2026 Dog Licenses Available Now

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

Join the Winchendon Commission on Disability to Help Create Change!

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

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

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

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

What Winchendon offers:

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

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

Sponsor a Brick to Support Veterans' Housing!

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

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

Applications Open for FY26 Senior Tax Work-Off Program

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

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

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

The criteria for this program is:

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

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

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

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

Questions or Concerns? Email the Town Manager!

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

Winchendon Lions Want to Welcome You!

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

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

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

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

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

Town Committee Monthly Meetings by Week

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

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

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

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

Open Burning Season January 15 to May 1

The Open Burning Season runs from January 15 through May 1. Residents must get a seasonal permit for the current year from the Fire Department before they burn. A permit is $10.00. Residents must also call the Fire Department at 978-297-6346 after 9:00 a.m. each day that they plan a burn, and get permission for that day. Burning may not be allowed on days with high-risk fire conditions.

Fires should consist of only brush and forest debris. Burning of grass, hay, leaves, stumps, tires, rubbish, building material or construction debris is prohibited. Be sure to check the weather and wind conditions. NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.

For more information and to get a permit, see www.winchendonfire.org/open-burning

Vacancy on Winchendon Redevelopment Authority

The Winchendon Redevelopment Authority has a member vacancy. If you are interested, please reach out to ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov by February 2, 2026. For more information on the Winchendon Redevelopment Authority, including its members, mission statement and meeting times, see www.townofwinchendon.com/410/Winchendon-Redevelopment-Authority.

Toy Town Trolley Now Running Later on Saturdays!

We've expanded service hours to help more Winchendon residents--especially those in need of transportation to warming centers, shelters, and essential services.

New Saturday Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Book ahead! Saturday rides must be scheduled by 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

Door-to-door rides within Winchendon are available for:

Medical appointments

Grocery shopping

Shelter and warming center access

Pharmacy trips

And more

Call (978) 297-3155 or email communityconnector@winchendon-cac.org.

Prefer to book with your phone? Download the Community Connector app at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/577/Get-the-App

Let your neighbors know! This expanded schedule helps ensure safe, reliable transportation for those who need it most--especially during colder weather.

Board of Health Members Needed

The Board of Health is seeking qualified members to fill recent vacancies.

If you are a registered voter of Winchendon, please consider sending in your letter of interest to serve on this very important Board. This term will run only until the next Town Election in May, 2026.

Please send in your letter of interest by 12:00 noon on Monday, July 21, 2025 to Debra Dennis, DDennis@winchendon-ma.gov, Executive Assistant, Town Manager's Office 109 Front Street.

Duties & Responsibilities
Winchendon has a five member Board of Health who work along with a Health Agent and Health Inspector. According to various statutes in the Massachusetts General Laws, the Board of Health is responsible for inspecting, licensing and enforcing regulations for recreational camps, food establishments, indoor ice rinks, public swimming pools, tanning facilities, body art establishments, and public lodging facilities. The Board is also responsible for enforcement of state regulations regarding housing as well as the disposal of solid waste and subsurface sanitary sewage disposal (Title V).

Shop Small, Shop Local in 2025!

Click to see larger image

Click here to download a printable PDF of the Small Business Saturday Winchendon shopping map!

Need a Ride?

Check out these transportation services and resources available through the Winchendon Community Connection and Access Project

• Rides available as far as Worcester for medical appointments, shopping, recreation, employment and more!
• All residents can get a ride. Priority is given to Senior Citizens and residents with disabilities.
• Most rides are FREE through MART or at a low suggested donation to the Winchendon Senior Center.
• Wheelchair accessible vehicles available.

Request a ride over the phone by calling 978-297-3155, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Request a ride online at www.winchendon-cac.org

Request a ride in person at the Winchendon Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or the Winchendon CAC, 5 Summer Dr, Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

If you have questions, reach out to winchendonccap@gmail.com or call 978-297-3155.

Let us help you get where you need to go!

Town Committee Vacancies
as of October 27, 2025

by Inanna Arthen
If you'd like to be an active participant in decision-making and management for your community, consider joining a town committee or board. There are a number of vacancies currently open.

Agricultural Commission - 1 vacancy, 3 alternate vacancies
Board of Health - 1 vacancy
Communication Committee - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 12 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Historical District Commission - 1 alternate vacancy
Parks & Recreation Commission - 1 vacancy
Planning Board - 1 vacancy Winchendon Commission on Disabilities - 1 vacancy
Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 vacancy

If you'd like more information about any of these positions or are interested in being considered for an appointment, contact the Town Manager's office at 978-297-0085, or send a letter of interest to ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or Town Manager, 109 Front Street Dept. 1, Winchendon MA 01475.

