Perfect Weather, Powerful Speakers for Winchendon Black Lives Matter Educational Rally

by Inanna Arthen
Aproximately 100 people gathered in Winchendon's G.A.R. Park on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 16, to show support for communities of color and affirm their rejection of racism in America.

The peaceful event lasted for about 90 minutes, during which attendees heard a series of speakers and maintained eight minutes and forty-six seconds (the length of time George Floyd was held down by police in Minneapolis before he died) of silence while the names of Black Americans who have been killed by police were read aloud. Some attendees knelt as the names were read.

The rally was organized by the Winchendon Residents Action Group, an informal coalition of concerned Winchendon residents that was formed after a discussion on the Winchendon Residents Facebook group became somewhat heated. Members of the group volunteered to contact speakers, reach out to the Police Department and Town Hall, and arrange for equipment, supplies and signs.

Attendees wore face masks and spaced themselves widely around the park lawn facing the gazebo, where a sound system was set up for the speakers. Families with small children, students, and seniors who remember the 1960s Civil Rights marches were all represented. Some held signs. A few attendees listened and watched from cars, parked in space reserved for them on two sides of the gazebo. The speakers were broadcast live on social media during the event.

Winchendon Chief of Police David Walsh condemned the police brutality in Minneapolis that caused the death of George Floyd, and spoke honestly to the emotions around police brutality against Black Americans and other groups around the country. "I’m a 55-year-old white man, I’ve been a police officer for 30 years--I don’t know how it feels to be a victim of racism," Chief Walsh said. “People have to be heard, and people have to listen. I’m a firm believer that ignorance is the root of most of society’s issues, and that education can be the solution. People of all colors and races need to come together to be educated and to listen to each other and overcome ignorance. Then and only then will you see the changes necessary to eradicate racism.”

Rev. Thomas Hughes, Pastor of the New Creation Community Church and chaplain of the Fitchburg Police Department, called on the crowd to raise some energy, saying he'd never seen a rally so quiet. "If you're quiet, it sounds like you don't care," he told the attendees.

He urged the rally-goers to be part of the solution, saying everyone needs to get involved. “I thought about President (Lyndon) Johnson and Dr. Martin Luther King signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964," Rev. Hughes said. "So here we are fifty-six years later having to have these same conversations. Fifty-six years later we’re having to express the way we feel all over again. That says to me: we have a problem.” Looking out at the rally, he said, "if Martin Luther King had had this kind of diversity, we wouldn't still be marching today."

Rev. Hughes went on, “We’re not here because we’re asking for anything special. We don’t want you to set up a different set of rules for Black people. Absolutely not. It’s already been set in stone in our Constitution. That covers everyone, we don’t need a different set of rules, we just want to be treated equal.

"Yes, the other day it was Minneapolis. But guess what? Tomorrow it could be Winchendon. Don’t ever say, ‘We don’t have that problem here.' "

Winchendon resident and business owner Shawn Shelly, owner of Shelly Heating, recounted some of his experiences growing up Black in the foster care system in Connecticut.

Irene Hernandez, President of the Minority Coalition of North Central Massachusetts, spoke emotionally about the stress of raising children of color in America, and the fear that they will be arrested unjustly or killed.

Other speakers included

• Lynn Sayarath, LICSW, MSW, Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Becker College with an extensive background in social justice, anti-racism, diversity, and social and cultural issues;
• Olivia A. Jobe, a Senior at Goucher College where she is active with the Goucher Women of Color Circle and the Black Student Union;
• Camille Hart, a Sophomore and Class President at Murdock High School with an interest in politics and social justice;
• Karen Kast McBride, a Winchendon newcomer who has just been elected to the Winchendon School Committee, and a Founding member of organizations such as Boston Education Justice Alliance and the Roslindale Pathway Advisory Group.

