New IDR Rating + FEMA Grant Money For FD + Agatha Of Little Neon

Happy Monday, people of Woonsocket! Here's everything you need to know in Woonsocket today.

This is your new source of the Woonsocket Daily. Currently, Patch does not have a local curator for Woonsocket (or Pawtucket!). But in the interim, we still want to make sure you are up-to-date on all of your local happenings, so I am here to fill in! Although not a local, I will work diligently to keep everyone in the community informed. And if you are interested in becoming the new local Woonsocket or Pawtucket curator, apply here.

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The Issuer Default Rating (IDR) just went up. Also, the FD is gonna get some money, but nobody seems to know how much. Finally, Woonsocket made an unflattering impression.

First, today's weather:

Possible light rain in the morning. High: 81 Low: 58.

Here are the top stories today in Woonsocket:

1. The city has made some financial strides that have not gone unnoticed. Fitch upgraded Woonsocket’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from BBB+ to A-. Insiders cite the “positive operating margins for both the city and school department the past five fiscal years.” In simplest terms, the city’s reputation for paying its financial commitments just went up and puts it in a good position for negotiations. (Fitch Ratings)
2. Woonsocket’s fire department will get a share of $5.5 million in FEMA grants. “These grants will help lift the budgetary burden on local governments and better protect the health and safety of the public and firefighters,” said Senator Jack Reed, D-R.I. While we know that Warwick is getting $1 million and North Kingstown $51,409, there is no reported dollar figure for Woonsocket. (PBN)
3. Did you know that Woonsocket is part of American literature? 'Agatha of Little Neon' by Claire Luchette is a book where nuns “make an indelible impression,” as NPR put it. On the other hand, Woonsocket is described as, “a tuckered-out town in northern Rhode Island, split down the middle by a river of waste.” Ouch. (NPR)
4. Are you a member of the Woonsocket High School Class of 1971? If so, your 50-year reunion is right around the corner. Planned for October 16 at 5 p.m., the festivities will take place at Bella’s, 1992 Victory Highway in Burrillville. (The Valley Breeze)
5. The Woonsocket Rotary Club will be recognized as one of the service organizations within our community during the Levitt AMP Concert Series held in River Island Park. Be there on September 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to see it happen. (Woonsocket Rotary)

Today in Woonsocket:

• Rhode Island AA meets at Holy Family Church, 414 South Main Street. (10:30 a.m.)
• Seniors in Motion at Senior Services Inc., 84 Social Street. Mondays, 1:00 p.m.

Woonsocket Patch Notebook

• Injury Fund Game: Woonsocket at Tolman (WPRI.com)
• Meals on Wheels is looking for local volunteers.
• Join the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (Register).
• The Community Care Alliance is looking for foster families.

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• Fernwood Artisan Festival (September 11)
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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. Her SEO-optimized internet copy includes social media marketing projects and German to English business translations. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Fishdom (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woonsocket Daily? Email me at Woonsocket@Patch.com.