Warrant for December 1 Special Town Meeting Available

The Board of Selectmen voted to finalize and approve the Warrant for the Fall Special Town Meeting at their meeting on Monday, November 10. Special Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. and will be held in the Murdock Middle High School gymnasium, 3 Memorial Drive, Winchendon.

The Warrant has only two articles.

Article 1 asks voters to approve the town imposing a local excise tax on short-term lodging (bed & breakfasts, hotels, motels, AirBnBs and so on) in town, at the rate of 6 percent. Town Manager Bill McKinney said that he was exploring sources of revenue for the town. Municipalities are limited in the local taxes and fees they're allowed to impose, but a lodging tax is one of them, and Winchendon has never had one. Vendors who operate lodging pay a tax to the state already. The state Department of Revenue told Mr. McKinney that if the town adopts a lodging tax now, it could realize almost a year's worth of revenue for FY26.

Article 2 is the reason for the Special Town Meeting: approving the debt exclusion for borrowing $16,632,499 for the Fire Station Addition and Renovation Project.

The Warrant may be viewed and downloaded from the town website at www.townofwinchendon.com/DocumentCenter/View/1571/Special-Town-Meeting-Warrant-December-1-2025.

Paving on Central Street Begins Monday, Nov 10

A contractor for the Town of Winchendon will be reclaiming and paving a portion of Central Street from Maple Street to Jackson Avenue starting on Monday, November 10. The paving operations are expected to last two weeks. Please expect delays (and use alternate routes if possible). The contractor will keep one lane open to through traffic. Residents living in the section of operations will have access in and out of their driveways at all times.

Attention Winchendon Business Owners! Take Part in the Holiday Storefront Decorating Competition

Winchendon Parks & Recreation is teaming up with Fidelity Bank to light up Winchendon--and we want your storefront to shine like a Christmas tree! We're hosting a Holiday Storefront Decorating Competition, and it's your time to show off your Christmas spirit! Here's how to join the fun:

1. Email us at scunningham@winchendon-ma.gov to let us know you'd like to participate
2. Deck out your storefront in your most festive holiday style.
3. Tag us on social media so we can see your display and include you in the competition!

The Prize:

Not only will you earn major bragging rights and tons of social media exposure...BUT the winner will also receive an exclusive interview and feature with our marketing team! So don't wait--spread the holiday cheer! Email us saying "We're in!" along with your business name, and our team will reach out with next steps.

Let's make Winchendon merry and bright together!

DPW Will be Tidying Up Cemeteries

(September 11, 2025) -- The Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin removing any decorations, objects, or plantings that extend beyond the permitted space around cemetery monuments. Families and loved ones are encouraged to collect any items they wish to keep within the next month.

After this period, the DPW will temporarily place removed items outside the cemetery for an additional month to allow for retrieval. Any items not collected by the end of that time will be respectfully discarded.

This policy is necessary to ensure the safety of cemetery staff and visitors, maintain accessibility, and preserve the dignity of the grounds. We appreciate the community's cooperation in helping to keep the cemetery a safe and respectful place for all.

A copy of the Towns Cemetery Rules and Regulations can be found on the Town website.

Applications Open for FY26 Senior Tax Work-Off Program

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

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

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

The criteria for this program is:

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

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

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

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

Questions or Concerns? Email the Town Manager!

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

Winchendon Lions Want to Welcome You!

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

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

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

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

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

Town Committee Monthly Meetings by Week

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

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

week	MON	TUE	WED	THUR
1st	Communications Committee 4:30pm Board of Health 6:00pm	Planning Board 6:00pm		School Committee 6:00pm
2nd	Board of Selectmen 6:30pm	Finance Committee 7:00pm	Agricultural Commission 7:00pm	Conservation Commission 6:00pm
3rd		Planning Board 6:00pm	Winchendon Redevelopment Authority 5:00pm Zoning Board of Appeals 7:00pm	School Committee 6:00pm
4th	Board of Selectmen 6:30pm

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

Toy Town Trolley Now Running Later on Saturdays!

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

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

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

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

Medical appointments

Grocery shopping

Shelter and warming center access

Pharmacy trips

And more

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

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

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

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!

