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 JANUARY 29
12:25 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
12:39-1:40 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:49 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Gardner Road), checked/secure;
12:55 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Gardner Road), checked/secure;
1:19 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Street), checked/secure;
3:02 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), no cause for complaint;
4:53 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, West Broadway Street), assisted;
9:21 a.m.: investigation (Central Street), report taken;
12:11 p.m.: private property tow (Ipswich Drive), assisted;
12:23 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
2:50 p.m.: info/general (Walnut Street), info taken;
3:11 p.m.: suspicious person (Woodlawn Street), unfounded;
3:54 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Walnut Street), removed to hospital;
4:06 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Poland Avenue), referred to DPW;
4:17 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Cross Street @ Spring Street), referred to DPW;
4:37 p.m.: 911, Section 12 (address not published), removed to hospital;
5:19 p.m.: welfare check/elderly (address not published), spoken to;
5:46 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), no cause for complaint;
6:32 p.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
8:31 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Gardner Road), spoken to;
9:14 p.m.: traffic hazard (Walnut Street), no cause for complaint;
11:00 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Spring Street), spoken to;

FRIDAY JANUARY 30
12:46-3:00 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:19 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:22 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
2:53 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
5:03 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Poland Avenue), info taken;
5:56 a.m.: traffic enforcement (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
6:18 a.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
9:35 a.m.: ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), false alarm;
12:16 p.m.: 911, acccident (Pleasant Street), report taken;
2:29 p.m.: assist other Police Department (Central Street), assisted;
3:40 p.m.: 911, MV accident with injuries (Hall Road @ Spring Street), report taken;
4:12 p.m.: 911, missing person (Central Street), returned to home or family;
4:17 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Rice Road), advised officer;
5:51 p.m.: 911, transport (Hyde Park Drive), transport;
6:11 p.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), checked/secure;
9:04 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), advised officer;
9:11 p.m.: fire/automatic box alarm (Central Street), accidental/defective alarm;
9:45 p.m.: welfare check/general (River Street), spoken to;
11:05 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hale Street), removed to hospital;
SATURDAY JANUARY 31
12:15 a.m.: suspicious person (Maple Street), area search negative;
12:38 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), checked/secure;
12:59-1:32 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:52 a.m.: disabled vehicle (Mill Glen Road @ Town Farm Road), MV towed/result of private tow;
6:05 a.m.: lock-out vehicle (Central Street), assisted;
6:22 a.m.: fire alarm (Central Street), services rendered;
9:39 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (91 Lakeshore Drive), assisted;
10:18 a.m.: accident (Central Street), info taken;
12:23 p.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, rte 119), services rendered;
2:36 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Lakeshore Drive), spoken to;
2:41 p.m.: investigation (Front Street), spoken to;
2:44 p.m.: officer requested (Glenallen Street @ Spring Street), unable to locate;
4:22 p.m.: animal complaint (Otter River Road), referred to ACO;
4:33 p.m.: investigation (Tucker Street), spoken to;
5:08 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Maple B Place), services rendered;
5:18 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Old Centre), services rendered;
8:27 p.m.: fraud (Front Street), report taken;
11:16 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Goodrich Drive), no police service necessary;

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1
2:27 a.m.: welfare check/general (Mill Glen Road), transport;
2:58-3:29 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
7:09 a.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), advised officer;
10:39 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Morse Avenue), removed to hospital;
11:50 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Cabot Road), removed to hospital;
4:15 p.m.: investigation (Brown Street), investigated/report taken;
4:32 p.m.: recovered property (North Street), property seized;
8:57 p.m.: extra patrols (Baldwinville State Road), checked/secure;
9:01 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (School Street), removed to hospital;
9:12 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street @ Emerald Street), written warning;
11:10 p.m.: 911, shoplifting (Central Street), investigated/report taken;
11:18 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Main Street), spoken to;
11:37 p.m.: building check (Elmwood Road), checked/secure;

