The Town and Country Fire District of Woonsocket was called out to a fire on Thursday, Nov. 2, at around 9:40 p.m. The fire was located in a hay yard just north of Adam and Jody Schmiedt’s home, which is northwest of Forestburg. The blaze destroyed several hay bales, but was under control in approximately two hours and did not spread from the hay. No injuries were reported.  

Advent season is quickly approaching, and several annual events will soon be occurring. Starting the celebration will be the annual Woonsocket Community Christmas Concert, “My Christmas Prayer,” which will be performed by the Woonsocket Community Choir on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 5 p.m. at the Woonsocket Community and Events Center. There is no charge for the concert, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for the Sanborn County Food Pantry. Following the concert will be a potluck meal. Everyone is invited to attend this great event.

Another anticipated event will be the Sanborn County Courthouse’s “The Parade of Trees.” Groups and individuals are invited to bring and decorate a tree (artificial, with no lights) for the enjoyment of the many people that tour the courthouse to see these trees. 

There is no theme – your imagination can run wild, but with good taste. The trees can be placed on any of the three floors and should be in place between Nov. 27 to Dec. 8 and remain until after New Year’s Day – removed by Jan. 5, if possible.

Santa with treats for the kids (presented by the Woonsocket Community Club) will be present at the courthouse on Dec. 15 between 3 and 4:30 p.m. The trees can be viewed any day the courthouse is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Everyone enjoys driving through the town and countryside to view beautifully decorated homes for the Christmas season. If you haven’t done so before, consider doing so this year.

Army Veteran and Woonsocket Legion Post 29 member David Kogel was honored to be part of the Midwest Honor Flight in September.  Midwest Honor Flight recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of themselves and fellow veterans, with the current focus on those who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.  A guardian flies with each veteran to provide assistance and help the veterans have a safe, memorable and rewarding experience.  Fellow Veteran Agapito Aviles served as Dave’s guardian.

Dave served in the Vietnam War for 11 months as a mechanic. He shares that taking the Honor Flight was an awesome experience and encourages any veterans who have the opportunity to take the trip to do so.  Dave especially enjoyed the visit to the Vietnam Wall and receiving the thanks, recognition and welcome home that Vietnam veterans did not receive when they returned home from the war.

…See a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!