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Community Corner

🌱Chan's For Sale + School Social Media Policy +Contaminated Land

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening this weekend in Woonsocket.

Kathleen Stoddart, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Welcome back, Woonsocket! The weekend is upon us, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in Woonsocket.

First, your weekend weather:

  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 44 Low: 27.
  • Sunday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 43 Low: 31.

Bundle up for all your weekend events!

Here are the top stories today in Woonsocket:

  1. John Chan is ready to leave eggrolls and jazz behind after 45 years. His family restaurant, Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, was purchased originally by John's father in 1965 but will not continue with John's son. It's been for sale for $275,000 but they need the right buyer to continue with both the restaurant and the jazz club. it's still open every day as well as the "Wok and Roll" drive-thru window created to help during COVID. Chan's is a 6,900-square-foot building at 267 Main St., which has 100 seats in the dining room, including a horseshoe bar, and 140 in the jazz club. He also owns the parking lot. Neither is part of the restaurant purchase price, but they could be, he said. (The Providence Journal)
  2. The Woonsocket Education Department has revamped its 2015 social media policy to streamline the types of professional accounts staff members can operate. The biggest change is that teachers and parents are no longer allowed to operate social media pages on behalf of their schools. It is strictly to be used by building principals or building administrators. Staff is no longer allowed to use Facebook or Twitter related to their professional responsibilities. Some believe the new policy doesn't go far enough. (Valley Breeze)
  3. The City of Woonsocket plans to demolish the former Dorado Processing Plant at 719 River Street, however, recent assessments have discovered site-wide contamination, including a petroleum leak from an underground storage tank. The City is seeking $650,000 in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields grants to clean up the site after demolition. (Valley Breeze)

This weekend in Woonsocket:

The Blackstone Valley Polar Express is a 90-minute train ride to view the North Pole that's filled with singing, games, a reading of the classic children's story "The Polar Express," and a visit from Santa! The Conductor will be there to punch your special golden ticket, and you'll all enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie during your trip. Plus, every child will receive a silver bell – the first gift of Christmas! On weekends thru Dec. 19th (Polar Express)

Saturday, December 4

  • Woonsocket Cat Sanctuary Indoor Yard Sale today at 266 Mendon Rd. (9 am - 1 pm)
  • 13th Annual Woonsocket Main Street Holiday Stroll from Market Square to Monument Square. Entertainment, Food Vendors, a visit from Santa Claus, Scavenger Hunt throughout local small businesses, and much more! (2 - 7 pm)
  • The Woonsocket Winter Wonderland Celebration is jam-packed with holiday fun for the entire family and includes a petting zoo, free pony rides, wood carving demonstrations, a roving Snow Queen, holiday music, dazzling lights, a roaring "warm-up" fire at River Island Art Park. (3 - 8 pm)
  • Multi-award winner, Veronica Lewis, hits the stage tonight at Chan's. She's one of the most exciting, emerging talents in the Blues & Roots world. (8 pm)
  • Louie Likes it Hot Featuring Rhode Island's own Jack Babineau tonight at the Stadium Theatre. (8 pm)
  • Black Bar and Grille features Malayna Johnson with live piano accompaniment. (8 - 11 pm)
  • Our Pad Bar and Grill features a karaoke party. (9 pm-1 am)

Sunday, December 5

  • Sunday Beading Group - Open Beading hours sponsored by Barrel of Beads (10 am)

Woonsocket Patch Notebook

  • The State Department of Health reported 1,144 new cases of COVID. Rhode Island is considered to be in high transmission. (WJAR)
  • Rhode Island Stage Ensemble (RISE) is one of the premier theater companies of northern Rhode Island and is based in Woonsocket's historic Masonic Hall. "A Christmas Story, The Musical" is playing Dec 10-19. (RISE)
  • Big Brothers, Big Sisters of RI will be picking up donations Wed. Dec. 15 in Woonsocket. Please schedule your free pickup. (Big Brother, Big Sisters of RI)
  • Patriots prep for Bills with 1st place on the line for AFC East. Look out Monday night! (WPRI)
  • Rhode Island Society of CPAs present Business Valuation Committee's upcoming virtual workshop: Valuation of Privately-Held Promissory Notes (Facebook)
  • Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council: The final newsletter of 2021 includes updates on the state budget, ARPA funds, infrastructure, and more. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this weekend off right. See you all next week for another update!

I'm Kathleen Stoddart, a Woonsocket resident, mom of 3 and 3 fur babies. I love baking for the holidays, cruising the aisles of Lowes and Home Depot, and volunteering! You can reach me at KathC21Homes@gmail.com

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