The Winchendon Courier

Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication

Week of April 15 to April 22, 2021

What makes Winchendon what it is...How we're making Winchendon even better

Gobi, Zlotnik Arrange Flash Vaccine Clinic at Winchendon Senior Center

by Inanna Arthen
State Representative Jon Zlotnik and State Senator Anne Gobi coordinated with Community Health Connections in Fitchburg to hold a one-day COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Old Murdock Senior Center on Wednesday, April 14. Plans evolved very quickly; Senior Center Director Sheila Bettro told the Courier that "we first heard about this at 8:15 on Monday morning."

The Senior Center staff and volunteers, aided by Winchendon Emergency Management Director Jim Abare, Board of Health Chair Keith Kent, and Winchendon Housing Authority Director Dave Connor, immediately began working on logistics, including setting up space in the second floor auditorium of the Senior Center, which is fully accessible via an elevator. Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson hosted the call center, which was run by Gardner Emergency Management Director Paul Topolski and staffed by volunteers. Bob O'Keefe and Don O'Neal worked out IT technical details and issues. 300 appointments were available for Winchendon residents aged 55 and up, or who met other current qualifications for the vaccine as per the state's parameters.

Vaccinations were administered by workers from Community Health Connections of Fitchburg under the supervision of Lisa Bettez Ellis. The Moderna vaccine was supplied to the clinic.

Pre-registration was required for an appointment; the call center began taking calls at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Everyone involved worked to put out the word on social media that vaccine appointments were available. There was little opportunity to promote the clinic through other means since it was organized on such short notice.

Several Winchendon Police officers staffed the event, which ran from 9:00 a.m. until around 3:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. Masks were required and social distancing was guided by appropriately spaced chairs and signage.

Ms. Bettro told the Courier that a total of 278 appointments were made. Everyone who received their first vaccine at the clinic automatically has an appointment for the second shot on May 12. The unassigned doses will be used at other vaccine clinics in the area.

Winchendon's COVID-19 vaccination rate lags significantly behind the state average. Open vaccination appointments are comparatively scarce in north Central Massachusetts. The vaccination center in Gardner and area pharmacies are heavily booked for available appointments.

Staff and volunteers worked all day helping residents get COVID-19 vaccinations.

Lisa Bettez Ellis administers a vaccine shot to a resident.

Residents wait in line for their vaccine appointment.

Justin Sultzbach to be New Winchendon Town Manager

by Inanna Arthen
At a special meeting on Wednesday, April 7, the Winchendon Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to offer the position of Town Manager to applicant Justin Sultzbach, currently the assistant Town Administrator in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. Following contract negotiations, Mr. Sultzbach accepted the position on Monday, April 12. He will begin work after Annual Town Meeting on May 17.

In his interview with the Board of Selectmen on Monday, April 5, which was open to the public and broadcast live on Xfinity public access Channel 8, Mr. Sultzbach favorably impressed Winchendon residents, as indicated by the chatter on town social media.

"I'm a municipal leader and I build communities for a living," Mr. Sultzbach said as he introduced himself. Asked what drew him to Winchendon, Mr. Sultzbach listed three main things: first, a community with strong shared values and causes that he agrees with, such as preservation of open space, agricultural preservation, historic preservation, honoring the town's past and fiscal responsibility; second, Winchendon is a town he knows he can make a difference in, "a community that I know I can communicate with, with a citizenry that I can get along with"; and third, "A community that I can step in on Day One and get to work."

Mr. Sultzbach had familiarized himself thoroughly with Winchendon before his interview. He stated that he had read the 2019 annual town plan, the 2014 Downtown Revitalization Plan, the Town Charter and Bylaws, the old Master Plan and the new Master Plan (several times). He also watched the complete video of last fall's 2020 Annual Town Meeting twice, as well as visiting the town, buying coffee at Gourmet Doughnuts and walking from Town Hall up to the fire station and down to 4 Summer Place. He visited the Beals Memorial Library and spoke at length with staff about the library's upcoming renovation projects, and walked over to take a look at the Old Murdock building.

Mr. Sultzbach is aware of most of the major capital expenditure needs coming up for the town, including the Old Murdock Senior Center, the fire station upgrade and the DPW building roof. "You have other financial issues coming down the road, in the form of capital projects," he said. "In many ways, that's my bread and butter, that's what I've done professionally now for the past four years. I managed a 40 million dollar five year capital plan for the town of Tyngsboro." He added, "I've brought in a hundred and thirty percent more in grant funds or bill bonds than I earned in salary in my time in Tyngsboro."