For a description of each board or committee, see: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/DocumentCenter/View/440/Selectmen-Appointed-Boards-and-Committees-July-2024-PDF (PDF).

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19
12:30-1:53 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:33 a.m.: traffic enforcement (Gardner Road), no police service necessary;
12:49 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hale Street), removed to hospital;
1:00 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
1:17 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
2:41 a.m.: fire alarm (Spring Street), fire extinguished;
5:14 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (Hill Street), services rendered;
8:58 a.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
9:00 a.m.: ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), false alarm;
10:01 a.m.: welfare check/elderly (address not published), services rendered;
10:28 a.m.: registration check (Central Street), info taken;
11:47 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), assisted;
12:08 p.m.: officer requested (High Street), assisted;
12:16 p.m.: animal complaint (Krantz Road), referred to ACO;
12:33 p.m.: officer requested (Ash Street), spoken to;
1:22 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
2:11 p.m.: animal complaint (Pond Street @ Elm Street), returned to home or family;
2:29 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street @ River Street), verbal warning;
3:48 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Central Street), unable to locate;
4:05 p.m.: info/general (River Street), info given;
4:59 p.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Memorial Drive), accidental/defective alarm;
5:18 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Pond Street), referred to DPW;
5:40 p.m.: officer requested (Ready Drive), spoken to;
6:29 p.m.: officer requested (School Square), report taken;
7:20 p.m.: fraud (Chase Lane), report taken;
7:46 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), referred to other PD;
7:52 p.m.: 911, abandoned 911 call (Baldwinville Road), accidental/defective alarm;
9:05 p.m.: noise complaint (Glenallen Street), report taken;
10:03 p.m.: noise complaint (Glenallen Street), spoken to;
10:37 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (other town, Baldwinville Road), removed to hospital;
10:59 p.m.: Be On The Lookout (Spring Street), area search negative;

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20
12:28-3:45 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:34 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
12:34 a.m.: warrant check (Central Street), info given;
12:41 a.m.: extra patrols (Baldwinville State Road), area search negative;
12:43 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
12:44 a.m.: extra patrols (Lake Dennison Campground, Baldwinville State Road), checked/secure;
12:53 a.m.: suspicious person (Central Street), spoken to;
12:54 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street), spoken to;
12:56 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Gardner Road), spoken to;
3:40 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), no cause for complaint;
5:49 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Pine Street), referred to DPW;
8:23 a.m.: accident (Converse Drive), report taken;
3:14 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Grove Street), report taken;
4:36 p.m.:, 911, ambulance needed (Cross Road), removed to hospital;
4:41 p.m.: MV stop (Elmwood Road @ Forristall Road), verbal warning;
4:53 p.m.: 911, accident (Water Street @ High Street), report taken;
5:12 p.m.: assist other agency (Athol, West Royalston Road), assisted;
5:27 p.m.: investigation (Spruce Street), report taken;
5:45 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Central Street), advised officer;
6:01 p.m.: 911, chimney fire (Alger Street), fire extinguished;
6:25 p.m.: extra patrols (Baldwinville State Road), unable to locate;
6:26 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street), traffic citation issued;
7:12 p.m.: lock-out vehicle (Poland Avenue), assisted;
8:21 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ash Street), removed to hospital;
10:07 p.m.: officer requested (Ash Street), services rendered;

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21
12:10 a.m.: parking violation (Walnut Street), parking ticket issued;
12:23-3:02 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:45 a.m.: parking violation (Juniper Street), parking ticket issued;
12:46 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:00 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
2:28 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Plaza, Central Street), no cause for complaint;
4:11 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
8:55 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Old Gardner Road), removed to hospital;
9:08 a.m.: officer requested (School Street @ Pearl Street), spoken to;
9:30 a.m.: officer requested (Monadnock Avenue), report taken;
2:08 p.m.: info/general (Juniper Street), spoken to;
2:57 p.m.: officer requested (Mechanic Street), spoken to;
3:12 p.m.: 911, officer requested (School Street), protective custody;
3:41 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Baldwinville State Road), checked/secure;
4:53 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), spoken to;
8:45 p.m.: info/general (Walnut Street), spoken to;
9:36 p.m.: fire alarm (Mill Circle), false alarm;
11:52 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Goodrich Street), removed to hospital;

Protective Custody:
Kevin Martin, age 35, 85 Stratton Rd Apt #6, Jaffrey, NH, charged with: protective custody.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22
1:31 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), spoken to;
1:33 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:36-2:15 a.m.: building checks, all secure;

