liability a 9 rose scheduled for arraignment2013/11/29 · 6 5652 51 0431 2 (978) 297-0050 •...

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(978) 297-0050 • www.winchendoncourier.com Newsstand: 75 cents Friday, November 29, 2013

LOCALAthol Savings

Bank recognition event honors employees

PAGE 2

SPORTSBrisbois

celebrating another great

season

PAGE 8

WEEKLY QUOTE“Whatever is reasonable is true, and whatever is true

is reasonable.”Georg W. Hegel

BY GREG VINECOURIER CORRESPONDENT

WINCHENDON — At the meet-ing of the Board of Selectmen Nov. 25, member Jack Blair posed a number of questions to Town Manager James Kreidler regarding the case of former Winchendon Police Officer Martin Rose. Without mentioning him by name, Blair expressed concern over some statements recently made in the media by Rose.

The former law enforcement offi-cer is accused of embezzling near-ly $7,000 from the Winchendon Police Association over a three-

year period.When Blair asked if the WPA

“is authorized or supported in any legal way, or associated in any legal way with the Board of Selectmen or the town of Winchendon, Kreidler answered in the negative.

“People need to know the WPA has no association whatsoever with the town,” said Kreidler. “It is completely independent from the town and the police depart-ment. It has no official sanction from the town.”

Blair also wanted to know if anyone in authority ever gave per-mission to the Winchendon Police

Association to use the name of the town for the purpose of fundrais-ing.

“As selectmen, we have a duty to ensure that whenever the name of the town is used it’s used in a manner that is honorable and appropriate,” said Blair.

Kreidler explained that no per-mission from town officials is required for any business or orga-nization to use the name of the town.

“If someone wanted to name their business the Winchendon Diner or the Winchendon Garage, there really is nothing we can do to stop them.”

Board Chairman Robert O’Keefe added that while selectmen need not be asked if someone wants to use the name of the town, “the town seal can not be used without approval.”

Blair pointed out that the for-mer police officer told reporters that he “borrowed” the money in order to provide food for his chil-dren and to heat his home. He asked if the town or anyone in the police department ever authorized the borrowing of the money.

“If the money was taken with forethought over a three-year peri-od, that’s not borrowing – that’s a crime.”

“No,” said Kreidler. “The town made no such authorization and the Police Association has made it clear that I made no such autho-rization. The town had no knowl-edge of any ‘borrowing’ activity.”

Blair also asked about pay.“I assume out officers are paid

enough to feed their families and keep them warm,” he said. “Is it really possible that someone would need to steal to support their families?”

Kreidler said he checked pay scales for police in Athol, Orange, and Templeton “and they all fall

BY JERRY CARTONCOURIER CORRESPONDENT

WINCHENDON — With Thanksgiving just behind us, this is the time of year when retail businesses are anticipating cash-ing in, and in lots of cases, make up for some months that perhaps didn’t see robust sales figures.

The local Family Dollar on Central Street certainly fits into that first category. The second? Not so much. 2013 has been anoth-er good year, the store beating expectations, and manager Brian Shaughnessy points to several reasons for his store’s continued success.

“It starts when customers walk through the door and we make sure to greet them. That makes an immediate difference and an immediate impact,” said Shaughnessy.

Keeping the store clean and the shelves as neat as possible


WINCHENDON — It’s no secret — the earlier in our lives we devel-op healthy eating habits, the more likely we are to maintain them as we age.

Enter Garden Detectives, a US Department of Agriculture-sponsored effort being conduct-ed for first and second-graders at Memorial Elementary School as part of Winchendon’s 21st Century After-School program under the watchful eye and exuberant supervision of school nurse Mona McClure, with 17 students divided into two groups.

“It’s about farming, food, fitness

and fun, and the kids really are having fun and so am I,” McClure remarked.

“A couple weeks ago, we planted two garden boxes in a classroom and harvested lettuce and the kids got to eat it. Last week, we harvest-ed radishes and spinach. We’ve also have avocado trees growing, and here’s a fun part. The kids tried the avocados as part of what we call our ‘Tasty Tuesday and Two-Bite Club.’

“We meet every Tuesday and Thursday, twice a week and the rule is you have to take two bites of something before you can say you don’t like it,” McClure chuckled,


WINCHENDON — Former Winchendon police officer Marty Rose is scheduled to be arraigned next Wed, Dec. 4 at Winchendon District Court in Gardner on charges he stole more than $6,000 from the Winchendon Police Association over a three year peri-od from July 2010 until August 2013 during which he was the organization’s president. Rose resigned from the force in August. An investigation was launched in September.

Rose told media outlets he bor-rowed the money when he said he needed it in order to cover house-hold bills including food and heat. He has seven children.

“I was wrong. I let pride and ego get in the way,” he said.

“Whatever we have to say about this, we will say in open court,” said Tim Connolly, spokesperson

for Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early.

Meanwhile, new Police Association president Rick Oinonen stressed the good works the organization does.

“We give back to the community and the town. That’s what we do. We support sports at the Clark. We support the CAC and we’re going to keep doing that,” he assured.

Oinonen had been the union treasurer and became president of the association, “almost by default,” he said.

Following Rose’s terse one sen-tence letter of resignation, signed by he and union president Alan Ross, Winchendon Police Chief Scott Livingston asked the State Police to investigate the discrepan-cies in the association’s funds. Sgt. James Nanof, who conducted the investigation, said Rose acknowl-edged he had misused some $6,331

SUBMITTED BY KRISTIN GRENIERAMERICORPS VOLUNTEER

WINCHENDON — Across from the town hall in Winchendon, over the river and up a hill is a forest. The stand of trees was a gift to Mount Grace Conservancy and stands as the Whitney Memorial Forest. But a stand of trees needs care and attention if it is to be of value to its surroundings.

“Over here, Cub Scouts!” a young voice rang out. “We need more help!”

Charlie Savage, age 8, freed a carabineer attached to an 18-foot

rope from around a honeysuck-le plant he had just uprooted, slung the rope over his shoulder, and dashed off to join his fel-low Scouts, who were gathered around a massive honeysuckle bush.

Two Sundays ago, Charlie and 13 other Cub Scouts from Pack 193, along with many of the Scouts’ parents, gathered at Whitney Memorial Forest on Benjamin Street. There, the Scouts spent the afternoon uprooting invasive bush honey-suckle plants and ridding the forest of garbage.

Kate Losey, an AmeriCorps vol-

unteer with the Massachusetts Land Initiative for Tomorrow at Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust and one of the coordina-tors of the event, says that she believes this “Tug a Suckle” event was the first of its kind in the Bay State. The meth-od, which is common in the Midwest, involves looping a rope around the base of a plant and having a crew of volunteers pull the plant out by the roots tug of war style.

“The best part from the Scout’s view would be the ‘Honey Chuckle’ tug of war,” notes Cub

Turn To TUGGING page A9

Turn To ROSE page A9

Turn To HABITS page A9Turn To FAMILY DOLLAR page A9

Turn To LIABILITY page A9

Blair raises questions concerning town liability in Rose case

Courtesy photos Cub Scout Pack 193, along with Cubmaster Kevin Fuller and another parent volunteer, work to uproot a particularly large honeysuckle plant at Whitney Memorial Forest.

Pitching in and ‘tuggling’ at the Whitney Forest

Learning healthy habits at Memorial Elementary School

Rose scheduled for arraignment

Tammy St. Pierre photo

Students take care of their indoor vegetable gardens.Business is booming at local Family Dollar


Liz Bush and Tara Ryan take pride in their work at Family Dollar.

BOUCHER NAMEDGVNA HealthCare recently announced

a newly elected officer to the Board of Directors for the agen-cy. Andrew Boucher was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors. Other officers include Vice Chair Ken Tomasetti, Treasurer Mike Gerry and Secretary Heather Layton.

“I am excited to have Andrew guiding our agen-cy,” said Elaine Fluet President and CEO. “His leadership and expertise is invaluable and it is truly

a pleasure working with him as we plan for the future of GVNA HealthCare.”

Boucher has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2010. He is the presi-dent of Boucher Funeral Home, Inc. and has been active in the Gardner commu-nity for more than 22 years. Some of his past and present community involvement includes president of the Gardner Rotary Club, director of Gardner Square II, director of St. Paul’s Consortium, secretary for the Board of Directors at GFA Federal Credit Union, finance committee of HOPE, Patient Advisory Board at Heywood Hospital, past president and director for the Acadien Social Club and a director for the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce.

“He brings a wonderful diversity to our board with his many experiences on vari-ous Boards in the Community,” said Fluet.

Board of Directors for 2013, in addition to the officers, include Jeff Aubuchon, Peter Erickson, Deborah Fabian, John Flick, Brian Jette, Joyce LaFontaine, Enrico

Palmerino, Edward Manzi, Roberta Lesperance, Nancy Monette, Debbie Orre and Tina Santos.

“We have a dedi-cated group of direc-tors who are com-mitted to the mission and values of our agency,” said Fluet. “We have accom-plished so much throughout the years and this would not have been possible without these com-munity members who volunteer their time and expertise.”

HOLIDAY AFTER HOURS

The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to present the annu-al Holiday Business After Hours. The event will be held on

Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Polish American Citizens Club, 171 Kendall Pond Road West in Gardner. The evening will include networking and a buffet dinner served by King Phillip Restaurant.

The premier sponsor for the event is Tyco Fire Protection Products. Gold sponsors include Athol Savings Bank, ACT Fastening Solutions, Coleman Assembly & Packaging, Fidelity Bank, GAAMHA, Inc., GFA Federal Credit Union and Mount Wachusett Community College. Silver sponsors include Colonial Cooperative Bank, Jeffrey Gallant, CPA, InConcert Web Solutions, Saloom Furniture, Venning & Jacques, P.C. and Workers’ Credit Union.

The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to reserve, contact the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce at (978) 632-1780 email: [email protected].

CELEBRATING 50 YEARSSCORE, a nonprofit association dedicated

to helping small businesses throughout the US and its territories through education and mentorship, is kicking off its 50th anniver-sary and celebrating the accomplishments of small businesses everywhere by celebrat-ing Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.

Small Business Saturday, an annu-al event occurring on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, encourages holiday shoppers to purchase gifts and dine out at locally owned and operated businesses. Many small businesses will be running Small Business Saturday promotions as it is the busiest shopping weekend of the year.

“For the past 50 years, SCORE has helped more than 10 million small businesses across the country reach their goals,” says Ken Yancey, CEO of SCORE. “That is one business every three minutes since 1964. By shopping or eating at a small business in your neighborhood on Saturday, Nov. 30, you are reinforcing how important that business is to the community and the national economy.”

Responsible for creating 64 percent of net new private-sector jobs small businesses are vital components to our economy’s growth. Consumers can support this growing sector by supporting the small firms, restaurants and other independent retailers in their communities.

“As we celebrate this 50th year, our com-mitment to helping small businesses is stronger than ever,” adds Yancey. “With 11,000+ volunteers and mentors in 62 indus-tries and more than 340 locations nation-wide, small business owners are able to find the help they need via our different programs. From one-to-one free and con-fidential mentoring to group seminars or workshops, to the thousands of current and relevant small business resources available on www.score.org, SCORE is ready to help 10 million more.”

To learn more about SCORE’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, please visit http://www.score.org/celebrate-50th-anni-versary and #10MilSmallBiz.

ATHOL — Athol Savings Bank recently held its annu-al employee appreciation recognition event at the Red Apple Farm in Phillipston. The event was held to honor ASB employees who have

worked for the bank for five years, as well as those who celebrated 10, 15, 25, and 30 year anniversaries.

Athol Savings Bank is a 146 year old institution that has grown exponentially

over its nearly 150 year his-tory. The bank values the contributions of its tremen-dous team and, each year, hosts a recognition event to bring its employees togeth-er in celebration of their

numerous contributions to its growth and success.

As a community-based institution, the bank pro-vides employment to near-ly 100 people, contributing to the regional economy.

“We are very proud of our team at ASB and are grateful for their contribu-tions to our organization,” said ASB President and CEO Daniel Zona. “Each and every ASB employee is an ambassador of our mission to provide exem-plary service to our valued customers. They continue to make us proud of their loyalty, dedication and commitment to ASB.”

Four employees were recognized for being with the bank for more than 10 years, and three employees for more than 20 years.

“Our employees are the bank’s number one asset,” said Zona. “They are the heart and soul of the institution.”

All ASB employees were invited to the event and enjoyed a hayride, apple picking and a catered din-ner. Those recognized for their years of service

received a special thank you gift from the bank.

Athol Savings Bank, with its headquarters located on Main Street in Athol is a 146 year old, full-ser-vice mutual savings bank

and maintains an online presence at www.atholsb.com. The Bank has eight offices located in the com-munities of Ashburnham, Athol, Baldwinville, Barre, Gardner and Winchendon.

Winchendon courier 2 Friday, November 29, 2013

President & PublisherFrank G. Chilinski

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Chief finanCial OffiCerron Tremblay 508-909-4102

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OPeratiOn direCtOrJames DiniCola 508-764-6102

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Managing editOraDam minor

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advertising ManagerJean ashTon

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PrOduCtiOn ManagerJulie Clarke

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The WinChenDon Courier

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The Winchendon Courier (USPS 685-920) is published weekly for $45 per year (in county) by Stonebridge Press, 25 Elm St. St., Southbridge, MA 01550 Out of coun-ty rate is $56 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Winchendon. To sub-scribe call (800) 367-9898. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Winchendon Courier, 44 Central St., Winchendon, MA 01475.

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Massachusetts adds 18,500 jobs, unemployment rate rises BOSTON — The Executive

Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported the Bureau of Labor Statistics preliminary estimates show Massachusetts added 9,100 jobs in October and the total unemployment rate was 7.2 percent. Over the year, the unemployment rate was up 0.5 of a percentage point from the October 2012 rate of 6.7 percent.

The private sector added 9,300 jobs in October as Leisure and Hospitality; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities; Education and Health Services; Construction; Financial Activities; Professional, Scientific, and Business Services; and Information all added jobs. Since December 2012, Massachusetts has gained 39,800 jobs. Over the year, Massachusetts added 52,100 jobs, all of which were in the private sector.

Due to a lapse in funding as a result of the federal govern-ment shutdown in October, the revised August and preliminary September jobs and unemploy-ment rate publication and release dates were revised. EOLWD also reported the revised August and revised September jobs, labor force and unemployment rates along with the preliminary October esti-mates for Massachusetts.

