The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of January 7 to January 14, 2021

Because of Governor Baker's orders to control the spread of COVID-19, assume that all events, programs, and activities are cancelled or postponed until further notice unless specifically noted below. Exceptions may include the Mobile Market for food or events and activities that can move online or be held outdoors. If you have questions, contact the organizers or check their Facebook pages or websites. Stay home and stay healthy!

New Items at the Beals Memorial Library's Used Book Sale

Louise Spoffard
Friends of the Library president, Louise Spofford, with her hand-made holiday ornaments.

If you're interested in adding a few used books or other media to your home collection, then look no further than the Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon! Each week, the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library are holding the used book and media sale on Thursdays from 4 - 6 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM - 12 PM by appointment only. For the month of December, some new items are available for the holiday season.

This holiday season, the Beals Memorial Library will be offering hand-crafted ornaments made by the Friends of the Library president, Louise Spofford. Also on sale are book and toy bundles. In addition to these new items, the book sale includes used books and magazines for prices determined by the buyer. A large selection of DVDs and music CDs are available for $1.00 each. Video games, audio books, and MP3 audio books are available for $2.00 each. Puzzles, board games, and canvas bags are available for $5.00 each. All proceeds go to future library programs and events.

Additionally, the library is continuing to accept book and media donations from the public. Item acceptance is at the discretion of the Friends of the Library and all items not accepted will be returned to the donator. Items that the library will not accept include textbooks of any kind, encyclopedias, dictionaries, any item that contains obsolete information, any item in poor condition (scratched or damaged), and VHS or cassette tapes.

If you'd like to add a little homemade cheer to your Christmas tree this holiday season, then contact the Beals Memorial Library at 978-297-0300 for more information or to schedule an appointment to browse the book sale or contribute donations. The library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. Masks and social distancing are required inside the library.

GROWING PLACES
LOCAL PRODUCE PICK-UP / DELIVERY PROGRAM

Do you receive SNAP?
If you do, you receive additional benefits every month that you cannot see on your SNAP fund balance to purchase local produce.
These benefits are called the Healthy Incentive Program (HIP).
This program is available only for MA residents.

About the Program
Begins the First Week of December 2020
Growing Places was just approved by the Department of Transitional Assistance to start a weekly produce delivery program for residents to use their HIP benefits. Download this form to sign up (PDF).
You can either mail the completed form to Growing Places, 325 Lindell Ave., Leominster, MA, 01453. OR, contact Growing Places by email (staff@growingplaces.org) or by phone (978-598-3723) and we will arrange a time to pick up your completed form. You can also contact us with questions about this program.

If you do not have SNAP you can still participate in this program.
Please call or email us and we will help you sign up via credit or debit.

Where does the Produce Come From?
Growing Places grows produce indoors during the winter hydroponically and purchases produce from our local farmers.

Current Produce Pick-Up/Delivery Schedule in Winchendon

Pick-up: Not Just Produced, 290 Central St., Friday between 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Home Delivery: Ipswich Drive Friday between 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Home Delivery: Hyde Park Drive Friday between 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

House of Peace and Education in Gardner has some great programs for children and women available to local residents.

HOPE for Kids has three afterschool programs. The Afterschool program, a professionally directed mentoring and tutoring, serves children in grades 3 and 4. The Pals Mentoring program is a professionally directed mentoring program that provides young children with opportunities for fun, peer interaction, creative skills development, positive social behaviors, building friendships and exploring expressions of feelings. Teen HOPE is a professionally directed program that offers youth in grades 5-7 academic, cultural and social skill building support.

HOPE Job Readiness & Training Program is an 8 week individualized program of computer and job-skills training for adults who wish to learn new skills in order to enter or re-enter the workforce, to get better jobs or to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.

For information on these programs call HOPE at 978-630-4752 ext 6.

NFA Behavioral Health

Addiction and Mental Health Resources for Veterans

Clyde’s Corner

It's Happening Around the Winch!

FRIDAY JANUARY 8

Winchendon Mobile Market 12:30-2:30 p.m. Growing Places of Leominster will bring the Mobile Market to Not Just Produced, 290 Central Street (outside weather permitting). Fresh local produce can be purchased with cash, credit/debit card or SNAP cards. All produce is eligible for HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) which doubles SNAP credits for healthy food. For more information, contact Growing Places at 978-598-3723. All shoppers are asked to follow social distancing and safety guidelines; only ten (10) people may be inside the store at any time.

