WPS Offering "Summer Eats" Free Lunches Through the Summer!

Free meals don't end when school is out for summer! Children and teens ages 18 and under can enjoy FREE meals all summer long at Toy Town Elementary School--no registration, ID, or paperwork required. Just stop by and eat!

June 23 - August 22, 2026
Monday - Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Toy Town Elementary School, 175 Grove Street

Need a ride? Free transportation is available through the Community Connector. Call 978-297-8089 to schedule pickup and drop-off service.

Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to healthy meals this summer!

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.

Member Needed for the Audit Committee!

We're currently looking to fill a vacancy on the Audit Committee. Below is an Overview of their duties. If interested send letter of interest to ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or by mail to
Town of Winchendon
Attn: Debra Dennis
109 Front Street
Winchendon MA 01475

Overview
Bylaws: Passed on May 18, 2015, at Town Meeting
38.1 There shall be a five-member Audit Committee in the Town of Winchendon comprised of one member of the Board of Selectmen (appointed by the Board of Selectmen), one member of the Finance Committee (appointed by the Finance Committee), one member of the School Committee (appointed by the School Committee) and two registered voters in the town who have finance experience, preferably municipal (appointed by a majority vote of the three Board and Committee member appointees.)
8.2 Administrative support staff to the Audit Committee shall be provided by the Town Manager, the Town Accountant, the Superintendent of Schools, and the School Business Manager.
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 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. Funding for the annual independent audit shall be budgeted in the Finance Committee's annual budget.

Sponsor a Brick to Support Veterans' Housing!

An example of the engraved memorial bricks
Photo by Inanna Arthen

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/

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.

Employment

New Listings!

THURSDAY, JULY 16
12:03 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
12:12-3:16 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:22 a.m.: extra patrols (Cumberland Farms, Central Street), checked/secure;
4:47 a.m.: noise complaint (Rose Court), spoken to;
9:30 a.m.: investigation (Benjamin Street), investigated/report taken;
9:31 a.m.: investigation (Grove Street), investigated/report taken;
9:45 a.m.: officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;
9:48 a.m.: officer requested (Front Street), spoken to;
10:18 a.m.: officer requested (Kemp Street), spoken to;
10:21 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (Spring Street), services rendered;
10:43 a.m.: fire alarm (Hyde Park Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
10:45 a.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (Hill Street), investigated/report taken;
11:26 a.m.: accident (Gardner Road), spoken to;
11:49 a.m.: fire alarm (Hospital Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
12:09 p.m.: 911, fire alarm (Hospital Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
12:50 p.m.: 911, fire alarm (Hospital Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
2:27 p.m.: fire alarm (Grove Street), services rendered;
2:46 p.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), advised officer;
3:43 p.m.: animal complaint (Main Street), referred to ACO;
3:53 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Maynard Street), spoken to;
7:56 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
8:06 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
9:13 p.m.: MV stop (Maple Street), traffic citation issued;

FRIDAY, JULY 17
12:00 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (Alger Street), services rendered;
12:04 a.m.: harassment order entry (Cardinal Lane), info taken;
12:09 a.m.: smoke (Hill Street), unfounded;
12:45-1:50 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:14 a.m.: traffic hazard (Spring Street), removed traffic hazard;
1:48 a.m.: extra patrols (bike path), checked/secure;
1:51 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
6:00 a.m.: assist other police department (Tolman Road), assisted;
8:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Main Street), referred to ACO;
9:21 a.m.: animal complaint (Grove Street), referred to ACO;
10:00 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Maynard Street), assisted;
10:34 a.m.: animal complaint (Mill Circle), report taken;
11:22 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info given;
12:06 p.m.: harassment (Alger Street), report taken;
12:47 p.m.: extra patrols (Brown Street), info taken;
1:21 p.m.: Harassment order service (Cardinal Lane), summons served;
2:27 p.m.: officer requested (Baldwinville State Road), report taken;
3:38 p.m.: animal complaint (Beachview Drive), referred to ACO;
4:13 p.m.: 911, intoxicated person (Hyde Park Drive), gone on arrival;
4:23 p.m.: accident (Water Street), investigated/report taken;
4:45 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), gone on arrival;
5:03 p.m.: attempt to locate (Gardner Road), unable to locate;
5:07 p.m.: burglar alarm (Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
5:28 p.m.: lock-out vehicle (Hill Street), services rendered;
5:47 p.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), referred to other agency;
6:50 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), traffic citation needed;
6:58 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
7:15 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Spring Street), services rendered;
7:23 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
8:15 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Metcalf Street), spoken to;
8:23 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
8:24 p.m.: smoke (Woodlawn Street), spoken to;
9:44 p.m.: noise complaint (Pond Street), unfounded;

