Smile, Woonsocket!

Updates, Events, and MORE!!!

March 2026

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Here is what is going on in Woonsocket for the Month of March:

• Monday, 3/2, 7pm - Woonsocket City Council Meeting
• Wednesday, 3/4, 5-6:30pm - Green Infrastructure Center Open House at WOC
• Thursday, 3/5, 6pm - Showing of La Bolduc at the Museum of Work & Culture
• Sunday, March 8 - Daylight Saving Time - Spring Forward!
• Sunday, 3/8, 1:30-3pm - Valley Talk: Rewoven at the Museum of Work & Culture
• Wednesday, 3/11, 7pm - Woonsocket School Committee Meeting
• Monday, 3/16, 10-12:30pm - Vaccination Clinic at Aging Well, Inc.
• Monday, 3/16, 7pm - Woonsocket City Council Meeting
• Thursday, 3/19, 6:00pm - DWC's I <3 Woonsocket - Behind the Scenes at Lops Brewing
• Sunday, 3/22, 1:30-3pm - Valley Talk: Citizenship Rights at the Museum of Work & Culture
• Wednesday, 3/25, 7pm - Woonsocket School Committee Meeting
• Sunday, 3/29 1:30-5pm - Salute to Spring at the Museum of Work & Culture

Mayor Beauchamp Honored with

Distinguished Public Service Award

The Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce will proudly recognize Mayor Christopher Beauchamp as the recipient of the Barbara C. Burlingame Distinguished Public Service Award at its Annual Celebration on Wednesday, March 4th. Established in 2003 in honor of former Chamber Vice President and State Representative Barbara C. Burlingame of Woonsocket, the award recognizes a Rhode Island elected official whose leadership and service have made a meaningful impact on the business community and who exemplifies the highest standards of excellence, dedication, and achievement in public service. Mayor Beauchamp’s commitment to Woonsocket and to strengthening the broader community reflects the very spirit of this distinguished award. His continued focus on economic development, collaboration, and community growth has made a lasting difference for residents and local businesses alike. Please join us in congratulating Mayor Beauchamp on this well-deserved honor!

Introducing Woonsocket’s Helping Handbook

The City of Woonsocket has released a brand-new resource guide: Woonsocket’s Helping Handbook! It is a comprehensive, easy-to-use directory of local services and support available to residents. This free, downloadable guide brings together essential information on basic needs, housing resources, health and wellness services, family and youth programs, and support for specialized populations all in one place. Whether you’re seeking food assistance, affordable housing options, childcare support, health services, or community programs, this handbook connects you with local organizations and phone numbers to make finding help simple and straightforward. It’s a valuable tool for families, individuals, and service providers alike. Download it now and keep it handy as your go-to guide for community resources and support!

A New Chapter for Woonsocket’s Animals!

Excitement is building for the grand opening of the Albert G. Brien Animal Shelter! The ribbon cutting is taking place on Saturday, February 28 and a the long-awaited facility is ready to welcome its first furry residents when it officially opens on March 1, 2026. The new shelter represents a major investment in animal welfare and community pride. Designed with modern amenities and improved space for care, the facility will provide a safer, more comfortable environment for animals while creating a welcoming place for families looking to adopt. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for Woonsocket, one that reflects the community’s commitment to compassion, responsibility, and giving every animal a safe place to land. Stop by to adopt a new furry family member!

Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center Will Offer New Career and Technical Education Programs

The Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center (WACTC), in partnership with Woonsocket High School, is expanding its Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings for the 2026–27 school year, creating even more opportunities for students to gain real-world skills and industry credentials before graduation. Building on a strong tradition of hands-on, industry-aligned instruction, students can earn certifications and even college or dual-enrollment credits in programs such as Automotive Technology, Health Careers, Biotechnology, Construction, Culinary Arts, Computer Science and Game Design, and Digital Media. Newly approved pathways include Business, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship; Criminal Justice; Engineering; and Environmental Science and Renewable Energy. Families are encouraged to connect with school counselors to explore these expanded opportunities and help students chart a path toward college and career success.

Aging and Disability Resources and Assistance

Woonsocket residents now have convenient, in-person access to vital aging and disability support services each month. Aging and Disability Resource specialists are available on site at Aging Well Inc., 84 Social Street, Woonsocket, on the third Tuesday of every month by appointment. The service is designed to connect older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families with trusted guidance and practical assistance. Appointments provide one-on-one support and information about a wide range of essential topics, including:

• Home and community-based care options
• Resources and support for caregivers and their families
• Planning for memory and cognitive care needs
• Access to public assistance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and Heating and Utility Assistance
• Referrals to additional community-based services and supports

These monthly sessions aim to make navigating complex systems easier and less overwhelming, ensuring residents can access the programs and services they need to live safely and independently. Appointments are required.

Small Business Energy Efficiency Grants Open 

Small businesses across Rhode Island will soon have an opportunity to save money and improve efficiency through the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program offered by Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. Eligible businesses can apply for reimbursement of energy efficiency upgrades with awards of up to $20,000.

Eligible improvements include:

• LED lighting upgrades
• HVAC improvements
• High-efficiency motors and pumps
• Water-saving devices
• Energy assessments and related upgrades

This program offers a practical way for small businesses to lower operating expenses, increase comfort for customers and employees, and contribute to a more sustainable future!

Located at 115 Main Street in downtown Woonsocket, the Woonsocket Education Center offers no-cost, career-focused programs to help residents build skills and earn credentials.

Current programs include:

• Microsoft Office Basics - Learn essential business computer skills that employers are looking for.
• Business Computing Applications - Develop workplace tech skills from trusted instructors.
• Ready. Set. Work! With Skills for RI’s Future - A flexible, no-cost work-readiness program focused on career planning, problem-solving, and employer expectations. Open to all RIers age 18+.
• NRI Career Academy’s free 8-week workforce development program - delivered by Connecting Children and Families  

Coming Summer 2026: CNA Training - $0 tuition!

Whether you’re starting out, changing careers, or upgrading skills, WOC has options to help you achieve!

Turning Surplus into Savings:

How the Too Good To Go App Fights Food Waste

Did you know that perfectly good food is thrown away every day simply because it wasn’t sold in time? The Too Good To Go app is helping change that and saving people money in the process. Too Good To Go connects customers with local restaurants and grocery stores that have surplus food at the end of the day. Instead of discarding it, businesses package the extra items into discounted “Surprise Bags” that users can purchase. The concept is simple but impactful:

• Reduce food waste
• Save money
• Support local businesses
• Lower environmental impact

Because the bags are filled with whatever remains unsold, each order comes with a bit of mystery, making it a fun way to discover new local favorites while contributing to a more sustainable community.

With food costs rising and sustainability top of mind for many households, Too Good To Go offers a practical solution that benefits businesses, consumers, and the environment alike.

Woonsocket Situation Table

The Woonsocket Situation Table is a multi-agency collaboration of local human service, health, education and criminal justice professionals that meets Wednesday mornings to address situations where an individual or family is at a significant risk of harm. The team develops an action plan to reduce the risk and works with the individual and their family to connect them with services and supports in the community. The City of Woonsocket is a proud member of this collaborative.

169 Main Street | Woonsocket, RI 02895

(401)762-6400