The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of August 27 to September 3, 2020
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Town Manager Presents Revised Budget Numbers for FY 2021 to Board of Selectmen

Concerns Raised About Pending Retirement and New Hire at DPW


At the joint meeting of the Winchendon Board of Selectmen and Winchendon Finance Committee on Monday, August 24, Winchendon Town Manager Keith Hickey presented revised draft budget numbers for fiscal year 2021. The budget was adjusted after firm numbers on state aid were provided to cities and towns.

Mr. Hickey began by going over the reductions in revenue the town expects to receive. State aid will be $89,681 lower than the proposed budget (less than 1 percent difference). Local receipts, from fees and local taxes, are forecast at $132,933 (4.6 percent) less than the proposed budget. Mr. Hickey is proposing a property tax increase of 1.25 percent instead of 2.5 percent, reducing anticipated property tax revenue by $150,642.25 (1.1 percent) from the proposed budget.

Offsetting the reductions are additional revenues from Free Cash and deficit reserve escrow funds, bringing the total to $30,854,795.29. The revised budget is balanced with total town appropriation at $17,067,731.97 and total school appropriation at $13,787,063.32.

All budget documents may be viewed on the town website at Town Manager's Budget. The budget needs to be reviewed by the Finance Committee in a public hearing, and then approved by voters at Town Meeting, before it is final. This is a proposed draft budget.

Mr. Hickey explained that he wanted to make two amendments to his revised numbers. He had budgeted $25,000 for the Clark Memorial YMCA and they only asked for $10,000, so that line item should be reduced by $15,000; and he forgot to zero out the line item for the 2020 Fall Fest, which has been cancelled. He also noted that the school budget is still prone to changes as the state continues to issue new guidelines for reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Selectman Rick Ward asked why a line item for Communication Committee Televised Salary, which had been zero, was now budgeted at $15,000. Mr. Hickey explained that the communications committee line item had incorporated both supplies and wages paid to the individuals who record meetings for the town. The town accountant asked that wages be put in their own line item. The total amount budgeted for the Communication Committee has not changed.

Mr. Ward asked why Community Development Planning Agent was increased from $36,800 to $54,871. Town Accountant Joanne Goguen answered that the position had been combined with the Conservation Agent into a single position, so a single person is earning the salary for each. The Conservation Commission budget has a corresponding reduction.

Mr. Ward asked if the amount of $250,000 for unemployment insurance was correct. Mr. Hickey replied that due to layoffs in the school department, the anticipated unemployment insurance the town is liable for amounts to around $577,000. Mr. Hickey proposes that $250,000 will been funded through the operating budget, $250,000 through the COVID CARES Act emergency monies and $77,000 through the school department. In response to a question from Board of Selectmen Chair Mike Barbaro, Mr. Hickey affirmed that some of the unemployment budgeted amounts can be reallocated if the schools are able to recall more staff.

Selectman Barbara Anderson asked about a new line item for an Assistant DPW Director. Mr. Hickey explained that current Department of Public Works Director Al Gallant plans to retire sometime in FY2021 and the plan is to hire an assistant Director to "shadow" Mr. Gallant, learn the job and be ready to step into the Director position "as seamlessly as possible" when Mr. Gallant retires. Part of the budgeted amount has been moved from the line item for DPW Foreman.

Resident Marc Dorwart asked if it was standard procedure to double up a replacement with a retiring employee, pointing out that Mr. Hickey had said in March that the Assistant DPW Director position would cost the town an additional $8,000. Mr. Hickey responded that the new Town Clerk worked along with the retiring Town Clerk for a couple of months in a similar arrangement.

Mr. Dorwart asked, "I'm just curious, is anyone on the Board of Selectmen or the Finance Committee on the Board of Trustees of an institution or a project that will receive significant funding in this budget?" Finance Committee Chair Thomas Kane replied that he is on the Board of Trustees of the Clark Memorial YMCA. "What about the Old Murdock center, is anyone on the Board of Trustees for that?" Mr. Dorwart asked. All Selectmen and FinCom members in attendance stated that they were not.

Resident David Watkins asked if all the members of the Board of Selectmen had read their packets thoroughly before the meeting. "There's a lot of money at stake here," he said. Mr. Barbaro and Ms. Anderson said they were up to date on all materials. Mr. Ward stated that he read his packet "as I always do."

