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Woonsocket!

Updates, Events, and More

September 2025

Photo of the Month

"Shopping Local" submitted by Councilwoman Kristina Contreras Fox

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Hello Melissa,

Help us spread the News!

We’re excited to bring you the latest updates, events, and community news from the heart of Woonsocket. This monthly edition is packed with important information, upcoming happenings, and highlights that showcase the vibrant spirit of our city. Whether you're a long-time resident or a new neighbor, this newsletter is your go-to source for all things Woonsocket. We hope you find it informative, engaging, and a reflection of the pride we share in our wonderful city.

Here is what is going on in the city for the Month of September:

• Monday, September 1, 10am-4pm - Museum of Work & Culture Labor Day Open House
• Tuesday, September 2, 12:15 - National Senior Center Month Party at Aging Well, Inc.
• Thursday, September 4, 7-9pm - Broadway in the Park at River Island Park
• Friday, September 5, 1:30 - Community Learning Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
• Sunday, September 7, 1pm - Theatre and Conservatory Tour at Stadium Theatre
• Thursday, September 11, 6-9pm - Autumnfest Grand Marshall Kick Off at the Elks Club
• Saturday, September 13, 6-9pm - New Beginnings Meat Raffle at the Senior Center
• Wednesday, September 17, 6:30-8pm - Autumnfest Bingo at Lops Brewing
• Thursday, September 18, 6-8pm - I <3 Woonsocket "Tasty Treats" at the Honey Shop
• Saturday, September 27, 3pm - Mrs. Roper Romp hosted by the DWC on Main Street
• Monday, September 29, 6-8pm - Mushroom Hunting Class at Harris Public Library

Woonsocket Under Construction

Woonsocket's brand-new animal shelter is a thoughtfully designed, 4,755 sq ft facility featuring kennels, offices, and support rooms to enhance animal welfare in the city. Situated on the bike path and close to Rt. 99, the facility has plenty of outdoor space to make sure all animals in our care get the best enrichment in a location that will make it easy for adopters near and far to visit and adopt a new pet!

How Safe is Woonsocket?

Woonsocket has seen a noticeable decrease in crime over the past two years. The Woonsocket Police Department, through the state police, release crime data to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system. The UCR data that is shared is broken down into two parts: violent crime and property crime. Violent crimes dropped from 193 in 2022 to 171 in 2024, while property crimes fell from 776 to 673 in the same period. This decline reflects the hard work and dedication of the Department, whose efforts continue to make our city safer. While progress is ongoing, these improvements are a positive step toward a stronger, safer community. Citizens are encouraged to work closely with the police and report any suspicious activity to help keep the community safe. You can make reports by calling 766-1212.

Start your business with the Small Business Hub

The Rhode Island Small Business Hub is a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs and small business owners to access helpful information, advice, and assistance on various topics, such as business planning, financing, marketing, legal services, and more. The Hub is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly find the information they need to help them achieve their business goals. The Hub is managed by Skills for Rhode Island’s Future and is on the 1st floor at the WOC, 115 Main Street. Hours of operation are:

• Mondays: 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM
• Tuesdays: 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM
• Wednesdays: 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM
• Thursdays: 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM
• Fridays: 8:30 AM- 4:00 PM

Housing Help is Available at City Hall

The Housing Clinic is designed to feel like you are sitting at a cozy kitchen table.

To address the housing crisis, there is a new Housing Clinic at City Hall that offers vital support to residents facing housing challenges, including help with apartment applications, eviction prevention, and legal advocacy. Staffed by a dedicated team of experts and trained volunteers, the clinic provides free, confidential assistance to individuals and families navigating complex housing issues. By offering personalized guidance and connecting people with resources, the clinic aims to promote housing stability and ensure more equitable access to safe, secure homes in our community. If you are experiencing a housing issue, please reach out to us!

B - I - N - G - O !!!

If you are a senior, join in the fun and games at Aging Well Inc.! In September, enjoy Bingo EVERYDAY after lunch, cards go on sale at 12:15pm and are just $1 each! They call three games per day. Additionally, National Senior Center Month kicks off with a party on September 2nd, featuring $400 in guaranteed prizes. If you are 55 or older or an adult with a disability, become a member for just $18 per year, enjoy lunch daily for a $3 donation, and play bingo at Aging Well Inc!

