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	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

Free Kids Sports & Arts Clinic on January 19

On Monday, January 19, The Winchendon School will present a free Sports & Arts Clinic for kids age 6 to 13. The clinic will be held at The Winchendon School, 172 Ash Street, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be included! Families can choose one of five options: Hockey; Baseball; Basketball; Arts & Crafts; Musical Theatre.

Registration is required. Register online at www.the-hub.org/event-details/kids-sports-arts-clinic-january-19-2026. For more information, email thehub@winchendon-cac.org or call the Winchendon CAC at 978-297-1667 (Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.).

Winchendon P.D. Offering Annual R.A.D. Self Defense Class for Women

The Winchendon Police Department will be offering a R.A.D (rape aggression defense) class starting in January 2026. The class is FREE to all women. No prior experience is needed as we will teach basic skills that can be applied by everyone.

Class size is limited to 20 so sign up early with a dispatcher at the Winchendon Police Department.

The dates of the class sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 6, 8, 13 and 15, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Attendance at all four classes is required for successful completion. Minimum age requirement is 14 years old accompanied by an adult/guardian with a signed permission slip.

The first class will be held at the Winchendon Police Department (80 Central Street) in the training room. The remaining classes will be held at the Memorial Elementary School (32 Elmwood Road) in the gym.

Any questions can be directed to:
Officer Tracy Flagg Tflagg@townofwinchendon.com
or
Officer Jim Wironen Jwironen@townofwinchendon.com
or call the P.D. non-emergency number, 978-297-1212.

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 DECEMBER 18
12:33-1:59 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:54 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), no cause for complaint;
2:20 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
2:33 a.m.: extra patrols (Goodrich Street), checked/secure;
5:13 a.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Spring Street), services rendered;
6:20 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
6:25 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
8:03 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (Maple Street), services rendered;
9:48 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (River Street), removed to hospital;
9:50 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
12:13 p.m.: animal complaint (Lakeview Drive), referred to ACO;
12:18 p.m.: threats (Central Street), report taken;
1:23 p.m.: 911, accident (Glenallen Street), report taken;
1:32 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street @ Hall Road), verbal warning;
2:06 p.m.: larceny (Rice Road), spoken to;
2:43 p.m.: accident (River Street), report taken;
3:49 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Drive), removed to hospital;
4:10 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), referred to other P.D.;
5:48 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
6:55 p.m.: burglar alarm (Central Street), checked/secure;
6:58 p.m.: MV stop (School Street), report taken;
8:00 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (School Street), advised officer;
8:07 p.m.: wires down (Walnut Street), removed traffic hazard;
8:28 p.m.: dog bite (Front Street), referred to ACO;
8:55 p.m.: MV stop (Water Street), verbal warning;
9:32 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Pond Street @ Linden Street), assisted;
11:08 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Main Street), info taken;
11:52 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Juniper Street), info taken;

FRIDAY DECEMBER 19
12:34 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Spring Street), 911 non-emergency call;
12:42-1:37 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:53 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
1:08 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
1:21 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:23 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:33 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), checked/secure;
1:46 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), traffic citation issued;
1:55 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Roberts Way), checked/secure;
2:06 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Woodlawn Street), checked/secure;
7:00 a.m.: dog bite (Front Street), referred to ACO;
8:39 a.m.: unwanted party (Laurel Street), spoken to;
10:31 a.m.: tree down on wires (Glenallen Street), referred to DPW;
10:40 a.m.: fire alarm (Ash Street), services rendered;
2:13 p.m.: VIN inspection (Hall Street), services rendered;
3:43 p.m.: tree down on wires (Brown Street), referred to other agency;
4:20 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), remove to hospital;
4:26 p.m.: traffic hazard (Harrisville Circle), referred to DPW;
4:34 p.m.: officer requested (Beech Street), spoken to;
5:00 p.m.: unwanted party (Spring Street), spoken to;
5:21 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Glenallen Street), report taken;
8:29 p.m.: noise complaint (Juniper Street), advised officer;
10:12 p.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Elmwood Road), checked/secure;
10:27 p.m.: suspicious (other) (Independence Drive), checked/secure;

SATURDAY DECEMBER 20
12:49 a.m.: burglar alarm (Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
1:00 a.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Elmwood Road), checked/secure;
1:03 a.m.: extra patrols (Memorial Drive), checked/secure;
1:05 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Memorial Drive), checked/secure;
1:07-1:10 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:11 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
1:12 a.m.: extra patrols (Pleasant Street), checked/secure;
1:16 a.m.: tree down (Glenallen Street), removed traffic hazard;
1:34 a.m.: burglar alarm (Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
2:15 a.m.: 911, tree down on wires (North Ashburnham Road), services rendered;
4:03 a.m.: tree down (North Central Street), services rendered;
6:12 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Sibley Road), removed to hospital;
7:00 a.m.: tree down (North Central Street), referred to DPW;
7:28 a.m.: officer requested (Benjamin Street), assisted;
8:34 a.m.: tree down on wires (North Central Street), referred to other agency;
1:34 p.m.: animal complaint (Russell Farm Road), referred to ACO;
1:38 p.m.: burglar alarm (Glenallen Street), services rendered;
2:55 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Congress Road), removed to hospital;
3:29 p.m.: threats (Academy Street), report taken;
4:46 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
6:22 p.m.: officer requested (Front Street), report taken;
10:31 p.m.: MV stop (Belmont Avenue @ Goodrich Street), verbal warning;
10:48 p.m.: welfare check/general (Old Centre), no police service necessary;

