Winchendon and Templeton Pet Vaccine Clinic on April 11

There will be a pet vaccination clinic for dogs and cats on Saturday, April 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at 381 Baldwinville Road, Templeton, MA.

Rabies vaccinations will be $5 each. The distemper/Parvo combo vaccine is free. Animals may be microchipped for $22.

Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in carriers for the safety of all.

Not a drop-in--pre-registration for an appointment time is required. Register at www.secondchanceanimals.org/vaccine-clinics/#local-comm-vaccine.

After you submit your registration, we'll review your pets information. Watch your text or email (depending upon the info you provided) for next steps or your pet's time slot.

Registration is not complete until you receive a time to arrive for the clinic.

Pets from all towns are welcome. Made possible by Petco Love and the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation.

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

2026 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Open

The Annual Town Meeting Warrant is now open. The deadline for submitting warrant articles to the Town Manager's office is April 21, 2026 at 12:00 noon. The Town Manager's office is located on the 4th floor of Winchendon Town Hall, 109 Front Street. Annual Meeting will take place on Monday, May 18, at 7:00 p.m. in Murdock Middle High School, 3 Memorial Drive, Winchendon.

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.

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 MARCH 19
12:45-2:58 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:59 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
1:35 a.m.: extra patrols (Form-Up Foundations, Roberts Way), no cause for complaint;
3:03 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), spoken tp;
4:54 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Cedar Street), removed to hospital;
5:45 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
6:11 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Gardner Road), referred to DPW;
7:33 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
10:19 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Vaine Street), referred to state DPW;
11:12 a.m.: ambulance needed (Peggi Lane), removed to hospital;
11:41 a.m.: 911, Fire Department call/general (Ipswich Drive), no fire service necessary;
11:59 a.m.: larceny (Maple Street), report taken;
12:22 p.m.: welfare check/general (Mill Street), report taken;
12:44 p.m.: investigation (School Street), services rendered;
1:26 p.m.: neighbor dispute (Cedar Street), report taken;
4:09 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pond Street), removed to hospital;
4:13 p.m.: officer requested (Joslin Road), report taken;
6:20 p.m.: noise complaint (Spring Street), report taken;
6:31 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:52 p.m.: suspicious person (Glenallen Street), advised officer;
7:29 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Elmwood Road), advised officer;
9:28 p.m.: 911, auto fire (West Street), fire extinguished;
10:35 p.m.: 911, accident (Maple Street), unfounded;
11:42 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Second Street), investigated/report taken;
FRIDAY MARCH 20
12:03-3:02 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:05 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
3:38 a.m.: 911, structure fire (Lincoln Avenue Extension), fire extinguished;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (West Street), referred to DPW;
7:08 a.m.: 911, panic alarm (Memorial Drive), false alarm;
9:41 a.m.: investigation (West Street), services rendered;
9:46 a.m.: investigation (West Street), info taken;
9:53 a.m.: traffic enforcement (Lincoln Avenue Extension), assisted;
9:57 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
10:20 a.m.: investigation (Franklin Street), services rendered;
10:35 a.m.: harassment (Mill Street), report taken;
10:47 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Summer Street), removed to hospital;
10:57 a.m.: investigation (Central Street), info taken;
11:16 a.m.: welfare check/general (Eastern Avenue), info taken;
12:30 p.m.: animal complaint (West Street), referred to ACO;
1:17 p.m.: wires down (Harrisville Circle), services rendered;
5:10 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pond Street), spoken to;
6:48 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), spoken to;
7:33 p.m.: extra patrols (Glenallen Street @ Spring Street), services rendered;
8:10 p.m.: investigation (Brown Street), spoken to;

