Winchendon Farmers Market Moving to New Location Next to Town Hall as of August 1

Beginning this Saturday, August 1, the Winchendon Farmers Market will be moving back to the location it used for several years during the Central Street Reconstruction project: Next to Town Hall, at the corner of Front and Pleasant Streets, and adjacent to the WHCC, Beals Library and Monument Park.

The hours of the market will stay the same: Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., weather allowing. Parking is available in the spaces by Town Hall, on Pleasant Street and in the municipal lot on Pleasant Street east of the library.

For the time being, the Farmers Market will not be able to take SNAP/HIP payments.

No Soliciting, This is Winchendon!

Please be advised that the Board of Selectmen has issued a moratorium on solicitation permits. Therefore, no solicitation permits are being issued so anyone who tries to solicit is in violation of Town bylaws. Please call the police non-emergency number at 978-297-1212 to report.

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.

Member Needed for the Audit Committee!

We're currently looking to fill a vacancy on the Audit Committee. Below is an Overview of their duties. If interested send letter of interest to ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or by mail to
Town of Winchendon
Attn: Debra Dennis
109 Front Street
Winchendon MA 01475

Overview
Bylaws: Passed on May 18, 2015, at Town Meeting
38.1 There shall be a five-member Audit Committee in the Town of Winchendon comprised of one member of the Board of Selectmen (appointed by the Board of Selectmen), one member of the Finance Committee (appointed by the Finance Committee), one member of the School Committee (appointed by the School Committee) and two registered voters in the town who have finance experience, preferably municipal (appointed by a majority vote of the three Board and Committee member appointees.)
8.2 Administrative support staff to the Audit Committee shall be provided by the Town Manager, the Town Accountant, the Superintendent of Schools, and the School Business Manager.
38.3 The Audit Committee shall solicit, interview, and recommend to the Board of Selectmen the firm of independent auditors that is to audit and report on the financial statements issued by the Town. The Audit Committee shall review the audit plan with the independent auditors and upon completion of the audit, meet with the independent auditors to discuss the results of the audit and the annual financial reports.
38.4 The Audit Committee shall transmit a copy of the completed annual audited financials and management letter report to the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, and the School Committee, and with assistance from the auditing firm, shall present the results of the annual audited financials and management letter report to a jointly held public meeting of the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the Finance Committee. Funding for the annual independent audit shall be budgeted in the Finance Committee's annual budget.

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 CAC's Backpack Program is now accepting registrations!

Through the generous support of GFA Credit Union and donations from community members, we are providing free, brand-new backpacks filled with essential school supplies to income-qualified Winchendon students in Pre-K through Grade 12.

Register your household at https://forms.gle/pRUAPmQE1GZur4TGA

Please note:

• Submit one registration per household.
• Supplies are limited and available while they last.
• Registered families will be contacted with distribution details.
• All information submitted will remain confidential.

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.

Town Committee Vacancies
as of July 29, 2026

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 - 2 member vacancies, 4 alternate vacancies
Audit Committee - 1 vacancy
Communication Committee - 2 vacancies
Cultural Council - 11 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 2 vacancies
Historical District Commission - 1 vacancy
Parks & Recreation Commission - 1 student vacancy
Planning Board - 1 vacancy Winchendon Youth Commission - 3 vacancies
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, AUGUST 20
12:13-2:01 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:54 a.m.: suspicious person (Central Street), spoken to;
2:05 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
7:11 a.m.: accident (Central Street), advised officer;
8:15 a.m.: tree down on wires (Brooks Drive), referred to other agency;
8:54 a.m.: 911, animal complaint (Jackson Avenue), investigated/report taken;
9:26 a.m.: investigation (Ipswich Drive), investigated/report taken;
9:44 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Alger Street), removed to hospital;
10:16 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Peggi Lane), removed to hospital;
11:34 a.m.: traffic hazard (Mill Glen Road @ Town Farm Road), advised officer;
1:20 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Cedar Terrace), no cause for complaint;
2:17 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Pine Street), spoken to;
2:19 p.m.: ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
3:45 p.m.: investigation (Pearl Drive), services rendered;
3:56 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
5:51 p.m.: motor vehicle violations (Central Street), services rendered;
5:54 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
6:30 p.m.: welfare check/general (Roberts Way), removed to hospital;
6:33 p.m.: info/general (West Street), services rendered;
6:36 p.m.: vandalism (Mason Street), investigated/report taken;
7:07 p.m.: 911, animal complaint (Elm Street), services rendered;
7:38 p.m.: officer requested (Lincoln Avenue), investigated/report taken;
8:41 p.m.: investigation (Lincoln Avenue), services rendered;
11:56 p.m.: attempt to locate (Ash Street), unable to locate;