Revised BLS estimates show 9,400 jobs were added in September, of which 7,800 were in the private sector. The September unemploy-ment rate was 7.1 percent, down 0.1 of a percentage point over the month. Revised August estimates show a gain of 6,000 jobs over the month with the private sector add-ing 5,100 of the jobs. The revised August unemployment rate was unchanged from the prior month

at 7.2 percent.October 2013 Employment

OverviewLeisure and Hospitality added

3,200 (+1.0%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Leisure and Hospitality added 4,200 jobs (+1.3%).

Trade, Transportation and Utilities gained 2,500 (+0.4%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 11,400 (+2.1%) jobs.

Education and Health Services added 1,900 (+0.3%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Education and Health Services gained 17,300 (+2.5%) jobs.

Construction gained 1,300 (+1.1%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Construction has added 6,300 (+5.5%) jobs.

Financial Activities added 600 (+0.3%) jobs over the month. Over

the year, Financial Activities lost 200 (-0.1%) jobs.

Professional, Scientific and Business Services gained 600 (+0.1%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Professional, Scientific and Business Services added 8,900 (+1.8%) jobs.

Information added 300 (+0.3%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Information gained 6,700 (+7.7%) jobs.

Other Services gained 300 (+0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Other Services added 1,800 (+1.5%) jobs.

Manufacturing lost 1,400 jobs (-0.6%) over the month. Over the year, Manufacturing lost 4,300 (-1.7%) jobs.

Government lost 200 (0.0%) jobs over the month. Government jobs were unchanged over the year.

Labor Force Overview

The October 2013 estimates show 3,237,700 Massachusetts residents were employed and 249,800 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,487,600. The October labor force decreased by 6,500 from 3,494,100 in September 2013, as 7,300 fewer residents were employed and 700 more residents were unemployed over the month. The labor force was an estimated 10,500 above the 3,477,100 October 2012 estimate, with 5,200 fewer res-idents employed and 15,600 more residents unemployed.

The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of house-holds. The job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers. As a result, the two statistics may exhibit dif-ferent monthly trends.

Athol Savings Bank recognition event honors employees

Courtesy photo

Longtime ASB employees honored at a recent ASB employee appreci-ation recognition event include: Front row (L to R): Ellen Chaulk (15 years), Ashton Cravatta (5 years), Karen Cournoyer (5 years), Kelsey Contois (5 years), Joanne Tiihonen (25 years), and Kim Bisbee (5 years). Middle row (L to R): Lisa Ray (5 years) and ASB President and CEO, Daniel Zona.Rear (L to R): Christine Gibbs (15 years), Carolyn Salter (25 years), Carol Betourney (30 years), and Alice Sibley (10 years). Missing from the photo was ASB employee Melissa Fahey (10 years).

Andrew Boucher

business brieFs


The Winchendon Courier is commit-ted to accuracy in all its news reports. Although numerous safeguards are in place to ensure accurate reporting, mistakes can occur. Confirmed fact errors will be corrected at the top right hand corner of page three in a timely manner. If you find a mis-take, call (978) 297-0050 during normal business hours. During non-business hours, leave a message in the editor’s voice mailbox. The editor will return your phone call. Or contact the edi-tor at the following email: [email protected].

AccurAcy WAtch

BY SHARON DICKENSCOURIER CORRESPONDENT

WINCHENDON — While the first thing thought of when young boys come to mind might not be Scrooge, acting and classic Christmas plays; a Winchendon student has set those thoughts on their heads.

Noah Johnson is 11 years old and is in the fifth grade at Toy Town Elementary. He is active in his local Cub Scout troop as a second year Webelo and also a part of the Royal Rangers. He plays baseball and just finished his fall ball league. He also took part in the Jimmy Fund league this past summer. Despite all these activities and homework, he still finds time to act in area theatrical productions. Most current-ly he will play the part of Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol, when the Stratton Players of Fitchburg bring this classic to the stage beginning Dec. 6.

When asked what started his acting bug, Noah’s mother, Amanda, said she saw an ad in the paper stating auditions were being held for the production of Flat Stanley. After some hesitation, Noah agreed to try out. Out of the 50 children aged 6-11 years old, Noah won the part of Napoleon in the April 2013 production.

Taking a week off before April vacation, Noah and his fellow cast mates held two performances a day at Mount Wachusett Community College throughout the April vacation.

Not long after his performance in Flat

Stanley, his mom saw a Facebook post about tryouts for the production of A Christmas Carol. Now, Noah had only seen the Muppets version of A Christmas Carol starring Kermit the Frog and his first thought was, “Wow! I wonder if I get to play Kermit?” He did not realize that he would be in a live action production, not an animated film.

Noah and his fellow cast members of The Stratton Players have been rehearsing A Christmas Carol since September and he feels confident that come opening night,

he will be ready to set the stage on fire. He was quite proud to mention he had learned all his lines within two weeks. He likes act-ing but he does it for fun, not to be famous (although he is practicing his autograph, just in case.)

Noah will be performing in the Toy Town Elementary production of The AristoCats, as Thomas O’Mally, which is in rehearsals now. He says to stay tuned for dates and times.

This version of A Christmas Carol, adapt-ed by Jerry Patch and produced through special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc, brings all the usual char-acters to life including Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Crachit. Special lighting and sound effects will be a part of the pro-ductions which will be held at the First Parish Unitarian, 923 Main St., Fitchburg, on Fridays and Saturdays Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, Dec.15, and 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12. Children 12 and younger are $6. In addition, reservations for dinner at the Fay Club may be made for Dec. 6 or 7. Dinner is an additional $26 payable on the night of the performance. Show tickets may be purchased online at www.strattonplayers.com or by mailing a check to Stratton Players, PO Box 2122, Fitchburg MA 01420 (include your phone number, number of tickets and performance date(s) on the check). Any questions, please call (978) 345-6066.

Typical 11 year old with talent to spare

Noah Johnson

December Activities at the Old Murdock Senior Center

WINCHENDON — Old Murdock Senior Center, 52 Murdock Ave. (978) 297-3155. Visit us on line at: http://www.coa.winchendon-web.com. Lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m., sign up by calling the day before to be cer-tain we have enough meals on hand. Cost is only $2.25. Home delivery is also available, call for details. If you haven’t yet made it to the activities, a lunch or a special event, this is the month. Come to the table settings on Saturday, Dec. 7, enjoy a painting class or try your hand at bowling!

Monday, December 2: Market Basket at 9:30; Painting Class 9-12; Chair Exercise at 9:30; Yoga at 10:00

Tuesday, December 3: Wii Bowling at 9:30; Pool; card games; Shuffleboard

Wednesday, December 4: Wii Bowling at 9:30; chair exercise at 9:30; Yoga at 10:00; walk in blood pressure 11:00; Pool Games; Bingo at 12:15; Open meeting with Fallon 12:30-3:00

Thursday, December 5: Wii bowling at 9:30; Pool; card games; shuffleboard

Friday, December 6: Lisa’s Central Diner for Breakfast at 9:30; Peanut Auction at 10:30; Knitting Group 10-11

Saturday, December 7: Winter Fest! Winter tables and wreath displays 10 a.m.-3 p.m.;

Monday, December 9: Painting Class 9-12; Chair Exercise at 9:30; Yoga at 10:00

Tuesday, December 10: Shopping & Lunch 9:30; Wii Bowling at 9:30; Pool; card games; Shuffleboard

December 11 Wii Bowling 9:30; Chair exercise 9:30; Yoga 10:00; Walk In Blood Pressure 11:00; Pool Games;

BINGO 12:15December 12 Wood Carving 10-11; Wii

bowling 9:30; Pool; Card Games; ShuffleboardDecember 13 Holiday Craft 10-11;

Peanut Auction 10:30; Knitting Group 10-11December 14 United Parish Church

presents a Christmas program @ 2:00 December 16 Market Basket 9:30;

Painting Class 9-12; Chair Exercise – 9:30; Yoga – 10:00

December 17 Wii Bowling 9:30; Pool;

card Games; Shuffleboard *CHRISTMAS LUNCH SPECIAL RESERVATIONS

Required –Call the Center at 978-297-3155*

December 18 Wii Bowling 9:30; Chair exercise 9:30; Yoga 10:00; Walk In Blood Pressure 11:00; Pool Games; BINGO 12:15

December 19 wood Carving – 10-11; Wii bowling 9:30; Pool; Card Games; Shuffleboard

December 20 Peanut Auction 10:30; Knitting Group 10-11

December 23 Market Basket 9:30;

Painting Class 9-12; Chair Exercise – 9:30; Yoga – 10:00

December 24 Wii Bowling 9:30; Pool; card Games; Shuffleboard

December 25/26 CENTER CLOSED December 27 Knitting Group 10-11 December 30 Painting Class 9-12; Chair

Exercise 9:30; Yoga – 10:00December 31 Wii Bowling 9:30; Pool;

Card Games; Shuffleboard

Ruth DeAmicis photo

Sheila Bettro, executive director of the Council on Aging, found herself pouring both coffee and gravy as the Old Murdock Senior Center hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for senior citizens last week. More than 90 people showed up for the turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and the “wait staff” was kept hopping.

RECOGNIZING HARD WORK

Ruth DeAmicis photo

Frank Cosentino was hon-ored by the Winchendon Housing Authority at its meeting this week with a plaque commemorating his 15 years of service to that board. Cosentino was appreciative of the honor, and said he was surprised when he realized it had been that many years.

“It went fast, it didn’t seem that long at all. I’m glad I could help,” he told those gathered.

WHA Executive Director David Connor is pictured giving Cosentino the plaque, and offering him his congratulations on well deserved recognition.

THIS COULD BE YOURS….

Ruth DeAmicis photo

Every year as part of the Winterfest celebration at the Old Murdock Senior Center, a grand display of holiday tables is admired by one and all. This year that event is scheduled Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and not only can you admire the gor-geous table settings created by others, but you can take a chance on winning this com-plete service for four with the Christmas tree centerpiece, which will be raffled that day.

In addition, there will be a basket raffle and the raffling of the handmade wreathes that have become a tradition at the Old Murdock as well.

Admission to the event is free.

Toy Town ChristmasBe part of a shop local campaign.

Feature your store, crafts or serviceswhere Winchendon people will see them.

Contact Ruth at the Courier at(978) 297-0050 x 100

or at [email protected] be in the Dec. 20 SHOP LOCAL issue

Made you look? Others do too. Keep your business in the public’s eye: advertise in the Courier

(978) 297-0050 x100 [email protected]

Treasured Bits & Pieces25 East St., (978) 297-7738 (off Central St., near fire station)

Barnful of books; plants & gardening décor; handcrafted items;antiques & collectibles and so much more. PLUS: Country

Cupcake: cupcakes, bread & cookies for all occasions. Orders for parties and special occasions encouraged.

Open: Thurs.11-6; Fri.11-5; Sat.10-5; most Sun., call ahead.


VIEWSOpinion and commentary from Winchendon and beyond

Editorial lEttErs to thE Editor

The day after blues…

WinchEndon couriErPresident/Publisher: Frank Chilinski

editor: ruth deamiCis

To the Editor:The animals waiting for adoption at

Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue have made their holiday wish list. Of course their first wish is a forever home, but here are some other items to make their stay at the shelter a little nicer:

Paper towels bleach laundry detergent Dish soap trash bagsCanned dog and cat food

Disposable foil pans Puppy pads

They hope you’ll stop by the shelter on Saturday Dec. 7 from 1-5 p.m. at 381r Baldwinville Road, Templeton to enjoy light refreshments and their company, and maybe bring an item or two from their list.

To see the full wish list, please visit www.ahimsahaven.org/wishlist or call (978) 297-2673 for more info.

marjorie twiraga, Presidentahimsa haven animal resCue

Ahimsa: Stuff their Stockings!

Grad: forgiveness doesn’t come easyTo the Editor:On Nov. 14 in her column Dear Abby had

several letters from school graduates and their thoughts and experiences about their school years and of attending their class reunions.

By coincidence, those letter writers mir-rored my thoughts.

For many years, I have been notified of reunions. Never personally, but by the “committee.” I have not attended any of those reunions. Why? To go and be insult-ed? Ignored? That happened to me, many years ago.

You see, I have never considered myself a member of that class. Under today’s head-lines my experiences at Murdock would be classed as bullying. It wasn’t physical, but it was personal and was bullying. And at the time, I’m sure the teaching staff knew about it, and allowed it to go on.

I have mostly forgiven those people. But I have not forgotten them. They did not know or care what happened. They were mostly self centered, clueless, careless and let’s not forget stupid; and without enough courage to try to attempt to change any-thing. Attributes they most certainly still have today.

In the many years that have passed, I

have been in contact with less then a hand-ful of them.

One person in that class has my full respect for what they tried to do.

At the other end of the spectrum is some-one who, to this day, totally disgusts me for their actions at that time.

During those school years, there were less then a handful who tried to make an attempt to befriend me. In most cases, peer pressure influenced them not following through in changing the situation.

In turn I ignored the rest of them. Totally.Since graduation from Murdock, only

a couple of them have attempted to reach out to me. For those, I’m thankful. For the rest….

However, I have moved on with my life. And have not looked back!

But with all the violence in today’s schools and society, I can only hope that enough people care to change so others do not have to endure my experiences. That is the only reason for this letter.

signed with intention:an old murdoCk graduate

Stuffed. The bird was, and now you are. Tryptophan may be to blame, but actually it is probably our own gluttony. We seem to rel-ish this one day a year to overdo, as if we won’t get another meal like this…ever.

But to be honest, there are families, more than we care to think about, who probably don’t see these sort of meals all that often. We write about them often enough; and at the holidays our consciences prick us so that the food banks are filled by those of us who remember and donate, feeling a bit better about ourselves for a moment or two.

Please remember though, the many days and nights when we have full refrigerators and cupboards; a trip to the grocery on the way home is not a big deal for us; and a gallon of milk isn’t a huge purchase. It is a way of life for way too many people. Neighbors and friends we don’t realize are struggling, because things look OK from the outside.

People who must drain their paychecks into the gas tanks just to get to the jobs, and it leaves little to pay for other necessities. Then there is the heating situation as winter’s cold closes down around us.

When the garage door closes, we don’t know what is going on in those kitchens behind the closed curtains.

And pride often prevents asking for help.Which is why thank goodness the school lunch programs do feed

kids at least once a day. Some of them do get a good meal then, but what about during extended vacations? What are they eating?

And this isn’t necessarily neglectful parents; parents who don’t care. It’s parents who can’t afford.

So let’s remember that AFTER the holidays too. Let’s keep giving to the food banks and the homeless shelters. Let’s encourage continuing help for WIC and lunch programs too.

And on a side note, let’s help out the Operation Winchendon Cares this month too. The men and women still serving in the military love the packages from home. This time it is being collected at the American Legion on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9-11 and they are wanting items for the holidays to include. They need funding for the postage too, so stop by with $5, $10; whatever you can spare to help out. The kids can help with cards and good wishes too.

