(978) 297-0050 • www.winchendoncourier.com Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Newsstand: 75 cents Referendum vote July 18 BY RUTH DEAMICIS December ice storm, voters at town COURIER EDITOR meeting in May gave conditional WINCHENDON — The Selectmen approval to some $121,380 in exclu- closed the warrant and approved the sion expenditures. setting of a referendum vote to deter- The voters must now confirm the mine whether the town’s voters will town meeting vote by ballot. The ref- approve a single year capital exclu- erendum is scheduled Saturday, July sion so the town can buy equipment 18 at the Old Murdock Senior Center and upgrade emergency facilities. from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Citing the need for good generators and emergency supplies following the Turn To BOS, page 2 Changes are planned at transfer station BY RUTH DEAMICIS tee this spring. COURIER EDITOR Transfer station manager WINCHENDON — As of July 1 Patrick Mullins has been telling his there will be several changes at the patrons about the hour changes, transfer station on River Street. and other changes, for the whole Most important, days of operation month, and hopes all will remem- will be Thursday, Friday and ber and abide by the new way of Saturday only, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. doing things without problems. The change is part of the sug- gested plans presented to Selectmen from the study commit- Turn To CHANGES, page 8 Minister’s Elm: once home to a vice president BY BRUCE M. GOYETTE WINCHENDON — A Federal house located in Old Centre has been referred to as “Minister’s Elm” because a large elm tree that once stood to the right of the house was planted by a minister. More signifi- cantly, Minister’s Elm was once the home of a vice president of the United States. Ruth DeAmicis photos The house — now 200 years old —- Two youngsters find a way to the water’s edge during the dedication ceremonies at the next phase of the North Central Pathway Saturday. was built circa 1809 for Attorney The paved path takes bikers off busy route 12 seen in the background onto a quiet, river’s edge trail complete with landscaping. Daniel Henshaw, who opened an office and practiced law there for 20 years. Henshaw was a local politician who represented Winchendon in legal matters. He was also an active member of Temperance Movement. Rev. Daniel Morton, the second Bike trail dedicated owner of the house, purchased the estate in 1830 and from 1835-41 was The Minister’s Elm was named for a stately tree once on the property. The BY JERRY CARTON Winchendon drew high praise as toddler when the project began and tree had been planted by a minister, Rev. SPECIAL TO THE COURIER well from state Sen. Stephen Brewer she’s now a college sophomore. Turn To MINISTER, page 2 Morton. Under intermittently cloudy (D), who said, “This trail is a living, “But it’s been worth every skies, the newest phase of the North breathing artery. Health and recre- minute,” said Boucher, who credited Central Parkway at the intersection ation are so important, and it (the co-chair Ludger Robichaud, and of Glenallen St. and Rt. 12 was for- trail) maximizes the beauty of this committee members Dave Antaya, LaPointe moves to new office mally launched on Saturday with region.” Norm Beauregard, Jack NCP co-chair Cindy Boucher declar- And he heaped praise as well on Lesperance, and Naida Knox, “for WINCHENDON — Attorney joked LaPointe. ing, “this is the showpiece of the Boucher and her team. “You’ve all all the great things they’ve done.” David LaPointe has moved from his What makes the office more posi- entire bike trail. It is absolutely done a yeoman’s job. You never She also expressed thanks to US old office to a new one down the tive is the energy brought to it by beautiful and offers a great opportu- gave up. You’ve done great work.” Rep. John Olver (D) for helping the street at 49 Central St. that sits the new staff members Marcy nity for citizens and visitors to see The original Toy Town project along. above the IGA overlooking the park- Deardon and Coral Grout. the beauty of the trail and our Partnership that conceived the idea “I know earmarks is a dirty word ing lot in front of Dunkin Donuts. It The move, said LaPointe, was town,” citing specifically the land- was born in 1993. That would lead right now, but Congressman Olver is an office filled with light and brought about to become more cost scaping work done along the path two years later to the creation of the has made a big difference for us,” at tremendous positive energy. efficient so he could offer clients an for users to admire. NCP project, and Boucher took note which