The Valley Breeze

The Breeze’s annual Bright Lights Decorating Contest returns, inviting residents across northern Rhode Island to submit photos of their outdoor holiday decorations 🎄 Visit valleybreeze.com/decorating_contest

City officials say they expect to make a decision soon on how to proceed with phase one improvements to the Main Street/Worrall Street area near the Stadium Theatre. Learn more: https://bit.ly/48zG8vN

Woonsocket’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Stroll returns Dec. 6 with entertainment, a scavenger hunt, and visits with Santa. More details ➡️ https://bit.ly/3MiwJ4E

After 17 years in the same location, the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen is planning a move following notice that its tenancy will end. Read more: https://bit.ly/3MdJrl7

Set on six wooded acres in Foster, this uniquely shaped $449,900 home offers 1,517 square feet of rustic charm, a lofted master bedroom, and year-round seclusion. See more ➡️ https://bit.ly/44NQ0RA

Weekly roundup of recent property sales from across our coverage area ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ps8NKs

The sale of a long-vacant Pawtucket mill adds another major piece to the development boom surrounding the city’s train station. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Xu10zI

Valley Falls Heritage Park, next to Cumberland Town Hall at the Central Falls line, is set for a complete transformation. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rtkXEB

Smithfield’s All Lit Up Christmas Parade returns Dec. 6 with performances, crafts and games, hot chocolate, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus — promising a festive kickoff to the season. More details: https://bit.ly/4rtobbb

Shop The Breeze Merch Store and rep your community with local city/town, Rhode Island, and Breeze collections. Visit shop.valleybreeze.com

Pawtucket Winter Wonderland returns with 650 trees, holiday houses, 100+ light displays, performances, rides, and more—transforming Slater Park into Rhode Island’s biggest holiday celebration. More details: https://bit.ly/4ahwBft

Barbershop Love is expanding with a new 2,100-square-foot shop on Mineral Spring Ave. Owner Sherwin “Worldwide Barber” Ramos says the space will be North Providence’s largest. Read more: https://bit.ly/4rm25qZ

A pending agreement between the town and the state will see Cumberland take ownership of Sneech Pond Road. Read more: https://bit.ly/4pdiVXx

Plans for Pawtucket’s new high school at the former McCoy Stadium site advanced last week as officials reviewed key project details. Read more: https://bit.ly/3KsqNoV

Renovations at Cogswell Tower revealed a surprising space that could potentially find new life. Read more: https://bit.ly/4onllBR

Woonsocket educators packed last week’s School Committee meeting, warning that unsafe classrooms, rising behavioral issues, and shrinking support are pushing teachers to a breaking point. Read more: https://bit.ly/4p02jSX

Cumberland approves $8,350 in planning to relocate the Diamond Hill Road crosswalk, sparking debate over safety and costs. Read more: https://bit.ly/3Kq3Jak

After years of dormancy, the former Ballou Home in Woonsocket is cleared for 26 residential units, with construction expected to start in February. More details: https://bit.ly/4ohsLWU

Goodstuff Smokehouse donates 15% of all Thursday sales to youth programs and local groups, a weekly fundraising effort that’s brought in new customers and strong neighborhood support. Read more: https://bit.ly/3XgNteP

Weekly roundup of recent property sales from across our coverage area: https://bit.ly/3K8oBTx

Parents, teachers and members of the public criticized the Scituate School District for its decision to appoint Linda Sevastano as interim superintendent last week without posting for the position or discussing her qualifications. Read more: https://bit.ly/49IsJEc

Forget Me Not Fables Bookshop is opening soon in North Providence, bringing cozy reading spaces, local authors, and community events to Smith St. A ticketed soft-opening is set for Nov. 29. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3MqbCNu

Pawtucket’s Tidewater Landing is moving forward as commissioners approve a 72-unit mixed-income project, clearing the way for new housing on School Street. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rDca35

Pawtucket volunteers recently made quick work of 1,100 Thanksgiving baskets for the city’s annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive. Read more: https://bit.ly/3KkW5xQ

Woonsocket’s Shamrock Thoun, a 10-time national champion and 13-time All-American, has officially signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his academic and throwing career at Kennesaw State University, a Division I school in northwestern Georgia. https://bit.ly/4raAaKq

Woonsocket’s Precious Blood Church has launched a basement thrift shop, drawing residents looking for affordable household essentials. Proceeds support the church and local outreach services, and volunteers say donations are always welcome. Read more: https://bit.ly/4rosXqs

Rhode Island comes alive with holiday lights, tree lightings, concerts, and festive craft fairs this season. Find events happening across the state: https://bit.ly/3XHFgjP

Woonsocket’s Diamond Hill Road area is seeing a wave of uniform new construction, with nine homes built and more planned, according to developers. Read more: https://bit.ly/47XrkZa

Panhandling is protected under the First Amended as free speech, as it should be, says Woonsocket City Councilor Denise Sierra, but there are steps residents can take to make sure it doesn’t become a nuisance. Read more: https://bit.ly/48q2UHI

Officials say the new Woonsocket Animal Shelter should be operational by the start of 2026. Read more: https://bit.ly/480xfLu