The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of May 28 to June 4, 2020
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Winchendon Begins Phasing Back into Business

Winchendon Businesses Urged to Apply for DHCD COVID-19 Funds


As Phase 1 of the Massachusetts reopening plan begins, Winchendon businesses are responding in various ways. Some have been able to operate through the shutdown as essential businesses, but others are just opening or are still considering the best way to proceed.

Saloom Furniture on Murdock Avenue will be closed until June 15, when they will evaluate their situation and make decisions.

M.H. Parks Company on Brown Street resumed its custom furniture manufacturing last Tuesday, as soon as the Phase 1 guidelines permitted. Joanne Parks, co-owner of the company with her husband Todd Parks, told the Courier that some changes were made in the workspace in accordance with safety guidelines, as needed--the work floor is large and the number of employees is small. All employees have returned to work, and M.H. Parks received a Payroll Protection Program loan to help cover payroll. Things are starting out slow since there have been no new orders for eight weeks, Ms. Parks explained. Employees are working on orders left unfinished when the shutdown was implemented on March 23.

Kamenstein-Lifetime Brands on River Street has been operating through the shutdown as an essential food business. Director of Operations Chad Keeney told the Courier that Kamenstein is part of a national company, Lifetime Brands, and began making changes in response to COVID-19 before the Massachusetts shutdown was even implemented, in close collaboration with the Winchendon Board of Health. Workspaces are marked to allow employees to maintain a six-foot distance, and are separated with Plexiglas barrier screens. Everyone entering the building has their temperature checked, and must answer a questionnaire about their social contacts. Extra staff were hired to clean and sanitize the workplace, including all surfaces and high-touch areas such as doorknobs, at least four times per day. Lifetime Brands has a COVID-19 Team which meets online twice a week to discuss safety precautions and issues. As a result of these measures, Kamenstein has not had one single case of COVID-19 in the building. On the bright side, online sales have increased to five times their usual amount, helping to cover the large expense of implementing workspace safety measures.

Those small businesses hit hard by the mandated shutdown may apply for assistance through the Town of Winchendon via a Department of Housing & Community Development COVID-19 program. Along with the towns of Athol, Phillipston and Templeton, Winchendon's Department of Planning and Development is collecting information from "microenterprises"--businesses with no more than five employees of which one is the owner. Qualifying business owners should fill out the COVID-19 Business Impact Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G2MPB9R before June 5. If the funds are approved, applications will be opened to businesses. A public hearing about this program on Wednesday, May 27 was attended by only a few business owners. The town needs to hear from everyone who could benefit from this grant program.

The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce has a page of COVID-19 resources for managers and businesses on its website at Resources For Business Owners & Managers During COVID-19.

Phase 1 of Massachusetts' re-opening plan will continue until at least June 8. Depending on whether COVID-19 cases continue to recede or begin surging again, Phase 1 may be extended or rolled back to tighter restrictions. During this time, gatherings are limited to ten people or less. Travelers visiting Massachusetts are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days, and lodging (hotels, etc.) is restricted to essential workers only.

Essential businesses, manufacturing and construction may resume, with procedures in place to protect workers. Hospitals and community health centers may provide preventative care, pediatric care and treatment for high-risk patients and conditions. Labs and offices may open. Retail stores may open with remote sales and curbside pickup (customers may not enter the store). Hair salons, pet groomers and car washes may resume operating with procedures in place. Health care providers not working in hospitals or health centers may resume providing preventative and pediatric care. Houses of worship may open with protective measures in place and a limit on attendance of forty percent of the building's capacity (outdoor worship services are strongly encouraged). Beaches, parks, drive-in theatres, some athletic fields and courts, zoos, public gardens, and most outdoor activities (fishing, hiking, hunting, boating) may resume operation with guidelines. Campgrounds, public pools and playgrounds will NOT open until Phase 2.

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

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is updating its list of the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases by individual town each Wednesday. The list may be viewed here. An interactive state map of the same information is also on this page. As of May 27, Winchendon had reported a total of 81 confirmed cases, an increase of 7 from the previous week.

