plans for virtual school move ahead · 10/25/2013 · living on central street on halloween ....
TRANSCRIPT
6 56525 10431 2
(978) 297-0050 • www.winchendoncourier.com Newsstand: 75 cents
LOCALLegion installs
Officers
PAGE 3
SPORTSSoccer Season is
a wrap
PAGE 8
WEEKLY QUOTE
“There is no wisdom without love.”
N. Sri Ram
CLARK YMCA
You’re invited to the Clark Memorial YMCA’s Halloween Party on Sunday, Oct. 27. Join us for a fun afternoon of games, arts and crafts, trick or treating and our spooky Haunted House. Come dressed in your Halloween costume ready to have some fun!
2-4 p.m.: Arts and Crafts, Games and a Haunted House ($1 to enter)
3-3:30 p.m.: Trick or Treating at the Y
CORNERSTONE EVENT
Family Fall Fest - Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2-4 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church parking lot, Rte 140, Winchendon.
* Free fun for the whole family, * Candy, * Games, * Face Painting, * Refreshments, * Music
Call or email Cornerstone for more info: (978) 297-3125 or [email protected]
TOWN
Halloween hours were set by the Board of Selectmen as Thursday, Oct. 31 between 5 and 7 p.m. Happy Haunting!
As part of the event, Hyde Park tenant’s council will give out candy at the Community Room.
BROADVIEW
Trick or treating at Broadview Assisted Living on Central Street on Halloween night from 5-7 pm. with a craft table and showing a scary Halloween movie in the Community Room. Free and open to every one; come get spooked (and some treats!)
FOR THE ADULTS
On Friday, Oct. 25 at the Eugene M. Connor American Legion Post 193 on School Street the annual Halloween Party is scheduled from 8 p.m. to midnight. $5 to get in. There will be cash prizes for most creative and best overall costumes.
New pilot program off to a good start
Greg Vine photo
People mingle as they visit the new Murdock Academy for Success during an open house.
BY GREG VINECOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Don’t call it the Marvin School anymore. The building that sits at 89 Ash St. is now known as the Murdock Academy for Success.
Currently in its first year of operation, the pilot program was estab-lished to meet the needs of students who find they perform better in a non-traditional school setting. Four faculty members provide educa-tion in English language arts, history, math and science. Much of the instruction provided is one-on-one, giving stu-dents a more personal and intensive learning experience, which is designed to ensure they earn the credits needed to graduate.
The program is over-seen by program admin-istrator Steven Haddad and Assistant Principal Joshua Romano.
Eligibility for enroll-ment in the academy is determined by a commit-tee made up of adminis-trators from Murdock High and Middle schools, the special education department, the acade-my’s coordinator, and the guidance departments at the high school and mid-dle school.
Dozens of interested residents attended an open house held Oct. 16 to show off the newly-ren-ovated school. Visitors seemed impressed by the refinished wood floors, freshly painted rooms, new desks and up-to-date computer systems; but they were even more impressed by the enthu-
siasm of the staff and stu-dents.
“This is pretty flexible program,” said Haddad. “Students are able to learn at their own pace, even though we obvious-ly do have standards that need to be met. It allows them to learn at a com-fortable pace rather than feeling the pressure to keep up within the con-fines of a larger class. Some students just don’t do as well in that environ-ment.”
Learning plans are individualized and tend to focus on each student’s strengths and interests, while pinpointing areas that need improvement. Guidance, special edu-cation, career and coun-seling services are also
Navigating wellness: seniors attend health fairBY GREG VINE
COURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Dozens of health-conscious seniors attended the annu-al Wellness Day at the Old Murdock Senior Center last Thursday. A wide array of vendors was also on hand to show off the services and products they have available to monitor and improve one’s health. This marks the 10th year for the event, which is facil-itated by the Winchendon Council on Aging.
Those attending the fair received File of Life cards from the Winchendon Fire Department. The cards, which are meant to remain with the senior at all times, include important med-ical information written down by the patient. The information on the cards — from chronic health issues to allergies to cur-rent medications — allow first responders to react more efficiently and safe-ly to medical emergencies. The cards also provide
space for emergency con-tact names and numbers.
Among the service agencies on hand was the Gardner Visiting Nurses Association. Tina Schryver, the association’s marketing and sales direc-tor, said one goal of the GVNA is to provide seniors with the information they need to ensure their health and safety, and therefore their independence, so that they may stay in their own
Plans for virtual school move ahead
BY GREG VINECOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — If the hopes of Superintendent Dr. Salah Khelfaoui are realized, a virtual school will be up and run-ning by the start of the next academic year. The school, as envisioned by Khelfaoui and those working with him on the project, would encompass 16 area school districts that are currently members of the FLLAC and/or CAPS educational collaboratives.
“The state has a model for virtual schools that would allows for students from across the state to participate,” said the superin-tendent, “but we decided to put together a collaborative that would be limited to stu-dents in the participating districts.”
There would be no charge for students to enroll.
“The model being pursued allows for full-time students,” Khelfaoui explained. “These are students who may not be able to attend a traditional school because of physical limitations, behavioral problems, or because they are being home-schooled. It would respect the rights of home-schoolers while allowing them access to our resourc-es. And those resources would be available for free. Right now, parents of students being educated at home get them from other sources and have to pay for them.”
Khelfaoui also explained under a system that allows students statewide to take part, school districts would have to pay the vir-tual school for a student’s education, just as they do under the current school choice system. “
“In a collaborative like the one we are proposing, the money stays in the student’s home district, it stays with the student.”
“A board of trustees would oversee the collaborative,” he added, “but we have not yet determined the model for that board.”
Khelfaoui said there are a number of advantages to the program.
“First, the virtual school would allow for credit recovery,” he said. “For exam-ple, a student may be missing credits from a course needed to graduate. This would allow them to earn those credits at their own pace. And if a student has dropped out, they would be able to return to school and earn their high school diploma by finishing the required courses.”
The committee working to establish the virtual school has several meetings planned to address a variety of issues.
“We need to determine what grades will be covered. We also need to decide what courses will be offered, as well as how we offer them. And we need to look at a budget. How will it be funded from among the 16 districts?”
Khelfaoui also said attending a virtual school won’t limit a student to online con-tact with instructors.
“Students can certainly make arrange-ments to meet with a course coordinator or coach face-to-face if they find they need extra help,” he said. “They would have a choice of educators to meet with. There would be several to choose from, so a stu-
LIL’ PUMPKINHEADGreg Vine photo
Bruce Cloutier helps grandson Landon Matewski with his pumpkin mask during the carving at the Artisan Lodge of Masons open house last weekend. A story and more photos appear on page 12.
Please Read SENIORS, page A9
Please Read HEALTH, page A9
Please Read PROGRAM, page A9
NEW TIMEWINCHENDON — The Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon is now holding its
Sunday services at 5 p.m. All are invited to attend. Come see what we are about.
Winchendon courier 2
President & PublisherFrank G. Chilinski
Chief finanCial OffiCerron Tremblay 508-909-4102
OPeratiOn direCtOrJames DiniCola 508-764-6102
Managing editOraDam minor
advertising ManagerJean ashTon
PrOduCtiOn ManagerJulie Clarke
The WinChenDon Courier
neWs staff direCtOrY editOr ruTh DeamiCis (978) 297-0050 x [email protected] tO subsCribe, Or fOr subsCriPtiOn serviCes:kerri PeTerson
tO PlaCe a business ad:
ruTh DeamiCis (978) 297-0050 x [email protected]
tO faX the COurier:Call (978) 297-2177
tO Print an ObituarY:email: [email protected] CenTral sTreeT
tO subMit a letter tO the editOr:email: [email protected] CenTral sTreeT
tO sOund Off:Call (978) 297-0050 x 100email [email protected]
tO subMit Calendar iteMs:email: [email protected] 44 CenTral sTreeT
hOW tO use:A Stonebridge PreSS PublicAtion
The Winchendon Courier (USPS 685-920) is published weekly for $45 per year (in county) by Stonebridge Press, 25 Elm St. St., Southbridge, MA 01550 Out of coun-ty rate is $56 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Winchendon. To sub-scribe call (800) 367-9898. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Winchendon Courier, 44 Central St., Winchendon, MA 01475.
sTonebriDGe Press PhoTo PoliCyAs a community oriented family of newspapers, Stonebridge Press welcomes photos from readers, business owners, and other outside sources for publication in any of its titles. Any photos submitted for publication become the property of Stonebridge Press, and may be displayed in our newspapers, as well as on our Web site. They may also be made available for resale, with any proceeds going to Stonebridge Press and/or the photo re-print vendor.
Students of the Month
The four students honored this month get the giggles as they stand for a quick photo-op. From left: Rachel Spivey, Austyn Caley, Daniel Fuller and Felicia Ingman.
Daniel Fuller, with his brother Tristan and Mom Laura, is Student of the Month for Toy Town Elementary School. He is an outstanding student, according to his teacher Mrs. Cormier, continuing a trend begun last year in getting straight A’s. He is willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, is work is completed in a thorough and thoughtful manner and he is always up for a challenge.
Austyn Caley, pictured with members of his family, is a first grader in Mrs. Mizhir’s class and was named Student of the Month for Memorial Elementary School. He walks into the classroom every morning with a smile on his face, a friendly hello to his teach-er and his classmates and ready to begin work. He gives 110% and his work is done in a quality manner, he reaches out to others with willing, helping hands and is a role model to other students.
Murdock Middle School eighth grader Rachel Spivey, with her family, is the October student of the month. She is considered a kind, considerate, generous and thoughtful team player who works well with other students. She consistently works to the best of her ability in academics and at extra cur-ricular activities.
Murdock’s student of the month is senior Felicia Ingman, pictured with her parents. She has successfully balanced significant commitments to academics, music and athletics, and she has been described as focused, hard working and an excellent student; though quiet and unassuming. She is an accomplished musician, playing flute and studying music theory; is an outstanding runner on the cross country team and her favor-ite subject this year is a pre-veterinary course. Breeding husky dogs, a family business, and caring for animals is a personal passion and a career focus. Felicia hopes to study biology at UMass Amherst and to compete at Division 1A cross country. Ultimately, she intends to earn a veterinary degree from Tufts and pursue her passion as a career.
Greg Vine photos
Students of the Month is sponsored by the Winchendon McDonald’s
BY PATRICE HARRINGTONCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Billy Gonzalez, the new Spanish teacher at Murdock was originally born in Bogota, Colombia. His mother is Colombian and his father is Puerto Rican they met in college and later moved to Framingham, where Gonzalez grew up.
After high school Gonzalez attended Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania where he obtained his degree in communications. He worked in finance for a while and with the economy failing he decided on a career change.
“I decided to do a self inventory and I realized I’m good with kids and I’m bilingual and I figured I could use my knowledge of Spanish and my rapport with kids for educa-tion,” said Gonzalez.
He added the fact that he also wanted to coach football. After post-ing his resume on schoolspring.com, Principal Ralph Olsen contact-ed Gonzalez for an interview and shortly after he was hired.
Gonzalez teaches both Spanish I and Spanish II.
“I think Spanish is an important
language to learn. It’s good to know because it’s one of the most pop-ular languages in the world right now and pretty soon in this coun-try it’s going to be one of the most spoken languages besides English,” Gonzalez explained.
He also said that it’s important to have knowledge of another cul-ture. Furthermore Gonzalez feels that Spanish is not so different than
English because about 40 percent is the same.
“You know about 40 percent of the language already so you’re almost half way there,” he said. He wants to take away the fear of learning a new language.
His goal is to have his students be able to introduce themselves and ask for help. He wants them to learn the basics of communicating. A lot of his classes are geared towards real interactions by role playing and setting up their own scripts. Gonzalez will give his students sce-narios such as describing a few of their family members and they pres-ent that in front of the class.
“By them writing up their own script then actually performing what they’re doing they get that experience under their belt and the more experience they get with the language the easier it is to commu-nicate later on,” he said.
Gonzalez is also a defensive coach for the Murdock football team. He is equally as passionate about teaching Spanish as he is coaching football. He is very happy to be a part of both Murdock academics and sports.
Patrice Harrington photo
Billy Gonzalez awaits his students.
Spanish comes naturally to new language teacher at Murdock
1984 COMMITTEE CALLWINCHENDON — Interested in help-
ing to organize the 30th Reunion of the Murdock Class of 1984? Please attend the inaugural 30th Reunion committee meet-ing on Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m. at the Beals Memorial Library. No RSVP nec-essary, just show up at the meeting, at which attendees will finalize Reunion committee members, discuss promotion, events and activities. All classmates are welcome! Questions? Please contact Mary Harrington at [email protected] or Lisa Cosentino at [email protected].
FALL FAIRWINCHENDON — The Hyde Park Fall
Fair is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Included are a quilt raffle, an 18” doll with clothes raffle, a bake sale, flea market items, crafts, a ticket auction, food and refreshments.
ANNUAL CLARK AUCTIONWINCHENDON — This year’s auction
and wine tasting will have some new wrin-kles as a beer tasting will part of the festiv-ities on Friday, Nov. 8 from 6 p.m. to mid-night at the Hidden Hills banquet facility in Rindge on Rte. 202. The wine is present-ed by Westminster Pharmacy, the beer by Wachusett Brewery. Also on hand will be the famous silent auction, hors d’ourves, a dance and new this year, comedian Jim Colliton. Tickets, at $30 per person, are now on sale at the Clark. Contact Tracy Pelkey at (978) 297-9622 or at [email protected].
PASTA FESTRINDGE — On Saturday Nov. 2 the
First Congregational Church in Rindge will present PastaFest from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The air will be full of aromas. There will be truly delicious homemade pasta dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and of course spa-ghetti and meatballs. There will also be salad, garlic bread and beverages. But save room because there will also be dessert! As Pastor David Jadlocki says, ”No one leaves this place hungry.” You can participate in PastaFest by dining in the Rindge Meeting House or by picking up your To-go order at the Rindge Meeting House, 6 Payson Hill Road on Nov. 2. Tickets are $9 for adults, children under 12 are just $6 or family of four for $25. For advanced purchase tickets by Oct. 28 and discount information please call (603) 899-5722. You won’t want to miss being a part of the first annual PastaFest-Rindge on Nov. 2.
SPAGHETTI & A MEAT RAFFLE!
WINCHENDON — The annual American Legion Auxiliary spaghetti and meatballs supper is planned for Friday, Nov. 15 at the Eugene M. Connor Post 193, 295 School St. from 5-7 p.m. Tickets are just $6 for a full course meal including salad and dessert; but if that isn’t enough to whet your appe-tite, go upstairs following and attend the American Legion meat raffle beginning at 7 p.m. and possibly win your next meal too! Both events benefit the scholarship funds for the two organizations.