Mr. Sultzbach said that he always wanted to work on the front lines at the local level, where he can have a direct impact on the community. Asked about his leadership style, he said, "I've always preferred to lead from the front...I never tell anybody what to do, I ask them. If the response is no then we can have a further discussion...I've always preferred to lead by example. I've always preferred to be out there. There's never a task that I would ask someone to do that I wouldn't do myself."

Hard work is a strong value of his, Mr. Sultzbach said. Asked how he would convey his values to his staff, he waxed eloquent. "When you're working for a community, when you're working in government in any capacity, I think at times people have a tendency, and rightfully so, to lose faith a little bit in the mission. And I think it's important as a leader to make sure that the government that you're working for, in this instance it's a local government, it's a local government that the people believe in, that citizens are behind your cause. And really the best way to do that is to make sure that everything you're doing, it comes from the citizens. It's at the direction of the Board of Selectmen, but you're inspired by the citizens, so at the end of the day, that's what a Town Manager is meant to do. And I think if you make that clear as a priority for yourself, your employees will follow." He added, "Maybe it's a little pie-in-the-sky, but I believe in that. I believe in public service, it's called public service for a reason, and I think a lot of people that work in the public sector share that view as well."

In response to a question on how he viewed the purpose of town government, Mr. Sultzbach said, "I think there's a good example that really sums it up pretty appropriately...the way I always see it is, the Board of Selectmen write the music, the citizens of Winchendon inspire the Selectmen to write that music, the town staff plays the music, and the Town Manager is the conductor. I don't pick the song to play, but I help you play it...It's the people of Winchendon who choose what to do...that's the important piece of it. You all have dreams for this town, you have a vision for this community. You tell me those dreams and that vision and I'm going to get it done."

As he concluded the interview, Mr. Sultzbach recommended that the town implement a Community Preservation Act (CPA), pointing out that there are matching funds available from the state for preservation capital projects if a CPA is in place. He left information for the Board and Interim Town Manager about this, urging them to get an article on the Warrant so the town could meet the March deadline for funding.

Signal Boost: Master Plan Implementation Committee Volunteers Still Needed

by Inanna Arthen
The Board of Selectmen are still seeking volunteers to serve on the Master Plan Implementation Committee. Details about the committee and the qualifications for volunteers may be found lower down on this page.

Beals Memorial Library Seeks Donations to Build a Library of Things Collection

Do you have any underutilized items taking up space in your home? Then consider donating them to the Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon. The library is looking for contributions of items in good working condition to become part of their new Library of Things collection.

A Library of Things is a collection of tools, tech, and educational equipment that patrons can borrow using their library card. They often include items that people need only on an occasional basis or things that people may need but can’t buy themselves. By curating a collection of those types of objects, the Winchendon library hopes to provide the community with access to useful items that can be borrowed instead of purchased.

The library is looking for the following types of items to become a part of this exciting new collection: baking tools such as cookie cutters, cake and cupcake pans, and hand mixers, binoculars, a DVD player, gardening tools, a microscope, musical instruments such as a guitar, ukulele, or keyboard, a sewing machine, and WiFi hotspots.

The library will only accept donations that are in good working condition. Any items that do not work will be returned to the donor.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information about this collection, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or visit the library’s website at bealslibrary.org.

Library Director Manuel King shows off the library's telescope, the first item added to the new Library of Things collection.

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED

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Subway April 2021 Steak Sub Ad

Winchendon Cases Decrease as COVID Numbers Continue Rising Statewide

by Inanna Arthen
The increase in COVID-19 cases statewide continues to expand as vaccination appointments for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were cancelled this week and quarantine-weary residents grow lax with masks and precautions.

Volunteers at the vaccination center in Gardner scrambled to acquire sufficient doses of Pfizer vaccine to cover the appointments for Johnson & Johnson doses scheduled for Tuesday. Coordinator Bob O'Keefe told the Courier that staff at the center worked all through the night to get the necessary doses.

Winchendon's official case count is now 682 (that's total confirmed cases since March). This is an increase of 17 cases from the previous week. As of April 10, 822 tests had been done in Winchendon in the previous 14 days, and 37 tests returned a positive result. This slightly decreases Winchendon's two-week percent positivity to 4.50 percent, down from 5.35 percent the previous week. Color-coded risk levels were not available, but a positivity rate of 4.50 should put Winchendon back in the "yellow" range.

The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, April 15, there have been 626,550 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (25,918 in the previous week), with 17,087 fatalities (211 in the previous week). The rate of new cases across the state continues to rise--there were almost twice as many new cases in the past week as the previous one--largely because of increased cases among younger people. Deaths and hospitalizations remain at a steady level.