Mr. Watkins asked what would prevent the Assistant DPW Director from simply leaving after they were trained. He suggested that the person hired be "locked in" with a contract. Mr. Hickey explained that the position would be advertized as potentially leading to the Director's job, and would be a probationary period. If the person did well during the probationary period they would be offered the position. The town department heads have no contracts, except for the police and fire chiefs.

Mr. Watkins asked whether Mr. Gallant might be leaving because the DPW budget had been "slashed so drastically." He suggested that "we give the DPW what they need to repair roads in this town. Slashing their budget is the wrong move. I don't believe in it, I think they need trucks, I think they need personnel, I think they need quality personnel, that means paying raises, so I'm all for that."

Mr. Hickey replied that Mr. Gallant was no longer in the meeting, but he was sure Mr. Gallant would be happy to answer questions. He added that the DPW budget has actually been increased from the FY2020 amounts. "Mr. Gallant will not leave this community without giving proper notice," he assured Mr. Watkins.

Keith Kent, who serves on the Finance Committee and the Board of Health, addressed Mr. Watkins' concerns, saying that as a former reporter for the Winchendon Courier, he spoke to Mr. Gallant about his timeline for future retirement, and Mr. Gallant openly stated years ago that he planned to retire around this time.

Dangerous Hole Opens in Converse Drive

On Thursday, August 27, alarmed residents reported that a very large pothole or sinkhole had suddenly appeared in the middle of Converse Drive, in the section of the road which is not accepted as a town way. Director of Public Works Al Gallant and Town Manager Keith Hickey went to investigate.

The hole was found to be an unfinished manhole structure, intended for rainwater drainage, which was simply covered with dirt and paved over. How long ago this was done and who put in the structure is unconfirmed. The steel plate over the drain had rusted out, leaving an open hole six to eight feet deep and potentially up to three feet across.

Mr. Hickey and Mr. Gallant decided to cover the hole with a solid steel plate, heavy enough to be immovable without using heavy equipment. This will alleviate the safety hazard for the immediate future.

The town is not responsible for repairs to unaccepted roads, and not generally permitted to make repairs to private property. The town Bylaws allow the Town to make temporary repairs to unaccepted roads when public health and safety are at risk.

Central Mass Tree

FinCom Hearing on ATM Warrant September 8

The Winchendon Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m. to review the proposed warrant articles for the Special and Annual Town Meetings scheduled for September 28. The public is invited to attend remotely via Zoom.

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Board of Selectmen Release Meeting Minutes

The Winchendon Board of Selectmen have released the minutes for some past meetings, including executive sessions. Concerned citizens may review the minutes at the following links:

Board of Selectmen Meeting, Monday, July 27, 2020 (PDF).

Board of Selectmen Executive Session, Monday, September 11, 2017 (PDF). Discussion about privatizing wastewater operations to outsourced service.

Board of Selectmen Executive Session, Monday, March 12, 2018 (PDF). Further discussion about outsourcing wastewater operations to private company.

Board of Selectmen Executive Session, Monday, April 27, 2020 (PDF).

Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes, Monday, August 10, 2020 (PDF).

DPW Paving Roads For Next Several Weeks

On August 19, the Winchendon Department of Public Works began paving work on River Street, Hale Street and Kemp Street. The DPW advises residents to expect delays, take alternate routes if possible and use caution when passing through areas of road work. Officers will be on scene to help facilitate traffic.

At the end of August, paving will commence on Brown Street and Monadnock Avenue. All paving should be finished in approximately three weeks.

No Decrease in COVID-19 Cases As Schools Prepare for Reopening


COVID-19 continues to percolate through the population here in Massachusetts, with the rate of new infections neither increasing greatly nor decreasing, as health officials would like to see happen. The rate of new reported infections is more or less steady.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts reported the highest unemployment rate in the United States at the end of July, at 16.1 percent. The state has just been approved for three weeks of supplemental unemployment insurance benefits from FEMA, which will provide jobless state residents an additional $300 per week.

The Winchendon Schools are preparing to reopen on September 14, with new single desks replacing communal tables in the elementary schools and policies developed for mask wearing, distancing, and transportation. Hundreds of Chromebooks are on order for students, some delayed because of restrictions on products shipped from China.

Most Toy Town businesses are open, with safety protocols requiring masks, distancing, and caps on the number of people in a space. The Senior Center, Beals Memorial Library and Town Hall remain closed to the public.

Winchendon reported no new cases of COVID-19 this week. The total stands at 91. (See updated town-by-town reports from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, including an interactive map, here.)