MONDAY JANUARY 11

AA Meeting 7:45 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome; limited to 25 attendees. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

THURSDAY JANUARY 14

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Drive-Through Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Our Neighbor's Kitchen goes take-out! Pick up a hearty meal to go, while practicing safe social distancing. This week the Sacketts will serve up Cincinnati Three-Way Chili with sides and dessert. Drive or walk on through our front circle for this new favorite! Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

FRIDAY JANUARY 15

Winchendon Mobile Market 12:30-2:30 p.m. Growing Places of Leominster will bring the Mobile Market to Not Just Produced, 290 Central Street (outside weather permitting). Fresh local produce can be purchased with cash, credit/debit card or SNAP cards. All produce is eligible for HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) which doubles SNAP credits for healthy food. For more information, contact Growing Places at 978-598-3723. All shoppers are asked to follow social distancing and safety guidelines; only ten (10) people may be inside the store at any time.

SATURDAY JANUARY 16

Bottle and Can Drive 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Central Street. Benefits the Murdock High School Student Council.

Winter Wildlife Tracking Workshop 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Annual workshop by Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust. This event is open to the public, free to Mount Grace members and $10 for non-members. All experience levels are welcome. Dress appropriately for the weather. RSVP/Registration required, go to Mount Grace workshop web page to register. At Skyfields Arboretum in Athol, MA.

MONDAY JANUARY 18

AA Meeting 7:45 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome; limited to 25 attendees. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

THURSDAY JANUARY 21

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Drive-Through Dinner 5:30 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Our Neighbor's Kitchen goes take-out! Pick up a hearty meal to go, while practicing safe social distancing. This week, IHM is serving Spaghetti Dinner with all the fixin's. Pick up at the side door into the parish hall. Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

FRIDAY JANUARY 22

Winchendon Mobile Market 12:30-2:30 p.m. Growing Places of Leominster will bring the Mobile Market to Not Just Produced, 290 Central Street (outside weather permitting). Fresh local produce can be purchased with cash, credit/debit card or SNAP cards. All produce is eligible for HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) which doubles SNAP credits for healthy food. For more information, contact Growing Places at 978-598-3723. All shoppers are asked to follow social distancing and safety guidelines; only ten (10) people may be inside the store at any time.

MONDAY JANUARY 25

AA Meeting 7:45 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome; limited to 25 attendees. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

THURSDAY JANUARY 28

Our Neighbor's Kitchen Drive-Through Dinner 5:30 p.m. at UU Church of Winchendon. Our Neighbor's Kitchen goes take-out! Pick up a hearty meal to go, while practicing safe social distancing. This week ** with sides and dessert. Drive or walk on through our front circle for this new favorite! Free-will donation $2 per person, $5 per family; no one turned away. 126 Central Street.

FRIDAY JANUARY 29

Winchendon Mobile Market 12:30-2:30 p.m. Growing Places of Leominster will bring the Mobile Market to Not Just Produced, 290 Central Street (outside weather permitting). Fresh local produce can be purchased with cash, credit/debit card or SNAP cards. All produce is eligible for HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) which doubles SNAP credits for healthy food. For more information, contact Growing Places at 978-598-3723. All shoppers are asked to follow social distancing and safety guidelines; only ten (10) people may be inside the store at any time.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 1

AA Meeting 7:45 p.m. Open meeting, all are welcome; limited to 25 attendees. UU Church of Winchendon, 126 Central Street.

Town Committee Monthly Meetings by Week

Most Board and Committee meetings are being held online via Zoom. See each Board or Committee's meeting agenda for details about meeting locations and instructions for joining a Zoom meeting by computer or telephone. Masks are mandatory for all in-person meetings.

Agendas, minutes and meeting recordings are now available on the Town website: Agendas, Minutes & Past Meetings

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

* Planning Board often begins with public hearings, check their webpage.

Calendar of Re-broadcasts of meetings on Local Access Channel 8

Agendas, minutes and meeting recordings are now available on the Town website: Agendas, Minutes & Past Meetings

Town committee meetings are now streamed live on the town website. Go to www.townofwinchendon.com/ and click on the button for "Watch Meetings Live."

To view recordings of past meetings, contact Taylor Tower at 978-297-0085, or email her at ttower@townofwinchendon.com If you wish to keep a copy of the recording, there is a $5 fee per recorded file.

Times, locations, agendas and related documents for meetings are listed on the page for each individual committee on the Town of Winchendon website.

The E.M. Connor Post 193 of the American Legion and the Town of Winchendon Invite You to Honor a Winchendon Veteran by purchasing an Engraved Brick

All active duty military and veterans who at one time resided in the town of Winchendon are eligible to have a brick engraved with their name. Bricks will become a permanent part of the veterans roll call pathway connecting the monuments within the Legion Park.

sample brick

3 lines of 20 spaces, no logo, for $50.00
3 lines of 15 spaces with a logo, for $75.00

Order forms are available at the Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St., the Town Hall Tax Office or Not Just Produced, 290 Central St., Winchendon.