The United States is turning 250 years old!

The 250th anniversary of the United States, known as the Semiquincentennial, will be celebrated in 2026, marking a pivotal milestone in our nation’s history. To honor this occasion, the RI 250 Commission was created to highlight Rhode Island’s unique contributions to the founding of the nation and to inspire civic engagement across the state. As part of this initiative, each municipality will host events that reflect the core ideals of freedom, equality, and independence that helped shape America. Locally, the Woonsocket RI 250 Committee will play a key role in celebrating our city’s rich history and strengthening community pride. We’re currently seeking five passionate community members to join the committee and help plan and carry out events in 2026. Are you a history enthusiast ready to be part of something meaningful? We’d love to have you on board! Volunteer applications accepted until September 30.

Hey Woonsocket, You Are Beautiful!

Every wonder about that You Are Beautiful sign you see when you are driving up Main Street? It all began in Chicago in 2002 with 100 small stickers and has grown into a global movement, proving that positivity is contagious. In 2023, a You Are Beautiful mural was installed at the Thundermist Falls Dam fence facing Market Square. It is a part of a series of nationwide installations, one in each state. Woonsocket was lucky to be chosen to be the host city in RI because of local resident, Sonia Lindsey. So when you see a sticker, magnet, or artwork that spreads that positive message, remember that art and kindness belong to everyone.

Meet Giana Savastano, Board of Canvassers Manager

Woonsocket's registered vote count is up by 58 voters taking us to 25,647!

The Board of Canvassers wants voters to know how we keep our elections secure.

• The Board of Canvassers has reinspected all twelve of the cities polling locations ahead of Fall 2026 elections.
• This month, Woonsocket will be represented at the annual RI Cybersecurity Summit, where we will hear from experts in the field to help us understand and prepare for today's cybersecurity threats.
• We complete voter list maintenance every single day.
• No changes are made to your personal record without notifying you by letter first. And if that letter is undeliverable, we require you to attest to the accuracy of your address before you cast a ballot. Accuracy matters!
• RI voter records are updated using data from the Department of Health, the Department of Corrections, Division of Motor Vehicles, the United States Postal Services, and more. 
• You can make updates to your voter record 24/7 by visiting www.vote.ri.gov.

Memorial Garden Program

Woonsocket is proud to be home to many parks nestled within its neighborhoods, offering spaces that reflect the city's rich heritage and close-knit community. Cold Spring Park stands out as a historic gem, established in the 19th century and featuring winding paths alongside the scenic Blackstone River. In recognition of those we have lost, Woonsocket is introducing a Memorial Tree Program, spearheaded by Councilwoman Denise Sierra at Cold Spring Park. This initiative invites community members to honor loved ones by dedicating a tree in their memory - a lasting, living tribute that enhances the park’s natural beauty while supporting environmental sustainability. Each tree may be accompanied by a commemorative plaque, providing a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance in one of our city’s treasured green spaces.

Basic Needs Help is Available at Holy Trinity

Volunteers at the Holy Trinity Parish Food Pantry (L-R: Muriel Newton, Michelle Leech, Terry Glaude, Charles Blanchette, Susan Rennie, Roland Houle, Helen Cloutier)

The Holy Trinity Parish Food Pantry, located in the parish school building at 1371 Park Ave., offers free food items (boxed, canned, fresh) and occasional clothing items for individuals and families. Registration for the program is easy; vouchers are NOT required. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-2:30pm. Additionally, St. Gabriel's Call is a program sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Providence to support pregnant women and the mothers of children through age 4. They provide free diapers, wipes, summer and winter clothing, toiletries, maternal products, and some furniture and items such as car seats, strollers, toys and high chairs. Moms can access this program once a month. Office hours are Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:00am-2:00pm, and Thursdays, 10:00am-3:00pm. Application is easy and must be accompanied by the mother's photo ID and each child's birth certificate (pregnant women need to bring in proof of pregnancy). Call (401)762-2849 to set an appointment.

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169 Main Street | Woonsocket, RI 02895

(401)762-6400