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Community Corner

🌱 Toy Drive Begins + Neighborhood Health + Thanksgiving Takeout

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Kathleen Stoddart, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Thursday, Woonsocket! Kathleen here with everything you need to know about what's happening in Woonsocket today.

First, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 68 Low: 41.

Here are the top stories in Woonsocket today:

  1. It's time for Woonsocket's Annual Toy Drive! The Woonsocket Police Department and Knights of Columbus, Council 113, have announced the start of the annual toy drive. They will be accepting new toy donations until December 18. Everything collected will be given to Woonsocket children in need of Christmas gifts who are twelve years old and younger.
    The Knights of Columbus will hold a collection event on Saturday November 27 at Saint Joseph's church, 1200 Mendon Road Woonsocket, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Santa will be stopping by from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for pictures. The Ron Auger memorial donation event will be held on Sunday December 12 at 329 Wood Avenue, Woonsocket from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Toys may also be dropped off anytime at the Woonsocket Police Department. Woonsocket residents with children in need of Christmas toys are asked to call (401) 767-9267 for more information. (Press Release Desk)
  2. For many people, quality of life is at the top of their list of concerns. That's where Neighborhood Health Plan of RI (NHPRI) can help. Its goal and mission is to do this for seniors and adults with disabilities by coordinating care and offering benefits and services to help them stay healthy and independent. The new benefits address social determinants of health – things like food insecurity, lack of transportation, language barriers and even social isolation. Call Neighborhood at 1-844-812-6896 or at TTY 711 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Online: http://www.nhpri.org/INTEGRITY (WPRI.com)
  3. Want someone else to cook the turkey dinner? Local restaurants offering dine-in, take out Thanksgiving meals. Among the culinary artists rolling up their sleeves for Thanksgiving is Eric Zediker, executive chef at GLENPHARMER DISTILLERY, 860 W. Central St., in Franklin. The Distillery is offering a complete Thanksgiving dinner to go for 4 to 6 guests. Check with your favorite local restaurants to see if it is participating this year. (Wicked Local)
  4. There's an up-tick of COVID and Thanksgiving is next week. But state officials say it's still safe to gather for the first time since 2019, as long as people take precautions. Officials recommend opening windows for better ventilation, getting tested before traveling, and wearing masks inside. Click here for a full list of where you can get tested in Rhode Island. Officials recommend everyone 18 and older get their booster shot when they are eligible. Boosters are not just for the ill or retired population. (WLNE-TV (ABC6))

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Today in Woonsocket:

  • NeighborWorks of Blackstone River Valley is having a public meeting tonight. NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, 719 Front St UNIT 111, Woonsocket, RI, 02895 (6:00 PM)
  • Landmark's ER wait time 58 minutes. (Landmark Medical Center)
  • Rhode Island's Health Director said too many people are seeking treatment at emergency rooms when they don't need emergency care. "Only use emergency departments for emergency situations," Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott said. (WJAR)

Woonsocket Patch Notebook

  • Winner of Nov. 17 Autumnfest Calendar is Destinee Parenteau of Woonsocket. (Calendar Raffle)
  • This year's Chair for 2022 Autumnfest is Judy Sullivan. (Facebook)
  • 2022 WCS Calendars are now available for purchase. You can pick up your copy at the Indoor Yard Sale on the weekends or anytime the sanctuary is open. They make great Christmas gifts for your cat loving friends! (Facebook)
  • Woonsocket Parks & Recreation shows the results from wine glass painting and beautiful centerpieces. Make sure to do it next time, 1117 River St. (Facebook)
  • Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park says it's #NationalTakeAHikeDay! Looking for ways to explore some of the trails in the Blackstone River Valley? A list is provided by Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and it provides plenty of inspiration: https://blackstoneheritagecorridor.org/.../trail-access/ (Facebook)
  • Dunkin' has begun a search for the most "New England" New Englanders, in a sweepstakes to win two tickets to an upcoming Patriots home game. All fans have to do is comment on This Facebook post with a photo showing how they are a true New Englander with the hashtag #NERunsonDunkinsweepstakes for a chance to win. Fans have until Saturday November 20th to submit their photos.(ABC6)
  • "Annie" will be performed at The Stadium Theatre Nov. 19-21. (Stadium Theatre)
  • FREE Concert Thursday, November 18 7 pm STEVE ANZIVINO TRIO. Doors open 5:30 for dinner. Ask for a table in the Four Seasons room, and get ready for a night to remember! For reservations, contact (401) 765-1900 or email: info@chanseggrollsandjazz.com . Friday, November 19 is Neal & the Vipers and Saturday, November 20 is JW Jones Band ( Chan's )


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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update.

Thanks for staying informed with Kathleen Stoddart. I live in Woonsocket and have 3 grown kids and 3 rescue dogs to keep me busy. I love hardware stores and can be seen checking out all the cool stuff. Being a Realtor, I sort of have an excuse. Neighbors, please don't think we're crazy but my husband deep-fries our Thanksgiving turkey and he lowers it into the pot with his hockey stick! Any ideas or feedback, email me at KathC21Homes@gmail.com

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