So have another turkey sandwich, clean up the last of the sweet potatoes and grab the last piece of pie. Be thankful this bit of the holidays is done. Best wishes for the holidays to our Jewish friends celebrating their Hanukah and now…

Is your shopping done?

Votes, voters, voting…a history and methodology

Detritus

A couple hundred years ago the Founders, elitist to the core, imposed significant restrictions on who would be permitted to vote. We all know the story: if you were a white male landowner, you’d likely make the cut. If you were a woman or an African or Native-American, forget it. If you were a less well-off white guy, it was a little dicey. Your chances would vary from place to place.

There wasn’t one single uniform Election “Day”, either. There was more of an Election “Month”; after all, crops had to be harvested and planted and not even the 1% were driving their BMWs to the polls so the timing was rather spread out. That, of course, would, if the issue wasn’t so serious, provoke amusement these days at conservative complaints about early voting. Folks, this isn’t exactly something new dreamed up by the godless Socialists of the Democratic Party. Check your history books.

That said, a bunch of Republican state legis-latures, frustrated, I suppose, by their party’s repeated inability to win national elections, (having lost the popular vote five of the last six times and barely squeaking by the one time they did back in ‘04) are trying to channel their inner Founders and impose their own restrictions. To be sure, they can’t resurrect race or gender dis-

crimination, but they are closing some polling plac-es, curtailing early vot-ing days and hours, and changing the rules about what kind of identification is acceptable. In the last example, the rules have gotten so tough in Texas that a former Democratic Speaker of the US House of Representatives and a former Republican US

Senator were initially turned away at their local polling stations this year. It’s probably not a shock these new restrictions in many states are being challenged in court, and, not infre-quently, being ruled unconstitutional.

That’s good — but the very strategy of trying to impose them at all has so far not worked the way it’s been intended. In 2012, the net effect was an increased determination on the part of those voters impacted to wait as long as they needed to in order to vote. The strategy back-fired in a whole lot of places. That might not be the case in a mid-term year like 2014 where turnout is generally lower, older, and more conservative anyway, so these legal challenges are a must.

It makes you wonder exactly what it is the legislators creating these rules are so afraid of, besides a level playing field and a fear that the ideas they’re peddling in national campaigns

aren’t getting voters to bite. What sensible rationale suggests fewer people should be able to vote, anyway? And why establish barriers? Really, why?

To me, the problem isn’t how many people vote, but how informed they are. The other day I heard from someone who insisted they were more aware and informed than “most people”, but, even though they’re primarily interest-ed in fiscal/economic issues, conceded they had absolutely no idea where Sen. Elizabeth Warren stood on banking reform. Roll this around in your head for a minute — here’s someone who is consistently harping on finan-cial issues, claims they know more than the average voter, and yet voted against her with-out having the slightest idea whether they actu-ally might agree with her on the issue dearest to them. That kind of genius speaks for itself.

Ah, yes, voting. Once upon a time it was taken for granted that 51 votes would be a majority in a 100-member body like, say, the US Senate. Then the esteemed Senators began fiddling with the rules and eventually we got to the point where it would take 67 votes to end filibusters and 60 to pass almost anything, period. Last week, the Democratic majority Senate changed the rules again, (barely, 52-48) restoring to 51 the number of votes it would take to halt those pesky filibusters and confirm presidential judicial nominations aside from the Supreme Court.

Republicans were apoplectic, screaming foul

and vowing to use these new rules when they regain the majority. This, my friends, is a perfect example of just how isolated Washington can be from reality. Of course 51 should be the num-ber needed to pass anything and everything. And even though I’m a Democrat, of course the Republicans should be entitled to use whatever tools would be at their disposal in the Senate should they be in the majority. A majority of 100 is, after all, 51. Isn’t it?

Lastly, this: among the blizzard of columns and articles written last week on the 50th anni-versary of President John F. Kennedy’s assas-sination, was a Washington Post piece chron-icling how back in that era, public service was considered noble and honorable. It was true, too, and while many people, including me, still believe that to be so, an awful lot of other folks couldn’t disagree more. They view public servants as, at best, lazy, and at worst, corrupt. As in any profession, there are those who muddy the waters, but the overwhelming majority of public servants, and remember, we’re not just talking politicians and their staffs, we’re talking as well police and firefight-ers and librarians and teachers — these people who choose public service deserve our praise and gratitude and thanks. By the way, that goes for the vast majority of people who go into politics, too. The Rob Fords are the minority. Perhaps you don’t believe so. If not, you need to take a closer look. Hope your Thanksgiving was happy.

I love language. I especially love great words.Over the years people have devel-

oped words to describe almost every-thing encountered in life. Some folks just assume we always had the words. That is erroneous.

For instance in our lifetime we added to the collection of words. Words such as computerization, moon landing, geek, laptop, Ipod-Ipad-Iphone, Super Sonic Transit, and IEDs are just a few of the contri-butions of our generation to the word bank! There are many more.

One of my favorite words is “detri-tus.”

If you look the word up you will be confused! You can find definitions of detritus that are so different from one another you would have to be puzzled as to how one word could cover so many possible meanings.

There is a website devoted to the

word detritus. It defines the word as follows:

“Detritus is debris...ashes...crumbs...remains.

It’s what’s left after something has been used up.”

This is the definition I prefer and the one I use. But there are others!

As we march through our lives we leave detritus everywhere. It piles up all around us. It accumulates whether it is “good detritus” or “bad detritus.”

We make impressions in life.We create things in life.We go through the stages of life,

leaving all sorts of detritus in each decade.

Detritus exists in marriages, divorces, careers, births and deaths.

For my readers who like puzzles, imagine taking stock of the detritus in your life and trying to put it all back together in the form you found it originally, before it became detri-

tus. For the serious puzzle people wouldn’t it be a challenge to look at the detritus in someone else’s life and try to determine how the pieces fit together to give you a better understanding of that life.

In an earlier col-umn I spoke of another word I like: kerfuffle. Of course, I used the word to describe some political disappointments we were witnessing in America.

I think I could be happy using the word “detritus” in the same man-ner, to highlight political disappoint-ments.

There is a lot of detritus piling up around the Affordable Care Act. In case you don’t know what I am talking about, the administration uses the

Affordable Care Act designation when they don’t want to say “Obamacare.” When Obamacare was a seemingly noble and work-able idea, neither President Obama nor his support-ers had any pause in just calling it Obamacare.

Have you noticed recently when the administration talks about this health care they never call it Obamacare. They are hoping you will forget who used to call this his signa-ture legislation as president.

I imagine Edsel Ford was mighty happy when the family decided to name a new car after him.

It wasn’t too long after that when Edsel Ford probably wished he had

not been given that honor.The Edsel remains a code word for

disaster.Obamacare is a disaster. Detritus is everywhere around

Obamacare. And it seems to grow more plentiful every day.

I have a suspicion that “Obamacare” is soon going to join “Edsel” in the dictionary of American Derisive Words and that scholars will spend a great deal of time trying to put the detritus together in order to find some way to understand how such a major program could have resulted in such an embarrassing end after such amateurish planning and execution.

If you missed the last column pub-lished in the paper you can access it at: blair-notes.blogspot.com

If you would care to read my BLOG, access it at blair-notes.blogspot.com.

The ArmchAir PhilosoPher

A dream for all of us, as the snow begins to fly

BY JOE CALLAHAN

No, it wasn’t the Impossible Dream, for it was a dream come true. It came from nowhere, a beginning with no end. However, just as in 1967, no one saw it coming. Yes, there was YAZ, but no one else stood out, as the ’67 team drove all the way to the pennant in an unlikely fashion.

This year’s team was just that, a team; not a group of superstar players but a group locked into winning. Yes, there was David Ortiz and some really good players, but how could it happen? Maybe it was destiny or fate? They had just enough in the tank and never ran out of gas!

It didn’t make any difference how lucky another team was; whomever they played, the Red Sox won and throughout the year, the team never lost more than three games in a row.

The Red Sox played the best, time and time again; and they all fell by the wayside. No one stood out next to them throughout the entire baseball season. And in the playoffs, the other team never saw the Red Sox coming. They were just that good!

JERRY CARTON

JournEy of thE hEart

JACK BLAIR

notEs of concErn

BY GREG VINE COURIER CORRESPONDENT

WINCHENDON — It was a fairly light public agenda for the meet-ing of the School Committee last Thursday, Nov. 21. So while some business was accomplished, it was the excited voices of Memorial Elementary School students that took over the town hall auditorium.

The highlight of the meeting was the reading of a story written by second graders from Memorial Elementary School. The students were from the class taught by Ann Mary Smith.

Entitled “Our Mixed-Up Principal,” it tells the story of Nina Schlikin, who is described in the text as “a wonderful principal…She’s respectful and kind and real-ly loves the kids!” She also wears “beautifully matching clothes” with perfectly matched jewelry.

On Halloween, however, the stu-dents find Ms. Schlikin looking like a “creepy doll.” Her hair is spiked and her lips covered in red lipstick.

Students speculate as to wheth-

er she may have been captured by aliens, gotten dressed while sleep-walking, or been dressed up by crazy clowns.

Much to the relief of the children, the principal they are used to shows up the following day, dressed once again in matching clothes and jew-elry. The students respond by shout-ing “Yeah! Hooray! Mrs. Schlikin is back!”

The students who wrote the story included; Chlose Abare- Coderre, Abigail Bradley, Caleb Crtagena-Marcano, Carly Coffin, Frank Anthony Cosentino, Arriane Daigle, Aliyah Emerald, Kaylee Fronte, Ashley Hastings, Cassidy Lauziere, Zachary Lovett, Maibel Marion, Caleb McKenny, Ava Newton, Alexa Ofosuhene, Anthony Osborne, Jeremiah Shea, Rachel Vermette, Christopher Walsh, and Michael Weaver.

Superintendent Salah Khelfaoui reported that attendance at the Murdock Academy for Success (the former Marvin School) has risen to 12 students. Just over a month ago,

nine students were attending the pilot program.

Khelfaoui explained that one of the academy students has moved to Fitchburg but wants to contin-ue taking classes in Winchendon. Four of the students enrolled in the Academy for Success had dropped out of school a year ago; another left school two years ago. One student has returned to the academy from an out of district placement.

The committee also confirmed it will likely be seeking a little more than $413,000 to fund capital proj-ects during fiscal year 2015. The vast majority of the money spent would be invested in new pod secu-rity doors at Memorial Elementary School and for new or additional surveillance cameras at Murdock High School and at the Memorial and Toy Town elementary schools.

At the close of the public por-tion of the meeting, the committee entered into executive session “to discuss strategy with respect to col-lective bargaining or litigation.”


FITCHBURG — Applewild School in Fitchburg has been certified as a Common Sense School by Common Sense Media, a national nonprofit organization. The designation recognizes Applewild for educating its K-8 students to be safe, smart, and ethical digital citizens. Common Sense Media is dedicated to helping children and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology.

Amelia Herring, librarian at Applewild, has been using Common Sense Media’s innovative, research-based digital literacy and citizenship resources, which were created in collaboration with Dr. Howard Gardner of the GoodPlay Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The resources teach students, educators, and parents tangible skills related to Internet safety, protecting online reputation and personal privacy, what to share and what not to share, managing online relationships, and respecting creative copyright. The free resources are currently used in more than 65,000 classrooms nationwide. Herring facilitated the

certification process. She and Mike Grant, the school’s technology director, have presented a workshop on keeping children safe in the digital world, using resources from Common Sense Media. An excerpt from their presentation is available at the school’s website, www.applewild.org.

Herring said, “Applewild is committed to teaching our students vital 21st century skills, from understanding pri-vacy and safety, to evaluating websites for research, to thinking critically about advertising messages online. The Common Sense Media curriculum plays an integral role in preparing our students to use the immense power of digital media to explore, create, and connect.”

Rebecca Randall, vice president of education programs for Common Sense Media, said “We applaud Applewild School for embracing digital citizenship as an important part of its students’ education. The school deserves high praise for giving its students the foundational skills they need to compete and succeed in the 21st-century workplace

and participate ethically in society at large.” “We’re honored to be recognized as a Common Sense

School,” said Christopher B. Williamson, Applewild School Head of School. “Common Sense Media reflects our core values and core competencies, particularly emphasizing respect, responsibility, compassion and the skills of com-municating, collaborating, thinking critically, and being reflective. By preparing our students to use technology safely and responsibly, we are reinforcing their awareness of good citizenship while encouraging them to maximize and personalize their learning.”

For more information about Applewild School, go to www.applewild.org. To learn more about the criteria Applewild had to meet to become certified as a Common Sense School, visit http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/certification.

MWCC CELEBRATES 50Courtesy photo

Area legislators traveled to Mount Wachusett Community College for a legislative breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Following the meeting, the north central Massachusetts delegation pre-sented a resolution congratulating the college on its 50th anniversary. The resolution notes MWCC’s growth and academic excellence over the past five decades, as well as its leadership in the areas of civic engagement and renew-able energy. MWCC was established in Gardner on Nov. 8, 1963 as one of the first eight of 15 community colleges in Massachusetts.

From left: Rep. Kimberly Ferguson (R-Holden); Sen. Stephen Brewer (D-Barre); Rep. Denise Andrews (D-Orange); Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik (D-Gardner); MWCC President Daniel

Asquino; Sen. James Eldridge (D-Acton); Rep. Stephen DiNatale (D-Fitchburg); Sen. Jennifer Flanagan (D-Leominster); and Rep. Dennis Rosa (D-Leominster). Not pictured: Rep. Anne Gobi (D-Spencer); and Rep. Jennifer Benson (R-Lunenburg).

