🌱 3K RI Lives Lost To COVID + Wind Damaged Fairlawn Tree Lights

Happy Wednesday, Pawtucket! Let's get this day started off right. These are the most important things happening in town today.

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First, today's weather:

Becoming windier; a.m. rain. High: 47 Low: 28.

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Here are the top stories today in Pawtucket:

1. As of yesterday, more than 3,000 Rhode Islanders have died from COVID-19 — a "grim milestone" that Governor Dan McKee hopes will encourage residents to protect themselves during the current surge of the virus. Gov. McKee ordered Rhode Island flags to be flown at half staff until Wednesday night, and the State House will be lit in the state flag colors of blue and gold to honor the lives lost. The news comes as Rhode Islanders scramble to get COVID-19 tests before Christmas, with long backlogs for PCR tests and a shortage of available rapid tests. (WPRI)
2. The lights on the beloved Fairlawn Christmas Tree at the Nathanael Greene Elementary School in Pawtucket were damaged by the strong wind on Sunday. Crews determined the lights could not be fixed in time for Christmas. "We know how much this tree means to everyone and we will be coming up with a plan to reinstall new lights for the next holiday season and continue the tradition," said Pawtucket Public Works Director David Clemente. (WJAR)
3. The Teen Center at Pawtucket Public Library will be open the week of Dec. 27 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Special events planned include a book shelf scavenger hunt, henna tattoos, black-out poetry, book page snowflakes, and different films playing every evening. No registration is necessary; your child can simply stop by and join in the fun! (Pawtucket Public Library)

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Today in Pawtucket:

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From my notebook:

• In-person registration for the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket Teen Basketball League closes today, Dec 22. Stop by the Club to reserve your spot! (Facebook)
• A COVID-19 vaccine clinic for children ages 5 to 11 will be held at McCoy Stadium on Tuesday, Dec. 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Register here. (Facebook)
• The Pawtucket Police Department has made it to the Final Four of the She Loves Police Gingerbread Competition! Keep voting to ensure they make it to the final round. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.