No Soliciting, This is Winchendon!

Please be advised that the Board of Selectmen has issued a moratorium on solicitation permits. Therefore, no solicitation permits are being issued so anyone who tries to solicit is in violation of Town bylaws. Please call the police non-emergency number at 978-297-1212 to report.

WPS Offering "Summer Eats" Free Lunches Through the Summer!

Free meals don't end when school is out for summer! Children and teens ages 18 and under can enjoy FREE meals all summer long at Toy Town Elementary School--no registration, ID, or paperwork required. Just stop by and eat!

June 23 - August 22, 2026
Monday - Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Toy Town Elementary School, 175 Grove Street

Need a ride? Free transportation is available through the Community Connector. Call 978-297-8089 to schedule pickup and drop-off service.

Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to healthy meals this summer!

Winchendon Agricultural Commission Seeks New Members

The Winchendon Agricultural Commission is seeking enthusiastic people to fill several vacant seats. The Agricultural Commission's purpose is to support and promote agriculture in the town of Winchendon. The Commission deals with town bylaws related to farming and agriculture, concerns that may arise for farmers/homesteaders and/or their neighbors, state and national legislation directly impacting agriculture in Winchendon, and the business of producing and providing healthy food and other natural agricultural products for sale. As part of boosting farming businesses, the Commission supports the Winchendon Farmers Market.

Members don't have to be farmers or have direct experience with farming; a passion for locally produced food, smaller-scale agricultural production, land preservation and knowing where our food comes from are all that you need.

If you'd like to join the Agricultural Commission, send a letter of interest to Deb Dennis in the Town Manager's office, ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov. Agricultural Commission members are appointed by the Town Manager.

Member Needed for the Audit Committee!

We're currently looking to fill a vacancy on the Audit Committee. Below is an Overview of their duties. If interested send letter of interest to ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or by mail to
Town of Winchendon
Attn: Debra Dennis
109 Front Street
Winchendon MA 01475

Overview
Bylaws: Passed on May 18, 2015, at Town Meeting
38.1 There shall be a five-member Audit Committee in the Town of Winchendon comprised of one member of the Board of Selectmen (appointed by the Board of Selectmen), one member of the Finance Committee (appointed by the Finance Committee), one member of the School Committee (appointed by the School Committee) and two registered voters in the town who have finance experience, preferably municipal (appointed by a majority vote of the three Board and Committee member appointees.)
8.2 Administrative support staff to the Audit Committee shall be provided by the Town Manager, the Town Accountant, the Superintendent of Schools, and the School Business Manager.
38.3 The Audit Committee shall solicit, interview, and recommend to the Board of Selectmen the firm of independent auditors that is to audit and report on the financial statements issued by the Town. The Audit Committee shall review the audit plan with the independent auditors and upon completion of the audit, meet with the independent auditors to discuss the results of the audit and the annual financial reports.
38.4 The Audit Committee shall transmit a copy of the completed annual audited financials and management letter report to the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, and the School Committee, and with assistance from the auditing firm, shall present the results of the annual audited financials and management letter report to a jointly held public meeting of the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the Finance Committee. Funding for the annual independent audit shall be budgeted in the Finance Committee's annual budget.

Sponsor a Brick to Support Veterans' Housing!

An example of the engraved memorial bricks
Photo by Inanna Arthen

The Massachusetts Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) is inviting you to sponsor a brick at the Winchendon Veterans Housing expansion project in memory of a fallen veteran or to recognize the service of a soldier or veteran in your life. You can also sponsor a brick with the name of your business or organization. If you have questions about what to engrave, contact info@veterans-outreach.org.

