🌱 Pepin Lumber's Today's Business + Woonsocket Theater District?

Happy Thursday, people of Woonsocket, and happy National Shortbread Day! Let's start today off on an informed note, shall we? Here's everything happening in town today.

WOON is recognizing Pepin Lumber as the business of the day. Also, could a Beacon facility create a theater district? Finally, did you attend the gathering at the Department of Labor?

First, today's weather:

Sun through high clouds. High: 38 Low: 29.

Here are the top five stories today in Woonsocket:

1. Wednesday’s WOON business of the day is Pepin Lumber at 830 Cumberland Street. The store is your go-to location for hardwoods like African mahogany and English brown oak, supplies for decking projects, and a well-stocked Milwaukee tool lineup. Congrats! (@WoonsocketRadio)
2. Will there be a Theater District in Woonsocket’s future? We learned Tuesday that the chairman of Beacon Charter High School for the Arts intends to spend $3 million on creating a drama program hub at 1 Federal Street, which is the former United Methodist church building. Would this setup, combined with the already present Stadium Theatre in Monument Square and the Rhode Island Stage Ensemble at 142 Clinton Street, allow for the use of the “Theater District” moniker? (Woonsocket Call)
3. Senator Melissa Murray held a community gathering on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in front of the Woonsocket Department of Labor and Training One-Stop Center, 219 Pond Street. The gathering was a call to action for the “restoration of in-person benefits assistance services at the Department of Human Services that were eliminated at the start of the pandemic.” Senator Murray argues that “many do not have internet service or devices, or may not have the digital skills to navigate the application process” for SNAP and RI Works benefits. (RI Legislature)
4. The owners of Kip’s Restaurant are having a difficult time letting go. Located at the corner of Newport Avenue and Armistice Boulevard, they have to clear out by February 1 to make room for a new Chase Bank and drive-thru. The last day for residents and visitors to come by is January 19. (Valley Breeze)
5. Elanor Slater Hospital is allowing asymptomatic COVID-positive healthcare workers to stay on the job. Citing staffing shortages, the hospital said Wednesday that it had some on the job at the beginning of the year. The health department explained that “facilities would have to meet the crisis status requirement determined by the state and are required to be approved before bringing in COVID-19 positive workers.” (ABC)
   

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Today in Woonsocket:

• 10-Week Course For Ages 55 And Up (Silver Steppers) at the Stadium Theatre (10 AM)
• Intergenerational RI YHDP Community Listening Session at the Blackstone Academy Charter School (1:30 PM)
• Dusk presents Sounds & Visions: Bowie Night 3 (5 PM)
• Make New Friends: Build A Robot - Try Girl Scouts Event at the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England (5:30 PM)
• Bachata & Salsa Beginner Session at Mambo Pa Ti Dance Company (7 PM)

From my notebook:

• A Harris neighbor is wondering where to get a PCR COVID test. (Next Door)
• Our Bernon Cares neighbor is warning you that coyotes are present on the walking/bike trails. (Next Door)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Best Fiends (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.