SUNDAY DECEMBER 21
12:14-3:07 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:22 a.m.: burglar alarm (Spring Street), checked/secure;
9:50 a.m.: 911, welfare check/general (Cottage Street), report taken;
10:51 a.m.: assist other police department (Branch Street), services rendered;
11:28 a.m.: trees down on wires (Mill Glen Road), referred to other agency;
11:31 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Brown Street), removed to hospital;
11:54 a.m.: mental health issue (address not published), removed to hospital;
12:00 p.m.: officer requested (Mill Circle), report taken;
12:12 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Whitney Street), removed to hospital;
12:27 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Brown Avenue), services rendered;
12:40 p.m.: 911, structure fire (Mill Street), services rendered;
12:45 p.m.: tree down (Mill Glen Road), referred to other agency;
12:55 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Branch Street), assisted;
1:10 p.m.: registration check (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
3:08 p.m.: summons service (Converse Drive), summons served;
4:10 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street @ Pleasant Street), verbal warning;
4:37 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Spring Circle), spoken to;

5:18 p.m.: officer requested (Clark Road), spoken to;
6:45 p.m.: investigation (Mill Street), checked/secure;
6:51 p.m.: welfare check/general (Benjamin Street), checked/secure;
7:32 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Baldwinville State Road), report taken;
10:12 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Maple Street), removed to hospital;
10:17 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Polly's Drive), referred to other P.D.;

MONDAY DECEMBER 22
12:32-4:35 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:42 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:13 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
1:22 a.m.: extra patrols (Railroad Street), checked/secure;
4:31 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Central Street @ Railroad Street), referred to DPW;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Central Street @ Spring Street), referred to DPW;
9:45 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
11:01 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (Central Street), services rendered;
12:08 p.m.: larceny (Joslin Road), report taken;
12:18 p.m.: animal complaint (Lakeview Drive), referred to ACO;
12:29 p.m.: suspicious (other) (Hill Street), services rendered;
2:55 p.m.: lift assist (Main Street), assisted;
3:11 p.m.: ambulance needed (School Street), removed to hospital;
3:49 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (School Street), removed to hospital;
4:46 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
5:23 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Pearl Street), accidental/defective alarm;
5:27 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
5:52 p.m.: building check (Pine Street), checked/secure;
6:25 p.m.: welfare check/general (Elm Street), report taken;
10:59 p.m.: noise complaint (Front Street), spoken to;

TUESDAY DECEMBER 23
12:13 a.m.: lock-out house (Maple Street), services rendered;
12:42-2:16 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:49 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Old Gardner Road @ Spring Street), spoken to;
1:38 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:54 a.m.: lift assist (Goodrich Street), assisted;
8:12 a.m.: animal complaint (West Street), referred to ACO;
8:20 a.m.: investigation (Central Street), report taken;
8:24 a.m.: 911, panic alarm (Memorial Drive), call cancelled;
8:35 a.m.: animal complaint (Poland Avenue), referred to ACO;
9:43 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (River Street), removed to hospital;
10:22 a.m.: private property tow (Brown Street), assisted;
10:31 a.m.: officer requested (Orange, Daniel Shays Highway), spoken to;
10:34 a.m.: Fire/automatic box alarm (Ipswich Drive), services rendered;
11:28 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
12:06 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Tolman Road), removed to hospital;
12:44 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Drive), removed to hospital;
1:02 p.m.: assist other police department (Baldwinville State Road), info given;
1:04 p.m.: disturbance (Front Street), report taken;
1:36 p.m.: info/general (other town, Main Street), referred to other P.D.;
2:49 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Alger Street), unable to locate;
3:43 p.m.: 911, suspicious vehicle (Old County Road), spoken to;
3:50 p.m.: stolen vehicle (Cottage Street), spoken to;
4:35 p.m.: 911, assist other agency (Hospital Road), assisted;
5:02 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
5:03 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Emerald Street), spoken to;
6:07 p.m.: 911, Department of Public Works call/general (Bemis Road), referred to DPW;
6:27 p.m.: assist other agency (Clark Road), assisted;
6:37 p.m.: suspicious person (Winter Street), checked/secure;
7:00 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Bemis Road), spoken to;
9:24 p.m.: accident (Spring Street), report taken;

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24
12:34 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Gardner Road), info taken;
12:37-2:07 a.m. building checks, all secure;
1:26 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
2:00 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
4:41 a.m.: ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
5:53 a.m.: welfare check/elderly (address not published), spoken to;
7:22 a.m.: 911, fire alarm (Hyde Park Drive), services rendered;
7:46 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Glenallen Street), services rendered;
8:06 a.m.: 911, disabled vehicle (Glenallen Street), services rendered;
9:04 a.m.: ambulance needed (Stoddard Road), removed to hospital;
10:17 a.m.: suspicious person (River Street), checked/secure;
10:33 a.m.: officer requested (Clark Road), spoken to;
11:47 a.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Central Street), info taken;
2:29 p.m.: officer requested (Clark Road), spoken to;
3:01 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Clark Road), services rendered;
3:28 p.m.: wires down (Main Street), referred to other agency;
5:55 p.m.: missing person (River Street), returned to home or family;
6:31 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Alger Street), removed to hospital;
6:37 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Water Street), advised officer;
7:15 p.m.: disturbance (Central Street), no police service necessary;
7:56 p.m.: ambulance needed (South Royalston Road), unable to locate;
9:42 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (School Street), arrest;
11:09 p.m.: alarm/type unknown (Hyde Park Drive), services rendered;
11:49 p.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;

Arrests:
Justin A Preston, age 33, 47 Mountain Dr, Marlborough, NH, charged with: carry firearm without license; carry loaded firearm without license c269 s.10; possession of ammunition without FID card; possession of Class B drug; arrest based on a warrant.