Some refreshments were available for attendees, along with disposable face masks if anyone needed one, and bottled water. The ViiLD internet radio station brought promotional t-shirts to give away and chatted with rally-goers. Stretched across the gazebo was a banner created by students at The Winchendon School and brought by Miranda Jennings, the school's Director of Community Outreach. Winchendon Town Manager Keith Hickey attended the rally, as did State Representative Jon Zlotnik and Winchendon Selectman Barbara Anderson.

In the days before the rally, some concerns had been raised on social media about destruction of property or possible conflicts. The Winchendon Police Department took proactive measures to prevent the rally being disrupted, including additional officers and barricades on the streets surrounding the G.A.R. park. No disruptions occurred during the event.

The Winchendon Residents Action Group has created an online document listing resources for those who want to learn more about racism and how to resist it: Working Together Against Racism (Google Doc).

Winchendon Reports Few New COVID Cases as Businesses Respect Phase 2 Guidelines in Re-Opening

by Inanna Arthen
Despite the Winchendon CVS offering free COVID-19 testing, Winchendon is reporting almost no new cases. The official count for Winchendon as of Wednesday, June 17, is 88, up just one from the week before. The week prior to that saw no new cases at all. (See updated town-by-town reports from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, including an interactive map, here.)

The rate of increase in number of cases in Massachusetts continues its downward trend. The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, June 18, there have been 101,853 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (1,695 more than the previous week), with 7,591 fatalities (291 in the previous week).

For full details and updates on Massachusetts state-wide COVID-19 news and restrictions, see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information. The Montachusett Public Health Network COVID-19 Hotline number, answering questions about the COVID-19 situation, is 1-844-968-3323.

Re-opening plans for the state economy are dependent on the rate of new reported cases continuing to decrease. A surge of new cases resulting from increased social interaction may require tighter restrictions to be reinstated. For the time being, Phase 2 guidelines remain in force.

During Phase 2, all residents are strongly urged to wear face masks in public settings, especially indoors, and maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people. Those at high risk should continue taking precautions to avoid infection by the virus.

Retail stores may open with a maximum number of eight customers, or 40 percent of the building's occupancy limit, allowed inside at one time. Shoppers should wear face masks and maintain a six-foot distance from one another and from store employees. Fitting rooms will be closed, and no sampling of personal products such as cosmetics will be allowed.

Restaurants will be open for outdoor dining, with tables six feet apart or separated by solid barriers. Parties will be capped at six persons, and menus must be disposable or electronic. Tables and chairs must be sanitized after each party leaves, and tables will have no place settings; tableware must be rolled or packaged. Employees must wear face masks, and diners should wear masks except when they are seated at the table.

Hotels, inns, and other lodgings may open to general guests. Function rooms will remain closed, and all movable items (pens, directories, and so on) must be removed from rooms.

Day camps may open with safety guidelines, including temperature checks for children and staff, face masks, and a size limit of 10 campers on groups. Overnight camps may not open until Phase 4.

Libraries may open to patrons, with restrictions to be announced. Other businesses that can open at the beginning of Phase 2 include personal services that don't require close personal contact, funeral homes, warehouses, distribution centers, golf facilities, outdoor recreational facilities including pools, playgrounds and spray decks, and outdoor historical sites and spaces.

For complete details, including full details for Phase 2, see the overview on the Mass.gov website. Download the complete, 29-page report at Reopening Massachusetts (PDF).

Below is an updated list of the COVID-19 arrangements made by town community services, centers, organizations and businesses, as far as the Courier was able to determine as of Thursday, June 18. Changes have been happening very quickly and without notice, so call or check the websites or Facebook pages of a business or organization for the most up to date information. (Winchendon businesses or organizations who would like to be added to this list, or change their information, should email editor@winchendoncourier.net with details.)

Winchendon Public Schools
The last day of the school year will be June 15. Families of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch should have, or will be, getting P-EBT cards in the mail to receive SNAP food benefits over the summer. The school department is assembling a district reopening steering committe and focus groups to discuss plans and options for the re-opening of school in September. Those who are interested in participating should fill out a form here (Google Form).