Massachusetts moved to Step 2 of Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan as of Monday, March 1.

In Phase 3, Step 2 of the plan, indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces may re-open at 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 500 persons. Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact, such as laser tag, roller skating, trampolines and obstacle courses may open at 50 percent capacity.

The following businesses or sites may open at 50 percent capacity, not including staff and employees:

Arcades & Other Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Businesses
Close Contact Personal Services
Driving and Flight Schools
Fitness Centers and Health Clubs
Golf Facilities (indoor)
Libraries
Operators of Lodging (common spaces)
Museums, Cultural & Historic Facilities, Guided Tours
Office Spaces
Places of Worship
Sectors not Otherwise Addressed
Theaters and Performance Venues
Relevant EEA Industries – Youth sports spectators and so on

Restaurants will have no capacity limit, but must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between tables. Parties are limited to six persons per table and can remain at the table no longer than 90 minutes. Open food courts (such as in malls) must remain closed. Musical performances will be allowed in restaurants with appropriate distancing.

Retail stores selling clothes may re-open fitting rooms.

Under Step 1, Phase 4, large capacity sports and entertainment venues may open at a strict limit of 12 percent capacity. Exhibition and convention halls may open, following gathering limits, dance floors may open and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this summer. Gathering limits in event venues and public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 outdoors. The limits for private gatherings will remain at 25 persons outdoors and 10 persons indoors in private homes.

Travelers arriving in Massachusetts from other states are now recommended, but not required, to self-quarantine for 14 days unless they have had a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours. Massachusetts residents travelling to Maine are no longer required by that state to quarantine for 14 days after arrival.

As of April 5, vaccination appointments are now open to persons aged 55 and up, and persons with at least one of the following eligible medical conditions: Cancer, Chronic kidney disease, Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension, Dementia or other neurological conditions, Diabetes (type 1 or type 2), Down Syndrome, Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension, Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system), Overweight and obesity and severe obesity, Pregnancy, Sickle cell disease or thalessemia, Smoking (current or former), Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant, Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain, and Substance use disorders.

As of Thursday, April 15, 2,917,816 persons (42.3 percent of the state population) have received the first dose of vaccine. 1,916,830 (27.8 percent of the state population) have received two doses (or one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine) and are fully vaccinated.

As of April 15, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health records Winchendon at 29.2 percent of its population having received at least one vaccination dose. It is unknown whether this includes the 278 vaccinations administered at the vaccination clinic on April 14.

As of April 19, vaccination appointments will be open to all residents who have not previously been eligible, with no restrictions. Whether, and when, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available in Massachusetts again is unknown.

Complete Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report, Thursday, April 15 (PDF, 50 pages)

Gov. Baker stresses the vital importance of wearing masks and face coverings at all times, in public or private, whenever people are not alone or in the sole company of their immediate household members. Employees must wear face masks at work except in individual work spaces or alone, and communal break rooms should be closed or limited. Persons using gyms must wear face masks at all times, even while exercising.

Face masks are required for anyone over the age of 5 in any public setting, indoors or outdoors, whether they are maintaining a six-foot distance or not. Anyone who steps outside their home anywhere must be wearing a mask.

As with existing rules, fines of up to $500 may be imposed for failure to comply with protocols in force. Full details are available in the following documents:

Revised Governor's Order Required Face Coverings (PDF)

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. There is a new state webpage on stopping COVID, You Have the Power to Save a Life. The Montachusett Public Health Network COVID-19 Hotline number, answering questions about the COVID-19 situation, is 1-844-968-3323.

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 Winchendon community services, centers, organizations and businesses, as far as the Courier was able to determine as of Thursday, April 15. 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
All elementary school students will return to full day regular classes as of April 5, by mandate of the Commissioner of Education. Parents may opt for all-remote learning if they don't wish their children to attend in-person class, but there will be no hybrid classes. Middle school students will return to full day classes as of April 28, and high school students at a later date. Elementary classes will be meeting at Murdock Middle High School as the HVAC system at Toy Town is still being repaired.

Town Hall
During Phase 3, Town Hall remains closed to the public for general business, except for some Boards and committees that have resumed in-person meetings which the public may attend (masks are required). 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. See agendas for Board and Committee meetings for detailed information on whether meetings will be in person or held remotely via Zoom, and how to attend.

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. The Center is starting an Intergenerational Pen Pal program in collaboration with The Winchendon School to help seniors and younger people connect. Call the Center for more information. 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.

