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Highway Hearing – April 10, 2025

Highway Hearing

Public hearing April 10, 2025 at 5 pm regarding a discontinuance of Franklin County layouts on Wendell Road in Wendell.

Please access related documents and Zoom link on FRCOG website https://frcog.org/event-calendar/

April at the Library

April Events

Events in Brief

**NEW EVENT ** Friday March 28: ARE INDIA AND THE U.S. GOING DOWN THE SAME ROAD? A Conversation About Race, Caste, Democracy and Human Rights with Suraj Milind Yengde. 6:30 p.m.

**POSTPONED** Saturday March 29: Craft Supply Swap.  Given the new Friday night program, organizing this swap just doesn’t make sense this week. Stay tuned for the new date.

All month: Wendell Tiny Art Exhibit

Every Sunday: Yoga. 10 a.m.

Every Tuesday: Adult Art Group. 5 p.m.

Every Wednesday: Movie. 4 p.m.; Yoga. 6:20 p.m.

Every Wednesday: CNC Playgroup. 10 a.m. (excluding 4/24)

Every Friday: LEGO. 4 p.m.

Every Saturday: Tech Help. 10 a.m. to noon. Registration Required (by 5 p.m. of the day before).

Friday April 4: Tech Hub Skills Workshop: Internet Basics

Conquer the internet in this beginner-friendly workshop! Learn to use search engines, browse websites, and explore the online world with confidence—no prior experience needed.  Workshop followed by 2 hours of drop-in tech help. 10:30a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Monday, April 7: Wendell Historical Society Presents: Yesterday’s Mail, an evocative, multimedia presentation, showcases several letters from our collection written to and from local residents in the mid-19th century. Includes a slide show, live music, and on-stage readings of the letters that promise to captivate attendees. 6:30 p.m.

Monday April 21: Fiber Group / Mending Circle. 6:30 p.m. No formal gathering on April 7 due to the WHS program, but members are encouraged to bring handwork to the program if they want!

Sunday, April 13 & 27: Writer’s Workshop with Paul Richmond. 1-3:30 p.m. Bring writings you have or come to start writing, a safe space for sharing. It is free and open to anyone 16+. This program is free and made possible by a grant from the Wendell Cultural Council.

Friday, April 11: Office Hour with Rep. Aaron Saunders. 1 p.m.

Friday, April 18: Tech Hub Skills Workshop: Social Media Basics. This beginner workshop teaches covers using Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger to connect, share posts, and manage privacy- no experience needed.. Workshop followed by two hours of drop-in tech help. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, April 22: Author Book talk: “Everyone’s trash: One Man Against 1.6 Billion Pounds”. Duncan Watson, a seasoned waste management professional and lifelong storyteller, invites readers to discover the hidden world of recycling and refuse in his debut book, Everyone’s Trash. With over 33 years in the City of Keene’s solid waste program, Watson’s journey from childhood recycling attendant to a leader in the field reflects his lifelong commitment to community and sustainability. 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22: Adult Book Group. 10 a.m. April’s book group pick is A Room With a View by E. M. Forster. Pick up a copy on the book group shelf.

Saturday, April 26: Annual Town-wide Ted Lewis Memorial Trash Pick-up Walk. The library will be one place you can pick up trash bags, borrow grabbers and safety vests. Bags of trash can either be brought to WRATS for no fee, or left near a telephone pole and let Maggie Houghton (413-345-8837)  know the location so the pick-up crew can collect.

Showing slides of his experience in India and around the world, Suraj will reflect on the pitfalls of identity politics that have paved the way for the rise of right-wing movements. The political takeover of the state and civic institutions by ideological forces in India and the US offer striking parallels. At the same time, a new politics based on models of Dalit social and spiritual engagement can help us recover the promises of equality and freedom.

About the Speaker: Dr. Suraj Yengde is a W.E.B. Du Bois Fellow at Harvard University. He has published nearly 200 articles and the best-seller Caste Matters, on the struggle for human rights in India. His forthcoming book, Caste: A Global Story, documents the power of prejudice in 15 countries in North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia – and the Dalit and Black activism that is pushing back. Website: https://www.surajyengde.com/about/biography/

(Contact Chris Queen, 978-544-0216, csqueen@outlook.com.)

Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Matinee Movies.