Applewild School earns safe child designation

School Committee hears of “Mixed Up Principal”

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Editor’s Note: The information contained in this police log was obtained through pub-lic 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, NOVEMBER 1 8 12:48-10:41 a.m.: 10 building checks, secure;

5:26 a.m.: ambulance (Spring Street) trans-port; 6:00 a.m.: assist other agency (Spring Street) unable to locate; 7:15 a.m.: other sus-picious (Phyllis Road) unable to locate; 7:30 a.m.: accident (High Street) report taken; 9:28 a.m.: ambulance (Brown Street) trans-port; 10:48 a.m.: vandalism (River Street) report taken; 11:13 a.m.: welfare check (addresses will not be printed) report taken; 12:46 p.m.: trespass entry notice (Goodrich Drive) info given; 1:12 p.m.: deliver mes-sage (Central Street) delivered; 2:27 p.m.: officer wanted (Old New Ipswich Road) spoken to; 2:55 p.m.: ambulance (Lincoln Avenue) transport; 3:19 p.m. officer wanted (Spring Street) unable to locate; 3:25 p.m.: accident (Hospital Drive) report taken; 7:19 p.m.: MV stop (Maple Street) verbal warn-ing; 7:39 p.m.: stolen MV (Oakland Street) advised civil action; 8:00 p.m.: animal com-plaint (Mill Street) referred to ACO; 8:25 p.m.: structure fire (Town Farm Road) fire extinguished; 8:56 p.m.: accident (Gardner Road) no PD service necessary; 11:04 p.m.: B&E burglary (Washington Avenue) arrest: Jesse Holland age 24 of 88 West Broadway, Gardner: home invasion, and armed rob-bery; 11:39 p.m. 911 hang up (Spruce Street) spoken to.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1912:10 a.m.: ambulance (Ready Drive)

transport; 12:28 a.m.: suspicious MV (Mill Glen Road) MV towed; 1:54 a.m.: ambulance (West Street) transport; 2:17 a.m.: reposses-sion of MV (Cedar Street) advised officer; 6:05 a.m.: accident (Gardner Road) report taken; 7:15 a.m.: general info (Baldwinville Road) referred to ACO; 8:14 a.m.: MV stop (Hospital Drive) spoken to; 8:44 a.m.: ambu-lance (West Monomonac Road) transport; 10:32 a.m.: ambulance (Center Lane) trans-port; 11:35 a.m.: deliver message (North Royalston Road) call cancelled; 12:27 p.m.: deliver message (phone) unable to locate; 12:22 p.m.: vandalism (Mill Street) report taken; 1:12 p.m.: suspicious MV (School Street) info taken; 1:53 p.m.: general info (Elmwood Road) info taken; 2:01 p.m.: offi-

cer wanted (Memorial Drive) report taken; 2:09 p.m.: ambulance (Ipswich Drive) spo-ken to; 2:57 p.m.: officer wanted (walk in) spoken to; 3:24 p.m.: investigation (Front Street) spoken to; 3:51 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street) verbal warning; 3:58 p.m.: MV stop (River Street) traffic citation issued; 4:31 p.m.: shoplifting (Central Street) Juvenile, age 12, summons: shoplifting by concealing merchandise; Juvenile, age 11: summons: shoplifting by concealing merchandise and Juvenile, age 12, summons: shoplifting by concealing merchandise; 5:17 p.m.: inves-tigation (Central Street) info taken; 6:37 p.m.: property found (Spring Street) prop-erty returned to owner; 7:56 p.m.: property damage (School Street) report taken; 8:20 p.m.: burglar alarm (Teel Road) secured building; 10:15 p.m.: officer wanted (Otter River Road) report taken; 10:23 p.m.: ambu-lance (Pleasant Street) transport.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 203:10-4:11 a.m.: six building checks, secure;

3:16 a.m.: fire alarm (Mill Circle) assisted; 6:20 a.m.: ambulance (West Street) unfound-ed; 8:05 a.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road) spoken to; 9:41 a.m.: ambu-lance (Morse Avenue) report taken; 11:10 a.m.: smoke (West Street) assisted; 11:14 a.m.: B&E burglary (Ipswich Drive) report taken; 12:10 p.m.: animal complaint (South Royalston Road) referred to ACO; 12:57 p.m.: deliver message (Front Street) delivered; 1:27 p.m.: assist other agency (Front Street) assisted; 1:47 p.m.: MV stop (Old Gardner Road) verbal warning; 2:16 p.m.: trespass entry notice (Front Street) info given; 2:50 p.m.: officer wanted (Central Street) spoken to; 5:09 p.m.: suspicious MV (Ash Street) unable to locate; 5:34 p.m.: officer want-ed (Walnut Street) spoken to; 5:51 p.m.: unwanted party (Spruce Street) spoken to; 6:08 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street) verbal warning; 6:48 p.m.: mutual aid fire (West Main Street) call cancelled; 7:43 p.m.: officer wanted (Glenallen Street) advised contact police if repeated; 7:58 p.m.: suspicious per-son (Ash Street) unable to locate; 8:19 p.m.: ambulance (Benjamin Street) transport; 8:30 p.m.: trespassing (Front Street) advised officer; 9:10 p.m.: MV operating erratical-ly (Chestnut Street) unable to locate; 9:30 p.m.: extra patrols (Central Street) advised officer; 10:14 p.m.: MV stop (Spring Street) written warning; 10:30 p.m.: mutual aid fire (Hapgood Street) services rendered; 11:53

p.m.: one building check, secure.

T H U R S D A Y ,

NOVEMBER 2112:05 a.m.: ambulance (River Street) trans-

port; 12:14-3:33 a.m.: 16 building checks, secure; 6:00 a.m.: MV stop (Glenallen Street) verbal warning; 8:07 a.m.: MV operating erratically (Baldwinville State Road) spo-ken to; 8:49 a.m.: accident (River Street) summons: Samuel M. Jankowski age 26 of 30 Whitney St. #2A, Winchendon: operating MV with suspended registration, and unin-sured MV; 9:05 a.m.: ambulance (Hyde Park Drive) transport; 11:48 a.m.: investigation (West Broadway) info taken; 12:47 p.m.: animal complaint (Franklin Street) assist-ed; 1:40 p.m.: investigation (Ready Drive) info taken; 2:07 p.m.: 209A request (Morse Avenue) spoken to; 2:55 p.m.: runaway (Memorial Drive) report taken; 3:24 p.m.: animal abuse (Brown Street) referred to ACO; 4:39 p.m.: 209A service (Morse Avenue) served to defendant; 4:41 p.m.: ambulance (Ready Drive) transport; 4:50 p.m.: be on the look out (Pearl Drive) info given; 5:08 p.m.: MV stop (Lincoln Avenue) spoken to; 5:08 p.m.: FD call (Maple Street) services rendered; 8:35 p.m.: noise complaint (Front Street) spoken to; 10:22 p.m.: suspicious MV (Juniper Street) secure; 11:50-11:58 p.m.: five building checks, secure.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2212:07-3:50 a.m.: eight building checks,

secure; 7:00 a.m.: DPW call (Central Street) referred to DPW; 10:21 a.m.: property lost (Ash Street) report taken; 11:05 a.m.: accident (Central Street) spoken to; 11:19 a.m.: sum-mons service (Walnut Street) served; 12:33 p.m.: lift assist (Hyde Park Drive) services rendered; 1:02 p.m.: ambulance (Memorial Drive) transport; 2:02 p.m.: officer wanted (Memorial Drive) arrest: Juvenile, age 13: disturbing school, and assault and battery on police officer; 2:23 p.m.: animal complaint (Vaine Street) referred to ACO; 3:15 p.m.: unknown type alarm (Teel Road) secure; 3:40 p.m.: welfare check (addresses will not be printed) spoken to; 3:41 p.m.: assist cit-izen (Morse Avenue) assisted; 3:43 p.m.: assist citizen ( Elmwood Road) assisted; 4:00 p.m.: general info (Front Street) info taken; 4:13 p.m.: general info (phone) assisted; 4:16 p.m.: general info (School Street) spoken to; 4:55 p.m.: trespassing (Front Street) info taken; 4:56 p.m.: MV operating erratical-ly (Glenallen Street) info taken; 5:46 p.m.: unwanted party (Linden Street) gone on arrival; 5:57 p.m.: larceny (Prospect Street) report taken; 6:17 p.m.: mutual aid fire (Pine Eden Road) services rendered; 7:08 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Summer Street)

unable to locate; 7:35 p.m.: suspicious MV (Grove Street) spoken to; 8:17 p.m.: MV stop (Gardner Road) traffic citation issued; 8:39 p.m.: offi-cer wanted (Lincoln Avenue) spoken to; 9:17 p.m.: assist citi-zen (phone) assisted; 9:39 p.m.: suspicious MV (Brown Street) spoken to; 10:15 p.m.: general info (phone) info taken; 11:20 p.m.: animal complaint (North Royalston Road) referred to ACO; 11:39 p.m.: welfare check (addresses will not be printed) unable to locate.

S A T U R D A Y , NOVEMBER 23

12:04 a.m.: suspicious person (Pearl Street) unable to locate; 12:29 a.m.: MV stop (Court Street) secure; 12:45-1:34 a.m.: nine building checks, secure; 5:40 a.m.: registration check (Ash Street) secure; 9:07 a.m.: registration check (High Street) spoken to; 11:46 a.m.: welfare check (addresses will not be print-ed) spoken to; 11:48 a.m.: MV stop (Glenallen Street) summons: Daniel J. Quinlan age 50 of 80 Pleasant St., Gardner: operating MV with suspended license; 11:58 a.m.: ille-gal dumping (Elmwood Road) spoken to; 2:52 p.m.: general info (Morse Avenue) info taken; 4:15 p.m.: animal complaint (Brown Street) referred to ACO; 4:22 p.m.: animal complaint (walk in) info given; 4:37 p.m.: animal complaint (Brenda Lane) assisted; 4:43 p.m.: disabled MV (Chestnut Street) referred to other agency; 5:00 p.m.: threats (River Street) assisted; 5:30 p.m.: burglar alarm (Memorial Drive) false alarm; 5:40 p.m.: assist other agency (Mill Street) assist-ed; 6:11 p.m.: MV stop (Elmwood Road) writ-ten warning; 6:37 p.m.: MV operating errat-ically (Gardner Road) unable to locate; 6:41 p.m.: other suspicious (Glenallen Street) secure; 6:45 p.m.: suspicious MV (Glenallen Street) spoken to; 7:38 p.m.: noise complaint (Front Street) spoken to; 9:02 p.m.: MV stop (Sibley Road) verbal warning; 9:12 p.m.: MV stop (Front Street) verbal warning; 9:28 p.m.: unknown type alarm (Hillside Terrace) false alarm; 9:39 p.m.: FD call (Laurel Street) services rendered; 9:58 p.m.: MV stop (Summer Street) written warning; 10:10 p.m.: MV stop (Central Street) traffic citation issued.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2412:23-1:45 a.m.: 11 building checks, secure;

12:38 a.m.: fire alarm (Spring Street) referred to FD; 1:51 a.m.: DPW call (Baldwinville Road) referred to other agency; 2:07 a.m.: noise complaint (Front Street) advised con-tact police if repeated; 2:45 a.m.: ambulance (Pearl Street) transport; 7:41 a.m.: burglar alarm (Central Street) secure; 8:18 a.m.: ambulance (Central Street) transport; 8:53 a.m.: assist motorist (Spring Street) spo-ken to; 10:04 a.m.: suspicious MV (Central Street) spoken to; 10:25-11:06 a.m.: three building checks, secure; 11:11 a.m.: traffic hazard (Hitchcock Road) referred to DPW; 11:40 a.m.: MV stop (Central Street) spoken to; 12:44 p.m.: traffic hazard (Hale Street) gone on arrival; 12:51 p.m.: gas drive off (Gardner Road) report taken; 1:18 p.m.: wires down (West Street) referred to other agency; 2:12 p.m.: wires down (River Street) 209A issued to plaintiff; 2:30 p.m.: tree down (Hyde Street) referred to other agency; 2:46 p.m.: tree down on wires (Chase Lane) referred to other agency; 2:49 p.m.: tree down on wires (Baldwinville Road) referred to other agency; 2:54 p.m.: tree down on wires (Cummings Road) referred to other agency; 3:29 p.m.: MV stop (River Street) traffic citation issued; 3:53 p.m.: offi-cer wanted (Goodrich Drive) spoken to; 3:59 p.m.: unknown type fire (Brown Street) referred to other agency; 4:00 p.m.: tree down (Lakeview Drive) referred to DPW; 4:17 p.m.: assist other agency (Weller Street) spoken to; 4:48 p.m.: tree down (Bemis Road) referred to DPW; 5:26 p.m.: suspicious MV (Central Street) advised officer; 6:16 p.m.: accident (Railroad Street) report taken; 6:24 p.m.: ambulance (Doyle Avenue) transport; 6:28 p.m.: unknown type fire (Baldwinville Road) report taken; 6:48 p.m.: 911 hang up (Cardinal Lane) report taken; 7:03 p.m.: investigation (Railroad Street) spoken to; 8:03 p.m.: MV operating erratically (Gardner Road) services rendered; 11:29 p.m.: assist other PD (Main Street) advised officer.

Police log

DIVORCE MEDIATIONPawlak Law Office and

Mediation Center

Maintain Control of Your Family’s Future515 Main Street, 1st Floor

Fitchburg, MA 01420(978) 345-5132

[email protected]~Flexible hours offered~

BY GREG VINECOURIER CORRESPONDENT

WINCHENDON — Residents of Massachusetts are being urged to get their vaccinations as the flu season approaches.

Jeannie Sanborn, director of infection prevention at Heywood Hospital says there have only been four confirmed cases of the flu since July, “but it’s very early in the season.”

“Last year we didn’t see our first case until Nov. 24 but it was a

fast-moving virus and we saw it spread quickly across the state.”

Sanborn noted that on Nov. 15, Gov. Deval Patrick “announced that Massachusetts has the high-est rate of vaccination in the U.S. And the state lab was the first to identify a new strain of the illness. I think the folks at the lab deserve a lot of credit.”

She also noted there are 12 “sen-tinel sites” around the state that help to track the progression of the virus. These include doctors’ offices, schools, health clinics and

other locations.“People needn’t worry about

getting sick from the vaccine,” said Sanborn, adding, “the shot contains a guaranteed dead virus. People cannot come down with flu symptoms from getting the vac-cine.”

She did point out that the flu mist, a vaccine administered by inhaling it through the nose, does contain a weakened strain of the virus. Also, anyone with an aller-gy to eggs should probably avoid the vaccine, if possible.

“We have a very active state Department of Public Health,” Sanborn said. “It’s done a good job in getting the word out. Vaccinations began in September. We’ve seen the largest increase in vaccination rates in many years.”

Sanborn serves the communi-ties of Ashburnham, Gardner, Hubbardston, Westminster, Winchendon, and parts of south-ern New Hampshire.

In addition, Old Murdock Senior Center recently held a flu clinic. While the turnout was rather low,

Jim Abare, Board of Health agent, explained the low turnout by say-ing people can get their shots just about anywhere, not just at sites like the Center.

Most of the major drug chains now offer flu shots, as well as shots being available at Wal-Mart. He reported that approximately 33 shots were given at the Center. In years past, demand had far out-weighed supply, but not this year.

Abare says the important goal is that people are getting flu shots; that’s the real “point.”

