2026 Dog Licenses Available Now

2026 Dog licenses are now available at the Town Clerk's office in person, or mail check with rabies certificate to Town Clerk, 109 Front St, Dept. 3, Winchendon, MA 01475. You can also put your application in the drop box outside of Town Hall or order online on the Town Clerk's page of the town website. Cost for a Spayed/Neutered dog is $10, Non-Spayed/Non-Neutered dog is $20. Please provide valid rabies certificate.

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	Board of Health 10:00am	Planning Board 6:00pm Parks & Rec Commission 6:30pm		School Committee 6:00pm
2nd	Board of Selectmen 6:30pm	Finance Committee 7:00pm	Economic Development Task Force 5:30pm Agricultural Commission 7:00pm	Conservation Commission 6:00pm
3rd	Winchendon Redevelopment Authority 5:00pm	Planning Board 6:00pm Parks & Rec Commission 6:30pm	Zoning Board of Appeals 7:00pm	School Committee 6:00pm
4th	Board of Selectmen 6:30pm		Economic Development Task Force 5:30pm

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

Winchendon Looking for Candidates for the Board of Registrars

The Town of Winchendon is looking for a Registrar. The duties include certifying nomination papers, absentee ballot applications, and petitions. Occasionally a Registrar assists with voter registration. As a member of the Board of Registrars, you're not allowed to serve on any boards or committees or be a poll worker. If there is ever a recount, the Registrars oversee it. This is a stipend position which currently pays $240.00. If interested send a letter of interest to Debra Dennis at ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or mail to Town of Winchendon, Attn: Debra Dennis, 109 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

In-person Kindergarten Registration on Saturday, March 7

Winchendon Public Schools will hold in-person Kindergarten Registration at Memorial Elementary School, 32 Elmwood Rd., Winchendon on Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 Noon. Parents and guardians need to bring an original birth certificate, proof of residency and most recent immunizations and physical papers.

If your child was born between September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021 they are eligible to begin kindergarten in the fall. Kindergarten screening will take place, by appointment, in May.

Any questions please contact school secretary Martha Hubert at mhubert@winchendonk12.org or 978-297-1305.

Open Burning Season January 15 to May 1

The Open Burning Season runs from January 15 through May 1. Residents must get a seasonal permit for the current year from the Fire Department before they burn. A permit is $10.00. Residents must also call the Fire Department at 978-297-6346 after 9:00 a.m. each day that they plan a burn, and get permission for that day. Burning may not be allowed on days with high-risk fire conditions.

Fires should consist of only brush and forest debris. Burning of grass, hay, leaves, stumps, tires, rubbish, building material or construction debris is prohibited. Be sure to check the weather and wind conditions. NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.

For more information and to get a permit, see www.winchendonfire.org/open-burning

Vacancy on Winchendon Redevelopment Authority

The Winchendon Redevelopment Authority has a member vacancy. If you are interested, please reach out to ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov by February 2, 2026. For more information on the Winchendon Redevelopment Authority, including its members, mission statement and meeting times, see www.townofwinchendon.com/410/Winchendon-Redevelopment-Authority.

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 FEBRUARY 26
12:31-3:20 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:52 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Pond Street @ Poplar Street), spoken to;
1:21 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Maple Street), removed to hospital;
2:33 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
2:35 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), spoken to;
2:38 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Maple Street), checked/secure;
2:39 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
2:41 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
6:11 a.m.: burglar alarm (Central Street), false alarm;
6:35 a.m.: noise complaint (Glenallen Street), report taken;
7:34 a.m.: 911, accident (Central Street @ Washington Avenue), reportn taken;
8:33 a.m.: animal complaint (Cross Road), referred to ACO;
10:04 a.m.: property found (Central Street), info taken;
10:54 a.m.: accident (Central Street), report taken;
12:10 p.m.: accident (Baldwinville Road), assisted;
3:13 p.m.: officer requested (Grove Street), spoken to;
3:58 p.m.: Section 12 (address not published), removed to hospital;
4:28 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Spruce Street), assisted;
4:35 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pond Street), removed to hospital;
4:45 p.m.: investigation (Pond Street), report taken;
5:23 p.m.: investigation (Spring Street), unable to locate;
6:18 p.m.: suspicious person (Maple Street), arrest;
6:39 p.m.: investigation (Railroad Street), unfounded;
8:11 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), spoken to;
8:15 p.m.: assist citizen (Poland Avenue), info given;
9:44 p.m.: ambulance needed (Vaine Street), removed to hospital;
9:57 p.m.: 911, suicide threats (address not published), removed to hospital;
10:21 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street), verbal warning;