SATURDAY, JULY 18
1:14-1:42 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:14 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
1:16 a.m.: extra patrols (Mathieu Ford Dealership, Spring Street), checked/secure;
1:25 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), checked/secure;
1:32 a.m.: extra patrols (Front Street), no cause for complaint;
2:52 a.m.: extra patrols (Goodrich Drive), no cause for complaint;
3:00 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), checked/secure;
10:20 a.m.: citizen complaint (no address), advised officer;
10:26 a.m.: animal complaint (Baldwinville, Prospect Street), referred to ACO;
10:51 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Mill Circle), advised officer;
10:58 a.m.: officer requested (Spring Street), spoken to;
11:08 a.m.: info/general (Gardner Road), info taken;
11:20 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Baldwinville State Road), accidental/defective alarm;
11:24 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Brown Street), accidental/defective alarm;
11:37 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Baldwinville State Road), accidental/defective alarm;
12:06 p.m.: animal rescue (Baldwinville State Road), referred to ACO;
1:13 p.m.: animal complaint (Baldwinville State Road), referred to ACO;
2:43 p.m.: lock-out vehicle (Central Street), services rendered;
4:20 p.m.: officer requested (Maple Street), investigated/report taken;
4:24 p.m.: fire alarm (Maple Street), accidental/defective alarm;
5:25 p.m.: fire alarm (Hospital Road), services rendered;
5:47 p.m.: officer requested (Spring Street), advised officer;
7:11 p.m.: extra patrols (Toy Town Car Wash, Water Street), checked/secure;
7:13 p.m.: building check (Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
8:02 p.m.: smoke (River Street), fire extingished;
8:43 p.m.: suicide threats (address not published), removed to hospital;
8:58 p.m.: ambulance (Central Street), removed to hospital;

SUNDAY, JULY 19
12:48 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
12:50- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:51 a.m.: traffic enforcement (Gardner Road), checked/secure;
1:13 a.m.: extra patrols (Pond Street), no cause for complaint;
1:26 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
2:38 a.m.: extra patrols (Goodrich Drive), no cause for complaint;
7:18 a.m.: property lost (Central Street), info taken;
8:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Kemp Street), referred to ACO;
9:10 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Alger Street), removed to hospital;
11:41 a.m.: neighbor dispute (Mill Street), spoken to;
12:38 p.m.: larceny (Pearl Drive), report taken;
12:43 p.m.: 911, intoxicated person (Hyde Park Drive), report taken;
1:45 p.m.: property found (Central Street), info taken;
2:11 p.m.: officer requested (Alger Street), report taken;
2:24 p.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), info taken;
3:12 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
3:19 p.m.: smoke (River Street), fire extinguished;
4:48 p.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Central Street), call cancelled;
5:40 p.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;

6:24 p.m.: fire alarm (Val's Way - Polly's Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
7:03 p.m.: officer requested (Maynard Street), spoken to;
7:13 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Beachview Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
7:18 p.m.: assist other police department (Spring Street), spoken to;
7:39 p.m.: property found (Central Street), summons;
7:59 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;
8:28 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), summons;
8:29 p.m.: 911, suspicious person (Elmwood Rd), returned to home or family;
8:30 p.m.: investigation (Mill Street), no fire service necessary;
9:07 p.m.: assist other police department (Spring Street), info given;
9:37 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ready Drive), removed to hospital;
9:44 p.m.: traffic hazard (River Street), spoken to;
11:20 p.m.: welfare check/general (Central Street), spoken to;

Summons:
Michael Austin Dobias Jr, age 26, 6 Riverside Dr, Turners Falls, MA, charged with: operating MV with suspended license; no inspection sticker; MV lights violation.