The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, August 27, there have been 117,450 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (2,402 more than the previous week), with 8,775 fatalities (130 in the previous week).

Massachusetts is requiring visitors from every state except Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Hawaii to quarantine for 14 days when they arrive in Massachusetts, unless they have had a negative COVID test in the past 72 hours. Rhode Island has been added to the quarantine list due to an increase in cases in that state. The negative test or quarantine rule will apply to college and university students returning to Massachusetts campuses. Some colleges will be holding classes entirely online, but others will be welcoming students for in-person classes and student housing.

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.

In the meantime, modified Phase 3 guidelines continue to be in effect, as follows:

All residents are required to wear face masks when in proximity to other people, in private or public settings, indoors and outdoors, and maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people. Those at high risk should continue taking additional precautions to avoid infection by the virus. Face coverings must be worn by everyone over the age of 2 years who does not have a legitimate health exemption from wearing a mask. A fine of $500 may be imposed on persons not wearing masks when and where required.

Outdoor gatherings in a single space are limited to a maximum number of 50 persons. Any gathering, indoors or outdoors, where the space does not allow individuals to maintain six feet of social distance will be in violation of the rules, regardless of the number of persons present. This rule applies to programs, celebrations, social outings and "any other events that bring people together." It does not set limits on outdoor public spaces, political rallies or religious activities.

In any gathering of more than ten people who don't all live in the same household, every person over the age of 2 is required to wear a face covering. This applies to all venues and locations, public and private. Persons may be fined for not wearing a mask where required.

Alcoholic beverages may only be served in restaurants when accompanied by food prepared on site (not packaged snacks). Food must be ordered at the same time as an alcoholic beverage.

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 are open by appointment. No sampling of personal products such as cosmetics will be allowed.

Restaurants will be open for indoor and 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. Self-serve stations are closed, no condiments will be left on tables, and no bar seating is allowed.

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. Close-contact services such as nail salons, massage therapy, makeup salons, personal training, tattoo and piercing parlors, hair removal services, and tanning salons may open, with rules about sanitizing equipment and surfaces between clients. Funeral homes, warehouses, distribution centers, golf facilities, outdoor recreational facilities including pools, playgrounds and spray decks, and outdoor historical sites and spaces may open.

As of August 11, these rules may be enforced with a fine of up to $500 per violation, which may be imposed by the Department of Public Health, local boards of health, State Police and municipal police departments.

For complete details, 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, August 27. 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
At the August 6 School Committee meeting, the committee voted 4-1 to approve a hybrid plan for reopening schools, which will combine alternating half-days in school for groups of students with remote learning the rest of the week. The School Committee also approved the revised academic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. Grades 1-12 will begin classes on Monday, September 14, while kindergarten will begin on Monday, September 21. Teachers and staff will have ten days of training and professional development from August 27 to September 11. Parents may opt out of using school transportation and arrange alternative ways of transporting their children to school. The final reopening plan for the 2021 school year may be viewed here (PDF).

Town Hall
During Phase 3, 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. Seniors may sign up for a grocery shopping trip on September 8th or September 29th--the van is limited to four persons each trip. Staff are at work and continue to deliver lunches to seniors, as well as bags of groceries. The Center is also delivering loaner books and jigsaw puzzles to seniors. Essential transportation offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact them if you're a senior and need groceries or medications. See their Facebook page for updates. 978-297-3155.

The Annual Wellness Day event scheduled for October has been cancelled.

Beals Memorial Library
Interlibrary Loan is now available. Copying and Fax service is available: make an appointment for dropping off and picking up materials. Payment due at drop-off (b/w copies $0.10 per side, color copies $0.25 per side, faxes $1.00 per page).
Building remains closed to the public, all programs, events and meetings suspended until further notice. Library materials may be borrowed via pickup in the library lobby or curbside. Patrons can reserve items over the phone (978-297-0300), 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.

The 2020 Summer Reading Club for kids, teens and adults is underway. The library is providing "grab and go" bags of supplies for at-home crafts projects that can be picked up on Fridays. There are also 5-minute and 10-minute Experiments with Melissa and Friends activities ongoing. See the library Facebook page for details.

The 2020 Toy Town Tree Festival will be run as an online virtual event. Watch the library Facebook page for updates.

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
Open under Phase 3 guidelines. Exercise classes have resumed in the gym (please bring your own water bottle and mat). Gymnastics and swim lessons will not resume until a later date. For full details and the new handbook for members, see their Facebook page or website. 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.