Town Hall
During Phase 2, Town Hall remains closed to the public. Most staff will continue to work from home, but are responding to emails and phone calls (expect a delay). Most bills can be paid and applications submitted online, and payments can be dropped off in the dropbox by the Front Street entrance to the building. Board and committee meetings are rescheduled or meeting virtually (see individual pages for each Board or committee on the town website).

The transfer station is OPEN for regular extended hours (see "Toy Town FYIs, below). Residents using the transfer station should complete their visit quickly and maintain a six-foot distance from each other and from attendants.

Winchendon Fall Fest, originally scheduled for Saturday, October 10, has been cancelled.

The Police Station and Fire Station are fully staffed but closed to walk-in visits by the general public. Call 911 for emergencies only and the business numbers for general questions and calls (Police: 978-297-1212; Fire: 978-297-2324). See each department's Facebook page for ongoing updates and information.

Old Murdock Senior Center
Closed to the public, but preparing to open under Phase 2 restrictions. Staff are at work and continue to deliver lunches to seniors, as well as bags of groceries. On June 24, the Center will serve tuna sandwiches and chips in the parking lot. See their Facebook page for details. The Center is also delivering loaner books and jigsaw puzzles to seniors.Contact them if you're a senior and need groceries or medications. 978-297-3155.

Beals Memorial Library
The library continues to maintain Phase 1 procedures. Building closed to the public, all programs, events and meetings suspended until further notice. As of Tuesday, May 26, at 1:00 p.m. the library will resume circulating materials via pickup in the library lobby or curbside. Patrons can reserve items over the phone, by email or online. Pickup will be by appointment. Patrons must be wearing masks to enter the side door lobby, one at a time. Only physical items owned by Beals Memorial Library are available until further notice (no interlibrary loans). You can borrow library e-resources through the Beals website. (If you have a library card, you can use the Libby app to borrow ebooks via your cell phone.) Library materials can be returned in the outside drop box. Overdue fines are waived for the time being. Check the Beals Facebook page for video book readings by Library Director Manuel King.

BealsCon, originally scheduled for May 16, has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will be held at the library as a scaled-back event.

Clark Memorial YMCA
Continues to maintain Phase 1 restrictions. All programs are cancelled until further notice, including regular after school programs and day care. The Emergency Child Care program for grades K-5 is available to families of essential workers, and families at risk who lack other options. Email Kyle Scrivines at k.scrivines@clarkymca.org with questions. See the Clark YMCA Facebook page for video exercise lessons and daily workout challenges.

According to the Clark's May Update (PDF), Camp Clark is still scheduled to run this summer.

The 2020 Summer Solstice Festival originally scheduled for June 20 has been cancelled.

Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
Public is allowed inside the building by appointment, three appointments per 30 minutes. NO ADMITTANCE WITHOUT MASK AND HANDS SANITIZED IN AND OUT WITH PROVIDED SANITIZER. CAC Haven of Hope is open to provide services during business hours, including showers, laundry, pre-made meals and relaxation area. Summer clothes donations are being accepted, and are available to those in need. See their Facebook page for hours, updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.

The Dance Center
Studio is closed for classes. Online virtual dance classes and activities continue. The Studio hopes to re-open in mid-July. See their Facebook page for more information.

RESTAURANTS

Carriage House Restaurant
Open for take-out only, Wednesday-Saturday starting at 4:00 p.m. and continuing as long as orders come in. (Keep calling, as they are too busy to retrieve voice mail while filling orders.) Desserts, beer and wine available with orders. See their Facebook page for menus and specials. 978-297-1089.

Christo's Place
Open for take-out only. Note temporary new hours: Mon-Tues-Wed-Thurs 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. & Fri-Sat-Sun 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Pay-by-phone, curbside pickup and free delivery available. Continuing to offer free bagged lunches to Winchendon public schools students who qualify for free or reduced school lunch--message them on Facebook in the morning to reserve a lunch. Christo's family and staff ask that as few people as possible come inside the store to pick up orders, to help keep everyone safer. 978-297-1142.

