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.

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.

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, SEPTEMBER 3
1:09-1:22 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:18 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
4:27 a.m.: assist other police department (Gardner Road), area search negative;
4:50 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
7:16 a.m.: assist other agency (Joslin Road), no police service necessary;
7:35 a.m.: trespass notice entry (Baldwinville State Road), info taken;
8:51 a.m.: 911, unattended death (Brown Street), report taken;
9:38 a.m.: larceny (Mill Street), info taken;
12:44 p.m.: fire alarm (Spring Street), services rendered;
1:08 p.m.: trespassing (Central Street), services rendered;
1:57 p.m.: property damage (Hale Street), report taken;
2:09 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Peggi Lane), removed to hospital;
2:35 p.m.: dog bite (Hall Road), report taken;
3:05 p.m.: traffic hazard (Spring Street), unfounded;
3:07 p.m.: 911, mental health issue (Central Street), removed to hospital;
3:23 p.m.: ambulance needed (Walnut Street), removed to hospital;
3:50 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Benjamin Street), removed to hospital;
4:46 p.m.: officer requested (Benjamin Street), services rendered;
5:33 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Lakeshore Drive), no fire service necessary;
5:50 p.m.: investigation (Brooks Road), services rendered;
5:58 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Teel Road), removed to hospital;
6:19 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Alger Street), removed to hospital;
6:32 p.m.: officer requested (Maple Street), investigated/report taken;
9:03 p.m.: 911, welfare check/general (Alger Street), info taken;
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
12:04 a.m.: suspicious person (Oak Street), spoken to;
12:42-2:42 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:33 a.m.: extra patrols (Summer Drive), no cause for complaint;
8:18 a.m.: gunshots heard (Elmwood Road), spoken to;
9:00 a.m.: shoplifting (Central Street), services rendered;
11:15 a.m.: ambulance needed (Western Avenue), no police service necessary;
11:22 a.m.: suspicious person (School Square), report taken;
12:57 p.m.: animal complaint (Duval Court), referred to ACO;
2:07 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Gardner Road), services rendered;
2:10 p.m.: accident (Central Street), report taken;
3:26 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Brooks Road), summons;
3:43 p.m.: animal complaint (Hall Road), referred to ACO;
3:58 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), investigated/report taken;
4:25 p.m.: warrant arrest (Hitchcock Road), arrest;
4:39 p.m.: brush fire (High Street), no fire service necessary;
5:07 p.m.: officer requested (Alger Street), report taken;
5:21 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Main Street), assisted;
5:37 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Carriage Lane), removed to hospital;
5:55 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Crescent Road), removed to hospital;
6:07 p.m.: officer requested (Brown Street), investigated/report taken;
6:51 p.m.: property found (Pleasant Street), property returned to owner;
8:20 p.m.: brush fire (High Street), fire extinguished;
8:35 p.m.: lock-out vehicle (Central Street), services rendered;
8:43 p.m.: harassment (Linden Street), spoken to;
9:16 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Gardner Road), checked/secure;
9:17 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Alger Street), 911 non-emergency call;
9:17 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Gardner Road), checked/secure;
9:18 p.m.: extra patrols (Alger Street), no cause for complaint;
9:38 p.m.: registration check (Maple Street), checked/secure;
9:43 p.m.: extra patrols (North Ashburnham Road), checked/secure;

Summons:
Kirk M Sweeney Sr, age 57, 120 Winchendon Rd, Royalston, MA, charged with: operating MV with suspended license.

