WPS Offering "Summer Eats" Free Lunches Through the Summer!

Free meals don't end when school is out for summer! Children and teens ages 18 and under can enjoy FREE meals all summer long at Toy Town Elementary School--no registration, ID, or paperwork required. Just stop by and eat!

June 23 - August 22, 2026
Monday - Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Toy Town Elementary School, 175 Grove Street

Need a ride? Free transportation is available through the Community Connector. Call 978-297-8089 to schedule pickup and drop-off service.

Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to healthy meals this summer!

Winchendon Agricultural Commission Seeks New Members

The Winchendon Agricultural Commission is seeking enthusiastic people to fill several vacant seats. The Agricultural Commission's purpose is to support and promote agriculture in the town of Winchendon. The Commission deals with town bylaws related to farming and agriculture, concerns that may arise for farmers/homesteaders and/or their neighbors, state and national legislation directly impacting agriculture in Winchendon, and the business of producing and providing healthy food and other natural agricultural products for sale. As part of boosting farming businesses, the Commission supports the Winchendon Farmers Market.

Members don't have to be farmers or have direct experience with farming; a passion for locally produced food, smaller-scale agricultural production, land preservation and knowing where our food comes from are all that you need.

If you'd like to join the Agricultural Commission, send a letter of interest to Deb Dennis in the Town Manager's office, ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov. Agricultural Commission members are appointed by the Town Manager.

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!

Sponsor a Brick to Support Veterans' Housing!

An example of the engraved memorial bricks
Photo by Inanna Arthen

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/

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 PD Wants Your Feedback About Drug-Related Crime

Winchendon has felt the impact of the opioid epidemic like all cities and towns in our region and the country abroad. Drug activity creates a wide range of negative effects, ranging from increased criminal activity and violence to a decline in physical safety and economic stability. Drug activity also increases public health risks for those suffering from substance abuse disorder and puts strain on families living with loved ones struggling with addiction.

We believe a multi-faceted approach is necessary to mitigate the negative effects of drug activity in a town. Compassionate outreach programs, such as our department's Post Overdose Support Team (POST) are necessary to help individuals and families. At the same time, aggressive investigation and prosecution of drug dealers is an essential component to improving quality of life in a community.

For the sake of the latter initiative, the police department applied for and was awarded a federal grant which has enabled the creation of our own drug task force. The task force was assembled in December and is comprised of four existing Winchendon officers. The task force is assigned to conduct targeted drug enforcement patrols in Winchendon. The team has been deployed several times a month (4-8hr. intervals) over the last six months. Grant funds will support this project for one year.

The desired outcome of this project is to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the Town of Winchendon. In addition, reduce the number of areas/homes where illicit drug trafficking activity is suspected.

We ask that you go to the link below and complete the following survey which will aid in measuring the success of our efforts thus far. In addition, we would like to know your thoughts on how the police department should approach and prioritize future efforts, for the sake of improving quality of life in our community.

Fill out the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/39YCY3D

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.

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:

Shop Small, Shop Local in 2026!

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.

Employment

New Listings!

THURSDAY, JUNE 18
1:34-2:11 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:36 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
1:57 a.m.: extra patrols (bike path, Central Street), no cause for complaint;
2:10 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), no cause for complaint;
3:01 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), no cause for complaint;
5:26 a.m.: disabled vehicle (Baldwinville State Road), gone on arrival;
6:42 a.m.: animal complaint (Spring Place), referred to ACO;
9:07 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
9:58 a.m.: fire alarm (Sibley Road), services rendered;
10:48 a.m.: suspicious (other) (Spring Street), services rendered;
11:54 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Brown Street), removed to hospital;
12:05 p.m.: road rage (Glenallen Street @ Maple Street), report taken;
3:19 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ash Street), removed to hospital;
3:27 p.m.: warrant arrest (Baldwinville State Road), arrest;
4:22 p.m.: tree down on wires (North Royalston Road), referred to other agency;
4:39 p.m.: wires down (Second Street), referred to other agency;
4:45 p.m.: tree down (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
5:51 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:15 p.m.: investigation (Winter Place), info taken;
6:20 p.m.: MV stop (Brown Street), verbal warning;
7:18 p.m.: wires down (Baldwinville State Road), removed traffic hazard;
7:36 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Maple Street), removed to hospital;
8:11 p.m.: registration check (Gardner Road), info given;
8:15 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
8:43 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
8:47 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
8:52 p.m.: MV stop (Teel Road), verbal warning;
10:26 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Second Street), accidental/defective alarm;
10:38 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Spring Street), advised officer;
11:36 p.m.: animal complaint (Spruce Street), referred to ACO;

Arrests:
Paul M Ward, age 47, 905 Pleasant St, Athol, MA, charged with: arrest based on a warrant (2).

