Town Holding Informational Forum for Citizens on Oct 20

Have you ever had a question about town services but weren't sure who to ask? Here's your chance to connect directly with the people who help keep Winchendon running! On Monday, October 20, at 6:00 p.m., join us for an informal evening with the Town Manager and department heads to learn about what's happening in town, ask questions, and share your ideas in a relaxed setting. If you can't attend but would like to submit a question, email it to Deb Dennis in the Town Manager's office, ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov. At Winchendon Town Hall, 2nd floor auditorium, 109 Front St.

Special Town Meeting Set for Monday, December 1

At their meeting on Monday, October 6, the Board of Selectmen approved the date of Monday, December 1, 2025 for the Fall Special Town Meeting. It will convene at 7:00 p.m. in the Murdock Middle High School Auditorium, 3 Memorial Drive, Winchendon.

The warrant for Town Meeting will open on Tuesday, October 7 2025 at 8:00 a.m. and close at Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 12:00 noon. Citizens who wish to discuss additions to the warrant should talk to the Town Manager, Bill McKinney (Phone: 978-297-0085 Ext. 5).

The principal purpose of Town Meeting is to vote on the fire station project, but other articles may be added to the warrant.

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

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

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.

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 OCTOBER 9
1:10-1:51 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:26 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
2:09 a.m.: welfare check/general (Walnut Street), services rendered;
2:58 a.m.: 911, disturbance (Pond Street), report taken;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), call cancelled;
7:57 a.m.: investigation (Elmwood Road), report taken;
8:34 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Ash Street), 911 non-emergency call;
9:52 a.m.: 911, accident (Spring Street @ Gardner Road), report taken;
12:47 p.m.: lock-out vehicle (Pond Street), services rendered;
1:08 p.m.: 911, burglary / breaking & entering (Lincoln Avenue Extension), report taken;
2:02 p.m.: trespassing (Central Street), report taken;
2:19 p.m.: trespassing (Central Street), services rendered;
2:33 p.m.: burglar alarm (Hospital Road), false alarm;
3:18 p.m.: mutual aid to scene (Baldwinville, Baldwinville Road), call cancelled;
3:26 p.m.: officer requested (Town Farm Road), info taken;
3:53 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Pearl Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
4:03 p.m.: 911, vandalism (Water Street), spoken to;
5:36 p.m.: tree down (River Street), checked/secure;
5:38 p.m.: 911, accident (Sibley Road @ Main Street), summons;
8:24 p.m.: 911, Fire Department call/general (Front Street), fire extinguished;
Summons:
Nicholas A. Cote, age 35, PO Box 405, Saxtons River, VT, charged with: unlicensed operation of MV; unregistered motor vehicle.
Jessica Jeanne Malone, age 26, 250 Spring Ci, Winchendon, MA, charged with: negligent operation of motor vehicle; marked lanes violation.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10
12:07 a.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (Spring Street), report taken;
2:14-4:31 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
6:13 a.m.: assist citizen (Pleasant Street), info given;
7:38 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
8:15 a.m.: 911, lock-out vehicle (Baldwinville State Road), services rendered;
9:06 a.m.: runaway (Grove Street), services rendered;
12:29 p.m.: assist citizen (South Royalston Road), spoken to;
12:30 p.m.: investigation (Pearl Drive), spoken to;
12:36 p.m.: welfare check/general (Baldwinville State Road), services rendered;
3:15 p.m.: officer requested (Maynard Street), info given;
3:33 p.m.: animal complaint (Spring Street), referred to ACO;
3:37 p.m.: officer requested (Spring Street), spoken to;
4:34 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Ready Drive), 4:38 p.m.: officer requested (Pearl Drive), referred to other PD;
7:14 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Brown Street), assisted;
7:51 p.m.: extra patrols (Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA, Central Street), checked/secure;
9:34 p.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
10:06 p.m.: registration check (Front Street), advised officer;
10:49 p.m.: trespassing (Spring Street), spoken to;
11:22 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), traffic citation issued;

