Join the Winchendon Commission on Disability to Help Create Change!

Empowering Voices: Your role in advocacy matters
Become a part of our community and make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities through active participation and support.

Why Join Us?
Collaborate with like-minded advocates and share your insights to inform policies that create a more inclusive sociaty for everyone.

Meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at The HUB/Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Drive.

If you're interested in joining or have any questions, please email winchendoncod@gmail.com.

What Winchendon offers:

• Clark Memorial YMCA play area is fenced in and provides a playset swing. Indoor pool has an automated swim chair.
• Winchendon History and Cultural Center provides an alternate ramp to the entrance.
• Beals Memorial Library has a certified Autism Friendly Initiative and provides elevator access.
• Town Hall provides elevator access.
• Winchendon Community Park offers wheelchair accessible tables and handicap parking.
• Wheelchair accessibility throughout the Winchendon CAC and The HUB.
• Winchendon Public Schools provide ADA accessibility throughout the district.
• Parent & Professional Advocacy League family support meetings held monthly.
• Murdock Middle High School and Heywood Healthcare offer an on-site student/staff clinic at MMHS.
• UU Church of Winchendon offers a wheelchair lift and is ADA accessible for public events, concerts and biweekly community suppers
• Town continues ongoing grant-funded replacement and improvement of sidewalks and crossings with curb cuts and ADA accessible design
• Town provides live CART captioning service at Annual and Special Town Meetings.
• ...and more!

Please complete the community survey to share your needs, and consider joining the Commission! Access the survey at: https://forms.gle/vySfVpABwXKxNPSg6

Sponsor a Brick to Support Veterans' Housing!

The Massachusetts Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) is inviting you to sponsor a brick at the Winchendon Veterans Housing expansion project in memory of a fallen veteran or to recognize the service of a soldier or veteran in your life. You can also sponsor a brick with the name of your business or organization. If you have questions about what to engrave, contact info@veterans-outreach.org.

A 4 x 8 inch brick is $100, and a 8 x 8 inch brick is $250. To order a brick, go to https://polarengraving.com/veteransoutreach?fbclid=iwy2xjawexqw1lehrua2flbqixmqabhbqcqvnybbv1-ox_1hingn_nrqnexxzbrbdl-ddvd8n_wqzevm_bzbtbwq_aem_lppmpvyzvgabseiedcw8oq

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

Free Kids Sports & Arts Clinic on January 19

On Monday, January 19, The Winchendon School will present a free Sports & Arts Clinic for kids age 6 to 13. The clinic will be held at The Winchendon School, 172 Ash Street, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be included! Families can choose one of five options: Hockey; Baseball; Basketball; Arts & Crafts; Musical Theatre.

Registration is required. Register online at www.the-hub.org/event-details/kids-sports-arts-clinic-january-19-2026. For more information, email thehub@winchendon-cac.org or call the Winchendon CAC at 978-297-1667 (Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.).

Winchendon P.D. Offering Annual R.A.D. Self Defense Class for Women

The Winchendon Police Department will be offering a R.A.D (rape aggression defense) class starting in January 2026. The class is FREE to all women. No prior experience is needed as we will teach basic skills that can be applied by everyone.

Class size is limited to 20 so sign up early with a dispatcher at the Winchendon Police Department.

The dates of the class sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 6, 8, 13 and 15, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Attendance at all four classes is required for successful completion. Minimum age requirement is 14 years old accompanied by an adult/guardian with a signed permission slip.

The first class will be held at the Winchendon Police Department (80 Central Street) in the training room. The remaining classes will be held at the Memorial Elementary School (32 Elmwood Road) in the gym.

Any questions can be directed to:
Officer Tracy Flagg Tflagg@townofwinchendon.com
or
Officer Jim Wironen Jwironen@townofwinchendon.com
or call the P.D. non-emergency number, 978-297-1212.

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!