Lickity Splitz is hiring 18+ staff for waitstaff/scooping shifts Wednesday through Sunday. Weekends a MUST. Experience REQUIRED. Apply in person at Lickity Splitz, 231 Main St, Winchendon.

The Farm Stand is hiring 18+ staff for weekend shifts. Email Jody Mendoza at info@farmingislife.org if interested. The Farm Stand is a new retail business located at 244 School Street, Winchendon, MA, selling fresh local produce, groceries and baked goods, and select wine.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20
4:25 a.m.: welfare check/general (Ready Drive), checked/secure;
4:55 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (Ashburnham, Main Street), assisted;
5:52 a.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Spring Street), call cancelled;
5:58 a.m.: registration check (Spring Street), checked/secure;
6:45 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (other town, Main Street), services rendered;
7:36 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Hyde Street), removed to hospital;
8:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Spring Street), referred to ACO;
8:42 a.m.: fraud (Town Farm Road), spoken to;
10:14 a.m.: mental health issue (address not published), call cancelled;
10:24 a.m.: disabled vehicle (Hitchcock Road @ Baldwinville Road), no police service necessary;
11:14 a.m.: suspicious (other) (Pearl Drive), report taken;
11:25 a.m.: info/general (Central Street), property returned to owner;
12:36 p.m.: investigation (Elmwood Road), info taken;
12:49 p.m.: ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
3:11 p.m.: animal complaint (Ash Street), referred to ACO;
4:46 p.m.: burglar alarm (Teel Road), spoken to;
4:52 p.m.: 911, suicide attempts (address not published), removed to hospital;
5:28 p.m.: assist other agency (Central Street), assisted;
5:33 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ash Street), removed to hospital;
5:41 p.m.: 911, unattended death (Linden Street), report taken;
7:40 p.m.: annoying phone calls (Maple Street), spoken to;
10:17 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (River Street), removed to hospital;
11:39 p.m.: building check (Gardner Road), checked/secure;

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21
12:06 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Central Street), no police service necessary;
12:08- a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:19 a.m.: info/general (River Street), info given;
6:05 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Banner Place), removed to hospital;
8:20 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
9:12 a.m.: welfare check/general (Goodrich Drive), spoken to;
9:31 a.m.: MV operating erratically (Baldwinville State Road), info taken;
10:45 a.m.: fire department call/general (Front Street), services rendered;
11:08 a.m.: investigation (Benjamin Street), spoken to;
11:52 a.m.: summons service (Poplar Street), summons served;
11:59 a.m.: summons service (Elmwood Road), unable to serve;
1:57 p.m.: accident (Glenallen Street @ Maple Street), report taken;
3:14 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), investigated/report taken;
4:02 p.m.: fraud (Athol, North Royalston), investigated/report taken;
4:23 p.m.: investigation (Central Street), investigated/report taken;
4:28 p.m.: info/directions (Lakeshore Drive), advised officer;
5:17 p.m.: officer wanted (Baldwinville Road), spoken to;
5:21 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
5:33 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
5:46 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Mill Glen Road), removed to hospital;
6:09 p.m.: info/general (Maple Street), spoken to;
6:13 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
8:09 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), traffic citation issued;
9:12 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Ash Street), accidental/defective alarm;

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22
12:51 a.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (River Street), info taken;
2:32 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
2:37 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), investigated/report taken;
2:42-2:57 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:02 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
8:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Woodlawn Avenue), referred to DPW;
9:08 a.m.: assist other agency (Main Street), assisted;
9:40 a.m.: ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), false alarm;
9:58 a.m.: MV operating erratically (High Street), info taken;
4:19 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Old Gardner Road @ Gardner Road), summons;
4:24 p.m.: wires down (Woodlawn Street), referred to other agency;
5:06 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ash Street), removed to hospital;
9:05 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (East Street), removed to hospital;
9:30 p.m.: intoxicated person (Central Street), unable to locate;
9:52 p.m.: warrant of apprehension (Joslin Road), advised officer;

