GALA Launching Teen After School Art Program (7-Week Series)

Calling All Creative Teens! Join us for a FREE 7-week after school art program designed for teens ages 13-18. This hands-on series is led by talented instructors from the Gardner Area League of Artists (GALA) in collaboration with the Winchendon CAC.

Each week, participants will explore a new artistic medium--building skills, creativity, and confidence while working on fun, real-world projects.

The program will run on Thursdays, from April 30 through June 11, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at The HUB (5 Summer Drive, Winchendon).

Participants must register for the full 7-week series. The class is limited to 12 students. If you sign up, attendance is expected.

Weekly Projects
Week 1 (April 30): Stampmaking - Create stamps, cards & stickers
Week 2 (May 7): Design & Paint a Bowling Pin
Week 3 (May 14): Watercolor Painting
Week 4 (May 21): Beadmaking - Create bugs (dragonfly, butterfly, etc.)
Week 5 (May 28): Skateboard Design - Part 1
Week 6 (June 4): Skateboard Design - Part 2 (Finish)
Week 7 (June 11): Abstract Collage

Homework will be assigned each week to help prepare for the next session.

If you need transportation, call 978-297-3155 in advance to schedule a ride with the Community Connector. You can download an app for the Connector at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/577/GetTheApp.

Sign up at: https://forms.gle/zCFj5oBTUjapKybu7.

This program is completely FREE thanks to community partnerships from United Way of North Central Massachusetts and The HEAL: Hope,Empower,Access,Love. Please only sign up if you can attend all 7 sessions so every spot is fully utilized.

2026 Dog Licenses Available Now

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

Join the Winchendon Commission on Disability to Help Create Change!

Empowering Voices: Your role in advocacy matters
Become a part of our community and make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities through active participation and support.

Why Join Us?
Collaborate with like-minded advocates and share your insights to inform policies that create a more inclusive sociaty for everyone.

Meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at The HUB/Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Drive.

If you're interested in joining or have any questions, please email winchendoncod@gmail.com.

What Winchendon offers:

• Clark Memorial YMCA play area is fenced in and provides a playset swing. Indoor pool has an automated swim chair.
• Winchendon History and Cultural Center provides an alternate ramp to the entrance.
• Beals Memorial Library has a certified Autism Friendly Initiative and provides elevator access.
• Town Hall provides elevator access.
• Winchendon Community Park offers wheelchair accessible tables and handicap parking.
• Wheelchair accessibility throughout the Winchendon CAC and The HUB.
• Winchendon Public Schools provide ADA accessibility throughout the district.
• Parent & Professional Advocacy League family support meetings held monthly.
• Murdock Middle High School and Heywood Healthcare offer an on-site student/staff clinic at MMHS.
• UU Church of Winchendon offers a wheelchair lift and is ADA accessible for public events, concerts and biweekly community suppers
• Town continues ongoing grant-funded replacement and improvement of sidewalks and crossings with curb cuts and ADA accessible design
• Town provides live CART captioning service at Annual and Special Town Meetings.
• ...and more!

Please complete the community survey to share your needs, and consider joining the Commission! Access the survey at: https://forms.gle/vySfVpABwXKxNPSg6

Sponsor a Brick to Support Veterans' Housing!

The Massachusetts Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) is inviting you to sponsor a brick at the Winchendon Veterans Housing expansion project in memory of a fallen veteran or to recognize the service of a soldier or veteran in your life. You can also sponsor a brick with the name of your business or organization. If you have questions about what to engrave, contact info@veterans-outreach.org.

A 4 x 8 inch brick is $100, and a 8 x 8 inch brick is $250. To order a brick, go to https://polarengraving.com/veteransoutreach?fbclid=iwy2xjawexqw1lehrua2flbqixmqabhbqcqvnybbv1-ox_1hingn_nrqnexxzbrbdl-ddvd8n_wqzevm_bzbtbwq_aem_lppmpvyzvgabseiedcw8oq

Applications Open for FY26 Senior Tax Work-Off Program

Once again this year, we are pleased to announce the Senior Work-Off program was approved at our Annual Town Meeting. This Senior Work-Off Abatement Program is allowing the Town of Winchendon the opportunity to utilize the knowledge and skills of its senior residents in exchange for credit toward the resident's property tax bill. The purpose of this program is:

To employ qualified senior citizens who will apply their earnings toward payment of a portion of their property taxes;
To increase senior citizen involvement in local government; and
To enhance municipal service by using the skills of resident senior citizens.

Qualified and income-eligible residents will accrue the Commonwealth's minimum wage per hour ($15.00 hr) toward a maximum credit of $1,100.00 per household during the fiscal year.