Enjoy a variety of movies all month long in the Herrick Room. Come early for Popcorn.

April 2: A REAL PAIN (2024; Jesse Eisenberg, director; starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin)

Eisenberg and Culkin star as two cousins who reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. As the trip progresses, their markedly different personalities emerge and old tensions resurface. Culkin won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

 

April 9: DAYS OF HEAVEN (1978; Terrence Malick, director; starring Richard Gere, Linda Manz, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepard)

This gorgeously shot film is set in the Texas panhandle in 1916, and features a small, young family of migrant workers who hatch a scheme to take advantage of a wealthy grain farmer. The stellar cinematography, excellent direction, and singular performance from Linda Manz work together to cast a unique spell.

 

April 16: OUT OF THE PAST (1947; Jacques Tourneau, director; starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas)

With its atmosphere of menace, melancholy, and tension, OUT OF THE PAST routinely ranks high on All-Time Best Film Noir lists. A complex storyline, beautifully dark cinematography, a quintessential femme fatale, hardboiled dialogue, a protagonist who can’t escape his past, and cartons of expressively-smoked cigarettes—this one hits all the noir marks.

 

April 23: LICORICE PIZZA (2021; Paul Thomas Anderson, director; starring Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper)

Set in 1973 Los Angeles, this gloriously sprawling film follows the fraught relationship between a dreaming, hustling teen actor and the young woman he adores. Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman both make fantastic film debuts, appearing alongside an ensemble supporting cast.

 

April 30: THE DRESSER (1983; Peter Yates, director; starring Tom Courtenay, Albert Finney)

Tom Courtenay is perfectly cast as the personal assistant to an aging, acclaimed stage actor played by Albert Finney. The film was nominated for five Oscars, including best picture, best director, and best actor twice for Courtenay and Finney.

Local Book Gives Behind-the-Scenes Look at Everyone’s Trash

Tuesday April 22, 6:30 p.m.

Wendell, MA – Duncan Watson, a seasoned waste management professional and lifelong storyteller, invites readers to discover the hidden world of recycling and refuse in his debut book, Everyone’s Trash. This event is free to the public and made possible with funding from the generous Friends of the Wendell Free Library.

With over 33 years in the City of Keene’s solid waste program, Watson’s journey from childhood recycling attendant to a leader in the field reflects his lifelong commitment to community and sustainability.

On his first day with the Public Works Department, Watson faced a mountain of recyclables being hand-sorted, with no headway in sight. Today, he has “turned his passion for recycling trash into creating a nationally recognized facility in Southwestern NH,” says award-winning writer and filmmaker Dayton Duncan.

Watson will be sharing his insights and vision for the future of waste management during an author presentation at Wendell Free Library on Earth Day, Tuesday April 22 at 6:30 pm. Known for hosting exceptional author evenings, the library will provide a perfect backdrop for Watson’s discussion on the current state of waste management and recycling, as well as the possibilities within reach.

Praise for Everyone’s Trash

Watson’s stories bring the “dump” to life through vivid characters and anecdotes, while also touching on his time as the voice of Charlie Brown, a yoga teacher, and a storyteller. “His skill as a recycling and waste professional is only surpassed by his ability to share heartfelt stories of humanity,” says Mike Durfor, former executive director for the Northeast Recovery Association.

New York Times bestselling author Sy Montgomery adds, “It’s about way more than recycling and trash. It’s a poignant x-ray of a small city’s soul—and a testament to the power of connection, compassion, and community.” And a rare starred review from Booklist cements the book’s place as a critical read for this year and beyond.

An Inspiring Call to Action
Through book signings and speaking engagements, Watson is challenging communities to rethink waste, showing that achieving an 80% diversion rate from landfills is not only possible but can be accomplished without increasing costs.

About the Author
Duncan Watson grew up in Northern California but found his home in New England, where he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s in Resource Management from Antioch University New England. As Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Keene, NH, Watson has seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities of modern recycling and waste management.
For more on Watson’s remarkable life and his new book, follow him on Instagram and Facebook: @duncanwatsonstoryteller.

Tech Workshop Series with Tech Hub

6 Fridays 10:30-11:30 , followed by an hour of tech support.

Please Register

*You do not need to attend all sessions to participate.*

4/4 Internet Basics

Conquer the internet in this beginner-friendly workshop! Learn to use search engines, browse websites, and explore the online world with confidence—no prior experience needed.

