WOONSOCKET – For the second time, the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island will present a Woonsocket mayoral debate hosted by Aging Well Inc. at 84 Social St.
Mayor Christopher Beauchamp and Council President Daniel Gendron, both primary winners and candidates in the Nov. 3 election, will debate on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. The debate is open to the public, with open seating and free on-site parking as space allows.
In October 2024, the League presented a mayoral debate between Mayor Chris Beauchamp and John Ward, also hosted by Aging Well Inc. This year’s debate will once again be moderated by Joseph Cammarano, a political science professor at Providence College.
“This is a chance for Woonsocket residents to hear directly from the mayoral candidates and further educate themselves as they prepare to make a consequential decision about the next four years,” said Ryan MacLeod, executive director of Aging Well Inc.
Woonsocket residents are invited to submit questions for the candidates at www.agingwellinc.org/debate through noon on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Questions from the public will be reviewed, and some will be selected.
Since the 2024 debate, the Senior Center has added an outdoor recreational green space with a pickleball court and raised garden beds. It has also added La Placita, Spanish-language programming for seniors on Tuesdays and Fridays in partnership with Progreso Latino. Membership for adults 55 and older is $18 per year, with no residency requirement, and includes daily exercise classes.
“Since our last debate, we have made a lot of changes at the center, and we are excited to show the community what we have been working on,” MacLeod said. “Our senior center is a place where Woonsocket comes together, and we are honored to host this important conversation.”
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government, working to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influencing public policy through education and advocacy, states a release. The league has been active since 1920. Learn more about the league here.
Aging Well Inc. is a Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates the Woonsocket Senior Center. Founded in 1974 as Senior Services, Inc., the organization became Aging Well Inc. in 2019. Members participate in dance classes, bingo several times a week, the Senior Pitch League, musical events, meditation, educational opportunities, billiards, table tennis, cribbage, and more. Aging Well also provides Medicare counseling.
At a glance:
• Membership: $18 per year, and most activities are free with membership
• Catered lunch: $3 suggested donation for adults 60 and older, weekdays at 11:30 a.m.
• Haircuts: $10, Mondays and Thursdays by appointment
• Reiki: $10 per session
• Reflexology: $25 per session
• Bingo: $1 per card, or 4 cards for $4
To learn more about membership, programs, and services, visit agingwellinc.org or call 401-766-3734.
