:13 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (West Street), removed to hospital;
12:50 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Spring Street), info taken;
2:01 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Front Street), unfounded;
3:42 p.m.: info/general (North Royalston Road), checked/secure;
5:56 p.m.: traffic hazard (Gardner Road), checked/secure;
7:01 p.m.: info/general (Grove Street), info given;
7:21 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Glenallen Street), removed to hospital;
7:25 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Banner Place), accidental/defective alarm;
9:00 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
9:09 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
10:15 p.m.: 911, info/general (Mechanic Street), info given;

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5
12:27 a.m.: ambulance needed (Mechanic Street), removed to hospital;
12:38 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
12:39 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Dry Cleaners, East Grove Street), checked/secure;
1:15-3:43 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:31 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
2:00 a.m.: burglar alarm (Cardinal Lane), false alarm;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Old Gardner Road @ Gardner Road), call cancelled;
7:36 a.m.: stolen vehicle (Main Street), report taken;
8:05 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
9:52 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Russell Farm Road), removed to hospital;
11:52 a.m.: Keep The Peace (School Street), assisted;
12:30 p.m.: animal complaint (Northern Heights Drive), referred to ACO;
12:34 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Peggi Lane), services rendered;
1:30 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Eagle Road), removed to hospital;
2:06 p.m.: ambulance needed (Maple Street), call cancelled;
3:37 p.m.: info/general (Western Avenue), advised officer;
3:51 p.m.: traffic hazard (Baldwinville State Road @ Main Street), removed traffic hazard;
5:44 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:04 p.m.: extra patrols (Spring Street @ Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
6:51 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), unable to locate;
7:07 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
8:05 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Baldwinville Road), arrest;
10:04 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), info taken;

Arrests:
Jeffrey Lee Smith, age 57, 56 Old County Rd, Winchendon, MA, charged with: OUI-liquor over .08%; negligent operation of motor vehicle.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6
12:30 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
12:35-3:17 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:38 a.m.: extra patrols (Veterans Center, Murdock Avenue), checked/secure;
12:45 a.m.: extra patrols (Mass Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
12:49 a.m.: 911, fire/unknown type (Mellen Road), services rendered;
1:09 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), info taken;
1:24 a.m.: recovered motor vehicle (other town, Crane Road), info taken;
8:52 a.m.: 911, ambulance (Eagle Road), removed from hospital;
10:21 a.m.: 911, accident (Ash Street), report taken;
12:26 p.m.: 911, accident (Central Street), report taken;
12:50 p.m.: fraud (Central Street), spoken to;
2:02 p.m.: fraud (Emerald Street), report taken;
3:12 p.m.: property damage (Central Street), info taken;
3:54 p.m.: welfare check/general (Independence Drive), checked/secure;
5:06 p.m.: extra patrols (Main Street), checked/secure;
5:15 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), traffic citation issued;
5:25 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Tolman Road), advised officer;
5:29 p.m.: MV stop (Ingleside Drive), spoken to;
6:14 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street), report taken;
8:37 p.m.: officer requested (Morse Avenue), spoken to;
9:35 p.m.: registration check (Maple Street), checked/secure;
11:17 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (River Street), removed to hospital;

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7
12:41-12:54 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:47 a.m.: extra patrols (Mathieu Ford Dealership, Spring Street), checked/secure;
12:48 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
1:00 a.m.: MV accident with injuries (River Street), report taken;
1:19 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Road), removed to hospital;
6:28 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Lakeview Drive), removed to hospital;
8:17 a.m.: parking violations (Spruce Street), written warning;
8:50 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
12:11 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
1:34 p.m.: fire alarm (River Street), no fire service necessary;
6:40 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (River Street), spoken to;
8:36 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Joslin Road), report taken;
10:26 p.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, South Street), call cancelled;
10:27 p.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, South Street), call cancelled;
11:31 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (School Square), info taken;
11:58 p.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Elmwood Road), checked/secure;

Summons:
Kevin Matthew Henry, age 30, 75 Main St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: negligent operation of motor vehicle; speeding rate of speed exceeding posted limit; marked lanes violation; no inspection sticker; possess open container of alcohol in MV.

MONDAY DECEMBER 8
12:32-1:54 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:42 a.m.: extra patrols (Mathieu Ford Dealership, Spring Street), checked/secure;
1:24 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (North Royalston Road), spoken to;
1:57 a.m.: registration check (Pleasant Street), checked/secure;
4:26 a.m.: patrol initiated (Central Street), removed to hospital;
5:21 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
5:58 a.m.: info/general (Northern Heights Drive), info given;
6:06 a.m.: welfare check/general (Forristall Road @ Central Street), unable to locate;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Publiv Works call/general (Old Gardner Road @ Gardner Road), referred to DPW;
7:24 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Main Street), removed to hospital;
10:15 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (Central Street @ North Central Street), services rendered;
10:37 a.m.: MV stop (Main Street), verbal warning;
12:21 p.m.: welfare check/general (Carriage Lane), spoken to;
12:26 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), report taken;
12:56 p.m.: trespassing (Northern Heights Drive), info taken;
1:03 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Hitchcock Road), services rendered;
3:51 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Drive), removed to hospital;
4:18 p.m.: disabled vehicle (River Street), spoken to;
4:26 p.m.: investigation (Spring Street), services rendered;
5:23 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street), verbal warning;
5:51 p.m.: welfare check/elderly (address not published), spoken to;
6:04 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
7:59 p.m.: MV stop (High Street @ Leland Street), traffic citation issued;
10:54 p.m.: 911, panic alarm (Spring Street), checked/secure;

TUESDAY DECEMBER 9
12:32-1:54 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:41 a.m.: extra patrols (Mathieu Ford Dealership, Spring Street), checked/secure;
1:24 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (North Royalston Road), spoken to;
1:57 a.m.: registration check (Pleasant Street), checked/secure;
4:26 a.m.: patrol initiated (Central Street), checked/secure;
5:21 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
5:58 a.m.: info/general (Northern Heights Drive), info given;
6:06 a.m.: welfare check/general (Forristall Road @ Central Street), unable to locate;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Old Gardner Road @ Gardner Road), referred to DPW;
7:24 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Main Street), removed to hospital;
10:15 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (Central Street @ North Central Street), services rendered;
10:37 a.m.: MV stop (Main Street), verbal warning;
12:21 p.m.: welfare check/general (Carriage Lane), spoken to;
12:26 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), report taken;
12:56 p.m.: trespassing (Northern Heights Drive), info taken;
1:03 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Hitchcock Road), services rendered;
3:51 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Drive), removed to hospital;
4:18 p.m.: disabled vehicle (River Street), spoken to;
4:26 p.m.: investigation (Spring Street), services rendered;
5:23 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street), verbal warning;
5:51 p.m.: welfare check/elderly (address not published), spoken to;
6:04 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
7:59 p.m.: MV stop (High Street @ Leland Street), traffic citation issued;
10:54 p.m.: 911, panic alarm (Spring Street), checked/secure;