point, Sen. Brewer laughing- “My old office was kind of dark, affordable legal representation. This fourth phase of the eventual of how long a road it’s been as she ly interjected, “I love earmarks, at and it seems I suffered from season- 16-mile project that is slated to link pointed out that her daughter, al affective disorder year round,” Turn To LAPOINTE, page 7 downtown Gardner with Lauren was not much older than a Turn To BIKE, page 12 Summer Solstice hits the streets running this Saturday BY RUTH DEAMICIS magic show Police Department will Amanda Grubb at (978) 297- COURIER EDITOR 10:30 a.m.: The Flying be held Saturday, June 9622. WINCHENDON — Irish dance troupe 27 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A raffle table with dona- Stepping off with the annu- 11 a.m.: Animal The event will occur at tions from local businesses, al Morin 5K road races at Adventures dinosaur the Summer Solstice a crafters area with exqui- 8:30 a.m. the annual show festival at the Clark site items for purchase (it’s Summer Solstice festival 1 p.m.: Clark YMCA Memorial YMCA, never too early to start will be a day of fun for the gymnastics team Central Street. Christmas shopping), a whole family. 1:30 p.m.: to be Children aged 18 and charity jail cell and other The 5K race is followed at announced younger will have a attractions will also be 9:15 a.m. with the And why is nothing brief videotaped inter- there. McDonald’s McFun runs for scheduled at noon? view, be fingerprinted And the food, the food, the children. Because the Home by police personnel and food. The Kiwanis of And beginning at 10 a.m., Town Heroes parade have Toothprint™ Winchendon will have their the day is filled with music, will march down impression and cheek tent and famous ‘burgers demonstrations, dancing, Central Street. swab by professional and fries; and will again fea- magic and more. Featuring our own local dental personnel. All ture fried dough. Other food The schedule is as follows: heroes, those who make materials are given to vendors are also expected to Eastern Propane Main the town of inflatable hoops, face paint- Also, a Masonic youth parents for safekeeping be on hand. Stage Winchendon a better place ing, Animal Craze petting identification program and no copies are kept on There is no admission fee 10 a.m.-noon: Tim in which to live, will be zoo, Swamp Stomper obsta- (MYCHIP) featuring file. This program is free to to attend, bring the whole LaRoche highlighted. cle course, a dunk tank, old Toothprint™ and sponsored all. For more information family and enjoy a 1-3 p.m.:Sean Fullerton Other activities available fashioned photos, a volley- by lodges in the 22nd contact local coordinator Winchendon tradition this Family Stage that day include: kids’ ball tournament, a mechani- Masonic District in coopera- Rick Graves at (508) 498-5145 Saturday, June 27. 10 a.m.: Ronald McDonald games, arts and crafts tent, cal bull, wrestling and more. tion with the Winchendon or Solstice coordinator SPORTS LOCAL Sports from around Gymnastic skills the region at Clark Y PAGE 9 PAGE 2 6 56525 10431 2 2 WINCHENDON COURIER Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Clark Y gymnasts demonstrate skills Doneen Durling photos First row: Marissa Galat, Victoria Marshall, Noelani Schober, Reghan Hunnewell, Karissa Oakes, Beth Phillips, Julia LaBrack, Maria Bianchi, and Michaela Stewart. Middle row: Maddisyn Bouchard, Anna Graff, Emma Bunch, Erin Masciangioli, Samantha Pierce, Gabrielle Poole, Michaela Benedict, Alexandra DeVitto, Michaela Stewart, and Emily Gagnon. Back row: Hollie Bilodeau-Stacy, Saffron Schober, Ameriah Schober, Sabrina Croteau, Casey Galat, and Tobey Chase. It takes some strength to hold this pose....Then to gracefully come down. Catching the young gymnasts in mid air. A coach spots a young woman on the uneven bars. This is one way to travel across the floor. the Toy Town Elementary School building. At streets was given permission to extend their port of an expanded state bottle bill. The expan- BOS continued from page 1 present, the building does not have a generator, business hours. The Dog will now be open sion would include deposit/return for several and extended bad weather could result in exten- Thursday: 7-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 5-11 beverage bottles, such as water and energy Each expenditure is a separate ballot ques- sive damage to pipes and equipment if not kept p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. drinks. tion, so voters may choose to approve only those at sufficient temperature. Another mobile lunch stand business belong- A change of ownership and manager for items they wish to fund.