🌱Book Vending Machine Inspires Reading + Abandoned Chihuahua Pup

Hey, people of Pawtucket! Karena Garrity here with the latest issue of the Pawtucket Daily.

First, today's weather:

Warmer; cloudy, then some sun. High: 61 Low: 42.

Here are the top four stories in Pawtucket today:

1. A "healthy" treat has a new meaning at Francis J. Varieur Elementary School, where a new vending machine filled with books just arrived. The “Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine” accepts special gold coins and encourages reading. (Valley Breeze)
2. A 12-week-old Chihuahua was abandoned on the side of the road in North Attleboro on Feb. 24, the day before a snowstorm. The puppy was found two days later. Between the time the dog was abandoned to when it was found, temperatures dipped to about 18 degrees at night. Pawtucket resident Dominique A. Scott, 24, woman pleaded innocent Thursday to a charge she abandoned a puppy. She was arraigned in Attleboro District Court on a felony charge of cruelty to animals and released on her own recognizance. It is reported that during an interview at the police station, Scott admitted to abandoning the puppy and was remorseful.
   “She stated that Axel was ‘glued to her hip’ and was becoming a nuisance to her. She stated Axel had pooped in his crate and that was her tipping point,” the report says. (The Sun Chronicle)
3. Speaking to the Black experience, the first-ever "Black Biennial" takes center stage at RISD's Gelman Student Exhibitions Gallery, now through April 10. The show is a student-curated exhibit for Black artists, which features works from eighty artists. It is the brainchild of RISD senior Rey Londres, who saw the need for an inclusive space where artists of color could show their art. (Rhode Island Monthly)
4. The deadline is fast approaching for $10,000 grants for community projects from The Rhode Island Foundation. March 31st is the last day to apply for one of the grants which are being offered to local libraries, schools, neighborhood groups and nonprofit organizations to fund proposals that bring people together as a community. (What'sUpNewp)

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Today in Pawtucket:

• Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt - Pawtucket Public Library (12:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Mad Dog Artist Studios: Join the studio Saturday, April 2 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the Spring Open Studios. Over twenty studio members will have their studio doors open and ready for visitors.(Facebook)
• Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket: "Do you know what your kids will be doing this summer? Camp Ramsbottom offers kids the opportunity to get off screens and get outside! We have over 160 acres of fresh air and summertime fun! Scholarships are available!" (Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Oakhill: "ISO someone that does dog walking & overnight sitting whenever I’m away as well. - I mostly work from home so I don’t need the walks very often, just on occasion when I am out and can’t get back in time. I have a trip in the fall that I ..." (Nextdoor)

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

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a URI graduate and I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love Pawtucket and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.