MONDAY FEBRUARY 2
1:50-2:15 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:54 a.m.: extra patrols (Mathieu Ford Dealership, Spring Street), checked/secure;
2:03 a.m.: extra patrols (Cumberland Farms, Central Street), checked/secure;
6:25 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
7:13 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Ash Street), referred to DPW;
7:50 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spring Street), removed to hospital;
7:59 a.m.: wires down (Goodrich Street), referred to other agency;
9:23 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Park Street), advised officer;
9:48 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), services rendered;
10:04 a.m.: animal complaint (Baldwinville, Main Street), referred to ACO;
10:09 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
10:16 a.m.: unattended death (Alger Street), investigated/report taken;
1:03 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Spring Street), traffic citation issuedl;
2:00 p.m.: info/general (Hale Street), info taken;
2:01 p.m.: info/general (Lincoln Avenue), info taken;
2:24 p.m.: 911, accident (Russell Farm Road), assisted;
2:27 p.m.: info/general (Walnut Street), spoken to;
5:28 p.m.: officer requested (Alger Street) spoken to;
5:54 p.m.: officer requested (Mill Street), referred to court;
7:12 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Pleasant Street), checked/secure;
8:26 p.m.: MV stop (High Street), verbal warning;
8:41 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Pond Street), spoken to;
9:50 p.m.: warrant arrest (Pond Street), referred to court;
10:12 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Banner Place), refused assistance;

Summons:
Jared Timothy LaJoie, age 34, 12 Spruce St Apt #2, Winchendon, MA, charged with: unlicensed operation of MV, no inspection sticker.

Arrests:
Carson P Riggs, age 45, homeless, Winchendon, MA, charged with: arrest based on a warrant.

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3
1:31 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Ingleside Drive), spoken to;
1:35-2:11 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:40 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
2:09 a.m.: suspicious person (Pleasant Street), spoken to;
2:25 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (West Street @ North Royalston Road), referred to DPW;
2:40 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), no cause for complaint;
7:27 a.m.: welfare check/elderly (address not published), info taken;
9:00 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
9:43 a.m.: property lost (Athol, Harvard Avenue), info taken;
9:46 a.m.: property lost (Pearl Drive), info taken;
11:10 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
12:15 p.m.: info/general (Mill Street), spoken to;
12:26 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Polly's Drive), no police service necessary;
1:41 p.m.: fire alarm (Front Street), accidental/defective alarm;
3:37 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ash Street), call cancelled;
4:19 p.m.: info/general (Spring Street @ Beech Street), advised officer;
7:10 p.m.: 911, MV accident with injuries (Main Street @ Hale Street), report taken;

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4
1:31 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), no cause for complaint;
1:42-2:37 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:15 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), no cause for complaint;
3:54 a.m.: assist other police department (other town, Parker Street), info given;
9:25 a.m.: 911, unattended death (Ash Street), report taken;
9:58 a.m.: 911, fire alarm (Spring Circle), accidental/defective alarm;
10:32 a.m.: animal complaint (Goodrich Drive), referred to ACO;
11:25 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Central Street), 911 non-emergency call;
12:09 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Lakeshore Drive), removed to hospital;
12:57 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Spring Street), unable to locate;
1:02 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), spoken to;
2:30 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), report taken;
3:05 p.m.: 911, unwanted party (Ash Street), report taken;
3:52 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (School Street @ Court Street), spoken to;
3:59 p.m.: info/general (Ready Drive), spoken to;
4:11 p.m.: assist other agency (Old Gardner Road), referred to other agency;
4:43 p.m.: mutual aid, cover station (Keene, Vernon Street), assisted;
7:54 p.m.: welfare check/child (address not published), no cause for complaint;
9:06 p.m.: ambulance needed (Walnut Street), removed to hospital;
11:05 p.m.: disturbance (Mechanic Street), no cause for complaint;