SIGN UP TO SKIWINCHENDON — The Winchendon
Public Schools in conjunction with Wachusett Mountain are offering an after school Ski and Snowboard Program. Classes will begin on Jan. 7, 2014 and will run every Tuesday for six weeks. Busing will be included from and to Murdock. Any students in grades 6 through 12, wishing to register should pick up a registration form from Josh Romano, Asst. Principal MHS, Rachael Weinhold in the Murdock Guidance office, or call Jennifer Haddad at (978) 868-7086. Space may be limited, so be sure to register soon to avoid disappoint-ment.
MWCC GETS CHILDCARE GRANT
MWCC has received a four-year, $317,388 federal grant to continue its Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program, which provide child-care subsidies and other support services to eligible students.
The grant, part of $9.2 million allocated in September by the U.S. Department of Education, was awarded to 58 postsecond-ary institutions in 28 states to establish or support campus-based childcare services.
The grant program assists students with reliable child care needs so they can remain focused on their studies, said MWCC CCAMPIS coordinator Deirdre Moran said. Established at MWCC in 2009, it is the only CCAMPIS program funded in Massachusetts.
“Child care costs are approaching $200 a week for many parents and CCAMPIS can help with those expenses. That’s a huge savings for our students,” Moran said.
The CCAMPIS program at MWCC pro-vides childcare subsidies to eligible stu-dents who are enrolled part-time or full-time at MWCC’s Gardner, Leominster or Devens campuses. Participating students can select from more than 100 pre-approved childcare providers, all of which fall within a 15-mile radius of one of the three cam-puses. Other services provided to partici-pants include academic advising, regular monitoring of academic progress, career counseling, employment information, and referrals to community support services.
Awards can be used for childcare ser-vices for all age groups: infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as before and after-school care for school-age children. Students eligible to receive services for their children through CCAMPIS must be eligible for Pell grants, which are awarded
based on financial need.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTWILLIAMSBURG, VA — Dylan J.
Albrecht, son of Jeff Albrecht and Pamela Sparling of Winchendon, recently graduat-ed from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg VA with a Doctorate in physics. He is a former graduate of
UMass Amherst and the Well School in Peterborough NH. He was home schooled and attend-ed the Waldorf School Keene NH in the early grades. He is currently doing research in Physics at the University of Crete, in Crete, Greece.
BRISTOL, RI — Cameron Peahl, a resident of Rindge,
was among more than 1,080 students from Roger Williams University to receive their degree during the University’s Commencement ceremony held on May 18, 2013. Peahl earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering.
CANTON, NY — St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY welcomes Stephanie A. Johnson of Rindge as a member of the class of 2017.
Some 634 first-year students from 30 U.S. states, including a record 72 international students, have joined the St. Lawrence student body.
Each first-year student participates in St. Lawrence University’s innovative First-Year Program – one of the oldest living-learning programs in the country – helping students make successful transi-tions from high school to college. Students live together and are taught by faculty teams, developing the writing, speaking, and research skills needed for college. Students continue to develop these skills in a spring First-Year Seminar.
Johnson graduated from Conant High School.
FARM PROFIT SEMINARBARRE — On Monday, Nov. 4
Northeast Organic Farming Association/ Massachusetts Chapter hosts a seminar for small scale vegetable growers to become more profitable using season extension, improved farm systems, and more effective marketing. The event takes place at Barre Congregational Church, 30 Park St.
The presenter, Michael Kilpatrick, runs his family business, Kilpatrick Family Farm, in Middle Granville, NY. Kilpatrick has been farming since he was 16 years old, when he and his brother decided to grow vegetables for the local farmers market to make pocket money for the summer.
Still in his late 20s, Kilpatrick has grown the farm to include more than 100 acres of rented and leased land; sales at mul-tiple farmers’ mar-kets in both sum-mer and winter; and hundreds of CSA members year-round. The farm supports its year-round demand with production in mul-tiple high tunnels, a summer crew of seven full time employees, and win-ter crew of three.
Kilpatrick says the key to much of his success is rooted in his commitment to extensive cover cropping, careful matching of crops to soil type, use of organic growing principles, and
meticulous record keeping. His farm’s growing practices are certified natural-ly grown and the farm subscribes to the Farmer’s Pledge: a program started by Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York.
Julie Rawson, who has run Many Hands Organic Farm in Barre since 1982 and is executive director of NOFA/Mass said, “I spent 1 ½ hours at one of Kilpatrick’s workshops this summer and was blown away with the practical takeaways for me as a CSA farmer. Any farmer who raises vegetable crops shouldn’t miss this oppor-tunity to learn from this highly successful, practically-based young farmer.”
The cost of registration for the seminar is $70 for NOFA/Mass members and $88 for non-members, if registering by Oct. 31. Registration is available online at www.nofamass.org. For more information, con-tact Ben Grosscup at (413) 658-5374 or [email protected].
SING!WINCHENDON — The Unitarian
Universalist Church of Winchendon in con-junction with the Winchendon Historical Society will be presenting a concert of song and story on Dec. 7. The music will be selections from Handel’s The Messiah. We’re looking for people to be members of the chorus. If you love to sing, can carry a tune, please come! Rehearsals will start in October for inexperienced singers or those who are unfamiliar with The Messiah; and in November for experienced singers. Contact Lucinda Ellert at lucindajel [email protected], or call: 781-944-7254. I n e x p e r i e n c e d singers will be auditioned at the end of September.
LIONS MEETINGS
WINCHENDON — Winchendon Lions will be meet-ing once again at the Ipswich Drive R e c r e a t i o n a l Building, the third Tuesday of every month. New mem-bers always wel-come! If you need any info feel free to ask any Lion or come to any meet-ing.
Winchendon courier 3
Courier Capsules
The Winchendon Courier is commit-ted to accuracy in all its news reports. Although numerous safeguards are in place to ensure accurate reporting, mistakes can occur. Confirmed fact errors will be corrected at the top right hand corner of page three in a timely manner. If you find a mis-take, call (978) 297-0050 during normal business hours. During non-business hours, leave a message in the editor’s voice mailbox. The editor will return your phone call. Or contact the edi-tor at the following email: [email protected].
aCCuraCy WatCh
For advertising information call us
at 978-297-0050
(978) 297-4456ROUTE 202 SOUTH, WINCHENDON
OFFICE LOCATED AT 1335 ALGER STREET
3 CHECK OUR LOW PRICES3 50 GALLON DELIVERIES AVAILABLE3 AUTOMATIC OR CALL-INS3 COMPETITIVE RATES
HI-LO OIL, INC.
“Keeping You Warm Since 1989.”
Eastern Propane600 School St.Winchendon, MAPhone: 978-297-0529 1-800-522-2000www.eastern.com
Hi-Lo Oil, Inc.743 Alger StreetWinchendon, MA (978) 297-4456
Your Guide To Local Fuel Dealers.
The Best Ever Chewy Brownie Cookies
Sharing Hometown Recipes, Cooking Tips and Coupons
Have someone in your life who cannot get enough chocolate?
Then, Bobbie Hewitt’s Chewy Brownie Cookies are for them—chocolate perfection! These are great warm from the oven. The chocolaty gooeyness was to-die-for. And guess what... after they cooled they were still equally addictive.
See step-by-step photos of Bobbie’s recipe plus thousands more from home cooks nationwide at:
www.justapinch.com/chewyYou’ll also find a meal planner, coupons and
chances to win! Enjoy and remember, use “just a pinch”...
www.justapinch.com/chewy
What You Need1 1/2 c brown sugar firmly packed2/3 c shortening1 tbsp water1 tsp vanilla2 eggs1 1/2 c all purpose flour1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder1/2 tsp salt1/4 tsp baking soda2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions• Preheat oven to 375. Place
sheets of foil on countertop for cooling.
Chewy Brownie Cookies
• Place brown sugar, shortening, water and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed with mixer until well blended. Add eggs one at a time and beat well.
• Combine flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda. Add to shortening mixture and beat at low speed just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
• Drop by rounded measuring teaspoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake one baking sheet at a time for 7 to 9 minutes. Do not overbake.
• Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet then move cookies to foil.
“People tell me these
are the best they every
ate!”
By Janet Tharpe
- Janet
Brought to you by American Hometown Media
Bobbie HewittLenoir City, TN
(pop. 8,642)
Submitted by: Bobbie Hewitt, Lenoir City, TN (Pop. 8,642)
Dylan Albrecht
AUXILIARY INSTALL OFFICERSCourtesy photo
The members of the Eugene M. Connor Unit #193, American Legion Auxiliary held its annual installation of officers in September. The installing officers were District IV Director Beverly Higley and District IV Sergeant-at-Arms June Mezzanotti. Pictured from left to right are: Top Row Kathy Niles (Executive Committee); Judy Philbrook (Chaplain); Lisa Gauthier (Senior Vice President); Pat Maillet (President); Debra LeRay (Secretary); Ida May George (Executive Committee); Anne Coderre (Sergeant-at-Arms); and Coral May Grout (Treasurer).Bottom row: Carol Bender (Executive Committee); Germaine Brooks (Executive Committee); Rachel Grout (Historian); and Marion May (Junior Vice President).The local American Legion Auxiliary supports veterans, enlisted, and their families within the Winchendon community. New members are always welcome. The Unit meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at the Legion Post.
Winchendon courier 4
Ready to be an instrument of changeBY BRIAN DICKENS
I don’t think life around here is really all that bad. Let’s start there.
I understand that your mileage may vary; I am well aware of just how many kids hit their 18th birthday in Winchendon, or get their first car and blow town. I get that — because I’ve done it myself. In the summer of 2012, I had all the intentions of moving to upstate New York, working at a farm, and never coming back — maybe to visit my parents once in a while. I did all of this but the latter. I returned home before the fall with a new plan: to involve myself in my community and work to make Winchendon a town kids don’t feel the need to evacuate.
What stands in our way is a diminishing dialogue between these children and the adults in positions of power who can sympathize with their needs and desires, as well as help them find a comfort and purpose in this town while pursuing their interests and goals.
Unfortunately, what I’ve often seen to be the case is that these kids get discouraged and give up early on. They are faced with long meetings
on school nights, grant writing that is Greek to them, and mazes of bureaucracy they don’t know how to navigate. Although I’m almost 22 years old, these frustrations are still fresh in my mind. So, while I don’t yet know how to help bridge this gap, I’m going to try something new. About a week ago, I submitted a letter to the Winchendon Board of Selectmen in the interest of filling a vacancy on our town’s Parks and Recreation department.
Recently, I’ve been working with the Beals Memorial Library and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon to host concerts by local, original bands. I’m not too wise to how our town government functions, and I’m not going to give you a “the children are our future” speech. But throwing a good show together once a month isn’t a bad place to start. As Courier Editor Ruth DeAmicis has said before, slow and steady steps are needed to change things around here, and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get to work.
VIEWSOpinion and commentary from Winchendon and beyond
Editorial lEttErs to thE Editor
There are spooks, and then there are spooks
WinchEndon couriErPresident/Publisher: Frank Chilinski
editor: ruth deamiCis
To the Editor:Wellness Day 2013 is now over and the
clean up is done. We would like to thank everyone who attended our annual Senior Wellness Day on October 17.
Close to 30 vendors came and the lines of people seemed to never end. We received some great suggestions to improve our event for next year and we will do our best to incorporate as many of those suggestions as possible.
We hope to see everyone again at next year’s event. Again, thank you for coming!
sharon Perkinsold murdoCk senior Center
52 murdoCk avenue978-297-3155
visit us on line at: http://www.coa.winchendonweb.com
COA: wellness day a hit
Reese says thanksTo the Editor:Last week the Courier did a story on our
daughter’s birthday party and we would like to sincerely thank everyone who made donations to A Better Tomorrow Cat Shelter in Winchendon.
There were many donations made anon-ymously.
Thank you so much.
reese, Wendy,& duayne minCkler
With Halloween less than a week away, our thoughts become a bit morbid as the year winds down toward winter, longer nights and shorter days. We as a human race find the lack of light scary; we are uncertain of our steps and grope for our way needing some sort of reas-surance.
And it isn’t just the physical lack of light, the difference in daylight and nighttime that gives us a shiver as the colder weather creeps in.
Sometimes it’s the realization of mor-tality.
Because nobody gets out alive.We would like to remind some pol-
iticians of that. Those who feel it is their mission while in office to make their mark by making others misera-ble during this short span of existence. It may be by making it hard for some legislation to get passed, or funding to be placed or they may gleefully cut pro-grams they have no notion about.
We’ve seen how that harms. Think Templeton Development or educational funding or even community block grant funding.
Think closing mental institutions or free clinics or cutbacks in healthcare units and hospitals.
Think of an accident victim whose health care is so messed up she had to come home from the hospital to recuper-ate while still in traction.
Think of the snafu that is logging on to health.gov because the Powers That Be don’t understand software and didn’t
hire the right wonks to set up their own sites.
Then think of Congress.We have ways to repair some of it. It’s
called voting. Throw the people out of office. You might “like” the local guy or gal because they did something helpful you personally are aware of in your state or district; but let’s take a broader perspective on the world for a moment and think of the well being of our whole country. Do we want to continue like this?
Obviously, we in Massachusetts can’t vote to dispense with Texas Cruz, but we can scrutinize our own representatives and hold them accountable. We don’t care how long they’ve been there. How did they conduct themselves during all this? They were strangely silent. No, we don’t have a Kennedy or Kerry there right now, but did any of them at any level fight a good fight? Any of them?
Then let’s start over. As they come up for election, ask that
single hard question: were you trans-parent during this closure? Did we see right through you and see only the loud-mouths breathing fire from the Right and the Left and nothing substantial from you? Where did you stand?
And if they can’t give you a substan-tial answer; then Casper needs to go.
Because we don’t have time for flimsy, filmy and faint.
And neither does the rest of the coun-try.
Rational conversation…Here’s the question of the
week — in fact, here’s a question for most any week — how in the
world can we get past the igno-rance (and by this I mean a basic lack of factual knowledge, not the reflexive assumption of stu-pidity) and nonsense and have rational conversations about public policy?
