Wednesday: Committee, Milk Fund Dinner, Your Two Cents On Main Street

School Committee - The board meets tonight, 6:15 p.m., 60 Florence Dr., for their closed session, during which they'll dicsuss litigation - Busby vs. City of Woonsocket. In March, the board voted unanimously, in open session, to terminate School Department Finance Director Stacey Busby, according to a report from the Woonsocket Call. Personnel matters are usually discussed in closed session, and are among the reasons a board is allowed to conduct its meetings behind closed doors.

Busby had projected a small surplus for the 2010-2011 school year, but the budget that year in fact carried a $2.7 million deficit. 

The closed session will also discuss collective bargaining contracts. The open session will discuss, among other things, personnel changes at Woonsocket Middle School. WMS Principal Patrick McGee was named the district's new Curriculum Director Nov. 14, which leaves the top spot there open for the moment. 

Milk Fund Fundraiser - Today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., attend an Italian Buffet Dinner at the Italian Workingman's Club, 947 Diamond Hill Road to benefit the Milk Fund.  

The evening features raffles, prizes, a cash bar and great food by Chef Gary Mclaughlin. Purchase tickets at the door or call Chairperson Susan Tessier-MacKenzie, 401-487-4136.

Adults: $10 / Children: 3 to12: $6 / Under 3 free

Main Street: If you want to voice your opinion on the future of the Woonsocket Main Street area, you should plan to attend tonight's Main Street Recommendations Workshop from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Stage Right Studio, 68 South Main St. Officials will discuss suggestions for streetscape, transportation patterns and zoning in the Main Street area. This workshop will show ideas to fulfill the community vision that was built at the last Main Street Workshop in September. Light fare will be served. 

Charity - There are a lot of opportunities to help your fellow man during December. Two of them include making donations to the WPD holiday toy drive and the Because He Lives Ministries food kitchen. Navigant Credit Union is a local drop off spot for Toys for Tots, and the YWCA's Mitten Treeis up and ready. Spare some of your time for them today. 

Polar Express - The Blackstone Valley Polar Express is back in Woonsocket through Dec. 22, departing from Station One Depot Square for a 90-minute holiday excursion and reading of the Chris Van Allsburg’s classic, The Polar Express with appearances by The Chef serving hot chocolate and cookies, The Conductor, punching tickets, and The Engineer calling “All Aboard! Santa and Mrs. Claus appear and kids get a coloring book, crayons, and a very special gift presented personally by Santa.

The Polar Express departs Dec. 14,15, 16, 21, 22 at the following times:

Fridays: 4 and 7 p.m. 
Saturdays and Sundays: 1 and 4 p.m.