DPW Will be Tidying Up Cemeteries

(September 11, 2025) -- The Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin removing any decorations, objects, or plantings that extend beyond the permitted space around cemetery monuments. Families and loved ones are encouraged to collect any items they wish to keep within the next month.

After this period, the DPW will temporarily place removed items outside the cemetery for an additional month to allow for retrieval. Any items not collected by the end of that time will be respectfully discarded.

This policy is necessary to ensure the safety of cemetery staff and visitors, maintain accessibility, and preserve the dignity of the grounds. We appreciate the community's cooperation in helping to keep the cemetery a safe and respectful place for all.

A copy of the Towns Cemetery Rules and Regulations can be found on the Town website.

Audit Committee Member Needed

The Audit Committee needs a fifth member to join the Committee.

If you are a registered voter of Winchendon, please send your letter of interest to Debra Dennis, DDennis@winchendon-ma.gov, Executive Assistant, Town Manager's Office 109 Front Street.

Duties & Responsibilities
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 the 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.

For more details, see www.townofwinchendon.com/262/Audit-Committee

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

Applications Open for Vendor Spaces at the 2025 Fall Festival

The 9th Annual Winchendon Fall Festival, to be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., is now accepting applications for vendor spaces on Central Street. Contact Nicole Roberts at nroberts@winchendon-ma.gov or 978-297-3537 with any questions or if you wish to volunteer on the day of the event. (We always need more help!) Again, we wish to express our gratitude to everyone for their continued support of this great event.

Access the 2025 vendor application at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/DocumentCenter/View/1411/Fall-Festival-Application-TOW-2025

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	Communications Committee 4:30pm Board of Health 6:00pm	Planning Board 6:00pm		School Committee 6:00pm
2nd	Board of Selectmen 6:30pm	Finance Committee 7:00pm	Agricultural Commission 7:00pm	Conservation Commission 6:00pm
3rd		Planning Board 6:00pm	Winchendon Redevelopment Authority 5:00pm Zoning Board of Appeals 7:00pm	School Committee 6:00pm
4th	Board of Selectmen 6:30pm

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

Fire Department Offering Free COVID-19 Test Kits to Residents

To all Winchendon residents, the Winchendon Fire Department has been able to secure multiple boxes of COVID-19 home test kits at no cost through a program with MA State DPH. Feel free to stop by the station and pick up what you need for you and your family. Here at WFD we will continue to search for ways to bring any additional care possible to our residents. The Fire Department is located at 405 Central St, Winchendon, and the business phone number is 978-297-2324.

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 August 5, 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
Charter/Bylaw Review Committee - 1 vacancy
Communications Committee - 1 vacancy
Council on Aging - 3 vacancies
Cultural Council - 12 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Historical District Commission - 1 alternate vacancy
Parks & Recreation Commission - 1 vacancy
Winchendon Commission on Disabilities - 1 vacancy
Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 alternate 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!

Lickity Splitz is hiring 18+ staff for waitstaff/scooping shifts Wednesday through Sunday. Weekends a MUST. Experience REQUIRED. Apply in person at Lickity Splitz, 231 Main St, Winchendon.

The Farm Stand is hiring 18+ staff for weekend shifts. Email Jody Mendoza at info@farmingislife.org if interested. The Farm Stand is a new retail business located at 244 School Street, Winchendon, MA, selling fresh local produce, groceries and baked goods, and select wine.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11
12:28 a.m.: investigation (Central Street), info taken;
12:38 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
2:27 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
2:33-3:19 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:00 a.m.: extra patrols (Goodrich Drive), checked/secure;
3:22 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
9:22 a.m.: Be On The Lookout (Eagle Road), advised officer;
9:43 a.m.: trespass notice entry (Central Street), info taken;
12:20 p.m.: investigation (North Ashburnham Road), spoken to;
1:17 p.m.: fire/auto (Pleasant Street), no fire service necessary;
1:58 p.m.: extra patrols (North Central Street), services rendered;
2:17 p.m.: registration check (Central Street), no police service necessary;
3:06 p.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Central Street @ Grove Street), report taken;
4:29 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (School Street), info taken;
4:42 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), info given;
4:54 p.m.: animal complaint (Bemis Road), referred to ACO;
5:25 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Park Street), services rendered;
6:36 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
7:22 p.m.: officer requested (Pleasant Street), spoken to;
7:33 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Central Street), no cause for complaint;
8:27 p.m.: registration check (Gardner Road), unfounded;
8:29 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), unfounded;
8:35 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
8:43 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
8:55 p.m.: registration check (Summer Drive), spoken to;
9:57 p.m.: 911, lift assist (Belmont Avenue), assisted;