A 4 x 8 inch brick is $100, and a 8 x 8 inch brick is $250. To order a brick, go to https://polarengraving.com/veteransoutreach?fbclid=iwy2xjawexqw1lehrua2flbqixmqabhbqcqvnybbv1-ox_1hingn_nrqnexxzbrbdl-ddvd8n_wqzevm_bzbtbwq_aem_lppmpvyzvgabseiedcw8oq

Applications Open for FY26 Senior Tax Work-Off Program

Once again this year, we are pleased to announce the Senior Work-Off program was approved at our Annual Town Meeting. This Senior Work-Off Abatement Program is allowing the Town of Winchendon the opportunity to utilize the knowledge and skills of its senior residents in exchange for credit toward the resident's property tax bill. The purpose of this program is:

To employ qualified senior citizens who will apply their earnings toward payment of a portion of their property taxes;
To increase senior citizen involvement in local government; and
To enhance municipal service by using the skills of resident senior citizens.

Qualified and income-eligible residents will accrue the Commonwealth's minimum wage per hour ($15.00 hr) toward a maximum credit of $1,100.00 per household during the fiscal year.

The criteria for this program is:

You must be 60 years old or older
Homeowner in Winchendon and occupy property
Annual income below $40,150 if single; or below $45,900 if married.

Applications for the program are now available in the Town Manager's office and on the town website at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/documentcenter/view/226, and will be accepted until the ten (10) slots are filled. There are different types of positions that are available depending on preference and qualifications of the resident and the needs of each department.

Types of past and current positions have been: Custodial services, clerical help for both School & Town, Library Aides, Senior Center Aides, Cable Station Operator, Bike Path Clean up, Painting, Light Outdoor Work and Classroom Volunteers.

Please contact the Town Manager's Office at (978) 297-5431 or ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov for more information or if you need an application mailed to you.

Questions or Concerns? Email the Town Manager!

A one-click email form has been added to the town website for all residents who would like to contact the Town Manager with concerns and questions about things happening in the community. The button is at the top of the left column of buttons under "Citizen Action Center" on the left side of the website's front page. The direct link is: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/506/QUESTIONS-COMMENTS-FOR-THE-TOWN-MANAGER

Winchendon Lions Want to Welcome You!

The Winchendon Lions meet at the Winchendon American Legion Post 193, 295 School St., downstairs hall, 7:00 p.m.

Meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month, September through June. Dues are used for all Administrative cost, which is why we can say "All money received through fundraisers go back to the community, eye research, or other natural disasters around the world!"

Feel free to join us and try it out. We would love to see you!

If you have any questions feel free to call Joni 978-297-2753. Please leave a message if no answer!

"WHERE THERE'S A NEED, THERE IS A LION"

Town Committee Monthly Meetings by Week

Agendas, minutes and meeting recordings available on the Town website at Agendas & Minutes, as well as on the pages for each Board or Committee.

Boards may cancel or change times for meetings, or add extra meetings, based on specific business at hand. Check the Town Meetings Calendar tab at https://www.townofwinchendon.com/

Recordings of town meetings may be viewed on the new "Winchendon TV" website. Most meeting videos are posted within a day or two of the meeting.
https://winchendon.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/?site=1%C2%A0%C2%A0

Winchendon PD Wants Your Feedback About Drug-Related Crime

Winchendon has felt the impact of the opioid epidemic like all cities and towns in our region and the country abroad. Drug activity creates a wide range of negative effects, ranging from increased criminal activity and violence to a decline in physical safety and economic stability. Drug activity also increases public health risks for those suffering from substance abuse disorder and puts strain on families living with loved ones struggling with addiction.

We believe a multi-faceted approach is necessary to mitigate the negative effects of drug activity in a town. Compassionate outreach programs, such as our department's Post Overdose Support Team (POST) are necessary to help individuals and families. At the same time, aggressive investigation and prosecution of drug dealers is an essential component to improving quality of life in a community.

For the sake of the latter initiative, the police department applied for and was awarded a federal grant which has enabled the creation of our own drug task force. The task force was assembled in December and is comprised of four existing Winchendon officers. The task force is assigned to conduct targeted drug enforcement patrols in Winchendon. The team has been deployed several times a month (4-8hr. intervals) over the last six months. Grant funds will support this project for one year.

The desired outcome of this project is to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the Town of Winchendon. In addition, reduce the number of areas/homes where illicit drug trafficking activity is suspected.