Let me give you an example. The other day I heard from some-one who suggested the country’s biggest problems are the deficit and too much government spend-ing. That’s a perfectly reasonable conservative position to take. The problem though, is that this per-son, and many of the other folks I see seething with rage about the deficit go absolutely bat-bleep crazy when reminded that George W. Bush inherited a surplus and launched two wars and a prescrip-tion drug plan with utterly no pay-ment plan attached to them. Point out these inconvenient facts and you get accused of piling on the 43rd President. How do you have
a rational conversation with that?Another example: Someone else
told me that spending is the biggest problem. I think everyone agrees we can do better on this score but when I helpfully listed about 10 pro-grams and asked which ones this correspondent would eliminate or cut, their response was that they’d never heard of Urban Development Action Grants nor a couple oth-ers, and that I was pompous for bringing them up. Well, thanks. The Occupy Wall Street mob used to call me a Reagan-Bush apologist because I suggested adding voting to demonstrating might be a more effective strategy for changing poli-cy than just waving signs and then
not vote. The point, though, is — again, how do you have a rational conversation with people who want to spout boilerplate right wing gib-berish about the need for spending cuts but can’t for the life of them specify what it is they want to cut — aside, of course, from SNAP ben-efits? See what I mean?
These anecdotes merely mir-ror what has been going on in Washington and across the country. Those right wingers? These people represent what’s been accurate-ly called the “New Confederacy.” They don’t want to reduce the size and scope of the federal govern-ment — they really and truly do want to shut it down. They’d have been right at home in Charleston Harbor in April 1861.
They’re not conservatives either, although too many mainstream conservatives cower before the ruckus they raise and the money the Koch brothers spend. To call them conservative is an insult to responsible conservatism. They’re American anarchists who would despise a President Chris Christie
almost as much as they loathe President Barack Obama. Not quite as much, of course; after all, Christie would at least look like them, but the New Jersey gover-nor’s fairly conservative ideology would be viewed by this fringe, to which my aforementioned corre-spondents belong, as wholly alien to their warped vision of America, and that’s pretty scary.
So how can you have a rational conversation with people of this ilk? You can’t, and you shouldn’t even try. The best thing to do is iso-late them in their own extremism. The rest of us can go about having rational debate because there sure are things we can argue about.
For example, I think the Affordable Care Act is a huge step forward toward leveling the health insurance playing field and in time will be seen not just as a land-mark piece of legislation, but as a major component in living up to the social contract we have with one another.
That said, while we knew there’d be glitches in the rollout, especially
in those states where Republican governors, determined to set up roadblocks, eschewed the exchang-es and left it to Washington to set them up, I nonetheless admit I was stunned when I read that for the most part, health.gov was using 10-year-old software when putting their site together. It goes with-out saying I am no tech geek, I mean I barely know how to pull up YouTube, but even I could have figured out this might cause some problems. The ACA was passed in March 2010 and by October 2013 you’d think some “over-caffeinated 20 year olds” as it was phrased (by a Democratic panelist) on Morning Joe one day last week, would have been hired to develop a program that worked.
The ACA is, I believe, very much in the national interest. Given that, it seems reasonable to have a rational conversation as to why the rollout has in some cases been so rocky, and what’s being done to fix it. Don’t you agree?
JERRY CARTON
JournEy of thE hEart
The older I get, the more I am convinced that most peo-ple fall into one of two broad general descriptive catego-ries.
The first category I call people with good hearts.
The second category is for people who are just mean spirited.
With the recent dust-up in Washington, DC we had lots of opportuni-ties to see both good-hearted people and mean-spirited people.
We saw them on television.We read them in our newspapers.We heard about them in the hallowed halls
of the U.S. Capitol.There were elected representatives who
have a deep concern for the needy and down-trodden and clearly saw that affordable healthcare was an incredibly important ser-vice to offer the people of the nation.
There were elected representatives who have a deep concern for the needy and down-trodden and clearly felt that enacting anoth-er law that would result in spending trillions and create yet another group of entitlements was not in anyone’s best interest.
I can accept that the representatives described in the two preceding paragraphs could easily be included in the category of people with good hearts.
How can that be you might well ask.The answer is quite simple. The represen-
tatives I describe have deep convictions and they vote those convictions. They each want what is best for the people they represent although they differ on the best way to pro-vide what is best for the people.
These folks are the true inheritors of the
best of elected representatives throughout our history. They understand where the other views have been generated. They value their colleagues who think differently. They do not question the motives of their colleagues with whom they differ.
At the end of the day they will vote, the votes will be tab-
ulated, and they will move on to the next important issue awaiting their deliberations, and they will do so without rancor. They know that on each future issue there will be a multitude of differing opinions, and that they may well find themselves on the same side with a colleague who was on the opposite side of the most recent legislative battle.
Now let’s move to the mean-spirited group.Into this group we can easily slip every
representative who berates his fellows, damns their views, questions their motives, and generally finds it necessary to demonize them in order to win the day.
This is a relatively unsavory group of politicians. They represent the worst of our people. They have no class and even less tal-ent. The Republic is not well served by them.
Sadly, more and more of them are getting elected.
Sadly, more and more of the people with good hearts are choosing to retire or simply have no interest in re-election. What was once a classy deliberative body is rapidly becoming a farce.
Americans bear a serious responsibility to correct this trend.
Correction can only be delivered at the ballot box.
When you meet a candidate for office who
is eager to tell you why his or her opponent is dangerous, untrustworthy, or out-of-touch and that the only thing standing between the horrors that would come with the election of their opponent is...him, you are in the pres-ence of a mean-spirited man.
Run to the polls.Vote for people with good hearts.They are the people who know how to
work together to solve problems.Let me remind you that arguably the most
liberal Supreme Court Justice is Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the most conservative Associate Justice is Antonin Scalia. They rarely agree on anything before the court. Yet outside the court they are the best of friends, socialize together, and have great admiration for one another.
President Eisenhower had very little in common with the Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn or the Majority Leader of the Senate Lyndon Johnson, but he understood, as did they, that working together quietly behind the scenes and reaching the best agreement they could was the way to do the nation’s business. They worked together to deliver the Era of Peace and Prosperity.
Each of my readers with some reflection could construct his or her own list of leaders throughout history who were people with good hearts.
I use only these few examples of what are many of people with good hearts who know how to get the people’s work done. And in all the instances I have studied in history, these people simply did not permit personality to enter into the mix, learned to identify and admire the positive traits of their opponents in the public arena, and found ways to dis-agree without being disagreeable.
We pay our elected representatives a lot of
money and load them down with a serious list of “perks.” While they might whine about how much more they could earn in industry, you may have noticed few of them are apply-ing for jobs in industry. They know exactly how good they have it.
Now what we have to convince them of is that getting us more “stuff” is not the way to earn our vote. Convince them that what we want is serious consideration of the issues, teamwork in the interest of the nation, and that we understand that sometimes sacrifice is needed, not just in the halls of Congress, but in our own living rooms.
And let them know that we are ready to join them in making whatever sacrifices are necessary to ensure the future of our country.
This unseemly need to demonize, castigate, and tear down opponents is neither appropri-ate nor helpful. It is the work of amateurs, poseurs, and mean-spirited people.
Let’s not reward mean-spirited people by electing, or reelecting, them to public office. Let us retire them all.
Let’s identify and honor people with good hearts.
Our country will be so much better off if we are able to accomplish this.
“Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself!”
-Mark Twain
If you missed the last column published in the paper you can access it at: blair-notes.blog-spot.com. If you would care to read my BLOG, access it at blair-notes.blogspot.com.
JACK BLAIR
notEs of concErn
We can do better…
First in the season this SaturdayFITCHBURG — It is with great enthusiasm the Thayer Symphony Orchestra announc-
es the beginning of the 40th season!“We have an amazing three-concert series scheduled with Maestro Toshimasa Francis
Wada conducing for his 31st year with the TSO as he continues to assemble exciting per-formances for your enjoyment,” said TSO President Michael D. Hewitt.
Save the Dates: On Saturday, Oct. 26 TSO will perform an evening entitled Romance, Flirtation, Death - It’s Halloween Night with TSO! Dream of the Witches’ Sabbath from Symphonic Fantastique by Berlioz, A Night on Bald Mountain by Mussorgsky, and others will bring you a thrilling and shocking listening experience. Arrive in a Halloween costume and be entered into a best-costume contest! This thrilling event will be held at the Stratos G. Dukakis Performing Arts Center at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School at 1050 Westminster St. in Fitchburg.
On Dec. 14, the TSO will perform a Holiday Extravaganza at “Center Stage” located at Fitchburg State University! Whether it’s Handel’s Messiah or Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride that say, “the season has arrived,” this concert is tailor-made for you. Also perform-ing is the Greater Gardner Community Choir and Fitchburg State Chamber Singers for an evening of December and the holidays: the smell of balsam and snow, the sounds of bells and music. Two local ensembles gather for one glorious performance!
On March 29, 2014, the 40th season wraps up with an amazing evening entitled Bugs Bunny meets Beethoven! Great classical works were used in animated cartoons such as Beethoven’s 6th Symphony, Rossini’s Barber of Seville and many others. This concert will take us back to remembering funny cartoon shows and introducing and sharing our experiences with our youth. We also will have a special guest artist, violinist, Ilana Zak.
Tickets to the upcoming performances may be purchased by logging onto the Web site www.thayersymphony.org or by calling (978) 466-1800.
To donate to the Thayer Symphony Orchestra, send checks made out to “TSO” to 14 Monument Square, Leominster, MA 01453
The Thayer Symphony Orchestra is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit orga-nization. Contributions made to the TSO are tax deductible to the extent of the IRS regulations.
Winchendon courier 5
Democrats rooting for Cruz?BY GREG VINE
COURIER CORRESPONDENT
While they would never admit it aloud, the leaders of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee may very well be hoping — nay, praying — that the intellectual giants who make up the Tea Party caucus in the House follow their little tine god, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas [where else?]) into another govern-ment shutdown. Given that Cruz and his gang of sycophants in the House hold onto the idea of defund-ing the Affordable Care Act like a four-year-old fiercely grasping his first all-day sucker, chances of another debacle are, I believe, at
least 50/50 — despite Mitch McConnell’s declaration to the con-trary.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the chairman of the DCCC, has to be looking at the results of the lat-est ABC/Washington Post poll and (very privately) thinking maybe a short shutdown in January might not be such a bad thing – from a purely political standpoint, any-way. The Republican Party and the Tea Party don’t seem to be faring so well at the moment. In the Tuesday (Oct. 22, 2013) edition of the Post, Dan Balz and Scott Clement write:
“The (Republican) party’s image has sunk to an all-time low in Post-ABC surveys, with 32 percent of the public saying they have a favorable opinion and 63 percent saying they have an unfavorable view. Almost four in 10 Americans have a strong-ly unfavorable view. Almosgt four in 10 Americans have a strongly unfavorable view of the GOP.
“The tea party fares just as badly. Barely a quarter of the public has a favorable image of the movement, the lowest rating in Post-ABC poll-ing.
“Republicans who support the tea party movement overwhelmingly blame Obama for what happened, but among Republicans who do not back the tea party, almost as many
cite congressional Republicans as name Obama or both.”
Most voters have short mem-ories, so the recent shutdown may not be fresh enough in their minds to have an impact on the 2014 mid-term elections. If Cruz and Company manage to grind the wheels of government to a screeching halt again in January or February, however, there’s a good chance – if the ABC/Post poll is any indication – that voters next November could give Tea Party Republicans the spanking they have worked so hard to earn.
Another shutdown should prove to most Americans that senators like Cruz, Rand Paul (KY), Mike Lee (UT), and House members
like Louie Gohmert (TX – Texas again!), Steve King (IA), and oth-ers are more interested in secur-ing for themselves some modicum of power and influence from their Tea Party affiliation than they are with the well-being of the country. Once voters have figured that out, it’s only a matter of time before they turn their backs on the can-didates, the party, and the move-ment. And once the dispropor-tional influence of the Tea Party in Congress is sufficiently dimin-ished, maybe our elected officials of both parties can finally get back to governing.
Service Directory ads offer sellers the fastest and most affordable wayto advertise. From apples to azaleas, Chryslers to condos, the directoryis the way to sell! Give Ruth a call today to place your ad: 978-297-0050
LAWTON Electric CompanyResidential & Commercial
John Goan48 Mason Street
Winchendon, MA 01475978-297-2170
NH #7766M • MA-Master #8941AMA-Journeyman #23302E
ROOFING, DECKS, PORCHES,WOOD-FLOORING, WINDOWS,
INTERIOR REMODELING
Insured - References
George LeRay General Contracting Inc.978-939-5072
Made you look? Others do too. Keep your business in the public’s eye: advertise in the Courier
(978) 297-0050 x100 [email protected]
SCOOTER’S • 978-503-9991GT Auto & Light Truck Repair
“Best Labor Rates Around”Just over line on Route 12
24 Sip Pond Rd • Fitzwilliam, NH
BRUCE’S BURNER SERVICEBruce W. Cloutier
978-297-1815Lic. #016828
YEARS OFSATISFIEDSERVICE
GIRARD’S Used Parts & Cars
Paying $300 each for unwanted trucks & cars
Why pay a fine to the town? Make a buck instead!Repairs $45 per hour
Also free dumping of all metal. Including car batteries.
311 Lincoln Avenue Extension Winchendon, MA
978-297-4883 • 978-790-7110
Remind WinchendonWhere You Are!
244 School St./Rte. 12 Winchendon(978) 297-0148 [email protected]
Open 10 am - 4 pm Sat. & Sun.– We buy estates –
Your AdHere!
49 Central Street, Suite 3 Winchendon, MA 01475Tel (978) 297-2390 Fax (978) 297-3673
[email protected] • www.attorneylapointe.com
Attorney David A. LaPointeDIVORCE & FAMILY LAW
OUI/CRIMINAL DEFENSE
WILLS & ESTATES • PERSONAL INJURY
THE VIEW FROM THIS
CORNER
BY KATHLEEN SEBELIUS Secretary of Health and Human Services
Today, we are announcing key steps the Department is taking as part of a tech surge to continue to improve the consumer expe-rience on HealthCare.gov.
First, I am very pleased to announce we are bringing management expert and for-mer CEO and chairman of two publicly traded companies Jeff Zients on board to work in close cooperation with our HHS team to provide management advice and counsel to the project. Jeff has led some of the country’s top management firms, pro-viding private sector companies around the
world with best practices in management, strategy and operations. He has a prov-en track record as acting director at the Office of Management and Budget and as the nation’s first chief performance officer. Working alongside our team and using his rich expertise and management acumen, Jeff will provide short-term advice, assess-ments and recommendations.