FRIDAY, JUNE 19
12:52 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
12:59-6:50 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:10 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), checked/secure;
1:12 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Alger Street @ Main Street), referred to DPW;
1:41 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
2:38 a.m.: extra patrols (Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
8:51 a.m.: assist citizen (Alger Street), advised officer;
9:39 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Northern Heights Drive), removed to hospital;
10:14 a.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
10:28 a.m.: animal complaint (High Street), referred to ACO;
10:45 a.m.: harassment (Cummings Road), info taken;
10:49 a.m.: traffic hazard (North Ashburnham Road), services rendered;
11:31 a.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Winter Place), info taken;
12:22 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Central Street @ Front Street), services rendered;
12:31 p.m.: assist citizen (Central Street), spoken to;
1:04 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Benjamin Street), 911 non-emergency call;
1:52 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Central Street), no cause for complaint;
4:49 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street @ Pond Street), verbal warning;
4:56 p.m.: MV stop (Summer Street), verbal warning;
5:04 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), traffic citation issued;
5:07 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Central Street), advised officer;
5:18 p.m.: officer requested (Pond Street @ Linden Street), report taken;
5:32 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), traffic citation issued;
5:33 p.m.: extra patrols (Baldwinville State Road), checked/secure;
6:52 p.m.: traffic hazard (Central Street), gone on arrival;
7:02 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Brown Street @ Bayberry Circle), summons;
7:48 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), spoken to;
7:59 p.m.: animal complaint (Hapgood Road), info given;
8:39 p.m.: 911, trespassing (Glenallen Street), spoken to;
8:56 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Whitney Street), report taken;
9:24 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street), verbal warning;
9:51 p.m.: officer requested (Elmwood Road), spoken to;
11:33-11:57 p.m.: building checks, all secure;

Summons:
Shaun Michael Keating, age 22, 27 Goodrich Dr, Winchendon, MA, charged with: uninsured motor vehicle; operating MV with suspended registration.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20
12:15-2:53 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:10 a.m.: suspicious person (High Street), spoken to;
9:42 a.m.: extra patrols (Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA, Central Street), no cause for complaint;
9:47 a.m.: extra patrols (North Ashburnham Road), unwanted subject/party removed;
10:23 a.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Academy Street @ Front Street), report takem;
10:38 a.m.: investigation (Pearl Street), report taken;
11:06 a.m.: animal complaint (Barre Road), referred to other agency;
11:48 a.m.: tree down on wires (Hale Street), referred to other agency;
12:15 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street @ Front Street), assisted;
1:10 p.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (Jackson Avenue), report taken;
3:23 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), spoken to;
4:00 p.m.: ATV complaint (Independence Drive), spoken to;
4:04 p.m.: ambulance needed (Spruce Street), removed to hospital;
4:23 p.m.: 911, disturbance/fight (Spring Street), gone on arrival;
4:30 p.m.: 911, intoxicated person (Central Street), assisted;
5:41 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), spoken to;
6:09 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Spring Street), unable to locate;
6:20 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street @ Whitney Street), spoken taken;
6:29 p.m.: larceny (Joslin Road), report taken;
7:20 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street @ Hall Road), summons;
7:35 p.m.: 911, suspicious person (Central Street), returned to home or family;
8:53 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (West Street), removed to hospital;
9:13 p.m.: 911, missing person (Mellen Road), report taken;
11:49 p.m.: motor vehicle violations (River Street), unable to locate;

Summons:
Edgar Raul Rodriguez Medrano, age 21, 572 Cummins Hwy Apt. #2, Mattapan, MA, charged with: uninsured motor vehicle; unregistered motor vehicle.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21
12:23- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:56 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Glenallen Street), spoken to;
1:21 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
1:23 a.m.: Be On The Lookout (Glenallen Street), advised officer;
3:53 a.m.: officer requested (Pond Street), report taken;
5:04 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Harrisville Circle), referred to ACO;
9:14 a.m.: extra patrols (Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
9:18 a.m.: 911, fire alarm (Mill Street), accidental/defective alarm;
11:59 a.m.: welfare check/general (Mill Street), advised officer;
12:26 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), referred to other PD;
2:09 p.m.: assist other agency (Central Street), call cancelled;
2:38 p.m.: burglar alarm (Central Street), accidental/defective alarm;
3:33 p.m.: intoxicated person (Main Street), report taken;
4:48 p.m.: assault (Pleasant Street), report taken;
5:17 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Baldwinville State Road), removed to hospital;
5:29 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Central Street), accidental/defective alarm;
5:34 p.m.: property found (Central Street), advised officer;
5:53 p.m.: animal complaint (Summer Drive), advised officer;
6:05 p.m.: animal complaint (Sibley Road), info given;
6:45 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;
7:43 p.m.: officer requested (Spruce Street), report taken;
8:41 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Central Street), accidental/defective alarm;
8:52 p.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Glenallen Street @ Spring Street), assisted;
10:53 p.m.: 911, accident (Forristall Road), report taken;
11:36 p.m.: extra patrols (Elmwood Road), checked/secure;

