Madam Update + Operation Rhode Runner + Frederick Douglass Legacy

Happy Saturday, Woonsocket! Here's everything worth knowing around town today.

There’s no paycheck protection for prostitution parlors. Also, one resident was snagged in Operation Rhode Runner. Finally, an exploration of Frederick Douglass’ Woonsocket experience.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High: 79 Low: 59.

Currently, Patch does not have a local curator for Woonsocket (or Pawtucket!). However, in the interim, we still want to make sure you are up-to-date on all of your local happenings, so I am here to fill in! Although not a local, I will work diligently to keep everyone in the community informed. And, if you are interested in becoming the new local Woonsocket or Pawtucket curator, apply here.

Here are the top stories in Woonsocket today:

1. Update: Remember when we recently talked about C. Savath? She was alleged to have neglected to mention her involvement in illegal activities (prostitution of employees) when applying for assistance under the CARES Act. She has agreed to “plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud for obtaining $29,646 in fraudulent payments for Thai Body Work and Deep Tissue, LLC.” By entering into this plea agreement, Savath avoids prison and receives three years probation. “She must pay $29,646 in restitution and forfeit an equal amount.” Her attorney had no comment. (Providence Journal behind a potential pay wall)
2. Seventeen people have been charged in the wake of a “five-month FBI Safe Street Task Force, DEA, and Providence Police Narcotics Bureau Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into a wide-ranging street-level drug trafficking conspiracy.” Nine individuals are on state probation, and more than 12 were previously convicted “on violent crime charges.” Woonsocket was one of the areas where Operation Rhode Runner took place. A 30-year-old resident currently on state probation was arrested. (Justice Department)
3. The Womxn Project reminds Woonsocket of its treatment of Frederick Douglass, some 180 years ago. “A jeering mob forced him and his companions to leave town with their mission incomplete.” The abolitionist orator visited the city twice, “The first, in 1841, was for the abolitionist convention. The second, in 1868, was likely to support women’s suffrage.” (The Valley Breeze)
4. Our Saviour’s Parish invites the community to come out for a free lunch every third Saturday. Friendly volunteers provide food from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or until they run out. This Saturday, it will be a drive-thru lunch at 500 Smithfield Road. (Our Saviour Parish, PNCC)

Today in Woonsocket:

• Burrillville Arts and Crafts Festival (10:00 AM)
• Christian Tent Revival! (10:00 AM)

Woonsocket Patch Notebook

• Woonsocket Cat Sanctuary, Inc.: "ADOPTED! Linxy is such a love, so we are very happy this kitty went to her forever home yesterday. Congratulations to the new family and many happy meows! >^..^< #adopted #linxy #foreverhome #happymeows #woonsocketcatsanctuary" (Facebook)
• Woonsocket Cat Sanctuary, Inc.: "Good morning! We just wanted to remind everyone that we will be reopening our Indoor Yard Sale this weekend. Lots of great bargains for everyone in the family. Because we are expecting a busy weekend, and we want to keep our volunteers an..." (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Society of CPAs: "Please join us for this now #VIRTUAL event covering the new CPA Evolution, with Rhode Island's own #AICPA Chair Bill Pirolli. This event is #FREE to participants and will be fun and interactive. Prizes will be offered to lucky winners! Z..." (Facebook)
• RI Hospitality Association: "Don't forget to check out our Jobs Website! If you are a member looking to hire, post a position, and if you are looking for a job, check out what is currently available at www.RIHospitalityJobs.org" (Facebook)
• RI Hospitality Association: "Our Golf Classic is quickly approaching and there are still some spots available! It's going to be an amazing event and a great opportunity to be outside and socialize. To Register or to Purchase a Tee Sign: https://conta.cc/3xGqvOR Ther..." (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. See you all tomorrow for another update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. Her SEO-optimized internet copy includes social media marketing projects and German to English business translations. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Fishdom (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woonsocket Daily? Reach out anytime to Woonsocket@Patch.com.