All residents are asked to respect and comply with new and ongoing restrictions:

  • Massachusetts residents remain under a safer-at-home advisory. This means that residents should minimize unnecessary travel and activities that involve physical proximity to other people. Social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines remain in effect for those who go out. Residents should wash their hands frequently, be alert for symptoms, and stay home if they feel sick. Persons over 70, or who have health conditions that increase the danger of serious complications from COVID-19 should limit in-person social interactions with other people as much as possible by staying home and working from home if possible. The most recent data indicate that the biggest risk factors for COVID-19 complications requiring hospitalization are obesity, diabetes, and advanced COPD. Asthma has been found to increase risk less than was feared, but persons with asthma should still take every precaution.

  • All residents must wear non-medical face masks or cloth face coverings of some kind when out in public, along with observing social distancing rules and minimizing direct interactions with others. (See directions below for sewing a DIY cloth face mask. The CDC offers directions for face coverings here.) Masks or other face coverings should completely cover the nose, mouth and chin. Masks should not be touched or pulled down off the face once they've been put on. People wearing masks should wash their hands after touching their mask, if touching is unavoidable. Persons with medical conditions making masks unsafe are exempt. No children or infants under 2 years of age should wear any kind of face covering.

  • Businesses which are not fully re-opened under Phase 1 but can continue operating without putting employees or customers/clients at risk (i.e. they're not in the same physical location) may do so. This can include staff working solo and/or from home, delivering product without contacting customers directly, and working remotely via phone, text, or Internet platforms.

  • Restaurants may sell takeout meals for pickup or delivery only. No customers may be served on premises. Customers picking up orders should maintain a six-foot distance from one another and the restaurant staff, wear face masks, and avoid touching the takeout counters. If possible, order and pay online or by phone.

  • Retail stores selling food, liquor stores and pharmacies are open, but are restricted to a maximum number of 10 customers at a time. Customers must stay at least six feet away from each other. Some stores have marked their floors with tape or signs to keep people in line at the correct distance (so remember to look down).

  • Larger stores are not limited to 10 customers, but most have set their own limits based on the size of the store. If the limit is reached, customers must wait outside the store, maintaining a six-foot distance from each other, until staff admits them inside. Some supermarkets have created one-way aisles to help keep shoppers moving and minimize face-to-face encounters.
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.

The daily increase in number of cases is on a downward trend after remaining steady for some time. The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, May 28, there have been 94,220 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (5,250 more than the previous week), with 6,547 fatalities (481 in the previous week).

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, May 28. Changes have been happening very quickly and without notice (especially with some businesses opening during Phase 1 and others waiting), 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
All schools closed until for the remainder of the school year. Remote learning will continue and report cards will be issued. There will be no summer school programs. A continuously updated page of information may be found here.

There will be no school-related events on or off campus, including sports events.

The school year will not be extended for COVID-19 closings. The last day of school will be June 15.

Online home schooling, learning and study programs are available from the schools and many other sources. A FAQ of detailed information can be found here (the situation may change rapidly so keep checking back).

The state MCAS examinations for this academic year have been cancelled by the Department of Education.

Town Hall
Closed to the public. Most staff has been sent 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 hours. Residents using the transfer station should complete their visit quickly and maintain a six-foot distance from each other and from attendants.

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. Staff are at work and delivering lunches to seniors, as well as bags of groceries. 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
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
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)
The building is closed to the public. Staff is at work and answering phones. Food, and some other supplies as available (for example, diapers) are being distributed curbside by appointment only--call to set up a pickup time. See their Facebook page for updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.

UPDATE:
"Tuesday May 26, 2020 we are transitioning back to our original hours which are
Monday 8-3 Pantry 9-1
Tuesday 12-6 Pantry 3-6
Wednesday 12-6 Pantry 3-6
Thursday 8-3 Pantry 9-1
All services will still be by appt only and shelf or pantry will be brought outside. Keep in mind to coordinate your appointments adequately according to services needed.
Monday June 1, 2020 we will be allowing 3 appointments in 30 minute increments to come inside for shelf, clothing, personal care, etc. NO ADMITTANCE WITHOUT MASK AND HANDS SANITIZED IN AND OUT WITH PROVIDED SANITIZER."

The Dance Center
Studio is closed for classes. There are online virtual dance classes and activities, see their Facebook page for more information.

RESTAURANTS

Carriage House Restaurant
Open for take-out only, Thurs-Sat 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.

