Leukemia Survivor's Rap Wish Granted In Pawtucket + Century Ride

Hey, Pawtucket! It's Saturday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in Pawtucket today.

Today we have a 10-year-old Leukemia survivor's wish coming true in Pawtucket. Plus: former Gov. Gina Raimondo was in town for a roundtable discussion, and a local journalist shared a personal story of how he gained some pandemic pounds, and decided to get back on the bike for a "century ride."

First, today's weather: Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High: 75, low: 62.

Here are the top stories in Pawtucket today:

1. Shannon Hegy of WPRI-TV reports the Make-A-Wish Foundation made a 10-year-old Leukemia survivor's wish come true in Pawtucket. Her wish: make a rap video. And dance in it. (WPRI)
2. WJAR-TV reports Commerce Secretary and former Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo joined Sen. Jack Reed in Pawtucket on Friday for a roundtable discussion on workforce development in the care economy. (WJAR)
3. Paul Edward Parker, a Pawtucket resident and journalist at The Providence Journal, shared his journey of what he called "emotional eating" during the pandemic, and finding his way back to his bike to conquer a "century ride." (The Providence Journal)
4. GoLocalProv reports José Dos Reis, 84, of Pawtucket, died earlier this month. Reis was a longtime machine operator at American Insulated Wire. (GoLocalProv)
5. GoLocalProv reports Roger G. Kolb, 86, of Pawtucket died with his family and dog by his side. Kolb was a Vietnam veteran who spent 26 years in the U.S. Air Force. (GoLocalProv)

Pawtucket Patch Notebook

• The Pawtucket Police Department's Community Policing Unit was happy to help Palagis Ice Cream as they handed out free treats. (Facebook)
• Pawtucket, RI - Lost & Found Pets is asking Pawtucket residents to look out for a lost black and white cat named Binx. (Facebook)
• The Pawtucket Police Department is hosting a free car seat inspection and installation event at its headquarters Tuesday. (Facebook)
• The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket said it was closing its Back2School event on Thursday. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update. If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dan Hampton

About me: Hi! My name is Dan Hampton and I'm the program manager for Patch's Community Publisher Initiative. Formerly a local editor on Long Island covering Port Washington, Wantagh-Seaford, Levittown, Glen Cove, Plainview, Syosset, New Hyde Park, Hicksville, Great Neck, Oyster Bay and Mineola. I am the former wire editor on Patch's national team and a former news associate at The Associated Press. I graduated with a journalism degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. Send tips and/or photos of your dog to dan.hampton@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Pawtucket Daily? Email me at dan.hampton@patch.com.