SATURDAY OCTOBER 11
1:06 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:09 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
1:14 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), spoken to;
3:36-3:52 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:56 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
4:02 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon CAC, Summer Drive), area search negative;
4:09 a.m.: 911, lift assist (Ipswich Drive), services rendered;
8:06 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
9:59 a.m.: registration check (Railroad Street @ Central Street), verbal warning;
10:31 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
10:55 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Central Street), referred to DPW;

11:00 a.m.: disabled vehicle (Central Street), no police service necessary;
11:27 a.m.: civil complaint (Spring Street), spoken to;
12:20 p.m.: parking violation (Central Street), unable to locate;
12:39 p.m.: ambulance needed (Cabot Road), removed to hospital;
1:48 p.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
3:29 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Lincoln Avenue), unfounded;
8:54 p.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
10:31 p.m.: assist other agency (Main Street), advised officer;
10:41 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Baldwinville State Road), removed to hospital;
11:25 p.m.: ATV complaint (Baldwinville State Road), info taken;

SUNDAY OCTOBER 12
2:00 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (Rindge NH, School Street), call cancelled;
7:12 a.m.: 911, unattended death (Russell Farm Road), investigated/report taken;
9:37 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Hale Street), assisted;
11:16 a.m.: illegal dumping (Hitchcock Road), referred to DPW;
11:49 a.m.: disabled vehicle (Gardner Road), info taken;
1:01 p.m.: open door/window/gate (Front Street), checked/secure;
1:28 p.m.: 911, burglary / breaking & entering (Lincoln Avenue Extension), report taken;
2:13 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Whitney Street), spoken to;
5:16 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street @ Railroad Street), verbal warning;
6:02 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:41 p.m.: fire/automatic box alarm (Ash Street), services rendered;
7:28 p.m.: 911, threats (Alger Street), removed to hospital;
9:16 p.m.: burglar alarm (Central Street), checked/secure;
9:18 p.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Elmwood Road), checked/secure;
9:20 p.m.: 911, fire carbon monoxide incident (Ready Drive), accidental/defective alarm);
9:44 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spruce Street), removed to hospital;
9:46 p.m.: burglar alarm (Central Street), advised officer;

MONDAY OCTOBER 13
12:35 a.m.: burglar alarm (Front Street), checked/secure;
1:59-3:05 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:53 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
3:10 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon CAC, Summer Drive), checked/secure;
3:41 a.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (North Royalston Road), report taken;
4:17 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Webster Street), removed to hospital;
5:24 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hale Street), removed to hospital;
6:23 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (other town, Gardner Road), referred to other PD;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Hitchcock Road, call cancelled;
7:08 a.m.: 911, suicide threats (address not published), removed to hospital;
7:55 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
8:40 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Linden Street), removed to hospital;
8:52 a.m.: accident (School Street), assisted;
8:59 a.m.: animal complaint (Hampstead NH, Buttirck Road), referred to ACO;
11:19 a.m.: harassment (West Street), report taken;
11:29 a.m.: burglar alarm (Teel Road), accidental/defective alarm;
11:41 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Old Gardner Road), report taken;
12:22 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Mill Circle), info taken;
12:52 p.m.: animal complaint (Pleasant Street), info taken;
1:22 p.m.: burglar alarm (Front Street), checked/secure;
2:04 p.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), assisted;
2:24 p.m.: fire alarm (Mellen Road), call cancelled;
3:32 p.m.: 911, fight (West Street), arrest;
5:13 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Mill Glen Road), removed to hospital;
5:36 p.m.: 911, mental health issue (Spruce Street), removed to hospital;
7:33 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Baldwinville State Road), removed to hospital;
9:45 p.m.: welfare check/general (Hospital Road), unable to locate;
10:56 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Cabot Road), services rendered;

Arrests:
Miranda L Graham, age 32, 70 West St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: assault with dangerous weapon; A & B; negligent operation of motor vehicle.