4/18 Social Media Basics

This beginner workshop covers using Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger to connect, share posts, and manage privacy—no experience needed.

5/2 Cloud Basics

Demystify the cloud in this “Cloud Basics” workshop! Learn what the cloud is, how to access it, and how it can help you store and manage files from anywhere, benefiting both individuals and businesses.

5/16 Google Docs.

Unlock the power of Google Docs in this workshop! Learn to create, edit, and collaborate on documents, master formatting, and explore sharing features to boost your productivity—all in the cloud with no experience needed.

The Gentle Healthy Bones and Balance Exercise Program

Wednesdays 10:00-11:00 am and Fridays 10:00-11:00 am

Presented by the Wendell Free Library via ZOOM.

For seniors who wish to improve or maintain strength, mobility, flexibility,

balance and bone health.

To join, please contact:

Marianne Vinal

Email: mariannevinal@gmail.com

Telephone: 978-544-6122 call or text

or

The Wendell Free Library

Email: Wendell@cwmars.org

There will be no CNC Playgroup in May, but there will be Free Mucho Gusto with Laurie Davidson.

at the Erving Public Library

Monday, May 12 & 19, 10:30-11:30 am

at the Wendell Free Library

Wednesday, May 14 & 21,  10:00-11:00 am

Mucho Gusto Spanish classes are conducted in Spanish with a bit of English  when necessary to facilitate understanding. Sessions are based around a collection of songs with overlapping themes and vocabulary.  We sing and then we

dance and move!

Mucho Gusto Spanish is for children 0-4 years of age and their parents/caregivers.

We welcome Families with little or no prior exposure to Spanish and those who are raising their children bilingually.

Register using this link:

This program is a collaboration of  Local Cultural Council grants from Erving and Wendell and supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council program and our local libraries. The Union 28 Community Network for Children program, funded in part by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant awarded to the Union #28 Schools by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, also provided support for this collaboration.

Notice of Public Auction

Notice of Public Auction
The Town of Wendell will hold a public auction for surplus property on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Highway Garage (3 Jackie Lane, Wendell, MA – Off Wendell Depot Rd near Center).

  • Preview of Items: Begins at 9:00 a.m.
  • Auction Start Time: 10:00 a.m.

Items for auction include vehicles, equipment, and other surplus property. A full list of items with descriptions and conditions can be found below or by contacting the Town Coordinator.

The auction will be conducted by Dan Keller, and all items will be sold as-is with no warranty. The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to withdraw items at its discretion. Sales are cash only.

Public Notice:
This notice is posted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 30B, Section 15.

For more information, contact:
Kelly Tyler, Town Coordinator
coordinator@wendellmass.us, 978-544-3395 x100

List of Surplus Equipment

Number of items Item Minimum Bid
2 3 Point hitch leaf blowers
1 Riding mower- SABRE- 17HP John Deere
1 York Rake- 8 ft- Woods 1998
2 Water Tanks, 275 Gallons
1 1984 D30 Militatry Truck (for parts)
1 1980 John Deere 401B Tractor 1,500.00
1 International pickup truck 5-71
1 Makita backpack blower EB7650TH
1 Asphalt saw Stihl TS 350
1 Lincoln ARC welder 250 & stand
1 OLDES Stihl pole saw
Miscellaneous tools
Miscellaneous tires
25 Metal folding chairs in fair condition
(each set of 5 chairs for $10)		 5 chairs for $10
Miscellaneous plow parts and lights

More News

Events

Highway Hearing – April 10, 2025

AprApril 10 2025

5:00pm - 6:30pm

Highway Hearing

Public hearing April 10, 2025 at 5 pm regarding a discontinuance of Franklin County layouts on Wendell Road in Wendell.

Please access related documents and Zoom link on FRCOG website https://frcog.org/event-calendar/

Rabies Clinic for Dogs and Cats

AprApril 12 2025

10:00am - 12:00pm

We are delighted to be hosting a rabies clinic for dogs and cats on
April 12th from 10 am-noon at the Wendell Police Department

Fee – $20 per pet; no appointments needed. Open to all surrounding community pet owners. Please spread the word and share this flyer. Dog licenses will be available on-site.