We’ve also brought in additional experts and specialists drawn from within gov-ernment, our contractors, and industry, including veterans of top Silicon Valley companies. These reinforcements include a handful of Presidential Innovation Fellows. This new infusion of talent will bring a pow-erful array of subject matter expertise and
skills, including extensive experience scal-ing major IT systems. This effort is being marshaled as part of a cross-functional team that is working aggressively to diagnose parts of HealthCare.gov that are experienc-ing problems, learn from successful states, prioritize issues, and fix them.
In addition to our efforts to ramp up capacity and expertise with the country’s leading innovators and problem solvers, we have secured additional staff and commit-ments from our contractors, including CGI, the lead firm responsible for the federally facilitated marketplace technology. They are providing and directing the additional resources needed for this project within the
provisions of their existing contract. We will continue to keep you updated
on our progress on improving HealthCare.gov. As we work to fix the site, we encour-age Americans to continue to sign up for quality affordable coverage in four ways: by phone, online, by-mail and in person. Millions of Americans are already benefit-ing from the law, through increased bene-fits like preventative care at no additional costs and drug discounts for seniors. We believe the product of the law — affordable health insurance — is good, but we won’t stop until every American who wants it gains access to these new options for care.
A technology surge for HealthCare.gov
FITCHBURG — Wondering which high school is best for your child? Which school offers the most resources to help ensure your child receives the best secondary education? Answers to those and other questions about high school placement can be found at Monty Tech’s annual Career Awareness Night.
It will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, in the school. Area 7th and 8th grad-ers and their parents/guardians are invited to tour the school, and see firsthand students and faculty working on projects in the school’s 20 career and technical programs. Faculty and administrators will be on hand to answer questions regarding Monty Tech’s academic offerings, college placement, student services and extra-curricular activities.
As part of their curriculum and clinical training, students in the health occupation pro-gram sponsor blood drives twice a year in conjunction with the local Red Cross chapter..
For more information about Career Awareness, contact Student Support Services at (978) 345-9200, x 5235 or 5236. Monty Tech is located at 1050 Westminster St., Rte. 2A, at the Fitchburg-Westminster line.
Courtesy photo
At a recent drive, Rosalie Rattanavong of Fitchburg (right), a senior in the program, assists Red Cross nurse Carmen Primeau take blood from Jacob Skinner of Winchendon, a student in the auto body colli-sion repair technology program
Career Awareness
Photo RePRints AvAilAble
Call for
details 508-764-
4325
Winchendon courier 6
WINCHENDON POLICE LOGEditor’s Note: The information
contained in this police log was obtained through public documents kept by the police department, and is considered to be the account of the police. All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14
12:03 a.m.: burglar alarm (Spring Street) secured building; 12:05 a.m.: ambulance (Central Street) returned to home/family; 12:21 a.m.: protective custody (Central Street) services rendered; 1:41-2:00 a.m.: three building checks, secure; 4:44 a.m.: animal complaint (Mechanic Street) advised officer; 8:30 a.m.: illegal dumping (Sibley Road) report taken; 10:06 a.m.: non-emergency 911 (Converse Drive) accidental; 10:09 a.m.: offi-
cer wanted (Town Farm Road) spoken to; 10:34 a.m.: investigation (Mill Glen Road) info taken; 10:37 a.m.: gas drive off (Gardner Road) unable to locate; 2:22 p.m.: vandal-ism (Elm Street) spoken to; 3:31 p.m.: accident (Hale Street) report taken; 4:09 p.m.: animal complaint (River Street) assisted; 4:48 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street) traffic cita-tion issued; 5:04 p.m.: unwanted party (Central Street) spoken to; 5:18 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street) traffic citation issued; 5:51 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road) advised officer; 6:18 p.m.: neighbor dispute (Lakeview Drive) spoken to; 6:20 p.m.: officer wanted (Cedar Street) spoken to; 8:09 p.m.: suspicious MV (Grove Street) advised officer; 9:32 p.m.: burglar alarm (Railroad Street) secure; 11:00 p.m.: assist other PD (Gardner Road) advised officer;
11:54 p.m.: one building check, secure; 11:55 p.m.: ambulance (Baldwinville State Road) transport; 11:55 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road) verbal warning.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
12:13-1:43 a.m.: 11 building checks, secure; 12:31 a.m.: extra patrols (Hospital Drive) secure; 5:35 a.m.: non-emer-gency 911 (Pleasant Street) non-emergen-cy; 7:41 a.m.: gunshots heard (Glenallen Street) unable to locate; 11:04 a.m.: warrant arrest (North Royalston Road) gone on arrival; 11:21 a.m.: warrant of appre-hension (Hale Street) unable to locate; 11:31 a.m.: warrant of appre-hension (School Street) warrant arrest, no fur-ther info provided by PD; 11:42 a.m.: animal com-plaint (Webster Street) referred to ACO; 12:47 p.m.: accident (Gardner Road) report taken; 3:48 p.m.: non-emergen-cy 911 (Pleasant Street) non-emergency; 3:52 p.m.: welfare check (address-es will not be printed) spoken to; 3:56 p.m.: summons service (Mill Street) served; 4:02 p.m.: welfare check (address-es will not be printed) spoken to; 5:33 p.m.: 209A service (Spring Street) unable to serve; 5:38 p.m.: 209A service (Front Street) unable to locate; 6:02 p.m.: 209A service (Central Street) served to defendant; 6:05 p.m.: offi-cer wanted (Sibley Road) spoken to; 6:19 p.m.: MV stop (River Street) ver-bal warning; 6:44 p.m.: burglar alarm (Glenallen Street) no PD service nec-essary; 7:15 p.m.: proper-ty damage (Front Street) report taken; 7:26 p.m.: officer wanted (Juniper Street) report taken; 8:43
p.m.: summons service (Mill Glen Road) served; 8:49 p.m.: traffic hazard (Gardner Road) unable to locate; 9:02 p.m.: unknown type fire (Front Street) report taken; 9:39 p.m.: MV operating erratical-ly (Spring Street) spoken to; 10:00 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Central Street) unable to locate.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
1:00 a.m.: welfare check (Central Street) negative area search; 2:30 a.m.: assist citizen (walk in) assisted; 6:23 a.m.: registration check (Laurel Street) info given; 7:00 a.m.: traffic hazard (Gardner Road) info taken; 9:21 a.m.: sum-mons service (School Street) served; 9:38 a.m.: summons ser-vice (River Street) unable to serve; 9:44 a.m.: summons service (River Street) served; 9:56 a.m.: gener-al info (walk in) info taken; 10:13 a.m.: investigation (Front Street) spoken to; 10:28 a.m.: summons service (Town Farm Road) served; 10:31 a.m.: summons service (Front Street) served; 12:12 p.m.: officer wanted (Murdock Avenue) gone on arrival; 12:32 p.m.: ambu-lance (Pleasant Street) transport; 2:22 p.m.: summons service (walk in) served; 2:34 p.m.: general info (Maple Street) referred to DPW; 3:11 p.m.: investigation (School Street) report taken; 3:42 p.m.: general info (Spring Street) spo-ken to; 3:46 p.m.: assist other PD (Jackson Avenue) spoken to; 4:45 p.m.: investigation (Front Street) spoken to; 4:46 p.m.: general info (Gardner Road) advised officer; 5:01 p.m.: general info (walk in) property returned to owner; 5:36 p.m.: welfare check (addresses will not be printed) spoken to; 5:49 p.m.: MV operating erratically (School Street) unable to locate; 6:18 p.m.: burglar alarm (Front Street) false alarm; 8:57 p.m.: dis-turbance (School Street) gone on arrival; 10:36 p.m.: burglar alarm (Central Street) secure.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
12:49-3:15 a.m.: seven building checks, secure; 6:25 a.m.: officer
wanted (Alger Street) arrest: Felix E. Deleon, Jr. age 39 of 1135 Alger St., Winchendon: domestic assault; 6:34 a.m.: noise complaint (Bayberry Circle) no PD service necessary; 7:35 a.m.: burglar alarm (Central Street) false alarm; 8:13 a.m.: harassment order viola-tion (Washington Avenue) report taken; 8:30 a.m.: animal complaint (School Street) referred to ACO; 9:04 a.m.: assist other agency (Spring Street) assisted; 9:12 a.m.: disturbance (Front Street) gone on arrival; 9:48 a.m.: burglar alarm (Ash Street) call cancelled; 11:30 a.m.: harassment order violation (Goodrich Drive) report taken; 11:32 a.m.: vandalism (Teel Road) report taken; 11:48 a.m.: lift assist (Hyde Park Drive) services ren-dered; 12:48 p.m.: mutual aid fire (Nutting Road) services rendered; 2:00 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street) traffic citation issued; 2:04 p.m.: ambulance (Ash Street) trans-port; 2:38 p.m.: MV stop MV stop (School Square) warrant arrest, no further info provided by PD; 4:39 p.m.: suspicious MV (Gardner Road) spoken to; 5:24 p.m.: general info (Goodrich Drive) info taken; 6:25 p.m.: assault (Maple Street) summons: Rhonda L. Delerosa age 50 of 65 Maple St., Winchendon: A&B; 7:14 p.m.: suicide threats (Mechanic Street) removed to hospital; 7:20 p.m.: assist citizen (Spring Street) assisted; 7:23 p.m.: assist citizen (Central Street) ser-vices rendered; 10:21 p.m.: fight (Front Street) spoken to.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
12:24-1:49 a.m.: 10 building checks, secure; 6:03 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road) verbal warning; 6:30 a.m.: tree down (Brooks Road) removed traffic hazard; 8:02 a.m.: tree down on wires (Hall Road) referred to other agency; 8:13 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street) traffic citation issued; 8:30 a.m.: animal complaint (Alger Street) referred to other agency; 9:07 a.m.: accident (Front Street) report taken; 10:23 a.m.: ambulance (Central Street) transport; 11:36 a.m.: MV stop
(School Street) traffic cita-tion issued; 11:44 a.m.: bur-glar alarm (East Monomonac Road) secured building; 12:27 p.m.: accident (Front Street) report taken; 1:13 p.m.: ambulance (Hospital Drive) transport; 1:45 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street) traffic citation issued; 1:56 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street) verbal warn-ing; 1:58 p.m.: burglar alarm (First Street) services ren-dered; 2:10 p.m.: suspicious person (Highland Street) spoken to; 2:29 p.m.: MV stop (River Street) summons: Krystle A. Sharpe age 28 of 30 Pleasant St. #2, Baldwinville: operating MV with suspend-ed registration, and unin-sured MV; 2:33 p.m.: gener-al juvenile (Elmwood Road) property seized; 3:06 p.m.: harassment (Goodrich Drive) report taken; 3:16 p.m.: trans-
port (Teel Road); 4:17 p.m.: gener-al info (School Street) info given; 4:33 p.m.: suspicious MV (Spring Street) secure; 6:40 p.m.: accident (Central Street) report taken; 7:56 p.m.: domestic (Mill Street) arrest: Ernest S. Batchelor age 46 of 191 Mill St. #1, Winchendon: assault; 8:00 p.m.: assist other agency (Goodrich Drive) assisted; 8:09 p.m.: gunshots heard (Gardner Road) advised officer; 8:21 p.m.: officer wanted (phone) advised officer; 8:36 p.m.: officer wanted (Chestnut Street) spoken to; 9:12 p.m.: general info (phone) spo-ken to; 11:07 p.m.: officer wanted (Spring Street) report taken; 11:42 p.m.: suspicious person (Goodrich Drive) gone on arrival; 11:59 p.m.: investigation (Mill Street) spoken to.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
12:35 a.m.: direction info (Pleasant Street) advised officer; 3:43-4:33 a.m.: nine building checks, secure; 8:51 a.m.: burglar alarm (Elmwood Road) accidental; 9:37 a.m.: general info (walk in) spoken to; 11:49 a.m.: officer wanted (River Street) spoken to; 1:20 p.m.: acci-dent (School Street) report taken; 1:35 p.m.: animal complaint (Front Street) spoken to; 1:53 p.m.: fire alarm (Ready Drive) accidental; 2:48 p.m.: general info (Oakland Street) spoken to; 3:13 p.m.: offi-cer wanted (Mechanic Street) spo-ken to; 4:03 p.m.: suspicious MV (Baldwinville State Road) unable to locate; 4:37 p.m.: child abuse (School Street) arrest: Robb Erik Tanner age 44 of 45 School St., Winchendon: domestic A&B; 5:43 p.m.: unwanted party (Eastern Avenue) spoken to; 8:32 p.m.: sus-picious MV (Grove Street) no PD service necessary; 9:28 p.m.: lar-ceny (Front Street) report taken; 11:20 p.m.: ambulance (Hyde Park Drive) transport.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
12:32 a.m.: MV operating errat-ically (Gardner Road) referred to other PD; 12:43-1:20 a.m.: four building checks, secure; 9:55 a.m.: officer wanted (Spring Street) spo-ken to; 12:29 p.m.: warrant arrest (Main Street) gone on arrival; 12:39 p.m.: ambulance (Mill Glen Road) transport; 2:48 p.m.: warrant arrest (Front Street): Michael Clark age 30 of 355 Front St., Winchendon: arrest warrant; 5:01 p.m.: FD call (Pleasant Street) services ren-dered; 5:13 p.m.: MV stop (Lincoln Avenue) traffic citation issued; 5:19 p.m.: officer wanted (Brown Street) summons: juvenile, age 13: vandalize property; 5:27 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street) traffic citation issued; 5:49 p.m.: officer wanted (Old County Road) spoken to; 7:44 p.m.: burglar alarm (Central Street) secure; 7:48 p.m.: other suspicious (Beachview Drive) unfounded; 8:06 p.m.: disturbance (Lincoln Avenue) unfounded; 9:31 p.m.: suspicious person (Front Street) report taken; 10:09 p.m.: suspicious MV (Summer Street) dispersed gathering.
Police log
IN COUNTY� 26 WEEKS - $22.50� 52 WEEKS - $45.00� 104 WEEKS - $76.00
OUT OF COUNTY� 26 WEEKS - $30.00� 52 WEEKS - $56.00� 104 WEEKS - $90.00
SENIOR RATES� 26 WEEKS - $19.50� 52 WEEKS - $45.00� 104 WEEKS - $76.00
Name ______________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________
City________________________________State___________Zip______________
Phone ( ) _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
� Check/Money Order Enclosed ________________________________________
� VISA# ___________________________________________________________
� M/C # ___________________________________________________________
� DISCOVER _______________________________________________________
Expiration Date ______________________________________________________
Signature ___________________________________________________________
For More Information Call 1-800-367-9898 ext. 139 Circulation Department • P.O. Box 90 • Southbridge, MA 01550
PEOPLE ARE LINING UP for
DON’T MISS IT - SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND GET 4 WEEKS FREE!!• Current Complete Local News • Community Events• Local Classifieds and Merchant Advertising • and Lots More!
DIVORCE MEDIATIONPawlak Law Office and
Mediation Center
Maintain Control of Your Family’s Future515 Main Street, 1st Floor
Fitchburg, MA 01420(978) 345-5132
[email protected]~Flexible hours offered~
Boy smells trouble, and saves a small lifeBY GREG VINE
COURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Every morning, while running from his front door to the side of the road where he waits for the school bus, nine-year-old David Howlett hurdles an open drainage pipe near his front yard at 144 Alger St. Last Friday morning, however, young David — out of the corner of his eye — glimpsed something in the pipe. When he went to investigate he spotted something, which normally sends both man and beast scurrying in the other direction — a skunk.
While many people might have simply ignored the plight of the odoriferous rodent, seen by most as a pest, David took the humane step of notifying author-ities in the hope that the animal could be saved. His actions proved worthwhile.
Some employees from Winchendon’s Department of Public Works showed up and, while keeping David and his grandmother at a safe distance, very carefully removed the skunk from the pipe. It was later released back into the wild.
David is the son of Jessica and Tony Howlett and grandson of Marian Howlett.
David Howlett earned an unexpected reward when he arrived at the Courier office to share his story, a Mylec hockey stick and ball donated for the Chili Cook-off and donated back by a recipient who thought in turn it should be given to someone “who deserved it.” We thought David earned it.
Recognize anybody?
Call Stonebridge Press for details 508-764-4325
Photo Reprints Now Available!
Winchendon courier 7
SEND OBITUARIES at no charge to Editor Ruth DeAmicis, by faxing (978) 297-2177, or by e-mailing the editor at [email protected].
We also invite funeral directors and families to e-mail us a JPEG photograph to print, at no cost, alongside the obituary.
OBITUARIES
Treasured Bits & Pieces25 East St., (978) 297-7738 (off Central St., near fire station)
Barnful of books; plants & gardening décor; handcrafted items;antiques & collectibles and so much more. PLUS: Country
Cupcake: cupcakes, bread & cookies for all occasions. Orders for parties and special occasions encouraged.
Open: Thurs.11-6; Fri.11-5; Sat.10-5; most Sun., call ahead.
Shirley M. (Bosworth) Tardiff, 76
James P. Breau, 62
LEOMINSTER — Shirley M. (Bosworth) Tardiff, age 76, of Leominster, died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, in Health Alliance Leominster Hospital.
She was born on Aug. 19, 1937 in Winchendon and was the daughter of Louis and Doris (Topping) Bosworth. Shirley worked for the former R&M Manufacturing Co. in Leominster.
She was a member of St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster. Shirley, loved knitting, crocheting, and was a mem-
ber of a quilting club. She also enjoyed sitting on her deck reading her Kindle, photography, loved the ocean, and flower gardening.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years David
T. Tardiff Sr. of Leominster, her two sons David T. Tardiff Jr., and Gregg Tardiff and his wife Annette all of Leominster, her daughter Laura Masciangioli of Leominster, her brother Richard M. Bosworth of Winchendon, her two sisters Louise Botti of Winchendon, and Harriet Williams of Florida, her six grandchildren Seth Tardiff, Noah Tardiff, Gina Tardiff, Anthony Masciangioli, Erin Masiangioli, and Angela Tardiff. She was predeceased by her brother Louis Bosworth.
The funeral was held Friday, Oct. 18, 2013 in the Wright- Roy Funeral Home 109 West St. Leominster, Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01710
WINCHENDON — James P. Breau, age 62 of Rumney, NH and formerly of Winchendon, died Friday, Oct. 18.
He was born in Worcester on April 17, 1951, son of the late Elias and Marcella (Michaud) Breau and lived in Winchendon for several years until moving to Rumney six months ago.
Jim proudly served in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army. He was awarded the National Defense Service medal, Expert Rifle medal and Vietnam Campaign ribbon with two bronze stars.
He leaves four children, Gerard J. Breau and his wife Brittany of Winchendon,
Stephanie A. Breau of Lebanon, NH, Mark J. Breau and Michael J. Breau of Winchendon; two grandchildren; three brothers, Mark Breau of Florida, Thomas Breau of Manchester, NH and Warren Breau of Jaffrey; a sister, Lisa Breau of Jaffrey and several nephews and nieces.
Military funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallan St.
There are no calling hours.Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home (stone-
ladeau.com), 343 Central St., Winchendon is directing arrangements.
Robert Charles Boomhower, 61PALM BEACH,
FL — Robert Charles Boomhower, age 61, of Palm Beach and Cameron, MT passed away quietly at his home in Palm Beach on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013.
Son of the late Robert Rosser Boomhower and Cynthia Church Boomhower, Charlie is survived by his sis-ter, Sandra B. VanderLans (Christopher) of Temecula, CA and Cameron, MT. Also sur-viving are his nephew, John R. VanderLans (Tawnie) of Temecula, CA and his niece, Kate V. Roberts (Eric) of Cameron, MT.
Born at Good Samaritan Hospital, Charlie was a life-long member of the Sailfish Club of Florida and the West Palm Beach Fishing Club. Charlie attended Palm Beach Private School, the Winchendon School in
Winchendon, and received a BA in English from Windham College in Putney, VT.
Charlie was raised in Palm Beach and spent many summers in his beloved Montana on his family’s ranch. Charlie was an avid fisherman, a tradition passed to him by his parents, each of whom still holds several recognized world records. An accomplished marksman, Charlie loved the outdoors and his horses. While in Florida, he enjoyed the company of his friends and many excursions to the Bahamas on his boat, “CB.” Charlie was a gentleman who for many years cared lovingly for his moth-er, Cynthia, and who revered her memory to his last days. Charlie reciprocated the love of his many friends, lived a life of grace and generosity, and cherished his privacy.
Arrangements are private.
Elizabeth ‘Poppy’ Dempsey, 79BELMONT, NH —
Elizabeth “Poppy” Dempsey, age 79, passed away peacefully on Oct. 16 at The Highlands in Fitchburg with her family by her side after a coura-geous battle with illness.
Poppy was born on July 2, 1934, in Lancaster, NH
to parents Amy and Blanche Paquet. She loved traveling the country in her RV with her husband and soaking up the sun. She was an avid book reader and an impeccable knitter. Poppy was active and enjoyed tak-ing long walks and bike rides around her summer home in New Hampshire or winter home in Fort Pierce, FL.
She is predeceased by her loyal and loving husband, Daniel L. Dempsey Jr. She leaves two daughters, Pamela Dempsey-O’Connell, her husband Francis “Sank” O’Connell, and their two sons Jason and Kyle O’Connell, all of Winchendon; Andreana Grimaldo, her husband Raymond Grimaldo, and their three daughters Alicia and Allison Grimaldo of Shrewsbury, and Amy
Grimaldo and fiancé, Jason Panagiotou, of Millbury; and a son Daniel Dempsey III, his wife Cindy Dempsey, and their three chil-dren Joshua Silva, Cori and Tyler Dempsey all of Loudon, NH. She is predeceased by sisters Margaret Prindle of Wisconsin and Jacqueline Corrigan Mulcahy of Lancaster, NH. She is survived by sisters Muriel Hicks of Lancaster, NH and Alice Beaton of Middletown, RI. She was blessed with many nieces, nephews, and friends in both New England, Florida, and across the country. Poppy’s family and friends will greatly miss her.
Graveside services were held Saturday, Oct. 19 in Calvary Cemetery, Lancaster, NH
The family wishes to extend its warm appreciation to the staff at Broadview Bright Horizons Memory Wing and to The Highlands Nursing Home.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial con-tributions can be made in memory of Poppy to Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home (stone-ladeau.com), 343 Central St., was entrusted with arrangements.
Bruce M. Rocheleau, 54GARDNER — Bruce M. Rocheleau,
age 54 of Gardner, died peacefully Saturday afternoon Oct. 19, 2013 in Life Care Center, Leominster, after an illness.
Bruce was born in Gardner, Aug. 11, 1959, son of the late Raymond J. and Claire (Ducharme) Rocheleau, and has lived in Winchendon for many years, before moving to Gardner in
2010.Bruce worked for the Winchendon School in main-
tenance and as a security guard. He was an avid Red Sox, Bruins and Patriots fan. Bruce was a member of the NRA and the Winchendon Rod and Gun Club. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gambling,
playing cards and listening to country music. Bruce especially loved playing bingo.
Bruce will be sadly missed by his significant other of three years, Sharon Murray of Gardner, three sisters; Wanda Watson of Fitchburg, Kimberly A. Porter and her husband John of Winchendon, and Deborah L. Menear and her husband Jon of Gardner, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents; Bruce was predeceased by one sister; Darlene Suits.
Bruce’s funeral service was held at Fletcher-Hebert Funeral Home on Thursday Oct. 24, 2013. Burial will be private.
The Fletcher-Hebert Funeral Home (fletcherfuneral.com), 70 Pleasant St., Winchendon is assisting the fami-ly with the arrangements.
Robert J. Guertin, 70LEOMINSTER — Robert J. Guertin, age
70, of 47 Princeton St., Leominster, died peacefully Sunday morning, Oct. 20 in Hillcrest Nursing Home, Fitchburg.
He was born in Fitchburg on Jan. 16, 1943, son of the late Emile and Dorina (Lizotte) Guertin and graduated from Fitchburg High School.
Following his graduation, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. An avid sports fan, Bob followed all of the professional Boston sports teams. For many years, he worked as a machine operator for Mohawk Wire and Cable Co. until his retirement.
He is survived by a daughter, Lori Simms of Palm Coast, FL; two granddaughters,
Samantha Simms and Kayla Simms and a broth-er Richard Guertin and his wife Gloria of Phillipston.
Private military honors will be conducted at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon. There are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to Affinity Hospice, Hospice of Life, 800 Main St., Holden, MA 01520.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home (stone-ladeau.com), 343 Central St., Winchendon is directing arrangements.
Peter J. Azar, 65WINCHENDON — Peter
J. Azar, age 65, of 309 Ash St. died Sunday evening, Oct. 6 in Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston with his family at his side after a yearlong illness.
He was born in New Bedford on May 27, 1948 son of the late Azar Joseph and
Nagepy (Thomas) Azar and had lived in Winchendon since 2004.
Peter was a graduate of Southeastern Massachusetts University in Dartmouth in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree In 1978, Peter received his Masters degree in curric-ulum and development from Northeastern University. In 2003, he received his Doctorate in educational leadership from University of Hartford.
Peter had a long and distinguished career as an educator teaching science and outdoor education in New Bedford, Falmouth, and Brookline before serving as a principal in Granville, Wethersfield, CT and Bloomfield, CT.
In 2004, Peter became superintendent of schools for Winchendon public schools where he successfully worked to pull the district out of its underperforming sta-tus — the first and only school system in Massachusetts to achieve this goal. In 2008, he moved on to effect change in Waltham, where he became superintendent of schools for the city of Waltham until his retirement in 2010.
Peter was a great fan of the Boston Celtics and was an avid fisherman of both salt water and fresh water. He and his wife enjoyed traveling to various spots with-in the United States as well as to Japan, Germany, Austria, Italy, Bermuda, and Hawaii. He was a member of Winchendon Kiwanis Club and served on its Scholarship Committee.
He leaves his wife of 34 years, Etsuko (Kumai) Azar; two sons, Sam P. Azar and his fiancée Lauren Holuj of Washington, DC and Zack P. Azar of Boston; two brothers, Thomas Azar and his wife Vicki of Swansea, and James Azar and his wife Brenda of Tiverton, RI; as well as nephews and nieces.
Peter will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and family man who cared for his students and believed in the value of education. His passion for life and fun-lov-ing nature drew people to him and will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. in St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 N. Eastern Avenue, Fall River. There are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to Winchendon Kiwanis Club (Peter Azar Memorial Scholarship Fund), PO Box 214, Winchendon, MA 01475 or to Conservation Fund, 1655 N. Fort Myer Dr. Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22209 or [email protected]
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home (stone-ladeau.com), 343 Central St., Winchendon is directing arrangements.
Photo RePRints AvAilAbleCall for details 508-764-4325
Winchendon courier 8
SPORTSSPORTSLady Devils wrap 2013 campaign
BY JERRY CARTONCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Murdock High School girls’ varsity soccer team made Senior Night Monday an almost memorable one, playing Abby Kelly even before losing 2-0 in the career finales for Emma Page, Kathryn Richtarcsik, Jackie Skawski and Katrina Williams. The Lady Bears didn’t score that second goal until there were just eight seconds remaining and moments before, Skawski came within inches of tying the game.
“I thought it was going in. I saw it curve around. I thought it was in,” she lamented.
Coach Ross O’Toole, whose team lost the season ender on Tuesday 7-0, to Ayer, called the game against Abby Kelly, “our overall best effort all year.” Richtarcsik spent a busy Senior Night turning in repeated excellent saves to keep the Lady Devils close all evening.
“She had a great senior year. Who knows how some games would have gone without her?” O’Toole noted.
That Senior Night game was the closest Murdock was able to come to a victory in
2013, but O’Toole pointed out the schedule was much tougher than in past fall’s.
“No St. Mary’s, teams like that,” he acknowledged.
The Ayer game was just 2-0 at the half, but the Lady Panthers were able to substitute freely in the second half whereas Murdock had few available subs.
“That was the difference,” O’Toole said.MacKenzie Rushia led the Lady Devils
with a trio of goals this season, the second straight season she’s led Murdock’s scoring.
“She’s still getting better and better and most importantly, she wants to keep getting better,” O’Toole remarked.
As for Skawski, “she really deserved that goal. She really did. She played so hard all year, no matter where we asked her to play,” O’Toole observed.
Having finished his second season at the helm of the Lady Devils, O’Toole stressed that he was putting an off-season condition-ing program in place for the 2014 campaign.
“Soccer demands you be in incredibly good shape. We’re going to do some things differently for next year, and not just pick-up games. I’m going to give them an actual conditioning program,” he noted.
Despite the won-loss record, O’Toole said he was eagerly looking forward to next fall.
“We’re going to be really athletic,” he predicted. “We’ll have good players coming back — players like Deanna Polcari and MacKenzie and Hannah Segir and Chelsea Bitter, especially if Hannah and Chelsea can stay healthy. These are all great kids. Randy Bishop will be really motivated for her senior season. Vicky Marshall will have
this year’s experience under her belt.“Cera Harris will be a full-time varsity
player as a freshman. She’s been playing goal for the middle school team but when she’s up here, I like her out there in the field because she’s not afraid of anyone. She’ll give you that physicality. Lindsey (O’Toole, daughter of the coach) will just have to get used to playing for me,” he laughed.
“Maria Polcari will bring some toughness and speed. There are some others who have some potential. We’re on the right track,” Ross O’Toole said.
The boys will hold their Senior Night on Monday. Christian Whittaker notched his second score of the season in a game at Trivium on Monday.
Tammy St. Pierre photos
Senior night honored from left: Kathryn Richtarcsik, Emma Page, Jackie Skawski and Katrina Williams.#11 Randy Bishop runs over to help as #4 Emma Page heads away a ball.
Goalie Kathryn Richtarcsik boots away a threaten.
BY JERRY CARTONCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — A year ago this weekend, Murdock High School’s girls’ varsity cross coun-try team headed down to Ghilori Park in Marlborough knowing they were getting better with every meet, but neither they nor coach Anthony Findley were quite sure what to expect in such a high pressure setting.
What happened of course, was that the Lady Devils captured the title and return tomorrow as defending champions.
“They’ve known all season what they’ve had to do,” Findley said and to be sure, the girls rolled through an undefeated regular campaign, but that guar-antees nothing about tomorrow, though it should provide a boost of confidence headed into the championship meet.
The boys’ team heads to Marlborough as underdogs but the girls proved last year that doesn’t necessarily mean any-thing and the Blue Devils did in fact finish second last fall.
Last week, Murdock made its
annual run (literally) up the hill to meet the Winchendon School.
“We don’t need a bus — we’re fiscally responsible,” laughed Findley as his team gathered in the school parking lot on a cloudy afternoon.
By the time the three mile race was over, Jordan Manuel had set a new course record, finishing in 16:55. Steve Ingman was second in 17:37 and Chris Michaud third, stopping the timer in 21:06.
The big story on the girls’ side was Emily Roberts. The seventh grader finished third (24:41) for Murdock behind seniors Felicia Ingman (21:16) and Autumn Brown (22:13).
“That was a great, great race for Emily,” Findley enthused after the youngster finished in front of seniors Amber Brown and Brianna Dellechiaie.
“We’re graduating a lot of seniors so we’ll be looking to Emily a lot,” he added.
With a soccer game being played on the field adjacent to the start and finish lines, there were a lot of athletes and spec-tators on hand. Winchendon
School Athletic Director Dan Cheretien said he was glad the teams could renew their friend-ly rivalry for the third straight year. Acknowledging Murdock is a public school affiliated with the MIAA while his institution is a private school, Cheretien none-theless noted he wished, “we could figure out a way to do this in every sport. It’d be good for both schools and good for the town and all the kids.”
That was Murdock’s final tune-up for the league meet. Last year, Felicia Ingman finished third overall, leading a quartet of top-10 finishes with Katie Burns com-ing in sixth, and Autumn finish-ing eighth and Amber tenth.
“Four in the top ten would be fine,” Findley deadpanned.
Dan Fournier and Kyle Blouin were fourth and fifth last fall with Manuel and Steve Ingman check-ing in 11th and 16th.
“Jordan and Steven are a year older and a year more experi-enced,” Findley noted. “We’re looking for a good day.”
120th celebrated tonight! Be part of it
BY JERRY CARTONCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — The Murdock Blue Devils wrap up the home por-tion of their 2013 schedule tonight when the West Boylston Lions visit Alumni Field for a 7 p.m. kickoff but for a while at least, the focus will be on the school’s football history.
This year marks the 120th consecu-tive gridiron campaign for Murdock, and a pre-game ceremony getting underway at 6:30 will honor former players and cheerleaders.
For the last several weeks, a con-certed effort has been made by the Boosters, town businesses, and indi-viduals to locate and invite as many ex-players and cheerleaders as could be found to the event.
Assistant Principal Josh Romano said earlier this week a table will be set up at the entrance to the field where these alums will be able to pick up a name tag with the year they graduated and uniform num-bers if they can remember, in order to be recognized during the pre-game festivities.
“This should be a good time for everyone,” he said.
In addition, tonight is Senior Night for the 12th graders on this fall’s team so they too, will be honored.
It was just over two weeks ago when Romano was notified, almost casually, that Murdock, along with Gardner High, has the oldest con-tinuous football program in the region. Those two schools first met in October 1893, (Murdock winning, 22-6), preceding the program at Athol by just over a month. Other area schools started much later. Oakmont
began in 1964, their first loss ironi-cally being a 22-6 defeat to Murdock. Narragansett started in 1969 and Monty Tech got underway in 1972.
“When we found this out, we knew right away we had to do something to acknowledge it,” Romano noted.
“We didn’t want to wait five years until the 125th. Who knows where any of us will be in five years?” he asked rhetorically.
Last weekend, the injury riddled Blue Devils were on the short end of a 27-6 loss at Sutton/Douglas. With Tyler Perry and Dom Allard already missing, Kevin Suchocki, who’s had a star-crossed season, and Evan Drake both went down on Saturday.
“We could have folded up but we didn’t,” said coach Andy Dupuis.
As has been the case several times this year, the Blue Devils fell behind early, this time by a 20-0 count. Murdock did get on the board just before the half when quarterback Evan Dupuis hit Drew Pelkey with a 21-yard pass that actually ricocheted off the helmet of a Sutton player.
“We come out flat in the first half when we travel,” Andy Dupuis noted. “I don’t know if it’s because we are young. But we made some halftime adjustments and only gave up seven points in the second half.”
Pelkey ran for 85 yards on 18 car-ries.
That was last week. For tonight, the 5-1 visiting Lions will prove to be a tough foe, but the night will be celebratory no matter the final score.
“It’s going to be a great night to remember the very long history at this school,” Romano promised.
Cross country titles at stake
Athletes of the WeekGirls Seventh grader Emily
Roberts finished third in a race at the Winchendon School last week, defeating several seniors as well as fin-ishing ahead of much of the overall field.
Boys Steven Ingman has been
a stalwart for the boys cross country team all season, plac-ing first or second on a con-sistent basis and regularly defeating older runners.
AOW is sponsored by Subway of Winchendon
Courtesy photo
Seventh grader Em Roberts taking third ahead of a field much older than herself during a match up at the Winchendon School.
Way, way back in the very olden days, when both leagues played by the same rules,
it was a very big deal to come home from school and watch the last few innings of World Series games on NBC. It was even a bigger deal when teachers would allow the use of transistor radi-os to tune into the early innings. World Series games outside of California, most of them at Yankee Stadium, began at 1 p.m. in that ancient era.
Then in 1971, when baseball’s popularity was allegedly on the wane because pitching was domi-nating, after all, even then, chicks dug the long ball as the promo insisted, and the NFL was increasing-ly commanding the spotlight, the powers that be came up with the novel idea that one Series game should be played in prime-time. So the Orioles and Pirates contested Game 5 under the lights at Three Rivers Stadium. One game became of course, every game. The only “daytime” World Series games now are those that start a little past 5, local time on the West Coast.
I offer this short history lesson as a prelude to three certainties about this year’s Series, the first two games of which were played at Fenway Park Wednesday night and last night: one — Yankees fans, who in general detest the Red Sox, are rooting for the Cardinals; two — Cubs fans, who loathe the Redbirds with equal fervor, are pulling for Boston, and three — those of us who are fans of neither team were and will be asleep by about the fourth inning. That’s the reality. World Series games played in
October sunshine? Just misty mem-ories.
Switching gears, last Wednesday afternoon, I was at the Winchendon School for the cross country meet between the host Wapiti and Murdock. There was a boys’ soccer game being played on the adjacent field and there were lots, and I mean, lots of students and families there, paying attention
to the finish of the race as much as they were the soccer. Keep in mind these events took place right after school. You could feel the energy and enthusi-asm. Monday night, at the Murdock varsity girls’ soccer Senior Night, which began at 6 p.m., there was lots of energy and enthusiasm as well — during the last few minutes of a one goal game. Aside from that, there weren’t a whole lot of people on hand, certainly fewer than I saw at the school up on Ash Street. Disappointing.
Presumably that won’t be the case tonight when Murdock celebrates its 120th consecutive football season. The Boosters and others have been doing yeoman’s work these last two weeks to contact former players and invite them to be honored in a pre-game ceremony starting at 6:30. I’ve gotten the sense there’s going to be a pretty good turnout and for those so inclined, there will be fried Oreos on tonight’s menu as well. They aren’t my thing but they were a big time hit a couple weeks ago. It’s the last home game of the season and there will be lots of nostalgia in the air, so come on up to Alumni Field and check it out.
Ah, football. Once upon a time, the New England Patriots, en route to the first of three Super Bowl
Way, way too late…
JERRY CARTON
Talking SporTS
Please Read SPORTS, page A8
By gardening expert Melinda MyersThere’s no doubt managing critters in the
landscape can be a challenge especially as food supplies start to dwindle. If you are battling with rabbits, deer, groundhogs or other wild-life, don’t let down your guard as the growing season begins to wind down.
Be proactive. Start before they get into the habit of dining on your landscape. It is easier to keep them away than break the dining habit.
Fence them out. Fencing is the best defense against most wildlife. A four feet tall fence around a small garden will keep out rabbits. Secure the bottom tight to the ground or bury it several inches to prevent rabbits and voles from crawling underneath. Or fold the bottom of the fence outward, making sure it’s tight to the ground. Animals tend not to crawl under when the bottom skirt faces away from the garden.
Go deeper, at least 12 to 18 inches, if you are trying to discourage woodchucks. And make sure the gate is secure. Many hungry animals have found their way into the garden through openings around and under the gate.
A five foot fence around small garden areas can help safeguard your plantings against hungry deer. Some gardeners report success surrounding their garden with fishing line mounted on posts at one and three foot heights.
Break out the repellents. Homemade and commercial repellents can be used. Apply before the animals start feeding and reapply as directed. Consider using a natural product like Messina’s Animal Stopper (www.Messinas.com). It is made of herbs, safe to use and smells good.
Scare ‘em away. Blow up owls, clanging pans, rubber snakes, slivers of deodorant soap,
handfuls of human hair and noise makers are scare tactics used by gardeners for years. Consider your environment when selecting a tactic. Urban animals are used to the sound and smell of people. Alternate scare tactics for more effective control. The animals won’t be afraid of a snake that hasn’t moved in weeks.
Combine tactics. Use a mix of fencing, scare tactics and repellents. Keep monitoring for damage. If there are enough animals and they are hungry, they will eat just about anything.
Don’t forget about nature. Welcome hawks and fox into your landscape. Using less pesticides and tolerating some critters, their food source, will encourage them to visit your yard. These natural pest controllers help keep the garden-munching critters under control.
And most importantly, don’t give up. A bit of persistence, variety and adaptability is the key to success. Investing some time now will not only deter existing critters from dining in your landscape, but will also reduce the risk of animals moving in next season.
Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a col-umnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ web site, www.melin-damyers.com, offers gardening videos, podcasts, and garden tips.
Winchendon courier 9
Real Estate Brokerage & Consulting
Earning the public’s Trustone consumer at a time
for over 30 Years
www.morinrealestate.com978-297-0961
titles, advanced to the big game because they were the beneficiary of a disputed call. Perhaps you remem-ber the “tuck rule.” No one that snowy night seemed to have ever heard of it, certainly not the visiting Oakland Raiders but it really was right there in the rulebook. Just because a rule is obscure, and new, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be called. So you whiny Pats fans really ought to have vented a lot less last Sunday. Rules are rules and maybe the big-
ger and better question is why the allegedly vaunted Patriots, who haven’t won a championship in a decade, allowed a supposedly much, much inferior Jets team to hang around in the first place. Do any of you really believe the Pats aren’t going to coast to another AFC East title anyway? Give it a rest, okay?
And finally, Murdock’s cross country teams will be spending their Saturday in Marlborough at the league championship meet. The girls, led by the dominating senior quartet of Amber and Autumn Brown, Katie Burns, and Felicia Ingman, the latter of whom has a
whole bunch of first place finish-es on her resume`, sailed through the regular season unbeaten, but that guarantees nothing tomorrow. To be sure, the girls are the solid, some have suggested, overwhelm-ing, favorites to repeat but as coach Anthony Findley has cautioned, you have to run the race. Taking nothing for granted has been a major reason why Murdock’s track teams, fall, winter and spring, have been consis-tently successful. Whatever happens at Ghilori Park tomorrow, the local kids won’t be under trained. Good luck. See you next week.
SPORTScontinued from page A8
dent wouldn’t have to travel from, say, Fitchburg all the way to Winchendon to get the help they needed.
“We want the students to have the same opportunities they would if they were in the classroom.”
Khelfaoui said he hopes the planning committee will have a proposal put together in time to present it to the school commit-tees of the 16 school districts. If approved, it would then go to the boards of directors of the FLLAC and CAPS collaboratives for their endorsement. From there, the plan would need final approval from the state.
The superintendent hopes to have that approval by March of next year.
The school districts that would poten-tially make up the virtual school collabo-rative include: Ashburnham-Westminster, Athol-Royalston, Ayer-Shirley, Fitchburg, Gardner, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Mahar, Narragansett, Orange, Petersham, Quabbin, Wachusett, West Boylston, and Winchendon.
SENIORScontinued from page A1
home as long as possible. In addition, the organization pro-vides nurses to visit seniors to assist with ongoing healthcare needs. Such services can range from IV maintenance and the administration of medication to wellness checks.
The GVNA also has a new daily information monitor, called the health buddy appli-ance, which plugs into a home telephone line and links direct-ly to the patient’s primary care provider. The device allows seniors to stay abreast of vital health-related information without having to leave their home.
Montachusett Home Care is another agency that provides help to seniors who want to live at home. Such services
include help with daily meals, and assistance with daily per-sonal care. Volunteers also assist with shopping, getting to and from medical appoint-ments, and making social vis-its to relieve the isolation to which many seniors fall vic-tim, particularly those who are living alone or whose families do not live nearby.
Some lucky seniors who felt the need for a little relax-ation were able to avail them-selves of the services provid-ed by Morning Glory Massage Therapy of Winchendon. Business owner Diane Alexander provided chair massages to those wanting to reduce their stress levels.
Information on legal issues was provided by Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early, Mediation Services, and the office of Worcester County
Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. Vulnerable seniors, seen by some as easy targets, are often the victims of crimes that run the gamut from assault and robbery to theft committed by unscrupulous businesses and fraudulent “contractors.”
A total of 35 businesses and private and public agencies were represented at the event. These included: American Red Cross, Associated Health Care, Athol Hospital/Heywood Healthcare, Barre Hearing Aid Center, Beals Memorial Library/Talking Book, Broadview Assisted Living, Community Action Committee (CAC), Continental Funding, Council on Aging, D’Ambrosio Eye Associates, Joseph Early, Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Friends of Old Murdock, Gardner Visiting Nurses
Assoc., Golden Agers, Health Alliance, Heywood Wakefield Commons, Legends/Beacon Hospice, Mediation Services, Montachusett Home Care, Montachusett Opportunity Council (MOC), Morning Glory Massage , NIKKEN, Nonotuck Resources, North Central Human Services, Prescription Advantage, Quabbin Valley Health Care, SHINE, Summit Eldercare/Navicare, Veteran’s Administration, Winchendon Housing Authority, Winchendon Fire Department, Montachusett Veteran’s Outreach Center, Dr William Mateik, and Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.
Organizer Sharon Perkins said the event was extremely successful, and many vendors have already expressed inter-est in returning for the 11th chapter next year.
HEALTHcontinued from page A1
provided.Classes run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., with
some of the students finishing their day by attending afternoon classes at Murdock High School. The academy also has a part-nership with Mount Wachusett Community College.
In addition, internship opportunities at area businesses provide students with the
chance to hone job skills and earn academic credit.
“Five of our students currently have paid internships at some local business-es,” Haddad said. “Three are working at McDonalds here in Winchendon” and on Thursday night the School Committee approved one paid internship at Hannaford Supermarket and another at Dunkin’ Donuts, both in Rindge.
“Two unpaid interns are working with our kindergarten and first grade,” he added.
School Committee chairman Michael
Niles is an enthusiastic supporter of the pilot program.
“We started out with six students,” said Niles, “now we’re up to nine. I really believe this program will benefit those students who, for whatever reason, may be at risk of falling behind in a traditional school setting. They’re really putting a lot of effort into making the grades they need to grad-uate.”
Niles said that school officials are explor-ing the feasibility opening the academy to students in grades six through eight, “but
that decision is still a ways off.”Haddad pointed out that not all of the
emphasis is on academics. Some students recently repaired an old street-sweeper that had occupied a small garage behind the school, and will now have a chance to repair on old sailing skiff that was donated to the academy.
“Some of the students certainly could eventually transfer to Monty tech,” he said, “or move on to some other type of vocation-al training. It all depends on what they feel are their strengths and interests.”
PROGRAMcontinued from page A1
FOUR GENERATIONSSubmitted photo
The women of this family were happy to welcome the fourth generation born Oct. 6 when baby Sophia Tyros, nestled in her mother Jennifer Tyros arms, was also welcomed by grandmother Nancy Monette at center and great grandmother Lorraine Vaine at right.
Protect winter landscape from hungry wildlife
GARDNER — Mount Wachusett Community College student lead-er Kathy Matson of Baldwinville has been appointed to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education for the 2013-14 academic year.
A business adminis-tration major and presi-dent of MWCC’s Student Government Association, Matson previously earned an associate degree in criminal justice from the college in 1985. She returned last year to pur-sue a business degree to combine her interests in these two fields.
She is looking forward to the upcoming year representing all Massachusetts public higher educa-tion students on the board. The issues of affordability and student success are among her key priorities.
“I am honored to serve on the board,” Matson said. “I come from many different perspectives. I was here as a new student out of high school and now as an adult returning to college, and I’m the mother of students who came to college out of high school. I feel that I can be a voice for students and bring a lot to the position because of my varied life experiences.”
President Daniel M. Asquino described Matson as a motivated, enthusiastic lead-er who cares deeply for her fellow stu-dents and is committed to community service.
“Kathy is making a tremendous differ-ence in the lives of students and residents of our area through her active partic-ipation on campus and in the commu-nity,” Asquino said. “Being appointed to the Board of Higher Education is a wonderful achievement for her and I’m certain she will serve the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and its students, quite admirably.”
At MWCC, Matson serves as presi-dent of the Alpha Beta Gamma business honor society, vice president of civic engagement and community service for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, as a student ambassador, and as a mentor in the Students Serving Our Students office. She is also a member of the state-wide public higher education Student Advisory Council.
In July, she traveled to Washington, DC to take part in a Student Voices Conference as the Massachusetts rep-resentative for the Board of Higher Education. At this conference, 17 stu-
dents from across the country met with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to discuss ideas and concerns regard-ing higher education. Much of the dis-cussion focused on the costs associated with higher education and ways in which the Department of Education can boost student retention and graduation rates, along with suggestions on providing bet-ter financial literacy education to high school students to aid them in choosing an education that meets their needs as well as their budget.
At the conference, Matson joined a wide range of students including young adults attending college for the first time, veterans seeking a college degree after service in the military, and older adults returning to college to complete a degree or enter a new career. The conference was organized by State Higher Education Executive Officers, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Higher Education to include students in the policy making process. The student leaders plan to meet via conference calls and email through-out the year to continue to ensure student voices are presented at the federal level.
Matson and her husband Calvin have three sons: Isaac, age 23, who graduated from MWCC in 2012 with a degree in criminal justice, served as SGA presi-dent and is now completing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Westfield State University; Caleb, age 20, a criminal justice major at MWCC and a member of the Army ROTC program; and Zechariah, age 18, a fire science major at MWCC who is also in the ROTC. Matson previously worked within the criminal justice field in private security and as and an admin-istrative assistant for Digital Equipment.
Matson appointed to state Board of Higher Education
Courtesy photo
Mount Wachusett Community College student Kathy Matson, pic-tured with MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino, has been appointed to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education for the academic year.
Way, way too late…
Winchendon courier 10
HELP WANTED
FULL TIME COOKHigh School Diploma
or its equivalent needed. Must have 1 year experi-ence in a Healthcare facil-ity. Demonstrates food handling and preparation skills. Must have strong leadership skills. Looking for a team player with cook-ing creativity. Excellent Benefits!!! Please apply in person at: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, 20 Plantation Drive, Jaffrey, NH 03452 603-532-8762
M A R K E T I N G ASSISTANT
Assist owner of company in listing items for sale on Ebay and Craig’s List; may include researching items to determine pricing, pre-paring items for shipment and marketing. Include
resume or list of experi-ence when contacting. Compensation includes: local to Winchendon, $8 plus 2% commission of next sales paid monthly. Contact the Courier, attention: JOB, [email protected].
HELP WANTEDLooking for meat cutter/
butcher with minimum five years experience. Apply at courtesy booth at Central IGA, Winchendon.
EMPLOYERS!Local help wanted classi-
fied line ads are FREE in the Winchendon Courier. Let us know if you need help, and we’ll help you find the right employee. Call (978) 297-0050 x 100 or email [email protected].
AVONJoin today online! Only
$10 investment. www.start.
youravon.com reference code vwhitten. 9.27
FOR RENT
ROOMSRooms for rent.
Conveniently located in downtown Winchendon. Heat, hot water, electricity & garbage removal included. Off street parking. Laundry facilities located on prem-ise. $125 per week. Please contact Melissa Hytonen at (603) 499-3841. 12.6
WINCHENDON1 bedroom, heat/HW and
electric: $189 weekly or $700 monthly. First and last. Clean, parking, laundry room, storage. Call (978) 943-6208 or (978) 297-3149. ALSO: 3 bedroom Apt. with heat/HW.
G O O D R I C H APARMENTS
Now taking applications.
Call for guidelines: (978) 297-0231.TFN
FOR SALE
NEW MATTRESSES$125 new queen pillow top
mattress BRAND NAME. King: $250, full: $140; twin: $130. First come; first served. Clearance sets, all kinds, 50-75% off. Call or text Jim at (978) 549-9601. 9.20
FIREWOODSeasoned 100% hard-
wood. 175 cubic foot load loose. Cut, split & delivered. Patriot Firewood. (978) 939-5562. 11.1
SERVICES
LERAY HANDYMAN SERVICE
(978) 724-4550 Carpentry, roof & siding repair, dry-wall, painting, windows & doors, odd jobs and more. Free estimates. [email protected]. 10.4
www.CJtheDJ.com DJ Chris Holman (wed-
ding specialist/karaoke host/event coordinator) provides excellent enter-
tainment at reasonable rates, discount-ing locally. Reserve your important dates early: (603) 852-6185. GREAT references! FUN memories! Call Chris today! www.facebook.com/DJChrisHolman 4.30
A-1 HANDYMANA-1 Handyman &
Associates LLC: Roofing, painting inside and out, expert plastering, sheet-rock, siding, windows and doors, decks. Done right, done quick, guaranteed. TRASH REMOVAL, refrig-erators, stoves, furniture, cellars and moving truck and help available. License #18471. Call (978) 413-9907 or 978 297-3149. TFN
MOBILE NAIL CLIPPING
Nail clipping for cats and dogs. (774) 219-3665. www.MobileNailClipping.com.
WANTEDWE BUY GOLDPattie’s Jewelry Inc. open
10 a.m.-5 p.m., best prices. Behind Dunkin’ Donuts. (978) 297-3536. 9.27
CAN & BOTTLE DRIVE
At Winchendon Animal Shelter. Drop off at Water Treatment Plant, River Street.
Snare Drum Stands needed
Drum teacher Leon LaPlante, who gives les-sons at MMHS for free, is in need of drums and stands for snare drums. Please call (978) 297 1250. Stands don’t have to be brand new. Also cleaning may turn up unused instruments. Would you consider donating them to Murdock?
WANTEDMotorcycles, ATVs, scoot-
ers: cash paid for good deals. (978) 297-1800. 5.1.14
YARD SALES
We will be accepting dona-tions of gently used items for sale at our first ever Indoor Yard Sale to be held on Wednesday Nov. 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Old Murdock Senior Center. For more information, please call the Center at (978) 297-3155.
CLIP AND MAIL COUPONWrite your ad here:
Name:Address:Town: Zip:Phone:
MAIL to: The Winchendon Courier91 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475
Fax Coupon: 978-297-2177For more info., call 978-297-0050
Classified Ads…
4 WEEKS — $20• 30 words or less• Additional words 50¢ per word
Sorry, no refund for early cancellation.
Winchendon CourierClassifiedsClassifieds
…FAX US978-297-2177
Deadline: Friday at Noon
• a S t o n e b r i d g e P r e S S P u b l i c a t i o n •
Serving the communities of Winchendon, Ashburnham, Athol, Gardner, Fitchburg, Leominster, Westminster, Templeton, Phillipston and southern N.H.
Winchendon CourierClassifiedsClassifiedsGood Shepherd Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is an 83 bed skilled nursing facility. Here people work togetherto make good things happen every day. We are non-profit and offer a pleasant, family friendly environment and awonderful reputation for service to others.TEAMWORK • EXCELLENT BENEFITS • STABLE WORK ENVIRONMENT
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES (ADNS)Position Description: The ADNS functions as a member of the nurse management team under the supervision of theDirector of Nursing Services. Major responsibilities include management of the facility’s staff development, infectioncontrol and quality assurance performance improvement programs. The ADNS is also responsible for orientation ofnew nursing employees and assuming the role of DNS in her absence.Requirements: The successful candidate will be a registered nurse (RN) with a minimum of five years current experi-ence and licensure in the state of NH or license eligible. Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to theprovision of long term and skilled nurse care and the ability to manage programs to maintain compliance are essential.The ADNS position requires excellent communication, teambuilding and time management skills. Knowledge of princi-ples of adult education and teaching experience are preferred.Flexibility in working schedule is required in order to provide education for all employees and participate in on-callrotation.
Please mail or fax resume to:
Diana Wilson DNS20 Plantation DriveJaffrey, NH 03452Fax# 603-593-0006
No Walk Ins or phone calls, please.
FLOOR CAREPART TIME/28 HOURS
We are a non-profit 83-bed skilled nursing facility and part ofNew Hampshire Catholic Charities. Here the staff work togetherto make good things happen every day and offer a pleasant, fami-ly-friendly environment with a wonderful reputation in the com-munity.
Some floor care experience preferred but will train theright candidate. Must be a self starter with good peo-ple skills and knowledge of healthcare environment.Must have some flexibility. May involve some eveningand weekend work at times.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply inperson at:Good Shepherd Rehabilitation & Nursing Center20 Plantation DriveJaffrey, NH 03452Tel: 603-532-8762
ATTENTION ALL RENTERS:Olde English Village in Gardner
is now accepting applications for all 2 and 3bedroom qualified households.
Applications must meet resident screening criteria including HUD income requirements. Rents arebased on 30% of gross household income and
include heat.
For more information please contact (978) 632-6560.
Equal Housing Opportunity
A1 HANDYMAN SERVICES(978)297-4670
28 years experience Home Repairs-Remodeling-Painting
To-Do Lists-Clean Outs-Trucking State HIC & CSL Licensed & Insured
BY DOREEN VERDACOURIER CORRESPONDENT
GARDNER — How do you include healthy eating when try-ing to make ends meet? It’s hard at times to match healthy and hardy with low cost and budgets; but nutritionists at Heywood Hospital have been running a series of ongoing classes on exactly that. The Courier attended the most recent event, and had a most pleas-ant afternoon, learning just how to combine good eating with good sense…and good ¢ents.
Arriving at dining room A, we were greeted at the door, and seat-ed at a beautifully fall decorated table. Standing at the head of the table was Carol Nolin. Nolin, a registered dietician at Heywood Hospital, has been offering such healthy cooking classes for months. The first class was held in February, the next will be on Nov. 14t. There was talk of having a turkey dinner on the menu; if anyone can accomplish a healthy Thanksgiving, Nolin can.
The fresh fall produce to be used for our meal had been beautifully displayed on a table. With the help of Caitlin Panarelli, a student at Framingham State College, and doing her internship at Heywood, a delicious full course meal was prepared and served to approxi-mately 20 people. With Panarelli’s assistance, Nolin began explain-
ing the nutrients and benefits found in each ingredient used in all the recipes being prepared for our pleasure.
The first course was a cabbage and carrot slaw. Nolin hand chopped the fresh red and green cab-bage, green onions, and carrots, added all the spices needed, and tossed together. As she was pre-paring our first course, Nolin explained how to choose just the right cab-bage, how to cut your veg-etables properly, and how to store leftover vegeta-bles for the desired fresh-ness.
The second course was a butternut squash soup, topped with sunflower seeds. Because of the timing she had pre-prepared the soup, but explained each step. Nolin passed around certain ingredients such as a sprig of thyme, and a habane-ra pepper, for all to examine. With each course she referred us all to the handouts, which included each recipe. Within the handouts were nutrition facts, and helpful substitutions for diabetics and/or heart patients.
Our third and main course was chicken in creamy sun-dried toma-to sauce. Replacing the condensed
cream of chicken soup with chick-en broth brought both the fat, and carbohydrate levels down signifi-cantly. If we had not been told it was originally to be prepared differently we would never have known; the taste was delicious.
For dessert Nolin prepared an apple crisp. Explaining which apples to use in which recipes; Nolin clarified when tart or sweet taste is needed, along with the con-sistency of the skin and how the apple cooks up. As Nolin peeled each apple, she offered tips on sub-stituting Splenda brown sugar for regular sugar, decreasing the car-
bohydrates in half. Once the apple crisp was ready
and while it was cooling, the cours-es were served. Each and every one was absolutely delicious.
While enjoying our meal, Panarelli spoke about fall ingre-dients and their benefits, specifi-cally, their phytonutrients. How research suggests that phytonu-trients enhance the immune sys-tem and act as antioxidants, while
preventing diabetes, risk of heart disease, and osteoporosis; even giving us a small test when she was done. Included in our hand-outs was a shopping guide. Full of helpful ideas about when certain produce are more affordable, meal planners, a price tracker, as well as a shopping list.
With the help of Heywood Hospital, Nolin is certainly doing her best to keep both our bodies and our pocketbooks healthier.
Doreen Verda photos
Carol Nolin led the class in healthy cooking at Heywood Hospital earlier this month.
Caitlin Panarelli, a student at Framingham State, is doing an intern-ship at Heywood and found helping with this community outreach program a perfect fit with her interests.
Participant Judy Kierce enjoys the chance to sam-ple the recipes.
Eating on a budget can include health choices
Winchendon courier 11
WINCHENDON — Athol Savings Bank has announced the appointment of Roy Graves of Winchendon to the position of credit administrator and collec-tions officer.
“We are pleased to welcome Roy to the Athol Savings Bank team,” said ASB President and CEO, Daniel Zona. “Roy possesses years of experience and an excel-lent approach to customer service, which are both essential to this position.”
In his role, Graves works with ASB borrowers who may be hav-ing difficulty making payments.
“Over the past few years, I have been exposed to customers experiencing the results of the hardest hit real estate markets in Massachusetts, as well as the subsequent economic downturn,” Graves said. “As a result, I have gained a certain level of expertise in offering creative and positive solutions by addressing each cir-
cumstance individually.”Graves joined the ASB team in
June 2013 and currently works in the Winchendon office.
Zona also announced the appointment of Maureen Noviello as senior vice president of human resources. Noviello has been in
the field of human resources for more than 20 years, most recent-ly as the senior vice president of HR for St. Mary’s Credit Union in Marlborough, where she held that role for 10 years.
“Maureen will play an integral role in the enhancement of staffing, learning and development at Athol Savings Bank. I am delighted to have such an experienced and tal-ented individual as Maureen join our management team. She will be an asset to our organization in human resources,” Zona said.
Noviello has led positions in the field of human resources for large Boston law firms, high-tech and manufacturing firms, as well as two other financial institutions. She attended New England School of Business and Fitchburg State University, and has the distinc-tion of senior professional in human resources from the HR Certification Institute.
“I am looking forward to being a part of a financial institution
deeply rooted in the communities we serve. The corporate values and belief of Athol Savings Bank are focused on respect, tradition and solid judgment, which are my personal values and beliefs, so it made my decision to become a part of Athol Savings Bank very easy,” Noviello said.
Noviello is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management, Northeast Human Resource Society, and the Leominster Cultural Council, where she is a board member. She lives in Leominster with her hus-band and has two grown children.
Athol Savings Bank, with its headquarters located on Main Street in Athol, is a 146 year old, full-service mutual savings bank and maintains an online presence at www.atholsb.com. The Bank has eight offices located in the com-munities of Ashburnham, Athol, Baldwinville, Barre, Gardner and Winchendon.
Athol Savings makes appointments
Roy Graves Maureen Noviello
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCECourtesy photo
Montachusett Home Care Corporation of Leominster recognized long time employees, its homemakers, volunteers, and Board of Directors at its annual breakfast meeting held at the Elks Lodge in Leominster last month. This year the agency is celebrating its 39th year of operation. Leading the meeting were MHCC Assistant Director Mary Neal of Winchendon and MHCC Board President William Walsh of Fitchburg, pictured. Montachusett Home Care Corporation is a non-profit agency whose mission is to help elders and disabled adults remain independent in their homes in safety, comfort,
WASHINGTON, DC — United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey and Congressman Jim McGovern applauded Mount Wachusett Community College for securing a major grant from the Department of Labor. MWCC will over-see the $15.9 million grant in partnership with Southwest Tennessee Community College, North Central State College in Ohio, and Bossier Parish Community College in Louisiana, to create the Advanced Manufacturing, Mechatronics, and Quality Consortium.
“Massachusetts is a national leader in advanced manufacturing, and this grant will help train students for jobs in the 21st century innovation economy,” said Warren. “I applaud MWCC for their efforts to secure this major grant and for being selected as the lead institution. This exciting initiative will help devel-op and strengthen partnerships between MWCC and employers in north central Massachusetts.”
“Mount Wachusett Community College has been working to meet the training needs of manufacturing employers in Worcester County, and I commend MWCC for securing this funding that will prepare students to work in our vibrant innovation economy,” said Markey. “This important grant will help manufacturing businesses
in surrounding areas increase their com-petitive edge by lowering their training costs for developing skilled employees.”
“This major federal grant will enhance Mount Wachusett Community College’s role as a leader in developing pioneering job-training pathways for their students,” said McGovern. “I am a strong believer that we must invest in ensuring that our students of today are well trained for the careers of tomorrow. This grant, part-nering Mount Wachusett with colleges around the country, will allow workers, veterans, and other students to secure work quicker, in more advanced posi-tions.”
The Advanced Manufacturing, Mechatronics, and Quality Consortium will help job seekers obtain training and credentials in the advanced manufactur-ing fields of Mechatronics and Quality career pathways. MWCC received $6,450,356 of the $15,875,432 awarded to the consortium to provide accelerated training and credentialing programs in north central Massachusetts. The grant is part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant program, a multiyear initiative to expand targeted training programs for job seekers. For more information about the grant program, visit the DOL website.
Lawmakers applaud MWCC for procuring grant
Notice of Public HearingWINCHENDON
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALSNotice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Wednesday, 11/6/13 at 7:05 PM in the Town Hall Auditorium, 2nd Floor, 109 Front St., Winchendon, MA, 01475 on the application of Peter and Janice Greenberg, 15 Island Rd., Winchendon, MA 01475 on their same property, (Map M-2, Parcel 12) to hear a request for Variances under Section 7.2 of the Winchendon Zoning Bylaws to request side setback and impervious surface max-imum square footage relief of to allow for the construction of a two car garage in a Suburban Residential (R40) Zone. A copy of the application is available for review at the Department of Planning and Development, Winchendon Town Hall. All interested persons should plan to attend. The Town of Winchendon is an equal opportunity provider, and employer.
Cynthia Carvill, ChairpersonZoning Board of Appeals
October 18, 2013October 25, 2013
(SEAL)THE COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTSLAND COURT
DEPARTMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT2013 MISC. 479974ORDER OF NOTICE
To:Christine Couture a/k/a Christine Laperleand to all persons entitled to the benefit of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. App. § 501 et seq.:PNC Bank, National Associationclaiming to have an interest in a Mortgage covering real property in Winchendon,
numbered 169 Main St, given by Christine Couture a/k/a Christine Laperle to Drew Mortgage Associates, Inc., dated August 6, 2003, and recorded with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds at Book 31135, Page 172 as affect-ed by a modification agreement dated March 8, 2013 and recorded with said Registry at Book 50553, Page 164 and now held by the plaintiff by assignment has/have filed with this court a complaint for determination of Defendant’s/ Defendants’ Servicemembers status. If you now are, or recently have been, in the active military service of the United States of America, then you may be enti-tled to the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. If you object to a foreclo-sure of the above-mentioned property on that basis, then you or your attorney must file a written appearance and answer in this court at Three Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 on or before November 25, 2013 or you will be forever barred from claiming that you are entitled to the bene-fits of said Act. Witness, KARYN F. SCHEIER Chief Justice of this Court on October 10, 2013.Attest:
Deborah J. PattersonRecorder
201308-0273-GRYOctober 25, 2013
MORTGAGEE’S NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL ESTATE
By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain Mortgage given by Jeffrey J. Currie and Cathleen I. Currie to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for, Lendia, Inc., its successors and assigns, dated March 17, 2006 and recorded with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of
Deeds at Book 38604, Page 61, sub-sequently assigned to GMAC Mortgage, LLC by Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for, Lendia, Inc., its successors and assigns, by assign-ment recorded in said Registry of Deeds in Book 49444, Page 269, subsequently assigned to Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC by GMAC Mortgage, LLC by assignment recorded in said Registry of Deeds in Book 51420, Page 148, of which the Mortgage the undersigned is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said Mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction at 02:00 PM on November 15, 2013 at 178 Holly Drive, Winchendon, MA, all and singular the premises described in said Mortgage, to wit:Closing Date: March 17, 2006 Borrower(s): Jeffrey J. Currie and Cathleen I. Currie Property: 178 Holly Drive Winchendon, MA 01475 A certain parcel of land together with all buildings and structures thereon situat-ed on Holly Drive, partly in Winchendon and partly in Gardner, Worcester County, Massachusetts, and being shown as Lot 30 on a plan entitled “Plan of Lots Prepared for West End Development Corp., Gardner & Winchendon, MA.”, dated March 5,1984, by Michael S. Szoc, recorded with said Deeds in Plan Book 517, Plan 27, to which plan reference is hereby made for a more particular description of said lot. For Title, see deed in B. 22271 P 257The premises are to be sold subject to and with the benefit of all easements, restric-tions, building and zoning laws, unpaid taxes, tax titles, water bills, municipal liens and assessments, rights of tenants and parties in possession.TERMS OF SALE:
A deposit of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND 00 CENTS ($5,000.00) in the form of a certified check or bank treasurer’s check will be required to be delivered at or before the time the bid is offered. The success-ful bidder will be required to execute a Foreclosure Sale Agreement immediately after the close of the bidding. The bal-ance of the purchase price shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the sale date in the form of a certified check, bank trea-surer’s check or other check satisfactory to Mortgagee’s attorney. The Mortgagee reserves the right to bid at the sale, to reject any and all bids, to continue the sale and to amend the terms of the sale by writ-ten or oral announcement made before or during the foreclosure sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attor-ney. The description of the premises con-tained in said mortgage shall control in the event of an error in this publication. TIME WILL BE OF THE ESSENCE.Other terms if any, to be announced at the sale. Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC Present Holder of said Mortgage, By Its Attorneys, ORLANS MORAN PLLC P.O. Box 540540 Waltham, MA 02454 Phone: 781-790-7800
October 25, 2013November 1, 2013November 8, 2013
LEGALS
STATEWIDE – AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest, free tax assistance and preparation program, is look-ing for people like you, to help thousands of older, middle- and low-income Massachusetts resi-dents ease tax-time stress. With special attention to those age 60 and older, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides face-to-face assis-tance at nearly 250 sites across Massachusetts.
“In all the years I have been doing taxes for people the greatest joy comes from helping older folk do
their taxes correctly and prompt-ly,” said Dave Christopherson of Longmeadow, the volunteer site coordinator for AARP Foundation Tax Aide at the Good Life Center in Springfield. “They are so appre-ciative of the assistance we pro-vide and the comfort they gain knowing that we are up to date on all the current income tax chang-es.”
As an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteer, you may:
1. Assist individuals with elec-tronic filing
2. Answer questions online
3. Provide help to individuals who are unable to leave their homes
4. Help taxpayers identify all the tax credits and deductions for which they may qualify
5. Ease the tax time stress of seniors and those who need your help
Volunteer opportunities are available as tax counselors, client facilitators, local coordinators and district coordinators. Some com-puter experience is helpful for all positions.
“If the idea of helping people who
are squeezed financially appeals to you and you have some knowl-edge of tax preparation, consider joining our band of volunteers for the upcoming tax year,” said Tom Ligon, volunteer state coordinator for AARP Foundation Tax Aide in Massachusetts. “You don’t have to be an AARP member to help; you don’t have to be an AARP member to be helped.”
Volunteers are trained on tax law procedures, preparing tax forms and using tax preparation software. This past year, more than 600 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
volunteers were trained in con-junction with the Internal Revenue Service and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Training sessions will begin in the fall. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is administered by the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated, 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, charitable organization established in 1961. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide.
Volunteer as a tax aide
Winchendon courier 12
Opening the doors at Artisan LodgeThe basement of the Artisan Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons on School
Street in Winchendon was a busy place last Saturday. While the event was open to anyone interested in Freemasonry, many local parents and grandparents brought youngsters with them to participate in the Masonic Youth Child Identification Program, or myCHIP.
The free program is designed to help parents assist authorities in the event that a child becomes lost or goes missing. In addition to a videotaped interview with the child, which is given to parents on a CD, an oral swab is collected to preserve a DNA sample of the child, and fingerprints and dental impressions are taken to further help with identification. The entire package is given to the parents and none of the items or information is made public.
The day was not all serious, however. The lodge provided plenty of pumpkins for kids and parents to carve and decorate, snacks and treats were provided, several clowns were spot-ted walking the grounds, and the Winchendon Fire Department provided a model house and a fire truck with a hose that children could use to extinguish a “fire.”
As part of Square and Compass Day, tours of the Lodge were also provided. Members of the Lodge were on hand to explain the history and purpose of Freemasonry, as well as reasons that membership in the fraternity was so prevalent among the nation’s Founding Fathers and why so many giants of history have been members.
Greg Vine photos
A gaggle of children work on carving their pumpkins at the Masons open house.
Lorelei Brown, age 5, with her father Will as they fill out the background paperwork for the myChip program.
Marguerite Lambert, age 18 months, seated with her grandfather Leo Lambert, isn’t too certain she wants any part of the DNA swab being done by MWCC student Jennifer LePage. Marguerite definitely didn’t want the dental impressions done.
Ready for everything!
Ruth DeAmicis photo
Anne Coderre, serving as the caller at Old Murdock Senior Center bingo on Wednesday, was into the spirit of both the Halloween holiday and the World Series, sporting Wally in celebra-tion. Go Red Sox!