Arrests:
Shane Ryan Murphy, age 48, 281 Hitchcock Rd Apt. # 2, Winchendon, MA, charged with: arrest based on a warrant.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
12:12 a.m.: info/general (Brown Street), spoken to;
12:55-2:00 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:05 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Ingleside Drive), spoken to;
1:05 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:28 a.m.: ambulance needed (Gardner Road), accidental/defective alarm;
1:32 a.m.: extra patrols (Bike Path, Central Street), no cause for complaint;
2:37 a.m.: extra patrols (Goodrich Drive), no cause for complaint;
3:54 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (School Street), checked/secure;
6:40 a.m.: 911, alarm burglar (Spring Street), checked/secure;
9:42 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (Central Street), no fire service necessary;
9:43 a.m.: assist other police department (other town, Henshaw Road), services rendered;
10:43 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Gardner Road), assisted;
11:30 a.m.: MV stop (Court Street), verbal warning;
11:47 a.m.: assist other police department (School Street), assisted;
1:00 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Town Farm Road), services rendered;
1:23 p.m.: animal complaint (Metcalf Street), referred to ACO;
4:13 p.m.: officer requested (Hyde Park Drive), spoken to;
5:40 p.m.: neighbor dispute (Pearl Drive), spoken to;
6:21 p.m.: registration check (Gardner Road), info given;
6:35 p.m.: registration check (Spring Street), info given;
6:37 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:41 p.m.: MV stop (Pond Street), verbal warning;
6:43 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
6:53 p.m.: sex offender registration (Banner Place), info taken;
7:22 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Glenallen Street), advised officer;
7:26 p.m.: extra patrols (Main Street @ Baldwinville State Road), gone on arrival;
8:10 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
8:19 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street @ Pleasant Street), verbal warning;
9:11 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Ingleside Drive), verbal warning;
9:16 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Gardner Road), report taken;
11:44 p.m.: building check (Spring Street), checked/secure;

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
12:05 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
12:08-3:01 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:09 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Pleasant Street), checked/secure;
2:19 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Baldwinville Road), checked/secure;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), info taken;

8:37 a.m.: 911, disturbance (Gardner Road), no police service necessary;
11:46 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Baldwinville State Road), accidental/defective alarm;
11:57 a.m.: property lost (no address), info taken;
1:25 p.m.: info/general (Kemp Street), advised officer;
2:42 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), referred to other P.D.;
2:45 p.m.: welface check/general (Front Street), no cause for complaint;
4:15 p.m.: extra patrols (Alger Street), no cause for complaint;
4:25 p.m.: registration check (Central Street), info given;
4:44 p.m.: MV stop (West Street), verbal warning;
4:58 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street @ Baldwinville State Road), written warning;
5:30 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Grove Street), no cause for complaint;
5:54 p.m.: registration check (Central Street), MV towed/result of private tow;
6:21 p.m.: extra patrols (dirt path off Elm leading to Bike Path, Elm Street), no police service necessary;
6:40 p.m.: 911, fire alarm (Lakeshore Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
7:00 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street @ Elmwood Road), verbal warning;
7:07 p.m.: trespassing (Mill Circle), no cause for complaint;
7:16 p.m.: investigation (Lakeview Drive), unfounded;
7:39 p.m.: lock-out vehicle (Island Road), referred to F.D.;
7:53 p.m.: 911, accident (West Street), gone on arrival;
8:06 p.m.: ATV complaint (Franklin Street), unable to locate;
8:12 p.m.: 911, harassment (Otter River Road), spoken to;
8:21 p.m.: 911, unwanted party (Holly Drive), gone on arrival;
8:41 p.m.: assist other agency (Central Street), area search negative;
8:50 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), referred to other agency;

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
12:00-2:58 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:05 a.m.: suspicious person (Spruce Street), spoken to;
2:49 a.m.: disabled vehicle (Spring Street), MV towed/result of private tow;
3:08 a.m.: intoxicated person (Old Gardner Road), area search negative;
9:51 a.m.: fire alarm (Murdock Avenue), servives rendered;
11:40 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hale Street), removed to hospital;
12:31 p.m.: assist citizen (Linden Street), investigated/report taken;
1:18 p.m.: officer requested (Joslin Road), spoken to;
3:16 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
4:14 p.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), services rendered;
4:49 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Alger Street), investigated/report taken;
6:39 p.m.: MV stop (Maple Street), written warning;
6:58 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
7:03 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
7:10 p.m.: MV stop (Old Gardner Road), written warning;
7:32 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville Road), written warning;
7:49 p.m.: animal complaint (Jackson Avenue), investigated/report taken;
8:44 p.m.: mental health issue (address not published), removed to hospital;
9:40 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Maple Street), services rendered;