THURSDAY DECEMBER 25
2:57 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
2:59-3:07 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:01 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
3:10 a.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Spring Street), services rendered;
5:14 a.m.: burglar alarm (River Street), accidental/defective alarm;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Spring Street), referred to DPW;
8:03 a.m.: property damage (Monadnock Avenue), report taken;
8:19 a.m.: transport (Gardner Road), transport;
12:23 p.m.: larceny (Cottage Street), spoken to;
5:57 p.m.: ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), no cause for complaint;
6:24 p.m.: 911, accident (Mill Glen Road), report taken;
6:53 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), spoken to;
9:53 p.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Spring Street), checked/secure;

FRIDAY DECEMBER 26
1:00 a.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Spring Street), checked/secure;
1:07- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:09 a.m.: extra patrols (Mathieu Ford Dealershipm, Spring Street), checked/secure;
4:27 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Prospect Street), removed to hospital;
7:33 a.m.: burglar alarm (Spring Street), secured building;
7:56 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Beachview Drive), removed to hospital;
8:07 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
9:21 a.m.: fire alarm (Toy Town Lane), services rendered;
9:35 a.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
11:37 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
11:43 a.m.: fire alarm (Central Street), services rendered;
12:01 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
12:19 p.m.: officer requested (Alger Street), report taken;
1:39 p.m.: info/general (Glenallen Street), info taken;
2:45 p.m.: harassment (Ipswich Drive), spoken to;
3:39 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Spruce Street), spoken to;
3:53 p.m.: private property tow (Spring Circle), assisted;
3:58 p.m.: lift assist (Northen Heights Drive), removed to hospital;
4:03 p.m.: harassment order entry (Baldwinville Road), info taken;
7:04 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pleasant Street), removed to hospital;
8:00 p.m.: 911, unwanted party (Beech Street), gone on arrival;
9:04 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Glenallen Street), services rendered;
9:06 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Eastern Avenue), removed to hospital;
9:20 p.m.: MV operating erratically (School Street), unable to locate;
9:26 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Winchendon), referred to DPW;
11:11 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (other town, Green Street), referred to other P.D.;

SATURDAY DECEMBER 27
12:02 a.m.: gunshots heard (Gardner Road), investigated/report taken;
12:19 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Elm Street), removed to hospital;
1:12-1:14 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
8:10 a.m.: structure fire (Phyllis Road), services rendered;
9:59 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (Elm Street), services rendered;
10:40 a.m.: welfare check/general (Eastern Avenue), spoken to;
12:16 p.m.: sex offender registration (Juniper Street), assisted;
12:26 p.m.: animal complaint (North Central Street), referred to ACO;
12:31 p.m.: harassment order service (Baldwinville Road), harassment order served;
3:09 p.m.: officer requested (other town, Columbus), referred to other P.D.;
3:28 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spruce Street), removed to hospital;
3:34 p.m.: animal complaint (other town, School Street), referred to ACO;
4:10 p.m.: info/directions (Spring Street), info given;
6:59 p.m.: animal complaint (Lincoln Avenue Extension), advised officer;
7:13 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Glenallen Street), info given;
7:33 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Polly's Drive), assisted;
8:32 p.m.: welfare check/general (Spruce Street), referred to other P.D.;
8:57 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Old Centre), referred to DPW;

SUNDAY DECEMBER 28
1:25 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Stoddard Road), info taken;
1:35 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:37-2:32 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:38 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:47 a.m.: assist citizen (Eagle Road), assisted;
2:41 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ready Drive), removed to hospital;
6:20 a.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Spring Street), checked/secure;
7:45 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Old Centre), referred to DPW;
8:38 a.m.: animal complaint (Old Centre), referred to ACO;
10:36 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (School Street), accidental/defective alarm;
12:16 p.m.: officer requested (Island Road), info taken;
12:27 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Hospital Road), services rendered;
12:37 p.m.: 911, assist citizen (Chestnut Street), spoken to;
1:22 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Glenallen Street), removed to hospital;
2:08 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Gardner Road), report taken;
3:40 p.m.: 911, Keep The Peace (West Monomonac Road), spoken to;
3:50 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Baldwinville Road), referred to state DPW;
4:16 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Road), removed to hospital;
5:12 p.m.: harassment (Maple Street), report taken;
5:24 p.m.: stolen vehicle (Brown Street), report taken;
6:24 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Spring Street), unable to locate;
6:36 p.m.: 911, Be On The Look Out (Central Street), report taken;
8:32 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pond Street), removed to hospital;
8:55 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Gardner Road @ Spring Street), assisted;
9:37 p.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (Pleasant Street), checked/secure;
10:39 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Alger Street), referred to DPW;