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
12:59-3:06 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:16 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
4:24 a.m.: suicide attempts (address not published), removed to hospital;
8:58 a.m.: officer requested (Central Street), advised officer;
11:10 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
11:17 a.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Spring Street), investigated/report taken;
12:03 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Crescent Road), removed to hospital;
12:32 p.m.: tree down on wires (Forristall Road @ Crosby Road), referred to other agency;
12:47 p.m.: 911, MV accident with injuries (Beachview Drive), removed to hospital;
2:14 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Forristall Road), info taken;
2:21 p.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), referred to ACO;
2:29 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;
2:55 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
4:45 p.m.: VIN inspection (Willow Street), services rendered;
4:56 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Ash Street), removed to hospital;
5:47 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), investigated/report taken;
8:20 p.m.: motor vehicle violations (Spring Street @ Lake Street), verbal warning;
8:32 p.m.: investigation (Ash Street), investigated/report taken;
10:01 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
10:19 p.m.: suspicious (other) (Central Street @ Spring Street), services rendered;

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
1:11 a.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;
1:23 a.m.: MV stop (School Street @ West Street), written warning;
1:30 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), checked/secure;
3:12 a.m.: officer requested (Hale Street), transport;
4:01 a.m.: disabled vehicle (Gardner Road @ Old Gardner Road), transport;
10:44 a.m.: welfare check/general (Joslin Road), arrest;

1:25 p.m.: warrant check (Walnut Street), unable to locate;
2:17 p.m.: disturbance (Pearl Drive), spoken to;
2:39 p.m.: investigation (Pearl Drive), unable to locate;
2:45 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Glenallen Street), removed to hospital;
4:13 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
4:35 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Central Street), services rendered;
5:04 p.m.: MV stop (Old Gardner Road), verbal warning;
5:35 p.m.: vandalism (other town, Old Turnpike Road), investigated/report taken;
5:44 p.m.: 911, property lost (Beachview Drive), services rendered;
5:57 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Road), removed to hospital;
6:04 p.m.: ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
6:15 p.m.: fire alarm (Linden Street), services rendered;
6:31 p.m.: officer requested (Glenallen Street), services rendered;
7:08 p.m.: assist other police department (Gardner Road), services rendered;
7:49 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Road), removed to hospital;
8:12 p.m.: investigation (Pearl Drive), services rendered;
9:36 p.m.: 911, noise complaint (Mill Street @ Maynard Street), services rendered;
11:33 p.m.: 911, noise complaint (Mill Street), investigated/report taken;

Arrest:
Michelle Elise Striegel, age 44, 52 Joslin Rd, Winchendon, MA, charged with: operating MV with suspended license; unregistered motor vehicle; no inspection sticker.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
12:10 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Elm Street), removed to hospital;
3:12 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
3:16-3:32 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:30 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), no cause for complaint;
10:10 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Lakeshore Drive), services rendered;
11:27 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Stoddard Road), removed to hospital;
2:30 p.m.: Be On The Lookout (Spring Street), unable to locate;
5:19 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Baldwinville Road), services rendered;
6:12 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Glenallen Street), services rendered;
6:29 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hale Street), removed to hospital;
6:49 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
7:19 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;
7:19 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Ipswich Drive), services rendered;

7:31 p.m.: extra patrols (Baldwinville State Road), services rendered;
7:35 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
9:13 p.m.: investigation (Maynard Street), investigated/report taken;
10:07 p.m.: 911, mental health issue (School Street), removed to hospital;
11:49 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Central Street @ Front Street), services rendered;

MONDAY, AUGUST 24
6:08 a.m.: accident (Spring Street), report taken;
7:11 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Murdock Avenue), removed to hospital;
8:19 a.m.: custody dispute (Pearl Street), no police service necessary;
9:50 a.m.: investigation (Gardner Road), assisted;
9:59 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
10:23 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Drive), removed to hospital;
10:53 a.m.: animal complaint (Front Street), referred to ACO;
11:01 a.m.: animal complaint (Pleasant Street), referred to ACO;
11:59 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Juniper Street), removed to hospital;
12:02 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spring Street), removed to hospital;
1:01 p.m.: Section 12 (address not published), removed to hospital;
1:43 p.m.: transport (Spring Street), property returned to owner;
2:18 p.m.: investigation (Benjamin Street), report taken;
2:28 p.m.: welfare check/general (Benjamin Street), services rendered;
3:35 p.m.: officer requested (Benjamin Street), spoken to;
3:38 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Murdock Avenue), accidental/defective alarm;
3:51 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Pearl Street), assisted;
4:19 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
5:45 p.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), info taken;
6:06 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Polly's Drive), removed to hospital;
7:20 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (South Royalston Road), removed to hospital;
8:09 p.m.: unwanted party (Town Farm Road), report taken;
9:01 p.m.: officer requested (Chestnut Street), spoken to;
9:11 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Hyde Park Drive), no cause for complaint;