1:37 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
1:46 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), checked/secure;
2:28 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Plaza, Central Street), no cause for complaint;
9:09 a.m.: accident (Teel Road), assisted;
9:25 a.m.: fire carbon monoxide incident (Maynard Street), accidental/defective alarm;
12:22 p.m.: animal complaint (Pond Street), referred to ACO;
12:40 p.m.: info/general (Hale Street), advised officer;
1:02 p.m.: suspicious (other) (Ingleside Drive), unfounded;
1:32 p.m.: officer requested (Walnut Street), spoken to;
4:00 p.m.: welfare check/general (Spruce Street), investigated/report taken;
4:52 p.m.: 911, fire alarm (Glenallen Street), false alarm;
5:26 p.m.: info/general (Monadnock Avenue), info given;
5:46 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street @ Pleasant Street), verbal warning;
6:10 p.m.: extra patrols (Baldwinville State Road), checked/secure;
6:22 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street), written warning;
6:25 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), summons;
6:54 p.m.: welfare check/general (Monadnock Avenue), spoken to;
9:16 p.m.: parking violation (Pleasant Street), spoken to;

Summons:
Giovanny Campos Bernardo, age 30, 10 Eagle Rd, Winchendon, MA, charged with: number plate violation to conceal ID; unregistered motor vehicle.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 23
1:37-2:11 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:40 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
2:05 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Plaza, Central Street), no cause for complaint;
2:12 a.m.: animal complaint (Hyde Street @ Brown Street), unable to locate;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Western Avenue), referred to DPW;
7:25 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Mill Street), removed to hospital;
10:38 a.m.: traffic hazard (Bayberry Circle), services rendered;
10:40 a.m.: traffic hazard (Central Street), gone on arrival;
10:41 a.m.: traffic hazard (Woodlawn Avenue), gone on arrival;
11:53 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Vaine Street @ Maple Street), removed to hospital;
2:57 p.m.: 911 call non-emergency (Eli Drive), advised officer;
3:40 p.m.: mutual aid to scene (Elm Street), assisted;
4:24 p.m.: officer requested (Front Street), spoken to;
4:51 p.m.: 911, accident (Central Street), spoken to;

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24
2:20-3:08 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:57 a.m.: suspicious (other) (Spring Street), checked/secure;
4:24 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (Baldwinville, Elm Street), services rendered;
5:45 a.m.: assist other agency (River Street), spoken to;
8:33 a.m.: assist other agency (Ash Street), advised officer;
9:31 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, Sonja Drive), services rendered;
11:05 a.m.: MV accident, no injuries (Central Street), report taken;
11:23 a.m.: registration check (Juniper Street), info taken;
11:53 a.m.: mental health issue (address not published), removed to hospital;
12:01 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info given;
2:37 p.m.: officer requested (North Royalston Road), spoken to;
2:53 p.m.: 911, disturbance (West Street), spoken to;
3:13 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Walnut Street), assisted;
3:18 p.m.: accident (Pearl Street @ School Street), summons;
3:23 p.m.: officer requested (School Square), report taken;
3:28 p.m.: ambulance needed (Alger Street), removed to hospital;
3:57 p.m.: welfare check/general (River Street), spoken to;
4:01 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (West Street), removed to hospital;
5:48 p.m.: 911, Department of Public Works call/general (Grove Street), no cause for complaint;
6:41 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), spoken to;

Summons:
Jonathan David Madsen, age 53, 194 Central St Apt #425, Gardner, MA, charged with: number plate violation of conceal ID; uninsured motor vehicle; unregistered motor vehicle.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 25
1:53-3:50 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:11 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
2:35 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
3:25 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, Lakeshore Drive), services rendered;
8:38 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
10:40 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hillside Drive), removed to hospital;
10:45 a.m.: info/general (Central Street), info taken;
11:27 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (River Street), services rendered;
11:33 a.m.: animal complaint (Central Street), unable to locate;
11:43 a.m.: assist other police department (Ash Street), summons served;
11:54 a.m.: VIN inspection (Ash Street), services rendered;
1:37 p.m.: 911, unattended death (Town Farm Road), report taken;
2:30 p.m.: suspicious person (Converse Drive), spoken to;
3:41 p.m.: attempt to locate (River Street), unable to locate;
4:00 p.m.: registration check (Spring Street), info given;
4:04 p.m.: registration check (Gardner Road), info given;
4:15 p.m.: investigation (Elmwood Road), report taken;
4:17 p.m.: harassment order service (Prospect Street), unable to serve;
4:40 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), info given;
5:39 p.m.: suspicious person (Teel Road), info taken;
5:48 p.m.: assist other police department (Duval Court), referred to other PD;
6:32 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (other town, Winding Cove Road), referred to other PD;
8:06 p.m.: registration check (Spring Street), info given;