Happy New Year Five: Safety, Fun, Charity, Plow Callout, Diner

Happy New Year - It's been a long year, with good and bad, and now it's time to set your sights on the next 12 months with new ambition and, hopefully, renewed energy:

BE SAFE - The RI State Police have increased patrols for the holiday. Don't add to their work. Be safe, don't drink and drive, and don't overdo it. 

HAVE FUN - Tonight the The Partnership For Community Progress hosts its New Year's Eve Ball at the Tyra Club119 West St. (401) 765-3635. The event features food, door prizes, raffles, a champagne toast at midnight, and music by DJ Lefty. If you're feeling the wanderlust, there's Bright Night Providence. Tickets are available online for $15.

Matthew 25 Center -  The Matthew 25 Center of Hope is open Wednesday, Jan. 2, 4 p.m. at River First United Methodist Church, 17 Federal St. Meals are open to the community. No Identification requirements except to sign in.  During these hard times the church has chosen to soften the financial burdens of the working middle class, homeless & marginal, by offering several meals during the winter months.  

Calling all plows - The City of Woonsocket is interested in hiring private trucks with plows, as well as four wheel drive vehicles with plows and other snow removal equipment on an hourly rental basis. Forms of Proposals and Agreements are available at the Office of Purchasing in the City Hall Finance Dept. All interested parties, call Jessica at 401-767-9269, or email at jdesrochers@woonsocketri.org.

Recycle -  The city's Solid Waste Division reminds residents that holiday wrapping paper is recyclable. Excess recyclables, including cardboard and paper along with styrofoam can be brought to the Woonsocket Material Recycle Facility, free of charge, located at 943 River St. (normal hours are Monday to Friday 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.).

Any excess waste or overloaded trash carts will not be collected. Call 767-8880 with any questions.

Diner for lease - Been itching to start up a new restaurant? Neighborworks Blackstone River Valley is offering experienced restauranteurs a lease of the diner car once home to “Champs Diner,” on Park Avenue, now waiting a new tenant and customers at 719 Front St. The car was one of more than 600 diners produced by the Worcester Lunch Car and Carriage Manufacturing Company. 

Applications to win the lease, including a resume and business plan, are due Feb. 13.