Beals Memorial Library
Will be allowing the public inside the building by appointment only as of March 22. Only 4 people inside at one time, 30-minute appointments. Restrooms will not be open and computers will not be available. See their Facebook page for more details.
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. The library is waiting for air quality tests and approval from the state and there is a long backlog of libraries and public buildings ahead of them. 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.

Used book and media sale on Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:00 p.m. by appointment. Books and magazines by free donation, puzzles for $5, DVDs, music, video games and audio books $1. All proceeds go to future library programs and events. Call for an appointment.

BealsCon has been rescheduled to June, 2022 as it appears uncertain that the pandemic will subside enough in 2021 for an event of this kind.

Clark Memorial YMCA
Open under Phase 3 guidelines. Registration open for this summer's Camp Clark. Hiring lifeguards and swim instructors. Lifeguard training course beginning May 23. For full details, see their Facebook page or website.

Full day child care for school age children starting September 14, 6:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m., $150 per week. Call 978-297-9622 or email Kyle Scrivines at k.scrivines@clarkymca.org with questions.

Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
Closed Friday, April 16 for Patriot's Day holiday. Clothing room is now open to the public--limit of 4 persons at a time, masks required.
Produce Market each Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Accepting SNAP/HIP and cash payment, open to all.
The CAC frequently has excess food at the end of the week and puts out last minute calls asking people to come get food--watch their Facebook page, especially Thursday and Friday.
Tutoring/mentoring program for WPS students in conjunction with The Winchendon School. Limited space, call 978-297-1667 to get on the list.

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. Accepting donations, see new guidelines. See their Facebook page for hours, updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.

Winchendon American Legion Post 193
Building closed until further notice, due to COVID restrictions. See post on their Facebook page.

Winchendon History and Cultural Center
Seppie's Ice Cream Parlor remains closed until further notice. See their Facebook page for updates about future events. 978-297-2142.

The Dance Center
Studios open for in-person dance classes. 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. 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. 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
Open. Check their Facebook page for updates. 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, 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. 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
CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 29 (or further notice) Jesse has pneumonia. Check their Facebook page for updates. 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, see their Facebook page for info and specials. 978-297-1777.

Little Anthony's & Little Lizzie's
New hours, see their Facebook page. Little Lizzie's ice cream open for season. Open for indoor dining. 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
Will open for the season on May 1.

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
Outdoor seating open, weather permitting. Open for indoor dining, take-out and delivery. Also offering take-out for beer and wine. See their Facebook page for menus and specials. Trivia night on Wednesday has resumed! Hiring server/bartender, apply in person. 978-297-5200.

RETAIL BUSINESSES

Beaman's Bait Shop
OPEN. Ring for admittance.

Belletetes Winchendon
Open to customers.

Cumberland Farms
OPEN.

CVS
OPEN.

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. 978-297-2518.

Mystical Magical Marketplace
Open Thurs-Sat, looking for vendors. Classes beginning soon. 978-297-9790.

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. New phone number: 978-297-7142. 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
Watch their Facebook page for updates about new season opening. 978-297-0604.

Powell Stone and Gravel
Open with Phase 3 occupancy limits. 978-297-5600.

Reflections Country Collections
See their Facebook page for hours and updates. 978-297-2411.

Rescued Treasures Second Hand Shoppe
Open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., or by appointment. All proceeds benefit Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue. See their Facebook page for fundraising events and updates.

Robin's Retro Dolls
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.

Sunset View Farm
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.

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 Stained Glass
Open to public, appointments available outside general hours. Classes being held at store and Monty Tech. See their website for details. 978-297-7102.

Toy Town Treasures
Open with Phase 3 precautions. No more than eight customers inside at one time, face masks required. See their Facebook page for updates and specials. 978-297-4474.

Walgreen's
OPEN.

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
Branch lobbies open to customers as of March 15. 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. NOTE: some posts on this Facebook page contain false information and/or are shared from unreliable sources.

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.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers are being distributed as “drive-through/take-out" from the church circular driveway every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. until further notice. AA Meeting on Monday nights at 7:45 p.m. in the church parish hall. For more information about these and other events, visit their Facebook page or website: uucw.ncmuuc.org.

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. Sunday School has resumed--pre-register on the church website. Zoom meetings and at-home study materials are also both available for Sunday School.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information - Gardner Clinic

As of Thursday, February 18, Winchendon seniors aged 65 and up are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.

Clinics for the Gardner Regional COVID Vaccination Center will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, dependent on the delivery of the vaccine from the State.

