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!

Art Classes with GALA

Working with Oils "Metal, Glass, Ceramic, Wood"

Saturdays 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Begins Saturday, November 8
All levels and beginners are welcome!
Ages 16 and above may register.
There is just nothing quite like painting with oil! Oil paint goes on so smooth and allows for the most beautiful blending, but it can also seem intimidating. In this three-part series, you will learn the basics of painting with oils including blending, working in layers, and using the right mediums, all while painting from life. Our still-life arrangement will be made up of a variety of objects with different surfaces - metal, glass, wood, etc. You will learn ways to capture each of these different surfaces with the paint. You will also learn about value and light with casting shadows. And the slow, forgiving nature of oils lends an artist the patience to learn and keep at it. We will also cover clean up and safe painting practices. You will be working on the same still-life for the 3 weeks, so you will have plenty of time to finish.

This 3-week Series Workshop is $115 for two classes that are 2 hours long and one class that is 3 hours long.
Includes All Materials - Coffee & Light Refreshments
There is LIMITED SEATING, so Register Early!
Instructor: Joanne Stowell (an award winning artist)
Saturday, Nov 8, 15, 22
Register with GALA at: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252648452652967

Sharing Secrets Using Watercolor Workshop Series: Realism

Friday, November 7, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
In this class, we'll learn a simple "combining" of watercolor techniques for "realism" style paintings. Easier said than done, but we'll utilize wet in wet passages and finish with dry brush, the use of "toned" papers, seeing and conveying "hard" versus "soft" edges for the punch of realism. $35 includes all materials, though you can bring your own if you would like to.

Instructor: Susan Burdsall
Register with GALA at: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252645928468977

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.

Audit Committee Member Needed

The Audit Committee needs a fifth member to join the Committee.

If you are a registered voter of Winchendon, please send your letter of interest to Debra Dennis, DDennis@winchendon-ma.gov, Executive Assistant, Town Manager's Office 109 Front Street.

Duties & Responsibilities
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 the 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.

For more details, see www.townofwinchendon.com/262/Audit-Committee

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
Audit Committee - 1 vacancy
Board of Health - 1 vacancy
Charter/Bylaw Review Committee - 1 vacancy
Communication Committee - 1 vacancy
Council on Aging - 2 vacancies
Cultural Council - 11 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Historical District Commission - 1 alternate vacancy
Parks & Recreation Commission - 1 vacancy, 1 student member 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.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31
12:04 a.m. tree down on wires (Maple Street), info taken;
12:26-3:55 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:43 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road @ Old Gardner Road), info taken;
1:24 a.m.: MV stop (Main Street), spoken to;
1:26 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Ingleside Drive), spoken to;
2:12 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
2:44 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Maple Street), investigated/report taken;
3:37 a.m.: assist other police department (other town, West Shore Drive), call cancelled;
6:20 a.m.: tree down on wires (Stoddard Road), referred to DPW;
6:24 a.m.: 911, tree down on wires (Bosworth Road), referred to DPW;
6:27 a.m.: tree down on wires (West Street), referred to DPW;
6:33 a.m.: tree down on wires (River Street), referred to other agency;
7:00 a.m.: animal complaint (Gardner Road), call cancelled;
7:00 a.m.: tree down on wires (Murdock Avenue), referred to other agency;
7:07 a.m.: tree down (Brooks Road), unable to locate;
7:07 a.m.: tree down (Old County Road), removed traffic hazard;
7:57 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), checked/secure;
8:09 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
8:10 a.m.: extra patrols (Elmwood Road), services rendered;
9:15 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
9:37 a.m.: burglar alarm (Hale Street), checked/secure;
9:51 a.m.: 911, mental health issue (Spruce Street), removed to hospital;
11:07 a.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
11:12 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Pond Street), removed to hospital;
12:14 p.m.: animal complaint (School Street), referred to ACO;
2:06 p.m.: 911, MV accident with injuries (School Street @ Grove Street), report taken;
3:11 p.m.: harassment order entry (Webster Street), info taken;
3:27 p.m.: officer requested (Pearl Drive), spoken to;
3:36 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Ipswich Drive), removed to hospital;
4:23 p.m.: info/general (Baldwinville, Otter River Road), referred to other PD;
4:41 p.m.: 911, suicide threats (Hospital Road), assisted;
4:56 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road), verbal warning;
5:24 p.m.: 911, MV operating erratically (Maple Street), advised officer;
5:58 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
6:03 p.m.: officer requested (Maple Street), report taken;
6:18 p.m.: warrant arrest (Maple Street), arrest;
6:47 p.m.: traffic hazard (Lincoln Avenue @ Grove Street), referred to DPW;
8:03 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street), verbal warning;
8:44 p.m.: transport (Worcester County Jail & House of Correction), transport;
9:20 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Spring Circle), protective custody;
9:27 p.m.: animal complaint (Madison Avenue), advised officer;
9:30 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (School Street), child playing with phone;
10:29 p.m.: tree down (Baldwinville Road @ Town Farm Road), no police service necessary;
10:59 p.m.: tree down (Central Street), investigated/report taken;
11:51 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Baldwinville State Road), removed to hospital;
11:53 p.m.: building check (Gardner Road), checked/secure;

Arrests:
Karl William Olson, age 42, 27 Maple St Apt #A, Winchendon, MA, charged with: arrest based on a warrant.