The criteria for this program is:

You must be 60 years old or older
Homeowner in Winchendon and occupy property
Annual income below $40,150 if single; or below $45,900 if married.

Applications for the program are now available in the Town Manager's office and on the town website at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/documentcenter/view/226, and will be accepted until the ten (10) slots are filled. There are different types of positions that are available depending on preference and qualifications of the resident and the needs of each department.

Types of past and current positions have been: Custodial services, clerical help for both School & Town, Library Aides, Senior Center Aides, Cable Station Operator, Bike Path Clean up, Painting, Light Outdoor Work and Classroom Volunteers.

Please contact the Town Manager's Office at (978) 297-5431 or ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov for more information or if you need an application mailed to you.

Questions or Concerns? Email the Town Manager!

A one-click email form has been added to the town website for all residents who would like to contact the Town Manager with concerns and questions about things happening in the community. The button is at the top of the left column of buttons under "Citizen Action Center" on the left side of the website's front page. The direct link is: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/506/QUESTIONS-COMMENTS-FOR-THE-TOWN-MANAGER

Winchendon Lions Want to Welcome You!

The Winchendon Lions meet at the Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St., downstairs hall, 7:00 p.m.

Meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month, September through June. Dues are used for all Administrative cost, which is why we can say "All money received through fundraisers go back to the community, eye research, or other natural disasters around the world!"

Feel free to join us and try it out. We would love to see you!

If you have any questions feel free to call Joni 978-297-2753. Please leave a message if no answer!

"WHERE THERE'S A NEED, THERE IS A LION"

Town Committee Monthly Meetings by Week

Agendas, minutes and meeting recordings available on the Town website at Agendas & Minutes, as well as on the pages for each Board or Committee.

Boards may cancel or change times for meetings, or add extra meetings, based on specific business at hand. Check the Town Meetings Calendar tab at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/

week	MON	TUE	WED	THUR
1st	Board of Health 10:00am	Planning Board 6:00pm Parks & Rec Commission 6:30pm		School Committee 6:00pm
2nd	Board of Selectmen 6:30pm	Finance Committee 7:00pm	Economic Development Task Force 5:30pm Agricultural Commission 7:00pm	Conservation Commission 6:00pm
3rd	Winchendon Redevelopment Authority 5:00pm	Planning Board 6:00pm Parks & Rec Commission 6:30pm	Zoning Board of Appeals 7:00pm	School Committee 6:00pm
4th	Board of Selectmen 6:30pm		Economic Development Task Force 5:30pm

Recordings of town meetings may be viewed on the new "Winchendon TV" website. Most meeting videos are posted within a day or two of the meeting.
https://winchendon.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/?site=1%C2%A0%C2%A0

Winchendon Garden Club Scholarship Applications Open

Applications are being accepted for the Winchendon Garden Club's annual scholarship award. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, legal residents of Winchendon or immediate family of a Winchendon Garden Club member to qualify, and must be planning a career related to environmental concerns (such as Biology, Botany, Horticulture, Agriculture, Ecology, or Environmental Conservation--see application for full list). Applications are due by April 30, 2026.

You can download a complete application packet with guidelines, eligibility information and application form at 2026-WGC-Scholarship-Application.pdf.

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 APRIL 2
2:04-4:29 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
4:55 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Maple Street), removed to hospital;
8:48 a.m.: property found (Glenallen Street @ Maple Street), property returned to owner;
10:11 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
10:32 a.m.: assist other agency (Oak Street), services rendered;
12:20 p.m.: ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
1:06 p.m.: summons service (Elmwood Road), unable to serve;
2:10 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), info taken;
4:18 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Drive), removed to hospital;
7:01 p.m.: unwanted party (Spring Street), spoken to;
10:13 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Spruce Street), info taken;
10:18 p.m.: animal complaint (Brown Street), returned to home or family;

SATURDAY APRIL 4
12:32 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
12:36-1:21 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:39 a.m.: intoxicated person (Central Street), transport;
12:54 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
12:57 a.m.: registration check (Central Street), info given;
1:04 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), no cause for complaint;
1:42 a.m.: assist other police department (other town, Winchendon Road), transport;
1:58 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), spoken to;
2:32 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Brown Street), removed to hospital;
6:43 a.m.: property found (Central Street), info taken;
7:22 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hale Street), removed to hospital;
8:29 a.m.: officer requested (Spring Circle), spoken to;
11:06 a.m.: suspicious (other) (Maple Street), spoken to;
11:22 a.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Metcalf Street), call cancelled;
12:05 p.m.: animal complaint (West Street @ Mason Street), referred to ACO;
12:39 p.m.: 911, mental health issue (address not published), removed to hospital;
3:01 p.m.: property found (Central Street), info taken;
3:24 p.m.: info/general (Eagle Road), info taken;
4:21 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spring Street), removed to hospital;
4:33 p.m.: fire/unknown type (Mill Circle), fire extinguished;
5:01 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Morse Avenue), removed to hospital;
5:06 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Gardner Road), spoken to;
6:15 p.m.: welfare check/child (address not published), referred to court;
6:43 p.m.: 911, smoke (Spring Circle), spoken to;
7:50 p.m.: accident (Mill Glen Road @ Welch Road), report taken;
9:07 p.m.: 911, intoxicated person (Hyde Park Drive), protective custody;

Protective Custody:
Shane L Girard, age 29, 375 Brown St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: protective custody.

