Johnston|News|
Five Things for Friday: Rain, Holiday Events, Xmas Hours & More
There's just 18 days until Christmas — and there's lots of holiday-related news in today's 5 Things.

Email: joseph.hutnak@patch.com
Phone: 401-369-1659
Joe is currently Field Editor for six Rhode Island Patch sites, previously Local Editor for Bristol-Warren Patch, Smithfield Patch, and Johnston Patch.
A native Rhode Islander, Joe grew up in Johnston and graduated from Johnston High School. He attended Rhode Island College and earned a bachelor's degree in English, then started in professional journalism with the Kent County Daily Times in West Warwick. After stints in Hopkinton and East Greenwich, Joe served as Editor of The Cranston Herald.
Some of Joe's previous work includes:
— Press Secretary for Aram Garabedian's mayoral campaign in Cranston against Steve Laffey in 2002;
— Advisor to Cranston Democratic City-wide Council slate in 2004 and 2006;
— Membership Director for Cranston Chamber of Commerce;
— State-certified high school English teacher.
Joe joined Patch in November, 2010, and launched Johnston Patch six weeks later. In September, 2012, he launched Smithfield Patch before assisting with coverage of Bristol-Warren Patch and taking on the Field Editor role in 2013.
Joe lives in Cranston. He is married to Andrea DiPonte Hutnak, whose parents live in Johnston. Joe and Andrea have one daughter, Carina Rose.
There's just 18 days until Christmas — and there's lots of holiday-related news in today's 5 Things.

The local shopping center is hosting several events, including a book signing by TV chef Tyler Florence, today and tomorrow.
This year's holiday event is scheduled for noon to 3 pm on Dec. 8.
We're looking for photos of the most unique, quirky, or memorable trinkets that you hang on your tree for the holidays.
We're looking for photos of the most unique, quirky, or memorable trinkets that you hang on your tree for the holidays.
A condo on Scenery Lane and several styles of homes made this week's list of sales in Johnston.
Jonathan Goyer, 25, of Harrisville, led police on an erratic chase through Cranston, Providence and Warwick in a stolen car while reportedly high on bath salts.
Robert Russo told Providence Police that he got into a fight with the husband of a woman who works at Russo's law firm.
We're looking for photos of the most unique, quirky, or memorable trinkets that you hang on your tree for the holidays.
We're looking for photos of the most unique, quirky, or memorable trinkets that you hang on your tree for the holidays.
We're looking for photos of the most unique, quirky, or memorable trinkets that you hang on your tree for the holidays.
We're looking for photos of the most unique, quirky, or memorable trinkets that you hang on your tree for the holidays.
The Rhode Island State Police announced the arrest Thursday morning.
We're looking for photos of the most unique, quirky, or memorable trinkets that you hang on your tree for the holidays.
The Rhode Island State Police announced the arrests on Thursday morning.
The U.S. Postal Service offers tips and suggestions so holiday packages arrive in time for the holidays.
The U.S. Postal Service offers tips and suggestions so holiday packages arrive in time for the holidays.
We're compiling a list of Smithfield stores and restaurants that will be open during the holidays.
We're compiling a list of Johnston stores and restaurants that will be open during the holidays.