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Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current. We’re back after taking our first newsletter off in over 20 weeks!

What to expect in today’s Current:

• Boosting state pension security 🛡️

• Providence Rink now open ⛸️

• Court blocks bulk propane storage 🚫

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Reply to this email with how many guesses it took you!

Currents & Waves

⛸️ Providence Rink Reopens

The Providence Ice Rink is back after a $2.5 million renovation, following the soft opening we covered in the last newsletter. Upgrades include a new cold floor, advanced chiller system, and clear dasher boards, ensuring the rink remains a sustainable and vibrant downtown destination. Mayor Brett Smiley and local leaders marked the occasion with festive performances and treats. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM through March 2025, the rink offers ice skating, bumper cars, and lessons for all ages. For details on admission and rentals, visit theprovidencerink.com.

🚫 Court Blocks LPG Storage

The Rhode Island Superior Court has upheld a 2022 Providence zoning law banning bulk liquid propane gas (LPG) storage, marking a big win for South Providence residents fighting pollution. City Council Leader Pedro Espinal praised the decision, emphasizing its importance for community health and environmental justice. The law was created after fossil fuel company Sea 3 tried to expand its facility with six large LPG tanks, sparking local opposition. Sea 3 challenged the ordinance, but the court ruled in favor of the city. Future expansions by Sea 3 will need city and state approval, which could block them entirely. The 2024 Comprehensive Plan adds even stricter protections, targeting fossil fuel-related projects in industrial zones. Read the decision here.

🛡️ Boosting Cybersecurity for State Pensions

Rhode Island’s pension agency is stepping up its commitment to cybersecurity with a Request for Proposals (RFP) launching Jan. 6. This initiative aims to strengthen IT infrastructure and data security, building on previous improvements. Following high-profile breaches, the agency seeks expert partners to assess its systems, enhance protection, and develop a top-tier cybersecurity program. The plan includes evaluating office security, policies, and staff practices while providing ongoing risk management. This proactive approach reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding personal information and maintaining public trust.

Weekend Events

_{This weekend’s events are pretty light because of the time of year!}

Comedy 😂 

• Live Comedy | 8PM Dec 27 (Learn more)

  • Location: Hide Speakeasy @ The George on Washington St.

  • Description: Every weekend enjoy live comedy with the best comics in the North East.

• Live Improv | 8PM Dec 27-28 (Learn more)

  • Location: Kismet Improv

  • Description: Kismet’s hilarious and high-energy performers are ready to dazzle you with their signature improv show.

• Big Jay Oakerson | Dec 27, 29 (Learn more)

  • Location: Comedy Connection

  • Description: Big Jay Oakerson is one of the most beloved and easily recognizable comedians working today. His laid-back style and dirty delivery are the signature marks of his comedy.

Family 👪

• Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto | Dec 27-29 (Learn more)

  • Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion

  • Description: Step inside the magical adventures of Disney's Frozen and Encanto as they are brought to life like never before at Disney On Ice!

• Holiday Lights Spectacular | Nightly through Jan 4 (Learn more)

  • Location: Roger Williams Park Zoo

  • Description: Stroll through a dazzling 3.5 million light winter wonderland, roast s’mores, and enjoy festive displays perfect for all ages!

Arts 🎨 

• The Nutcracker | Dec 27-29 (Learn more)

  • Location: The VETS

  • Description: The beloved holiday spectacular whisks audiences away as a fantastic dream unfolds before your eyes!

• A Christmas Carol | Dec 27-29 (Learn more)

  • Location: Trinity Rep

  • Description: A timeless holiday tale of redemption and joy, Trinity Rep’s reimagined production of A Christmas Carol has been a beloved New England family tradition for over 45 years.

Markets 🍅 

• Farm Fresh Winter Farmers Market | Dec 28 (Learn more)

  • Location: Farm Fresh RI

  • Description: The largest indoor wintertime farmers market in New England.

Drinks 🍷 

• Wine Tasting | 6PM Dec 29 (Learn more)

  • Location: Little Sister

  • Description: Taste four hand-picked wines with Latin-inspired tapas at this limited weekly wine-tasting event!

• Wine Flights in the Gracie's Lounge | 5PM Dec 29 (Learn more)

  • Location: Gracie's

  • Description: Enjoy a curated 3-glass wine tasting experience with a new theme every week in a relaxed lounge setting!

If you got this far please check us out on Instagram and give us a follow @PVDCurrent

Seaside Skies

FRIDAY

42°🌡 28° | 🌤️ | 💧 7% | 💨 WSW 6 mph

SATURDAY

44°🌡 39° | 🌧️ | 💧 63% | 💨 S 7 mph

SUNDAY

53°🌡 49° | 🌦️ | 💧 41% | 💨 S 8 mph

(The forecast as of the night before this newsletter was published.)

Sound Waves

FRIDAY

Luigi's Restaurant | Paula Clare & Friends | 6pm

Ladder 133 | Local Music | 6:30pm

Moonshine Alley | The Mockingbirds | 9pm

SATURDAY

Moonshine Alley | Dave Foley Sr. | 5pm

Luigi's Restaurant | Ron Giorgio | 6:30pm

Moonshine Alley | Chase Clark | 9:30pm

That’s all for today…

Thank you for reading all the way through! Feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions. You’ll hear from us again on Monday.

Thanks,

Oscar Punchak | Publisher, PVD Current