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
12:21 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Chestnut Street), assisted;
12:32 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
12:37 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
12:38-3:33 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:30 a.m.: patrol initiated (Camp area, Lakeview Drive), area search negative;
2:01 a.m.: suspicious (other) (Central Street), spoken to;
3:00 a.m.: extra patrols (Goodrich Street), no cause for complaint);
5:15 a.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), written warning;
5:28 a.m.: traffic enforcement (Baldwinville State Road), services rendered;
5:31 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
5:37 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), traffic citation issued;
5:58 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
7:14 a.m.: animal complaint (Central Street @ Jackson Avenue), referred to ACO;
8:11 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
9:07 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pond Street), removed to hospital;
9:18 a.m.: animal complaint (Benjamin Street), referred to ACO;
9:23 a.m.: suspicious person (Hale Street), advised officer;
10:39 a.m.: welfare check/general (Murdock Avenue), no cause for complaint;
11:38 a.m.: summons service (Jackson Avenue), summons served;
12:06 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Maple Street), 911 emergency call;
12:42 p.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), referred to ACO;
1:00 p.m.: welfare check/elderly (Krantz Road), no cause for complaint;
1:07 p.m.: animal complaint (Elmwood Road), referred to other agency;
1:48 p.m.: Section 12 (address not published), removed to hospital;
2:00 p.m.: MV stop (Otter River Road @ Baldwinville Road), verbal warning;
2:12 p.m.: officer requested (Town Farm Road), spoken to;
2:30 p.m.: officer requested (Front Street), info taken;
3:04 p.m.: burglar alarm (Lincoln Avenue), services rendered;
3:40 p.m.: officer requested (Chestnut Street), services rendered;
3:44 p.m.: sex offender registration (Spring Circle), services rendered;
4:03 p.m.: animal complaint (Elmwood Road), services rendered;
5:51 p.m.: summons service (Alger Street), summons served;
6:43 p.m.: fire alarm (Glenallen Street), assisted;
6:45 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:51 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), written warning;
7:18 p.m.: animal complaint (Harrisville Circle), info taken;
8:22 p.m.: fire, unknown type (Front Street), referred to DPW;
9:38 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (East Street), removed to hospital;

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
1:18-1:58 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:23 a.m.: extra patrols (Mylec Inc, Commercial Drive), checked/secure;
1:48 a.m.: extra patrols (Cumberland Farms, Central Street), checked/secure;
7:29 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), report taken;
11:15 a.m.: trespass notice entry (Second Street), info taken;
11:53 a.m.: ambulance needed (Crescent Road), removed to hospital;
12:59 p.m.: brush fire (Poland Avenue), spoken to;
1:52 p.m.: welfare check/general (Duval Court), services rendered;
2:17 p.m.: welfare check/general (Linden Street), services rendered;
2:37 p.m.: ambulance needed (Pleasant Street), removed to hospital;
3:09 p.m.: officer requested (Franklin Street), services rendered;
4:05 p.m.: 911, fire alarm (Spring Street), services rendered;
4:19 p.m.: motor vehicle violations (School Street), services rendered;
4:41 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Hospital Road), services rendered;
5:03 p.m.: suspicious person (Ready Drive), investigated/report taken;
5:18 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Sibley Road), removed to hospital;
5:30 p.m.: property found (Athol, Exchange Street), services rendered;
6:34 p.m.: patrol initiated (Hitchcock Road), returned to home or family;
7:37 p.m.: disturbance (Central Street), investigated/report/taken;