Protective Custody:
Joshua James Benda, age 39, 46 Maple St Apt #2, Winchendon, MA, charged with: protective custody.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 3
1:43-2:49 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
8:13 a.m.: MV stop (River Street), verbal warning;
8:49 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (Second Street), services rendered;
10:20 a.m.: arrest (Alger Street), arrest;
10:22 a.m.: Fire Department call/general (Jackson Avenue), services rendered;
12:00 p.m.: harassment (Spring Street), report taken;
12:31 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
12:31 p.m.: info/general (Goodrich Drive), report taken;
12:54 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), info taken;
3:20 p.m.: animal complaint (Ash Street), referred to ACO;
3:34 p.m.: info/general (Robbins Road), info given;
5:41 p.m.: 911, unwanted party (Pond Street), info taken;

6:20 p.m.: burglar alarm (East Monomonac Road), checked/secure;
7:38 p.m.: hazardous materials spill (Gardner Road), assisted;
8:18 p.m.: drug/narcotic violations (Pond Street), report taken;

Arrests:
Robert Joseph Medeiros, age 40, 389 School St, Winchendon, MA, charged with: violate abuse prevention order.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4
1:55-3:44 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:12 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
2:15 a.m.: assist citizen (Mechanic Street), assisted;
3:39 a.m.: extra patrols (Alger Street), checked/secure;
3:51 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
5:53 a.m.: 911, burglar alarm (Spring Street), call cancelled;
7:00 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Teel Road), referred to DPW;
7:08 a.m.: sex offender registration (Pond Street), report taken;
8:18 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
9:48 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
10:10 a.m.: noise complaint (River Street), services rendered;
10:15 a.m.: tree down (Krantz Road), referred to DPW;
11:18 a.m.: investigation (Central Street). report taken;
1:52 p.m.: assist other agency (Mill Street), services rendered;
2:41 p.m.: animal complaint (Jackson Avenue), unable to locate;
3:04 p.m.: suspicious person (Webster Street), spoken to;
3:12 p.m.: runaway (River Street), returned to home or family;
4:49 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), no police service necessary;
5:10 p.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
5:11 p.m.: noise complaint (River Street), report taken;
6:16 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (School Street), removed to hospital;
7:18 p.m.: registration check (Spring Street), services rendered;
7:23 p.m.: warrant arrest (Pearl Drive), arrest;
7:42 p.m.: assist other police department (Baldwinville, School Street), call cancelled;
10:30 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;

Arrests:
Christopher Joseph Martin, age 35, 845 Main Ave, Schenectady, NY, charged with: larceny over $250 from +60/disabled person.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 5
1:34 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
1:37-2:25 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:49 a.m.: extra patrols (Form Up Foundation, Roberts Way), checked/secure;
2:17 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Hospital Road), checked/secure;
3:07 a.m.: extra patrols (Alger Street), checked/secure;
3:20 a.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Housing Authority, Pearl Drive), checked/secure;
6:05 a.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (River Street), 911 emergency call;
7:56 a.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), services rendered;
8:44 a.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Maple Street @ Glenallen Street), report taken;
9:27 a.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
10:51 a.m.: warrant arrest (Pond Street), warrant arrest;
1:54 p.m.: sex offender registration (Walnut Street), assisted;
4:10 p.m.: animal complaint (Main Street), referred to ACO;
4:20 p.m.: assist citizen (West Street), property returned to owner;
6:25 p.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Hospital Road), 911 non-emergency call;
6:26 p.m.: disabled vehicle (River Street), no cause for complaint;
7:16 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Alger Street), removed to hospital;
7:59 p.m.: 911, threats (Glenallen Street), no cause for complaint;
9:26 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
9:39 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
9:47 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), verbal warning;
10:00 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
10:09 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road), written warning;
10:18 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street @ Hale Street), written warning;
10:23 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), verbal warning;
10:27 p.m.: MV stop (Main Street), verbal warning;
Arrests:
Earl W McQueston III, age 45, 40 Pond St Apt #1, Winchendon, MA, charged with: arrest based on a warrant.