Area braces for flu season

Students of the MonthGreg Vine photos

The following students were honored by their respective schools as Students of the Month for November at the School Committee meeting last week. Students of the Month are sponsored by the Winchendon Courier and Winchendon McDonald’s

(LOGO)

DeaclanToy Town

E l e m e n t a r y School Student of the Month is Deaclan Marmnaidis. Mrs. Zelnia reports he is an amazing

fourth grade student, with all the tools to succeed; an outstanding math student and can always be counted on to come up with a problem to challenge the rest of the class. He is a good friend to everyone, kind, polite and courteous to others. He is pictured with his family, parents George and Melissa and siblings Evan and Alyssa.

EliseElise Benoit

is the Student of the Month for Murdock Middle School. Nominated by the sixth grade team, she is described as hard working student in all of her classes, earning a place on the highest honors honor roll this quar-ter. She is polite, respectful to teachers and fellow students and works well whether

alone or in a group and always has a posi-tive attitude.

MadisonKindergarten student Madison Woolfrey

is Memorial School Student of the Month. Mrs. Keney says Madison comes to school with a smile on her face, eager to learn and is an enthusi-astic student who puts forth her best effort. She loves to be challenged. She is a role model for others. She is pictured with her family, Dad Dan, Mom Melissa, older sister Emma and brother Ryan.

MHS KathleenSenior Kathleen Mazza is the Murdock

High School Student of the Month, as her peers unanimously identify her as the stu-dent who consistently demonstrates the strongest work ethic, is self motivated, highly organized and driven to excel. She balances this with a strong commitment to academics with co-curricular activities and leadership roles. She is president of both the National Honor Society and the Key Club, is a cheerleader, com-petes on the winter track team and is an instructor at the Clark Memorial YMCA. She is pic-tured with Dad James Roberts and brother Jimmy Roberts.

FITCHBURG — Jeannette A. (Croteau) Leclair, age 86, of Fitchburg passed away Thursday morning, Nov. 21, 2013, in Hillcrest Nursing Center.

She was born in Fitchburg on Feb. 26, 1927, the daughter of Eugene and Eva (Croteau) Croteau, and lived all of

her life in Fitchburg. She worked 20 years at the former Foster Grant Sunglasses in Leominster retiring many years ago.

She was a member of the former Immaculate Conception Church in Fitchburg.

She is survived by her two neph-ews, Vincent and his wife, Dori Leger of Winchendon, who were also her caregivers, and Raymond Vandette of Altamont, NY;

and her niece, Irene and her husband Tom Miller.

She was predeceased by her husband, Francios in 1987, five brothers: Rene, Robert, Norman, Harvey, and Edgar Croteau and her sister Loretta Leger.

Her family would like to give special thanks to Tracy and nursing staff at the Hillcrest Nursing Center, and to Dr. John Murphy for the professional and compas-sionate care given to Jeannette the past several years.

Her funeral was held Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013 with a Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, 49 Woodland St., Fitchburg. Inurnment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery will be in the spring of 2014.

The Lavery Chartrand & Alario Funeral Home, 99 Summer St., Fitchburg is direct-ing.


OBITUARIESRobert Freeman Allen, 49

CASCO, ME — Robert Freeman Allen, age 49 died suddenly in his home on Nov. 20, 2013.

Born in Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Janet Doris (Bedley) and the late William Reed Allen Sr. Bob spent his childhood in Reading, with his seven sib-lings and attended Reading Memorial High School where he met his beloved wife, Nancy (Lento) Allen. The couple married in 1985 and resided in various Massachusetts towns including Leominster, Winchendon, and Westford.

Bob worked as a caseworker at Stetson School for Boys and Minuteman Arc for Human Services until he left the work-force to become a full-time dad. He devoted his time to raising the couple’s four boys, Joshua Freeman Allen, Reed Francis Allen, Timothy David Allen, and Shawn Robert Allen; chauffeuring them to activities, help-ing with homework, and generally contain-ing the chaos. The family moved to Casco in 2010.

For Bob, giving and helping others, espe-cially children, was a way of life. Carefree, warm and outgoing, he could strike a talk with a stranger and then find himself engaged in hours of conversation. He always had time for whoever needed his help.

Bob enjoyed cooking, traveling, camping, gaming, and spending time with his family. Since moving to Casco, Bob volunteered full-time at Poland Spring Academy in Poland

where he applied his culinary skills to pre-paring a weekly meal for the students and staff, ran the food bank, and assisted in whatever was needed, from hauling trash to occasional substitute teaching. It was here that he formed a once-in-a-lifetime friend-ship with Gary Howard.

In addition to his sons and wife, he is sur-vived by seven siblings, Janet Moroney and her husband Paul, JoAnne Oram and her husband David, Kathy Whittaker and her husband Gordon, Joyce Nakhoul and her husband Zaki, Jennifer Piantedosi, William Reed Allen Jr. and his wife Ginger, and Cynthia Grant and her husband William. He is also survived by many nieces and neph-ews; great- nieces and nephews; in-laws; and aunts and uncles.

Per Bob’s wishes, requested attire at all services is jeans and sneakers (no suits or ties) at a celebration of life at Poland Springs Academy Monday, Nov. 25.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Nikki’s Fund, a schol-arship fund established by Bob and his wife in memory of their late niece Kelsea Nicole Lento. Donations may be mailed to: Poland Spring Academy, 14 Hope Springs Drive, Poland, ME 04274 with checks may be made out to Poland Spring Academy, a 501(3)c non-profit.

Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road, Casco was entrusted with arrange-ments.

Catherine A. Furgat, 58ROCKINGHAM, VT — Catherine A.

Furgat, age 58, of Pleasant Valley Road, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013.

Catherine was born in Bellows Falls, VT on July 25, 1955, the daughter of Fernand Beaudry and Barbara Scanlon. She was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School and worked for Beaudry Trucking, Green Mountain High School, and locally as a waitress.

She was an avid camper and a member of the Good Sam Club.

On May 8, 1976 she married Gary Furgat who survives. Also surviving is her father, Norm Vancor of Bellows Falls; her daugh-ters, Barbara Beaudry of Bellows Falls VT, Collette Sinclair of Winchendon, Holly

Richards of Saxtons River VT, Samantha Kimball of Rockingham VT, and Elizabeth Perry of Athens, VT; her brothers, Ed and Kevin Vancor both of Bellows Falls VT; and her sister, Jean Monty of Bellows Falls VT; and her grandchildren, Skyler, Crystal, Colby, Gardner, Jayce, Lexi, Eric, Collin, Dillan and Connor. She was predeceased by her father, Fernand Beaudry and her moth-er, Barbara Vancor.

A funeral mass was celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 26 at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls VT.

Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, VT was entrusted with arrangements.

Lorraine (Pelkey) Homon, 75WINCHENDON —

Lorraine (Pelkey) Homon, age 75, of 65 Mason St. died peacefully at her residence Wednesday evening, Nov. 13 with her family at her side.

She was born in Jaffrey on March 1, 1938, daughter of the late Alfred and Yvonne

(Gauthier) Pelkey and lived in Winchendon for over 50 years.

Lorraine worked for many years as a tester at Millipore Inc. in Jaffrey until her retirement in 1998. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Winchendon Golden Age Club. Her hobbies included cooking and cleaning and enter-taining for the holidays. Her greatest enjoy-ment was spending time with her family and caring for her grandchildren.

Her husband of 41 years, J. Alfred Homon,

and a son, Edward J. Homon, preceded her in death. She leaves two sons, James J. Homon of Winchendon and William A. Homon and his wife Diane of Clinton; two brothers, Andrew Pelkey of Fitzwilliam and Franklin Pelkey of Marlboro, NH; sisters, Rita Chamberlain of Jaffrey, Marie Rene of Jaffrey and Felice Johnson of Greenfield; four grandchildren, Krystal, Christina, Ashleigh and Shelby; two great grandchil-dren, Zachary and Naomi and many neph-ews, nieces and friends.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce St. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Gardner VNA Healthcare, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home (stone-ladeau.com), 343 Central St., Winchendon directed arrangements.

Russell A. Milliken, 96WINCHENDON —

Russell A. Milliken, age 96 of 300 Brooks Pond Road, Leominster and a former long time resident of Winchendon, died peacefully Thursday evening, Nov. 14 in The Highlands, Fitchburg.

He was born in Westborough on July 30, 1917, the youngest child of the late Charles R. and Edith (MacCallough) Milliken and had lived in Winchendon since the age of 19.

Russ worked for many years as shop manager of the former C.H. Hartshorns in Gardner. Active in church and civic affairs, Russ was a long time member of the United Parish, where he had served as a deacon, usher, and in other capacities. A member of the Winchendon Lions Club for nearly 50 years, Russ served as its president for five terms. In 2008, Russ became the club’s first recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship award for dedicated and humanitarian ser-vice.

Russ was a member of Artisan Lodge of Masons, Aleppo Temple Shrine and

the Order of the Moose. Russ was an avid dancer and was a member of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Group, which met at Mount Wachusett Community College.

His wife of 52 years, Beatrice Irma (Farwell) died in 1988. He leaves a daugh-ter, Bonnie L. Hebert and her husband Franklin of Leominster; two grandchildren, Heather Nasiatka and her husband Scott of Winchendon and Eric Hebert and his wife Marie of Ashburnham; four great grandchil-dren, Joshua Nasiatka, Amber Nasiatka, Noah Hebert and Emily Hebert and three nieces: Dr. Beatrice Harris PHD, Phyllis Stone and Joan Demarest. His siblings, Charles, George, Wilfred, Edwin, Melvin, Elliot, Florence and Blanche, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home (stone-ladeau.com), 343 Central St., Winchendon. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Winchendon Lions Club, PO Box 406, Winchendon, MA 01475 or to The United Parish, 39 Front St., Winchendon, MA 01475.

Ruth P. (Lindsay) Baker, 94WALPOLE — Ruth P. (Lindsay) Baker,

age 94, of South Walpole, died, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013 at the Charwell House in Norwood.

She was the beloved wife of Kenneth H. Baker who died in 1991. Born in Mattapan on April 8, 1919, she was a daughter of the late James T. and Margaret (Kelley) Lindsay Mrs. Baker was a resident of South Walpole for most of her life. She graduated from Walpole High School in 1936 and attended a business school in Boston. A homemaker for most of her life, family was everything to her.

She is survived by her children, Judith Cook of Virginia, Robert Baker and his wife Lorraine of South Walpole, Joel Baker and his wife Maureen of South Walpole,

Patricia Jones of Buzzards Bay and Lisa Edgerly and her husband Peter of Norwood. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Ellie Baker of Winchendon, 13 grand-children, 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was the mother of the late James Baker, mother-in-law of the late George Cook and Arthur Jones and sister of the late Elsworth and James Lindsay and Charlotte Brooks.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service on Friday, Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home (ginleyfu-neralhomes.com), 892 Main St. in Walpole. Burial will follow at Terrace Hill Cemetery in South Walpole. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 10 - 11 a.m.

Michael A. Vento, 39WINCHENDON — Michael A. Vento, age

39, died suddenly on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 at Heywood Hospital in Gardner. He was the son of John Vento of Fitzwilliam and Pamela (Price) Vento of Winchendon.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his son Colby of Grafton and his broth-ers, John and Daniel of Greenville, NH and Justin of Winchendon. He also leaves sever-

al nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cous-ins.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013 in St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church St., Hopkinton. Burial fol-lowed in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church St., Hopkinton.

Blanche M. (LeClerc) HollandSOMERVILLE — Blanche M. (LeClerc)

Holland of Somerville formerly of East Templeton died Nov. 22, 2013.

She was the beloved wife of the late Ronald A. Holland; loving mother of Maureen A. Ferguson and her husband Scott of Beverly and Steven R. Holland and his wife Ann of Ashland; sister of Roland LeClerc of Templeton, Arthur LeClerc of Templeton, Rita St. Pierre of Winchendon, Anthony LeClerc of Waltham and the late Edmund LeClerc, Theresa LeClerc, Marguerite Arseneau, Camille LeClerc, and Albert

LeClerc. She also leaves dear grandchildren Richard and Felicia.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 26 followed by interment at Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody.

Donation may be made in her name to VNA of Middlesex-East Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 607 North Avenue, Suite 17, Wakefield, MA 01880.

George L. Doherty Funeral Home (doher-tyfuneralservice.com) 855 Broadway, Somerville, was entrusted with arrange-ments.

Jeannette A. (Croteau) Leclair, 86

Hendrick ‘Hank’ DeVogel, 50RINDGE — Hendrick

“Hank” DeVogel, age 50, of Rindge formerly of Littleton, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at the Golden Living Center in Fitchburg surrounded his friends, after a long battle with kidney fail-ure.

Born in Needham July 25, 1963 to the late Hendrick and Eleanor (Slavin) DeVogel, Hank grew up in Littleton and attended the Littleton schools and Nashoba Tech where he took up plumbing.

Hank worked for many years in the plumbing trade before finding his calling as a welder, working for J.P. Routhier & Son, and most recently with Dillion Boiler of Fitchburg.

Hank was an avid motorcyclist who would ride his Harley if at all possible. He also loved music and would finish his days by playing his guitars. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his large group of close friends.

Besides his parents, Hank was prede-ceased by his stepmother, Dorothy (Born) DeVogel. Hank is survived by his broth-

er, James “Jim” DeVogel and his wife, Michelle of Littleton. He was the very proud uncle of Jim and Michelle’s son, Jamie and would show off James’ pictures whenev-er he could. He is also survived by his very close and special friends Kevin “Red” Jordon and his wife, Ellen of Winchendon, and Richard Dustin of Monmouth, ME; step brother, Michael McCormic; step sisters, Marcie Smith, Becky Connolly, Catherine McCormic, and Jennifer Dwyer. He also leaves a large group of close friends who will miss him.

The family and friends would also like to thank the staff of the Golden Living Center of Fitchburg making his final days so com-fortable.

Hank now joins his friends Johnny, Lenny and others who have left this world too early on that awesome motorcycle ride in heaven.

Visiting Hours will be held at the Badger Funeral Home (badgerfuneralhome.com), 347 King St. Littleton on Saturday, Nov. 30 from noon - 4 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Ayer Rod & Gun Club.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Beacon Hospice, 36 William St., Leominster, MA 01453.

Frederic W. Schlosstein Jr., 90LEHIGH ACRES, FL —

Frederic W. Schlosstein Jr., age 90, formerly of Warren passed away peacefully Nov. 7, 2013 at his Florida home after a long illness. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Anne F. (Nelligan) Schlosstein.

On March 17, 1923, in Newark, N J Fred was the first of five children born to Atty. Frederic and Frances (Kenzel) Schlosstein. He is survived by two sisters, Anne O’Malley and Carol Rehm, both of Lehigh Acres, FL. His brother Atty. John P. Schlosstein of Warren, and sister, Jean C. Pelland of Saunderstown, RI died previously.