Protective Custody:
Robert Olson, age 60, 80 Nutting Rd, Jaffrey, NH, charged with: protective custody.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27
2:28 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
2:34 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
2:34-2:55 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:15 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Plaza, Central Street), no cause for complaint;
6:30 a.m.: officer requested (Glenallen Street), spoken to;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Mill Street @ Spruce Street), advised officer;
7:59 a.m.: officer requested (Maynard Street), spoken to;
8:10 a.m.: arrest (Central Street), arrest;
9:32 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
10:02 a.m.: investigation (Central Street), spoken to;
4:05 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), info taken;
4:16 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Brown Avenue), referred to other agency;
4:26 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Jackson Avenue), accidental defective alarm;
6:01 p.m.: officer requested (Pond Street), summons;
7:55 p.m.: info/general (Poland Avenue), info given;
9:02 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Gardner Road), checked/secure;
9:03 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Main Street), services rendered;
9:21 p.m.: 911, motor vehicle violations (Gardner Road), unable to locate;

Arrests:
William Pinkham Jr, age 28, 22 Stratton Rd Apt #1, Jaffrey, NH, charged with: violate abuse prevention order.

Summons:
Carson P Riggs, age 45, homeless, Winchendon, MA, charged with: possession of Class A drug.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28
1:40 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
1:43-2:19 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:43 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Gardner Road), checked/secure;
2:25 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), no cause for complaint;
3:29 a.m.: transport (Oak Street), transport;
5:38 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Banner Place), removed to hospital;
6:19 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (West Street), no police service necessary;
10:52 a.m.: 911, fire alarm (Spring Street), assisted;
11:25 a.m;: animal complaint (Ingleside Drive), unable to locate;

12:50 p.m.: 911, accident (Lincoln Avenue @ Front Street), report taken;
2:34 p.m.: wires down (Brown Avenue), referred to other agency;
3:37 p.m.: info/general (other town, Greenwood Street), report taken;
3:45 p.m.: info/general (other town, Ward Hill Road), referred to ACO;
4:18 p.m.: 911, mental health issue (Elm Street), spoken to;
4:34 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Central Street), unable to locate;
4:53 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Front Street), spoken to;
5:09 p.m.: officer requested (Mellen Road), prisoner released from custody;
5:32 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Glenallen Street @ Maple Street), info taken;
6:08 p.m.: 911, accident (Spring Street), services rendered;
6:58 p.m.: info/general (Jaffrey NH, Main Street), info given;

Arrests:
Daniel A Robertson, age 62, 195 Mellen Rd, Winchendon, MA, charged with: A & B (domestic).

SUNDAY MARCH 1
12:27 a.m.: noise complaint (East Monomonac Road), spoken to;
12:49-2:07 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:12 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), no cause for complaint;
2:23 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (School Street), checked/secure;
2:32 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Plaza, Central Street), no cause for complaint;
2:34 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Peggi Lane), removed to hospital;
9:13 a.m.: license plate missing/stolen (Cabot Road), report taken;
9:28 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (Ipswich Drive), services rendered;
10:40 a.m.: animal complaint (Highland Street), report taken;
11:09 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), services rendered;
12:10 p.m.: 911, larceny (Mechanic Street), report taken;
12:35 p.m.: ambulance needed (Spring Street), accidental/defective alarm;
2:33 p.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (River Street), secured building;
2:40 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Brown Street), services rendered;
3:46 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Fourth Street), removed to hospital;
3:49 p.m.: disturbance (Central Street), report taken;
5:12 p.m.: accident (Lincoln Avenue @ Jackson Avenue), arrest;
5:38 p.m.: 911, animal complaint (Tucker Street), advised officer;
6:06 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Converse Drive), removed to hospital;

Arrests:
Andrew Rosaire Lyons, age 24, 106 North Royalston Rd, Winchendon, MA, charged with: OUI-liquor over .08%; operating MV with suspended license; operating MV with suspended registration; negligent operation of motor vehicle; uninsured motor vehicle; possession of open container of alcohol in MV.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 4
1:59 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
2:03-2:32 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:04 a.m.: 911, fire alarm (Glenallen Street), false alarm;
2:22 a.m.: extra patrols (Lake Dennison Beach Area, Main Street), no cause for complaint;
2:40 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), no cause for complaint;
6:46 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Rose Court), removed to hospital;
7:27 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Bayberry Circle), removed to hospital;
10:03 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Woodlawn Street), removed to hospital;
12:33 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
1:00 p.m.: 911, accident (Spring Street), report taken;
1:53 p.m.: animal complaint (West Street), referred to ACO;
5:57 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), unable to locate;
6:29 p.m.: MV stop (Water Street), verbal warning;
6:35 p.m.: MV stop (School Street), verbal warning;
6:40 p.m.: MV stop (School Street), arrest;
7:01 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Spring Street), services rendered;
8:09 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;
8:41 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Ash Street), accidental/defective alarm;
8:56 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
9:13 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;
9:31 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
9:44 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;
10:13 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;

Arrests:
Caleb Dunchus, age 38, 748 Fullam Hill Rd, Fitzwilliam, NH, charged with: failure to stop for police; speeding, rate of speed exceeding posted limit.