Download Flyer

Public Health Nurse hours

AprApril 23 2025

10:00am - 12:00pm

Carolyn is offering monthly nurse drop-in hours on the 4th Wednesday of
each month, beginning on May 22 of this year. She will be at the Wendell
Senior Center at 2 Lockes Village Rd. from 10 AM – noon. She can help with
wellness concerns, medication questions, healthy lifestyle discussions, and
monthly vital sign monitoring.

More Events

Available Jobs

New Salem-Wendell Fire Chief

The towns of New Salem and Wendell, located in Franklin County in western Massachusetts, are accepting applications for the position of Fire Chief. This is a shared position between both towns providing a unique opportunity for a qualified individual to lead both fire departments. New Salem and Wendell were the first towns in Massachusetts to have a shared fire chief, and the current chief, who is retiring, has held the position since 2014. This is a 40 hour-per-week position with regular additional hours as required for responding to emergency incidents. The position is Fair Labor Standards Act exempt and ineligible for overtime.

General Job Description

For both departments, the Chief supervises all personnel, performs all administrative duties, plans, organizes, coordinates all activities, trainings, and inspection services in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, the Massachusetts Fire Code and local by-laws.

The Fire Chief is appointed by and is directly accountable to both Selectboards. This is a “strong chief” position, as defined under Massachusetts General Laws Title VII Chapter 48 Section 42, and the Chief has total operational control of both departments.

Duties And Responsibilities

The Chief is responsible for all emergency service operations for both departments. The Chief establishes policies, procedures, rules, regulations, issues all general orders, special notices and memorandums. The Chief also prepares individual department budgets for each Finance Committee. The budgets are subject to Town Meeting approval. The Chief approves payrolls, expense payments, and prepares capital budget requests.

Education Requirements

A High school diploma is required. The ideal candidate shall have completed various training programs offered by the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) or a comparable National Academy with a required minimum of Firefighter I/II, MFA Call/Volunteer Recruit Training or proven equivalent training. While not required, an Associate’s Degree or better in Fire Science is preferred. Chief Fire Officer credentials or equivalent training will be viewed favorably.

Experience Required

The ideal candidate shall have a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience and have achieved the rank of Lieutenant. The candidate shall have a thorough knowledge of modern firefighting principles, equipment, techniques, hazardous materials, the National Incident Management System and emergency medical services. The candidate will need to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of state fire laws, fire codes, building codes, fire inspection practices and procedures. The candidate must be skilled in the operation of fire equipment, fire apparatus, computers, and have good organization and communication skills. The candidate shall possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.

Annual salary $60,000+/- depending on qualifications. Chief’s vehicle, competitive health care and vacation/sick time benefits are included. A full job description and related documents are available at (insert link). Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume in .pdf format to the New Salem Town Coordinator at newsalemwendell@gmail.com. The applicant’s resume must specify all fire service experience as full time, part time, call or volunteer.

Full Job Description

Job Posting for Shared Clerk Position

Job Posting for Shared Clerk Position

The Town of Wendell has an opening for a Shared Clerk
Position. The position will support the Board of Assessors,
Planning Board and Open Space Committee. All departments require someone
to take minutes at meetings. Other support may be requested. Currently,
the Board of Assessors meet on the 2nd and 4th
Wednesday of each month from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. There may be some other
duties that require 1 – 2 hours per month. The Planning Board meets once
a month for 2 – 3 hours. The Open Space Committee meets monthly for 2 -3
hours. Some meetings are remote and some in person. The position pays an
annual wage of $3404.00 for FY25. Requested start date is June
1, 2025. Your resume may be mailed to: Town of Wendell c/o
Selectboard, P.O. Box 41, Wendell, MA 01379, email to coordinator@wendellmass.us
or dropped at the Town Office in the mailbox in the parking lot.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Municipal Light Plant (MLP) Manager

The Town of Wendell and Wendell Municipal Light Board is looking to hire an MLP Manager to support the Board in the operations and maintenance of the Wendell Net fiber optic network.

Duties will include attending regularly scheduled MLP meetings, generally twice monthly, tracking expenses and submitting bills for payment to the Town Accountant, preparing and submitting an annual operating budget and articles for annual town meeting, and collaborating with the town treasurer on financial issues. Estimated 4-8 hours per month. $6000 annual stipend paid quarterly.

See the full job description

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