The Schlosstein family moved to Warren in the 1930s when Mr. Schlosstein Sr., was responsible for relocating the William E. Wright Co. mills from New Jersey.

Fred attended St. Thomas Aquinas paro-chial school in West Warren and graduat-ed from Warren High School in 1941. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps during World War II and as a flight engineer and aerial gunner with the 461st brigade, bomb squadron #767 crew 74, which flew 51 air missions over Europe on ship #68 the Tail Dragon. After the war, he attended Holy Cross College in Worcester, earning a BS degree in accounting and economics. He joined his father’s law practice in Warren as

a licensed public accountant, and in 1952, he was elected the town’s treasurer and collec-tor of taxes.

In 1953 he married Anne F. Nelligan. He designed and built the stone house on the hill where the family lived over 25 years and raised five children of their own.

Fred continued his education with advanced studies in taxation and finance at Bentley College. In 1964 he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives followed by the State Senate, serving 32 towns of the Worcester, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire district, the largest senatorial district in the state. He was appointed chair-man of the joint committee on taxation and retained his position until 1976 when he left public office to become fiscal advisor to the Senate Ways & Means Committee. In 1978 he was picked by the King Administration for Assistant Secretary of Administration & Finance and retired from the Commonwealth in 1984 to Lee County, FL.

He was a regular at the Quaboag Sportsmen’s Club over the years. He obtained his pilot’s license and enjoyed fly-ing small single engine planes. He was a member of the VFW Post 8606, the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. Fred and his wife Anne were regular commu-nicants of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Warren and St. Raphael’s in Lehigh Acres,

Wayne R. Dunham, 65FITZWILLIAM — Wayne

R. Dunham, age 65, of Fitzwilliam, died peaceful-ly at his residence Monday morning, Nov. 18 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Fitzwilliam on Nov. 28, 1947, son of the late Victor and Gladys (Baldwin) Dunham and graduated

from Monadnock Regional High School in Swanzey.

Wayne was a self-employed truck driver for several years. He previously worked as a stonecutter many years ago and later worked at C.R. Bard Co. in Fitzwilliam. Wayne was a member of the Fitzwilliam Fire Department for more than 20 years. A lover of the outdoors, Wayne enjoyed hunt-ing and fishing. He also enjoyed spending time on his motorcycle, which he and his wife once rode to Colorado and back in 1976. His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family and making others laugh.

He leaves his wife of 44 years, Linda M. (Duffy) Dunham; three children:

Lisa M. Patnode and her husband Todd of Richmond, NH, Diane L. Dunham and her significant other, David Normand of Swanzey and Wayne R. Dunham Jr. and his wife Nicole of Swanzey; six grandchildren: Brittany Patnode, Brianna Patnode, Katelyn Dunham, Alexandria Normand, Elizabeth Normand and Jacob Normand; four sisters: Barbara Bishop of Kissimmee, FL, Mary Huntoon of Fitzwilliam, Carol Beliveau of Sullivan, NH, and Phyllis Peterson of Fitzwilliam; one brother, James Dunham of Fitzwilliam, and many nieces and neph-ews. Wayne also leaves his special friends of many years, Larry and Judy White of Winchester, NH.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon will be Friday, Nov. 22 from 5 to 7 P.M. with a memorial service to follow at 7 p.m. A pri-vate burial will be held Saturday, Nov. 23 in Pine Grove Cemetery, Fitzwilliam.

Memorial donations may be made to Fitzwilliam Fire Department, 6 Church St., Fitzwilliam, NH 03447 or to Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 580-590 Court St., Keene, NH 03431.

Turn To SCHLOSSTEIN page A10


SPORTSSPORTSBrisbois celebrating another great season


WINCHENDON — After anoth-er successful racing season, young Dalton Brisbois and his family and friends are getting the chance to

kick back a little with a party next Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Westminster VFW Hall.

“It’s not a fund-raiser,” insist-ed mom Paula. “It’s a celebration for his accomplishments and an opportunity for exposure for possi-

ble sponsorship opportunities for folks in the community who may be interested in helping in any way with the 2014 racing season.”

In honor of his achievements for the 2013 campaign, where Dalton went to Daytona and participated in a series of events (250 amateur and open amateur among them),

the Winchendon native was awarded a 4’7” tro-phy.

“He measured it,” exclaimed Paula.

Dalton is an honor roll student at Monty Tech in industri-al technology and hopes to even-tually apply that education to a

career working on motorcycles.Saturday’s event runs from 3-6

p.m. More information is available by emailing borderlineracing96.com

Crunch time now: homecomings and then homecomings

Sometimes homecomings are sweet. Sometimes. But sometimes, well, ask Wes Welker and Ed Reed how theirs went last Sunday.

Welker’s apparent indeci-siveness in calling for a fair catch in the waning min-utes of overtime cost the Broncos a probable tie and even a possible win against the Patriots. Reed, a shell of his Hall-of-Fame worthy prime, was burned on the only touchdown of the game as his Jets lost an important playoff-bearing game to the Ravens.

Denver and New England put on what Ed Sullivan would have called, “a really good show,” but NBC commentator Cris Collinsworth’s protesta-tions to the contrary, “a lot” wasn’t really at stake Sunday night. The Pats are cruising through the AFC East as usual, and though the Broncos are tied for first in the AFC West head-ed into their showdown at Arrowhead Sunday against the also 9-2 Chiefs, who among us doubts that Denver will win that divi-sion?

So while Tom Brady’s team and Peyton Manning’s team put on an entertaining performance, the game like-ly didn’t have much implica-tion for the post-season.

The Jets-Ravens game, and the Chiefs-Chargers

game might have, though. When the dust settled Sunday, there were six teams in the AFC sitting at 5-6. At this writing, the Titans hold the tiebreaker and thus the last playoff spot, while last night the 5-6 Ravens and 5-6 Steelers met in Baltimore with the loser probably done, especially if that loser was Baltimore, because that would mean Pittsburgh swept the season series. The Chargers, Jets, and Dolphins are also 5-6, but it’s kind of near impos-sible to imagine New York somehow sneaking into the playoffs with its beyond anemic offense. San Diego stayed alive with a wild 41-38 win in KC, dealing the Chiefs their second straight loss and the Dolphins fell below .500 when they lost to the Panthers, who were win-ning their seventh straight.

Carolina at 8-3, and Arizona, at 7-4, are nice stories in the NFC but the biggest story in that confer-ence might be the dispelling of all doubt as to whether or not Aaron Rodgers is

the league’s MVP. Green Bay hadn’t won in a month entering yesterday’s tradi-tional Thanksgiving game at Detroit, or in simpler terms, since Rodgers broke his collarbone. There were, earlier in the week, some reports that Mr. Discount Double-Check might have been ready at Ford Field yes-terday. The Packers, fresh off an ugly 26-26 tie with the Vikings, went into the game at 5-5-1, a half game behind the Lions and Bears. Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien weren’t exactly making it happen.

Bottom line? It’s crunch time as we make the turn into December and as ever, your guess is as good as and probably better than mine about who’ll emerge just over two months from now as the last one standing in the Meadowlands.

Baseball edged into the spotlight last week, too with a pair of blockbuster trades as the Tigers sent Prince Fielder to the Rangers for Ian Kinsler and the NL cham-pion Cardinals sent David Freese, the World Series MVP just two years ago, to the Angels. The Yankees were reported to be close to signing Brian MacCann, the left handed hitting Atlanta catcher. Fielder has been protecting Miggy Cabrera

Paula Brisbois photos

Dalton Brisbois with his very large trophy and, even more valuable, a new tire for his exploits. Tires for his bike can run as much as $200 so winning one was appreciated.

Grandparents Pauline and Bill Lashua make every effort to attend Dalton Brisbois’ events.

Dalton Brisbois, his favorite photo on the track. It is now his trademark and used to promote his very successful career.

It was up and down the floor for Winchendon, who came out on top for the first try with coach Rob Allard.

Travel teams start season with winsBY JERRY CARTON

COURIER CORRESPONDENT

WINCHENDON — The 2013-14 girls travel basketball season got underway on a mostly winning note Sunday at Murdock High School when the fifth and eighth grade teams won over Littleton and Athol while the sixth graders dropped a narrow decision to Littleton.

The fifth graders took a 6-4 lead into halftime against Littleton and opened the second half by scoring the first eight points on their way to a 20-8 triumph.

“We played pretty well considering it was our first game,” said coach Rob Allard. “At the start of the second half, we came out with that 8-0 run out of the gates,” added the

former Murdock varsity football coach, who was making his own debut on the hardwood sidelines. “It’s a big change from the gridiron,” he laughed.

Izzy Stakely led the scoring with a dozen points while Cassie Zoldak and Alexia Allard contributed four points apiece.

“Everyone played well,” said Allard, whose roster also includes Nicole Becotte, Allie Cobiski, Ari Dibble, Colby Gallant, Rebecca Graves, Megan Knight, and Kaleigh Lauziere.

The fifth graders play Sunday at noon at Gardner. Jeff Niejadlik coaches the eighth graders who will be in Orange on Sunday while Paul

Hunnewell runs the sixth grade squad.

Tammy St. Pierre photos

Above: Fifth graders on travel teams are still in the midst of learning a lot of fundamentals. Littleton and Winchendon were on the hardwood.

Eighth graders on the floor show a definite height advantage during the games.

JERRY CARTON

Talking SporTS

Playing with the bigger boys: eight year old part of hoop dreams


WINCHENDON — A week ago Sunday, former NBA player Bob Bigelow brought his skills clinic to town and a couple dozen Murdock players showed up to learn and participate There were multi-year varsi-ty veterans like Jack Murphy and Kevin Suchocki and Morgan St. Pierre. There were some junior varsity youngsters headed to full-time varsity status. There were even some basketball newcomers. But the one thing they all had in common? They were all in high school, or at least middle school.

Say hello to the youngest hoopster on hand: eight year-old Cole Peterson, who, though he’s just in third grade, is entering his third season on the hardcourt.

“Cole just loves basketball,” understated his mom, Elly Hunter. “He loves sports, period, but he really loves basketball.”

The Toy Town Elementary student couldn’t have agreed with his mother more.

“I really do,” he remarked when asked about his love for the game.

“I had a really good time,” Cole added.“He didn’t show any fear or anything

out there,” enthused Murdock boys’ varsity coach Steve Ringer. “As little as he is, he wasn’t intimidated by anyone.”

That was a relief to his mom. “I was a little nervous, seeing him with all

the big kids, but he sure looked like he was having fun.

“We brought Cole because basketball sea-

son is coming and learning more skills is always a good thing,” observed Hunter. “He’s been playing through the Clark since first grade, so with the season starting, this was kind of a refresher for him.”

The highlight of the morning?“When the coach picked him up and put

him on his shoulders, that was a lot of fun for him,” Hunter recalled.

Bigelow was impressed. “He had as much or more energy and

more enthusiasm than any of them. He had no trouble getting in there and mixing it up with the older kids.”

“I can’t wait to have him on our team,” chuckled Ringer.

So there he was — Cole Peterson — the youngest and smallest player at the clinic; but maybe the one having the most fun, too.

“We’ll be watching him,” Ringer prom-ised.


Cole Peterson has big plans for his basketball future.

Turn To TALKING page A9

SIGN UP TO SKIWINCHENDON — The Winchendon Public Schools in conjunction with Wachusett

Mountain are offering an after school Ski and Snowboard Program. Classes will begin on Jan. 7, 2014 and will run every Tuesday for six weeks. Busing will be included from and to Murdock. Any students in grades 6 through 12, wishing to register should pick up a registration form from Josh Romano, Asst. Principal MHS, Rachael Weinhold in the Murdock Guidance office, or call Jennifer Haddad at (978) 868-7086. Space may be limited, so be sure to register soon to avoid disappointment.

would seem to be obvious, and Shaughnessy agrees, but added doing so is a constant job.

“It’s easier when you have an energetic and committed staff and that’s what we have here now. It’s taken a while to get here, it always does, but I really like our staff now,” he said.

Tara Ryan and Liz Bush, who started at Family Dollar within a couple weeks of each other almost a year ago, are examples of why Shaughnessy is so happy with his team.

“I’m a people person. I love meeting people and helping them,” enthused Ryan’s who’s been plying the retail trade since she was 16 with previous stops at the Gardner Dunkin’ Donuts, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Wal-Mart.

“I love it here. I really do. Brian is great to work with. This is the place I want to stay at, the store I want to stay at, and Family Dollar is the company I want to stay with,” said the Gardner native.

For Bush, who now lives in Winchendon, “the job sort of fell into my lap, and I’m so glad it did,” she laughed. Bush had been working in health care as a CNA, most recently at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, but, “I was burned out and was looking for something new.

“I was a little apprehensive, but it didn’t take me long to fit in and find out how much I really like this. I’m like Tara and Brian I love working with people. Customer service is really cool. This team is so great. We really are like a family and this is a great place to work. Energy creates energy and the energy here is definitely positive. Also, I really like working where I live. I love the town,” Bush observed.

Shaughnessy too, stressed the importance of teamwork as a major factor in his store’s continuing upward sales trajectory.

“I tell them all: ‘think like a customer, act like an owner’. When you can do that, you put yourself in the customer’s place and are able to be that much more of a help to them. And when we all work together, it makes

a significant difference for the customer’s experiences.

“We’re going to have an ‘ugly sweater’ contest from Dec. 19 to the 21st. It sounds like a silly thing, but building camaraderie among the team also helps us be more atten-tive to the customer,” he said.

Nationally, Family Dollar is a strong com-pany with stock up 20 percent in the last six months.

What are the big sellers locally? Toilet paper, paper towels, food and clothing are high on the list, but they might be surpassed some weeks by kitty litter.

“We can’t keep enough on the shelves,” marveled Ryan.

“There sure must be a lot of cats in town, seeing how much we sell,” chuckled Bush.

Keeping those shelves full is itself a full-time job.

“It is for sure,” observed Shaughnessy, “but we’re getting compliments on how the store looks and how it’s organized so we must be doing it right.”

“I’ve been in stores where you can tell right away no one has any pride in it, or the people who work there aren’t really inter-ested in whether the customers are happy or not,” Shaughnessy said. “No one can say that about our store, and that’s because of the quality of the people we have working here, not just Tara and Liz, but everyone. They all are completely committed to mak-ing sure customers are happy here and are going to come back on a regular basis.”

“You meet so many people, and you just feel like you want to help them and you know for the most part they appreciate it and that kind of makes your day,” Ryan reflected.

So the Christmas season is underway and for Winchendon’s Family Dollar, while the next month is traditionally the busiest time, the mantra never changes.

“Making the customer feel at home, mak-ing them want to come back — that’s what we try to do every day,” assured Shaughnessy.

