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Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter as refreshing as a walk through India Point Park.

What to expect in today’s Current:

• The Old Canteen gets a surprising new twist 🍴

• Federal grants tackle homelessness in Rhode Island 🏠

• Highlights from the latest Providence City Council meeting 🏛️

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Coastal Cafe Chronicles

Where I Tried: L'Artisan Cafe & Bakery (15 Point St, Providence, RI 02903)

What I ordered: Small iced cold brew + chocolate hazelnut croissant

What it cost: $11.88

It can be difficult to park at L’artisan, but its proximity to the pedestrian bridge and Wickenden Street makes it a great stop along a weekend walk. Their chocolate hazelnut croissant is amazing, especially when heated up. I’m newly a cold brew guy, so I don’t know much, but I know I like it. The bitterness helps balance the sweetness of the croissant. They have a bunch of other good-looking pastries and drinks. Their other location in Wayland Square is a spot I visit less frequently, but it is still a great place to be an addition to a walk or morning outing!

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

Currents & Waves

🍴 Old Canteen Sold, Big Changes Ahead

The Old Canteen, a Federal Hill icon for nearly 70 years, has been sold to Newport businessman Nicholas Schorsch. The historic Italian restaurant, known for hosting everyone from family celebrations to infamous figures like Raymond Patriarca, will be transformed into a wiener joint called “Wally’s Wieners.” Schorsch has recently been in the news for acquiring popular Rhode Island restaurants. This marks the end of an era for one of Providence’s beloved dining institutions.

🏠 Federal Funds to Fight Homelessness

Rhode Island is receiving $17.3 million in federal grants to combat homelessness, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced. The funds, administered by HUD, will support local nonprofits and programs providing housing and services to those in need. They’ll also renew efforts to address youth homelessness through the state's Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. This funding comes as homelessness in Rhode Island has surged, with a 35% increase since 2023, according to the January Point in Time Count. Organizations like Crossroads RI and House of Hope will use the grants to provide permanent housing, rapid rehousing, and support systems.

🏛️ Providence Council Meeting Recap

The Providence City Council received Mayor Brett Smiley’s five School Board appointees: Melissa Hughes, Anjel Newmann, Jenny Mercado, Night Jean Muhingabo, and Steven Williamson. The Finance Committee will review these nominees before a final vote on February 6, followed by a swearing-in ceremony.

Other Highlights:

• Amendments proposed to protect undocumented immigrants under the CPRA.

• Re-election of Deborah Wray and Darrell Williams to the External Review Authority.

• Resolution to encourage Hasbro to stay in Rhode Island.

• Proposal for emergency parking areas during citywide bans.

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Weekend Events

🎭 Arts & Performances

• 🎉 FUNDA FEST 27: Opening Party | 7PM-11PM, Jan 17 (Learn more)

  • Location: SCCRI

  • Description: Kick off FUNDA FEST with a fire ritual, storytelling, music, and food to celebrate its 27th year!

• 🎭 Funda Across Rhode Island | 11AM-3PM, Jan 18 (Learn more)

  • Location: Multiple venues across Rhode Island

  • Description: Experience interactive storytelling sessions with talented performers at locations across the state!

• 🎼 Spano Conducts Beethoven's Eroica | 7:30PM, Jan 18 (Learn more)

  • Location: The VETS

  • Description: Experience Beethoven's Eroica Symphony alongside works by Shostakovich and Jennifer Higdon, conducted by Robert Spano.

• 🎤 Words and Music: Spoken Word Event | 4PM-7PM, Jan 19 (Learn more)

  • Location: SCCRI

  • Description: Enjoy an evening of poetry, spoken word, open mic, vendors, and a live DJ at FUNDA FEST 27!

🎤 Comedy & Entertainment

• 🎤 Comedy @ Hide Speakeasy | 8PM, Jan 17 (Learn more)

  • Location: The George on Washington St.

  • Description: Enjoy a night of laughs with top comedians and stylish vibes at the Hide Speakeasy under The George Restaurant.

• 🎤 Phil Hanley: Spellbound Tour | 7PM, Jan 17 (Learn more)

  • Location: Comedy Connection

  • Description: Enjoy a night of laughs with Phil Hanley, a Comedy Cellar regular featured on The Tonight Show and Comedy Central.

• 🎉 Drag Bingo Hosted by Ninny Nothin | 12PM-4PM, Jan 18 (Learn more)

  • Location: The Stable

  • Description: Enjoy a fabulous afternoon of drag bingo with Ninny Nothin and Mike C – free to play!

• 🎭 It's A Date: Comedy Dating Show | 7PM, Jan 19 (Learn more)

  • Location: The George on Washington St.

  • Description: Enjoy a hilarious night as blindfolded singles navigate romance with audience participation in New England’s hottest comedy dating show!

• 🎤 Dirty Dirty | 7PM, Jan 19 (Learn more)

  • Location: Comedy Connection

  • Description: Get ready for an uncensored comedy night featuring Boston’s King of Comedy Lenny Clarke and Corey Manning – not for the faint of heart!

🎨 Workshops & Activities

• 🧵 Upcycle Your Denim Workshop | 10AM-1PM, Jan 18 (Learn more)

  • Location: The Nest

  • Description: Transform your old jeans into a custom corset or belt in this hands-on workshop for beginner-intermediate sewists!

• 🖤 Health Goth Yoga | 1PM-2PM, Jan 19 (Learn more)

  • Location: Long Live Beerworks

  • Description: Enjoy an all-levels Vinyasa yoga session set to New Wave, Dark Wave, and Post-Punk, with a drink included!

🎶 Music & Festivals

• 🎤 Dezzy Ranglin Presents: Black & Gold | 9PM, Jan 18 (Learn more)

  • Location: 70 Jefferson St

  • Description: Kick off the year with an elegant reggae bash featuring DJ Glamour Wayne, DJ Mardon Famous, and a mix of Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeats, and more!

• 🌶️ Rhode Island Hot Sauce Expo | 12PM-5PM, Jan 19 (Learn more)

  • Location: Narragansett Brewery

  • Description: Explore fiery flavors at the 2nd Annual Rhode Island Hot Sauce Expo, featuring artisan hot sauces, spicy snacks, and a blind tasting competition!

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

Seaside Skies

FRIDAY

38°🌡 28° | ☀️ | 💧 5% | 💨 WNW 8 mph

SATURDAY

45°🌡 33° | 🌧️ | 💧 98% | 💨 S 12 mph

SUNDAY

41°🌡 17° | ❄️ | 💧 78% | 💨 N 9 mph

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

Sound Waves

FRIDAY

Rotating Local Music | Ladder 133 | 6:30PM

Gained in Translation show | Providence Wine Bar | 8PM

Rob Davis Trio | Moonshine Alley | 9PM

SATURDAY

Carlin Tripp | Moonshine Alley | 5PM

Kevin Herchen Band | Moonshine Alley | 9:30PM

SUNDAY

Nothing Personal: Acoustic Set | Moonshine Alley | 8PM

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