Losing $300 + Ballou Home Closure + At-Home COVID Shots for 50+

Good morning, Woonsocket! Here's everything you need to know to get this Sunday started off right.

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Some 1,653 Woonsocket residents will lose the $300 federal unemployment payment. Also, officials preferred closing the Ballou Home rather than selling it. Finally, if you’re over 50, you might qualify for at-home COVID-19 vaccinations.

First, today's weather:

Light rain overnight. High: 74 Low: 65.

Here are the top stories today in Woonsocket:

1. The extra $300 unemployment benefit the feds kicked in is going away. This means that 1,653 residents will lose these funds this weekend. WPRI did the breakdown and found that this financial loss will mostly affect women, those between 25 and 34 years of age, and non-college-degree high school graduates. With the recent closure of several businesses, there are no suggestions how those affected will now make ends meet. (WPRI)
2. The Ballou Home for the Aged will close for good on September 30. The 24 remaining residents will move from 60 Mendon Road to other facilities the state’s long-term care ombudsman identifies. There is no word if the 70 staff members who will lose their jobs will receive assistance with new employment. Although the facility had found a buyer, the lead principal of the Onyx Healthcare Group, who wanted to buy the home and continue it, the Department of Health refused the sale’s finalization. (The Call/Press Reader)
3. If you are 50 years of age or older, you can qualify for at-home COVID-19 vaccinations. The program is slated for those unable to leave their homes and only available for a limited time. If you would like to request an in-home vaccination, please do so Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Woonsocket's residents should call MedTech Ambulance at 401-726-2000. (RI Dept. of Health)
4. The American Rescue Plan Act survey details are in, but only 154 of you responded. The overwhelming majority, 43.71%, wanted the money spent on housing assistance. The least popular line time, 7.95%, was assistance to non-profits affected by COVID-19. (ARPA Survey Results)
5. The Woonsocket Police wants you to be aware of “smishing.” It refers to fraudsters sending you text messages impersonating banks or reputable companies. The goal is to get you to reveal personal information, credit card numbers, or login details. (FBI)

Today in Woonsocket:

• American Legion Post 85 hosts PolkaFest 2021 under the Pavilion. The Dinolicious Food Truck will be there, too, 870 River Street. (noon to 6 p.m.)
• Spencer Soucy performs on the patio at Circo’s Tavern, 42 Cherry Street. (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
• PetVet will be at Tractor Supply Company, 1913 Diamond Hill Road. (4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

Woonsocket Patch Notebook

• Woonsocket Cat Sanctuary, Inc.: "ADOPTED! It was a very hectic evening at the sanctuary last night with 5 kittens going to their forever homes. Congratulations to all the happy new families. We wish you all the best and many happy meows! >^..^< #adopted #kittenseason #h..." (Facebook)
• Woonsocket Harris Public Library: "The library is closed on Monday, September 6th in observance of Labor Day. We will re-open on Tuesday, September 7th from 9am-5pm. We are expanding our hours open beginning next week. Wednesday we will be open from 9am-9pm, Thursday 9am-9..." (Facebook)
• The FREE walk-in COVID-19 vaccine site operates at Monsignor Gadoury School Hall, 1371 Park Avenue – enter through the rear of the school. (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Woonsocket Harris Public Library: "Reviewing Library Resources: Free, Financial literacy curriculum kits for ages 3-9. Pick up at the children’s desk. No holds, please. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/youth-financial-education/teach/" (Facebook)
• Woonsocket Parks & Recreation: "LIVE MUSIC MONDAYs with FOOD TRUCKS & CAR CRUISE continues Monday, September 13th and will continue through September! We had a great summer, and we want to finish it off with more great music, beautiful cars and good food!" (Facebook)
• The PD offers test prep workshops for prospective recruits. They take place at Woonsocket Middle School at Hamlet, 60 Florence Drive, on 9-16 and 9-20. (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
  
• Villa Nova wants you to know that the students “have done an amazing job this week!”

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— 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? Contact me at Woonsocket@Patch.com.