We ask that you go to the link below and complete the following survey which will aid in measuring the success of our efforts thus far. In addition, we would like to know your thoughts on how the police department should approach and prioritize future efforts, for the sake of improving quality of life in our community.

Fill out the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/39YCY3D

Winchendon Looking for Candidates for the Board of Registrars

The Town of Winchendon is looking for a Registrar. The duties include certifying nomination papers, absentee ballot applications, and petitions. Occasionally a Registrar assists with voter registration. As a member of the Board of Registrars, you're not allowed to serve on any boards or committees or be a poll worker. If there is ever a recount, the Registrars oversee it. This is a stipend position which currently pays $240.00. If interested send a letter of interest to Debra Dennis at ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or mail to Town of Winchendon, Attn: Debra Dennis, 109 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Toy Town Trolley Now Running Later on Saturdays!

We've expanded service hours to help more Winchendon residents--especially those in need of transportation to warming centers, shelters, and essential services.

New Saturday Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Book ahead! Saturday rides must be scheduled by 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

Door-to-door rides within Winchendon are available for:

Shop Small, Shop Local in 2026!

Click to see larger image

Click here to download a printable PDF of the Small Business Saturday Winchendon shopping map!

Need a Ride?

Check out these transportation services and resources available through the Winchendon Community Connection and Access Project

• Rides available as far as Worcester for medical appointments, shopping, recreation, employment and more!
• All residents can get a ride. Priority is given to Senior Citizens and residents with disabilities.
• Most rides are FREE through MART or at a low suggested donation to the Winchendon Senior Center.
• Wheelchair accessible vehicles available.

Town Committee Vacancies
as of July 29, 2026

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.

Agricultural Commission - 2 member vacancies, 4 alternate vacancies
Audit Committee - 1 vacancy
Communication Committee - 4 vacancies
Cultural Council - 11 vacancies
Fence Viewer and Field Driver - 2 vacancies
Historical District Commission - 1 vacancy
Parks & Recreation Commission - 1 student vacancy
Planning Board - 1 vacancy Winchendon Youth Commission - 3 vacancies
Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 vacancy

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 of interest to ddennis@winchendon-ma.gov or Town Manager, 109 Front Street Dept. 1, Winchendon MA 01475.

For a description of each board or committee, see: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/DocumentCenter/View/440/Selectmen-Appointed-Boards-and-Committees-July-2024-PDF (PDF).

Employment

New Listings!

THURSDAY, JULY 23
12:06-2:10 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
2:27 a.m.: patrol initiated (Central Street), checked/secure;
8:07 a.m.: suspicious (other) (Brown Street), report taken;
9:14 a.m.: 911, welfare check/general (other town, Stockwell Road), services rendered;
9:26 a.m.: investigation (Juniper Street), services rendered;
10:21 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Mason Street), assisted;
11:27 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (other town, Butterworth Road), removed to hospital;
12:19 p.m.: hazardous materials spill (Glenallen Street @ Spring Street), services rendered;
12:49 p.m.: suspicious person (Goodrich Street), spoken to;
1:52 p.m.: mutual aid to scene (Rindge, Sawmill Road), services rendered;
3:00 p.m.: investigation (Spring Street), services rendered;
3:09 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Spring Street @ Gardner Road), unable to locate;
3:18 p.m.: MV stop (Old Gardner Road @ Gardner Road), written warning;
4:11 p.m.: dog bite (Walnut Street), referred to ACO;
4:54 p.m.: 911, mental health issue (address not published), removed to hospital;
7:03 p.m.: suspicious vehicle (Murdock Avenue), spoken to;
8:27 p.m.: extra patrols (Winchendon Community Park, Ingleside Drive), checked/secure;
9:06 p.m.: missing person (Front Street), spoken to;
9:18 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Town Farm Road), report taken;