The Clark is hiring; see listing on "Your Town" page, with employment ads.

Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
Produce Market each Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Accepting SNAP/HIP and cash payment, open to all.

NEW HOURS. CLOSED MONDAYS. Open Friday 8:00-3:00 with pantry 9:00-1:00. 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.
Collecting donations of school supplies, with specific items sought each week. This week, notebooks, pen and pencils. Dropoff box by the CAC door for donations. See their Facebook page for more details.
The CAC is participating in the International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday, August 31. See their Facebook page for more information.

Winchendon American Legion Post 193
Outside Pavilion is open on weekends, Friday and Saturday. The monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser is starting again as of July 9. See their Facebook page for updates.

Winchendon History and Cultural Center
Seppie's Ice Cream Parlor remains closed until further notice. Thursday Nights on the Porch resumed as of July 9, and the museums will be open to visitors. Some fall activities are being planned including an escape room and a spooky tour of the Old Centre burial ground. See their Facebook page for updates and details. 978-297-2142.

The Dance Center
Studios now open for in-person dance class. Online virtual dance classes and activities continue. See their Facebook page for more information. 978-297-5678.

RESTAURANTS

Carriage House Restaurant
Open for indoor dining starting June 24. See their Facebook page for menus, hours 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
Open for dine-in and take-out as of Thursday, July 9, Thurs-Sat 4:00-8:00 p.m. 978-297-0800. Still preparing take-out meals for sale at Not Just Produced, 290 Central St.

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
Indoor seating for meals. Outdoor meals will be served Wed-Sat, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for hours, menus and updates. Will be closed on July 4th. Customers are encouraged to order online at toasttab.com/harbour-restaurant. 978-297-2133

Hometown Cafe
CLOSED MONDAY 8/24 THROUGH FRIDAY 8/28. Reopening Saturday, 8/29. Limited indoor dining as of June 22. 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
Limited indoor seating, two tables available. 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. No indoor seating yet. 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. (Please keep your dog leashed so it won't chase the free-range chickens!)

Ruschioni's Cruisin' 12 Diner
Outdoor seating, limited indoor dining. Parties cannot be seated until everyone is present, due to space limitations. Customers are asked to respect protocols for sanitizing tables and keeping distance. 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. 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. 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. Ring for admittance.

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
Store closed to walk-in customers for health reasons. Can arrange purchase and pickup of fabric by appointment. Customers are asked to wear masks and maintain distancing during appointments. Call 978-413-0415. See their Facebook page for further updates, including new stock and announcements.

Family Dollar
OPEN.

Horse & Buggy Feeds
Garden plants, supplies. 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
New and additional inventory. Deli is now open. Locally grown produce and beef, local cheese. 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 open to the public, with limits on number of people inside at one time. 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
Re-opening for appointments starting August 7. PM Robin for an appointment. Store currently 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. Watch her Facebook page for updates.

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. Corn is in, peaches, blueberries, raspberries. Only one family in the stand at a time, please wear face masks. 978-297-2305. See their Facebook page for hours and updates.

To Each His Own Design
Store is open to customers. 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 3 precautions. No more than eight customers inside at one time, face masks required. Closed on July 4th. 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.

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 Inspection stickers during business hours, no appointment needed. Open for 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.

Tip Top Nails
Open as of June 22. 978-297-0400.

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
In-person Sunday worship services with a limit of 65 attendees. Online services will continue to be offered. 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 have resumed as take-out meals on first and third Thursdays of the month. Backpack program for students aged Pre-K though high school every Thursday 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the parking lot, no one turned away. Accepting donations of clean, good condition clothing, shoes, linens, blankets, accessories through October 22, drop-off container in church parking lot.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers will be distributed as "take-out" from the church circular driveway in May. AA Meeting has resumed on Monday nights at 7:45 p.m. in the church parish hall. Contact the church via Facebook message with any questions.

United Parish of Winchendon
In-person worship services resuming Sunday, June 28. Pre-registration required; check their Facebook page for registration form and further updates. Sunday worship being streamed online, see their Facebook page for information, as well as for daily videos, Bible readings and prayers.

Town [Still] Seeks Volunteers for Town Committees and Boards


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.

