🌱 Housing $$ +Tech10 Awards+3Mil Lights+4 Star Amazon+Covid App

Happy Thursday, people of Woonsocket! Kathleen here, to get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Rain tapering off. High: 57 Low: 38. Finish off that yard work and put up your Christmas lights!

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Here are the top stories in Woonsocket today:

1. Rhode Island is putting $31 million into efforts to build or preserve a total of more than 600 units of affordable housing in 13 communities around the state. "Addressing the housing crisis in Rhode Island is one of the top priorities of the McKee-Matos administration," McKee said in a statement.The awards will support 23 separate programs and Woonsocket is one of the communities to benefit from this flow of cash. (WPRI.com)
2. The 2021 Tech10 Awards are in. Rhode Island Monthly and Tech Collective have partnered up to highlight the amazing work of these tech innovators, as well as the Next Tech Generation winners, the future of the industry. This year's Tech Ten Lifetime Achievement Award honors chief technology officer and vice president of operations Kathleen Malin, who handles all aspects of technology as well as operations and facilities at the Rhode Island Foundation. She's worked as a network administrator and technology director at public and private schools in Rhode Island and New York and has taught technology for twenty years. (Rhode Island Monthly)
3. Roger Williams Park Zoo is sparkling with about 3 million lights for the annual Holiday Lights Spectacular; about twice as many as last year. The festivities will be held Thursday through Sunday for the next two weekends, and then open nightly until Jan. 2. Tickets to the event must be purchased online in advance at RWP.zoo.org. While there is a timed entry, there are no time limits. (Turn To 10)
4. The first Amazon 4-star store in Rhode Island is coming to Providence Place Mall. The store will carry a selection of products from the top categories on its website; including devices, electronics, toys, games, books, as well as kitchen and home items. "Every product in the store is rated 4 stars and above by customers, or is a top seller, or is new and trending on Amazon.com. (WJAR)
5. Rhode Islanders soon won't have to carry around cards to show they've been vaccinated against COVID-19 thanks to a new smartphone app announced Wednesday by Gov. Dan McKee.
   The state is not launching a passport program, instead "smart card" app and may become available within a few weeks.
6. The U.S. recorded its first confirmed case of the omicron variant Wednesday — a person in California who had been to South Africa — as scientists around the world raced to establish whether the new, mutant version of the coronavirus is more dangerous than previous ones. There has been no reports of the omicron variant in Rhode Island. WPRI)

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Today in Woonsocket:

• River Falls Restaurant offers a free $15 gift certificate with a purchase of every $50 gift card and receive a free $30 gift certificate with a purchase of every $100 gift card(Facebook)
• Book an outside igloo at Kay's Restaurant. If you write a review about your favorite food you will be entered into a drawing for $500 on 1/1/22. (Kay's Restaurant)

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Woonsocket Patch Notebook

• In his native Woonsocket, Rushuane Vilane played for the city's youth football program, nicknamed the Redskins. He started playing football when he was nine. As an eighth grader, Vilane played on the Woonsocket Middle School boys' basketball team that captured the 2019-20 RIPCOA state championship. After Vilane's 13U season with the Woonsocket Redskins, he decided to attend Hendricken. Recruiting-wise, his name is already out there and he's only a sophomore! This past June, the University of Rhode Island became the first Division I school to offer Vilane a scholarship. It's only a matter of time before the Rams have company. (Woonsocket Call)
• The Woonsocket Harris Public Library, 303 Clinton Street, will host a Holiday Book Sale from December 13 through December 30 during normal business hours. The book sale will be held in the main program room. A variety of gently used books, media and puzzles will be available for sale for $.50 - $1.00. For every $5 purchase of hardcover or large softcover books, receive one book free. Fill a plastic market bag with small paperbacks for only $1.00. (Onworldwide)
• Rhode Island Stage Ensemble (RISE) announces its December production, "A Christmas Story: The Musical". DEC 10 – DEC 19. Tickets at www.ristage.org/store/p67/A_CH... ( Facebook)
• Woonsocket Historical Society says: If you are planning to take part in the Holiday Stroll this Saturday, be sure to drop in. You can check out the 1950s pink Christmas tree and some vintage toys. A free raffle will also be held. (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Society of CPAs offers RISCPA's 2021 National Tax Conference on December 14th. Offering a special rate of $99 if you register before 12/10. (Facebook)
• The 'Hap, Hap, Happiest Christmas Party this side of the Nuthouse'!
  Saturday, December 18th: Come dressed as your favorite Christmas Character, wear an Ugly Sweater, or just put on your drinking shoes for a night of fun at Ciro's Tavern (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

Kathleen Stoddart lives in Woonsocket with her 3 kids, 3 dogs and a husband (can't forget about him!) We're busy decorating, shopping and baking for Christmas. Contact me at KathC21Homes@gmail.com

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