MONDAY DECEMBER 29
12:34 a.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Teel Road), services rendered;
1:03 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Cottage Street), removed to hospital;
1:11 a.m.: assist citizen (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
2:18 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
2:21-3:27 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:49 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
3:25 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
3:59 a.m.: investigation (Central Street), investigated/report taken;
4:20 a.m.: 911, traffic hazard (Sibley Road), removed traffic hazard;
7:00 a.m.: wires down (Main Street), referred to other agency;
7:46 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Hyde Street), referred to DPW;
7:51 a.m.: fire alarm (Hospital Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
10:51 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Front Street), 911 non-emergency call;
11:10 a.m.: animal complaint (Baldwinville Road), referred to other agency;
11:12 a.m.: animal complaint (Brown Street), referred to ACO;
1:51 p.m.: 911, fire/carbon monoxide incident (Benjamin Street), accidental/defective alarm;
2:11 p.m.: property lost (Central Street), info taken;
4:20 p.m.: summons service (Ash Street), summons served;
4:21 p.m.: summons service (Poplar Street), unable to serve;
4:22 p.m.: summons service (West Street), summons served;
4:23 p.m.: summons service (West Street), summons served;
4:24 p.m.: info/general (Mason Street), unable to serve;
7:44 p.m.: officer requested (Spring Street), unable to locate;
9:16 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Old Gardner Road), referred to DPW;
9:25 p.m.: burglar alarm (Maple Street), checked/secure;
10:05 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
10:16 p.m.: 911, suspicious (other) (Central Street), referred to other agency;

TUESDAY DECEMBER 30
12:13 a.m.: suspicious person (Brown Street), no police service necessary;
1:31 a.m.: traffic hazard (River Street), removed traffic hazard;
1:35- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:38 a.m.: extra patrols (Mathieu Ford Dealership, Spring Street), checked/secure;
1:44 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
2:26 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
3:18 a.m.: 911, tree down (Forristall Road), removed traffic hazard;
3:30 a.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Baldwinville State Road), services rendered;
3:45 a.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (School Street), services rendered;
7:09 a.m.: traffic hazard (Teel Road), info taken;
7:19 a.m.: traffic hazard (Mill Street), advised officer;
9:12 a.m.: animal complaint (other town, Baldwinville Road), referred to ACO;
9:49 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Alger Street), removed to hospital;
10:33 a.m.: assist citizen (Pond Street), advised officer;
1:36 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Brown Street), removed to hospital;
1:59 p.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (School Square), investigated/report taken;
3:25 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Otter River Road), unable to locate;
3:34 p.m.: info/general (Maple Street), info given;
4:09 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:58 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Teel Road), assisted;
7:20 p.m.: info/general (Mason Street), spoken to;
8:53 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
9:00 p.m.: info/general (Cottage Street), info given;
9:01 p.m.: trespassing (Spring Street), MV towed/result of private tow;
9:25 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Oak Street), info taken;
9:37 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
9:43 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Goodrich Drive), removed to hospital;
11:57 p.m.: 911, assist citizen (Krantz Road), checked/secure;

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 31
1:06-3:00 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:20 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:55 a.m.: extra patrols (Toy Town Pub, Railroad Street), checked/secure;
1:56 a.m.: extra patrols (Chick's Tavern, Pleasant Street), checked/secure;
2:57 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
5:38 a.m.: chimney fire (Old Gardner Road), no fire service necessary;
6:56 a.m.: burglar alarm (Spring Street), false alarm;
7:36 a.m.: welfare check/general (Holly Drive), report taken;
7:41 a.m.: mental health issue (address not published), removed to hospital;
9:41 a.m.: sex offender registration (Maple Street), info taken;
10:03 a.m.: suspicious (other) (River Street), no police service necessary;
10:13 a.m.: transport (River Street), transport;
11:04 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (other town, Laurel Lake Road), removed to hospital;
1:18 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street @ Maple Street), traffic citation issued;
1:50 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Glenallen Street @ West Monomonac Road), referred to DPW;
2:07 p.m.: fire alarm (Central Street), services rendered;
2:11 p.m.: MV operating erratically (School Street), unable to locate;
2:30 p.m.: traffic hazard (Front Street), advised officer;
4:01 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), spoken to;
4:16 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Beech Street), removed to hospital;
5:54 p.m.: investigation (Ready Drive), info taken;
7:25 p.m.: road rage (Franklin Street), referred to other agency;
8:18 p.m.: ambulance needed (Walnut Street), removed to hospital;
8:56 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pearl Drive), removed to hospital;
11:15-11:23 p.m.: building checks, all secure;