“With the team we have here now, we’re confident we are doing just that,” he said.

FAMILY DOLLAR continued from page 1

the last couple years, so you have to assume Detroit isn’t done maneuvering, but it says here the Tigers picked up a second baseman among the top three in the American League along with Dustin Pedroia and Robbie Cano.

Closer to home, congrats to Murdock’s varsity football team for earning a couple Central Mass sportsmanship awards. That’s a reflection on the kids and the coaching staff and it says good things about both. Going into yesterday’s traditional Thanksgiving Day season finale against Narragansett, first-year coach Andy Dupuis has reason to be proud of this fall’s progress. Meanwhile, win-ter practices begin on Monday, marking the start of the Jim Abare-era in girls’ basketball at Murdock. In 21 seasons at Gardner High,

Abare’s team reached the post-season 17 times, but with a smaller student body to start with and school choice impacting every sport, and arguably girls basketball above all, no one can say Jim is unwilling to take on a challenge. It’ll be interesting to watch the program develop.

Finally this: varsity softball coach Randy Tenney lost his Dad Everett last week. Everett was a genuinely good guy, support-ive not merely of his own grandchildren (he rarely missed young Everett’s baseball or Mariah’s softball games), but of all the kids they played with. He never, and I mean never, failed to ask about Courtney and how she was doing, even long after her high school career was over. He was in every way a class act and will be very much missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to Randy and his fam-ily.

adding, “I will say we had mixed reviews about the avocado.”

“The whole idea is to get kids to be willing to try new things, and they get a new taste to try every Tuesday, and so far, they’ve looked forward to doing that. We’ve tasted all brands of different fruits and veggies and we have healthy snacks, too. We’ve even planted personal herb gardens and by Christmas, they’ll be able to take those home and they’ll have some fresh herbs during the winter. This is a very hands-on project,” McClure said.

Halloween at Memorial is always a special holiday but last month, McClure did things a little differently.

“We saw carrot cupcakes with eyeballs on them. We had mandarin orange cups made to look like pumpkins, light popcorn and veggie trays, too,” she recalled.

“And we carved pumpkins and roasted the seeds for one of our ‘Tuesday treats’,” she noted.

McClure comes from a farming back-ground herself. “My family owned and oper-ated a farm in Belmont for 65 years until we recently sold it, but I didn’t appreciate the hard work that goes with farming until I was well into adulthood. It takes many, many hours of hard laborious work to pro-duce a single item of food and many chil-dren today don’t have the opportunity to

experience the joy of eating what they have nurtured and patiently watched grow,” she pointed out.

“My goal,” McClure said, “is to teach these kids how food comes to us from earth to plate. Even at their age, I’m starting to teach them they can walk into a supermar-ket and buy an apple or a pear as easily as buying something not so nutritious and learning how to make good decisions now will help you make the same healthy deci-sions as you get older.”

McClure was quick to credit the Winchendon School community service pro-gram as a partner.

“We have what our kids call ‘the teenag-ers’ who come from the Winchendon School and pair up with our students to give them a one-on-one experience. They’ll read with them about food and fitness while we’re setting up the next activity, or play games with them in the gym They’re priceless and we really appreciate their help. Having them here is like having a million dollars,” she said.

Fitness matters too — kid Zumba and kid yoga have been part of the program as well. Laurie Legault came in last week to run the child-certified Zumba class.

“This has been a great experience for me — to see the joy and excitement on their faces every time we meet,” enthused McClure.

The program is held after school every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m.

within a range of about two and a-half percent of each other.”

In response to another inquiry from Blair, Kreidler made it clear that no deal was ever reached to simply make the matter “go away” if Rose agreed to resign from the police force.

“No deal was offered and none could be made. The association is not relat-ed to the town. When dis-crepancies were found in the association’s account, the department called in the State Police to investi-gate. This was done in part

to avoid the appearance of any deal making. Our department immediately disengaged.”

SUPPORT FOR CENTERIn other action, the

board voted to send a let-ter to Cheryl Bartlett, RN, the commissioner of the state Department of Public Health, in support of a proposed facility to grow medical marijuana in Winchendon. Centers for Alternative Medicine, Inc., wants to operate a regis-tered marijuana grow site at the former Mylec plant, an historic industrial complex in Winchendon Springs. In its letter, the board points out that CAM “has commit-

ted to improving the Town’s tax base and to being a good corporate citizen…”

Kreidler was quick to urge people not to overreact to the term “marijuana dis-pensary.”

“They are not going to be in the business of sell-ing marijuana directly to patients with prescriptions for the medicine,” he said. “They’re going to be grow-ing, cultivating and dispens-ing – or selling – marijuana to those facilities that do have direct patient contact.”

Kreidler informed the board that he and the town’s Board of Health have also sent letters of support to the DPH.

Four selectmen voted in favor of sending the letter. Keith Barrows, who said he was uncomfortable giving the board’s endorsement before having a chance to meet the owners of CAM, voted “present.”

In his bi-weekly report to selectmen, Kreidler said the town has received results of the final hazardous build-

ing materials investigation at the building that for-merly housed Winchendon District Court. The tests, conducted on the first floor of the building set to become the new police sta-tion, all came back negative for asbestos. As a result, “town counsel is prepar-ing to release the escrowed funds (estimated at around

$30,000) to the former owner. That will allow the project to move forward.”

The board voted unani-mously to authorize town counsel to process with the release of the escrow funds.

Selectmen voted unan-imously to appoint Ray Rader to fill the post of alter-nate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

of the police association’s money.

Rose said he repaid the organization but added that the state police are current-ly holding his check.

According to other news sources, Oinonen said, “we would like people to know the one person’s actions do not reflect the association

as a whole. We’re going to come up with new rules and regulations including votes on what the checks are writ-ten for and a better checks and balances system.”

Those same sources quoted Livingston as say-ing, “mistakes have been made and I hope everybody learned from them and we move forward. The rules and regulations need to be followed.”

Much of the money was alleged to have been taken while Rose served as the organizer of the annual comedy fundraiser for the police association. During the same timeframe, Rose also married, took several extended vacations and had other discrepancies raised concerning the running of those fundraisers and alleged donations made to them.


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LIABILITY continued from page 1

ROSE continued from page 1

HABITS continued from page 1

TALKING continued from page 8

Michelle Atter photo

Memorial School students share a moment on the yoga mats.

Master Kevin Fuller, refer-ring to the chant the Scout’s created to help them uproot honeysuckles. Losey did not realize how much the Scouts were enjoying the uproot-ing until she tried to gath-er them for a snack break and found them reluctant to leave the woods.

Just before a post-service celebration with hot apple cider and fresh donuts donated by Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Fuller intro-duced the Scouts to geocach-ing, a game of hide-and-seek that utilizes GPS technology. Cub Scout Pack 193 found a cache and then hid another at a new location for other geocachers to enjoy.

Fuller notes that several of the participants in the event had never been to Whitney Memorial Forest before; however, the Scouts were unanimously interested in being part of another ser-vice day. Whitney Memorial Forest, which covers 90 acres on Benjamin Hill, was donated to Mount Grace by Adelaide Whitney in 2002.

For more information about Mount Grace or to become involved in service opportunities, please contact Kristin Grenier, MassLIFT-

AmeriCorps Community Engagement Coordinator with Mount Grace, at (978) 248-2055 x28 or [email protected]. To see the Scouts in action, follow Mount Grace and MassLIFT on Twitter or Facebook.

At right: Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust’s Tom Wansleben and J.P. Fifield, age 5, hold up the honey-suckle they just uprooted, mak-ing room for native plants to thrive.

TUGGING continued from page 1

Courtesy photos

Steven Gauthier, age 7, removes a cluster of invasive honeysuckle shrubs.

LEARN TO SKATEWinchendon Skate Club has begun on Saturdays at the

Winchendon School Ice Rink from 8-10 a.m. Learn to skate programs start at 9:30 for all ages. Come find out and get involved if you like skating and bring your friends. For More information stop by or contact us at [email protected]

PRELIMINARY BEAR SEASON NUMBERSLicensed black bear hunters took to the woods of western and

central Massachusetts during the September season and emerged with 120 bruins. The new online reporting system was used for first time for the black bear season. Hunters checked 82 bears using the online system and 38 bears were checked at check stations. Rifles, muzzleloaders, archery equipment, and revolvers were permitted during the September season.

CONNECT YOUTH TO NATURE THROUGH DUCK STAMP ARTThe Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp program is looking for

youth artists to submit duck stamp art entries in a statewide com-petition. Any student, from kindergarten through grade 12, regard-less of whether they attend public school, private school, or home school, can create artwork for this fun and educational competition. The dynamic JDS curriculum first allows students to learn about the habitat requirements of various kinds of ducks and geese, and then to express their knowledge of the beauty and diversity of these species artistically by creating a drawing or painting. Students may then submit original works to the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp art contest. The art is judged in four age group categories in a statewide competition, and the entry judged Best of Show moves on to represent Massachusetts in the national JDS competition.

Teachers, parents, scout leaders, and other educators looking to connect their students with nature through science and art can find detailed information including entry forms, competition rules, and examples of winning artwork at our website. The entry deadline is March 15, 2014. For more information contact Pam Landry, wildlife education specialist, at (508) 389-6310, or [email protected].


HELP WANTEDCLEANINGWinchendon Furniture, 13

Railroad St., needs a cleaning person to work 1-2 days a week. Mother’s

hours; flexible hours. Call or stop

in and ask for Glenn. (978) 297-0131.

MARKETING ASSISTANT

Assist owner of company in listing

items for sale on Ebay and Craig’s List; may include researching items

to determine pricing, preparing items for shipment

and marketing.

Include resume or list of experience when contacting.

Compensation includes: local to Winchendon, $8

plus 2% commission of next sales

paid monthly. Contact the

Courier, attention: JOB, ruth@

stonebridgepress.com. FELLOW

WHO PLACED AD PLEASE CONTACT

ME: RUTHHELP WANTEDLooking for meat

cutter/butcher with minimum five years

experience. Apply at courtesy booth

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EMPLOYERS!Local help wanted

classified line ads are FREE in the Winchendon Courier. Let us

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FOR RENT

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for guidelines: (978) 297-0231.TFN

WINCHENDON1 bedroom, heat/HW and electric:

$189 weekly or $700 monthly. First and

last. Clean, parking, laundry room,

storage. Call (978) 943-6208 or (978)

297-3149. ALSO: 3 bedroom Apt. with

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FOR SALENEW

MATTRESSES$125 new queen

pillow top mattress BRAND NAME.

King: $250, full: $140; twin: $130. First

come; first served. Clearance sets, all kinds, 50-75% off. Call or text Jim at (978) 549-9601. 9.20

SERVICES

MOBILE NAIL CLIPPING

Nail clipping for cats and dogs. (774)

219-3665. www.MobileNailClipping.

com.WANTED

MUSICDrum teacher Leon LaPlante, who gives

lessons at MMHS for free, is in need

of drums and stands for snare drums.

Please call (978) 297 1250. Stands don’t have to be brand

new. Also cleaning may turn up unused instruments. Would

you consider donating them to

Murdock?

WE BUY GOLDPattie’s Jewelry Inc. open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., best prices. Behind

Dunkin’ Donuts. (978) 297-3536. 9.27

WANTEDMotorcycles, ATVs, scooters: cash paid for good deals. (978)

297-1800. 5.1.14

CRAFTERSThe Marlborough

Elementary School PTA is looking for

crafters for its craft fair on Saturday,

Dec. 14, from 10:00 am-3:00 pm at the

Marlborough School in Marlborough, New Hampshire.

Please contact Diane Neilsen at

[email protected] or 603-852-3243

if you are interested. FREEFREE

2 pine logs: need to be cut. On the

ground for one year. You cut, you take. Contact Sharon at

(978) 297-6454.

CLIP AND MAIL COUPON

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MAIL to: The Winchendon Courier91 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475

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ATTENTION ALL RENTERS:Olde English Village in Gardner

is now accepting applications for all 2 and 3bedroom qualified households.

Applications must meet resident screening criteria including HUD income requirements. Rents arebased on 30% of gross household income and

include heat.

For more information please contact (978) 632-6560.

Equal Housing Opportunity

BY MELINDA MYERSAdd a little holiday sparkle to your land-

scape for you and your guests to enjoy. No matter the weather outside, a few decora-tive touches can greatly increase the beauty and enjoyment of your winter landscape.

Try one, two or all eight of these tips to improve your landscape’s winter appeal.

Add some solar powered accents. Light a pathway, your favorite tree or front porch without installing additional outlets. Look for unique colors and shapes like the solar star lantern or the changing colors of north-ern lights spheres (gardeners.com) for added appeal. The wide variety now available can help create a memorable winter display. Be sure to select solar accents that provide hours of enjoyment when fully charged.

Create an outdoor holiday tree for you and your feathered visitors to enjoy. Decorate a few of your evergreen trees and shrubs with purchased or homemade birdseed orna-ments. Holiday shapes made of energy rich birdseed and suet give the trees a holiday flare, while providing important food for birds to enjoy. These also make great gifts for your favorite gardener or bird watcher.

Light up your winter containers. Fill a weatherproof planter with potting mix or play sand. Purchase greens from your

favorite garden center or trim a few from your landscape. Stick the cut end of the greens in the potting mix or sand to create an attractive display. Add some colorful berries, decorative twigs and ribbon. Then add some height and light to your winter container with fiber optic solar lights. Place the container by your front steps for holiday visitors to enjoy day or night.

Increase color and motion with the help of heated birdbaths. Attract greater numbers and variety of birds by providing water year round. Northern gardeners should consider heated birdbaths to insure water is available even during the coldest months. Further help the birds by adding a few stones or branches to the birdbath. This allows the birds to drink without getting wet; helping them to preserve their body heat.

Create your own homemade outdoor lights. Line pathways, accent plantings or dress up fence posts with ice globe luminar-ies. Produce your own or purchase ready to make kits. Use colorful outdoor LED lights or tea candles to light up blocks or spheres of ice. You and your family will have fun creating these memorable night-time accents.

Add some livable art. Hang a few colorful

and unique birdhouses in your backyard. They provide color and whimsy to the win-ter garden and will be ready for your feath-ered friends to move in this spring.

Include a “gingerbread” house for the birds. Hang decorative birdseed houses from a shepherd’s crook or tree branch. Be sure to place it in an area where you and the birds can enjoy the decorative treat. Look for a sheltered, but open area where the birds can watch for predators while enjoy-ing their winter feast.

Move your holiday tree outdoors. Place your cut tree in a snow bank, vacant spot in the garden or make it part of your bird feed-ing station. The tree provides some extra greenery in the often drab winter landscape as well as shelter for the visiting birds. Then add a few of those birdseed ornaments for added food and winter decoration.

Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the national-ly syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment

segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms mag-azine. Myers’ web site, www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.

Enhance your holiday landscape

Courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company

Birdseed ornaments can add some holiday décor to the landscape while providing much-needed nutri-ents for the birds..

FL.After retiring to Florida, Fred remained

active in public service. He was instrumen-tal in the design and development of new roads and access routes in Lee County and served as an elected supervisor of the East County Water Control District for several years.

He will be missed daily by his five chil-dren: Marianne Schlosstein Donahue and her partner Joseph Namnoun of Hartford, CT, Joan Schlosstein and her husband Christopher Loekle of Deer Isle, ME, Susan and her husband Matthew Vertefeuille of Lehigh Acres, FL, Robert Schlosstein and his wife Patricia of Warren, and William Schlosstein and his wife Kelly, also of Warren. He also leaves five grandchildren and three great grandchildren and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and Christian burial along with military honors will be held at St. Paul’s cemetery in Warren on Saturday June 28, 2014 for Fred and Anne Schlosstein together on what would be their 61st anni-versary weekend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in their name to Hope Hospice of Southwest Florida.

SCHLOSSTEIN continued from page 7SEND 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 fam-ilies to e-mail us a JPEG photograph to print, at no cost, alongside the obituary.


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 Bobby Lee Coutu and Khinly Coutu to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Nationwide Mortgage Concepts, a Limited Liability Coporation dated February 18, 2010 and recorded with the Worcester County (Worcester District) Registry of Deeds at Book 45549, Page 311, subsequently assigned to GMAC Mortgage, LLC, by Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Nationwide Mortgage Concepts, a Limited Liability Coporation, its successors and assigns, by assignment recorded in said Registry of Deeds in Book 48728, Page 49, subsequently assigned to Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, by GMAC Mortgage, LLC, by assignment recorded in said Registry of Deeds in Book 51380, Page 121, of which the Mortgage the undersigned is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said Mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction at 02:00 PM on December 13, 2013 at 385 Maple Street, Winchendon, MA, all and singular the premises described in said Mortgage, to wit:

The land referred to herein below is sit-uated in the County of Worcester, State of Massachusetts, and is described as follows: A certain parcel of land situated on the south-easterly side of Maple Street, Route 202, in the northeasterly part of Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts and being shown as Lot “C-L” on a plan enti-tled, “Plan of land prepared for Emmett T. Jeffers, Trustee of E. T. Jeffers Real Estate Trust, Winchendon, MA, Scale: 1 inch = 50 feet, January 2, 1987, Brian M. Szoc, P. L. Surveyor, 32 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA 01440”, which plan is recorded with Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Plan Book 570, Plan 65. Being the same premises conveyed to Stephen A. Gasco and Lynn M. Gasco by Deed of National Transfer Services, LLC and recorded in Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Book 44203, Page 145.Parcel ID: 6A1-0-59Commonly known as 385 Maple Street, Winchendon, MA 01475 However, by showing this address no additional cover-age is provided Upon information and belief, there is an error in the legal description attached to the mortgage, wherein the lot number is

erroneously referenced as Lot “C-L,” while it is in fact Lot “C-1.”The premises are to be sold subject to and with the benefit of all easements, restric-tions, building and zoning laws, unpaid taxes, tax titles, water bills, municipal liens and assessments, rights of tenants and parties in possession.TERMS OF SALE:A deposit of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND 00 CENTS ($5,000.00) in the form of a certified check or bank treasurer’s check will be required to be delivered at or before the time the bid is offered. The success-ful bidder will be required to execute a Foreclosure Sale Agreement immediately after the close of the bidding. The bal-ance of the purchase price shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the sale date in the form of a certified check, bank trea-surer’s check or other check satisfactory to Mortgagee’s attorney. The Mortgagee reserves the right to bid at the sale, to reject any and all bids, to continue the sale and to amend the terms of the sale by writ-ten or oral announcement made before or during the foreclosure sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The purchaser shall have

no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attor-ney. The description of the premises con-tained in said mortgage shall control in the event of an error in this publication. TIME WILL BE OF THE ESSENCE.Other terms if any, to be announced at the sale. Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC Present Holder of said Mortgage, By Its Attorneys, ORLANS MORAN PLLC P.O. Box 540540 Waltham, MA 02454 Phone: 781-790-7800

November 22, 2013November 29, 2013December 6, 2013

PUBLIC AUCTIONToy Town Rent A Bay will be holding a public auction at 38 Gardner Road in Winchendon, Ma for contents of Bay #5 renter Gary Vaillette on Tuesday 12/10/13 at 9:00 AM.November 29, 2013December 6, 2013

LEGALS

RINDGE SNOWFLAKE FAIRThe First Congregational Church of Rindge will have its

annual Snowflake Fair Saturday Nov. 30 at the Rindge Town Meeting House from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be handmade crafts, delicious baked goods, mouth watering candy, deco-rated holiday wreaths, antique linens, Rada knives, Tombola, silent auction, basket raffle, and a hearty lunch available for purchase. New this year will be handmade doll clothes to fit 18” dolls, including the American Girl doll. Of course, Santa will be there to meet the children from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. So bring your family, friends, and camera. Plan on doing your hol-iday shopping at the First Congregational Church Fair. The money raised is given to the community supporting: The Local Food Pantry, local families in need, CROP Walk for Hunger, local youth scholarships, Cathedral of the Pines, Child and Family Services, MAPCS, and the church and mission proj-ects. So come and do your holiday shopping and support the Rindge Snowflake Fair!

FOOD DRIVEGARDNER — The cast of Theatre at the Mount’s White

Christmas hopes to make the holidays special for everyone this year! They will be hosting a Holiday Food Drive to benefit the food pantry at the Gardner Community Action Committee. This organization is in great need at this time of the year.

Anyone attending the performances of White Christmas may bring a donation of canned goods, non-perishable foods, paper products and personal items. Tables will be set up in the theatre lobby to collect these items. Cash donations will also be accepted.

Anyone who brings a donation will get a chance to win the door prize of two tickets to a Theatre at the Mount show. A drawing will be held during the “curtain speech” at each performance.

White Christmas runs Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 1 and 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.mwcc.edu/tam or by calling the TAM box office at (978) 630-9388.

Through the generosity of their theatre patrons, TAM hopes to “Bring a Little Christmas” to those less fortunate — please help us out.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTAWINCHENDON — The Kiwanis of Winchendon pres-

ents Breakfast with Santa at the Carriage House restaurant Saturday, Dec. 4 from 8-11 a.m. The Jolly Old Elf will be at the restaurant to welcome everyone and give every child a gift. A buffet breakfast is available, $6 for adults and $1 for children aged 10 and younger.

FESTIVAL OF TREESGARDNER — The annual Festival of Trees takes place at the

Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., now to Dec. 7. The museum is open Wednesday and Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Friday from 1-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except by pre-arrangement for group tours. Admission $3, children 12 and under free if with adult.

More than 100 trees, wreaths, themed baskets, centerpieces, quilted items, wood crafted items, dollhouses and more to be raffled to benefit the Gardner Museum, a non-profit organi-zation. Drawing to take place Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and need not be present

to win. Limited hours on Dec. 7 to allow drawing at 2 p.m. for winners.

Holiday Coffee Social w/free refreshments Nov. 20 10 a.m. to noon

Santa Visit Nov. 30 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.For more information call (978) 632-3277, visit the web:

www.gardnermuseuminc.com or e-mail: [email protected].

TREE SALESStarting Nov. 23 Artisan Lodge on School Street in

Winchendon will begin its annual Christmas Tree sale. Trees start at $30, but starting this year you may receive a $5 dis-count if you bring a non-perishable food item.

All food items collected will be donated to the Winchendon Community Action Center.

ST. MARTIN’S FAIR St. Martin’s Church in Otter River will hold its annual

Holiday Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8 at the American Legion Hall, at 3 Central St., Baldwinville.

Highlights of the fair include a major prize raffle, a ticket auction and a basket auction featuring more than 40 gift bas-kets that are sure to delight all ages. Sale tables will feature gifts and decorations handcrafted by the parish craft group, fresh Christmas wreaths and greens, and homemade candy and baked goods.

Lunch will be available both days, as well as coffee and pas-

try throughout the day. Stop by to say hello to Santa!

TOUR OF HOMESWINCHENDON — On

Saturday, Dec. 14 the Winchendon Historical Society will host its bi-annual tour of holiday homes from noon to 6 p.m. Seven homes decorated for the holidays are featured this year including the Murdock Whitney House, 151 Front St.; the Orange Whitney House, 122 Pleasant St.; the residence at Stone Ladeau, 343 Central St.; the Eaton Sargeant House, 518 Central St.; the Kenneth White House, 300 High St.; the MacDonald House, 15 Fairbank St.; and the Daniel Henshaw House, 70 Old Centre. Admission is $20 ($15 for Society members) and tickets can be purchased the day of the event at the Murdock Whitney House. Advance reservations can be made by calling (978)833-3025.

CHRISTMAS ON THE GREENWINCHENDON — On Saturday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. the

Winchendon Singers of the Winchendon School will perform a program of seasonal music at Old Centre Church followed by the lighting of the Old Centre Christmas Tree, cookies, hot chocolate and cider. Free and open to the public, but please dress warmly, the church is not heated.

LIVING NATIVITYPETERBOROUGH TREE LIGHTINGPETERBOROUGH, NH — Tradition abounds at this

annual Peterborough event, held this year on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 4:30-6 p.m., featuring a visit from Santa at 5:20, caroling with Actors’ Circle Theatre performers, and the lighting of the tree in Putnam Park. Warm up throughout the event at the Monadnock Center for History and Culture (Peterborough Historical Society) with cookies and cocoa, enjoying lively musical accom-paniment. The South Meadow School Dance Team will be performing their “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies” at 5. The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce thanks all those involved, including the Town of Peterborough and Peterborough Fire & Rescue. As always, thank you to the Webelos from Cub Scout Pack 8 working with the Boy Scout Troop 8 for setting up the luminarias. Event is free of charge; how-ever, food or monetary donations for the Peterborough Food Pantry will be accepted at the event. For further information, please contact the Chamber at [email protected] or (603) 924-7234.

Schedule of Events:4:30-6:00 Cookies and Cocoa at the Monadnock -

Piano Accompaniment; Actors’ Circle Theatre carolers perform

5:00 South Meadow School Dance Team performance5:20 Santa arrives at the Monadnock Center via Fire

Truck6:00 The Holiday Tree is lit in Putnam Park! Holiday 2013 AppealWith the holiday season fast approaching and so

many families struggling to make ends meet this year, the Winchendon CAC is reaching out to the community for assistance. Historically, the CAC has provided Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to families in need during the holidays that included a turkey and all the trimmings for a bountiful holiday meal. The CAC has also provided new toys to children throughout the community for Christmas. With the increase this year in the number of individuals and families in need of services, we want to ensure that we do not fall short and are able to serve everyone, so we are seeking donations of all holiday related food items i.e. fresh or frozen turkeys, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, potatoes, butternut squash, onions, cranberries, pie fillings, etc. Anything one might use to prepare a holiday meal. New children’s toys of all ages are also gratefully accepted and appreciated. Thanksgiving food baskets are slated to be distributed early to mid November and Christmas food baskets and children’s toys are slated to be distributed early to mid December. For questions or additional information, please call the Winchendon CAC at (978) 297-1667. On behalf of those we serve, thank you for your support.

Holiday Coloring Contest.The Winchendon Courier invites young artists to enter the holiday col-

oring contest. Three levels of entry: up to age three; four-six and six to 10 years of age. Write your name, age and phone number on the back of your entry and deadline is December 17 at 5 p.m. If there is no one at the Courier office, items can be put through our mail slot at 44 Central St.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Winchendon group to hold gift drive for troopsBY GREG VINE

COURIER CORRESPONDENT

WINCHENDON — Operation Winchendon Cares will hold its gift collection event from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the American Legion Hall. The group is seeking donations of items to send to service members who have ties to Winchendon. Gifts will be sent to men and women serving both at home and abroad. Monetary donations to help pay for postage are also being accept-ed.

Linda Sordoni, one of the coordinators of the effort, said dona-tions may also be dropped off at Sweet Treat Bakery, 191 Lake Shore Drive in Winchendon.

“We do our best to keep up with where the service members are located,” she said. “We often find that some are in the middle of changing stations.”

Sordoni added that members of the local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, as well as students from Toy Town Elementary School, get together to send Christmas cards and decorations “to help cheer up the tent or whatever kind of housing these young men and women find themselves in.”

At Murdock High School, items available at the Murdock Cave gift shop are donated to the gift boxes and a percentage of the pro-ceeds from sales help pay for postage.

“Donations have dropped off some in recent years,” Sordoni said. “Not as many troops are serving in a war zone, but the sol-diers and sailors stationed stateside or at postings overseas in non-combat areas still deserve to be remembered. And, believe me, they very much appreciate the ‘care packages’.”

Linda’s husband, Lorenzo “Larry” Sordoni, said recipients of the boxes “love to get homemade food items. They can also use baby wipes, air freshener, and Yankee Candle-type candles to make their living quarters a bit more tolerable.”

Linda Sordoni explained that Operation Winchendon Cares was formed after the couple’s son, Lorenzo, received a package from a similar group in Jaffrey in January 2004. He was stationed in Germany at the time.

She said recipients of the boxes “simply need to have some kind of tie to Winchendon. They don’t have to be a native or a graduate of Murdock. They might be married to someone from town, or have an aunt or uncle or grandparent living here.”

“Right now we have 33 people on the list for this year and we’re waiting on information on another 16; 12 stateside and four over-seas.”

“The kids go through a lot being away from home, especially during the holidays” she added. “They truly are thankful and appreciative when the receive little reminders of home.”

Operation Winchendon Cares spends about $2,000 per year on postage and other expenses. The group is in the process of filing as a 501-c-3 non-profit organization which, if approved would give it tax-exempt status. That means that contributions made to OWC could be counted as a tax deduction. Linda Sordoni said the pro-cess has not yet been completed.

Among the items that can be donated are: pictures and projects from the school age children to brighten the spirits of these brave men and women. They love receiving things from the students.

Anything relating to the sights and sounds of Christmas: Christmas decorations, Christmas candy (in factory sealed bags – no individual pieces accepted), Holiday DVD movies, hot choco-late and spiced apple drink packets, Holiday Little Debbie’s cakes, Christmas cards for the troops to send home to their children, Christmas cards and pictures made by children and patriotic citi-zens for the troops to hang up in their tents and buildings.

Like us on Facebook and visit our updated website at www.winchendoncares.com where you will find a more complete list of other items appreciated by those away from home.

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