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
OPEN for take-out only as of May 6. 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
Open for take-out only. 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
Open for take-out only, 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 only. 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
Open for take-out and delivery only. 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. Order turkeys and Guinea Hens this week. See their Facebook page for news and specials. Only six 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mylec
Mylec has been deemed an essential business and is manufacturing durable, easy-to-clean flooring material for emergency tents being set up nationwide for triage centers and other purposes. The portable polyethylene flooring was developed for tennis courts and most lately was employed for dek hockey rinks and NASCAR track garages. Mylec has been running overtime shifts to fill orders.

Toy Town Barber Shop
Opening with precautions on 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
As of Sunday, May 24, will be 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
As of Tuesday, May 26, church will be opened 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. Until May 26, Holy Rosary and Mass intention prayers continue to be offered via Zoom and streaming on Facebook. Confession is being heard in the church parking lot. 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.

All non-worship events in the building, including Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers, are suspended until further notice.

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
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.

From the Office of Senator Anne Gobi

Sen. Anne Gobi

While Quarantine and COVID-19 have kept us further from each other, this crisis has only served to further strengthen our sense of community. To better serve you, we have put together a COVID-19 resources list. We invite you to visit senatorannegobi.com/COVID-19.html.

Though our Boston office is closed, and we are no longer in town halls and senior centers, our team is hard at work remotely. The State house does not define our dedication to you. We are here for you by phone and by email.

Stay well. Stay healthy. Be safe.

Anne and the team: Stu, Yael, Lucas, Derek and Craig

Sen. Anne Gobi's team

Winchendon CVS To Be 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.

Annual Town Election Postponed to June 15

Pursuant to Sec 1 of Ch 45 of the Acts of 2020 and due to the state of emergency declared by the govenor pursuant to executive order 591, Declaration of a State of Emegency to Respond to COVID-19, the municipal town election scheduled for May 4, 2020 is hereby postponed. The new postponed date for the Annual Town Election is June 15, 2020 at the Old Murdock Senior Center located at 52 Murdock Avenue from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

In an effort to protect voters and election workers from social contact, we encourage registered voters to apply for an early ballot to be mailed to them. The early ballot application can be found on the Town Clerk's page.

www.townofwinchendon.com/town-clerk/pages/early-ballot-application

Please print and complete the form and send to the Town Clerks office by mail, dropbox in front of Town Hall, or email to: wstevens@townofwinchendon.com.

Central Mass Tree

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

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

Town 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
Conservation Commission - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 11 vacancies (can have up to 19 members)
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 1 vacancy
Open Space Preservation Appraisal and Survey Revolving Fund Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy
Recreation Commission - 1 regular vacancy, 2 student vacancies
Winchendon Community Park Committee (formerly the Ingleside Utilization Committee) - 5 vacancies (can have up to 15 members)
Zoning Board of Appeals - 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 may be found here (PDF).

Toy Town FYIs

The last day to register to vote in the annual town election is Friday, June 5, 2020, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. When you get to Town Hall (109 Front Street), call the Town Clerk's office at 978-297-2766 and you will be met at the door with a voter registration form.

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.

Real estate taxes normally due on May 1 will be due on June 1. The deadline for applications to apply for exemptions on taxes has been changed from April 1 to June 1. Interest and penalties will be waived on any property and excise tax, betterment assessment, water or sewer bill with a due date on or after March 10, 2020 if payment in full is made by June 30, 2020.

Annual Town Meeting, originally scheduled for Monday, May 18, has been postponed to a future date still to be determined by the Board of Selectmen.

The deadline for 2020 dog licenses has been extended to June 1. Licenses are available online (click here), or by mail. You can pay online, or send your check and rabies certificate to Town Clerk's office, 109 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475, or place check and rabies certificate in drop box in front of Town Hall.You must provide a valid, up-to-date rabies certificate. License fees: $10 for spayed/neutered, $20 for non-spayed/non-neutered.

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)

Winchendon Asks for Community Input for Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Plans

The Town of Winchendon invites residents to view a short video about the potential impact of climate change on Winchendon, and then reply to a community survey. Your responses will assist the town in making long-term plans for future challenges posed by the effects of climate change and possible weather-related crises.

Winchendon Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Survey.

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