SUNDAY APRIL 5
1:54 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
1:57 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:58-3:21 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:05 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), checked/secure;
5:21 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
8:48 a.m.: lock-out house (School Square), assisted;
10:03 a.m.: unwanted party (Hyde Park Drive), assisted;
11:30 a.m.: info/general (Water Street), advised officer;
12:06 p.m.: trespass notice entry (Hyde Park Drive), assisted;
12:12 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Glenallen Street), 12:23 p.m.: animal complaint (Krantz Road), referred to ACO;
12:28 p.m.: trespass notice entry (Spring Street), services rendered;
12:36 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Peggi Lane), removed to hospital;
1:27 p.m.: welfare check/general (Walnut Street), spoken to;

2:35 p.m.: animal complaint (Glenallen Street), advised officer;
3:04 p.m.: trespass notice entry (Hyde Park Drive), info taken;
4:39 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Glenallen Street), spoken to;
6:31 p.m.: 911, abandoned 911 call (Gardner Road @ Teel Road), accidental/defective alarm;
10:40 p.m.: welfare check/general (Central Street), spoken to;

MONDAY APRIL 6
1:02 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), no cause for complaint;
1:05 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
1:08-3:02 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:35 a.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
2:54 a.m.: ambulance needed (Prospect Street), removed to hsopital;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Ingleside Drive), referred to DPW;
9:04 a.m.: Keep The Peace (High Street), assisted;
12:24 p.m.: officer requested (Hill Street), secured building;
1:21 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Peggi Lane), removed to hospital;
2:28 p.m.: officer requested (Hill Street), removed traffic hazard;
5:02 p.m.: officer requested (Island Road), spoken to;
5:20 p.m.: fraud (Lincoln Avenue), report taken;
5:34 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Street), removed to hospital;
7:06 p.m.: warrant arrest (Hitchcock Road), unable to locate;
7:18 p.m.: warrant arrest (Joslin Road), area search negative;
11:41 p.m.: animal complaint (Oak Street), no cause for complaint;

Arrests:
Shane Ryan Murphy, age 48, 52 Joslin Rd, Winchendon, MA, charged with: arrest based on a warrant (2).

TUESDAY APRIL 7
1:04-4:46 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
7:40 a.m.: animal complaint (Central Street @ Grove Street), referred to ACO;
8:20 a.m.: 911, mental health issue (Joslin Road), removed to hospital;
9:05 a.m.: trespass notice entry (Mill Glen Road), services rendered;
9:31 a.m.: investigated (Joslin Road), services rendered;
10:13 a.m.: assist citizen (Central Street), property returned to owner;
12:08 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
12:19 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), services rendered;
12:29 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), written warning;
2:58 p.m.: investigation (Island Road), spoken to;
3:03 p.m.: fire alarm (Central Street), accidental/defective alarm;
3:47 p.m.: fire/carbon monoxide incident (Alger Street), accidental/defective alarm;
4:00 p.m.: assist citizen (Maple Street), property returned to owner;
4:18 p.m.: harassment (Mill Glen Road), report taken;
5:03 p.m.: investigation (Island Road), spoken to;
6:10 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;

WEDNESDAY APRIL 8
1:38-2:18 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
5:43 a.m.: fire alarm (Hyde Park Drive), services rendered;
10:29 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Prospect Street), removed to hospital;
10:39 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
11:23 a.m.: fire alarm (Spring Street), services rendered;
12:55 p.m.: animal complaint (Forristall Road @ Elmwood Road), referred to ACO;
2:53 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
3:45 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Webster Street), removed to hospital;
4:44 p.m.: officer requested (Mason Street), advised officer;
5:34 p.m.: property lost (Oak Street), spoken to;
6:44 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Northern Heights Drive), removed to hospital;
8:30 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (East Monomonac Road), assisted;
8:59 p.m.: 911, noise complaint (Spring Street), spoken to;
8:59 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Glenallen Street), report taken;
11:58 p.m.: lift assist (Maple Street), services rendered;