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
12:18-12:40 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:31 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), spoken to;
2:37 a.m.: 911, animal complaint (Elmwood Road), unable to locate;
4:18 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
5:06 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
8:30 a.m.: investigation (Central Street), info taken;
8:33 a.m.: 911, fire alarm (Maple Street), services rendered;
9:53 a.m.: VIN inspection (Brown Avenue), services rendered;
11:25 a.m.: larceny (Central Street), info taken;
12:46 p.m.: burglar alarm (Front Street), false alarm;
1:09 p.m.: animal complaint (Cedar Street), referred to ACO;
1:27 p.m.: assist citizen (Glenallen Street @ Spring Street), assisted;
1:56 p.m.: 911, runaway (Glenallen Street), spoken to;
2:20 p.m.: 911, runaway (Teel Road), assisted;
2:36 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Spring Street), services rendered;
2:51 p.m.: MV stop (Glenallen Street), verbal warning;
3:51 p.m.: assist other police department (Central Street), spoken to;
3:54 p.m.: info/general (Lakeshore Drive), info taken;
3:59 p.m.: unwanted party (Front Street), unfounded;
4:34 p.m.: officer requested (Sibley Road), report taken;
5:32 p.m.: burglar alarm (Spring Street), services rendered;
6:01 p.m.: custody dispute (Mason Street), info given;
6:14 p.m.: fire alarm (Maple Street), call cancelled;
6:18 p.m.: accident (Central Street), report taken;
6:54 p.m.: extra patrols (Spring Street), no cause for complaint;
7:23 p.m.: registration check (Gardner Road), no cause for complaint;
7:26 p.m.: registration check (Old Centre), no cause for complaint;
7:29 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
7:31 p.m.: MV stop (Glenallen Street), verbal warning;
7:40 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
8:21 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Mill Street), removed to hospital;
8:38 p.m.: disturbance (Front Street), no cause for complaint;
9:04 p.m.: registration check (Front Street), info given;
9:11 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
9:19 p.m.: registration check (Baldwinville State Road), info given;
10:22 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Summer Drive), no cause for complaint;
10:25 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;
10:28 p.m.: 911, suspicious person (Mechanic Street), transport;
10:35 p.m.: officer requested (Joslin Road), info taken;

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
12:05 a.m.: burglar alarm (Sibley Road), accidental/defective alarm;
12:24-2:36 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:33 a.m.: MV stop (Front Street @ Academy Street), verbal warning;
1:27 a.m.: 911, officer requested (Benjamin Street), returned to home or family;
5:14 a.m.: animal complaint (Alger Street), services rendered;
7:59 a.m.: burglar alarm (Central Street), call cancelled;
8:19 a.m.: officer requested (Mason Street), spoken to;
8:21 a.m.: larceny (Eagle Road), spoken to;
8:50 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Gardner Road), services rendered;
9:19 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spring Street), removed to hospital;
10:14 a.m.: officer requested (Ready Drive), report taken;
10:19 a.m.: 911, assist citizen (Central Street), services rendered;
10:58 a.m.: animal complaint (Elm Street), referred to ACO;
11:28 a.m.: 911, animal rescue (Orange, East River), call cancelled;
12:25 p.m.: neighbor dispute (Ipswich Drive), report taken;
1:07 p.m.: disturbance (Central Street), spoken to;
2:02 p.m.: ambulance needed (Mechanic Street), removed to hospital;
2:04 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Old County Road), no police service necessary;
2:35 p.m.: motor vehicle violations (Pleasant Street), services rendered;
3:19 p.m.: officer requested (Spring Circle), services rendered;
4:56 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Drive), removed to hospital;
5:38 p.m.: officer requested (Ready Drive), services rendered;
6:20 p.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (School Street), services rendered;
6:55 p.m.: unwanted party (Ready Drive), services rendered;
7:40 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Road), removed to hospital;
8:32 p.m.: fire alarm (Linden Street), services rendered;