Communications Commission - 3 vacancies
Council on Aging - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 10 vacancies (can have up to 19 members)
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Library Trustees - 1 vacancy
Open Space Preservation Appraisal and Survey Revolving Fund Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy
Recreation Commission - 1 regular vacancy, 2 student vacancies
Toy Town Community Partnership - 2 vacancies
Winchendon Community Park Committee (formerly the Ingleside Utilization Committee) - 5 vacancies (can have up to 15 members)
Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 regular vacancy, 2 alternates vacancies

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 to Town Manager, 109 Front Street Dept. 1, Winchendon MA 01475.

A complete description of each committee's responsibilities, updated for July, 2020, may be found here (PDF).

Winchendon CVS One of 21 COVID-19 Test Locations in Massachusetts


Beginning Friday, May 22, the Winchendon CVS will be offering COVID-19 tests to residents who meet CDC criteria for testing and age requirements. The tests will use a self-swab system, and residents must register for an appointment in advance and drive to the drive-through window to be tested. No tests will be administered on a walk-in basis for safety reasons. The CVS store is located at 301 Central Street.

Patients should make an appointment at MinuteClinic.com, and bring the appointment confirmation, proof of identity and date of birth, and an insurance card with them. Most patients will not have any out-of-pocket costs, as health insurance will cover the test, but patients can check with their insurer to confirm that the test is covered.

This test is for active COVID-19 infections. It is not an antibody test to discern a past infection.

Full details are on the CVS website.

CVS plans to open 1,000 test sites across the country.

Make DIY Cloth Face Masks


Many people are sewing cloth face masks for themselves and for health care workers. There is even a Facebook group supporting this effort, Mask Makers.

There are a number of patterns available on the Internet. The Courier is sharing the PDF pattern below, which includes templates and clear, photograph-illustrated sewing directions, for the convenience of our readers. The pattern is being distributed by Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, NH and may be copied and shared freely.

The CDC has issued a nationwide advisory asking people to wear face masks at all times when out in public. COVID-19 is spread primarily through the air, and infected persons are the most contagious before they have any symptoms. It's estimated that as many as 50 percent of infected persons may never show symptoms or get sick, but still are able to infect others. Wearing face masks will significantly reduce the chances of infected people spreading the virus.

Face Mask Pattern and Directions (PDF)

If You Call for Emergency Services...

...the Winchendon Fire Department asks that you let the dispatcher know if you have flu-like symptoms, are quarantined or are under self-quarantine. This will allow the first responders to take all necessary precautions to avoiding spreading COVID-19 and to protect themselves and you.

Do You Have a Garden in Winchendon?

You can help the Winchendon HEAL Project bring affordable, whole food back to town by telling us about your garden! Fill out this online survey:

https://forms.gle/ToDJfajMfk89L99H6

What is the HEAL Winchendon Food Project?
growingplaces.org/programoverview/heal-winchendon

Toy Town FYIs

Special and Annual Town Meeting Scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

Murdock Middle High School Gymnasium
3 Memorial Drive
Face masks/coverings REQUIRED
Social Distancing Guidelines will be adhered to

Is Your House Number Clearly Visible from the Street?
The Winchendon Fire Department reminds all residents to make sure their house number is clearly visible for first responders who may need to find you. Numbers should be at least four inches high and facing the street, with lighting if possible. Put numbers on a contrasting background so they will stand out. If your driveway is long, put the number on a mailbox or pole on the street or at the end of driveway, facing in both directions. (Reflective numbers are helpful.) Check your house numbers to make sure foliage has not grown up in front of them without your being aware of it.

The 2020 Town Street List is now available at Town Hall. Printed copies may be purchased for $8.00 ($5.00 for seniors). Call the Town Clerk's office at 978-297-2766 and one will be brought outside for you. The complete list may be downloaded as a PDF, here.

There will be a $20 late fee for unlicensed dogs beginning July 15.

The 2019 Annual Town Report may be downloaded as a PDF from the town website. Printed copies are available at Town Hall, and will be distributed at Annual Town Meeting as usual, when Town Meeting takes place (still to be determined).

Transfer Station Open Extended Hours

From June 1st to October 1st, the transfer station will be open as follows:

Thursday - 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Water Conservation Restrictions in Place

Beginning on May 1st and ending October 1st, the Town will be under a mandatory even / odd water conservation schedule.

Outdoor watering by water users with odd numbered addresses is restricted to odd numbered days. Outdoor watering by water users with even numbered addresses is restricted to even numbered days. Watering is only permitted from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Please direct any questions to the DPW at 978-297-0170.

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