Order and pay online at polarengraving.com/americanlegionparkproject
memorial path

Ad Rates and Local Listing Policy

Event listings in Clyde's Corner are free of charge for non-profit, community and town organizations and groups, and for charitable or benefit events.

Short text articles about forthcoming local events are free of charge.

Display ads are published for a fee only

Rates for Display Ads

Display ads must run for a minimum of one week. Payment is required at the time ads are submitted. Graphics should be high resolution and ads must be readable on a cell phone screen. Do not submit an all-graphic ad containing a lot of small print; it will be unreadable on smaller screens. Email the Editor for exact details on the best format for ads.

Business card size:
$25 per week, $100 per month

Double business card size (square):
$40 per week, $150 per month

Full-width banner:
$40 per week, $150 per month

Full width banner at top of front page:
$100 per week, $400 per month

Display ads are posted in full color and will include active links to your website, Facebook page, or email unless you opt out.

Classified ads are $10 per week for up to 100 words, $0.05 per additional word.

The Editor reserves the right to reject any ad for any reason.

Ad design services are available for reasonable rates. Contact Inanna at editor@winchendoncourier.net

Submit ads, Clyde's Corner listings and announcements to Editor@winchendoncourier.net

.

VACANCY
Town of Winchendon Redevelopment Authority

We are currently seeking interested residents of the Town of Winchendon to volunteer to serve on this board. This is a five member board formed under the provisions of Mass General Law, Chapter 121B. It consists of one appointment made by the State and the other four members appointed by the Town Manager. It is an independent body, not an agency of the Town and has broad powers to plan and implement activities needed to redevelop underutilized, deteriorated or blighted open areas in Town and to encourage new development and to promote sound growth. Below is their Mission:

Mission
The Winchendon Redevelopment Authority's (WRA) passion is to create and maintain an economic and residential base that will attract new opportunities for residents. The WRA works diligently to ensure that the Town's economic structure is strong, vibrant and continuously expanding through constant and close involvement with both private and public sector investment. The Authority strives to develop collaborative private sector partners. They are committed to an effort to provide sustainable future growth, support an increase in job opportunities and provide tax revenues through economic development efforts.

The Authority meets once a month on the third Monday at 5:00 PM and is currently being conducted remotely through Zoom.

Anyone who may be interested in joining this group to plan and implement revitalization and redevelopment projects for the Town of Winchendon, please send a letter of interest to Town Manager, Keith Hickey, 109 Front St., Winchendon or by email at khickey@townofwinchendon.com

Employment

The Town of Winchendon is seeking qualified applicants to fill the Treasurer / Collector position. Bachelor’s degree in business or finance is preferred; at least four (4) years of experience in a senior financial management capacity, preferably in a municipal Treasurer/Collector’s office. Certification by the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association is desirable. Must be bondable. Experience using MUNIS financial software is also strongly preferred.

See www.townofwinchendon.com/home/pages/job-opportunities for full job description.


JOB POSTING

(In accordance with ARTICLE XXVII of the agreement between the Town of Winchendon and AFSCME Council 93, Local 1887, Department of Public Works)

DPW MECHANIC

38.5 HOURS PER WEEK/OVERTIME REQUIRED
RATE OF PAY $21.22 PER HOUR*

REQUIREMENTS:
MA CDL CLASS B
MA 2B HOISTING ENGINEER LICENSE

THE TOWN OF WINCHENDON IS AN AA/EOE EMPLOYER

JOB DESCRIPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DPW OFFICE, WINCHENDON TOWN HALL, 109 FRONT STREET, WINCHENDON, MA 01475

Salary can be adjusted dependent upon experience.*
Application Deadline:
Interested applicants must apply in writing to the Town Manager.
Positions are open until filled


JOB POSTING

(In accordance with ARTICLE XXVII of the agreement between the Town of Winchendon and AFSCME Council 93, Local 1887, Department of Public Works)

OPERATOR 3, Step 1 –DPW/HWY/CEMETERY

38.5 HOURS PER WEEK/OVERTIME REQUIRED
RATE OF PAY $20.10 PER HOUR

REQUIREMENTS:
MA CDL CLASS B
MA 2B HOISTING ENGINEER LICENSE

THE TOWN OF WINCHENDON IS AN AA/EOE EMPLOYER

JOB DESCRIPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DPW OFFICE, WINCHENDON TOWN HALL, 109 FRONT STREET, WINCHENDON, MA 01475

Salary can be adjusted dependent upon experience.*
Application Deadline:
Interested applicants must apply in writing to the Town Manager.
Positions are open until filled

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