FRIDAY, JULY 24
12:23-3:10 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
3:04 a.m.: assist other police department (other town, Spruce Street @ Blueberry Road), call cancelled;
9:11 a.m.: summons service (Goodrich Drive), summons served;
10:58 a.m.: Keep The Peace (Maynard Street), services rendered;
11:39 a.m.: animal complaint (Joslin Road), referred to ACO;
11:44 a.m.: trespass notice entry (Maynard Street), info taken;
12:47 p.m.: threats (Goodrich Drive), info taken;
1:38 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Spring Circle), removed to hospital;
2:28 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road), report taken;
2:38 p.m.: animal complaint (North Street), referred to ACO;
2:41 p.m.: harassment (Maynard Street), spoken to;
3:36 p.m.: fire carbon monoxide incident (Alger Street), services rendered;
4:40 p.m.: Keep The Peace (Holly Drive), assisted;
5:16 p.m.: harassment (River Street), report taken;
6:16 p.m.: 911, disturbance (Hospital Road), report taken;
6:34 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Front Street), removed to hospital;
7:13 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Crosby Road), 911 non-emergency call;
7:16 p.m.: ATV complaint (Mill Glen Road @ Baldwinville Road), advised officer;
8:49 p.m.: extra patrols (Linden Street @ Maple Street), checked/secure;
9:37 p.m.: assist other police department (Goodrich Drive), spoken to;
9:53 p.m.: 911, ambulance needed (High Street), removed to hospital;
10:25 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Town Farm Road), 911 non-emergency call;
11:52 p.m.: officer requested (Central Street), spoken to;

SUNDAY, JULY 26
1:28-3:07 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
1:41 a.m.: 911, CO detector activation (Baldwinville Road), services rendered;
2:33 a.m.: suspicious person (Glenallen Street), transport;
4:43 a.m.: 911, 911 hang-up (Lincoln Avenue), 911 non-emergency call;
5:30 a.m.: 911, officer wanted (North Ashburnham Road), report taken;
6:11 a.m.: ambulance needed (Front Street), removed to hospital;
7:27 a.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (Gardner Road @ Old Gardner Road), referred to state DPW;
8:46 a.m.: investigation (River Street), dispersed gathering;
9:01 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
11:45 a.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), written warning;
11:52 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Brown Court @ Lincoln Avenue Extension), removed to hospital;
12:04 p.m.: traffic enforcement (Pearl Street), checked/secure;
12:52 p.m.: assault (Spring Street), report taken;
3:23 p.m.: 911, disturbance/fight (Main Street), gone on arrival;
3:49 p.m.: harassment (Webster Street), spoken to;
3:54 p.m.: smoke (Gardner Road), services rendered;
5:39 p.m.: civil complaint (Lakeshore Drive), referred to court;
6:34 p.m.: summons service (Front Street), summons served;
6:42 p.m.: 911, disturbance/fight (Central Street), spoken to;
7:34 p.m.: trespassing (Ash Street), report taken;
8:13 p.m.: investigation (Benjamin Street), spoken to;
8:15 p.m.: mental health issue (address not published), returned to home or family;
9:06 p.m.: 911, burglary / breaking & entering (Maple Street), spoken to;
9:50 p.m.: extra patrols (Saloom Furntiture Mfg., Murdock Avenue), checked/secure;
11:23 p.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, Woodbound Road), services rendered;

MONDAY, JULY 27
12:21 a.m.: vandalism (Central Street), report taken;
5:14 a.m.: 911, disabled vehicle (Baldwinville State Road), MV towed/result of private tow;
9:04 a.m.: animal complaint (North Vine Street), referred to ACO;
9:34 a.m;: animal complaint (Pearl Drive), referred to ACO;
9:41 a.m.: animal complaint (other town, Winchendon Road), spoken to;
9:43 a.m.: officer requested (Elmwood Road), report taken;
10:47 a.m.: fraud (Old Gardner Road), report taken;
12:10 p.m.: 911, vandalism (Main Street), report taken;
2:35 p.m.: officer requested (Lakeshore Drive), spoken to;
2:41 p.m.: animal complaint (Pearl Drive), spoken to;
2:47 p.m.: animal complaint (North Vine Street), services rendered;
3:37 p.m.: noise complaint (Oak Street @ Lincoln Avenue), spoken to;
5:30 p.m.: 911, MV accident, no injuries (Spring Street), spoken to;
6:01 p.m.: MV stop (Glenallen Street @ Elmwood Road), verbal warning;
7:01 p.m.: MV stop (Glenallen Street), verbal warning;
7:58 p.m.: Department of Public Works call/general (West Street), area search negative;
8:10 p.m.: animal complaint (Jackson Avenue @ Franklin Street), services rendered;
10:21 p.m.: extra patrols (Central Street), spoken to;
11:08 p.m.: fraud (Baldwinville Road), report taken;
11:49 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street), written warning;