Registration for clinics will take place on Mondays and Fridays beginning at 10:00 a.m. To register online, visit www.Gardner-MA.gov/1055/COVID-19 or by calling the City's Registration Call Center at 978-958-9057. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Clinics will take place at the Polish American Citizens Club (PACC), 17 Kendall Pond Road West, Gardner MA 01440.

Now Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC)

At their February 22, 2021 meeting, the Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to adopt the Master Plan presented to them, and to establish a Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) for the purpose of overseeing the execution of the Master Plan as outlined.

The Winchendon Master Plan describes the will of the people of Winchendon. All town boards, commissions, committees, staff and citizens should use this Plan to guide their work in creating the future everyone seeks. The Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) is charged with overseeing its execution and will work with the Town Manager and Responsible Leads. Members of the MPIC have a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the Master Plan, are a Winchendon resident or have vested interest in the community, are a demonstrated team player, are reliable and have at least one of these qualifications:

Project management
Communications
Town history
Knowledge of "how things work"

MPIC specific responsibilities include:

Coordinate and monitor implementation
Collaborate with players to develop and track execution goals
Assist with goals that require additional resources
Encourage ongoing citizen engagement
Assess status of specific actions, evaluate priorities, and suggest new implementation techniques where appropriate
Identify successful strategies and barriers to progress
Periodically evaluate the plan
Create a mechanism to provide updates and progress reports to the Board of Selectmen

To see the full Master Plan, click here.

The Board of Selectmen is currently accepting letters of interest to serve on this committee. If you are interested, please send your letter of interest to the Town Manager's Office, 109 Front Street, Winchendon MA 01475 or to Taylor at ttower@townofwinchendon.com.

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

by Inanna Arthen
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

by Inanna Arthen
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)

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

Winchendon Town Election to be Held Monday, May 3

by Inanna Arthen
The Annual Town Election will be held on Monday, May 3, 2021 at the Senior Center, 52 Murdock Avenue, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The sample ballot and a Vote-By-Mail application may be found at 2021 Annual Town Election on the town website. The following candidates or incumbents are on the ballot:

BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Barbara L. Anderson
Danielle R. LaPointe

SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Ryan G. Forsythe
Shauna B. LaPointe

BOARD OF HEALTH (three year term)
Lionel C. Cloutier
Keith M. Kent

BOARD OF HEALTH (two year term)
Tina M. Santos

HOUSING AUTHORITY
Nancy F. Romanowski

Hydrant Flushing to Begin April 5th

Hydrant flushing will begin Monday, April 5th and continue through the end of the month. Work will be conducted Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hydrant flushing is a part of our routine maintenance and is important to ensure appropriate water flow is available to fire fighters. It also improves water quality by clearing iron and other mineral deposits from the system. Residents may notice reduced water pressure or discolored water while flushing is occurring.

2021 Town Meeting Set for May 17

by Inanna Arthen
At their meeting on Monday, January 25, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to set the date for the 2021 spring Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting for Monday, May 17, at 7:00 p.m., to be held at Murdock Middle High School. The warrants will be open from January 25 until April 6.

The location within Murdock Middle High School, such as the auditorium or the gym, will be decided at a later date depending on the situations around the pandemic later this year.

Town Committee Vacancies
as of February 8

by Inanna Arthen
If you'd like to be an active participant in decision-making and management for your community, consider joining a town committee or board. There are a number of vacancies currently open.

Communications Commission - 1 vacancy
Council on Aging - 1 vacancy
Cultural Council - 9 vacancies
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, 1 student vacancy
Toy Town Community Partnership - 4 vacancies
Zoning Board of Appeals - 2 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).

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.

Toy Town FYIs

2021 Dog Licenses are now overdue. All dogs were required to be licensed by March 31. You may purchase a license through the mail, drop box, or online through the Town Clerk's page. The licenses will be mailed to you. Please be sure to provide a valid rabies certificate. Spayed & Neutered dogs are $10 and Non-Spayed & Non-Neutered dogs are $20.

Sign up for Code Red Emergency Alerts
Sign up for our emergency notification program today! Receive up-to-date information before, during and after an emergency in your neighborhood. You can choose to be notified via voice, text and email notifications of emergency and inclement weather alerts.

Please Do Not Flush Sanitizing Wipes Down the Toilet
Wipes Clog Pipes!

The Department of Public Works is asking all users of the public sewer system to please be careful not to flush santizing wipes down the toilet. These wipes collect in the pumps and destroy them, causing the Town to be forced to replace two pumps just in the last month alone. If a pump at the wastewater treatment plant were to burn out from wipe accumulation, it would cost the Town $30,000 to replace it. Please throw these wipes into your rubbish instead.

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.

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