🌱 Virtual Group For Special Needs Adults + Christmas Tree Recycling

Hello, neighbors! It's Elaine Thompson, your host of the Round Rock Daily — here to impart the most important things happening in town these days. Today you'll find news about...

• Virtual group for adults with disabilities created by two former Round Rock ISD employees
• Bittersweet business closures in 2022 aren't stopping new business openings in 2023.
• New real estate listings for you to check out, all under $500,000!

But first, today's weather:

Warmer; breezy in the p.m.. High: 70 Low: 59.

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Here are the top stories in Round Rock today:

1. Mary Maluski and Celeste Thompson launched a virtual group for people with disabilities. Maluski and Thompson worked for Round Rock ISD before creating their company, Friends Shine Online. “Our goal is to get out there, especially in the smaller communities, and reach those friends that are sitting at home and would like to develop those friendships and have some interaction in their day.” Learn more on KXAN.
2. Amid the permanent closures of a few businesses in 2022, lots of new businesses are coming in 2023. CVS on Wyoming Springs permanently closed and Long Island Deli closed, due to difficulties in hiring staff and supply issues, within two months of opening. Check out Community Impact Newspaper for more on the businesses coming to town in the near future.
3. Some exciting new listings made it into Patch's weekly "Real Estate Roundup": 140 Mackinac Ln . at $389,990, 228 Connor Ln. at $407,900, 209 Charles Trl. at $406,990, and 221 Charles Trl. at $409,990. (Round Rock Patch)

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Today in Round Rock:

• Childwatch Signup at CHASCO YMCA (8 a.m.)
• Awakening Yoga *Virtual* (9:30 a.m.)
• Community of Hope Meeting at Saint Richard's Episcopal Church (3:30 p.m.)
• Chromatic Sunset ($39-$48 fee) at Painting With a Twist (7 p.m.)
• Rockey's Rockin' Comedy Show at Rockey's Piano Bar (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Plan for a sober ride: "🥳The New Years holiday will be a no refusal weekend in Round Rock. Plan for a sober ride. Here’s are some tips: A. Request a ride share B. Request a ride share C. Request a ride share" (Round Rock Police Department via Facebook)
• Crime scene specialist wanted: "🔬Apply now for Crime Scene Specialist. Make up to $61k documenting crime scenes and analyzing evidence. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/roundrock/jobs/3835062-0/crime-scene-specialist" (Round Rock Police Department via Facebook)
• When and where to recycle your Christmas trees: No need to stress about what to do with your old Christmas trees — Deepwood Recycling Center has you covered. Dec. 31 and Jan. 7 are the recycling dates. Check with City of Round Rock for exact times and guidelines.

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 29)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Round Rock Daily? Contact me at RoundRock@Patch.com