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12
12:01 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Congress Road), removed to hospital;
12:03 a.m.: 911, accident (High Street), arrest;
2:09 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Mellen Road), spoken to;
2:41 a.m.: extra patrols (Eagle Road), checked/secure;
3:58 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
4:05 a.m.: building check (Main Street), checked/secure;
5:03 a.m.: fire alarm (Central Street), false alarm;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Water Street @ High Street), call cancelled;
8:34 a.m.: traffic hazard (Central Street), no cause for complaint;
10:27 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
10:32 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Teel Road), assisted;
11:26 a.m.: harassment (Hyde Park Street), spoken to;
11:39 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Summer Drive), removed to hospital;
12:44 p.m.: threats (Joslin Road), report taken;
1:34 p.m.: sex offender registration (Main Street), assisted;
2:50 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Spring Street @ Cross Street), report taken;
3:16 p.m.: assist citizen (Central Street), spoken to;
5:23 p.m.: welfare check/elderly (address not published), assisted;
4:00 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Summer Drive), unable to locate;
4:25 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Baldwinville State Road), referred to other PD;
4:43 p.m.: ambulance needed (Ready Drive), removed to hospital;
5:01 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Linden Street), removed to hospital;
5:03 p.m.: burglar alarm (Front Street), checked/secure;
6:04 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
6:08 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Baldwinville State Road), spoken to;
6:16 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
6:32 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street), traffic citation issued;
7:42 p.m.: animal complaint (Maple Street), referred to ACO;
7:56 p.m.: annoying phone calls (Old Gardner Road), spoken to;
8:03 p.m.: lock-out vehicle (Ash Street), services rendered;
8:08 p.m.: animal complaint (Prospect Street), spoken to;
8:44 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Central Street), no police service necessary;
8:51 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
10:32 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), spoken to;

Arrests:
Julie Anne Rines, age 61, 50 Prospect St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: OUI-liquor over .08%; negligent operation of motor vehicle.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13
12:20 a.m.: disabled vehicle (Gardner Road), arrest;
2:01-3:08 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:04 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
2:32 a.m.: 911, disturbance/fight (Spring Street), report taken;
Arrests:
4:43 a.m.: extra patrols (Countryside Motel, Spring Street), checked/secure;
4:49 a.m.: registration check (Eagle Road), services rendered;
8:12 a.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), referred to ACO;
8:44 a.m.: 911, suspicious person (Central Street), spoken to;
11:47 a.m.: dog bite (Joslin Road), info taken;
12:50 p.m.: 911, accident (Central Street), report taken;
3:39 p.m.: illegal burn (Spruce Street), fire extinguished;
3:58 p.m.: info/general (Brooks Road), referred to other agency;
5:30 p.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
7:33 p.m.: transport (Worcester House of Corrections), transport;
7:39 p.m.: assault (Black Bridge, Summer Drive), report taken;
7:58 p.m.: info/general (Glenallen Street), info given;
8:26 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), transport;
8:57 p.m.: officer requested (School Square), advised officer;
9:53 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Crescent Road), removed to hospital;

Christian Omar Opio, age 43, 90 Sanborn St Apt #1, Fitchburg, MA, charged with: unlicensed opertaion of MV.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14
1:17 a.m.: investigation (Gardner Road), services rendered;
1:19-3:38 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:28 a.m.: extra patrols (Toy Town Pub, Railroad Street), checked/secure;
1:31 a.m.: extra patrols (Chicks Tavern, Pleasant Street), checked/secure;
1:34 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
2:50 a.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Forristall Road), services rendered;
7:11 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pond Street), removed to hospital;
8:46 a.m.: harassment (West Monomonac Road), report taken;
10:01 a.m.: dog bite (Alger Street), referred to ACO;

10:50 a.m.: trespass notice entry (Central Street), info taken;
12:39 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Maple Street), removed to hospital;
1:31 p.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (Spring Street), report taken;
1:46 p.m.: investigation (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
2:06 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Spring Street), services rendered;
4:00 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ash Street), removed to hospital;
4:09 p.m.: warrant arrest (Spring Street), unable to serve;
4:35 p.m.: neighbor dispute (Wendell Drive), spoken to;
4:37 p.m.: neighbor dispute (Northern Heights Drive), report taken;
5:16 p.m.: registration check (Lincoln Avenue), info given;
6:08 p.m.: officer requested (Joslin Road), assisted;
7:43 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Pearl Street), services rendered;
8:21 p.m.: 911, accident (Cross Road), referred to other agency;
8:23 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
9:07 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Front Street), info taken;
9:12 p.m.: transport (Spring Street), transport;
10:00 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street), verbal warning;
11:56 p.m.: extra patrols (El Toro), checked/secure;