MONDAY, JUNE 22
12:34-4:29 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:38 a.m.: transport (Hyde Park Drive), transport;
3:16 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), checked/secure; 4:26 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), checked/secure;
6:52 a.m.: animal complaint (Harrisville Circle), referred to ACO;
7:02 a.m.: fire alarm (Beachview Drive), services rendered;
8:17 a.m.: animal complaint (Glenallen Street), info given;
9:22 a.m.: suspicious person (Spring Street), advised officer;
9:31 a.m.: ambulance needed (Maple Street), removed to hospital;
10:10 a.m.: welfare check/general (Laurel Street), spoken to;
10:24 a.m.: sex offender registration (Mason Street), info taken;
10:41 a.m.: 911, missing person (Central Street), returned to home or family;
10:48 a.m.: summons service (Lincoln Avenue), summons served;
1:44 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Cardinal Lane), removed to hospital;
3:00 p.m.: lift assist (West Street), services rendered;
3:10 p.m.: traffic hazard (Maple Street), spoken to;
3:20 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Glenallen Street), no police service necessary;
3:41 p.m.: animal complaint (North Ashburnham Road), info taken;
3:48 p.m.: MV stop (Webster Street), summons;
6:47 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), returned to home or family;
8:40 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Ipswich Drive), spoken to;
9:22 p.m.: 911, fire alarm (Whitney Street), false alarm;
10:21 p.m.: officer requested (Walnut Street), spoken to;

Summons:
Bryan Matthew Arsenault, age 40, 17 Webster St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: operating MV with license revoked as HTO.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23
12:08-4:05 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:10 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
12:17 a.m.: MV stop (Water Street), traffic citation issued;
2:10 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), services rendered;
4:06 a.m.: extra patrols (Brooks Automotices Garage, Grove Street), checked/secure;
6:05 a.m.: 911, disturbance/fight (Banner Place), investigated/report taken;
11:39 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
1:00 p.m.: unattended death (Beachview Drive), report taken;
1:11 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Beachview Drive), services rendered;
2:30 p.m.: animal rescue (Central Street), referred to ACO;
2:36 p.m.: abandoned vehicle (Front Street), spoken to;
4:01 p.m.: assist citizen (Beachview Drive), property returned to owner;
6:37 p.m.: suspicious (other) (Central Street), report taken;
7:19 p.m.: 911 call non-emergency (Hyde Park Drive), spoken to;
8:07 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (other town, Spruce Drive), 911 non-emergency call;
9:20 p.m.: suspicious person (Memorial Drive), no police service necessary;
10:15 p.m.: noise complaint (Baldwinville State Road), spoken to;
11:56 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
Summons:
Jarius Dishon Williams, age 21, 50 East St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: uninsured motor vehicle; operating MV with suspended registration; no inspection sticker.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
12:34-2:38 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:44 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (Keene NH, Vernon Street), call cancelled;
2:44 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (Keene NH, Vernon Street), call cancelled;
5:21 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Poland Avenue), removed to hospital;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Goodrich Drive), referred to ACO;
9:28 a.m.: warrant of apprehension (Main Street), arrest;
9:37 a.m.: info/general (Pearl Drive), info taken;
10:46 a.m.: welfare check/general (Brooks Road), services rendered;
11:15 a.m.: welfare check/general (Jackson Avenue), services rendered;
2:05 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Lincoln Avenue Extension), services rendered;
2:39 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Elmwood Road), removed to hospital;
3:57 p.m.: runaway (Brown Street), arrest;
4:04 p.m.: ATV complaint (Woodlawn Street), unable to locate;
4:25 p.m.: harassment (Lincoln Avenue), report taken;
5:39 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
5:41 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Webster Street), removed to hospital;
6:33 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Russell Farm Road), 911 non-emergency call;
8:20 p.m.: 911, neighbor dispute (Ready Drive), investigated/report taken;
8:44 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Ready Drive), spoken to;
9:51 p.m.: missing person (Brown Street), investigated/report taken;
11:06 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Mill Circle), checked/secure;
11:29 p.m.: investigation (Brown Street), services rendered;

Arrests:
Juvenile arrest, age 13, charged with: A & B.