MONDAY, JULY 20
12:32 a.m.: attempt to locate (Spring Street), area search negative;
12:44 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Old Gardner Road), checked/secure;
12:50-1:14 a.m.; building checks, all secure;
1:01 a.m.: open door/window/gate (Mill Circle), checked/secure;
7:40 a.m.: ambulance needed (Pond Street), removed to hospital;
8:04 a.m.: traffic enforcement (Spring Street), checked/secure;
8:20 a.m.: officer requested (Central Street), advised officer;
9:19 a.m.: traffic enforcement (Gardner Road), checked/secure;
9:25 a.m.: animal complaint (Baldwinville Road), referred to ACO;
9:54 a.m.: disabled vehicle (Central Street), info taken;
10:45 a.m.: officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;
11:45 a.m.: MV stop (Spring Street @ Emerald Street), traffic citation issued;
12:00 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (North Royalston Road), removed to hospital;
12:59 p.m.: extra patrols (Juniper Street), checked/secure;
1:08 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Spring Street @ Glenallen Street), checked/secure;
2:54 p.m.: 911, burglary / breaking & entering (Spring Circle), report taken;
4:11 p.m.: officer requested (Pine Street), spoken to;
5:33 p.m.: missing person (Ash Street), spoken to;
5:51 p.m.: investigation (Spring Circle), investigated/report taken;
6:18 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Brown Avenue), referred to DPW;
7:16 p.m.: investigation (Spring Circle), info given;
7:19 p.m.: 911, welfare check/general (Linden Street), spoken to;
7:53 p.m.: officer requested (Beech Street), report taken;
8:10 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Lincoln Avenue Extension), info taken;
9:06 p.m.: officer requested (Front Street), spoken to;
9:21 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
11:37 p.m.: patrol initiated (Central Street), spoken to;
11:22 p.m.: extra patrols (Spring Circle), checked/secure;

Summons:
Amanda Kate Loiselle, age 43, 121 Stowell Rd, Ashburnham, MA, charged with: operating MV with suspended license.

TUESDAY, JULY 21
12:16-2:44 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:21 a.m.: suspicious person (East Grove Street), spoken tp;
12:31 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:56 a.m.: 911, lift assist (East Monomonac Road), services rendered;
5:28 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Main Street), removed to hospital;
6:59 a.m.: info/general (Central Street), info taken;
8:22 a.m.: burglary / breaking & entering (Spring Street), report taken;
8:58 a.m.: investigation (Northern Heights Drive), services rendered;
9:15 a.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Grove Street), gone on arrival;
10:49 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (School Street), services rendered;
10:55 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Congress Road), removed to hospital;
11:48 a.m.: burglar alarm (Front Street), advised officer;
11:57 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hospital Drive), removed to hospital;
12:08 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), checked/secure;
12:29 p.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), info taken;
12:38 p.m.: smoke (River Street), services rendered;
1:22 p.m.: harassment (Central Street), report taken;
1:53 p.m.: officer requested (School Street), spoken to;
3:00 p.m.: welfare check/general (Front Street), spoken to;
3:39 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), traffic citation issued;
4:13 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), written warning;
4:28 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), written warning;
4:30 p.m.: officer requested (Teel Road), gone on arrival;
4:31 p.m.: officer requested (Front Street), spoken to;
4:50 p.m.: officer requested (Hyde Park Street), advised officer;
4:54 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), info taken;
5:00 p.m.: officer requested (Cummings Road), no police service necessary;
5:06 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
5:24 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street), written warning;
5:51 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
6:08 p.m.: 911, burglary / breaking & entering (Spring Street), info taken;
8:03 p.m.: animal complaint (Baldwinville Road), info taken;
9:09 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Whitney Street), investigated/report taken;
10:06 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Elmwood Road), report taken;
11:11 p.m.: fire alarm (Forristall Road), false alarm;

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
1:09-1:18 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:21 a.m.: CO detector activation (Hale Street), services rendered;
2:36 a.m.: suspicious auto (Gardner Road), spoken to;
10:20 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (River Street), accidental/defective alarm;
11:27 a.m.: private property tow (Spring Circle), info taken;
11:56 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Gardner Road), removed to hospital;
12:11 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Front Street @ School Street), assisted;
12:53 p.m.: intoxicated person (Central Street), assisted;
1:32 p.m.: suspicious person (Bayberry Circle), spoken to;
1:57 p.m.: officer requested (Juniper Street), investigated/report taken;
2:55 p.m.: info/general (Sibley Road), spoken to;
4:43 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), spoken to;
5:40 p.m.: info/general (Holly Drive), spoken to;
6:57 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Mason Street), advised officer;
7:10 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Maple Street), removed to hospital;
7:10 p.m.: 911, welfare check/general (Gardner Road), spoken to;
8:03 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Spring Street), 911 non-emergency call;
8:15 p.m.: suspicious person (Island Road), checked/secure;
8:29 p.m.: ambulance needed (Ready Drive), removed to hospital;
9:19 p.m.: illegal burn (Benjamin Street), fire extinguished;
9:41 p.m.: 911, Fire Department call/general (West Shore Drive), services rendered;
11:03 p.m.: alarm/type unknown (Highland Street), false alarm;
11:54 p.m.: building check (Main Street), checked/secure;