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15
12:25-4:35 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:22 a.m.: MV accident with injuries (Mill Glen Road), removed to hospital;
6:58 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Linden Street), 911 non-emergency call;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Water Street @ High Street), referred to DPW;
8:40 a.m.: 911, dog bite (Mill Street), referred to ACO;
8:48 a.m.: illegal dumping (Sibley Road @ South Royalston Road), referred to DPW;
10:36 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Maple Street), removed to hospital;
11:13 a.m.: 911, animal complaint (Laurel Street), referred to ACO;
11:24 a.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Lincoln Avenue), info taken;
12:20 p.m.: fire alarm (Elm Street), services rendered;
12:32 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), services rendered;
12:48 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), services rendered;
1:33 p.m.: welfare check/general (Central Street), services rendered;
4:10 p.m.: public service/other (Gardner Court, Mathew Street), property returned to owner;
5:40 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (School Street), spoken to;
6:47 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
6:52 p.m.: registration check (Central Street), info given;
7:15 p.m.: disabled vehicle (other town, Prescott Street), referred to other agency;
7:17 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
7:26 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
8:17 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
8:51 p.m.: suspicious auto (Main Street), checked/secure;
10:30 p.m.: extra patrols (Cornerstone Church, Gardner Road), checked/secure;
10:34 p.m.: extra patrols (Irving Gas Station, Gardner Road), checked/secure;

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 16
1:23-2:33 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
6:19 a.m.: 911, unattended death (Russell Farm Road), report taken;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Alger Street), referred to ACO;
9:28 a.m.: assist other police department (Central Street), services rendered;
9:47 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (Woodlawn Street), services rendered;
11:00 a.m.: investigation (Grove Street), report taken;
12:57 p.m.: welfare check/general (Spring Place), services rendered;
1:00 p.m.: investigation (Memorial Drive), report taken;
2:55 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Mill Street), removed to hospital;
3:04 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Old Gardner Road), no police service necessary;
3:21 p.m.: officer requested (Memorial Drive), report taken;
3:52 p.m.: 911, accident (Brown Street), assisted;
5:04 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Central Street), advised officer;
6:21 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Spring Street), spoken to;
6:33 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (North Street), removed to hospital;
6:42 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:52 p.m.: missing person (Central Street), spoken to;
7:08 p.m.: info/general (River Street), unable to locate;
7:26 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (High Street), removed to hospital;
7:39 p.m.: harassment (Northern Heights Drive), spoken to;
7:49 p.m.: noise complaint (River Street), unfounded;
8:43 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (School Street), info taken;
10:22 p.m.: 911, welfare check/general (Alger Street), report taken;
11:21 p.m.: welfare check/general (Central Street), spoken to;
11:39 p.m.: welfare check/general (Central Street), transport;

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16
1:35 a.m.: investigation (Central Street), report taken;
1:57 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
2:04-3:47 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:55 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
3:42 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Ingleside Drive), spoken to;
8:21 a.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (Spring Street), services rendered;
8:36 a.m.: burglar alarm (Maple Street), false alarm;
10:43 a.m.: fire alarm (Irwin Court @ Hyde Park Drive), no fire service necessary;
11:10 a.m.: welfare check/general (Belmont Avenue), services rendered;
11:21 a.m.: fire alarm (Pearl Street), services rendered;
11:39 a.m.: warrant of apprehension (Alger Street), unable to locate;
12:25 p.m.: investigation (Glenallen Street), area search negative;
12:53 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Pearl Street), services rendered;
2:47 p.m.: assist other police department (Central Street), transport;
2:49 p.m.: officer requested (Hyde Park Drive), report taken;
3:09 p.m.: animal complaint (Hale Street), referred to ACO;
3:33 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Linden Street), removed to hospital;
3:48 p.m.: trespassing (Mill Glen Road), info taken;
4:39 p.m.: officer requested (Ipswich Drive), info taken;
5:00 p.m.: smoke (Cardinal Lane), unfounded;
5:03 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Western Avenue), accidental/defective alarm;
5:11 p.m.: smoke (Ready Drive), unfounded;
6:05 p.m.: welfare check/general (Brown Street), removed to hospital;
6:28 p.m.: 911, unwanted party (Franklin Street), spoken to;
6:32 p.m.: suspicious person (Summer Street), spoken to;
7:01 p.m.: officer requested (Elmwood Road), info taken;
7:10 p.m.: fire alarm (Cardinal Lane), unfounded;
8:30 p.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
9:43 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Mechanic Street), removed to hospital;