Summons
Jeremiah Joseph Aponte, age 24, 115 Jonathan St, Gardner, MA, charged with: abandon MV.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23
12:39 a.m.: 911, disturbance (Grove Street), no cause for complaint;
1:19 a.m.: 911, assault (Teel Road), summons;
2:36 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Central Street), checked/secure;
8:37 a.m.: suspicious person (Robbins Road), gone on arrival;
10:04 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Benjamin Street), removed to hospital;
10:58 a.m.: lock-out house (Hyde Park Drive), services rendered;
1:38 p.m.: lift assist (Ipswich Drive), services rendered;
4:04 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Main Street), advised officer;
4:05 p.m.: disabled vehicle (Glenallen Street), info taken;
6:06 p.m.: officer requested (Teel Road), spoken to;
9:40 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (School Street @ Park Street), spoken to;
10:42 p.m.: 911, warrant arrest (School Street), arrest;
11:11 p.m.: ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;

Summons:
Gavin L Ouellette, age 30, 620 Teel Rd, Winchendon, MA, charged with: A & B.

Arrests
Christian Rios, age 23, 220 School St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: A & B (domestic); A & B on family/household member (2).

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 25
1:12-2:05 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:30 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:45 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
1:48 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
1:55 a.m.: 911, officer requested (Summer Street), info taken;
2:10 a.m.: 911, animal complaint (Vaine Street), services rendered;
5:56 a.m.: 911, MV accident with injuries (School Street), removed to hospital;
7:40 a.m.: burglar alarm (Spring Street), call cancelled;
8:00 a.m.: traffic hazard (School Street @ West Street), info taken;
9:18 a.m.: burglar alarm (Alger Street), false alarm;
9:18 a.m.: MV stop (Elmwood Road), verbal warning;
9:30 a.m.: animal investigation (Front Street), referred to ACO;
12:39 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), unable to locate;
1:32 p.m.: officer requested (Pine Street), spoken to;
1:58 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Sibley Road), removed to hospital;
2:00 p.m.: Fire Department call/general (Spring Street), services rendered;
2:04 p.m.: Keep The Peace (School Street), assisted;
2:15 p.m.: harassment (Ipswich Drive), spoken to;
5:32 p.m.: animal complaint (Holly Drive), advised officer;
5:43 p.m.: MV stop (Park Street @ School Street), verbal warning;
5:44 p.m.: trespassing (Central Street), report taken;
6:02 p.m.: wires down (School Street), referred to other agency;
6:16 p.m.: registration check (Gardner Road), info given;
6:18 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), spoken to;
7:40 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Woodlawn Street), removed to hospital;
8:37 p.m.: ambulance needed (Ash Street), removed to hospital;
10:16 p.m.: extra patrols (Cumberland Farms, Central Street), advised officer;

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26
12:23 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (Fitzwilliam NH, Fullam Hill Road @ Rte 12), call cancelled;
12:26-4:48 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:23 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Brown Street), checked/secure;
1:41 a.m.: info/general (Central Street), info taken;
6:06 a.m.: 911, drug/narcotic violations (Grove Street), arrest;
7:52 a.m.: welfare check/general (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
8:12 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (Front Street), services rendered;
9:17 a.m.: wires down (School Street), referred to other agency;
9:42 a.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Alger Street), info taken;
12:33 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
2:29 p.m.: investigation (Elmwood Road), assisted;
2:51 p.m.: assist other police department (Templeton, Michaels Lane), spoken to;
3:34 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street), verbal warning;
5:29 p.m.: 911, officer requested (Ready Drive), report taken;
6:16 p.m.: ambulance needed (Maple Street), accidental/defective alarm;
6:42 p.m.: fraud (Hyde Park Street), report taken;
7:28 p.m.: 911, smoke (Front Street), assisted;
7:48 p.m.: 911, burglary / breaking & entering (Goodrich Drive), checked/secure;
8:34 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Spring Street), unable to locate;
8:35 p.m.: MV stop (River Street), summons;
8:39 p.m.: ambulance needed (Royalston, Butterworth Road), call cancelled;
9:28 p.m.: custody dispute (Ash Street), unable to locate;
10:19 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
10:34 p.m.: noise complaint (Banner Place), spoken to;
11:23-11:48: building checks, all secure;
11:26 p.m.: officer requested (Templeton, Main Street), assisted;

Arrests:
Carson P. Riggs, age 45, Homeless, charged with: possession of Class A drug.
Katelyn Tori Betourney, age 37, Homeless, charged with:possession of Class A drug.