SATURDAY MARCH 21
12:16 a.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Summer Drive), no cause for complaint;
1:20 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (PLeasant Street), removed to hospital;
1:57-2:55 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
9:29 a.m.: animal complaint (Webster Street), referred to ACO;
10:19 a.m.: animal complaint (River Street), referred to ACO;
10:21 a.m.: trespassing (Pond Street), report taken;
12:48 p.m.: neighbor dispute (Front Street), advised civil action;
1:39 p.m.: assist citizen (Central Street), spoken to;
3:22 p.m.: officer requested (Webster Street), spoken to;
3:27 p.m.: ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
4:29 p.m.: welfare check/general (Ash Street), report taken;
5:27 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Vaine Street), referred to FD;
6:23 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), report taken;
6:58 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
7:35 p.m.: MV stop (School Street @ School Square), verbal warning;
7:57 p.m.: 911, mental health issue (address not published), spoken to;
9:01 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Main Street), referred to FD;
9:48 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Webster Street), checked/secure;

MONDAY MARCH 23
12:40 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spring Street), removed to hospital;
1:50-2:25 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
8:58 a.m.: investigation (High Street), spoken to;
10:51 a.m.: officer requested (Central Street), assisted;
12:10 p.m.: transport (other town, Days Inn), transport;
2:57 p.m.: info/general (Baldwinville Road), spoken to;
3:21 p.m.: info/general (Cross Street), spoken to;
3:34 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Commercial Drive), removed to hospital;
4:03 p.m.: transport (Mill Glen Road), transport;
5:31 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;
5:35 p.m.: ambulance needed (Spruce Street), removed to hospital;
6:01 p.m.: suspicious person (Mill Circle), info taken;
6:10 p.m.: info/general (other town, Pail Factory Road), spoken to;
7:16 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Hillside Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
7:43 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Central Street @ Elmwood Road), spoken to;
7:58 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), spoken to;
8:50 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pearl Drive), removed to hospital;
9:53 p.m.: transport (Gardner Road), transport;
10:22 p.m.: extra patrols (Mill Circle), checked/secure;

TUESDAY MARCH 24
12:07 a.m.: extra patrols (Beech Street), spoken to;
2:17-4:19 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:02 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Goodrich Drive), removed to hospital;
6:56 a.m.: ambulance needed (Goodrich Drive), removed to hospital;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Elmwood Road), referred to DPW;
9:26 a.m.: burglar alarm (Hospital Road), no cause for complaint;
11:26 a.m.: investigation (Franklin Street), services rendered;
11:28 a.m.: MV stop (Jackson Avenue @ Central Street), verbal warning;
11:49 a.m.: MV stop (Summer Street @ Central Street), written warning;
11:55 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Franklin Street), no cause for complaint;
12:15 p.m.: MV stop (Water Street), verbal warning;
2:11 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (School Street @ Front Street), referred to DPW;
2:56 p.m.: 911, disturbance/fight (Grove Street), removed to hospital;
5:37 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), unable to locate;
7:23 p.m.: extra patrols (Cedar Street), info taken;
7:34 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Street), removed to hospital;
7:53 p.m.: info/general (North Central Street), referred to court;
8:02 p.m.: suspicious (other) (Hale Street), spoken to;
8:17 p.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, Cross Road), services rendered;
8:43 p.m.: burglar alarm (Front Street), checked/secure;
10:11 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), spoken to;

WEDNESDAY MARCH 25
12:03 a.m.: intoxicated person (Spring Street), transport;
12:28-2:41 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Front Street @ School Street), referred to DPW;
8:39 a.m.: MV operating erratically (Central Street), spoken to;
10:03 a.m.: extra patrols (Walnut Street), services rendered;
11:01 a.m.: abandoned vehicle (Central Street), no police service necessary;
12:18 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Road), removed hospital;
12:20 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
12:33 p.m.: MV stop (School Street), written warning;
12:39 p.m.: vandalism (Walnut Street), report taken;
12:50 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), traffic citation issued;
3:40 p.m.: trespass notice entry (Cross Street), info taken;
4:12 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
4:22 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
5:29 p.m.: investigation (Philipston, Baldwin Hill), services rendered;
5:32 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Central Street), 911 non-emegency call;
5:37 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
5:40 p.m.: arrest (River Street), unable to locate;
6:13 p.m.: fire alarm (Hyde Park Drive), services rendered;
9:55 p.m.: extra patrols (Cedar Street), checked/secure;
10:07 p.m.: disturbance (Poland Avenue), report taken;
11:05 p.m.: suspicious (other) (Lincoln Avenue), checked/secure;

Arrests: