friday, december 23, 2016 christmas events...
TRANSCRIPT
BY: KEITH KENTCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — After providing more than three decades of award winning spe-cialty cheeses sold not just in New England but nationwide, Smith’s Country Cheese and Otter River Farm was sold Nov. 22 after a nearly year and a half process.
Smith’s Country Cheese will still remain the company and brand name, though for-mer owners David and Carol Smith will retire and new owners Jake and Allie Catlin have assumed ownership. Well known for their specialty Gouda cheese which is named after the Dutch city of Gouda in the Netherlands, the style of
cheese was first mentioned as far back as 1184 AD.
More locally and closer to current day, Smith’s Country Cheese celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2015, and just recently appeared on WCVB Channel 5 Boston’s “Made in Massachusetts” series while new co-owner Allie Catlin her-self was making a fresh batch of cheese during the interview for the segment.
Offering a diverse product line and while well known for its Gouda, SCC also offers both regular and smoked Goudas, Cheddars, Havartis, and a wide range soft Gouda spreads, with the recent addition of its new Farm Fresh Cheese line of soft spreadable cheeses, while also providing 90 percent lean beef
produced by its own dairy herd. Just prior to the SCC sale,
the Catlins both took part in the food safety modernization act in preventative controls qualified individual at UMass Amherst. Both Jake and Allie Catlin explained as, “We are now qualified individuals for food safety in respect to the FSMA regulations.”
Allie Catlin who also took Serve Safe the very same week smiled and said, “That was a fun week!” Jake Catlin added, “Most places must start abid-ing by FSMA a have to have qualified individual as it is slowing becoming an industry standard.”
Allie Catlin followed up with,
(978) 297-0050 • www.winchendoncourier.com Newsstand: 75 cents Friday, december 23, 2016
6 56525 10431 2
LOCALMiddle school
joins the fourth estate
PAGE 10
SPORTSHallquist can’t
give it upPAGE 8
GARDNER — The Mount Wachusett Community College Board of Trustees voted to recommend the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education approve Dr. James Vander Hooven as the next president of the col-lege. The BHE is expected to take up
the matter at the Jan. 17 meeting. The vote follows a nationwide search for the next leader of the college fol-lowing President Daniel M. Asquino’s a n n o u n c e m e n t of his retirement earlier this year. Asquino is expect-ed to remain at the
college through a transition period with the new pres-ident. Following approval by the board of higher edu-cation, Vander Hooven will serve as the third president of Mount Wachusett Community College, which was founded in 1963.
“We are confident that Dr. Vander Hooven has the lead-ership skills and experience
WINCHENDON — Selectmen Monday night instructed Town Manager Keith Hickey to con-tact the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, by phone and mail, regarding concerns over the safety of the White’s Mill Dam. He was also told to make contact with John and Amelia Giovanoni, the owners of the White’s Mill
property, regarding the dam.Issues surrounding the dam
came to light during a Dec. 8 meeting of the Conservation Commission. At that meeting, the ConCom denied a request from the Winchendon Springs Lake Association to further lower Lake Monomonac, a pro-
BY KEITH KENTCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Many warm and caring hearts lead the way as 300+ people turned out in a massive show of great respect despite the frigid below zero temperatures, to place holi-day wreaths at every headstone and column at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Cemetery last Friday.
Scheduled to start at 9 a.m., and with a late school start, a call went out via social media for volunteers, who responded. The weather could not fend off dedicated citizens of all ages, from young children.
With digital thermometers in vehicles read-ing below zero Fahrenheit, it was a fast paced project and 2,100 headstones and every col-umn of the Columbarium walls representing 3,000 veterans had a wreath placed with it by 9:30 a.m., completing the project in just 30 minutes flat.
People were parked all the way down to the DPW gates, and nearly out to the rear of the property grounds shortly before the event
began. Multiple staff members commented together, “Last year it was 45 degrees for this and we had half as many people. This is out-standing. Below zero and we have a good 300 here, this is really nice to see.”
Trailers of boxes full of fresh cut wreaths were emptied as fast as volunteers could open them. The wreaths were provided by donations for “Wreaths Across America,” is a national program providing holiday wreaths for United States veterans. A quote taken from a sponsorship flyer reads, “Thank you for considering and becoming a sponsor and joining us in our mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach!”
Bridget Marinelli, who has taken on the task of organizing fund raising for the project and coordinating the laying of the more than 2,000 wreaths, was extremely pleased, espe-cially considering the uncooperative weath-er.
“I would like to say thank you to all the individuals, companies, schools, veterans
BY TARA VOCINOCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Beginning with Christmas Eve events and including special services on Christmas day, area churches are planning celebrations all weekend.
Bethany Bible Chapel 727 Spring St., (978) 297-1493A candlelight Christmas Eve
service will be held at 6 p.m. with a Christmas Day service at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Tom Clinkscale.
Church of God30 Beech St.(978) 297-1723Christmas Day service at 10
a.m. However, Sunday School will not be provided.
A New Year’s service will be held at 10 a.m., where they look back on the year.
Cornerstone Church122 Gardner Road (978) 297-3125Christmas Eve candlelight
service will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. with Christmas carols, a Living Nativity (new mom, dad and infant), telling of the Christmas story, and music spe-cials.
Christmas Day will include Christmas music with a Christmas message by Pastor Barry Risto, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Turn To EVENTS page A9
Turn To DAM page A9Turn To VANDER HOOVEN page A9
Turn To SMITH’S page A9
Turn To VETERANS page A6
Christmas events planned
Ruth DeAmicis photo
Santa was in Winchendon last week, caught having lunch at Lisa’s Diner as he prepared for his big trip this weekend.
Keith Kent photos
People of all ages, students and citizens, gathered in the cold to place the wreaths. More photos page 6.
Braving the cold to honor veterans
White’s Mill dam attracts attention of BOS
Staff photo
Though frozen now, the threat is very real.
Vander Hooven recommended as next MWCC leader
Keith Kent photo
Passing the Gouda, like a torch, retiring owner David Smith passes a 10 pound wheel to Jake and Alllie Catlin; the new owners of Smith’s Country Cheese.
New owners buy the farm at Smith’s
Dr. James Vander Hooven
LOCALMWCC
raises funds with Winterfest
PAGE 3
BY KEITH KENTCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — School Committee members received a full update of the current work done by the District Implementation Team, and an update regarding the state implementation and scaling-up of evidence-based practices known as SISEP last week.
The usual alphabet soup of terms and titles was explained, and the plan is meant to bring the school district up to the next state level standards.
Team members on the team include Mary Aker, TTE interim principal; Michelle Atter, Memorial Elementary interim principal; Sherri Fairbanks, MHS lead teacher; Superintendent Steve Haddad; Kristina Mecelicaite, director of pupil services; Suzanne Michel, Director of PreK and ALL programs; Joshua Romano, Murdock Middle and High School principal; and Jessica Vezina, Murdock Middle School assistant principal.
The presentation was provided by Romano and Vezina who noted a SISEP representative comes to meet with the school system at a rate of once per month, as the Winchendon is in fifth year of a five year grant.
Romano explained, “(SISEP) is to teach us imple-mentation science so that we can spend the districts money wisely to implement researched based effec-tive initiatives which meet the actual needs we have. Before we can invest in something, we go through an extensive process and procedure to make sure we have a need for it, it is the best program which meets our need, the research supports the program’s effectiveness, and it is a good match for what we can support moving forward.”
Romano also pointed out the programs aids in safe-guarding against jumping to a program which could just be possibly the “flavor of the year” and helps to make sure money spent on programs is spent wisely.
Schools implementing Positive Behavior Intervention Supports are currently Memorial, Toy Town, and the middle school.
Universal Design for Learning, which is a curriculum design program helping students in multiple learning styles, is implemented at the high school. Romano added, “It’s not a one size fits all curriculum.”
Stages of implementation at the PreK level were explained in detail, with year one cov-ering 2015-16. Three PreK teachers complete Pyramid Practices training, one PreK teacher is trained in Prevent, Train, Reinforce Young Children, and two are trained in positive solu-tions for families, with monthly meetings established for a school leadership team, and the program “Be Kind, Be Safe” developed.
In year two of implementation covering 2016-17, there are continued monthly leadership meetings, student behavior expectations have been coordinated with the bus company, and the PreK handbook is updated. Additional steps such as sending six paraprofessionals to
Pyramid Practice training, the alignment of PreK & Memorial behavior intervention referral forms and joint attendance of meetings, along with an effort to develop home and school connections, and use of cer-tain dates to help inform student level of needs.
Stages of implementation at Memorial Elementary were presented by Vezina. PBIS lesson plans included cafeteria, hallway, and recess/playgrounds. There are school wide expectations under PAWS, which is Practice Safety, Accept Responsibility, Work Hard, and Show Respect. Teachers implement PAWS tick-ets in the classrooms, designed to recognize positive behavior. There is a bi-weekly meeting of a PBIS/behavior committee, a PBIS action plan for who is responsible, among other practices and procedures.
Vezina said, “Memorial, Toy Town, along with the Middle School just received their last Fidelity Check by AIR. This was the third and last time they will come in, and will do a comparison with the first, second, and third year reports, and we are really looking to see what feedback they can now give us.” Committee member Janet Corbosiero asked when the reports from the differences would be received.
Vezina replied, “It depends on how fast they get the report back to us, it usually takes a few weeks.”
Vezina also advised feedback would be included such as what they viewed, what they received from teachers, and usually what they will do is send a report back, but since the reports for all three schools were done close together, they may send a report back for all three schools. Vezina advised Corbosiero that the report may very well be ready in a few weeks, but it all depends on how quickly the report can be writ-ten and sent back to the district.
Vezina also spoke very positively about the PAWS tickets students receive, and pointed out that even as a mother of a student at Memorial, when her very own son receives a PAWS ticket the he can’t stop talking about it and the feedback received from the students it just fabulous.
Stages of implementation at Memorial, included the district wide Bully Prevention Program, includes a team that will meet to discuss students in need of addi-tional behavior interventions, and or services, along with other things such as action plans and meetings.
At Toy Town Elementary the plan includes Expectations for STAR Behavior, (Safe Together, Accountable, & Respectful) along with handbooks for teaching matrix and lesson plans, referral levels, and disciplinary referral and classroom behavior. In addi-tion but not limited to, was a Kids Against Bullying Campaign.
Murdock Middle School includes school wide expec-tations, handbooks, lesson plans, team meetings, staff morale, SWIS data system, and more. The high school included under PBIS: completed the school wide eval-uation tool, common set of behavior expectations for all classrooms, a committee created to establish more positive behavior awards, and use another word program. Under UDL and two year training of staff, discussed were trained coaches leading PD activities, and peer observation of coaches.
Important to make the entire system work is that data be kept up to date and usable, measuring the impact on student outcomes and the practices them-selves.
Also, the various stakeholders, including the dis-trict teams, building teams, faculty, students, parents and families and community members must all be part of the process and understand the necessary changes to the schools’ environments.
Winchendon courier 2
President & PublisherFrank G. Chilinski
Chief finanCial OffiCerron Tremblay 508-909-4102
OPeratiOn direCtOrJames DiniCola 508-764-4325
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 county rate is $56 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Winchendon. To subscribe 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.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Real Estate Brokerage & Consulting
Earning the public’s Trustone consumer at a time
for over 30 Years
www.morinrealestate.com978-297-0961
Monty Tech students thank area firefighters
Updates on several plans presented
FITCHBURG — Princeton residents Autumn Kelly, a senior in Monty Tech’s engineer-ing technology program, and Sawyer Johnson, a sophomore in the same program, are serving as ambassadors of commu-nity service through a state organization known as “Project 351.”
Started during Deval Patrick’s administration, the youth service orga-nization is dedicated to building a new gen-eration of service lead-ers who strengthen the Commonwealth through vision, skill, kindness and compassion.
Its mission is to unite diverse eighth grade ser-vice ambassadors for an inspirational year of community service, lead-ership development and enrichment.
Autumn and Sawyer have been serving as Princeton ambassadors since they were eighth graders at the Thomas Prince School. Both have worked on numerous community service ven-tures since signing on to the project.
Since serving as an Ambassador for Princeton in 2013, Autumn was instrumen-tal in collecting more than 6,000 clothing items and toys, and more than 250 pounds of food for Massachusetts non-prof-it organizations through Project 351’s help. She now serves on the proj-ect’s Alumni Leadership Council where she is serving as a leader/men-tor for new ambassadors.
Sawyer, who started as an ambassador in 2015, has also participated in community service
projects in his town and throughout the state, including food and cloth-ing drives, painting the interior of a school in Dorchester and working with City Year. To pro-mote an upcoming ser-vice project, he walked around his elementary school wearing a sign stating he was giving out free hugs to anyone who asked about the project.
For their latest proj-ect, the students wanted to recognize the efforts of firefighters serving throughout the Monty Tech school district.
“Because October is National Fire Safety Awareness month, we wanted to recognize firefighters serving in the communities in the school district,” accord-ing to Autumn.
“Project 351 encourag-es alumni members to
create different and new ways to engage high-school students in ser-vice, so I came up with the idea that every Monty Tech student could get involved in,” she added.
After securing support from Principal Thomas Browne, Autumn and Sawyer met with graphic communications teach-ers to enlist their help. Graphics senior Nathan Sandoval of Gardner designed a notecard depicting a fire truck and Monty Tech’s bulldog dressed as a firefighter.
“We wanted as many students as possible to write notes of apprecia-tion for firefighters in the communities,” Sawyer said.
A total of 1,450 cards were printed in graphics and placed in homeroom teachers’ mailboxes. The response from student
body and staff has been outstanding. To date, close to 1,100 cards, bear-ing messages of apprecia-tion and support for local firefighters, have been collected.
Autumn’s father, who serves as deputy fire chief for Princeton and Devens, is assisting with reading, sorting and mailing the cards to fire departments located throughout the school district.
“I am still involved with Project 351 because I have a passion for ser-vice. I love giving back to the community in which I live, and those surrounding me. I serve because I want to help anyone who may need a pair of shoes, food, or just to show appreciation. I like to live by the motto inspired by Bill Richard, father of Martin Richard,
who was killed during the Boston terrorist attack, who says, ‘Choose Kindness’,” she said.
English teacher Cid Vargo said she was very impressed with the stu-dents’ project and shared with her class a personal experience she had with the Leominster emergen-cy services.
“I was very happy to share a personal experience my mother had recently with the Leominster emergency services. I did it to help them appreciate what our firefighters and first responders do for us. That seemed to remind the students that they, or people they know, were helped by firefighters or EMTs. It was a very peaceful, thoughtful way to begin the day,” Vargo said.
Browne praised
Autumn’s efforts in initi-ating the project.
“Autumn has been such an advocate for Project 351. She reached out back in the spring with a proposal, but it was too close to the end of the school year to imple-ment it. Nevertheless, she was so enthusiastic that I really wasn’t sur-prised when she reached out to me during the summer with a new plan. Her willingness to be open to suggestions was amazing, as we both just wanted to come up with a plan that highlighted the central concept...appre-ciation for our firefight-ers...without disrupting the school day too much. Autumn unquestionably is a young woman com-mitted to community ser-vice and recognition, “ he said.
Courtesy photo
Monty Tech engineering technology students who worked on “Project 351” include, from left, Ryan Maguire of Fitchburg, Conner Garrity of Holden, Sawyer Johnson of Princeton, Jennifer Gosselin of Hubbardston, Autumn Kelly of Princeton, Jake Niermeyer of Holden and Brian Johnson of Ashburnham.
BY JERRY CARTONCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Murdock senior Michaela Benedict
has always loved music. Ask her about the clarinet and she lights up. Ask her about her years in band at Toy Town Elementary school and she’s got great memories. Ask her about the energy new band teacher Cody Arington has brought to Murdock and she waxes enthusiasm.
Given all that, it is any surprise her Youth Venture project is a drive to engage and interest younger students in band and is called “Band Buddies”?
“When I was at Toy Town, we had about 100 people in the band. We weren’t the Boston Pops but we had fun,” recalled Benedict.
“Right now the middle school has somewhere between 10 and 20 and the high school has less than 10. That’s really disappointing and I wanted to try and do something about it,” lamented Benedict.
She didn’t speculate as to why the numbers are what they are, but said she’s undeterred by them.
Those numbers were the catalyst for the project (The multi-talented Benedict also has a great story about science too but that’s for a future Courier).
“When Mr. Arington got here, he was excited about rebuild-ing the band and I’m excited about doing what I can do to help make that happen. We need younger kids to join band but the credit when this happens, and it won’t happen overnight, but it will happen, goes to Mr. A,” she stressed.
“He’s been my motivation. He’s inspiring. He can play dif-ferent instruments which helps him relate to musicians and his mindset is we’re going to do this,” she noted, pointing out Arington rebuilt band programs at small schools like Murdock in his native state of Arizona.
“If my project can help get a couple kids to join, that’s prog-ress,” noted Benedict, who has also found time to play varsity soccer and be involved in other school activities as well.
She deflects a lot of credit to Arington, but Benedict’s
efforts matter too. “It’s important for schools to have bands but that won’t
happen unless we get them encouraged to start early and that’s what Band Buddies is about,” she said. Last summer, Murdock Youth Venture champion Kris Provost applauded Benedict’s project.
“She’s determined to make an impact and leave her mark. You can’t help but be impressed by her energy,” he reflected, “and she picked a project that will make a difference in the school. Younger students will see what she’s done and they can look up to that and want to emulate it.”
As for the clarinet? “It’s a very finicky instrument, with very unique finger
patterns,” laughed Benedict who’s been playing for eight years.
“Kim LaPointe and Paul LaPage made a difference for me. I took lessons and loved it. I really cherish the success we had with our band and I’m trying to pass that love of music along.”
Come graduation, Benedict isn’t planning on giving up music.
“I might want to join a jazz band” in college, she remarked. “I love music.”
Love of music drives Benedict to help
Winchendon courier 3 Friday, December 23, 2016
Wishing you and your family, a joyous
Holiday Season!Holiday Hours
Closed Monday, December 26thIn Observance of Christmas
Closed Monday, January 2ndIn Observance of New Year’s Day
The Bank Will Be Open Regular SaturdayHours On Dec. 24th and Dec. 31st
8:00-Noon (Drive-up)8:30-Noon (Lobby)
978-249-3200 • www.atholsb.comAthol • Ashburnham • Baldwinville • Barre • Gardner • Winchendon
Member FDIC Member DIF
For advertising information call us
at 978-297-0050
Delivering quality heating oil at the most competitive price and simplifying the customer experience.
300 High Street, Winchendon, MA 01473 (800) 359-4802 • [email protected]
CURRENT PRICE OF OIL
$1.999
(978) 297-4456OFFICE LOCATED AT
1335 ALGER STREET, WINCHENDON
3 CHECK OUR LOW PRICES3 50 GALLON DELIVERIES AVAILABLE3 AUTOMATIC OR CALL-INS 3 COMPETITIVE RATES
HI-LO OIL, INC.
“Keeping You Warm Since 1989.”
$1.939Eastern Propane600 School St.Winchendon, MAPhone: 978-297-0529 1-800-522-2000www.eastern.com
Hi-Lo Oil, Inc.1335 Alger Street Winchendon, MA (978) 297-4456
Oppure Oil300 High StreetWinchendon, MA (800)359-4802
Your Guide To Local Fuel Dealers.
D’Ambrosio takes a turn at the kettle
MWCC raises funds with Winterfest
LEOMINSTER — A dozen members of the staff at D’Ambrosio Eye Care were part of the contingency laying wreaths at the Wreaths Across America event at the veterans cemetery in Winchendon. D’Ambrosio Eye Care raised over $4,200 to prove 426 of the 2,200 wreaths at the cemetery.
Last week 13 staff members of D’Ambrosio Eye Care took shifts ring-ing the bell for the Salvation Army at the Walmart. Kicking it off were dona-tions from Francis A. D’Ambrosio Jr. MD and staff members as well as from the public.
Those who took part were Henry Chiu, Steve Buffone, Jessica Pepin, Angie Roy, Souvanh Chanoyalangsy, Angela Rust, Larissa Brooks, Maria Mallard, Melissa Fells, Lexi Rosado, Liz Murphy, Courtney Record and com-munity liaison for D’Ambrosio Jude Seppa.
Courtesy photo
An Ugly Sweater contest at the MWCC Winterfest was a hoot.
GARDNER — Mount Wachusett Community College raised more than $7,000 over the last two days to benefit the college’s Emergency Student Loan Fund which helps students buy textbooks, food, bus passes, gas and other small daily expenses. The funds were raised through the two day “Winterfest,” which featured a gift basket and wreath raffle and a wide variety of hand crafted items from local vendors for sale.
“These emergency funds are critically important to our students,” said President Daniel M. Asquino. “Many times, meet-ing these expenses can mean the difference between staying on track in college, having to miss important course work or to stop out. I am so proud of the amazing team that puts this annual event together for our college. It is a wonderful way to launch the holiday season.”
Business BriefsNEW OFFICERS
FITCHBURG — The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts elected trustees and officers at its recent annual meeting.
Reelected as trustees to three-year terms: Ronald Ansin of the Office of Ronald M. Ansin, Leominster; William E. Aubuchon IV of W.E. Aubuchon Company, Inc., Westminster; Jan Cochran of Groton; David Huhtala of Huhtala Oil Co., East Templeton; Ted Lapres of Groton; and Albert Stone of Sterilite Corporation, Townsend.
Elected as officers to one-year terms: Lapres as chair; Henri Sans of LeBlanc & Sans, Gardner as vice chair; Steven Stone ofSterilite Corporation, Townsend as treasurer; Cochran as clerk; and Philip Grzewinski of Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, Fitchburg, as president and recording secretary.
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts serves the charitable interest of donors in Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Barre, Bolton, Clinton, Devens, Erving, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, New Salem, Orange, Pepperell, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Warwick, Wendell, Westminster and Winchendon.
MWCC WINS AWARD
GARDNER — The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District One Conference in November recognized the Mount Wachusett Community College Division of Marketing and Communications with Gold Medallions in the Booklet cat-egory for its accepted student book-let and the Nifty and Thrifty cate-gory for its fall enrollment mailer. A Silver Medallion was awarded in the Novelty Campaign category for the #LevelUp enrollment campaign. Bronze Medallions were won in the Direct Mail Campaign category for a series of Fitness & Wellness Center mailers, and in the Outdoor Media category for a transfer billboard.
“We are humbled to be recognized by a group of our peers at other com-munity colleges across the district. All these projects were a team effort and we are all proud of the work we’ve accomplished on behalf of Mount Wachusett Community College,” said Sarah McMaster, director of Marketing and New Media at MWCC.
The Medallion Awards are judged by a group of volunteer judges working in higher education across NCMPR District One in 46 categories spanning original photography and logo design to annual reports and marketing cam-paigns.
Courtesy photo
Henry Chiu, Steve Buffone, Jessica Pepin (event coordinator), Angie Roy, Souvanh Chaonoyalangsy, Angela Rust and Jude Seppa, Community Liaison for D’Ambrosio Eye Care at the Salvation Army kettle
TOUGH BACON!
CHECK OUT THE SPORTS ACTION!
Winchendon courier 4 Friday, December 23, 2016
Christmas
I look around at all the lovely decorations on homes and businesses. People seem to have happier faces at this time of year. I particularly like the inside decorations of peo-ple’s homes, the poinsettias, Christmas trees, wreaths, and garland. Every thing is so fes-tive.
I had a very large extended family and we all got togeth-er for Christmas Eve and exchanged presents. With 12 aunts and uncles, their spouses and their children, it was quite an event. It was catered by one of the local restaurants and it did indeed take most of the
night to unpack all the presents under the tree. Relatives who were away, often in the armed services, would telephone that night and we would all take turns talking with them. When the evening was over it was off to church followed by hot tod-dies at one of my aunt’s home.
Christmas morning was at home with my parents. Never the blast of Christmas Eve but a quiet and thoughtful time together followed by my mother’s traditional Christmas baked offerings. My mother and her favorite sister trad-ed cooking on Christmas and Thanksgiving so we would have dinner on each of those occasions, on an annual rotat-ing basis, at one another home.
All of those people are now gone from my life. But the
memories they created for me and my cousins will never dim. As we grew our own family we included some of those tradi-tions but always enjoyed think-ing about times past.
My wife and I wanted our kids to have Christmas tradi-tions that included it being cel-ebrated in their own home. So as we moved about, taking new jobs and living new places, we always invited our parents to join us at our home for the hol-idays. And they did. Now that are four children are grown and moved away and our nine grandchildren until this year lived a good distance from us, they have continued the tradi-tion of creating a home based Christmas for their kids. Now we are the ones traveling.
I went to a Christmas pag-
eant last Sunday at an histor-ic church built before the war for independence and beau-tifully adorned with stained glass windows made by Louis Comfort Tiffany. It was such a pleasure watching the little ones dressed in various cos-tumes and singing Christmas carols. So many memories. Also during the week we went to a wonderful concert that included a children’s choir that had traveled the world, a trom-bone quartet and a chorus of male voices.
I guess this is my way of saying Christmas memories are things most of us share and enjoy and try to repeat. In our past, it was a time of good feelings. Peace on earth good-will to men. Every Christmas we are all involved in making
memories.It is my hope that my readers
will take the time to slow down, take in, and participate in all things Christmas this year.
One has only to watch television or read a newspa-per to know that our kind of Christmas season is not shared in the Aleppos of the world where innocents are slaugh-tered daily, genocide occurs, and the memories those people will have, if they survive, will be seriously short of our own.
We, my friends, are truly fortunate. And part of that, although it does cloud the hap-piness, must be a realization that our comforts, joys and memories are not universal.
Merry Christmas.
At year’s endWhen I sat down to write this final
essay for 2016 (next week our parent com-pany distributes its annual all-pictorial issue covering all the papers it owns), there was of course no question in my mind about the biggest story of the year:
I’ve now (almost) made it through two years without spending a single night in the hospital. Knock on wood for another eight days, right? In fact, I only had one ER visit all year, that coming last month when I had a touch of pneumonia. And that was it. Yes, I post on Facebook about my mishaps. But my cardiologist is happy. My cholesterol is perfect, repeat perfect. See, bacon is healing, ha ha (Of course I talk about it more than I eat it). My allergist started me on bi-weekly zolair shots. Three of them, every other week. They sting but they help. I’ll take that trade-off in a heartbeat.
You were expecting something differ-ent as a lead story? What can I say here that I haven’t said before? Let me preface by noting I’ve been told I’m overreacting, that this is just another election, that we shouldn’t prejudge. Need I add the people who’ve said that to me are not Jewish nor Muslim, nor LGBT nor God knows, African American. The people who are saying that to me are beyond clueless what it’s like to be a member of a gender, social or religious minority.
The truth is — Donald Trump was elected President through a constitution-al but arcane legal instrument which overrode the clear will of the majority. Nearly three million more people voted for Hillary Clinton than for him. By way of comparison, Al Gore finished half a million in front. In the weeks since, Trump’s done nothing to reach out to
that majority. As he continued his ridic-ulous self-congratulatory victory lap last week, he showed no signs of doing so.
What he actually knew or for that matter knows or cares about the Russian hacking remains very much in doubt but since he’s utterly failed to condemn it, that’s an ominous sign of things to come. He’s blithely ignored the combined find-ings of the country’s intelligence agencies and picked a fight with the CIA though, noticeably not with James Comey at the FBI who himself may well have played a role in the outcome.. Then again, Trump insists he’s smarter than everyone else anyway. After all, he only needs secu-rity briefings once or twice a week. Old allies are beyond anxious. America’s future in NATO? Who knows? He’s said he’d have won the popular vote were it not for “millions” of illegal ballots, of which there is zero evidence. Zero. None. He campaigned promising a better deal for working class, largely high school educated whites and so far has large-ly staffed the incoming administration with old, rich white guys who’ve shown no interest whatsoever in the plight of all those voters. He’s still refused to do so much as scold the extremists who pop-ulated his rallies and in fact legitimized them by bringing Steve Bannon into the White House and more importantly, by choosing a social-issue extremist as a running mate.
Separate himself from his business? Right. Not happening.
The nominee for Secretary of State, while he has contributed to Planned Parenthood, received a nice award from Vladimir Putin who, if you’d forgotten, used to run the KGB. The Labor Secretary
n o m i n e e hates unions. Ben Carson at HUD? Rick Perry at Energy? How much more do you need to know?
No, this was in no way just another elec-tion. I know a lot of people who haven’t been able to shake their depression since Nov. 8. Count me among them. I always thought we were an inclusive, welcom-ing, optimistic country led by optimistic Presidents. I might have had ideological disagreements with Ronald Reagan and the Bushes but none of them ran as divisively or as an enemy of as many millions of us as did Donald Trump.
Trump has been helped by the pas-sivity on my side. I’m disappointed the outgoing President didn’t use his bully pulpit more forcefully to drive home the hacking catastrophe, and yes I’m well aware we’ve meddled in plenty of elec-tions, when we weren’t just eliminating the opposition that is. Nonetheless, what the Russians did? That was an act of war and Barack Obama, ever the cau-tious constitutional lawyer, and perhaps afraid of being seen as partisan or that proverbial angry black man, responded weakly. For eight years, the other side has played hardball but he hasn’t. If in September after he met with Putin, or in October after getting briefed by the CIA, he knew the Russians were hacking, he should have made that clear. What was to lose? Mitch McConnell might refuse
to be bi-partisan? We were attacked and while Obama might yet do “something”, he had a responsibility to be upfront before the election.
In any event, here we are. I’m encouraged that Democratic attorneys gener-al are stealing a page from the Republican playbook and will be suing left and right to try and prevent Trump from
rolling back regulations on a myriad of issues. Democratic mayors are insist-ing they’ll give up federal funding and remain sanctuary cities and won’t help deport children. Good for them. Too bad Nancy Pelosi and to some extent Chuck Schumer don’t have the same guts, for the stark reality is this — we’re already in the midst of a civil war. The rank and file on my side understand we need to act in every way possible to protect vul-nerable minorities and programs which are of benefit to more than billionaires. Rich old white people, rich young white people don’t have to worry about SNAP or health care. Many others do.
Maybe we can’t change federal policy, but I’ve always pushed the mantra there are a lot of different ways to make a posi-tive difference. Now more than ever that adage holds true. Go find a cause and get invested. Stay committed. We aren’t “them”. Not a chance. We’re better than “them”. We’re not racist, cultural, or reli-gious bigots. We don’t live in fear of those who don’t look like us. Keep that in mind, okay? See you Jan. 6.
VIEWSOpinion and commentary from Winchendon and beyond
Editorial lEttErs to thE Editor
Blessings
WinchEndon couriErPresident/Publisher: Frank Chilinski
editor: ruth deamiCis
To the Editor:We are back hoping you will consider
helping once again with the newest tradition in Winchendon, the annual bonfire; this year scheduled Jan. 14.
This year there will be a chicken barbecue, with only 200 tickets being sold. The cost is $12 and includes one-half chicken and sides. Hurry to order a ticket through the American Legion soon. The meal will begin at 7 p.m.
The fireworks will kick off at 6 p.m. Jan. 14; the bonfire will be lit immedi-ately following. There will be hot choco-late provided by the Winchendon Lions, music provided by Franco O’Malley. It will prove to be a great evening for everyone involved.
What we need is your support for the
cost of fireworks. This has become a really popular part of the evening and the cost is more than $2,500. While we did well last year, and managed to carry over some funds so we aren’t starting from zero, still we need to raise at least $1,000 this year.
Won’t you help? We appreciate any-thing you can do. Donations of any amount can be sent to the American Legion Post 193, 295 School St., Winchendon MA 01475. Please indicate the funds are specifically for the fire-works event.
Thank you for your consideration.
FranCo o’malley, CommanderameriCan legion Post 193
American Legion: we need your help
A Christmas candle messageBY DICK JOHNSON
Another Christmas season is upon us. What do you think about when you hear the word Christmas? Many thoughts, I am sure.
Let me help you make this Christmas season different from Christmases past.Change your way of thinking, what needs to be done is to be grateful with thank-
fulness. Look to the light of Christ coming unto a dark world; with his birth as Jesus Christ.
Looking to a candle of light in Christ is inviting us to come into his light this Christmas, abiding in him; living as beautifully as one can. In doing so, shine his light from within.
Our hearts become filled with peace and joy and our breath sparks like an elec-trical current, continuing to grow.
Strive, then, to live as beautifully as one can in this light of Christ’s living pres-ence.
In doing so, we help light up this dark world with one more candle of light living.So be blessed, this is his purpose for all of us. Think love, be loved, and forgive
all.May the joy of Christmas bless you one and all; Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year 2017.
With this auspicious weekend including not one, but two religious holidays over days already scheduled off, the children will be driving their parents a bit dotty with anticipation.
The history of why these holidays are all crammed together is interesting; it has to do with short days, long nights, superstitions, holidays already in place, a bit of jealousy, a wish by Powers That Be to be part and parcel of larger celebrations and...yes, unknown dates.
Because honestly, no we don’t have an exact date for the birth of Jesus.But we do celebrate it now.It could easily have been any date, and based on apocrypha, if there truly were
shepherds with lambs, those are born in spring and it might be a better, more honest time. As would the likelihood of the demand for taxpayers to go back to the town of their origin for a census. Travel is easier in springtime.
But we aren’t here to argue with anyone. The date was chosen as Dec. 25 well before there was such a date on a calendar. It was chosen as being nigh the winter solstice, already celebrated as a holiday by many sects as the turning of the year from darkest cold toward a lighter hope.
What better representation of the hope of the light of the world?It was a given then, that the church fathers could encourage people with a cel-
ebration, not perhaps what their brand new parishioners had known before they learned this good news, but new and at the same time, and just as celebratory.
A few other sects and religions also found reasons to have celebrations near the dates as well; not because it wasn’t earned, or because the celebration isn’t “real”, but because that celebration also fits into the light and memes of the darkest hours reborn.
The expansion of this most holy of celebrations, to welcome light into the world, give hope to the hopeless, bring joy to mankind and faith in the unseen has, of course been enlarged well beyond the life of the simple carpenter with the extraor-dinary message.
For besides the message of love, hope, faith and kindness shared among all fel-low humans, we have to share trust that it will all work out in the end.
It’s hard to see that sometimes. Especially when one group, so justified within themselves and seeing only their
own view of the world, is bent on molding the rest of the world in their own image. It isn’t a human image we must rely on.It is the spiritual one. For we are spiritual beings have a human experience; and
if we have strayed from that concept, we must remember to retouch the divine within ourselves and within one another.
For all humans were created in a single image, whether exteriors reflect another or not.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Serene Solstice, Happy Kwanzaa, and if it is but a day of peace to you, may it be as peaceful as possible.
Blessings.
JACK BLAIR
notEs of concErn
JERRY CARTON
JournEy of thE hEart
WHA to go smoke free next spring
WINCHENDON — In what will be the first of sev-eral such meetings in the next four months or so, Winchendon Housing Authority Executive Director David Connor addressed a small crowd at Ipswich Drive community building Tuesday to start explain-ing the new policy being adopted to make all proper-ties under control of the WHA smoke-free April 1.
The policy will allow people who smoke to live within the properties, some 300 unites of state and federally funded and elderly-disabled public housing located throughout the town under the oversight of the WHA. But smoking of any kind, including elec-tronic cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other tobacco prod-ucts or marijuana will only be allowed beyond 25 feet
of any property.All residents will be required to have the policy
included as part of the lease. Failure to abide by the new policy will be considered a breach of lease.
“We’re not trying to make anyone quit smoking,” said Connor. “We just aren’t going to allow smoking within any of the buildings, on any of the porches, and so on.”
Copies of the draft policy were provided. Connor said it isn’t yet finalized, and comments and sugges-tions were encouraged.
“This is something that is being implemented across all state and federal properties within the next 18 months. This is HUD directed,” he explained.
He also said that even people who don’t smoke themselves will need to be responsible for any guests who visit.
“You need to be firm. Guests must follow the policy as well. No smoking within 25 feet. That’s it.”
The policy states there will be coopera-tion with area agencies such as public health department and health resources in an effort to help anyone interested in smoking cessation. Education and services will be provided for the next two years as part of the implementation period.
While the policy does not require anyone to quit smoking or to move, the resources will be
made available.“We’re not here to throw anyone under the bus,”
said Connor. “This will affect everyone, smokers and non-smokers alike. It will make the properties more pleasant.”
“And we will need to be sure we are requiring fol-lowing the policy. We have to be fair with everybody.”
Connor said more meetings will be held at several sites, including Hyde Park, Ready and Pearl Drive in an effort to be certain residents have a chance to ask questions and give feedback on the policy.
“Just ask. We’ll be glad to share the information. This has been coming for a while, it isn’t new. But come April 1, once the board adopts the policy, the changes will go into affect.”
Editor’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, DECEMBER 1212:35 a.m.: building check, secure; 1:07 a.m.: ambu-
lance (Holly Drive) transport; 2:49 a.m.: accident (Forristall Road) assisted; 5:22 a.m.: ambulance (Hyde Park Drive) transport; 7:05 a.m.: ambulance (Ipswich Drive) transport; 8:31 a.m.: ambulance (Central Street) transport; 9:21 a.m.: carbon mon-oxide incident (Gardner Road) services rendered; 9:38 a.m.: traffic hazard (Alger Street) no PD service required; 10:20 a.m.: investigation (Front Street) no PD service required; 10:48 a.m.: accident (Forristall Road) report taken; 11:42 a.m.: FD call (Center Lane) services rendered; 11:56 a.m.: ambulance (Walnut Street) transport; 12:06 p.m.: property dam-age (North Ashburnham Road) refer to DPW; 1:03 p.m.: burglar alarm (Front Street) false alarm; 1:07 p.m.: DPW call (Alger Street) info taken; 1:36 p.m.: investigation (Spruce Street) spoken to; 3:16 p.m.: accident (Baldwinville Road) summons: Dwayne P. Hannula, age 46 of 29 Sibley Road, Winchendon: neg-ligent operation of MV; 3:50 p.m.: registration check (Goodrich Drive) spoken to; 4:02 p.m.: officer wanted (Central Street) report taken; 5:15 p.m.: ambulance (Central Street) transport; 6:50 p.m.: abandoned MV (East Street) assisted; 8:11 p.m.: fire mutual aid (Athol – Main Street) call canceled; 10:46 p.m.: accident (Central Street) unable to locate; 10:59 p.m.: burglar alarm (Pleasant Street) secure; 11:09 p.m.: property damage (Main Street) info taken.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 131:13-2:59 a.m.: building checks, secure; 6:14 a.m.: MV
stop (Gardner Road) traffic citation; 6:16 a.m.: child welfare check (address not printed) report taken; 8:03 a.m.: notification (Royalston Road North) spo-ken to; 8:31 a.m.: notification (Royalston Road North) services rendered; 8:50 a.m.: ambulance (Hancock Road) no FD service required; 8:57 a.m.: property damage (Harrisville Circle) report taken; 9:10 a.m.: repossession of MV (Walnut Street) info taken; 9:25 a.m.: notification (Maple Street) services rendered; 10:42 a.m.: notification (Maple Street) unable to locate; 11:01 a.m.: notification (Woodlawn Street) services rendered; 11:02 a.m.: gener-al info (Goodrich Drive) info taken; 11:19 a.m.: notifi-cation (Woodlawn Street) spoken to; 11:37 a.m.: notifi-cation (Goodrich Street) spoken to; 11:40 a.m.: MV stop (Highland Street) verbal warning; 12:03 p.m.: ambu-lance (Tucker Street) transport; 12:23 p.m.: proper-ty damage (Maple Street) no cause for complaint; 12:32 p.m.: unknown alarm (Monomonac Road East) secured building; 1:18 p.m.: general info (Oak Street) no cause for complaint; 2:40 p.m.: MV stop
(Central Street) traffic citation; 3 p.m.: officer wanted (Chase Lane) property returned to owner; 3:19 p.m.: summons service (Spruce Street) unable to serve; 3:23 p.m.: summons service (Mill Street) unable to serve; 3:28 p.m.: larceny (Webster Street) no PD ser-vice required; 3:45 p.m.: illegal burn (School Street) fire extinguished; 3:48 p.m.: animal complaint (Harrisville Circle) refer to ACO; 3:52 p.m.: general info (Woodlawn Street) info given; 4:02 p.m.: general info (Poland Avenue) verbal warning; 4:10 p.m.: officer wanted (Main Street) report taken; 4:28 p.m.: child welfare check (address not printed) spoken to; 4:37 p.m.: animal abuse (Old Baldwinville Road) refer to ACO; 4:47 p.m.: general info (Pleasant Street) info given; 5:19 p.m.: MV stop (School Street) traffic citation; 6:43 p.m.: accident (Elmwood Road) report taken; 7:03 p.m.: general welfare check (address not printed) spoken to; 8:38 p.m.: officer wanted (Cedar Terrace) spoken to; 9:35 p.m.: holdup alarm (Lincoln Avenue Extension) accidental; 11:38 p.m.: fire mutu-al aid (Goddard Road) refer to FD.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 141:03-1:39 a.m.: multiple parking violations, traf-
fic citations issued; 1:42-2:45 a.m.: building checks, secure; 5:10 a.m.: assist other agency (Spring Place) spoken to; 8:16 a.m.: fire mutual (Ridge Rte. 202) services rendered; 8:50 a.m.: investigation (Maple Street) info taken; 9:14 a.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville State Road) verbal warning; 9:18 a.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road) verbal warning; 9:43 a.m.: investi-gation (Webster Street) spoken to; 10:18 a.m.: MV stop (Spring Street) verbal warning; 10:18 a.m.: investigation (Ready Drive) spoken to; 10:21 a.m.: summons service (Mill Street) served; 10:29 a.m.: ambulance (Central Street) transport; 10:33 a.m.: lift assist (Hyde Park Drive) services rendered; 10:35 a.m.: MV stop (West Street) traffic citation; 10:48 a.m.: ambulance (Mill Street) transport; 10:58 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street) verbal warning; 11:28 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street) verbal warning; 11:32 a.m.: investigation (Maple Street) no PD service required; 11:45 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street) verbal warning; 2:26 p.m.: ambulance (Hyde Park Drive) transport; 3:24 p.m.: summons service (Spruce Street) served; 3:45 p.m.: larceny (Russell Farm Road) report taken;
Winchendon courier 5 Friday, December 23, 2016
Facebook and their new Fact PoliceIf there ever was a social
media equivalent to Microsoft in the world of computerized operating systems, the hands down winner is Facebook. A company to which the title of supreme social media jugger-naut almost doesn’t quite seem fitting enough.
To keep in perspective just how electronically almighty this company truly is, think about this. Facebook has 1.72 billion monthly active accounts around the globe, with 1.1 billion of those check-ing it while on the run from their mobile devices, and near-ly 50 percent of account holders logging in daily. Even Twitter commands at just under 700 million accounts, comes in at a paltry 40 percent of Facebook’s colossal size. What does that equate to? How about one of the largest informational and dis-tributional tools on the planet Earth, especially among indus-trialized nations.
Many have heard the sarcas-tic joke, “Oh, if it’s on Facebook it must be true!”
Due to the issue of the ever increas-ing amount fake news, fake facts, fake stories p u b l i s h e d , and often times bla-tant all out lies about any common noun being a person, place, or thing. If you’re going to go for the biggest and best place to spread “Fake News” then Facebook is your electronic version of Green Acres. It is the place to be.
As a result of all of this, “Especially after all the false facts, allegations, and stories spread on Facebook during the most recent Presidential Election” about all presiden-tial candidates, Facebook has announced it is going to start “Fact Checking” things people post on its site. While most likely the responsible thing and quite likely long overdue, this raises one serious ques-
tion, “WHO WILL MONITOR THE FACEBOOK FACT POLICE?”
During the pres-idential election, Google, the largest search engine in the world, was found by several various study groups to be
purposely moving any nega-tive stories about Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton to the bottom of their searches no matter how recent or possibly damaging some stories were in their content. While not ille-gal in any way, it was clearly a tactic to help sway voters away from stories that were unflattering to the Clinton Campaign. Yes, this was with Google policing itself.
If Facebook as it now claims is about to start using staff as “Fact Checkers” to either veri-fy a post that a fellow member has flagged which they do not like and reported it, or one they simple find themselves, what is to keep Facebook from taking
down posts on its site which “It does not like” just like Google was moving stories to the bottom of lists it did not like? The answer, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
As the internet continues to grow faster than any legal establishment or laws can keep up with, trying to stop fake news and fake facts from being posted has become the new dig-ital 800 pound gorilla in the electronic room.
It is there, it’s large and in charge, and it can’t be ignored.
Facebook is notorious among its users for deleting accounts simply because somebody else found something to be offen-sive and then reported it. Well, so much for free speech and the 1st Amendment, because Facebook is a publicly trad-ed company and when one opens an account with them they agree to a terms of ser-vice. Yes, those gazillion words in the fine print which most never like to read. You have an account with them, until they feel you violated their policies.
This raises the question, “What if you posted something you actually took the time to fact check the validity of, and their fact checkers at Facebook decided their liked their facts better, and not yours?” The answer, kiss you post goodbye no matter how important it was to you, and maybe your account.
As the internet continues to grow by leaps and bounds, there is no denying it is here to stay short of a large EMP, or massive solar flare. Fake news and fake facts are clearly a problem and there is no deny-ing it. However, any body or panel can find any professional expert they want to testify on either side of an isle of discus-sion to say their facts are the correct facts just like in a court of law.
In the end, it all comes down to one simple question. Who will police the new Facebook Fact Checking Police? I will give you a hint. The answer has a high probability of being less than one.
BRUCE’S BURNER SERVICE
Bruce W. Cloutier 978-297-1815
Lic. #016828
Heating Systems Cleaned, Repaired & Installed
0% Interest and large rebates available for new installations
As you celebrate the miracle of this special season, may your heart be filled with joy and peace. May
blessings of the holiday linger in your home and stay with you throughout the year.
KEITH KENT
Anything
neAr &
FAr
POLICE LOG
Turn To LOGS page A7
and community organizations, and police departments that donated to the Winchendon Wreath Fund. It is through the generosity of these people that we were able to place a remem-brance wreath on every head-stone in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon again in 2016. Thank you to all those that helped place the wreaths at
the cemetery in frigid winter weather, this small act of plac-ing a wreath and saying their names goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our vet-erans alive,” Marinelli said.
Each year, of course, there will be more wreathes to lay as the cemetery expands.
Richard Bastien, director of Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries, was also extremely pleased with the participation despite the below zero temperatures.
“I was very hesitant going in
to today wondering if we would only get 50 people, if we have all of our school children not show up. A bunch of us were posting on social media last night when we were doing this today. Considering the tem-perature, I would guess we had a lot more people here today, than we did last year when it was 45 degrees. This was a true testament to the great amount of people that said, ‘The weath-er is not going to stop us.’ I have been here for the last five Wreaths Across America, and
this was by far the most people here I have seen!”
Bastien also commented that he was extremely pleased to see how diverse the atten-dance was as people from not only local bordering towns were taking part, but also from Fitchburg, Leominster, and others far beyond.
“We always try to stress, ‘Yes there are these Veterans’ Cemeteries located in Winchendon and Agawam, but they are not the cemeteries of Winchendon or Agawam, these
are cemeteries which eli-gible veterans from any-where in the state can be buried in’.”
Additional distinctions explained by Bastien were, “There are technically three veterans’ cemeter-ies in the state; however the one located in Bourne is a National Veterans’ Cemetery which prior to 1999 was the only veterans’ cemetery in Massachusetts which served all of New England.”
Bastien also pointed out there are additional cem-eteries in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
As of 2015, state veter-ans’ cemeteries are now required to meet the same standards as national vet-eran’s cemeteries. This, according to Bastien is causing the individual state cemeteries to begin sharing more information, as they have to meet the same standards as every-body else. Sharing of infor-mation such as “How can you warm the ground in the winter so you can prop-erly do digs or other ques-
tions so each director and staff of each veteran’s cemetery can learn from each other,” said Bastien.
In closing a passionate Bastian said, “We cannot do this without the help of our volunteers. To see so many vol-unteers to take time off of their day on the coldest day of the year with a good 300 of them coming here today shows the love they have for their vet-erans, and the love that they have for their service to their country. As we say, the price of freedom is visible here.”
If you would like to donate locally to “Wreaths Across America” to have a fresh cut holiday wreath placed at a veterans’ cemetery head-stone please contact Bridget Marinelli by phone at (978) 895-0133, or email her with any ques-tions at [email protected]. Checks can be made payable to “Winchendon Wreath Fund.” Donations can be mailed to c/o Bridget Marinelli, 14 Winter Place, Winchendon, MA 01475 The cost of one holiday wreath is $15, and a donation of $20 or more would allow one to designate a specific headstone where a wreath would be placed. As always, donations of any amount are always appre-ciated.
As one project is completed, planning for the next begins. The wreaths will be gathered and added to the annual bon-fire on Jan. 14. The bonfire is set to be lit at 6 p.m. Fireworks are planned and a chicken bar-becue, tickets now available at the American Legion for $12. Only 200 dinners will be served so plan to get that ticket early.
Winchendon courier 6 Friday, December 23, 2016
IN COUNTYq 26 WEEKS - $22.50q 52 WEEKS - $45.00q 104 WEEKS - $76.00
OUT OF COUNTYq 26 WEEKS - $30.00q 52 WEEKS - $56.00q 104 WEEKS - $90.00
SENIOR RATESq 26 WEEKS - $19.50q 52 WEEKS - $38.50q 104 WEEKS - $62.50
Name ______________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________
City________________________________State___________Zip ______________
Phone ( ) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ q Check/Money Order Enclosed ________________________________________
o VISA# ___________________________________________________________
o M/C # _____________________________________________________
o 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!
VETERANScontinued from page A1
Braving the cold to honor veterans
Staff photos
WINCHENDON — With school delayed and temperatures hovering well below freezing; the call went out for volunteers for the Wreaths Across America placement at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery Friday morning. The call was answered by droves of peo-ple, dressed warmly and with willing hearts and hands.
Winchendon courier 7 Friday, December 23, 2016
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
STONE-LADEAU FUNERAL HOME 343 Central Street
Winchendon, MA 01475
Tel: 978-297-0077 • Fax: 978-297-0075
Helen M. (Burgholzer) Cochran, 59FITCHBURG — Helen M. (Burgholzer)
Cochran died in her home on Dec. 14, 2016 in Fitchburg due to complications following cancer. She was 59.
Mrs. Cochran was born on May 4, 1957 in West Nyack, NY to her parents, Robert and Natalie Burgholzer. She was a high school graduate and had recently completed medical billing and coding courses at Salter College. She had been an employee at Adesa Concord for eight years and enjoyed her job and cowork-ers.
Mrs. Cochran is survived by her two sons, Andrew and Michael Cochran of Leominster; her sisters and brothers,
Patricia Christowski of Las Vegas NV, Catherine Burgholzer of Winchendon, William Burgholzer of Gardner, Matthew Burgholzer of Winchendon, Robert Burgholzer of Worcester, Michael Burgholzer of St. George GA, and Richard Burgholzer of Wilmington DE.
Mrs. Cochran will be buried in a pri-vate ceremony and at her request there will be no calling hours. The Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 16 West Street, Leominster is assisting the family with arrangements. www.richardsonfuneralhome.net.
Edward S. Larry, 91ATHOL — Edward S. Larry, age 91,
of Athol died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare. Edward was born April 5, 1925 in Winchendon. He is the son of the late Linwood and the late Nellie (Dennison) Larry.
He grew up and has lived in Athol all of his life graduating from Athol High School.
Edward was the owner and operator of Colonial Gas Service and L.P. with his business partner, Bill MacIntosh, operated the uptown and downtown mobile service stations and worked as a salesman for Sandri Oil Company of Greenfield for several years until his retirement.
He was a member of Ellinwood Country Club, Edward H. Phillips
American Legion post #102 and the Athol Sportsman’s Club. He loved play-ing golf.
He is survived by two daughters: Janet Larry of Tucson AZ, Anne Joly and her husband Tom of North Smithfield RI and three sons: Martin Larry of Tiverton RI, Mark Larry and his wife Lisa of Culver City CA, Stephen Larry and his wife Patti of Athol; He also has eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his wife Helen (Mackenzie) Larry.
A memorial service will be held in the spring.
Funeral services are under the direc-tion of Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol.
Loring ‘Bud’ Robert Stevenson Jr., 61CONCORD NH — Loring (Bud) Robert
Stevenson Jr., age 61, passed away on Dec. 10, 2016 due to complications from a lengthy illness.
He was born Oct. 2 1955, in Holyoke and was raised in Winchendon. He enjoyed spending time with his family as well as fishing and boating. Loring had a strong connection with animals and in recent years he helped transport and care for rescue dogs. He was always up for a fast ride on a snowmobile, motorcycle, or sports car. His work was as varied as his hobbies; a consummate chef and restaurant operator, as well as a caring phlebotomist and skilled
mechanic.He is survived by his mother and
father, Paulina and Loring Stevenson Sr., his siblings; Christopher, David, and Lisa Stevenson, his two sons; Matt and Kyler Stevenson, and his nieces; Chelsy Usher and Rachel Stevenson.
Per his wishes no public services will be held. Friends and family may visit his Facebook page to leave any thoughts and memories.
Please consider making a donation to the Concord, NH Hospice House whose staff provided the most amazing care in his transition.
Albert S. Bozza, 86WINCHENDON —
Albert S. Bozza, age 86, of 4 Town Farm Road, formerly of Townsend and Billerica, died peacefully Saturday evening, Dec. 17, 2016 at Health Alliance Leominster Hospital, with his family at his
side.He was born in East Boston on Jan.
7, 1930, son of the late Samuel and Anna (D’Este) Bozza. He grew up in East Boston and lived in Billerica, Townsend and Rochester, NH until moving to Winchendon, where he had lived since 1998.
Albert proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked in the transportation department for Mitre Corporation in Bedford until his retirement in 1992. His hobbies were woodworking, hunting and following the Boston Bruins.
His wife, Arline (Fitzemeyer) Bozza,
died in 1996. He leaves six children, Dennis A. Bozza and his fian-ce, Nancy Bock of Winchendon, Donald A. Bozza and his wife Donna of Billerica, Debra A. Warren and her husband Michael of Salem, NH, Diane A. Douglas and her fiance, Brian Hebert of Fitchburg, David A. Bozza and his wife Maryellen of Ashby and Darlene Zmijewski of Wareham; one brother John Bozza of Wareham, 15 grandchil-dren, 17 great grandchildren and a sis-ter, the late Phyllis Oliver.
A private military funeral will be held in the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallan St., Winchendon. There are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon is directing arrangements.
Julie M. Burke, 55GARDNER —
Julie M. Burke, age 55, of Gardner, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 in UMass Memorial Medical Center of Worcester, following a brief illness.
Born in Winchendon on Nov. 11, 1961, she
was the daughter of Judith (Marquis) Burke of Gardner and the late Robert Burke.
Julie graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1979. She received her Associates degree in business from Mount Wachusett Community College of Gardner in 1981, and received her Bachelor’s degree in accounting from North Adams State in 1983.
Julie was a self-employed pri-vate financial consultant with Burke Consulting.
She was a member of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Gardner.
Julie enjoyed watching college foot-ball on television, and she loved her cat ‘Toby’. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with family; especially her niece and nephew whom she adored.
Besides her mother, Julie leaves one brother, Robert W. Burke and his sig-nificant other Rhonda Hall of Chicago; two sisters, Lisa A. Burke of Delanco, NJ and Ann-Marie Ouellet and her hus-band France of Gardner; niece, Autumn Ouellet and nephew, Michael Ouellet.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 17 in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols St., Gardner. Burial was in Crystal Lake Cemetery, Gardner.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St., Second Floor, Framingham, MA 01701.
Joseph J. L’Etoile, 52W I N C H E N D O N
— Joseph J. L’Etoile, age 52, of 101 Highland St. died peacefully at his residence Monday morning, Dec. 19, 2016, with his family at his side.
He was born in Winchendon on Sept.
7, 1964, son of Mary C. (McNamara) L’Etoile, of Winchendon, with whom he lived, and the late Joseph A. L’Etoile, who died last month. Joe was a 1982 graduate of Murdock High School.
Joe had worked in maintenance at Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner for many years. He was a member and former commander of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 Sons of the American Legion and was a former coach for both boys and girls youth sports in town.
In addition to his mother, he leaves three children, Liliana Loseman of Gardner, Lauren L’Etoile of Florida and Samantha L’Etoile of Florida; one grand-son, Dexter Rioux; a brother, Michael E. L’Etoile of Winchendon; a sister, Jane N. Pineo and her husband Philip of Gardner, 20 nieces and nephews and 22 great nieces and great nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial was held Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 in St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest St., Baldwinville.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in the spring.
Memorial donations may be made to Winchendon Fire Department, 405 Central St., Winchendon, MA 01475 or to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home (stone-ladeau.com), 343 Central St., Winchendon is directing arrangements.
Cindy M. (Contois) Nutting, 59LEOMINSTER —
Cindy M. (Contois) Nutting, 59 years old of Leominster, passed away peacefully sur-rounded by her family on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 in HealthAlliance-Leominster Hospital.
Cindy was born Feb. 20, 1957 in Clinton, the daugh-ter of George D. Contois and Alice M. (Brejtfus) Contois. She is survived by her mother, her son Ryan R. Nutting and his significant other Melissa Clement of Westminster, daughter Calie L. Clark and husband Jon of Gardner, her sister Heidi L. Walker and the late Forrest E. Walker of Leominster, her brother Steven Contois and his wife Debi of
Winchendon and several nephews and nieces. Cindy worked as an LPN at various healthcare facilities, including HealthAlliance-Leominster Hospital where she worked for 15 years. She enjoyed going to Rye Beach, camping, daily soap operas, and trips to Lower Naukeag Lake in Ashburnham, her pets and she was always involved with her family, they came first.
Cindy’s funeral was held Friday, Dec. 16 from the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster, with mass in St Leo’s Church, 128 Main St., Leominster. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contri-butions can be made to the MSPCA, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606. www.richardsonfuneralhome.net.
3:49 p.m.: investigation (Kemp Street) info taken; 4:47 p.m.: property found (One Stop Plaza) returned to owner; 4:53 p.m.: missing person (Irwin Court) report taken; 5:29 p.m.: investigation (Cedar Terrace) spoken to; 5:32 p.m.: ambulance (walk in) transport; 6:57 p.m.: shoplifting (Kwikstop) report taken; 7:18 p.m.: fire alarm (Spruce Street) services rendered; 11:39 p.m.: ambulance (Cardinal Lane) transport.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1512:42-2:24 a.m.: extra patrols and build-
ing checks, secure; 7:33 a.m.: disabled MV (Spring Street) assisted; 9:01 a.m.: animal complaint (Lincoln Avenue) returned to home; 9:08 a.m.: MV stop (Lakeview Drive) traffic citation; 9:30 a.m.: traffic hazard (Maple Street) removed; 9:39 a.m.: warrant (Mill Glen Road) unable to locate; 10:42 a.m.: general info (Rte. 202) refer to other PD; 10:50 a.m.: bur-glar alarm (Maple Street) false alarm; 11:15 a.m.: harassment (Lincoln Avenue) report taken; 11:41 a.m.: ambulance (Baldwinville State Road) transport; 11:43 a.m.: ambulance (Tucker Street) trans-port; 12 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street) spoken to; 12:32 p.m.: MV stop (Glenallan Street) removed to hospital; 1:40 p.m.: ambulance (4th Street) transport; 2:42 p.m.: suspicious person (Colonial Lane) unable to locate; 3:04 p.m.: animal com-plaint (Emerald Street) refer to ACO; 3:44 p.m.: assist citizen (Goodrich Drive) assisted; 4:25 p.m.: officer wanted (Webster Street) unable to locate; 4:56 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road) traffic cita-tion; 5:18 p.m.: investigation (Cardinal Lane) unable to locate; 5:19 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road) written warning; 6 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road) traffic cita-tion; 6:22 p.m.: disabled MV (Irving Gas) assisted; 6:27 p.m.: officer wanted (Front Street) report taken; 8:22 p.m.: tree down (Spring Street) report taken; 8:26 p.m.: tree down (Spring Street) report taken; 8:47 p.m.: MV stop (Baldwinville Road) verbal warning; 8:50 p.m.: open door (Main Street) secured building; 9:08 p.m.: burglar alarm (Kwikstop) false alarm; 11:52 p.m.: fire mutual aid (Blanchard Street) fire extinguished.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1612:49 a.m.: animal complaint (Jackson
Avenue) no PD service required; 1:04-1:14 a.m.: building checks, secure; 1:28 a.m.: noise complaint (Goodrich Drive) trans-port; 1:54 a.m.: assault (West Street) report taken; 4:40 a.m.: noise complaint (Cedar Terrace) no PD service required; 5:37 a.m.: general info (Main Street) unable to locate; 6:03 a.m.: burglar alarm (Rivers Edge) accidental; 8:06 a.m.: burglar alarm (Krantz Road) false alarm; 8:40 a.m.: DPW call (Island Road) message deliv-ered; 9:01 a.m.: general info (Mill Glen Road) referred to court; 9:30 a.m.: inves-tigation (Maple Street) unable to locate; 10:05 a.m.: abandoned 911 call (Memorial School) no PD service required; 10:31 a.m.: ambulance (Washington Avenue) transport; 10:58 a.m.: assist citizen (Post Office) services rendered; 11:24 a.m.: threats (Lakeshore Drive) info taken; 12:03 p.m.: ambulance (Central Street) transport; 12:25 p.m.: general welfare check (address not printed) spoken to; 12:46 p.m.: officer wanted (Spruce Street) spoken to; 12:47 p.m.: assist citizen (Front Street) refer to other PD; 12:47 p.m.: gen-eral info (Baldwinville State Road) info taken; 1:38 p.m.: ambulance (Pine Street) transport; 2:09 p.m.: officer wanted (Goodrich Drive) report taken; 2:10 p.m.:
summons service (Mill Street) served; 3 p.m.: ambulance (Lakeshore Drive) transport; 3:13 p.m.: property damage (Clark YMCA) summons: Joshua Purvis, age 37 of 38 Oriole St., Gardner: leave scene of property damage; 3:42 p.m.: MV stop (Lincoln Avenue) written warning; 4:03 p.m.: accident (Brown Street) report taken; 4:19 p.m.: DPW call (River Street) refer to state DPW; 6:04 p.m.: fire alarm (Glenallan Street) accidental; 6:23 p.m.P investigation (Gardner Oriole Street) info taken; 6:50 p.m.: investigation (Hyde Park Drive) info given; 8:04 p.m.: noise complaint (Beachview Drive) no cause for complaint; 8:41 a.m.: MV stop (Spring Street) traffic citation; 9:08 p.m.: ambu-lance (Central Street) transport; 9:15 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street) traffic citation; 10:18 p.m.: registration check (Railroad Street) info given; 11:09 p.m.: fight (Rite Aid) spoken to; 11:29 p.m.: building check, secure.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1712:13-12:47 a.m.: building checks,
secure; 1:04 a.m.: carbon monoxide inci-dent (Gardner Road) accidental; 1:29 a.m.: assist citizen (Front Street) no PD service required; 1:47 a.m.: suspicious MV (River Street) spoken to; 4:29 a.m.: FD call (Front Street) no PD service required; 5:14 a.m.: parking violation (Phyllis Road) spoken to; 6:27 a.m.: accident (Gardner Road) report taken; 6:41 a.m.: accident (Gardner Road) report taken; 7:35 a.m.: ambulance (Central Street) transport; 9:35 a.m.: prop-erty damage (Alger Street) report taken; 9:53 a.m.: disabled MV (Central Street) assisted; 10:27 a.m.: general info (Walk in) unable to locate; 11:21 a.m.: assist citizen (Juniper Street) assisted; 11:35 a.m.: general info (Main Street) assist-ed; 11:39 a.m.: accident (Franklin Street) refer to other agency; 1:19 p.m.: accident (Glenallan Street) report taken; 2:01 p.m.: accident (Court Street) report taken; 3:32 p.m.: general info (Mechanic Street) spo-ken to; 4 p.m.: accident (Teel Road) report taken; 4:43 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Teel Road) unable to locate; 5:53 p.m.: fight (Academy Street) services rendered; 6:44 p.m.: burglar alarm (Brown Street) secure; 7 p.m.: accident (Mill Glen Road) no cause for complaint; 7:09 p.m.: assist motorist (Royalston Road North) call canceled; 7:41 p.m.: ambulance (Central Street) transport; 9:03 p.m.: unknown alarm (Athol Savings Bank) secure; 9:15 p.m.: DPW call (Baldwinville State Road) refer to state DPW; 9:26 p.m.: deliver message (Windsor Road) delivered; 10:02 p.m.: fire alarm (Hyde Park Drive) refer to other agency.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1812:36-12:53 p.m.: building checks,
secure; 9:28 a.m.: ambulance (Belmont Avenue) transport; 12:23 p.m.: general info (Juniper Street) summons served; 12:36 p.m.: summons service (Irving Station) served; 1:23 p.m.: threats (Mill Glen Road) spoken to; 1:52 p.m.: tree down on wires (Glenallan Street) removed traffic haz-ard; 1:57 p.m.: tree down on wires (Maple Street) removed traffic hazard; 2:11 p.m.: open door (Unitarian Church) no PD ser-vice required; 2:17 p.m.: ambulance (Hyde Park Drive) false alarm; 2:33 p.m.: DPW call (Webster Street) referred; 3:21 p.m.: FD call (Hale Street) assisted; 5:03 p.m.: ambulance (Central Street) transport; 5:39 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street) verbal warning; 6 p.m.: harassment (Glenallan Street) spoken to; 7:06 p.m.: stolen MV (Front Street) report taken; 8:33 p.m.: FD call (Glenallan Street) services rendered; 10:52 p.m.: disabled MV (Main Street) written warning; 11:17 p.m.: ambulance (Maple Street) transport.
LOGScontinued from page A5
Who’s the best team in a given sea-son?
Is it the team with the best record in the regular season or the team who wins the last game of the post-season? I ask this question because I read it posed by the Washington Post’s Tom Boswell, who leans to the former. His argument makes sense. Last NBA sea-son the Golden State Warriors went 73-9, setting an all-time record, but lost the Finals in seven games to LeBron and the Cavs. This year, as of this writing, the Warriors are 23-4, which makes them 96-13 over their last 109 regular season games. How can you not believe they’re the best team? Boswell, of course, acknowledges the record books will say Cleveland won the title, but in his own mind he says he’ll see the Cavs as “tournament champions” and the Warriors as the “best team.” Subjective? Sure? But that makes sense to him and increasingly to me too. How about you?
There was no such debate in baseball in 2016. From the first day of spring training to the final out of the World Series, the Cubs were far and away the best team. It all made for a great story, well, maybe not for White Sox fans, or Indians fans in October/November, but definitely for the rest of us. Hopefully it was as well for the unfairly maligned Steve Bartman who, you might recall, wasn’t the shortstop who booted a rou-tine double play ball right after the infamous foul ball and hopefully it was as well for the descendants of that goat’s owners too. Yes, it was all a cool tale and I for one am glad we won’t have to hear anymore about that 108-year drought. Game seven, rain delay and all, was cool.
I was glad the O’s managed to snare a playoff berth despite having a God-awful rotation, though why a closer who had compiled the best save record ever (47-47) didn’t pitch in the wild card game remains a strategic mystery. I was
glad to see Tito’s Tribe sweep the Sox. I was disappointed the Nats fell short again. I’m glad David Ortiz’s career is over but sorry Vin Scully’s had to end but at 89, I suppose that’s understand-able. I liked when Scully, after a million years broadcasting Dodgers games, said he can now return to being the Giants fan he was growing up in New York.
Nor was there any debate about who were the brightest stars in Rio. Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky and Usain Bolt were just as spectacular as advertised. My kids should have been paying atten-tion to imitating Phelps when they were all splashing around at Meadowbrook. Ha. The US hoop teams’ gold medals were predictable but entertaining and golf proved surprisingly entertaining. Ryan Lochte was entertaining in his own way.
We can and did debate who was the best team in college hoops this year but at the end, I got bragging rights when Villanova won it all in dramatic fash-ion. The Wildcats were arguably if not definitively the best team in the regular season but I picked them at season’s start to win the title so their champi-onship was cool to me. UConn casually strolled to another women’s title.
Football? Alabama is Alabama. Any more questions? Tom Brady became the ll-time leader among QBs in regular
season games won, but then again he played about 80 games more than Otto Graham, who played 12 game seasons and John Unitas who played first 12 then 14. It’s thus stupid to compare Brady and Peyton’s wins to the old-tim-ers. The Panthers were the regular sea-son champs at 15-1 and the Broncos sent Manning out a winner by winning the tournament.
Two more football notes. Last week Richard Sherman, Seattle’s outspo-ken defensive back, called the NFL’s Thursday night games a “poopfest.” He’s right. Next time the CBA comes up, they really should disappear. Denver’s Von Miller, citing the NFL “brother-hood”, says guys should tackle more gently. Not a bad idea, either. Pop Warner registration has plummeted. That’s good too. Kids that young have no business playing tackle.
For that matter, I’d like to see more kids playing school and town sports and fewer playing travel ball, in every sport. Just because you can get a bunch of fre-quently unrealistic parents to sign big checks doesn’t mean, a) that travel team
Best of the best of the best
Winchendon courier 8 Friday, December 23, 2016
SPORTSSPORTSHallquist can’t give it up
Devils improve to 2-2
BY JERRY CARTONCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Technically, Alan Hallquist retired from teaching math at Murdock High School in 2014. Technically, yes, but really, not so much. Since that technical retirement, Hallquist, who also spent a lot of years as the school’s athletic director and track coach, has been yes, working, helping out at the Murdock Academy for Success every morning, still mak-ing a difference for students, many of whom find math to be a challenge.
“I was playing with the grandchil-dren (six of them) after I retired but when the opportunity to do this came up, I jumped at it. Some people have hobbies like carpentry but I never did. I played golf and fished but you can’t do that in the winter. Well, I guess you could fish, but I’m not standing out in the ice,” he laughed.
In a more serious vein, Hallquist said he understands why math can unnerve students.
“Math is finite. There’s a right answer,” said Hallquist noting, “where-as in, say, science there are a lot of things to debate and often no ‘right’ answer, but in math that’s not the case so kids sometimes get frustrated with math because there is a ‘right’ answer and there’s a process to get to that
answer. At the same time, working with them one-on-one in this setting is rewarding and makes it easier to help
them get past some of that frustration.”Hallquist has long had a reputation
of making math decipherable for who-knows-how-many students through the years but insisted he has no secret strat-egy.
“No tricks. You just explain and you answer their questions and you work with them and you stay patient,” he said.
Staying patient is a trait which comes in handy at the Academy.
“It’s a different kind of challenge,” acknowledged Hallquist, who might work with one student on geometry, another on algebra I and yet another on algebra II. All told there are about 20 students with whom he works.
“They’re all in different places in their math courses so that’s a challenge too, but it’s a good challenge. Doing this helps keep me sharp too. When I retired I asked myself what I was going to with what I had gone to school for. Being here I’m still using it and helping out.”
Hallquist works from 8 until 11:30, finding out when he arrives which stu-dents he’ll be assisting.
“Becky (Benedict) is in charge of what I do. I come in and she tells me who I’ll be seeing. She’s got it all organized,” he said.
Math teacher Lauren Pytko oversees progress towards MCAS preparation
since Academy students need to pass the state exams just like their main-stream counterparts.
Academy Director Kris Provost said his students “are fortunate to have Alan working with them. He has a knack for helping kids ‘get it’. Always has. The kids aren’t the only ones who are fortu-nate. We are too, and we know it.”
Hallquist waves off compliments like that.
“I come to work every day ready to help the kids,” he said.
Superintendent Steve Haddad recalls how Hallquist became involved with the Academy in the first place.
“When we started, knowing these were going to be online courses, we felt pretty comfortable about English, science, and history but we were wor-ried about math, which is hard enough anyway. I asked Alan, since he had retired, if he was interested in helping us out a little bit. I told him we’d be flexible with his schedule. We really wanted him. He has a way, a knack with kids. He’s always gotten an unbe-lievably positive response from them so I was really hoping he’d say yes. We’ve had students who really struggled in the MCAS but with Alan’s help they passed,” explained Haddad.
“Having him on board is the best thing that’s happened to us.”
Lady Devils showing spirit on boardsBY JERRY CARTON
COURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — If you were one of those expecting the Murdock Lady Devils varsity basketball team to get blown out every night because of all the youth on the roster, you’re still waiting after three games.
True, Murdock has lost two of those contests, but Coach Jim Abare’s team made Sizer and Cambridge work for those wins. And in between? The Lady Devils scored a win over Trivium.
That triumph took an extra stanza, one in which MHS scored all six points. Junior
Molly Murphy, who will carry most of the offensive load this year, led the Lady Devils with 12 points while her sister Kelly added seven. The team’s sole senior, Gloryanny Andino con-tributed seven as well while Jocelyn Garner and eighth grader Kaliegh Lauziere both had four and Hannah Lowe had three.
Abare especially liked what he saw late in overtime.
“They did what we wanted to do. I told Jocelyn to throw it in, high down the floor towards Glory because if she touches or catches it, game over, we win. Not only does see catch it, she’s alone under the basket
and lays it in. We seal the win,” he enthused.
“They’re never giving up,” said Abare.
The 33-31 season-opening loss to Sizer, though, must have been a tough one to swal-low because Murdock led by seven in the fourth quarter. That said, youth and inexperi-ence will take it’s toll.
“I can’t say enough about the new players,” noted Abare, add-ing “we’ve got four who played last year. The new kids were in a situation that normally you wouldn’t have someone whom this is their first experience with basketball out there. We ran out of gas. We were asking
young kids,eighth graders, to play like they’ve been up here a long time.”
“But high praise to the new kids. Also, Jocelyn works like hell. We’d lost Jocelyn and Glory to fouls and we had three eighth graders out there. Kaliegh played very well. So did Jaelynn (Stetson). It’s a big step for these kids who skipped middle school and came right up to varsity. Now we’re going back to work and we hope we’ll get better.”
Molly Murphy drained 25 points for MHS. Andino had four and Lauziere had two in her varsity debut. Winchendon native Amber Colcord led the
Lady Tigers with 12 points.In the 46-33 loss to Cambridge,
the Murphys accounted for 17 points, nine for Molly, eight for Kelly. Garner had five, Andino and Lauziere four each and Jasmine LaRosa had three.
“We had too many turnovers but the young kids played okay again,” said Abare, adding. “but we’re leaving Molly with too much to do. We’re very young,” he reminded.
The Lady Devils visit North Brookfield tonight and then are off until a Jan. 3 visit to Tahanto. Murdock doesn’t return home until they host Maynard Jan. 10.
Fly fishing show planned in January
MARLBOROUGH — Wall-to-wall displays of the newest fly rods, reels, boots, waders, clothing and flies will greet visitors to the annual Fly Fishing Show, Jan. 20-22 at the Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough. Parking is free.
In addition to the sold-out aisles filled with merchandise, lodges and exotic destinations, show visitors can view continuous fly-tying demonstra-tions, how-to-do-it seminars and hour-ly audio/visual presentations ranging from Yellowstone to Baja California, Mexico.
Casting demonstrations are sched-uled by Gary Borger, Jeff Currier, Bob Clouser and Sheila Hassan.
Fly Fishing Show™ admission is $15 for one day, $25 for two days and $35 for three days. Children under age five are free as are Boy and Girl Scouts under 16 in uniform. Active military with an ID are $10. Film Festival admission is $15 or $10 with paid admission to the show.
For a list of fly-fishing films, classes, seminars and demonstrations, visit fly-fishingshow.com/marlborough-ma/ or
phone (814) 443-3638.In addition, the following eight class-
es with fly-tying and casting experts are open for advance registration. Class fees are $85 and included admission to the show for that day.
For space availability and enroll-ment, phone (814) 443-3639 or visit www.flyfishingshow.com
Saturday, 8:30-11 a.m.:Fly Tying with Bob Clouser.
Intermediate.Fly Tying with Joe Cordiero.
Intermediate.Practical Nymphing with Ed Engle.
All levels.Advanced Nymph Fishing with Jason
Randall. All levels. Sunday, 8:30-11 a.m.Fly Tying with Bob Clouser.
Intermediate.Practical Nymphing with Ed Engle.
All levels.Wet Flies – How to Tie Them and Fish
Them with Jason Randall. All levels.Fly Tying with Alan Caolo.
Intermediate.
BY CHRIS MARTINCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Last Tuesday the Murdock Blue Devils opened the 2016-17 season by trav-eling to Turner’s Falls and came out on top 77-65. Thursday and Friday they played in the Holiday Tournament at Athol High School, taking on the Gardner Wildcats on Thursday.
Gardner pulled away in the fourth quarter and went on to a 75-53 victory. Friday night was a whole different Blue Devil’s team from the first two games of the season, as the Devils cruised to a
75-30 victory over the Red Raiders.
This week the Murdock team hosted the home opener against Bromfield, winning 65-42.
The Blue Devils open open up a 15-0 lead before Bromfield would put five points on the board. Murdock would stay with double-digit leads most of the night and cruise to their second straight vic-tory.
Three players for the Blue Devils had double digits: LJ Hicks had 21 points, Nick Roy had 13 points, Jared Nelson had 10 points. Other scores includes: Ryan Kaminsky: seven points,
Ross O’Toole and John Murphy: four pounds; and Spencer Pelkey had two points.
“These last two games we’ve kind of played on the more defensive end of effort, it was really not where it needed to be. We’ve proven we can score points, we just have to play defense,” said Coach Matt O’Malley.
This coming week Murdock will host the Monty Tech Bulldogs Tuesday.
“They are very good, the have very big, skilled guys. We have to be ready to box out and play good, solid defense,” said O’Malley.
Morgan St. Pierre photo
Alan Hallquist is back in the classroom after a stab at retirement.
JERRY CARTON
Talking SporTS
Turn To TALKING page A9
“Especially with big distributors and large stores we are in such as Whole Foods, Market Basket and others, we have to be ahead of the game and get it done.”
The three day 20 hour training course, which was designed by the Food Safety Preventative Controls Alliance, discuss good manufacturing practices and pre-requisite programs, conduct hazard analysis and determine preventive con-trols, define process, food allergen, sani-tation and supply-chain preventive con-
trols, discuss verification, validation, recall and record keeping requirements.
All graduating participants receive an official FSPCA preventive controls qualified individual certificate issued by AFDO after attending and graduat-ing from the class. The class is much more rigorous and materials intensive than Serve Safe and can cost up to near-ly $1,000 a person.
When asked which variety is most dif-ficult to make, Allie Catlin responded, “Cheddar, due to the physical require-ments of it,” as Cheddar comes out in an average of 22 pound blocks.
Jake replied with a smile, “I think spreads are the toughest thing to make,
because there are so many of them when we make it and the entire process from start to finish.”
Cheese making is truly an art form. Watching the process start to finish, from milk to store shelf, Allie Catlin said, “It is very fulfilling but it is also a lot of responsibility and very meticu-lous.”
Jake then said, “It is a very respon-sible process but I want to share that just two weeks after we purchased the company, the FDA showed up for a two day random unannounced visit in a complete surprise. They took 102 envi-ronmental swabs, with the second day being a housekeeping walk through. It brings the whole entire point back around that you are feeding the public. They are placing their trust in you and you need to make sure there is a quality product that you do. They took those 102 swabs all over the place. Everywhere we make cheese, cut cheese, package it, and they found nothing wrong with all swabs coming back negative. That made us feel very good, but it also lets you know you have a responsibility to the public, and when you see it on a shelf, that is really humbling. To see it on their shelves is very humbling.”
And getting to know customers? The up close and personal?
Allie Catlin, “It’s good! I think Jake and I complement each other well. I like to be in the store and talk to with the customers. Jake does too, but he also likes to be behind the scenes and fixing stuff too.”
Jake Catlin added, “I think we’re still in the period where we are still trying to find where we fit everywhere and where everybody else fits and how we envision everyone rolls. There is so much that David Smith did that we need to learn, where do you pick up, where do you put it on somebody else, what do you let them continue to do, all the rolls and procedural operations of a day, we are kind of in that swirl.”
The Catlins are looking to the future of SCC with thoughts of future flavors of cheeses. Things such as spicy Cheddars or Goudas, or sweet flavors have been considered, along with the possibility of beer or other wines. A desire to pur-chase local ingredients to help create these new items in the future product lines from local businesses was also mentioned as part of that future goal.
It was also confirmed by Jake Catlin, a new website for the business will be launched shortly. The website address
of www.smithscountrycheese.com will remain the same. A projected arrival date is anticipated at this time for the spring of 2017 barring any unforeseen possibilities. In addition, all composting operations at Otter River Farm will also remain the same at this time.
David Smith is staying on for a period of time as both a consultant and helping make cheese if needed, along with run-ning the composting business out back at Otter River Farm.
Smith said, “I will be around helping with those things so they can be learn-ing on one end without having to worry too much about the other. My goal is simply to be able to help them during the transition process as we all want the company to continue to grow and thrive.”
A statement of appreciation was offered to all customers with Smith say-ing, “We truly appreciate all the support we received over the years and decades, and as the businesses grew through its various stages. We were also proud to be a locally and family owned business, and now with Jake and Allie it will still continue as a local family owned and operated business. We want nothing more than to see both they and the business thrive and grow, and we thank you all for your past support and your continuing and future support.”
In closing Allie Catlin expressed to their customers, “To every person who walks in the door or calls to order, we appreciate you no matter if it is just one piece of cheese or a big order. It means a lot to us that our customers have enough faith in the new owners to keep coming back.”
Jake finished with, “In a sales based business our customers mean every-thing to us. We are going to continue to match, or try to exceed what the Smiths have done here which is obviously eas-ier said than done. We are going to at least try to match what they have done when serving the customer base. Do the extra, take the extra steps, go the extra mile. We want to make sure people still know this is the neighborhood where people can still come get things that not every place has, and still feel like you’re not walking in to a place where you don’t know the people.”
Smith’s Country Cheese is located at 20 Otter River Road in Winchendon. It can be reached by phone at (978) 939-5738, or toll free at (800) 700-9974. Website: www.smithscountrycheese.com
Winchendon courier 9 Friday, December 23, 2016
Immaculate Heart of Mary
52 Spruce St., (978) 297-0280Christmas Campania
Christmas Eve at 4 p.m., featuring an adult choir and Christian Christmas songs. Shortly after at 5 p.m., there will be a chil-dren’s pageant.
The Gospel message of
the midnight Mass will be gathered from Luke 2:1-14, which is when the angel appears to deliver “good news of great joy”. It will feature Christmas carols at 11:30 p.m. fol-lowed by the Midnight Mass.
Led by Father Michael J. Clements, the gospel message at the Vigil Mass will stem from Matthew 1:1-25 about the gene-alogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David and Abraham. Mass will be
held Christmas Day at 10 a.m.
The Masses will fea-ture charismatic and tra-ditional Roman Catholic hymns.
The Lord’s ChurchOld Centrep a s t o r @ t h e l o r d -
schurch.net
Usually holding ser-vices in the Old Centre Church, the Lord’s Church is holding a special service is at 5
p.m., Christmas Eve, at the Event Barn at the Red Apple Farm in Phillipston. Pastor John Roy said,
“Come and celebrate our Christmas story by firelight. No sermon - Just the scripture and songs that show you the true meaning of Jesus’ birth. Dress Warm!”
United Parish,39 Front St.(978) 297-0554The evening begins
with Children’s service at United Parish: 5 p.m. and a Living Nativity at Clark Memorial YMCA: 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve ser-vice will be held at 10 p.m., with Pastor Calvin Miller; and the choir singing Christmas carols.
Christmas Day service is canceled in order to allow for familial time.
Unitarian Universalist Church,
126 Front St.(978) 297-0554Unitarian Universalist
Church of Winchendon will hold its Christmas Eve candlelight service, led by Pastor Inanna Arthen, at 7 p.m.
Lucinda J. Ellert will play piano and organ.
UUCW will not have regular Sunday worship service on Christmas Day.
EVENTScontinued from page A1
to lead Mount Wachusett Community College forward,” said Board of Trustees Chair Tina Sbrega.
“We have been very fortunate that the college has benefited from the exempla-ry leadership of President Asquino for the past three decades,” added Sbrega. “Dr. Asquino’s willingness to continue to serve with Dr. Vander Hoovenwill ensure a seamless and successful tran-sition for the college, its students and the greater community.”
Vander Hooven has been committed to the ideas of access and opportunity in higher education for the majority of his professional career. After a few years of secondary teaching and administra-tion, Vander Hooven found his true calling when he stepped foot into a non-traditional classroom and he was the youngest person in the room. From that evening on, he has focused his energy and time on increasing opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.
Vander Hooven is currently serving as the vice president for enrollment management at Landmark College in Putney, VT. In this role, he serves as the college’s chief enrollment officer, manages recruitment activities, enroll-ment and admissions processes, and administers the office of financial aid. He also oversees the office of transfer, career, and internship services.
Prior to joining Landmark College, Vander Hooven was president of Tohono O’odham Community College, a tribal college located on the Tohono O’odham Reservation in Arizona. In that role, he oversaw the $9 million construction of a new main campus, strengthened programs in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, and developmental education, and represented the tribal colleges in annual presentations on Capitol Hill.
In previous roles, Vander Hooven has served as vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at Lakes Region Community College in Laconia, NH and regional dean of aca-demic and student affairs at National American University in Denver, CO.
The breadth of his experience gives him a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities of educational leader-ship. He is dedicated to building strong teams designed to achieve important goals and improve student outcomes.
Vander Hooven attained his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Ohio State University. He received his Master of Arts degree in American stud-ies from the University of Wyoming. In 2009, he was awarded his Doctorate in higher education leadership from the University of Maine, where he focused on student access. His dissertation was titled, “Lessons From Success: The Experience of Women Who Successfully Completed an Associate Degree While Parenting Children.” He lives in Keene, NH.
Vander Hooven was selected follow-ing a national search lead by Search Committee Chair Richard Cella and a committee comprised of college and community representatives. The com-mittee was assisted in the search by R.H. Perry and Associates, a presiden-tial search firm.
“I commend the Board of Trustees
and the search committee for their thorough and thoughtful approach to the process,” said Sbrega. “Over the past two weeks, the college and greater community participated in a series of forums with all of the finalists, the cam-pus and community engagement with this historic search is deeply appreci-ated.”
For more information on Vander Hooven and the search process, visit mwcc.edu/presidents-transition.
Over the past half-century, Mount Wachusett Community College has built a tradition of providing innovative undergraduate education, workforce development, personal enrichment, and community service to north central Massachusetts, and beyond. Rooted in the community since 1963, the college now serves approximately 12,000 credit and noncredit students each year. A national leader in the areas of civic engagement, K-12 partnerships, renew-able energy and sustainability and vet-erans’ services, the college is accredit-ed by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and other indus-try-specific accrediting organizations/
VANDER HOOVENcontinued from page A1
cess that was started the begin-ning of the month. The deni-al came after it was learned White’s Mill Dam was deemed in poor condition following a 2007 inspection by DCR, as well as in a 2015 report conduct-ed by Pare Corp., a civil engi-neering company. Both reports deemed the dam a danger to life and property.
ConCom Chairman Garrett Davieau told selectmen the request from WSLA had been denied because “we were con-cerned that increasing pres-sure on the dam could cause an uncontrolled breach.”
The lowering of Lake Monomonac would require the removal of a board at Great Dam, thus increasing the flow of water into White’s Mill Pond and the pressure the pond would exert on the mill dam.
The White’s Mill property was owned by an entity known as Mill-Win Inc. up until early
last year, when the mill com-plex, including the dam, was purchased by Brandywine Farms at White’s Mill, the com-pany owned by the Giovanoni’s.
Pare Corp. estimated the cost of repairing the dam at between $761,000 and $1.56 million.
Commission member Tony George told selectmen that because the dam was privately owned, the town has no juris-diction over it. He suggested that any correspondence from the town to the state should urge DCR to take control of the dam.
WSLA President John Lewandowski said White’s Mill Pond is full, adding that substantial snowfall this win-ter, followed by heavy spring rains, would further increase pressure on the dam.
“We’re on borrowed time,” said George. “Repairing the dam is a secondary concern. Lowering the water in the pond should be our main concern.”
Hickey said a letter should be sent in order to “light a
fire under DCR to do another inspection, with the hope we can get the current owner to upgrade the condition of the dam.”
Amelia Giovanoni said Tuesday that she was not made aware of the intentions of the selectmen to discuss the dam and “would have shown up with an engineer, had I been told.”
Selectmen also held a public hearing to discuss the town’s fiscal year 2017 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant application.
Winchendon Development Director Tracy Murphy and Economic Development Steering Committee Vice Chairman Les Goodrich said the amount of money avail-able this year is about $560,000. Current plans call for earmark-ing the cash for the reconstruc-tion of Chestnut Street.
Goodrich said the Chestnut Street project, coupled with the reconstruction of Walnut Street, scheduled to take place
during 2017, would “complete the downtown improvement project.”
If the Chestnut Street work doesn’t eat up the entire FY17 grant, Murphy said leftover funds could be used for other purposes.
Goodrich said 20 people had already submitted pre-applica-tions for building rehabilita-tion work, one of the purposed allowed under grant guide-lines.
Selectman Mike Barbaro, however, said he would prefer to see any available funds used for heating oil assistance. He said more people would benefit from the grant, noting the large number of Winchendon resi-dents of a fixed income.
Board member Austin Cyganiewicz asked if a backup plan was in place if it turned out the Chestnut Street project ended up costing more than expected amount of the grant.
Murphy said a number of people had spoken to her regarding the demolition of run
down and abandoned buildings in town, but noted such work would likely be categorized as economic development, rather than a benefit for moderate- and low-income residents of Winchendon.
The board voted to continue the public hearing at its meet-ing of Jan. 23.
In other action, selectmen appointed Guy Corbosiero as the first member of the Ingleside Utilization Committee. The board voted to establish the committee to guide development of the 47-acre Ingleside property off Maple Street, which was recently obtained in a land swap with the Winchendon School. In exchange, the school received the former Marvin School on Ash Street.
Anyone interested in serv-ing on the committee should send a letter of interest to Town Manager Keith Hickey, Winchendon Town Hall, 109 Front Street, or e-mail [email protected].
DAMcontinued from page A1
SMITH’Scontinued from page A1
will actually be good, or, b) nor will it guarantee a sports scholarship to D-1. It’s been disheartening, to say the least, to see area school and town rosters decimated by the rush to AAU and other travel organizations. The demise of Winchendon’s older softball program, once the best in Massachusetts with the titles to prove it, is exhibit A about the predatory nature of AAU. Additionally, I was once told that school choice would ruin athletics at smaller schools like Murdock’s and would eventually swallow up such schools entirely. Coach Jim Abare’s girls basketball team has a slew of eighth graders playing varsity. A number of high school girls who would otherwise be in the lineup are attending other schools. That’s ominous and Murdock’s not the only place it’s happening.
Arrogate won racing’s Breeders Cup Classic and the Travers but the Horse of the Year, for the second time in three seasons, was the remarkable five-year-old California Chrome who won this year from Dubai to California and demonstrated what a horse can do if allowed to still race when fully physically mature.