TUESDAY, JULY 28
12:03-3:29 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
12:07 a.m.: extra patrols (North Ashburnham Road), checked/secure;
12:07 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Otter River Road), removed to hospital;
12:10 a.m.: 911, ambulance needed (Central Street), removed to hospital;
12:15 a.m.: extra patrols (Mathieu Ford Dealership, Spring Street), checked/secure;
6:23 a.m.: info/general (Rice Road), info taken;
6:55 a.m.: MV operating erratically (Goodrich Street @ Belmont Avenue), advised officer;
7:57 a.m.: trespassing (Jackson Avenue), spoken to;
8:23 a.m.: alarm/type unknown (Spring Street), accidental/defective alarm;
9:38 a.m.: mutual aid to scene (other town, Pierce Drive), services rendered;
10:51 a.m.: info/general (other town, Peaceful Pines), info taken;
11:08 a.m.: animal complaint (North Vine Street), referred to ACO;
11:28 a.m.: trespassing (Old Centre), report taken;
11:37 a.m.: sex offender registration (Central Street), info taken;
11:52 a.m.: ambulance needed (Hyde Park Drive), removed to hospital;
12:17 p.m.: private property tow (Mill Street), assisted;
12:36 p.m.: info/general (Central Street), info taken;
1:29 p.m.: animal complaint (Pearl Drive), referred to ACO;
1:45 p.m.: animal complaint (Brown Avenue), referred to ACO;
2:38 p.m.: ambulance needed (Polly's Drive), removed to hospital;
3:04 p.m.: sex offender registration (Glenallen Street), spoken to;
3:55 p.m.: assist citizen (Lakeshore Drive), spoken to;
4:07 p.m.: neighbor dispute (Jackson Avenue), spoken to;
6:38 p.m.: extra patrols (Saloom Furniture Mfg., Murdock Avenue), checked/secure;
6:45 p.m.: 911, Department of Public Works call/general (Central Street), referred to DPW;
8:50 p.m.: 911, welfare check/elderly (address not published), renmoved to hospital;
10:17 p.m.: intoxicated person (Central Street), returned to home or family;
10:32 p.m.: welfare check/general (Main Street), report taken;
10:43 p.m.: repossession of a vehicle (Maynard Street), info taken;
11:54 p.m.: ATV complaint (Grove Street @ School Street), area search negative;

Summons:
Russell Taylor Cable, age 25, 125 Steepleview Dr, Hampden, MA, charged with: B & E for misdemeanor; trespass.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
12:14 a.m.: patrol initiated (GAR Park, Murdock Avenue), arrest;
3:31-3:38 a.m.: building checks, all secure;
9:01 a.m.: suspicious vehicle (Franklin Street), services rendered;
9:33 a.m.: 911, unwanted party (Franklin Street), assisted;
1:17 p.m.: abandoned vehicle (Baldwinville State Road), assisted;
5:27 p.m.: 911, tree down on wires (Elmwood Road), referred to other agency;
5:55 p.m.: property lost (Town Farm Road), info taken;
7:15 p.m.: 911, 911 call non-emergency (Cardinal Lana), accidental/defective alarm;
8:30 p.m.: tree down (Robbins Road), referred to DPW;

Arrest:
Jean-Manuel Castro Valentine, age 21, 283 Abbott Run Valley Road, Cumberland, RI, charged with: receive stolen motor vehicle.