C & S Pizza
Open for take-out only. 978-297-2202.

Dunkin Donuts
Open for take-out and drive-through only. Lobby was closed temporarily for extra cleaning and sanitizing.

Friends Garden
OPEN for take-out only as of May 1. 978-297-2277, 978-297-2278.

Gabby's Pizza
Back open for take-out only. Check their Facebook page for updates. New temporary hours, Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Occasionally close earlier. Offering "make your own pizza" kits: pound of fresh dough, pound of cheese and 1 oz of sauce, enjoy baking pizza with your kids! Note: customers MUST wear a mask to come inside to pick up orders. 978-297-3909.

The Glen Caffe
Closed, but preparing take-out meals for sale at Not Just Produced, 290 Central St., until further notice.

Gourmet Donuts
Open for take-out and drive-through only. No refills of reusable cups for sanitary reasons. You can call ahead with your order and it will be ready to pick up. 978-297-9700

The Harbour Sports Bar
Will begin outdoor seating for meals on Friday, June 12. Outdoor meals will be served Wed-Sat, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for hours, menus and updates. Customers are encouraged to order online at toasttab.com/harbour-restaurant. 978-297-2133

Hometown Cafe
Outdoor seating for meals as of June 8. Menu, including daily specials, posted on their Facebook page. Customers are asked to wear masks when picking up orders, and to call in orders ahead if possible. 978-297-2233.

Lickity Splitz
OPEN for the season on April 9. Take out only, call in orders in advance for pickup. See their Facebook page for menus, hours and information. Now open seven days a week.978-297-1777.

Little Anthony's & Little Lizzie's
Outdoor dining in pavilion area as of June 10, full menu and beverages. Open for take-out, pickup at Little Lizzie's ice cream window. Menu and online ordering may be done here. Beer and wine available for take-out. Local delivery available. Local ice cream now available. 978-297-2669, 978-297-1880.

Murdock Farm and Dairy Bar
Open for the season. Daily 1:00-9:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for specials and updates.

Ruschioni's Cruisin' 12 Diner
Open for take-out. Will have some outside tables available. See their Facebook page for daily menus and specials. Grocery food (cheese, butter, bread, etc) available to order, cash only, delivery available. List with prices on their Facebook page. Closing at noon on Father's Day, June 21. 978-616-8956.

Subway
Open for take-out only, see Facebook page for hours, weekly specials and ordering information. 978-297-0011.

Zoe's Restaurant and Pizzeria
Dining with outdoor seating as of June 11. Open for take-out and delivery. Also offering take-out for beer and wine. See their Facebook page for menus and specials. Order on Wednesday and get a trivia question to answer! 978-297-5200.

RETAIL BUSINESSES

Beaman's Bait Shop
OPEN.

Belletetes Winchendon
Open to customers but asks that you place orders for curbside pickup, or delivery, if at all possible. The new email address for ordering is orders@belletetes.com. Reduced hours, closed Sundays. For details, see the most recent customer update (March 27) on their Facebook page.

Cumberland Farms
OPEN.

CVS
OPEN.

Deedee's Treasures
Postponing their spring re-opening. Can arrange purchase and pickup of fabric by appointment only. Call 978-413-0415. See their Facebook page for further updates, including new stock and announcements.

Family Dollar
OPEN.

Horse & Buggy Feeds
OPEN. Garden plants are in. See their Facebook page for news and specials. Only eight customers inside at a time, customers are asked to maintain social distancing.

Not Just Produced
OPEN. New and additional inventory. Hosting the Winchendon Mobile Market on Fridays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Packaged meals ready-to-go prepared by the Glen Caffe. Organic produce from Charlie's Redhouse Farm. Only ten customers can be inside the store at one time. 978-413-8518. Call and order ahead for curbside pickup.

Pattie's Jewelry
Store closed to the public, open for business by phone and internet. See their Facebook page for daily specials and information. Hand delivery of local purchases, layaway available. 978-297-3536.