Tiger Woods came back. Roger Federer limped off. Serena lost the US Open again. You never know.
Liberty University made sports news with the beyond-despicable hiring of the same AD who was in charge at Baylor where sexual assault allegations were swept under the rug. North Carolina’s athletic department still hasn’t answered to charges a whole lot of athletes didn’t go to class but got credit anyway. The NFL worried more about Deflategate than domestic and on-the-field violence. Shocking, right? ESPN’s Stuart Scott and TNT’s Craig Sager lost their respective battles with cancer. Sad notes to bookend the year.
Finally this. William Hudnut died last week. Hudnut was vilified in Baltimore in 1984 when he was the mayor of Indianapolis the snowy night the Mayflower vans snuck out of town and rode off to Indiana. But Hudnut wasn’t the bad guy — he was a big city mayor bringing a new business to town. Baltimore Mayor Don Schaefer never criticized Hudnut. There were two bad guys but Hudnut wasn’t one of them. The first of course was team owner Bob Irsay who had run the franchise into the ground (he even traded John Unitas!) and reneged on multiple promises he made to Schaefer regarding discussions on stadium improvements and other issues. The second was Maryland governor Harry Hughes who, despite implorings from Schaefer and Baltimore-area legislators, didn’t ask the General Assembly to pass an eminent domain law until the day after the Colts left. They were the bad guys, not Bill Hudnut. Once it was clear Irsay intended to skip town, he offered a sweetheart deal, exactly what Baltimore did for Art Modell 11 years later. Anyway the original wrong-doers were the NFL owners who in 1972 allowed Irsay into their club in the first place. Hudnut did his job for his city.
But to close on a better note, did I mention the Chicago Cubs won the World Series? What can possibly top that in ‘17? See you Jan. 6.
TALKINGcontinued from page A8
Winchendon courier 10 Friday, December 23, 2016
Serving the communities of Winchendon, Ashburnham, Athol, Gardner, Fitchburg, Leominster, Westminster, Templeton, Phillipston and southern N.H.
Winchendon CourierClassifiedsClassifieds • 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 •
HELP WANTEDCNA/LNA
Broadview is seeking enthusiastic, motivated, and caring individuals to join our staff. Looking for CNA/LNA candidates to fill part time positions on our 3-11 shift and our 11-7 shift. We have a very unique, employee friendly environment that includes free meals during every shift! If interested email Lindsey at [email protected].
JOB SEEKERSJob Seekers Networking Group hosted by North Central Career Center and Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce. Meetings are open to all job seekers and are held on Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m. at the Chamber conference room, 29 Parker St. 2nd floor, Gardner. Contact the Chamber at (978) 632-1780.
EMPLOYERSThese help wanted ads are FREE! Contact the Courier to find out how to get help for your business by calling (978) 297-0050 x 100 or email [email protected].
FOR RENTROOMS FOR RENT
Downtown Winchendon, immediate occupancy: located on second floor in secured, peaceful, friendly, well maintained, quiet & drug free building. Independent group of older gentlemen to co-habitat, hallway & bath facilities are shared. 1 parking space, dumpster use, heat/HW included, electric included (except AC in summer). $475 per month. References, income verification, first & last to move in. Applications available: Dick’s Place Barbershop, 298 Central St. (978) 297-2281.
GOODRICH APARTMENTSNow taking applications. Call for guidelines. (978) 297-0231. TFN
SERVICES All in One Painting: interior, exterior, power washing, decks. More than 25 years experience, free estimates. (603) 305-4974 or [email protected] TFN
WANTEDWANTED
Motorcycles, ATVs, scooters. Cash paid for good deals. (978) 297-1800. 11.1.16
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTSDrum teacher Leon LaPlante seeks used instruments and drum stands to help out high school students. (978) 297-1250.BEAMAN’S BAIT SHOP
Route 202 • 196 Glenallen St.,Wincehndon978-297-2495 • 8am-8pm Daily
FULL LINE OF TACKLE• free t-shirt giveaway •
DON’T MISS
A THING!
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 Terrence E. Bennett, Jr. to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated July 2, 2014 and recorded with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds at Book 52514, Page 158 ; of which Mortgage the undersigned is the present holder for breach of the conditions of said Mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing same will be sold at Public Auction at 3:00 PM on January 13, 2017 at 5 North Vine Street, Winchendon, MA, all and sin-gular the premises described in said Mortgage, to wit:Beginning at an iron pin in the easterly line of North Vine Street forty-one and 25/100 ( 41.25) feet northerly from the stone bound in the southerly line of North Street; thence easterly two hun-dred and forty-three (243) feet to an iron pin; thence westerly in a line par-allel to the first mentioned bound and seventy-five (75) feet distant northerly therefrom to the easterly line of North Vine Street; thence southerly seven-ty-five feet on the easterly line of North Vine Street to the place of beginning. Also the land in said Winchendon located on the easterly side of North Vine Street, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at an iron pin at the southeast corner of North Vine Street, it being the southwesterly corner of the granted premises; thence running
northerly by the easterly line of North Vine Street forty-one and 25/1 00 ( 41 .25) feet to an iron pin at the northerly line of a continuation or extension of North Street; thence easterly in a con-tinuation or extension of the northerly line of North Street one hundred thir-ty-two and 9/1 0 ( 132.9) feet more or less to remaining land of the grantors’; thence southerly by remaining land of the grantors’ 41.25 feet; thence west-erly on a line parallel with and 41.25 feet southerly from the continuation or extension of the northerly line of North Street 132.9 feet more or less to the point of beginning. For our title, see deed recorded herewith. 52514-156 Upon information and belief, there is an error in the legal description attached to the mortgage, wherein the second bound of the first parcel is omitted and should read: thence north-erly to an iron pin;The premises are to be sold subject to and with the benefit of all easements, restrictions, building and zoning laws, liens, attorney’s fees and costs pursu-ant to M.G.L.Ch.183A, 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, bank treasurer’s check or money order will be required to be delivered at or before the time the bid is offered. The suc-
cessful bidder will be required to exe-cute a Foreclosure Sale Agreement immediately after the close of the bidding. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the sale date in the form of a certified check, bank treasurer’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 written or oral announce-ment made before or during the fore-closure 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 attorney. The description of the premises contained in said mort-gage 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.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Present Holder of said Mortgage,
By Its Attorneys,ORLANS MORAN PLLC
PO Box 540540Waltham, MA 02454
Phone: (781) 790-780015-014872
December 23, 2016December 30, 2016January 6, 2017
Town of WinchendonPlanning Board
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEPursuant to MGL, c.41, §81T, notice is hereby given that the Planning Board will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Tues-day January 3, 2017 at 6:05 PM in the Town Hall Auditorium, 2nd Fl., 109 Front St., Winchendon, MA 01475, to consider a Definitive Plan for a pro-posed 3-lot non-residential subdivision entitled Robert’s Way, submitted by Jamison VanDyke. The proposed sub-division is located off of Gardner Road in Winchendon, and currently shown on Assessors Map 9, Lot 106. All rel-evant materials, including site plans, may be viewed at the Dept. of P&D at Winchendon Town Hall. All interested persons should plan to attend.BY: Guy Corbosiero,Planning Board ChairmanDecember 23, 2016December 30, 2016
LEGALS
Middle school joins the fourth estate
BY JERRY CARTONCOURIER CORRESPONDENT
WINCHENDON — Murdock Middle School has a newspaper. Only one edition has been published to date, but more are coming in 2017 and faculty adviser Amanda Rodgers says her students are excited about that prospect and so is she.
“I was talking to Jess (Vezina, middle school assis-tant principal) about different projects for the stu-dents and the concept of a newspaper came up. I’m an ELA teacher so I said I’d be willing to do it. This was a way to kind of teach creative writing and encourage critical thinking skills at the same time,” she said.
“The kids came up with different ideas about what should be in the paper. We talked through a lot of them. They learned they’d have to do interviews and talked about what subjects they wanted to cover. We even had an advice column,” she laughed.
Rodgers, who doubles as Student Council adviser, acknowledged starting from scratch “has been a pro-cess. We had Google programs. Some people wanted to write, others wanted to draw or do graphics.
“For me,” she said, “one of my biggest challenges was making sure people had tasks to accomplish and to feel like they were contributing and were valued.
Some of them were able to self-direct really easily, others not as much but we worked through all that.”
She noted it’s important for the middle school to have a newspaper.
“It’s a great way for students to communicate and it’s a great way too for them to learn writing and edit-ing skills. Also, this isn’t a class. There’s no pressure and there aren’t any grades.”
Beginning with a core group which includes Catherine Chapone, Lily Digman, Brady Dufour, Rylee Lambert, and Taylor Patterson, Rodgers said other students would show up at the weekly newspa-per club meetings and participate in different ways.
“The first edition did take a long time to get out,” she conceded. “It proved to be, as I knew it would, a bigger project than they expected but that’s fine. They worked hard and learned a lot. They’ve done their own editing. It’s a process.”
Noted Vezina, “The goal of the middle school after-school program is to offer enriching activities for stu-dents outside of the school day. The school newspaper is one such activity that allows us to teach academic skills with a different approach. Mrs. Rodgers has worked diligently to teach students about what it means to publish a school newspaper.”
A Lunenburg native, Rodgers, now in her third year, has attended teacher leadership seminars but said she has no designs at the moment on moving towards administration.
“I like the classroom,” she stressed.That clearly includes spending post 2:15 time in one. “It’s been fun to watch the paper come together as
the kids have learned to work together. I’m looking forward to the next edition.”
Morgan St. Pierre photo
Planning for an issue of the brand new middle school newspa-per is a work in progress.
Winchendon courier 11 Friday, December 23, 2016
Winchendon courier 12 Friday, December 23, 2016
Carriage House Restaurant Rt. 12 ~ Winchendon 987.297.1089
www.winchendoncarriagehouse.com
Happy Holidays from all
the crew!
Don’t forget your New Year’s reservations
Wishing everyone the best
at this festive time of year,
see you next spring!
Call For Information 603-532-4300sterlinggolf.com for more information
15 Central St. Winchendon, MA
(978) 297-3536
A Very Blessed Holiday
To You and Yours!
Clark Memorial YMCA155 Central St. Winchendon, MA
www.theclarkymca.org978 297 9622
December FUN for the Kids • December 27-30th ~ Vacation Club
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
A subscription to the Winchendon Courier makes a great Gift
IN COUNTYq 26 WEEKS - $22.50q 52 WEEKS - $45.00q 104 WEEKS - $76.00
OUT OF COUNTYq 26 WEEKS - $30.00q 52 WEEKS - $56.00q 104 WEEKS - $90.00
SENIOR RATESq 26 WEEKS - $19.50q 52 WEEKS - $38.50q 104 WEEKS - $62.50
For More Information Call 1-800-367-9898 ext. 103 Circulation Department • P.O. Box 90 • Southbridge, MA 01550
~ Since 1991~ 68 Central St., Winchendon, MA 01475
(978)297-3959toeachhisowndesigns.com
May peace be your gift at Christmas
and your blessing all year through
Join our Cheese Buyer’s ClubBuy 9 Pieces of Our Award Winning
Cheeses and get the 10th FREE!
SMITH’S COUNTRY CHEESE, INC.20 Otter River Rd., Winchendon, MA978-939-5738 • smithscountrycheese.com
Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm, Sat. & Sun. 10am-5pm
For the love of all things merry & bright, may your holidays
be rich with love and caring
978-297-0050 or email [email protected]
From all of us to all of you, all the blessings of this holiday season
Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of every
truly merry Christmas.
We wish you joy!
Keeping the homefires burning
It’s been a good holiday season for local businesses. Smaller companies have to work harder to attract the attention
of shoppers. The expensive ads on multi-media platforms, recog-nizable logos and jingles aren’t as readily available to a single brick and mortar store depending entirely on the choice of a lim-ited number of people to use their service.
The smaller business must be extremely good at what they do. They must offer amazing customer service, going above and beyond expectations. If a customer has a need not already avail-able, the owner must be willing to fulfill that need by special order or unique attempts.
The customer service must be adamantly friendly, bending rules of etiquette beyond all breaking points. The customer is always right? Oh yes, and then some with a smaller business, who knows that should an unhappy customer leave their premis-es, that person will tell at least 10 friends of that bad experience. The ripples will be devastating.
And price is always a principle. No, there is no way to compete with a big box store. The Wally Worlds of the retail environment have a lock on price. So, in the interest of convincing a customer it is worth the extra funds for the stop at the smaller venue, there must be quality. Superior quality, uniqueness, hand crafted fine quality, or some other very good reason for the customer to use this small business instead of stopping elsewhere and buying the groceries as well as the gifts.
It usually isn’t convenience, though being close to home is a plus.
Saving a bit of gas money is a good thing; but the mindset of most customers isn’t to save 10¢ on gasoline then spend it in a smaller business. No, there is something more intangible at work that will make a person park the car and enter a local business.
At one time it was a more friendly sort of support. We are all in this together. You buy from my company, and I’ll buy from yours. But with fewer companies available, that tit for tat isn’t always there. So, it needs to be a more conscious thing.
We as a town need to do so.
Merry Christmas
from all of us