Opening Of Rhode Island Beaches + Honeywell International Layoffs

Happy Friday, Woonsocket!

Welcome to the Woonsocket Patch Daily — the quickest way to get caught up on the biggest news and events happening in town.

In today's Daily, we share the latest news about the opening of Rhode Island State beaches, layoffs at Honeywell International in Smithfield, Gov. Dan McKee's new vaccination goal, today's update on COVID-19 cases in Rhode Island, and the new leader of the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny, with a chance of rain in the evening. Temps: High of 66° & low of 46°

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. Rhode Island state beaches are set to open on May 29. Officials are urging people to purchase their beach passes online ahead of time. (Patch)

2. Honeywell International In Smithfield is laying off 470 employees. The employees have been involved in the production of N95 masks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Patch)

3. Gov. Dan McKee said he wants 90% of residents to be vaccinated by the end of summer. As of this week, over 70% of Rhode Islanders have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. (NBC 10 News)

4. Rhode Island reported 111 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths. The total number of cases has now risen to 151,691. (NBC 10 News)

5. Gov. Dan McKee has named North Smithfield resident Richard Charest to lead the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH). The decision comes after former BHDDH leader Kathryn Power resigned in April. (Patch)

Happenings and Events in Woonsocket:

• Woonsocket High School is hosting Elite Performance Challenge (EPC) at 4 p.m.
• The Millrace Kitchen is hosting Dynamite Rhythm as part of its outdoor music series from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
• The Garcia Project, a touring tribute to the Jerry Garcia Band, is playing at Stadium Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
• American Legion Post 85 is hosting Musical Bingo Under the Stars from 7-9 p.m. More information can be found here.

You're all caught up on what's happening today in Woonsocket. We'll see you in your inbox tomorrow. Have a great day!

-Annie

About me: I grew up in Central Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Harvard University. I have lived, worked, and studied in Boston for the last five years and cover stories in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I am passionate about music and the arts, creative writing and literature, and topics of social and political justice.