The Perennial Patch
Open for the season. 978-297-0604.

Powell Stone and Gravel
Buildings closed to public. Open for phone orders with curbside pickup or delivery. Order by phone, email or text. See complete information here (PDF). 978-297-5600.

Reflections Country Collections
Closed until further notice, but according to their Facebook page, they'll be back. Watch their page for updates. 978-297-2411.

Rite-Aid/Walgreen's
OPEN.

Robin's Retro Dolls
Store closed to customers but Robin is buying and selling dolls by appointment, mail order, and on eBay. Contact her at 978-912-1688 with inquiries. If you have a doll to sell, text a photo to 978-912-1688 and she'll get back to you. Planning to re-open on July 6.

Smith's Country Cheese
OPEN. Call for curbside pickup. 978-939-5738. (Please note that the CheeseFest and CheeseChase events planned for May 17 have been postponed to a later date TBD.)

Sunset View Farm
Open for the season. Asparagus, maple syrup, jams, garden plants. 978-297-2305. See their Facebook page for hours and updates.

To Each His Own Design
Store closed to the public, OPEN for business. Taking orders by phone or over the internet, delivering. See their Facebook page for news and specials. 978-297-3959.

Toy Town Treasures
Open with Phase 2 precautions as of June 9. No more than eight customers inside at one time, face masks required. See their Facebook page for updates and specials.

Winchendon Furniture
Winchendon and Keene showrooms now open. Customers asked to wear face masks. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the store. See their Facebook page for hours, updates and specials. 978-297-0131.

Wolf Talk Trading Post
Holding a "store closing" sale.

OTHER BUSINESSES

Athol Savings Bank
Building closed to walk-in customers. Open for drive-through, ATM, online banking and by appointment for in-person services. See their Facebook page for updates, including current hours. 978-249-3200.

Brooks Automotive
Open for essential repairs and towing services. Call or check their Facebook page for updates and hours. 978-297-2561.

Clifford P. Beauvais Insurance Agency
Open Mon-Thur 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. For emergencies outside these hours, email Matt@Beauvaisins.com. If possible, call or email before coming to the office. Must wear a face mask to come inside. 978-297-0472.

LaPoint Law Office
Office is closed to the public, but attorneys are responding to queries and serving existing clients. Contact them at 978-297-2390, 978-297-3673, or by fax at 978-616-8491, or by email at: lapointelawoffice@gmail.com, dlapointe@attorneylapointe.com, or davidlapointejd@gmail.com. See their Facebook page for more information.

Toy Town Barber Shop
Open with precautions as of Tuesday, May 26. Customers are asked to wear masks and stay six feet apart while waiting. Advance appointments preferred. Call Sharon Esper at 603-554-2402 (cell) or 978-297-7354 (shop) to make an appointment.

CHURCHES

The Chapel, The Chapel Downtown
Holding worship services in the chapel. Attendance limited, all attendees must follow guidelines. Services will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. See their Facebook page or website for more information.

Cornerstone Church
All in-person worship, meetings and gatherings suspended until further notice. Holding virtual prayer meetings online. See their Facebook page for more information.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
Open for mass at 6:30 p.m. Services will return to normal schedule with guidelines in place. Attendance will be limited and all attendees must wear masks. See the church Facebook page for more information. Contact the office at renee@heartofmary.com, Fr. Henry at pastor@heartofmary.com, or call 978-297-0280.

Our Neighbor's Kitchen community suppers will resume as take-out meals on Thursday, June 18.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers will be distributed as "take-out" from the church circular driveway in May. AA meetings on Monday nights are suspended until further notice. Contact the church via Facebook message with any questions.

United Parish of Winchendon
Preparing to resume worship services in the sanctuary; check their Facebook page for updates. Worship services, programs and activities suspended until further notice. Sunday worship being streamed online, see their Facebook page for information, as well as for daily videos, Bible readings and prayers.